The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has reiterated his vision to harness and expand Nigeria’s sports economy, positioning it as a major contributor to the Nigerian economy and national development across many sectors.

In a chat with journalists in Abuja, Dikko emphasized that enacting deliberate and fit for purpose legal framework and polices is pivotal in creating the foundation needed to drive the sports sector forward.

“Establishing a strong and clear operational and Legal framework within the NSC Act is essential for cultivating a sports industry that can thrive effectively as envisaged by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Dikko said.

He pointed out that this approach could transform Nigeria’s sports sector in ways similar to the remarkable growth witnessed in the communications industry in recent years.

Dikko’s vision includes fostering a sustainable sports ecosystem, one that supports talent development, generates employment opportunities, foster sports infrastructure growth and attract investments across various sports and indeed a vehicle for achieving national cohesion and projection of the positive and unique attributes of our culture and national identity.

This initiative reflects Dikko’s commitment to creating a well-regulated and dynamic sports environment that will, over time, contribute significantly to the nation’s economy and in the long term ensure Nigeria credible and competitive participation at all tournaments and competitions.

*RANGERS GM Receives first quarter Report of Activities of Rangers Intl Fc Foundation, Commends Foundation Team M

On Friday, 1st November , 2024, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Rangers Management Corporation, received the first quarterly report containing briefs on various community engagement and impact programs carried out by Rangers International Football Club (RIFC) Foundation and partners within the period under review. Presenting the report and scorecards of the foundation to the General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Rangers International Football Club (RIFC) on behalf of Rangers International Football Club Foundation at Antelope House, Abakiliki Road, Enugu, the Chairman of Rangers International Football Club Foundation, Coach Ebere Amaraizu, expressed happiness at the rate of success recorded on several interventions carried out by Rangers International Football Club Foundation, highlighting the supportive efforts and roles of Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation and other partners like CAPIONG, Campus Technology Life Initiative. Amaraizu emphasized that their supportive roles demonstrated the essence of partnership, which facilitated programs and interventions such as psychosocial activities and engagement with support and counseling in various schools within Enugu, some parts of the Southeast, and other parts of the country.
As the first Football Club Foundation in Nigeria, Rangers International Football Club Foundation is poised and committed to creating more community impact geared toward creating life-changing opportunities for children and young persons. In line with the global goals Agenda and the Football for Global Goals initiative, the foundation aims to cut across community services and charity initiatives. In accordance with the strategic Action Plan of Rangers International Football Club Management under the leadership of Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, the Partnership with Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation has significantly contributed to equipping our young minds with mental health awareness and education. This partnership has exposed them to positive mindset and helped them understand the purpose of their existence, ultimately transforming them into National and international assets.

At the Foundation, we are committed to the realization of sustainable development agendas, specifically No. 3 (GOOD HEALTH AND WELL BEING). Additionally, we are dedicated to exposing these young individuals to various life-changing programs that serve as positive and meaningful pathways in line with global best practices for football foundations.
Upon receiving the report of the interventions and achievements from the Chairman Rangers International Football Club Foundation (RIFC Foundation) in his office, the General Manager of Rangers International Football Club, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, expressed his gratitude to the Chairman Rangers International Football Club Foundation Coach Ebere Amaraizu and Foundation members for consistently fulfilling their commitments since their inauguration. He applauded the efforts of Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, and other partners, for their unwavering support of Rangers International Football Club Foundation emphasizing that no significant progress can be achieved without strong partnerships. He assured the Rangers International Football Club Foundation of robust support to enable the Foundation to accomplish more in alignment with the strategic Action Plan of Rangers International Football Club Management.
The highlight of the visit was the formal presentation of a copy of the report by the Chairman Rangers International Football Club Foundation Coach Ebere Amaraizu to the General Manager of Rangers Management Corporation, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku.

Heartland FC Goalkeeper, Chukwuebuka Nwokoecha has been voted overwhelmingly as Imo SWAN Heartland FC’s October Player of the Month ahead of his other three teammates.

