The Chief Operating Officer of the Nationwide League One (NLO) Olushola Ogunnowo, has dedicated his Football Administrator Of The Year Award to the Nigeria football family.

He made this known after he received his African Illustrious Award as the Football Administrator Of The Year.

This prestigious award, first of its kind to be awarded a football administrator in Nigeria’s football family, and was formally conferred to Ogunnowo on Friday at Oriental Hotels, Lagos alongside other trailblazing Africans.

Ogunnowo’s unmatched administrative qualities and work ethic at ensuring that Nigeria’s grassroot football becomes viable earned him the prestigious award.

A delighted NLO COO told the media after he picked his award: “I am humbled by this award, I want to thank my colleagues in the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for their cooperation that made me excel in my schedules.

“My sincere gratitude to my mentors in the line of duty (Alh. Alhassan Yakmut, Alh. Tukur Babangida, Dr. Sanusi Mohammed NFF GS, Amb. Fanny Amun). They made me.”

Ogunnowo’s recognition was in line with the African Illustrious Award vision to project and promote excellence in Africa, not as an exception, but as a consistent pattern in the modern African experience pursuant to the above.

The nation’s third-tier domestic league under his strict management policies, has witnessed giant strides.

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau was among the guest that watched the on going Unity Preseason Tournament holding in Abuja.

The President who came in as the last match of the second day was going on,was received by the Organizers alongside the Chairman of Nasarawa United Barrister Danladi Isaac, Media Aide to the Sports Minister Kola Daniel among others. The President came in when the match between NPFL side Nasarawa United of Lafia and NLO 1 side Like-Minds FC of Gwagwalada Abuja, which ended two goals to one in favour of Nasarawa United, was going on. The President came in unannounced.

Speaking on the visit of the NFF President to the tournament, the General Coordinator of the Unity Preseason Tournament, Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu Ndi Abia) was full of appreciation to the President for finding time to watch the games, saying that the NFF Boss has truly demonstrated that he belongs to the grassroots, and wants to keep abreast with what is happening there. He thanked the President for his passion, and prayed for God’s divine wisdom for him.

Meanwhile, Nasarawa United on Sunday became the first team to qualify for the quarter finals of the tournament after winning two of their group matches. They defeated Mailantariki FC by two goals to nil, in their first match, before overcoming Like-Minds FC by two goals to one. The second qualifier from the group will be determined on Monday when Like-Minds FC takes on Mailantariki FC at the Area 3 playing ground.

Other results of matches played so far are as follows :

DAY ONE: Saturday , Oct. 22

1. Nasarawa (2) vs Mailantarki (0 )- OPG
2. Manahaim (1) vs Doma (0)OPG
3. Lobi (1) vs City (0)- OPG
4. FWC (4)vs Destiny FC (0) Area 3 *Day TWO ** Sunday 23 October 2022*
5. Wikki (1) Vs EFCC (1)- OPG
6. Destiny F3 (2) vs Nuredeen FC (0) OPG
7. Setraco (1) Vs FWC (1) Area 3
8. Like Minds (1) Vs Nasarawa (2 ) Area 3 DAY THREE Fixtures For Monday , Oct 24 2022 Destiny FC vs Setraco (10am) OPG EFCC Vs Mahanaim (12noon ) – OPG Nurudeen FC Vs FWC (2pm ) – OPG IB Sports Dreams Vs City (4pm) OPG

Doma vs Wikki (2 pm) Area 3

Mailantarki vs Like Minds ( 4pm) Area 3

Eight champions, the Smart City FC (Lagos State), Madiba FC (Lagos State), FC Ebedei (Ogun State), Police Barretta FC (Gombe), Kun Khalifa FC (Imo State), Aspire FC (Anambra State), Jnr Danburan (Katsina State) and Mailatarki Care FC of the Federal Capital Territory, will slug it out in the play-off to determine the overall winner of the NLO 2022 season.

According to the adept Chief Operating Officer(COO) of the nation’s third division football league, Olushola Ogunnowo.

“All is set for another epic six days of football display from the best and top teams from the 2021/22 season of the NLO.

“The idea behind the Championship Play-Off is simple, and that’s having the overall champion of the NLO season, despite the eight teams earning promotion to the Nigeria National League (NNL).

“Just as we have Rivers United as champions of the Nigeria Professional Football League(NPFL), the new NLO winner will emerge from the play-off.

“We are delighted that the Legacy Pitch, in the Sports City (Surulere) of Lagos is hosting the football fiesta.

