Nigerian Football
NIGERIA SPORTS MINISTER, DALUNG MOURNS DEJI TINUBU
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung has expressed deep shock following the sudden demise of the first Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Deji Tinubu.
Dalung described the death as too shocking and sudden to be true that Tinubu who was until his death bubbling with life could just slump and die while playing ‘leisure football’ with his friends.
He described the late board member of the Nigeria Football Federation as a progressive Nigerian who realized and pursued the dream of a greater and better Nigeria through sports development.
“We have interacted so well over the last couple of months since the Lagos State Government through him then as the Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission and Special Adviser to his Excellency on Sports, muted the idea of renovating the National Stadium in Lagos.
“His level of intelligence and calmness in the face of challenges was excellent. Working closely with him over the last one year on the proposed Lagos National Stadium project, reinforced my belief that with the help of bright young Nigerians who are in abundant supply home and abroad, the country would be great again”, Dalung said.
The Minister described the late Chief Executive Officer of SportsVision Media as a complete gentleman and a perfect role model to many established and upcoming journalists who wished to tap from his abundant wealth of experience.
“He was a complete gentleman who was humble to a fault. He was one of those few journalists who blazed the trail in their chosen careers and metamorphosed into sports administration when he became the Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association and was elected as an Executive Board member of the Nigeria Football Federation.”
While expressing deep shock over the news, Dalung prayed that God will console the Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and give the good people of Lagos, the sports fraternity and his immediate family members the fortitude to bear this painful loss.
“I don’t think any word will aptly describe the way I feel right now or be able to soothe this deep wound that has been inflicted on us all. But we will continue to console ourselves with the fact that death is inevitable and it is the price all of us must pay for being human.”
The late Deji Tinubu was recently announced as the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Lagos State.
He was sworn in as Special Adviser on Sports and Chairman of the State’s Sports Commission on October 19, 2015.
He slumped and died while playing five-a-side match with members of the Lagos State Government Executive Council and permanent secretaries at a resort in Epe.
Nigerian Football
Rivers fail to find their course
BY MITCHEL OBI
It is over and another defeat for the Pride of Rivers on the road, going down to a 67th minute goal by Sunshine Stars Yusuf.
It was a goal the boys from Akure desperately needed to ease off the breeze from the relegation waters.
And now they can smile, sharing the same 39 points with Bayelsa United and hoping to go clear when the full league resumes on May 25, the international day of football as declared by the United Nations.
Rivers United can now settle for their next rescheduled match against Abia Warriors on Wednesday May 15 before returning home to face stubborn Niger Tornadoes May 18. Indeed, it has been a miserable southwest run for Rivers Utd, picking only a point in three games and fluffing away the opportunity to challenge effectively for another continental ticket this season. Consolation may come in their chase for the President Federation Cup in which they have a contend again with the same Niger Tornadoes in the round of 32. That game happening on May 22 will see foot faithfuls in Auchi coming out in their numbers to watch two premier league clubs after almost a decade.
The Sunshine Stars versus Rivers United game in Akure was live on StarTimes, committed to broadcast all the rescheduled premier league games this month and continue their four match weekly schedule when the league fully returns.
Nigerian Football
NFF commiserates as former Super Eagles right winger, Babangida is hit with another tragedy
President of Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, NFF Executive Committee member Timothy Heman Magaji and the General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi on Sunday paid a condolence visit to former Nigeria international forward and President of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria, Tijani Babangida, who was involved in a ghastly auto crash along the Kaduna – Zaria Road on Thursday.
The unfortunate crash claimed the life of Tijani’s younger brother, Ibrahim – a member of the 1993 FIFA U17 World Cup -winning Golden Eaglets, on the spot. Tijani’s infant son, Fadil reportedly passed on Friday night during surgery, while his wife, Maryam is said to have successfully undergone facial surgery.
