Joseph Igbinedion: A Super Eagle In The Making

Your first impression of him is that of a sweet little boy. His handsomeness and his disarming smile portray the picture of innocence that readily win him admirers.

Joesph Igbinedion, the son of Efosa Igbinedion, an Ireland based Nigerian lawyer, is not innocent though when it comes to matters involving the beautiful game of football. Born on July 31, 2006, the lad who turned 14 years a few days ago, has football running in his veins. His mother, Izehiuwa, was one of the pioneers of women’s football in the country. She was a founding member of both the Benin City Queens and the dreaded Ufuoma Babes FC, which in the early days of women’s football in Nigeria, was the leading women’s football club. Izehiuwa would later quit football to further her education.

Joseph( squatting, second left) with U14 Limerick District School League Team that won the Liam Donovan Memorial Inter-League Cup

Joseph’s mother, Izehiuwa was not his only link to football. His mum’s elder brother, Ikponwosa Omoregie nicknamed Pele for his dazzling football skills, played for the Nigerian national team. Joseph, a student of Crescent Comprehensive College, Limerick, Ireland, will in September this year, move up to the 3rd year, the equivalent of the Junior Secondary School 3(JSS3).

Despite operating as a central midfielder, Joseph has on occasion be deployed as an attacking midfielder and deep-lying playmaker. His football exploits at school has drawn the attention of football authorities in the area. Last season the lad played for both the U14 and 15 teams of Mungret Regional Football Club.

He was also called up to the Under 14 of Limerick District Schoolboys/girls League L.D.S.L(Association Football) boys team for the 2020 Kennedy Cup competition which is held annually in June featuring the best talent from the 31 schoolboys football leagues in Ireland. His dream of showcasing his skills at the tournament has been put on hold following the outbreak of the Coronavirus disease(COVID-19).

Joseph, who started playing football six years ago at the age of eight years is growing in confidence by the day. And his exploits on the field have been yielding fruit too. He was a member of the Under 14 Limerick District Schoolboys League (L.D.S.L)team that won the Liam O’ Donovan Memorial Inter-League cup 2019.

Aside team honours, Joseph has also garnered a few personal awards for his progious talent. In 2016 he was voted the Mungret Regional Football Club Under 10 Red Player of the Year. In the 2017/2018 season, he emerged the District Schoolboys/girls League (L.D.S.L) Under 12 Premier Division player of the year 2017/2018. While the same season he was crowned the Mungret Regional Football Club Under 12 Premier Division player of the year 2017/2018.

Joseph’s father, Efosa, is clearly pleased with the progress of his son on the field. An avid football fan himself, his dream is to see his son play football at the highest level.

Efosa Igbinedion hopes his son, Joseph, will play for Nigeria someday
“Joseph loves football. He is working hard and improving everyday. It would be nice to see him play at the highest level. That will have to wait for sometime though. For the moment we ( he and Joseph’s mum) are ensuring that he is grounded in academics. The life of a sportsman is precarious. One accident could derail an entire lifetime of ambition. We want to see him succeed on both sides,” the elder Igbinedion said.

His long term plan for the lad is to see him donning Nigerian colours like his famous uncle. He believes his son would be an asset to the Nigerian national team when he eventually gets called up to play. For the moment though, the lad is learning the ropes and carving a niche for himself at junior football level where he is wowing football fans with his breathtaking skills.

Mike Okafor, a sports analyst, who says he has seen video footages of Joseph in action believes the lad will become one of the leading footballers in the world if nothing disrupts his progression.

“I have seen the boy play. He is good and reminds you of a player like the former Manchester United captain, Keane with the way he takes charge in the midfield. His confidence is amazing. I cannot wait to see him grow up and begin to play for the Super Eagles,” Okafor said.

That will be a while yet. For the moment, Joseph is having pun playing the game and attracting attention of locals. Hopefully, before long top clubs in Ireland and may be even England will give him a look in.

