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

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.

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.

Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has boosted the morale of the star’s darling team, Kwara United Football Club, ahead of the team’s last home game of the season against MFM FC of Lagos in Ilorin.

A statement by the Club, made available by the Media Team indicated that the management has secured approval to pay all the debts owed during the cause of prosecuting it’s matches, especially in the second round of the season.

Confirming the development, the club Chairman, Kumbi Titiloye thanked the Governor for the sustained support to the team, adding that the team will reciprocate the gesture with a continental ticket at the end of the season.

“Our Governor has just approved money to clear all the debts owed in the cause of prosecuting our league matches, and we must not but be grateful, because it will help us focus on the challenges ahead.

“It’s a commendable feat by the state Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. We thank all our Supporters, Fans, stakeholders and followers all over the world for their support.

Kwara United FC is currently fourth on the table with 55 points from 36 matches, and a strong prospect of picking one of the continental slots at the end of the last match against Heartland FC in Owerri next weekend.

“A win against MFM in Ilorin is crucial to our continental target, and this wonderful gesture by Governor AbdulRazaq will be an added motivation for the players and officials”, Kumbi added.

Ahead of Sunday’s match-day 37 encounter between Kwara United Football Club and MFM FC, the Kwara Central Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in next year’s polls, Mallam Saliu Mustapha, has purchased three thousand tickets for football fans to cheer the Harmony Boys to victory.

Continually, Mustapha also pledged to pay the winning bonus of the duel to all Kwara United players should they emerge victorious in the tie against the Lagos based side.

The NPFL game which is the last home tie of Kwara United FC in the 2021/2022 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), is to encourage the club to secure the CAF continental ticket.

Kwara United are currently occupying fourth position on the NPFL log with 55 points from 36 games and they are expected to win their two remaining matches of the week 37 against MFM this Sunday and week 38 away match against Heartland FC of Owerri next Sunday to stand a chance of picking continental ticket.

“It’s my believe that having the stadium filled with fans will go a long way to motivate the players to victory and that is why I agreed with the Management Board of Kwara United Football Club to purchase Match Day Tickets for Three Thousand Club Supporters and also foot the payment of Winning Bonuses to our players for the last Home Match against MFM FC on Sunday 10 July, 2022 at the Main Bowl of Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin in our Quest to Qualify for CAF Continental Ticket.

“As a sports loving person, I will always support our darling club and encourage our youths especially sports lovers to obtain their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) and ultimately participate in the 2023 general elections,” Mustapha said.

While reacting to the gesture and support, the Chairman of Kwara United FC, Kumbi Titiloye, appreciated Mallam Mustapha for identifying with the club, and also complementing the efforts of the state government on the team.

Titiloye also seized the opportunity to commend the Executive Chairman of the State Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Mogaji, his Board members and other stakeholders for their support to the team.

MFM FC XI
1. Folarin Abayomi 5. Barry Legbara 11. Dennis Obasi 14. Julius Emiloju 21. Oladayo Alabi 24. Tunde Azeez 28. Solomon Agbalaka 29. Chukwudi Ekeocha 32. Onyeabuchi Ifeanyi 34. Adikwu Moses 35. Kenedinum Nelson
Subs
32. Osayi Kingdom 2. Badejo Oluwaseun 4. Alimi Adebayo 8. Muyiwa Balogun 16.Micah Ojodomo 17. Moses Shodeinde 18. Akeem Balogun 22. Adebayo Taylor 26. Richie Eguavoen

The quarter-final showdown of what could be termed Yhellow Football Fiesta (NPFL Laliga U-15 Promises Youth League), went down today at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, and the first match of the day was between Kano Pillars FC and Gombe United FC.

The end of the Ramadan fast ensured both teams played physical football unlike how they approached their previous games in the competition.

Pillars drew the first blood in the 20th minute through Imran Musa, who showed class with his pace and dribbling skills by taking on Gombe United centre backs to bury the ball in the net.

Idris Khamis doubled the lead for Kano Pillars U-15 side shortly after the restart having being located by a pass from Aliyu Auwal, after a few midfield interchanges.

The Gombe United U-15 side finally threw caution to the wind and went all out in a quest for a comeback but matters only got worse as the Kano lads took advantage of a fast break and increased the tally to three via a long range shot from Imran Musa.

Their relentless effort soon paid off, but it was a little too late as Abdullahi Bello’s 52nd minute strike and Miko Dalha stoppage time penalty only served as consolation.

