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  Jagaban Cup: Smart City Are Champions Smart City Retain Jagaban Cup Title After Nail Biting Final With 'Determined' 36 Lion, Smart City Are Champions Of Jagaban Cup Again  Smart City Harvest Jagaban Cup For The Second Time In A Row Smart City have emerged champions of Jagaban Cup Scouting Tournament after defeating 36 Lion 5-4 via penalties at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Friday morning. The result meant Smart City retained the title, having also triumphed in 2022. In the third place match played earlier in the day, Dino SC fought gallantly from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 against The Charlesann at regulation time. The penalty shootouts saw Dino SC winning 5-4. Memuda Emmanuel delivered a sumptuous effort beyond goalkeeper Samuel Oriola to edge Smart City in front on 20 minutes.  A beautiful strike from ex Nigeria international Wisdom Ubani came off the woodwork as 36 Lion searched for the equalizer. 36 Lion deservedly restored parity through Lawal Seun who scored o...

Smart City and 36 Lion have booked their tickets to the final of this year's Jagaban Cup holding in Lagos State.  The third place match would see The Charlesann battle Dino SC.  Defending champions, Smart City displayed gritty performance to stage a comeback and record 2-2 against Mavlon FC in the opening match of Day Three in the 2024 edition of Jagaban Cup at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Mavlon raced to an early lead with brilliant finish from Emmanuel Stephen before half time.  A thunderbolt strike from Egbeduokun Samson sailed past former Flying Eagles goalie Oremade Olawale to double the lead for Mavlon.  The defending champions halved the deficit two minutes afterwards with Ibrahim Fuad getting to the end of a team build up initiated by Busayo Lemon.  Ibrahim Fuad completed the comeback with his second of the game with nine minutes left on the clock.  Both sides could have scored the winner in the closing minutes but they were undone by criminal misses...

  Sports Minister Says Prepations for Next African Games Starts Immediately,  Salutes Team Nigeria's Performance, Notes continuation of preparations for Olympic Games   The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has stated that Team Nigeria's preparations for the next African Games will start from now, with a review of the outing in Accra, as the first point of business. Senator Enoh made this known while addressing newsmen on his perception of Nigeria's record-breaking appearance in Accra, Ghana for the 13th edition of African Games. Nigeria recorded a first swimming medal in 33years, as well as a medal in handball in 21 years. In the 2019 African games, the country had 46 gold medals which was improved by the 47 gold medals in the 2023 Games   “I am a happy Nigerian, the president is happy, Nigerians are happy. The reward for doing well is to do better,” Enoh said. “For the next Games, our preparations will be better. For this Games,...

PRESS RELEASE 13th AFRICAN GAMES: THANK YOU AND WELCOME BACK OUR GALLANT SPORTS MEN & WOMEN On behalf of His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu ,GCFR , I welcome you back to our dear country. I congratulate you for your outstanding performance in the just concluded 13th African Games that held in the Republic of Ghana.  For two weeks, fifty-two countries fiercely contested for honours in twenty-nine sports;  dwelling in the most competitive manner to win laurels for their countries and Nigeria was involved in twenty five of those. From our world class athletes who burnt the tracks and triumphed, to our dazzling wrestlers, boxers, weightlifters, and indeed other deserving sportsmen and women who were in imperial form, the indomitable Nigerian spirit was on full display, leaving behind whatever pre games inadequacies. The nation is thankful for the hardwork and sacrifice of your individual and collective efforts. For the duration of the games, not just Africa, but also the...

IN THE GAMES GH 23: •  We shall surpass our expectations - AFN Boss Okowa ...The Sports ministry and AFN to work together to get best result in Paris By Maxwell Kumoye in Accra, Ghana              The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa, is confident Team Nigeria Athletics, at the ongoing 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana, will surpass it's projection. Okowa made this submission shortly after Nigeria blew away the fairly strong field on Day 3 of action at the University of Ghana, Legon on Wednesday, winning four gold and a silver medal. “I think we will surpass the target that was put at stake, that was put at the beginning, let's see what happens. Our plan is to take the remaining two relays, I pray that it will happen like that and then lets see what we have in the two that remain.” An elated Okowa said.   The gold minning by the Athletes came from the relays, 4×100m men and women, 100m hur...

