CMSPORTS

Nigeria International William Troost-Ekong has completed his move to championship side Watford football club in England. He signed a five-year contract and will wear squad number five. Ekong who joined Serie A side, Udinese few years back and developed to become an integral player for the club and country. The Nigerian international started his career with Tottenham Hotspur youth setup before moving to Netherlands to continue with his football development and later represented the Netherlands at U20 level before switiching his allegiance to Nigeria. The move seems quite easy because both clubs (Udinese and Watford) are owned by same owner, the Pozzo family who also doubled as owner of Spanish La Liga Santander outfit, Granada. Meanwhile Williams Troost-Ekong has expressed delight after completing a five-year contract with the former Odion Ighalo’s club. He went on Twitter to express his joy saying “New chapter @WatfordFC! Happy to be here and ready to get started!” Ekong...

Nigeria Women Football League Premiership side, DreamStar FC Ladies of Lagos has signed a three year partnership deal with Data Foundation. The partnership, first of its kind aims at gearing 'the pride of Lagos' towards a successful year, as they prepare for a straight and long NWFL Premiership season . The chairman of the club, Mr Abolore AbdulRahmon in his reactions, appreciated Data Foundation management for agreeing to go into partnership with them and was optimistic that the agreement will yield alot of positives. He continued by saying the Data Foundation management deal is one of many agreements that would follow as the club looks on to engage more private partnership that will bring about development to the club. "They accepted us as the official football club of Data Foundation, this means alot to us, and we shall continue to be a model in women's football" "This means alot to us and we would continue to give our full backings as the br...

As Mike Tyson says, everyone has a plan until that get smacked in the mouth. Liverpool, tonight, is Mike Tyson. They are a team of brutal warriors. Arsenal have had two really decent games against Liverpool in recent past though. Last season, Gunners turned the Kop over in the league (despite been totally mauled by them) and reel on the confidence to win the FA Cup. Liverpool will be fitter, sharper, as they have buried a couple of teams in their opening two EPL fixtures of the season. My expectations from Arsenal in this game: 1. To be competitive (at least). That means everyone showing up to execute a good game plan. Coaches are now wary of Arteta's tactics after coming out victorious against Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool in intermittent matches. Arsenal now looks unpredictable and opposition teams are very much aware of this which put Gunners' players at par with their counterpart. The players should exploit this to their advantage and exhibit a well game p...

The Coordinator of the Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola, has declared in Lagos, that, the 2020 edition of the only Bronze Medal Labelled women run in Africa, will take a new dimension, taking into consideration strict adherence to the preventive measures against the spread of Covid-19 in Nigeria and indeed Africa. She noted at the weekend that, the 2020 edition of the Run, will be Virtual only the Elite Runners, while the amateurs, regular runners, the corporate runners and other fun runners will compete in the normal run, which will be closely monitored by the organizers to prevent unregistered runners who have not been cleared and given a clean of health to run, from joining the 10 kilometres run. Popoola added that, "the Elite Run which will be virtual, can be run anywhere. It can be in London, anywhere in Africa or any part of Nigeria. "These runners will logged on to a dedicated App that will be supplied by the organizers of the Lagos Women after registration. ...

Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Sunday Dare has showered encomiums on the board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation for its continued efforts in rewriting the history of basketball in Nigeria. Hon. Dare Sunday, Minister of Youth and Sports exchanging pleasantry with Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, President NBBF Speaking recently in Lagos, Hon. Sunday Dare noted that the NBBF board under the leadership of Engr Ahmadu Musa Kida has made Nigerians proud with great achievements at the national, continental and international stage. Reeling out the achievements, the minister who recently celebrated his one year in office reemphasised that, “Nigeria’s Men’s Team are the first in Africa and 23rd in the world. D’Tigress are the first in Africa and 14th in the world. These rankings were premised on the numerous victories and accolades by both teams at both Africa and world levels”. Still on the unprecedented records set by the board, Sunday Dare eulogised the board for mastermindi...

