Apexmedia

  A grand jury has voted to indict Donald Trump in New York over a hush money payment made to the adult film star Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election. Trump was expected to appear in court for his arraignment on Tuesday, Trump’s lawyer Susan Necheles said. At that point he would enter a plea on the charges. New York’s police have been told to report for duty on Friday and be prepared to deal with “unusual disorder”, according to a memo seen by NBC. It is unclear whether Trump will be handcuffed at his appearance but he will be fingerprinted, photographed and processed for a felony arrest. His legal team is expected to vigorously fight the charges, and a timeline for a potential trial remains unclear. Meanwhile, popular Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele had foretold an indictment of the former US president some years back before the presidential election that was held in 2020. Primate Ayodele was quoted in a written statement and in a video during a live service in his La...

  The organizers of the Paul E U17 Cup has announced that a Texas, USA based companies has identified with the tournament holding in Abuja 14th to 24th April. Revealing this in a statement, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee Patrick Ngwaogu said   El Roi Property Holdings made its intention known through the Chief Executive Officer Dr. Afunrhe Oghre-Ikanone, confirming there readiness to support the organizers of the Paul E U17 Cup in ensuring that the youths in the country are given the platform to exhibit their talents. The Chairman was full of praises to the Proprietor of Paul E Football Club Mr Sotomtochukwu Chidiebebe for his passion in the development of the youths in the country and ensuring that he provide a platform for them to excel.

  Akinkunle Bolarinwa  Israel Adesanya admits UFC 287 is his 'last chance' to banish the demons and exact revenge over old rival Alex Pereira The Brazilian beat Adesanya - having already done so twice in kickboxing - when the pair renewed their acquaintance for UFC middleweight title last year. "This is my last shot, and I'm going to give it all I've got in every sense of the word.' Says Adesanya. He said he is destined to reclaim the belt he lost to the Brazilian. "I'm hunting now... this is my last shot and I'll roll the dice': Israel Adesanya insists he has shifted mentality ahead of huge rematch with Alex Pereira for middleweight title at UFC 287" Pereira was losing on the scorecards in their last battle until the fifth round, when the powerful Brazilian upped the aggression and forced a stoppage. Adesanya had never lost at middleweight before that night and having performed so well, will only make minor tweaks to the gameplan this tim...

Akinkunle Bolarinwa Football stakeholders are calling the Nigerian Football Federation to declare a state of emergency on the nation's football because of the incessant problems and challenges confronting the game. According to them, the way all Nigerian national teams are playing, many Nigerians could lose faith in the country’s football. They told Apexmedia2020.blogspot.com that the last time any national team made Nigeria proud is still in the 90s. Therefore they are calling on NFF to declare a state of emergency in Nigerian football starting from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) to various national teams if the country wants to get it right. The stakeholders suggested that the NFF must ensure that Nigerian coaches must upgrade themselves by going for refresher courses to understand modern day football. Mohammed abdulqadir a football stakeholder said, "Nigeria is annoying to watch before even listening to commentary on radio without necessarily watching when ...

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  As the Nigeria Football Federation is trying it's best to clear up all the outstanding indebtedness to coaches, some of the coaches have however been left out of the recent payments made by football house. Recall that Jose Peseiro and some other coaches of various national football teams of Nigeria were paid part of the money owed while some are yet to get. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has allegedly failed to pay Super Eagles goalkeeping coach, Ike Shorunmu, a member of Jose Peseiro's technical crew for over 10 months. The former Super Eagles International told Apexmedia2020.blogspot.com that his salaries, match allowances and winning bonuses have not been paid, despite the fact that other members of the coaching set up had been paid. "So I heard that some coaches got their salaries but I have not been paid. "No yet ooh nothing yet and I didn't see anything my brother"  Ike Shorunmu stated that he doesn't know why he was nor ...

