The Airtel Ijebu Heritage Half Marathon was concluded successfully on Saturday, 17th of July, 2021 as Kenyans dominated each categories of the race.

The 21km race was won by Hosea Kiplimo who finished the race in 1:02:36 while his counterpart, Rhonzas Kilimo finished second in 1:02:57.

The third position went to another Kenyan, Timothy Ronoh, who raced to the finish line in 1:02:59.

The women’s race was also won by another Kenya, Sandra Chebet in a time of 1:10:42, with two Ethiopians taking the second and third positions respectively. Gebaynesh Ayele came second and Beyenu Degefa was third with a time of 1:10:52 and 1:11:02.

The first Ijebu man to finish the race was Femi Olusanya, a police officer from Ijebu Ode and promised to do better in the next edition.

Airtel Ijebu Heritage Half birthed the youngest marathoner ever, 11-year-old Abigael Ogunbowale, who completed the 21km of the race.

Speaking after the marathon, MD/CEO of Nilayo Sports Management Company, Hon. Bukola Olopade said he’s happy with the organization of the marathon and thanks the Governor of Ogun State, Gov. Dapo Abiodun, the commissioner of sports, Hon. Hon. (Dr.) Oluwadare Kehinde, the Ijebu Heritage Group, and all sponsors.

He said, “The Airtel Ijebu Heritage Half Marathon, is arguably the best-organized road race Nilayo has ever had”

The next edition of the Airtel Ijebu Heritage Half marathon is scheduled for July 3rd, 2022.

With the maiden edition of the Airtel Ijebu Heritage Half Marathon just few hours away, the Headline sponsor of the race, Airtel Nigeria Limited and partner, Rite Food, the official beverage for the race, has urged the athletes to go for the ultimate prize as they welcomed them to the Ijebu Ode community and Ogun State.

Speaking during the world press conference to herald the race, the CEO of the consultant for the race, Bukola Olopade, praised all the people that made the race happen especially the organisers, Ijebu Heritage Club.

The former commissioner for sports in Ogun State started that all the Road Races in the state, starting from the Abeokuta 10km Race to the Remo Ultra Marathon and now the Ijebu Race were all babies of the state governor, Dapo Abiodun.

“Road Races in Ogun state are all the governor babies as he agreed for the race to go round the state,” Olopade said
“I am excited that at Nilayo we are doing this in Ijebu Ode known for their hospitality. I am happy about the interest of The king, HRM Oba Sikiru Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebu Land, who is also excited about the race and other activities involving the youths in the state.”
The representative of the Headline sponsor, Airtel, Oladipo Jolaosho, Regional Operating Director, West, who brings greetings from the Managing Director of the organisation, Segun Ogunsanya, revealed the joy of Airtel to be part of the Race while thanking the organisers for coming up with such a laudable idea.

He added: “We commend all participants ahead of the race, only one winner but great to start the race, and more special for finishing the race. Regardless on your position, we thank you for coming.
“We are key stakeholders in Ijebu and the whole of Nigeria and the marathon gives us another opportunity to be part of great deeds.”
The official beverage for the half Marathon and other races, the Bigi brand of Rite Foods, was represented by Bolu Adedugbe, Brand Manager Beverage and Bakery, assured all athletes and fans of enough beverages during the race.

According to her, they will continue to support and partner whatever will bring healthy competition between the youths and the people of Nigeria, while praying for the best man to win.
The commissioner of sports in the state, Kehinde Oluwadare, and the chairman of Heritage Group, Ijebu Ode, Mr. Odulaja, assured everyone of absolute security before, during and after the race.

Bayo Adegboyega

Former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National League NNL, Honourable Bukola Olopade has given kudos to the Nigeria Football Federation and the leadership of the Nigeria Women Football League on the tremendous success recorded at the just concluded NWFL Super six in Ijebu Ode.

Bearing his mind on the tournament where Rivers Angels emerged overall Champions at the Dipo Dina stadium, Ijebu Ode, Olopade acknowledged the immense contribution of the NFF President Amaju Pinnick and the Chairperson of the Women’s League, Aisha Falode to the development of female football in the country and harped on the need for people to always give credit as and when due.

The former sports commissioner in Ogun state also hailed the Executive governor of the state, Prince Dapo Abiodun for refurbishing the Dipo Dina stadium, Ijebu Ode immediately he came into office.

The sports administrator said the Dipo Dina stadium has maintained its standard, since meeting the requirements of the World Football governing body FIFA in 2009 when it hosted games during the FIFA Under 17 World Cup which the country hosted.

