SWAN Canvases Federal Govt. Support For NPFL Development

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), the umbrella body of sports journalist in the country, has strongly petitioned the Federal Government to make a bold bailout for the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL, and make it commercially viable and attractive all-round as obtainable in big leagues overseas.
Professional football league started in Nigeria in 1990, but it has been plagued and stagnated with many problems. The inaugural Nigeria Premier League (NPL) managed by Nigeria Football League (NFL) was abolished and replaced by NPFL managed by League Management Company (LMC) from 2012.

Okereke Scores Season Sixth Goal For Brugge

Nigeria international striker, David Okereke was on target for Club Brugge in their 2-0 away win over SV Zulte Waregem in the Belgian Jupiler League on Wednesday night.
Okereke, continued his good form in front of the goalkeepers and has netted two goals in two games, including his equalizer against Standard Liege last weekend.

Silva Hails Iwobi’s Impact In Everton Carabao Cup Win

Everton manager Marco Silva has hailed the contribution of Nigeria's Super Eagles striker, Alex Iwobi in the side’s 2-0 win against Watford in their Carabao Cup fourth- round tie at the Goodison Park on Tuesday.
Iwobi put up an impressive performance in the encounter and saw an effort slam the bar .

2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup: FIFA Salutes Nigeria, Brazil, Angola For Picking Round Of 16 Tickets

Federation of International Football Association has congratulated hosts Brazil, Nigeria and Angola after the three countries booked their spot in the second round at the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The Golden Eaglets scored two late goals to secure a hard fought 3-2 win against Ecuador in their second Group B game at the Estadio Olimpico, Giaonia on Tuesday night.

2019 FIFA World Cup Buhari Hails Resilient Golden Eaglets Over Victory Against Ecuador

President Muhammadu Buhari has applauded the performance of the Golden Eaglets in Tuesday night 3-2 win against Ecuador at the ongoing 2019 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Presidential Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, quoted the President as saying, “The fact that the youngsters never gave up, and turned the table against their opponents, is a lesson in persistence and resilience.”

2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup: Make Nigeria Proud Against Ecuador -Sports Minister Urges Eaglets

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare has urged the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria to consolidate on their victory in their first match at the ongoing 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup and make Nigeria proud in their encounter with the Ecuadorian side.
According to a media release signed Media Office of the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, the Minister while expressing confidence in the team's ability to perform well, urged the team to give their best during the encounter.

AFCON 2021 Qualifier: NFF Writes CAF To Shift Super Eagles, Squirrels Clash

Nigeria Football Federation has written Confederation of Africa Football demanding that the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Squirrels of Benin Republic scheduled for November 13 in Uyo be played on Thursday November 14.
NFF is also requesting that CAF also approve 5pm kickoff instead of the 8 pm earlier fixed for the match, insisting that request for time change was over security concerns.

Arsenal Fans Clamour For Ndidi Signing

Arsenal fans have called for the signing of Nigeria's Super Eagles midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi following Granit Xhaka’s performance in last Sunday’s controversial 2-2 home draw against Crystal Palace.
The Leicester City midfielder has been one of the stars of the season so far, becoming an underrated star in Brendan Rodgers’ successful Foxes team.

Akwa United Unveil Obuh, Udi As New Coaches

Former Golden Eaglets coach, John Obuh has been unveiled as the new head coach of Akwa United.
The Former Kwara United tactician was unveiled by the promise keepers on Monday morning in Uyo alongside his assistant Duke Udi.

Osimhen Allays Fear On Injury

Nigeria's Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen has allayed fears he could miss Nigeria’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double header against Benin and Lesotho as a result of injury.
Osimhen sustained an abductor injury in Lille’s 3-0 home win against Girondis Bordeaux on Saturday.

CAF Confed Cup: Enyimba Mauls TS Galaxy 2-0 In Aba

Nigeria surviving team in the CAF Confederation Cup, Enyimba boosted their chances of making it to the group stage after they beat TS Galaxy of South Africa 2-0 in the first leg of the playoffs at the Enyimba Stadium, Aba on Sunday.
Enyimba took the lead in the seventh minute through Victor Mbaoma, who slotted the ball home after he was set up by Abdulrahman Bashir.

Okereke Rescues Club Brugge

Nigeria international striker, David Okereke rescued his team, Club Brugge from a home defeat to Standard Liege on Sunday evening.
The skillful striker, who was paraded by Club Brugge Coach Philippe Clement for 90 minutes, justified the faith of the manager, as he scored the equaliser that rescue his team from defeat in front of their fans.

