The Ideal News

  High flying FC Nwosu reached the Nigeria Ex-Internationals Cup final after a nail biting 6-5 penalty shootout win over FC Agbai on Friday. After an enthralling tie at the Legacy Pitch, goalkeeper Samuel Oriola proved decisive with three saves for the Henry Nwosu mentored side in the shoot-out. Etiti Solomon's improvised finish put FC Agbai ahead on 50 minutes, but FC Nwosu levelled afterwards as striker Samson Akinyoola forced goalkeeper Obaze Miracle to an error as the net minder mistakenly put the ball into his own goal post. Kehinde Ibrahim scored the winning spot-kick after the game had finished 1-1 following 90 minutes of football in Friday's semi-final. Sixteen kicks were needed in the penalty shoot-out and FC Nwosu advanced to face FC Ekpo at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Sunday. It would be recalled that the legendary Nwosu was the youngest member of the Green Eagles' (now Super Eagles) victorious 1980 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad, and scored the only goal...

  The board members of Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) led by its Chairman Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed held a meeting with the Director-General of Lagos State Sports Commission, Hon. Lekan Fatodu, at his Teslim Balogun Stadium office on Tuesday. At the meeting which was ostensibly aimed to forge a stronger synergy and working collaboration between State FA and Sports Commission, who are the supervisors of sports in the state, also discussed plans to make the finals of this year's President Federation Cup finals billed to be hosted by the Centre Of Excellence. In his opening remarks, Lagos FA boss Hajji Gafar expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Sports Commission Director-General, to improve sports in the state. Adding that the board is desirous of a beneficial collaboration with the sports commission, for the benefits and development of football in the State. Hon. Fatodu in his response, remarked he is impressed with the positive energy and commitment of the LSFA b...

  FC Agbai pulled off a remarkable upset against FC Ipaye, securing their spot in the semi-finals In a nail-biting game at Legacy Pitch, Onojah Godwin and ThankGod Essein scored two goals each for FC Agbai while Gabriel Adewara registered what turned out to be a consolation for the losing team. FC Udeze 1-1 FC Ekpo AP (7-8) FC Udeze and FC Ekpo dished out a classic encounter, producing a thriller that ended 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes. into penalties.  Friday Ekpo's boys did well to win 8-7 on penalties to seal their place in the semi-finals. FC Agali 2-2 FC Obafemi AP (4-3) In a captivating clash, FC Agali showcased their resilience and determination, scoring thanks to Aliu Hassan and Adetona Lekan. Onuoha Kingsley and substitute Obinna Romans were on target for FC Obafemi.  FC Agali's never-say-die attitude propelled them into the semi-finals in dramatic fashion. They won 4-3 on penalties. FC Nwosu 1-0 FC Ugbade  Henry Nwosu's wards continued their impressive run,...

  The Nigeria Ex-Internationals Cup was conceptualized as a national platform starting from Lagos State and protected brand whose purpose is to enable renowned ex-internationals’ act as Coach Mentors and to connect, collaborate and contribute to sustainable football development and promotion. For the purpose of this tournament, established teams were adopted by the ex-internationals and these teams bear the names of the Legends. It is quite sad that at two venues (Hilario Campos Mini Stadium and Rehabilitation Centre, Isheri-Berger) on Friday, 21st June, 2024, cases of violence were recorded, which could have been avoided.  The Lagos State Football Association frowns at this and based on the match reports, have decided on the following sanctions for the initiators of the ugly incidences, that have brought the game into disrepute, more so, in the eyes of foreign scouts who are present to help grow the career of our footballing youths. FC DOSU vs FC AGALI, at The Rehabilitation ...

  The quarter-final matches of the maiden edition of the Nigeria Ex-Internationals Cup, Lagos Chapter and organised by Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), will hold on Tuesday 25th June. In the first game of the day, FC Agbai who eliminated FC Temile and FC Oloyede respectively to reach this stage, would trade tackles with the formidable FC Ipaye at the Legacy Pitch. Kick-off is 7am. The second match is between FC Ekpo and FC Udeze at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. The game will get underway at 12 noon. To reach this stage, FC Ekpo defeated hard-fighting FC Enegwae in the keenly contested rounds of 16. High-riding FC Udeze dazed FC Elahor and FC Okpara respectively, to set-up this interesting affair. Meanwhile, FC Agali would trade tackles with FC Obafemi in what promises to be a tough encounter. Both sides weathered the storm to reach this stage and would be ready to give an arm or leg for a spot in the last four. The game is billed to take place at 2pm. The last match of the qu...

