Monimichelle Sports is proud to announce a historic milestone for both Nigerian sports infrastructure and our brand, the hybrid synthetic pitch constructed for Remo Stars Football Club has been officially awarded FIFA Quality certification — the first pitch in Nigeria to receive this globally recognized standard.

This achievement marks a watershed moment in Nigerian football facility development, underscoring Monimichelle Sports’ leadership in delivering world class, performance-driven surfaces that meet the stringent criteria set by FIFA for safety, durability, ball roll and rebound, player interaction, and environmental sustainability.

Hybrid synthetic surface engineered by Monimichelle Sports, combining elite performance with enhanced player safety designed to meet the needs of professional competition and community usage, this is a demonstration of Nigerian technical capability and international competitiveness in sports infrastructure.

This certification isn’t just a badge — it’s a confirmation that Nigerian engineering and innovation can meet the highest standards in the global game. We are honoured that the Remo Stars pitch has achieved what no other in the country has, and we remain committed to elevating sports infrastructure across every region of Nigeria.

The FIFA Quality certification process involved rigorous laboratory and field testing to ensure compliance with FIFA’s exacting performance specifications. The awarded status positions Remo Stars’ facility among elite football venues worldwide and provides athletes with world-class playing conditions.

Monimichelle Sports is a Nigerian sports infrastructure and technology company based in Yenagoa Bayelsa State dedicated to designing, constructing, and maintaining high-performance pitches and athletic surfaces. With proprietary systems and a commitment to excellence.

Monimichelle Sports is transforming the landscape of sports facility development across Africa.

Head Coach of Barau FC, Eugene Agagbe has declared that his side will escape the drop zone after seven matches in the second round of the 2025/26 NPFL season.

He made the declaration after Barau FC secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Niger Tornadoes in match day 20 league encounter.

The match, held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, saw Moses Uche score the opening goal, followed by a brilliant assist from Usman Maidubji to Muhammad Umar, sealing their win.

He assured that the victory against Niger Tornadoes will signal the beginning of improved performances and good results for the reminder of the season.

The victory marked one of the club’s first wins of the year 2026, boosting their morale and showcasing their skills. Muhammad Umar was voted SWAN Kano Man of the Match for his fantastic goal and outstanding performance, marking the third time he’s received this recognition this season 3.

Recall that the club has been strengthening its squad, announcing the signing of six new players, including Ebuka Nwokorie, a former Kun Khalifat FC star midfielder, and other talented players from various Nigerian football clubs.

Imo State has commenced the registration of athletes for the second edition of the Niger Delta Games as preparations intensify across the region.

The State Liaison Committee, working with recognised sports associations, has urged all local government areas to ensure the prompt registration of eligible athletes to guarantee full representation for the state.

Speaking with newsmen, the Chairman of the Liaison Committee and Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Obinna Onyeocha, said Imo State is fully prepared for the Games, adding that young talents from across the state have been identified and mobilised.

He also appealed to local government chairmen to support the process by directing their sports secretaries to scout and register promising athletes within the approved age bracket.

Team Imo Media.

Barau Football Club, has announced the signing of six new players, as part of efforts to strengthen the squad ahead of the second stanza of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

The signings were officially unveiled on Tuesday, 13th January 2026, by the Club’s General Manager, Dominic Iorfa, alongside the Vice President, Kabiru Baita.

During the unveiling, the club officials charged the new players to give their utmost best, both on and off the pitch, in order to drive the progress and success of the club.

Headlining the mid-season acquisitions is Ebuka Nwokorie, the former Kun Khalifat FC star midfielder, who has already scored six goals in the current NPFL season.

Other players unveiled include: Moses Tsehuan – Centre Back (from Nasarawa United) Akpo Godwin – Centre Forward (from Attack Energy FC, Afghanistan)

Ezeonye Henry – Centre Forward (from Kun Khalifat FC) Uche Moses – Left Winger (from Kun Khalifat FC) Nwaodu Chukwudi – Attacking Midfielder (from Enyimba FC)

Both the players and the club management have agreed to a two-year contract, which will see the new signings remain at Barau FC until 2028.

Fans of the Maliya Boys are already eager and excited to see the new players don the club’s colours as the NPFL second stanza gets underway.

Signed:
Ahmad Hamisu Gwale
Media Director, Barau FC
14th January 2026

The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has selected Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea as the Centre Referee for the mouth-watering semifinals cracker between Nigeria and Morocco.

The three-time champions will face Morocco’s Atlas Lions in the last-four of the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Meanwhile, Tom Abongile from Tunisia will be on VAR duties.

…Imo SWAN Mourns Founding Member

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter, has announced the death of veteran journalist and revered media practitioner, Anthony Okoroigwe, describing his passing as a huge loss to the journalism profession in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the association, Chairman of Imo SWAN, Cosmos Chukwuemeka, said the late Okoroigwe, who died at the age of 77, was one of the founding fathers of SWAN in Imo State and a man whose commitment and selfless service helped shape the association in its formative years.

“Anthony Okoroigwe was not just a colleague, he was an institution within Imo SWAN. He served the association diligently in various capacities, including as Treasurer and Assistant Secretary, and his contributions laid a solid foundation for what SWAN has become today,” Chukwuemeka said.

Chukwuemeka described the late journalist as a disciplined professional, mentor and bridge-builder whose wealth of experience and calm disposition earned him respect across generations of journalists in the state.