“Honestly, the leadership of the NWFL has done a tremendous job, the Super six has come and gone, but what they have achieved will be on the forefront for so many years, congratulations to Madam Aisha Falode and plaudits must go to my good friend Amaju Pinnick as well”

“The decision to adopt this format paved way for a hitch free conclusion, I’m extremely proud of the NFF and all stakeholders involved in putting this beauty together”.

Bringing the edifice put into use to the front burner, the former sports commissioner in Ogun state affirmed that the Dipo Dina stadium is class above others considering the facilities in the premises and what was involved in putting it to shape.

“Without being arrogant I’m always proud to say I served during the tenure of Otunba Gbenga Daniel which scored points in sports development, and one of the things we did was putting this infrastructure in place”.

“Thankfully, the governor Dapo Abiodun led government is keying into that idea by giving the stadium a facelift and attracting events to keep the magnificent edifice busy”.

Hon Olopade congratulated Rivers Angels for playing good football and emerging champions, he also gave thumbs up to other participating teams, describing them as agents of progress and football development.

Rivers Angels emerged winner of the NWFL Premiership again after defeating Sunshine Queens 4-0 at the Otunba Dipo Dina international Stadium, Ijebu-ode on Sunday evening.

In a well attended final day of the NWFL Premiership Super 6, FC Robo Queens played out a 1-1 draw with Delta Queens, while Bayelsa Queens recorded their first victory in the Super 6 with a 3-0 win over Edo Queens.

Rivers Angels Angels young forward Oghenebrume Ikhekua opened scoring in the 2nd minute, her fifth in the 2021 NWFL Premiership Super 6.

The ‘Betty Babes’ troubled Rivers Angels later on, taking over control of the game, with the trio of Abideen’ Suliat, Okah Adaobi and Idoko Mercy all finding space to net an equalizer.

However, the ‘Jewel of Rivers’ doubled their lead just before the half-time break, as Vivian Ikechuchwu find the right angle from a close range to give the Edwin Okon’s side a guaranteed lead going into the break.

Alice Ogebe scored a beauty in the 63rd minute, rounding off three Sunshine Queens defenders, before slotting in perfectly and the final goal came in the 79th minute through diminutive forward, Maryann Ezeanagu to round up a classical score line in the final game of the NWFL Premiership Super 6.

In a well attended final ceremony, which was graced by the Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, NFF first Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, Ondo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Phillip Shuaibu, NFF Board Members, Alhaji Ahmed Fresh, Sheriff Rabiu Inuwa, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi and Nigeria Referee Association Boss, Alhaji Tade Azeez and other dignitaries.

The Chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League, Aisha Falode noted that she is satisfied with the quality of games played in the Championship and remained optimistic that Nigerian representatives at the CAF Women Champions League will represent the country well starting from the WAFU Qualifiers.

Rivers Angels topped with 11 points, while Delta Queens ended second with 9 points, FC Robo Queens followed closely in third position with 8 points, while Sunshine Queens in 4th position finished with 7 points, Bayelsa Queens and Edo Queens ended with 5 points and 3 points respectively.

The Nigerian women’s Football League Board has been assured of renewed support that would propel female football league to the next level.

This assurance was given on Sunday by Youth and sports Development Minister Honourable *Sunday Dare at the finals of the female Football Super Six at the *Dipo Dina Stadium* in Ijebu Ode where Rivers Angels emerged champions after beating Sunshine stars 4-0.

According to the Minister “I’m impressed with what I’ve seen today as we have seen female professional Football at its best. You will recall I that I watched the last NWPL Super Four final at the Agege Stadium, Lagos where I saw great exhibition of talents. I want to congratulate the overall winner and those who will represent us for the first time in the Female CAF Champions League to be our worthy representatives by perhaps winning the maiden Trophy of the CAF Champions League. Don’t forget we have a track record in female football in Africa Where we remain a dominant force. We can extend the dominance from the National team to club level”.

Dare commended the chairperson of the Female league Aisha Falode for her deliberate effort in taking the female league to the next level.

The final game was watched by the Deputy Governor of Ogun state Mr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele (MFR), NFF President Amaju Pinnick, NFF technical commitee chairman Ahmed Yusuf fresh, and F A chairman of kano state Mallam Sharif Rabiu Inuwa among others

Signed

Media office of the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development

Honey Badgers FC will start their 2021 Nationwide season against Osklean Ladies FC as the draws for the third tier league of the NWFL was made on Sunday in Ijebu Ode and Abuja respectively.

Else where in opening round ties, scheduled for Monday at the Aguiyi Ironsi Sports Complex, Abuja, Abruka Queens will face Beautiful Tours FC, while 9ineteen Damsels FC and Niger Amazons FC will start the campaign on tuesday by 2pm. Fortress Queens and Crystal Stars FC plays by 4pm on the same day.

