Desportspastor Blog

He is credited with scoring a world record 1,281 goals in 1,363 appearances during a 21-year career, including 77 goals in 92 matches for his country. The only player to win the World Cup three times, lifting the trophy in 1958, 1962 and 1970, Pele was named Fifa's Player of the Century in 2000. President Jair Bolsonaro has declared three days of national mourning. Pele had been suffering with kidney and prostate problems in recent years. He had surgery to remove a tumour from his colon in September 2021 at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo, after the tumour was detected in routine tests. He was readmitted to hospital in late November 2022. His daughter Kely Nascimento has kept fans updated on her father's condition with regular social media updates from hospital. On Thursday she posted a picture of what appeared to be Pele's family's hands on his body in hospital and wrote: "Everything we are is thanks to you. We love you infinitely

The 36 Lion of Lagos graduate signed for a Belgium side, Genk Football Club. Recall that Collins Yira Sor was part of 2019 U20 World Cup team after which he moved to U23 team under Coach Imama Amapakabo before he left the shores of the country for proverbial Golden Fleece in Czech Republic, where he actually justified the amount his club bought him from 36 Lion Fc. Collins Sor distinguished himself immediately he joined Slavia Prague, a deal that saw him coming in exchange with Ubong Moses Ekpai. What a player full of potentials. Collins Sor remains one of, if not the fastest winger in Czech Republic League before he left for Genk in Belgium. The former Flying Eagles Winger will by the terms of his contract, be at Genk till 2027 as announced by the Belgian giant. Paul Onuachu will be the one to make the new import settle down quickly at the club.

As Part of their end of year activities, Aba Sports Journalists will play a friendly game on Friday, 23rd December 2022 against Bankers FC of Aba, at Abayi Girls School Field It is a novelty game which will see the sports OAPS, analysts and bloggers in Aba show that apart from talking and writing sports, they can play the game too. Some of your favorite OAPs & Online bloggers in the city will be on parade and you will get to see Ochang Ogar Jude a.k.a OJ Ferrari, Frank Okoye a.k.a The Orangeman, Bethel Kalu, Desportspastor Elchijo, Incorruptible Sam, Jon Chinatu, The Football Flakes, Henry Nna, Afonne Chukwuemeka a.k.a Emilex, not forgetting Chuks The Pundit would be on parade to display their skills on the football pitch Players to watch from Bankers FC are Chief Mike Chima known as Iniesta of Bankers FC and Olisa Gigi Buffon Don't forget the date: Friday 23rd December 2023.  Kick-off is 2pm at the football of Abayi Girls Secondary School. Former Enyimba and Su

Proprietor of 36 Lion Academy, Liameed Gafar, has joined the race to become one of the biggest decision makers in Nigerian football. The popular football administrator made the announcement on Wednesday He made his quest known on NSM, an online platform “Good afternoon NSM. I greet you all with the love of football and the grace of God. May I officially announce to this great family that I will be contesting in the forthcoming NFF Elections as a Board Member on the platform of a club founder from Lagos State. It’s all about the common interest of Lagos. It’s all about improving Nigeria Football” Being a strong stakeholder in youth football and his academy having produced some brilliant players like Peter Olayinka, Hajj Gafar says he wants to strengthen and improve the lower leagues in order to help them produce young players for the elite division. He also promised to push for proper training of former international players in order for them to train those at the grassroots

Ahead of the 2022 election of the Nigeria Football Federation, the Osi Asoju Oba of Egbaland, Hon. Bukola Olopade has endorsed Aisha Falode, the Chairperson of the NWFL Speaking on NSM, a prestigious online platform, Olopade said Aisha’s pedigree and achievements have earned her his endorsement “I agree absolutely. This is the only person I can come out to support openly.” The former Commissioner of Sports in Ogun State and CEO, Nilayo Sports Management agreed that Aisha Falode is a woman who can change the narratives Aisha Falode had declared her intention to run for a seat in the highly respected Executive Committee of the NFF. The football administrator whose strides have been noticed in the NWFL says she wants to be part of the Executive Committee as an elected member, not on appointment as NWFL boss