  BASKETBALL SHOTS: •  Nigeria's D'Tigress to confront host France, Canada, Australia at the Olympic Games By Maxwell Kumoye    Nigeria's D'Tigress have been pooled in Group B of the women's basketball event at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games after the draw in the French capital. Performed by legendary duo Penny Taylor and Carmelo Anthony and watched by fans around the globe via FIBA's YouTube channel, it has laid out the initial pathways for all teams in pursuit of being crowned champions of the Men's and Women's Olympic Basketball Tournaments Paris 2024 D'Tigress will confront host France, Canada and Australia in the group stage of the competition. Currently ranked 12th in the world, Nigeria are the sole flag bearer from Africa in the women's basketball tournament while South Sudan is holding it down for the men at the Olympic Games. Under the stewardship of coach Rena Wakama D'Tigress without a good camping program they managed to to secure h...

  Gafar Liameed Is New Lagos FA Chairman  ..board impeaches former Chairman, Fouad Oki By Akeem Busari  The executive board of the Lagos State Football Association, at its Extraordinary General Assembly  Saturday, March 23, 2024, unanimously gave a vote of no confidence to the embattled former FA Chairman Ogbeni Fouad Oki, as he was impeached by the 12 out of 14 members of the congress.  Amongst many grievous allegations made against Oki, are maladministration, high-handedness, corruption and fraudulent practices.   Oki was also accused of single handedly and unilaterally changing the existing statutes of the Lagos FA, to suit his aggrandisement to the detriment of the game in the state. Even as he was accused to have taken football matters in Lagos State to the Lagos High Court, an action which contravenes the global football best practices.  The extraordinary general assembly Lagos the State FA was witnessed by the representatives of Nigeria Football...

Sports Minister Lauds Wrestling Team as Athletes Sweep Medals Again at African Senior Championship Praises talent, dedication and patriotism of the contingency  The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh lauded the Daniel Igali-led Nigerian Wrestling Federation following the exceptional performance of Nigerian athletes at the African Senior Wrestling Championship taking place in Alexandria, Egypt. The wrestlers have continued to showcase talents and determination, after securing a plethora of medals to continue their stellar form displayed at the African Games in Accra. In a statement, Senator Enoh expressed profound admiration for the leadership of the Federation, as well as the exemplary dedication of the athletes and officials currently competing for honours in Egypt. He hailed their achievements as awe-inspiring and emphasized their significance in the annals of Nigerian sports history. After six gold medals and a number of silver and bronze medals at...

Ghana's Sports Minister Emphasizes Africa's Capability to Host Commonwealth Games, Extends Welcome to Federation President  Ghana's Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif has asserted Africa's readiness to take on the initiative of hosting the Commonwealth Games, expressing confidence in the continent's capabilities to deliver a successful event. He made this known during a consultative meeting with the President of the Commonwealth Federation, Chris Jenkins OBE, which brought together ministers of sports and other key stakeholders from across Africa. It took place at the Lancaster Hotel in Accra on Sunday. In a gracious gesture, Ussif extended gratitude to Chris Jenkins, President of the Commonwealth Games Federation, for his inaugural visit to Ghana, highlighting its significance as a testament to the Federation's commitment to Africa.  "We welcome this opportunity to interface with you and the Commonwealth Games Federation,...

  SPORTS DEVELOPMENT: •  Sports engagement and sponsorship takes youth off the street and social vices  ...I will continue to support Scrabble and other sports - Engineer Osikhena Ojior  By Maxwell Kumoye        A key stakeholders and very passionate scrabble lover in the sporting firmament in Nigeria Engineer Osikhena Ojior, says the game of Scrabble and Sports in general is one of the major vehicle to take the youth off the street and engage them meaningfully. Osikhena Ojior a civil engineering made this submission at the weekend in Accra the Ghanaian capital during the ongoing African Games. "Sports and scrabble in particular has the power to arrest the minds of our teeming youth population, give a platform to earn a living and equally take them off the street.” The former Shell Petroleum manager stated that scrabble was what he and his friends as well as business associates used to take hundreds of young off the street and social vices. “With ...

  New Year Mega Lottery To Gift 2024 NLO Champion 18 Seater Bus Worth ₦30m The start of 2024 Nationwide League One season will offer clubs a chance for glory, as the overall winner of the NLO Division One will drive home a 18 seater bus worth ₦30m courtesy of title sponsor New Year Mega Lottery.  Nationwide League One Chief Operating Officer (COO) Olushola Ogunnowo broke the news to the league media department while rolling out the other benefits of the multimillion naira sponsorship deal with New Year Mega Lottery.  According to Ogunnowo: "New Year Mega Lottery will give the winner of the league a 18 Seater Bus worth #30 million Naira and that would run for four years. "As Title Sponsor for the next four years, New Year Mega Lottery will offset 30% of the club’s expenses during the league matches, thereby NLO will not increase the participation fees to proposed ₦300, 000 and still maintain the ₦200, 000. "The lottery firm who's licensed by the Nigeria Lottery Commis...

