Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Football Federation has described as outright falsehood, reports in some online publications on Wednesday that the football-governing body has slammed a ban on Super Eagles’ forward Victor Osimhen from the team, for his social media outburst few days ago.

Its General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi expressed amazement at the reports, saying the Federation has neither instructed a process nor has a process been concluded to ban the player from the National Team.

“The NFF hereby implores the media to join hands with the body to positively resolve issues and then focus on the big picture all the time, rather than needlessly escalate certain matters. There was no official communication from the NFF, yet some persons have gone to town to talk about a ban on Osimhen from the National Team. This is not good at all.

“Our focus presently is to resolve all matters around the Super Eagles and be able to look ahead with confidence to the 2025 AFCON qualifiers and the remaining six matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Football Federation has resolved to hire a foreign expatriate Technical Adviser for the nation’s team,Super Eagles.

The action followed the team’s dismal outing in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

This was revealed in a communique made available to the media on Thursday by the football federation.

The Football Fedetation assured that the foreign manager will be appointed in the coming weeks.

The communique said: “Executive Committee resolved to employ an expatriate Technical Adviser for the Super Eagles in the coming weeks, ahead of the AFCON qualifiers and the remaining FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

“The Executive Committee wholeheartedly apologized to Nigerians for the dismal output and subsequent very poor returns of the Senior Men National Team, Super Eagles, in four out of 10 matches in the ongoing qualification series for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, and pledged to work assiduously and put necessary measures in place to ensure a better-prepared squad ahead of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers in September this year and the resumption of the World Cup qualifiers in March 2025.

“Notwithstanding the challenges that attended the team’s preparations for the Day 3 and Day 4 games of the FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, owing to a 38-hour nationwide industrial action, the Board expressed displeasure with the poor attitude of some of the players to the National Assignment, and unanimously decided in favour of a more robust scouting programme of outstanding Nigeria-eligible players from across the four corners of the universe, who can add tremendous value to the nation’s flagship team.”

The NFF also resolved to beef up the NFF Technical Department with more qualitative hands.

The Technical and Development Sub-Committee will be re-jigged with immediate effect, it said.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Football Federation, on Monday, unveiled former Ajax star Finidi George as the new coach of the Super Eagles.

The football body also revealed that Finidi would be assisted by his former Super Eagles teammate, Daniel Amokachi, and former Shooting Stars player Benjamin James, who is based in Germany.

He will also have the services of Mehmet Ozturk, who will serve as an analyst, and the Netherland-based fitness trainer Chima Onyeike, who has worked in Russia, Germany, and Greece, will also assist Finidi.

Mohammed Shosanya

One of Nigeria’s leading utility firm, Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has reiterated its commitment to supporting health and wellness and Sports Development initiatives.

The company expressed this at the EKEDC Tennis Tournament at Ikoyi Club 1938,a statement said.

Accoeding to the statement,the audience at the week-long tournament witnessed the display of grit, resilience and healthy competition among participants.

The week-long tournament which is in line with the Company’s Corporate Social Responsibility pillars, Health and Wellness, had captains of industries, businessmen and professionals in attendance. The participants were grouped into the different business units of EKEDC with Ibeju District emerging as overall champions while Lekki District were the runners-up.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of EKEDC, Mrs Rekhiat Momoh emphasized the importance of health and wellness in the society.

She said: “This tournament underscores and aligns with our healthy competitive spirit and striving for excellence. We will stop at nothing until we achieve our aim of providing a safe, reliable and constant electricity supply to all our customers. Beyond that, in line with our tagline of empowering the quality of lives, we will also improve our immediate communities through impactful Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives as well as strategic partnerships and sponsorships such as this aimed at promoting Health and Wellness. We are also committed to sports development because that is another area that can bring growth to our immediate community.”

The Chairman of the Ikoyi Club Tennis section, Diran Famakinwa, said this year’s tournament is the third edition and has not failed to bring out exciting performances from the participants. He said, “Each day brought out its beautiful performance and I can say this year’s own was keenly contested with a stunning display of athleticism and team spirit.”

EKEDC’s commitment to health and wellness extends beyond the tennis court. As part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, the company has implemented various programs aimed at improving the well-being of its employees and the communities it serves.

Mohammed Shosanya

The 13th NNPC Ltd. Sports Fiesta will kick-off tomorrow at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja as the Company strives to retain its legendary status of the team to beat in the Nigeria Oil & Gas Industry Games (NOGIG) coming up later in April, this year.

