Nigeria Sports Arena

36 Lion Football Club would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  Your support has been greatly appreciated through what has been a great year, and was vitally important as we all came together to support this team.  The reward has been much improved performances and a brand of entertaining and exciting football which has taken us into Eldorado. President of 36 Lion Olawale Liameed Gafar mused: "I’ve said this before, our supporters are phenomenal. When we all come together, as a club, we are a formidable unit. We’ve shown our appreciation to the fans – home and away, and that will continue.  "A lot of time and effort goes into supporting this club and the least we can do is acknowledge the efforts of the Football community like administrators, sponsors, clubs, our partners abroad, fans and the Media. "On behalf of all of my staff I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous and Ha

36 Lion Football Club President, Hajji Olawale Liameed Gafar has been voted as FUBS Sportman of the Year. The talent devloper, youth mobilizer, stabilzer, motivator and capacity builder beat off competition from Prof. Sadiq Abdullahi and Dr. Kweku Tandoh to win the coveted award. The electoral committee was headed by former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Vice President and Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) Chairman, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi. The current LSFA Vice President expressed appreciation for the recognition via the foremost FUBS Platform. "I am deeply honored and humbled by the recognition as the Personality of the Year within this our remarkable community," Hajji Gafar enthused. "This honor speaks volum about our joint efforts, shared dedication, and the unwavering support defining the essence of FUBS." "Your belief has been an incredible source of motivation. I am profoundly grateful for the trust you have placed in me. This accol

The Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos was a beehive of activities on Friday 22nd December as 36 Lion Football Club clocked 23. It was a memorable day filled with different events which started with the Under 16 Lions graduation game. 36 Lion FC of Iwaya, Lagos defeated their counterpart from Badagry in the final. The best goalkeeper award in the Under 16 Lions championship went to John Adams. Alex John popularly referred to as (Pankere) finished the U16 Lions championship as the highest goal scorer and earned promotion to the senior team, while Chinonso Oweneze emerged as the Most Valuable Player (MVP), he also moved up through to the next stage in the Lion's den. The Penalty Kick Challenge also got the audience thrilled as Adam Ogungbade won the cash prize of twenty five thousand naira, he was up against more than 30 other Lions in the Under 16 category. Highlight of the event was the battle of the Home Based Lions and their Seniors from diaspora which en

The Nigeria Premier Football League, could sanction Katsina United FC for running contrary to the extant rules governing the administration of football in Nigeria. Katsina United FC are yet to respond to the query it got from the league body, several months after the Katsina state government installed an Interim Board to over-see the affairs of the club following the order for the  Alhaji Surajo Baba Malumfashi led board to step aside. According to news making the rounds, the NPFL board is considering hammering Katsina United with heavy fine and suspension for going against the extant rules of the league. It is said that, Katsina United may be ducked three (3) points for presenting a coach that is not registered in accordance with the club licensing requirements on a game day match between Katsina United FC and Insurance FC of Benin. The NPFL board has already invalidated the appointment of an Interim Management Committee for Katsina United led by Mallam Dan'lami Rimi,

  Not only has Olisa Ndah been solid at the back this season for Orlando Pirates, he has become untouchable since his return from injury. This one could not have come at a better time for the Nigeria international. Pirates' defensive record has been massively improved thanks to Tapelo Xoki, Thabiso Monyane and Nkosinathi Sibisi, however this season it's Ndah who has shone. This season, with Ndah in the starting line-up, Pirates have conceded three goals in eight games, and have lost just one of these games, winning four.  Ndah has not played for Nigeria in over a year, but most Pirates fans will agree his form this season is outstanding, and he has done what he can to prove himself to Super Eagles Manager Jose Peseiro. The latest being the win over TS Galaxy on Saturday night. Nigeria has failed to replicate its past successes in recent years after reaching lofty heights at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).  Peseiro has looked to usher in a new era in Nigerian

The Lagos Supremacy Cup has developed a reputation for being an event that showcases some of the best young talents in Nigeria. Previous alumni include: Colin Sor, Quadri Liameed, Solomon Agbalaka, Tijani Muhamed, Ade Oguns and Samson Akinyoola … the list could go on.   With the tournament around the corner, we've selected five players to look out for at the 18th edition of Lagos Supremacy Cup. NB: This is part 1 of the series of players to watch at the tournament. 5. Akindele Ramadan Ayatu [Dosu Joseph Football Club] Ayatu's strongest trait is his keen eye for goal, and the movement on and off the ball which allows him to create chances for himself. Dosu Joseph Football Club's flexibility in offensive positions means that he will be expected to contribute throughout all phases of play. However, the youngster's astute knowledge of the game, and his unpredictability in possession allows him to drive his team's attacks forward. He bagged 18 goals in 16 matches at the

