The question of who should lead Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team—the Flamingos—is always one of strategic importance. As the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) prepares for its committee deliberations, one name that stands out prominently is Nwoke Benjamin Obinna, a highly respected CAF-licensed football coach with a strong pedigree in the women’s game.

A Coach with Proven Experience in Women’s Football

Nwoke Benjamin Obinna is not new to top-level women’s football in Nigeria. He has previously served as head coach of notable NWFL top-flight sides, including:

<span;><span;>* Heartland Queens (Owerri)

<span;><span;>* Abia Angels FC (Aba)

<span;><span;>* First Mahi Babes FC

<span;><span;>*   (Abakaliki)

These roles have given him extensive experience in talent development, tactical planning, and competitive match management at the highest level of Nigeria’s women’s league.

Tactical Expertise and Coaching Philosophy

Coach Obinna is widely regarded as:

<span;><span;>* A fantastic tactician

<span;><span;>* Technically gifted in modern football systems

<span;><span;>* A quality football coach with a deep understanding of the women’s game

<span;><span;>* A born winner with a competitive mindset

His tactical expertise has consistently reflected in his teams’ organization, discipline, and attacking structure. Beyond match-day strategies, he is known for implementing a strong footballing philosophy rooted in structure, adaptability, and intelligent player positioning.

Talent Identification and Youth Development

One of his most commendable attributes is his eye for talent. Coach Obinna has built a reputation for:

<span;><span;>* Recruiting upcoming and exciting young players

<span;><span;>* Developing raw prospects into competitive performers

<span;><span;>* Providing a platform for future stars to thrive

This aligns perfectly with the mandate of the Flamingos, whose primary objective is youth development and preparing players for higher national team levels, including the Falconets and Super Falcons.

Multilingual Advantage and CAF Credentials

As a CAF-licensed coach, he meets the technical requirements expected for national team leadership. Additionally, his ability to speak both English and French is a significant advantage, particularly in international competitions where communication across African and global teams is essential.

Why His Appointment “Holds Water”

Considering his experience in the NWFL, tactical strength, youth development focus, and professional certification, many observers believe that his appointment would be both logical and strategic. With the NFF committee meeting on the horizon, there is growing optimism that his candidacy will receive serious consideration.

If appointed, Nwoke Benjamin Obinna could bring structure, discipline, and renewed competitive energy to the Flamingos, strengthening Nigeria’s position in women’s youth football across Africa and the world.

One of the most enterprising football talents in Nigeria at the youth level, Simon Cletus, has pitched his tent with European club, HNK Rijeka of Croatia, reports www.totorinews.com.

Cletus, who captained the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria under the tutelage of Manu Garba, as SS 1 student of Palm Ville College in Lagos put to pen on paper a three – year deal with Croatian top flight club and he is expected to be relevant in their U- 19 team structure.

The highly rated midfielder, richly endowned with visionary passes, sleeky dribbles and ability to score goals led the Golden Eaglets to a bronze medal finish at the 2024 WAFU B U-17 tournament in Accra, Ghana.

The 18 year old is another product of Mavlon FC of Lagos who has been transfered to European clubs in recent weeks. He joined the likes of Momoh Muntari ( NK Istra of Croatia), Elisha Ephraim ( CD Castellón,Spain ) and Wahab Musa ( Malaga CF, Spain).

By Silvernews

Recreation Club, Orlu emerged champions of the 2026 ENIC Tennis League after edging Aba Sports Club 3–2 in a fiercely contested final on February 14.
The Orlu side started strongly, with Boris Ochije claiming the first singles 6–3, 6–2 to give his team an early lead.

Aba Sports Club fought back in the first doubles, as Ajogo Hemen and Abu Mohammed secured a 6–4, 6–4 win, narrowing the deficit and briefly shifting momentum.

Orlu responded in the second doubles, with Udo YD Essi Umo and Emeka Ehirim combining effectively to take a 6–1, 6–4 victory, restoring a two-match cushion.

