Nigerian Football

HAS SPORTS COMMENTARY ON RADIO DIED WITH ERNEST OKONKWO AND OTHERS?

Published

6 years ago

August 7, 2019

BY KUNLE SOLAJA

There was a time when sports, especially football thrived in Nigeria. It was also an era of beautiful and graphically crafted informed commentaries on the traditional electronic media – radio and television.

In addition to the expected beautiful spectacles on the fields, sports followers eagerly awaited the voices of notable commentators like Ishola Folorunsho, Ernest Okonkwo, Sebastian Ofurum, Joe Lartey, Walter Batowei, Yinka Craig and Tolu Fatoyinbo among others.

That was in the ancient past. Most of these men have gone to the world beyond. Others have retired from service.

The Nigerian sports followers are starved of informed commentaries of proceedings on the fields, tracks and other sporting arenas.

In many instances, spectators went to the arena with their transistor radio sets to listen to graphic descriptions of scenes they were watching live.

Those commentators added colour to events they were describing. They were a delight to listen to.

The up and coming commentators have no models to take after. Most of the tapes of the informed commentators are no longer in existence.

Sina Abimbola, a retired Director of Programmes at Radio Nigeria is one of the broadcasters who worked under the tutelage of the Late Ernest Okonkwo.

He described him as ‘commentators’ commentator’. “EO, as we fondly called him, was a in the A1 class because of his knack for pictorializing scenes and situations in a way that successfully made him the eyes and ears of his listener. He was exceptional.”

But unfortunately, the country appears to be bereft of the A1 class of sports commentators both on television and on radio.

Abimbola explained that what obtained in the 1970s through the 1980s is no longer prevalent.

“We appear to have left the era when it was just radio and now that it is the era of television and middlemen in the mould of TV Rights buyers.

“They further use their rigidity to further alienate radio from the people with what you may call the Pay per View regime.

“In other words, the public service broadcasting philosophy that existed in Ernest Okonkwo’s time is no longer available. This is hampering radio talents in this field”, remarked Sina Abimbola.

Incidentally, in spite of the services rendered by Ernest Okonkwo and others in his ilk, the only significant remembrance of them is a broken board announcing the “Ishola Folorunsho – Ernest Okonkwo Media Tribune” on the left wing of the covered terrace of Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

In other climes, this may not be the most appropriate tribute. For instance, there was a certain Diego Lucero, a Uruguayan journalist based in Argentina who was reputed to be the only man known to have witnessed all World Cup finals from 1930 to 1994 before his death on June 3, 1995, aged 94.

Before his death, he was honoured with a Medal of Merit by FIFA at Mexico ’86 and had the School of Sports Journalism of La Plata in Argentina named after him.

Nigerian Football

Remo Stars are Nigeria’s 21st League Champions

Published

6 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Kunle Solaja

BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

By beating Niger Tornadoes 1-0 to win the Nigeria Premier Football League on Sunday, Remo Stars have become the 21st club to win the title since the league at national level was introduced in 1972.

But if professional football is the consideration, they become the 17th champions since 1990.

Most titles have been won by Enyimba, who won their 9th title in the 2022/23 season.

Yet, it was not a bed of roses for the club that is arguably Nigeria’s most successful club.

They were relegated in 1991 after finishing 15th in a 16-team league.

They returned to the elite division in 1994 after topping the lower division in 1993.

The next most successful club is Enugu Rangers, who have eight titles. But the bulk is in the amateur era when they were the dominant force in Nigerian football.

Since the professional period, Enugu Rangers have won just two titles in 2016 and 2024.

They are followed up by their age-long rivals, Shooting Stars, who have five titles, the last of which was won 27 years ago.

Heartland also have five titles, all won when the club was Iwuanyanwu Nationale.

Next are Kano Pillars, who are the second club from Kano to win the league. Before their four victories in 2008 and from 2012 to 2014, the now-defunct Raccah Rovers were Nigeria’s champions in 1978.

