Adegbenro, a seasoned sports administrator spoke on the topic: “Emerging Patterns Of Opportunities In Football Industry, Ethics And Challenges,” at the 2022 Family United By Football (FUBF) Day held in Osogbo.

It was an eye-opening event for stakeholders in the sports industry in the state as the high point of Adegbenro’s talk was: “Investing in football is a profitable venture if well managed, as football key actors must brace up for the emerging technologies and opportunities in football.

“Players of Nigeria’s domestic football should stick to the ethics of the job to suit best global practices and not get involved in betting, as it hurts the sports within several scandals and the integrity of sports through various acts including spot-fixing and match-fixing.”

The coordinator of the Spanish La Liga in Nigeria further thanked the Convener of FUBF, Tunde Shamsudeen on the growth of USM Khenchela of Algeria striker Tosin Omoyele.

Adegbenro further donated 20 match balls to the state’s grassroot coaches, with the target of developing the beautiful round leather game from the basics.

Shamsudeen in his welcome address, tasked the administrators of sports in the state to make sports thrive as he frowned at the inappropriate use of government sporting facilities in Osun State; and condemned hosting of burial activities in the stadium, which if put to good use, would help to discover more talents.

According to the Sports Media personality of repute: “Every stakeholder has a key role to play in this regard, as we should make sports thrive in Osun State.

“The era of using sports facilities in the state for other purposes aside sports events should be kicked against in totality by all who have the interest of the youths engaging in sports at heart.”

The custodian of football in the state and Secretary Osun State Football Association, Abayomi Amoo expressed his delight with the organisation of the 2022 FUBF Day. He then charged the FUBF Day organisers to avail him of the cost of hosting the next edition of the event two months ahead, as he would personally fund part of the budget.

Rotimi Dumoye (GM Sports Council) said the success of Osun State in the 2022 National Sports Festival won’t get into their heads as they will ensure that Osun become a stronghold for sports in Nigeria.

Stakeholders via the ‘United Voice’ appealed to the state government to keep investing in sports and that the concerned should speak to authorities with one voice.

Shooting Stars will renew its rivalry with defending champions Remo Stars in the final of the 10th edition of the Optima Energy Gold Cup.

Recall in the last edition, the Sky Blue Stars mauled the Oluwole Warriors 4-0 to claim the trophy.

It’s a record for 3SC and Coach Gbenga Ogunbote, as both are making it to a third final of the preseason tournament after the Oluyole Warriors defeat Sunshine Stars by three goals to one.

3SC produced a five-star performance to claim the bragging rights over their southwest neighbours, Sunshine Stars.

The game was full of suspense and fireworks with end-to-end football that produced four goals, and two in each half.

Anthony Okachi should have made it 1-0 for the Oluyole Warriors in the earliest period of the South West derby after his long-range shoot-on target rattled the crossbar of the Owen Whales. Sunshine Stars had their half chances but was not enough to put them ahead.

Shooting Stars took the lead in the 20th minute after good attacking teamwork, which saw Abdallahi Hassan finding the back of the net from a rebound as Mustapha Lawal punches Stone Samuel’s effort away.

Sunshine Stars didn’t let the lead last and responded 22 minutes after, as Uzoechi Ejike made it 1-1 scoring from the spot kick after a 3SC defender was penalized for a handball in the box.

Okachi, who was a thorn in the flesh of the Owena Whale defenders, turned away from his marker to shoot the ball beyond the reach of Sunshine Stars’ goalkeeper and restored 3SC’s lead.

As Sunshine Stars pushed for the equalising goal to stretch the game to a penalty shootout, they got punished in added minutes of regulation time.

A needless foul on 3SC Promise Damala in the Owena Whales box, made the referee to award a penalty against them.

And Joshua Akpan converted the spot kick, thereby putting the icing on the cake and made it 3-1 for 3SC.

The goal is Akpan’s fifth of the Optima Energy Gold Cup, thus making him the top scorer.

The final of the pre – season tournament will take place on Saturday at the Remo Stars stadium in Ikenne.

The 10-day soccer fiesta of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup now Optima Energy Gold Cup, a preseason tourney for clubs in the Nigerian domestic league, kicks off on September 22 to October 1st in Ikenne and Sagamu.

