According to 36 Lion Adviser, Gafar Olawale Liameed, the nine-time Azerbaijan Premier League champions have invited the player over to Baku.

Oluka was spotted by Neftchi Baku at the recently concluded Jagaban Cup that took place at Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

He was the best midfielder on display at the four-day tournament which had the backing of 36 Lion Investment, Diamond Sports Management and Lagos Enigma.

As you would expect from any young Nigerian prospect, Oluka ranks as one of the highly rated Nigerian midfielders who can boast of an exciting work-rate, supreme technique and passing ability.

He does have the invention, creativity and has been earmarked as a “destroyer” that is, shutting down the opposition’s play in midfield, outside, and just about everywhere.

One trait that sets Oluka apart from his peers is his intelligent movement. On a basic level, he has good pace and acceleration which allows him to provide adequate guard for defenders.

Given his great mobility, he’s not afraid to work and play from the channels.

Oluka’s spatial awareness is good enough that he’s often initiating attacking moves and playing quick combinations. He is expected to impress the coaching staff of Black and Whites.

Commending the organisation of the recently-concluded 2022 Jagaban Cup Tournament held in Lagos, GOS thanked 36 Lion Investment, Diamond Sports Management, Lagos Enigma, Slavia Praha, the participating teams and of course the fans who came out in their thousands to watch the matches.

He stated that the gains of the brilliant organisation should be taken on board to guarantee much better organisation of matches and championships.

On Friday, GOS graced the final of 2022 Jagaban Cup which also had in attendance Honorable Prince Anofi Elegushi, Commissioner for home affairs.

“There will be synergy between the Federal Government, European Football clubs, Nigerian teams and youths if Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is elected as President of Nigeria in 2023, GOS said.

It will be recalled that over 7000 spectators were in attendance at Mobolaji Johnson Arena to witness the final day of #JagabanCup22 on Friday 18th November.

Honorable Prince Anofi Elegushi, Commissioner for home affairs showered encomiums on organizers for the success of 2022 Jagaban Cup.

“Our leader Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a man who appreciates the impacts of youths to nation building. The attendance recorded shows the youths are solidly behind Jagaban. Organization of the tournament made me really impressed.”

Mr. Blessing Akinlosotu, the President of Nigerian Youth Congress and Mr. Olayemi Success, Coordinator National Youth Mobilization APC also made their presence felt in the colourful closing ceremony of Jagaban Cup.

CEO of 36 Lion Investment, Hajj Olawale Liameed Gafar being overwhelmed with Jagaban Cup optimism, said it’s all for Asiwaju.

According to the Talent Transformer, “It is all for the youths. Let us do for the doer.”

The competition was organized to galvanize support for All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is the frontline candidate for the 2023 Presidential Election and the tournament delivered on its promises and even exceeded expectations.

The two teams tried to cancel out each other before the regulation time but there was nothing to separate them until penalty was used to decide the maiden champions. Smart City proved to more precise in the penalty shootout winning by 5-4.

Earlier, 36 Lion narrowly lost the third place match to Ikorodu City via penalty shootouts too after both teams failed to score any goal during the regulation period.

Despite the heroics of 36 Lion goalkeeper, Samuel Oriola who saved two of Ikorodu City’s spot kicks to take the penalties to sudden death, the latter still triumphed 3-2 after NPFL La Liga U15 Promises graduate Sulaimon Lawal blasted the decisive spot kick beyond the Lions’ goalie’s gaping hands.

The exhibition match between Community Team and Family Team ended 1-1.

It was a fantastic and thrilling end to the first edition of the Jagaban Cup which drew out over 7000 Lagosians to the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

The tournament was organised to galvanize support for All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is the frontline candidate for the 2023 Presidential Election and the tournament has delivered on Its promises and even exceeded expectations.

The tournament was packaged by 36 Lion Investment, Diamond Sports Management and Lagos Enigma.

On a frenetic third and concluding day of the group stage of the Jagaban Cup 2022, Messiah FC punctured the aspirations of 36 Lion from qualifying for the final of the tournament and will now contest the grand finale and the race for the top prize against Smart City FC on Friday November 18th.

36 Lion and Smart City FC were in vantage position to nick the tickets to the final of the tournament earmarked to gather electoral support for the Presidential Candidate of All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2023 elections, after the conclusion of Day Two matches.

But while one went according to script at the end of the group games on Thursday, things changed for the second dramatically.

Before Thursday games, Jagaban Cup 2022 finalists, Messiah FC were in fourth position and were not among the teams expected to finish in the top two but they defeated De Potters FC and MFM by identical 2-1 to move to the top with nine points from four games.

Earlier, favourites, 36 Lion were forced to a goalless by Badagry United who played the spoilers’ role to record only their second point of the tournament. The draw proved to be suitable for the second spot after the Lions earned seven points from four games.

Relegated from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) last season, MFM fell short at the last moments too to pick a top-two spot in the tournament after they were surprisingly beaten by Messiah in a game a win would have taken them to top spot in Group A. They finished third with five points.

