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

The U12 kids were accompanied to the arena by their parents.

Coaches took the young lads through some simple drills.

The kids were enlightened on some basic techniques in football.

At the end of a successful exercise, participants were rewarded with books and boots.

Lots of goals were scored by the children who relished the moment to showcase their talents.

“It’s all about playing and enjoying for them; then stay in school and help their parents with your household chores,” 36 Lion Proprietor told the Media shortly after the exercise.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has thrown his weight behind the revival of the National Principals Cup competition, saying it is a national asset for building the character of future leaders and uniting the nation.

Revealing that he played in both the Headmasters and Principals cup in his primary and secondary school days, he declared that the experience contributed to making him what he is today.

The Ooni gave his commitment to the success of the ongoing revival of the event in Ile Ife on Monday when a delegation of the Organising Committee led by Dr Ademola Are, Director of Grassroots Sports at the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development paid him a courtesy call to seek his royal blessings.

“The reason why I am excited today is that I played in the Headmasters Cup and I played in the Principals Cup. They are the greatest assets to cultivate the subconscious nature or mind of the average Nigerian youth. It is very important that you are bringing the Principals Cup back. It will solve idleness, it will solve youth employment. It will provide opportunity for a lot of people to display their talent. I am a living testimony.

“The Principals Cup was one of the greatest programmes organise by the Federal Government. It goes round every corner. The dedication and commitment from all corners was a lot. That time there was very few crime rate because you are preparing the mind of the youths to be responsible. Football is all about responsibility. You must be responsible with the ball you are holding and careful not to lose it to the opponent. So, psychologically, you are preparing future generations that must be responsible.

“It takes care of the children from ages 12 to 17 many of whom today do not know that there is a programme that brings them together. Let us use this programme to unite our nation and I really commend the ministry led by Sunday Dare for the initiative. He is very active very energetic. He wants to turn things around in a twinkle of an eye and I am very appreciative of all the things he is trying to put in place.”

The Ooni urged the organisers to remain focused assuring them that with good organisation sponsors will be magnetically attracted to support the event.

Earlier, Dr Are informed the Ooni that though the Principals Cup is traditionally a football event, the Minister of Sports has considered it necessary to include other sports including boxing, badminton, athletics, swimming and table tennis so as to provide opportunity for youths who are talented in other sports.

Also speaking at the occasion, Pastor Tony Pemu, the Managing Director of Hideaplus, the consultancy firm for the event, informed the Ooni that the award of the Most Valuable Player of the Principals Cup has been instituted in his name.

Present at the occasion were Dr Rafiu Ladipo of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Fred Edoreh, former chairman of the Lagos chapter of the Sports Writers Association and media consultant for the event, Toyosi Oyetunji, Digital Marketing and Communications consultant amongst others.

Both teams tried to outwit themselves while trying to take their chances during the game.

Bare City had the better of the early incursions as they dominated play in the opening 20 minutes missing several scoring chances. They were eventually punished for their profligacy.

Striker Doslam Dawi was star man of the game as his goalscoring skills was a delight to close to 3000 fans that watched the epic final.

Balanga United in the second half, dominated play and deservedly scored through Dawi’s brace.

The end result saw the Balanga United team winning the match 2-0, then claiming the trophy of the 5th edition of the Adamu Yola Cup.

Meanwhile, in the third place, All Stars walloped Balanga LGA 7-0.

For winning the tournament, Balanga United were rewarded with the sum of Four hundred and fifty thousand naira (N450,000). Second placed team Bare City got Three hundred thousand naira (N300,000), while third placed All Stars received One hundred and fifty thousand naira (N150,000).

Bute, Dawi sweep Adamu Yola Cup individual awards

The duo of All Stars and Balanga United strikers, Michael Bute and Boslam Dawi bagged individual awards at the 5th edition of the Adamu Yola Cup held in Gombe South.

Bare City lost the final of the Adamu Yola Cup 2-0 to Balanga United at Billiri Township Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

Bute and Dawi swept the players’ award in different categories after their impressive performances at the just concluded event.

Michael Bute who played a vital role for his team scored four goals and created two assists. That performance won the tourney’s top scorer gong.

Boslam Dawi’s superb form upfront for Balanga United played a major part for his team’s quest to winning the 65-team grassroots competition.

The striker was voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament ahead of Bute and Bare City’s Jacob John.