The NPFL winning team of 2021/22, Rivers United, can lay claim to four titles following the victory of Eagle Cement in 1997 and that of succeeding Dolphins in 2004 and 2011. Rivers United is a fusion of the older Sharks FC and Dolphins (previously Eagle Cement) in 2016.

Bendel Insurance have two titles won in 1973 and 1979 before the advent of professional football in Nigeria.

Also winning twice are the defunct Julius Berger of Lagos, who were champions in 1991 and 1999.

Other past winners who are no longer in the topflight of Nigerian football include Mighty Jets, the inaugural winners of 1972; Raccah Rovers of Kano (1978); New Nigerian Bank (1985); Leventis United (1986); Stationary Stores (1992); Udoji United (1996); and Ocean Boys (2006).

Others with single titles are Plateau United (2017) and Akwa United (2021).

Champions by season

1972 – Mighty Jets
1973 – Bendel Insurance
1974 – Enugu Rangers
1975 – Enugu Rangers
1976 – Shooting Stars
1977 – Enugu Rangers
1978 – Raccah Rovers, Kano
1979 – Bendel Insurance
1980 – Shooting Stars
1981- Enugu Rangers
1982 – Enugu Rangers
1983 – Shooting Stars
1984 – Enugu Rangers
1985 – New Nigeria Bank
1986 – Leventis United, Ibadan
1987 – Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland)
1988 – Iwuanyanwu Nationale
1989 – Iwuanyanwu Nationale
1990- Iwuanyanwu Nationale
1991 – Julius Berger
1992 – Stationery Stores
1993 – Iwuanyanwu Nationale
1994 – BCC Lions
1995 – Shooting Stars
1996 – Udoji United
1997 -Dolphins
1998 – Shooting Stars
1999 – Lobi Stars
2000 – Julius Berger
2001 – Enyimba
2002 – Enyimba
2003 – Enyimba
2004 – Dolphins
2005 – Enyimba
2006 – Ocean Boys
2007 – Enyimba
2008 – Kano Pillars
2009 – Bayelsa United
2010 – Enyimba
2011 – Dolphin
2012 – Kano Pillars
2013 – Kano Pillars
2014 – Kano Pillars
2015 – Enyimba
2016 – Enugu Rangers
2017 – Plateau United
2018 – Cancelled
2019 – Enyimba
2020 – Cancelled Owing to COVID-19
2021- Akwa United
2022 – Rivers United
2023 – Enyimba
2024 – Enugu Rangers

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Nigerian Football

AMAC Crowned Inaugural Champions of FCT FA Women’s Inter-Area Councils Football Tournament

Published

7 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Kunle Solaja

The AMAC Area Council have been crowned champions of the maiden edition of the FCT FA Women’s Inter-Area Councils Football Tournament, following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Gwagwalada Area Council on Sunday.

A first-half solitary strike from Ruth Torsue handed Atandex Taiwo’s side the historic triumph in the final held at the FIFA Goal Project Pitch, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Sunday, April 27, 2025.

In the earlier third-place playoff, Kwali edged Kuje 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time to secure the bronze medal.

As reward for their historic achievement, AMAC were presented with a cash prize of ₦250,000, while runners-up Gwagwalada and third-placed Kwali received ₦150,000 and ₦100,000 respectively.

A major highlight of the day was the conferment of a Meritorious Award on the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and First Vice President of WAFU Zone B, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to football development in Nigeria and beyond.

Speaking after receiving the award, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, who had just returned from the CAF African Schools Football Championship finals in Ghana, praised the FCT Football Association and tournament sponsor Pat Ajuma Ayegba for their unwavering commitment to grassroots football.

“I am fulfilled being part of this huge success. Championships like this are the real platforms for talent discovery, and I must commend the organizers for their vision and execution,” Gusau said.

“I made a vow to be here and am proud to identify with initiatives like this. It aligns perfectly with my agenda of promoting grassroots development since coming into office and taking the sport to every corner of the country. I am truly proud of the investment and dedication shown by Pat Ajuma Ayegba, and I fully support initiatives of this nature.”

