Apexmedia

  Akinkunle Bolarinwa  UFC star Israel Adesanya is set to seek immediate redemption in a UFC rematch with Alex Pereira in April, despite his coach advising that he takes a break before the facing the new champion again. Israel Adesanya's coach wanted the UFC star to take a break before pursuing his rematch with Alex Pereira. 'The Last Stylebender' lost his UFC middleweight crown to long-term rival Pereira late last year after being stopped in the final round of their encounter. Adesanya stated his intention to pursue an immediate shot at revenge  Despite the nature of his defeat. However after talks were held shortly after his loss, Adesanya had his second meeting with 'Poatan' confirmed for April 9 in Miami.  His trainer Eugene Bareman believes he could have benefitted from the fight being scheduled in May or June but they will be prepared for the sharp turnaround nonetheless.

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has denied reports that the world’s most populous black nation is planning to host the biggest football showpiece on the continent. Apexmedia2020.blogspot.com can report that NFF says such a bid does not exist.  The First Vice-president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Felix Anyansi-Agwu, insists he is unaware of such a move from the country’s number one football body. “I don’t think such an arrangement is in progress". The Enyimba Fc of Aba boss denied having any knowledge concerning the joint bid with Republic of Benin or any other countries.  "I don’t know anything about the joint bid yet". Caf is yet to make any announcement concerning nations bidding to host the tournament in 2025.

  Akinkunle Bolarinwa  The most prestigious domestic football competition in Lagos is living up to its billing as clubs battle for top spot at the ongoing 2023 LSFA/BETWGB LAGOS FA CUP. Apexmedia2020.blogspot.com gathered that Utility Sports Fc and Bucknor Fc have both booked their tickets into the second round of the competitions.  Utility Sports Football Club recorded 2-1 Victory over Grace Sports Channels FC. In other results, Bucknor also defeated Chekas United 2-1 to book a place in the second round of the tournament. Action continues tomorrow as Ante faces Tico, Billionaire Academy clashes with Crowned Academy, while Smart City feeders confront Lion Heart.  All the matches would be held at the Maracana stadium, Ajegunle. Results of 1st Round Matches at Maracana Stadium, Ajegunle on Tuesday, February 28, 2023... 1. Bucknor FC 2 Vs 1 Chekas FC 2. Cats FC 4 Vs 2 Zion Int FC 3. Utility Sports FC 2 Vs 1 Grace Sports Channels  FC 4. Ecas FC 1(4) Vs 1(3) City of Lagos FC (Pen) 5. Nakamu

Akinkunle Bolarinwa Solomon Agbalaka was the only Flying Eagles Player included in the Best Eleven squad of the Caf group stage matches.  Recall Agbalaka won two consecutive Man of the Match awards for his brilliant displays in the group games. He was voted  Flying Eagles best player when Nigeria beat host nation Egypt 1-0 in the second group game. Solomon Agbalaka picked up his second Man of the Match award at the 2023 U-20 AFCON, after helping the Flying Eagles beat Mozambique 2-0 in their final Group A game. Following the conclusion of the thrilling group stage of the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations 2023 in Egypt, the Technical Study Group (TSG) released their Best XI. At left-back is one of the best performers of the TotalEnergies U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2023, Solomon Agbalaka of Nigeria. The powerful full-back is a modern defender and he has influence in either box with his aerial ability.  Solomon scored the all important goal for Nigeria in a 1-0 victory over E

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  Nigeria's D'tigers were nowhere to be found when the world basketball body FIBA introduced the qualified countries for the 2023 FIBA World Cup.  You will recall that the D'tigers made a last attempt to navigate into the world cup channel during the last qualifying window in Angola.  After back to back victories in the group games, the aspirations of the Nigerian side was cut short by the defeat to Angola.  Following the conclusion of the qualifiers on Monday, the 32-team field for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 has been confirmed with the final tickets claimed in the February 2023 window. With 17 of the 32 spots in the 19th edition of FIBA's flagship men's basketball event formalised before the last two game days, Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Georgia, Iran, Jordan, Mexico, Montenegro, Puerto Rico, Serbia, South Sudan, USA and Venezuela were the last ones to stamp their participation to complete the list. Africa: Ang

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  One of the most active football association in Nigeria, the Ekiti State Football Association has reloaded the prestigious state football league with eye-catching fixtures.  The best state league in Nigeria returns next month with blockbuster matches and week one fixture will start with Fuoye Dazzlers Fc against Rajjy Fc on Thursday 9th of March 2023. According to the chairman of the Ekiti State Football Association, Honourable Bayo Olanlege, the state league is evolving each year with new innovations and incentives to get the football ecosystem in the state running.  He stated further that the state FA is unrelenting on its pragmatic approach to football development in the state. The Ekiti State Football Association league is sponsored by Bet9ja company.

