Oyo SportsNews

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews FB: Oyo Sports Update Shooting Stars Sporting Director, Adepoju Tobi Samuel, popularly known as “Oga Nla Media”, has laid down a firm stance on discipline, warning that any player caught engaging in betting activities will be shown the exit door without hesitation. Adepoju, in a chat with OyoSportsNews , emphasized that part of the professional contract signed by every player before the season explicitly forbids betting, describing it as a direct violation of the club’s ethics and the Nigeria Football League regulations. He stressed that offenders will face immediate termination, as the integrity of the game must be protected at all costs. The Sporting Director also cautioned against acts of extortion within the coaching setup, particularly coaches who exploit players in exchange for matchday selection or other benefits. According to him, any coach found guilty after due investigation will be exposed, queried, and dismissed. Beyond h...

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews FB: Oyo Sports Update Cameroonian tactician Anthony Encho has officially parted ways with Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club (ABS FC) following the expiration of his short-term contract. Encho, who took charge of the Ilorin-based side in March 2025 during the second round of the Nigeria National League (NNL), was saddled with the responsibility of steering the club clear of relegation. True to his reputation, he delivered on that mandate, keeping ABS FC afloat in the league. Beyond ABS, Encho’s coaching career in Nigeria has been defined by resilience and an unwavering commitment to talent discovery. In 2024, he masterminded Solution FC’s great escape from relegation, adding to his growing list of survival feats after a stint with Ijebu United in 2023. The former Crown FC handler has also played pivotal roles in grassroots football, serving as technical director at Oye Olohun FC in Saki, Oyo State, where he unearthed and nurtured y...

Commissioner charges athletes to aim for gold as Team Oyo seeks glory in Delta By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews FB: Oyo Sports Update Oyo State will be represented by 445 athletes and officials at the forthcoming 9th National Youth Games (NYG), tagged “Asaba 2025”, scheduled to run from August 26 to September 8 in Delta State. The State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Alhaja Wasilat Adegoke, disclosed this in Ibadan, noting that the delegation comprises 320 athletes and 125 officials. According to her, this year’s Games, organized by the National Sports Commission (NSC), will feature 38 sporting events across the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, and other designated venues. She emphasized that strict compliance with competition rules has been put in place to maintain standards, stressing that “all under-15 athletes will undergo proper screening alongside their NIN certificates upon arrival in Asaba.” The Commissioner urged Team Oyo athletes to maintain discipli...

By Oluseyi Adedire  Ibadan came alive on Tuesday as players, officials, and supporters of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) staged a colorful Road Parade to herald the start of the 2025/26 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season, kicking off this weekend, August 22. The historic parade, the first of its kind in the club’s illustrious history, departed from the iconic Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, and snaked through major streets of Ibadan. It was a spectacle of colours, sounds, and passion as trumpets, vuvuzelas, and talking drums echoed the pride of Oluyole Warriors across the ancient city. Unlike the traditional trophy parades reserved for champions, this initiative was designed to strengthen the bond between the club and its ever-passionate fan base. It offered supporters, both at home and abroad, an opportunity to feel connected, identify with their beloved players, and rally behind the team ahead of the new campaign. The parade reflects the ongoing transf...

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews FB: Oyo Sports Update Super Eagles winger Moses Simon kicked off his Paris FC career on a disappointing note as his side fell 2-0 to Angers in their French Ligue 1 opener. The Nigerian international, who joined Paris FC after leaving Nantes, was handed a starting role and showed flashes of his trademark pace and creativity. However, his efforts could not prevent the newly promoted side from suffering defeat. Simon was substituted in the 72nd minute for Mathieu Cafaro as Paris FC chased the game, but Angers held firm to secure all three points.

