Sport Angle Int'l- SAI SPORTS

By Tolu Atobatele

Nigeria’s football firmament was emblazoned in all-yellow on Thursday as the Nigeria Football Federation and MTN Communications signed a partnership agreement that made the telecommunications company the “Official Communications Partner of the Super Eagles and other National Teams.”

At an event attended by, among other eminent dignitaries the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare in Lagos, both parties inked an agreement that is worth N500 million-a-year with several other opportunities and possibilities in the mix as the contract runs.

“This is something I will call a marriage of the king of telecom and the king of sports. MTN is the king of telecom and Football is the king of sports, as is well –established. This event today is in sync with the thinking and desire of the Federal Government and the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports for our sports federations – which is for them to be self –funding. I appreciate MTN for taking this step and I encourage other corporate bodies to come and partner with our sports federations. Government alone cannot do it all.”

President of the NFF and FIFA Council Member, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick lauded MTN for its patience, doggedness and forthrightness along the line while the partnership was being processed, and said he was overwhelmed with joy that the day has finally come to consummate a relationship that he had dreamt so much about over the years.

“MTN is a really big and capable partner to have on your side. I thank them for their forbearance while the process was on and so many crooked sticks were turning up. My joy is that today has come. We have this vision as a Board of the NFF to achieve absolute self-funding for the Federation before we leave office, and I believe that with this, we are walking close towards realizing our vision.”

Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola said his company was also excited to partner with Nigeria Football, which he described as “a platform to support a force that greatly unifies Nigerians,” saying it has always been the dream of his company since coming into Nigeria 20 years ago to find and utilize a platform that unites and impacts on the lives of Nigerians.

“No platform unites, excites and entertains people and nationalities more than football. MTN sponsored the FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010 – the only one that has been held on African soil till date. We have also sponsored several editions of the AFCON. Even though this is our first time getting involved with the National Teams in Nigeria, we have sponsored several grassroots and impactful programmes on football in this country. It is a delight to get onto the really big time with the NFF and it is an opportunity we do not take for granted.” Chairman of MTN and pioneer Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Communications Commission, Dr Ernest Ndukwe described the union as “a significant partnership.”

Also at the occasion were Mallam Shehu Dikko (NFF 2nd Vice President/Chairman, LMC); Chief Obinna Ogba (Chairman, Senate Committee on Sports/NFF Board Member); Ms Aisha Falode (NFF Board Member/Chairman NWFL); Dr Omobola Johnson, Mohammed Ahmad and Andrew Ali (Directors of MTN); Mr Tobe Okigbo (MTN Corporate Services Officer); Daniel Amokachi (SA to Mr President on Sports); Mr Charity Kadiri (NFF Director of Finance); Mr Ademola Olajire (NFF Director of Communications); Barr. Okey Obi (NFF Director of Legal); Mr Dayo Enebi Achor (NFF Head of International) and; President/CEO of HotSports, Mr Taye Ige.

Super Eagles’ captain Ahmed Musa also led William Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi and Victor Osimhen to the epoch-making event.

By Tolu Atobatele

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The Ministry of Youth and Sports Development says its support for the Aisha Buhari Cup is part of an overall plan for Sports Development in Nigeria and not a personal donation from the Sports Minister.

This according to a statement by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development is to correct the erronous reports in some parts of the media that the Sports Minister is giving out is personal money for the competition.

“The impression that the Sports Minister made a personal donation is totally false, misleading and mischievous,” the statement reads.

“Rather it is the Ministry that is supporting the competition through a budgetary head of Sports Development. This is a key part of our overall plan for sports development in Nigeria. As a Ministry, we will always be in the forefront of any project that brings opportunities for the growth and development of sports, support for women football inclusive. This is what the Aisha Buhari Cup represents and much more.”

The statement further explained that the Ministry is contributing to women football development as part of its commitment to the growth of the women’s game in Africa generally and Nigeria specifically. 

The maiden Aisha Buhari Cup, an international invitational tournament will be taking place in Lagos later this month. Hosts Nigeria and five other women football powerhouses on the African continent- Ghana, Mali, South Africa, Morocco and Cameroon will be part of the inaugural edition.

By Tolu Atobatele

The race for a spot at the FIFA world cup in Qatar next year is gathering momentum as the country biggest brand of soccer the Super Eagles will begin a chase for one of the six tickets available on the Continent to feature at tournament.

The Super Eagles will host the Leone Stars of Liberia on Friday, September 3 at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos in matchday one of the qualification series.

A few days ago, the team’s technical adviser coach Gernot Rohr released a 30 man list of players that will prosecute the game against the Leone Stars and Cape Verde in matchday two on September 7 away to Cape Verde.

