The delegation of Nigeria’s U20 boys, Flying Eagles, landed in Abidjan on Tuesday morning ahead of two friendly matches against the Young Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire.

The contingent was led by Member of the NFF Executive, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi. Coach Aliyu Zubairu selected 21 players for the task, among whom are team captain Daniel Bameyi, first-choice goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt, defender Haruna Aliyu, midfielder Cletus Simon and forwards Clinton Japhet and Olalekan Sulaiman Alabi.

The seven-time African champions take on their Ivorian counterparts at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in the Ivorian capital starting from 3.30pm CIV time (4.30pm Nigeria time) on Wednesday. Both teams will again clash on Friday at the same venue, with the same kick-off time.

FLYING EAGLES FOR FRIENDLY GAMES WITH CIV

Goalkeepers: Ifeanyi Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Abubakar Rufai (Mavlon FC)

Defenders: Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United); Emmanuel Okoro (Sporting Lagos); Haruna Aliyu (Wikki Tourists); Babatunde Jimoh Faruq; Stephen Jolomi (Mavlon FC)

Midfielders: Kingsley Matthew (Kings FC); Gbolahan Ajisafe Wasiu (Smart City); Anthony Ezekiel; Mohammed Sabiu Ibrahim (Niger Tornadoes); Olalekan Sulaiman Alabi (El-Kanemi Warriors); Shafiu Adamu Duguri (Wikki Tourists); Cletus Simon (Mavlon FC); Nasiru Salihu (El-Kanemi Warriors)

Forwards: Bidemi Olalekan Amole (Real Sapphire Academy); Clinton Japhet (Enyimba FC); Abdulmuiz Adeleke (Adoration FC); Divine Oliseh (Fostar Academy); Ayomide Muftau Mubarak

By Silvernews

The Imo State Liaison Committee has reaffirmed the state’s readiness to participate in the Niger Delta Sports Festival, set to take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from April 1 to April 8, 2025. Organized by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in partnership with Dunanis Icon Limited, the festival will bring together over 3,000 athletes, 600 coaches, and 300 media practitioners from the nine NDDC mandate states. The event aims to promote talent discovery, human capital development, and sports infrastructure in the region, aligning with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Initiative and the vision of Governor Hope Uzodinma’s 3R Agenda for sports development.

Imo State will be represented by 600 under-25 athletes drawn from its 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs), competing in 17 sports including athletics, football, basketball, wrestling, swimming, and weightlifting. Registration is ongoing via https://nigerdeltasportfestival.com/ and at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, closing on March 7, 2025. State trials are scheduled for March 4, while the open camp runs from March 17–23 and the closed camp from March 24–30 before the team departs for Uyo on April 1, 2025.

Honorable Commissioner for Sports, Obinna Evaristus Onyeocha, expressed gratitude to Governor Uzodinma, Local Government Executive Chairmen, and Hon. Mrs. Rubby Emele, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, for their support. He also commended the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) for helping to publicize the event. Coaches and athletes have been urged to attend the trials and prepare adequately for the competition.

With Imo State’s preparations in full gear, the Niger Delta Sports Festival promises to be a landmark event for sports in the region. The commissioner expressed confidence that new talents will emerge, and Imo State will make a strong impact at the festival, further solidifying its reputation in Nigerian sports.

In a pulsating friendly clash but controversial officiating at the Coca-Cola Football Pitch in Aba, home side Inter FC Aba narrowly edged past Giant Brillars FC with a 2-1 victory in what was a fiercely contested encounter between two Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) teams.

Aside the controversial officiating The match lived up to its billing as a high-profile preseason test, with both teams showing attacking intent from the start. It was the hosts who broke the deadlock in the 30th minute when Chinwekele Ubani capitalized on a defensive mix-up to slot home and put Inter FC in front.

However, the Coach John-Kingsley Echendu tutored side responded almost immediately, showing resilience and tactical discipline. Just two minutes after conceding, Chimezie Ubah restored parity with a stunning rebound strike from outside the box, leaving the Inter FC goalkeeper with no chance.

The second half turned into a tactical battle, with Giant Brillars dominating possession, dictating the tempo with intricate passing sequences, and launching waves of attacks. However, Inter FC Aba remained disciplined, soaking up pressure and looking to hit their opponents on the counter.

The decisive moment came in the 86th minute when super-sub Bright Chigaemu latched onto a quick counterattack and fired home the match-winner, sealing victory for Inter FC.

With the first leg done and dusted, both teams will now turn their attention to the return fixture in Owerri, where pride and bragging rights will be on the line.

By Silvernews

Football fans were treated to a thrilling FA Cup final at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, where Heartland FC secured a 2-0 victory over OISA FA to lift this year’s Federation Cup trophy.

Among the enthusiastic spectators watching Suraju Lawal score both goals for Heartland was Mr. Patrick Osuji, CEO of Campos FC Owerri and sponsor of the 2023 FA Cup final. Osuji praised the high quality of play displayed by both teams. He almost missed the game due to difficulties in securing a flight to Owerri but expressed relief at finally making it to the stadium after two days of uncertainty.

