Desportspastor Blog

Pillar of Sports in Africa and Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr. Orji Kalu has congratulated Nigerians on the victory of Enyimba Football Club (FC)  of Nigeria against Orlando Pirates of South Africa  in the final Group A match in the confederation of Africa Football  (CAF) tournament. Kalu commended the players and officials of the football club for their skills. Recall, during Kalu's stint as Governor of Abia state, Enyimba FC was repositioned, with the team clinching the CAF cup back to back in 2003 and 2004. The Senate Chief Whip, who is also a soccer enthusiast, stressed that football brings people together and ultimately promotes peace and unity. In his goodwill message, Kalu called on stakeholders in the sports industry in Nigeria to focus on grassroots sports development in order to discover talented players in their prime. He said, "I felicitate with Enyimba FC on their well deserved victory against Orlando Pirates in the CAF tournament. "The players demo

Enyimba’s Cyril Olisema’s 95th-minute effort handed the People’s Elephant a late-minute winner against Orlando Pirates who suffered their first loss of the group stage in Aba in the final game of the CAF Confederation Cup Group A played at the Enyimba International Stadium. The People’s Elephant were third in the group with six points before the start of the last group games and the tie was threatening to end in a goalless draw that would have sent Entente Setif of Algeria, who pipped Al Ahli Benghazi of Libya 1-0 through. But Anayo Iwuala conjured up a last-minute trick from the flank of the visitors’ goal area and he sent the ball through the face of Pirates’ goal for well-placed Olisema to drill the ball beyond the outstretched hands of Orlando Pirates’ goalkeeper. Before the goal, Enyimba players were disjointed and played the larger part of the game without a clear-cut pattern other than ballooning the ball to the vital area of the South Africans. It was a narrow win f

Nigeria’s largest sporting bet firm 1960Bet followed their signing of an agreement with Y.G football club by partnering with the Lagos based outfit club toady at Agege Township Stadium, Lagos. 1960bet has reached an agreement to become the official kit sponsor of the defending Champion of the Ikeja Divisional  Football League ahead of Eko football league this season, with the second stanza of the ongoing divisional league.   Director of1960bet, Oluwatosin Ayoola, stated that the deal is to show support for sports development in the country basically on grassroot sports with the promotion of positive productive engagement for Nigeria youth across the crannes of this nation. He further disclosed that over the years 1960bet as dish out provision of quality services to valubale sports community. With the wealth experience that has been emassed over the years with foremost reputable sports betting company in Nigeria we ensure and continue to such users friendly varie

Former Governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (OUK) has stated why he rejected the opportunity to run for Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Confederation of African Football (CAF) seats in the past. The politician who posseses great love for football development sponsored Enyimba as they conquered Africa on two occasions winning the CAF Champions League back-to-back in 2003 and 2004. OUK enthused at popular WhatsApp Platform, Nigerian Sports Mouthpiece (NSM) on Wednesday. “Initially I didn’t want to contest as NFF President,” he explained when asked on NSM. “When I was in London, Amaju Pinnick and Gbenga approached me to be the President of NFF. Amaju was to be the Vice. I changed my mind due to the fact that Nigeria is a difficult place to work in.” He continued: “I have been in the commission in the past and know how difficult it is to run sports. I was a member of the National Sports Commission under the Chairmanship of Sebastian Williams. It’s a difficult to

Former Governor of Abia State Orji Uzor Kalu who's now senator representing Abia North in the Nigeria's National Assembly has stated emphatically that he is ready to take over the management of Abia Warriors Fc of Umuahia. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu confirmed that the club belongs to him and was registered under his names as Oji Uzor Kalu (OUK) FC before the Abia state Government took over the operations of the club and re-named it as Abia Warriors FC.  "Abia Warriors was my personal club but when I left office, Abia state Government took over the club." He stressed that present economic and security situation in the country has impeded in the take over bid. "The club was called Orji Uzor Kalu babes, it is difficult now in this hard time and security problem to put a new club". In an exclusive interview on NSM reloaded social media platform, Dr Kalu opined that the club will be a model side like Enyimba FC of Aba. "That bad experience made to st

