The Ideal News

 Minister assures on Early Completion of National Stadium Lagos Minister assures on Early Completion of National Stadium Lagos Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare has assured that the National Stadium   Surulere, Lagos will soon be completed to play host to sporting activities.  Speaking on Monday when he paid a working visit to the  Sports City, the Minister said he was excited that since the scoreboard was functioning, the pitch regressed, other facilities like the tartan tracks, the VIP lounge, spectators stands among others will soon be completed. According to him "This facility was abandoned for many years. The stadium, unlike the Abuja  Stadium, had zero maintenance funds for almost 17 years, but we got Chief Adebutu Kensington to get it back to life.  The time needed to get it back to life is much longer than what the eyes can see. The underbelly of the pitch had to be excavated, new sprinklers installed because the old one...

 Kida Returns as NBBF President .... As Oyedeji, Udezue Emerged Zonal Representatives Kida Returns as NBBF President .... As Oyedeji, Udezue Emerged Zonal Representatives Engr Ahmadu Musa Kida was returned as the President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation unanimously polling 37 votes at the Elective Congress that took place in Benin City. Babatunde Ogunade stepped down as South West representative on the floor of the election to pave way for ex-Nigerian international, Olumide Oyedeji who got the mandate of the six states in the zone. In the race for the Vice Presidency, Ogunade garnered 30 votes while Oyedeji got 7 votes with 28 states out of 37 states present at the congress monitored by FIBA ably represented by Ahmed Elhariri (President of FIBA Zone 5 and member, FIBA Central Board) and Nigeria Olympic Committee' represented by its second Vice President, Engr Ishaku Tikon. Anambra State Basketball Association Chairman, Ugo Udezue was voted in as the South East representative ...

 Bauchi Gov. Bala Promised Continue Support for Wikki Tourists FC Bauchi Gov. Bala Promised Continue Support for Wikki Tourists FC The Bauchi State Governor, His Excellency Bala Muhammed Abdulkadir has assured his continued support to the State-owned Football Team, Wikki Tourists FC. The Governor stated this when he entertained questions from Sports Journalists after watching the NPFL matchday 9 between Wikki Tourists and Nasarawa United as a special guest of honor at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium today 30/1/22 which ended 2-0 in favor of the Tourists. The Governor in Company of his wife and some government functionaries said he was happy with what he saw in the players and will do everything possible within his reach to support them to gain Continental ticket this season. In his words, I'm very impressed with their performance (players) and I'm encouraged to support them wherever necessary. Match bonuses and other allowances will continue to be settled as at when due, the Gov...

 NPFL 22': Remo Stars 1-1 Rivers United NPFL 22': Remo Stars 1-1 Rivers United WHAT HAPPENED! The best of Nigerian football was on showcase on Sunday as Chijioke Akuneto scored just before halftime to salvage a 1-1 draw against Remo Stars in Nigeria Professional Football League matchday 9 fixture. Gbenga Ogunbote’s side displayed plenty of promising play at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne - and Chijioke Akuneto's late first-half goal was no less than Coach Stanley Eguma's tutored Rivers United deserved for their character, fight, and spirit throughout.  Rivers United with Morice Chukwu operating at the base of midfield took control of the game early on and pressed high up the field in numbers which almost most paid up as early as the 7th minute when an unmarked Chijioke Akuneto's header from 8 yards out failed to beat Remo Stars goalkeeper Kayode Bankole who expertly parried the ball for a corner kick. The first goal of the evening would fall for the hosts in the 1...

 NPFL 22': Wikki Tourists Pip Nasarawa United in Match Day Nine Clash  NPFL 22': Wikki Tourists Pip Nasarawa United in Match Day Nine Clash Former Nasarawa United's employees, Abubakar Aliyu and Anas Yusuf both scored a goal each to propel Wikki Tourists to a 2-0 victory over visiting Nasarawa United at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi, on Sunday evening. United had to endure some early anxious moments as the home side threatened. Abubakar, however, opened the scoring for the Bauchi Elephants slightly after the half-hour mark after the pouncing on a poorly cleared corner kick, a scoreline the home side held going into the break. The Solid Miners' first chance came a minute into the restart, Uche Ihuarulam's through ball found Abubakar Abdullahi in the Wikki danger territory, but the latter's final cross to the onrushing Aliyu Abdullahi went inches past him. Wikki Tourists stepped up their game. Goalkeeper, Ameh Godwin, made back-to-back crucial saves t...

