Sport Flames

SGFC Athletics Sports Club on Sunday morning at the KFA pitch inside the Kwara State Stadium Complex trashed Nationwide FC 4 -1 to qualify for the semifinal of the ongoing 2023 Wali of Ilorin cup.

SGFC Athletics took charge of the game from the blast of the referee's whistle and was rewarded with an early lead after Adebowale Awolola combined perfectly with Iman Abdulgafar to put the ball beyond the goalkeeper for the opener on the 13th minutes.

Nationwide FC stepped up their game in-search of an equalizer but SGFC where compact enough to contain their attacking threat. No further goals in the first half as the Eagles went into the break with the slim lead.

Nationwide FC got their equalizer ten minutes into the  second half after Jimoh Rasheed capitalized from a defensive mix-up from SGFC defense who failed to deal with the Conner kick to restore parity for his side.

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Michael Ogani would restore the  lead four minutes after with a perfect volley on the 59th minutes, Jamiu Habib made it 3-1 on the 81st minutes to put the game beyond their reach.

Rahman Saka added the icing on the cake as he made  it four after being put through on goal by Abdulbasit as he rounded the goalkeeper and slot inside the open net. 4-1 it ended.

The results secures a Semifinal spot for SGFC who now awaits the winner between Police FC  and Barrier FC in the third quarter final fixtures.

 

SGFC Athletics Sports Club suffered a slim 1-0 defeat to Nigeria premier football league (NPFL) challengers Kwara United in a friendly match played on Saturday at the KFA pitch.

A late deflected strike from Mohammed Bajibril on the 86th minutes was what Harmony Boys needed to edge the Eagles in what was  a cagey affair between both sides.

Kwara United began the game on the front foot but piling early pressure on SGFC Athletics defense but they where disciplined enough to contain the attacking threat from United's attack.

SGFC grew into the game and almost got the opener when Anthony Jegede pounce on to a lose ball and unleash a strike but he would see his effort go over the bar.

Kwara United also had the chance to go ahead when Paul Samson's effort was headed out from the goal line by Henry Ndubisi to keep his team level after goalkeeper Godwin Friday was clearly beaten.

Iman Abdulgafar also came close scoring from the free kick on the far right but his efforts was brilliantly chipped over the bar by the legendary Dele Ayienugba in goal for United.

The lad put up a fantastic display to hold Kwara United to goalless draw at halftime.

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On resumption of the second half, Abayomi Ayodeji was replaced by Ibrahim for SGFC in the middle as the Eagles continued from where  they stopped against a new look Kwara United side who had a different eleven for  the second half of the game.

The Harmony Boys came all out at SGFC in-search  of the opener with Samad Kadiri, Wasiu Mamud, Issa Gata and Godwin Osagbemi all leading the line but  SGFC defense where resolute to absorb everything thrown at them.

The break through would finally come for the Harmony Boys towards the closing stages of the game when  Mohammed Bajibril long range strike on the 86th minutes was mis-judged by goalkeeper Godwin Friday who dived to the wrong direction while the ball deflected into the net. 1-0 Kwara United.

SGFC Athletics quickly went in-search for an equalizer but there would be no time for the boys to redeem themselves as Kwara United held on to grab a slim victory which seems like a moral booster ahead of their NPFL matchday nine clash against El-Kanemi Warriors on Wednesday.

Head coach of SGFC Athletics, Mashood Yakub was satisfied with his team's performance adding that they gave everything but were unlucky to concede at the manner at which they did.

" The boys put in everything and we almost got a draw. It was a m top performance from the team, I am satisfied with the tenacity in them it show we are working. But the result? It's always a must win,that is the principle and the boys have to stick to that", He added.

SGFC Athletics will be in action again on Sunday as they file out against Nationwide FC in the quarterfinal of the ongoing Wali of Ilorin cup.

SGFC Athletics Sports Club defeated Young Talent FA 5-0 in the second Group B game of the ongoing Wali Of Ilorin Cup at the KFA pitch on Wednesday morning.

Abayomi Ayodeji captain of the day began the goal rout when he converted from the free-kick on the fourth minutes to give SGFC Athletics an early lead.

It was game dominated by SGFC Athletics but could not add the second goal before the end of the first half as Young Talent FA defended well to keep the scores at  1-0 at the break.

Sunday Ekene doubled the advantage three minutes after the break after he connected well with Abayomi Ayodeji's through pass to unleash a beautiful strike to beat the goalkeeper.