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  After successfully hosting the just concluded One Fight Ultimate (OFU4) Mixed Martial Arts Fight Night in Lagos last weekend, the organisers of the event says another fight night is in the offering.  The next championship dubbed OFU5 will come up on the 26th of March 2023 at Redbar, Lekki in Lagos.  The President of OFU Chief Ife Obiudo promised more exciting bouts from his stable, adding that with assistance from other sponsors every fight night will be competitive. He stated further that more opportunities will be available for young and enterprising combat sports athletes in Nigeria. The five bout Championship is geared towards developing some budding Nigerian combat sports athletes who have been yearning for opportunities to showcase their skill-set.

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  Flying Eagles players have been in hot demand from top clubs around Africa and Europe following their impeccable performances at the ongoing AFCON U20 tournament in Egypt.  Apexmedia2020.blogspot.com can report that some agents are keeping vigil at the Flying Eagles camp just to seal deals with talents of their choice.  A famous Egyptian football intermediary Islam Serageldin says Solomon Agbalaka is in hot demand.  According to him, there are many agents and scouts in Egypt hoping to tie up a good deal with Solomon Agbalaka. Islam requested for the opportunity to meet with outstanding talents in Nigeria during or after the AFCONU20 tournament.  "Please refer me to any of the under 20 players you know please". He demanded a chance to negotiate with some players in the Flying Eagles at the AFCON U20 tournament.  "Yes I am asking about this team, I want players in the under 20 that are in Egypt". Solomon Agbalaka is their main choice for now and t

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  The Beninese Football Federation has confirmed that indeed both countries (Nigeria/Benin Republic) are in the advanced stage of working out a joint bid for the 2025 Afcon. Reports of Nigeria’s intention to co-host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with Benin Republic may not be totally wide off the mark after the tiny West African nation confirmed its involvement in the project. The host for the 35th edition of the continental championship is yet to be decided after CAF stripped Guinea of the hosting rights following a perceived lack of preparedness. A member of the executive committee of the Beninese Football Federation, Imorou Bouraïma, revealed that in the proposal, Benin would  proposal, Benin would provide two while Nigeria will present four of the six stadia needed for a successful outing. According to him "Nigeria is a border country with Benin and we also have almost the same cultures".  "You know that now the Africa Cup of Nations comprises 24

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  Italy based football agent, Prince Fred Akhigbe reveals numerous reasons why local talents in Nigeria never lived up to the hype. Akhigbe who is an expert in the business of scouting and management of players is worried that the longevity of upcoming stars are diminishing at a worrisome rate.  "In general African players don’t play to their prime and this is a worrisome issue". In a chat with Apexmedia2020.blogspot.com he attributed the cause of the problem to age falsification. "Fake age declarations by these players and this is usually engineered by their agents just to meet up with foreign clubs requirements". The boss of Fa_sportingmanagement buttressed that, despite the imposing performances of the various national teams at age-grade tournaments the longevity of an average player is usually cut short. "They need to go back to school and get proper education so that they can decide their future, acquiring knowledge about the game can pr

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  First knock out matches in this year's LAFS/BETWGB Federations Cup competition kicks off this week at Legacy Pitch, Surulere And Maracana Stadium Ajegunle The first round of seven knock out matches will commence with interesting fixtures.  According to the fixtures released to Apexmedia2020.blogspot.com,  Legacy Pitch National Stadium Surulere will accommodate two matches while Maracana Stadium Ajegunle will host five matches. At the Legacy Pitch National Stadium Surulere, Power of the Cross Versus Jimmy FA while the second.match is between Depros United and Maryland United FC At the Maracana Stadium Ajegunle, CAT FC will square up against Zion International FC in the first match while the second match is between Bucknor FC and Checkers FC. In other matches scheduled to.hold at the Maracana Stadium Ajegunle, Utility Sports FC will take on Grace Sports Channel FC, Ecas FC Versus City of Lagos FC. The last Group match at the Maracana Stadium Ajegunle, is between

