Nigeria Sports Arena

NFF President Amaju Pinnick has expressed confidence that the Senior Men National Team, Super Eagles, will qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.   The qualification series for the 2017 Cup of Nations (to be hosted by Gabon) will be concluded in September 2016, but the Eagles have what is seen as a group-decider, double-dose against the Pharaohs of Egypt in March, while the qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, to be staged in Russia, begin in October 2016.   Pinnick spoke on Channels Television program, ‘Sports This Morning,’ on Thursday, where he also explained that a holistic solution being packaged for the women’s game in the country has been slowed down by the poor state of the economy, which hit hard at the company that was willing to pick the bills of the proposed expatriate Coach for the Super Falcons.   Nigeria’s number one football administrator paid glowing tributes to the contribution of ideas, toil and sacrifices of the Membe

The stadium announcer’s regular refrain that “it’s getting bigger and better” simply spoke the minds of all who were there as the second edition of the Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Mini-Tournament held with much funfare at the Campos Square, Lagos on Sunday. Majority Leader in the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila was there, as well as NFF President Amaju Pinnick, Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission Deji Tinubu, NFF 2nd Vice President Shehu Dikko, NFF Board Member Sunday Dele-Ajayi and Hon. Nduka Irabor. There were also the Seirki of Egbaland, Oba Tosin Fadare, President of the Nigeria Referees Association Tade Azeez, President of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club Rafiu Oladipo and Chairmen of Football Associations of Ogun and Oyo States, Ganiyu Majekodunmi and James Odeniran. Former Ekiti State FA chairman Isaac Ayodele was also in attendance. Akinwunmi, who captained the Igbobi College Old Boys Association and Friends in the veterans’ game against Amaju Pinni

Kogi United FC have confirmed their readiness to compete for honor and trophy in the upcoming Nigeria National League, NNL season. Chairman of the club, Abdul Sule disclosed this in Lokoja after Kogi United completed the swapping of position with Bida Lions FC of Niger State to remain in the NNL. Kogi United lost their status in the NNL last season after losing the appeal case against Adamawa United but have since exchange status with the Niger based club who promoted to the NNL last season. Abdul Sule said the move to remain in the second tier league of the country became necessary as Kogi United deserves to be in top flight in Nigeria football. He added that the club would put all they've got to compete favorably in the new season as mistakes noticed in the previous season would be amended. "We are back in the game, I can confirm to you that we will be in NNL next season after we did the deal to swap position with Bida Lions, begins Sule. "We cannot afford to play

Vice-chairman of Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi, Mr. Dominic Iorfa will relinquish his position at the end of the year after 14 years of meritorious service to the Benue State-owned club. During this period, the former international served as Sole administrator, chairman, Technical Director and vice-chairman. Iorfa who guided Lobi Stars to the finals of this year’s Federation Cup finals said he has taken the decision to step down after due consultation with his family. “After 14 years at the helm of affairs of Lobi Stars, the time has come for me to step down so as to have more time to face other challenges. “I did my best while serving as Sole Administrator, Chairman and Technical Director of the club. My landmark achievements are there for everyone to see.” Dominic also thanked the Benue State governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom for giving Lobi Stars both physical and moral support since assuming office in May this year. “I want to thank the government and people of Benue for givin

President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN Evangelist Chief Solomon Ogba, Tuesday unveiled the Local Organising Committee, LOC for the maiden edition of the Access Bank Lagos International Marathon. In a statement signed by the AFN Head of Media, Olukayode Thomas, the LOC chairman for the Access Bank Lagos International Marathon is Mr. Deji Tinubu while former Team Nigeria Captain, Yussuf Alli is the General Manager Marathon. Other members of the LOC charged to midwife the first full marathon race in Nigeria also include Olumide Bamiduro who will serve as secretary, Nilayo Sports Management Limited who are the Consultant while Olukayode Thomas is the head of Media and Communication. To organise a flawless event that will meet international standards, Mr. Thomas explained that the LOC will also have representatives from The Lagos State Police Command, Lagos State Traffic Management Agency, LASTMA, Access Bank Branding Division and The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement

By Ayo Ademokoya Alhaji Kabiru Baita, Chairman of Kano Pillars FC has assured the teeming fans and supporters of ‘Sai Ma Gida’  that their darling team would not only win the Nigerian Professional League come next season but will also go ahead to win the CAF Champions League which has eluded Kano Pillars 3 times after  they were bundled out by their Nigerian counterpart, Heartland FC of Owerri at the semifinal of the championship  in 2009. Alhaji Baita, who was appointed  almost at the mid season of the just concluded 2014/2015 Nigerian Professional League season  by the newly elected Governor Ibrahim Ganduje to succeed Alhaji Abba Yola shared his vision for the club in the forthcoming years as well as disclosed  the reasons the former Nigerian League champion, Kano Pillars  could not defend the trophy won in 2013/2014 in an exclusive interview with our correspondent after the seminar organized by the League Management Company held recently at the Lagos Business Scho

