CMSPORTS

Nigeria’s foremost marathons and road races running company, Nilayo Sports Management Limited, has set October 2, 2021 date for the maiden Abuja City International Marathon with a telecommunication company and financial institution set to be the headline sponsor and main partner.   Bukola Olopade, the Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports told our correspondent over the weekend that  “The Abuja City International Marathon is a race that excites us because given our precedence with the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon and all our other races across the country, the Abuja City International Marathon promises to be a world class event. We have concluded discussions with a telecom giant and a financial institution. Very soon we shall invite the media to the unveiling of our sponsor and partner”. Olopade who revived the culture of marathons and road races in Nigeria after 31 years in 2016 with the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon revealed that the route of the Abuja City Inte...

The leadership of Nigeria Basketball Federation has officially confirmed that coach Mfon Udofia will be saddled with the responsibility of leading D’Tigers to the 2021 Afrobasket qualifiers in Tunisia. Mfon who joined the senior men’s national team technical crew just before the 2019 FIBA World Cup will fill in for Head Coach, Mike Brown, currently tied down by Golden State Warriors. On the other hand, Coach Alex Nwora who remains a vital part of the D’Tigers’ crew will also be missing due to family and personal reasons. Making the announcement, NBBF President, Engr Musa Kida said,  “Mike Brown is doing his primary job and occupied at this time as the assistant coach with Golden State Warriors”. “Coach Alex is staying back for very personal and intimate reasons which we understand. Our head coach to Tunisia will be Mfon Udofia.” He expressed utmost confidence that the absence of the two coaches will in no way affect the team’s outing as he described Udofia who tried out with D’Tige...

We have made constructive efforts at providing you with  all the bit  that made the lot of the just concluded South West Zone phase of the Berackiah/Abigol Football Coaching Clinic. Featuring about 12 sessions of training which includes Theory and Practical, the clinic provided a great opportunity for Nigerian Coaches to learn, re-learn and un-learn football concepts of various ideology. Gian Marco as a Goalkeeper Trainee is one of the resource person from Italy. He was able to share his knowledge with Nigerian Coaches on the fundamentals of coaching and getting the best out of goalkeepers. Speaking to Berackiah/Abigol Media Team at the sideline of the event he said: "I feel honored to be here and I want to thank all the people who have worked to make this project happen and make it possible for me to come" Marco believes he is just privileged to impact on the coaches and not  a 'teacher' who wants to teach what has not been taught before. "What I want to do is t...

Bukola Olopade Congratulates Pinnick, Throws Weight Behind Him For FIFA Council Seat   Gianni Infantino, FIFA President with Amaju Pinnick, NFF President Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited NSML, Hon. Bukola Olopade has congratulated the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick who was cleared by the World Football governing body FIFA to contest in the forthcoming FIFA executive council elections. Olopade, a former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National League described the clearance given by FIFA as the first hurdle in the daunting task ahead, adding that it will be a victory for Nigeria if Pinnick finds his way into the FIFA chamber. Honourable Bukola Olopade "Firstly, I congratulate my friend and brother Amaju, for scaling through the difficult first hurdle, it is extremely laudable that he has decided to put so many things on the line for the development of Football in Nigeria, if he finds a way into the FIFA council, it...

Nigeria Football Association (NFF) says the country's youth football will get to greater heights as our local coaches will tap in from the expertise shared at the football coaching clinic organised by Berackiah International and Abigol Football Management. The Clinic which has been Integrated by the Nationwide League One (NLO) and aim to train, educate and develop Nigeria Coaches commenced at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu-Ode,Ogun State. Chairman Ogun State Football Association and NFF Executive Committee Member, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi who spoke on behalf of NFF First Vice-President Barrister Seyi and Chairman Nationwide League One, Alhaji Mohammed Alkali, pointed out the importance of the coaching clinic while stressing that gaining more knowledge should be paramount on the minds of the participants. According to Majekodunmi: "We are very proud to have partnered with Nigeria Football Coaches Association and Berackiah/Abigol on this coaching clinic. Th...

Red-hot Sadeeq Yusuf bagged a brace to cap Sunshine Stars five-star performance with victory in a frenetic matchday six encounter against Dakadda FC at the Nest of Champions, Uyo. Coachch Ggenga Ogunbote rang few Changes to the starting line up, handling a second start of the season to attacking midfielder, Yusuf and resting injured Kehinde Adeyemi for Habib Yakubu. The game opened up quickly and the hosts tested goalkeeper Ariyo David's pedigree; the goalie responded with two crucial saves inside the first five minutes, denying the hosts of an early breakthrough.  Despite having a penalty appeal turned down earlier on for handball, the Owena Whales gathered momentum and registered the first attempt on target from a Kabiru Tijani's freekick.  The resulting corner kick from the save on the free kick was delivered by Seun Olulayo and there was no denying Yusuf, who headed home the opener and his third goal of the season.  Dakkada mounted pressure and pushed for a leveler, b...

