By Silvernews

MARKAN FC/FA, a football club based in Imo State and owned by Obiukwu Macanthony, has continued to make significant strides in youth football development, positioning itself as one of the emerging talent hubs in Nigeria.

Established in 2010, the club has grown in reputation for discovering and grooming young players, with several of its products currently playing in Europe, a testament to its structured developmental system.

With a strong emphasis on grassroots football, MARKAN FC focuses on nurturing and training young talents through well-organised programmes aimed at equipping players with the skills required for professional careers.

The club also creates avenues for exposure, enabling players to showcase their abilities on both local and international platforms.

Aside football development, the club has embraced the role of using sports as a tool for social impact, positively influencing the lives of young people within and beyond Imo State.

MARKAN FC has also maintained an active presence in competitive football, featuring in regional tournaments, the Federation Cup, and lower divisions of Nigerian football.

The club trains at its official ground located at Alvan, where it continues its mission of developing the next generation of football stars.

…Calls For Reforms In The System in Line With Modern Trends

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has disclosed that it won’t stop at nothing in ensuring that a perfect system for referees to excel is put in place.

President of the Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Gusau made this known when the leadership of the Nigeria Football Referees’ Association, NFRA visited the Football House on a courtesy.

Alhaji Gusau who received the delegation led by the Acting President, Sir Kelechi Mejuobi, assured of continued partnership with the arbiters’ body for the growth of the game in the county.

According to the NFF President, all is in place to train at least ten referees on VAR as part of its capacity programs to raise the level of referees in the country. He said that the program will take place this year amongst others geared towards improving the standard of officiating.

Alhaji Gusau who used the opportunity to sympathise with the death of the President, Hon Sani Zubairu who died recently and has since been buried enjoined the referees’ expressed happiness with the smooth transition process that has seen the emergence of an acting president for the association. “The Federation is happy with the process taken which is in line with your constitution”, he added.

The NFF President told the
association to gear up for further challenges in line with the realities of modern day refereeing requirements. He admonished the leadership of the NFRA to begin investment in recruitment of young referees from the Secondary Schools cadre for future resourceful results. He also harped on education and knowledge of technology driven innovations as refereeing officiating and report writing have changed overtime. The NFF President further urged the association to be in the mood for changes that will turn around the fortunes of the association.

Earlier, the NFRA delegation had briefly visited the office of the General Secretary of the Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi who also commiserated with the leadership over the untimely exit of Zubairu.

Dr Mohammed Sanusi used the opportunity to remind the NFRA team of the need to continue to tutor and mentor their referees involved in matches to be of good behaviour always, especially those on the field of play.

Speaking during the visit, the NFRA President opined that it became necessary to visit the Federation over the death of Zubairu’s since he was not just a President of the association before death came but served as Head of Refereeing Unit of the NFF. Mejuobi said that Zubairu’s death was a great loss not just to the football family but to the NFF and referees. He said that the association has to move on by using specified constitutional means to fill the gap which saw the Deputy National President move on to become the acting president.

“Having enjoyed a good relationship with the Federation when our late President, Alhaji Zubairu was alive and in charge, we have come to seek continuity of the strategic partnership.

Mejuobi who on behalf of the NFRA thanked Alhaji Gusau led NFF for support to the referees in terms of training programs, payment of Indemnities and other incentives noted that the association is turbo-charged to reciprocate the kind gestures of the Federation in many folds.

In the NFRA delegation is the former President, Alhaji Ahmed Maude.

National officers present include Engr Emma Imiere, Vice President 1 and Vice President 2, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Fagge. The Deputy Secretary General, Col Nicholas Achikasim, North West Zonal Coordinator, Mallam Nasser Ibrahim, Chairman of Chairmen, Alhaji Aliyu Mammaga, Abraham Zakowi of the NFF Referees Committee and Victor Ijeremen of the FCT Council.

By Silvernews

The Mbaise Council of Ndi Ezeji has announced the emergence of a new President General, Ezeji Chief (Comrade) Nwajere Linus Enyinnia, KSM, Okwu-Udo I of Okpofe.

Enyinnia, a retired Director of Primary Health Care Services in Imo State, brings a wealth of administrative and leadership experience to his new role.

He previously served as the State President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), where he was widely recognized for his advocacy and commitment to workers’ welfare.

An alumnus of Imo State University and the University of Calabar, Cross River State, the new President General is also known for his active involvement in community development.

He once held the position of Deputy President General of the Okpofe Improvement Union, both at home and in the diaspora.

Described by stakeholders as a vibrant and dedicated community leader, his emergence is seen as a step toward strengthening the Ezeji institution in Mbaise.

