Oyo SportsNews

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews Facebook: Oyo Sports Update The ancient city of Ibadan is set to host another thrilling edition of the AAG Capital Presidents Cup, as the Ibadan Polo Club announces its 2025 tournament scheduled to hold from 22nd to 23rd November, 2025. Six top-flight teams will compete for honours in what promises to be a memorable weekend of world-class polo and wholesome entertainment. President of the Ibadan Polo Club, Mr. Abimbola Adeyemi, revealed during a media briefing on Wednesday that Lagos-based sides Bemil-Aka and Tharwa Mikano will headline this year’s guest teams. They will be joined by AAG Capital, Almina Group, MSR-BUA, and Red Couch. Polo enthusiasts can look forward to watching some of the sport’s finest talents, including Ahmed Umar, Dantala Ibrahim, and Yemo Alakija, as they saddle up to deliver top-quality action on the prestigious Ibadan turf. Mr. Adeyemi further disclosed that several high-profile dignitaries will grace this ye...

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews Facebook: Oyo Sports Update Ahead of their Nigeria National League opener against Heartland FC of Owerri tomorrow at 3pm, Crown FC of Ogbomoso has expressed strong optimism for the new season. In an exclusive interview with OyoSportsNews , the General Manager, Mr. Olamide Olusanjo Ilupeju, spoke about the team’s preparations, goals, government support, and the role of fans in driving the club to success. “We have just concluded our annual prayer session with our supporters, players, and technical crew, committing the entire season into God’s hands. We asked for journey mercies for all our home and away matches, and we believe He will guide us throughout the campaign,” Mr. Ilupeju said. Despite losing several key players last season, the technical crew has done an excellent job recruiting quality replacements. With numerous pre-season matches already played, the team has shown steady improvement, building chemistry and adapting well t...

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews Facebook: Oyo Sports Update As Crown FC of Ogbomoso prepare to open their 2025/2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) campaign against Heartland FC of Owerri at the Soun Stadium, Technical Adviser Coach Alexander Ayodeji Ayeni says his revamped squad is ready to deliver another remarkable season. After steering the Ajilete Warriors to their first NNL Super 8 appearance in over a decade last season, Ayeni believes his new group of players can exceed expectations, with patience, support and belief from the fans. AYENI CONFIDENT IN NEW RECRUITS Reflecting on last season’s impressive run, Ayeni explained that squad changes are a natural part of football. Yet, he is convinced that the reinforcements brought in fit perfectly into the team’s evolving philosophy. “Players will go and players will come; that’s football,” he said. “We made new injections into the team based on our style of play. I believe these present crops of players can give ev...

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews Facebook: Oyo Sports Update In a major stride toward promoting youth empowerment and grassroots sports development, Oyo Si Ma Dun (OSMD), an Ibadan-based non-profit organization, has unveiled the OSMD Unity Cup Football Tournament;  a competition designed to unite communities and discover emerging football talents across Oyo State. The tournament, packed by kayog Sporta International and supported by Oyo State Football Association is scheduled to run from November 15 to December 13, 2025 . The OSMD Unity Cup represents a bold initiative aimed at fostering unity, youth engagement, and sportsmanship among the people of Oyo State. The competition will feature football teams from all 33 Local Government Areas , grouped into the state’s eight geo-political zones;  Ibadan I, II, and III, Oke Ogun I and II, Oyo, Ibarapa, and Ogbomoso. Following the draws held on Monday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamas...

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews Facebook: Oyo Sports Update The Oyo State Football Association has announced plans to hold a novelty match in honour of its late Secretary, Mr. Kehinde Adebayo Ojelowo, whose passing on October 17, 2025, after a brief illness, has left the sports community in deep grief. According to the Chairman of the Oyo State Football Association, Oba James Odeniran, the Alakinyele of Akinyele, the special tribute match will feature Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and Crown FC of Ogbomoso on Wednesday, October 29, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, kicking off at 3:00 p.m. Oba Odeniran described the late Ojelowo as an outstanding sports administrator and a pillar of football development whose vision, discipline, and selfless service helped shape the growth of sports in Oyo State and Nigeria. For decades, Mr. Ojelowo devoted his life to the service of sport: particularly football; where his leadership as Secretary of the Oyo State ...