#AfricanGames2023: Team Nigeria Soars to Top 4 on Medals Table  with Sunday Gold Rush Team Nigeria made a resounding statement at the African Games 2023, surging into the top 4 of the medals table with a remarkable display of athleticism and prowess. Nigerian athletes showcased their dominance, clinching a total of 7 gold medals on Sunday,  with more opportunities for glory on the horizon. The latest triumph came on Sunday as Nigerian athletes showcased exceptional performances across various disciplines. Leading the charge was African Games champion Anuoluwapo Opeyori, who defended his men’s singles title in the badminton event by defeating compatriot Godwin Olofua in a closely contested final. On the wrestling mat, Team Nigeria continued its golden streak with Mercy Genesis seizing victory in the women’s 50kg freestyle event, overpowering her Egyptian opponent Nada Mohammed with a dominating 7-0 performance. Christiana Ogunsanya added to the haul with a commanding 11-0 victo...

  Ramadan: Be Your brothers Keeper, Pray For President Tinubu, Nigeria - Former  Minister Dare Urges Muslims  The immediate past Minister of youths and sports development,Chief Sunday Dare, has urged Muslims in the country to use the opportunity of holy month of Ramadan to be kind towards their neighbours and pray for  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigeria.  Chief Sunday Dare, made this call in a Ramadan message  where he also called for  peaceful coexistence among Nigerians. According to him, this Ramadan is renewed opportunity for the Muslims faithful  to seek God’s forgiveness ,give up the bad habits and exhibit good deeds in line with the Islamic teachings of the  holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). "I congratulate our Nigerian Muslim brothers and sisters as they join their counterparts all over the world to observe this year’s Ramadan fast. I urge them to use this special opportunity to love and forgive . Abstain from sins and treat others ...

New Year Mega Lottery Splashes N964 Million On NLO Sponsorship New Year Mega Lottery Unveiled As NLO Title Sponsor The Nationwide League One has announced a deal worth a staggering sum of N964 million as a sponsorship deal with New Year Mega Lottery.  This sponsorship will make New Year Mega Lottery the official Title Sponsor of the third-tier domestic football league in Nigeria for the next four seasons. The NLO signed a Memorandum Of Understanding (MoU) with New Year Mega Lottery at a special signing and unveiling event held at the Harris Hotel, Wuye in Abuja on Thursday, March 14th, in Abuja. The announcement was made by the former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State now NLO Chairman, His Excellency Silas Agara, during the unveiling of New Year Mega Lottery to the media. Agara provided a detailed breakdown of the sponsorship deal, stating that the Nigerian licensed lottery company will provide an annual payment of 241 Million Naira in cash and value in kind, totalling a sum of #96...

13th African Games:Nigeria Gold rush gathers steam. The Nigerian team competing in the 13th edition of the All African Games in Ghana achieved great success in the Freestyle Women's Wrestling category, bringing home six gold medals. The winners and their respective categories are: Blessing Genesis (50kg) defeating Emma Nekassa of Kenya, Ogunsanya Christiana (53kg) defeating Mohammad S. Of Egypt, Adekuroye Odunayo (57kg) defeating TBD, Kolowole Esther (62kg) defeating Kruger M of the Republic of South Africa, Oborodudu Blessing (68kg) defeating Abdullateef S of Egypt, and Hannah Rubin (76kg) defeating Hamza S. Of Egypt.  Nigeria's Anioluwapo Opeyori, the African Badminton champion, also brought home one gold medal and one silver medal from his Nigerian opponent aswell . The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, congratulated the athletes and coaches for their impressive performance, stating that it was a proud moment to see Nigerian women flying the ...

SCRABBLE JAMZ: •  Current African Champion Enoch Nwali leads UNILAG Scrabble Club into the finals of NSF Inter Club Championship ...Ikorodu SC, Pyramid, Surulere SC are also through to the finals By Maxwell Kumoye      Four more teams have punched their tickets into the finals of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation Inter Club Championship scheduled to hold in Abeokuta, Ogun State, South West Nigeria. The teams are UNILAG Scrabble Club, Ikorodu SC, Pyramid Scrabble Club and Surulere SC, all from Lagos State secured their passage into the finals during the South West Zonal Play-Off. Under the captaincy of current African Scrabble Champion, Enoch Nwali, UNILAG Scrabble Club dominated group A of the South West Play-off, recording three wins over Ibadan SC and BSP SC. Nwali was supported by Kareem Jamiu who came third in the second edition of 'Scrabble In The Jungle' in Lagos last year, Babajide Alagbada, Tunde Saporu, the winner of the 2023 Engineer Toke Aka Jubilee National...