“Fans in the cosmopolitan city will get to see the quality of our grassroots football that will be exhibited by the teams that emerged champions.

“Aside from fans catching a glimpse of our good football, they should also be top-notch officiating and quality organisation, which the NLO is known for.

“For followers of the NLO on social media, the play-off matches will be on live stream on the NLO TV App. The essence is for fans not to miss any action of the games but view them in their comfort zones and locations.”

With the eight teams beating the Sunday date for arrival in Lagos and knowing their groupings, the opening fixtures of the championship play-off, get underway from Monday with Group B matches.

Junior Danburam against Madiba FC at 10 am with the second game, Aspire FC and Police Barretta fixed for noon.

The Group B fixture will see Mailatarki Care FC tackle FC Ebedei at 2 pm while the last game for Matchday One between Smart City and Kun Khalifa FC is fixed for 4pm.

A total of 8 teams secured promotion to the NNL after they finished the season top of their groups and emerged victorious in the promotion playoffs.

The playoffs, which was hosted at neutral venues, had Smart City FC (Lagos State), Madiba FC (Lagos State), FC Ebedei (Ogun State), Police Barretta FC, Kun Khalifa FC (Imo State), Aspire FC (Anambra State), Jnr Danburan (Katsina State) and Mailatarki Care FC of the Federal Capital Territory, earning promotion to the Nigerian National League(NNL).

The eight teams will at the Legacy Pitch in Surulere, Lagos will slug it out in the championship play-off to determine the overall winner for the NLO 2022 season.

With arrival date for teams fixed for Sunday October 2nd, the opening fixtures of the championship play-off are JNR Danburan versus Madiba (10am), Aspire FC versus Police Barreta (12noon), Mailatarki Care FC versus FC Ebedei (2pm) and Smart City versus Kun Khalifa FC billed for 4pm respectively on 3rd October.

Below is the profile of the eight promoted teams:

MAILANTARKI CARE FC
Founded in 2021, the name Mailantarki Care FC was derived from the owner’s name – Hon Khamisu Ahmed Mailantarki – who created the football academy from his Foundation, Mailantarki Care Foundation, in order to discover and promote young talented players to professional level locally or internationally.

Mailantarki Care FC is affiliated to the FCT Football Association and duly registered and participated in both the FA Cup and Division I of the Nigeria Nationwide League One, where it was promoted in 2022 to the 2nd Tier Nigeria National League (NNL) in its first ever appearance in the NLO.

Nigeria’s U-17 World Cup winning coach Manu Garba OON is the club Technical Director and he guided the team to the achieve the aforementioned promotion as well as other international achievements in the 2022 Dana Cup and Norway Cup in Hjørring and Oslo respectively.

FC EBEDEI
FC Ebedei was founded in 1998 in Lagos, from where it moved to Sagamu in Ogun state. FC EBEDEI graduands regularly appear in the prestigious UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE for several European clubs as a result of the success of the club in selling players to clubs in Europe.

From inception FC EBEDEI has consistently graduated her alumni to the very top of World football, including the five top leagues of Europe and the senior national teams of Nigeria, with notable players such as Obafemi Martins, Ayodele Makinwa, Oluwafemi Ajilore, Paul Ebere Onuachu, Frank Onyeka, Raphael Onyedika Nwadike among others having their roots in the club. Interestingly FC EBEDEI has been champion of all tiers/divisions of the Nationwide League One.

MADIBA FOOTBALL CLUB
Madiba Football Club (often nicknamed ‘The Moving Train’) is a Nigerian football club based in Oshodi, Lagos state.

Founded in 2017 by Alhaja Adebisi Adeyemi Basirat, the club is primarily set up as an initiative to have a grassroots football club as a platform for recreational activity among the youth and also to serve as an avenue to discover talents and provide a pathway for such talented youth to keep away from anti-social vices and behaviour in the community.

In 2018, the continuous hard work of the club saw them finish 2nd in their first season in the Nationwide League One (NLO). In 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 season, Madiba FC also finished second in the NLO.

In the 2021/2022 season, Madiba FC maintained an unbeaten record in fourteen league matches in their C1 group, and on August 20, 2022, after topping the table, Madiba FC secured promotion to the Nigeria National League (NNL) after beating Beyond Limit FC from Ogun state on penalties at the NLO play-off held at the Lekan Salami stadium, Adamasingba Ibadan.

