The third edition of the Jagaban Cup continued on Tuesday morning at the Legacy Pitch, where Ikorodu City, a team from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), achieved a narrow 1-0 victory over FC Bethel.

Additionally, teams such as 36 Lion, Ijebu United, and SGFC also claimed wins, resulting in a total of 12 goals scored throughout the day.

Here’s a recap of the matches:

FC Bethel 0-1 Ikorodu City

The Oga Boys secured the crucial match-winning goal thanks to Ezekiel Samuel, who headed in a well-placed cross from Waliu Ojetoye, the right back for Super Eagles B.

Ikorodu City now has three points from two matches, while FC Bethel has earned one point.

Broad City 2-3 36 Lion

In a dramatic turn of events, Broad City squandered a two-goal lead against 36 Lion, despite standout performances from Hanif Sanusi.

Hanif opened the scoring by finishing a precise cross from Istifanus Freedom. A swift counterattack allowed Broad City to extend their lead, with Hanif delivering a superb finish past goalkeeper N’bangaly Drame.

However, Lawal Oluwaseun’s goal in the 48th minute sparked a resurgence for 36 Lion. Just two minutes later, Abidoye Ibrahim equalized with a powerful long-range shot.

The comeback was completed when former Future Eagles talent Alex John headed in the decisive goal.

With this victory, 36 Lion has accumulated six points from two matches, while Broad City remains with just one point.

Imperial 1-2 Ijebu United

Ijebu United secured a crucial victory to keep their hopes alive, defeating Imperial 2-1.

After two match days, both teams have accumulated three points each.

Onyemaechi Uchechukwu initiated the scoring for Ijebu United with a volley from within the box in the ninth minute.

In the 25th minute, Ekeh Emmanuel delivered a brilliant pass that penetrated Imperial’s defense, finding the unmarked Benedict Achi, who skillfully lifted the ball over goalkeeper Kator Daniel.

Imperial managed to score a consolation goal when Raphael Ugede found the net after receiving a well-placed pass from Kingsley Elijah.

SGFC 2-1 Dino SC

SGFC continued their impressive form, overcoming Dino SC with a 2-1 victory.

Obudu Samuel initially put SGFC on alert by calmly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Daniel Sodje.

SGFC responded with an equalizer from Okwuosa Chukwudi, who expertly lobbed the ball over the keeper.

The match-winner came from the energetic Ayodeji Ezekiel, who headed the ball into the net, sealing the fate of Dino SC.

With this result, SGFC now holds six points after two matches.

Day 2 Results

FC Bethel 0-1 Ikorodu City

Broad City 2-3 36 Lion

Imperial 1-2 Ijebu United

SGFC 2-1 Dino SC

By Silvernews

Ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Zimbabwe, the General Overseer of Miraculous Deliverance Gospel Mission, Rev. Dom Daniel Anyanwu, has predicted a resounding victory for the Nigerian side.

Speaking ahead of the match scheduled to take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, the Imo-based cleric expressed confidence in the team’s ability to secure maximum points.

“I am expecting nothing less than a win. I believe the Super Eagles will beat Zimbabwe 3-0,” he declared.

Heartland FC’s Struggles Not Spiritual

Rev. Anyanwu also weighed in on the ongoing challenges facing Heartland FC in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season. According to him, some of the players lack the necessary fitness and quality to represent the club at the highest level.

“The issue with Heartland FC is that the team needs some adjustments. There are players who, in my opinion, should be removed,” he stated.

Dismissing any notion that the club’s struggles are spiritual, he emphasized the importance of hard work and discipline.

“It’s not all about spirituality. I believe that when someone works hard and backs it up with prayers, the supernatural will take control. The coach is doing a great job, but some of the players are too sluggish,” he added.

Youth Development Through Football

Beyond football predictions, Rev. Anyanwu, who also owns Dom Daniel FC, shared his vision of using football to transform society. His club, he explained, was established to keep young people off the streets and steer them away from crime.

“I want to help the youths by taking them off the streets, which will aid their development. Issues like kidnapping, robbery, and other forms of criminality can be reduced when young people are engaged positively. My goal is to ensure they have opportunities to develop their talents and contribute to making society a better place,” he said.