The fourth match, the veteran doubles, produced late drama, with Rotimi Akinlola and Akume James of Aba Sports Club winning 6–1, 6–2. Despite the emphatic result, the overall contest remained finely balanced.

The title was ultimately decided in the last game, where Igwedi Christopher overcame a hard-fighting Enyinnaya Osuji 6–4, 6–4. Igwedi’s victory swang the momentum, giving the Orlu team a back-to-back triumph in the 27-year-old competition.

After a contest marked by competitive spirit and quality tennis, Recreation Club, Orlu sealed a memorable 3–2 victory, lifting the ENIC Tennis League trophy and cementing their status as one of the region’s premier tennis sides.

By Kennedy Onwunali

Ahead of the Niger Delta Games scheduled to begin on February 20, 2026, in Edo State, the Imo State Government has commenced camping of athletes selected to represent the state at the competition.

The Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Everestus Obinna Onyeocha, disclosed this on Monday during a meeting with the Local Organising Committee (LOC), coaches and members of the State Liaison Committee at the State Secretariat in Owerri.

Onyeocha said no fewer than 270 athletes would move into camp on Tuesday for final preparations before departing for Edo State.
According to him, the athletes will remain in camp for two days ahead of the competition.

“Camping of the athletes will start tomorrow, Tuesday, and they will be there for two days before taking off to Edo,” he said.

The commissioner revealed that Imo would participate in 16 sporting events at the Games, including football, table tennis, boxing, handball and taekwondo, among others.

He, however, disclosed that the state’s swimming team is already in camp in Asaba, Delta State, where they have been undergoing intensive preparations ahead of the Games.

Onyeocha charged members of the LOC to expedite action to ensure seamless camping arrangements and the provision of adequate facilities in good condition to enhance effective training.

He confirmed that fumigation of the hostels had commenced and urged committee members to conduct on-the-spot assessments of the camps to ascertain the level of preparedness.

The commissioner further directed that any facility found to be in poor condition should be promptly reported to his office for immediate intervention.

He also announced the constitution of two sub-committees — Accommodation/Facilities and Camping/Training — comprising the 15 members of the LOC, to oversee logistics and technical preparations.

While commending the Media Committee for its efforts so far, Onyeocha urged members to intensify publicity to ensure adequate coverage of Imo State’s participation at the Niger Delta Games.

By Silvernews

The TRUST FC “whole person” development programme will hold today at Uzi Guest House, bringing together football academies across Imo State for a transformative youth football development session.

The initiative, designed to strengthen grassroots football structures, is targeted at academy administrators, coaches and young players, with a focus on combining athletic excellence with education and personal development.
Built on three key pillars — Train, Upskill and Transition — the programme seeks to promote professional conduct, character development and sector knowledge among young footballers.

Participants will also receive guidance on dual-career planning, social media engagement, diversity and inclusion, and player welfare.

A central feature of the event is the assessment of players through a structured dual-career evaluation framework aimed at identifying complementary career pathways that align with individual interests, qualifications and the demands of competitive football.
The Transition component of the framework is expected to address long-term sustainability within academies by institutionalising career support systems, staff training and responsible player deselection management.
Organisers say today’s session in Owerri marks an important step in aligning football academy operations in Imo State with global best practices in youth player development.
Academies participating in the pilot phase are expected to benefit from structured player education, individual implementation plans, capacity building for technical staff and post-programme evaluation mechanisms to ensure continuous improvement.
Stakeholders have expressed optimism that the initiative will enhance the quality of youth football administration in the state while safeguarding the welfare and long-term prospects of young talents.

Meanwhile, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, Commissioner for Sport Development in the State, on Monday received Dr. Ikechukwu Ejekwumadu in his office and pledged the Ministry’s support for the programme. He assured organisers that the Ministry would be represented by an official delegation at the workshop.

The programme is expected to conclude with collaborative discussions aimed at strengthening partnerships among football academies within Imo State.

