BY KUNLE SOLAJA
Babatunde Raji Fashola, former Governor of Lagos State, has called for a complete rethink of Nigeria’s football business model, warning that without structural reform, the country will continue to miss out on the economic potential of sports.

Delivering the keynote speech at the launch of veteran journalist Mumini Alao’s autobiography, Fashola argued that while Nigerian sports talents excel internationally, the domestic sports economy remains underdeveloped.

He highlighted gaps in infrastructure, sports media investment, and professional governance, noting that Nigeria has few dedicated sports TV stations compared to the 15 sports channels on South Africa’s SuperSport network.

“The story is not just about the sportsmen; it’s about the jobs created around sports — from reporters and producers to physiotherapists and nutritionists. We must build a system that works for them,” Fashola said.

His five-point reform plan includes public awareness campaigns, manpower development through education, transport-linked sports infrastructure, safety and security protocols, and strict governance standards in sports management.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

The record champions of Africa, Nigeria’s Super Falcons, brought smiles, songs, and celebration to the heart of Lagos on Wednesday as they paid a historic visit to the headquarters of Nigerian Breweries (NB) after their WAFCON 2024 victory.

It was not a regular day at the office for the staff of Nigerian Breweries.

The sombre atmosphere at the Iganmu head office was replaced with cheers, music, and fanfare as the newly crowned African champions walked through the gates, carrying their WAFCON trophy.

The visit was the first of its kind in recent times by a victorious national women’s team to a corporate organisation, and it showed the deep bond between the Super Falcons and Nigerian Breweries—especially its key brands, Goldberg and Amstel Malta, which have supported women’s football in recent years.

A Day to Remember

The players, dressed in branded tracksuits, were welcomed by the excited staff with singing and dancing.

As the team toured the office, they stopped at every department—marketing, HR, logistics, and more—shaking hands, taking photos, and sharing laughs.

People took selfies with the players, hugged them, and thanked them for making the country proud. “We usually deal with reports and planning, but today was different,” said one staff member. “Seeing our champions up close was something special.”

Big Surprise from Nigerian Breweries

After the tour, the Super Falcons were treated to a brief indoor ceremony where Nigerian Breweries announced a multi-million-naira donation to the team.

The company said the money was a thank-you for the players’ courage, teamwork, and the joy they brought to Nigerians.

The Head of Marketing Communications at Nigerian Breweries Plc, Sandra Amachree, said, “These women have made Nigeria proud.

“They’ve shown us strength, beauty, and excellence. Nigerian Breweries, through Goldberg and Amstel Malta, is pleased to stand with them, not just today, but always.

“This visit is more than a celebration. It shows what is possible when businesses support sports, especially women’s football. The Super Falcons have done their part. Now it’s our turn to do more,” she remarked

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

Football excitement is set to sweep through Ilesa as the town prepares to host the maiden edition of the Summer Holiday Football Training Camp from August 4 to 29, under the banner of the El-Roi International Football Academy.

According to Coach Siji Lagunju, a former Nigerian international and one of the program’s organisers, the initiative aims to nurture and harness grassroots football talent among boys and girls in Ilesa and neighbouring communities.

The training will be segmented into three age categories:

• 8 to 12 years,
• 12 to 15 years, and
• Under-17 (U-17).

Coach Lagunju, a CAF Pro License holder and former Deputy National Technical Director at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), explained that the programme is tailored for youngsters aspiring to pursue football as a career. Participants will receive expert guidance from a handpicked team of experienced coaches.

“We are putting together this Summer Football Training in order to encourage the development of raw talents from the grassroots in Ilesa and its environs,” said Lagunju, who was known for his dazzling dribbling skills in his playing days.

Lagunju’s illustrious career spanned several prominent Nigerian clubs including IICC Shooting Stars, the defunct Leventis United, International Breweries (Ilesa), Bendel Insurance, Iwuanyanwu Nationale, and Stationery Stores.

He emphasized the affordability and value of the training camp, stating:

“For as little as Ten Thousand Naira, children who enrol will be put through the rudiments of the game — and so much more.”

Calling on parents to support their children’s dreams, Lagunju added:

“Part of my calling is the discovery of raw talents, and I want to use this opportunity to urge parents in Ilesa to bring their wards. They won’t regret it.”

The El-Roi International Football Academy’s summer initiative is expected to attract young football enthusiasts from across Osun State, turning Ilesa into a hive of youthful sporting energy throughout the month of August.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H