Members of the council and well-wishers have expressed optimism that his tenure will usher in growth and renewed unity, while also congratulating him on his new position.

BY OHIS ASEIN

Brown Ideye is a name that still commands respect in Nigerian football circles, not just for what he achieved on the pitch, but for how he has continued to stay relevant even after his playing days at the highest level.

Born in Lagos but with strong roots in Uhonmora, Ora, Edo State, Ideye rose from humble beginnings to become one of Nigeria’s most reliable strikers during his active years. Known for his strength, intelligent movement, and eye for goal, he built a career that took him across some of Europe’s competitive leagues.
Ideye’s journey saw him feature for top clubs such as Dynamo Kyiv in Ukraine, where he enjoyed one of the most productive spells of his career, scoring crucial goals and competing in European competitions.

His move to the English Premier League with West Bromwich Albion further highlighted his pedigree, as he tested himself in one of the toughest leagues in the world. He also had stints in Greece with Olympiacos, where he continued his goal-scoring form and won domestic titles, as well as experiences in France and other leagues.

On the international stage, Brown Ideye was part of the golden squad that brought pride to Nigeria by winning the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in South Africa. Though not always in the spotlight, his contributions to the team’s success remain significant, as he played his role in helping the Super Eagles reclaim continental glory.

After years of professional football, Ideye has gradually transitioned into life beyond active play. Far from stepping away from the game, he has remained connected to football, bringing his wealth of experience and insight to the media space. Today, he is a familiar face on SuperSport, one of Africa’s biggest sports broadcasting platforms, where he features as a football analyst and contributor on various shows.

In this new role, Ideye offers thoughtful analysis, drawing from his years of experience at both club and international levels. His calm demeanor and deep understanding of the game have made him a valuable voice in football discussions, inspiring younger players and giving fans a deeper perspective on the sport.

Brown Ideye’s story is one of growth, resilience, and evolution—from a young boy with dreams, to an AFCON champion, to a respected voice in football media. His journey serves as a reminder that true passion for the game doesn’t end with retirement; it simply takes on a new form.

By Silvernews

The battle for supremacy in the 2026 Federation Cup in Imo State intensifies today, with two explosive fixtures lined up at the OISA Stadium, Ngor Okpala, as mammoth crowd are expected to troop out to watch the games.

All eyes will be on giant killers, Opotemba FC, as they confront Giant Barilla, Ngor Okpala, in the day’s opening clash at 1:00 p.m.

The encounter is expected to test the resilience of both sides as the competition reaches its make-or-break stage.

At 3:00 p.m., attention shifts to a high-profile showdown involving Heartland FC, who face Heartland Cement in a fixture that could define their campaign.

The excitement follows a series of gripping matches recorded on Tuesday. Kun Khalifat FC B Team pushed Campos A Team to the brink before bowing out 6–5 on penalties after a fiercely contested goalless tie.

In another thrilling encounter, Kun Khalifat FC A Team secured a dramatic 3–2 victory over Campos B Team at the Old Stadium, Owerri.

Campos B mounted a spirited comeback from two goals down to level at 2–2, but Khalifat snatched victory with a late strike just moments before stoppage time.

Off the pitch, the Imo State Football Association has called on corporate bodies and well-meaning individuals to support the competition.

The FA, under the leadership of Chairman, Ifeanyi Dike, insists the tournament remains a level playing ground for all teams.

The association also highlighted a major milestone, revealing that 32 teams are participating in this year’s edition—one of the highest in Nigeria—underscoring the growing appeal and credibility of the competition.

By Silvernews

Former President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Chief Fan Ndubuoke, has alleged that football authorities in the country are deliberately working against the success of Emmanuel Amunike, warning that vested interests may deny the former international a fair chance to thrive as a coach in the country.

Ndubuoke made the remarks during a one-day lecture organised by the SWAN Imo State chapter, where he claimed that Amunike’s potential success could threaten those currently controlling the administration of football in Nigeria, particularly regarding the Super Eagles coaching position.

“If Emmanuel Amunike becomes coach and does well in any club, it will threaten the position of those who are in football authorities in the country because Nigerians will begin to ask questions on why he was not employed by the federation to manage the Super Eagles,” he said.

The former SWAN president also took a swipe at the management of the nation’s sports sector, describing it as lacking transparency and accountability. He likened the system to a “Ponzi scheme,” alleging that funds are routinely expended without proper scrutiny.

He further urged the National Sports Commission (NSC), noting that the commission is functioning without a governing board as stipulated in its establishing law. According to him, this raises concerns about the legality of financial transactions carried out under the current structure.

Ndubuoke urged sports journalists to remain steadfast in their duty as watchdogs of society, emphasising the need for ethical reporting and accountability within the sports sector.

