The Ideal News

 Aisha Buhari Cup: Sanwo-Olu says Lagos Cherishes Right to Host, Promises Fabulous Tournament Aisha Buhari Cup: Sanwo-Olu says Lagos Cherishes Right to Host, Promises Fabulous Tournament The Government of Lagos State is delighted that the ‘Centre of Excellence’ was chosen to host the inaugural edition of the Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Tournament and will leave no stone unturned to stage a tournament for the beautiful side of memories, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu assured on Friday. Speaking when members of the Local Organizing Committee of the tournament led by NFF 1st Vice President/Chairman of Lagos State FA, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi paid him a courtesy visit at the State House, Marina, Sanwo-Olu did nothing to hide his enthusiasm and confessed a deepening love for football and especially the women’s game. “Football is one of the lead factors that bridge the gap and bring communities closer together and is enabling a more exciting world. The women’s game has continued to pull i...

 AITEO Cup Final: Bayelsa United Qualification Excites Commissioner AITEO Cup Final: Bayelsa United Qualification Excites Commissioner By Akin Bolarinwa  Bayelsa state male and female football teams made history by booking the finals of the most prestigious club cup competition in Nigeria.  Bayelsa United booked their place in the final by out classing "noisy neighbours" Rivers United through Okardi Inikurogha goal in the 68 minutes. You will recall that, Bayelsa Queens FC also defeated Rivers Angels 5-0 to be in the finals of the women's AIETO Cup. Bayelsa state commissioner for sports and youth development, Honourable Daniel Igali expressed his excitement at the success of both teams under his watch. The astute administrator urges Bayelsa United and Bayelsa Queens to go for trophies in the  finals. "I want to congratulate the chairman and board of Bayelsa United Football Club; I want to specially recognize and appreciate the players who throughout this AITEO Cup ca...

 Aiteo Cup: Our Sojourn Unprecedented - Barr. Danladi A conspicuously overwhelmed Nasarawa United FC Chairman, Barr. Isaac Danladi, couldn't hide his feelings after his team triumphed over hard-fighting Sunshine Stars of Akure in a penalty shootout at the Delta State Polytechnic Stadium, Ozoro, on Friday afternoon to book a place in the final of the 2021 Aiteo Federation Cup. Speaking to journalists shortly after the nervy victory, the Chairman stated: "This isn't just a wonderful moment but an unprecedented moment because from the first minute to the 90th minute, my heart was in my throat. "Honestly speaking, I'm so happy because we have qualified for the final. "It's not easy - the last time we ever qualified for the final was in 2016, and now that we are in the final in 2021, I believe, by the special grace of God, we are going to lift this trophy." Barr. Danladi credited the victory to the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr. Abdullahi Sul...

 Aiteo Cup: Nasarawa United Defeated Sunshine Stars 6 - 5 on Penalties ....... To Face Bayelsa United in Final  Aiteo Cup: Nasarawa United Defeated Sunshine Stars 6 - 5 on Penalties ....... To Face Bayelsa United in Final Nasarawa United will face second division side, Bayelsa United FC in the final of the Aiteo Federation Cup after overcoming Sunshine Stars 6-5, with Danlami Umar's heroic in between the sticks  during the penalty shootout proving vital. The Owena Whales had a day no to forget in a hurry as their former employee, Chigozie Obasi, scored the last of six penalty kicks that helped the Solid Miners to a 6-5  victory in Friday's Aiteo Cup Semi-Final at the Delta State Polytechnic Stadium, Ozoro. League's leading goalscorer and former Sunshine Stars' player, Silas Nwankwo, ensured Nasarawa United deservedly led from the spot in the run of play in the 32nd minute with the help of slack goalkeeping from Henry Ayodele after failing to deal with Chigozie Obasi...

