Posts

Showing posts from September, 2025

RAFIATU LAWAL SET FOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN NORWAY, EARNS PRAISE FOR UNWAVERING DEDICATION

Image
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...

OLUBADAN'S BLESSINGS SPARK SHOOTING STARS’ RESURGENCE, CLUB DEDICATES BACK-TO-BACK WINS TO OBA LADOJA

Image
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...

ADELABU FOUNDATION UNITES 33 LGAs THROUGH FOOTBALL, WINNER GETS N2M

Image
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...

CROWN FC BOSS OLAMIDE ILUPEJU HAILS NNL REFORMS, PLEDGES READINESS FOR NEW SEASON

Image
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...

NO MORE SILENCE: LAGOS ATHLETES DEMAND PAYMENT, TRANSPARENCY, AND RESPECT

Image
By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews Facebook: Oyo Sports Update Athletes representing Lagos State yesterday staged a peaceful protest in Lagos, decrying what they described as years of neglect, exploitation, and injustice from the state government through the Lagos State Sports Commission. Speaking with one voice, the athletes vowed not to remain silent in the face of alleged ill-treatment, insisting that their welfare and contributions to sports development in the state must no longer be taken for granted. Among their key demands are the immediate payment of outstanding rewards for their participation at the 2022 National Sports Festival in Delta, the 2023 Para Games, and the 2024 National Sports Festival in Ogun State. They also demanded an upward review of training grants to reflect present realities. Beyond financial entitlements, the athletes called for accountability, transparency, and stronger structures within the Lagos State Sports Commission to safeguard th...

'TUNDE AJIBIKE, YEKEEN TAWAKAT SECURE SEATS ON CYCLING FEDERATION OF NIGERIA BOARD

Image
By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews Facebook: Oyo Sports Update The Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN) has inaugurated its new board with Oyo State producing two prominent members; Mr. Tunde Ajibike and 24-year-old athlete, Tawakat Yekeen. The duo were officially sworn in on Monday, September 15, 2025, at the National Sports Commission (NSC) headquarters in Abuja, following a keenly contested election held at the M.K.O Abiola Stadium, Gymnasium Hall. Ajibike emerged as the Southwest Zonal Representative, while Yekeen; a graduate of The Polytechnic, Ibadan and a gold medalist; was elected as the Athlete Representative. Immediately after the swearing-in, the board, under the leadership of its President, Engr. Giadomenico Masari, swung into action by creating 11 commissions designed to fast-track the growth of cycling in the country. The meeting also saw the co-option of additional members including Brigadier General Al-Amon, Ado Ibrahim, Dr. Andrew Etseto Waghan, Dr. Sa...

IMOLESPORTS TO LAUNCH MAIDEN BOOK ON SPORTS JOURNALISM

Image
By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews Facebook: Oyo Sports Update Ilaji FM sportscaster, Oladimeji Ibraheem Akolade, popularly known as ImoleSports, is set to unveil his first book titled “You As A Sport Journalist” on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at the Ilaji Hotel and Sports Resorts, Ibadan. The book, published under the banner of ImoleSports Entertainment, explores the guiding principles of sports journalism, broadcasting, and the ever-evolving world of sports. It also offers an illuminating dive into the history of sports, with rich translations and interpretations of sports terminology in the Yoruba language. Notably, the book highlights seven essential keys to success as a sports presenter, making it both a practical manual for aspiring journalists and a refreshing guide for practicing broadcasters. Oladimeji, who began his career at Premier 93.5FM, before moving to Fresh 105.9FM and Success 105.3FM, Ibadan, has over the past ten years distinguished himself as one of t...

NNL26 — CROWN FC VS HEARTLAND FC: AJILETE WARRIORS LAND IN TOUGH SOUTHERN CONFERENCE A GROUP

Image
By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews Facebook: Oyo Sports Update The stage is set for another thrilling campaign in the Nigeria National League (NNL) as Crown FC of Ogbomoso were on Tuesday, September 16, drawn in Southern Conference A for the 2025/26 football season. The draws were conducted during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the league body, held at the Chuckker Resort, Kilometer 2, Kaduna–Jos Expressway, Maraban Jos, Kaduna State, where delegates and representatives of all 36 participating clubs deliberated on key aspects of the new season including format, promotion procedure, and regulations. In what promises to be a highly competitive group, Crown FC will battle alongside Abia Comets, Beyond Limit FA, Edel FC, E-World United, Inter Lagos FC, Godswill Akpabio United, Smart FC, and the two relegated NPFL sides, Sunshine Stars and Heartland FC. Last season, the Ajilete Warriors delighted their faithful supporters by reaching the Super 8 promotion playoffs; th...

