championtobi

Nigeria's first and only individual Olympics gold medalist Chief Dr (Mrs) Chioma Ajunwa has shown consistency in reaching out to sports men and women, this time around her focus is on some selected widows. In the spirit of the season and as a Christmas baby, her motive is to put smiles on the faces of these women that have single-handedly shouldered the responsibilities of being a mother and a father to their kids. "I love to take care of widows, it is my passion," began Ajunwa. "I have made provision for a quality portion of food items, new clothings and a token for them in this festive period to alleviate the effect of the pandemic." Chioma Ajunwa, born on Christams Day in 1970, chose the period to unveil her pet project: Chioma Ajunwa Education Trust Fund for indigent children. Ajunwa continued: "My aim is to reach out to the Girl Child especially, I was once a girl child that has added value to the society. "The value of the Girl child can not be u...

  Shooting Stars successfully defended the Governor Dapo Abiodun preseason tournament after Gafar Olafimihan scored the only goal to give them a 1-0 victory over Lobi Stars.  The Oluyole Warriors won the 2019 edition of the tournament after a 1-0 win over Delta Force.  Gafar Olafimihan’s goal came in the third minute of the game, as both teams missed their chances to add to the scoreline.  Lobi Stars faced their first defeat in the tournament, prior to winning 5 matches before the final.  Shooting Stars will now shift attention to the Nigeria National League, which is yet to get a definite kickoff date, as they hope to gain promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League.

Following their CAF Confederation Cup engagement this weekend, Rivers United have communicated to the Organizers of the 2020 Dapo Abiodun Cup their management decision to disengage from the pre-season tournament.  Rivers United will travel to Equatorial Guinea this week as they begin their 2020/2021 CAF Confederation Cup campaign in the Preliminary round against Futuro Kings on November 28th. According to the club's official communication to the organizers of the Dapo Abiodun Cup, Rivers United General Manager Chief Okey Kpalukwu explained the reasons behind his team disengagement from the prestigious pre-season tournament. “We want to apologize to the organizers of this tournament, our decision to disengage from the tournament was a difficult one. We have to travel back to Port-Harcourt and conduct the COVID-19 test for our players and officials. We have to perfect our traveling plans and make arrangements for all necessary documentation. “We appreciate the Organizers for their am...

The final group games of the 2020 Dapo Abiodun Cup were concluded on Saturday, November 21st, as four Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and Nigeria National League (NNL) clubs secured their quarter-final tickets. In Group C, the two matches of the day ended goalless. Shooting Stars and Kwara United failed to break even, both teams finished with five points respectively in their group but Shooting finished top with a better goals' difference. Nilayo FC ended their campaign with a goalless draw against Remo Stars.  Group A games witnessed Rivers United edging out Warri Wolves 1-0 courtesy of Adebayo Agunbiade's first-half goal to finished top of the group with 9 points. The second game between Gateway United and Bendel Insurance ended with a barren scoreline. The Tournament Coordinator, Oye Bawala has confirmed the quarter-final fixtures which is scheduled to hold on Sunday, November 22nd. The top two teams from the three groups were joined by the tournament best losers...

  Group A: A brace from Ishiaq Kayode ensured Rivers United maintain their impressive run following a 2-0 win over Gateway United. Rivers United have sealed their place in the Quaterfinals, with a game left to play. Group B: Lobi Stars made it three wins out of three matches played, after a 2-1 win over Crown FC. A first half strike from Segun Alebiosu was enough to put Lobi Stars on top of Group B. Despite the loss, Crown FC still qualified as the runners-up in the group. MFM FC failed to score a goal in the group stages of the Gov Dapo Abiodun Preseason tournament, following a stalemate against Godosky FC.  Group C: A late goal from Sadiq Awujoola earned a point for Shooting Stars in an entertaining contest. Remo Stars went ahead in the 22nd minute through Dolapo Toheeb’s header before Sadiq Awujoola scored in the 90th minute for Oluyole Warriors.