Ughelli Township Stadium was filled to the brim with spectators in adherence to COVID-19 protocol as Ughelli All Stars beat Sheraton FC 3-1 to lift the trophy, which earned them N120,000 cash prize and a set of jersey.

Sheraton FC was rewarded with N60,000 cash and a set of jerseys as runner-up and N30,000 cash went to Ughelli United that came third in the tournament.

The award for the best player of the tournament went to a player Efe of Ughelli United while Mr. and Mrs. Izu Harrison went home with the best fan of the tournament award.

Oke Umurhohwo Football Cup drew 16 teams in a fierce contest that intended to identify talents in Ughelli, Delta state, and was sponsored by Mr Oke Umurhohwo, a marketing and communications professional.

On why he organised the tournament, Mr. Umurhohwo told an ecstatic crowd that he is passionate about promoting local talents and believed “this football competition has shown the enormous talents possessed by young people at the grassroots and I’m impressed by what I have seen so far.”

“It is good to see that promising prospects that the nearly 200 footballers who featured in the competition exhibited and that has emboldened my resolve to provide every necessary support for them to fulfill their respective dreams,” he noted.

He acknowledged the tireless efforts of the local organising committee for the success of the inaugural Oke Umurhohwo Football Cup, adding that support from traditional, political, and community leaders was awesome.

Signalling that the competition will be a yearly event, Mr. Umurhohwo appreciated the cash and kind supports that contributed to the success of the competition, noting that “we look forward to working with you for a bigger and better second edition.”

The Ovie of Ughelli, His Royal Majesty, Wilson Ojakovo JP, Oharisi III, represented by his Personal Assistant, Chief Edevwie, was in attendance at the finale of Oke Umurhohwo Football Cup that had other dignitaries such as the President-General of Ughelli Descendant Union, Olorogun P. Omobaye, and his Vice, Comrade Superior Umurhohwo.

Other dignitaries included Hon Oghenenovo O.S, the Organising Secretary of Ughelli Descendant Union, Comr. Christ Ekete, HOD, School of Health, Ufuoma, Comr. Akpojiyonwi, the President of Ighwre-Ovie Community, Bro Henry, representative of Bishop Kingsley Enakirerhi of Heroes of Faith Ministry, Prince Kohwo, President of Ujode Community, Members of the Delta State Sports Commission and Organising Secretary, Mr. Robor, Wrestling trainer, Omonigho Johnson, Boxing coach, Mark Odede, Handball coach, Okotie and a host of others.

Fans and guests were treated to a spectacular moment when Madam Ocean and Madam FC Izam entertained them with beautiful dancing steps that matched the historical event. Gift items were also doled out to fans and made the event a memorable one.

The qualification rounds started on Monday 30th November 2020 in all four Local Government Areas of Gombe South, namely Balanga, Billiri, Kaltungo and Shongom.

Defending champions All Stars are joined by Aston Villa, Liverpool, Pakolin, Awai United, Bare City, God Wonder, Dinge Flying Bees, Panwa United, Lashadar United, Balanga, Talase United, Tangland United, Pero Boys, Kilang United and Balanga in the round of 16.

Chairman, Organising Committee, Promise Uwaeme disclosed to newsmen on Monday that matches will be played at Billiri Township Stadium and Obasanjo Stadium.

“We want to improve on Adamu Yola Cup every year. Matches will be played at Billiri Township Stadium and Obasanjo Stadium,” Promise Uwaeme said.

According to him, the football championship is to enable players, who are talented in football horn their skills at the grassroots level.

He stated that the championship would also be a mentorship programme to put Nigerian footballers on the right path.

Round of 16 Fixtures:
Aston Villa Vs Liverpool FC
Pakolin Vs Awai United
Bare City Vs God Wonder
Dinge Flying Bees Vs Panwa United
Lashadar United Vs All Stars
Balanga Vs Talase United
Tangland United Vs Pero Boys
Kilang United Vs Balanga

The Goro won 8-7 through penalty shoot out after regular time had ended in a goalless draw.

Both sides missed several scoring chances during relegation time to the dismay of fans, who trooped to the Idowu Fadeyi Field, Ayobo to cheer them to victory.

Goro Football Academy coach, Abiodun Adeniji, said, “I am happy we won; my boys played well and to instructions. We deserve to win. B United are a good side too, they are not an easy team. I think it was a good match for both of us.”

The coach commended commended President of Ottasolo, Gabriel Davies, for providing enabling environment for youths to exhibit their skills.