Nigeria international left-back, Gloria Ofoegbu underwent a successful knee operation last week, as predicted by women football sources. It was revealed by a close pal of the overlapping Rivers Angels star that the Imo-born player has been expected to go for a medical operation to fix her knee. According to the source, all is well with the former Nasarawa Amazons player after she went under the knife on Thursday at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos. “Gloria Ofoegbu went for an operation on Thursday. The operation was successful. She is in high spirit at the moment. “The doctors will give an update on her progress. She is expected to be out for more than ten weeks,” said the source. Efforts to reach the ex-Falconets defender has been abortive as she didn't pick her calls when we sought to speak to her on the success of the surgery.

Head Coach Sunday Oliseh has extended invitation to Warri Wolves player Bartholomew Ibenegbu popularly know as Mosquito,  Enugu Rangers trusted midfielder, Christian Madu and Shooting Stars player for the first phase of preparatory camp ahead of next month’s 4th African Nations Championship in Rwanda.   The Super Eagles B has already been drawn into Group C of the competition alongside Niger Republic, Tunisia and Guinea, with matches to be played at the Stade Regional Nyamirambo in Kigali.   Also called are regulars Kalu Orji, Austin Oboroakpo, Jamiu Alimi (defenders), midfielders Ifeanyi Mathew, Paul Onobi, Usman Mohammed and Bature Yaro, forwards Ezekiel Bassey, Tunde Adeniji, Chisom Chikatara and Prince Aggrey, and goalkeepers Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Olufemi Thomas.   Invited players have been directed to report at the Bolton White Apartments, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja on Monday, 14th December.   Nigeria won the bronze medal at the last African Nations Championship held in South Afric

The newly installed Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has pledged his support to the development of football in the ancient city and vowed to establish a modern football academy. Speaking briefly during the coronation friendly match between Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan and Ajiroba Ooni Football Club of Ile-Ife at the Sports Complex of Obafemi Awolowo University, Oba Ogunwusi thanked Otunba Sola Mustapha (President Ajiroba Ooni FC) for organizing the friendly match adding that the city is honored by the presence of Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi (Chairman Osun FA), Chief Adegboyega Onigbinde, Ademola Adeshina, who are considered as a football hero's in the country. Oba Ogunwusi, says football remain the only unifying factor in the country and has vowed to allocate programs as relate to sports, football especially and promised he is committed to development of football. He noted; “I will try to allocate the programs as relate to sports, most especially f

Chairmen of Football Associations in several States in Nigeria, who are in London for a 4-day leadership training program, were on hand to cheer Nigeria and Watford FC marksman Odion Ighalo to a terrific performance that earned the home team all three points against Norwich City, in an English Premiership game at Vicarage Road on Saturday.   Ighalo, who has scored two goals and provided a number of assists for the Super Eagles this year, set up the first goal for Captain Troy Deeney as he was fouled in the box on the half hour. Deeney made no mistake from the spot.   The Nigerian, a Vicarage Road fans’ favourite, made the game safe for Watford when he converted with a minute into added time, this time Deeney turning provider.   Ighalo expressed his honour at seeing so many Chairmen of State FAs from Nigeria being around to inspire him, and he produced a sterling performance, coming close to scoring on a number of occasions and generally making life difficult for Norwich FC before

The chairman of Club Owners & Managers Association,Barrister Isaac Danladi has applauded the beach soccer Club challennge with Fc Barcelona that is running for the second edition. Barrister Isaac who also doubles as the chairman of Nassarawa United Fc  says "Its a welcome development to have Nigeria Premier Leaque clubs take advantage from the beach soccer club exercise as a pre-season tournament and also to use the event to fraternise with the Lagos soccer fans and followers as Premier Leaque Football returns to Lagos come 2015/26 football season, this will in a long way help them to prosecute the leaque well". In a related development the Chairman to the beach Soccer Committee of the Nigerian Football Federation, and also the chairman Media and Publicity committee, Hon Suleiman Yaya Kwande, has confirmed the participation of Kano Pillars Football Club of Kano; 3SC Football Club of Ibadan and Pepsi Football Academy to the 2015 edition of COPA Lagos Club challenge with