  Akinkunle Bolarinwa  The Mozambicans crashed out of the ongoing AFCON U20 competition after suffering a 2-0 defeat to seven times African champions, Nigeria. The head coach of Mozambique U20 men team, Dario Monteiro felt sad about the outcome of the game and admitted that his players were inexperienced. "Nigeria is better, we are still young and need those experiences to improve our game". Monteiro stated that he expected his team to score at least a goal against Nigeria but that didn't happen.  " We failed to score so we are disappointed to have conceded two goals. Apexmedia2020.blogspot.com gathered that Monteiro praised his boys for their efforts despite crashing out of the tournament.  "They gave their best in this tournament. We are delighted to be here". He stated further that it was not easy for his team to have qualified for the AFCON U20 tournament.  "It's not always that Mozambique qualifies for the AFCON U20, so when you get that exper

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  It was a bit too late for the D'tigers of Nigeria to turn things around against Angola as the team lost narrowly to the host nation.  An outstanding performance from a team that was already written off even before the start of the series.  The D'Tigers didn't offer to lose the game, they only ran out of time to turn things around against a team with huge home support and resources.  Apexmedia2020.blogspot.com monitored the game and the team matched their opponent through the first half but lost grip in the 3rd quarter.  The revival started in the 4th quarter when the boys gave their opponent a run for their money but the fire power wasn't enough.   Kudos to the Nigerian side for cutting down the 20 points margin to 6 points in a commendable effort.  Nigeria's D'tigers will now wait for other clarification results from FIBA.

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  Rivers United of Nigeria are the 2nd club in the CAF Confederation Cup competition history to defeat DC Motema Pembe in DR Congo after Al Khartoum of Sudan. The Nigeria Champions on Sunday secured a 1-0 crucial win over DC Motema Pembe of Angola in their third group match game of the ongoing CAF Confederation Cup. Rivers United are the 4th Nigerian club to win in DR Congo after Bendel United (1989), Enyimba FC (2006) & Warri Wolves (2015). All of the 4 wins ended in the same scoreline (0-1). Despite going down to ten men in the first half after Ebube Duru was shown a red card by the Referee, Paul Acquah’s second half goal in the 53rd minutes to give Pride of Rivers what would ultimately decide the game played at Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda, Angola. With the victory, the Coach Stanley Eguma led side have now gone top of the group B with six points. They will continue their continental campaign on March 7 when they play host to the Angola side in Nigeria.

  Akinkunle Bolarinwa  Ex Super Eagles International, Peter Ijeh who is currently available for any coaching job in Nigeria has declared that his daughters Evelyn and Josephine can still represent the nation if the country is willing to give them another chance. "Yes they are still eligible to play for Nigeria if given the opportunity, they have been here before and they know what is best for them" Speaking exclusively to Apexmedia2020.blogspot.com Peter Ijeh said he is happy with the level of exposure given to them by the Swedish national teams. "They are more matured and experienced now having been given needed exposure by the Swedish FA to various National teams". Peter ljeh, says that his daughters, Eveyln and Josephine, possess some skills similar to his and can be great in their football careers. "They are talented and they can still play for Nigeria since they haven't officially featured in the Swedish senior national team. He hinted that only Evelyn

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  The Men’s basketball team of Nigeria are not yet done as they picked up another valuable victory against Guinea in their second game at the ongoing FIBA World Cup qualifying series in Angola.  D’Tigers defeated their Guinean counterparts 62-59 in a must win encounter at the Pavihao Multiusos de Luanda. The victory means D'Tigers are third in group E, with 14 points behind Cote D'Ivoire 15 points and host Angola 14 points. However both Cote D'Ivoire and Angola are yet to play their game in hand. The breakdown of the scoring showed that the first quarter ended 13-13, the second and third quarters finished 22-18 and 13-8 for the Guineans while Nigeria had a superlative performance in the fourth to defeat the Guineans 23-11. The two top teams will get automatic tickets for the World Cup which will take place in the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia from 25 August to 10 September 2023. Earlier today in group F, South Sudan over ran the DR Congo 82-61 in Alex

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  There was no stopping the Ladan Bosso led Flying Eagles as the team defeated Mozambique to ease their passage to the knockout stage of the ongoing AFCON U20 tournament in Egypt.  Goals from Samson Lawal and Ibrahim Mohammad were enough to send the deflated Mozambique lads packing from the tournament.  After narrowly losing the opening day fixture against Senegal, Flying Eagles restored hope with a slim victory over host nation Egypt in the game two and another victory against Mozambique sailed the Nigerian side to the last quarter finals.  A win for Nigeria in the last eight means an automatic ticket for the world cup as the continent will produce four nations for the junior world cup.

