Second Edition Of Sven Graversen/FCE Cup Kickoff In Sagamu

 

Plans have been unveiled for the maiden Sven Graversen/FCE Cup, which is billed to debut in Sagamu, featuring six talented football teams. 

The project is of unprecedented scale, which is set to change the face of grassroot football scouting in Nigeria and will be proudly sponsored by Ebedei Sports College. 

The tournament will kick off at the evergreen FC Ebedei Stadium (Pitch A & B), Sagamu, from Wednesday, August 27th, through Friday, August 29th, 2025.

The tournament is majorly for U16 players, with B.E Arena, Ebedei Sports College, Elebuibon Boyz, Star Builders, GreenLock FC, and Karamba FC will compete at the inaugural edition. 

The championship serves as a scouting platform for the Danish Superliga club FC Midtjylland, whose Sporting Director, Sven Graversen, is in Nigeria.

MatchDay 1 fixtures and their kickoff schedules for the three-day event have also been released by the organizers. 

It's an 8am clash between two tough and familiar teams Ebedei Sports College versus Elebuibon Boyz. 

At 10 am, B.E. Arena FA will test Star Builders for size while it will be an entertaining one for Karamba FC and GreenLock FC at 3pm.

SWAN's Demand For National Sports Commission Board Inauguration Gains Momentum

 

SWAN's Demand For National Sports Commission Board Inauguration Gains Momentum

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has urged the National Sports Commission (NSC) to immediately inaugurate its 17-member governing board.

Established in 1964, SWAN, the umbrella body for all Sports Editors, Reporters, Producers, and Presenters, warned that the Commission is operating in gross violation of its establishing law with the delay of a properly constituted NSC board.

SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a statement through Secretary-General Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, on Sunday, said the Commission has been functioning without a statutory board since its creation in October 2024, contrary to the NSC Establishment Act 2023.

“As a statutory board member of the NSC, I'm compelled to urge the Chairman and Director-General to take all necessary steps to inaugurate the board without further delay,” President Benjamin said.

“Operating without a duly constituted board for nearly a year is not only a breach of the law but also undermines transparency and accountability.”

He said Section 2(1) of the Act “is very clear” on the composition of the board, which includes representatives from ministries, sports bodies, the organised private sector, academia, medical field, military, persons with disabilities, the Nigeria Football Federation, the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria, and SWAN.

“There is no lawful way to run the National Sports Commission without a properly constituted board.

“All major decisions made since October 2024 lack legal backing in the absence of the board,” he added.

The SWAN President also linked the situation to a wider pattern of governance lapses in Nigerian sports, citing ongoing litigation involving the Nigeria Football Federation and controversies surrounding the Athletics Federation of Nigeria elections.

“The NSC cannot continue to function as a two-man entity – comprising only the Chairman and the Director-General – while 15 other constitutionally mandated positions remain unfilled.

“This issue will remain on the front burner until the law is obeyed,” he warned.

SWAN further lamented the neglect of the association in the scheme of operations, particularly in overseeing the engagement of experienced, qualified, and skilled Communication Managers to handle media operations of various sports federations. 

According to President Benjamin, this would “complement the service of the NSC, enhance promotion, and boost the digital marketability of sports for sponsorship drives.” 

He added, “Ignoring SWAN’s expertise in this regard is a missed opportunity to leverage professional sports journalism for national sports growth.”

SWAN also noted that a situation where National and International events are carried out unilaterally without necessary inputs by the  professional sports media body was unacceptable.

"One of the major reasons why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his wisdom approved a National Sports Commission is to enable accelerated and holistic growth and development of Sports in Nigeria. What obtained in the past when sports was under Ministry or bureaucratic encumbrances is supposed to be a thing of the past with the emergence of NSC.

"A situation where unnecessary political/non-professional application or approach is deployed in the day-to-day operations of the Sports Commission is by far not the way to go," the statement said.

8th African Nations Championship: Eagles lose opening match 0-1 to title-holders Senegal

 

8th African Nations Championship: Eagles lose opening match 0-1 to title-holders Senegal

 

Cup-holders Senegal scored with their only shot on goal after a subtle onslaught that teased goalkeeper Lawal Mustapha out of his goalpost, and enabled the Senegalese strikers the opportunity to score the only goal of their African Nations Championship Group B clash in Zanzibar on Tuesday with 15 minutes left.

 

The high-octane encounter in the Indian Ocean Island lived up to its billing, with both teams matched strength-for-strength and pace-for-pace for large swathes of the game at the Amaan Stadium.

 

Goalkeeper Lawal Mustapha read quite well a good cross from the left in the 21st minute, and in the 33rd minute, the Lions of Teranga came close again from a free kick on the right.

 

Despite dominating possession, and throwing bodies manfully during attrition, the Eagles came just short of carving out clear opportunities, as the West African rivals defended with resolution.

 

Leonard Ngenge and captain Junior Nduka worked hard at the rear, just as Tochukwu Michael and Olamilekan Adedayo in the midfield, but Senegal threw several men at every Nigerian onslaught and denied the Eagles clear sight of goal.

 

With a minute left, the Cup-holders could have added another goal with a flowing team move, but Ngenge and Nduka were on hand to clear their lines.

 

Defeat means the Eagles occupy the bottom of group D without a point, following the earlier 1-1 draw between Congo and Sudan which meant the two teams shared the spoils.

 

Next up for Nigeria is their second match of the group phase, against Sudan, also at the Amaan Stadium, on Tuesday next week.

