Nigerian Football

FOOTBALL ICON, ODEGBAMI MAKES PASSIONATE APPEAL OVER HIS GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDACY

Published

7 years ago

December 15, 2018

Former Nigeria national football team captain and a continental icon, Segun Odegbami who has ventured into politics, has sent a passionate appeal to members of the sports community for support.

He is a candidate for governorship seat of Ogun State on the platform of Zenith Labour Party. His appeal in the form of an open letter to the sports constituency reads:

My dear Friends in Sports,

Some months ago, I took a major step that you all are likely to be aware of. I joined the train of Nigerian politics.

I understand the reaction of most of you in keeping a respectable distance from my unilateral decision by not openly associating with it in anyway, or even expressing an opinion, one way or the other. You all may also already have your political interests and affiliation.

I believe that had I informed you, or sought your opinion on the matter, it is most probable that you would have advised me to avoid the temptation, by all means, and not ventured to enter into the Lion’s den of Nigerian politics.

You would probably have correctly reminded me of our past general understanding of the relation between sports and politics. They never worked well together.

Strategically, those were the sentiments I did not want to hear at all at the time I took my decision.

Nigerian politics are not of the sort that, as a sportsman, an Olympian for that matter, I would ordinarily want to be associated with – the graft, the lies, the corruption, the intimidation, the treachery and betrayals, even killings -conducts and tendencies that do not work well with the values that we espouse in competitive sport – merit, transparency, equity, excellence, healthy competitiveness, fair play, clear rules and regulations, winning and losing graciously, friendship, discipline, honesty, equality, and integrity.

On the value scale, Sports and Politics are planets apart from each other.

So, for me to have unilaterally plunged into this obvious murky minefield means there must be more to my decision than meets the ordinary eye. Yes, indeed, there is.

The separation of Sport from politics in Nigeria has been responsible, in the main, for the stunted growth of an industry that should be thriving with the abundance of natural talent available. Sport has the capacity to make Nigeria a global superpower.

Through sport we could have united Nigerian people better, ‘laundered the image of the country better, taken a lot of our young boys and girls off the tracks of illiteracy, joblessness, drugs, prostitution, crime and uncontrolled emigration, and prepared them to pursue happiness through a sector they have a passion for, that engages them, creates global job opportunities for them,makes them healthy, wealthy and wise, empowers them, and imbibes in them the best of human values.

What we do now is deny the entire demography of young people entry into the opportunities to be productive on a global scale because of our myopic optic of the power of sport.

Through the decades, sport has continued to show the world glimpses of its ability to breakdown racial, social and religious barriers, and, through strategic deployment of its power and followership, to drive economic, political and cultural goals that can help in transforming Nigeria.

We have said a great deal through the years but have failed to move from ‘talk’ to ‘walk’.

Sport remains a wasting natural resource in Nigeria.

Previous political leaders have lacked the understanding to use it to drive national goals of development beyond winning athletic medals and trophies.

Intermittently between 1960 and 1980, Nigeria was actually on the right trajectory. The Olympics Games of 1980 was an unfortunate tipping point.

Since then, sport has been getting only the short end of the stick of government’s attention. Successive changes in government and in sports administration left the field with a deficit of human capacity and the vision to advance the cause.

Since then, major experienced and knowledgeable stakeholders have never been in position ofpower to influence, or even implement, their visions and ideas.

Sport,therefore, needs the fuel of political power to be able to burn brightly. Sport needs political power to will facilitate and implement advancement and development of the sector.

Sport is a driver as well as major contributor to the national economy, culture, tourism, diplomacy, infrastructural development, youth engagement and empowerment, and so on.

Since I ended my career as an active sports person, I have experienced the roles that sport can play in all the above sectors. In the eternal words of late Nelson Mandela in 1995, sport has the power to change the world.

There is a glaring disconnect between sport and government in taking advantage of what sport offers Nigeria and its army of youths in every cranny passionate about sport but wasting like beautiful flowers in the desert.

We cannot,therefore, stay away from politics and expect that things will change. Nothing will change unless we go in there and effect the change ourselves.

It is as simple as that. That’s my motivation for daring to break away from the norm and enter the lion’s den.

You all know me and my antecedents in and out of sport.

I have always being the ‘guinea pig’ in my own various ventures in sport, using the results of my work as testimonies of their efficacy, or failure.