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews Facebook: Oyo Sports Update Honourable Gbenga Adewusi, widely known as  Arole , has been elected as the Southwest Zonal Representative on the board of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN). He clinched the position with a resounding 5–1 victory over his opponent, Mr. Adeyemi George of Ogun State. The election followed a previously disrupted exercise held on September 27, 2025, at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, which was marred by interference from a supporter of the opposition. Consequently, the Handball Federation shifted the by-election to Abuja, where it was peacefully concluded on October 25, 2025, at the Indoor Hall of the National Sports Commission. Adewusi’s triumph was described as a reaffirmation of his growing influence and leadership presence within the Southwest sports circle. In his post-election address, he expressed profound gratitude to God and acknowledged the support of the immediate past HFN President, Mr. Sam...

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews Facebook: Oyo Sports Update ₦28 Million Generated, Club Ranks Second on the NPFL Log It has been 100 eventful days since Honourable Taiwo Lekan-Salami assumed office as the Executive Chairman of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), and the transformation within the Oluyole Warriors has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite a challenging start to the season, the club has experienced a significant resurgence, with commendable growth in matchday revenues, improved fan engagement, and enhanced operational efficiency; all of which underscore a new era of accountability and progress for the iconic Ibadan-based team. According to findings by OyoSportsNews , Shooting Stars have generated over ₦25 million from ticket sales across VVIP, VIP, and regular categories; a feat never before achieved in the club’s history. Notably, this figure surpasses the ₦24 million total revenue recorded in 16 league matches last season under previous administra...

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews Facebook: Oyo Sports Update The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) witnessed a dramatic shake-up on the technical benches as three head coaches were suspended by their respective clubs following Matchday Seven fixtures. Warri Wolves Dismiss Aluma Napoleon After Home Defeat Warri Wolves became the first to act, relieving Head Coach Aluma Napoleon of his duties after the club’s disappointing home loss to Shooting Stars Sports Club on Matchday Six in Ozoro. Napoleon, who led Wolves back to NPFL after four years have managed to secure only seven points from six matches, a return the Delta State Sports Commission deemed below expectations. In a twist, interim coach Jonny Austin guided the team to an impressive away victory at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, defeating Barau FC in his first game in charge. Kwara United Part Ways with Tunde Sanni At Kwara United, Head Coach Tunde Sanni became the second casualty after the club’s eliminat...

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews Facebook: Oyo Sports Update Nigeria’s weightlifting sensation and 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist, Rafiatu Folashade Lawal, has once again proven her class on the global stage, winning three silver medals at the 2025 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championships held in Forde, Norway, on Saturday, October 4. Competing in the 58kg women’s category, Lawal delivered an impressive performance, lifting 101kg in the snatch and 128kg in the clean and jerk, for a total of 229kg; a mark that earned her second place overall behind Kim Il-Gyong of North Korea, who set a new world record with a combined lift of 236kg (104kg snatch and 132kg clean and jerk). The Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion, Kuo Hsing-chun of Chinese Taipei, claimed the bronze with a total of 224kg. Lawal’s latest achievement cements her position as one of Africa’s most consistent and resilient weightlifters. Her dedication and fighting spirit have kept he...

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews Facebook: Oyo Sports Update It was all smiles for the Head Coach of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Coach Nurudeen Aweroro, during the club’s pre-match press conference on Saturday evening, ahead of their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 7 encounter with Plateau United. Reflecting on the team’s recent form, which includes back-to-back victories, Aweroro expressed satisfaction with the players’ mindset and readiness for the crucial home fixture. “You can see it yourselves, the mood in camp says it all. The win against Warri Wolves showed that the players are mentally prepared and improving in focus and concentration as the season progresses,” he said. The former Ikorodu United coach noted that the league has been highly competitive, but insisted his side is well-prepared to face any challenge. “Every team we’ve played so far has been tough, and Plateau United won’t be an exception. But we are also a strong side, and w...

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews Facebook: Oyo Sports Update Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Abiodun Makinde, has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) as he confirmed his presence at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, this Sunday when the Oluyole Warriors host Plateau United in their Matchday 7 clash of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). The Governor made this assurance on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the club’s chairman, Honourable Taiwo Lekan Salami, who briefed him on the progress of the team since his appointment. Salami noted that the players are highly motivated and remain determined to achieve the continental target set for them by Governor Makinde. While receiving a souvenir box from the chairman, Governor Makinde pledged to be in the stands to cheer the team, stressing that his presence is not just symbolic but a reflection of his genuine support for the club’s resurg...

