The Ideal News

  The stage is set for an electrifying 2nd edition of WLB Futsal Lagos Exhibition Day, a celebration of skill, speed, and sheer passion for the game.  On April 1st, 2025, some of the most talented teams in Lagos will converge at the Meadowhall School, Ikate, to put on a dazzling display of futsal brilliance. With the first game kicking off at 2 PM, fans can expect non-stop action, breathtaking goals, and moments of individual magic as the teams battle for supremacy on the court.  This year’s matchups promise intense rivalries, strategic duels, and a showcase of raw talent that will leave spectators on the edge of their seats. Futsal Lagos All Stars Vs. Smart City FC.  The opening match sees the best of the best take on a rising powerhouse. Futsal Lagos All Stars bring together some of the finest futsal players, each with a reputation for dazzling footwork, precise passing, and deadly finishing. Smart City FC, on the other hand, is known for its disciplined structure,...

  SGFC Athletics overcame the challenge posed by 36 Lion to secure the Jagaban Cup title at Legacy Pitch on Thursday morning. The four-day football tournament featured eight teams, with Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Ikorodu City narrowly losing 1-0 to Ijebu United in the earlier third-place match. As anticipated, the final between fan favorites 36 Lion and SGFC delivered an exciting spectacle, truly reflecting the spirit of this popular grassroots football championship. After a thrilling match that concluded with a score of 0-0, the Ilorin-based Nigeria Nationwide League One team SGFC emerged victorious, winning 5-4 in the penalty shootout to claim the coveted trophy. In a post-match interview, the Chief Convener of the championship, Hajji Gafar Liameed, expressed his pleasure with the quality of play and the discipline exhibited by all teams throughout the tournament. Liameed, who also serves as the Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, shared his vision ...

  Erelu Ngozi Adeleke, the Wife of the Governor of Osun State, has been honored with the prestigious Girl-Child Sports Empowerment Icon Award at the Nigeria Sports Achievers Awards 2025. This distinguished accolade celebrates her relentless advocacy for gender inclusivity in athletics, her unwavering support for grassroots sports development, and her instrumental role in nurturing young female athletes across Osun State and beyond. Erelu Ngozi Adeleke has emerged as a transformative force in the advancement of girl-child sports, spearheading initiatives that provide young female athletes with essential resources, mentorship, and platforms to thrive. Her influence extends beyond policy advocacy; she has actively sponsored, organized, and supported sporting events that elevate the potential of young girls, ensuring they have equal opportunities to pursue their athletic dreams. One of her landmark contributions includes sponsoring the Osun State Female Secondary School Table Tennis Ch...

  36 Lion FC and SGFC Athletics have advanced to the Jagaban Cup final following their matches on Wednesday at the Legacy Pitch in Surulere. This advancement comes after the conclusion of the final group stage games, where the tournament rules dictate that the top team from each group move on to the final. Meanwhile, Ikorodu City will face Ijebu United in the third place. In the day's opening match, Ijebu United triumphed over Dino SC with a score of 3-2 in a captivating contest. Dino took an early lead when Agbede Hassan capitalized on a misplayed back pass by Howas Fidel. Ijebu United equalized through a penalty by Onyemaechi Uchechukwu, but Hassan struck again with a long-range effort. Ekeh Emenike brought the score level for the team in yellow, but Onyemaechi secured the win with a deflected shot. The second match saw SGFC clinch their spot in the final with a narrow 1-0 win against Imperial FC. Both teams had chances to score but were unable to convert. The breakthrough came i...