After organising five editions of the 42km Access Bank/Lagos City Marathon, which currently ranks among the best in the world, as well as two major road races in Abeokuta and Remo in Ogun State, Nilayo Sports Management Limited is spreading its tentacles to Kaduna, a city described as ‘hub’ of all sporting activities in northern Nigeria. Though, the Kaduna half marathon is slated for November 21, the organisers feel excited over the choice of Nilayo Sports as the main consultant for the race. “For us, it’s a great achievement because having the opportunity to organise the Kaduna half marathon is a sign of growth in the business and in the industry,” the Chief Operating Officer of Nilayo Sports, Seyi Johnson told The Guardian shortly after the unveiling ceremony of plans for the race by Governor Nasir el Rufai at the Government House, Kaduna. Nilayo Sports battled with other five companies in the bidding process to become the main consultant for the Kaduna half marathon. Joh...

The Nigeria Football Federation has composed new technical crews for a number of National Teams. The composition sees the return of one-time U20 Boys’ Head Coach, Isah Ladan Bosso, with Christopher Danjuma retaining the U20 Girls’ lead role, and Bankole Olowookere emerging as Head Coach of the U17 girls, Flamingos. Former international defender Oladuni Oyekale will serve as first assistant to Bosso at the U20, with Jolomi Atune Alli (second assistant), Samaila Marwa Keshi (assistant coach/scout) and Suleiman Shuaibu Akanmu (goalkeeper coach) completing the Flying Eagles’ bench. Fatai Amoo will head the U17 boys’ squad, to be assisted by Ahmed Lawal Dankoli (first assistant), Nnamdi Onuigbo (second assistant), Hassan Abdallah (assistant coach/scout) and Danlami Kwasau (goalkeeper coach) in his crew. Danjuma returns to the U20 girls, Falconets, to be assisted by Moses Aduku (first assistant), Bilkisu Tijani (second assistant), Charity Nwere Nnedinma (assistant coach/scout) and ...

Minister assures of Wrestling medal haul in Tokyo Honorable Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare while hosting the Bayelsa state Commissioner for Youth and Sports Dr. Daniel Igali on Tuesday  assured Nigerians of Olympic medal haul in Wrestling. According to the Minister "If we're sure of a Sport that would fetch us medals at the Olympics it  is Wrestling, considering the fact that the federation had done so well. The Wrestling Federation under the leadership of Dr. Daniel Igali vision, dream and focus are in line with our  plans and we are sure that the likes of Blessing Oborodudu and Odunayo Adekuroye would win  medals  at the Olympics." The Minister congratulated Igali on his appointment as Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in Bayelsa state. "It gladdened our heart when you were appointed  Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development because we believe that once we have seasoned athlete like you in this pos...

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has released the list of invited players for the double-header frinedly matches slated for October in Austria. Nigeria will square up against Tunisia on the 9th of October before take on Elephant of Cote d'Ivoire four days later at the same venue in Austria. The list comprises of Goalkeepers:  Dele Alampasu (FK Ventspils, Latvia) Matthew Yakubu (SKF Sered Slovakia) Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands) Defenders:  Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain) Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland) Chidozie Awaziem (FC Boavista, Portugal) William Ekong (Udinese FC, Italy); Olaoluwa Aina (Fulham FC, England) Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany) Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England) Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal) Midfielders:  Mikel Agu (Vitoria Guimaraes, Portugal) Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England) Frank Onyeka (FC Midtjylland, Denmark) Oghenekaro Etebo (Galatasary SK, Turkey) ...

Nigeria Football Federation executive committee member Ibrahim Gusau has stated that Edema Fuludu was not disenfranchised the right to contest for chairmanship position nor coarse to settle vice Chairman positionduring the just concluded election held in Stephen Keshi stadium, Asaba, Delta state. Ibrahim Gusau, NFF Executive Committee Member  In an exclusive interview with CMSports Gusau said: "When we saw the turn around of event in Delta state FA, as leaders, we tried to call people that are concern to advise them to sit down and see how they can be together because nobody can come from anywhere and decide for the people of Delta. We only participated there to advise them on what to do on how to move the game of football forward. "People were given the chance to participate (in the election), there was a fair process and at the end of the day we get new executives for the Delta state FA, led by Kenneth Nwaomucha as the Chairman. Also read: Peace cannot exist in...

 -Elite winner to get $10,000, Nigerian winner N3m. - Marathon holds Nov. 21. Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, signing the Kaduna Marathon 2020 registration form The executive governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, has vowed to sustain the Kaduna Marathon. For the marathon which hold on November 21, 2020,  Gov. El Rufai called on all indigenes of the state, both old and young, to be involved in the Marathon. "As 80 years old participate regularly in international marathons, Kaduna should not be different." He noted, while planning for the marathon, Kaduna is aware of the preventing measures for the Coronavirus. We shall strictly follow the protocols during the race, as I am a graduate of Coronavirus, after surviving the virus. "I will participate in the race, but I will not run more than 5 kilometres. "I implore all to register for the Kaduna Marathon. "We are doing our best to restore Kaduna back to its glory years, wh...

