Ogun Police Rejects One Million Naira Bribe Offer From Wanted K!ller/R!tualist

Men of Ogun state Police Command on the 28th of April 2023 arrested a member of notorious ritualist syndicate, who killed and dismembered the body of one Oyindamola Adeyemi at Ijebu Ode on the 28th of January 2023.

The suspect, 35-year old Ifasoji Ayangbesan, whose other members of his gang had earlier been arrested was apprehended following  painstaking intelligence based investigation embarked upon by detectives from Obalende divisional headquarters, which led them to his hideout at Ijade Iloti area of Ijebu Ode. 

The suspect who has been indicted by the earlier arrested members of the syndicate as the person who bought the two legs of the victim, took to flight immediately he heard that he has been mentioned by his colleagues. 

Since then, the DPO Obalende division, SP Murphy Salami, has detailed his detectives to be on his trail with the view to arrest him and possibly recover the deceased two legs from him and prosecute him.

Culled from Facebook 

Nigeria Lose Placement Match Against Great Britain At IHF Emerging Nations Championship

By Yusuf Olatunji 

Nigeria, on Saturday, lost to Great Britain 30-20 in a fifth placement match at the IHF Emerging Nations Championship in Varna, Bulgaria.

In a game played at the Palace of Culture and Sports in Varna, Bulgaria, the national under 24 male handball team, had the advantage in the first minutes of the match leading 5-1 at some point but fell like a pack of cards as Great Britain patiently actualized their tactics of isolating right wing Faruk Yusuf, thereby punishing Nigeria's unnecessary turnovers to  win the first half 14-11.

The second half pretty much continued from how the first half ended with Yusuf isolated and no opportunity for Ibrahim and Obina Ani to shoot from the 9 meters while Great Britain kept true to their superior tactics inspired by Goalkeeper Craig McClelland's MVP performance which led to him making crucial saves especially six one - on -one saves in the first half and right wing Francisco Pereira shining performance to defeat Nigeria 30-20.

McClelland, who was voted Player of the Match, made as much as 18 saves and had 50% save ratio while Pereira, through his breathtaking fast breaks had 11 goals in the match.

Nigeria will play Andorra, who have highest goal scorer Unai Ruiz in their team, in a 7th/8th placement on Sunday while Great Britain will face Australia in a 6th placement match on the same day

Nigeria Earn First Victory In IHF Emerging Nations Championship

By Yusuf Olatunji 

Nigeria, on Thursday, earned their first victory at the IHF Emerging Nations Championship ongoing in Bulgaria with comfortable 35-17 victory over Azerbaijan.

Learning from the defeat against Bulgaria on Wednesday, the Coach Solomon Yola led team, took the bull by the horn as they went into business and ended the first half with an 18-7 win with rising star of Nigerian handball, Faruk Yusuf finishing the first half with six goals, three of which came via fast breaks, as Nigeria were simply impossible to stop with an amazing display of lightening speed.

The second half continued as the first with captain Obinna Anih motivating the team with fast breaks goals, 9 meters goals and defending well enough to earn a comfortable 35-17 at the end of the match.

Yusuf extended his superb run in the game, finishing with a 13-goal and taking his overall tally  to 19 goals, the second largest goal in the group phase which is two goals shy of leading goal scorer Unai Ruiz of Andorra but Obinna Anih was voted the player of the match for his leadership performance.

It is Nigeria's second biggest win in the competition in 12 games after their 40-13 win over Malta in 2019.

The national under 24 male handball team, who finished second in group D behind host Bulgaria, will play Great Britain in a fifth placement match on Saturday at 2pm to better their last position in competition of 7th place

Great Britain, just like Nigeria, have played two matches wherein they lost to Cuba 32-28 and then defeated Guatemala 28-17 in Group C.

Nigeria Lose First Match At IHF Emerging Nations Championship

By Yusuf Olatunji

Nigeria under 24 male handball team, on Wednesday, began their IHF Emerging Nations Championship with a defeat against host Bulgaria.