 Aruna Hails Minister  for Brokering  Peace  

 Nigeria's Mixed 4x400m Team Excited by African Record Set at Olympics Debut in Tokyo Nigeria's Mixed 4x400m Team Excited by African Record Set at Olympics Debut in Tokyo Although they would have been hoping to at least make the final of their event at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics, Nigeria's Mixed 4x400m quartet comprising Emmanuel Ojeli, Imaobong Nse Uko, Samson Nathaniel, and Patience Okon-George will leave the competition with their heads held high after storming to a new African Record of 3:13.60 to finish 5th in their semi-final race. Speaking after the race, Okon-George revealed that the squad is consoled by the African Record they set while competing at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo.  She said, "The last race we ran back in June was 3:14.09 and the 3:13.60 we ran today is good. We are happy with the new African Record. It was not easy running with 43second runners on the anchor leg. Now that we haven't made it to the final, I'm just going to be focused and ...

 NWFL Premiership: Naija Ratels Embark On Pre-Season Tour Of Lagos, Osogbo, Akure, And Lokoja NWFL Premiership: Naija Ratels Embark On Pre-Season Tour Of Lagos, Osogbo, Akure, And Lokoja Newly promoted NWFL Premiership side, Naija Ratels will tour the South-West of Nigeria with matches in Lagos, Osogbo, Akure, and Lokoja. The 2021 NWFL Championship winners have confirmed 12 games as part of their preparation for the Flying Officers Pre-Season Championship and the start of the new NWFL Premiership season.  The Abuja based side will take on Dannaz Ladies on the 2nd of August at the Agege Stadium, as part of their rigorous Pre-Season schedule, then battle Eko Football Women Selected side on the 3rd of August at the same venue.  The Ratels will then split the squad in two when they move to the National Stadium, Surulere (Legacy Pitch) On the 4th of August, to play against FC Robo Queens and Oasis Ladies FC, in the morning and evening respectively.  After the matches in L...

Naija Ratels Thrash Lagos Based Side 6-0 in First Pre-Season Tour Match Naija Ratels Thrash Lagos Based Side 6-0 in First Pre-Season Tour Match Naija Ratels beat Lagos based side Almighty Talent FC 6-0 as the NWFL Championship Champions got their Pre-Season preparation off to a Flying start on Wednesday at the National Stadium, Surulere (Legacy Pitch).  The Ratels are on a two weeks pre-season tour of the South-West, where they will play 12 matches in Lagos, Osun, Ondo and Kogi, all in preparation for the Flying Officers Pre-Season Championship and the NWFL Premiership.  Coach Bankole Olowookere lined up the team in the unexpected 1-4-4-2 formation, which had new recruits Bankole Sofiat and Ojo Fehinti pairing upfront with supports from Emmanuel Blessing and Dzer Josephine. The Starting XI: Ohia Doris, Olonilua Adenike, Iheoma Chinyere, Oyinlola Olamide, Ali Paulina (C), Oluwaseun Temilade, Emmanuel Blessing, Bankole Sofiat, Ojo Fehinti, Peter Favour, Dzer Josephine.  Ojo...

 Dortmund Signed Sancho Replacement Dortmund Signed Sancho Replacement German Bundesliga giant, Borussia Dortmund has completed the signing of PSV's Donyell Malen, swiftly bagging a replacement for Manchester United bound Jadon Sanch.  21-year-old's £73m move to Manchester United marks more genius business by the Bundesliga side but had left a significant hole in their starting line-up.  Malen slots in perfectly as another young, pacy and prolific forward – penning a deal until 2026 in a reported £26m transfer from Eredivisie side PSV. The Dutchman passed his medical at Dortmund's pre-season training camp in Switzerland, and before posing in BVB gear, and is ready to join-up with Erling Haaland and Co ahead of the 2021-22 campaign. The Dutchman passed his medical at Dortmund's pre-season training camp in Switzerland before posing in BVB gear, and is ready to join-up with Erling Haaland and Co ahead of the 2021-22 campaign Borussia Dortmund is a top European club that is...