FC Nilayo have sealed a multi million naira Shirt sponsorship deal with one of Nigeria's leading crushing and grinding industry, Western Quarry Limited. General Manager of the Club Mr Lekan Kelani confirmed that the partnership has been sealed and the deal takes effect immediately the 2020/2021 Nigeria National League kicks off. President of FC Nilayo Mr Ebidowei Oweife expressed his profound gratitude to the Babalaje of Ilaro, Otunba Adewale Adeshina (a.k.a Saranda), the owner of Western Quarry Limited for keeping to his words and partnering with the club "We are very happy, we are grateful for this opportunity and it definitely means we are doing something right. We definitely will not relent". General Manager of FC Nilayo Mr Lekan Kelani also expressed his delight and confirmed that his Boys will be ready to roar once football returns in the country. "This definitely is a morale booster for the boys, they are eager to return to the pitch and this dea...

 The Minister  of youth and Sports Mr. Sunday Dare has declared opened the 2020 E- Sports  Championship tagged "Fuel Your Passion" put together by Nilayo Sports Management Limited. The Minister who was represented by Dr. Ebhojaiye Simon on the Zoom meeting pronounced the eight weeks event opened to the delight of everyone involved. In his speech he said "As a Nation, we are tapping into potentials which E-Sport can offer, we thank Nilayo Sports Management Limited for doing this." He confirmed that the Honourable Sports Minister himself Mr Sunday Dare who is a staunch supporter of laudable ideas is happy with the initiative put together by Nilayo Sports Management Limited. Bukola Olopade, CEO Nilayo Sports Management Limited. Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited Hon. Bukola Olopade a former youth and sports commissioner in Ogun State in his opening speech appreciated everyone that is working effortlessly in ensuring that the even...

By Akin Bolarinwa  Nigerians globally have called on the Nigeria Football  Federation (NFF) to appoint Emmanuel  Amuneke as the assistant to Super Eagles chief Coach, Gernot Rohr. According to a recent survey by the Nigeria sports mouthpiece official website, 90 percent of football lovers across the country made Amuneke their first choice and pleaded with the NFF to support him to ensure that he succeeds as Rohr's assistant. Available facts from the survey which was conducted by Canada based Adewale Ajayi who is the bureau chief of NSM in diaspora, shows that the common agreement by all, was that Amuneke deserves another chance to prove himself at this level. The former African footballer of the year, is gradually improving his profile as one of Nigeria's best football coaches after a glorious career that saw him win the Nations Cup in 1994 before going on to score the all important goal that secured Nigeria a first Olympic gold medal after that 3-2 victor...

The Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) and a global network organization for the promotion of clean environment – Let’s Do It World (LDIW), in collaboration with other interest groups is organizing the World Clean Up Day (WCD). The World Clean Up Day is a global clean up action uniting millions of people in promoting a cleaner planet for humanity. The target is to engage a percentage of the national population to pick up mismanaged waste from nature in one day, the aim being to draw attention to the problem of waste management, create public awareness and influence choices of individuals and organizations on best methods of managing waste. The Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) is encouraging all National Olympic Committees of Africa to join other stakeholders of interest such as local municipalities, Ministries of Health, waste managers and departments of environment in celebrating the day. Engr. Habu Gumel, President, Nigeri...

By Akin Bolarinwa  As part of his commitment to media excellence and to honour journalists who abide by the ethics of the profession, former Nigerian international Emmanuel Amuneke has given our cash donation to journalists on the stable of the most authoritative social media platforms in the whole of Africa, Nigeria Sports Mouthpiece (NSM). Amuneke stated that the cash reward will further impact the role of the press in sports development in Nigeria. The CEO of Nigeria Sports Mouthpiece (NSM) Ambassador Adewale Omotayo Ajayi appreciated Emmanuel Amuneke for empowering journalists and termed the gesture as a welcome development. Meanwhile he advised journalists to avail themselves of the opportunity of churning out worthy news through their respective media platforms. He said: "Looking back over the years, we are happy that the NSM initiative has continued to help improve the quality of journalism in Nigeria". Ambassador Adewale Omotayo Ajayi also expresse...