The just concluded Nationwide League One 2020/2021 season which saw over 132 teams campaign for promotion to Nigeria National league (NNL) was played in 16 different centres across Nigeria. Numerical steps were taken to upgrade the NLO standard ranging from matches been played in neutral grounds, Fair officiating, match appointments , coaching clinic, Match balls, Live match Streaming etc. The leadership of Alhaji Mohammed Alkali as the Chairman of NLO has contributed greatly to the development the league witnessed. It can only get better with him at the helms of affairs as the height of great development, proper organization, good officating and co-ordination  which saw each team registering not less than 25 players for the league with average of seven officials respectively. Further more, numerical steps were taken to upgrade the NLO standard ranging from matches been played in neutral grounds, Fair officiating, match appointments, Coaching clinic, Match balls

 (Matchday Report) A thrilling encounter involving uyo Ambitious jewel football academy and promising NDDC all stars ended in a 2-2 Share of the spoils at the uyo township mini stadium. The coach Chinedu obasi okezie led charges came into the contest desperately seeking for a maiden victory in their ongoing  football tour in uyo after previously losing narrowly to highly rated NPFL side akwa united in their opener on Friday and playing out a 2 all draw with blessed stars acdemy on saturday respectively. But it was the home team that took an early lead in the 4th min, impressive younger midfielder akpan bassey floating a relatively weak freekick from the right flank only for goalkeeper paul francis on goal for jewel academy to mistime an intended save, leaving jewel academy behind with the game's opener. The ohanze based side responded with a dictated possession as they sought for a first half equaliser, and the breakthrough came for them in the 24th min, central defende

Super Falcons forward, Uchenna Kanu scored her first goal of the 2021 Swedish Damallsvenskan to give  Linkopings a 1-2 away win over AIK on Saturday. This was  Linkopings second league game of the season after last week’s 0-1 home defeat to Rosengard and jt saw Uchenna Kanu scoring the opening goal of the game in the ninth minute at the Skytteholms IP (Solna). Seven minutes later, AIK equalised through Jenny Danielsson. The winning goal  for Linkopings Fc  was scored by Frida Leonhardsen-Maanum in the 43rd minute. Uchenna played from.start to finish in the game. She teamed up with Linkopings Fc from Sevilla a team in the Spanish Women Primera Division in 2020 and scored eight goals in 22 league games last season. She also scored three goals in the Svenska Cupen this season. Linkopings occupied the fifth position on the Swedish Damallsvenskan table with three points in two games. Up next for Linkopings is a game at home to Pitea on May 2, 2021

The fifth qualifier for the quarter-final of the NSM/Walin Kakuri Cup will emerge later today when Kakuri Old Stars FC lock horns with Stock City FC at the Government Day Secondary School Kakuri, Kaduna state this evening. Zebra FC, Kakuri United, FC Porto and Zifa FC who defeated Congo FC 3-2 on Tuesday evening are the teams through to the quarter-final of the annual football competition aimed at fostering peace, friendship, and unity among the good people of Kakuri. ZIFA FC produced a magnificent second-half comeback to eliminate wasteful Congo FC from the competition after they went 2-0 behind in the first half that belonged to Congo FC. Mubarak Said shot Congo FC ahead in the 12th minute before Kabir Suleiman doubled the advantage in the 23rd minute to make it 2-0. Jacob Ibrahim reduced the deficit for Zifa FC in the 57th minute while Idris Isa equalised in the 78th minute. Gabriel Solomon completed the greatest comeback with the third goal for Zifa FC in the 82nd minut

Young central midfielder Faisal Graham who plays for Jewels Academy Ohanze, Abia State has identified passion as his driving force. The youngster, fresh from graduating from the Federal University, Birnin Kebbi, is also dreaming big and wants to play at the biggest stage. "My dream has always been to be a footballer. Even the schools I went to, it's because of football. The passion has been there." On his little time at Jewels Academy, Graham reveals it is an amazing though challenging experience. "I've not played in an academy before. Here the training is more intense. There are more challenges here.  "I have I have the right people here and I am going to put in my best." The right-footed attacking midfielder idolizes Barcelona superstar Lionel messi as his role model, affirming that watching the 6 times ballon d'or winner motivates him. " i ve always admired the argentine born superstar, the manner at which he dictates the course