A total of 10 teams cut across the Nigerian domestic leagues, will use the platform to prepare their teams for the new football season.

Olanrewaju Ogunjobi, one of the sons of former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) late Taiwo Ogunjobi in the statement said: “We are proud to be part of the tourney as it has set the standard for other preseason tournaments in Nigeria.

“It’s our delight that the tourney which has a meaningful mark of our father is in its 10th edition.

“For the teams and Nigeria football family that has contributed one way to the success of the tourney, we say thank you to all of them, as not a few preseason championships have come this far.

“On our part, in memory of our father, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi ‘Skippo’, the Taiwo Ogunjobi Foundation will reward the top scorer and Most Valuable Player (MVP) of this year’s Optima Energy Gold Cup with cash sums and plaques.”

Alansmith recently installed a 60mm FIFA standard artificial turf pitch, with shock pads, and French drain system at the FC Ebedei sports facility in Sagamu.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Alansmith Nigeria Ltd Joshua Adamu says they are once proud to be associate with the tournament which has become a brand in Nigeria’s domestic football in the past 10 years.

Adamu assured managers and coaches should expect the best performance from their players while on the pitch.

“Our groundsman will be there to provide technical support on the pitch. The pitch is eco friendly at any time of the day and in any weather condition.

“What we have installed at FC Ebedei Stadium, allows for speed, ball bounce and ankle movement for players.

“Recall ankle injury, is one of the things NPFL players encounter in the league, but that’s not so when you play on our certified turfs.”

The 10-day soccer fiesta will kick off on Thursday September 22 to Saturday October 1st in Ikenne and Sagamu.

Poised to add value to football, private funded Nigeria National League club Sporting Lagos has partnered with the Optima Energy Gold Cup.

The Optima Energy Gold Cup, a preseason tournament for football teams in the Nigerian domestic leagues, will be hosting its 10th edition from September 22 to Independence Day, October 1st, in Ikenne and Sagamu.

Sporting Lagos Football Club is the brainchild of Shola Akinlade, Co-Founder/CEO of Paystack, Nigeria’s leading online payment platform

“Sporting Lagos is proud to partner with the Optima Energy Gold Cup which is in it’s 10th edition. We share the same dream with the organizers as we both intend to help the next football talents in Nigeria,” says Godwin Enakhena, the chairman of the club. 

According Tunde Shamsudeen, the Optima Energy Gold Cup General Coordinator stated: “We’re delighted to be associated with a tech investor, Akinlade, who is using Sporting Lagos as a platform for community development and social change.

“The partnership is a big boost and one that will be of immense benefit to both brands during the tourney.

“Private investment is what our football is lacking over the years, with Sporting Lagos coming on board, Paystack and it’s others sponsorship brands such as Abeg, PiggyVest, Renmoney and Helium Health could use the different football platforms in Nigeria to promote their products and services.

“It’s worthy to note that over the years, the Optima Energy Gold Cup has helped grow Nigerian brands, showcase the uniqueness of our football and it’s numerous talents. 

“With Sporting Lagos on board and the trio of defending champions Remo Stars, FC Ebedei, Beyond Limits and Mavlon FC, the Optima Energy Gold Cup now has a good mix of privately funded clubs and that of government.”

Nigerian sport kits brand, Volt has sealed a partnership agreement with the nation’s prestigious preseason tournament, Optima Energy Gold Cup.

The 10th edition of the tourney for teams in Nigeria’s domestic leagues will kick off on Thursday, September 22 in Ikenne and Sagamu respectively.

The Chief Brand Officer, Oluwadammielare Blaq-Adedapo told Optima Energy Gold Cup Media: “We’re delighted to have sealed an agreement with Optima Energy Gold Cup, as Volt Sports will kit match officials and members of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) during the 10-day event.

“Over the years the Ogunjobi Gold Cup, now Optima Energy Gold Cup has proven to be the best platform to prepare our clubs at the three tiers of our domestic leagues before the start of the new season.

“The organisers are so considerate as they invite teams from the three divisions of our league, Nigeria Professional Football League(NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL) and Nationwide League One (NLO). This brings about a healthy challenge in the tourney.