Group A  Rivers United announced their presence in the tournament with a dominant display against Bendel Insurance after a 2-0 win. Two second half goals from Chika Godwin and Aguda Godwin gave Rivers United their first win of the tournament.  Warri Wolves grabbed their first point of the tournament after a draw with Gateway United. Gateway United goalkeeper, Adamu Azeez put the NNL side ahead from the spot in the 45th minute. Sunday Williams rescued a point for Warri Wolves with a second half goal.  Group B  Lobi Stars continued with their impressive run in the tournament with a 2-1 win over Godosky FC.  Lobi Stars striker, Austine Ogunye netted the opener from a goal mouth scramble before an own goal from Godosky defender, Daniel Nwakamma made it 2-0 just before halftime. Kabiru Dogo’s men have secured a place in the Quarterfinals with two games played so far.  Crown FC held MFM FC to a stalemate in their second game of the tournament. MFM FC almost got t...

  GROUP A  Insurance came from a goal down to beat Warri Wolves in an interesting encounter. Garshion Joshua opened the scoring with a fine strike inside the area in the 36th minute. Substitute, Ammar Abdulkareem leveled the scoreline in the 60th minute with a goal of the tournament contender, before Edeyaru Osamuyi put Insurance ahead with a fine strike in the 72nd minute.  GROUP B  Last year’s semifinalist, Lobi Stars beat fellow Nigeria Professional Football League side, MFM FC with a 1-0 win. Ebube Duru’s first half strike was enough to put Kabiru Dogo’s men past Olukoya boys.  Crown FC with a dominant display eased past Godosky FC in a 1-0 win. The Nigeria National League side missed several chances in the first half, before getting the winner in 64th minute through Tobi Adeyi’s header.  GROUP C  Defending Champions, Shooting Stars started this year’s campaign just the way they left it off last year, following a 5-1 win over Nilayo FC. Shooting St...

The 2020 Dapo Abiodun Cup will kick-off on Tuesday evening with the much-anticipated match between Kwara United and Remo Stars at the mainbow of the Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode. This is the second edition of the prestigious tournament which is supported by Nigeria’s number one betting company, Bet9ja, and newly birthed airline, ValueJet. Kwara United and Remo Stars clashed twice in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in 2019, United won the first leg 2-1 in Ilorin while Remo Stars also won the reverse fixture at home. Kwara United forward, Kabiru Adeniji says the Afonja Warriors have set their target to start the tournament with a positive result. "This is going to be our last preseason tournament and we want to make this count. We need to build a positive momentum ahead of the new season and this tourney will shape our team spirit. Remo Stars will give us a good test and we are anticipating the challenge," Adeniji said. Remo Stars midfielder Akanni...

Shooting Stars head coach, Edith Agoye insists the Oluyole Warriors will set out to defend their Dapo Abiodun Preseason title as this year's edition kicks off on Tuesday (Today) at the Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode.  The five-time Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions lifted the maiden edition of the prestigious Preseason Tourney last year when they defeated Delta Force 1-0 in the final game. They recorded a historic semifinal victory when they hammered Lobi Stars 5-0 to reach the final which they eventually won. "I'm excited we are participating in the preseason tournament this year, we are looking forward to the tournament and as the champions, it gives us a great opportunity to defend our title. It will also give us that chance to compete with top NPFL clubs," said Agoye. The champions are paired in Group C alongside two Nigeria National League (NNL) sides Nilayo FC and Remo Stars, while Kwara United are the only NPFL side in the group....

  The second edition of the Gov Dapo Abiodun preseason tournament set to take centre stage in Ijebu-Ode, as teams set for arrival on Monday.  Ijebu-Ode will be a host to 16 teams for a week, in one of the best preseason tournament in the country.  Shooting Stars won the maiden edition of the Dapo Abiodun preseason tournament after a 1-0 win over Delta Force.  Nigeria Professional Football League teams like Kano Pillars, Lobi Stars, Enugu Rangers, Kwara United, MFM FC will storm Ijebu-Ode on Monday for the tournament which kicks off on November 17.  Draws for the tournament will take place on Monday, November 16 at the Dipo Dina Stadium by 5pm.

Ater the feverish dread of Coronavirus, virtually all socio-economic sectors are now back to life. Schools, markets, churches, malls, hotels, restaurants, clubs, mass transportation including air, rail and road travels, offices and various other businesses have resumed activities. Only the sports sector in Nigeria has remained sluggish in coming back. Across the world, sport has resumed and Nigerian fans have reconnected with their loves in the European leagues, tennis grand slams, Formula One etc. Even though these have been without spectators, the people join through the broadcasts and the sports organisations are back in business. The situation is so different here. Sports is still locked in. The government earlier gave a clear for the resumption of non-contact sports and later announced same for contact and team sports with the proviso for strict observance of COVID-19 protocols. Accordingly, the Nigeria Professional Football League has projected to resume by November ending, perha...