Godswill Ndaeyo scored the winner as Akwa United sealed their place in the quarterfinals of the 2021 NPFL/La Liga U15 Promises with a 1-0 victory over Jigawa Golden Stars at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Monday afternoon. Akwa United have now picked six points from two matches. Jigawa Golden Stars still have one point. Suleiman Shehu, Idris Khamus and Imrana Musa were on target for Kano Pillars who walloped Enyimba 3-0.  The Young Masu Gida also sealed their place in the last eight with six points from two games. Lobi Stars forced Dakkada to a 1-1 draw at the Cathedral. It was a match of few chances, but Victor Michael drew the first blood before Sejugh Lortyer levelled matters for the Makurdi based side.  Dakkada have picked two points from two games, while Lobi Stars have one point. Action continues on Tuesday when Rivers United take on Adamawa United. Another game will see defending champions Katsina United face Heartland. Both sides won their opening group games. Meanwh

NPFL/La Liga U15 Promises: Defending Champions Katsina United Thrash Rivers United On Day 2 NPFL/La Liga U15 Promises: Goals Galore As Pillars, Heartland & Katsina United Win On Day 2 NPFL/La Liga U15 Promises: Chigaemezu & Abubakar Shine On Day 2 Kano Pillars thrashed Lobi Stars FC 3-0 in the day 2 of the 2021 NPFL/La Liga U15 Promises on Friday. Jubril Isah opened the scoring for Pillars in the 26th minute before Imrana Musa made it 2-0 in the 53rd minute. The third goal of the match was scored by Idris Khamus with three minutes left on the clock. In the second match of the day, Heartland hammered Adamawa United 3-0. Chikwere Chigaemezu started the rout in the 24th minute. He completed his brace before halftime.   Partner in crime, Ugochukwu Okpara sealed the win for Heartland in the 45th minute of the match. In the third game of the day, defending champions Kastina United devoured Rivers United 3-0.   Umar Abubakar bagged a double on the 1

  Kaduna state, in Northern Nigeria will be on fire from this weekend as the annual Walin Kakuri Ramadan football tournament takes center stage.  This year's event which is being organised in conjunction with the award winning Nigeria sports mouthpiece (NSM), promises lots of exciting football action and some fantastic goals.  The opening ceremony of this competition took place Friday with top football stakeholders, football scouts and agents present. Organizer of the event and top aspirant for the soon to be vacant Kaduna state football Association chairmanship position, Sani Abdullahi is happy to invite chairman 36 Lion FC Hajj Gafar and the chairman/CEO Bet9ja, Kunle Soname to Kaduna as supporters of this year's event.  He says he is offering them a platform to watch and possibly sign some of the best young footballers in Northern Nigeria. He is also using this platform to invite NPFL club owners to come and enjoy the best of football during this Ramadan break, a

Lagos State witnessed some great piece of football when youngsters trooped to the Legacy Pitch for the 36 Lion U12 Continuous Assessment Day on Friday. The U12 kids were accompanied to the arena by their parents. Coaches took the young lads through some simple drills. The kids were enlightened on some basic techniques in football. “It’s all about playing and enjoying for them; then stay in school and help their parents with your household chores,” 36 Lion Proprietor told the Media shortly after the exercise.

The Main organizing committe of the National Sports Festival in Edo State has disqualified Dino Ebarakumo, thereby stripping him off the medals he has won so far. Ebarakumo according to reports registered for team Rivers heading into the festival, but eventually, fraudulently turned up for team Bayelsa without a proper clearance by the MOC. With the development, the organizers say the four gold and two silver medals he has so far won have been cancelled. Meanwhile, there are insinuations from different quarters that team Bayelsa has other athletes it poached right at the venue without proper documentation. It remains to be seen if more of Team Bayelsa athletes will suffer the same fate in the next couple of days

The Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Bukola Olopade has expressed his profound gratitude to the Nigerian Honorable Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Chief Sunday Dare for gracing the 6th edition of Access Bank Lagos City Marathon. Despite the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Silver label marathon was indeed a success as  300 Elite Athletes from across the black continent competed for honors in the Silver label Marathon. In his words of appreciation on foremost Nigerian WhatsApp platform, Nigeria Sports Mouthpiece Rebranded after a successful marathon, Bukola Olopade thanked the Minister for flagging off the event in emphatic fashion. “We at Nilayo appreciate the Honourable Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Chief Sunday Dare for taking time out of his very busy schedule to flag off today's race. “He did not only get there in good time, he was also professional in his respect for the running protocols