Either way, the important thing has always been that I did something rather than prevaricate and play ‘siddon look’.

So, I am venturing again into politics, a new and unfamiliar terrain. I have painfully found out, to my chagrin, that it poses an exciting new kind of challenge that,with the support of my major constituencies (sport and the media), we can,together, surmount, make a difference and possibly change our world.

I assure you I am not motivated by vaulting ambition for power.

Neither is this a quest to amass wealth.

My intention is simple – to use sport, a territory I am very familiar with and for which I am eminently qualified, to drive a national development agenda.

I choose to start ‘small’, to emulate our ‘brother’, George Opong Weah of Liberia, and plant a political seed that will germinate quickly to establish in Ogun State the foundation of a new political paradigm in Nigeria.

My mission is that Ogun State will become the take-off point of a revolution using the power of sports and other related fields of entertainment that includes culture, music, arts, film, dance, drums, literature, hospitality, theatre and leisure, among others to initiate and undertake the fastest national development program driven by youths, in our history.

Starting from Ogun State, we can replicate the model and establish a continent-wide renaissance, an unaccomplished dream of Africa’s founding political fathers atIndependence from colonial rule around 60 years ago.

Their goal was to reclaim the dignity, respect and equality for the Black Race and Africans in the world.

In the general architecture of the world today, those goals can be attained quickly only through a cultural revolution, deploying the energy and passion for the arts, culture and sports to drive productivity and innovation, building an industry in the process that will be the fastest and most effective transformative tool in the world.

That’s why I am attempting, even against all the odds, to become the next governor of Ogun State where I come from.

I intend to use the State as both a laboratory and a launch pad, working with the best brains and talents across the sectors to make this dream become reality.

I shall soon have an interactive session with all members of our sports family in order to share my vision and mission in Ogun State. But until that happens, I am writing this to crave your understanding and support.

This is going o be a very daunting task, but I assure you that Sport has prepared me adequately for the challenges ahead. To me, ‘failure’ does not exist.

The will to win is the essential tonic that drives the spirit of hard work, single-mindedness, commitment, determination, never-say-die attitude, teamwork, humility, fair play, decency, honesty, integrity, discipline and dedication to the cause.

My ‘campaign’ started subtly a few days ago.

I am contesting for governorship of Ogun State. The party platform I am using is Zenith Labour Party. It is a new party, the last to be registered by INEC, the last party logo on the ballot paper, an empty structure waiting to soak in persons that embrace our simple motto – ThePeople, Our Priority.

I did not join any of the other major parties in order to be able to get to this point where I can even contest without carrying any existing or future burdens as result ofGodfather(s), political patrons, political funders and investors, and so on.

We are setting up new structures across the State, populated by disenfranchised people, people living with physical disabilities, civil servants, retirees, restless youths,women, and the elderly.

I humbly invite you to support me in any way, join me, or simply just watch me without shooting me down.

Your compatriot,

Segun Odegbami

Nigerian Football

Back to the Skies: Shooting Stars will Chart a Brave New Course under new chairman, says Dimeji Lawal

Published

1 day ago

July 17, 2025

Kunle Solaja

General Manager of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Dimeji Lawal, has expressed strong optimism about a promising new era for the historic Ibadan-based football club, following the appointment of Taiwo Lekan Salami as the new Executive Chairman.

In a statement issued by the club’s media officer, Tosin Omojola, Dimeji Lawal is quoted as anticipating a new era for the club.

Popularly known in football circles as Kabongo, Dimeji Lawal praised the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for what he described as a visionary and strategic move in appointing Salami, a respected businessman and sports enthusiast, to lead the club’s revival.

The club’s general manager is quoted as having told the Shooting Stars Media that he greatly appreciated the efforts of the immediate past chairman of the club, Babatunde Olaniyan, who is popularly known as “Akoro.”

Lawal, a former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles winger who also played for Femo Scorpions, Julius Berger, and the Shooting Stars (3SC) in his active days, began by acknowledging the efforts of the club’s immediate past chairman, Babatunde Olaniyan “Akoro.”

“To start with, I want to appreciate His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, who has never hidden his intention to return the glory days of Shooting Stars,” said Lawal.

