The Ideal News

  FIFA Council Member, Amaju Pinnick, has restated that gunning for a second term in the hallowed chambers of the world football governing body was not a “Do or Die Affair.” In barely 12 days from now, Africa will hold elections in Cairo, Egypt, to elect the next five men and lady to represent the continent in FIFA. Pinnick is one of favorites out of the 10 men seeking the five tickets on offer. Speaking on SuperSport’s African Soccerprogramme in Johannesburg, South Africa yesterday evening, monitored by ThisDay's Duro Ikhazuagbe, the two-term former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said his quest for a second term was for him to consolidate on the great jobs the Gianni Infantino led FIFA Council has started. “Trust me, my quest for a second term in the FIFA Council is not a do or die affair. I have my businesses and not one moment idle. I just want to ensure that those bridges built in the first term: those contacts made are well utilized for the greater good...

    The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has charged newly promoted professors of the institution to take up their roles as mentors and leaders to junior academics in their respective Departments, urging them to replicate themselves in the young lecturers. Prof. Egbewole, who stated this last week while holding a meeting with the newly promoted professors, said that the meeting was in line with the long-standing tradition of the University. He said that the tradition had been discontinued in the past but was revived in 2022 to foster closer interaction and set clear expectations for the new professors. The Vice Chancellor stated that one of the key expectations from the newly promoted professors is the delivery of Inaugural Lectures, which are expected to take place at least 12 months after their promotion. He explained that Inaugural Lectures are platforms for professors to share insights into their research journeys ...

  The football community was abuzz as the finals of the 2025 Lagos State President Federation Cup for both men and women teams unfolded at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Sunday, February 23rd. In the men's final, Inter Lagos dethroned Ikorodu City with a 5-4 penalty shootout win. The game ended 0-0 in regulation time. Meanwhile, Dannaz Ladies pipped Unification Ladies 1-0 to emerge as the women's champions.  In an interview with reporters at the well-attended event, Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed, Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, conveyed his contentment and joy regarding the competition's success. "This year's tournament has undoubtedly been a tremendous success, showcasing high-quality play, excellent organization, discipline, and impressive attendance throughout the matches," he stated. "Furthermore, on behalf of the executive board of the LSFA, stakeholders, investors, and the entire football community, I would like to extend my heartfelt...

    By Idris Alooma   The Honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, has sworn in Dr Ruth Abiola Adimula a lecturer in the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies University of Ilorin and other 49 newly appointed Commissioners for the Tax Appeal Tribunal. The ceremony took place at the Federal Ministry of Finance Building in Abuja on February 19, 2025.   The Tax Appeal Tribunal was established in 2007 to adjudicate disputes arising from tax-related matters. The Tribunal's objectives include reducing tax evasion, ensuring fairness and transparency, and minimizing delays in tax dispute resolution.   While administering the oaths of office, Mr. Wale Edun urged the new Commissioners to discharge their duties with integrity, professionalism, and diligence. The Coordinating Secretary, Anita Erinne, expressed appreciation to the Honourable Minister and his deputy for their support.   The newly appointed Commissioners include Soyinka-Onijala ...

  Not fewer than 100 students have been registered for the maiden edition of National Secondary School Invitational Football Tournament which holds in Abuja  The tournament targeted at discovering talented footballers at the secondary schools will kick off from 21st-23rd February, 2025 at the Family Worship Center pitch,Wuye, Abuja. Six schools and two wild cards (eight teams) in total will participate in the inaugural edition of the competition. While all registered students are eligible for the scholarship, however, only six schools, namely; Glisten International Academy, Britarch Schools, Royal Family Academy Wuye, Faith Academy, Abuja and Lugbe Titans and International Secondary School, Owerri are eligible to win the giant trophy. However, the two participating schools invited on wild card can't win the trophy. The two schools selected for wild cards are; Right Value Selected and Pioneers Selected. Speaking at the press conference on Friday, the brain behind the tournamen...

  36 Lion has achieved another significant milestone. This time, it involves a remarkable blend of education and football for Olayinka Ogunleye, a promising young talent from its expanding roster, who has secured a full scholarship at the esteemed University of Louisville in the USA. At an impressive height of 1.93 meters (6 feet 4 inches), the left-footed center back is not only a standout athlete but also an exceptional student, earning praise from football experts for his potential. The management team at 36 Lion expressed their excitement about this development, highlighting the bright future of the highly regarded 18-year-old player. "At just 18 years old, we have supported his academic journey, and he is now a Freshman at the University of Louisville on a full scholarship. Our goal is to inspire as many talented young individuals as possible to reach their full potential." In addition, Ola is viewed as a promising candidate for the Super Eagles, having played in 12 matc...

  The Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) has imposed a ban on Smart City, prohibiting the club from engaging in any football-related activities due to security violations that occurred on Thursday, February 13th. This decision was communicated to the club in a letter dated February 14, 2025, which was subsequently shared with the media. The LSFA's disciplinary action was prompted by a report from match officials regarding an incident during the FA Cup match between Smart City and Inter Lagos at Legacy Pitch. In the letter, signed by LSFA Vice Chairman Mr. Adedotun Coker, it was noted that a player named Bankole Afeez confronted the Match Referee, subjecting the official to harassment and verbal abuse. A prominent supporter of Smart City pursued the referee and struck him in the right eye, causing a severe cut that affected his vision. Supporters of Smart City attempted to assault key football stakeholders during a disgraceful incident. The Lagos State Football Association (LSF...