The Eagles who are due to feature at the AFCON tournament in Cameroon next January will want to consolidate on their hundred per cent record during the AFCON qualifiers when they tackle Liberia this weekend.

Nigeria is drawn in the same group with Liberia, Caper Verde and the Central African Republic, CAR.

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By Tolu Atobatele

The Project Manager, Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited, Engineer Femi James has said the remodelled Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan is set for commissioning.

Addressing a team of sports journalists who visited the stadium on Tuesday to check on the level of progress and inspection of the facilities says the football pitch, changing rooms, spectators seats and many others are ready.

He thereafter spoke on some of the facilities that have been upgraded and remodelled in the facility.

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His words: “For the mainbowl where we are right now, we are ready for commissioning. The pitch is ready. The changing rooms are ready. The seats are also ready as we can all see. So, we are set for the commissioning.”

Speaking further, He added that other sporting facilities within the complex will be fully completed by December.

He said: “For the remaining part of the project; the indoor sports or the courts, we are completing those ones on Saturday, 27th. And for the other places – the gymnasium, the courts, the indoor sports, the administrative blocks will also be completed by Saturday.

“When we came in, the mainbowl where we are standing right now had an artificial turf, which is against the requirement of the FIFA. So, we are now putting in a natural turf. The spectator stand of the mainbowl also had no roof, but now, we have roof over it. The tartan track was not also there when we came in, but we now have it here.

“Before now, the mainbowl had just two changing rooms, which were not up to standard but, as we speak now, we have four large changing rooms. We have a studio and VAR room. These were not in place before.

“The indoor sports hall, administrative blocks are all being renovated. Their services were all gone but right now, their services have been put in place – windows, tiles, painting and the rest.

“We are also resurfacing the Tennis Court, Handball Court and other courts. Now, there are two new projects we are coming up with – the centre Court for Tennis, which was not in existence before. It is a new construction. We also have a composite building, which houses wrestling, boxing, kick-boxing and gymnastic. It is totally a new project. The swimming pool we met on ground was not functional. We are constructing a new swimming pool entirely.

“Also, when we came in, the score board we met on ground was not functioning. So, we have a brand new scoreboard. The floodlights we met on ground were not functioning. We have four new floodlights that we are just constructing also.

“Talking about the swimming pool, the popular sides were not covered. It was the VIP sections that were covered. But even the covering of the VIP section have been replaced.

“The Swimming pool is in existence but they do not meet the FIFA requirement. So, we are relocating the swimming pool completely. The site is not conducive, and then the swimming pool itself does not meet International standard.

“Where we had the swimming pool, we are bringing five aside and a multi-purpose outdoor court, which will serve handball, basketball, volleyball. It is going to be a multipurpose court. So, the existing stand there is going to be extended and we are going to construct a new stand to serve those new games that we are putting there.

“We are making a proposal for the contractor to stay back for about a year, for maintenance during which we would have trained in-house hands that will carry on from wherever we stop after that one year.

“This project cost about N5.3billon and we are commissioning this project on September 1 and, of course, after commissioning, we may still have one or two little things to touch here and there.

“But the official commissioning of the sports complex is coming up September 1. After the commissioning, the other places like the swimming pool, the training pitch, the multipurpose court will be commissioned by December. So, by December 2021, everything in the sports complex will be ready for use.”

By Tolu Atobatele

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Nigeria’s leading sports management limited, Nilayo Sports Management Limited, organizers of the Great Abeokuta 10KM Race has unveiled Rite Foods Limited as the headline sponsor of the race.

Mr. Bukola Olopade, the Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited said “We are delighted to announce Rite Foods Limited as Headline sponsor of the second edition of Great Abeokuta 10KM Race.

This partnership also perfectly coincides with the concept of this edition which is to be ran solely by Nigerians”.

“All runners will have the ultimate dollar prize to contest for, this event will mark itself as Nilayo Sports will be organising a road race without foreign runners for the very first time.”

“We felt that it is important to push the Nigerian narrative, that is why we also themed this year’s race “Naija, race for homeland; it’s necessary to showcase the dynamism of our strength as a nation of great people who are committed to excellence in all human endeavors”.

Boluwatife Adedugbe, Assistant Brand Manager, Rite Foods LTD. Said “The event is going to be extremely memorable; attendees are going to be treated to a refreshing experience with the fantastically array of quality products strategically positioned at all race points in following through with an experience like never before.