 Manchester United are on the brink of sealing the £42m signing of Raphael Varane Manchester United are on the brink of sealing the £42m signing of Raphael Varane Manchester United have announced that the £42million deal for Raphael Varane to join from Real Madrid is almost complete, with the Frenchman set to become Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's third arrival of a sensational summer. The 28-year-old World Cup-winning centre back has long been one of United's top targets. Varane's contract at the Bernebeu was set to expire next summer, meaning United got him for a price well below what his market value would have been 12 months previously.  On Monday the Red Devils and Madrid agreed a £42m fee, including £34m up front and £8m in add-ons, with both club and player having already struck a deal over personal terms and an announcement has followed on Tuesday night.  The France star has all but agreed a deal with United, ending his 10-year stay at Madrid. In a short statement, the clu...

 NPFL WK36: Adeyinka Backs in Training Ahead of Ifeanyi Ubah Clash NPFL WK36: Adeyinka Backs in Training Ahead of Ifeanyi Ubah Clash Akwa United No.1 Adewale Adeyinka has returned back to training after making a full recovery from a shoulder problem a few weeks ago. Adeyinka was forced to watch Akwa United’s last few games from the stand after he picked up the knock in 1-0 win over Enyimba in Uyo. Second choice goalkeeper, Jean Efala came on to complete the match before going on to guide his side to a 1-1 draw in a crucial NPFL encounter against Rivers United, where he demonstrated courage and showed brilliance before being beaten by a late minutes wonder strike from Rivers United star, Bamba Bakary. According to Lodgexpress, that Coach Kennedy Boboye has been given a massive boost with his first-choice goalkeeper, Adeyinka being fit for their title decider showdown against FC Ifeanyi Ubah in matchday 36. Adeyinka has been confirmed fit for the matchday and was spotted in his team’...

 Super Falcons Media Officer Oluchi Tobe-Chukwu Bags Award For Legendary Service  Super Falcons Media Officer Oluchi Tobe-Chukwu Bags Award For Legendary Service Super Falcons Media Officer, Oluchi Tobe-Chukwu on Sunday in Abuja received an award of excellence for her contribution to the development of football and other sporting activities in Nigeria.  Oluchi Tobe-Chukwu who is the Chief Executive Officer (C.E.O) of one of the leading Online Sports Communication Outfit, Tobex Media Services was rewarded by a notable sporting agency,  Success Tuyi International for her consistent contribution to the growth of sports, most especially Women's football in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.  Tobe-Chukwu, who owns a master's degree in Communication Studies from the prestigious Lagos State University (LASU) has no doubt made remarkable achievements in various aspects of sports in the country.  The Super Falcons Media Officer who was on national assignment in Austria ...

 AS Roma appoint former Flying Eagles Coach as Technical Director  AS Roma appoint former Flying Eagles Coach as Technical Director The AS Roma Academy Abuja, Nigeria, has appointed former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles of Nigeria Coach, John Obuh as Technical Director. The Academy disclosed this in a statement on Monday by its Country Manager, Robinson Adakosa. Adakosa said the academy is delighted to start a new chapter with Mr. Obuh and that they are happy to bring in the former Kwara United FC of Ilorin gaffer because of his wealth of experience. "It was easy for us to pick Mr. Obuh among numerous other people considered for the job because we believe he possesses the quality to drive the vision of our academy. "The kids and other staff will have a lot to learn from him because we believe that he has seen it all as far as football is concerned, not only in Nigeria but globally. "We believe that this new step is a bold statement to making sure that AS Roma Academy ...

