Desportspastor Blog

Smart City have emerged champions of Jagaban Cup Scouting Tournament after defeating 36 Lion 5-4 via penalties at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Friday morning. The result meant Smart City retained the title, having also triumphed in 2022. In the third place match played earlier in the day, Dino SC fought gallantly from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 against The Charlesann at regulation time. The penalty shootouts saw Dino SC winning 5-4. Memuda Emmanuel delivered a sumptuous effort beyond goalkeeper Samuel Oriola to edge Smart City in front on 20 minutes.  A beautiful strike from ex Nigeria international Wisdom Ubani came off the woodwork as 36 Lion searched for the equalizer. 36 Lion deservedly restored parity through Lawal Seun who scored on the hour mark. The game ended 1-1 after 70 minutes at Onikan and it all went onto what would be an intense and entertaining penalty shootouts you could see. Smart City prevailed 5-4, thus retained their title. Meanwhile, the Exhibition game saw T

The third place match would see The Charlesann battle Dino SC.  Defending champions, Smart City displayed gritty performance to stage a comeback and record 2-2 against Mavlon FC in the opening match of Day Three in the 2024 edition of Jagaban Cup at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Mavlon raced to an early lead with brilliant finish from Emmanuel Stephen before half time.  A thunderbolt strike from Egbeduokun Samson sailed past former Flying Eagles goalie Oremade Olawale to double the lead for Mavlon.  The defending champions halved the deficit two minutes afterwards with Ibrahim Fuad getting to the end of a team build up initiated by Busayo Lemon.  Ibrahim Fuad completed the comeback with his second of the game with nine minutes left on the clock.  Both sides could have scored the winner in the closing minutes but they were undone by criminal misses. The result saw Smart City end Group A as winners with five points from three games while Mavlon recorded two points.  In the second match of

Gameday 2 was filled with surprises. Smart City humiliated Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Imperial secured massive three points against highly fancied Dino SC, The Charlesann overpowered Mavlon and 36 Lion showed no mercy to Broad City.  The day began with Nigeria National League derby.   Hammed Adepoju's first blood was cancelled out by Adelani Shola as the first half ended all square. Smart pierced a sharp dagger in the heart of Oga Boys during the home stretch. Monday Emmanuel and Ibrahim Fuad delivered crushing blows, as Chibuike Prestige was unlucky to bag an own goal in an unforgettable game for his team. Broad City faced another tough challenge in a ding dong battle with 36 Lion. Bangoura Mohammed opened the scoring just after three minutes.  Badmus Ahmed equalized 26 minutes later. In the 44th minute, Oluwafemi Opeyemi tapped in from close range. Broad City stayed in the fight but Bangoura extinguished their hopes with the "Insurance Goal" for 36 Lion

Football has consistently served as a powerful vehicle for societal change thanks to the recognition and embracement of shared experiences which build character, teamwork, perseverance, and community.   The game provides opportunities to confront adversity with confidence. Football is a great unifier in times of war and peace, it has broken several social barriers. The round leather game can teach us the importance of effective communication and sound judgment. Jagaban Cup is a youth engagement empowerment through football, it is for the youths to show case their talents and get employment with football clubs in Nigeria and abroad.  The competition has seen people from the different parts of Nigeria show the resilient part to be successful. The Nigerian spirit is something that makes us strong. Football is about joy for the winner and momentary despair for the loser. Asiwaju’s life has gone full circle with too many despairs and some joys. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu loves football, he

The Charlesann displayed impressive performance to draw 2-2 with defending champions Smart City in the opening match of 2024 Jagaban Cup at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Tuesday morning. The enterprising Lemon Busayo opened the scoring for Smart City after slamming the ball home from the penalty spot on 8 minutes.  With The Charlesann slowly settling into the game, they managed to push the Nigeria National League team into their shell on several occasions before finally breaching the defense of the Smart City to draw level through Ayinla Olayinka as first half ended 1-1. The Charlesann stunned Smart City on the half hour mark. A beautiful long range shot from Abatan Ayodele outside the box landed in the top left corner of the post. Smart City replied the Academy boys instantly scoring the crucial equaliser.  Although both teams tried to flourish in their attempt to find the winning goal, neither side had the luck and hence was forced to settle for a 2-2 draw. 36 Lion started their Jaga