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews FB: Oyo Sports Update Nigeria international Chibuike Nwaiwu endured a night to forget as he was sent off in Wolfsberger AC’s commanding 3-0 victory over BW Linz in the Austrian Bundesliga. Nwaiwu was first cautioned in the 37th minute before receiving his marching orders just six minutes later, leaving his side to finish the game with 10 men. Despite the setback, Wolfsberger had already stamped their authority on the contest. Dejan Zukic opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 11th minute, while Markus Pink doubled the lead three minutes later to give the hosts a 2-0 cushion at halftime. Pink completed his brace early in the second half, sealing a comfortable 3-0 win for Wolfsberger AC.

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews FB: Oyo Sports Update Super Eagles prospect Moses Usor delivered a stellar performance for LASK Linz in the Austrian Bundesliga, contributing both an assist and a goal in their hard-fought victory over Austria Vienna. The dynamic winger set up Samuel Adeniran for the equalizer in the 34th minute before calmly converting from the spot in the 69th minute to seal all three points for his side. LASK had initially fallen behind but showed resilience to turn the game around, with Usor’s brilliance proving decisive in the comeback triumph.

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews FB: Oyo Sports Update Nigeria international, Christantus Uche, delivered a dazzling performance for Getafe as they secured their first win of the new La Liga season with a hard-fought triumph over Celta Vigo. The midfield maestro showed his class in the second half, first setting up Andrian Liso with a perfectly timed assist in the 47th minute before capping off his brilliant display by finding the back of the net himself in the 72nd minute. Uche’s commanding presence, vision, and attacking flair were a joy to watch, as he not only contributed directly to both goals but also inspired his teammates with his energy and determination. The Super Eagles star is fast proving to be a talisman for Getafe, winning the admiration of fans and pundits alike in Spain. With such a sparkling performance, Christantus Uche has once again shown why he remains one of Nigeria’s brightest exports in European football, setting the tone for what promises t...

The Oyo State Government will host the 2025 Zonal Elimination Competition for ball games ahead of the forthcoming National Youth Games. The event, organized by the National Sports Commission, is scheduled to begin today, Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. and will run through Monday, August 18, across two venues in Ibadan — the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, and the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke Ado. Speaking in Ibadan on Friday, the Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Alhaja Wasilat Adegoke, said the competition would feature a wide range of ball games including football, basketball, handball, softball, baseball, cricket, abula, volleyball, hockey, rugby, and beach volleyball. According to her, more than 800 athletes and 220 officials from across the South-West will participate in the three-day tournament. She also stressed that all athletes will undergo screening to ensure compliance with the rules, particularly the age requirement stipulating that only p...

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews FB: Oyo Sports Update Kano Pillars Head Coach, Evans Ogenyi, is brimming with joy after guiding his side to victory in the Gusau/Ahlan Preseason Tournament — just days before the curtain rises on the 2025/26 Nigeria Professional Football League. The Sai Masu Gida showed nerves of steel, edging Nasarawa United 5–3 on penalties after a pulsating contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Ogenyi praised his players’ resilience and quality, describing the tournament as the perfect test of character and readiness ahead of a long, grueling season. While acknowledging that the team remains a work in progress, the gaffer appealed to the club’s faithful for unwavering support and prayers, assuring them that Kano Pillars are on course for a remarkable campaign.

ÉBy Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews FB: Oyo Sports Update After three days of research, drawn mainly from posts on the official Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) Facebook handle, findings show that former Technical Adviser Gbenga Ogunbote signed over 78 players between August 22, 2022, and July 23, 2025 — a period spanning two years and eleven months, covering three football seasons. Despite the high turnover of players, Shooting Stars recorded no continental football qualification and did not reach the Federation Cup final. The only trophies secured during Ogunbote’s reign were: ValueJet Cup (Preseason) Doxy Nmobuosi Super Cup Oyo State Federation Cup Seyi Makinde Football Volunteer Movement Trophy THREE SEASONS, 78 SIGNINGS: OGUNBOTE'S 3SC ERA WITHOUT MAJOR GLORY NAMES OF THESE PLAYERS IN THE NEXT POST  During his tenure, Ogunbote worked under the leadership of former Chairman, Honourable Babatunde Olaniyan David Akoro, and General Manager, Oladimeji Lawal ‘Kabon...