  Akinkunle Bolarinwa  Abdulsamad Badamosi the chairman of Katsina United Fc has stated in clear terms that his club is not indebted to any agent or players surrogates. In a chat with Apexmedia2020.blogspot.com the easy going football administrator said that his team transfer system is transparent and accountable.  "As of now, we are not owing any agent and we have settled everybody before now". Badamosi is not bothered about hired goons trying to tarnish the image of the club. "People can say what they don't know about the team but we have our facts, we don't need their distractions". Reacting to his team's demotion to the second tier of the nation's league, Badamosi stated that they are done worrying about it and would like to concentrate on the quest for promotion back to the elite division. "We have prepared well for the upcoming season and we don't want negativity to truncate our preparations".

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  Ex-Players of Bayelsa United have cried out over their unpaid salaries and allowances. Apexmedia2020.blogspot.com gathered that these players have not been paid since 2014 to  2015. The club also failed to reward the ex players with promises made after the team won the Federations Cup and their participation at the continental CAF competition. The club has failed to fulfil it's promises and the players are suffering. The Ex players are demanding for the payment of their outstanding salaries.  The players, who would not want their names mentioned, also alleged that most of them have been victimised for asking for their money. They once again pleaded with the State Government to compel the management of Bayelsa United to pay the Ex players all money owed them and save the club from any embarrassment.

  Akinkunle Bolarinwa  The FIFA Women’s World Cup is going to be a milestone for Super Falcons defender , Onome Ebi if selected for the women's mondial. At the world cup, She will also become the first African Footballer dead or alive to feature in 6 FIFA World Cup Tournaments. At the just concluded WAFCON tournament in Morocco, Onome aged 39 was the oldest player to play in that tournament. She was with the Super Falcons at the just concluded Revelation Cup in Mexico. The defence maestro made her debut for the Super Falcons in 2003 and has since gone on to win 4 WAFCON trophies.

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  It is now signed and sealed, former Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr has extended his stay in West Africa to Benin Republic.  The Ex Super Eagles technician will be packing his bags to Cotonou the next few days for a press conference during which he will reveal everything about his contract It was in Paris that the operation took place, between the Beninese Minister of Sports Oswald Homeky, the president of the Beninese Football Federation Mathurin de Chacus and one of its vice-presidents Alphonse Pedro Ayema. No more doubt, Gernot Rohr is now the new coach of the Cheetahs of Benin.  Gernot Rohr previously coached Burkina Faso, Gabon, Niger and Nigeria.  Gernot Rohr thus replaced Michel Dussyyer at the head of the Cheetahs of Benin.

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  Few days after securing a work permit to play for his new club in South Africa, Nigeria’s Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi says he is not done with football yet. The very religious Akpeyi is happy that he has finally settled down with a new club  to do what he knows how to do best. The award winning goalkeeper told Apexmedia2020.blogspot.com that he is still strong and agile to carry on with the business of football for more years to come. He said God has been there for him all through the period of his search for a new club. The Nigeria International joined the South African premier league side Swallows FC a few weeks ago after the expiration of his contract with Kaizer Chief in July 2022. The 36-year-old, who has been training with the Dube Birds will be available for selection when they visit Chippa United on Sunday. Swallows are third from bottom, tied with Maritzburg United on 21 points in the relegation play-off spot – and both sides have 10 matches rema

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  Former Super Eagles International, Peter Ijeh  has expressed his availability for any coaching job in Nigeria. The former Malmo FF of Sweden striker says he is also available to coach any of the national teams if called upon. "I am available right now and I am willing to coach any club in Nigeria as soon as possible". Ijeh expressed his desire to help the domestic league through his services.  "I want to contribute to the league and I want people to see what I can offer". He told Apexmedia2020.blogspot.com that he has all the necessary coaching certificates and qualifications to manage any club and the national teams. "I have my coaching badges and licence and so I am qualified to sit on the bench". He confirmed that he has coaching experience with expertise in grassroots talents development.  "I have been developing players locally for the past ten years and I know the pattern of play here. Peter Ijeh is the sponsor and promoter

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  Enyimba Fc Aba goal tender Olorunleke Ojo has returned to training after injury layoff. The Super Eagles goalkeeper embarked on a light training schedule on Monday this week under the watchful eyes of the coaches. "Yes I started training with the team and I also go out for personal training by 5pm daily" said Olorunleke  Olorunleke Ojo narrated that he has been around the team even before he started his recovery plans. "I have been in Aba all these while and I started training with the team this week". He said all is looking well for him to bounce back in a record time. "Anytime and any day I am ready to bounce back and play for my club and country".

