Chelsea is still the best team in England- Frank Lampard

Shooting Stars will renew its rivalry with defending champions Remo Stars in the final of the 10th edition of the Optima Energy Gold Cup. Recall in the last edition, the Sky Blue Stars mauled the Oluwole Warriors 4-0 to claim the trophy. It's a record for 3SC and Coach Gbenga Ogunbote, as both are making it to a third final of the preseason tournament after the Oluyole Warriors defeat Sunshine Stars by three goals to one. 3SC produced a five-star performance to claim the bragging rights against their southwest derby neighbours Sunshine Stars. The game was full of suspense and fireworks with end-to-end football that produced four goals, and two in each half. Anthony Okachi should have made it 1-0 for the Oluyole Warriors after his long-range shoot-on target rattled the crossbar of the Owen Whales. Sunshine Stars had their half chances but was not enough to put them ahead. Shooting Stars took the lead in the 20th minute after good attacking teamwork, which saw Abdallahi Hassan findin

Defending Optima Energy Gold Cup champions Remo Stars are through to the final of the preseason tournament 10th edition after they edged Sporting Lagos by a goal to nil. It's a back-to-back final for Remo Stars, but Sporting Lagos did put up a decent performance and could have forced the semifinal tie to a penalty shootout. The Sky Blue Stars did dominate having much of the ball possessions and shots at goal but laboured to go past the Lagos-based Nigeria National League team, who they held to a goalless first half.  Sporting Lagos had their injured goalkeeper Agbor Ekoi to thank as kept his goal safe up till the 48th minute. A minute later, Remo Stars found themselves in front, with Okon Aniekeme profiting from a mix-up in the Sporting Lagos defence line to put the ball past Ekoi. In the 68th Remo Stars survived a scare after goalkeeper Edafe almost gifted Sporting Lagos their equalising goal after he failed to grip the ball firmly and spilt it to the path of an onrushing striker

The Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Debo Oshundun, has described the series of recognition awards given by the illegal caretaker Committee set up by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria Incorporated (SWANI), as an act of desperation by the illegal caretaker Committee. Oshundun, stressed that, the action of the illegal caretaker Committee giving out three quick Recognition Awards to prominent Lagosians without due process, showed clearly that, they are just out to get immediate gains and gifts from the awardees without the approval from the Lagos SWAN executive elected by the  Congress  of the authentic Lagos SWAN  members. "It is out of place for the illegal SWANI Caretaker Committee to venture into giving three quick Recognition Awards to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Biodun Alabi, the Chairman, House Committee on Sports, Hon. Moshood Oshun and lately the Speaker, Lagos House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obas

A record more than half-century goals were scored by the 10 teams taking part in the 10th edition of the Optima Energy Gold Cup held at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne and FC Ebedei in Sagamu. With the group, phase matches concluded on Monday and semi-finals billed for Wednesday and Thursday, 2021 champion Remo Stars and runner-up Shooting Stars were the top scoring sides having bagged nine (9) goals each, as Shooting Stars attacking midfielder Joshua Akpan and his rival in Remo Stars Samuel Anakwe are leading the goal chart with four (4) goals each.  Group A, tagged 'Group of Death' lived up to the hype as 27 and two own-goals were recorded. Remo Stars got two big wins against Gateway United and Hammola whom they defeated 4-2 respectively. Sunshine Stars who were the second team to qualify behind Remo Stars from the group to the semifinals, scored seven (7) goals with their biggest win against Gateway United.  Gateway United scored five (5) goals, debutants Hammola got four (4)

Shooting Stars maintained its 100 per cent win record in the 10th edition of the Optima Energy Gold Cup after they defeated FC Ebedei 2-1 to qualify for the semifinal. It was three wins out of three for the Gbenga Ogunbote side, as they came from behind to pepper the newly promoted Nigeria National League (NNL) side. The Oluyole Warriors got a scare after FC Ebedei took a half-time lead from a penalty in the 26th minute. Ibrahim Opebi made no mistake, as he smashed it home for the Oliseh and beyond the reach of goalkeeper Udo. Shooting Stars had to wait for another 35 minutes to level things after Olabode Olaitan sent in a lovely one from a free kick. With eight minutes to end the game, Joshua Akpan punished a 10-man FC Ebedei with 3SC's second goal of the morning and his fourth in the Optima Energy Gold Cup. The victory sees Shooting Stars regain their top spot in the Group B log with 9 points followed by Sporting Lagos on 7 points. Meanwhile, it was a six-goal thriller in Ikenne