  The third edition of the Jagaban Cup continued on Tuesday morning at the Legacy Pitch, where Ikorodu City, a team from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), achieved a narrow 1-0 victory over FC Bethel. Additionally, teams such as 36 Lion, Ijebu United, and SGFC also claimed wins, resulting in a total of 12 goals scored throughout the day. Here’s a recap of the matches: FC Bethel 0-1 Ikorodu City The Oga Boys secured the crucial match-winning goal thanks to Ezekiel Samuel, who headed in a well-placed cross from Waliu Ojetoye, the right back for Super Eagles B. Ikorodu City now has three points from two matches, while FC Bethel has earned one point. Broad City 2-3 36 Lion In a dramatic turn of events, Broad City squandered a two-goal lead against 36 Lion, despite standout performances from Hanif Sanusi. Hanif opened the scoring by finishing a precise cross from Istifanus Freedom. A swift counterattack allowed Broad City to extend their lead, with Hanif delivering a superb fi...

  Hajji Gafar Liameed, the host of the Jagaban Cup, expressed his belief that the tournament, which commenced on Monday at the Legacy Pitch, will reveal future football stars. After witnessing the four matches on the tournament's opening day, Gafar shared his enthusiasm about the performances. "I believe we will discover new talent. The youthful energy, the fluidity of play, and the fast-paced action were impressive. I noticed scouts in the audience, actively engaged and taking notes. During the break, several foreign scouts approached me with inquiries about at least six players." He remarked that it is encouraging to see these participants potentially selected, especially as the tournament progresses into the second and final days. He expressed his aspiration for the tournament to grow, envisioning the inclusion of clubs from various regions across the country. "While we may see future expansion, for now, my focus is on Lagos and the Southwest. That’s why we have f...

  The opening day of the esteemed Jagaban Cup at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, featured an impressive total of 13 goals across four matches. In the early match at 7 am, the highly regarded Ikorodu City suffered a 2-0 defeat against 36 Lion. FC Bethel and Broad City played to an exciting 1-1 draw in their encounter. The third match showcased a thrilling contest between SGFC and Ijebu United, with SGFC emerging victorious with a score of 3-2. The final match of the day saw Imperial decisively defeat Dino SC with a score of 3-1. Joel Ashaku was named Man of the Match for his two goals, while Bashir Adbulkareem also contributed to the scoreline. Stephen Shedrack managed to score a consolation goal for Dino. With the absence of an offside rule, spectators can anticipate even more goals in tomorrow's matches, starting at 7 am at the Legacy Pitch. Day 1 Results: 36 Lion 2-0 Ikorodu City FC Bethel 1-1 Broad City Dino SC 1-3 Imperial Ijebu United 2-3 SGFC

  The Legacy pitch at the National Stadium in Surulere will be the focal point for the 3rd edition of the esteemed Jagaban Cup. This year's tournament promises to be thrilling, competitive, and action-packed, featuring eight carefully chosen teams from Lagos, Kwara, and Ogun State vying for glory and life-changing opportunities in front of keen-eyed international football scouts. As per the schedule released by tournament director Wale Joseph, the four-day football celebration will kick off with group stage matches from Monday to Wednesday, culminating in the final on Thursday. The opening match on the first day will see 36 Lion trade tackles with Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) team Ikorodu City at 7 am. Following that, there will be a series of matches: FC Bethel will face Broad City, Dino SC will go up against Imperial FC, and Ijebu United will compete against SGFC. On the second day, the matchups include Ikorodu City versus FC Bethel Sporting, Broad City against 36 Lion ...

  On Tuesday 11th March 2025, the Lagos High Court rejected an appeal from Fouad Oki, the former Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), who sought to be reinstated to finish his term after 10 months in office.  In March 2024, the Lagos State Football Association’s Congress passed a vote of no confidence against Oki, with 13 out of 14 congress members voting for his removal. Oki was also accused of unilaterally altering the LSFA's existing statutes, which negatively impacted the sport in the state. The Lagos State Football Association held its Extra Ordinary General Assembly that was attended by notable figures such as Felix Anyansi-Agwu, the 1st Vice-President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mallam Sani Ali, Chairman of Associations, former international player and ex-Lagos FA Chairman Waidi Akanni, and Hon Adeyinka Adeboye, Senior Special Assistant to Nigeria President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Grassroots Sports Development. In delivering the ruling, ...

