Chelsea is still the best team in England- Frank Lampard

Oluchi tobex Tobe-Chukwu.  The much-awaited Tsemba Wummen Youth League has been slated to commence next month in Jos, the Plateau state capital, the organizers of the league confirmed. The league which started in 2019 and was on hold in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, will be taking place for the second time after its inaugural edition two years ago. Mees Palace are the defending Champion for the U13 category since 2019. "Our boys were  phenomenal when we won the Tsemba Wummen title in 2019. Over time our boys have  acquried  basic football techniques and have grown. People should expect even more beautiful football this year in the league". Tony Shav, MPFA Sporting Director exclusively told tobexmedia.com.  Unlike the 2019 edition which featured only a U13 class, the league will feature U14 and U16 categories for teams within Plateau State and its environs. Over 1200 kids are set to participate in the league which is expected to last for seven months. Organizers of th

The organisers of NLO Berackiah/Abigol football coaching clinic has been urged to sustain the initiative in order to place coaching education system in the country on an enduring path. Nazir Muhammed, the class representative of the participants of the programme made the remarks on Friday in Kaduna at the closing ceremony of the 5-days clinic which was aimed at enhancing and improving the capacity of grassroots coaches. While describing the clinic as a welcome development, he noted that the participants were really fortunate and have enjoyed a rare opportunity and privilege by attending the programme.  "This is a welcome development and we are privileged and fortunate to be part of this project which I believe will enhance our performances. "I thank the facilitators of this project and I want to urge them to continue, because what we lack in this country is continuity" Nazir said. In his own remarks, the President of Nigeria Football Coaches Association (NFCA) Ladan Boss

  Ambitious Nationwide League One (NLO) (division One) side Hammola International FC of Ido Osun on Friday unveiled former Osun Babes Head Coach, Abdulazeez Abdulrazaq as the club's new technical adviser.  In his address during the well organised unveiling ceremony, the President of the club, Muideen Odeyemi, popularly knows as 'Odhelee' said the club was found mainly to encourage home grown talent and give them a chance to excel to the world.  "We are optimistic that this initiative will give opportunities to many young players around our environment, playing in the NLO division One will ensure the players get the chance to showcase themselves.  "We aim to progress through to the Nigeria National League next season and that is alot of work to do.  "The new manager is experienced and one who have managed some notable clubs in the past. He was with Osun Babes, Knight FC and is also the assistant manager of the South-west U-13 and U-15 team. We are hopeful and

The Ministry of Youth and Sports in Akwa Ibom State has suspended the Management and Technical crew of Ibom Angels Football Club with immediate effect. In a letter signed by the Director of Sports, Elder Ifiok Duff, captioned "suspension of Ibom Angels management", dated 26th February, 2021, and made available to the press, the affected officials are to handover all club's property, while Coach Usen Ebuk takes over in the interim. According, to the letter, "Given the spate of poor results that has culminated in Ibom Angels playing 7 (seven) matches and losing five, to place 13th on a 14 team log, it has become necessary to arrest the situation before it gets out of hand." "Ibom Angels, two time Aiteo cup finalists and pride of women football in Nigeria cannot be allowed to slide into ridicule despite all the support extended to the Management for the smooth running of the club." "Subsequently, management and technical crew of Ibom Angels Football

The much awaited principal cup finally got underway on Friday as Igbobi college and and Government College Kaduna raised the curtain on the  competition in a grand style at  the Agege stadium, Lagos. According to the Minister of youth and sports development, Mr Sunday Dare who is the  brain behind the revival of the  principal cup “it’s a dream come  true  to be here today, to watch  young stars  kick off the  National  Principal cup.  We are so proud of what they’ve done today. It is my hope that young talents will be discovered from  this principal cup to become  the likes of Daniel Amokachi , Franklin Howard, Tajudeen  Disu, Waidi Akanni who  are here as  a source of inspiration to these young stars.” He furthermore said “The  Principal's cup brought friendship and fostered unity,  therefore we want to bring back its lost glory. Some  products of the  Principal's cup include Segun Odegbami ,Daniel Amokachi,  Henry Nwosu, Tajudeen Disu ,  Ali jeje who became notable internati