As the Super Eagles prepare for their showdown against Zimbabwe, fans will be eager to see if the cleric’s bold prediction comes to pass.

Hajji Gafar Liameed, the host of the Jagaban Cup, expressed his belief that the tournament, which commenced on Monday at the Legacy Pitch, will reveal future football stars.

After witnessing the four matches on the tournament’s opening day, Gafar shared his enthusiasm about the performances.

“I believe we will discover new talent. The youthful energy, the fluidity of play, and the fast-paced action were impressive. I noticed scouts in the audience, actively engaged and taking notes. During the break, several foreign scouts approached me with inquiries about at least six players.”

He remarked that it is encouraging to see these participants potentially selected, especially as the tournament progresses into the second and final days.

He expressed his aspiration for the tournament to grow, envisioning the inclusion of clubs from various regions across the country.

“While we may see future expansion, for now, my focus is on Lagos and the Southwest. That’s why we have four teams from the Southwest and four from Lagos. We will continue this way and assess how it develops. If expansion is feasible, we will pursue it.” He also discussed the tournament’s future and its long-term viability.

“This tournament is designed to endure. As I eventually pass the responsibility to my son or the younger generation, the Jagaban Cup should persist. The founders of clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea are no longer with us. Similarly, when the founders of the Jagaban Cup move on, the tournament will continue to thrive.”

The opening day featured four matches showcasing remarkable performances and exciting goals, a result Gafar attributes to intentional scouting efforts.

“I personally visited the training grounds of each team selected to participate. I evaluated their training regimens and assessed the strengths of each club, player by player, and IQ by IQ. My experiences in Europe observing U17, U19, and U21 matches have informed me of the current demands. Therefore, to be invited to the Jagaban Cup, a player must meet specific criteria.”

“We established that players showcased here should have a minimum of 2,500 minutes of playtime. This equates to approximately 25 to 30 weeks of competitive football, which is evident in the performances you witnessed today.”

The opening day of the esteemed Jagaban Cup at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, featured an impressive total of 13 goals across four matches.

In the early match at 7 am, the highly regarded Ikorodu City suffered a 2-0 defeat against 36 Lion.

FC Bethel and Broad City played to an exciting 1-1 draw, showcasing their competitive spirit.

The third match was a thrilling encounter, with SGFC edging out Ijebu United 3-2 in a five-goal spectacle.

The final match of the day saw Imperial triumph over Dino SC with a score of 3-1.

Joel Ashaku was named man of the match for his two goals, while Bashir Adbulkareem also found the net. Dino SC’s Steohen Shedrack managed to score a consolation goal.

With the absence of an offside rule, fans can anticipate even more goals in tomorrow’s matches, starting at 7 am at the Legacy Pitch.

Day 1 Results:

36 Lion 2-0 Ikorodu City

FC Bethel 1-1 Broad City

Dino SC 1-3 Imperial

Ijebu United 2-3 SGFC

By Kingsley uzowulu.

Heartland fc of Owerri yesterday at the Dan Anyiam stadium were defeated by Abia Warriors Fc of Umuahia by 1-0.

The match which was an Oriental derby was kicked off by Heartland fc through surajudeen lawal at 4pm as the team launched an attack against the visitors almost immediately.

Prior before the match the home team are placed 17th on the NPFL log with 34 pts and the Umuahia landlords also had garnered 44pts and are placed 5th.

The two teams came with different mind sets , for the Naze Millionaires they know the needed the 3 pts at stake to itch their way out of relegation while Abia Warriors also were targeting the maximum point to press home their quest for a continental ticket at the end of the league.

In the 10th minute of the first half the Emmanuel Amuneke tutored lads had a clear cut chance to go in front which was wasted due to poor finishing, another opportunity came calling in the 24minute through Surajudeen Lawal in the penalty area of the visitors and was clearly filtered away.

Abia Warriors also had a fair share of their own shots on target as they narrowly missed scoring the curtain raiser off a shot by Ezekiel (18) that hit the wood works after Heartland Fc goaltender Kelvin ogunga was beaten hands down.