  FC Nwosu are through to the quarter-final of the Nigeria Ex Internationals Cup after dramatically edging FC Amoo 10-9 on penalties. The star studded FC Nwosu got their goals from Namory Keita and Ishola Olaitan, while FC Amoo netted thanks to Mubarak Mustapha's brace. It meant the game was 3-3 on aggregate. Goalkeeper Samuel Oriola was the hero in the shootout. FC Dosu 0-2 FC Agali FC Agali stunned FC Dosu 2-0 to march on against all odds. The tricky pairing ended 4-3 on aggregate. Victor Agali's wards cruised to the win courtesy of brace from Aliyu Hassan.  FC Oloyede 0-0 FC Agbai  FC Agbai progressed to the next round after drawing 0-0 against FC Oloyode. It was a 3-0 aggregate win for the former. FC Dominic 0-0 FC Ugbade FC Dominic and FC Ugbade played a goalless draw but the latter surged ahead 1-0 on aggregate. Quarter-Final Pairings FC Agali vs FC Ayila/FC Obafemi  FC Ekpo vs FC Udeze/FC Okpara  FC Agbai vs FC Ipaye/FC Ikpeba  FC Nwosu vs FC Ugbade...

  The Nigeria Ex Internationals Cup, is proudly supported by leading gaming company, Bet9ja.  Other partners are Owu, a foremost sportswear company in Nigeria, Brila FM, Mavlon FC, Mr. Olusola Akinlade, Liigi League, Olafiranye Sports Foundation and Mr. Mahmud Dawodu. Below is the matchday wrap..... FC Udeze 4-1 FC Okpara  Stephen Okpeche, Rashidi Anifowoshe and Olakunle Irinyemi were among the scorers as FC Udeze took a huge step towards the Nigeria Ex Internationals Cup quarter-finals courtesy of a blistering 4-1 win over 10-man FC Okpara in their last-16 first leg. FC Udeze drew the first blood through Okpeche's delicious free kick.  FC Okpara were awarded a penalty kick on 10 minutes. Johnson Adeaga rarely lets such go unpunished, and he delivered the goods to level matters.  The homers looked the much more likely to score, though, and they did so again shortly before the break. Anifowoshe drove home a world class free kick to find the back of the net. The G...

10-man FC Babington looked to be on course for victory courtesy of Oyedokun Tosin's early opener, but Gabriel Adewara rescued on the hour before FC Ipaye triumphed in the shootout. Babington were ahead after just 12 minutes, though, as FC Ipaye failed to adequately clear their lines, allowing Oyedokun to open the scoring. Lucky Odia was the next to come close for the visitors, but chances were at a premium throughout the first half and the game went into the break at 0-1. Ipaye struggled to conjure up many clear chances, but they almost levelled things up with just over 10 minutes into the second half.   There was nothing goalkeeper Damilare Aina could do when the equaliser eventually came, though, with Adewara converting from a free kick in the 60th minute of action. In the 75th minute, Austin Harrison of FC Babington was sent off for illegally thwarting a goal bound move. In response, FC Ipaye increased the pressure further but despite a glut of openings, they lacked a cutting ed...

  Lumezanne beat Riccione on Sunday, 3-2 to win the Copa Italia at the Stadio 'Gino Bozzi' Di Frenze.  Super Falcons Forward, Rafiat Sule scored the second goal of the encounter after Lumezanne trailed in the begining of the second half.  The Copa Italia won on Sunday, was the second title for the Lumezanne based side, after they were crowned Serie C' Champions a week ago.  The former Pink Sports Bari FC striker has been important for her team, Lummezanne this season and has helped contributing in important games.  Last season, she scored a total of 23 goals and 7 assists for Vincenza, before moving to Lumezanne.  Speaking after the game, Rafiat Sule, who ended as the team's top scorer with 21 goals in all, 18 league goals and 3 Copa Italia goals was ecstatic and shared her joy after winning the doubles. "It has been a great season, in which I am very grateful for.  "The team worked so hard for the success we recorded this season. It wasn't easy, but w...