The team led by Coach Solomon Yola knew that the match against the Bulgaria would be a herculean task and still prepared to cause an upset but met a brick wall in the first half which ended 13-11 in favour of the host.

The second half didn't go as plan for Nigeria despite an improved performance as Bulgaria supported by the home fans at the Palace of Culture and Sports in Varna finished strong to win the match 23-19.

Nigeria will play Azerbaijan on Thursday at 5pm. Azerbaijan had lost their first match to Bulgaria 30-19.

Beware Of Talebearers, Ogun Government Warns

By Yusuf Olatunji 

The general public is hereby alerted to theclandestine plans by some mischievous and disgruntled elements who have mapped out plans to constantly generates lies and libelous publications, fake and slanderous news, against the governor and government of Ogun State and its principal officials.

The devilish plan was hatched at a meeting held recently by the governorship candidate of a leading opposition party that lost out in the recent governorship election in the state, a cocky former Commissioner for Special Duties in Ogun State and the State Secreatry of the said party.

 

The meeting held at a popular hotel in Abeokuta owned by the candidate’s father resolved to engage yellow journalists and blackmail bloggers to embark on serious mudslinging against the governor and government of Ogun State and its principal officials. This pull-him-down scheme also involves two former governors of Ogun State and is being bankrolled by a popular pools magnate.

We urge members of the public to be wary of these talebearers, agents of falsehood and their sponsors who have decided to toe this devilish path, having realised the growing popularity of Governor Dapo Abiodun after his re-election and the futile attempts being made to stop him.

In the same vein, let it be noted that the rule of law will unfailingly be brought to bear on anyone that publishes fake news against the governor and government of Ogun State with intent to defame the Administration, cause disaffection, and create crisis in the State.

The Ogun State Government reaffirms that its duties and obligations are to the people and residents of our dear Gateway State and no amount of fake news and evil machinations or political gangsterism will deter it from taking Ogun State to greater heights and leaving the state better than it was met by Prince Dapo Abiodun.

Former ABS FC coach Suleman Quadri (Toume Souley Quadri) is making waves in the Benin Republic*.

By Yemi Sodeeq, Sportspro News

After two seasons in Lome, Togo, as one of the foreign coaches, Coach Suleman Quadri has moved to Benin Republic to dominate the apex league in that country.

In an exclusive chat with publisher of Sportspro News Bayour Issah, Coach Suleman Quadri has done what other Nigerian coaches failed to achieve by putting his team Union Sportive Des Cavaliers De Nikki in the Premier League, placing fifth on the log.

The Kwara-born gaffer believed that, with his experience in Togo and the Benin Republic, he was now mature enough to offer his coaching prowess to any Nigeria Premier League team.

According to coach Suleman Quadri, who is a CAF (C) license holder, his proficiency in French and English will be an added advantage to clubs that offer him a job.

He confirmed that the immediate past captain of the University of Ilorin Football Warriors, Sodiq Ajao Olanrewaju, whose father is a retired referee, joined his team early this season and is now making waves in the Benin Republic to the extent that the Benin Republic FA is planning to call him to the U20 national team.

Coach Suleman Quadri stressed that the league in Nigeria is more vibrant than that of the Benin Republic in terms of population, finances, and enthusiasm of supporters, fans, media hype, and spectators, but he believed that the Benin Republic is more organized in terms of administration and facilities.

All Stars President visits Abeokuta Stormers,pledges continuous support

 

By Yusuf Olatunji

The President of All Stars Football Club,Abeokuta Alhaji Waheed Adeoye Lawal today paid a solidarity visit to the Nigeria National League side,Abeokuta Stormers Sports Club at their training ground inside Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Ojere,Abeokuta

While addressing the Players and the Coaching Crew,Alh. Lawal professed an undiluted support for the team as they seek for a possible promotion to the Elite League.The Stormers are currently second on the log of one of the eight groups in this season's abridged Nigeria National League(NNL)