KENNY OGUNMILORO ‘RADIO FRIEND’ SET TO LAUNCH SECOND BOOK, “THROUGH MY EYES”

Image
By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews Facebook: Oyo Sports Update The city of Ibadan will once again celebrate one of its finest voices in sports broadcasting as Kenny Samson Ogunmiloro, General Manager of Blast FM and renowned sportscaster with Fresh FM Nigeria, unveils his second book, "Through My Eyes", on Saturday, October 4, 2025. The new work, which carries a foreword by music icon and broadcaster Dr. Yinka Ayefele (MON), captures 40 compelling stories from Ogunmiloro’s life, reflecting his defining moments across four decades. It chronicles personal triumphs, challenges, and milestones that have shaped his values and purpose, particularly in the dynamic world of sports media and business. Fondly called Radio Friend, Ogunmiloro is widely respected for his unmatched dedication to sports commentary and analysis. For over a decade, he has been a consistent voice promoting Nigerian sports, nurturing young talents, and elevating sports discourse on radio to gl...

OLUYOLE WARRIORS HAND GOALKEEPING DUTIES TO OZOVEHE, GODGIFT IN PORT HARCOURT, LAWAL MISSING ON SQUAD LIST

Image
By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews Facebook: Oyo Sports Update Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) will be without their dependable first-choice goalkeeper, Mustapha Lawal, as the Oluyole Warriors head to Port Harcourt for Sunday’s clash against Rivers United in the Nigeria Professional Football League. Lawal, who recently returned from international duty with the CHAN Eagles, was outstanding in his comeback match against Bendel Insurance, where his heroic saves secured a vital away point in Benin and earned him the Man of the Match award. He retained his place in the starting lineup during last weekend’s South-West derby against Ikorodu City, a contest that ended in a 1-1 draw at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan. However, the club announced via its official social media channels that the shot-stopper has not been included in the travelling squad for the Rivers trip. Instead, Ozovehe Emmanuel Adeiza—who was in goal on matchday one against Bayelsa United—has been listed, ...

FROM PLAYOFF HEARTBREAK TO FRESH HOPE: AYENI TASKS PLAYERS TO REWRITE HISTORY, SAYS NO AUTOMATIC SHIRTS

Image
By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews Facebook: Oyo Sports Update The Technical Adviser of Crown Football Club of Ogbomoso, Coach Alexander Ayodeji Ayeni, has charged his players to brace up for the challenges of the new Nigeria National League (NNL) season, warning that no player has an automatic place in his squad. The Ajilete Warriors resumed training on Monday in preparation for the 2025/26 season, even as the official kick-off date is expected to be announced at the NNL Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2025. Addressing his players after training, the former Akwa United coach delivered a 12-minute address that stunned many of the old and retained players. He insisted that commitment, hard work, and performance will be the only criteria for selection into the matchday squad. “Any retained player who feels too big or assumes automatic selection is only deceiving himself. Everyone must prove their worth to be part of the team’s plans,” ...

TSG ENDORSES PACESETTER QUEENS AFTER OPEN TRIALS, TASK OFFICIALS TO BUILD FORMIDABLE SQUAD

Image
By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews Facebook: Oyo Sports Update A Technical Study Group (TSG) has commended the coaching crew of Oyo State’s female football team, Pacesetter Queens FC, following the conclusion of a ten-day open trial for the new season. The group, which visited the team’s training ground, was led by Dr. Isiaka Abiodun Salami, 1st Vice President, National of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association. He was joined by former Green Eagles and Shooting Stars legend, Dr. Felix Owolabi MON, alongside a ex-Shooting Stars and Super Eagles star Chief Mutiu Adepoju and Mrs. Adegoke O.J, the Director of Sports Administration, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Oyo state. According to the TSG, the visit was aimed at studying, monitoring, and assessing the players shortlisted for close camping, as well as offering technical advice and necessary adjustments to strengthen the squad. Speaking after the assessment, the TSG praised Head Coach Akinwunmi Obajimi and his backroo...

OBA GHANDI OLAOYE HONOURED, AS ORUMOGEGE CUP KICKS OFF IN OGBOMOSO

Image
By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews Facebook: Oyo Sports Update Ogbomoso stood still on Monday afternoon as the 2025 edition of the Orumogege Football Competition commenced with grandeur at the Soun Stadium, celebrating the second anniversary of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye Orumogege III, the revered Soun of Ogbomoso. Since ascending the throne of his forefathers, Oba Ghandi Olaoye has distinguished himself as a monarch deeply committed to the peace, unity, and development of Ogbomosoland. His visionary leadership, people-centered reign, and passion for youth empowerment have endeared him to sons and daughters of Ogbomoso at home and abroad, making his anniversary a festival of love, gratitude, and celebration.pp The curtain-raiser between one of Ogbomoso’s oldest sides, Masifa United FC, and Jordan FC set the tone for the tournament, with Akinola Taofeek netting the only goal in the fourth minute to hand Masifa a narrow 1-0 victory. In the female ca...

