Chelsea is still the best team in England- Frank Lampard

The 21-year-old Nigerian midfielder will play in the UEFA Champions League this season. Belgian champions Club Brugge have announced that they have completed the signing of Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika in a 5-year-deal that would see him stay at the club until 2027. The 21-year-old defensive midfielder who can also play centrally in the defence had been on the radar of many top European clubs, including Serie A champions AC Milan. Onyedika joins Club Brugge from Danish side FC Midtjylland where he had been since 2019 as a youth player, before being promoted to the senior team in 2020

 Bayelsa Queens Chairman Pastor Robin Apreala says he is confident his side can go on to win the ongoing WAFU B' Zonal Qualifying, taking place in the Capital of Cote'D'voire, Yammosoukro. Now on top of the table, the Yenagoa based side leads Ghanaian Champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies in Group B with a superior goal difference and will now face Burkina Faso side, US Des Forces Armees Ladies (USFA) on Sunday Evening at the Stade De Yammosoukro.  Speaking to www.thenwfl.com from Yammosoukro, the Experienced Football Administrator confidently noted that his team's ultimate goal in Cote' D'voire is to end up as Champions, qualifying automatically for the Total Energies CAF Women Champions League in Morocco later this year.  "We are focused and ready for the remaining matches in the competition. We play against USFA On Sunday and hopefully move to the Semi-Final," He said.  "Our only goal here is to get to the finals and become Champions. It is not negotia

Former Sunshine Queens player Maureen Umeugochukwu has joined French Second Division Femenina side US. St. Malo FC on a one year contract according to Sportsgig.com. The highly-rated Defender had a great season with Turkish Women Football Super League Side, Adana Idmayurduspor, where she joined St. Malo from. Umeugochukwu is St. Malouine's third signing this season, following the arrivals of French International Florie Saint-Cricq and Tunisian international Raina Aduina. Maureen Umeugochukwu started her career with Lagos Football Academy Young Talent Academy, before moving to another Academy side Rising Queens FC Of Akure, before later donning the colours of Edo Queens, Pelican Stars and Sunshine Queens, all at a very young age. "I am really excited to be in St. Malo, and I can't wait to get started," Maureen told the Club's official website.  "The club has a great history and when I got the chance to come here, I was really excited, as I couldn't resist

As the countdown to the forthcoming NFF elective congress in Benin  begins, it is now certain that Nigeria Football Federation will have a new  President to pilot the affairs of the nation's football administration at least for the next four years.   After the much awaited AGA on Thursday, the 18th of August in Lagos, the coast now seems to be crystal clear on who fills in the vacuum to be left by  outgoing NFF President, Amaju Melvin Pinnick as the Fifa council member finally winds down the curtain of his stewardship as the captain of the NFF ship  having served for eight years.   Mr. Pinnick's public declaration not to seek for re-election has opened the door for suitors  jostling to succeed the Delta State born sports administrator.  At the moment,  a handful of aspirants have thrown in their hats on the ring but even among equals , Nigeria Football deserves the  best. However, talking about the best , one name surely rings a bell,  and that name is no any other than Ibrahim

After the qualification of Team Osun; Team Oyo, Team Lagos and NPFL/LaLiga champions Remo Stars to the semi-finals on Friday, organizers of the Ogunjobi U15 Memorial Cup have released the last four pairings. With both Oyo U15 and Osun U15 sealing their semi-final spot on Thursday, the onus was on Remo Stars and Lagos U15 team to get at least a point from their Matchday 3 fixtures, having recorded 4points and 3points respectively after the conclusion of Matchday 2 fixtures. That they did at the Sports Complex Ataoja School Of Science in Osogbo, as Remo Stars and Osun U15 played out a 1-1 draw to go second in Group B with 5pionts while Osun maintained the top spot with 7points after two wins and a draw. With Oyo U15 already leaders of Group A with 6points from two matches, Lagos and Ekiti had to slug it out in the final Group A game for who joins Oyo in the semis. The soak tensed game between both teams lived up to the hype as it ended 1-1, thus saw the Eko Boys qualifying on superior go

