Nigeria Sports Arena

  Ogunjobi Ayodeji, an aspirant vying for a position into the Executive Board of the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF), says it was time for the youths in Nigeria to be in football administration. Ayodeji is the eldest son of late former Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) now Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) talked about his plans during the Optima Energy Gold Cup tournament in Ikenne and Sagamu.  According to him: "I've been involved in sports administration and organizing tournaments. After working with the Nigerian government at two different events and for CAF and FIFA, I did identify the issues and problems the beautiful game is facing in the country  "I thought it was time to get the youths involved in Nigeria's football administration." "The tenacity will definitely be different. In the brand scheme of things, the young age are the ones sent out to source for the market and get sponsorship. A lot of brands relate with the young

Ace Sports writer Abayomi Ademetan popularly known as FutbalGalore has teamed up with Alhaji Gafar Liameed's 36 Lion in a very short ceremony held at the club's secretariat in Lagos. Alhaji Gafar is a well known grassroot developer as his team has nurtured so many players from the grassroot to the top of world footballing map. Top on the list are Junior Ajayi (Smouha), Moses Usor, Peter Olayinka and Yina Sor (Slava Prague), these are players that have excelled in Egypt and Europe respectively. Speaking shortly after the unveiling, FutbalGalore as Mr Ademetan is widely known disclosed that the opportunity to learn plus the love for young players drew him closer to Hajji Gafar. "I feel proud and very honored to have been identified with a man that has made men out of young boys," "He is one man I called father as he we all know him, he is a promoter of grassroot football. "We have enough talents in the rural areas and we will need more people in the mould of H

All is in top gear for a successful hosting of the Nationwide League One (NLO) Super 8 which kicks off in Lagos from 3rd to 8th October. 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 Ca

Nigeria's Minister for Youth and Sports Dvelopment, Hon. Sunday Dare has heaped praises on former Super Eagles captain,  John Mikel Obi, as the 2013 AFCON winner calls time on his illutrous career. "I celebrate with you, Mikel John Obi on your retirement as a professional footballer. Thank you for donning the green and white jersey of our fatherland with pride. For more than a decade, you made Nigerians proud and brought smiles to households. Firstly as a player and also as a captain,  your ethic and dedication was exemplary. We will remember you as an integral part of the historic 2013 all-conquering AFCON team with smiles on our faces. That young boy we saw as an Eaglet grew into an unstoppable Eagle years later."  "On the biggest of stages  abroad, you represented Nigeria as a worthy ambassador with your art. On a tension-filled night in Munich, you dedicated your UEFA Champions League success to our legend, Late Rashidi Yekini. We could not be any prouder of you,

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Licensed Football intermediary and CEO of LEO Sports Agency, Isaac Opeyemi  Adeshiyan says HMK Football Club and Academy has the quality to thrive as a business as it's equipped to train football talents that are bound in Osun State and indeed Nigeria. HMK Football Club and Academy are a Nationwide League One (NLO) side and client of LEO Sports Agency. Adeshiyan who was in Ikenne and Sagamu, host venues of the 10th edition of the Optima Energy Gold Cup, told the media about their pet project. "HMK Football Club is in the third division of the Nigerian domestic league, we are poised to empower the youths in Osun State and its environs and make the dreams of talented players come through by marketing them to the leagues in Africa and Europe.  "We are a business-oriented football side and professionally run as we provide the basic and modern training programmes for our players. "Football as we all know is capital intensive, the manageme

It will be an action-packed 10 days, as the best of football clubs cut across the three tiers of Nigeria's domestic league will give anxious fans many to cheer, as the 10th edition of the Optima Energy Gold Cup kicks off on Thursday in Ikenne and Sagamu in Ogun State. The Optima Energy Gold Cup, which is the flagship of all preseason tourneys in Nigeria will run from 22nd September to October 1st. Four Nigerian Professional Football League(NPFL) sides Niger Tornadoes, Shooting Stars, Sunshine Stars, Gombe United and defending champions Remo Stars will set the pace for other teams as they try out their best legs for the tournament. Sporting Lagos who are making their debut, were the early birds after they communicated their arrival to the Optima Energy LOC from their camp base in Ijebu-Ode on Tuesday. Newly-promoted Nigeria National League side FC Ebedei, Gateway FC, Beyond Limits and Hammola FC of Osogbo are tagged the 'giant killers', as they are expected to give the top t

Former Nigeria Under 23 defender, Joshua Akpudje, was impressive for Czech Republic side, FK Jablonec after making his third appearance since he joined the team few weeks ago. Unarguably, Akpudje is one of the most consistent Nigerian Centre Backs in Europe with over 68 appearances in Latvia with BFC Daugavpils and FK Panevėžys of Lithuania. The 24-year old has continued with his fine form in Czech Republic, after he posted a worthy performance in his third match for his new team as they trash Motorlet Prague 4-0 in a Cup game on Sunday.  Since Akpudje teamed up FK Jablonec, the talented defender has featured for the team in two League matches against Slovacko where they won 2-0 and against Hardec Kralove which ended 3-0 in his team’s favour. With 255 minutes action in three games, Joshua is gradually becoming an integral part of the team, having helped the team to move from 16th position on the table to the 10th spot.