 Beach Volleyball: Nigeria Teams Win Gold at Zone 3 U21 Championship Beach Volleyball: Nigeria Teams Win Gold at Zone 3 U21 Championship Nigeria has emerged champions of the just concluded Zone 3 U21 Beach Volleyball Championship in the Boys’ and Girls’ category on Sunday. Nigeria defeated host, Benin Republic I 2-0 (21-14, 21-17) in the boys’ final while Nigeria pummeled the first team of the Benin Republic 2-0 (21-11, 21-13) in the Girls’ category. The duo of Emenike Ezike and Emmanuel Udah represented Nigeria in the boys’ event while Happy Wushiland and Esther Mbah wore the colours of the country in the girls’ event. An elated Emmanuel Udah said he is looking forward to other international outings after winning his first international medal in 2022. Udah said, “I want to thank God for the victory in the Benin Republic and the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF), Engineer Musa Nimrod for ensuring the teams participated in Zone 3 despite the late invitation given to ...

 NPFL 22': Lokosa and Danbani on the Score sheet as Kwara United Beat Gombe United in Ilorin NPFL 22': Lokosa and Danbani on the Score sheet as Kwara United Beat Gombe United in Ilorin Kwara United on Sunday returned to winning ways as they recorded d emphatic 2-0 win over visiting Gombe United in NPFL match-day encounters. The Harmony Boys started the match impressively looking for an early goal and Gombe Unitewasre was so lucky not to have conceded in the first 15 minutes of the encounter. Defensive midfielder Afeez Nosiru powerfully fired a dangerous free kick in the 23rd minute, but Gombe United goalkeeper Itodo Akoh dived well to save. The breakthrough eventually came for Kwara United in the 36th minute through Junior Lokosa, and two minutes later, Gombe United lost concentration and conceded the second goal netted by Alao Danbani. Gombe United with Ahmed Jimoupfrontnt tried their best to at least pull one goal back in the first half, but the duo of Bamidele and Nwaezwasre...

 NPFL 22': Olasupo at the Double as Sunshine Stars Defeat Lobi Stars NPFL 22': Olasupo at the Double as Sunshine Stars Defeat Lobi Stars Samson Olasupo stars as Sunshine turned up the style to see off Lobi Stars with a first-half blitz in an NPFL match day nine contest at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode on Saturday. Deji Ayeni restored Olasupo back into the starting line-up following his late omission in the previous meeting with Akwa United and the youngster rewarded the gaffer with a brace in the big victory over Lobi Stars. Olasupo opened his NPFL goal account inside the opening nine minutes of the encounter with an improvised finish that gave Lobi Stars' goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali no chance after an eye-catching control. It was 2-0 to the Whales seven minutes later as Leonard Ugochukwu squeezed home from Kolade Adeniji's brilliant square ball. Olasupo completed his brace in the 26th minute by smashing home on the volley off Ugochukwu's deft flick. Lobi got a s...

 Is Amaju Really Desperate for Third Term or it is Just Another Media Menu? Is Amaju Really Desperate for Third Term or it is Just Another Media Menu? Opinion... He sits amongst the lords of world football, he is one of the world's most feared and most respected football administrators, he has a name that sends jitters down the spines of opposition and has built a reputation too golden to ignore.  He is the first Nigerian dead or alive to emerge NFF president for a record second term, the first Nigerian to rise to the enviable and exalted position of CAF vice president, the first Nigerian to occupy four key positions in CAF, the first Nigerian to be match commissioner in the Semi-final of a FIFA World Cup, the first Nigerian to host FIFA president three times in seven years and the first Nigerian that has single-handedly positioned more than ten Nigerians in key positions in CAF and FIFA.  And to cap it all, in 2017, former CAF president Ahmad Ahmad invited five of his t...

 NBBF: Ejike Ugboaja, Gumut Misguided, Leave the Ministry Out NBBF: Ejike Ugboaja, Gumut Misguided, Leave the Ministry Out The recent media attacks and misinformation aimed at blackmailing the Ministry by some players viewed against the backdrop of Nigeria’s recent ban from the lucrative basketball league Africa is very sad and unacceptable. One begins to wonder what the interest to this players are and why do they think the Ministry should take sides ?  Since September the Ministry has worked hard to resolve the NBBF issue to no avail. Ministry even suspended the October 30 election before FIBA stepped in with a stern  warning and series of letters  to the Ministry and the Minister. It frowned at government interference and warned of a ban. We managed to escape one and thanks to the dexterity of the Ministry. We made it to Angola.  The ministry had since heeded FIBA advice as clearly stated in letters that are already in the Public domain. The Reconciliation Co...