One of the best kept secrets in the banking industry has now become public knowledge, as TellerOne Microfinance Bank finally gets the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria to begin Operations in the Magodo area of Lagos state.  The chairman and CEO of the latest baby in the Commercial banking business, is a passionate football fan and administrator, who has invested a better part of his life in nurturing and promoting exciting footballers across Nigeria.  He is Gabriel Davies, the    Chairman and financier of Ottasolo football Club, one of the clubs already penciled down to compete for honours in the yet to kick off Nigeria Nation-wide League One, also known as the amateur league. Speaking on this landmark achievement, Davies said it is a monumental breakthrough for Ottasolo and friends, especially sports men and women who can now take advantage of existing relationships, to do business with TellerOne Microfinance Bank "We have always thought of how we can guide our Sportsmen an

    The Nigeria Football Federation has deployed Dr. Ayo Hameed Abdulrahaman to the Nigeria National League as the chief operating officer, to take over from Mr. Emmanuel Adesanya who has retired from the Federal Civil Service after attaining the age of 60 years.   Abdulrahaman, who holds a doctorate degree in physical and health education, has robust sphere and institutional experience in football organization and administration. He is a deputy director in the Federal Civil Service.   Before his deployment, Dr. Abdulrahaman worked as deputy director in the NFF Competitions Department. He had also worked for many years previously as chief operating officer of the NNL, and also in the same capacity in the Nigeria Women Football League.   

The head coach of United States of America Under 17 and 19 Men’s team, Micheal Nsien has disclosed to Nigerian Journalists that he’s a suitable candidate for high profile coaching job. Speaking during an interview on foremost Nigeria Sports Mouthpiece NSM platform on Saturday evening, the Nigerian-American Football Coach told Press men that he’s qualified for top coaching job. The USA Under 17/19 coach began by saying "I am in a good place right now. This follows my promotion from U16 to U19 Head Coach in less than a year and I was just an assistant with the first team.  “With what we did at the Gold Cup in Japan, I can still get more opportunities with the US senior team. I am really happy with my own process and growth as a coach. "If Nigeria job ever come open, Nigerians know that I am a worthy coach from my experience and should be the one to reach out to me. “My hope would be that enough people in the world of football including Nigeria know my worth and if they see me a

Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh has started that his administration will pursues a two-fold focus, as part of the plans to reposition sports in the country. Speaking to stakeholders in Lagos, Enoh said the two-fold focus rests on sports development and sports for development as a way of harnessing the potentials of sports for Nigeria.  He explained that the first prong of sports development will take grassroots development as a special sub-focus where the country will focus on providing a platform for budding and raw talents to be unearthed for refinement. Enoh said “grassroots development will focus on the extent to which as a ministry and a country, we are able to provide the infrastructure and amenities at the grassroots level, where our talents are located.” “We have untapped talents in our local areas, individuals that do not have the opportunity to showcase themselves. We must provide pitches, courts that will expose these talents in areas that are neglected.” “We don’t

As part of his ongoing efforts to assess the state of major sports facilities in the country, Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh inspected the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos on Thursday. Senator Enoh started his inspection from the stadium complex, where he visited the National Institute of Sports, the boxing complex, mainbowl of the stadium, sports medical centre, indoor sports hall and other facilities. He also inspected the Games Village hostels, Legacy Pitch, Power House, as well as the courts for different sports. During his briefing at the stadium, John Enoh said “this facility built around the 1960’s, has been put to use functionally, including during the 2nd All African Games (1973). It has gone through a lot.” “This should not be the symbol of our sports in a city referred to as a sports city,” he added. The Minister stated that he will do all it takes to bring back the glory of the facility, which was once the pride of Africa. “I am glad that the proces

The President of Nigeria Teqball Federation Engr Habu Ahmed Gumel, congratulated Sen. John Enoh as the newly appointed Minister of Sports Development. In a statement signed by the General Secretary of the Federation Mr. Edede Ndudi said that the former lawmaker's vast experience is what the industry needs at the moment. “I heartily congratulate you Senator John Enoh on your appointment as the Minister of Sports Development by President Bola Tinubu on behalf of the Executive Board and the Teqball family in Nigeria and around the world,” Gumel said. “Your journey and experience in the National Assembly as a Senator will be a huge advantage as you understand the dynamics of every sector.” “We in the Teqball family appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for considering and appointing you as an Honourable Minister to coordinate the affairs of sports development in the country,” Gumel added. The Nigeria Teqball Federation is committed to the development of the sport in every part of the