Lawal who is also the Chairman of Ogun State Teqball Association and Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria(YSFON)said "We pledge the support of all I represent to this historically exemplary Club"

"From it's name,this Club is founded to project the name Abeokuta and Egbaland,therefore all Egba progenitor, especially those in the Sports circle should see the project as their own"

He praised the foresight of the team's Proprietor,Hon. Bukola Olopade in putting the right peg in the right hole by appointing appropriate individuals to manage the affairs of the Club,saying "you can't appoint such people and later regret it"

Abeokuta Stormers' President,Otunba Tony Rafua responded by thanking the All Stars President and his entourage for representing "my constituency".He promised not to let their fans down by qualifying to the Super Eight at the end of the season

The Head Coach,Shakiru Lawal said though he is not thoroughly satisfied with their current position on the table,he gives all the glory to the Almighty Allah for getting them to where they are.He revealed that he was made to know that historically,at the Club,it's always very difficult to get an excellent result whenever the team returns with a positive outcome from an away engagement,but this time around,"we are getting all the three points in our next match"

Coach Lawal reiterated his confidence in the undying support shown him by the headship and members of All Stars FC,Abeokuta,he said, "as the Captain of All Stars,I'll never disappoint them".Lawal said the coming of the President today is only a formality,that he has always been with him and the team,right from the first day of his appointment

Abeokuta Stormers SC are currently second on the log table of the five-team group,they have the same points(8 points)with Madiba FC who are toping the table with a superior goal difference of +1

The Stormers have a date to keep at home with FC Ebedei this Saturday,the same team they beat 2-0 away in the last round of matches before the short.

Grassroots Clubs don't thrive on how many Competitions won but how many players they are able to push up,says Oluwole FC Coach "Coins"* ....as Oluwole triumph over Egba Patriots

 

By Yusuf  Olatunji

The Head Coach of Oluwole FC of Abeokuta,Kunle Oluwole "Coins" has posited that the success of a grassroots football club are not measured by how many local trophies they are able to garner but how many players they can boast of pushing out to Professional Clubs within the country and Abroad 

Coach Oluwole made the assertion in an interview after their match against Egba Patriots FC at the ongoing Bet9ja Ogun State Football League,played on Wednesday at the Gateway International Stadium,Shagamu

He said "How far a boys' club has gone is never measured by the number of local competitions they win but how many players they push up to Professional Clubs within the country like Enyimba and Kano Pillars and in Vietnam, Bayern and other European countries" 

The former Gateway United FC and First Bank FC of Lagos Attacker revealed that Oluwole FC which was formed in 1999 can presently boast of having many players now trade in South Africa,U.A.E,Germany and many other European countries

However,Coach Coins as he is fondly called said they are not taking the State League and other tournament they are participating in with levity.Oluwole FC are currently competing on three different fronts this season,namely;Abeokuta South Coaches' League,Abeokuta South Challenge Cup and the State League.He said they were third overall in the State League last year,that they are going for the top prize this time

The defending Champions of Abeokuta South Coaches' League on Wednesday at the Shagamu centre in the State League defeated Egba Patriots FC of Abeokuta 4-2 with a hatrick from Ismail "Opa" Yusuf and the other goal from Adekunle Lanre,they move to second on the table with 7 points,behind Encore FC with only an inferior goal deference.Both teams are on 7 points as Oluwole had earlier saw off Greater tomorrow FA 5-0 and drew 1-1 with Chummie FC,they still have to tackle Mission Soccer FA and round up the group matches against Encore FC 

Similarly,Oluwole FC pummeled Goal-Driven FA 4-0 on Thursday in the Abeokuta South Coaches' League,the result move them to second on the ten-teams league table,with 16 points,two points adrift of Golden Stars FC who are toping the table on 18 points after eight round of matches

Federation Cup: Rivers United battle Enyimba in star match of Round of 64

 

By Yusuf Olatunji

Nigeria’s only remaining flag-bearers in African club competitions this year, Rivers United FC will be up against two-time CAF Champions League winners Enyimba FC of Aba in what is indisputably the star match of Round of 64 of this year’s Federation Cup competition.