Today, 16 February 2026, the General Manager of Barau FC and former Nigerian international, Dominic Iorfa, was honoured by the Nasarawa State Government/FA for Excellent Football Administration in the Nigerian football sector. The award was presented to him by the Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, during the Nasarawa State Governor’s Cup finals at the Lafia City Stadium.

Dominic Iorfa, a renowned football administrator who ventured into administration after an illustrious playing career, has remained a significant figure administratively in Nigerian football since 1999.

The former Nigerian international, has continued to deliver administrative masterclasses for over two decades, within this period, the legend has managed Lobi Stars F.C. on different occasions, served as the National U-20 Coordinator, functioned as an NFF Board Member, had a short stint with Remo Stars F.C., and is currently managing Barau FC in Kano and the Director NPFL youth programs.

Receiving the award, Iorfa expressed deep appreciation to the Nasarawa State Government/FA for finding him and his services worthy of recognition, stating that the award means more than words can express.

He dedicated the honour to God, his family members, friends, the Nigerian football community, and all the players and backroom staff of the clubs he has worked with, with special dedication to his current club, Barau FC.

Spectators described the award as deserving and highly commendable, noting that it reflects Iorfa’s longstanding contribution to football administration in Nigeria and also called for more applause to celebrate the legend who has and is still contributing to the game.

By Akeem Busari

Once again, the awards and recognition keeps coming for the best national female basketball team in Africa, D’Tigress.

The latest came in from the prestigious New Telegraph Awards, as the Coach Rena Wakama led team was honoured with a Special Recognition, during the awards ceremony held Friday, February 14, 2026, at the Grand Ballroom, Oriental Hotels, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The letter from the organisers of the event specially mentioned the exploits of D’Tigress on the African continent and beyond, in tbe last 10 years, particularly, the team’s domination of the Afrobasket championship, winning five consecutive titles and reaching the quater-finals of the last World Cup and the Olympic games.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Vice-president of Nigeria Basketball Federation, Babs Ogunade ,thanked the organisers of the event for the due recognition given to the team, even as he added that the NBBF led by Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, remains committed to the development and betterment of the game in Nigeria.

The Chairman of Imo Strikers of Owerri Prince Chidi Chinedu has lamented the failure of the management of Osun babes to respect business agreement and show professionalism in their dealings with him.
Chidi, while speaking with the media, stated that several efforts have been made for the Osogbo based team to pay him the outstanding of 15,000 000 ( fifteen million Naira ) for premiership exchange slot fees but unfortunately it has been unsuccessful.

” I thought I was dealing with transparent people and would easily wrap up a simple business agreement.
I never knew I would be introduced to a new game of hide and seek since October 21st, 2025, that Imo Strikers and Osun babes signed the agreement.

The money was not supposed to be paid in trenches , it was supposed to be a one-off payment of the agreed 25 million naira, but I was deceived to send my account details for the full payment only for Osun babes to credit me with 10 million Naira and immediately announced a new premiership status via the media.
The team promised to pay the subsequent balance of 15 million naira before the 30th of November 2025 with a lot of plea and redrafting of our agreement to that effect through calls and pleadings because I didn’t take it lightly with Osun babes that they announced a new premiership status when their financial obligations has not been wrapped up.”

Chidi further explained how several of his calls were not picked and recalled how the team manager of Osun babes Mr Tope Akinlade had sent belittling messages reprimanding him that he doesn’t know how a state Government runs her activities.
This unprofessional behaviour by Mr Tope Akinlade was also followed up by a letter by Osun Babes signed by him to Imo strikers that the government of Osun State is in a financial crisis and not in a position to pay the outstanding
immediately.

” If Osun State was in a financial mess and can’t run an NWFL Premiership Club , why bother to buy a slot you can’t pay for.” Chidi queried.

Prince Chidi had also reached out to the General Manager of Osun State Sports council Mr Ademola Daini , who didn’t pick up his call but instead sent a message that he would call him immediately but never did.
That scenario was not the first time by him.