The organizers of the 2020 Prince Dapo Abiodun pre-season tournament have announced support from Nigeria’s number one betting company, Bet9ja, and newly birthed airline, ValueJet. This year’s pre-season tournament has been scheduled to hold from November 16th – 23rd at the Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-ode with 10 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and six Nigeria National League (NNL) clubs. Bet9ja is an indigenous betting company which has grown to be the country’s number one bookie while ValueJet makes an entrance into the aviation market. “We have reached an agreement with Bet9ja and ValueJet, both companies will support the tournament and we are glad to have them on board,” said the Tournament Coordinator, Oye Bawala. “Our mission is to expand the tournament and make it the hub for football business, beyond just playing football games, we want to make the event attractive to brands and the business communities in Ogun State. “This is a huge statement, to have the...

  The organizers of the Prince Dapo Abiodun Pre-season Tournament have revealed that this year’s edition of the pre-season tourney will hold from November 16th – 23rd, 2020 in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. The maiden edition of the prestigious pre-season tournament was held in 2019 at the ancient city of Ijebu-ode in Ogun State, Shooting Stars emerged as champions defeating Delta Force 1-0 in the final game. The tournament witnessed an historic moment in the semi-final game when Shooting Stars defeated Lobi Stars 5-0. The tournament Coordinator Oye Bawala has revealed that the second edition promises an improved organization and top-notch competition for the clubs that will participate which also includes meeting up with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) guidelines on COVID19. “We recorded a huge success last season in the maiden edition and we are looking forward to the second edition. We have reviewed the organization and we are planning to improve on all fronts this year, t...

  ... Announces Help Line  The Minister  of  Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare  has announced that a new help line  will be opened to provide timely information on youth focused programs and attend to the needs of  Nigerian Youth. This move is to deepen  communication  between Nigerian youth and government and to ensure consistent  engagement.   Ministers of Women Afairs Dame Paulen Tallen and Minister of State,  Labor  Barrister  Festus Keyamo, SAN were all in attendance to update the youth on government actions in the wake of the endsars protest.  Speaking during the second   Virtual town hall meeting held on Friday October 23rd  which had about 11,500 youth participating Via zoom and Facebook/ YouTube organized by the Ministry, contributors  commended the steps  taken to address  the  demands of the youth from the EndSars campaign. While appreciating the conce...

Foremost sports management company based in Nigeria, A&A Sports Management has congratulated Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over his victory in the last gubernatorial election held on September 19, 2020, noting that Obaseki's re-election will bring positive growth to sports in the State. The election which was rated to be one of the most peaceful elections in Nigeria history by several independent bodies signifies the administration level of Obaseki which preaches love and light, and also the development of democracy in the State. Obaseki's administration has witnessed a big growth in sports development in Edo State. Top-notch welfare for the players and athletes in the state, construction of world-class sports and football facilities that witnessed the upgrade of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. A&A Sports Management is excited that the second term of this administration will ensure greater heights for all sectors in the State, especially fo...

Former Nigeria U20 player, Abubakar Ghali, who plays for AS Trencin in the Slovakian League, has expressed his delight, after scoring his first goal of the season in his team's 3-2 victory over FC Nitra at the weekend.  Abubakar who had provided two assists in the League prior to the match, scored his team second goal in the 23rd minute as Trencin grind out their first League win in six matches. Speaking to Football Republik, the 20-year-old expressed happiness and promised to do more to score and assist his teammates.  "I'm very happy about the first goal I have scored in the league. The most important thing was that the team won." "My target is that I want to score more goals and give more assist, but in football, you can't decide what will happen. But I hope to score more goals and create more assist." The victory over FC Nitra gave AS Trencin their first three points of the season, after two draws and three defeats.