 

The ‘Pride of Rivers’ host Tanzania’s Young Africans in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup fixture in Uyo on Sunday, and will then have the clash with Enyimba FC as vintage preparatory match for the return leg in Dar es Salaam.

 

At the draw held inside the NFF Secretariat on Wednesday, Akwa United FC were drawn to play Wikki Tourists of Bauchi in another big game, just as multi-title winners Rangers International of Enugu will take on Adamawa United FC.

 

Heartland FC of Owerri have been drawn to play Jedo FC of Sokoto while Kogi United square up to Mailantarki FC of FCT.

 

The women’s Round of 32 fixtures were also drawn on Wednesday, with Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt up against Golden Sun of Bayelsa State and Naija Ratels of FCT to play Adamawa Queens

 

All Round of 64 matches in the men’s competition and Round of 32 matches in the women’s competition will hold on Wednesday, 26 April. The Round of 32 matches in the men’s competition have been scheduled for Wednesday, 3 May, with the Round of 16 on Wednesday, 10 May. Quarter final matches are to take place on Wednesday, 17 May.

 

The semi-finals of both competitions will come up on Wednesday, 24 May with the men’s and women’s grand finale on Saturday, 27 May.

 

ALL THE ROUND OF 64 FIXTURES (MEN)

 

Heartland FC (Imo) vs Jedo FC (Sokoto)

Bayelsa United (Bayelsa) Vs Essien Ayi FC (Cross River)

Ahudiya FC (Abia) Vs Jigawa Golden Stars (Jigawa)

ABS FC (Kwara) Vs Bendel Insurance FC (Edo)

Standard FC (Kaduna) Vs Ekiti United (Ekiti)

FC Basira (Nasarawa) Vs Sunshine Stars (Ondo)

EFCC FC (FCT) Vs Katukan Tsafe FC (Zamfara)

Wikki Tourists (Bauchi) Vs Akwa United FC (Akwa Ibom)

Warri Wolves (Delta) Vs Beyond Limit FC (Ogun)

3SC (Oyo) Vs Adamimogo FC (Ondo)

Mighty Jets (Plateau) Vs Niger Tornadoes Feeders (Niger)

Malumfashi FC (Katsina) Vs Gombe United (Gombe)

Osun United (Osun) Vs Katsina United (Katsina)

Bendel Insurance Feeders (Edo) Vs Maikunkele FC (Niger)

Cynosure FC (Ebonyi) Vs Kano Pillars Jnr (Kano)

Lobi Stars (Benue) Vs FC One Rocket (Akwa Ibom)

Jama United (Zamfara) Vs Plateau United (Plateau)

Rivers United (Rivers) Vs Enyimba FC (Abia)

Ingas FC (Enugu) Vs Novia FC (Adamawa)

El-Kanemi Warriors (Borno) Vs De Cardinal FC (Rivers)

Nasarawa United (Nasarawa) Vs Kebbi United (Kebbi)

DMD FC (Borno) Vs ABJ FC (Bauchi)

Ikorodu City (Lagos) Vs Crusader FC (Bayelsa)

Gateway United (Ogun) Vs Kwara United (Kwara)

FC Ebedei (Ekiti) Vs Hope of Glory FC (Cross River)

Yobe Desert Stars (Yobe) Vs Igbajo FC (Osun)

Adamawa United (Adamawa) Vs Rangers Int’l (Enugu)

Ilaji FC (Oyo) Vs Kano Pillars (Kano)

Green Berets FC (Kaduna) Vs FR Ebunuja (Imo)

Ozalla FC (Anambra) Vs Doma United (Gombe)

Kogi United Feeders (Kogi) Vs Edel FC (Anambra)

Mailantarki FC (FCT) Vs kogi United (Kogi)

 

ALL THE ROUND OF 32 FIXTURES (WOMEN)

