The Chief Operating officer of the Nigeria National Wide League Olushola Ogunnowo has opined that football can quicken the recovery of sick people and make them healthy again.

The Scribe made this assertion in Gwagwalada Abuja while inspecting facilities provided at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital for the NLO Division 2 League which will begin later in the month.

He expressed satisfaction at the facilities he inspected, while commending the Gwagwalada Football Council for ensuring that there are regular football activities in the Area Council. “I must Commend you for your efforts in the development of football in your locality. I must not fail to mention the passion that you have in development of the game in the country, most especially in bringing football matches to the facilities of the Teaching hospital, thereby giving the sick the opportunity to be part of the game, which will hasten their recovery rate. This is another commendable aspect of your efforts. I implore you not to relent in your efforts ” he said .

Gwagwalada, FCT has been selected as one of the 16 centers that will host the 2022 edition of the NLO Division 2 League which will begin on 21 May.

KINGSLEY OGBODO, CEO OF UK BASED SPORTS AGENCY, OGBODO UK SPORT LTD has stated that investment in the youth football system of Nigeria Football will make our football great again and will return Nigeria’s lost football glory.

Kingsley who himself played to the highest level of professional football and played for Ujpest in the Hungarian Football League as well as Blackpool before calling it quit because of a nagging knee injury has stated that the league organisers and the federation have to start investing in the youth League and mandate Nigeria Professional league sides to start setting up a youth football team.

” I think is high time that the organisers of our league and the federation need to start mandating all the professional league clubs in the country to start setting up their youth football teams. What this implies is that these youth teams becomes a feeder for the clubs, it also becomes a feeder for the various youth National teams. When a young player finds himself playing for the youth team of an Enyimba for instance he can start aspiring that one day he will break into the First team of Enyimba. It also becomes easier for the handlers of our youth teams to also visit these youth teams and scout for exceptional young talents from the youth teams of these professional clubs and it then means that the player at a young age is then been exposed to the right Football development’

“We must also start investing in our youth coaches. I think we don’t have enough of youth coaches. The skills and knowledge and requirement for a youth coach is quite different and that is why a lot of our youth players at a young age are not exposed to the right trainings and football development. So until there is massive investment in our youth football system, then it will be difficult to reclaim our lost glory in football.

“The astute manager who worked with Kelechi Iheanacho between 2013 and 2018 and played a part in the former Nigeria Youth International’s move to Manchester City also shared his position on the influx of foreign born players in our National Team.

” I personally think that we are now depending too largely on foreign based professionals. Why I am not against the choice of foreign born professionals in our team, I feel only the very best should be invited to be part of our team and that is when we can’t find a better alternative back home, then we can then settle for a more suitable and better alternative from abroad.’

You have to understand that the passion and patriotism for a player born in Nigeria will not be same as a player born abroad. Look at Osimhen who grew up in Nigeria and would probably have had the aspiration as a young kid to one day wear the green white green and his friends from his community and family will watch him on TV, the passion is different, it is not same for a player born abroad” concluded Kingsley Ogbodo.

Ogbodo UK SPORT LTD has a number of bright prospects under its management book including Danish Born Midfielder Tochi Chukwuani who recently joined Hellas Verona from Nordjelland, Tamara Ezekiel of Kano Pillars, Immanuel Okoyen Benaoyagha of Leganes B, Tony Edjomariegwe of Al-Merreikh amongst others

A former FIFA licensed Agent and foremost stadium developer in country, Ebi Egbe, popularly known as Monimichelle, has identified disunity as the major problem affecting the development of football in country.

Monimichelle who spoke on the virtual interactive segment of FCT Football Updates Personality Interview said until such a time when football stakeholders will decide to join forces together to move the game forward, that the development of the game will continue to retrogress.

According to him, “disunity among our administrators is what is killing the game. Let us support whosoever that is in the position of authority and that will ensure we move forward. This idea of pull him down syndrome is really affecting the development of the game in the country “.