In Group B, Smart City ended in top spot with seven points despite losing their last group game to FC Bethel 1-0. They had better goals difference than Ikorodu City and FC Bethel who also finished with seven points each.

Ikorodu City shocked football purists to finish in the top two. They were bottom of the group on Day Two but chalked up two important wins on Thursday against FC Bethel and Olukismet FC by identical 1-0 each to move to the second spot. FC Bethel finished third.

The grand finale comes up on Friday between Messiah FC and Smart City FC. Before the final, 36 Lion and Ikorodu City will trade tackles to determine the third best team.

In the opening Group A game played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, 36 Lion defeated Messiah FC 2-0 through the goals of Odom Chika and Edem Joseph while Smart City pipped Olukismet 2-1 in a Group B tie.

Alade Balogun drew the curtain raiser from the penalty spot in the 26th minute for Smart City and he doubled the advantage in the 42nd minute for his second goal of the game. Olukismet reduced the goals arrears in the 49th minute through Abdulrazaq Ridwan.

In another game played, Lateef Ganiu’s late double sealed a 2-0 win for De Potters over hard fighting Badagry United FC while FC Bethel relied on Taiwo Adebayor’s 40th minute strike to tame Jo Sportyne 1-0.

Relegated MFM managed to defeat 36 Lion 2-1 in the fifth game of the opening day of hostilities to hand the Lions their first defeat of the tournament. Saliu Murtala popped up with the opener for the Olukoya Boys in the 28th minute but 36 Lion replied with the equaliser in the 43rd minute through Ede Joseph. MFM had the last laugh when Ishyaku Yusuf swept the ball into the top corner for what turned out to be the winning goal in the 54th minute.

Day One fixtures was completed with the exciting 1-1 draw between Ikorodu City and Smart City FC.

At the end of the first day of hostilities, De Potters are atop in Group A with three points from one game while 36 Lion and MFM FC are second and third with three points each also but Lions have played two games. Badagry United and Messiah FC are fourth and fifth with no point yet.

In Group B, Smart City are at the top with four points from two games. FC Bethel are second with three points while Ikorodu City are in third spot with a point. Olukismet and Jo Sportyne are yet to secure any point.

The Jagaban Cup games continue on Wednesday morning at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

It’s the first edition of the tournament and will be hosted at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan.

In the draw conducted on Tuesday at Lagos SWAN Secretariat, Group A is made up of 36 Lion, Messiah FC, Badagry United, De Potters and MFM FC, while Group B houses Smart City, Olukismet, FC Bethel, Jo Sportyne and Ikorodu City.

36 Lion and Smart City will slug it out in the opening match at Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Tuesday. Kickoff is 7am.

Coordinator of Jagaban Cup, Mr Wale Joseph explained modalities on how the competition will become successful.

He appealed to clubs on the need to embrace fair play and the rules of the game.

Brain behind the tournament, Hajj Olawale Gafar Liameed explained the reason for the competition which is on a No Offside Basis.

“There is no other job as good as football and coaching. This is a scouting tournament that involves Belgium, Czech Republic, Norway and Finland. We will be having minimum of three Europeans for the scouting tournament,” he explained.

“It is called Jagaban Cup because Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is our father. He is the renewed hope. It’s time to do for him. That’s why we have the hashtag, let’s do for the doer. The competition will be an annual event. We will take the competition to the next level. We will host the tournament for a long time. It has come to stay. Asiwaju is a leader and he needs our support. In the name of Jagaban Cup, we are here to build future stars.”

“If you want to be a talent developer, you must be an identifier. A good talent doesn’t need too many minutes to be recognized. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the best talent developer. This tournament has come to stay. Thanks for coming, God will give you the strength to identify the best talents. The scouts are decision makers. If a player is good, he will be recommended. We will also have few scouts who represent the NPFL. Our league needs the best on the domestic font. Some players would be selected to beef up the best teams in Nigeria also.

“The best referees would officiate games, so expect fairness. The scouts are the decision makers. Total package is coming to the clubs. The budget for this project is #20m. Already we have spent over #25m. It’s like climbing the Mountain to feed our players. The more reason we broke the bank to fund this project. This is the first time that we are organizing a Scouting Tournament where clubs didn’t pay a dime. FIFA frowns at third party ownership. If a player is selected, we would allow you deal directly with the scout. That’s what we call Total Package. We see Football as Palace and Sky where every bird flies. Every club will deal with scouts directly, we would be there to serve as Supervisors. We won’t collect a dime from your cut. We want the best players to be selected,” he added.

Jagaban Cup is proudly supported by 36 Lion Investment, Diamond Sports Management and The Enigma.

The Full Draws

Group A

36 Lion
Messiah FC
Badagry United
De Potters
MFM FC

Group B
Smart City
Olukismet
FC Bethel
Jo Sportyne
Ikorodu City

“We have picked a strong team that should be able to perform well at the tournament in Lagos,” said Oladeji.