Defending Optima Energy Gold Cup champion, Remo Stars brightened the chances of qualifying from the 'group of death' after they humbled stubborn Hammola FC 4-2. The first fixture of Matchday 3 lived up to the billing as two fabulous goals were scored from set plays by both teams in the first half. Hammola, a Nationwide League One Division One team from Osun State, were brave enough to take a surprise lead in the 11th minute via a set-piece from Olajugba Ayokunle that beat goalkeeper Charles Tambe. Experienced Cameroon shot stopped and could not help but spill the ball into his own goal as he attempted to force a save. Hammola's one-goal lead only lasted for 23 minutes, as Remo Stars Odibo Godwin got the equaliser after a lovely finish from a Seun Odunsi assist. With the game nearing half-time, Hammola regained the lead courtesy of a cool finish from Olarenwaju Habeeb, who beat his marker to lob the ball beyond the reach of Tambe, to the top right corner of the goal to make

  It was fireworks at the FC Ebedei Stadium, as Beyond Limits came from behind to share the spoils with their local derby rivals The Oliseh Boys in a four-goal thriller. The Optima Energy Gold Cup Matchday 2 fixture between both teams produced four sublime goals, with two each scored in both halves. It was end-to-end football and high pressing from both teams as they searched for the first goals. Credit to the goalkeepers for their bravery in goal, as they gave fans a lot to cheer with a few superb and point-blank saves they made at both ends. FC Ebedei drew first blood after its lanky striker Chime Chinedu put them ahead in the 11th minute, with a beautiful strike from an intelligent dummy he sold to Beyond Limits defenders  FC Ebedei's lead didn't last for more than eight minutes, as Ogbonnaya Sunday put the game on level terms after a fine finish. It was a more electrifying second half, with both teams going close to adding to their tallies but the boys in between the goalpo

Niger Tornadoes could become the first team to seal a spot in the semi-final of the Optima Energy Gold Cup 10th edition after they piped Hammola in their second game of the preseason tournament in Ikenne.   The win saw the Ikon Allah boys go top of Group A with 6points from two matches. Hammola who were making their debut in the nation's prestigious preseason tourney for teams in the domestics league, gave a good account of themselves as they could have secured a point from the game but were left to rue the late penalty miss.  It was a keenly contested first half as both teams matched themselves for size and play, even though the goal didn't come. Tornadoes, in the second half showed that they were an elite side and took the game to Hammola. Their effort paid off, as Amuda Sheriff got the goal in the 48th minute with  Samuel Oduola providing the assist. With the game nearing three minutes to end, Hammola were awarded a penalty after Habeeb was fouled in the Tornadoes box. Habee

Remo Stars started their Optima Energy Gold Cup defence in a soft landing after they came from behind late in the game to force their noisy neighbours Sunshine Stars to a one-all draw at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne. Both teams took the game as not just a preseason match, but one with a view of claiming the southwest bragging rights. The game was soaked and tense with flashes of cards and moments of madness, but the match official took control of the game as he issued two straight red cards, one a piece for both teams and the same number in penalties. It was goalless after 17 minutes of play and a minute later the unthinkable happened after the ref issued two marching orders; one to last edition Optima Energy Gold Cup top scorer and Remo Stars striker Andy Okpe and Sunshine Stars Mutiu Dauda for a visibly but uncontrolled dissent. With a man down for both teams, the tempo of the game became calm as both teams failed to score in the half. Action resumed in the second half and it was

It was a star performance from 2021 Optima Energy Gold Cup runner-up Shooting Stars as they thrashed Beyond Limits in a five-goal thriller at the FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu. Niger Tornadoes on its part had to wait till the opening minute of the second half to find the back of Gateway FC's goal, to claim their first 3points at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne. The opening two fixtures of the Optima Energy Gold Cup, had six goals recorded from the two venues, with Akpan Joshua of Shooting Stars scoring the first hat-trick of the 10th edition of the preseason tournament.   It was a game of two halves in Sagamu as Beyond Limits went into the break with the lead, while the Oluyole Warriors took advantage of the Nationwide League One side minute of carelessness in the second half, to score four goals with Akpan Joshua taking home the match ball.  Beyond Limits gave Shooting Stars a scare in the opening 10 minutes, hitting the woodwork twice but couldn't punish the NPFL side for its