“That would be very nice,” Jospeh’s father says. “However, that isn’t our major preoccupation for now. We want him to grow into a fine young man, academically sound and focused. A football career will be good but what is more important for him will be to take things one step at a time,” he said.

NFF: There Was No Election In Anambra State FA

The Nigeria Football Federation has stated categorically that there has been no election into the executive committee of the Anambra State Football Association.

Chairman of Chairmen of Nigerian Football, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau minced no words in declaring that what took place in the State on Monday, 27th July 2020 and which some stakeholders styled ‘an election’ was a charade of very low grade, and the NFF would never recognise such a sham.

“That was an act of brigandage and the NFF fully dissociates itself from it. The Electoral Committee sent to the NFF a letter which they received from the Anambra State COVID-19 Task Force, requesting that the elections into the State FA and the local football councils be postponed, in line with the situation in the country, as the ban on sporting activities and mass gatherings was still alive.

“The same Electoral Committee issued a press statement on Monday, 27th July 2020 informing the general public that the elections would no longer hold, and regretted the inconvenience that the sudden postponement may have caused the candidates, delegates, observers, stakeholders and the general public.

“In view of these, it is incomprehensible how anyone could have gone ahead with the charade they are calling ‘election’, and you begin to wonder who actually conducted the so-called election,” Gusau said on Tuesday.

Gusau, who is also a Member of the NFF Executive Committee, stated further: “That was an affront on the Government and the NFF will never be part of it. The Anambra State COVID-19 Task Force made it clear that there should be no such gathering. It is irksome, and let it be said without ambiguity that the NFF does not recognise such a sham and it cannot stand.”

Sport The Ball Prize Money Debuts in Africa

For lovers of Sports competition in Nigeria and Africa, Dekaizen Worldwide has announced the arrival of Spot the ball Africa platform in conjunction with United Kingdom-based firm, Sports Alive Limited.

Following the success of Spot the ball in Europe, Dekaizen Worldwide said it was high time the company made its grand entry into the fast growing gaming and electronic sports market with the opportunity to reward participants with weekly cash prizes.

In a statement released by the Chief Task Assigner of Dekaizen Worldwide, Abioye Femi, “The new system is geared towards rewarding participants for their passion when they Spot the ball using their skill on the published weekly picture which is quite different from what we have presently in the Nigerian and the African market.”

Explaining how the system works, Abioye said, “Entrants will use their analytical skills and judgment to work out where the judges believe the ball is on a photo from a real football game. The closest prediction will smile home with the ultimate jackpot.”

Entry starts at just fifty Naira with winners standing a chance to win 12,000 Naira with a 350,000 Naira jackpot weekly for multiple winners with the closest spots.

With all logistics already put in place, the online platform is now live and the gaming community can visit the site http://www.spottheball.africa to experience this unique game of skill.

“For the next two weeks, you can play for free on our website and winners will be rewarded with exciting prizes and gift items. We have especially adapted the platform for mobile platforms i.e android and ios phone users as the real jackpot winning games debut from August 2020”, the Chief Task Assigner of the project said.

Sports Alive partners Dekaizen Worldwide on Sports Insurance for African Athletes

As sportsmen and stakeholders prepare for the post-Covid19 era, Sports Alive Ltd Uk has officially announced a partnership with Nigeria based Dekaizen Worldwide Limited to bring Speciality Insurance and promotions to Africa.

The partnership is geared towards expanding specialized sports insurance and insured promotions frontiers across Africa according to the Chief Task Assigner of Dekaizen Worldwide, Abioye Femi, who described the partnership as a fantastic platform that will bring together two great companies capable of offering African clients a wide range of insurance products and promotional activity.

“This is a wonderful milestone for everybody involved in this project as well as all stakeholders in the sports industry”.”Sports Alive Ltd has been around since 2001 with a deep wealth of experience and rich understanding of the market managing risk for clients both in the sports world and also in the marketing world From Performance bonus cover for sportspeople to big prize promotions, the partnership is positioned as the go-to people African wide to manage this risks.