At the Ijebu Ode Centre, Prince Kazeem Eletu and Dannaz Ladies will start the campaign by 11am, Royaltoms International will battle it out with Unification Ladies at the same time in Pitch 2.

By 1pm, Lakeside Queens and FC Phoenix first round games will kick off, while Papa Soccer Angels and Moje Queens will play in pitch 2 at the same time.

The game between Oasis Ladies and Aseyori Ladies will kick off by 3pm, while Omidiran Babes and Ekiti Queens also play at the same time.

Abuja Centre

Monday, 12th Of April

Honey Badgers Vs Osklean Ladies FC 2pm

Abruka Queens Vs Beautiful Tour Ladies (4pm)

Tuesday, 13th Of April

9ineteen Damsels FC Vs Niger Amazons FC (2pm)

Fortress Queens Vs Crystal Stars FC (2pm)

Ijebu Ode Centre

11am

Pitch 1 – Prince Kazeem Eletu Queens vs Dannaz Ladies

Pitch 2 – Royaltoms International vs Unification FC

1pm
Pitch 1 – Lakeside Queens vs FC Phoenix

Pitch 2 – Papa Soccer Angels vs Moje Queens

3pm
Pitch 1 – Oasis Ladies vs Aseyori Queens

Pitch 2 – Omidiran Babes vs Ekiti Queens

High flying Dino Sporting Club defeated visitors Ijebu United in match day eleven of the ongoing 2020-2021 Creative championship on Saturday.

The match was played at Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode and the hosts dug deep to secure 1-0 win over stubborn visitors.

Talisman Elijah Adekunle scored the only goal of the game in the first half of the encounter to secure the maximum points.

The three points however moved Dino SC to just one point within league leaders, Remo Stars Academy who themselves came back from a 2 goal deficit to earn a point against Imperial FC on Friday.

Dino Sporting Club have garnered 23 points from twelve matches.

We have made constructive efforts at providing you with  all the bit  that made the lot of the just concluded South West Zone phase of the Berackiah/Abigol Football Coaching Clinic.

Featuring about 12 sessions of training which includes Theory and Practical, the clinic provided a great opportunity for Nigerian Coaches to learn, re-learn and un-learn football concepts of various ideology.

Gian Marco as a Goalkeeper Trainee is one of the resource person from Italy. He was able to share his knowledge with Nigerian Coaches on the fundamentals of coaching and getting the best out of goalkeepers.

Speaking to Berackiah/Abigol Media Team at the sideline of the event he said:

“I feel honored to be here and I want to thank all the people who have worked to make this project happen and make it possible for me to come”

Marco believes he is just privileged to impact on the coaches and not  a ‘teacher’ who wants to teach what has not been taught before.

“What I want to do is to exchange my knowledge with the locals. I have found very   prepared coaches in this course and so I am finding my self comfortable. So it’s just a first step and every journey begins with a step and we are to start.

Marco spoke highly of Nigerian Coaches for keeping the passion alive despite the myriad of socio-economic challenges and difficulties they have got to deal with.

“I admire their passion because in Europe where I came from ,we have plenty of infrastructure which are lacking here in Africa and despite that they didn’t quit and they are working in situation that we in Europe can’t even imagine,if we find such a situation with the lack of materials, infrastructure,most of the people in Europe would  have quit”.

“I am not teaching anything it is a win to win project,I learn something they learn something we are exchanging Knowledge so I am feeling better with that Marco said.

From NLO to NPFL : Marco has a dream

“I want this project to reach the top most especially as we are starting with the lower tier of the league,we want to reach the second tier and the top division of the league and even all over Africa.

Roberto Bassi is another resource person who have taken the participants through the dynamism of the game .

He said in his words: “I am very happy to be here.

The last few days we have spent, the level of Nigerian Coaches concentration to the programme is good and they are willing to learn so I hope this programme will in the future be a point of reckoning”

Mathew Olorunleke is the CEO of Abigol Football Management and a co – facilitator of the clinic. As one of the brain behind the project, he believes the potential of Nigerian Coaches will help them scale the height coupled with what the clinic has offered.

“It is not easy this is the first time, we are trying to cope to make it better and I must say from what I have seen, the Coaches are able to learn and are trying to cope as well.

Bridging the Gap and hopes

For Mathew, there is always the need to do more. He expressed the need to bridge the gap between talents and those who tend to develop them.