Ogun Farm Owners Lament Incessant Herdsmen's Strike

The farming communities in Shotubo, Sagamu Local Government of Ogun State have suffered great loss to the incessant attack by people suspected to be Fulani herdsmen who have been continually unleashing terror on area forcing the habitant to flee their village.
A livestock farmer, Chief Adeosun Daniel who has a big farm settlement in the community was moved to tears while narrating his experience during another attack that was recorded on night of 16th October where he claimed to have lost properties worth millions of naira.

2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup: Eaglets Will Be Better Against Ecuador -Tijani

Nigeria's Golden Eaglets captain, Samson Tijani, who was named Man of The Match in Golden Eaglets’ 4-2 win against Hungary in Saturday’s opening Group B match of the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil, says the team will come out better in the next match against Ecuador.
Tijani put up a commanding performance in the comeback win, drawing Nigeria level on 20th minute after Gyorgy Komaromi shot Hungary into the lead in the 3rd minute. The South Americans regained their lead through Samuel Major’s 28th minute goal.

Makinde, Dare Laud Chief Akande Over Lagelu Inter-School Relay Competition

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, and the Honourable Minister of Youths and Sports, Sunday Dare have applauded the continuous effort of West Midland communications owneer, Chief, Adebayo Akande in promoting activities and advancement of sport in Oyo state through its annual Lagelu FM Inter-School Relay Competition.
The Governor stated this in an address during the grand finale of the 3rd edition of the relay competition held last weekend inside the main-bowl of new University of Ibadan sports complex.
In his address Oyo state Governor Seyi Makinde pledged to always identify with the competition and commended the tremendous improvement with each edition.

AMIS Children Get Together 2019: Arc. Hassan Giwa Calls For More Parental Care

Former Communication Minister, Bar. Adebayo Shittu, AMIS Chairman, Alhaji Lawal A bass and Arc. Hassan Giwa in a group chat while observing match past

As Association of Model Islamic Schools (AMIS), Oyo State chapter holds its annual Children Get Together, an Abuja based businessman and Founder, Otunba Hassan Olawale Giwa Foundation, Arc. Hassan Giwa has called for more parental care for the students.
This year’s Annual AMIS Children Get Together which was in honour of former Minister of Communication, Bar. Adebayo Shittu was held at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke-Ado, Ibadan on October 24th, 2019.

Ebere Eze Invitation To Super Eagles Will Come –NFF

In form Queens Park Rangers striker, Eberechi Eze will get an invitation into the Super Eagles at the right time, this is according to a top Nigeria Football Federation official.
Eze has been in terrific form for the England Championship side so far this season and scoring couple of goals as well.

Chukwueze Gets New Villarreal Contract

Nigeria's Super Eagles winger, Samuel Chukwueze has agreed on a new and improved contract at Villarreal that sees his release clause rise to €100m for the next 2 years.
The new deal will also see the former FIFA U-17 World Cup winner release clause lowered to €80m on the 3rd year.

Latest FIFA Ranking: Nigeria Drops Again

Despite an important score draw recorded against five times world Champions Brazil in a friendly game in Singapore, Nigeria's Super Eagles has dropped in the FIFA ranking for the second consecutive edition of the ranking.
According to the latest ranking release on Thursday, Nigeria dropped from its 34th position in September to 35 in the latest World ranking released by FIFA moving form 1482 to 1481 points.

Ex Internationals, Sports Administrators Gather To Remember Best Ogedegbe

Late Best Ogedegbe

Ex internationals, sports administrators, sports writers and who is who in the world of round leather game will next month gather in Ibadan to bring back the memories of Nigeria's legendary goalkeeper, Anthony Best Ogedegbe, who died ten years ago.
 The big wigs will be brought together by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Oyo State chapter which is partnering with the family of the late goalkeeper to organize a memorial lecture to mark the tenth anniversary of the demise of the football star.

Omokoya Balogun Joins Alimonsho LG Chairmanship Race

A businessman and astute politician, Omokoya Balogun has signify his intention to join the race for the exalted chairmanship seat of Alimosho Local Government, Lagos.
Omokoya who has been a factional Youth Leader of Peoples Democratic Party PDP, in Alimosho area for the past four years has concluded plans to vie in the yet to be fixed council poll in Lagos State.

Chukwueze Reminds Me Of Mane –Moreno

Spanish Villarreal’s defender, Alberto Moreno has lauds teammate, Nigeria's Super Eagles winger, Samuel Chukwueze, and believed the youngster has everything to be world class.
Moreno, 27, joined the Yellow Submarine outfit this summer after ending his five seasons association with Liverpool, where he played alongside Senegal’s forward, Sadio Mane.