    Akinkunle Bolarinwa  Former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is yet to taste defeat in the two games he has taken charge of (two draws) as Benin Republic Coach. Prior to becoming the team’s coach they had lost their last four games. The German was fired as Super Eagles coach just few weeks to the commencement of the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon Rohr led Benin Republic to a 1-1 draw away to Rwanda, in their Group L 2023 AFCON qualifying match on Wednesday. Jodel Dossou opened the scoring for Benin Republic in 57 minutes In Wednesday’s game against Rwanda before Thierry Manzi equalised for the host. The result keeps Benin Republic’s hopes of qualifying for next year’s AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire alive They are bottom in the group on two points but are two behind second placed Mozambique and just a point adrift of third placed Rwanda with two rounds of qualifying games left to play. Reigning champions Senegal have already sealed qualification after recording four wins from four games...

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  Super Eagles and Napoli star striker Victor Osimhen could be out for a week due to minor muscle injury. According to a report in the news media, Victor Osimhen is carrying a muscle injury after returning from International duty with Nigeria.  Napoli says he will be assessed ahead of Sunday's league match with Milan in Naples.  The "Maradonas" are 19 points clear of 2nd place Lazio in Serie A with 11 games to go. Osimhen hopes to be back in action not later than a week if he speeds up his recovery. Though it was said that he won't be available to play until Champions League match day. He had the muscle Injury he was nursing before the International break, so the medics advised him to rest ahead of the UCL. Osimhen played with pain for Nigeria, he was supposed to miss the second game but he played with it.

  The newly elected first minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf has vowed to push for another referendum seeking independence of Scotland from the United Kingdom. New SNP leader Humza Yousaf has said he will ask for a Section 30 order “straight away” just hours after it was announced he would take over the top job from Nicola Sturgeon. Mr Yousaf, who has been Scottish health secretary since 2021, will be formally elected by MSPs as Scotland’s sixth first minister on Tuesday. Meanwhile, popular Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele had prophesied severally that Scotland will break out from Scotland. He noted that the UK will be faced with a crisis and that the nation will break. Recently in an interview with Tribune newspaper, Primate Ayodele reiterated his prophecy concerning the UK and maintained that Scotland will push to come out of the United Kingdom. ‘’The United States will not always retain its unity, especially from California. California will experience some natural disast...

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau has debunked an online newspaper report that Peseiro’s salary was not paid all this while because the NFF insisted on the salary being paid first into the NFF’s account before the coach can be paid. “There is no truth in that publication because the sports ministry did not at any time ask the NFF to furnish it with Peseiro’s account details. Why would he do such a thing? The coach is aware of the true situation and it is contrary to that report, ” Gusau explained. He stated further that he demanded for the contract of Jose Peseiro immediately he resumed as the NFF president to ensure prompt payment of the Portuguese Salaries and entitlements. “When I assumed office as President of the NFF, I demanded to see Peseiro’s contract and the approval by the Federal Government agreeing to pay the coach’s salary. But to my utter dismay, there was no approval. I was made to understand that the approva...

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  There was a massive cash out for the coaches of the various national teams of Nigeria this week, as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) paid the Super Eagles head coach and others. Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro received $210,000 (about N156,400,000), for three out of his ten months salaries. This is a huge relief for the Portuguese coach who has reported to friends and colleagues that he is not having the best of time being unable to get his salaries.  Other National team coaches also benefited from the massive cash out coming from the NFF and this includes the coaches of Super Falcons, U-23 Eagles, Flying Eagles, Falconets, Golden Eaglets and the Flamingos were all paid. This payment covers between five and seven months salaries and the football house has promised to promptly pay as at when due.