“In the coming weeks, we will be rolling out our products and services specifically tailored to service the African market.”

He reasoned that with the growing interest of the young The African population in professional sports, it’s pertinent for their future to be protected with comprehensive insurance packages.

“We have heard so many sad stories of athletes who suffered career-ending injuries. Some athletes have died in their primes with their family left with nothing. Never again will such happen.”

“As a company, we feel these unfortunate cases can be avoided if athletes are properly insured. This is why Sports Alive is partnering with Dekaizen Worldwide to make life easier for athletes”, Abioye said.

Apart from the insurance products, Sports Alive Ltd and Dekaizen Worldwide will also be launching the ‘Sporttheball’ in Africa where people can win amazing prizes.

“We have tried this in Europe and it’s a huge success. We believe we can bring this to Africa where people have the chances of winning.”

Late Ifeanyi George: Nigeria players union lauds Gov. Ugwuanyi, Rangers management on insurance payment to family

Nigeria’s players’ union, the National Association of Nigerian Professional Footballers (NANPF) have described the planned payment of life insurance compensation to the family of late Ifeanyi George Onwubiko, as commendable and encouraging.

According to a statement from the management of Enugu Rangers, late Ifeanyi George who died in a fatal car accident, like other players and officials, were given comprehensive life insurance premium by the Enugu State Government. Therefore, the family of Ifeanyi George is expected to receive a princely sum of N20,000,000.00 (Twenty million naira) from the insurance firm, Premier Brokers.

Reacting to the development, the players union led by Tijani Babangida, MON, praised the State Governor, H.E, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for the efforts to assuage the emotional pains suffered by the family of the late player.

In a statement signed by the General Secretary of NANPF, Comrade Austin Popo, the decision on the prompt payment the insurance compensation is encouraging and would help set a benchmark in Nigerian football in such regards.

Ifeanyi George Onwubiko,

“This decision would surely set the pace for others to follow. And you know, it takes true feelings, to understand feelings. NANPF says thank you to Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his genuine compassion and fatherly concern for the family of the late Rangers attacker.

” We also praise the management of the team ably led by Prince Davidson Owumi. The management has displayed astuteness, true professionalism and high level of integrity. And this move would surely set the pace for other teams in such regards,” Popo remarked.

The statement from the club revealed further that the presentation of the cheque to the family of Ifeanyi George will take place, Tuesday,July 21st, 2020, at the Enugu Rangers Camp Hall by 11am.

Akeem Busari

Players Union Holds Online Football Conference Thursday

National Association of Nigerian Professional Footballers (NANPF), continues its relentless drive towards ensuring a better welfare and fortunes for Nigerian football, with another epochal event .

As it is set to hold an online football conference Thursday evening. According to a statement signed by the General- Secretary of the foremost players union, Comrade Austin Popo, the online conference has a line up several top personalities, including NANPF’s President Tijani Babangida, who is expected to speak on ‘Footballers Pension scheme’.

Tijani Babangida
photo credit: Shengolpixs

Dave Uduani, Managing Director/CEO, Sigma Pension, would take his turn to speak on “Building A Customised Scheme for Footballers”. The importance of “Building Healthy Relationships Between the Federation, Leagues and Players Union”, would handled by Mallam Shehu Dikko, 2nd Vice-President of Nigeria Football Federation and Chairman, League Management Company.

Renowned sports promoter and consultant to NANPF, Chinedu Amadi, would talk on the need for “Footballers Welfare Insurance.” While Brown Ogbeifun, who is BOT Chairman of Stephen Keshi Football and Vocational training centre, would speak on “Resolving Disputes in Sports”.

Former Nigeria international footballer Abdul Sule, who is also Chairman of Kogi United, would take the floor. Abdul Sule, who doubles as a trustee NANPF and Chairman, NNL Clubs Owners Association, will speak on ‘Building A Healthy Relations Between Clubs and the Players Union.’