 NPFL 22': Kwara United Players Vow to Beat 3SC for Their Psychologist, Gbenga Akinola  NPFL 22': Kwara United Players Vow to Beat 3SC for Their Psychologist, Gbenga Akinola Players of Kwara United have all vowed to go out this afternoon against Shooting Stars of Ibadan with the target of winning for their Psychologist Gbenga Akinola. Gbenga Akinola is currently on admission at the UCH, Ibadan and he is in heartbreaking condition as Kwarans continue to pray for God to heal him. On arrival in Ibadan on Tuesday morning, Kwara United led by the GM Bashir Badawiy immediately moved to the College Hospital to see Psychologist Gbenga Akinola where his wife got cash support from the management. Players were not in good mood after seeing their man on the bed breathing with the support of oxygen and have confirmed readiness to beat Shooting Stars. Speaking on behalf of his teammates, Chris Nwaeze stated clearly that they are all ready to get the maximum three points against the Oluyole ...

 NVBF Concludes Beach Volleyball Technical workshop for Tertiary Institutions NVBF Concludes Beach Volleyball Technical workshop for Tertiary Institutions 15 tertiary institution representatives have successfully completed the beach volleyball workshop sanctioned by the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF). The 2-day technical workshop came to an end on Saturday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Package B in Abuja. One of the resource coaches, Former National Beach Volleyball player, Kayode Ajilore said the workshop was aimed at teaching prospective individuals willing to become beach volleyball coaches with technical knowledge and fundamental skills of coaching. The Coach of Nigeria Immigration said, “The workshop has enhanced the technical skills and expertise of individuals in tertiary institutions who are interested in becoming coaches of Beach Volleyball. He said, “This is a course that most individuals have been looking forward to. We notified the board members of the Niger...

 Prince Okumagba Reveals Plan to Set Up SESC Chapter In Kwara State Prince Okumagba Reveals Plan to Set Up SESC Chapter In Kwara State By: Tosh Michaels President of Super Eagles Supporters Club (SESC), Prince Vincent Okumagba has revealed plans to set up a chapter of the supporters club in Kwara State. Okumagba who is currently in Cameroon cheering the Super Eagles at the ongoing African cup of Nations (AFCON) disclosed his readiness while answering questions as a guest on KWARA SPORTS ARENA which was conducted by Journalist Ibitoye Shittu.  "I have been looking forward on how I can put a chapter together in Kwara, I have somebody there but he is not very forth coming with preparations on how people can join the club so I have decided that when I get back to Nigeria we must have to come to Kwara spend some days go to radio and Tv stations and try to put up a proper chapter there because Kwara is very important to us and I know it a sports loving state.  "I have done busi...

 Vice president Yemi Osinbajo and NFF President Amaju Pinnick say Mental Strength and Togetherness Key to Eagles Success Vice president Yemi Osinbajo and NFF President Amaju Pinnick say Mental Strength and Togetherness Key to Eagles Success The federal government of Nigeria has joined millions of Nigeria football fans around the globe dishing out accolades to the Super Eagles in the aftermath of their sterling performances against Egypt, Sudan, and Equatorial Guinea at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.  Forty-eight hours after president Mohammadu Buhari congratulated the boys for making it to the second round of Africa's football Fiesta, Vice president,  Yemi Osinbajo has called on all Nigerians to learn from these heroes of our time, who have demonstrated the true Nigeria spirit and are on the road to writing their names in gold.  At a public function, the vice president who over time has shown that he is a big supporter of the Super Eagles praised the ...

 2021 AFCON R16: Sadiq is an Important Part of the Team - Equavoen 2021 AFCON R16: Sadiq is an Important Part of the Team - Equavoen The Super Eagles interim Coach Austin Equavoen has come to the defense of under-pressure striker Sadiq Umar saying the lanky forward is an important member of the Super Eagles.  Equavoen stated in this while feeding questions from reporters during the press conference ahead of tomorrow's quarter fine battle against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia, "yes I had a long time talking to him in our training yesterday, I told him to remain calm and assured him of my belief in him. Sadiq has scored a good number of goals for his club side and I reminded him that his primary duty is to score goals or create assists. I believe Sadiq is an important part of this team", Eguavoen noted. The Super Eagles Gaffer also stressed that the visit of prominent Nigerians promising the players money is just the beginning of many to their way emphasizing that it will ...