The home team continued with their catalogue of misses even when they had the goal keeper of Abia Warriors (Uzoigwe) at their mercy.

The first half remained a ding dong affair until the referee called for a break .

In the second half the home team made a quick substitution as Samuel Wisdom replaced tired chukwudi Agor.

The visitors kicked off for the start of the half and indicated clearly that they were in for business and on a revenge mission as well having lost to the Naze Millionaires in the first stanza of the NPFL.

Moments later and in the cause of the match Abia Warriors Fc player was sent off by the referee for delibrately striking Heartland fc attacker Surajudeen Lawal.

The visitors quickly made a change, just as the home team pulled out Daniel Ekpo for Joel okoro in the 71st minute.

The reduction of the Umuahia team by one man did not change anything as the visitors became even more deadly , tormenting the home team and disorganizing them the more until the dieing moments of the match when the Naze Millionaires skipper Christian Molokwu brought down a rampaging Warriors attacker some meters away from their penalty area.

The resultant freekick was clinically converted to goal by the captain of the visitors.

The home team were badly wounded and pressed hard to restore parity and failed to achieve same as well.

The match officials doled out another 7 minutes after full time which was also barely enough for Heartland fc to do any damage against the Umuahia boys who maintained their grounds with more robust and technical play until the referee signaled for the end of the thrilling derby.

The Naze Millionaires will be in Ikenne away to SunShine Stars of Akure for match day 31 in continuation of the 2024/25 NPFL.

1 ” Understanding Players Contractual Obligations in Professional Football for Sustainable growth and development of league football in Nigeria”

SPEAKER: Comrade Austin Popo, member NFF Players Status and Arbitration Committee, Executive Secretary National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers NANPF

2 ” Footballers Further Education, a vital key for growth and development of Football and Footballers in securing a guaranteed Future : A Peep into the Past ”

SPEAKER: Mr Adetola Ademola Bernard , Former Chairman, Ekiti State Sports Commission, Lecturer, Federal Polytechnic Ado- Ekiti, Chairman Ekiti State Mineral Resources Development Agency

MODERATOR: Mr Bello Lasoro, Director Special Duties, NANPF, Adminstrative Secretary Kwara State

The Legacy pitch at the National Stadium in Surulere is set to host the 3rd edition of the renowned Jagaban Cup.

This year’s tournament is gearing up to be intense, thrilling, and highly competitive, featuring eight carefully chosen teams from Lagos, Kwara, and Ogun State, all vying for glory and life-changing opportunities in front of keen-eyed foreign football scouts.

As per the schedule released by tournament director Wale Joseph, the four-day football extravaganza will kick off with group stage matches from Monday to Wednesday, culminating in the final on Thursday.

The opening match on Day 1 will see 36 Lion take on Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) team Ikorodu City at 7 am. This will be followed by matches between FC Bethel and Broad City, Dino SC against Imperial FC, and Ijebu United facing SGFC.

On Day 2, the matchups include Ikorodu City versus FC Bethel Sporting, Broad City against 36 Lion FC, Imperial FC taking on Ijebu United, and SGFC squaring off with Dino Sporting Club.

Day 3 will feature Dino Sporting Club against Ijebu United, Imperial FC versus SGFC, 36 Lion FC facing FC Bethel Sporting, and Ikorodu City going up against Broad City.

The much-anticipated final will take place on Thursday at the same venue.

By Silvernews Correspondent

ABA, Nigeria – As Aba Sports Club approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026, President Sir Chris Agbo has shed light on the club’s remarkable transformation into one of Nigeria’s most prestigious sports and recreation institutions. In an exclusive interview with Silvernews.com.ng, Agbo detailed the club’s evolution, emphasizing the dedication of its members as the driving force behind its continued success.

A Legacy of Excellence

Founded in 1926 during the colonial era, Aba Sports Club has stood the test of time, adapting to changes while maintaining its core values. According to Agbo, the club’s journey began with expatriates who introduced organized sports and recreation to Aba. After their departure, Nigerians took ownership of the club, expanding its reach and impact.