Tournament initiator and sponsor, Pat Ajuma Ayegba, expressed immense satisfaction with the successful delivery of the competition.

“This is a dream come true. I congratulate all the participating teams, especially the champions AMAC, for their outstanding performance,” Ayegba stated.

“I sincerely thank the NFF President for the incredible honour of his presence and the fond memories offered to these young, ambitious female footballers. I also deeply appreciate the support of the Minister of Women’s Affairs and the humongous backing of the FCT FA leadership.”

FCT FA Chairman Muktar Adam Mohammed, represented by First Vice Chairman Alhaji Salihu Kolo, also hailed the tournament’s success and applauded Pat Ajuma Ayegba’s landmark achievement.

“We are extremely proud of the successful maiden edition of this championship. The attendance of the NFF President and the dedication shown by Pat Ajuma Ayegba have given this tournament a strong foundation for future growth,” Kolo remarked.

In a similar vein, the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by her Special Assistant, Alkali Suleiman, commended the organisers for their transformative vision.

“This initiative is highly commendable, creating a platform that takes young girls off the streets and engages them positively through sports,” Suleiman stated.

“On behalf of the Honourable Minister, I pledge our Ministry’s continued support to sustain and grow this laudable project as it aligns with our agenda.”

In recognition of outstanding performances, Jimoh Kairat of Gwagwalada was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, while the Best Goalkeeper award went to AMAC’s impressive shotstopper, Duru Blessing. Saratu Danladi also shone brightly, emerging as the tournament’s Highest Goal Scorer.

The well-attended final also attracted several high-profile dignitaries, including former FCT FA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National League (NNL), Emmanuel Attah; General Manager of NTA Sports, Kayode Adeniyi; Corps Command Daniel Asanya; former Chairman of FCT Coaches Association, Godwin Bamigboye; as well as FCT FA Board Members Femi Ajilore, Patrick Bassey, and FCT FA Secretary, Haruna Ilerika.

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Nigerian Football

This is their best moment; Remo Stars are Nigeria champion-elect!

Published

12 hours ago

April 27, 2025

Kunle Solaja

BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

They have been knocking since Season 2021-2022 when they finished third on the log.

In the following season, they were just a goal short of becoming the Nigerian champions.

Last season, they finished second again. But now, the door has finally opened, and on the club owner’s birthday!

Remo Stars have emerged as the Nigeria Premier Football League champions, even with three matches to spare! After a hard fought battle, they beat Niger Tornadoes 1-0 to attain an unassailable 10-point lead which confer the Nigerian championship to them.

The trailing team, Rivers United can only close the gap with nine points if they win all the remaining three matches and if Remo Stars fail to win theirs.

What a turnaround for a team that had twice been relegated in the past eight years. Perseverance, good planning and good structure have seen them taste the good wine.

What a feat! They become the first Nigerian champion to have come from a small town, the previously sleepy urban village of Ikenne.

Tension all the way!

And so, records come tumbling down. Ikenne is not just known for the production of eminent politicians and jurists, it is staking a claim to be the new destination of not just football, but sports generally.

A large proportion of the events of the 22nd National Sports Festival will be held in the ‘little’ town, which has become the smallest town to produce a Nigerian champion.

Roll out the drums in the 33 towns and settlements that make up Remo. Let the voices sing all over Ogun State, which is producing its first Nigeria League winners since the state was created on February 3, 1976.

Let the celebration start all over the federation as a model club with proper structure has finally emerged as Nigeria’s champions!

History still beckons to them. With nine more points obtainable from their remaining three matches, Remo Stars can still exceed the 77-point mark established by the current worthy runners-up, Rivers United, who in the 2021-22 season set a record of 77 points in a season since the 20-team format was institutionalised 21 years ago.

Remo Stars still have more records to assail. Their 1-0 defeat of Niger Tornadoes is their 21st win this season. They need two more wins to equal the 23 established by Port Harcourt sides, Dolphins in 2009/2010 and Rivers United in the 2021/22 season.

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