Nigeria's Minister for Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare has been named Blueprint Awards Sports Icon of the Year, following numerous exploits recorded as the Minister of Youth and Sports Development. Sunday Dare's administration has been synonymous with innovative leadership. These leadership excellence has led to the birthing of programmes such as, Adopt an Athlete Initiative, Adopt a Facility Initiative, Athletes Welfare Fund (AWF) as well as the Talent Hunt Program (THP). These different programs have helped athletes get training grants, the Adopt -a-Facility has rejuvenated the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Daura Township Stadium. Work has been on-going at the National Stadium, Surulere, as well as many other grounds. Sunday Dare has led from the fore in transforming sports in the country, from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.  His result-oriented leadership has brought tangible success to Nigeria. A beneficiary of the Adopt-an-Athlete in

Flying Eagles goalkeeper, Nathaniel Nwosu, has expressed delight over his invitation to the senior national team, Super Eagles for the upcoming African Nations Championship qualifiers against Ghana. Nwosu, who won the Best Goalkeeper award in the 2022 West African Football Union WAFU B U20 tourney was filled with joy with the news of his invitation as he thanked the football federation, coach Salisu Yusuf and Ladan Bosso for being giving the opportunity to show his God-given goalkeeping prowess. He said, ‘I am very happy to earn my first invitation to Super Eagles at this early stage in my career. I want to thank the NFF for the consideration, coach Salisu Yusuf for the opportunity given to me, and Ladan Bosso for his fatherly advise that spurred me on in the WAFU B U20 Competition. I wont take the opportunity for granted and want to use it to make Nigerians proud. Head Coach of Super Eagles B, Salisu Yusuf invited Nwosu Nathaniel and 34 other players for their clash agains

. This means Rivers United, Plateau United, Remo Stars as well as Kwara United will all get the chance to be in the competition draw on Tuesday. CAF Interclub competitions Preliminary Rounds will be conducted on Tuesday, 09 August 2022 in Cairo, Egypt at 16h00 local time. This draw will mark the beginning of a journey to the 2022/23 season of both TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup. Below are the Nigerian representatives on the continent next season; 4. Kwara United - CAF Confederation Cup Kwara United enjoyed a step in the right direction. It was a season of improvement for the Harmony Boys. The attacking trio of Junior Lokosa, Alao Danbani and Samad Kadiri worked like a treat. With a strong defensive backbone and a good attacking frontline, the Harmony Boys can genuinely compete on the continent. All in all, it was a season of transition for Kwara United. With the squad brimming with young talent, they will be looking to build on from next season. 3.

Holders of Nigeria Professional Football League title Akwa United Football Club have signed a shirt sponsorship contract with a foremost online betting company 1XBET. The contract will see the reigning NPFL Champions advertise 1XBET products and services during its league matches, and on its social media platforms and well as crest the company's logo on the front of its jersey in the 2022/2023 NPFL season. Chairman of Akwa United Elder Paul Bassey and Managing Director of 1XBET in Nigeria Dr. Oluwafemi Babalola put pen to paper on behalf of both brands during the official signing and unveiling of the partnership agreement at Marriott hotel, Ikeja on the 25th May 2022 in Lagos. Dr. Femi Babalola in his speech said, 1XBet is proud to identify with a leading brand like Akwa United. "We are delighted to partner with the champions of Nigeria Professional Football League Akwa United. As a leading betting company we only partner with the best brand". "Akwa Unite

Three Nigerian national team players have made the starting XI of the 2022 WAFU B U20 Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament after winning the final against Benin Republic. After a long journey to the final, Nigeria humbled Benin Republic 3-1. On their route to the final, The Flying Eagles played against the likes of Ghana, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast. The fans can still look back on the competition with pride, knowing that the players played their hearts out to bring the cup back to Nigeria. Water FC goalkeeper Nathaniel Nwosu who models his game around Chelsea legend Petr Cech headlines the XI. The second name to make the starting XI was Daniel Daga, who started every game of Nigeria’s route to the cup. The One Rocket man made the three-man midfield for his scintillating display. Ibrahim Muhammad was the third and final member of the Nigeria squad to make the starting XI following his heroic performances during the tournament.