Continuing, the man who believes that he has the potential to administer football in Bayelsa State and beyond, said his relationship with his NFF President Amaju Pinnick is the most cordial, and that he needs the support of all Nigerians if he desires to contest for the NFF Presidency for the third time. “My relationship with Amaju Pinnick is cordial, because Amaju needs all our support to succeed as NFF President. He is free to run as NFF President for the third time, and I believe this is a project every Nigerian should key into. It will benefit us the more. Presently, he is a FIFA member and there is no how things are being discussed that Amaju will not be there to attract certain things to the country. He has attracted the FIFA goal project to Kebbi and Ogborodudu in Delta state. There are about two others that are in the offering. We must support him to get all these done. He has done well in his past two tenures, and should be encouraged to continue to hasten our infrastructural development”.

The Ajegunle born said he has never been involved in any failed projects in the country, and advised those pushing such to come out with the facts “those who said we have been involved in failed projects should come out and tell us why such projects failed and how. In all projects, there is always an issue to be sorted, and that is all. We always have cordial relationships with our clients, and nothing more ” he concluded.

Nigeria’s largest sporting bet firm 1960Bet followed their signing of an agreement with Y.G football club by partnering with the Lagos based outfit club toady at Agege Township Stadium, Lagos.

1960bet has reached an agreement to become the official kit sponsor of the defending Champion of the Ikeja Divisional Football League ahead of Eko football league this season, with the second stanza of the ongoing divisional league.

Director of1960bet, Oluwatosin Ayoola, stated that the deal is to show support for sports development in the country basically on grassroot sports with the promotion of positive productive engagement for Nigeria youth across the crannies of this nation.

He further disclosed that over the years 1960bet as dish out provision of quality services to valubale sports community. With the wealth experience that has been emassed over the years with foremost reputable sports betting company in Nigeria we ensure and continue to such users friendly varieties raging from virtual to all sporting game.

The sporting bet company is aim to provide long term partnership on players development for the club with playing kit, to the teams and will have the exclusive right to distribute dual-branded merchandising for the club.

Ayoola, expressed delights on the kit partnership deal with the club, and noted that his firm are read to give quality services to Y.G football club.

“We’re happy for the honour to become the kit sponsor of Y.G football club, our passion is to kit teams and we desires a fruitful relationship with the State of Osun in years to come.” Elijah Oluusegun Adejare (Head of legal & Compliance 1960bet).

However, Club President of Y.G football club, Yusuf Garba who spoke about the gains of the partnership in Lagos, today described it as fruitful and satisfying.,

“It’s another feather in the cap for the club, and as come to stay”.

“The synergy between the 1960bet and his club Y.G football club will yield some positives in the area of clubs’ branding, image making and mileage to the sporting world.”

Former International and Shooting Stars Head Coach, Edith Agoye has revealed that quest to survive as a kid pushed him into football.

Revealing this at the monthly Ex-University of Ibadan Footballers Association interactive program at the weekend, the former International said growing up as kid in the Ibadan was difficult, though interesting.

According to the player who graduated from the Department of Agronomy in the Premier University, growing up was like that of other kids in Nigeria “my parents were poor, it was a life of struggle at a tender age. It was a life of struggle to grow up, where you have to fend for the yourself and assist the family”.

Continuing, the former Junior International said “probably that was why I became good in football. I normally go out with my friends and bet on playing penalties to raise some money. Sometimes, we play set (4 v 4) for money, and when you win, you take your share home and give to your mother to prepare food for the whole family. That was one things that made me strong and tough in every situation I found myself and that determination has kept me going “.

Edith Agoye, was a widely travelled super striker with a terrific striking prowess. Built like a tank and blessed with deft touches, Agoye was simply indomitable during his playing days.

Highly technically gifted, it was an absolute delight playing alongside him in any team just as he was an absolute terror to the opponents on the pitch.

The vastly travelled ex striker had an impressive soccer career which saw him play for a number of teams in Europe, Africa and Asia. Starting from Works FC in Ibadan as a teenager in the late 80s, he teamed up with 3SC as an undergraduate and soon afterwards jetted out to play for FC Schaffhausen (Switzerland), Rot-Weiss Oberhausen (Germany), Esperance FC (Tunisia) and Braunnau (Austria) before coming back to 3SC again between 2002 and 2004.