2019 FIFA U17 World Cup: FIFA Welcomes Golden Eaglets To Brazil

Five -time world champions, the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria have landed in the city of Gioania, Brazil, where the team will tackle Hungary at the Estadio Olimpico in the opening game of Group B of the 2019 FIFA U17 World Cup finals on Saturday.
Players and the officials were received by FIFA and local organizing committee officials at the airport and they were ushered into the bus that took them to their hotel at the Metropolis area of the city.

Aribo Has Qualities To Become Superstar –Gerrard

Glasgow Rangers, manager Steven Gerrard believes Nigeria's Super Eagles midfielder, Joe Aribo has all it takes to become a superstar, considering his impressive form.
The midfielder has hit the ground running since his summer switch from Charlton Athletic to the Ibrox Stadium outfit, scoring four goals in 17 appearances amid other dazzling displays.

Troost -Ekong Named In Serie A Team Of The Week

Nigeria's Super Eagles defender, William Troost-Ekong has been named in Serie A team of week.The Udinese defender was picked following his impressive performance in the team’s 1-0 home win against Ola Aina’s Torino on Sunday.

Chukwueze Gets Kopa Trophy Nomination

Nigeria's Super Eagles winger, Samuel Chukwueze has been nominated for the prestigious Kopa Trophy award for 2019.
Created last year, the Kopa Trophy which is named after former French footballer, Raymond Kopa is designed for the best U-21 footballer in the world and the 20-year-old has earned the recognition on the back of his dazzling displays for club and country.

Barcelona's Team Spirit Motivates Me To Find My Goal Scoring Form -Oshoala

Nigeria's Super Falcons captain, Asisat Oshoala admits the encouragement from her teammates motivated her recent scoring form in the Spanish Primera Iberdrola this season.
The Barcelona forward who boasted nine goals in five pre-season games for Barcelona failed to find the back of the net in three opening competitive matches for the Spanish giants.

IGC Loses Lady Captain, Golfing Family Mourn

The prestigious Ibadan Golf Club (IGC) has lost its Lady Captain, Sade Oni who suddenly passed away at the early morning of Monday 21st October 2019 without any noticeable ailment.
The Captain of the Club, Col. Ade Sumonun was grieving while confirming the sad incident to newsmen in Ibadan saying “She was part of the last batch of people that left the club last night, only for us to receive a message this morning that she passed away”.
“I can’t still come to terms with this ugly incident, she was an amiable and visionary person who mingles freely with members here at IGC. We are going miss her greatly”, Col. Sumonun noted.
Also mourning the passage of Oni who played off handicap 20 was the team leader of the popular tour broker firm, Ufit Fly that always supports the activities of IGC ladies section, Evang. Ajibola Ogunkeyede who described Oni’s death as a rude-shock.
“We are despaired by the news of Sade Oni’s death because apart from being the lady captain of Ibadan Golf Club where I’m also a member she was a good client to us here at Ufit Fly. We can only pray God to give her immediate family fortitude to bear the irreparable loss”, Ufit Fly Boss noted.
The body of Oni has been deposited into a morgue pending the announcement of the burial plans from immediate family of the deceased according to the Captain of IGC.

Man Utd Join Race For Osimhen

English Premier League giant, Manchester United have joined Spanish giants, Barcelona in the race to sign Nigeria's Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, according to various reports in the French media.
French Regional newspaper based in Lille, La Voix du Nord has claimed that Manchester United are one of the teams monitoring the performance of the Lille hotshot with a view to a transfer to the Premier League club.

Ajayi Shines In West Brom’s Away Win Over Middlesbrough

Nigeria's Super Eagles defender, Semi Ajayi was a cynosure of all eyes as he played an important role in West Bromich Albion’s 1-0 away victory against Middlesbrough in Saturday’s English Championship game.
Ajayi stared in the team’s victory at the Riverside Stadium and helped them to keep a clean sheet away from home.

I Shed Tears Of Joy After Brazil, Nigeria Clash -Okoye

Fortuna Dusseldorf of Germany goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye says he couldn’t hide his emotions after making his debut for Nigeria in last Sunday’s international friendly match against five-time world champions.
Okoye took the place of injured Francis Uzoho in the 63rd minute of the thrilling encounter played at the Singapore National Stadium, Kallang.