  Water FC and Flying Eagles goalkeeper, Nathaniel Nwosu has said that the team is focused on winning the West African Football Union (WAFU) B trophy to make become the first Nigerian team to do so. Nwosu who is one of the revelation at the ongoing 2022 U20 WAFU B championship in Niamey added that winning the title will be a morale booster ahead of the U20 African Nations Cup in Egypt. “The goal has already been achieved by picking the U20 African Nations Cup ticket. However, winning the redtrophy will put our names in history book as well as a morale booster ahead of the U20 AFCON coming up in Egypt. We dont want to go back to Nigeria empty-handed. We have to go to go home with the trophy to make history.” He thanked his team mates, the coaching crew and Nigerians for their prayers and supports. Nigeria has not won the title since its inception in 2018. The seven-time African champions Flying Eagles are set to play in today’s final match with Benin Republic at 7:30pm (Nigeria time)

Scholarships, trophies as well as individual awards are up for grab as the 2022 FCT U-12/U-15 Inter-Area Council Handball Championship gets underway in Abuja.  Declaring the tournament open, the FCT Handball Association Chairman, Ambassador Dr Edward Olutoke said that apart from trophies and individual awards to be giving to deserving teams and players, the FCT Handball Association Board will offer scholarships to players with exceptional display. Ambassador Olutoke who disclosed this while interacting with newsmen at the opening ceremony of the tournament at the newly revamped and remodeled FCT Handball Court at Old Parade Ground, Garki Abuja on Wednesday, said that the vision behind holding the championship is to discover kids with handball talents as well as inculcate in them the passion to take to handball or any other sports as they may prefer in their future careers.  “Before we came on board, handball in the Federal Capital was in the doldrums. To the Glory of God, w

MFM FC have been charged for breaching the NPFL Framework & Rules in their Matchday 26 fixture vs Rangers last Sunday. Some of MFM supporters & officials encroached onto the field of play & attacked the centre referee. MFM also failed to provide & ensure effective security during the game which resulted in breakdown of law & order at the match venue. MFM further breached the rules as their supporters, players & officials behaved in a way capable of bringing the league into disrepute. MFM, furthermore, failed to control their players & officials in ensuring they displayed proper conduct in the course of their match vs Rangers. MFM team manager Geoffrey Aghogi breached the Fair Play rules by going to the hotel of the match officials to harass, threaten & intimidate them, thereby bringing the league to disrepute. MFM have been fined N1 million for failure to provide general security & also fined another N1 million for encroaching onto the fi

Kwara Utd have also been charged for breaching the NPFL Framework & Rules in their Matchday 26 fixture vs Rivers Utd. Some supporters of Kwara Utd encroached onto the technical area/field of play, causing disorder & bringing the league to disrepute in the course of the match. Kwara Utd have been fined N1 million for encroaching onto the field of play & will play their next home match vs 3SC behind closed doors (without fans). Failure by Kwara Utd to uphold the tenets of fair play might lead to stiffer sanctions as prescribed under the league framework & rules. Kwara Utd have 7 working days to pay all fines & elect to appeal the sanctions. #NPFL22

Seven–time African champions, the Flying Eagles will play in Group B of the WAFU B Championship alongside Ghana and Burkina Faso, with the tournament scheduled for 7th – 20th May in Niamey.  "I feel elated because nothing is better than representing your country and I give all the glory to Almighty Allah," he mused. "I just want to do my best and show the coaching crew my ability, make the family and the whole country proud. "I believe Nigeria is one of the best footballing countries within Africa if not the best and I believe the coaches have the tactical know how together with the quality of the players within camp and with our determination and courage we will be able to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. On his target as a footballer, the exciting playmaker added: "I believe I can go very far within this career and I want to play for one of the 5 best teams in the world and with my dedication and hard work I want to win the world's