Abakaliki Based Soccer Fans Salute Governor Nwifuru For Re-acquiring NNL Slot For Abakaliki FC After Relegation Stalemate

 

Abakaliki Based Soccer Fans Salute Governor Nwifuru For Re-acquiring NNL Slot For Abakaliki FC After Relegation Stalemate 

Fans of Abakaliki based Nigeria  National League side Abakaliki FC stage celebration at various joints across Abakaliki the Ebonyi state capital when information sneak in confirming the purchase of a new second tier league position for Abakaliki FC.to ensure the team return and compete at the same league stage they campaigned on last season but incidentally suffered relegation. 

Information reaching the Sports Desk indicates that the state government had acquired  the NNL slot of Osun state based club Hammola. FC to return Rice Boys who incidentally suffered a relegation last season to the National League which is the major pledge of Governor Francis Nwifuru during a reception for the team for finishing runners-up in the just concluded season in the Nigeria Football Federation President Federation Cup fiesta after losing 3-4 to Kwara United in the final in Lagos last month.

The latest arrangements is an indication of a new face of success and how government prioritise sports for the less than one year old club, commonly tagged as Giants Killers, due to their dominance during the President Federation cup campaign.

The Rice Boys eliminated mighty prestigious league teams including former two time African Champions,Enyimba International who also hold the record of top league highest winners.Nassarawa United,Kastina United and Ikorodu FC all campaigning in the Nigeria top league NPFL.on their way to the final in  the oldest NFF competition in the country.

Speaking on the development,some of the club fans, Tochukwu Ewa,John Bosco and Emeka Nwankata praise Governor Nwifuru for fulfilling his promises for the team.

They called on the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Richard Idike to take every necessary action to address any factor that can cause setback   for the team including addressing the management capacity,technical crew and signing of more fresh quality players for a successful season.

Other fans of the team,Ikenna Ikwuegbu,Alhaji Mansiru and Ebere Okoye acknowledge that the period of struggling to adapt with the league as a new commers  is over and challenge the team's management to exhibit core-professionalism in handling the team affairs for a successful campaign.

Asegba

GreenLock Football Academy Structure Designed For Success, Career Growth

 GreenLock Football Academy Structure  Designed For Success, Career Growth 

Omowunmi Blessing Awe is an elegant and intelligent leader who serves as the Head of Operations at Green Lock FC/Academy. She is dedicated to making a significant impact in a male-dominated industry.

Awe has demonstrated a strong ability to build and lead teams, enhancing the performance of both the football club and the academy.

Green Lock FA conducts its training sessions at the Navy Town Sports Centre, which boasts excellent facilities that support both training and leisure activities. The accommodation provided ensures a safe, comfortable, and welcoming environment for players.

The launch of the Green Lock Football Academy is scheduled for August 31st in Lagos. Awe explains that the academy’s structure is designed to foster the success and career growth of its football talents.

"Green Lock Football Academy distinguishes itself in Nigeria through its comprehensive approach to player development," she states, "emphasizing technical skills, tactical understanding, physical conditioning, mental preparation, and educational support."

On the holistic approach, GreenLock Football Academy is offering to player development, Awe explains in detail. 

"Green Lock FA provides a structured program that nurtures young talents while ensuring they excel both on and off the field. This includes personalized coaching, fitness training, mental toughness programs, soccer picnics, excursions, fun games, nutritious meals, and academic support, all aimed at promoting well-rounded development, including discipline."

In addition to technical skills, tactical understanding, physical conditioning, mental preparation, and educational support, Green Lock Football Academy also offers strategies for maximizing results through talent identification and development. 

"We continuously scout and nurture young talents, providing them with top-notch training facilities and coaching," Awe notes.

Player welfare and academic support are integral parts of Green Lock Football Academy. 

"We ensure the physical and mental well-being of players through quality medical support, nutrition planning, and mental health resources. We also offer educational programs that complement football training, ensuring players have options beyond their playing careers. For instance, every student-athlete will learn elementary French as a second language to help them adapt when they travel abroad," Awe emphasized.

It also provides competitive exposure and coaching excellence for its players alike. 

"The academy regularly participates in local and international tournaments to test players' skills against diverse competition, aiding their development and visibility. Furthermore, the academy organizes yearly tournaments in Europe for all budding student-athletes.

"GreenLock FA has invested in continuous education for coaches to keep them updated with the latest training methodologies and tactics."

Finding the right talent can be challenging, but Green Lock Football Academy has a strategic scouting network supported by robust international partnerships. 

"The academy boasts a comprehensive scouting network that extends across Nigeria, identifying promising talents in both urban and rural areas. This network is vital for discovering hidden gems and providing opportunities to players who might otherwise go unnoticed," Awe explains.

"Green Lock FA has established relationships with clubs and networks outside Nigeria, facilitating smoother transitions for top talents to reach global platforms. These partnerships expose players to different playing styles, coaching techniques, and competitive environments, enhancing their growth."

Currently, Green Lock FA partners with Antalyaspor in Turkey, FC Liria in Kosovo, and Gulf United FC in the UAE, among others, and over nine Green Lock FC players are engaged with these clubs, showcasing their talents internationally.

Regarding community engagement, Awe shares, "We have built strong relationships with local communities to create a sustainable talent pipeline and promote football at the grassroots level."

By focusing on these areas, Green Lock Football Academy effectively harnesses Nigeria's vast talent pool, producing well-rounded, skilled players ready for both local and international careers.