In a poll conducted by registered members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Imo Chapter, the former Golden Eaglets Goaltender got the majority of the vote cast and is the second winner of the award that debuted in September that had Heartland FC combative and hard as nail central defender, Peters Afolayan as the pioneer winner.

According to the poll, Nwokoecha towered above Christian Nnaemeka Nkwo, Michael Ogu and Peters Afolayan who received nominations after a sterling month for them also on a personal level and for Heartland FC.

In the month of October, Nwokoecha kept three clean sheets in games with Niger Tornadoes, El Kanemi Warriors, and Remo Stars conceding only two goals from five games. He has kept four clean sheets and let in six goals from eight games altogether. He was credited to have made at least five key saves against El Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri and it ensured the Naze Millionaires bagged their first away point of the season at the end of that game.

Nwokoecha would be presented with the award on November 10th at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri shortly before the kick off of Heartland FC home game with Sunshine Stars.

Oru-West Political leader and businessman, Honourable Dr Obioma Okorie (Nwa ji Ugo nnaya) has showered cash gifts on Heartland football club for defeating Abia Warriors 2-0 in Umuahia on Match day 10 of the Nigerian professional football league on Sunday November 3rd, the Statesman Newspaper Sports desk can exclusively report.

Goals from Michael Ogu and Chukwuma Agor steered the Naze millionaires to a 2-0 victory and the win ended the long years of Abia Warriors domination of the Owerri side . It was only the second time Heartland Fc will be getting a positive result in Umuahia with the first a 1-1 draw in 2014 and also the first away win for Heartland this season.

The victory was dedicated to the loving memory of late Coach Christian Power Obi who died in active service for the club and was buried few days ago at his home town Ibiasoegbe in Oru west LGA of Imo state.

Okorie popularly known as the Dangote of Oru Nation after the win, in his magnanimity gifted the team with the sum of 1,000,000 million Naira. 500,000 Naira goes to the Heartland team, 300,000 goes to the Abia Warriors team for good sportsmanship display and then 200,000 Naira to Heartland supporters.

In a brief interview, The Ozara born philanthropist and Apex political leader of Ozara ward expressed happiness over the first away victory for his own state team which was dedicated to the late Coach Christian Power Obi and the victory came at a good timing which was under his watch right there in Umuahia.

Okorie wished the team success in their current NPFL campaign and charged the coach Emmanuel Amuneke tutored side to go for the trophy this season.

With the win Heartland now sits at the 12th position on the league table while Abia Warriors maintain the 10th position on the log.

Heartland FC will now look to consolidate on their winning spree in the bid to climb further up the leader when they battle Sunshine stars of Akure at the Dan Anyiam stadium Owerri on match day 11 encounter.

Ijebu United is delighted to formally announce the appointment of Bright Ozebagbe as the new Head Coach of the club.

Ozebagbe, who penned a year contract with the Warriors from Ijebu Ode, was officially unveiled on Friday 1st November, 2024 and expected to immediately swing into actions with recruitment of players and other technical issues in readiness for the club’s activities during the 2024/2025 football season.

Widely travelled and vastly experienced, he led Ikorodu City into the NPFL at the end of 2023/2024 NNL season and a national quarter final stage of the President Federation cup competition.

He recently stepped down from the position at Ikorodu City after four premier League games citing personal reasons.

Ozebagbe expressed appreciation for the opportunity to work with the Club promising to bring his wealth of experience to bear towards returning the Club to its glorious days.

“This Club is great and massive and I am here to take it to the next higher levels, God’s willing” he concluded.

Congratulations to Her Royal Highness, Ugoeze Sabina Chikere, former Permanent Secretary, Edo State Sports Commission on your ascension to the throne as Ugoeze to HRH, Eze Vitals Chikere Duzieoha 11 of Odu na Izuoha, autonomous ,community in Amuzi, Ahiara, Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State.

*HRH, Eze Vitals Chikere And Ugoeze Sabina during their Presentation to the Community Yesterday.