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  Nigerian football fans and business owners are still reeling from their team’s failure to qualify for the Olympic Games, which will be held in France.  Nigeria’s failure to beat Guinea a few days ago prevented them from qualifying for the world's famous sports mundial and dealt a huge blow to millions of Nigerians in Europe who were looking forward to watching the team in action and also benefiting from its presence at the Games. Nilayo Sports Marketing Company is one of the most reputable sports business entity around and it was said that the company had a massive marketing arrangement for the nation's Olympic athletes and teams. To this end, the company may not be able to secure the already negotiated mouth watering deal on behalf of Africa's most populous brand due to the inability of the country’s U23 team to book a ticket to the Olympic. Nilayo will now focus its attention on other athletes and teams since the biggest brand has failed in its bid to...

The chief coach of Wikki Tourist of Bauchi, Abdullahi Adamu told journalist after his boys lost 2-0 to Niger Tornadoes in one of the week 11 matches of the Nigeria premier football league that he his satisfied with what his boys played,  According to him "I am satisfied with what the boys played today,we have new players and that must have been the reason for today's defeat, we are building a team, we had some new boys during the mid season break ,the main thing for us  is to build the team,sure they will start gelling from next week". On whether the team can escape relegation looking at their current position, he said the team will remain in the premier league no doubt. On constant movement of players from one club to another, he said it depends on what is making the players to move, but he  called on the IMC to ensure that the players are getting a copy of their contract papers they entered with the clubs so that they can have bargaining power if issues come up and when...

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  Through observations, investigations and research it has been identified how the quality of football in Nigeria has been impeded due to the poor condition of pitches which has contributed to poor results during matches.  A renowned pitch expert, Honourable Ebi Egbe believes he can fix the situation if called upon.  The Chief Executive Officer of Monimichelle pitch construction company is offering a pathway to the recovery of lost pitches in the country.  According to him, Refined players like our super stars in the Nigerian Super Eagles can not express themselves on an unrefined pitch. "Give Monimichelle Sports six days to prepare MBJ Arena hybrid synthetic pitch with our FIFA approved plant based infill for just one Super Eagles game and Nigerians will see a totally different Super Eagles performance". Honourable Ebi Egbe believed that the quality of the pitch had an impact on players quality and performance.  "Everton F.C Goodison par...

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  Marvin Vettori believes Alex Pereira will beat Israel Adesanya again as the two clash again next month inside the Octagon. Vettori is currently 0-2 against Adesanya with the two having most recently fought back in June of 2021 with ‘The Last Stylebender’ winning a decision to defend his belt. Since then, Adesanya went on to lose his belt to Alex Pereira at UFC 281 and as the two are set to rematch at UFC 287, Vettori believes the Brazilian will once again get better of Izzy. "Pereira is going to beat him again,” Vettori said about who he thinks wins at UFC 287". Although Vettori is nearing a title shot, he believes he likely needs another win and thinks if Adesanya loses at UFC 287, a trilogy fight between them would make a lot of sense. The Italian Dream’ is confident he has made the right adjustments and would beat Adesanya if the two were to do battle a third time "Yeah man, I think so. With the improvement in my striking that I will...

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  It is no longer news that Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro is being owed 10 months salary, since he assumed duty in Nigeria. But there are some alleged reports asper why the Portuguese tactician has not received any salary since he was appointed.  The NFF had named Peseiro as Super Eagles’ substantive head coach in December 2021 after sacking of Gernot Rohr. He was however appointed in May 2022. So it’s been established that Jose Peseiro could not get paid due to the following reasons.  1.  That the Nigeria Football Federation is yet to get funds for the payment of Peseiro's salaries.  2. That the ministry of youth and sports are responsible for paying the Super Eagles coach but they have not done so because they are yet to get any clear response from the NFF. 3. That the ministry asked the NFF to provide the account details of the super Eagles coach to pay directly from source but that has also not materialised.  4. That the NFF is yet...