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has praised the Super Eagles after they held Black Stars of Ghana to a goalless draw, in their 2022 World Cup qualifying playoff first leg in Kumasi. The Eagles battled their host to a stalemate in front of a over 50,000 home fans inside the Baba Yara Stadium on Friday. Reacting to the result, Kalu urged the Eagles to make sure the clinch the World Cup ticket in the second leg. "It was not a bad performance from our boys yesterday. Well done, Super Eagles! Our focus should be the next game here in Abuja. It is a must win for us to be in Qatar. I wish the team all the best," he wrote on facebook. The second leg comes up inside the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Tuesday.

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment towards up scaling the implementation of life-changing programmes and initiatives for the youth in the overall interest of the country.  The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare, stated this today at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN), Abuja,  when he declared open a 3-day Capacity Building Workshop organized by his Ministry for Youth, Non-Governmental Organizations and Voluntary Youth Serving Organizations (NGOs/VYOs) for the effective implementation of the National Youth Policy. Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, Dare assured  that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is a youth focused and friendly government, “therefore efforts are being put in place to create a synergy between institutions of Government and stakeholders in the youth sector so that issues relating to the yo

High marks for the Nationwide League One as the NLO.TV will on Wednesday make it's official debut in the nation's third-tier league with the livestream of the new season curtain raiser match between Smart City and Gbagada FC on the App. The Lagos Derby billed for the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere will have top brass of the Nigerian football family in attendance as Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) 1st Vice-President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi will have the honour to perform ceremonial kickoff rituals, to herald the new NLO season. Mohammed Akali, Chairman of the NLO, "Getting matches on television is relatively expensive. So one of the positive steps the NLO management took to ensuring games are shown live with a cost-effective budget was the launch of the NLO.TV App.  "The livestream of the Smart City versus Gbagada FC game on NLO.TV will it first this season, and this opens a new chapter on how we intend to use visual technology via an application to

BIRTHDAY BOY Coach Stanley Eguma had every right to be a happy man after Rivers United played out a 0-0 draw against host Gombe United on Sunday in the Nigeria Professional Football League. His Rivers United team remain at the top of the NPFL table after 18 matches, and Eguma was equally pleased with the way his team had performed in the draw. Chijioke Akuneto, Nyima Nwagua and Ishaq Kayode all came close to scoring but it took the heroic of safe hands Sochima Victor to keep score at 0-0 after 90 minutes at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe ensuring the Pride of Rivers remain one point clear of Plateau United, who are Second.  "One good thing about the game is that today is my birthday. My players actually promised to give me a birthday gift by winning the game but we got a draw. I saw their effort today, they made frantic effort to win the game but a lot of scoring chances they missed especially in the first half, they would have rapped up the game." Eguma

In August 2017, nineteen Football stakeholders took the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA), its President Madam Isha Johansen, its two Vice Presidents; Brima Mazolla Kamara, Alie Kargbo, and its two Ex-Officio members; Alie Badara Tarawallie and Harold Nat Johnson to court, seeking an injunction to restrain the five Executive members from running the affairs of the Sierra Leone Football Association and also from operating the association’s bank accounts after their term of office ended on August 3 “until the determination of the substantive matter”. Upon serving the sermon to the SLFA Secretariat and the five Executive members, the court ordered a temporal injunction with immediate effect and added: “An order to appoint a receiver in the persons of one of the Regional Chairmen who have legitimacy as Vice President is hereby granted”. Following this ruling, FIFA immediately ordered that the  congress be postponed until integrity checks on current and potential SLFA executive membe

  In the face of the humanitarian tragedy that is hitting Ukraine hard, AIPS condemns Vladimir Putin's choice to launch what he simply called a Special Military Operation, which is shaking not only Ukraine, but the whole of Europe and the world.We are principally opposed to the use of violence as an instrument of oppression.  With the upcoming Paralympics in Beijing (4-13 March), this Special Military Operation has also crumbled the Olympic truce, which sport had launched years ago as a tool for reflection and blocking the choice of using force to resolve situations that are certainly difficult, but which can be settled in another way.  If we were to accept these violent, muscular behaviours, we would end up allowing others to open new fronts tomorrow. The role of us sports journalists is usually to ensure that the world of sport remains clean, free from certain viruses that infect our society, to protect the future of the younger generations to whom we must not teach t