  Notre Dame Secondary School, Gboko has emerged Champions of the 2024 Martha Tarhemba Makir Female Secondary School Football Championship.  The Competition was organized to promote  female football talents amongst Secondary School Students In Benue State and also to showcase exceptional skill and determination from all participating teams.  The final match of the tournament featured a clash between Notre Dame Secondary School and Queen of the Rosary Secondary School.  Notre Dame dominated possession throughout the game and applied relentless pressure on their opponents. Despite several near misses in the first half, Fatilen of Notre Dame secured the lone goal of the match.  Ahemen of Notre Dame Secondary School was recognized as the Most Valuable Player for her outstanding contributions throughout the tournament. While Fatilen, also from Notre Dame Secondary School, tied up with Priscilla of Queen Of The Rosary Secondary as they both claimed the title of H...

    FC Agbai recorded a stunning 3-0 win over FC Oloyede in the first leg of their Nigeria Ex Internationals Cup round 16 at Legacy Pitch on Saturday. The hosts placed themselves in an excellent position to reach the quarter-finals of the competition. The game was keenly contested, but FC Agbai had the breakthrough in the 35th minute through Jolaosho Qudus, who brilliantly converted the chance. The Mba Agbai led side dominated the possession in the second half, but it was a story of missed opportunities. They doubled their advantage 10 minutes past the hour, with Christian Chukwu shooting into the bottom corner of the net.  FC Agbai incredibly made it 3-0 in the 79th minute, with Kelechi Victor getting his name on the scoresheet, slotting into the back of the net from close range after dribbling the stranded defenders. FC Oloyede now have a mountain to climb if they are to progress to the quarter final of the Nigeria Ex Internationals Cup. In the second game of the day, F...

  Hostilities continued at the Maiden edition of Nigeria Ex-Internationals Cup with some spicy games on Thursday. FC Agbai hosted FC Temile in an affair that turned out to be one sided. Quickfire goals from Ajiboye Israel and ThankGod Essien handed FC Agbai the advantage after 10 minutes. Fuad Kaffo completed the rout five minutes after the hour mark as the tie ended 3-0. It was "Rumble in the Jungle" as FC Ekpo and FC Akanni battled for supremacy. Richard Zoje nodded home the curtain raiser in the 19th minute for FC Ekpo. The lead was increased thanks to a volley on the part of Daniel Joda.  FC Akanni tried to fight back but they were repelled by FC Ekpo who won 2-0. Up next on the schedule was the game between FC Nieketein and FC Ugbade which the former won 1-0. Meanwhile, FC Odini and FC Ikpeba shared the spoils in a goalless draw. Mavlon FC, Brila FM, Olafiranye Sports Foundation and Mr. Mahmud Dawodu are partners of the Nigeria Ex Internationals Cup. Others are Bet9ja, M...

  The 2024 edition of the Oyo Governor's Cup ended in Grand style with Bishop Phillips Academy, Ibadan defeating Bashorun High School 4-0 on Tuesday at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba to emerge Champions of the Competition's maiden edition.  Bishop Phillips Academy, the alma mater of his Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, started the game on the front foot with attacker Kayode David at the thick of action, but the Adegboyega John led Bashorun High School defence stood resilient.  In the 8th minute, Ademola Adesina pulled out a beautiful cross for Charles Adeniyi, who wasted no time in putting it past Bashorun High School Goalkeeper Waheed Lateef, with a great header, to put Bishop Phillips ahead. Bishop Phillips Academy doubled their lead few minutes to end of the first half, through Charles Adeniyi, who netted his second goal of the match, with another beautiful header. Their third of the game, came in the second half, through Habeeb Babawale, who ran past two Bash...