Ghana, Kenya and Uganda number one ready for the gruelling board battle in Lagos  ...Over 200 young players from the continent enter African Scrabble Youth Championship As the date for the inaugural edition of the Pan African Scrabble Association President Cup draws closer, many players from the continent have indicated their willingness to be part of the historic event. Report reaching your authoritative news channel indicates that there is a rush by scrabble players from Cameroon, Botswana, Ghana, The Gambia, Uganda and Kenya have been registering for the competition which holds in Nigeria in August this year. The President of Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA), Adekoyejo Adegbesan, explained that players from about 25 countries from all over the World are expected to battle for the over 31,000 dollars prize money on offer. “As of today, players from Botswana, Cameroon, Uganda, Ghana, Zambia, The Gambia, Liberia and Sierra Leone have all registered for the PANASA President...

The Sports and Youth Development Minister Chief Sunday Dare congratulates the President-Elect Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who clocks 71 today. Chief Dare says, “Tinubu, you chose the road less travelled, see where it has led you.” Congratulations to Nigeria’s foremost democrat and itinerant mobiliser and organiser, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.  71 years on, you remain the central personality in Nigeria’s democratic space no wonder you won a keenly contested and one of the freest and fairest elections in Nigerian history.  You stand today as Nigeria’s President-Elect not by chance or happenstance, but by a divine path charted before now and your unquestionable commitment, investment and support in Nigeria’s democratic struggle and the birth of democracy.  History is replete with the various roles you played in the various epochs of Nigeria’s development, and in February 2023 the moment, and indeed history found the man. You chose the road less travelled and see where it has led you....

  Akinkunle Bolarinwa  With Nigerians calling for the sack of Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro over poor results, it seems unlikely that the Portuguese will get the matching order as the Nigeria Football Federation is on a lean budget.  The body language of the football house suggests that it cannot afford to continue the funding of a foreign coach for the Super Eagles due to paucity of funds. Italy based agent and football intermediary, Prince Fred Akhigbe believes that Nigeria can not employ a world class coach. In a chat with Apexmedia2020.blogspot.com from Italy, the FIFA licensed football agent said unlike indigenous coaches, a foreign coach would not tolerate non-payment of salaries. "There is no money to hire a world class football coach because there is no money and Nigeria can not afford such a big project". He maintained that Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro is still groaning due to no payment of his salaries for months. "Even though they owe him, he is still pl...

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  Just when you think that all the evil that has happened in Nigeria football has run its due course, you suddenly realise that there is plenty more out there. The poor performances churned out by the nation's national teams has become a major source of concern for football lovers across the country and the chairman of Taraba state football Association Mallam Mahmud Sanusi Mohammed believes it is Karma at work. Speaking exclusively with Apexmedia2020.blogspot.com the erudite football administrator says Nigerian football has not earned good 'karma' for its hard work over the last two years.  "Lots of complaints about our football and this has to do with karma and we need to purge ourselves before we can get favourable results". According to him, there is strong belief that all the good and bad things done by football administrators affect how good or bad the future that country's football will be. "There is strong Karma in football becau...

  Akinkunle Bolarinwa  As both the Golden Eaglets and the Future Eagles of Nigeria speed up preparations ahead of the forthcoming coming AFCON U17 and the U15 Dream Cup tournaments in the month of April, Former national team coach, Manu Garba MON, OON has called on the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation to channel their energy towards developing new talents for the nation's national senior team. Speaking exclusively to Apexmedia2020.blogspot.com the former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles coach believes that the future lies in the youth team set up. Garba who won the AFCON U20 tournament in Senegal years back with 90 percent home based players posited that there are qualities in homegrown talents. " We have very good youth development and many of our young talents are all capable of making it to the top". Manu affirmed that Nigeria is still a force to be reckoned with in age grade competitions in the world.  "We are still number 1 in the world having won t...