Reflecting on his decision to sponsor this year’s final, Osuji revealed that his commitment to football sponsorship is driven by a personal covenant with God. “I promised that any day I make money, I will contribute to football development in the state,” he said. He explained that Campos FC’s struggles in securing sponsorship for their participation in the competition were one of the reasons he decided to invest in football. His financial capacity to do so improved after one of his players, Uche Christantus, was transferred to Getafe in Spain last year.

Speaking on his own team’s performance, Osuji admitted that Campos FC was not fully prepared for this year’s competition due to various team engagements. However, after his team was eliminated, he confidently predicted that Heartland FC and OISA FA would reach the final based on their impressive performances.

With Heartland emerging victorious, the final was a testament to the growing competitiveness of football in the state, reinforcing the need for continued investment and support from stakeholders like Osuji.

BY KINGSLEY UZOWULU*.

Heartland fc of Owerri yesterday at the Dan Anyiam stadium clinched their first major title this year as they defeated OISA FC of Ngor okpala by 2-0 in the final match of the Imo FA Cup.

The first half of the encounter ended goaless as the duo were determined to make a statement, with the Naze Millionaires dominating proceedings.

In the second half the Emmanuel Amuneke tutored side their dominance in play with increased ball possession, creating several chances that were not converted to goal until Surajudeen lawal strucked in the 67th minute of play to score the curtain raiser for his team after a well coordinated move.

The Naze Millionaires pressed further after the first goal dictating play and running rings around the OISA players with some sensational moves that eventually resulted to the second goal in the 74th minute by the gangling and prolific finisher of the NPFL side Surajudeen lawal to put the game beyond the youthful OISA boys.

Heartland fc remained focused and barely kept their opponents at bay with solid defense artistry that checkmated the excesses of the Okpala side until the blast of the whistle by the referee for the end of the match.

The two teams will represent the state at the National Level in the Federation Cup.

Newly formed Abakaliki Football Club (FC) of Ebonyi on Sunday won the 2O25 edition of the state’s president federation cup by pipping city rivals, Cynosure FC 1–0.

The lone goal of the match came in the second half through defensive midfielder.Uche Amarachi, who nodded in a corner kick.

Chairman of Abakaliki FC, Senator Obinna Ogba congratulated the players for the victory but noted that more work was needed on the team.

The Former Senate Committee Chairman on Sports noted that the team will be adequately fortified to for the national series of the competition.

“My joy is that the federation cup fervour is back in Ebonyi after a long period of absence.

“This is because the state presently has a sports loving governor who appreciates the immense benefits of developing the sector.

Pius Nwankwo, the Special Assistant to the State Governor on Sports, said that modalities would be put in place to ensure he team excels at the competition’s national series.

“My recommendation will be that the team is strengthened wholistically to achieve intended results.

Cyril Timothy, the Captain of Abakaliki FC said the results serves as a motivational factor for improved performances.

“Winning our first trophy in our inaugural season gives us immense joy and we would not rest on our oars in achieving more successes.

Onyedika Mgbemena, a Sports Enthusiast and Member of Salt FC of Abakaliki, commended the team and urged it to improve in critical areas such as the attack.

Mgbemena on behalf of Salt FC, donated N100,000 to Abakaliki FC for winning the trophy.

The football community was abuzz as the finals of the 2025 Lagos State President Federation Cup for both men and women teams unfolded at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Sunday, February 23rd.

In the men’s final, Inter Lagos dethroned Ikorodu City with a 5-4 penalty shootout win. The game ended 0-0 in regulation time.

Meanwhile, Dannaz Ladies pipped Unification Ladies 1-0 to emerge as the women’s champions.

In an interview with reporters at the well-attended event, Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed, Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, conveyed his contentment and joy regarding the competition’s success.

“This year’s tournament has undoubtedly been a tremendous success, showcasing high-quality play, excellent organization, discipline, and impressive attendance throughout the matches,” he stated.

“Furthermore, on behalf of the executive board of the LSFA, stakeholders, investors, and the entire football community, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to His Excellency Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for creating a safe and supportive environment, as well as providing a wonderful facility for football and youth development.”

“We also acknowledge the leadership of the Lagos State Sports Commission, under the guidance of Hon. Lekan Fatodu, for fostering a productive and harmonious relationship with the LSFA.”

Hajji Liameed further expressed gratitude to football administrators, stakeholders, investors, and government officials, including former LSFA Chairman and NFF 1st Vice-President Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, Engr. Waidi Akanni, Hon. Damilare Orimoloye, SSA On Sports to the Lagos State Governor, Hon. Onaopepo Adu, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports Marketing, Chairman of TopPro Sports Management ESV Ayodele Thomas, CEO of Owu Sportswear Barrister Tunji Brown, as well as Peter Nieketein and Kelvin Etemike, who represented the Ex-Nigeria Internationals, for their invaluable support.