Bayelsa Queens (Bayelsa) Vs Maureen Mmadu KFC (Anambra)

Akwa Angels (Akwa Ibom) Vs Dannaz Ladies (Lagos)

Owo Itan FC (Akwa Ibom) Vs Fortress FC (Edo)

Honey Badgers (Benue) Vs Kada FC (Kaduna)

Heartland Queens (Imo) Vs Confluence Queens (Kogi)

Lakeside FC (Ogun) Vs Kwara Ladies (Kwara)

Sunshine Queens (Ondo) Vs Edo Queens (Edo)

Maureen Mmadu KFC (Abia) Vs Green Foot (Enugu)

FC Robo (Lagos) Vs Immaculate Queens (Enugu)

First Mah FC (Imo) Vs Royal Queens (Delta)

Nasarawa Amazons (Nasarawa) Vs Gallant FC (Kaduna)

Naija Ratels (FCT) Vs Adamawa Queens (Adamawa)

Rivers Angels (Rivers) Vs Golden Sun FC (Bayelsa)

Osun Babes (Osun) Vs Awka Angels (Anambra)

Ekiti Queens (Ekiti) Vs Moje Queens (Kwara)

Paul E. FC (FCT) Vs Delta Queens (Delta)     

 

 

Sunshine Stars fined ₦1m for inadequate security at match venue Sunshine Stars has been sanctioned by the Interim Management Committee (IMC) for breaches of Rule B13.52 and Rule B13.18 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Framework and Rules. The club is to pay a total fine of ₦1m with a warning of possible closure of the stadium to fans should there be a repeat of the breach. In a Summary Jurisdiction notice sent to the Akure based club, the IMC said findings from a review of Match Officials report on the MatchDay 13 fixture against Rangers indicted the club for failure to provide adequate security and implement effective crowd control. Sunshine Stars was also found in breach of Rule B.13:18 as some of their supporters threw objects unto the field of play, targeting players and match officials, which resulted in the disruption of the match. The club was fine ₦500,000 each on the two counts and an order to implement more effective security measures as a reoccurrence may lead to a closure of the Akure Township Stadium, in addition to any other appropriate sanction. The fine must be paid within 14 days failing which additional sanctions may be imposed in line with the dictates of the NPFL Framework and Rules. Sunshine Stars however retains the right in accordance with Rule C26, to within 48 hours of the date of the notice, to either submit to the summary jurisdiction and the sanctions or elect to be dealt with by a disciplinary panel.

By Yusuf Olatunji

Sunshine Stars has been sanctioned by the Interim Management Committee (IMC) for breaches of Rule B13.52 and Rule B13.18 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Framework and Rules. The club is to pay a total fine of ₦1m with a warning of possible closure of the stadium to fans should there be a repeat of the breach.

In a Summary Jurisdiction notice sent to the Akure based club, the IMC said findings from a review of Match Officials report on the MatchDay 13 fixture against Rangers indicted the club for failure to provide adequate security and implement effective crowd control. 

Sunshine Stars was also found in breach of Rule B.13:18 as some of their supporters threw objects unto the field of play, targeting players and match officials, which resulted in the disruption of the match.

The club was fine ₦500,000 each on the two counts and an order to implement more effective security measures as a reoccurrence may lead to a closure of the Akure Township Stadium, in addition to any other appropriate sanction.

The fine must be paid within 14 days failing which additional sanctions may be imposed in line with the dictates of the NPFL Framework and Rules.

Sunshine Stars however retains the right in accordance with Rule C26, to within 48 hours of the date of the notice, to either submit to the summary jurisdiction and the sanctions or elect to be dealt with by a disciplinary panel.

NNL Opens Mid season Transfer Window

By Yusuf Olatunji

The 2023 Nigeria National League transfer window will start from Monday 17th April, with all the clubs expected to complete deals on singing of new players to join their fold.

The window which will mark the end of first stanza of the 2022/2023 season  will be closed on Tuesday 25th April when clubs can buy, sell or loan out players .