It will be an action-packed 10 days, as the best of football clubs cut across the three tiers of Nigeria's domestic league will give anxious fans many to cheer, as the 10th edition of the Optima Energy Gold Cup kicks off on Thursday in Ikenne and Sagamu in Ogun State. The Optima Energy Gold Cup, which is the flagship of all preseason tourneys in Nigeria will run from 22nd September to October 1st. Four Nigerian Professional Football League(NPFL) sides Niger Tornadoes, Shooting Stars, Sunshine Stars, Gombe United and defending champions Remo Stars will set the pace for other teams as they try out their best legs for the tournament. Sporting Lagos who are making their debut, were the early birds after they communicated their arrival to the Optima Energy LOC from their camp base in Ijebu-Ode on Tuesday. Newly-promoted Nigeria National League side FC Ebedei, Gateway FC, Beyond Limits and Hammola FC of Osogbo are tagged the 'giant killers', as they are expected to give the top t

As football loving Nigerians look forward to the NFF elective congress slated for 30 September, Ibrahim Gusau, NFF Presidential candidate has been described as a selfless leader, with undeniable capacity to lead the Federation This was disclosed to www.totorinews.com by Sunday Longbap, the chairman of Plateau State FA, as he informed that Gusau is classical  example of one good turn deserves another. "There is no doubt that Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau has the undeniable capacity to lead the NFF. He is a man that can die for his fellow congress members," Longbap said. "He does not leave anything that is important for Nigeria Football undone, neither does he leave anything untouchable that is meant for the congressmen. "Therefore it comes naturally that we should rally support to a man that has shown the pedigree to stand by Nigeria football and the congress. "He has the pedigree of protesting the interest of stakeholders in the development of football in Nigeria,"

  Champions Remo Stars will begin its title defence in a Southwest derby against Sunshine Stars, as the organizers of the Optima Energy Gold Cup released the groupings and fixtures at the weekend. The 10th edition of Nigeria's prestigious preseason tournament kicks off from 22nd September to 1st October (Independence Day) at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne and FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu. Group A is regarded as a 'group of death' as it's made up of three former champions, Remo Stars, Niger Tornadoes and Sunshine Stars. Debutants Sporting Lagos and Mavlon FC will be having their hands full against the Nigeria Professional Football League(NPFL) trio in blockbuster fixtures at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne. Former Optima Energy Gold Cup runner-ups, Gombe United and Shooting Stars lead Group B alongside Ekiti United, and 'giant killers' FC Ebedei and Beyond Limits. Their matches will be hosted at the FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu. The opening Matchday One matches

Champions Remo Stars will begin its title defence in a Southwest derby against Sunshine Stars, as the organizers of the Optima Energy Gold Cup released the groupings and fixtures at the weekend. The 10th edition of Nigeria's prestigious preseason tournament kicks off from 22nd September to 1st October (Independence Day) at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne and FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu. Group A is regarded as a 'group of death' as it's made up of three former champions, Remo Stars, Niger Tornadoes and Sunshine Stars. Debutants Sporting Lagos and Mavlon FC will be having their hands full against the Nigeria Professional Football League(NPFL) trio in blockbuster fixtures at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne. Former Optima Energy Gold Cup runner-ups, Gombe United and Shooting Stars lead Group B alongside Ekiti United, and 'giant killers' FC Ebedei and Beyond Limits. Their matches will be hosted at the FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu. The opening Matchday One matches fo

 FC Robo Queens of Lagos on Friday won the second edition of the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament, after recording a 1-0 victory over Edo Queens at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.  Osahon, who was known for his convivial expressions throughout the tournament, smiles with glee as the team grabbed him and began to toss him gently into the air after the game.  Scenes of ecstasy spread around the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium after the final whistle, as the fanfare continued despite the fact that the home team, Edo Queens failed to take the day.  The tournament, which is Nigeria’s only pre-season women football championship, is the brainchild of the Wife of the Edo State Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki. The tournament themed, ‘Say No to Drugs’ is aimed at raising awareness on the adverse effects of drug abuse among youths. A smiling Edo State First Lady, Mrs Betsy Obaseki, dressed in red and a touch of white, marched along with other dignitaries, including her Husband, Governor Godwin