Aliu Baba was the hero again in Mahanaim FC's 4-nil thrashing of Camp United on Friday night at Mambila Barracks, Abuja. Although the result looks convincing, it was a tough match for Mahanaim FC as they could only manage two shots on target in a goalless first half, after starting their second eleven against the barracks boys on their home turf. Mahanaim had wasted five corner kicks and three free kick in the opening 45 minutes also, with coach Jackson deciding to take matters more seriously as he introduced his best legs, including hattrick hero, Aliu Baba at the start of the second half. Midway into the second half Aliu Baba pounced on a rebound to give Mahanaim the lead off a Paul Ogunkoya's thunderous shot, which was initially parried by the goalkeeper. That opened the floodgates for goals as Aliu Baba again made a perfect run to connect a cross by Friday Samson to put Mahanaim two goals up. Aliu Baba again, it was for the third goal, this time around he lobbed the goalkee

Rising Star, Justice Omonugo Oghenero of Eveeco Football Academy of Lagos has explained wh y he choose Liverpool and  Netherlands captain, Virgil van Dijk, as his role model despite the arrays of world class defenders in Africa. The teenage versatile defender, who has been a key figure for  Eveeco Football Academy, stated that van Dijk remains a complete and also represents a modern day defender, hence  his love for him.   “The dream of every young player is to become great in their career, and be the very best they can be at all time and to achieve, this it’s important a player have a role model. “When you talk about top player in the World at the moment you will mention van Dijk, he’s a complete defender with a lot of quality, a team leader, which I believe any upcoming and young defender must look up to as role model, Justice revealed in chat with nigeriasportsarena.blogspot.com. He continues: “Although we cannot deny the fact that we have top defenders in Africa like Kalidou Koulib

Yemi Olanrewaju ‘Yema’ has resigned from his position as Vandrezzer FC’s Interim Head Coach. According to a family source, the Golden Eaglets assistant coach has communicated his resignation to the management of the Nigeria National League (NNL) side. “He has communicated his decision to leave Vandrezzer FC to the club management. It was a tough decision, he loves the Vandrezzer FC project and he has been committed and professional since he joined the team. “He has to leave to focus on his future, also Vandrezzer FC can make their coaching decision. He is making the sacrifices because he wishes the club success,” the source divulged. Olanrewaju joined Vandrezzer FC in 2021 and he was part of the historical squad that won the club's first title, when they emerged as Lagos FA Cup champions last year. He was announced as the club's Interim head coach when he returned from the 2022 U17 WAFU Cup in June. He was able to stabilize the team and retained their NNL status. The former Cro

36 Lion FC in conjunction with Diamond Sports Management are set to stage a bumper grassroots football tourney in Lagos tagged ‘The Magnificent Eight Lagos Cage Fight’ with a whooping fifty million naira up for grabs. The tournament according to it organisers will serve as a reward for football stakeholders in the country and as well present grassroots talent with great opportunities to maximize their potentials. This will be a three day tourney that is expected to kickoff on October 17th through to 20th October 2022 in Lagos with eight teams in participation. The Sum of fifty million naira (50, 000,000) will be up for grabs.  Thirty five million naira will be shared amongst the top three teams, the winner will pocket twenty million (20,000,000) the first runners up will pocket ten million naira (10,000,000) while the second runners up will go home with five million naira (5,000,000). Chairman of 36 Lion FC Gafar Liameed when asked by Journalist why he is putting much into a grassroots

The Sports Minister Sunday Dare has extolled President Muhammadu Buhari as well as those who have keyed into his Ministry's Adopt Initiatives. Four State Governors, a Deputy Governor, some philanthropists and corporate bodies have supported these programmes since inception. Speaking at Thursday's Presidential Reception for the Team Nigeria contingents to the 2022 World Athletics Championships and Commonwealth Games, the Minister said the recent successes recorded by Nigerian athletes would not have happened without their support. His words: "Through the 'Adopt Initiatives' being implemented by my Ministry and the support of Mr President, we are witnessing a new trajectory in Nigerian sports and athletes' performance. Equally significant is the support we have received through approved Presidential Intervention funds for sports even at short notice. "In like manner, some well meaning Nigerians and philanthropists keyed into our Adopt Initiatives( Adopt an A

