The Ideal News

  Osun Football Association have unveiled a new crest. The new design amongst others incorporates the motto of the association, "Fairplay and Harmony". The new design, seen above, will be seen by the public beginning with signage, publications and merchandise for the upcoming State Football League. The new logo ties in the history of the of the state cum associations while providing a modern look.  “The goal of redesigning our logo is to create a look that stays true to the roots of the territory and the association while reaching out to all and sundry,” said Mayor Sola Fanawopo the association supremo. “The new logo captures the energy and excitement in our domain and that of our organization, we hope that it will inspire more people to join us as we revitalise the ecosystem with sustainable developments". Here are what the symbols and features of the Osun FA Crest represent. The Motto: Fairplay and Harmony The official motto of Osun FA is “Fairplay and Harmony.” Fairpl...

  Nigeria men's and women’s beach volleyball teams have qualified for the 13th African Games in Ghana. The 13th African Games is scheduled for 8th to 23rd March 2024 in Accra, Kumasi and Cape Coast in Ghana. The pair of Esther Mbah and Pamela Bawa recorded a 100% winning record in the women’s category beating Burkina Faso 2-0 (21-12, 21-10), Benin Republic 2-0 (21-6, 21-13) and Cote d’Ivoire 2-0 (21-6, 21-6) to finish first position. The pair of Hilary Simon and Obayemi Ogunshina recorded three wins against Burkina Faso 2-0 (21-15, 21-11), Togo 2-1 (15-21, 21-13, 21-13) and Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 (16-21, 21-17, 15-13) losing to Benin Republic 2-1 (21-14, 21-23, 15-21). The coach of Nigeria women’s team Kayode Ajilore commended the resilient spirit of the players for ensuring the nation qualifies for the African Games. He praised the Nigeria Volleyball Federation led by Engineer Musa Nimrod for supporting the dreams of the young players. The former beach volleyball player said, “I am ful...

  NFF Board Members Aisha Falode and Ahmed Yusuf Fresh proudly dedicate the Super Eagles' 1-0 victory over the Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group A game to Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the entire Nigerian nation. Celebrating the triumph at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé, Cote d'Ivoire, Falode and Yusuf declared in a heartfelt video, "Nigeria is one, and this victory is for Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the good people of Nigeria." William Troost-Ekong's decisive second-half penalty secured a narrow 1-0 win for the Super Eagles, marking a significant victory as it handed the hosts, Ivory Coast, their first defeat in nine matches and blowing the AFCON Group A open. This outcome adds a thrilling twist to Group A with one fixture remaining. The golden moment came with a penalty 10 minutes into the second half, and surprisingly, it was ex-Watford defender Troost-Ekong who stepped up, converting the penalty with precision beyon...

  Ifelodun LG were crowned Champions of the 2023/2024 edition of the Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke Memorial Cup on Monday evening, after edging past Ilesa West LG 7-6 via penalties. The final match played at the Osogbo City Stadium ended 1-1 in regulation time, with goals coming from Fakunle Yomi of Ifelodun and Oke Adebiyi of Ilesa West respectively. In the third-place encounter, Olorunda LG defeated Ede South LG, by three goals to nil. Taiwo Afolabi scored a brace in the encounter, while Ede South Defender, Suraju Sodiq scored an own goal in the 5th minute. The final event had in attendance, great dignitaries from across the State, led by the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, who performed the official kick-off ceremony, others the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, RT. Hon Adewale Egbedun, Secretary to the State Government, Mr Teslim Igbalaye, Osun PDP Chairman, Chief Sunday Bisi and many other top Government fun...

  The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, on Friday, vowed that it would not process any Direct Entry admission without certificate verification for the Advanced Level candidates that applied for the 2023 admissions. This was disclosed in a statement issued on the Board’s official X handle. This development is coming after the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, on Tuesday announced the suspension of accreditation of degree certificates from Benin Republic and Togo. According to a statement signed by Augustina Obilor-Duru on behalf of the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, the government lamented that “some Nigerians deploy nefarious means and unconscionable methods to get a Degree with the end objective of getting graduate job opportunities for which they are not qualified”. (https://punchng.com/fg-suspends-accreditation-of-degree-certificates-from-benin-republic-togo/) It followed an investigative repo...

  Egypt, the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d'Ivoire 2023 record holders (seven), are aiming to extend record, says star midfielder Mahmoud Ahmed Ibrahim Hassan. The talented player, also known as Trezeguet, made the bold statement when the Pharaohs arrived in Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday to play in Africa's showpiece event. Egypt will be based in the capital Abidjan where they are drawn in Group B alongside Ghana, Mozambique and Cape Verde.  “It is a difficult group. It is not easy. All the African teams are strong and have very good players. We will play all the matches as finals and see what they look like We came here aiming for a new title. Since our arrival, the entire team has only one goal, to go be crowned champions." The former Aston Villa player, who is preparing to participate in his fourth TotalEnergies AFCON, retains a painful memory of the last two finals that the Egyptians lost in 2017 against Cameroon and 2021 in Cameroon against Seneg...