The lecture, themed “Balancing Truth and Loyalty: Ethical Responsibility in Sports Reporting,” drew participants from across the sports media landscape and was widely seen as an eye-opener to the way sports is run in the country.

As the conclusion of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, season draws near, Kano-based side, Barau FC, are making the headlines for the right reasons in their debut campaign.

The Maliya Boys are thriving under the guidance of its General Manager, Dominic Iorfa and Technical Adviser, Eugene Agagbe, after enduring a torrid start under the previous helmsmen.

Leading the team as captain is homegrown fans’ favourite, Usman Maidubji, whose exceptional leadership is propelling the team to enviable heights in the league.

The technically-gifted midfielder joined Barau from his boyhood club, Kano Pillars during the club’s stint in the lower division in the 2024/2025 season. He also featured for Plateau United during his formative years as a professional player, where he earned plaudits from coaches, teammates and fans.

Maidubji is widely commended for his leadership traits both on and off the field, resulting to the team’s general acceptance by teeming fans and supporters including stakeholders in the league.

In the field of play, the young, energetic and highly-intelligent midfielder bagged his first league goal for the club off a fantastic free kick in the victory against Kwara United on November 30, 2025 at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

The ever-consistent midfield maestro is renowned for his hunger for success at the highest level and is comfortable playing in front of the back four to offer shield to the defensive set-up.

One of his finest attributes is the ability to adapt seamlessly to different tactical roles, combining his defensive-midfield duties with direct attacking play which has made him a regular starter in Agagbe-led side.

The skipper has proven on several occasions that he has the ability to read games exceptionally and knows exactly how to anticipate and neutralize attacking threats which ranks him above his peers.

Recently, Maidubji was named Man of the Match in the keenly-contested matchday 34 victory against Remo Stars for his brilliant contributions that helped pushed his team to 9th on the log.

As the league gets to its crescendo, the fans’ favourite is expected to accentuate top-notch performances in his usual characteristics in Barau’s remarkable debut campaign in Nigeria’s top flight.

By Silvernews

Heartland FC have fallen short in their bid to secure promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), with Technical Manager Emmanuel Amuneke admitting that a poor first stanza of the 2025/2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) campaign proved costly.

The Naze Millionaires finished third on the table with 27 points, despite ending their season on a high with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Crown FC Ogbomoso on April 11, 2026.

The decisive moment came late in the encounter, as Jonathan Osondu struck in the 82nd minute to seal all three points.

Reflecting on the campaign, Amuneke acknowledged that his side missed a crucial opportunity to return to the elite league, pointing to their inefficiency in front of goal during the early part of the season.
“We missed the opportunity to secure promotion based on our first-half performance,” Amuneke said.

“We created plenty of chances but couldn’t convert them. It’s something we must improve on moving forward.”

Despite the setback, the former international expressed appreciation to the club’s supporters for their consistent backing throughout the season, noting that their encouragement remained vital even during difficult periods.

“I truly thank our fans. Football isn’t predictable, but we’re following a process to ensure we reach our goals soon,” he added.

Amuneke, however, took positives from the team’s resurgence in the second stanza, expressing optimism that the lessons learned would strengthen the squad ahead of future campaigns.

Technical Manager of Heartland FC, Emmanuel Amuneke, has been honoured by the President Generals of the five communities that make up Owerri Nchi Ise Clan in Owerri Municipal of Imo State.

The delegation was led by Sir Osita Udemba who is the President General of the President Generals and he spoke on behalf of the group. He praised Amuneke for his diligence and commitment to duty, assuring him of their continued support.

Udemba also said the honour reflects Amuneke’s hard work and dedication to grassroots football, adding that his contributions to the growth of the game remain significant. He also wished the former international, more success in his career.

Reacting, Imo FA Chairman, Barrister Ifeanyi Dike, commended the delegation for the gesture.

“We need to imbibe the culture of honouring and appreciating our heroes while they are with us. The truth is that we are privileged to have Amuneke amongst us, serving with humility and diligence. All he needs is our support to revamp our sports,” he said.

The honour was presented by the leadership of the President Generals of Owerri Nchi Ise, representing the five communities in Owerri Municipal. The President Generals of the five communities in Owerri Municipal are Osita Udemba, the President General of Umuihugba Umuodu Autonomous Community and the President General of all Presidents General; Mr. Kenneth Ibeawuchi Njoku, the President General, Umuororonjo Autonomous Community and the Secretary General of all PGs.

Others are: Chief Anyiam Ejiogu, the President General of Amawom Autonomous Community;
Hon. Stanley Okoronkwo, the President General, Umuonyeche Autonomous Community and Chief Austin Uba who is the President General of Umuoyima Autonomous Community.