Alive And Kicking Nigeria: Osun State To Host Pioneering Ball Manufacturing Plant

 

Alive And Kicking Nigeria: Osun State To Host Pioneering Ball Manufacturing Plant

_Osun State Attracts Multi-Million Naira Sports Investment with Alive And Kicking Nigeria_

Alive And Kicking Nigeria, a pioneering ball manufacturing plant, has landed in Osun State, marking a significant milestone in the country's sports industry. The brain behind this project, Bob Olukoya PhD., revealed that the multi-million naira facility will produce a wide range of balls, including handballs, volleyballs, rugby balls, tennis balls, footballs, American footballs, and basketballs.

According to Dr. Olukoya, a UK trained Sports Administrator, the Osun State government has allocated a one-hectare land to the company at the Living Spring Free Trade Zone Ede. The necessary paperwork is being finalized, and production is set to commence without delay. This development is a testament to the state's investor-friendly policies, which have attracted Alive And Kicking Nigeria to Osun State.

The decision to partner with Osun State was not taken lightly. Over six states were considered, but Osun State's proactive approach and commitment to economic development made it the ideal choice. "We must produce what we consume," Dr. Olukoya emphasized, highlighting the government's policy. "That's what our company has brought to Osun State, and we believe our balls will satisfy the local market and beyond."

The impact of this project cannot be overstated. Nigeria currently spends $4 million annually importing balls from China and the Niger Republic, while the West African coast spends a staggering $14 million. Alive And Kicking Nigeria aims to bridge this gap by providing high-quality balls that meet FIFA/CAF standards. "We must show that we have the capacity to produce what we need and love our country and continent," Dr. Olukoya stressed.

The plant, which is currently operational in Kenya, is set to bring its expertise and technology to Nigeria. The company has highlighted key strategies to reach and satisfy the local market, including producing balls with different sizes and cutting-edge technology. "Our balls are tough, affordable, and durable on both green and brown surfaces," Dr. Olukoya boasted.

To test the quality of their products, Alive And Kicking Nigeria will be giving the first set of balls to clubs for free. This initiative will not only promote the company's products but also contribute to the development of sports in the state. "We believe in consuming what we produce," Dr. Olukoya reiterated. "The market is there; we just need to tap into it."

As the plant prepares to commence production, Dr. Olukoya emphasized the need for a producing economy rather than a consuming one. "When we start production, the raw materials needed to produce balls, such as rubber and leather, will experience a surge in demand," he noted. "This will have a positive impact on the economy and create new opportunities for our people." With Alive And Kicking Nigeria, Osun State is poised to become a hub for sports manufacturing in the country.

U20 World Cup: Flying Eagles To Battle Argentina After 1-1 Draw With Colombia

 

Seven-time African champions Nigeria put up an impressive performance against Colombia in the early hours of Monday to reach the Round of 16 of the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile.

 

Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt made big saves in the 23rd and 26th minutes to keep the scoreline pristine in Talca, but the Flying Eagles were the more adventurous side as they hit the upright on a number of occasions, with Tahir Maigana, Kparobo Arierhi and Suleman Sani in full flow for large swatches of the encounter.

 

Colombia went ahead in the 51st when Kener Gonzalez swept the ball in off an assist by Neyser Villareal, but the Flying Eagles were undaunted and launched onslaught after onslaught against the South Americans at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca.

 

Defender Odinaka Okoro was denied by the goalkeeper as he headed the ball from a pull-out by Maigana in the 76th minute.

 

However, the two-time silver medallists got their breakthrough with four minutes left in regulation time, when captain Daniel Bameyi sent the goalkeeper the wrong way from the penalty spot after a shot by Maigana was handled in the box.

 

Nigeria came close to earning the winner in the 89th minute, but Arierhi’s shot was blocked in the box.

 

The draw sets up Nigeria against Argentina at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Santiago on Wednesday, in what is a repeat of the quarter-final pairing of the last championship hosted by Argentina, which Nigeria won 2-0 in San Juan.

 

Colombia will confront another African side, South Africa, while Norway will take on Paraguay in the Round of 16.

Danish Ambassador Rates FC Ebedei Stadium, Sports College Facilities World-Class After Historic Visit

 

Danish Ambassador Rates FC Ebedei Stadium, Sports College Facilities World-Class After Historic Visit

Mr. Jens Ole Bach Hansen, the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, made a significant impact on Monday by expressing his enthusiasm for the remarkable facilities at FC Ebedei Stadium and Ebedei Sports College in Apele-Sagamu. 

This visit marks a groundbreaking moment in Nigerian football history, highlighting the transformative strides being made in the football infrastructure at Ebedei Sports College.

Upon his arrival, Hansen was warmly received by FC Ebedei President Barrister Churchill Oliseh, General Manager, Fredrick Oliseh, and FC Midtjylland's UEFA Pro License coach, Jonas Dal Andersen. 