The 2015 Atlantic Conference winners of National Men Division One Basketball League, Niger Potters, who have also booked a return to the DSTV League next season have revealed they will prove when the season jump ball that their qualification was no fluke. Niger Potters Thursday afternoon officially picked one of the two tickets available after beating APA Flames 89-80 to seal a place in the elite league. Potters needed the victory after suffering a shock defeat to Yobe Desert Warriors 77-76 points Wednesday making the clash against APA Flames of Otukpo a must win. The lshaq Yayaya coached team won the first quarter 18-17, lost second quarter 16-22, won third quarter 22-18 and sealed the last quarter with 33-23 points. Potters' Steve lead his team's scoring chart with 24 points with 11 and 10 points contributions respectively from Omokudu and Suleman to grab the needed win while APA Flames' 34 points score from Haruna, 17 from Abu 14 and 11 from Sunday and Ujah were not en

State of Osun Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has assured the management of the state owned team, Prime Football Club of his 100 percent support for the team next season. Governor Aregbesola, has put to rest the peddling rumour that Prime Football Club would be disband due to the financial crisis rocking the state. Aregbesola, while receiving the triumph Osun Under 13 players in his office during the week said though it was painful as Prime failed to secure one of the Globacom Premier League tickets but, stated that he believe in the managerial prowess of Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi led management. He charged the management to ensure they recruit exceptional and discipline players next season, who will be good ambassador of the state as he promised to support the team where need be. "I will continue to support the team, I am given you my word, and let me know whenever you need my support," Aregbesola said.

Chairman Nationwide League One (NLO) Alhaji Ahmad Kawu, has said that he was quoted out of context following an online publication which was released credited to him claiming that the Federal Government is not paying attention to the preparation of National Teams for major competition. Kawu's comment in a pally with friends was blown out of proportion. The online publication making the rounds quoted Kawu wrongly and painted him in bad light claiming that he lambasted  President Muhammadu Buhari.  Speaking to newsmen, Kawu said he can't and will never lambast the President for any reason. "First and foremost I will like to say that I was quoted out of context, I am a Muslim, I have respect and I respect leadership, am a leader in my constituency and people respects me a lot and nobody has come out to lambast me and that does not stop people from coming to meet me, to tell me I'm wrong or I'm right, but for clarity I didn't lambast Mr. President." "

Photograph by Vanguardng.com Proprietor of Comets of Lagos, Ayo Bakare, whose team is currently competing in the ongoing Men National Division Basketball League in Port Harcourt has revealed his intention was not to qualify for the DSTV League but expose the bunch of talented young boys in his club to the dynamics of playing in the league.  This is coming as Comets have continued to display good basketball artistry in the tournament meant for the qualification of two teams one each from the Atlantic and Savannah to replace demoted FCT Rocks and Police Baton.  So far, Comets have not lost any game in the conference and still look good to give hosts Royal Hoopers big fight when they clash on Thursday afternoon in a game that will most likely determine the leader of the group.  On Sunday, in their opening game, Comets beat Osun Lions 95-22 and defeated Raptors 71-54 on Monday. In spite of their good displays, Ayo Bakare, a former national team coach believes exposure is key first for

Photo credit: www.weecnigeria.org It was back-slapping galore last Friday in Port Harcourt as the South South Congress of the Nigeria Football Federation met to address pressing football issues ahead of elections into some arms of the football fraternity in the country. The meeting which was held at Aldgate Hotel, Perekule Street, GRA Phase 2 in the Garden City, had all the Chairmen and Secretaries, including other stakeholders of the South South football community in attendance. It was convened by the Rivers FA boss and Chairman of at least two NFF Sub-committees, Barrister Christopher Green. He is also an Executive Committee member of the NFF. After robust discussion of members from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and River State, the congress unanimously agreed that first rate women’s sportscaster and football administrator, Aisha Falode, be adopted as the zone’s candidate for the forthcoming Nigerian Women’s League election. The communiqué described Falode as not o

Coach Audu Adamu Ejo has confirmed the resumption of the Super Sand Eagles Squad tomorrow at the team's Badagry camp as Warri Wolves player maker captained the team. He also announced that young and upcoming beach soccer players would be part of the squad for the 2015 edition of COPA Lagos. Ejo pointed out that the team needs to be revitalized with young players so as to compete favourably with other national teams while insisting young players would be given the opportunity to showcase their ability this time in preparation for other tournaments. In his words, "Super Sand Eagles missed out of the Beach Soccer World Cup in Portugal as such; there is a dire need to energize the team to compete at the African Nations Beach Tournament and the World Beach Soccer Cup. In his response to speculations in the media that Isiaka Olawale has been dropped from the team, he disclosed that Olawale is still a member of the team though he will not be part of this year's Copa Lagos he