 NPFL WK35: Rivers United Pips FC Ifeanyi Ubah 2 - 0 NPFL WK35: Rivers United Pips FC Ifeanyi Ubah 2 - 0  What Happened: Sunday Adetunji rolled home a nerveless second-half finish as Rivers United kept their hope for a continental spot alive.  Lookman Binuyo had put Rivers United ahead when he struck awesomely into the bottom corner off a free kick in the opening half, but after a determined FC Ifeanyi Ubah side repeatedly threatened to draw level, Sunday Adetunji expertly rounded up FC Ifeanyi Ubah's goalkeeper Chimezie Akwari to seal a huge three points.  It was just a reward for hard-working, battling performance. Rivers United started like a side determined to bounce back to winning ways in the league, and soon started to rack up the shot count in the opening half. Ifeanyi Anaemena, Nelson Esor, and Chigozie Ihunda came close to scoring in the opening 10 minutes, but it was combative midfielder Lookman Binuyo who broke the deadlock in the 13th minute when his swe...

 NPFL WK35: Ayeni Blames Sunshine Loss to Nasarawa on Fatigue NPFL WK35: Ayeni Blames Sunshine Loss to Nasarawa on Fatigue Sunshine Stars have been made to play five matches in ten days, navigating close fixtures in the NPFL and the AITEO Cup, a phenomenon that was bemoaned by Ayeni when faced with the media after the game.  "That is football; sometime you get it right some time you don't and I see a lot of fatigue in the boys. We are burning these players and they are even playing on artificial turf which is not even good medically. It will get to a stage that when you try push the players it will not work.  "Congratulations to Nasarawa United! We go back home and re-strategise for the semifinal (AITEO Cup) and I know it will be a different ball game. We have been on the road for the past two weeks, my sleeping is not even alright but nothing we can do about it, we just have to keep working on the players mentally. We don't even have time to train; it has been matche...

 NPFL Wk35: Nasarawa United Wallop Sunshine Stars  NPFL Wk35: Nasarawa United Wallop Sunshine Stars The Solid Miners, on Sunday, at the Lafia City Stadium, compounded the woes of relegation-threatened Sunshine Stars of Akure, drowning the Owena Whales by 4-0. Weapon of mass destruction, Silas Nwankwo, began the offensive against his former team as early as in the 11th minute when he was laid through by Chigozie Obasi with the energetic striker lashing the ball into the back of the net. Not done yet, the goal-machine increased the tally to two five minutes later after a goalkeeping blunder by Saliu Suleiman, his 18th goal of the current campaign. Silas turned from a brace scorer to an assist provider, beautifully controlling an aerial ball before finding the advancing Aliyu Abdullahi who struck it spectacularly beyond the containment of the goalkeeper for United's third goal of the afternoon. With the weather favoring proceedings, Sunshine Stars conceded a freekick at 35 yards ...

 CAFWCL: Naija Ratels Congratulates Rivers Angels After 'Important Win' Against Hasaacas Ladies CAFWCL: Naija Ratels Congratulates Rivers Angels After 'Important Win' Against Hasaacas Ladies Newly promoted NWFL Premiership side, Naija Ratels FC have commended Nigeria's representative at the CAF Women Champions League (WAFU B) Qualifiers Rivers Angels for winning their opening game against Ghanaian Women Football League Champions, Hasaacas Ladies on Saturday at the Stade Robert Champroux Stadium, Abidjan. Burgeoning midfielder Deborah Abiodun and Player of the match Maryan Ezeanagu scored in the 17th and 54th minute respectively to give the NWFL Premiership Champions a 2-0 victory over their opponent.  The win on Saturday means Rivers Angels will sit ontop of the log after one game and face AS Police Ladies of Niger Republic on Tuesday evening at the same venue.  President of Naija Ratels, Barrister Paul Edeh In a congratulatory message  hailed the team for keeping c...

 NPFL 2020/21 Wk 35 Preview: Katsina United vs Dakkada NPFL 2020/21 Wk 35 Preview: Katsina United vs Dakkada By Edidiong STEPHEN Katsina United will be in search of a first ever goal against Dakkada when the duo meet inside the main bowl of the 35,000-seater Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina, in what promises to be an NPFL match day thirty-five classic, tomorrow. Christian Ekong pounced on a defensive melee between defender and goalkeeper to slot in the solitary goal which gifted Dakkada victory over Katsina United when these sides met in a tightly contested reverse fixture in Uyo on match day fifteen. Dakkada come into this fixture on the heels of a statement performance at home to basement dwellers, Adamawa United which saw them record their widest margin of victory yet this campaign; a 4-0 win over a now mathematically-confirmed relegated United side to improve a goal difference that has been misrepresentative of their outstanding accomplishments this season. However, bearing the...