There was serious tension on Sunday at the Kwara state stadium as Kwara United defeated visiting Ifeanyi Ubah 1-0 in NPFL week six encounter. Kwara United went into this game with boosted morales having defeated Enyimba last Wednesday, but the Harmony Boys labored hard to get this deserved victory. Biffo's men started this game impressively looking for an early goal and it was in the 7th minute they got their chance which was wasted by Kalu Nweke. Ten minutes later, Chisom Samuel had a brilliant chance to give Kwara United the lead, but he blasted the ball over the bar after being brilliantly set up by Jide Fatokun. United has many chances to score in the first half, but the luck was against them in a tension soaked battle.  Ifeanyi Ubah tried all they could not to concede in Ilorin with their perfect delay tactics, but Olawale Farayola broke their hearts as he scored the goal which condemned the visitors to a defeat in the 86th minute. The Nnewi side almost scored at the last minu...

Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Hon. Bukola Olopade has won the Trailblazer Award for his giant stride in ensuring that Ogun State becomes a hub for road races. Hakeem Akintunde presenting Hon. Bukola Olopade with Trailblazer Award. Hon. Olopade who is a former sports commissioner in the gateway state with the support of the state government and notable corporate bodies introduced the Abeokuta 10 KM Road race as well as the ValueJet Remo Ultra Race in 2019, the first time in the history of the state that road races will take centre stage. The Award is an initiative of Sports Writers Association Of Nigeria, SWAN, Ogun State chapter as part of activities marking its SWAN week for year 2020 where other notable individuals like veteran Sports Journalist and coordinator, MAPOLY Radio, Deacon Kunle Oluwusi who bagged the Role Model in Sports Journalism award, Ogun State born team Nigeria Paralympian who is expected to represent the country as a Para Table Tennis Player...

There was serious jubilation on Wednesday evening at the Kwara state stadium as Kwara United recorded a 1-0 win over visiting Enyimba in rescheduled NPFL match day 2 encounter. Victory over Enyimba was Kwara United first home win this season in the NPFL having played a 1-1 draw against Akwa United last week in what was a disappointing result. Kwara United goalkeeper Dele Aiyenugba once again proved himself as one of the best goalies in the country after keeping second clean sheet against his former club where he made his name. Harmony Boys started the match impressively and it took them only five minutes for Stephen Jude to score after connecting perfectly with a superb pass from Michael Ohanu. Ohanu almost scored the second goal for Kwara United three minutes later, but his shot was parried away by Enyimba goalie John Noble. Enyimba mounted serious pressure in the second half looking for all possible ways to restore parity, but they would have the wood work to thank at the death for G...

The Nigeria Olympic Committee is still in shock with the news of the demise of the former Minister and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bala Bawa Ka’oje. In a statement on Wednesday, Engineer Habu Ahmed Gumel, President, Nigeria Olympic Committee said, the demise of the former Sports Minister is shocking and unbelievable. "Hon Bala Bawa Ka'oje was a good man, very gentle, resourceful and always willing to give a ready made solution to all problems while in office and thereafter. This is not the time to lose such an industrious son of our nation but who are we to query God? Hon Bala Bawa Ka'oje will be solely missed", Gumel concluded. On behalf of the members of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, we commiserate with the Federal Government of Nigeria, Kebbi State Government, his immediate family and the sporting community on this sad and irreparable loss. Hon Ka'oje, a master’s degree holder in structural engineering from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zar...

The duo of 36 Lion FC players Samson Akinyoola and Ade Oguns, striker and midfielder respectively, have completed a move to Venezuelan giant Caracas FC. The transfer move which was assisted by Cem Sagar, a top class U. K. Licensed FIFA Agent was on Tuesday. Announcing the deal, the visibly elated 36 Lion FC Chairman Hajji Gafar Liameed thanks the intermediary Agent who facilitated the deal and pour encomium on the players. "We announce the signing and unveiling of our two top attackers, Ade Oguns and Samson Akinyool in the far South America with Caracas Football Club in Venezuela.  "These two Lions attacking prowess kept us afloat 2018/2019 Nigeria National League tough season." The attacking duo who formed a formidable partnership during their time with 36 Lions were succinctly described by Gafar as "Send a long pass to Ade, he will locate Samson. Get the ball to Samson and he’ll assist Ade." "It’s really rare for two youth players from West Africa sign i...