This year’s edition of the biennial event themed “Healthy Workforce, Productive Organization,” symbolises NNPC Ltd’s belief in the integral role of physical well-being towards enhancing organizational productivity among employees.

The event will see the company’s employees competing in 13 games namely football, basketball, volleyball, chess, squash, scrabble, 8-ball pool, golf, tennis, table tennis, badminton, swimming and athletics.

The one-week event, which will climax on Friday, 23rd February, 2024, will also feature a novelty match that will see the NNPC Ltd Football Team trading tackles with Ex-Super Eagles Stars, led by Nigeria’s legendary Captain, Austin JJ Okocha.

This year, the six NNPC Ltd zones have undergone a restructuring, following their consolidation into three teams that represent the Company’s three core values of Integrity (Port Harcourt/Benin); Excellence (Lagos/Warri) and Sustainability (Abuja/Kaduna).

The tournament, which is set to showcase friendly yet spirited contests among the three teams, will also serve as a platform for selecting NNPC Ltd’s potential flagbearers at the forthcoming Nigeria Oil & Gas Industry Games (NOGIG) in April 2024, where the Company will defend its title of Overall Winner, a feat it has maintained over the years.

The NNPC Ltd has been a serial winner of the NOGIG Games, which also features other participants from International Oil Companies (IOCs) operating in Nigeria and key agencies under the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

During the last edition of NOGIG held in 2020 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, NNPC Ltd emerged the overall winner of the tournament, carting home 48 laurels, which include 13 gold, 16 silver and 19 bronze medals.

Mohammed Shosanya

President Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles on their victory over South Africa in the semifinals of the African Cup of Nations.

The Eagles defeated South Africa on penalties with striker Kelechi Iheanacho scoring the goal that sent them to the final.

Tinubu’s congratulatory message was posted on his official X page.

He wrote: “From the Southernmost cape of Africa to the Plains of Mauritania and the coast of West Africa…. You have made us all Proud to be Nigerians! Go… Soar in the AFCON Finals Well done, boys!”

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun,described the victory of the Super Eagles over their South African counterparts as well deserved.

In a congratulatory message to the national football team and the entire country,Abiodun praised the players for their outstanding performance against the South Africans.

The governor,who expressed delight and pride in the team’s remarkable victory commended the players, coaching staff, and the entire Nigerian football fraternity for their dedication and hard work.

“The Super Eagles have once again proven their mettle on the international stage, showcasing their exceptional skills and determination. I am incredibly proud of their achievement in securing a well-deserved spot in the African Cup of Nations finals.

“This victory is a testament to the strength and unity of our beloved country, Nigeria. The Super Eagles have shown the world what it means to be a team, fighting together to achieve a common goal,” the governor added.

Mohammed Shosanya

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have dedicated their 1-0 victory against the Palancas Negras of Angola in the quarterfinals of the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) to the memory of late Samuel Okwaraji.

Okwaraji slumped and died while playing in a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Angola in Lagos.

The team wrote on its X handle the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan,that the triumph was in memory of the late legend.

“Today’s victory over Angola is a poignant reminder of the adamant spirit of Nigerian football.

“ As we celebrate this triumph, we also honor the memory of Late Samuel Sochukwuma Okwaraji, who tragically left us while playing against Angola 35 years ago.

“ His passion for the game and sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Samuel Okwaraji, your legacy lives on,” it said.

Mohammed Shosanya

Lionel Messi has been crowned The Best FIFA Men’s Player for 2023, beating both Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland to the prize.

He claimed the FIFA award for the third time, but the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was a surprise victor ahead of Erling Haaland on an otherwise glorious night for Manchester City.

The award only covered the period after Messi had led Argentina to World Cup glory in December 2022 to August 2023.

The 36-year-old had a subdued end to his career at Paris Saint-Germain, despite winning the League 1 title, before joining MLS side Inter Miami in June.

Messi quickly made his mark in the United States as he helped the franchise, part-owned by David Beckham, to their first trophy by winning the Leagues Cup in August.

Haaland was favourite to win after scoring 52 times in his debut season with City as the English side won a treble of Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup.

However, after receiving the same number of points from a scoring system based off votes from national team captains, coaches, journalists and fans, Messi was crowned victor thanks to more first-choice nominations.

Messi’s former club teammate Kylian Mbappe was third.

Bonmati’s selection as the best women’s player was less controversial as she completed a clean sweep of personal awards after helping Spain to win the World Cup and Barcelona to Champions League glory in 2023.