Vandrezzer FC is a professional football club that competes in the Nigeria National League (NNL) - the second tier of Nigerian club football.  Nicknamed the ‘Lions of Naija’, Vandrezzer FC is driven by the vision of her founder to bring about a change in the narrative of football club management in Nigeria. Since it’s establishment precisely one year ago, on September 11, 2019; Vandrezzer FC has been at the forefront of redefining the dynamics of club football management in Nigeria, riding on its four cardinal principles of Football artistry, Arts, Entertainment and Hospitality. Working with a business model focused on fans engagement, merchandising, ticket sales, broadcasting rights, Vandrezzer FC is determined to be a trailblazer in promoting the ‘football for business’ concept in Nigeria.   Not discouraged by the stalemate of the 2019/2020 NNL league season, and subsequently the COVID-19 induced lock-down; the club remained resolute and undaunted in her pursuit for excellen...

B usiness mogul, Mr. Yemi Idowu, has refuted an online report claiming that he has been declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The report alleged that 250,000 hectares of land in Lekki, Lagos belonging to one Mr, Patrick Ononenyi Okonkwo was converted by Mr Idowu and Chief Waheed Eletu Odibo. But in a swift reaction, Mr. Idowu said: “I found out that some people were trying to tarnish my image online.” “I have never been invited to court by the EFCC or any other law enforcement agent and I was never arrested by them. “I am perfectly safe and sound. It is fake news whose purveyors I am determined to take legal action against. I thank my family members and friends for their concern over this malicious fake news. “Kindly ignore the fake news. Thank you all for your concerns.” Credit: Opera.

Fast rising Authentic Nigeria Football Supporters Club (ANFSC) have concluded plans to sponsor 77-year-old popular Mama Arsenal, Alhaja Nosimot Hassan to the United Kingdom for a tour of the Emirates Stadium. The 77-year-old die hard Arsenal fan was officially unveiled today ,11, July 2020, to the ANFSC in an elaborate event organised by the President of the Club, Abayomi Ogunjimi popularly known as Bonfrere alongside one of the patrons of the club, Honourable Rotimi Ajanaku. Rotimi Ajanaku disclosed while addressing  press men at the event, that the ANFSC will sponsor Mama Arsenal to England for a tour of the Emirates Stadium any moment from now. The President of the vibrant Nigeria Supporters body who called on private investors and sports loving individuals to support the ANFSC in his speech during the event, further stated that, Alhaja has been inducted into the Elder's Forum of the club. "I will like to call on private investors and individuals to come...

By Wale Ajayi. He made the promise in Wednesday Night and by friday afternoon he has fulfilled his 200,000 naira pledge to Nigeria journalists.     There is no denying the fact that Bukola Olopade remains the best commissioner of sports that ever lived in Nigeria. This may not be far from the truth because his legacies are there and they will always speak for him.       Ozogula as he is fundly called by his admirers has broken all records that exists in sports and is looking good for the Guinness book of records.     A few years ago, a certain Mr Suleiman Baba Ali emerged from the blues to raise over 500m naira for team Nigeria's participation at the Olympics. He did that successfully with fellow marketer, Nkechi Obi. That feet was celebrated and many still discuss it till date.        Those two, set a precedent for others to follow and one man has since dwarfed their records as Nigeria best sports marketer of all...

The Lagos government, through the state Sports Commission and O'jeez Entertainment have distributed palliatives to Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (Lagos SWAN) to cushion effect of COVID-19 pandemic on sports journalists in the state. Each of the over 250 Lagos SWAN members received bags of 5kg rice, 5kg beans, 5kg semolina/noodles, 2 liters groundnut oil, condiments and 200ml sanitisers. Speaking at the presentation ceremony at Molade Okoya-Thomas Multi-purpose Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, LSSC Director General, Oluwatoyin Gafaar, said the idea was to cushion the effect of the pandemic on friends of the commission. His words: "This is in line with what Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been doing to relief the citizens during this difficult period and SWAN Lagos being our immediate constituency. "We have no option than to extend the gesture and support to the association. We have a lot of plans for Lagos SWAN members and as we move forward together, we wi...