It was Collins Sor third game since joining Slavia Praha from Banik Ostrava and he made it count by scoring a brace for in the Europa League on Thursday night. The game ended 3-2 in favour of the reigning Czech Republic top flight champions at Sinobo Stadium (Praha). The forward struck two clean goals that were enough to give the hosts a 6-4 aggregate win in their round of 16 encounter against Turkish giants Fenerbahce. Both goals were assisted by Ibrahim Traore and Tomas Holes, first in the 27th minute and then on 63 minutes. The 21-year-old was substituted on 83 minutes and replaced by Stanislav Tecl. Sor was a rumoured target of top clubs in Europe during the January transfer window and could get new suitors after this impressive showing in Praha. He has scored three goals in all competitions since pitching tent with Slavia Praha this season. Another 36 Lion product Peter Olayinka also featured in the game while Bright Osayi-Samuel provided an assist for Fenerbahce.

He plays in the Isreali Premier Soccer league for Hapoel Jerusalem. He has the agility of De Gea, the brilliance of Couttois,  the sharpness of Donaruma and the flexibility of Mendy.  The black diamond as he is called by admiters, is the talk of town in Isreal. Ever since Isreal conquered the Philipines in the Bible, no individual living or dead has made more headlines than Adeleye.      His club fans call him the tireless dove, opposing fans call him the magnet, his coaches call him the solution but Adeleye in all humility prefers to be called the special one.   He has continued to set new records while breaking old ones. He has a third eye that sees the ball even before it is played and he is never scared to offer himself as a sacrifice for his club. In the 2019-2020 season,  Adeleye was in goal for just one game, but this season, he has been ever present, playing 22 games and collecting two yellow cards in the process.  No wonder, Nigerians in Israel have sta

  Abia State Governor approves millions of Naira for training of 120 Abia State grasssroot football coaches. The trainings will be conducted by officials from the Technical department of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). Speaking to MAGIC FM sports corespondent Tony Ademodi, in Umuahia, the president of Abia State football coaches association, Coach Victor Nwakama thanked Governor Ikpeazu for the gesture, while also assuring that football coaches in the state will benefit from the training exercise. Coach Victor Nwakama who is also the president of Abia Comets Football club of Umuahia,  also called on grassroots coaches who have not registered with the association, to take advantage of the opportunity and get the necessary trainings so as to become a licensed football coach.

Enyimba FC engaged visiting NPFL champions Akwa United football club in a rescheduled matchday 7 fixture yesterday at the Enyimba International stadium Aba, the people's Elephants with the bragging rights thanks to Tosin Omoyele's first half winner. But a certain Charles Okafor stood tall at the back for the promise keepers despite succumbing to a slim loss.  The Enugu born defender paired alongside the experienced Samson Gbadegbo and both were kept on their toes by the rampaging trio of Tosin Omoyele, Emeka Obioma and Samuel Kalu, but thanks to the defensive synergy of the duo which left the scoreline respectable to an extent. Charles Okafor literally stole the headlines with a couple of impressive displays, most notably thwarting the efforts of Emeka Obioma relentlessly, a match that the Enyimba striker was seemingly found redundant, as he was eventually withdrawn in the second half.  Okafor instilled calmness at the back for the promise keepers, in the 24th and 7

Earlier today, Officials of the Nigerian immigration at the Seme area released a statement that they have intercepted over 187 people trafficked across the borders of Nigeria. This is a false story because the immigration Officials unjustly detained, harrased and even bullied innocent school children going back to their school. Even after providing their vailid means of identification, the immigration Officials unjustly detained these students for over four days without food or water and threatened them that they would seize their phones and damage their devices. Speaking further to our correspondent, the students who were on a free school scholarship to Benin republic told newsmen that the Immigration Officials threatened them to say that they were being trafficked. We are calling on the Nigeria immigration to please release the students who have been unjustly detained for over four days now without food, water and allowed to sleep on bare floor in this cold an