  Oyo and Osun State U15 teams are through to the semi-finals of the Ogunjobi U15 Memorial Cup after they compounded the woes of Ekiti and Ogun State U15 teams respectively. A beehive of activities returned to the Sports Complex Ataoja School Of Science in Osogbo as six goals were scored on Matchday 2 of the tournament.  The Oyo State team who defeated a 10-man Lagos State team on Matchday 1, took the game to their counterparts from Ekiti State who had piped Kwara State in their opening fixture. Shittu Fawaz was the unsung hero after he broke inside Ekiti State U15 team box, and hammered home the goal in confident fashion in the 20 minute and at the end proved to be the winner for his Oyo State team. For Osun, they had Hamzat Qureeb to thank, after he scored from a sublime free kick in 52nd minute. Victory for Oyo and Osun State U15 teams on Matchday 2 have placed each on top their groups with 6points each. It was a superb Matchday 2 outing for Lagos State U15 team as they put behind t

NPFL/LaLiga champions Remo Stars and U15 teams of Oyo, Osun and Ekiti got their first 3points on Matchday 1 of the maiden edition of the Taiwo Ogunjobi U15 Memorial Cup. The opening fixture of the one-week long soccer fiesta at the Sports Complex Ataoja School Of Science in Osogbo, lived up to its hype after Oyo U15 got the better off their bitter rivals Lagos with a 2-1 scoreline. It took Oyo State 16 minutes to break the resilience of Lagos State defence as Maruf Umar made history as he became the first goal scorer of the when he scored from a stunning strike to give his team the lead. With Oyo State going into the break of half-time with a comfortable lead, the onus was on Lagos State to find the equalizing goal in the 2nd half. That was not to be; as two minutes into the 2nd half, Shittu Fawaz pounced on lose ball from a poor defending to double the lead for Oyo State.    Francis Ajibola then gave Lagos State a lifeline after he reduced the tally from a goalmouth scramble in the 51

The chairman of Bayelsa United Ebiki Timitimi has dismissed reports going round in the media that the Prosperity Boys have refused to return the trophy won last year due to the Nigeria Football Federation inability to pay the price money for the trophy. The Yenagoa-based Nigeria National League, NNL side won the 2021 Aiteo Cup on August 8, after defeating NPFL side Nasarawa United via penalty shoot-out following a 2-2 draw at the end of extra-time. Bayelsa United won the penalty shootout 4-3 to win the trophy for the first time ever in their history at the Ogbemudia stadium in Benin City, Edo State. The chairman while reacting to the report on a sports program monitored in Yenagoa said the club was yet to receive any official request  demanding the return of the trophy describing the report as untrue. Timitimi cautioned the fake news peddlers to always verify the informations from the club before putting it out to the public for thier  consumption. He explained that the club have writt

The maiden edition of the highly anticipated Okeyson Cup is scheduled to start on the 21st of August 2022 at LSDPC estate, Isolo, Lagos.  The tournament which lovers of football in Isolo are looking up to will be a show of talented players ready to brighten their career as individual prizes, credible and established football scouts will be on ground to scout for the best legs in the tournament. Speaking to the Press, the organizer of the Okeyson Cup, Okechukwu Ejimah popularly known as Okey noted that the aim of the tournament is to give back to the society because the youths in the society is part of his success story. The co organizer Okeyson Cup, Ahmed Ademola popularly known as Fabrepass echoed the same opinion of Okey and added that all hands are on deck to make sure the tournament is successful. Okey said, "The aim of this Okeyson cup is to bring youths together, make them lively, see football as a means to foster unity in the community and also give back to the community be