In his post-match reaction, the coach of Kano Pillars U-15 side, Suleiman Aliyu said: “I am a little accomplished that the boys gave out their all in today’s game and I believe they would come all out to play in our next match because the Ramadan fast is over.

“I am sure the boys will consolidate on this victory in our next match; we will have a full complement of our team in all areas.”

The MFM FC vs Remo Stars game became the match of the day, as it stole the shine off the first match.

Both teams expressed themselves in all ramifications, especially in the midfield and the spectators who came never regretted they did, as the young lads entertained the crowd beyond expectations.

Peter Adejimi of Remo Stars fired his side into the lead in the 10th minute from a Promise Meliga’s assist, while Stanley Ohaemesi doubled the lead 8 minutes later via a goal mouth scramble.

Francis Ajibola of MFM FC pulled one back from the spot after being fouled in the penalty area by Nse Believe, but that wasn’t enough to bring them at par before the final whistle.

Remo Stars Director of Youth football, Tiago Conde, in his post match reaction stated that: “We came into the game with the right mentality and the boys gave a good account of themselves.

“We decided to infuse a few players into the game in the second half to correct a few mistakes, but it didn’t work out as planned.

Day two of the quarter-final parents will see katsina United playing against Wikki Tourists FC, while Sunshine Stars FC will square up against Shooting Stars Sports Club.

Wives of professional Footballers under the aegis of Professional Footballers Wives Association have congratulated the players and officials of Akwa United FC for emerging champions of the 2021 npfl season. 

In a congratulatory message signed by the president of the Association  Mrs Ify Lordson Ichull, the group said Akwa United are worthy champions of the highly contested league season. 

She said that the Association were grateful to God for the success of the season and urged the Players of Akwa United to be good ambassadors of the country at the continental level.

The players wives Association commended the LMC for a job well done as they described the season as one of the best in the history of the league in Nigeria plus good officiating. 

Elder Bassey in a phone conversation with the team ahead of today’s game, encouraged the boys to put behind them their semi-final loss to Warri Wolves but should focus on finishing strong in today’s third-place match against MFM.

According to the Club Boss, “I’m really impressed with your performance at this championship considering the fact that we didn’t have enough time to actually prepare for the competition. But despite getting to work on a short notice, you have made us proud with the impact you have made so far.

“In football, it’s either you win, lose or draw and there is no team in world football who has not experienced any of these results. I want you to be proud of your incredible record of four wins, two draws and one defeat, with just one goal conceded after seven matches.

“Today’s bronze medal match is your last in this year’s championship. Go out there and do your best and ensure you end on a winning note because this is the beginning of your football careers, make it a memorable one by finishing among the top three teams”.

Elder Paul Bassey conveyed to the team the satisfaction of the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Sir Monday Ebong Uko whom he said is happy with the team’s performance and achievements.

The club boss commended the management team and the technical crew of the U-15 team led by Mr. Anietie Christo and Coach Edward Edemekong for their ingenuity and dedication towards the team’s success at the championship.

The battle for slots in the last four wasn’t determined until today as the young lads thrilled at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

Ajibona Uthmann became the first player to net a hat-trick in this year’s tournament as MFM FC disgraced Lobi Stars 6-1.

Madu Ebuka registered a brace while Akinleminu Lucky also scored for the Olukoya Boys.

Ihuee Bernard accounted for Stars’ solitary goal.

Akwa United humbled Heartland 2-0, thanks to goals from Idorenyen John and Ofofon James.

In their last game in Pool B of the competition, Wolves defeated Kano Pillars 2-1 in a keenly contested tie.

Prior to the encounter, Kwara United and Katsina United had played a barren draw in the first Pool B game of the day.

That result had set the stage for a-winner-takes-it-all clash between Pillars and Warri Wolves, as the young Seasiders had garnered four points from their two Pool B games earlier, while Kano Pillars were on three points.

The young Sai Masu Gida campaigners went ahead in the 35th minute of the tie through Ishaq Muktar from the penalty spot.

Four minutes later, Wolves had their perfect response when Jeffery Angayana scored the equalizer.

In the second half of the encounter, Manah Stephen scored the winner and deflated all hopes of qualification for Kano Pillars.

Meanwhile, MFM FC have a tricky semi-final test against defending champions Katsina.

The other fixture will see Warri Wolves lock horns with Akwa United.

Both games will take place at the Cathedral on Friday.