The squad is made up of two goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders and five attackers.

Fapounda Babatunde and Abdul Korede are the two goalkeepers.

Also making the cut are John Fred, Adewale Lawal, Gbenga Afolayan, Elanya Akonunju, Michael Yusuf, Ibrahim Yebiboh and Olorunfemi Sesan

Draws for Jagaban Cup will hold on Monday 14th November at National Stadium Surulere. Time is 2pm.

The Jagaban Cup will hold from November 15th to 18th at Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.

The squad

Goalkeepers: Fapounda Babatunde, Abdul Korede

Defenders: John Fred, Adewale Lawal, Gbenga Afolayan, Elanya Akonunju, Michael Yusuf, Ibrahim Yebiboh, Olorunfemi Sesan

Midfielders: Francis Uche, Akindoyo Benjamin, Abdulrazaq Ridwan, Adekunle Adebayo, Anuoluwapo Yusuf, Davies Olaide

Forwards: Waku Paul, Aganyebi Kayode, Oyedepo Oyetunji, Owolabi Abdulsalam, Abdulwahab Afeez

Tournament Director, Mr Wale Joseph explained that the competition is billed to hold for four days.

“On November 15th, six games would hold at Mobolaji Johnson Arena,” Wale Joseph began.

“Day two will see six matches take place at same venue.”

“Day three shall also witness six games being played. The last day will see third place and final holding.

He continued: “Games on 15th, 16th and 17th will be played from 7am to 2pm.”

“There shall be no semi final games. Winners of each Group will proceed to the final.”

“Two runners up of each group shall play the third place match at 2pm kickoff on the Friday November 18th.

“The reason for November 14th check-in is for every club to arrive on time and not be held up in the morning rush hour traffic,” the experienced Journalist and Administrator added.

Meanwhile, teams participating at Jagaban Cup have been confirmed their readiness for the competition with Hotels fully booked.

For easy movement during the competition, teams would lodge at some of the best Hotels at Lagos Island.

Ikorodu City, Messiah FC, MFM FC, Olukismet, Badagry United, De Potters, FC Bethel, Jo Sportyne, Smart City and 36 Lion have all confirmed their participation at the tournament.

Arrival of European scouts has been confirmed. It is guaranteed that two of them will touch down in Nigeria on 13th November.

Media parley and draws would hold on 14th November inside the SWAN Hall of the National Stadium Surulere. Time is 3pm.

Five thousand T-Shirts would be distributed for free on the day of the Grand Finale.

Clubs would be divided into two groups of 5 teams each for a round robin style format of 70 minutes per match.

The winner of each group shall meet in the final of 40 minutes per half game (80 minutes).

The runners up of each group shall play 3rd place match of 40 minutes per half.

Japaban Cup will hold from November 15th to 18th at Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

The project is an initiative of 36 Lion Investment, Diamond Sports and Lagos Enigma.

The tournament will hold from November 15th to 18th in the commercial city of Lagos.

Organizers have assured of a befitting competition which is aimed at mobilizing support for APC Presidential Flagbearer Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu aka Jagaban.

One of the sponsors of the event, The Enigma are working around the deck with series of activities planned to add colour to the event.

Preparation is in top gear for the kickoff of the Jagaban Cup.

Arrival of the European scouts has been confirmed. It is guaranteed that two of them will arrive in Nigeria on 13th November.

Media parley and draws would hold on 14th November inside the SWAN Hall of the National Stadium Surulere. Time is 3pm.

Five thousand T-Shirts would be distributed for free on the day of the Grand Finale.

Clubs would be divided into two groups of 5 teams each for a round robin style format of 70 minutes per match.

The winner of each group shall meet in the final of 40 minutes per half game (80 minutes).

The runners up of each group shall play 3rd place match of 40 minutes per half.

The project is an initiative of 36 Lion Investment, Diamond Sports and Lagos Enigma.

Jagaban Cup was put together to canvass for APC Presidential Flagbearer, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2023 General Elections.

De Potters, FC Bethel, Olukismet, Jo Sportyne and 36 Lion would participate at the tournament.

Others are Smart City, Badagry United, MFM FC, Ikorodu City and Messiah FC.

Competition will hold from November 15th to 18th at Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Coordinator, Wale Joseph said participants have started preparation and assured Lagosians of a wonderful tournament.

Organizers are targeting at least five thousand youths who will be live at the Grand Finale.

Those five thousand youths will influence another 50 thousand more across various communities in Lagos through grassroot football.

Clubs would be divided into two groups of 5 teams each for a round robin style format of 70 minutes per match.

The winner of each group shall meet in the final of 40 minutes per half game (80 minutes).

The runners up of each group shall play 3rd place match of 40 minutes per half.

The project is an initiative of 36 Lion Investment, Diamond Sports and Lagos Enigma.

Top European scouts from Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Norway and Spain would be on ground to select talented players at the competition.