” Tope now avoids me , doesn’t pick up my call, and would not respond to my messages.
The same Tope that begged me and promised heaven and earth while courting me for the premiership slot.”

Prince Chidi is seeking the intervention of the Osun State Government, owners of Osun babes, and the NWFL, the body that runs the premiership league to make the actualization of the payment of the outstanding of 15 million naira to Imo strikers possible.

It will be recalled that in 2019, the Colin Edwin football club of Lagos recovered her NNL slot from Osun United after failure from Osun United to fulfil the agreement of paying 6 million naira for the NNL slot.

The recovered slot was later handed over by mutual consent to FC One Rockets by Colin Edwin football club.

Osun babes at the moment are currently not finding it easy in the NWFL Premiership with only 8 points in 7 matches.

The 2026 Jagaban Cup No Offside tournament will commence on March 26th, 2026, at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium Surulere.

This four-day event is set to be an exhilarating display of top-tier football talent, featuring eight premier clubs competing for the championship title.

The distinguished eight clubs participating in this year’s tournament include the defending champions SGFC, Ikorodu City FC, FC Bethel, 36 Lion, Broad City, Mavlon FC, Smart City FC, and Klassisch FC. These teams are expected to bring their best performance, ensuring the tournament is a memorable occasion.

Scouts from leading football nations such as Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Brazil, Switzerland, Sweden, Venezuela, and the UAE will be present, aiming to discover the next big talent. This presents a remarkable opportunity for players to gain recognition and advance their careers.

The tournament schedule is filled with action, with matches taking place daily from 6:45 am to 2:00 pm, from March 26th to March 29th, 2026.

Defending champions SGFC Athletics will strive to keep their title, but they will encounter tough competition from the other seven clubs. Ikorodu City FC and 36 Lion FC are also teams to keep an eye on, boasting talented rosters and seasoned players.

The Jagaban Cup No Offside tournament serves as an excellent platform for young athletes to display their abilities and gain visibility. With exceptional coaching and training facilities, the tournament is set to be an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

The Legacy Pitch at the National Stadium Surulere is an ideal location for this esteemed tournament. With its cutting-edge facilities and vibrant atmosphere, the stadium is guaranteed to offer a remarkable setting for the matches.

As the tournament draws near, fans are eagerly looking forward to the thrilling matches and skilled players that will take the field.

The Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) has taken a crucial step by officially signing an Exclusive Broadcast Rights and Production Agreement with Cloud Sports Limited, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

This partnership aims to improve the football landscape in the state by providing enhanced broadcasting and production services.

The agreement is expected to bring numerous benefits to LSFA, including increased visibility and revenue. Cloud Sports Limited will manage the broadcasting and production of LSFA matches, ensuring that high-quality content reaches a wider audience.

According to the agreement, Cloud Sports Limited will hold exclusive rights to broadcast and produce LSFA matches, which will include live games and highlights.

This initiative is set to not only enhance the experience for fans but also attract potential sponsors and investors.

This three-year partnership, valued at ₦100 million, represents a bold and strategic effort to professionalize the Lagos FA Cup, boost its visibility, and unlock new commercial and developmental opportunities for our clubs, players, and the wider football community.

The agreement is designed as a hybrid model that includes both cash payments and value-in-kind contributions. This includes the provision of 300 footballs to support 79 affiliated clubs, as well as a one-day professional training program for the 79 Media Officers of clubs registered for the 2025/2026 Lagos FA Cup.

In light of this groundbreaking development, LSFA Chairman Hajji Gafar Liameed remarked; “On behalf of the Lagos State Football Association, I sincerely appreciate Cloud Sports for their confidence, investment, and shared vision for the growth of football in Lagos. Together, we are setting a new benchmark for grassroots football broadcasting and content production in Lagos, Nigeria.

“Lagos State Football is a thrillion naira business but our peculiar challenges hampers the growth. Our determination here as custodian of the beautiful game is to continue the rollercoaster of the positives we have created.”