Chairman of the Nigeria National League, Distinguished Senator Obinna Ogba has commended the Chief Operating Officer Mr. Emmanuel Adesanya and the Administrative secretary of the League body, Mr. Nicholas Akujobi who recently received certificate of participation from the Confederation of African Football –CAF for successfully completing a training workshop in the Premier CAF regional Safety & Security Workshop. The Football ruling body on the continent had in December 2020 packaged an online workshop to educate selected candidates from Africa on security measures and safety at football stadia and venues. Both Adesanya and Akujobi were amongst over seventy lucky Africans that were selected to attend the course. NNL chieftain Ogba described the development as a thing of joy, that calls for celebration for Nigeria’s Most Important football league and Nigeria football as a whole. “This is a positive development for us at the NNL to know that two of our own were among the lucky few pic...

 The Solid Miners continue to exceed all expectations as they overpowered their northern neighbours, Katsina United by 1-0 at the Lafia City Stadium as the 2020/2021 Nigeria Professional Football League Season entered week five. The host went into the dicey tie after forcing a goalless stalemate at Adamawa United in Gombe during the midweek. Frontman, Chinedu Ohanachom came close to scoring when goalkeeper, Danlami Umar's long-rangekick went past the vistors' defence pair of Faisal Sani and Sanusi Abdulmutalab in the 3rd minute, but his final touch flipped slightly above the bar for a goalkick. Moments later, box-to-box midfielder, Sadiq Abdulrazaq, powered a volley from distance which clattered against the woodwork to the relief of the visitors' bench. Katsina United responded with some flashy and threatening attempts but at each point were met by a solid Nasarawa United defence marshalled by the quartet of Tebo Franklin, Uzochukwu Chigozie, Abubakar Abdullahi and Ini Edem...

The much talked about Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL Match Day 4 tie between Nasarawa United and Adamawa United FC finally ended in a barren draw and defender, Uchenna Tebo Franklin has expressed mixed feelings over the result.  Uchenna Tebo Franklin In a chat with newsmen on arrival from Gombe, the "no nonsense" centre back said: "It wasn't the result we wanted, but all hope wasn't lost as we came out with one point.  "We had resolved and worked hard for all three points, but in football you win but some give you unexpected results. "We also had chances to wrap up the game, but mother luck didn't smile on us, as we threw away a penalty.  The solid Miners sits 4th on the NPFL table with 8 points after four rounds of matches, picking an away win and a draw, and the former FC Vitosha Bistritsa loanee believes the Lafia based side can challenge for honours this term. "I strongly believe we can have a successful campaign in the league th...

The Plateau State Football Association, headed by Hon. Sunday Samson Longbap has inaugurated both the Appeal Committee and the Electoral Committee for the forthcoming Plateau State FA local government election into different positions at the local government level. Speaking at the inauguration, the Plateau State FA Chairman, Sunday Longbap, said its imperative that new executives at the local government level are brought on board after the expiration of the present bodies who came into power four years ago. He goes further, "It's not for all comers, only members who have been actively involved at the FA level for the past four years can pick forms vie for positions." The Appeal Committee for the election include: Barrister Dan Gwaza(Chairman), Barrister Paul Hammache, Barrister Victor Gomwalk, Barrister Dep Musa and Barrister Samson Pirfa(Secretary); while the Electoral Committee, sworn in by the PFA Deputy Chairman, Ezra Godit, include, Daniel Agandu(Chairman), Alh. Bala...

The Nigeria Nationwide League One has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a football coaching clinic organisation, Berackiah/ABIGOL Grassroots Coaching Clinic to help develop the skills of its league coaches which in turn will assure the broad development of the game as well as the talents spread across the nation. Present at the occasion which held at the NFF Secretariat in Abuja were NFF President, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, who was represented by the Chairman, NFF Technical and Development Committee, Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf Fresh; Chairman, Nationwide League One, Alhaji Mohammed Alkali; NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, President, Nigeria Coaches Association, Coach Isah Ladan Bosso; NFF Technical Director and former Nigeria captain, Austin Eguavoen; Chief Operating Officer of the NLO, Shola Ogunnowo; Representatives of Berackiah Football Coaching Clinic; Representatives of Association of Local Government of Nigeria and; Representatives of Foreign Technical partners, ABIGO...

"We're ready to prove a point in Gombe" - Nasarawa United defender Franklin Tebo Franklin eyes Adamawa United scalp Nasarawa United FC center back, and man of the match award winner in the Match Day 3 duel of the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL, against Kano Pillars FC, Tebo Franklin has sent a message of hope to the fans of his side, that the team maintains absolute focus as they visit Adamawa United FC in their next fixture in Gombe.  The fearless energetic defender who spoke to news men on his team's arrival in Gombe, stated that they are in Gombe State for a mission against Adamawa United FC, hence the need to stay focused and determined, adding that this particular fixture last season was a bitter pill to his side. "We're in Gombe for a mission, so we're staying focused and determined, said Franklin, who recorded his first NPFL assist in his side's away win at Heartland on Match Day 2. "We left Gombe empty handed last season when w...