Former Nigeria international Edema Fuludu has fault the emergence of Kenneth Nwaomucha as the new chairman of Delta State Football Association (DFA) in election held on Tuesday at Stephen Keshi stadium, Asaba, Delta state.                       Edema Fuludu Fuludu alongside Victor Ikpeba were elected DFA's Chairman and vice chairman respectively last year with other board positions dully filled but had the election nullified by the Nigeria Football Federation and the chairman of Delta Sports Commission, Tony Okowa, sighting flaw in the electoral process. In a petition addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari and his Special Adviser on Sports, Daniel Amokachi, titled "Nigeria Football Federation  Infractions in Delta state Football Association" which reads in part: With compliments from the Congress of the Delta State Football Association, the Executive board led by Mr Fuludu Edema (Chairman) and Mr. Victor Ikpeba (Vice...

The Minister of  Youth and Sports Development Minister Mr. Sunday Dare has  commended  Total E&P Nigeria  Ltd for their  commitment towards the Development  of Basketball  as well as the Youth. Speaking  in Lagos on Tuesday during the signing of the Memorandum of understanding between the Nigeria Basketball Federation and Total E&P Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Dare said he was impressed by the support of the company, even as he urged other companies and individuals to emulate Total." The signing of this MOU demonstrates once again the goodwill  and corporate social responsibility  of Total E&P Nigeria in identifying with basketball development in  our country. I sincerely thank the Management of Total  E&P Nigeria Ltd for sponsorship of the  National Division 1&2 Men's Basketball Leagues, which indicates a clear commitment in the development of the sports of Basketball  in Nigeria. The present  B...

The Ogun State Football Association (OGSFA) has warned organizers of Football competitions in the State to desist from staging such. NFF board member and Chairman of the Association, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi, who gave the warning said this is as a result of the fact that the Nigeria Football Federation and Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports has not lifted embargo on (Contact games)in which  Football is one it and the activities in the State has not been lifted due to COVID-19. Alhaji Majekodunmi also warned the organizers of any Football competition in the State to stop the competition or face the full wrath of the law. He added that it is unfortunate that despite advise and warnings from federal government through (NCDC)and Ogun state government some people still go about engaging in Football activities without recourse to laws and directives. He noted that all the directives and warnings are in the best interests of members of the public, as COVID-19 is still a vir...

By Akin Bolarinwa  Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML), Nigeria’s leading sports marketing agency is set to partner the most authoritative sports social media group, The Nigeria Sports Mouthpiece (NSM) for the forthcoming Kaduna Marathon race. According to the senior advocate of journalists and the CEO of NSM, Ambassador Adewale Ajayi, the partnership is an opportunity for journalists to promote the Kaduna marathon to the world. He said: “We have consulted with the management of Nilayo sports and we are happy that NSM is going to be part of this prestigious Kaduna marathon". Ambassador Adewale Ajayi (SAJ) stated further that Nilayo sports marketing company is an organisation that has organised marathons and road races of international repute. He expressed confidence that engaging NSM for the Kaduna Marathon will ensure that the marathon is a success. “NSM is known for excellence and we are very confident that our media team will deliver the best reportage to...

Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML), Nigeria's leading sports marketing agency has been appointed as official consultants for the Kaduna Marathon. Mr Jimi Lawal, the Chairman of the Marathon steering committee while announcing during the stakeholders meeting on Saturday said: “We have engaged NSML, an organisation who has organised marathons and road races of international repute.” He expressed confidence that engaging NSML as consultants for the Kaduna Marathon will ensure that the marathon is a success. The stakeholders meeting which was held at the Kaduna State Government House was attended by major stakeholders involved in the planning and execution of the Kaduna Marathon. Ministries, Educational Institutions and security agencies across the state were well represented. Hon. Bukola Olopade, Chief Executive Officer of NSML said “We are delighted to be part of the Kaduna Marathon, kudos to the steering committee for conceptualising this illustrious event, we a...

Former Gombe Football Association Chairman Ahmed Shuaibu  Gara Gombe has thrown his weight and support behind Ammaju Pinnick to contest for the Presidency of CAF in next year election, CMSports can report. In an interview session on Jordan FM, Lagos monitored by our correspondent Gara Gombe, who is also a former member of the NFF Reforms Committee, emphasize that Amaju Melvin Pinnick has all it takes to become first Nigerian to assume the exalted post of CAF president.         Ahmed Shuaibu Gara Gombe  "I can tell you clearly, no president of CAF from Isaah Hayathou to Ahmad Ahmad that have established or have done very well in their various country's football administrations before they got to that (CAF President) position. "Throughout the tenure of Issah Hayatou as president of CAF what was his antecedent in Camerounian football? Nothing. Same thing with Ahmad Ahmad. He was a former referee, what was his antecedent in Madagas...