KUN KHALIFAT FC
Kun Khalifat Football Club was founded in 2020 by Mr. Michael Chukwudi Amaefula (Chairman). The club is based in Owerri, Imo State and they play their home games at (OISA) Onwubike International Soccer Stadium Ngor-Okpala, Imo State.

The club reached the NLO play-off in 2021 and won the AITEO Cup 2022 in Imo State, also topping their group at the end of the the Nationwide League One (NLO) 2022 season to gain Promotion to Nigeria National League (NNL).

Kun Khalifat Football Club is a full-time football club that takes part in national competitive games to enhance the rapid and professional growth of its players and provide exposure for their players to national and international football.

POLICE BARETTA FC
Police Baretta FC is a Nigeria Police team based in Gombe, Gombe state. The club is sponsored by the Nigeria Police Force under special dispensation of the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali, and serves as the police team. The chairman of the club is Garba Sule Yaro while the technical adviser is Coach Omatiga Gabriel.

Police Baretta FC was promoted to NLO Division 1 in 2019 and topped their group in the 2022 NLO season to gain promotion to NNL

SMART CITY FOOTBALL CLUB
Smart City Football Club is based in Lagos and is registered to train, develop and promote youth development through sports. Affiliated to Lagos state Football Association (LSFA), Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Federation of International Football Association (FIFA), Smart City FC is a club grown from the love of the game of soccer and managed by experienced staff made up of former football players and sports administrators with decades of experience, and with a dedication to developing future football players.

Smart City FC sets out its mission to provide instructional and competitive youth football opportunities that enhance character, community and love of the game, while also integrating development of self-esteem, self-confidence, teamwork, respect for self and other, and all the inherent benefits of physical exercise into its training programme, through quality coaching, sound leadership and absolute sincerity of purpose.

The club is solely sponsored by its President who ensures that it is able to perform many important team-related duties to keep up with other clubs in the NLO fold

JUNIOR DANBURAM FC DAURA
Junior Danburam FC Daura was established in 2002 by the Prince of Daura Alhaji Muhammad Daha Umar, and named after his traditional title of Danburam Daura. It is a privately owned and sponsored club

Junior Danburam FC Daura started with players between 12 and 13 years of age, competing in age grade local competitions where they won many trophies including:

1. Samba Challenge Cup in 2005.
2. Daura Local government Unity Cup in 2006.
3. Daura Emirate (Emir’s Cup) 2007
4. Daura Premier League 2008.
5. Katsina state Muslims/Christians Peace & Unity Cup

In 2009, Junior Danburam FC Daura started participating in the Katsina State Super League Competition where their outstanding performance in the tournament got them an automatic ticket to represent the State in Inter State U-17 Competition held in Kano, where they emerged the runner-up of the competition. Junior Danburam FC Daura also represented Katsina state in President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peace and Unity Cup in 2011/2012 which they won to secure the ticket to represent Nigeria in UEA Dubai for an U-20 Local competition in that country. In 2013, the club were also runner-up in the Katsina State Sure-P Competition and a year later they participated in and won the state Governor’s Cup.

Their entry into Division III of the Nationwide League One in 2016 came about because they won State Super League and in 2017, they gained promotion to Division II of the NLO where they were till they were promoted in 2021/2022 to the NNL.

ASPIRE FC ADAZI- ANI
Aspire Football Club based in Anambra State, was born on 18th of September 2018, at a time when unemployment was rife manifesting in agitations, restiveness and insecurity and solutions that could provide a platform that would offer young people an opportunity for recognition and the expression of their talents.

The young club, made up of 50 amateur talents assembled from different parts of the state, were given a new home and exposed to effective training where their hunger for opportunity was let loose on the football pitch. In their very first season, they went ahead to become Anambra State FA champions defeating the likes of Ifeanyi Uba FC in the tournament. This team of undaunted players further became the NLO Division II champions the same year enabling them gain promotion to NLO Division 1.

The COVID 19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted football activities all over the globe, but right after the lifting of the lockdown, Aspire FC was on the field again topping their NLO Division I Group. Unfortunately for them, they lost at the league play-off, finishing in 2nd place and missing the opportunity for a second consecutive promotion.

In the 2021/2022 NLO Season, Aspire FC once again topped their NLO Division I Group and emerged successful at the playoffs, consequently gaining promotion to the Nigeria National League (NNL).

Secretariat of the nation’s third-tier domestic league announced via its media department that the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium in Surulere will host the six days.