“His Excellency’s appointment of Akoro was not a mistake. He laid a solid foundation and brought some level of transformation to the club. However, we all understand that true growth takes time. Now, with Honourable Taiwo Lekan Salami, I believe the governor has once again made a wise and deliberate choice — the right peg in the round hole.”

Lawal described Salami as a man driven by passion, pedigree, and purpose. He emphasised the chairman’s strong family ties to football — a legacy deeply rooted in the very identity of the club, whose iconic Lekan Salami Stadium is named after his late father, Chief Lekan Salami, under whose leadership 3SC enjoyed one of its most glorious eras.

“In Honourable Salami, I see a man ready to break new ground and restore Shooting Stars to its rightful position — not just in Nigerian football, but on the continental and global stages,” Lawal noted. “He comes from a football-loving family, and he possesses vast knowledge of how a professional club should be structured and run.”

The 3SC boss further pointed out that the new chairman’s stature in politics, sports, and business gives him the leverage to open new doors for the club, especially in the areas of sponsorship, infrastructure, and youth development.

“The name Lekan Salami carries a legacy that commands respect and influence. Add to that, Honourable Taiwo Lekan Salami himself is a man of influence, who has already hit the ground running.

“From my interactions with him, it’s clear that he is determined to lift this club beyond its current standing,” Kabongo added.

Lawal believes that with Salami’s leadership, 3SC is set for a transformational journey that could see the club reclaim its historical status among Nigeria’s football elite — and even surpass past achievements.

“All he has outlined is achievable. His energy, conviction, and strategic thinking show that no obstacle is too great if the will is strong. It is indeed the dawn of a new era for this great club,” he said.

He concluded by calling for the collective support of all stakeholders — fans, former players, sponsors, and government — to rally behind the new chairman’s vision.

“With unity and support, I foresee 3SC reclaiming its rightful place in Nigerian football and returning to continental prominence under the leadership of Honourable Taiwo Lekan Salami,” Lawal stated.

Shooting Stars, one of Nigeria’s oldest and most storied football clubs, has seen fluctuating fortunes in recent years.

With this fresh leadership, stakeholders are hopeful that the club can once again rise to become a dominant force on and off the pitch.

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Nigerian Football

Adieu Buhari: A President Football Truly Loved

Published

2 days ago

July 16, 2025

Kunle Solaja

From U-17 World Cup Triumphs to a National Sports Legacy, Buhari’s Era Marked a Golden Chapter in Nigerian Football

By FEMI ADESINA

The late Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, recorded some landmark achievements during his time in office, both as military and democratically elected leader.

Significantly, the two Under-17 World Cup victories we had were won under him, 30 year apart. The first was in Beijing, China, under the Nduka Ugbade led team, while the other was in 2015, and it was there that Victor Osimhen burst into limelight, scoring 10 goals, and winning the Golden Boot.

As Military Head of State, Buhari cut short his vacation to receive the victorious Golden Eaglets in August 1985.

In January 2016, the President declared that football loved him, despite that he didn’t play the game as a young man.

“I was too thin. While my classmates like Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (former Chief of Staff Supreme Headquarters) were stocky enough to play football, I opted for hockey,” he recalled.

“If I played football, I could easily have been broken to pieces. But with hockey, if you hit me with your stick, I could easily hit back.”

Buhari had been given the Glo/CAF Platinum Award for Good Leadership, conferred in recognition of his support for football, which resulted in Nigeria winning two major international tournaments in 2015.

While receiving the World Cup-bound Super Eagles in 2018, Buhari challenged them to play fair and clean football at the Russia 2018.

The then Minister for Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung received the award on his behalf, and while handing it over at the State House, President Buhari had declared: “Thirty years after winning the Under-17 trophy, Nigeria won again last year. What a fabulous coincidence. I think football loves me.”

The President recalled the reception given to the 1985 team, led by himself, his deputy, Tunde Idiagbon, and the Sports Minister, Samson Omeruah.

Dalung said: “Under your administration, we have won the Under-17 World Cup, and we also won the Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations last year. We have had very good fortune in football since you came to office, and the sports family is very happy.”

Other soccer laurels won under Buhari in eight years include the 2016 Africa Under-17 Cup of Nations for Women (Flamingos), the 2016 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (Super Falcons).

Yet others include the 2018 Africa Women Cup of Nations (Super Falcons), 2019 WAFU Zone B Women’s Cup, (Super Falcons).