He moved abroad again in 2004/2005, this time, to Bnei Sakhnin F.C (Israel), Maccabi Herzliya FC (Israel), and Hapoel Be’er Sheva (Israel). In 2007, he came back home finally and teamed up with Julius Berger F.C before moving to Enyimba International F.C. in the 2008 season and finally went back to his first love 3SC for a third and final time, before eventually calling time on his career in 2009.

Agoye Edith, ex Flying and Super Eagles learned the game at all levels. Upon retirement, he concluded part of his training in England before becoming a certified coach. He became an assistant coach for 3SC in 2013 and was made the head coach a few years later.

He graduated from the University of Ibadan with a Bachelors Degree in Agronomy.

The website which is a promise fulfilled when fully activated, would be a channel in which important media contents as related to football activities will be provided.

With an attractive design and inherent usability, there is a strong focus on constant useful updates, components, data managements, news and lofty engagements.

According to FA supremo, who has heavily invested in football, the link is an avenue for global community to access series of activities coming out of the state.

” Our catchy official website domain www.osunfa.org, would be a channel for the public to get relevant and useful informations including news releases, competition schedules, football components, local match updates and related news from the State FA.

” I have been working round the clock and set the agenda on how to digitalize grassroots activities and packaged useful contents aimed at drawing the attentions of both investors and followers.” Ajiroba Ooni who single handedly floated Ajiroba Ooni FC for more than two decades informed.

The link www.osunfa.org is designed for mobile and PC use and will be undergoing constant improvements from time to time, even feedback would be considered, because of the portal’s stability.

Z Expo Championship is sponsored by Shekeenah Zelter Global Concept Ltd and packaged by ITS Football Management (a football business management consultant).

The tournament will be played over 12 days and matches will be decided on knockout basis and will conclude its activities with the finals on Thursday December 31, 2020.

CEO of Shekeenah Zelter Global Concept Ltd, Ibrahim Taofeek Kayode, said the company sponsored the prestigious tournament to the tune of #1m (One Million Naira).

According to Oro as the philanthropist is fondly called, the aim of the tournament is about investing in the development of sport, ploughing back into the communities and its upliftment.

He further stated that he is sponsoring the tourney to encourage youths to use the beautiful round leather game to get together, build life-long friendships and get to know each other.

The winner of the tournament goes home with a guaranteed giant gold trophy, gold medals and #200, 000 prize money, #100, 000 for runners up and silver medals.

Z Expo Championship Round Of 32 Fixtures

Friday December 18, 2020

Oyinlola FC vs House Of Prayer 2pm

Ikoyi Esho vs Young King’s 4pm

Saturday December 19

Itunu FC vs Leke Hamzat FA 10am

Knights FC vs Awolu FC 12pm

Young Lion vs Amazing FC 2pm

Barrier FC vs Sharp Striker 4pm

Sunday December 20

36 Lion vs Golden Boys 10am

City Roller vs Hamola Global 12pm

Monday December 21

Imo Babes vs Fly KKD 2pm

Soccer FC vs Police FC 4pm

Tuesday December 22
Deen Babes vs Diamond FC 2pm

Ejigbo Utd vs Zakariyau FC 4pm

Wednesday December 23

Excel FA vs Ijesha Golden Warriors 2pm

Dynamic Iwo vs TSI FA 4pm

Thursday December 24
Olansile FA vs KSB FC 2pm

3FC Ifon vs La Planet Sport Academia 4pm

The late Emma Ibah was until his death the chairman of the Akwaibom state Football Association where he showcased diligence, responsible and responsiveness in the discharge of his duties.

Club Owners said such a humble, easy going and committed Football chieftain would be missed by all the Football stakeholders especially for his support to the growth of grassroot Football in his domain.

The Association further said that his death was more painful considering that he was planning for his wedding ceremony this weekend which was to be attended by Chieftains of the NFF and some notable Football stakeholders

Club Owners in sympathy message jointly signed by the chairman Barr. Isaac Danladi and the Executive Secretary Alloy Chukwuemeka commiserate with the entire board, Management and staff of the NFF, his state FA , Akwa united football club , his immediate family and friends over his untimely death.