En route to becoming the champions, Goro Football Academy topped Group F, beat Marvellous FC 7-6 on penalties at last eight and dusted Alade Academy in the semi-final.

Kayode Oluwashina of Goro, said that the team deserved to be champions after defeating B United.

“We deserved to be champions after defeating B United in the final. We are proud of our achievement because it is a team’s effort not individual.

The tournament, having recorded success in the first edition, Gabriel Davies after the finals of the competition said 25 players have been pencilled down for the Ottasolo U15 Team.

“These lads would be travelling to China, Germany and Japan for invitational tournaments in 2021. It is good for these lads to have the opportunity,” Gabriel Davies stated.

On the educational development of the players given their age range, Gabriel Davies advised the parents of the players, that the education of these children is so important that playing soccer by the children should not be a hindrance.

Harping on the social benefits derived from the organization of the competition, Davies said: “This tournament has reduced negative vices by the children because they are busy channeling their energy to a productive course. Instead of thinking of how to negatively influence the society, they are doing something good with their time and energy.”

The competition was wrapped up with presentation of medals, trophies and cash prizes.

Kwara United U-12 Laliga team pummeled Arsenal Kiddies Football Academy 4 goals to Nil to win Dr.Chukwudi Ogbolu Kids soccer championship which held at the ‘A’ Division Police Barrack playing ground, Ilorin on Sunday 13th of December,2020.

The Kwara United starlets outstmarted the kiddies, who lost plethora of goal chances in the first half of the game as they establish their goal rout in the second half to prove their worth.

Coach Soni Ahamioje, the organiser of the tournament who is also the founder and Technical Director of Arsenal Kiddies FA expressed satisfaction at the performances of all the players who he said in their teens have been showing a great display of soccer artistry. He added that their future is bright with necessary training and exposure.

“For the past 17 years we have always organise Arsenal Kiddies soccer champioship and because of the Covid-19 challenges this year, we approached Dr. Chukwudi Ogbolu to sponsor the tournament and he did”.

Ahamioje, a trained microbiologist turned football coach appealed to the government and football governing bodies to support grassroots football in a bid to strengthen the capacity of the coaches and football academies in producing  talents which will in turn bring value to the society.

He revealed that the sponsor, who is an America based Medical Doctor cum philanthropist has also decided to give the Most valuable player of the tournament,Samuel Fagbemi a one year academic scholarship

The final ceremony also witnessed presentation of merit awards to personalities which includes Kwara FA Chairman, Mallam Abdullahi Musa Thuraya, the CEO and Publisher of Sportspro News, Bayour Issah, Chairman, Kwara United,Kumbi Titiloye, Director of football ABS Ilorin FC, Alloy Chukwuemeka, Administrator of Kwara Sports Arena, Ibitoye Shittu and the sponsor of the tourney, Dr. Chukwudi Ogbolu.

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.

One of the few teams yet to lose a match at the ongoing Igala Nations cup,Okpo football club has qualified for the semifinals of the tournament after a barren draw against Omala football club yesterday at Agala-Ate,Anyigba.

The Agala-Ate football pitch,one of the best in Igala land was agog yesterday with fans and spectators who came from different part of the Eastern senatorial district to cheer their teams to victory.Before the encounter,Okpo fc who have amassed 6 points and topping group A from the Ankpa axis were in need of a point to guarantee them smooth passage to the semis while their opponent in the encounter,Omala fc needed 3points to move to the last 4 of the annual tournament.The draw means Okpo are through to the last 4 while Omala will have to wait for the outcome of the clash between Ankpa and Dekina

Both teams gave good account of themselves but couldn’t find the back of the net in regulation time.Speaking after the match at Agala-Ate,the coach of Okpo fc, Coach Faruk Ojomakpene said despite the barren draw,he is happy to have made history by qualifying his team for the semifinals of this year’s edition of the igala nations cup and promised to work on his boys so as to see them perform better subsequently.He however commended his opponents for putting up a five-star performance describing them as a very good side with bright prospect who can heap surprises at anytime.

Dekina fc are 3rd in group A with 3points and will leapfrog Omala into 2nd place and move to the last four in their last group match tomorrow if they are able to overcome Ankpa fc who sits bottom of the group with no point.

The Group A match between Ankpa fc and Dekina united which comes up tomorrow at CSS Ajaka will round up proceedings in the Group stage