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews Facebook: Oyo Sports Update Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) players have earned high praise from their Chairman, Honourable Taiwo Lekan-Salami, following their spirited 2-1 comeback victory against Warri Wolves in Ozoro, Delta State; their first away triumph of the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) campaign. Delivering a message from the Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Chairman revealed that the Governor has promised a special winning bonus for the team anytime they secure maximum points away from home. This new incentive, he noted, will come in addition to the regular match bonuses provided by the club. “The Governor is impressed with the resilience and progress of the team despite the slow start to the season. He wants the players to know their efforts are valued, and this gesture is meant to further motivate them to go all out in every fixture,” Hon. Taiwo said. The Chairman also commended the pla...

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews Facebook: Oyo Sports Update The management of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) has lived up to its promise of prioritizing players’ welfare by footing the medical bills of two key squad members, Taye Muritala and Lawal Abdullahi, who sustained serious injuries during the last season. The duo, both reliable contributors to the Oluyole Warriors, underwent successful surgeries on ligament meniscus injuries, with costs running into millions of naira fully covered by the club. Muritala sustained his injury during 3SC’s away clash against Remo Stars after replacing the already injured Ghali Falke, while Abdullahi picked up his knock during a training session in Ibadan. Their absence last season was a major blow to the team, as both players were considered crucial to the tactical setup of the former technical crew. True to his words, Executive Chairman of 3SC, Honourable Taiwo Lekan-Salami, had in July reiterated his administration’s commit...

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews Facebook: Oyo Sports Update 2022 Commonwealth Games champion, Folashade Rafiatu Lawal, has been officially invited by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) to represent Nigeria at the 2025 IWF World Championships in Førde, Norway. The prestigious event is scheduled to run from October 2 to 11, with Rafiatu competing in the 58kg category on October 4. Since her breakout triumph at the 2019 African Games in Rabat, Morocco, where she clinched gold, Rafiatu has remained a shining light in Nigerian and Oyo State sports. Her consistency and winning mentality have seen her dominate the African scene, taking home gold again at the 2023 African Games, while bringing honour to the country at every international outing. More than a serial champion, Rafiatu has become a figure to emulate and an inspiration for upcoming athletes, especially junior lifters who look up to her journey of resilience. Her story is one of persistent training...

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews Facebook: Oyo Sports Update The Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) have credited their recent turnaround in form to the blessings and prayers of the newly coronated Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja - Arusa I. On Sunday at the Southern Delta University pitch in Ozoro, the Oluyole Warriors fought back from a goal down to defeat Warri Wolves 2–1, their second consecutive victory after a shaky start to the season. Warri Wolves drew first blood in the 53rd minute through Igbunu Evwiehurhoma, but 3SC responded in style. Qamar Adegoke leveled the score before Adam Mustapha sealed the win, capping off a spirited comeback that underlined the team’s renewed resilience. Club Executive Chairman, Honourable Taiwo Lekan Salami, hailed the victory as a product of divine intervention following the team’s recent courtesy visit to the Olubadan ahead of their last home game against Kun Khalifat FC, a tie the...

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews Facebook: Oyo Sports Update The Bayo Adelabu Foundation has announced the commencement of a grassroots football competition that will involve all 33 local governments in Oyo State. According to the Foundation, the championship is designed not only to promote sporting excellence but also to foster peace, unity, and social integration while encouraging young people to shun social vices through active participation in football. The tournament will be structured across five zones of the state—Ibadan, Oyo, Ibarapa, Ogbomoso, and Oke Ogun—with each zone producing qualifiers for the knockout stages. From Ibadan, six teams out of 11 local governments will advance to the round of 16. Ibarapa will produce two teams, Oke Ogun will contribute six teams from 10 local governments, while both Oyo and Ogbomoso zones will each present two teams after zonal eliminations. To ensure proper hosting, zonal venues have been mapped out. Model Secondary Scho...

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews Facebook: Oyo Sports Update Crown FC General Manager, Olamide Ilupeju, popularly known as Ortega, has lauded the Nigeria National League (NNL) for abolishing the Super 8 promotion play-off, describing the decision as a welcome development that will bring fairness and clarity to the promotion process. For years, promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) had been decided through the Super 8 tournament, where four teams from both the Northern and Southern Conferences competed for the elite league slots. However, at the NNL Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday in Kaduna, stakeholders unanimously agreed that group leaders from Conferences A, B, C, and D would now gain automatic promotion to the NPFL. Speaking to OyoSportsNews after the meeting, Ilupeju commended the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and the NNL Chairman, Chief George Aluo, for providing teams and represent...