In the delegation also were NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen; Member of the NPFL Board, Jude Anyadufu; former Nigeria international and Chairman, Bauchi State Football Association, Pascal Patrick; former Nigeria international goalkeeper Emmanuel Babayaro; former Nigeria international, Austin Popo; prominent football stakeholder, Abubakar Danfulani and; former Nigeria international and special assistant to NFF President, Mallam Nasiru Jibril.
The delegation met Tijani Babangida at a hospital in Abuja to which he was transferred from ABUTH, and commiserated with the former World Cup star on the deaths of his brother and son, while praying for quick recovery for himself and his dear wife, who is still under intensive care at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria.
Nigerian Football
Flying Eagles 1983 set awards full scholarship to son of their skipper, Late Ali Jeje
In a poignant tribute to the enduring legacy of their late captain, Ali Jeje, the 1983 set of the Nigeria.
In a signed statement, vice captain of the team, Paul Okoku recalled the late Ali Jeje’s leadership was the cornerstone of the Flying Eagles’ journey to become the first Nigerian team to the FIFA under 20 World Cup, in Mexico.
According to Okoku, who resides with his family in USA, “1983 was the first time a Nigerian flag was raised and flown on the world football stage, in admiration of the world gathering for a pride of a nation, the players were the pride of the nation, Nigeria and the continent of Africa.
“The raising of the Nigerian flag was a proud moment, symbolizing the nation’s admiration for its players who embodied the pride of Nigeria”, added Paul Okoku, who pointed out that “despite facing significant adversities, Ali Jeje’s unwavering dedication to the team and the sport left an indelible mark on the annals of Nigerian football history”.
Okoku noted that in recognition of the late Ali Jeje’s unparalleled contributions and the enduring legacy he left behind, the Flying Eagles, 1983 set, has resolved to support Abdul Rahman’s educational aspirations through a scholarship.
“Furthermore, on behalf of the Esteemed Solidarity Flying Eagles Team, 1983 set, and as the vice captain of the history-making squad, I salute you, my fellow teammates, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our team members who generously supported this initiative financially and in kind who deserve our genuine appreciation for their integral role in the scholarship scheme:
“Chibuzor Ehilegbu, Otti Amaechi, Paul Okoku, Femi Olukanni, Segun Olukanni, Dehinde Akinlotan, Taju Disu, Dahiru Sadi, Tarila Okorowanta, Manu Garba, Alphonsus Akhahon, Sunday Edema Benson, Yemi Adebanjo, Samson Siasia, Patrick Udoh, Muyiwa Manny Motajo, Humphrey Edobor, Bright Benson, Wahab Adesina, Wilfred Agbonabare, Christopher Anigala, Yisa Sofoluwe, Raymond King, Mike Igbeka and Tarfa Kpako”.
Reflecting on the profound impact of this initiative, Paul Okoku expressed deep gratitude to his former teammates for their unwavering support and commitment, stressing that ” our collective action exemplified the essence of true teamwork and underscored the power of unity in honoring the cherished memory of our beloved Captain, Ali Jeje.
Abdul Rahman Jeje’s heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity to further his education serves as a poignant testament to the transformative impact of this scholarship on his future. With profound humility, he extends his heartfelt gratitude to the Flying Eagles, 1983 set, for illuminating the path to a brighter future and honoring his father’s enduring legacy.
“Incidentally that was also the first FIFA tournament attended by a Nigerian national team, when the Flying Eagles qualified after beating Guinea over two legs and he was the centre referee in the Group B match between Poland and the United States in Pueblo as well as the game between Brazil and Holland at the Jalisco Stadium, Guadalajara.”
“At the tournament, two other African referees – Bernard Grah of Cote D’Ivoire and Mohammed Larache of Morocco – were sent home after the Group games while Okubule was among the 12 retained to proceed with the remaining matches.
“As the Flying Eagles, 1983 set, continue to honor our illustrious legacy and invest in the next generation, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting Abdul Rahman’s educational journey”
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