By Wale Ajayi. The story of Nigeria football cannot be complete without a mention of Alhaji Aminu kurfi Balele, the fast rising football administrator whose records on and off the pitch is gradually dwarfing the achievements of many who have spent over two decades in the corridors of football with virtually nothing to show for it. As senior special adviser to the former executive governor of Katsina state Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, Balele who was also a former chairman of Katsina united, is the brain behind the rising profile of Katsina United as one of the emerging super powers of Nigeria football His deep administrative manoeuvrings around the football circle helped to lift the Changi boys from their comfort zone in the NNL to the Nigeria professional football league, NPFL, after they finished as league leaders in the 2016 season before going on to win the NNL Super 4 competition, a result that catapulted them to the Apex league in the country. Known for his forthrightnes...

... Says he wasn't credited with N10 million from the NFF. Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Technical and Development Committee Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf 'Fresh' has urged the general public to filter out his image in a report that was unprofessionally published by one irresponsible online media, scorenigeria.com.ng. According to the statement by the Chief Executive Officer of Maxisports International, Mr. Olaoluwa Aro, an organization managing the image of the NFF Executive Member denied the concoction of lies by the media organization who has a pedigree of publishing FAKE NEWS. "As a reputable media and sports agency, we have done our investigation and discovered all the things published by scorenigeria.com.ng in relation to our client Ahmed Yusuf 'Fresh' were unfounded truths, that should be trashed to the bin. "It's very disturbing because scorenigeria.com.ng is one of the media outlets that enjoys traducing in the name of...

Following a review of the incident of Sunday, March 8 in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Matchday 23 fixture between Nasarawa United and Katsina United, the League Management Company (LMC) has amongst other stiff sanctions ordered that no matches shall be hosted at the Lafia Township Stadium until medical requirements and measures stipulated in the League Rules are fully complied with.  The LMC also wrote to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) requesting that the Match Commissioner in the said fixture Mr. Christian Mbah from Enugu State Football Association, be withdrawn permanently from further participation in NPFL matches, for failure to perform his statutorily duty to ensure all requirements including Medical personnel and equipments are in place before allowing the match to go ahead and for also failing to submit his match report within the stipulated time frame despite the aggravated incident from the match. The NFF in another letter by th...

President Muhammadu Buhari today Thursday 30th of January, 2019, played host to the Minister Of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, to flagoff the movement of the Torch Of Unity for the 20th National Sports Festival at State House in Abuja. The President in his speech, reiterated his administration’s commitment to foster an enabling environment for sports at all level. "May I once again reiterate this administration’s commitment to continue to support and provide enabling environment for the development of sports at all level", the President assured. He commended the Federal Ministry Of Youth and Sports under the leadership of the Minister, particularly his doggedness in ensuring the continually following his mandate on keeping the youth busy. "The Federal Ministry Of Youth and Sports Development is the biggest constituency for keeping the youth busy and the Minister is doing a good job in that regard," he said. The Minister in his remarks, t...

His real name may not ring a bell, but once you mention his nickname, hardly would you meet anybody who is anybody as far as the national teams of Nigeria is concerned who do not know him.  Abayomi Ogunjimi popularly known by most people as Bonfrere is the young man who has decided to do thing differently and changed how the supporters’ club operation is done in Nigeria. When next any Nigeria’s national team is playing, especially the senior national team, the Super Eagles, whenever the camera pans to show the Nigerian supporters club cheering the team on, watch out for a fair, agile young man, directing the affairs of the supporters club from the stand, that man is Bonfrere. According to those who know the restless, hardworking and highly cerebral young man, he has been an integral part of the Nigerian football supporters club for more than 20 years, he is said to have been going around the continents of the world with the supporters’ club from a very young age...

Online money transfer company WorldRemit and Arsenal Football Club welcomed the winners of the 2019 Future Stars competition to London. Sponsored by WorldRemit, Chinasa Mandy Ukandu from Nigeria was one of two winners who won an all expenses paid trip to London to take part in a personalised training programme with Arsenal Football Development coaches. The weeklong programme is designed to help Future Stars coaches to assist the children they coach to develop life skills both on and off the pitch. Chinasa coaches boys and girls aged 5 to 16. Together with her friends, she helps provide young people with an opportunity to develop football and life skills at Help the Talent Academy in Lagos State. She completed phase three of the Premier Skills Coach Educators Course (an initiative by the English Premier League and British Council) in 2015. Arriving in London Chinasa enjoyed a week of scheduled activities including attending the Arsenal Vs Manchester City football game, an...