Following series of allegations bothering on some questionable refereeing decisions,  in games played on matchday 2 of the 2022/2023 Nigeria National League, the league body wants the NFF Referees Commiittee and leadership of the Nigeria Referees Football Association (NRA), to thoroughly investigate the conduct of three  referees who officiated in three of its matches in Owerri, Maiduguri and Abuja.   This is with a bid to engendering fair officiating and to stem possible bad run of bias officiating in the league as promised. Referees Shamisdeen Shehu from Kano State referees Council, Mohammed Aliyu of Niger State Council and Telimo Tarimbowei from Bayelsa State Council were accused of poor handling of the games they were  assigned to handle. In a swift reaction,  NNL Head of Operations, Mr.Emmanuel Adesanya said it imperative for the Referees Commiittee and the NRA to have the above mentioned referees investigated as soon as possible. In a letter to the NF...

By Akeem Busari  Grassroots football stakeholders have commended the organisers of the Supremacy Football Cup, which ended today at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.  The keenly contested football scouting tournament tagged 'No Offside', featured 10 teams that included 36 Lion FC, Broad City FC, Spartan FC, Dino SC, SGFC, CATS, MS Success, TCCG, Lekki Jr and ASQ. In the final match, 36 Lion FC defeated Spartan FC, 4-3 on penalties, after both sides ended the regulations time 1-1. Earlier in the third place game Broad City defeated Dino SC, 2-1. Speaking at the end of the tournament which had local and foreign scouts waxing lyrical about the displays of the talented lads during the tournament, owner of Abuja based non-league side Royal United FC, Alhaji Kadiri Musa, praised the organisers for putting up a near-perfect tournament. He went ahead to admonish well placed individuals and corporate bodies to support and encourage the development of grassroots football in Nigeria....

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  Nigeria will not be represented in the Olympic football event at all as the Olympic Eagles team failed in their bid to qualify. The Nigeria U23 team crashed out of the world's most famous sports event after losing scandalously to Guinea in the reverse fixture.  The team, despite forcing their host to a barren first half, could not hold ground in the second round as Guinea rallied up to 2 nil win at home.  The coach Salisu Yusuf-tutored lads started their campaign on a good note with victory against Tanzania before being held by Equatorial Guinea at home in Abuja. It was a huge disappointing result for the Olympic Eagles and the soccer loving Nigerians

   Akinkunle Bolarinwa  Contrary to the insinuations that most aspirants at the last NFF elective congress were job seekers within the space of football domain. Former integrity officer of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Christian Emeruwa has debunked claims which he considered as a disrespect to his rich profile. Apexmedia2020.blogspot.com gathered that the man who is soundly referred to as Mr Integrity in the football circle was only interested in adding values to the development of the game in Nigeria.  "When I came to contest for the presidency of NFF, it was not because I am looking for a job. I have one in Cairo, so for me". The Abia State born Super administrator said that the NFF election was a mere contest and a politics for all to contribute to participate. "The NFF presidency was not a do or die affair, the election has come and gone so we can focus on other areas to develop ourselves and the game". The Caf chief security expert stated further that ...

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  It seems the Interim Management Committee of the Nigeria Professional Football League needs to appoint private investigators to properly cross check facts and figures before dishing out harsh punishment against innocent teams.  Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi are the latest victim of IMC hasty arbitration despite the club presenting a legitimate claim that exonerated it from the alleged mini altercation that happened before the encounter against Doma United. Lobi Stars FC was hammered with a total sum of #2 million for alleged infractions against the framework and rules of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in an incident that led to the late kickoff of match day 10 game against Doma United in Gombe. The IMC also accused the Vice-Chairman of Lobi Stars Dominic Iofa of allegedly causing disturbances and disruptions that delayed the kickoff for the match. Football aficionado and executive chairman of Galaxy Sports Development China and Galaxy Spo...