The Falconets, also in 2019 won the Africa Games Women’s Football. In his second term in office, under Chief Sunday Dare as sports minister, President Buhari approved the Nigeria Sports Industry Policy (NSIP), designed to unlock the enormous potentials of sports as economic driver.

He also approved the 10-year Football Masterplan, which is a blueprint for rebuilding the country’s football from the grassroots to global glory.

Adieu, President Buhari. Football truly loves you.

*Adesina served as media adviser to President Buhari, 2015-2023

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Nigerian Football

Legacy Renewed: Taiwo Lekan-Salami Charts Bold Path for Shooting Stars Revival

Published

4 days ago

July 15, 2025

Kunle Solaja

BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

A new chapter may be unfolding for the once-glorious Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, as Taiwo Lekan-Salami—son of the legendary football administrator, Chief Lekan Salami—steps into the role of chairman with bold plans to restore the club’s lost prestige.

For many fans and historians of Nigerian football, the name Lekan Salami evokes memories of an era when Shooting Stars dominated the local and continental football scene. Under the stewardship of the late Chief Salami, 3SC achieved iconic status, notably becoming the first Nigerian club to win a continental title with their 1976 African Cup Winners’ Cup triumph.

Despite being in the opposition party, the NPN, in a UPN-controlled Oyo State, Chief Lekan Salami, for his astuteness, was still offered the leadership role of Shooting Stars, which he guided to the National League title in 1983.

At its zenith, the club was either a continental title winner or contender. Apart from being the cup holders of the then African Winners Cup in 1976, they were runners-up in 1977, as well as being title contenders in 1984 and 1996 in the old-style CAF Champions League.

The Shooting Stars were the inaugural winners of the now defunct CAF Cup in 1992.

Shooting Stars’ last national title was the league crown of 1998. They had the unenviable record of being the first Nigerian champions to the relegated the following season.

Ever since, the club has often been recalled for its tribulations rather than for glory. Last season offered a glimmer of hope, which soon faded, and Shooting Stars, from being top-three contenders, swam downstream into the middle of the league table.

Decades after the era of the legendary football administrator, another Lekan Salami is on the saddle. Is he a chip off the old block?

This is what Taiwo Lekan-Salami will have to prove as he is poised to revive that golden legacy.

Following in the footsteps of his father and his older brother Yomi Salami, who also chaired the club in years past, Taiwo is bringing a fresh vision laced with family tradition and modern ambition. During his first official interaction with the team on Sunday, he laid out a roadmap that, if realised, could herald a transformative era for Nigeria’s oldest football club in the top flight.

According to the club’s media officer, Tosin Omojola, the new chairman has outlined a series of initiatives, chief among them the establishment of a permanent club complex. This proposed facility would include a players’ hostel, a standard training pitch, a gym, coaches’ quarters, a lounge, and a restaurant.

“I have lots of lofty plans for this club,” Taiwo said in his address to the players. “We will build a permanent site for Shooting Stars before the end of this administration. We will have a hostel so that all of you will be together.”

To bring the dream to life, Salami revealed he has approached Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for land to host the project and is simultaneously courting sponsors to support the venture.

“I’ve told the governor to give me land. If the government doesn’t have money to build it, no problem—just give me the land,” he explained. “I’m already talking to sponsors to come and invest in Shooting Stars. We’ll offer them branding rights on our jerseys, pitch panels, and buses. Those conversations are ongoing.”

But beyond infrastructure, Taiwo Lekan-Salami emphasized performance. He made it clear that the realization of these ambitions hinges on results on the pitch.

“To whom much is given, much is expected,” he told the players. “If a man has such a vision, what can you do to support him? Just go out there and get good results. Do your best to get the job done.”

The players, for their part, responded with gratitude and a pledge of commitment. Speaking on their behalf, experienced left-back Ikouwem Utin thanked the chairman for his clear dedication to their welfare.

“We truly appreciate your vision and support,” Utin said. “We promise to give our best and make your dream for this club come true with the results you deserve.”

As the club prepares for a new season, fans of the Ibadan-based giants will be watching closely. With a name that evokes nostalgia and ambition that inspires hope, Taiwo Lekan-Salami’s tenure could very well be the spark that reignites the Shooting Stars’ flame—one that once lit up African football and could soon shine again.

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