“Teams that have participated in the tournament have different success stories, by either becoming champions or qualify to play in the continent.

“Our kit designs suit Nigerian football as they are eco friendly, fashionable and affordable for teams in the NPFL, NNL and NLO.”

General Coordinator of the tourney, Tunde Shamsudeen expressed thanks to Volt Sports Kits.

“Reason behind this partnership is to grow brands as the Optima Energy Gold Cup is a top brand that compliments Nigeria domestic football. 

“Having them as our partners is good for both brands, as we are known for promoting Made In Nigeria goods as the Volt kits are produced here in our country.”

Organizers of the Optima Energy Gold Cup have informed that the 10th edition of the nation’s most prestigious preseason tournament for clubs in the domestic leagues will kick off on Thursday, September 22, 2022.

Organizers of the Optima Energy Gold Cup have informed that Remo Stars will begin the defence of its title, as the 10th edition of the nation’s most prestigious preseason tournament for clubs in the domestic leagues kicks off on Thursday, September 22, 2022.

Organizers of the Optima Energy Gold Cup have informed that Remo Stars will begin its title defence, as the 10th edition of the nation’s prestigious preseason tournament for clubs in the domestic leagues kicks off on Thursday, September 22, 2022.

Tunde Shamsudeen, General Coordinator of the tourney told Optima Energy Gold Cup Media: “We want to use this medium to thank the over 30 different clubs, which cuts across the three tiers of our league that have taken part in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup (now Optima Energy Gold Cup).

” The tournament inception in 2012, has proven to be the best platform for teams to prepare themselves extensively against tough teams, to know their strengths, drawbacks and proffer solutions to them before going into the season.

“Also the Optima Energy Gold Cup over the years has been part of some club’s success stories from former NPFL champions Kano Pillars, Lobi Stars, MFM FC, Niger Tornadoes, FC Ebedei and now Remo Stars.

” It’s on record that one or two teams that participate in the yearly tourney either end up winning the NPFL title, qualify for the CAF inter-club tournament or gain promotion.

“As we set the ball rolling for this year’s edition, it promises to be an exciting one for the 10 teams that will be looking forward to taking part and indeed fans.

“All necessary arrangement and logistics has been put in place to ensure a hitch-free tourney as there will be much fanfare and activation.

“The tourney will be co-hosted respectively at the Remo Stars Stadium and FC Ebedei Stadium in Ikenne and Sagamu.

“Official correspondence (invitation letters) has been sent to intending clubs in the three tiers of our domestic leagues, Nigeria Professional Football League(NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL) and Nationwide League One (NLO).

” Ten (10) teams are to participate in the 10-day soccer fiesta that will begin on Thursday, September 22 and climax on Independence Day, October 1, 2022.

“Teams will be grouped into two groups of A and B with five (5) teams each, and are expected to play four (4) group matches with two (2) teams with the highest number of points qualifying for the semi-finals.

... Charges MFM FC to clinch NNL promotion ticket next season

Organizers of the nation’s prestigious pre-season football tourney, Ogunjobi Gold Cup have sent a congratulatory message to Remo Stars after they picked a ticket to fly Nigeria’s flag in the CAF Confederation Cup come next season.

General Coordinator of the tournament, Tunde Shamsudeen tasked the Sky Blue Stars management to set a record, by becoming the first NPFL team to win the Confederation Cup.

“Congratulations to a business mogul, biggest private investor of the beautiful game in Nigeria and a fine gentleman, who’s humility is second to none, Honorable Kunle Soname.

“He has proven to critics of the NPFL that private investors can achieve successes investing in club football, with Remo Stars as an example having secured the CAF Confederations Cup qualification after three attempts in Nigeria’s topflight division.

“CAF Confederation Cup debutant Remo Stars, crowned champions of the 9th edition of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup in Ikenne, is a huge boost to the tourney. 

“Ogunjobi Gold Cup has once again made a bold statement, as not just a pre-season tournament but a platform were champions are made.

“We are delighted to be part of Remo Stars achievements, as they have surpassed their fans expectations and truly deserved to clinch the CAF ticket.