Okoroigwe, who hails from Eziama Oparanadim, Ahiazu Mbaise, was a seasoned broadcaster who spent many years in the News and Current Affairs Department of the Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC), where he distinguished himself through principled reporting, dedication to duty and an unwavering commitment to ethical journalism.

Chukwuemeka noted that beyond his professional excellence, the deceased would be fondly remembered for his jovial nature, accessibility and willingness to guide younger journalists, qualities that made him a stabilising figure both within SWAN and the wider media community in Imo State.

“His death has created a vacuum that will not be easy to fill. We have lost a pillar, a mentor and a true professional who believed strongly in the ideals of SWAN and journalism as a tool for societal development,” the Imo SWAN Chairman added.

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Imo Chapter, extended its heartfelt condolences to the Okoroigwe family, his friends, colleagues, and the entire media community in the state, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.

By Silvernews

Imo All Stars emerged champions of the maiden LCS Ugochukwu Pitch opening tournament in Orji, Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, after edging DDFC 1–0 in a keenly contested final decided by a second-quarter goal.

The competition, which marked the official unveiling of the newly constructed artificial turf at Orji, opposite the residence of Senator Ezenwa Onyenwuchi, attracted a large turnout of football enthusiasts, sports administrators and community leaders.

Imo All Stars and DDFC produced an intense final, with both sides displaying tactical discipline and resilience.

After a balanced opening quarter, Imo All Stars broke the deadlock in the second quarter and held firm in the remaining periods despite sustained pressure from DDFC to secure the narrow victory.

The opening tournament featured competitive matches involving Imo All Stars, DDFC, Orjiians FC and Friends of Ugoo, all competing for honours in the maiden competition organised to herald the facility.

The ceremony was chaired by sports administrator, Prince Lammy Akakem, and was graced by notable football personalities, including the Chairman of the Imo State Sports Commission, Eleazar Onyewuchi Ogbonna, former Super Falcons goalkeeper, Precious Dede, and former Super Eagles star and coach, Emmanuel Amunike.

Speaking at the event, the father of the LCS, Mr. Udochukwu, described the completion of the Ugochukwu Pitch as the fulfilment of a long-held vision aimed at promoting grassroots football and youth development.

He said the facility was designed to provide young talents with a standard platform to develop their skills while fostering unity and positive engagement within the community.
Organisers said the LCS Ugochukwu Pitch would serve as a hub for organised competitions and talent discovery in Imo State.

The opening ceremony ended on a high note with Imo All Stars lifting the trophy, *setting* the stage for regular competitive football activities at the new facility.

Brentford have signed forward Kaye Furo from Club Brugge for £8.7m (€10m).

The 18-year-old has signed a five-and-a-half-year deal and will go straight into Keith Andrews’ squad.

Furo has scored one goal in five league appearances since breaking into the first team and featured against Arsenal in the Champions League last month.

Brentford boss Andrews said: “Kaye is someone we have tracked for a while that we are really excited about bringing to the club.

“His attributes are ones that I like and feel we can develop within the environment we have created. I have no doubt he will be a big player for us.”

By Silvernews

Former Super Eagles defender and ex-Chelsea FC Technical Director, Emmanuel Emenalo, has lost his mother, Late Elder Mother Jane Nwaninyaya Ugbonnaya Emenalo (née Agharawo), who passed on peacefully at the age of 89.

A devout Christian and respected matriarch, Mama Emenalo was widely admired for her humility, discipline, and strong family values.

Though not directly involved in sports, she was acknowledged as a major influence behind the personal and professional success of her children, especially Emmanuel Emenalo, whose career brought honour to Nigeria and Africa.

Her life was marked by faith, service to humanity, and commitment to unity within her community. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family members.

The football fraternity joins the Emenalo family in mourning her passing while celebrating a life well lived.

By Silvernews

Orji community in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State will come alive on Sunday, January 11, 2026, as the LCS Ugochukwu Pitch is officially unveiled in a colourful football fiesta.

The newly constructed artificial turf, located at Orji, opposite the residence of Senator Ezenwa Onyenwuchi, is expected to serve as a major boost to grassroots football development in the area.

Kick-off for the grand opening ceremony is slated for 2pm.

Adding prestige to the occasion, renowned sports administrator Prince Lammy Akakem will serve as Chairman of the event.

Also expected to grace the ceremony are distinguished football personalities, including Precious Dede, former Super Falcons goalkeeper; former Super Eagles star and coach, Emmanuel Amunike; and Prince Eleazar Onyewuchi Ogbonna, Chairman of the Imo State Sports Commission.

The opening match will parade some of the finest football talents, including professional stars and home-based players. Featured among the special guests are Fabrizio Roman’s Lesley, Churchill, and Stephanie, whose presence is expected to add glamour and excitement to the historic event.

Four teams have been confirmed to participate in the novelty matches lined up for the day. They are Imo All Stars, DDFC, Orjiians FC, and Friends of Ugoo.

The teams will engage in friendly but competitive encounters to showcase the quality of the new pitch and entertain football lovers.

Speaking ahead of the event, organisers described the LCS Ugochukwu Pitch as a landmark project aimed at nurturing young talents, promoting community unity, and providing a standard playing surface for football development in Imo State.

Football fans, sports administrators, youth groups and residents of Orji and neighbouring communities are expected to turn out in large numbers to witness the historic opening, as the LCS Ugochukwu Pitch officially joins the growing list of modern football facilities in Imo State.