Super Falcons player Ramat Abdulkareem is most GRATEFUL for the exposure and positives football has impacted in her life. The Kogi born player who plys her trade as a professional football player in Turkey says " I was once a professional  dancer hence my dexterity during my  initiation process, I was very comfortable.  My mother had insisted that she prefers football to Dancing, I was a promo dancer for Indomie and the likes. I am happy I switched to her choice". The player who had previously played for Abia Angels , Adamawa Queens and Confluence Queens in the Nigerian women's football league premiership   before she signed a professional contract for her Turkish club admitted  that football is a powerful tool that brought her fame. " I was thrilled when the Governor of my State Mr Yahaya Bello got in touch with me ,not to also mention the prince of my village who sent congratulatory messages to me for the call up I got to the Super Falcons". She explained that

Super Falcons player Ramat Abdulkareem is most GRATEFUL for the exposure and positives football has impacted in her life. The Kogi born player who plys her trade as a professional football player in Turkey says " I was once a professional  dancer hence my dexterity during my  initiation process, I was very comfortable.  My mother had insisted that she prefers football to Dancing, I was a promo dancer for Indomie and the likes. I am happy I switched to her choice". The player who had previously played for Abia Angels , Adamawa Queens and Confluence Queens in the Nigerian women's football league premiership   before she signed a professional contract for her Turkish club admitted  that football is a powerful tool that brought her fame. " I was thrilled when the Governor of my State Mr Yahaya Bello got in touch with me ,not to also mention the prince of my village who sent congratulatory messages to me for the call up I got to the Super Falcons". She explained that

 Waldrum grabs an Important win, focuses on next match. The new  coach of the Super Falcons Randy Waldrum started well at the Turkish women's Cup 2021 by grabbing a win against the Ladies from CSKA Moscow. The tough match that recorded a lot of caution cards had Falcons Chiwendu Ihezuo' tap the ball into the net via a determined Francisca Ordega that pulled through a square play from the right flank in the 18th min. Play continued with the same scoreline until the referee ended the match. It was a match that saw Tony Payne and Patricia George donning the Nigerian Jersey for the first time. 'I was actually pretty pleased over all especially for the team that had not been together for over a year. I was pleased that we got the result in my first camp with the team. It is important we win and learn how to win ,a lot of positives in the match. Personally as a coach getting a first win for Nigeria was really Special, I am excited and proud of the players'. Asides the one nil

In a bid to sensitize and create awareness against poverty, discrimination and exploitations which has seen many girls drop out of school, Ratels Sports Foundation has collaborated with the Sports Writers Association Of Nigeria (SWAN), Abuja Branch on a fund raising Football novelty match to support and advocate for the education of the girl child. The fundraising Novelty Match which will hold on Saturday, the 20th of February 2021 at the Area 3 Sports Complex, Abuja, will attract huge numbers of philanthropists who have seen reasons to support Ratels Sports Foundation and Barrister Paul Edeh in his quest to make life better for the girl child.  Ratels Sports Foundation having staged a similar exercise last week, which was themed: "Kick Against Gender Based Violence" has gone further to help create an avenue to give the girl child hope on education, with the "Support The Girl Child School Campaign" initiative. Members of the Abuja Sports Writers Association Of Niger

Oluchi tobex Tobe-Chukwu  The coach of the Super Falcons Randy Waldrum in an exclusive chat with tobexmedia.com  revealed that he had always wanted to coach the Super Falcons.  A friend of mine Sam Okpodu in the US who had worked with me in some coaching Education courses was the manager of Falcons  at the world cup. I actually fell in love with the players back then. I felt there was so much talents in the team's He further explained that since 1999, he had nursed that dream of some day coaching the Super Falcons.  ' I am very excited that the opportunity came along for me now, I am honoured to work for the NFF and the entire Nigeria.  It is a project I am very excited starting'. The project started at the Turkish women's tournament 2021 where the Super Falcons defeated the hard fighting ladies from Moscow CSKA by a lone goal. The ladies are poised to play Uzbekistan in their next game.