The 25-year-old also won the Ballon d’Or, Golden Ball for player of the World Cup and UEFA’s player of the year in recent months.

“A couple of weeks ago when 2023 came to an end I was nostalgic because 2023 was an exceptional and unique year I will remember for the rest of my life,” said Bonmati.

“I’m proud of being part of a powerful generation of women who are changing the rules of the game and the world.”

Pep Guardiola was named best coach after masterminding City’s first ever Champions League success.

Haaland was joined by five of his club teammates — Kyle Walker, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne — in the team of the year.

Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, Messi and Mbappe made up the 11.

City’s Ederson won men’s goalkeeper of the year, while England and Manchester United stopper Mary Earps picked up the women’s award.

England national team boss Sarina Wiegman won the women’s coach of the year after leading the Lionesses to the FIFA World Cup final.

The Brazilian men’s team won the fair play award after they dawned an all black shirt for the first time in a show of support for forward Vinicius, who suffered several incidents of racist abuse while playing for Real Madrid last year.

There was also Brazilian success in the Puskas award for the best goal, scored by Botafogo’s Guilherme Madruga for his spectacular overhead kick.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Police Force has commenced intensive plans towards its 14th Biennial Games, scheduled to hold from 25th February to 2nd March 2024, in the beautiful city of Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Force Sports Officer, CP Patrick Atayero, and heads of various committees are expected to converge in Ibadan from Friday 12th January to Sunday 14th January 2024 for meetings and assessments of facilities, in conjunction with the Oyo State Government’s team to perfect the arrangement for a successful sports festival in Oyo State,a statement said.

The last edition, 13th Biennial Police Games, was held in uyo, Akwa Ibom State from 23rd to 30th of November, 2022.

Mohammed Shosanya

Egbin Power Plc has emphasized that creating platform that allows young people to showcase their talents while also deepening unity among community members contributes to youth and community development.

This was highlighted at the 2nd edition of Egbin Power Plc Community Football tournament hosted as part of the company’s efforts to promote sport development in its host communities – Egbin, Ijede and Ipakan,a statement said.

At the finals of the 2023 edition held at Ipakan Community Stadium, Ikorodu, the company’s Head of Corporate Communication & Branding, Felix Ofulue explained that the football competition was created to positively engage the youth, boost sport development and further engender the spirit of camaraderie among people in the host communities.

“At Egbin Power Plc, we are committed to championing youth and community development in our host communities. What we have seen at this year’s edition of the competition was very impressive, with the huge turn-out of spectators, quality of talents featured and cooperation among the young people that formed the various teams.

“No doubt, the competition provided opportunities for them to bond and also showcase their skills. And we are excited that the tournament recorded high success. We congratulate the winners, and all the teams that participated thereby showing sportsmanship and making the competition very colourful. We believe that youths in these communities possess the abilities to realise their potentials. At Egbin Power Plc we are excited to provide this platform for them to thrive,” Ofulue noted.

Nigeria’s ex-international goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, who was the special guest at the finals commended Egbin Power Plc for instituting the competition as a way to develop sport in the communities.

He said:“Indeed, this programme by Ebin Power Plc is laudable. I am deeply honoured to be part of this initiative that is aimed at promoting youth and sport development in Nigeria. I commend the company and urge them to keep it up, as it offers bright hope for talents that we have seen in the competition.”

At the finals, Alagura Football Club (FC) emerged winner of the 2023 edition by defeating Igbopa FC 2 – 0, while Sterling Boys Ipakan came 3rd after a thrilling encounter with Oke-Eletu FC that ended 6 – 2. The Champions went home with a cash prize of N1,000,000 while the 2nd and 3rd position received N700,000 and N500,000 respectively.

The Baale of Ipakan, Chief Mustapha Lasisi, applauded the GenCo for contributing to youth and sport development in the host communities. He said: “Through this second edition, the company has demonstrated its interest in promoting unity, growth and development of our communities. We are grateful for the success of this tournament and we urge the company to keep investing and promoting youth and sport development.”

The finals was graced by royal fathers from the host communities, while thousands of spectators came to cheer the teams.

A total of 16 football clubs drawn from different towns in the host communities featured in the 2023 edition. Other football teams that took part in the competition were: Egbin Diamond FC, Oko-Ope FC, Alannu-Omo FC, Egbin Classical FC, New Generation FC, Igbe-Ogunro FC, Ebute Olowo, Egbin Diamond FC, Abule-Eko FC, Ajeri Boys, Dragon Ipakan and Ajede FC