    The Directorate of Road Transport Services of the Federal Capital Territory Administration has commenced the demolition of shops, eateries, and other illegal structures in taxi ranks across Abuja. The Director of the DRTS, Abdulateef Bello, had earlier on Monday, following a meeting with transport stakeholders, hinted at the reclamation of all taxi ranks within the territory, to make room for a unified mass transportation system in the FCT. Consequently, the department began the demolition of illegal structures at Area 3 and Banex Junction Taxi Ranks, in Abuja on Friday. The Punch gathered that at the Area 3 Taxi Rank, the DTRS team, supported by security agencies, demolished a car wash, mechanic workshops, a cinema house, and eateries among others, operating within the ranks. At the Banex Junction Taxi Rank, the taxis were not using the ranks as they had been taken over by miscreants, who used the space to sell hard drugs, including adulterated fuel and diesel...

    The 34th edition of the TotalEnergies CAF African Cup of Nations kicks off on Saturday with hosts Cote d'Ivoire taking on Guinea Bissau.   Ahead of the tricky match, CafOnline.com takes a look at some interesting facts and figures of the two sides. ●        This will be the first encounter between Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. ●        Côte d’Ivoire are taking part in their 25 th  CAF Africa Cup of Nations; only Egypt have made more appearances in the continent’s premier competition (26). They will be attempting to win the trophy for the third time, after 1992 and 2015. ●        Côte d’Ivoire are hosting the CAF Africa Cup of Nations for the second time, 40 years after it was initially held in the country, in 1984. Cameroon won the title whilst Côte d’Ivoire were knocked out in the group stages. ●  ...

  Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang The Supreme Court has upheld the election of Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang. The Punch reports that Gov. Muftwang’s victory at the March 18, 2023 poll was upheld by the State Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal in Jos but the appeal court overturned the lower court’s victory declaring Nentawe Goshwe of the All Progressives Congress the winner of the election. The Appeal Court ruled that the failure of the PDP to comply with the order of the Plateau State High Court in Jos directing it to conduct valid ward, local governments, and state congresses before nominating its candidates for the various elective posts was a breach of the law. The court, for the same reason, sacked many lawmakers elected on the PDP platform in the state. Reading the judgment of the apex court on Friday, Justice Emmanuel Agim held that the APC and its candidate are not members of the PDP and cannot challenge the primary election of the PDP. He ...

  Out of the thirty-one teams that started the journey, only Ifelodun LG and Ilesa West LG now stand a chance of winning the prestigious Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke Memorial Cup.  Ede South LG lost 7-6 via penalties to Ilesa West LG in the first semifinal, held at the Ataoja School of Science Pitch, after the game ended goalless at normal time. It was a game where both teams lost a lot of goal-scoring chances.  In the Second Semifinal of the competition, Ifelodun LG against all odds defeated Olorunda LG by two goals to nil, a game that had many "heart to mouth" moments. The final of the tournament between Ifelodun LG and Ilesa West LG will come up on Monday, January 15th, which is a significant date, as it is the birthday of the late first executive Governor of Osun State, Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke. The Competition, which is dedicated in honour of the first Civilian Governor of Osun State, Otunba Isiaka Adeleke is solely sponsored by Rep. Bamidele Salam who repres...

  All is now set for the semi-final of the 2023 Edition of the Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke Memorial Cup, as Ilesa West LG, joined Olorunda LG, Ede South LG and Ifelodun LG, following their 3-0 victory over Ife East LG on Monday.  Olorunda LG, Ifelodun LG and Ede South LG had earlier zoomed into the semifinals on Sunday, following victories over Ayedire, Irepodun and Iwo LG respectively. Olorunda LG were three goals better than Aiyedire LG, in the first quarterfinals of the 2023 Edition, with goals from Ademola Azeez, Adebayo Tosin and Farooq Oyeniyi.  Ifelodun's first goal against Irepodun came quite early, as Tope Taiwo's second-minute goal, helped them got into the groove, Tosin Fakunle converted the second goal later on.  Ede South LG and Iwo LG's quarter-final encounter ended goalless and was settled through penalties, with the Ede team winning 7-6. The Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke Memorial Cup Football Competition was initiated by Honourable Bamidele Salam in the ...