  The Publisher of Kwara People magazine and a former TIC Chairman of Ilorin West Local Government, Hon. Abdul-Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly called Mr. Nigeria, has disclosed his intention to join the Ilorin West Local Government Chairmanship race, in the forthcoming council elections in Kwara State. Hon. Alli, disclosed this at the palace of the Emir of Ilorin, when the committee for the launching of the Emir’s mother’s biography, led by the Chairman of Kwara State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Prof. Moshood Jimba and the Chairperson of the Planning Committee for the launching of the honourary book, Prof. Binta Sulyman visited the palace to seek Emir’s blessing as it flaggs-off visitation to invited guests, ahead of the launching of the book, which has been slated to hold later in the year. Meeting with the committee members on behalf of the Emir, Alhaji Prince Modibbo Sulu-Gambari conveyed the approval of His Royal Highness to the visiting members of the launching committee of the b...

  Out of over 200 Schools that started the journey, only Bishop Phillips Academy and Bashorun High School now stand a chance of winning the Prestigious 2024 Oyo Governor's Cup.  In the first Semifinal on Saturday, Bishop Phillip Academy, against all odds defeated Olanipekun Memorial High School by two goals to nil, a game that had many 'heart to mouth' moments.  Goals were scored by Charles Adeniyi in the 5th minute and Babatunde Lasisi in the 69th minute.   Government College Ibadan lost 14-13 to Bashorun High School in the second Sem finals, played at the Urban Day Secondary School Football Pitch, after the game ended goalless at normal time. It was a game, both teams lost a lot of goalscoring chances. The final match between Bashorun High School and Bishop Phillips Academy will come up on Tuesday, June 11, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan and expected to grace the event is the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Gov. Seyi Makinde,...

  Government College Ibadan, Bashorun High School, Bishop Phillip Academy and Olanipekun Memorial High School, have all qualified for the Semi Finals of the 2024 Oyo Governor's Cup.  Bishop Phillip Academy, and defeated Bioku Grammar School 5-3 in the first game of the day, played at the Ikolaba High School centre, to book their place in the last four of the Prestigious tournament.  Abubakar Idris of Olanipekun Memorial High School scored a brace to force his schools Quarter Final clash against Awe High School into penalties.  Emuda Samson, Salaudeen Mubarak and Ayomide Oyetayo all scored for Awe High School, while Abubakar Idris brace and Muftau Tirimisiyu leveled the game to 3-3, with the Kisi side winning 5-4 via penalties.  Two late extra time goals by Raji David and Ayomide James, ensured Bashorun High School scaled into the Semifinals after they played a 1-1 draw in regulation time , against St. John Catholic School, Isalu Iseyin. The game ended 3-1 in fav...

  The Oyo Governor's Cup draw conducted on Thursday has served up some mouthwatering fixtures for the quarter-finals.  Top on the cards is the game between Bishop Phillip Academy, Ibadan and Bioku Grammar School, Lanlate, which will come up on Friday, by 10 am at the Ikolaba High School, Ibadan.  Baptist Grammar School, Ogbomosho and Government College, Ibadan will settle their differences at the Urban Day Grammar School, Olaogun, at the same time, with the fixtures above.  At 12 pm, Awe High School, who had an easy run against Ladigbolu Grammar School in the Oyo Zonal Final, will face Olanipekun Memorial High School, Kisi at the Ikolaba High School, Ibadan. Will the last quarter final clash, will be played at the Urban Day Grammar School, at 12pm, between Bashorun High School and St John Catholic School.  The Semifinal matches will hold on Saturday, June 8th 2024, while the final match takes place on Tuesday, 11th June 2024 at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasin...

  Quarterfinalists of the 2024 Oyo Governor's Cup have arrived Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo for the  quarter final matches of the tournament. Bashorun High School, Ibadan, Bishop Phillip High School, Ibadan, Government College, Ibadan, Olanipekun Memorial High School, St. John Catholic Grammar School, Isalu, Awe High School, Baptist Grammar School, Ahoyaya, Bioku Grammar School, Lanlate, are the eight teams to battle for glory in the ongoing football competition for secondary school students in Oyo State. Matches will be played at the Urban Day Secondary School and Ikolaba High School, Ibadan. "We are delighted to announce the arrival of participating schools for the Quarter Finals encounters of the 2024 Oyo Governor's Cup, " Schools' Sport Foundation CEO, Yomi Elijah Said.  "The teams are in top shape and we are expecting to see the best of football from these secondary school lads. "We are satisfied with the level of talents we have seen so far in t...