The Oyo State female football team, Pacesetter Queens FC, has commenced a 10-day open trial aimed at building a formidable squad ahead of the new season. The screening exercise, led by Head Coach Akinwunmi Obajimi Isogun, kicked off today at the training pitch of the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan. Over 40 players from Oyo, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti States took part in the opening day’s session. The trials, which will run until August 22, 2025, are expected to attract more talent from across the country. Speaking to OyoSportsNews , Coach Isogun expressed satisfaction with both the turnout and the quality of players on display, noting that the technical crew is confident of assembling a squad with a blend of quality, professionalism, and league experience by the end of the programme. He also revealed that more players from various parts of Nigeria are expected to arrive in Ibadan tomorrow as the exercise enters its second day.

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews FB: Oyo Sports Update Former Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) Technical Adviser Gbenga Ogunbote, has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden passing of the club’s Assistant Coach, Akin Olowokere. In a condolence message to the 3SC family, Ogunbote described Olowokere’s death as “very saddening and heart-wrenching,” noting that his passion, dedication, and leadership would always be remembered. “I pray God gives you the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and comfort at this very difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May his memory and legacy continue to inspire the team,” Ogunbote said. Olowokere, who was recently unveiled as 3SC’s Assistant Coach, reportedly slumped during a training session and passed away while being rushed to the hospital.

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews FB: Oyo Sports Update Goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka has called on the League Management Company (LMC) to grant him a fair hearing over betting allegations that have stalled his career. In a statement, Adeyinka explained that he had been set to resume training with Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) when he received a letter related to the case. He claimed he sought clarification from the sender but received no concrete response, only advice to get a lawyer — something he said he could not afford. “I have been waiting for the LMC to invite me so I can defend myself, but until now, I have heard nothing,” he said. Adewale praised Shooting Stars for their professionalism and the “special treatment” he received, particularly from the club’s new sporting director. He noted that after passing medicals, he was presented with a contract which included a clause allowing termination if a player was involved in betting. According to him, he question...

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews FB: Oyo Sports Update Nasarawa United are reportedly closing in on the signing of four key players from Crown FC of Ogbomoso ahead of the fast-approaching 2025/26 Nigeria Professional Football League season. The quartet — winger Moses Ngbede, midfielder Sadiq Rilwan, Afeez Yusuf, and goalkeeper Oladeji Joshua — were all spotted in the Solid Miners’ squad during the ongoing Gusau/Ahlan Preseason Tournament. They featured in a goalless draw against Benedict Akwuegbu FC, fueling speculation of imminent deals. This potential coup comes barely a week after former Crown FC midfielder Okechukwu Jonathan was officially unveiled by Plateau United, further underlining the exodus from the Ogbomoso-based side. Sources close to Nasarawa United suggest that the four players could be officially unveiled before the NPFL kicks off on August 22, as the club looks to strengthen its ranks for a competitive campaign. If completed, the signings would mark...

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews FB: Oyo Sports Update Nigeria’s Super Falcons star and WAFCON champion, Esther Okoronkwo Ijeoma [OON], was all smiles as she received a heartwarming welcome from her club, AFC Toronto of the Canadian Northern Super League. In a gesture that radiated pride and affection, the club surprised the striker with a beautifully designed cake in Nigeria’s green-and-white colours, boldly inscribed “AFRICAN QUEEN.” The thoughtful presentation left Okoronkwo beaming, a fitting tribute to her recent continental triumph with the Super Falcons. The club’s warm reception was more than a celebration — it was a statement of how much they value their players’ achievements on and off the pitch. By honouring Okoronkwo’s success, AFC Toronto demonstrated an admirable commitment to recognising excellence and fostering a family-like atmosphere within the team. VIDEO: Such gestures not only boost players’ morale but also strengthen the bond between the club a...