The President of Nigeria Football Coaches Association (NFCA), Ladan Bosso has described the ongoing Berackiah/Abigol Football Coaching Clinic in Kano as the ideal way to improve the efficiency of Nigerian coaches. The Nigeria U-20 handler (otherwise known as Flying Eagles) noted that the clinic had found a good home with the NFCA mandate and identifying with it is a reflection of the pressing need to develop coaches from the grassroots level to the top cadre.  He said the NFCA has been working closely with all series of coaching clinic programmes with the purpose of assessing their delivery and also deciding which best suit the categories of coaches in the country. "At any point in time we always assess them (coaching programmes) and that's why we are here now to watch and assess which is best suit for different categories of the coaches in Nigeria." Bosso extolled the Berackiah/Abigol Clinic for beating expectations in terms of organisation and delivery while tipping the

Confluence Queens Head Coach, Whyte Ogbonda has resigned, www.sportsgignews.com can exclusively reveal.  The tactician left the club following the recent crisis they have been undergoing since the beginning of this season after the Government dissolved the board, following series of protests last week.  Ogbonda created history, by leading Confluence Queens to the final of the NWFL Super 4 in 2019, where they lost narrowly to Rivers Angels in the final, a result that has never been achieved in the history of the club.  The have won two games, drawn one and lost twice this season, under the manager.  "Yes, I have resigned because things have really changed here. I am leaving Confluence Queens without an ill-feeling in me but I hope everyone will understand the situation which has forces me to tender my resignation. Ogbonda said.

  In a bid to change the fortunes of DreamStar FC Ladies, currently languishing 2nd bottom of Nigeria's top tier female football league, the Chairman of the Club, Abolore AbdulRahmon in a press conference announced the appointment of UK based UEFA B Licenced Coach, Sheriff Tajudeen as a Consulting Head Coach.  Abolore highlighted this appointment as "a positive move for the club as we look to rapidly start climbing up the table".  "Mr Sheriff is a personal friend of mine and after a few discussions with him, he has graciously accepted to offer his expertise in the capacity of a Consulting Head Coach". he noted Coach Sheriff comes with a wealth of experience and exposure having coached at all spectrum of English football from grassroots to semi professional, all the way to the premier league coaching at Watford FC during their premier league days.  In his remarks, Coach Sheriff said he was delighted to be involved with the team having watched them in training and

Participants at the NLO Berackiah/Abigol Football Coaching Clinic have been urged to leverage on the delivery as the 5-day programme commenced in Kano on Monday for the North West geopolitical Zone A of the country. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the capacity building programme at the Ganduje Theatre Hall of Saadatu Abubakar Rimi College of Education in Kano, the CEO Berackiah International, Mr. Wonders N. Nwigwe urged the participants to embrace the revelation of football dynamism the clinic has been offering. While thanking the Kano State Government for providing the enabling environment for the project, Nwingwe admonished the coaches to strike the chord of assimilation for the intensive period of coaching education which he said will help discover themselves and unleash their potential. "If we are going to get good players, we must get good coachea. This was the reason behind our decision to initiate this project in order to impact the modern knowledge of football on our c

 Oluchi tobex Tobe-Chukwu  The NFF president Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick some months back while on a visit to the headquarters of the Nigeria Women League (NWFL), had promised and assured that the federation will support the Super Falcons to make them a better team that could compete favourably in any tournament.  'We have gotten a new coach for the Super Falcons and there are new foreign based Nigerian players who have declared their interest to play for the country'. True to the words of the president, a new Coach American Randy Waldrum was contracted and two players of Nigerian descent have been cleared to represent Super Falcons (Nigeria). I present to you Patricia George and Toni Dupe Payne. These two quality admissions into the team will surely add value when the opportunity comes to showcase their talent in Turkey PATRICIA GEORGE, S.C SAND Patricia George was born on the 18th day of December 1996 in Chicago, Illinois. She played for Chicago Reds Stars reserve team and the Fi

Ido Osun based Nationwide League One outfit Hammola International Football Club have been declared and tagged by its sole financier as a platform for grassroot players to advance their promising careers. The team which is still in its formative season have recorded some strides having obtained its affiliation certificate from the state FA and have equally shown interest to take part in the state Federations Cup. The LeeBombers as they are fondly called will also be participating in the zonal league in this year's Nationwide League One Division 2. The club which is being tutored by one time assistant coach of Osun Babes FC Abdul-Azeez Abdul Rasaq have seen a numbers of highly determined grassroot players jostling for a place in the final squad as the club draws curtain on its screening exercise. While speaking to journalists in Osogbo, the energetic club president Muhydeen Odeyemi bares his mind on the birth of the club and even gave the general assessment of the team based on the l