Future Eagles Duo Ink  Top Japanese Club deal The efforts of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) under the leadership of Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau to develop the nation's youth football is yielding dividends as two Future Eagles of Nigeria players, Taiwo and Kehinde Sogelola, have signed a mouth-watering contract with a prominent Japanese club, Esperanza SC situated in the heart of Yokohama. The twins featured for the Future Eagles of Nigeria at the Dream Cup invitational tournament in Japan in 2023, however it was Taiwo that played in the heart of the defence for the nation's youth team at the  invitational tournament. Esperanza SC has thus acquired the services of both players from the management of M&N FC. The Japanese side however would be taking care of both Taiwo and Kehinde until they turned 18 years old while in Nigeria. The Sogelola twins are products of M&N FC and they both put pen to paper for their new team following their impressive performance in the NL...

  The True Story: Idoko joins Heartland FC mgt team, GM Nwachukwu extols Gov Uzodimma for appointment  The Executive Governor of Imo State, His Excellency distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma has approved the appointment of seasoned football administrator per excellence Mike Udoko to join the Heartland Management team bearing in mind his wealth of experience, to help pilot the position of the team away from the NPFL drop zone, the statesman newspaper sports desk can exclusively report.  As opposed to the unofficial report trending on the social media which states that Idoko is in Heartland to replace the current General Manager Promise Nwachukwu, this rumours according to our investigation has been found as untrue.  Mike Idoko was a former footballer during his youthful days and played for BCC lions but was more prominent as a football administrator.  Idoko was former GM of Warri wolves, Sunshine stars and Lobi Stars. His appointment was timely at the heat of the...

  How Primate Ayodele Accurately Foretold Haiti Crisis In 2023 (VIDEO) There is currently unrest in Haiti following the activities of some gangs in the country. Several people have been killed and this has led to the government declaring a three-day curfew to ensure safety of lives. News reports have it that there was also a jailbreak, courtesy of the gangs and it led to the freedom of over 4,000 prisoners in the country, causing great security concerns. The security agencies in the country have also been overwhelmed due to these activities, the police unions have been calling for help due to the incessant attacks they have been experiencing in the last few days. These developments are in fulfillment of the prophetic revelation of Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele which he shared in 2023. In the prophecy which was captured in a video, Primate Ayodele specifically said gangs in Haiti want to cause problems in the country. He revealed that there will be a total shutdown, killi...

  Happy Belated  Birthday Mr Shola Ogunowo The CEO of the largest league in Africa is a year older today and the world at large celebrates with the most outstanding achiever as he added a year to his new age. Being the Chief Operating Officer of NLO which is now regarded as the biggest football league in this part of the world, Mr Ogunowo has continued to bring creativity, energy, and relevance to the Nationwide league.   Football stakeholders across the country sent in their felicitation messages to the award winning super administrator on the occasion of his birthday. The entire management of Apexmedia news outlet, publisher of Apexmedia2020@blogspot.com and Apexmedia.com.ng rejoice with Mr Ogunowo and wish him many more years ahead. Today, we join the good people of this world to celebrate Nigerian football's intelligent administrator. We pray that God in His infinite mercies continue to guard, guide and bless him.

  SCRABBLE JAMZ: • Two more teams secure their places in the finals of the NSF Inter Club Championship ...Apex Scrabble Club and Jos SC hit Central Abuja Scrabble Clubs to reach the finals ...Olobatoke Aka's superb outing fails to lift Central Scrabble Club  By Maxwell Kumoye        Two more teams have secured their passage into the grand finale of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation Inter Club Championship scheduled to hold in Abeokuta the Ogun State capital next month.   The two teams, Apex Scrabble Club Abuja and Jos SC punched their tickets into the finals from the North Central Zonal Play-Off concluded over the weekend at the Zalika Garden, Abuja after two days of 20 grueling rounds of games with five clubs in attendance. Apex Scrabble Club that parades multiple National Sports Festival gold medalist Jimoh Abdulmumin, 2023 winner of the MGI Pratons Cup, Anthony Odok, Oyebola and the Ebomah brothers Peter and John Curtis were just too hot to handle. Th...