Eight teams of Smart City FC (Lagos State), Madiba FC (Lagos State), FC Ebedei (Ogun State), Police Barretta FC, Kun Khalifa FC (Imo State), Aspire FC (Anambra State), Jnr Danburan (Katsina State) and Mailatarki Care FC of the Federal Capital Territory, will slug it out in the championship play-off to determine the overall winner for the NLO 2022 season.

The league body has also informed the team that it has made provision to accommodate a 25-man contingent, (made up of 20 players and five Officials) of each team.

The arrival date for all teams is fixed for Sunday, October 2nd while the kickoff date is 3rd October.

Opening fixtures of the championship play-off are Mailatarki Care FC versus FC Ebedei and Smart City versus Kun Khalifa FC billed for 2 and 4 pm respectively.

Meanwhile, the final is fixed for October 8th at the Legacy Pitch.

One of the standout names at the football event of the just concluded Nigeria University Games (NUGA) held in Lagos is Adams Josiah, a 200L Education Management student of the University Of Ilorin.

His rapid growth from being the third choice to the number of the school is a credit to his dedication and determination to be the best in wherever he finds himself.

In an exclusive interview with SOC Voice, the young goalkeeper spoke about how death shattered his dreams of bringing his beloved mother out of the trenches, his role models plus what he would want to be in the nearest future.

Excerpt from the interview:

Can we know you?

My name is s Yachat Ochoya Josiah. A 200 level student of the University of Ilorin. I am proud to be a citizen of the faculty of Education as an Educational Manager.

I am also the Goalkeeper of the Unilorin School team (Unilorin Warriors) and was part of the team that won Gold at the just concluded Nigerian University Games (NUGA 2022).

Aside being a student, what other things do you engage in?

    I am a full-time football player, I play in the Third Tier of the Nigerian Football League.

What do you prefer to be called?

    Jojo, its what everybody calls me, even my mummy.

What is your passion?

     Football, It is second to none
Reading a good novel is not far behind tho.

Is football a talent or skill you possess?

     It’s a skill I possess. I wasn’t born with it. I am working tirelessly to get it.

If not football, what else?

I always wanted to be a lawyer. Its a profession I admired right from childhood because of the funny wig, fancy Vocabulary and the fact that you literally hold the fate of people in your hands.

I still admire it till date.

So when I am not in class taking lecturers, I am always on the field playing football.

How have been your experience as one of “Unilorin Warriors”?

   Good. The team has helped me grow both as a Football player and as a man. Because the team doesn’t only give you a ball to kick around, it also shapes its players to be men of character and valor.

In other words, if I am to count and name my blessings, Unilorin Warriors will pop up.
Also, it made me famous around the campus. We all can do with a little fame.

How do you cope with Academics and Foolball, I believe Football seeks attention likewise Academics?

    This is the greatest challenge I am facing, there was a time we travelled to play FUT Minna in a competitive match and when I got back, they did a test in my absence.

I had to make up for it in my exams. Somehow I didn’t carry the course.
This is just one of the numerous problems that I have faced but it all comes down to how calculative and lucky someone is. I hope that with time, things will get easier.

What motivates you when you feel down?

   Bringing my mother out of the Trenches has always been my drive. But I lost her last week Thursday. It was really difficult for me.
But now I have something else to draw strength from and that is the fact that she was solidly behind me and she rooted for me every step of the way, I know she still is and I always feel strengthened knowing this.

How do you overcome your challenges?

   I share them with my elder brothers. They are also professional footballers and graduates. They have been in my shoes before.
Trust me, if you have elder siblings who have gone through exactly what you are going through and they are doing really well years later, you’ll be the one looking for challenges up and down.

Who is your role model?

    I look up to two people for certain reasons; Their story inspire me in my area of specialty and I thank God I have the means of reaching out to the and they have been of immense help to me.
-Dele Aiyenigba (Kwara United’s Goalkeeper) and Surajudeen Olayiwola Ayeleso (Plateau United’s Goalkeeper).

Where do you see yourself in 5years?

    A University of Ilorin graduate who is married to his dream girl playing the sport he loves the most.

What is your favorite quote?

    Never ride a willing horse to death..

What advice do you have for amateur/potential Footballer?
    We still have a lot of ground to cover, the journey has only begun. We shouldn’t lose focus and get distracted by the little achievements.

Josiah Adams kept 4 clean sheets in 5 games as the University of Ilorin won the football category of the NUGA games saving the decisive penalty against the Obafemi Awolowo University.

University of Ilorin will be on hand to welcome University Of Agriculture of Makurdi in the return leg of their round of 16 fixture in Ilorin on August with Josiah expected to return to the starting lineup after missing out of the first leg due to the death of his mother, Mrs Esther Adams.