During the one week window break ,clubs who are yet to complete the allowed 35 players per season as provided in the NNL rule book are free to add only five(5) new players before the resumption of the second stanza .

The NNL has programmed that the super abridged league style will come to an end on the 20th of May, 2023.

NNL first stanza matches will be concluded this weekend starting from Friday 14- Monday17 April, 2023.

South West FA Chairmen Vote Ganiyu Majekodunmi As Zonal Coordinator

By Yusuf Olatunji

Executive Board Member of The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Chairman Ogun State Football Association, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi was on Monday, April 10, 2023 voted as the coordinator of Football Association Chairmen in the South West.

At a southwest stakeholders meeting in Lagos where the six southwest states chairmen and secretaries were in attendance, Alhaji Majekodunmi emerged via polls ahead of his Ondo state counterpart, Otunba Sunday Dele Ajayi.

The two eligible candidates went to the polls and the Ogun State FA Boss polled 9 votes, while two persons voted the Ondo state FA Chairman.

Upon emergence, Alhaji Majekodunmi made it known that everyone in attendance is keen about the development of the Southwest region, he said no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that the latest development adds premium value to the Southwest.

Meanwhile, immediate past First Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi has been unanimously named Chairman of the Western Nigerian Football Forum (WNFF).

Chairmen and secretaries of Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti as well as the President of the Nigerian Referees Association, Otunba Tade Azeez took the decision as part of efforts to reawaken the WNFF project

SWAN Celebrates Members with Easter/Ramadan Palliative

 

By Yusuf Olatunji

Sports Writers Association if Nigeria, SWAN Lagos State chapter,Thursday celebrate members and some other sports Stauke holders in Lagos with  palliative as the lent/ Ramadan is winding down.

The executive led by Olatutu Oladunni made this move to appreciate members and also to encourage unity amongst the professional body in Lagos.

She said membership welfare is paramount to the committee and it will be a move to break the distance barrier between the old and young colleagues in the association.

The chairman Olatutu Oladunni said it is time for the Association to love forward for better positivity, noting that it is important that all parties should let go of every grievances and lets come together to move the train of the Lagos SWAN to a positive and progressive grand as the team have really made great effort in harmonising the professional body with corporate entity across boards. 

The chairman of the association, Olatutu Oladunni while appreciating all members that really made it to the Secretariat yesterday for the press briefing and also using that medium to pick up their palliatives respectively, urge members to continue to visit the Secretariat frequently as some renovations are ongoing  in and around the building.

She said the administration is ready to work with everyone , as it is an all inclusive style of leadership.

Oladunni used the medium to  appreciate those that supportted the initiatives.  She went further to encourage the donors not to relent in their promises towards the professional body SWAN.

The first female Chairman Olatutu, went further to call on those that were unable to pick up their own package to kindly reach out to the secretary Bello Omotunde to guide them on how they will access their packages  on or before easter celebration.

She thanked the executives and all members for deeming her and the other members fit for the assignment and she promise everyone that their welfare is paramount to her and her team.

BABALOLA URGES OGUN WRESTLERS....TURN YOUR MISTAKES TO PRODUCTIVITY

 

By Yusuf Olatunji

The Ogun State Wrestling Association has restated its determination to restore of the glory of the game among other  sports in the state.

The Chairman of the Association, Dr. Babalola  Taofik, stated this during an unscheduled visit to Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja, Abeokuta to witness the training of the State's wrestlers.

 Dr Babalola who reminded the wrestlers on the need for them to be determined and work hard towards realising their vision in the game, said the association would not relent in its efforts to support the wrestlers.

He stressed the need for  them to shun acts capable of truncating the realisation of their future dreams and goals

 Dr Babalola also encouraged the wrestlers to always convert their mistakes into lessons, pressure into productivity, and their skills into strength to enable them to become  the best in their categories.

Responding, the wrestling head coach, Mr Badmus Adebayo thanked the chairman for the visit, adding that his presence would further motivate the wrestlers to give in their best for the state.