The business of football comes with daily transactions on and off the pitch.  While the key actors, that is, the footballers battle day and night for fame and wealth, the clubs, do their own business in the background, looking for sponsors or negotiating the next big transfers Most transfers comes after months or even years of scouting and there is always a third party in most cases who stands in for the players at the negotiation stage.    In years gone by, one of the most respected football agents to come out of Nigeria, is a certain John Ola Shittu, who took the football world by storm with the sale of John Obi Mikel to Manchester United and later Chelsea within a spate of a few weeks Shittu made megabucks from that singular business, a deal that esterblished him as one of Africa's best talent spotter.  After Shittu, a few other Nigerians have made headlines in their own right with the sale of emerging and esterblished football stars to top European, African, Asian and South Ame

  Akinkunle Bolarinwa  Over twenty five Ex players of Bayelsa United are seeking justice over the inability of the South South club to settle all their contacts entitlements. The failure of players playing in the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL, to receive their salaries and other entitlements, has been brought to the attention of the World Soccer Governing Body, Federation International of Football Association, FIFA.  The aggrieved Ex players through their lawyers are sending a letter to FIFA and the Bayelsa State Government over non-payment of their salaries and other benefits by the state owned football club. These players who do not want their names to be made public at this time have contributed immensely to the excellent performances recorded by the Yenagoa based club in the recent past. Apexmedia2020.blogspot.com can report that Bayelsa United owes these Ex players over 70 million Naira in salaries and allowances. Some players and officials of the Bayelsa United team

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  D'tigers made up of home based talents walked through the acid test to halt the seven game unbeaten run of tournament's favourite, Cote D'Ivoire in the first game of the qualifying series in Angola. Before now D'tigers have been written off by pundits however the lads got the job done against the Ivorians and the team can now hope for a better result against Angola to further step up their quest for a ticket at the final qualifying round for the FIBA World Cup. Nigeria won emphatically by 72 to 63 against their West Africa neighbour and the team needed to keep the momentum till the last game. Up next is Angola on Sunday in Luanda and a victory against the host can cement a new legacy for the local talents from Nigeria.  First loss for the Ivorians today could jeopardise their opportunity for the world cup. There are clear indications that they clearly underrated the half strength of the D'Tigers team. Nigeria is now third on the league table aft

  The Ekiti State Football Association's LFCs has reeled out the guidelines for its polls.  Scheduled for March 1, the election will see delegates from various sections of the football councils converge at various venues in the sixteen local governments to choose a new Chairman, Vice Chairman and two ordinary members.  Delegates representing the Players Union, Coaches Association, Supporters Club, Referee Society, Club Owners, Primary School Coordinators, Secondary School Coordinators, Head of Women’s Football alongside the current LFC Executive Committee Chairmen are expected to cast their votes in the polls.  The election guidelines read in part: “All delegates must belong to the member/affiliates that they represent and be appointed or elected by the appropriate body of that member/affiliate. They must also be able to produce evidence of this on request.” The electoral committee for the polls expects candidates to submit interest forms on or before 4pm on 28th February, 2023. Pe

Akinkunle Bolarinwa Ex- Super Eagles International, Seyi Olofinjana was at one point last year offered the opportunity to serve as Super Eagles assistant coach but the former Wolverhampton Wanderers player rejected the offer.  The chance was given to him before Ghana dumped Nigeria out of the FIFA World Cup in 2022. According to our impeccable source who was then part of the previous NFF Board, Olofinjana was contacted twice to be an assistant coach of the national team but on each occasion he gave different excuses.  "Yes he was contacted and offered a good job with the national team but he declined.  Olofinjana was the first option before the NFF settled for the choice of Emmanuel Amuneke. "The proposal was for him to be the assistant to former coach of Super Eagles Gernot Rohr but it seems he wasn't interested". Our sources also told Apexmedia2020.blogspot.com that Rohr was ready to work with Olofinjana and the Ex player decision to decline affected Rohr's pla

  Akinkunle Bolarinwa  Immediate past 2nd vice president of the Nigeria Football Federation Mallam Shehu Dikko has described allegations levelled against him by the Task Force Chairman of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) Harrison Jalla as arrant nonsense.  Harrison Jalla previously published a newsletter describing the office and person of the former LMC chairman as fraudulent.  However Shehu Dikko says Jalla is a jobless con artist that is looking for cheap attention. "Him no get work that’s why and that is why he is attacking me," Dikko started in a rebuttal to recent reports written by Jalla to malign his name. He directed Jalla to continue with the people he has been extorting money from and stop trolling him.  "Him no see Amaju to keep him busy and taking money from those sending him". He stated further that he has no business with Jalla and his vengeance seeking venture. "Wish him luck with his continuous joblessness and attentio