  Heartland winger Chukwuma Agor is eagerly anticipating the upcoming Oriental derby against Abia Warriors in Owerri this Sunday. Having previously secured a 2-0 victory during this season’s Nigeria Premier Football League match at their rivals' home, with goals from Agor and Michael Ogu, he is confident that Heartland can achieve another favorable outcome. “That's the goal!” he expressed. “I want to contribute, and everyone is determined to finish the season strong. “Heartland tends to perform well in derby matches, and I have participated in several myself. We are heading into this weekend's game with a lot of confidence, and I believe we can mirror our success from Umuahia. Why not? “The derby holds significant meaning for the fans, and I share that sentiment. We are all very motivated. Every player is giving their utmost, and the staff is fully committed to ensuring we finish as high as possible.” Reflecting on his personal performance this season, with three goals and ...

  The Jagaban Cup organizers have revealed that European football scouts will be on hand to discover outstanding talent during this highly anticipated tournament. The competition scheduled for March 24 to March 27, 2025, promises to be an exciting showcase. Tournament Director Mr. Wale Joseph shared with the press, "On March 24, we will kick off with four matches at Legacy Pitch." "Day two will also feature four matches at the same venue, followed by another four games on the third day. Notably, the tournament will implement a no offside rule." "Matches on the 24th, 25th, and 26th will take place from 7 AM to 12 PM. There will be no semi-finals; instead, the winners of each group will move directly to the final," he confirmed. As a seasoned journalist and administrator, he emphasized that the tournament aims to highlight hidden talents poised for international contracts, reinforcing their dedication to grassroots development. "This event is designed t...

  The draws for the 2025 Jagaban Cup took place on Sunday night. Ikorodu City landed in Group A alongside difficult customers 36 Lion, FC Bethel and Broad City. Meanwhile, Dino SC were drawn in Group B with Imperial FC, Ijebu United and SGFC Athletics.  The Jagaban Cup is supported by partners including 36 Lion Investment, Diamond Sports Management Limited, IFMM, and Lagos Enigma Group. The tournament will take place at Legacy Pitch in Lagos, welcoming European scouts for a duration of four days. Previous editions of the tournament attracted scouts from more than six countries, resulting in numerous players receiving invitations for trials abroad and securing contracts. Notable success stories from the Jagaban Cup include Uchenna Emmanuel (Sparta Praha), Joseph Oloko (Liepija), Samuel Isife (Vlasim), Chukuebuka Enyiazu (Pardubice), Peter Kareem (Bohemians 1905), and Solomon Agbalaka (Sochi). To participate in the tournament, teams must ensure that their players have accumulate...

  In recent years, Lagos has emerged as a prominent center for football talent across the continent, largely due to the establishment of well-funded academies, often supported by private investors. These academies offer a robust talent development program, allowing players to thrive in a dynamic football environment within a city teeming with potential Super Eagles. Grassroots football serves as the foundation for professional football globally, and the journey of many top stars begins at this level. The narrative in Lagos is no different. The Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) plays a crucial role in fostering grassroots football through various initiatives, including the State League, creating a supportive environment for young athletes. It is fair to assert that grassroots football in Lagos stands out as the best in Nigeria, characterized by consistency and tangible outcomes. The effectiveness of this system is evident in its achievements. Lagos grassroots football has prod...

  Nigeria's former Enyinba International goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo has signed with Wolwalo Adigrat University, a club in the Ethiopian Premier League. In a strategic move to bolster their defense, Wolwalo has acquired the seasoned goalkeeper, who aims to help the team improve after conceding 24 goals this season. Coach Tsegaye Kidanemariam believes that Ojo's experience will be crucial in their battle for survival in the league. After completing his time with Sudanese club El-Merreikh, Ojo is now free to join any team and has committed to a five-month deal with Wolwalo. "I have high aspirations with Wolwalo," Ojo expressed to the press. "While I received offers from clubs in Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kuwait, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, I chose Wolwalo for its professional management." "I am genuinely excited to be here; it is a privilege to wear the yellow jersey and represent Wolwalo. I am dedicated to giving my best for the club and its fans....