UEFA Women's Champions League Oshoala Shines As Barcelona Thrash Minsk

Nigeria's Super Falcons captain, Asisat Oshoala was on target while compatriot, Emuidzhi Oghiabekhva failed to save Minsk from a 5-0 humiliation at the hands of Barcelona in a Women's Champions League Round of 16 game on Thursday.
After powering Lluis Cortes' ladies past Sporting de Huelva last week, the Super Falcons captain was hoping to help her side secure a first-leg lead against their Belarusian champions.

Playing Against Brazil Have Boosted My Confidence -Semi Ajayi

Nigeria's Super Eagles defender, Semi Ajayi admitted his confidence has received a boost after helping the three time African Champion secure a 1-1 draw against Brazil last Sunday.
The 25-year-old West Bromwich Albion defender was handed a starting role in the encounter, partnering William Troost-Ekong at the heart of the Super Eagles defence.

Lille Salutes Osimhen for Winning Ligue 1 Player of the Month

Lille OSC of France has congratulated their red-hot, Nigeria's Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen for winning Ligue 1 player of the month for September after beating AS Monaco’s Islam Slimani and Nantes’ Nicolas Pallois to the award.
Osimhen, who joined the French outfit from Belgian side, Sporting Charleroi in the summer, scored twice and assisted twice in four league appearances for Lille in September.

Smokinhills Golf Resort Plans Big For Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo Memorial Golf Tourney

Chief Michael Ade Ojo OON,  founder of Smokin Hills Golf Resort (right)
with Prince Bayo Aderinto, Manager Marketing & Promotions of the resort

Smokin Hills Golf Resorts Ilara-Mokin that is reputed as beautiful and most challenging golf course on the African continent has announced 8th and 9th of November as date for its 2019 edition of annual Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo Memorial Golf Tournament (EWOMGT).
The invitational golf event has become a recurring feature in the diary of events of Toyota (Nigeria) Limited that has been sponsoring consistently for sixteen years, with objective of management is to preserve the memory of Late Chief (Mrs.) Elizabeth Wuraola Ojo with all she lived for according to a release signed by Prince Bayo Aderinto.

Real Madrid Target Chukwueze To Replace Bale

Spanish Laliga giant, Real Madrid are considering a swoop for Nigeria's Super Eagles winger, Samuel Chukwueze to replace Wales star, Gareth Bale if he leaves the capital outfit in the upcoming transfer windows.
Bale has been regularly linked with a transfer to Manchester United in recent months and saw a move to Chinese club, Jiangsu Suning fall through at the last minute in the summer transfer window.

Aftermath Of Injury Against Brazil: FIFA To Pay Uzoho's Wages For Six Months

Football's governing body, Federation of International Football Association will pay Francis Uzoho's wages during his spell on the sidelines.
The Deportivo de La Coruña-owned goalkeeper could be out of action for a minimum of six months after suffering a fracture of the meniscus and the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee during Nigeria's 1-1 draw with Brazil on Sunday.

Mikel Cleared For Trabzonspor, Gaziantep Clash

Former Nigeria's Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi has received clean bill of health to play a part in his club’s, Trabzonspor of Turkey Super Lig home game at the Medical Park Stadium on Saturday.
The former Middlesbrough FC midfielder limped off from training on Monday over a suspected thigh injury, raising concerns over his availability for Saturday’s clash as Trabzonspor continue their push for the Turkish top flight crown.

UEFA Women's Champions League: Playing Against Oghiabekhva 'll Be Interesting -Oshoala

Nigeria's Super Falcons skipper, Asisat Oshoala is anticipating an "interesting" clash against fellow Nigerian international, Emuidzhi Oghiabekhva as Barcelona take on Minsk in the UEFA Women's Champions League Round of 16 first leg on Thursday.
Barcelona met Minsk in the Round of 32 in October 2016 in Europe's elite club competition, with the Blaugranes advancing with a 5-1 aggregate win and Oghiabekhva scored her side's only goal. 

Aftermath Of Injury Against Brazil: Uzoho Set For Lengthy Layoff

Nigeria's Super Eagles goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury on Sunday as the Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by Brazil in a friendly in Singapore.
Cypriot First Division club Omonia Nicosia, where Uzoho is spending the whole of the 2019-2020 season on loan, have confirmed that the goalkeeper has suffered a fractured ACL injury.

Aribo Named Rangers Second Best Summer Signing

Nigeria's Super Eagles midfielder, Joe Aribo has been named Glasgow Rangers second best summer signing following his impressive start to life at the club.
The Scottish giants recruited 11 players in another hectic summer window as Steven Gerrard tooled up for a massive season at home and abroad.