January 11, 2021 – Nilayo Sports Management Limited, organises of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Great Abeokuta 10KM Race, Valuejet IAU African Championships among other races across the country has announced Ijebu International Half Marathon, a Half Marathon holding in Ijebu Ode. Mr. Bukola Olopade, the Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited said “we are very excited about organising another international road race in Ogun state. The Ijebu International Half Marathon is a 21 Kilometre race, the route will start from the newly constructed Epe-Ijebu road and will end at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium. The Ijebu International Half Marathon was motivated by Ijebu Heritage Club. The club is an outstanding community of Ijebu Ode sons and daughters who thought it wise to have an international marathon in Ijebu land.” Ogun State Commissioner for Youth & Sports, Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde reiterated the commitment of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun to ...

As one of Nigerian Football legends Christian Chukwu celebrates his landmark 70 years Birthday in his Enugu country home. Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare has heaped encomium  on Chairman Chukwu as he is fondly called, describing him as a true legend and patriotic icon who served the country meritoriously. In a statement signed by the Minister,  Dare said:  "Congratulations to a patriotic,  dedicated, disciplined and committed  Nigerian Chairman Christian Chukwu as he attains the landmark age of 70 years. You not only worked hard to win laurels for club and country, you also brought glory and honour to our dear nation as a coach. Your sense of duty, patriotism and service to our dear fatherland was not only exemplary,  but infectious.   "You are indeed a great role model who impacted on your generation and those after you positively. No words are enough to describe you. As you celebrate your birthday, on behalf of Mr. Presi...

Engineer Habul Ahmed Gumel, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) President has reacted to the demise of Otunba Eddie Aderinokun as he condole his family for the great loss. Otunba Aderinokun was an astute sports administrator and a journalist per excellence. Late Otunba Eddie Aderinokun Otunba, a former President, Nigeria Volleyball Federation did his best for the development of the game before I succeeded him and he proved his mettle in other spheres of life and his legacies remains forever.  Otunba Aderinokun according to a statement released by Chief Kayode Aderinokun, his brother reads that he died on the 3rd of January, 2021 following a brief illness at age 80. On behalf of the Patrons, members of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, we commiserate with his immediate family and the volleyball community on the sad and irreparable loss. May the Lord give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

The President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engineer Habu Gumel Ahmed wishes all stakeholders and the corporate world a resounding happy New year.  Engnr. Habu Gumel Ahmed, President, Nigeria Olympic Committee Gumel in his new year message to his immediate constituency and the corporate world, thanked all and sundry for their support for the success recorded so far in the sporting events. He, however charged the athletes and officials that have qualified and those seeking qualifications to see this as a call to serve their fatherland. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) member expressed his happiness for the listening ears of our grand Patron and President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari who is building a good future for the youths. Furthermore, Engr Habu Gumel is appreciative of the support and collaborative effort of the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare to take sports to its desired height. "Also, we commend him on his ado...

The Minister of youth and sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare has reassured that the February 14th 2021 kick off date for the National Sports Festival remains sacrosanct. According to the Minister,  "After the  National Sports Festival in February this year, we will move to the National Youth Games and continue the build up to the Olympic Games ". Building quality facilities and engaging good coaches, which are keys to producing World- class athletes, require heavy investment.  "We have asked for 25 percent of the Lottery Fund to come to sports. Jamaica and England give between 31 to 38 Percent of their Lottery Funds to sports, but right now we are getting nothing from the fund. We hope to get the approval for the Lottery Fund money in the first quarter of  the year." On the adopt-an-athlete initiative, which was introduced to cater for athletes' welfare, Dare said it has been  successful so far, assuring that this year, it would accommodate more athletes. "...

As Nigerians herald the new year 2021with expectations, Youths have been urged to begin the year with renewed vigour, and work for a better Nigeria.  In his new year message to the Youths in Oyo State, Nigeria and Sportsmen,  Minister of Youth and sports  Development Mr Sunday  Dare  said" I felicitate with all Nigerians,  Youths across the country, Oyo state and our sports men and women on the beginning of a new year which promises a lot of development, great expectations and the fulfilment of our great mission and vision. The outgone year had alot of challenges which we survived by sticking together. I urge all our Youths,  sportsmen and women to put the challenges of the past year behind and move on in the new year with a renewed mindset, hope, audacity and doggedness.  With the right mindset and attitude, the new year promises to be better than last year. We must remain resolute, and unwavering  by  contributing our quota to the grow...