The stage is set for the maiden edition of the Western Nigeria Football Forum/Late Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi Memorial U-15 Football Tournament and Award ceremony.  The football competition starts Tuesday with the arrival of all participating teams from each state of the South West. The teams from the South West states will be joined to fight for honours by the winner and runners-up in the NPFL/La Liga U15 national championships; Remo Stars and Katsina United U15 teams. Secretary of the Main Organizing Committee(MOC) Sola Ogunnowo in a chat with the WNFF/Ogunjobi Cup Media disclosed that fixtures for the week-long football fiesta will hold Tuesday at the NYSC Camp, Ede which serves as a matching venue as well as accommodation ground for the participating team. Ogunnowo in his words; "The Main Organizing Committee (MOC) and the Local Organizing Committee of the tournament have concluded all arrangements to have a hitch-free tournament in honour of late NFF Secretary and former Chairman o

Falconets Head Coach, Christopher Danjuma' has dedicated the team's victory against the Koreans to Nigerians, particularly those who stayed awake to watch and support the team. The Nigerian Women U-20 side have won their first two games in the Competition, ongoing in Costa Rica, with a lone goal each.  The team have now qualified for the quarter final of the Competition, after the French Side defeated Canada by three goals to one. The team will now face Canada on Thursday in what is the last game of the group stages. The Falconets have reached the final of the FIFA Women's World Cup twice, 2010 and 2014, losing to the German side twice in the process.

Arrangements are in place for the 21st edition of the Olumide Oyedeji Basketball Camp holding at the Indoor Sports Hall National Stadium Surulere, Lagos. The event will hold from Monday, 29th of August to Saturday, 3rd of September from 9am to 4pm daily. The camp is open to kids from 4 years to 17 years with scholarships on offer for outstanding talents at the end of the weeklong camping exercise. Though, a basketball camp, resource persons will also be around to talk to campers about career choices and equip them with life skills. According to Olumide Oyedeji- founder of the initiative that has produced stars such as former Nigerian internationals, Rasidat Sadiq, Deji Akindele, and Michael Eric, the opportunity is open to kids from across Nigeria. “We are excited to have another unique opportunity to impact kids through the camp after a covid-19 induced break. The importance of this camp cannot be over-emphasized. We are glad about what we have achieved and the quality of talents that

 Falconets left-full back Rofiat Imran believes the team has what it takes to go far in this year's FIFA Women U-20 World Cup ongoing in Costa Rica.  The promising talent also thinks that their first game against the young French team, will determine how far they will go in the tournament, noting that the team is well prepared and will get a positive result in their opener, which will in turn spur them to lead on, in the tournament.  "First games are always very important in every competition. We believe so much in ourselves and our capabilities. We respect our opponents, but not on the pitch of play. We would go all out to get a positive result against the French team. They are a good side, but we will make sure we are not defeated in our first game,". "It's a long tournament and it's a dream come true for most of us. The tournament will help us progress as a player, as it is a stepping stone to us achieving more as a footballer.  "We hope to make every

Organizers of the maiden Western Nigeria Football Forum/Ogunjobi Memorial U-15 Football Tournament have listed the Honourable Minister for Youths and Sports Development, Hon. Sunday Dare and nine others for an Award of Excellence. Eminent and notable sports personalities within and outside of the Western States of Nigeria will grace the award ceremony billed for Osogbo, capital of Osun State on 21st August. Information made available to the Media Sub Committee of the Main Organizing Committee (MOC) revealed that the Honourable Minister and the other nine recipients will be honoured for their selfless service to the development of the beautiful game in the South West. Alongside Sunday Dare to receive an award are Hon. Kunle Soname; the Chairman of KC Gamings Limited and President of Remo Stars FC, Ikenne Remo, Chief Adebutu Kessington, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, Chief Segun Odegbami, HE Omolade Oluwateru and Mr Yemi Idowu. Others are, former member House of Representatives, Honourable Ay

Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees, Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu has disclosed that 12 teams, two from the grassroots and ten from the top leagues will be participating in this year's edition. Addressing the media in his office in Benin, the board Vice Chairman appreciated the key stakeholders who have contributed to the modest success so far achieved, stating that the theme for this year's tournament is built around the girl child.  We are using this tournament to create public awareness for the danger inherent in drug abuse and trafficking." The Vice Chairman who is also the Edo State Deputy Governor said: "This year's event will be having all the  36 states' first ladies in attendance at the final, by the grace of God. The implication of that is that women's football has come to stay in Nigeria. Kudos to the head of the women's football league, Ms Aisha Falode and our First Lady, Mrs Betsey Obaseki for encourag