PREPARED AND DETERMINED: AWERORO SEEKS FIRST LEAGUE WIN AGAINST FORMER SIDE

Image
By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews FB: Oyo Sports Update Shooting Stars Head Coach, Nurudeen Aweroro, has set his sights firmly on securing maximum points as his side prepares for a fierce South-West derby clash against Ikorodu City this weekend. Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Saturday, Aweroro, who once handled Ikorodu City, admitted that the fixture holds special significance for him but stressed that his focus remains on leading the Oluyole Warriors to victory. “This is a very important match for me. They know my style of play, but it is all about winning the match. Our mentality is to win, and we need the three points,” the coach said. Reflecting on his time with Sunday’s opponents, he added: “As their former coach, this game is important to me. With God, I did well while with them, and I’m happy we are meeting at this early stage of the league.” On his team’s readiness, Aweroro explained that the technical crew has worked on all departments of play...

SHOOTING STARS VOW TO DELIVER VICTORY IN SOUTH-WEST DERBY

Image
By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews FB: Oyo Sports Update Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) have assured their fans of maximum points when they face Ikorodu City in Sunday’s highly anticipated South-West Derby. The Oluyole Warriors, who have managed just a single point from their opening two league matches, are determined to bounce back from their shaky start. After falling 0–1 to Bayelsa United at home in their league opener, the team salvaged a point last weekend against Bendel Insurance at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. In an X Space interview hosted by 3SC Fans TV, the club’s Sporting Director, Adepoju Tobi Samuel, expressed confidence in the players’ readiness to turn things around. He revealed that the squad has undergone five days of intensive training under the watch of Head Coach Nurudeen Aweroro, with tactical adjustments and corrections perfected ahead of Sunday’s clash. “The boys are fully focused and determined to get the job done. The spirit i...

SOUTH-WEST DERBY: SHOOTING STARS PREACH PEACE, URGE FANS TO BACK OLUYOLE WARRIORS WITH DISCIPLINE

Image
By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews FB: Oyo Sports Update As excitement builds ahead of this Sunday’s highly anticipated South-West Derby between Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and Ikorodu City, the Oluyole Warriors have called for peace, discipline, and maximum support from their teeming fans. The clash, scheduled for 4 p.m. at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, promises to be a fierce encounter as both sides battle for vital points on Matchday Three of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). Shooting Stars Sporting Director, Adepoju Tobi Samuel, speaking during an X Space interview session hosted by 3SC Fans TV, appealed to supporters of the Oluyole Warriors to uphold dignity and discipline before, during, and after matches. He stressed that football can only flourish in an atmosphere of peace and mutual respect, not violence. The Chief Executive Officer of OgaNla Media Communication noted that fans play a vital role in shaping the image of the ...

OLUBADAN CUP 2025: JUSTICE ABASS GIFTS TROPHY AS REGISTRATION OPENS FOR 57TH EDITION

Image
By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews FB: Oyo Sports Update The stage is set for the 57th edition of the prestigious Olubadan Cup, with registration officially scheduled to begin on Monday, September 8, 2025. Justice (Chief) Mashud A. Abass, a respected High Court Judge and prominent Ibadan Chief, has donated a glittering trophy to the Ibadan Football Council (IFC) for this year’s tournament, further cementing his commitment to grassroots sports development in the city. Announcing the details, IFC Chairman, Mogaji Rotimi Alli, disclosed that registration would run until Monday, September 15, 2025, on a first-come, first-served basis. Only 16 teams will be admitted into the competition, with each team expected to pay a registration fee of ₦100,000. This year’s edition, popularly known as the “Royal Rumble,” will take on a special significance as it is being staged to celebrate the ascension of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The revered monarch is e...

CLUB STORE BUZZ: SHOOTING STARS MERCHANDISE SALES HIT OVER N4.2M IN THREE WEEKS

Image
By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews FB: Oyo Sports Update Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan has recorded an unprecedented success in merchandise sales, generating over N4.2 million within three weeks from the sales of branded items. The Chief Operating Officer of the club, Mr. Bunmi Fadayomi, revealed exclusively to OyoSportsNews that the impressive revenue was generated through sales of home and away replica jerseys, face caps, mugs, and towels at the club’s official store located inside the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba. He further disclosed that the store operates from Mondays to Saturdays, as well as on every matchday, between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., ensuring fans have regular access to the merchandise. According to him, the club sold 245 replica jerseys, 95 caps, 45 towels, 40 mugs, and 30 footstones, marking a historic milestone in the club’s commercial drive. He noted that sales peaked on the opening day of the new NPFL season when Shooting Stars hoste...