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews FB: Oyo Sports Update Former Rivers United and Akwa United midfielder, Ukeme Williams, is set to rejoin Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) outfit Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) ahead of the new season. Sources close to the deal have confirmed to OyoSportsNews that a verbal agreement has been reached between the player and the Ibadan-based club, paving the way for his return for the final phase of pre-season. Williams, 25, is expected to report to 3SC’s pre-season camp in Ijebu Ode on Monday, August 18, as the team prepares for the ValueJet Cup, scheduled to take place from August 9–15 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State. The midfielder previously had a brief stint with 3SC during the second half of last season, joining on loan from Uzbekistan Premier League side Mash’al Mubarek. The move marks another chapter in Williams’ NPFL journey, having also featured for Wikki Tourists and earned caps with the Nigeria ho...

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews FB: Oyo Sports Update The Executive Chairman of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Honourable Taiwo Lekan-Salami, has commenced a major restructuring process at the club, starting with the repair and rebranding of the team’s fairly damaged bus ahead of the new football season. This early move is seen as a significant step in his vision to reposition the Ibadan-based club for domestic dominance and continental relevance. It would be recalled that the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, recently pledged to provide Shooting Stars with a brand-new Toyota Coaster bus for players and a Toyota Hummer bus for the coaching crew, as part of the government’s support for the club ahead of the upcoming 2025/26 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season, which kicks off on August 22nd. In the meantime, Honourable Lekan-Salami has taken swift action by overseeing the repair and rebranding of one of the team’s previously d...

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews FB: Oyo Sports Update In a bold move to build a formidable squad for the upcoming women's football leaguem season, Oyo State’s newly unveiled female football club, Pacesetter Queens FC, has announced a 10-day open football trial for female players across the country. The trials, scheduled to hold from Wednesday, August 13th to Friday 22nd, 2025, will take place at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, with daily activities kicking off at 8:00 a.m. According to the club’s management, the trials are open to professional and mature female players, both within and outside Oyo State, and participation is completely free. This latest development follows the club’s official unveiling last month by the Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Honourable Alhaja Wasilat Adefemi Adegoke. The Commissioner had, during the launch, emphasized the government’s commitment to women’s development in sports and its determination ...

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews FB: Oyo Sports Update Some of Nigeria’s most revered football legends including Segun Odegbami, Dr. Felix Owolabi, and Mutiu Adepoju will gather at the Olubadan Stadium on Thursday, August 7, 2025, for a special novelty match in honour of Idowu Otubusen, fondly known as "Slow Poison," as he celebrates his 80th birthday. The celebratory match, which kicks off at 4:00 PM, will see Soccer Ambassadors take on Ibadan Football Legends in a nostalgic clash that pays tribute to one of Nigeria's most iconic defenders. The event is spearheaded by a committee of football greats including Barrister Rotimi Ali, Mr. Sesan Odukoya, Dr. Salami, Mutiu Adepoju, Dr. Felix Owolabi, and Boluwaji Ogunmola. Otubusen’s legacy was sealed in 1976 when he bravely played through a broken finger to help IICC Shooting Stars defeat Roger Milla’s Tonnerre Kalala, securing Nigeria’s first continental club trophy. His calm, intelligent defending earned ...

By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews FB: Oyo Sports Update The annual “Idan Games” event, proudly organized by Solutions FM sportscaster Abass Ishola—popularly known as Abassllah—under the umbrella of Grand Pitch Global and Abassllah Media Concept, is set to thrill once again. This unique celebration will spotlight prominent Yoruba Sports On-Air Personalities (OAPs) and feature an exciting lineup of traditional and table games including table tennis, Ayo Olopon, ludo, draft, ring toss, and ball games, among others. Beyond entertainment, this year’s edition will also honour individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to youth and sports development in Oyo State, with special recognition awards from Grand Pitch Global. Hon. Jubril Arowolo is the official host of the event, while the Aare Musulumi of J.M.C. Pagun, Oke Omi Olodo Ibadan, Alhaji Taofeeq Babatunde Yekeen, will serve as the Chairman of the Day. According to Abassllah, this year’s media and of...