2019 Golden Ball Award: Osimhen Out Of Final List Of Nominees

Nigeria's Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen and Tom Dele-Bashiru have been omitted from the final list of nominees for the 2019 Golden Boy Award.
Osimhen and Dele-Bashiru previously made 50-man list of the best young players in the world.

Wife’s Death: Oyo SWAN Commiserates With 3SC’s GM

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo State chapter, has commiserated with General Manager, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Mr Rasheed Balogun over the death of his wife, Alhaja Sadiat Sodiya Balogun.
In a condolence message released on Monday by the Chairman Oyo SWAN, Mr Niyi Alebiosu and the Secretary Mr Adewale Tijani, the Association of sportswriters in the state described the death of 3SC General Manager’s wife as “saddening and unfortunate.”

Why We Gave Out Car Gift During Special Thanksgiving –CCC Onala

In appreciation of the God’s faithfulness to the Celestial Church of Christ, Onala Parish, the church rolled out drums and gave out big prizes including a car, motorcycle and host of gifts to people during the special thanksgiving event held at the Ore Meji church premises recently.
The Shepherd-in-charge Dr. Kolawole Olakanmi was full of thanks to the Almighty God while speaking with newsmen after the event saying the date was significance in the history of the church because it was a victory over the persecution against the church of Lord.

Mojoyinola Boss Canvases Support For Table-Tennis

Bothered by the dearth of quality tournament for table-tennis players in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole, a philanthropy and table tennis enthusiast, Johnson Akinyemi JP has canvassed for support for the game among the socialites in the big city, while pledging to do everything within his capacity to also lift the game at the grassroots.
The CEO of Mojoyinola Confectionery who claimed to have also played the game in the 90s to professional level made the call while speaking with newsmen at the Role Model Table tennis Challenge organized by a sports presenter, Babatunde Saheed who works with an Ibadan based radio station, Fresh FM at the indoor squash hall of Obafemi Awolwo Stadium, Ibadan.

Rohr Predicts Good Future For Young Super Eagles After Brazil Draw

Nigeria's Super Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr believes the team have ‘good future’ after they played out a 1-1 draw against Brazil in Sunday’s international friendly in Singapore.
The 66-year-old German tactician paraded a young team against the five-time world champions, following a spate of withdrawals by some of his experienced players, including captain, Ahmed Musa.

Nigeria/Brazil: Rohr Explains Reason Maduka Was Preferred Over Ezenwa As Replacement For Uzoho

Nigeria's Super Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr has explained his thinking behind bringing on Fortuna Düsseldorf goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye instead of Ikechukwu Ezenwa when Francis Uzoho suffered an injury in the 63rd minute of his side's 1-1 draw against Brazil on Sunday.
The Franco-German tactician noted that Ezenwa, who is number two in the pecking order of goalkeepers, has not tasted action since the conclusion of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations whereas Okoye was active for Fortuna Düsseldorf's reserve team in the Regionalliga West.

My Super Eagles Debut Is A Dream Come True -Okoye

Nigeria's Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye is happy to make his first appearance for Nigeria in Sunday’s friendly encounter against Brazil.
The Fortuna Dusseldorf goal tender replaced the injured Francis Uzoho in the 65th minute of the thrilling encounter played at the packed Singapore National Stadium, Kallang.
He looked calm in goal and proved equal to the task against a star studded Brazilian side.
The 20-year-old is also determined to become a regular in the team.
“Glad to have made my debut for Nigeria 🦅!
It’s a dream come true playing for my beloved country 🇳🇬.
Now it’s time to work even harder!
Wishing my brother @Uzohof a speedy recovery 🙏🏽
Thank you Nigeria!,”he wrote on his Twitter handle.
Okoye will now hope to make Super Eagles squad for next month’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Lesotho.

Onyekuru Returns On Loan To Galatasaray

Nigeria's Super Eagles winger, Henry Onyekuru will join Turkish Super Lig outfit, Galatasaray on a six-month loan deal from Monaco in January.
Galatasaray, according to a report in Aksam.com.tr will pay Monaco €1m as loan fee for the forward, who will earn €750,000 for the period.

Super Eagles Don’t Fear Brazil -Troost- Ekong

Nigeria's Super Eagles defender, William Ekong says the three time Africa champions have no fear for World football Super powers, Brazil, but candidly admitted that they have respect for the South American champions.
Ekong spoke at the pre-match press conference ahead Sunday’s international friendly between the five time FIFA World Cup champions, Brazil, and their three time African champions, Super Eagles, holding in Singapore.