The Chief Executive Officer of Monimichelle Group, Ebi Egbe has hailed the decision of Kwara United to prosecute their home games at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena (Onikan stadium) in Lagos. Egbe whose outfit constructed the stadium turf said the Afonja Warriors have made a choice that would make them fly in the continent just as Enyimba has been doing over the years. “Choosing MJA is no doubt a good move by Kwara United. Playing on a good turf is quite important when you are in the continent. Kwara would have been used to the same kind of turf they would be playing when they play in the North African axis. What we have at MJA is a state of the art turf just like the one in Aba at the Enyimba stadium,” Egbe said. Egbe said his outfit would be ready to adequately prepare the turf before the home games of Kwara United, even as he commended Lagos State government for upgrading the arena. It would be noted that the MJA was used during the maiden edition of Aisha Buhari Women’s football tournament with all the participating countries giving Monimichelle thumbs up over the pitch. Interestingly, the second Nigerian team in the CAF Confederation Cup, Remo Stars are also going to play on a turf constructed by Monimichelle at their Ikenne stadium home. Remo are making their debut in the continent after a fine run in the NPFL.

NFF Election: I have what it takes to move Nigerian football forward – Peterside Idah

With few weeks to the September 30th election into the board of Nigerian Football Federation, one of the top contenders to the Presidency of the football house and ex-international, Peterside Idah says he is the most qualified person to occupy the exalted position. He told The Catholic Herald Sports last Thursday during the just concluded General Assembly of the football house that his experience as a former footballer and administrative skills stands him out among the rest candidates for the position of President. ” I played football at the highest level and since after retirement, I’ve been involved in one football administration or the other. Although all those that have shown interest in.becoming President of NFF are eminently qualified for the position but when you look at our commitment to the game, sacrifice and football administrative background, I think am ahead above others, began the former Sharks, Rangers, BCC Lions and Enyimba of Aba player. ” When you look at my profile, you’ll discover that I was at the Nations Cup in 2008 and 2010 and for four years served as media officer of the Super Eagles, so I understand what it takes to lead Nigerian football”, noted the accomplished sports analyst and commentator. On how he intends to move the country’s football forward if elected into office, he disclosed that he will ensure that the local league is attractive in order to attract interest of corporate sponsors, make accountability his watchword , run an open door policy, embark on serious grassroots football development as well as put modalities on.ground to ensure that the various national teams are force to be reckoned with not only in.the continent but globally. The former Super Eagles goalkeeper who had his professional career with Tembisa Classics and Moroka Swallows both of South Africa commended the outgoing President of NFF, Amaju Pinnick for his noble achievements through out his time in office pledging to continue his policies which has been beneficial to Nigerian football. ” I must commend Amaju Pinnick for his numerous achievements since he came on board. It’s equally good I commend him for declaring openly that he does not have any annointed candidate which is rear in this part of the world and as I offer myself for service, I promise to continue his developmental efforts and ensure that things are done the right way”, concluded Idah who had 15 appearances for the Super Eagles as a goalkeeper and two full international caps for the country.
Lagos City Marathon names Dapo Sotuminu Media Director

The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has named top flight Sports Journalist, Mr. Dapo Sotuminu, as the new Director of Media for the marathon event. The announcement was made at the weekend by the Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Chief Bukola Olopade. Nilayo Sports are the owners of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon. Olopade noted that, Dapo Sotuminu, will also double as the Director of Media for Nilayo Sports Management Limited. Olopade, stressed that, the choice of Dapo Sotuminu, for the job, was carefully made, owing to his vast experience as a consistent first class sports journalist of over two and half decades. Olopade, said the 2019 Nigeria Media Merit Award winner will resume his new position with immediate effect. Dapo Sotuminu was Head of Sports, Comet Newspaper, pioneer Head of Sports, The Nation Newspaper, Group Sports Editor, Compass newspapers, Deputy Group Sports Editor, New Telegraph newspaper and Editor, Sportcompass.com.ng before this appointment.
Cape Verde to host 2nd Edition of Africa Youth Cup (U-17 Boys And Girls), October 2023
Excitement in the air as international soccer tournament returns to the beautiful Island of Cape Verde, as it sets to host the 2nd edition of Africa Youth Cup come October 2023. Cape Verde made history as host of the maiden edition in April 2019. The tournament is Africa’s response to similar international youth soccer events in Asia, Europe, Middle East, South America, and the USA; aimed at complementing the good work of FIFA and CAF in youth soccer development in Africa. The 2023 edition of Africa Youth Cup in Cape Verde shall feature reputable male and female U-17 football academies from Africa and the rest of the world. This tournament seeks to transform the continent into international youth soccer tournament destination. Testimonies from previous participants at the maiden edition gave the tournament a pass mark and variously describe the beautiful Island of Cape Verde as the paradise of Africa. Many of them are thus very excited at this development, as they cannot wait to return to this archipelago adored for its comfortable playing turfs, sports loving people, beautiful hotels, nice weather, history, culture, relaxing nature, buzzing nightlife, gastronomy, impressive rock formations, and golden beaches. In one of the testimonies, Mr Yves M’bahia, Director of Volcan Junior Academy of Cote d’Ivoire, winners of the maiden edition of Africa Youth Cup 2019 said “Just thinking about this tournament held in the land of our brothers in Cape Verde. I am overwhelmed by many memories. Venturing into the unknown with Volcan Junior Academy, we had the pleasant surprise of discovering a perfectly organised tournament which met the most prestigious standards in youth tournaments around the world. Quality sports infrastructures and unparalleled accommodation sites, in addition with quality football pitches. Beyond the final victory, I remember this endearing country, pleasant in all respect, the friendliness and simplicity of the Cape Verdean people. Africa Youth Cup! I will be back”. This is just one of many testimonies shared by participants of the maiden edition of Africa Youth Cup as the tournament continues to trend within the global football community. Cape Verde indeed made Africa proud and we are set to build on this success story in October 2023 which the organizers say will be an improved version of the maiden edition. According to Mr Godson Abba Ekadi, Co- President of Africa Youth Cup: “Football academies in Africa are the foundation and breeding ground of future talents who graduate to clubs and then to national teams. Academies like Generation Foot of Senegal, Asec Mimosa of the Ivory Coast, Lusaka Youth Soccer Academy of Zambia, Diamond Football Academy and Pepsi Football Academy of Nigeria, West Africa Football Academy of Ghana, Kadji Sports Academy of Cameroon and, Ligi Ndogo Academy of Kenya just to mention a few, have nurtured and produced players who have become global football brands and ambassadors of their respective countries and the continent at large”. Africa Youth Cup is thus providing a platform and the enabling environment for football academies in Africa to compete for fame and honour as they engage some of the best youth teams around the globe on African soil. An electrifying soccer event awaits lovers of youth football as the best youth academies from the continent and the rest of the world gather in Cape Verde for the second edition of Africa Youth Cup in October 2023. It will be gratifying to note that famous football icons and celebrities in the global football family have also indicated strong interest to light up Cape Verde with their presence. Registration for this tournament shall commence on the 1st of September 2022.