Nigeria's track sensations Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume have made giant leaps in the World Athletics Women Chart. From being ranked 43rd in September 2021, Tobi Amusan is now in the top 10, moving up 38 places to being ranked 5th in the world while her compatriot and friend Ese Brume moved up 32 places from being ranked 93rd in the world to 61st within the same period. Both Amusan and Brume have had a remarkable year with amazing results in all the international competitions they were involved in. Amusan set a new world record in the 100m hurdles with a time of 12.12s, became a World Champion in Eugene, Oregon at the World Athletics Championships and successful defended her Commonwealth Games title in Birmingham. Earlier in the year, she won gold for Nigeria at the African senior Athletics Championships in Mauritius. Ese Brume won a silver medal for Nigeria at the World Athletics Championships in Long Jump, and struck Gold at the Commonwealth Games. Both athletes were awarded national

Indigenous sports facility construction firm, Alansmith Nigeria Ltd have reactivated its partnership with the Optima Energy Gold Cup. 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

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).

It was with fun and pageantry that one of the newest financial institutions in the country, Premium Trust bank unveiled two of Nigerians biggest athletes, Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume as their Brand Ambassadors. Tobi Amusan in 2022 had blazed several trails culminating in winning the World Championships and creating a new World Record in the Women 100m hurdles, first for any Nigerian living or dead, while Brume has been consistent since winning a bronze medal at the last Olympic Games in Tokyo before further medals at the World Indoors, World Championships and the Commonwealth Games. Speaking at the unveiling, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, said the two athletes signpost the future of the country’s athletes. He also called on corporate organisations and individuals not to wait until the athletes are crowned champions before associating with them, they should invest with them when they are young. “These athletes never relent, always thrive, consistent in their p

  Super Eagles goalkeeper, Adebayo Adeleye, kept his third clean sheet of the season in the Israeli Premier League on Monday, as Hapoel Jerusalem claimed an historic derby win over Beitar Jerusalem. The former Nigerian U-17 international, who has been in incredible form this season for Hapoel Jerusalem, helped his team to their first derby triumph in 31 years with a decent 1-0 away victory over city rivals, Beitar Jerusalem. Expressing his excitement yesterday via his official twitter handle after his fifth game of the season, Adeleye wrote; “Historical moment for us yesterday at Beitar Jerusalem as we claim our first Derby win in 31 years. “Proud to be part of the history. Wowwwww, what a feeling.” Hapoel climb to third spot on the Isreali Premier League, after the 1-0 win against Beitar, with eight points and remain unbeaten in four games so far this season. Adeleye, 22, was called up to the Super Eagles squad to face Sierra Leone and São Tomé in the last African Cup of Nation qualif

  The President of 36 Lion Football Club of Lagos, Gafar Liameed, has joined the race of aspirants seeking to occupy top seat at the Nigeria Football Federation ahead of the Friday 30th, September 2022 NFF Elections, to be held in Benin City, the Edo State capital. Liameed who is vying to represent the South-West in the forthcoming dispensation, purchased the electoral form – for the board membership position, on Wednesday. The astute football administrator noted that he would be focused on 5-Point Agenda if elected. The vastly experienced and well traveled Football entrepreneur, who has had over two decades in football investment, administration, scouting and coaching told the Media on Wednesday evening how he plans to contribute his quota to football in Nigeria. “I will push for a system to stabilize the lower division leagues for constant integration of U-19 players to the NPFL and ensure standard professional football league in Nigeria,” he began. “I will push for a sustainable ind

The LOC of Adamu Yola Gombe South Unity Cup will host its first Press Conference ahead of the 7th edition of the competition.   The event which will mark the beginning of activities for this year's edition will hold on Saturday 10th September, 2022 at the Style Hope Events Centre, Kaltungo LGA, Gombe State on Saturday, 10th September, 2022 by 1pm.  According to the Chairman of the LOC, Promise Uwaeme, the aim of the Press Conference is to roll out activities for the new season and will also serve as an opportunity to strengthen the already established relationship between the organisers and media. "The aim of the Presser is to kick-start our activities for the 7th edition of the competition as well as strengthen our already existing good relationship with media organisations" The event will feature opening address by the Chairman of the LOC and other dignitaries attending the Presser while Journalists will be allowed to ask questions related to the organisation of the com

The Ekiti State Football Association has declared its total support for Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi in his bid to become the next President of the Nigeria Football Federation. The NFF polls are scheduled to be held on September 30th in the ancient city of Benin, Edo State. Bayo Olanlege, the egg-head of the Ekiti State FA made their position known on Tuesday via a virtual meeting with some football friends and selected sports journalists, saying it was better to come out straight than promise others what he will not do. “Without taking anything away from the so many great individuals in the race for the country's apex football body leadership, one of the reasons why we have pitched tents with 1st Vice President of NFF Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi is because he has the pedigree, competence, and of course the most qualified.  "When we talk about the most qualified, it has absolutely nothing to do with which part of the country the person is from, it has to do with what the person has to of