.  Red-hot Nigerian international, Gift Emmanuel Orban justified his new contract extension with Norwegian side, Stabæk Fotball with a brace to inspire the Norwegian OBOS-LIGAEN campaigners to (4-2) win away from home. OBOS-LIGAEN campaigners, Fredrikstad Fotballklubb who are winless in it's last (2) games hoped to bounce back to winning ways when they face, Stabæk Fotball on Matchday (18). Stabæk Fotball who recorded a deserving win on Matchday (17) hoped to consolidate the win when they face, Fredrikstad Fotballklubb away from home on Matchday (18). First half of the game had the visitors, Stabæk Fotball breaking the deadlock following Gift Emmanuel Orban 22nd minute goal. With the half time beckoning, the host, Fredrikstad Fotballklubb restored parity to ensure the two sides returned back to the locker on level terms. Second half of the game had the visitors, Stabæk Fotball, running riots against it's host, scoring (3) goals with its Nigerian star, Gift Emmanuel Orban record

Ever-present African flagbearers Nigeria departed the shores of the country on Thursday evening for this year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals taking place in Costa Rica.   Coach Chris Danjuma has picked team captain Oluwatosin Demehin and 20 others - an overwhelming majority of whom were involved in the lengthy qualifying series – to wear Nigeria’s colours at the 19 –day championship.   The Falconets had to scale the hurdles presented by Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Cameroon and Senegal, winning six of seven matches (they only drew with Cameroon in Douala) to be eligible to fly Africa’s flag once more at the finals in central America.   Nigeria will play France, Canada and Korea Republic in Group C of the 16-natio tournament starting on 10th August, while 2018 runners-up Spain will tango with hosts Costa Rica, Australia and Brazil in Group A. Africa’s other flagbearers Ghana are up against Cup holders Japan, The Netherlands and three –time champions United States of

The Main Organising Committee and Local Organising Committee of the maiden Ogunjobi Memorial Cup on Wednesday embarked on an inspection tour of facilities earmarked for the tourney which comes up this month. A high-powered delegation led by Ondo State FA boss, Otunba Dele Ajayi arrived Osogbo, the capital of Osun State and immediately visited designated hotels, proposed match venues and medical facilities. Speaking to reporters after the one day inspection tour, the Co-Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Otunba Dele Ajayi is optimistic of a memorable tourney poised to live up to its billing. "We have got an idea of the progress level of the tournament after going round to check on the available facilities.  "What we have seen at these facilities were exact things the LOC provided the MOC in their reports.  "So, we have taken key decisions as regards accomodations, feeding and match centres. The LOC has done a good job and we are going to have a befitting champions

Coach of Mavlon FC of Otukpo Kayode Jabala says despite the defeat to Flight FC, that the 2-1 scoreline was not the true reflection of the game as Ibrahim Muhammed Beji was a tormentor and could have earned a point for the team.  Scens from the Nationwide League One (NLO) between both teams last weekend showed that Nigeria can unearth talents in the grassroots via the platform provided by the nation's third-tier league. Muhammed was able to prove how vital he is through his superb work rate for the team, to the amusement of fans that saw the game.  With his deft touches, ball dribbles and fire power, he was a torn of flesh to Flight FC defence line, as it simply showed why he a player for the future. Reason why he played a pivotal role in the Flying Eagles success at the WAFU B U 20 tournament in May after Nigeria emerged as champions. “We are not happy with the result, my team gave its best in the game, but football can be cruel sometimes when the result goes the other way and not