Few months after securing her place in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Sunday Dare on Friday received Elizabeth Anyanacho. Sunday Dare, Minister for Youth and Sports Development with olympic-bound Elizabeth Anyanacho. Elizabeth Anyanacho defeated former African champion, Urgence Mouega of Gabon 12-5 points in the -67kg women’s bout at  the 2020 Africa Taekwondo Olympic Qualifiers that took place at Complexe sportif Moulay Abdellah (Palais des sports), Rabat City, Morocco. Entoute to her Tokyo Olympics qualification, she defeated the 5 time African Champion. The honourable Minister emphasised he monitored her progress and he supposed to have receive her long time ago but Corona virus caused the delay. "I appreciate your patience today but more importantly, I knew this is something we wanted to do much more earlier before covid 19 happened . "We are grateful to God that we are still alive today and after things started ope...

ABS FC gets actinAbubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC, has appointed Coach Shuaib Abdulkadir (No Fear), as acting Technical Adviser. Alloy Chukwuemeka unveiling coach Shuaib Abdulkadir as ABS Acting Technical Adviser  The club's Director of Football (DOF), Alloy Chukwuemeka, made the announcement on Friday in Ilorin after a management meeting. He said the appointment became imperative after the team's Technical Adviser, Yomi Elijah, informed him of leaving for an unnamed Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, after the expiration of his contract. Chukwuemeka said Coach Abdulkadir will remain in acting capacity until a decision to  appoint a substantive Technical Adviser is taken. Elijah told newsmen after the meeting that he was grateful for the opportunity given to him by the management, staff and players of the team. He then solicited for the same support for coach Abdulkadir (No Fear), who he described as a loyal servant. Coach Abdulkadir, thank...

With an ongoing N1.3 billion investment in youth hubs, the Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has expressed the readiness of his state to partner with the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development for the training of its youth and to facilitate their benefitting from the National Youth Investment Fund, NYIF. Sunday Dare, Minister of Youth and Sports Development with AbdulRasaq AbdulRahmon, Governor of Kwara state. Governor AbdulRazaq gave the assurance during a visit to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare at his Office in Abuja on Thursday. The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare expressed the Ministry’s readiness to work with Kwara state and other states of the federation that have the infrastructure to support the training of youth. He said, “We will be rolling out our Economic Sustainability Plan, which is heavy on digital skills training. We are going to do it state by state, geo-political region by geo-political regi...

As part of efforts to boost business and sports in Ekiti State, the Chairman of the State Sports Council, Dr. Isaac Ayodele has set up a 9-man committee to organize a sports sponsorship/business drive tagged “Ekiti Sports Business Round Table Breakfast”. Inaugurating the committee in Ado Ekiti, Dr. Ayodele said that the initiative which was being organized in partnership with the Fountain Holding Ltd, is expected to have captains of industries and business community in the same platform in an attempt to elicit reasonable sponsorship of sports programmes in the State. Ayodele added that the State would also use the opportunity presented by the proposed forum to introduce the attendees to the myriad of investment opportunities in the State. He said “Sports has not only become business but a driver to drive businesses. It used to be for entertainment alone but not anymore. It is now used to drive businesses and grassroots development. “It is expected to bring captains of indust...

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Thursday visited the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare in his office in Abuja at a meeting that yielded fruitful deliberations as both sports lovers discussed prospects in youth and sports development. Acrobatic Late Rashidi Yekini, Nigeria vs Spain at France '98 FIFA World cup Governor AbdulRazaq announced that progress has been made in immortalizing football icon, Rashidi Yekini by naming the Kwara State Sports Complex Stadium Ilorin after him. L-R: Sunday Dare, Minister for Youth and Sports Development and AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, ExecutiveGovernor, Kwara state. He said, “We will send a bill to the State House of Assembly to immortalize Rashidi Yekini with the name of the stadium changing after the approval.” The Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Sunday Dare had told the Governor about the series of letter that the Ministry wrote to the Kwara State Government for the immortalization of the late...