The Chief security officer of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Adejoh Francis went berserk on Monday at the team's hotel Le Ribadou in Garoua Cameroon, attacking renowned sports journalist Adewale Ajayi and a few other colleagues.  The arrogant and highly untrained official is renowned for harassing accredited journalists without recourse to individual reputation or sociatal standing.  Despite making frantic efforts to explain to him that he already secured permission from the media officer of the Super Eagles to speak with key members of the team, the CSO refused to bulge, throwing blows at the journalists and pushing them out of the teams camp.  A few persons around the team camp had earlier complained about the way he talks to journalists and mentioned one major instance where he attacked two Lagos based cameramen at the Super Eagles camp, threatening to destroy their cameras if they fail to leave the premises.  On Monday, at the Hotel  Le Ribadou, Francis was again at hi

Sports entrepreneur, Hon. Bukola Olopade has thrown his weight behind the Super Eagles of Nigeria as they head into the knockout stages of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. Hon. Olopade who expressed optimism about the chances of the team conquering Africa for the fourth time, said he's excited seeing the team put up such quality display. The former commissioner for youth and sports in Ogun state said "Firstly, congratulations to the team for a job well done in the first round, the victories were well worked and the quality was evident" "Kudos to the technical department, credit must also go to the Nigeria Football Federation for taking a timely decision ahead of the tournament, we are seeing the result and I believe we can go all the way". The Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited charged the team to remain united and approach the round of 16 fixture with the same mentality, passion and determination. He also appealed to Nigerian

Child trafficking has over the years been a thing of concern to countries especially in Nigeria, where alot of children both boys and girls are  taken from their protective environment and most times their country and preying on their vulnerability for the purpose of exploitation. Estimates shows that over 980,000 - 1,225,000 children are been trafficked and are in a forced labour situation as a result of trafficking,  Though not all children are been trafficked as some migrates voluntarily with the mindset of going to get a better future which always has a sad story to tell as a result of the inhumane treatment and abuse they received. The trafficking in children - internally in countries, across national borders and across continents - is closely interlinked with the demand for cheap malleable and docile labour in sectors and among employers where the working conditions and the treatment grossly violates the human rights of the children. These are characterized by environ

An Abuja based pastor, yesterday Sunday 16th January 2022, gave out university scholarship to over 2000 students in Aba, Abia State.   Pastor Akachi Nwoke, the lead pastor of The Afternoon Church said the vision was birthed as an undergraduate at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri on the backdrop of his exclusion from the exam hall for his inability to pay his fees on time.   Speaking at the event, the Pastor said ' Ever since I was chased out of that hall 12 years ago because I delayed in paying my fees in FUTO, I have not seized to find means to make sure that everyone that wants to go to school can go to school '. The scholarship is into Emerald University in Benin republic, Tansian University in Anambra and Dorben Polytechnic in Abuja.   Pastor Akachi asides the scholarship project has other projects like The Free Hospital in Aba and Owerri, The Free Restaurant, The Free School (a basic education program

Cc: Favour Itua Rivers United striker Nyima Nwagua says his first goal of the season is an opener for him to score more goals.  Nwagua who joined from the Sai Maisugida side Kano Pillars opened his goal scoring account for Rivers United against Kwara United in the 32nd minute after turning two of his marker before slotting past Emmanuel Iwu.  The former Aiteo Cup winner in an exclusive chat with our correspondent hinted that he wants to score as many goals as possible this season.  "I feel excited, you know I have been giving my best all this while and I have been really looking forward to this day to open my account with goals so that it can always be coming.  This goal is very important to me because when you score the first goal, you start expecting more.  My personal target is on the high, I want to click double figures this season".  Two second half goals from Ishaq Kayode and Ebube Duru wrapped things up for the Pride of Rivers as they secured a comfortable