Olayinka Olawole Nigerian Young Forward, Gift Emmanuel Orban has officially signed a four-year Deal with Norwegian Club Stabaek FC. Gift Orban, alongside Players Management Group Head Of Scout, Attai Udia and A Representative of Stabaek FC.  Orban played on loan form Nigerian Club, Bison FC and having posted impressive performance, the Norwegian activated options to sign the talented youngster on a permanent deal.  Gift Orban is known as the 'Jewel Striker' in Norway.  Gift Emmanuel Orban grew up in Togo as well as Nigeria, and speaks French. In November 2021 he was scouted by Stabæk's Torgeir Bjarmann and Thomas Finstad in Nigeria during a showcase tournament arranged by agent Atta Aneke and his scout Attai Udia.  Stabaek FC described the Nigeria forward as versatile, as well as a Technically-gifted player, caller him a 'Striker Jewel'  He scored his first goals in cup matches against semi-professional teams Notodden and Gjøvik-Lyn (twice). After which, he became a

By Olayinka Olawole. Former Real Sapphire Football Club of Lagos Forward Victor Boniface has taken a step further in his career, as he signs a four year deal with top Belgian Side, Union Saint-Gilloise FC.  The former Flying Eagles striker scored twice for his club on Saturday in a league win over Aalesund and afterwards admitted that could well have been his last game for Bodo/Glimt.  The 21-year-old youngster also scored thrice some weeks ago, as his Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt thrashed Faroes outfit Klaksvik 3-0 in the first leg of the Champions League preliminaries, making him the first player to score a hat-trick in the 2022/2023 season of the biggest football tournament in Europe. The new deal was brokered by Top agent Attah Aneke and his top scout Attai Udia.  Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, abbreviated to Union SG or USG, unofficially simply called Union, is a Belgian football club originally located in the municipality of Saint-Gilles, in Brussels, although since the 1920s it has b

The Secretariat of the Nigeria Women Football League, from it's base at the NFF Glass, Abuja, Monday declared the NWFL Club Owners Association an illegal body, as it is not a statutory recognised body by the Statutes governing the game after a letter to the NWFL by the Nigeria Football Federation.  In a letter dated 29th of July 2022, from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the Nigeria Football Federation stated that the NWFL Club Owners is not an affiliate of the NFF, and thus the Football Federation won't recognize it.  For avoidance of doubt, the NFF listed the following specific issues contained in the release.  1. The Women League Club Owners is not an affiliate of the Nigeria Football Federation and thus not recognized by its statutes.  2. The NFF, therefore shall not in anyway be involved or associated with the elections and other activities of the Club Owners.  Conveying the NFF message to the NWFL Clubs, the Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Women Football Lea

The Secretariat of the Nigeria Women Football League, from it's base at the NFF Glass, Abuja, Monday declared the NWFL Club Owners Association an illegal body, as it is not a statutory recognised body by the Statutes governing the game. The Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Women Football League,Modupe Shabi, in a signed letter to the clubs, disclosed that, the Club Owners was earlier accepted as a valuable link between the NWFL Secretariat and the clubs. The letter continued:  "I am directed by the Chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League in response to the letter dated 22nd July 2022, purportedly from the Club Owners Association of the Nigeria Women Football League, NWFL, Informed the NWFL Secretariat of election into offices of it's Executive Council. In the light of the possible abuses of the relationship, the NWFL wishes to inform all the clubs. "While the Club Owners Association is not a statutorily recognised body, by the Statutes governing the gam

FC Robo Queens of Lagos President, Osahon Emmanuel Orobosa has denied being part of a purported boycott of Nigeria Women Football League Premiership teams ahead of the new 2022/2023 season, which is scheduled to kickoff on September 14. Orobosa, who's team has produced players like Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, Chidinma Okeke and lately Gift Monday, further stated that he was shocked when he saw the news that NWFL teams have all agreed to boycott the league, which is to start next month. A statement by the NWFL  club owners which has been confirmed to be false and a calculated attempt to distract other clubs from focusing for the upcoming season.  "I am shocked by the boycott that is being mentioned. I must confess, I am hearing it for the first time. I am surprised!" He said.  "I wasn't there when it was discussed and I never had a glimpse of this. As far as I am concerned, I am not aware and not part of this boycott.  "I am not out there to kill the l