He embarked on a thorough tour of the multi-million-naira Ebedei Sports College and the FC Ebedei stadium.

Hansen's admiration for the cutting-edge FC Ebedei facility was evident as he commended the Nationwide League One team for their exceptional achievements in upgrading their football infrastructure and talent development . 

He emphasized that: "This world-class facility will undeniably elevate FC Ebedei and Ebedei Sports College's standing on the global football arena. 

"Barrister Churchill Oliseh has made significant contributions to Nigerian football by nurturing grassroots talent and helping them evolve into international stars through his collaboration with Denmark's FC Midtjylland."

Expressing his pride, Oliseh remarked, "The visit from the Danish Ambassador and his team is monumental and will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on FC EBEDEI, the College and its alumni." 

He further emphasized the importance of the FC Ebedei Stadium (Pitches A & B), stating, "This facility is much more than just a venue for matches; it represents the heart of Ebedei Sports College and serves as a training ground for the future stars of football on the global stage. We view this space as a vital asset, showcasing our commitment and progress in keeping up with modern trends in the sport."

The day was concluded with a friendly match held in the Ambassador's honour, where FC Ebedei secured a narrow victory against GreenLock FC, ending the game one-nil in favour of the home team.

Celebrating 10 Years Of Majesty: Oodua Cup Honors Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II

 

Celebrating 10 Years Of Majesty: Oodua Cup Honors Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II 

_N2.5 Million Up for Grabs in 'Oodua Cup' as 16 Under-18 Teams Battle for Glory_

Ibrahim Sangaree, a passionate advocate for youth football development, has launched the 'Oodua Cup', a groundbreaking tournament designed to nurture and showcase the talents of under-18 football players across Osun State.

 This ambitious initiative aims to provide a platform for young sensations to demonstrate their skills, grit, and passion for the beautiful game, with 16 teams vying for top honors in the competition.

The 'Oodua Cup' is a celebratory gesture marking the 10th year coronation anniversary of His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi CFR, Ojaja II, with the esteemed monarch's legacy infusing the tournament with cultural pride and significance. According to the Osun State Football Association (Osun FA) Secretariat, the stakes are high, with a substantial prize pool of approximately 2.5 million naira up for grabs, ensuring intense competition among the participating teams.

Scheduled to kick off on Saturday, 27th September at OAU Sports Complex in Ile-Ife, the tournament promises to be an exciting spectacle, with matches spread across two venues, Oduduwa College and Ejigbo Township Stadium, accommodating the 16 under-18 teams from across the state. The vision for the 'Oodua Cup' is clear: to unearth hidden gems, foster healthy competition, and propel Osun State's young football talents onto bigger stages.

As the young players lace up their boots and prepare to take to the pitch, the 'Oodua Cup' stands as a testament to Sangaree's commitment to youth development and Osun FA's dedication to nurturing grassroots football. With teenage sensations ready to display their prowess, the interested teams are encouraged to pick up the form at Osun FA Secretariat immediately, forms will be first come first serve basis. The tournament is poised to ignite passion, spark rivalries, and perhaps launch the careers of tomorrow's football stars, all under the proud banner of His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II's enduring legacy.

Chile Denies Nigeria Win In 1-1 Friendly Clash As Flying Eagles Gear Up For World Cup

 

Chile Denies Nigeria Win In 1-1 Friendly Clash As Flying Eagles Gear Up For World Cup

Hosts Chile forced Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in a friendly match played in the city of Rancagua on Saturday, as part of both teams’ preparations for the 24th FIFA U20 World Cup finals starting seven days from now.

 

Ahmed Akinyele rose above everyone else in the box to head Nigeria in front in the 18th minute, from a corner kick by Tahir Maigana, but Chile drew level 18 minutes later through Felipe Faúndez.

 

Just a minute into the second half, goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt made two big saves to keep scores even.

 

Abduljelil Kamaldeen, Kparobo Arhieri and Auwal Ibrahim came in as substitutes for Nigeria in the second period.

 

The Flying Eagles will take on the Australia U20 team in another friendly match on Tuesday.

 

2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Race: Aduku says Falconets will go for goals

 

Head Coach Moses Aduku says his team will go all out against their Rwandan counterparts in Sunday’s 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup second round, first leg qualifying tie in Kigali.

 

“We have had the opportunity to watch the Rwandan girls in their first-round games against Zimbabwe, and we now have an idea of how they play. We will devise strategies to neutralize them and then go for victory.

 

“We are happy to be playing the first leg away, but at the end, what matters is the effort put into every match, not necessarily the venue. I know the quality of players I have in my team, and I have confidence in them.”

 

Sunday’s match at the Kigali-Pele Stadium will start at 3pm Rwanda time (2pm Nigeria time).