Club Owners prayed for the repose of his soul and for God to give the family and friends of the late chairman Protocol and ceremonial committee of the NFF the fortitude to bear the loss.

Having won two and lost one game in the group stage of the much publicized pre-season tourney which is aimed at preparing clubs for the forthcoming season, the foremost football academy in the state were pinned on the top of the log in Group A.

With total number of six goals scored and four conceded during the group phase, the encounters which symmetrically lived up to its hype has Osogbo based football academy in the same group with Nigeria Nationwide League One outfits Knights FC, Choice FC of Ado Ekiti and non league side Future Stars FC.

Having dispatched fellow neighbor Future Stars with two goals to one courtesy of Oyewumi Tayo and Pelumi Olaoluwa’s sensational delivery, in the first match, Shile Boys made their intentions known going forward.

A goal in each half by Ganiyu Wasiu and Adebola Tunde ensured that Knights FC were not spared in the second group game, the match that has Olaoluwa Daniel sent off in the 32nd minute of the spiffy duel, yet the ‘Blue Army’ marvelously completed the task unscathed.

Having gathered six points in two games, Choice FC came back to life to snap up a win in the third group game, having lost to Knights FC and shared spoils with Future Stars before to amass four (4) points with superior goal advantage over Knights FC who were jointly pegged at 4points on the log.

The main bowl of Obafemi Awolowo University Sports Complex will once again come alive on Saturday 12th December 2020 as Olansile FA and the Group B runner’s up New Star FC have already booked a date while leader Gidado FA will tango with fellow NLO counterpart Choice FC of Ado-Ekiti in the second semi-final battle.

This is just as the Special Adviser to Rivers State Governor on Real Madrid Academy, Barrister Christopher Green, says the state government remains fully resolute in their quest of making the project the best ever in Africa.

Rohr, who showered encomiums on the structures, intentions, and executions made so far on the prestigious academy, stated this at the weekend when he was shown around the facility by Green.

After a comprehensive tour around the four different blocks of the Academy situated in the same surroundings as the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt, Rohr could not hold back his admiration for the project and the facilitator, Governor Nyesom Wike.

In Rohr’s company for the tour were Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Director Austin Eguavoen and Super Eagles’ Team Secretary Dayo Enebi Achor.

According to him, “The infrastructures are high level, it’s like in Europe and you can compare with one of the best academies in Europe like they have in Spain; Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia or in France in Paris (PSG) and in Germany in Bayern Munich.

“I think they (Real Madrid Academy, Port Harcourt) are ready to start this programme with these wonderful structures and also with the good pitch. It will be very interesting to see what they can do.

“I think the Governor has done great work and now they have to select the best players and bring some good players in a few years to the future,” said the 67-year old expatriate coach.

Aside from the outdoor facilities comprising of a football pitch and well-constructed swimming pool among others; Barrister Green took Rohr and his contingent round the academic blocks which house classrooms, staff rooms, student hostels, ICT rooms, Biology, Physics and Chemistry laboratories, Dining Halls and other meticulous provisions provided for in the well thought out structure.

Rohr specifically expressed delight in the academic aspect of the Real Madrid Academy.

“What I like is that it is not just football, but there is also the school side. There are teachers who will be coming because you are never sure to succeed in football and if you don’t succeed, there can be injuries, there can be other problems, it is good to have the school side also and that they did not forget it,” he said.

Eguavoen who has coached several Nigerian national teams in the past could also not hold back in his admiration while describing the quality of infrastructure put in place at the Treasure Base of the Nation.

“I am very impressed. What else can you ask for, for football development? Combining education with football is what we’ve been craving for and what we’ve come here to see today is wonderful, it is excellent and hopefully, we will gain from this in time to come.

“I don’t think any other academy will beat this (in Nigeria) except maybe if you come in here and you have an interest and are passionate about what you want to achieve and when you see this, you want to better this. But for now, I don’t think anyone will be able to better it,” he stated