  Akinkunle Bolarinwa  As part of the international women's day celebration 2023, the honourable minister of youth and sports development, Honourable Sunday Dare is bid to lead other top dignitaries and captains of industry in a mini walk in support for women. The mini walk is to be sponsored by a top television station in Lagos around Ketu in Ikosi suburb.  Sunday Dare will lead other popular hosts of one the most outstanding women's television Show in the world called "Your View" on TVC. Apexmedia2020.blogspot.com can report that TVC and Your View are celebrating 10 uninterrupted years of airing the show that cuts across all genders.  March 8 world women's day theme: Accelerating Equality & Empowerment:  How Women's Leadership & Collective Action Can Make a Difference for an inspiring conversation with women leaders from across the globe about the power of collective action to drive progress towards gender equality and empowerment. International Wome...

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  Nigeria born German striker Mike Gbajie has described his first season for Gulf United football club of Dubai as a big opportunity to play and prove a point in the Middle East. Speaking with Apexmedia2020.blogspot.com over the weekend about his debut in UAE, Mike said he has sent good  signals in the United Arab Emirate and Middle East. The striker has scored a total 26 goals and 15 Assist for FV langenwinkel in the 2021/2022 session. He has scored 17 goals and 6 assists in 2022/2023 on going season for the German club side FV Langenwinkel FC "When I signed for Gulf United it was hard to find the right way to explore how the team in United Arab Emirate and Middle East play because in Germany we used to play a little bit differently"  "But after two league matches I found the right connection to the team and helped Gulf United win the league two trophy and get them to the next level" The former Fv Langenwinkel striker said he made a big statement...

  ...As Lukeman Owolabi wins another international tournament in Ireland Each passing day, Nigerian scrabble players keep making waves across the globe because of their dexterity and word strength on the board and bring glory to Nigeria.   The latest Nigerian scrabble player to demonstrate the country's supremacy in the game of words in Lukeman Owolabi. At the weekend in far away Ireland, Owolabi, who is one of the arrow heads of prestigious MGI Scrabble League in Nigeria made light walk of all the players at this year's Cork Scrabble tournament in lreland. He took 10 out of the 14 rounds of games in the two day competition and had a big cumulative points of plus 1492 which was miles ahead of Liam Donnelly who also recorded 10 wins and 623 cumulative points to finish second. Andy Goodwin, came third with a cumulative points of plus 391 with 10 victories. Pauline Weatherhaed and Feargal Weatherhead competes the top five on the table at the end of the Championship. During the ju...

Akinkunle Bolarinwa  Life in the second tier league of Nigeria could be harder for one of the oldest club in the country if the matches are not taken with serious intentions and efforts.  However it was sweet Victories for Kano Pillars, as they began campaign for promotion in the Nigeria National League (NNL) The pride of the North failed to keep its status in the Nigeria Football Premier league (NPFL) last season due to poor performances  which saw them demoted to the most important league. Kano Pillars earned a princeless away win over Sokoto United at the Giginya Stadium in match day one of the 2022/2023 NNL season. The team needed Yusuf Abdullahi's 52' minutes strike to get the victory for Pillars Pillars in a grudge match against their Northern neighbour. In their second game Kano Pillars FC spanked Kebbi United 3-0 to record their second win in their NNL MD 2 outing. Biodun Yusuf raised the goals curtains in the 17th minutes,  Aliyu Umar secured the double...

  Akinkunle Bolarinwa  Despite the away victory churned out by the Super Eagles of Nigeria against Guinea Bissau in the AFCON Qualifier, renowned football scout and super agent, Prince Fred Akhigbe is not impressed with the total output of the team. Speaking with Apexmedia2020.blogspot.com the football expert says it is time for Super Eagles Coach Jose Peseiro to look inward and search for new talents. "My candid advice to Peseiro is that he should look for a goalkeeper in the NPFL and forget about Francis Uzoho". Prince Fred Akhigbe noted that the goal keeping department which is the last line of defence has become terrible in recent times. "There are budding talents we can groom in the NPFL and the coach should try them out, we have seen keepers growing from under 17 to 20 and they are all products our leagues" He stated further that the coach lacks the confidence in giving local players the opportunity they deserve. "Local players are ready to fight for a sh...