The North Central Zone of NLO Berackiah/Abigol Football Coaching Clinic came to an end in Lafia, Nasarawa State with participants pledging a new approach to football development. Coach Rabo Bello, one of the participants who received his certificate at the closing ceremony of the 5-Day clinic on Friday at the Lafia City Hall commended the organizers for the initiative which he said has widening their horizon about the dug-out dealings and will bear a positive impact on their players. Rabo who also thanked the Nasarawa State Government for providing the enabling environment,  expressed his delight at the privilege and opportunity to have learnt from all the resource persons who he said have been able to bequeath them with insightful contents.   In a remark, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in Nasarawa State, Alhaji Othman Bala expressed belief that the programme would change the narrative of football development and lauded the leadership of Nationwide League One (NLO) f

 Nasarawa Govt Hails Berackiah/Abigol Football Coaching Clinic Initiative as North Central Zone Begins In Lafia   Football Coaching Clinic Initiative as North Central Zone Begins In Lafia  Nasarawa State Government has commended the organizers of Berackiah/Abigol Football Coaching Clinic for the initiative  which it said will develop the capacity and competence of football managers. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the clinic which held at the Lafia City Hall, Honourable Othman Bala, the commissioner for Youth and Sports in Nasarawa state assured the organizers the support of the state government towards the success of 5-day clinic. He noted that the clinic came at a better time when the state is now finding its bearing in sports development upon which it has designed policies aimed at changing the narratives for good with priority on capacity and competence. "I believe with the depth of technical input of this programme, it will bring about career progression and add value to

Bar Paul Edeh Offers Scholarship To Over 40 Players, Says Football Can Help Tackle Gender-Based Violence Olayinka Olawole Football as a sport is an important tool to bring people together and also educate boys about true masculinity, violence prevention and the rights of women. That's why NWFL Championship side, Naija Ratels Football Club took out time to play a novelty match against a team assembled by it's President, Barrister Paul Edeh on the 6th of February 2021 at the Area 3 Football pitch, Abuja. A minute of silence was held before the start of the match in memory of victims of Gender-based violence across the world.   The game which featured some notable individuals was filled with fun and excitement, as both teams united to end violence against women. The Naija Ratels Ladies scored first through Adanna Nwachukwu  before Kenny Jubril equalised late on for the Barrister Paul Edeh side to make it 1-1. "Sports is a vital tool for building peace and understanding across

 Former Inter-Milan Star, Obinna Nsofor, Chris Morgan, Abdul Sule, Gaadi, Ilerika Others In Abuja For Naija Ratels Novelty Match.  Under the theme 'Kick Out Gender Based Violence' , the Area 3 Football Pitch Abuja will play host to the first Naija Ratels FC Novelty/Charity Match at 3pm on Saturday, the 6th of February 2021.  The President of Naija Ratels Football Club, Barrister Paul Edeh and his friends will play against the players of Naija Ratels FC to raise awareness for women who are going through Gender based violence, which is in tandem with the theme of this year's event.  Among the individuals that have confirmed their participation for the one-day event include Former Inter-Milan and Westham star Victor Obinna Nsofor, Popular Gospel Singer Chris Morgan, Barrister Paul Edeh, Nigeria U-17 women football team (Flamingos) Manager, Bankole Oloowokere, Legendary Goalkeeper John Gaadi, Ex-Super Eagles Forward Abdul Sule.  Others Include Tukur Tukur, Barrister Elechi, Nda

Nationwide League One (NLO) Division One side, Olukismet Football Club are set to unveil their new kits for the 2020/21 season. The new kits, will see the ambitious side retain their traditional blue colour for the shirt with yellow stripes running across the shoulder while the short is all blue for home kit. The away kit shirt is a yellow top with blue strip and yellow short with blue strip. A statement from the club read that arrangements have been concluded to unveil the club new kits produced by Nigeria Sportswear giant Haggai alongside the players on Saturday February 13, 2021 at Inspiration Hotel and Suites, Ikere-Ekiti. Fans of the Ikere-Ekiti based club will be able to see the team wearing the new jerseys in action when the NLO Division One kicks off next month. Haggai is a sister company of Nigeria’s foremost sports equipment marketers, the popular Zenith Sports. The leading Nigeria's sportswear manufacturing will provide training and playing kit, to the team and will have