If Nigeria can have one of the expensive players in the market and we have players that are doing well in Europe, It will be very wrong to say Nigeria Coaches are not good. For us, we have discovered the missing link and now keen to bridge the gap.

He argued that if Nigeria players are doing well in abroad,that means Nigerian Coaches are good just that there is need to keep developing themselves in tune with what is obtainable in the advanced world.

Coach Siji Lagunju is the Assistant Director of Training and Development at the NFF and as veteran Coach himself, he preached  the significance for Coaches to develop themselves taking in to cognisance the principles of intellectuality, technicality, tactically , medically and physically.

High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde was the cynosure of all eyes at the 5-day clinic.

An ‘encyclopedia many will call him. The CAF/FIFA instructor urged all the participants to be inquisitive, impactful and be selfless in the course of their duty saying that integrity is another integral part of the job.

While noting the parallels between football administrators and coaches, the octogenarian appealed to all the participants not to lose focus and continue to do their best for the country adding that there must be unity of purpose in their ranks across the country.

116 coaches who attended the coaching clinic have now been given their certificates with the hope that the effects of their new acquired knowledge will bear positive impact on Nigeria football.

The clinic train will now move to South South and South East Zone where schedules will be held from 1st-5th of February in Asaba, Delta State.

The North Central and North East Zone programme will also holds in Lafia, Nasarawa State from 8th-12th February.

The match way played at the Otunba Dipo Dina stadium in Ijebu Ode on Sunday.

The Samuel Columbus boys went into the game at the back of their 7 – 0 trashing of Imperial FC last weekend.

The match witnessed very few clear cut chances in the first half as the visitors decided to sit to absorb the pressure and hope to hit on counter attack.

Dino Sporting dominated possession but only managed to break the deadlock in the 57th minutes of the encounter, through Seun Salahu.

The match however took another turn as Dino Sporting Club were reduced to ten man with last weekend hat-trick hero Okoro Hyacinth was send off for two bookable fouls.

The capitalised on their numerical advantage and restored parity two minutes after an hour mark through Afeez Babatunde.

Dino Sporting Club pressed for the winner but they failed to break the resistance of Valliant FC before the final whistle.

The draw moved Dino SC to third on log with 11 points, four points behind Valiant FC but with a game in hand.

With their unbeaten run, Kwara United and 3SC have ensured that they cannot meet each other in the semifinals [since the topper of one group faces the second or best losers from the other].

Following their remarkable encounter in the group stage, both teams could potentially face each other in the final. For that to happen, Kwara United would have to get past Lobi Stars this afternoon. Since the withdrawal of Rivers United necessitated by their continental engagement next week has given easy passage to the final to 3SC.

Both Kwara United and Lobi Stars met twice in September 2019 in Asaba during Gov. Okowa Preseason Tournament and twice Harmony Boys humbled the Pride of Benue. Can they this afternoon stop all group ‘C’ final?

Lobi Stars have to contend with the Harmony Boys attacking foray’s incredible eyes for goal, deceptive movement, and intelligence in the box, while Kwara United defence line has to be mindful of obtrusive abilities of Alebiosu Segun, former Kwara United youngster who is capable of doing the unexpected.

Kwara United qualified for the semifinal of the 2020 Gov. Dapo Abiodun Tournament yesterday afternoon following 1-0 victory over stubborn Crown FC. Harmony Boys left it late after both teams had no on-target in the first half of the encounter. While Lobi Stars humbled Remo Stars 1-0 through the powerful strike of Austin Ogunye at 32nd minute, courtesy of Alebiosu Segun feint movements.

The star-studded Harmony Boys captained by Oke Oyi Abdulateef Ishola piled the pressure on their opponents by the trio of Michael Ohanu, Dabani Alao and Agboola Joshua but could not get the goal until substitute phenomenal Adeshina Issa Gata scored the winning and only goal at 82nd minute.

Gata will always make two deceitful runs – one for the defenders, one for himself. Gata as deceitful as Kangaroo front foot will make his sharp and staggering runs, but will never spin in order not to lose his bearings.

Whether through misdirection, deceptive movement or razor-sharp instinct, Gata as a striker or supporting striker is always one step ahead of his opponents; if given a triangle support, the beasts in his legs will be well activated.

To truly experience this deceptive nature, you have to see how he thinks and work in tandem with him.

The bookmakers’ favourites to reach the final are Kwara United and Rivers United, given their flawless starts. That match could be a blockbuster in itself, given their contrasting playing styles and good form at the moment. Unfortunately, that could not see the light of the day again since Rivers United are already on their way to their base in preparation to fly the flag of Nigeria high in CAF.

Thanks.

Up Kwara United in Cheering.