All roads lead to the former crystal park Hotel tomorrow, for the grand opening of the free hospital and restaurant built by The afternoon Church, in furtherance of its humanitarian service to humanity, and passion for God. The popular Aba based Church led by a man of God with great passion for the poor, vulnerable and lowly in the society, Pastor Nwoke Akachi, has hinted that the restaurant, when officially opened tomorrow, will be exclusively for the students and staff of The Free School, the boarding students, the free Hospital patients and the extremely hungry people, while the Free Hospital and Maternity will be open to all to access free medical treatments and care. Recall that the Afternoon Church has been championing other charitable and philanthropic course, not just in Aba, but across the entire South-East and spreading to other parts of the Country. Some of which includes: The free school, which currently caters for over 2000 students from poor homes,

By Kingsley Oyero Grace Ayemoba showed class this Friday evening while competing in the 100 meters female event at the ongoing 2020 National Sports Festival in Edo State. Participating in her fifth National Sports Festival, Ayemoba edged athletes from other states to emerge victorious. Prior to the Festival, she had won two gold and three silver medals in past events and she promised to ink Rivers state's name in Gold at this edition. She won gold in the 2011 event in hurdles and heptathlon, and after winning gold today, she said her plan is to catapult herself to the top an become one of the best athletes in Nigeria. Ayemoba appreciated the Rivers state government for the unwavering support she and other Athletes are getting to have a good outing at the National Sports Festival. Event will continue on Saturday and team Rivers will hope to continue having a fine run.

Nsikak Etim Solomon added to the medal haul of team Rivers today at the ongoing National Sports Festival in Edo State after winning a gold in scrabble. Nsikak Etim Solomon defeated favourite and first African to be crowned World scrabble champion Jighere Wellington to the top podium prize in the Masters singles event. Wellington who is representing team Delta settled for Silver, while George Ezinore of Edo State won bronze. In the female singles, team Delta's Tuoyo Mayuku won the gold, while Sule Success and Bukunmi Afolayan of Edo and Ogun State in that order won Silver and bronze. Delta also dominated the open singles category with Godsfavour Whiskey beating Sunday Ituah (Lagos) and Itiemo Brigeni (Bayelsa) to the Gold medal. Events continue at the multi sports festival after the Edo State government and the Federal ministry of sports reached an agreement to continue with the event. There were initial plans to bring the festival to an end by the Local organizing commi

First Runner up at the 2019 edition of Africa's television reality show, Big Brother Naija, Mike Edwards will represent team Rivers at the ongoing 20th National Sports Festival in Edo State. Mike Edwards is a professional athlete who had represented Great Britain in the past as a long jumper. The lagos born, United kingdom based athlete was meant to represent Nigeria at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, but was banned for representing Great Britain 10 years prior to the competition which made him ineligible to represent Nigeria as it 2018. The 28 year old who is also married to an athlete, Perris Shakes-Drayton who is an olympian has now been presented with the opportunity to show Nigerians the stuff he's made of. Mike Edwards became an household name in Nigeria when he featured in the 2019 Big Brother Naija, he finished second just behind Mercy Eke, though many touted him to win and his fan base has remained strong and intact ever since. Apart fr

The technical director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria AFN says the most important thing at the moment is to put in place a proper preparation for the Nigerian Athletes ahead of the Tokyo Olympic games. Sunday Adeleye noted that despite the hiccups and hindrance portraying the AFN in bad light, the body will still do enough to ensure that the country's interest comes first. When quizzed about the controversy rocking AFN as regards faction, Sunday Adeleye said "Well, so far so good, we don't know what the faction is all about, but we as a federation we are working hard and our team is ready, we are making sure that athletes are getting set for the event". "We are doing what we need to do as a federation.We can not pretend as if there is no problem, we keep talking about interference, we've had several issues in the court and judgements have been given in our favour that Ibrahim Shehu Gusau remain the substansive president of the