Debutants Ijebu United claimed the bragging rights against a 10-man Shooting Stars, whom they beat 4-3 on spot kicks to set up interesting clash with Beyond Limits in the final of the Optima Energy Gold Cup. The Remo Stars International Stadium in Ikenne will host the grand finale of the 11th edition of the pre-season tournament on Saturday at 3pm. It was a game of both halves for Shooting Stars and Ijebu United who replaced defending champions Remo Stars who pulled out, owing to this weekend's CAF Champions League preliminaries. However, the Oluyole Warriors were their own on doing as they should have nailed Ijebu United by four goals in the first half but were wasteful with the begging chances that came their way.  3SC who had the chance of making a third consecutive Optima Energy Gold Cup final, took the lead from the penalty in the 27th minute after Ayobami Adekunle was awkwardly brought down just before pulling the trigger inside the six yard.  The referee made no mistake to p

The Chairman House Committee on Sports Honourable Ekene Abubakar Adams, has congratulated the newly appointed Minister of Sports, Senator John Enoh, saying his vast experience will help the sector to grow.  According to Hon. Ekene "Let me heartily  congratulate the new Sports Minister Senator  John Enoh, on his well deserved appointment by Mr President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His trajectory as a foremost  lawmaker who had served in the the Senate will be a huge advantage  to the accomplishment  of his new assignment.  As a former lawmaker he understands the dynamics of every  sector, so I believe he will hit the ground  running." The Member  Representing Chikun/ Kajuru Federal Constituency assured that his Committee  along with the Senate  counterparts will work in harmony with the new Minister to chart a new direction for Nigerian Sports. "We are all stakeholders and partners in progress, we are ready to work together in the best interest of our great country. We shall  part

Beyond Limits became the first team to record three wins out of three matches in the group phase of the Optima Energy Gold Cup, as Biliaminu Abdullahi's sensational effort from 19 yards nailed Ijebu United in a thriller at the Remo Stars International Stadium in Ikenne. It was a top of the table clash between two Ogun State football teams, and it lived up to the hype in the final game of the group. But it was Beyond Limits that claimed the bragging rights, to go top on the log of their group with 9points while Ijebu United settled for second with 6points from two wins, as former champions Sunshine Stars got their first win beating Hammola FC by a lone goal to finish third and fourth respectively. After a thrilling 85 minutes of quality football from both teams, the last five minutes was a soaked tensed but it was Biliaminu who made his Beyond Limits look unstoppable, after he made the most of a set-piece from his team's half to lash a wonder strike in between a helpless Ijebu U

President of Olafiranye Sports Foundation, Alhaji Olafiranye Olayiwola will gift cash rewards and plaques to deserving behaved player and team at the ongoing Optima Energy Gold Cup. Olafiranye Sports Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Osogbo, Osun State has identified with Nigeria's most glamourious domestic pre-season tourney brand, who's hosting its 11th edition at the Remo Stars International Stadium and FC Ebedei Stadium in Apele-Sagamu, with the behavioural award. Olafiranye, a philanthropists and former Chairmanship candidate in the last Osun State Football Association election, noted why his sports foundation has chosen reward excellence based on behavioural reactions on the field of play. "From the positive talks with the General Coordinator of the Optima Energy Gold Cup,  Tunde Shamsudeen, my foundation will be rewarding exceptional behavioural qualities seen from a football talent and team during the 10-day tournament with cash and plaque. "The c

Former champions Sunshine Stars will battle debutant Ijebu United in a southwest derby as the Optima Energy Gold Cup 11th edition kicks off 3pm on Friday, at the electrifying Remo Stars International Stadium in Ikenne - Ogun State. Optima Energy Gold Cup, the nation's prestigious pre-season tourney avail clubs in the three tiers of the domestics League- Nigeria Premier Football League, Nigeria National League and Nationwide League One the platform to prepare their squad going into the new season. Sunshine Stars, Beyond Limits FA, Ijebu United and Hammola FC make up the teams in Group A and will have their matches in Ikenne. Seventh edition champion in Ilorin, Niger Tornadoes and back-to-back finalist Shooting Stars will be having their hands full in Group B, as they tackle 'giant killers' FC Ebedei and Tradesafe FC at the FC Ebedei Stadium in Apele-Sagamu. General Coordinator of the tourney, Tunde Shamsudeen says anxious Optima Energy Gold Cup fans should expect the best fr