“The Aba Sports Club is one of the oldest clubs in Nigeria, and that’s why we proudly bear the name Aba Sports Club 1926,” Agbo explained. “When the whites left, Nigerians began developing a keen interest in recreation and sports. That was when the first black member was admitted, and from then on, we have continued to improve.”

The Driving Force Behind the Transformation

Agbo attributed the club’s success to the unwavering commitment of its members, who continuously strive for excellence. He noted that each administration builds on the achievements of its predecessors, ensuring constant improvement in infrastructure, equipment, and overall member welfare.

“Every president of Aba Sports Club comes in with a clear vision of what they want to achieve,” he said. “From the moment you declare your intention to lead, members assess your plans for advancing the club. You cannot afford to fall short of expectations because Aba Sports Club is a gathering of men who know what they want.”

The club maintains high standards through partnerships with trusted vendors and a dedicated management committee that oversees infrastructural improvements and maintenance. This collaborative approach, Agbo emphasized, has been instrumental in preserving the club’s reputation as one of the best in Nigeria.

Preparations for the Centenary Celebration

With the milestone anniversary fast approaching, plans are underway to mark the event in grand style. Agbo revealed that a committee will soon be established to oversee the planning and execution of various activities aimed at highlighting the club’s achievements.

“Aba Sports Club will be 100 years in 2026, and we are putting structures in place to celebrate a century of excellence in sports and recreation,” he said. “We will roll out programs that will give us visibility within the community and beyond, ensuring that this milestone is celebrated in a befitting manner.”

A Call for Support and Continued Commitment

As preparations gain momentum, Agbo urged well-meaning Nigerians to support the club’s centenary celebration. He also encouraged members to remain committed to upholding the club’s legacy.

“To lovers of Aba Sports Club, stay engaged and follow us closely—you will not be disappointed,” he assured. “For members, to whom much is given, much is expected. Let us continue to keep the flag flying because the world is watching us.”

With a rich history and a promising future, Aba Sports Club remains a beacon of excellence in Nigeria’s sports and recreation landscape.

Heartland FC will face off with Rangers International in Round 34 of the 2025 President Federation Cup, Silvernews.com.ng reports.

The Naze Millionaires defeated CP Strikers in Round 64 to zoom into the next round while Rangers beat Kano Pillars in a similar fashion.

President Federation Cup – Round of 32 Fixtures

Heartland FC Vs Rangers Int’l

Warri Wolves Vs Shooting Stars

Enyimba FC Vs Elkanemi Warriors

Bayelsa United Vs FC Basira

Lobi Stars Vs Solution FC

Sunshine Stars Vs Plateau United

Beyond Limits Vs Rivers United

Danburan FC Vs Inter Lagos

Kwara United Vs Gombe United

Ikorodu City Vs Crown FC

Wikki Tourists Vs Rovers FC

Osun United Vs E World FC

Nasarawa United Vs Ijele FC/Lautau United

Bendel Insurance Vs Adamawa United

*Katsina United Vs Yobe Desert Stars/Abakaliki FC*

The Jagaban Cup organizers have revealed that European football scouts will be on hand to discover outstanding talent during this highly anticipated tournament.

Scheduled for March 24 to March 27, 2025, the event promises to be an exciting showcase.

Tournament Director Mr. Wale Joseph shared with the press, “On March 24, we will kick off with four matches at Legacy Pitch.”

“Day two will also feature four matches at the same venue, followed by another four games on the third day. Notably, the tournament will implement a no offside rule.”

“Matches on the 24th, 25th, and 26th will take place from 7 AM to 12 PM. There will be no semi-finals; instead, the winners of each group will move directly to the final,” he confirmed.

As a seasoned journalist and administrator, he emphasized that the tournament aims to highlight hidden talents poised for international contracts, reinforcing their dedication to grassroots development.

“This event is designed to provide genuine opportunities for talented players and their teams to make a transition to Europe.”

The participating teams—Ikorodu City, Dino SC, Ijebu United, 36 Lion, SGFC, Imperial FC, Broad City, and FC Bethel—have all confirmed their involvement and readiness.

This initiative is a partnership between 36 Lion Investment, Diamond Sports, and Lagos Enigma.