Coach of Mavlon FC of Otukpo Kayode Jabala says despite the defeat to Flight FC, that the 2-1 scoreline was not the true reflection of the game as Ibrahim Muhammed Beji was a tormentor and could have earned a point for the team

Scens from the Nationwide League One (NLO) between both teams last weekend showed that Nigeria can unearth talents in the grassroots via the platform provided by the nation’s third-tier league.

Muhammed was able to prove how vital he is through his superb work rate for the team, to the amusement of fans that saw the game.

With his deft touches, ball dribbles and fire power, he was a torn of flesh to Flight FC defence line, as it simply showed why he a player for the future. Reason why he played a pivotal role in the Flying Eagles success at the WAFU B U 20 tournament in May after Nigeria emerged as champions.

“We are not happy with the result, my team gave its best in the game, but football can be cruel sometimes when the result goes the other way and not as planned,” said Jabala in his post-match comments.

“A point from the game should have been the tonic my players needed going forward, and Ibrahim Mohammed, who just joined the squad did put up a Man of the Match (MOTM) performance.

“He has settled down very quickly with his new teammates and played well with my tactical formation for the game.

“Mavlon FC will continue to give room for young players to come and develop themselves. That is the main focus of the club and we strongly believe that Mohammed is here to further develop his game.”

Mohammed who bagged three goals for Nigeria at was acquired from Maikunkele Football Academy of Minna, Muhammed started his football career from Tempo Academy in Minna too.

The Flying Eagles star is a doubt a rear talent with his abilities. At the WAFU B U 20 tournament in Niger, the lanky striker caught the attention of some European and North African scouts, but nothing juicy was offered to lure the player away from Mavlon FC.

The management of Nationwide League One outfits, Hammola lnt’l FC of Ido Osun have named coach Mudathir Adekunle as the club’s head coach but in acting capacity.

Following the resignation letter received from the club’s Technical Adviser, Abdulazeez Abdulrasaq, the management have since pronounced Mudathir Adekunle as the head of technical crew.

Jamiu Mudathir Adekunle, a certified NIS coach who has worked as assistant to the just departed coach will continue to pilot the technical affairs henceforth untill the new technical adviser will be named.

With a nose for players development and stability, Mudathir has proved himself beyond doubt that he even command the respects of players on and off the pitch.

Lee Bombers as they are fondly called will aim to finish in appreciable position on the Nationwide League One Division One log and finally debut in the National Challenge Cup tagged Aiteo Cup 2022.

The experienced Gaffer resigned from the NLO One side Hammola International FC citing personal reasons.

The former NWFL Premiership side Osun Babes FC Tactician guarded the Ido-Osun based side to back to back Federation Cup (AITEO Cup) finals in Osun State, a feat seen as extraordinary in the history of the modest club.

In a letter delivered to the club’s management, the former Knight FC Head Coach thanked the Club for the opportunity given to him to serve.

“I Abdulazeez AbdulRazak wish to inform you of my decision to resign from my position as Head Coach of Hammola International FC due to personal reasons,” Hoppers said.

“My decision to leave is 100% based on personal reasons. Having achieved alot during my two years at Hammola International FC, it’s hightime to face another challenge as a coach.

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve the club, not forgetting the entire players, supporters, technical Crew, management and the good people of Ido-Osun.

The young Manager was incharge of the club for less than two years and led the Club to seven (7) finals in his first season, winning three (3) and losing four (4) in the process. His next destination will be announced in some few weeks.

Ogunnowo, whose integrity and work ethics speaks volume when it comes to administration of grassroot football in Nigeria, became the President of the society with a landslide victory at the polls on Thursday in Abuja.

The nation’s third-tier domestic league administrative boss won the poll with 47 votes dusting former Secretary Nigeria National League (NNL), Ayo Rahaman to a distance second place as he pulled 15 votes.

Danlamin Alanana who pulled seven votes came third on the list while Alizor Chucks finished fourth with five.

Ogunnowo, who expressed his delight after the society’s Electoral Committee announced him the winner, was full of praise to everyone who took in the process.

According to him, “Regardless the results, the election to become President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) Staff Cooperative Society was keenly a contest, as any of the candidates could have emerged.

“The mandate given to me, overwhelmingly by everyone in the society, I will always cherish and my sincere thanks go to everyone.

“It is a new tough task for me, and one I can deliver with the sincere support of everyone, who want growth and success of this body.”