Young Talent FA had the chance to reduce the deficit from the free kick at the edge of the box but it was well saved by Sodje Abayomi.

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Young Talent had a man sent off on the 60th minutes for an elbow on Ismaila Abdulbasit.

Two goals in quick succession from Anthony Jegede and Ismaila Abdulbasit on the 70th minutes and 73nd minutes took the game beyond the reach of Young Talent who found it difficult to contain the fire power of SGFC.

Abayomi completed his brace on the 87th minutes after he dazzled his past the defense line to complete the rout.

The victory place SGFC Athletics second in Group B with four points which seals qualification.

SGFC will play their final group game on Thursday against Dickalo FA at the KFA pitch.

 

SGFC Athletics Football Club   has set January 28th 2023 as the resumption date for it's players and staffs while the team will officially resume training on Monday January 30th ahead of the 2023 NLO season.

The General Manager, Olawale Olatoye has disclosed that there will be no opening screening while adding that the team has invited some new players who would come for trials and would be closely monitored by the technical crew. The invited players are  expected to resume alongside the current players.

The team will look to hasten up preparation ahead of the Evolution Cup pre-season tourney which will commence on February 13th at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne Ogun State. They will be looking to defend the trophy won last year at the median edition of the tourney.

Newly appointed gaffer of the club, Coach Mashood Yakub said his target is to ensure that the club gets promoted to the Nigeria National League (NNL) and to aswell capture the world with the talents at his disposal.

" The standard of the team is set already and am ready to compliment the deficiency for a better future. The promotion of the team and how to capture the world with the talents with us is the projection I have personally set up to achieve. 

SGFC is a brand and we must move to a greater heights. The calendar for 2013 start with the preseason in Ogun State where a strong signal must be send across that we are fully ready for the season", He concluded.

SGFC Athletics this season will hope to better last season performance where they finished third on the NLO Group C1 standing behind FC Ebedie  and Gidado FC.

 

The IMC Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye who spoke with pressmen yesterday evening, 19th of January 2023 in Abuja, spoke about issues surrounding the NPFL.

Reacting to some baseless allegations of misappropriation, he said, “Such insinuation can only come from a sick mind, a jaundice mind or a paid blackmailer. 

" GTI didn't give us a dime. They only gave 200 million Naira to 20 clubs, at 10 million per club, and this money was not given to IMC. 

" GTI are economists, they're bankers, they promised to help us raise funds, using their image. A very credible organization, we believe in them, but we said before we go ahead, how can you help our 20 clubs for a start? because they need support. We agreed that 10 million Naira is given to each club, and this money was not given to IMC, it was credited directly to account of the clubs, so we didn’t have access to the money.

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" Secondly, on the issue of referee, we said pay the referee directly from your account, and all these live shows on NTA, they're the ones paying for it.

" So for anyone to say GTI gave us 1 Billion Naira, 100 million Naira for Sunday Dare, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, that shows they are part of the failed system”.

The IMC Chairman concluded by saying, " Referees must own up to their game, having increased their allowances by 50 percent”.

 

Evolution Cup joined the growing list of sponsors to support the maiden edition of Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup, donating several customized balls towards the competition slated for December. 

The maiden edition of the Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup will hold in Asaba, Delta state on the 15th of December 2022.

Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup will be used to immortalize and celebrate the former Super Falcons player and a member of the 1999 squad, Ifeanyi Chiejine, who while alive was a great personality who dedicated her life to the development of women football in Nigeria.

The timely donation was well received by the convener, Judith Chime in preparation for the sporting event which comes up in December. 

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Speaking after donating the balls, Project Strategist of Evolution Cup, Olatoye Olawale revealed the reason for the support. 

" We need to support the Ifeanyi Chiejine Memorial Cup and the convener, Judith Chime is a friend and also an ex-international who represented the Super Falcons. 

" Evolution Cup is all about development and making progress and this initiative goes in line with our goals. This is why we have donated match balls for the Memorial Cup. It’s a way to also encourage talent from grassroots. 

" We plan to do more of this, as Evolution Cup is not just about our tournament, it’s about how we can also support initiatives that is in line with our goals.” Olatoye Olawale said.