 AETIOCUP21: Rivers United Over Powered Niger Tornadoes With a Slim 1 - 0 Win AETIOCUP21: Rivers United Over Powered Niger Tornadoes With a Slim 1 - 0 Win What Happened and How it Happened    Rivers United extended her remarkable run in the 2021 AITEO Cup by qualifying to the semi final after a goal from their No 7. Take a bow, Fortune Omoniwari.   This 4th round tie played at the FIFA Goal Project Pitch in Abuja got off to an open start as Ivorian international Konan Ruffin met Kazie Enyinnaya's cross with his left foot but his shot was saved by Lucky Jimoh within three minutes, before Rivers United escaped being punished from a counter attack as Tornadoes forward Kabir Umar failed to convert with just Darlington Ovunda to beat. Rivers United patiently worked their way through the contest and thought they had the game's opener in the 26th minute when Malachi Ohawume curled the ball into the low corner after a slick move from Konan Ruffin – only for it to be ruled ou...

 AITEOCUP21: Sadeeq Yusuf Sends Sunshine Stars to Semis With Birthday Goal AITEOCUP21: Sadeeq Yusuf Sends Sunshine Stars to Semis With Birthday Goal Birthday Boy On Matchday, Sadeeq Yusuf scored the only goal as Sunshine Stars continued their AITEO Cup 2021 assault with a quarterfinal victory over defending champions, Kano Pillars at the Confluence Stadium, Friday. Following an eventful opening 45 minutes that saw a couple of missed chances at both ends, Yusuf hit the Sai Masu-Gida with a composed finish into the bottom right from Habib Yakub's ball three minutes into the restart. He almost grabbed a second and take his joint tally for the season to 14 moment later, but his effort off Kolade Adeniji's through ball drifted wide agonizingly. Good defensive organisation supplemented by efficient team display ensured the Deji Ayeni tinkered side see out the contest in a comfortable fashion.  Coach Ayeni's Post Match Reaction  "Like I always say no team that is not beatable...

 We Don't Need New Vice Chairman, Lobi  Management Tells Unknown Supporters By Akin Bolarinwa We Don't Need New Vice Chairman, Lobi Management Tells Unknown Supporters Following a purported publication that some unknown supporters were demanding the immediate return of the sacked former Vice Chairman of Lobi Stars of Makurdi, Mike Idoko, more revelation has chided that insinuation. The Management of the Makurdi based outfit has debunked such rumour making the rounds saying it was just a figment of imagination. According to the management of club, "no card carrying members of its supporters club are aware of such agitation and such should be disregarded in its entirety" Setting the records straight, the management of the club was unequivocally in clear terms that the club is not in crisis. "The vice chairman of the club, Tama Aondofa is doing well and the club is in a respectable position on the league log". The management says, the vice chairman, Tama Aond...

 Flying Officers Cup 2021: Organisers Aim at Honoring Fallen Heroes as Tournament Kicks-Off in September Flying Officers Cup 2021: Organisers Aim at Honoring Fallen Heroes as Tournament Kicks-Off in September The President of Ratels Sports Foundation, Barr. Paul Edeh on Thursday inaugurated the organising committee for the third Edition of the Flying Officers Cup billed to hold in Abuja from the 22nd of September to 1st October 2021.  The constituted committee which was set up to oversee the planning, organisation and success of the biggest Pre-Season Championship in Africa consists of nine members, with Dr. Victoria Nlemigbo as General Coordinator, others include Moses Bako (Head of Award Committee), Olayinka Olawole (Secretary), Grace John (Treasurer), Promise Uwaeme, Oluchi Tobe-chukwu, Faith Oluchi Meremegbunam, Segun Akeusola and Wendy Mbanefo Performing the inauguration through a Zoom Meeting on Thursday evening, Amb. Barr. Paul Edeh in his speech said the Committee was ...