13th African Games:Minister of Sports Development Charges Athletes to Conquer Africa _Says Nigeria is solidly behind them_ The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh on Tuesday the 5th of March charged Nigeria’s contingent to the All Africa Games taking place in Ghana to conquer Africa.  Addressing the athletes onboard the aircraft scheduled to take them to Ghana for the tournament shortly before takeoff at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, the Minister assured them that the entire nation was solidly behind them.  He further stated that although some of the athletes may be representing the country for the first time, the tournament affords them the opportunity to make the nation proud. Senator Enoh urged the departing athletes to build on the strong performance of the country in the previous games by posting a strong performance that will ensure that Nigeria emerges the best in Africa. “ Let me remind you that you carry the hopes and as...

  The World Celebrates Olajire's Birthday The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) head of communications, Ademola Olajire is a year older today and millions of football stakeholders and media gurus all over the world are celebrating Africa's most famous football media manager. The entire football fraternity in Nigeria is agog for Olajire's birthday celebration with outpouring messages of felicitation. Even as the ageless and tireless Olajire celebrates his birthday today, the indefatigable man of the people  has notched up years of experience on the job and is still counting. Olajire has nurtured and groomed so many media officers to stardom and has created a lasting impression in the minds of many Journalists and media experts. On this occasion, the entire management of Apexmedia news outlet joins the rest of the world in wishing Mr. Ademola Olajire a resounding and joyous birthday. "Wishing you a fantastic birthday, boss! Thank you for your leadership and guidance. ...

  Unity Preseason Tournament: Kogi United Emerge Winners....NLO, Stakeholders, Laud Organisers Kogi United at the weekend emerged champions of the maiden edition of the Unity Preseason Tournament for NLO Division one clubs in the North Central. Kogi United after a pulsating full time encounter with Flight FC of Gboko which ended goalless, emerged victorious on 14 to 13 penalty kicks.  The match which was played at the Government Day Secondary School Gwagwalada playing ground was watched by a capacity including the Chief Operating officer of the Nigeria Nationwide League Sola Ogunnowo who stool in for the Chairman of the NLO Board, Honourable Silas Agara. Speaking at the occasion, the NLO boss was full of appreciation to the organisers of the tournament, for a job welldone, while advising the clubs to make maximum use of the opportunity given to them in the tournament to excel in the league proper. He advised the managers of the NLO to lay more emphasis on business aspects of t...

I am not a fan of Peseiro but the timing of his exit and the sad delay in appointing a successor could be counter productive By: Adewale Ajayi Football fans in Nigeria United in their condemnation of German coach Gernot Rohr after two years incharge of the Super Eagles but the Nigeria football federation waited until December 12, 2021 before relieving him of his appointment. That was barely three weeks before the Super Eagles jetted out to Cameroon for the African Cup of Nations.  In his place, the football house appointed Augustine Eguaveon who at that time, was technical director of the Nigeria football federation.  Thesame scenario is playing out again. Peseiro was never the first choice of Nigerians when he was appointed precisely two years ago. Two years down the line, he gave stakeholders more reasons to demand for his sack as the Super Eagles performances got worse with every passing game.  His contract with the NFF was tied to Nigeria's performance at the 2023 AFC...

  Lights, Camera, Action! Fans Have First Taste of African Games as Table Tennis Takes Stage  The 2023 African Games is kicking off in spectacular fashion, and fans have been treated to an early taste of the action as table tennis enthusiasts converge at the Accra International Conference Center. With anticipation building and excitement palpable, the stage is set for a thrilling showcase of talent and skill. The balloting for the Table Tennis event took place on Sunday at the esteemed La Palm Hotel, signaling the beginning of an electrifying journey for both players and spectators alike. As powerhouses and dark horses alike gear up for fierce competition, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation and anticipation. While the official opening ceremony of the Games is scheduled for the 8th of March, table tennis aficionados are already relishing the opportunity to witness top-tier athleticism and sportsmanship. The closing ceremony will bring the curtains down on this exhilara...

  Sports Minister Congratulates Rivers United on CAF Confederations Cup Qualification The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has congratulated Rivers United, Nigeria's representative in the ongoing CAF Confederations Cup, for securing a quarterfinal berth with a remarkable 2-1 victory over Dreams FC of Ghana. Senator Enoh expressed his delight at Rivers United's advancement in the tournament, describing it as a moment of pride for the entire nation. He emphasized that this achievement is not only a triumph for Rivers State but also a victory for all enthusiasts of Nigerian football. The minister commended the team for their resilience and determination, urging them to maintain their focus and approach their upcoming quarter final encounter with confidence and resolve. He remarked, "Rivers United's qualification for the quarterfinals is a testament to the strength and quality of Nigerian football. It is a victory that resonates beyond the ...