 The second edition of the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT), on Friday, came to a close amid pomp and pageantry with Robo FC of Lagos crowned as champions after beating the host Edo Queens 1-0. The 10-day event came to a thrilling conclusion amid cheers and fanfare, featuring scintillating cultural displays, singing, dancing and drumming as well as exciting exotic displays by various groups to announce the end of the tournament. The tournament, which is Nigeria’s only pre-season women football championship, is a brainchild of the Wife of the Edo State Governor, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki. The tournament themed, ‘Say No to Drugs’ is aimed at raising awareness on the adverse effects of drug abuse among youths. A seminar/lecture was also organized as a part of the tournament bringing over 10, 000 youths, eminent personalities, guests and representatives from Nigeria’s 36 states for a discourse to advance the campaign against drug abuse, its various manifestations, impact on the spo

Taiwo Ogunjobi Foundation have announced that it will gift cash reward and plaque to the top scorer and Most Valuable Player(MVP) of the Optima Energy Gold Cup The 10-day soccer fiesta of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup now Optima Energy Gold Cup, a preseason tourney for clubs in the Nigerian domestic league, kicks off on September 22 to October 1st in Ikenne and Sagamu. A total of 10 teams cut across the Nigerian domestic leagues, will use the platform to prepare their teams for the new football season.   Olanrewaju Ogunjobi, one of the sons of former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) late Taiwo Ogunjobi in the statement said: "We are proud to be part of the tourney as it has set the standard for other preseason tournaments in Nigeria. "It's our delight that the tourney which has a meaningful mark of our father is in its 10th edition. "For the teams and Nigeria football family that has contributed one way to the success of the tourney, we say thank yo

The Chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League, Aisha Falode, has commended the Edo State First Lady, Mrs Betsy Obaseki, for hosting a very successful 12-club pre-season tournament for women's football clubs/teams in Nigeria. Falode said Saturday : "Thank you Your Excellency, First Lady of Edo State, Mrs Betsy Obaseki, for organising a colourful, impressive and world class pre-season football (BOWFT) tournament for our young girls from across Nigeria. "The social message #Say No To Drugs  and the seminar were a good mix for the message to sink.  "On behalf of all the teams/clubs that participated in the ten-day event, we say thank you." FC Robo of Lagos won the title when after defeating Edo Queens FC of Benin City in the final match played on Friday evening by a lone goal. The Emmanuel Osahon-tutoted team grabbed a cash prize of N5million, while Edo Queens got N3million as second placed team. Five- times Nigerian League champions,  Delta Queens of Asaba f

Indigenous sports facility construction firm, Alansmith Nigeria Ltd have reactivated its partnership with the Optima Energy Gold Cup. Alansmith recently installed a 60mm FIFA standard artificial turf pitch, with shock pads, and French drain system at the FC Ebedei sports facility in Sagamu. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Alansmith Nigeria Ltd Joshua Adamu says they are once proud to be  associate with the tournament which has become a brand in Nigeria’s domestic football in the past 10 years.  Adamu assured managers and coaches should expect the best performance from their players while on the pitch. "Our groundsman will be there to provide technical support on the pitch. The pitch is eco friendly at any time of the day and in any weather condition. " What we have installed at FC Ebedei Stadium, allows for speed, ball bounce and ankle movement for players  "Recall ankle injury, is one of the things NPFL players encounter in the league, but that's not so when you pl

Edo Queens Forward Yemisi Samuel is determined to experience the 'special' feeling of lifting Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament infront of the home fans as they prepare to come up against FC Robo Queens on Friday's final at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.  The young forward joined from Osun Babes two seasons ago and has become an integral part of the Benin based side.  Samuel, who was Edo Queens Topscorer last season, is optimistic that they can lift the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament Trophy right at their home ground and knows it's going to be remembered for a very long time. "It would be a very special moment for me," She noted.  "We have a great squad and want to achieve something different this time around, by lifting this trophy.  "We are already excited about getting through to the final and everyone is ready and so hopeful we can win tomorrow.  FC Robo Queens won Edo Queens in the final of one of the Pre-season Tournament l