Towards ensuring quality information flow and the actualization of his mission and vision,  Chairman House Committee on Sports, Honourable Ekene Adams Abubakar, has appointed his Media Assistants. Honourable Ekene Adams confirmed Tunde Shamsudeen as head of his 4-man media team in an official letter dated 9th of August, 2023. According to him, Shamsudeen's profile, professionalism, loyalty, versatility, media network power, passion for sports made him the best choice for the job. Shamsudeen is the General Coordinator of the most glamorous Pre-Season Football Championship (Ogunjobi Gold Cup) in Nigeria. He is happily married to Mrs Olamide Shamsudeen and the union is blessed with a daughter.  Shamsudeen, born and bred in Minna, Niger State capital studied Mass Communication at The Polytechnic, Ibadan and speaks English, Hausa and Yoruba fluently. He started his journalism career with Osun Network Newspaper, worked as Media Officer of the defunct Anambra United,  Correspondent at The

Chairman House Committee on Sports Honourable Ekene Abubakar Adams has congratulated Nigeria’s female basketball team, D’Tigress for winning the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket Championship for the fourth consecutive time in a row. The Rena Wakama- led D’Tigress proved their dominance in the women's basket after edging 11-time African champions, Senegal 84-74 to claim their sixth championship at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda on Saturday. Saturday's trump, means D’Tigress will compete for a spot at the women’s basketball event of the 2024 Olympics. Adams, a member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency, Kaduna State in the 10th House of Representatives; could not hide his delight after the feat. "Congratulations to our women's Basketball team- D’Tigress and the entire backroom staff. The team has showed their dominance in the sport in Africa, and they showed the Nigeria never-say-die attitude going unbeaten in Kigali. "The team showcased their talent to Afri

Chairman House Committee on Sports Honourable Ekene Abubakar Adams says a healthy synergy with the media, can propel the growth of the sporting industry in Nigeria as they seek more corporate Nigeria funding of the sector. Adams, a member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in Kaduna State was named chairman of the sports committee in the 10th House of Representatives two week ago. In his second interactive session with the sporting media in Ikenne that had top Sports Editors and Sports Bloggers in attendance, after he did same in Abuja, the former General Manager of Remo Stars, solicited support of the fourth estate of the realm and unity of all stakeholders to bringing back the lost glory in sports in Nigeria. "I know the important role the media plays and for Nigeria sports to achieve its desired goal, the House Committee on Sports seeks a good synergy with the sporting media. "The stakeholders in the sports sector all need to embrace peace, as an enabling envi

The president of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Engr Habu Ahmed Gumel will on Saturday, July 29th, 2023 inaugurates six members of the Nigeria Teqball Federation (NIGTEQ) Executive Committee at the Secretariat of the Association of the National Olympic Committee of Africa (ANOCA) in Abuja. A letter from the Nigeria Teqball Federation, signed by Secretary General, Mr. Ndudi E. Edede, said the event will hold on Saturday at the ANOCA headquarters by 11 am prompt. The members to be inaugurated includes Dr. Barr. Mrs. Victoria Nlemigbo (Imo State) to represent South East, Mrs. Patience Okosun (Edo State) to represent South-South, and Dr. Olukemi Omolola Ogunniran (Oyo State) to represent South West. Other members are Dr. Isa Egan Salifu (Kogi State) to represent North Central, Pastor Yakubu Adamu Yola (Gombe State) to represent North East, and Alhaji Aliyu Abubakar Mohammad (Jigawa) representing North West. Members were appointed in line with the regulations of the International Teqba

  Nigerian International Stephen Odey has began the new season in Denmark on a remarkable note, scoring his first League goal and winning the Player Of The Match Award. After a successful preseason event, Odey was listed    for his team’s first league match against Odense BK, at the Nature Energy Park Stadium on Sunday, and put up an outstanding performance. The 25-year-old forward who was in action for 90 minutes put Randers ahead in the game after 10 minutes.  The former Genk player who was impressive in the match also missed a chance to bag a brace when his shot at goal hit the crossbar. Odey was voted as the Player Of The Match (POTM) after the game which ended in a 2-2 draw. Last season in the Danish Superliga, the Nigerian Striker found the back of the net on four occasions and also created an assist.  Randers FC will host Hvidovre at Randers Stadium this Sunday and Odey and his teammates will be looking forward to capitalize on their opening league result.