 NPFL Wk34: Nasarawa United Surrender to Lobi Stars in Five-Goal Thriller NPFL Wk34: Nasarawa United Surrender to Lobi Stars in Five-Goal Thriller Silas Nwankwo's brace could not save Nasarawa United from defeat as they lost 2-3 to their host, Lobi Stars in a North-Central NPFL matchday 34 derby clash at the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi, on Wednesday afternoon. The Solid Miners went ahead just three minutes into the game through Silas Nwankwo after dribbling past the forest of legs, including the goalkeeper,  before slotting the ball into an empty net. Shortly after, Adamu Hassan squandered a face-to-face chance, poking the ball inches wide to the frustration of the United's bench. Lobi Stars drew level courtesy of Matthias Samuel's freekick in the 19th minute. But it was United who would take the lead again after Dauda Maigishiri's defense-splitting pass found Silas Nwankwo and the goal machine energetically ran past his marker before smashing the ball beyond the grasp of...

 Derby Captures Two Nigerian Descent Teenagers, Promotes Osazee Derby Captures Two Nigerian Descent Teenagers, Promotes Osazee English Championship side Derby County has announced the signing of two Nigerian descent players to bolster their U18 team who will be campaigning in the U18 Premier League North in the forthcoming season. EFL side had announced on their official website that they have we come eleven new first-year scholars ahead of the 2021-2022 season. Adebayo Fapetu and Dubem Eze are among the new intake of academy scholars who will compete in the U18 Premier League North in the new season, in preparation for their two-year apprenticeships at the Rams.   The two Anglo-Nigerian youngsters secured scholarship deals following a successful trial in the second half of last season. Allnigeriasoccer reports that Eze who plays as an  attacking midfielder is not related to Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze joined Derby County following his departure from Chelsea's Academy. ...

 2021 Eid-il Kabir Celebration: NACOMYO Urges Muslims to Reconcile With Allah and Embrace Righteousness 2021 Eid-il Kabir Celebration: NACOMYO Urges Muslims to Reconcile With Allah and Embrace Righteousness The continued quest for the lust of this life has been identified as the major cause of the myriads of economic and security challenges bedeviling the nation just as citizens have been implored to emulate Prophet Ibrahim, the father of faith, and be hopeful of overcoming our present travails as we celebrate this years' Eid-El Kabir festival. This admonition was contained in a salah message by the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) from its National Headquarters. The message was jointly signed by Mallam Sani Suleiman Maigoro and Alh. Mas’ud Akintola, the National President and National Secretary-General respectively, implored Muslim faithfuls to truly reconcile with their Creator, be obedient to His commands and embrace righteousness. The Council decried the...

 NPFL WK34 Preview: Fire Cracker in Okigwe as Abia Warriors Tackles Heartland NPFL WK34 Preview: Fire Cracker in Okigwe as Abia Warriors Tackles Heartland The ancient city of Okigwe comes alive on Wednesday 21st July 2021 for a juicy Oriental derby involving Abia Warriors and Heartland FC of Owerri. The Umuahia landlords have a history of tormenting the Naze Millionaires since they arrived in the elite division from the NNL. Coaches Today's game offers an interesting tactical battle between two young tacticians who understand their craft. Both have served at the National U-23 team.  While Imama has lifted Nigeria's Holy grail (league title)with Rangers international, Ilechukwu punched above his weight with MFM as they finished 2nd thus getting a Champions League slot. This season Imama and Ilechukwu's teams have gone through some rough patches.  The neutrals will surely enjoy an absorbing spectacle as both gaffers will try to cancel out each other. Abia Warriors have scor...