  Yobo, Emenike unveiled as ANFSC As Brand Ambassadors. tobexSports  The foremost Football Supporters club in Nigeria, Authentic Nigeria Football Supporters Club  at its Surulere Lagos National secretariat on Thursday 4th of February unveiled Former Super Eagles Captain and current assistant coach of the Super Eagles, Joseph Yobo and AFCON 2013 golden boot winner, Emmanuel Emenike as brand ambassadors in a quiet ceremony.    Yobo who has earned over one hundred appearances for the Super Eagles was impressed by the what he termed "the achievements of ANFSC in such a short time" and he also commended the president of ANFSC, Prince Abayomi Ogunjimi for his diligence and steadfastness as he said he has known "Bonfere" as he loves to call Prince Abayomi Ogunjimi for the best part of two decades.  Former Fenerbahce of Turkey striker Emmanuel Emenike on his part stated that he supports causes that better the football and society at large which is one of the reasons he buil

Nigeria striker has Odion Ighalo joined Saudi Arabia Pro League side Al Shabab on a permanent deal from Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai Shenhua. The former Super Eagles star was handed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the King Fahd Stadium outfit having passed his medical. Despite having plenty of suitors, the 31-year-old chose to continue his professional career with the White Lion where he joins Senegal international Alfred N'Diaye and will wear jersey no. 89. Ighalo could make his debut for the Saudi side when they host Al Raed in Saturday’s league encounter. Unbeaten in their last five league games, Carlos Inarejos’ men lead the log having accrued 32 points from 16 games - two points ahead of closest challengers Al Hilal and Al Ahli.

Osun Football Association congress members have heaped praises on the chairman of the state football association Otunba Rasaq Ishola Mustapha RIM., for timely donations of cash gifts in order to cushion the effects of the ravaging pandemic. At a mini-gathering scheduled with full awareness and adherence to health protocols, Ajiroba Ooni the FA supremo  remarked that, the gestures became imperative owing to the pandemic which taking toll on our strata.  The chairman whose investments in the round leather game is so massive and huge exhorted zonal and local football council representatives to keep rejuvenating grassroots programs in their domain knowing fully well that future of football is in grassroots. The British trained lawyer also intimated members about the importance of club affiliations and reasons football club owners in the state should waste no time in affiliating their teams. He noted that the two state teams are yet to complete their affiliation process. RIM as he's fon

In its quest to take the game of soccer to enviable heights in the state of Osun, Chief Rasaq lshola Mustapha led  administration has launched its official football website as part of its manifestos in advancing the game of soccer in the state.  The website which is a promise fulfilled when fully activated, would be a channel in which important media contents as related to football activities will be provided. With an attractive design and inherent usability, there is a strong focus on constant useful updates, components, data managements, news and lofty engagements. According to FA supremo, who has heavily invested in football, the link is an avenue for global community to access series of activities coming out of the state. " Our catchy official website domain www.osunfa.org, would be a channel for the public to get relevant and useful informations including news releases, competition schedules, football components, local match updates and related news from the State FA. "

" Abuja Football Association Secretary Usman Ilerika has described Naija Ratels as a well structured club with a certain bright future in the Nigerian Football arena." The renowned Football enthusiast said this, while presenting the certificate of affiliation to the President of NWFL Championship side Naija Ratels, Barrister Paul Edeh in Abuja. Ilerika on behalf of the Abuja FA, said the Association are happy to absorb a well modeled club like Naija Ratels into it's folds and hailed them for following due diligence and required process, as it concerns proper affiliation with the Abuja F.A.  The President of Naija Ratels FC, Barrister Paul Edeh while reacting, thanked the FCT FA for giving them the neccesary supports, while also stated the reason the club decided to affiliate with them.  "Abuja is going to be our new home." He said.  "We decided sometime ago to stay in Abuja, while Honey Badgers, our second team remains in Benue state.  "It was a decisi