FC Robo Queens forward, Taiwo Lawal has stated that her team's success is far more important than personal accolades, as she is presently the top goalscorer in the Competition with 7 goals in four games.  The young forward scored one of the goals that led FC Robo Queens to the final of the 2022 Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament.  "Winning the golden boots will be special to me, but it is more important for us as a team to end up being champions.  "As a striker, i would love to score more goals and emerge Topscorer in every tournament, but collectively, the team should come first.  "I am confident and looking forward to winning the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament. Edo Queens will have the advantage, because they are playing at home, but we won't relent. We are going to keep pushing in the game, until we win. FC Robo Queens will play Edo Queens in the final of the 2022 Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament on Friday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium,

Counting down to the September 30th NFF elective congress in Benin City, Edo State, Senator Moses Cleopas has affirmed  that Ibrahim Musa Gusau is the man Nigeria football needs to pilot her affairs. Senator Cleopas, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee of Youth and Sports Development gave his nod to the ambition of Zamfara state FA Chairman to become the next President of the NFF. The Senator representing Bayelsa Central Senatorial District at the Red Chamber of the National Assembly, said Gusau has proven himself worthy of the office, given his years of experience and his ability to always rally round football stakeholders. He revealed this while giving his goodwill message at Gusau' official declaration dinner event held at Asokoro, Abuja on Tueday night. He used the event to charge other football stakeholders to support Gusau's candidacy, noting that he is a personality with the charisma to administer football more effectively in NFF. He added that his humble personality w

 The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and wives of 20 governors across the country are among guests expected at the ‘Say No to Drugs’ lecture/seminar, taking place on, Thursday, September 15, 2022, in Benin City, the Edo State capital. The seminar/lecture is part of activities for the ongoing Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament (BOWFT), holding in the state’s capital between September 7, 2022 and September 17, 2022. The seminar will take place at Edo Hotel Marquee, Okada Avenue, G.R.A Benin City by ppm. Marwa is the keynote speaker, while the governor’s wives will be led to the all-important event by the Chairperson of the Nigerian Governors' Wives Forum, Her Excellency, Erelu Bisi Fayemi.  A paper “Drugs in Sports,” will be presented by Professor of Sports Medicine, Prof. Ken Anugweje, who is the Chairman, National Anti-Doping Committee and Director, University of Port Harcourt Sports Institute, Rivers State. Others expected

Poised to add value to football, private funded Nigeria National League club Sporting Lagos has partnered with the Optima Energy Gold Cup. The Optima Energy Gold Cup, a preseason tournament for football teams in the Nigerian domestic leagues, will be hosting its 10th edition from September 22 to Independence Day, October 1st, in Ikenne and Sagamu. Sporting Lagos Football Club is the brainchild of Shola Akinlade, Co-Founder/CEO of Paystack, Nigeria’s leading online payment platform. "Sporting Lagos is proud to partner with the Optima Energy Gold Cup which is in it's 10th edition. We share the same dream with the organizers as we both intend to help the next football talents in Nigeria," says Godwin Enakhena, the chairman of the club.  According Tunde Shamsudeen, the Optima Energy Gold Cup General Coordinator stated: "We're delighted to be associated with a tech investor, Akinlade, who is using Sporting Lagos as a platform for community development and social chang

Afer he made his official declaration to contest for the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in a very classy event filled with Crème de la Crème personalities in Abuja on Tuesday, Ibrahim Musa Gusau has said that he has the capacity to stabliise Nigeria football.  Gusau, who is the football supremo in Zamfara State FA and Chairman of Chairmen in the Federation was the cynosure of all eyes as dignitaries from  both private and public sectors, football stakeholders, top government officials from the presidential villa, national assembly all gathered to celebrate the candidancy of man known for his humility and great service to humanity. In a  brief chat with the media after the event, the astute football administrator said that as an Accountant with over 35 years in service, he is fully equipped with knowledge, wisdom and discipline to manage funds and this will be very evident under his leadership as NFF president, as he noted that the essence of money is how it is manag