  FIFA has sent the Czech Football Association a letter in which they slammed a transfer ban on Banik Ostrava as a result of outstanding dues to 36 Lion Football Club. The ban will only be lifted when Banik pays the outstanding dues they owe the Lagos-based club for the transfer of Tijani Muhamed on 1st July 2023. The letter received didn’t specify the number of transfer windows that Banik will be banned from, but only clarified that it is due to the former Flying Eagles striker's deal with the Czech Republic top-flight team. Muhamed, 23, is a product of 36 Lion. He joined Slavia Praha from Banik during last summer's transfer window for €1.26m according to Transfermkt.com. The transfer fee should have been paid over several instalments; however, Banik failed to meet the deadlines as regards the fee meant for 36 Lion.  Muhamed started his professional career at Banik after joining 36 Lion ahead of the 2018/19 season. He enjoyed loan spells at Trnava, Fotbal Trinec and MAS Tabor...

  ..... Our Fruitful Volleyball Journey in 2023 Sequel to the visit of the FIVB delegation to Nigeria, the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has negotiated some technical opportunities and primary among them is the need for a technical and tactical coach who is to help recalibrate the coaching system in Nigeria, and was implemented in the year 2023. The Nigeria Volleyball Federation hosted capacity-building seminars in 5 of the 6 geopolitical zones in Nigeria, with a special focus on grassroots development and Coaching processes. As a follow-up to this capacity building, training camps were organised for players with selected Coaches drafted for practical mentorship under the supervision of the FIVB instructor.  The President Beach Volleyball Cup and the Abuja Invitational Volleyball Challenge herald the 2023 calendar. The Abuja Invitational also set the pace for Park Volleyball which was keenly contested during the challenge.    The National Volleyball Lower Leag...

  Nigeria's men's and women's teams have qualified for the 13th African Games in Ghana.  The Technical Director of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Martin Melandi revealed this during an interview with newsmen at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos on Friday. Melandi said teams in Zone 3 (West Africa) failed to show up for the qualifying series. He said, "In Zone 3, we were slated to compete against the Benin Republic, Togo, Burkina-Faso and Liberia. They confirmed their participation initially but withdrew at the last minute. "The President of CAVB Zone 3, Ali Yaro has notified the Confederation of African Volleyball that Nigeria’s volleyball teams have qualified automatically. Hence, we arranged exhibition matches for them against selected Lagos players. These matches marked their first games since entering the camp, and I believe subsequent friendly matches will enhance their performance.” The Head Coach of Nigeria men's team, Musa Baba-Musa expressed con...

  Super Falcons defender, Glory Ogbonna, has returned to her club, Besiktas, in Turkey, following her active involvement in sponsoring a football tournament in Abia State, Nigeria. Ogbonna, a standout defender, made history by generously supporting local youths during the inaugural tournament held in Isialangwa South local government area. Upon her return to Turkey, the former Edo Queens defender promptly joined her team's training sessions, engaging in both physical conditioning and ball work. Besiktas currently holds the 6th position in the Turkish women's league, boasting 26 points. Their upcoming match is scheduled against Kdz. Ereglispor on Wednesday, January 10, 2024.

    Following revelations and revealing evidences of many Nigerian youth going to Benin and Togo Republics to acquire fake certificates within six months in their quests to obtain degrees at all cost, the leadership of Congress of National Open University of Nigeria Student (CONS ) has call on Nigerians follow the paths of honour by patronizing a recognized and reputable universities within and outside the country and shun mushroom universities. This call made in a statement released and personally by the CONS President, Com. Kareem Shakiru Olatunde on Friday and made available to the newsmen. Com. Shakiru enjoined Nigerians patronize National Open University of Nigeria which he described as flexible, accessible and where learning is made easy. The full text of the release below. Dear Fellow Nigerians, In the pursuit of education, let us collectively prioritize the reputable institution that stands as a beacon of knowledge and integrity – the National Open Universi...

  The 23-year-old Hungary international Dominc  Szoboszlai will not play in the FA Cup tie against Arsenal on Sunday, 7th January. The Hungarian  suffered the blow in Monday's 4-2 win against Newcastle United and came off after 64 minutes. "I can confirm it's not a potential injury - it is an injury," Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said on Friday. "Muscle, hamstring. But now we have to see." Szoboszlai will also miss the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Fulham on Wednesday. "Dom is very positive, doesn't have a lot of pain, but we have to wait a little bit," added Klopp. "So, no chance obviously for Sunday, not for Wednesday, and then we will see. After that, hopefully he might be back but we don't know." Szoboszlai joins Thiago Alcantara, Andy Robertson, Stefan Bajcetic, Joel Matip and Kostas Tsimikas on Liverpool's injury list, while the Reds will also be without Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo. F...