 Kwara United Condole with 3SC Over the Death of GM, Balogun

 Olowookeere, Omokwo Receive NWFL Premiership December Manager, Player of the Month Awards Olowookeere, Omokwo Receive NWFL Premiership December Manager, Player of the Month Awards Naija Ratels FC Manager, Bankole Olowookeere and Confluence Queens forward Mercy Omokwo both received their Naija Women Football League Awards for the best Coach and player for the month of December.  The duo picked up their awards on Wednesday at the Ilorin Township Stadium, just before the NWFL Premiership Week Five game between Confluence Queens and Naija Ratels.  Mercy Omokwo in the first week of January was nominated for the NWFL Premiership Player for the month of December alongside Abigail Sunday of Nasarawa Amazons and Olamide Adugbe of Naija Ratels.  The in-form striker scored four goals in December, including a hat-trick against Pelican Stars in week one of the NWFL Premiership, and went on to gain over 70% of votes from Women's Football experts, thus becoming the first recipient...

 NWFL Premiership 2021/2022 Week Five Preview: FC Robo Queens Face Delta Queens In Lagos, as Naija Ratels Land in Ilorin For Confluence Queens NWFL Premiership 2021/2022 Week Five Preview: FC Robo Queens Face Delta Queens In Lagos, as Naija Ratels Land in Ilorin For Confluence Queens NWFL Premiership continues midweek and we have you covered with previews of some of the big games. In the first of our six featured games, Edo Queens looks to keep the hear on top of Group A when they travel down to Calabar to face bottom-side Pelican Stars. Confluence Queens welcome Naija Ratels to their new home ground, the Ilorin Township Stadium, while Bayelsa Queens will be aiming to go top when they visit Abia Angels in Umuahia. 🏵️| Pelican Stars Vs Edo Queens| U.J Usuene Stadium, Calabar.  It's a battle between the top team and the bottom one.  Pelican Stars have suffered three defeats in the hands of Confluence Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, and Osun Babes respectively, and will face anot...

 Abia Warriors Defeat Debtor Heartland at Okigwe Abia Warriors Defeat Debtor Heartland at Okigwe Abia Warriors beat Heartland by a lone goal at the Okigwe Township Stadium. An error in the 11th minute gifted Gabriel Innocent with the only goal of the game. Heartland seized possession thereafter but failed to restore parity through Jonathan Alukwu.  Andrew Abalogu got whacked on his tibia in the 19th minute but soldiered on till the end of the first period.  A quick transition from Heartland presented a half chance for Ohanachom but the weight of the pass meant He couldn't get on to the pass but an onrushing Ebuka Okoro hit the ball with venom which came off a defender in the 44th minute. The second period was much more different. Heartland bossed proceedings but failed to break the deadlock.  Chukwudi Nwaodu, Solomon Moses and Okon Samuel led the Orchestra pulling the strings in the midfield. A sweeping move opened up Abia Warriors from the right flank but Gabriel Ma...

 NPFL 22: Sunshine Hold Shooting to 2 all Draw in a Battle of Stars Western Derby NPFL 22: Sunshine Hold Shooting to 2 all Draw in a Battle of Stars Western Derby There was no stopping the momentum of Sunshine Stars FC of Akure on Matchday six of the NPFL, following a thrilling 2-2 draw against Shooting Stars of Ibadan.  Being the first top-flight meeting between both clubs in five years, the Southwest rivalry was renewed and its old glory was rekindled in a frenetic end-to-end game inside a packed Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan on Sunday. After a lively start on both ends of the pitch, it was Shooting Stars who drew the first blood from the penalty spot through Gafar Olafimihan, who converted from the spot after the venture referee had contentiously awarded the Oluyole Warriors spot-kick for an alleged handball.  Sunshine Stars were not going to be intimidated by the goal nor the crowd as they took the game back to their hosts and that paid off before the break, with Azeez...

 Direct or Indirect Primary, Adeyeye is Our Next Governor - Ekiti Citizens Drum Support for Former Minister Prince Dayo Adeyeye Direct or Indirect Primary, Adeyeye is Our Next Governor - Ekiti Citizens Drum Support for Former Minister As the debate on whether the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) will adopt direct or indirect for its primary elections continue to generate heat argument among the party faithfuls, supporters of the former Minister for Works, Prince Dayo Adeyeye have stated in strong terms that he is the right man that should succeed the incumbent Dr. Kayode Fayemi as the next Executive Governor of the state to ensure continuity of good governance. The teeming supporters of former Minister of Works and current National Chairman, Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu 2023 Presidential ambition Prince Dayo Adeyeye has vowed that either direct or indirect primary the teeming APC members in  Ekiti are rooting for him to become APC candidate in the forthc...