  The Erelu Ngozi Adeleke' Table Tennis Championship For Female Secondary School Students In Osun State came to a thrilling conclusion on Monday at the Ultra Modern Micheal and Felicia Alabi Memorial Table Tennis Hall, Osogbo. Alimat Olasunkanmi of Oba Laoye Grammar School, Ede showcased her exceptional talents securing victory at the inaugural Erelu Ngozi Adeleke Table Tennis Championship.  Alimat triumphed over the determined Kabirat Bankole of Nawarudeen Grammar School, Oke Baale, Osogbo in the first semi-final, and then defeated Hamzat Hikimat of Adventist Grammar School, Ede in a thrilling final. The week-long tournament, organized by SportsGig International in collaboration with Ministry of Education, Sports and the Osun Sports Council in honour of the Wife of the Governor of Osun State, Erelu Ngozi Adeleke' saw over 25 female Secondary School Students from across Osun State compete for the prestigious trophy. The event which started on May 28th, featured a festive atmos...

  FC Agali recorded a 2-0 victory over FC Aiyegbeni in the first leg of their Round of 32 at Victor Agali Community Stadium on Sunday afternoon.  Segun Alayande made the breakthrough in the 70th minute of the contest before Aliu Hassan doubled FC Agali's advantage in the 89th minute, meaning that the Badagry side will take a two-goal lead into the second leg of the contest. FC Agali had a golden chance to take the lead in the 22nd minute of the game but Aliu missed the spot kick. The homers, as expected, were the team dominating possession, but FC Ayegbeni looked a big threat on the counter, with Osas Ekuase and Chinaza Onuaha leading the charge. The away side had a chance of their own when Chinonso Sunday worked space inside the FC Agali box before attempting to beat the keeper, who was equal to the effort. The game trully deserved a goal as it was an end to end affair.  However, at the break the scoreline was goalless draw. The home team did make the breakthrough in the...

  The maiden edition of Nigeria Ex-Internationals Cup organised by Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) got underway on Saturday morning, with three first leg matches played. 32 Lagos based ex-Nigeria internationals adopted various teams purposedly for the tournament, with the two-legged affair adopted by organizers. The first game of the day was between FC Ugbade and FC Nieketien at Nitel Ground in Oshodi. The coach Nduka Ugbade managed side edged to an early lead courtesy of Ephraim Elijah who beat the goalkeeper with ease. Striker Martins Ogbe had the opportunity to level matters for FC Nieketen but he was hesitant in the box. Despite the dominance from FC Nieketien, they were not clinical in front of goal as first half ended 1-0 in favour of FC Ugbade. Nigeria international Agada Charles was instrumental to FC Ugbade's second goal. He floated the ball to Egbedokun Caleb who showed appreciation with a clinical strike in the 50th minute. With six minutes left on the clock, Och...

  The zonal elimination matches of the 2024 Oyo Governor's Cup were concluded on Friday across eight zones in the state.  The eight zones are Oyo, Ogbomoso I, Ibadan I, Ibadan II, Ibadan III, Ibarapa, Oke–Ogun I, and Oke–Ogun II.  The secondary school competition, which is organised by Schools' Sport Foundation and sponsored by Peculiar Ultimate Concerns, kick-started on may 13th, with over 200 Schools participating.  In Ibadan Zone I, Bashorun High School defeated Eleyele Secondary School to emerge champions of the zone, thereby qualifying for the Quarterfinals of the event.  Bishop Phillip High School continued with their great form in the competition, mauling Zumuratual Hujaj School by six goals to nil, in the Ibadan Zone II.  Government College Ibadan, showed their superiority over Owode CHS Bode Ogbo, by defeating them with two unreplied goals in Ibadan Zone III.  In Oke-Ogun II, unlucky Obalufon Grammar School lost via penalties to Olanipekun Mem...