*Bukola Olopade, Hajj Gafar, Others Joins NSM In Celebrating Adewale Ajayi On His Birthday* Leading the charge was one of the group’s admin, Mr Akin Bolarinwa, who posted glowingly of the former flying eagles media officer and said, “Wishing a very happy birthday to a very wonderful boss. I'm grateful to work with a boss who treats me with love and respect. It is my hope that you continue to spread your wings and fly. May your heart know happiness today and on all the days of your life. May your enemies not rejoice over you, keep rising. Happy birthday Adewale Omotayo Ajayi. I celebrate you”.  The CEO of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Hon. Bukola Olopade also joined  in wishing the one nicknamed SAJ, Senior Advocate Of Journalist well, “Happy birthday to Wale Ajayi. A good man often times misunderstood. I join all in celebrating you today. Aseyi se Amodun”.  36 Lion Owner, Hajj Gafar was also not left out,: “A king must be accorded in his kingdom so I say wonderful b

Director Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) Edo State, Dr. Bruce Osha has explained why Team Taraba and Team Oyo will not participate in the 20th National Sports Festival, desportspastor.blogspot.com reports. According to him,  this is because both states failed  to conduct Covid-19 and Vaccination tests for athletes and officials before traveling to the venue of the competition. Bruce added that the two states and others who failed to follow the laid down procedures will be readmitted if they can go back to their states and conduct the two tests for athletes and officials. “Oyo State and Taraba State will be sent packing because they did not follow the rules. The rules states that before each state depart their state, they should have their PCR results which they’re expected to bring with them and also vaccinate all their athletes but yesterday, Taraba and Oyo State did not come with their results and we cannot bend the rules, the rules must be followed so they have

The Rivers state contingent to the forthcoming Edo National Sports Festival   arrived in Benin City, the state capital  on Friday, April 2, 2021. Up next for the team as expected is to sort out registration processes for the multi sports event. Before their departure, the state government promised them mouth watering rewards if they win the 20th edition of the games .   Team Rivers are competing in 29 sports events and are expected to perform creditably following the quality and level of preparations as well as the support the team got from the state government. The athletes and officials will receive their festival kits this weekend ahead of Tuesday's opening ceremony. The Vice president Professor Yemi Osinbajo is expected to declare open the National Sports Festival alongside the  Sports Minister Sunday Dare

Chairman of Danburam Junior FC, Alhaji Muhammad Daha Umar Faruk (Danburam Daura) has been honoured by Kano Pillars for his contributions to sports. Kano Pillars, a club competing in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), presented Muhammad Daha Umar Faruk with the award following a friendly with Danburam Junior FC at mid-week. The new football pitch of the Daura Township Stadium was opened officially, with the two sides entertaining thousand of fans. Pillars won 2-1. Speaking on the impact of Danburam Daura, Kano Pillars Chairman Alhaji Surajo Yahaya Jambul said: "Your support and investment in the youths of Katsina is unprecedented. No wonder you are highly respected." "You're blazing the trail [and] it's not only restricted to education and human capacity development, the exploits of Danburam Junior FC speaks for itself." Responding to the kind gesture, Alhaji Muhammad Daha Umar Faruk said: "I am pleasantly surprised by this awar

The Rivers State government has assured its athletes to the National Sports Festival in Edo State of juicy rewards if they come out tops at the multi sports event. Commissioner for sports Boma Iyaye while addressing the contingent this morning as they converged for departure to Edo State, brought to the fore the need to do Rivers State proud, adding that the athletes will be the biggest beneficiary if they win. He boasted that the state government under the watchful eye of Governor Nyesom Wike will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that they are adequately rewarded for their outing. In his words "If you come out first and the governor doesn't bless you, don't call my name again". "Do well, I assure you that this team will be well rewarded" Boma Iyaye charged the team to go for victory, make the state proud and be fearless. Team Rivers is scheduled to arrive Edo later this evening, it was also confirmed in the commisioner

Nigeria's commonwealth games Bronze Medalist, Otonye Iworima says she was extremely happy when she visited the camp of team Rivers as they put finishing touches to their preparations for the National Sports Festival. Iworima, a long and tripple jumper said the level at which Rivers state has invested heavily in athletes and officials for the 20th National Sports Festival which is billed for Edo State starting from April 4 is laudable, adding that it will spur the athletes to give their all at the multi sports event. She said "This is a befitting preparation, the standard is beyond what I have seen over the years, things have been taken to another level, it's highly encouraging" "Obviously the Rivers state government under Governor Nyesom Wike has spent a lot of money, it will be golden and priceless for the athletes to also make him proud, and with what I have seen as per preparations, just watch out for team Rivers". Nwor