 

 

President of Nigeria Pitch Awards, Mr Shina Phillips revealed to the gentlemen of the press in Lagos that the award will kick off on the 1st of December, 2022 with the voting process and end on 16th January, 2023, while the announcement of nominees will be made on 21 February 2023 with the award ceremony slated for the month of March.

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The voting process for the 9th edition of Nigeria Pitch Awards will commence on Thursday, 1 December 2022, the organiser, Matchmaker Consult has announced.

 

The draws for Jagaban Cup would take place at the National Stadium Surulere Lagos on November 14th with 10 teams already confirmed. Time is 2pm.

Jagaban Cup was put together to canvass for APC Presidential Flagbearer, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2023 General Elections.

De Potters, FC Bethel, Olukismet, Jo Sportyne and 36 Lion would participate at the tournament.

Others are Smart City, Badagry United, MFM FC, Ikorodu City and Messiah FC. Competition will hold from November 15th to 18th at Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Coordinator, Wale Joseph said participants have started preparation and assured Lagosians of a wonderful tournament.

Organizers are targeting at least five thousand youths who will be live at the Grand Finale.

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Evolution Cup ambassador, Bonfrere Jo visited the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne which is the venue for the annual invitational tournament for NLO teams.

The former Super Eagles coach alongside Evolution Cup project strategist, Olatoye Olawale was welcomed by Remo Stars coach, Daniel Ogunmodede to the full tour of the facilities including the pitch, VIP areas, players camp, and workout facility on Sunday.

" This is quite an edifice for a proper football team. Remo Stars is a team that should be competing for the NPFL title, as they have everything in place to succeed. I’m really impressed with everything in this stadium.

" Evolution Cup being hosted here is a great opportunity for the players to get used to good stadium.” Bonfrere said at the tour. 

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Remo Stars coach, Daniel Ogunmodede said it was an honor to finally meet the man who won Olympics Gold for Nigeria. 

" It was an honor to finally meet the coach, who won Gold for Nigeria at the Olympics. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you, and I really appreciate your visit.” Ogunmodede said. 

Evolution Cup strategist, Olatoye Olawale revealed that things are now in place for the next Evolution Cup and a visit to the venue was a good plan made for the ambassador. 

" We just unveiled Bonfrere Jo as the ambassador for Evolution Cup and this is a part of the whole process. He needed to visit the stadium used to host the tournament and here we are.

" Preparations are now in place for the next edition of Evolution Cup, which comes up in few months.” Olatoye said. 

The next edition of Evolution Cup will come up in February 2023.

 

Former Super Eagles coach, Bonfrere Jo and Renowned Journalist, Sulaiman Adebayor Pooja have been unveiled as ambassadors for Evolution Cup. 

Bonfrere Jo, who led the Nigeria team to Atlanta 1996 Olympics triumph and FIFA, CAF accredited Journalist, Sulaiman Adebayor Pooja were both unveiled in a small event held in Lagos on Wednesday.

Project Strategist of Evolution Cup, Olatoye Olawale says the unveiling is a step to bigger things to come for all parties involved. 

" We are glad to unveil two big personalities in the Nigeria football world. It’s a step to bigger things to come.” Olatoye Olawale said after the unveiling.

" The idea behind Evolution Cup is about development and progress, it’s clear to see that our two ambassadors have lived through these qualities. For a coach to guide a relatively unknown team to Olympic triumph, beating the likes of Brazil, Mexico and Argentina shows his impact on progress and development of those players.” Olatoye continued. 

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Both ambassadors, Bonfrere Jo and Sulaiman Adebayor Pooja expressed their support for Evolution Cup following the unveiling on Wednesday. 

" I hope many teams will take advantage and support Evolution Cup. The young players have the chance to develop themselves through this platform and move to the first or second division teams. Evolution Cup is important for clubs, players and coaches for proper development and progress”. Bonfrere said. 

" It’s a good platform for everyone to tap into, the players, coaches and clubs. As an ambassador, I want to encourage everyone to be a part of this tournament. It’s a preparatory tournament that will help the players get ready for the main NLO season. 

" For the players, it is a good platform to improve and develop for the next level and also for the coaches as well. The second edition of Evolution Cup is coming up soon and everyone should tap into it, as it’s going to be bigger. 

" Now that the cadet teams and Super Eagles and suffering from raw talents, Evolution Cup will be like a base for discovery of talent.” Pooja said. 

SGFC Athletics won the maiden edition of the Evolution Cup earlier this year after beating Beyond Limits in the final on penalty shootout.