The online conference, slated for Thursday 25th June, 2020, will hold between 4-6pm. And with each speaker taking the stage for 20 minutes.

Akeem Busari

Nigerian Group “Football Intermediaries” Begin Distribution of Free Face-masks to Grassroots Teams

The Football Intermediaries Association of Nigeria (FIAN) have started the distribution of free face-masks to grassroots teams across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria.

The distribution of the face-masks to the grassroots football clubs and less privileged members of the society, which is a part of FIAN Covid-19 palliative initiatives kicked off in Ajegunle area of Ajeromi-Ifelodun local government, Friday, last week.

Nigerian Group “Football Intermediaries” Begin Distribution of Free Face-masks to Grassroots Teams

Seven core grassroots teams were represented by team captains, three players and a coach respectively. And they smiled home with packs of 50 pieces high quality FIAN branded face-masks and 1Kg rice each. While the coaches got extra bags of 5kg and 10kg rice.

The well attended event was witnessed by Ajeromi-Ifelodun local government’s Director-General of Sports, Hon. MacAnthony Anaelechukwu and other Supervisory Councillors, who represented the Council boss, Hon. Fatai Ayoola, also assisted in the distribution of the palliative packages.

The distribution of the packages supervised by FIAN’s Public Relations Officer, Kelvin Irikefe, was swift and seamless. As the maintenance of health and social distancing protocols of the government were strictly adhered to by FIAN .

Speaking on behalf of FIAN Chairman, Ayodele Thomas, after the distributions, Irikefe admonished well placed individuals, groups, government, private and public sectors respectively to reach out to the real grassroots and most vulnerable enclaves of the Nigerian society who urgently need the palliatives at this perilous period.

Nigerian Group “Football Intermediaries” Begin Distribution of Free Face-masks to Grassroots Teams

He disclosed that FIAN next distribution point In Lagos State will be at Etiosa local government, slated for Wednesday next week. While the distributions of the palliative packages to the less privileged grassroots footballers, fans and the vulnerable in Kaduna, Uyo, and Port-Harcourt will follow simultaneously. As it plans to cover the entire country with its tokens of corporate love.

Akeem Busari

We’ll bring Super Eagles back to Lagos – Prince Adeboye

The clamour of Soccer loving Nigerians for a return of the Super Eagles to play its matches in Lagos, would soon become a reality.

According to Prince Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye, Senior Special Assistant on Sports to Lagos State Governor, the state government, through the state sports commission have embarked upon massive renovations and constructions of sports facilities across the state.

Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye Senior Special Assistant to The Governor Of Lagos On Sports

Speaking in an interview with journalists on Nigeria Sports Centre WhatsApp group, the affable sports administrator and President of Lagos based amateur side, Smart City football club, stated that the government is determined and committed to the provision and improvement of sports facilities in the state. He added that it points to the plan to make Lagos State regain its pride of place as the leader in sports in the country.

“We remain committed to improving sports facilities across different parts of the state. We understand the importance of using sports to empower, encourage and of course, take the youths off the streets.

” Already, work has started at Teslim Balogun Stadium and the Onikan Stadium, which has been rebuilt to a world class facility,” he quipped.

On the desires of football fans to see the Super Eagles back to Lagos, he restated that it would become a reality, as the state sports commission and other relevant agencies are working around the clock to improve on the stadiums and raise it to international standards.

Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye Senior Special Assistant To The Governor Of Lagos State

“I can assure you that our amiable and hardworking governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is equally committed to the development of sports in the state. He is a sports lover. And I can confirm that he is also desirous to see the Super Eagles return to play its matches in Lagos.

“Remember the good old days of Nigerian football. The national stadium in Surulere, Lagos, was home to the various Nigerian national teams. We have defeated several top teams and also won many titles at that famous stadium. I want to reassure soccer fans that those sweet days would return soon,” he enthused confidently.