“This strategic partnership with Nilayo Sports fits perfectly with promoting the
proudly Nigerian narrative with Rite Foods being a pioneer of the “Proudly
Nigerian and Truly World Class Narrative” in the FMCG industry, which is
significant to the event essence.”
The Bigi Abeokuta 10KM Race is scheduled for 13th of November 2021. The route
starts at Ake Palace and end at M.K.O Abiola International Stadium. The event
will feature a 10KM Race and a Wheelchair category.
The race is greatly supported by Ogun state government. Other sponsors include
Access Bank, Kenya Airways, Suzuki, Ecogas and IBD Hotels.
About Rite Foods: Rite Foods Limited is a truly world class, proudly Nigerian
Foods and Beverages manufacturing company which began food production in
March 2008. Rite Foods is a major player in the sausage segment of the
food industry and is gradually gaining market share in the soft drinks and energy
drinks’ segment of the beverage industry in Nigeria. Rite Foods Limited
manufactures under high ethical standards and hygienic conditions to produce
quality products that are fit for consumption.
About Nilayo Sports Management Limited: Nilayo Sports Management Ltd is a
sports management and marketing company based in Lagos, Nigeria. Nilayo has
worked with some of the biggest names in the world of sports including World
Athletics, Confederation of African Athletics and Athletics Federation of Nigeria.
Nilayo organises several sporting events across the country, which include
Access Bank Lagos City Marathon which is the biggest Marathon in Africa and elite labelled by World Athletics, Great Abeokuta 10KM Race, Africa’s foremost ultra race, the Valuejet IAU African Championship, a 50km Ultra Race held in Remo, Ogun State among others

By Tolu Atobatele

The Imo Football Association regrets to announce the death of Tessy Nwoke, who until her demise was the chairman of Heartland Queens football club Owerri.

Nwoke gave up the ghost on Sunday after a protracted illness. 
Chairman of Imo FA, Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam made the disclosure on Sunday. 

Uchegbulam said Nwoke’s demise was a huge loss to the football community and the state. 

He said Nwoke died when she was needed most especially to reposition the state female football club. 

According to the FA chairman, Nwoke had contributed immensely to the stability of Heartland Queens adding that she had plans of improving the team.

The late football boss who hailed from Ihitte Uboma local government area of Imo State upon assumption of office had tasked players and officials on commitment and moved the club from obscurity to Premier league.

Uchegbulam prayed for repose of Nwoke and fortitude for the family to bear the loss.

The burial announcement will be released by her family

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By Tolu Atobatele

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Consultant for Coaching and Technical Development Dr. Babatunde Terry Eguaoje in a video interview spoke on his assessment and opinions on the Super Eagles B team preparing to take on the El Tri Color of Mexico in an international friendly on Saturday July 3 (Sunday Morning in Nigeria) in California, USA.

By Tolu Atobatele

Newly invited Tottenham U-23 shot stopper Joshua Oluwaferanmi Chibuzor Oluwayemi spoke glowingly on his excitement joining up with the national soccer team of Nigeria the Super Eagles and his plan to make his invite a continuous process.

Leeds United are in the transfer market chopping for another central midfielder badly this summer, and Kelechi Nwakalai though may not a popular name yet could prove to be a quality addition to the squad.

Nwakali signed for Arsenal in the summer of 2016 but was farmed out on loan to Maastricht, Venlo and Porto B before his release in September 2019 without a first-team appearance to his name.

Nwakali was the star of the under-17 World Cup in 2015, leading the Golden Eaglets to the title as the captain and leaving with the Golden Ball Award.

Leeds need a player that can drive the team from the middle and brings verve and quality to the table, and they could get one in the Nigerian.

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Back in May 2018, Nwakali was part of the Nigeria B team that gave Atletico Madrid stars a run for their money in a friendly 3-2 defeat, with the midfielder dictating the flow of the game and crowning his brilliant performance in the middle of the park with a worldie that left the brilliant Jan Oblak helpless.

Admittedly, signing him would be a gamble, but it could end up being a masterstroke given his huge potential we believe it is the type of risks Leeds should be taking.

Nwakali will not cost an arm and a leg, and we all know what Whites head coach Marcelo Bielsa is capable of doing with talented players under his tutelage

By Tolu Atobatele

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has handed a late call up to Tottenham Hotspur U-23 goalkeeper Joshua Oluwayemi to replace the injured Ikechukwu Ezenwa for the international friendly against the El-Tri Color of Mexico.

According to reports made available the Super Eagles goalkeeper suffered an Injury while in action for his club Heartland Fc in the Nigeria Professional football league as the injury was detected by the Eagles medical team upon his arrival to the team’s camp.

Joshua Oluwayemi who is the first-choice goalkeeper for Tottenham Hotspur U23 was however called up as a replacement for Ezenwa, the goalkeeper will link up with the Eagles in California USA.

The other two goalkeepers who traveled with the team are John Noble and Stanley Nwabali.

The match which is being arranged as a tune-up game to prepare the Super Eagles for the upcoming Qatar 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifiers in September will be played on Saturday, July 3 in California USA.