“I want to use this medium to charge the Remo Stars not to make the numbers in the tournament but be one of the teams contending for the trophy.

“The Confederations Cup, since it was formed in 2004, only Sunshine Stars made it to the semi-finals in their first attempt in 2011. So Remo Stars surpassing the feat.

“A special thanks to Soname for bringing continental football to Ikenne, as the town will soon be agog with best of African club football and fans visiting, thus projecting the rich history of the people of Ikenne.”

Meanwhile, Shamsudeen also expressed his relief after Niger Tornadoes and Shooting Stars retained their NPFL status after a turbid season.

“Our last edition semi-finalist, Tornadoes and runners-up Shooting Stars distinguished themselves as fighters, as they fought hard till the very end of the season to secure their status in the topflight division come next season.”

As regards MFM FC, sad the Olukoya Boys got relegated to the Nigeria National League, that doesn’t mean end of the world for the club, rather a new challenge. 

Going by the words of Fetus Allen after the season ending game against Nasarawa United.

“We are confirmed relegated but that is not the end of life. I am confident that we will be back in the NPFL very soon. This is one of the pendulums of life. We just have to face it.”

This we have charged the MFM FC management, as all hands must be on deck to see they gain promotion as it’s a different ball game in the NNL.

Local Organizing Committee of the maiden edition of Taiwo Ogunjobi Memorial U-15 Football Tournament and Awards Night billed for Tuesday August 16, through Sunday August 21, 2022, has released a list of Eight (8) Sub-Committees.

The forum of all the South West States Football Associations under the aegis of the Western Nigeria Football Forum (WNFF) are using the U-15 championship to immortalise the former General Secretary of the Nigerian Football Association (NFA), late Chief Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi.

In the eight (8) Sub-Committees of the tournament, General Coordinator of the nation’s prestigious domestic league pre-season tourney, Tunde Shamsudeen, has been listed into two Sub-Committees.

Shamsudeen who hosts yearly the Ogunjobi Gold Cup Preseason Tournament was listed as the Chairman of Award/Media & Publicity Committee and a member of Entertainment Committee, while the Media Director of Osun United, Seyi Akanni was named in the media team.

Shamsudeen and Akanni are to bring to play their solid years of media experience and sports reportage, as they are to oversee the Award/Media & Publicity Committees with Prince Dauda Abimbola.

Prince Adeogun Isiaka alongside Tunde Shamsudeen, Odun Festus and Tunde Adebiyi
are to make plans as regards entertainment committee.

In the other Sub Committees, Hon.Rawlings Oyebayo and Olufemi Bankefa are to deliberate on matters concerning Security.

The Referee Committee, has the trio of Hon. Adio Suleiman, Mr. Latunde Gbenga and Mr Tunde Adebiyi.

Honourable Adio Suleiman who is Chairman of the Ref’s Committee is also the Chairman of a three-man Finance Committee with Engr. Aina Kehinde and Mr Sola Fayoyiwa.

The Medical Committee consist of Alhaji Omolaja Najeem, Hon.Rawlings Oyebayo and Elder Adelowo.

Furthermore, members the championship Local Organizing Committee (LOC) are members of the Facilities/Pitch/Accommodation and Disciplinary Sub-Committees.

Recall, the WNFF led by the First Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Barrister Seyi Akinwumi, last weekend disclosed that in honour of late Ogunjobi and what he stood for during his lifetime, the events is aimed to promote youth and grassroots football development and celebrate distinguished sports stakeholders in the region.

The competition packaged by the Western Nigeria Football Forum led by the NFF 1st Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwumi will feature 6 teams from Southwest Nigeria – Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states U-15 boys teams and will be played in Osun State.

Meanwhile a 7-man list has been drawn as the Local Organizing Committee of the  competition. 

Osun State FA boss, Chief Razaq Ishola Mustapha will be the Chairman of the committee, Mr. Salami Tunde is the Vice Chairman, other members are Mr. Tunde Shansudeen, Prince Adeogun Isiaka, Mr. Tunde Adebiyi and Hon. Rawlings Oyebayo while Mr. Amoo Abayomi is the secretary.