Akeem Busari

Ex- Super Eagles Star Olofinjana Partners Ekiti FA…

Ex-Super Eagles star Olofinjana partners Ekiti FA…to mentor the next generation of stars

Ekiti Football Association on the wake of its recent deal with leading Nigeria football academy, Mees Palace, have moved its desires to develop football in the state, notches higher.

According to a statement by the State FA boss, Bayo Olanlege, it has entered into another partnership with Imperial Sports Limited, co-owned by ex-Nigeria international and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ midfielder, Seyi Olofinjana and Atiba Bankole.

The partnership deal which is for the initial period of one year and renewable on satisfactory terms of both parties. It would have the FA and the club work on players development, with the Odogbolu, Ogun State based club, providing technical and logistic supports to the FA.

Ekiti State Football Association

According to the Memorandum of Understand ( MoU), agreed by both parties, the former Super Eagles midfielder will mentor budding football talents in Ekiti State by coming to town once in a while, to speak and socialise with members of the State FA affiliated clubs and organisations.

It was also agreed that Imperial Sports Limited will also from time to time, invite and allow friendly matches to be played with Ekiti FA teams and also offer logistic support to such teams. This logistic support include accommodation the contingent of the visiting team.
Importantly, the partnership will provide opportunities for Ekiti football association players to be scouted, admitted to and exposed to local and foreign football opportunities after periodic scouting programmes.

Speaking on the partnership on behalf of Imperial Sports Limited, Olofinjana, a former Crown FC of Ogbomosho and Hull City star, was confident about the positive impacts the deal would have on the fortunes of both parties.

“I have always been a big advocate of grassroots football and development, as I am of the opinion that’s where we are getting it wrong as a nation and perhaps the continent. The more time we have to educate our players, the better.

Ex-Super Eagles Star Olofinjana Partners Ekiti FA…

The unassuming football administrator, further revealed that he has always been driven by his passion for the game. As well as, the ‘give back’ opportunity to a country that has given him so much in life.

He describes the partnership as an opportunity to better the lots of Ekiti State football and the footbalIers.

“All we are trying to do is create an avenue where players from our state can have pathways away from their base, for further education and exposure to opportunities,” he added.

Ekiti FA Chairman, Bayo Olanlege remarked that the partnership with Imperial Sports Limited is part of the several moves of the state football association to develop football in the state.

RANGERS MOURN THE PASSING OF ENUGU F.A BOSS

The board, management, coaches, players and staff of former Nigeria league champions, Rangers International F.C have joined millions of football aficionados around the world to mourn the sudden passing-on of NFF executive committee member, NNL chairman and Enugu state F.A chairman, Honourable Chidi Ofo Okenwa.

In an emotion laden voice, G.M/CEO of Rangers, Prince Davidson Owumi, described the death of Okenwa as a great loss to the whole nation with regards to the round leather game and his wealth of experience would be greatly missed.

“I am indeed short of words to describe the feelings going round in the camp of Rangers on the sudden death of the Enugu F.A chairman, Honourable Chidi Ofo Okenwa. We can’t come to grips with the sad fact that our dear F.A boss is no more. Life is indeed cruel in this situation. This was a man that came up with a lot of contributions as we made plans for the burial of our late player, Ifeanyi George, few weeks back. This is a very, very big loss,” stated Owumi between sobs.

The former NPL boss, further said, “I pray God to grant his immediate family the fortitude to bear this loss while the entire football family in the country are urged to key into the positives he left behind. May his gentle soul rest in peace”

Enugu F.A chairman, Honorable Chidi Ofo Okenwa

Also reacting to the death of the football guru, the administrative secretary of Rangers, Barrister Ferdinand Ugwuarue, said, “A great Iroko has fallen and it will take some time to grow another. He left us when his massive intellectual prowess was most needed, We will miss his inestimable support.”

Recall that the Obinagu-Uno, Ogonogo-Eji-Ndiuno, Akpugo, Nkanu West LGA, Enugu state born but highly de-tribalized astute football administrator, joined his ancestors, Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at about 10.00 hours.