  The organizers have announced the roster of meticulously chosen, ambitious, and business-focused clubs from Nigeria for the third edition of the Jagaban Cup, scheduled to take place from March 24 to March 27, 2025. Among the participating teams are last year's finalists, 36 Lion, along with FC Bethel and Broad City. Notably, the unexpected standout from the Nigeria Premier League, Ikorodu City, is also included. Additional teams set to compete are Imperial FC, Ijebu United, and SGFC Athletics. Dino SC, recognized as a significant source of talent for European clubs, will also be traveling to Lagos for the tournament. The Jagaban Cup is supported by partners including 36 Lion Investment, Diamond Sports Management Limited, IFMM, and Lagos Enigma Group. The tournament will take place at Legacy Pitch in Lagos, welcoming European scouts for a duration of four days. Previous editions of the tournament attracted scouts from more than six countries, resulting in numerous players receivin...

  In a bid to improve access to clean water, Prof. Ali Ahmad, Speaker of the Kwara State 8th Assembly, has been spearheading the Clean Water Initiative. This ongoing effort focuses on repairing and maintaining boreholes, directly addressing water supply challenges in several areas across Kwara State. In a statement signed by his Media Assistant Mallam Saad Ayinde, he said initiative has already benefited three senatorial districts in Kwara and numerous communities, including Anifowose, Oloje, Gbodofu, and Zango in Ilorin, as well as Tankapfu, Lalagi, and Kuchitagi in Patigi Local Government Area.  Additionally, communities in Offa, Erinle, Ira, Omun Aran, Ajase Ipo, and Share are also set to benefit from this project. He noted that other communities that have benefited from the Clean Water Initiative include Uwaisifarandi, Zango, Sabifarandi, Dazia, and Gbedare in Kaiama. These communities have witnessed significant improvements in their access to clean water, thanks to Prof....

  In a powerful testament to the intersection of sports, agriculture, and leadership, the Brown Group Innovative Greenhouse Farm, owned by former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President and FIFA Council Member, Amaju Pinnick, played host to an elite gathering of global leaders.  Among the distinguished guests were the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Wonie Bio; the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde; the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang; and the Director General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr. Simeon Ehui. This high-profile visit follows in the footsteps of former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, and several other dignitaries who have previously toured the farm, recognizing its role in pioneering modern agricultural innovation in Nigeria and beyond. Located in Fasola town, Oyo State, the farm has become a beacon of progress, symbolizing how strategic vision and investment can transform no...

  As University of Ilorin gears up for the celebration of the Golden Jubilee Anniversary of its establishment, the nation's most sought-after University, gathers momentum, the Institution's Centre for International Education (CIE) will host an international conference between 15 and 17 April, 2025 at the University Auditorium. The Director of the Centre, Prof. Lateef Onireti Ibraheem, stated this past week while inaugurating the Local Organising Committee of the Conference, under the Chairmanship of Prof. Bolanle S. Fayomi. The Director disclosed that the theme of the Conference will be "Globalizing Education: Strategies, Challenges and Sustainability", saying that the conference will witness paper presentations by scholars and participants from all over the world. The Director, who is a specialist in Arabic Literature and Mufti of Ojoku in the Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State, also disclosed that panel sessions, which will be addressed by some ambassad...

  The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has stated that the university had received two tranches of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing the scheme as a transformative initiative for the nation's education system. Prof. Egbewole, made this disclosure while featuring on the NTA News 24, Abuja programme, 'Late Edition', explained that the University of Ilorin received a sum of ₦52,879,000 for 802 students in the first tranche and ₦219,407,320 for 2,171 students in the second tranche.           While hoping that NELFUND will provide a third tranche to cater to more students, the Prof. Egbewole said that the university hopes to improve on the first two tranches as more than 10,000 students have applied for the NELFUND loan. The Vice-Chancellor also used the medium to call on the authorities of NELFUND to streamline the loan disbursement process, citing challenges relating ...