The Ogun State Government is set to bring back the glorious days of yesteryears in sports, following the launch of the Ogun State Schools Sports Festival (OGSSFEST) in Abeokuta last week (Dec 30, 2015).
Speaking at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the government and the consultants on the project, Youth and Sports Commissioner, Hon. Moroof Afolabi Afuwape said the Amosu administration was committed to making the state “the factory of sports stars in Nigeria”.
Standing) left, Mr. O.A. Koleowo (representing the Ogun State Ministry of Justice), Hon. Moroof Afolabi Afuwape (Sports commissioner) and Dr. Bolu John Folayan (MD/CEO Newswatch Magazine) during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding of the Ogun State School Sports Festival (OGSSFEST) in Abeokuta (30/12/2015)
“The administration has upgraded the sport infrastructure in the state to first-class status and no state in Nigeria boasts of what we have at our stadiums and we have the technocrats. What remains for us is to bring in the private sector to drive first-class competitions. The GT Principals Cup and OGSSFEST are the pioneering efforts in this regard,” he said.
The commissioner said the government believes success in sports is connected to age and that sports super stars needed to be caught and nurtured very young.
“It is of no use discovering a football, tennis or athletics star in his or her late 20s. Most sports thrive on the ‘catch them young’ and now that sports is big business, we also see OGSSFEST as a way of fighting crime and unemployment in the land,” he explained.
Afuwape called on corporate organizations and philanthropists to embrace OGSSFEST “not just as corporate social responsibility but in order to reap heaps of marketing advantages as over 4,000 kids will participate in the yearly competition.”
In his response, the Managing Director of Newswatch Times Magazine, Dr. Bolu John Folayan, said the competition would be the first of its kind in Nigeria and perhaps in Africa.
He said a consortium of sports marketing and sports media experts are coming together to complement the state government’s initiative, not just to discover the stars of tomorrow but to also nurture them to stardom and make them financially self-sustaining.
Standing) left, Mr. O.A. Koleowo (representing the Ogun State Ministry of Justice), Hon. Moroof Afolabi Afuwape (Sports commissioner) and Dr. Bolu John Folayan (MD/CEO Newswatch Magazine) during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding of the Ogun State School Sports Festival (OGSSFEST) in Abeokuta (30/12/2015)
Dr. Folayan commended the Amosu administration on the initiative and expressed confidence that the festival would fulfill its objectives.
Eight sports – athletics, table tennis, football, handball, basketball, scrabble, chess and volleyball – will be featured in the maiden edition of the competition. Preliminaries will begin in March and run through zonal and divisional contests in May-June while the four-day grand finale will take place in November.
Ilupeju Grammar School Lagos and Yejide Grammar School Ibadan, Oyo State have emerged champions in the boys and girls categories respectively in the western conference of 17th edition of Nestle Milo Secondary Basketball Championships concluded at the indoor sports hall of liberty stadium Ibadan.
To emerge victorious in the boy’s category, Ilupeju Grammar Lagos, out dunked Don Domingo Secondary School Warri, Delta State by 37-28. Coach Olayinka Oyewunmi of Ilupeju Grammar School revealed after the victory that his team had proven its capabilities by qualifying for the National finals.
YEJIDE GRAMMAR SCHOOL, GIRL’S CHAMPION
In the girls final, Western conference Defending Champions, Yejide Grammar School Ibadan, confirmed their berth in the national final after beating Zeal College Otta Ogun State by 37-21 to confirm themselves as worthy champions.
Captain of Yejide grammar school, Ibadan, Mattew Busayo, speaking after the match said that they are very happy to have made it to the national finals in Lagos, “the next step for us is to prepare well, correcting our mistakes and strategising our game plan because, This is where the champions of each conferences meet, we are ready and very optimistic of our chances”. Busayo said.
ILUPEJU GRAMMAR SCHOOL, BOYS CHAMPION
Speaking exclusively after the final game, Mr dairo Jacob, who Represented the National President of the NSSF, expressed his delight with the standard of the tournament and thanked Nestle milo the sole sponsors of the championship.
Meanwhile, nestle Nigeria plc, Category Business Manager Mr femi Akintola has reiterated his company’s resolves to continue to contribute its quota to the development of basketball in the country.
According to Akintola, Nestle believes that sports serves as a suitable platform for the youths to learn values such as honestly, teamwork, fair play, respect, adherence to rules, discipline , perseverance, resilience, and a strong sense of purpose and that is the motivating factor behind his company’s commitment.
It was all fireworks at the Western Conference Semi final games of the 17TH Milo Secondary School Basketball Championship at the indoor sport hall of Liberty stadium Ibadan.
Don Domingo Secondary School Warri, Delta State outshined Greenland Academy from Ogun State 34-29 in a closely contested match in first semi final.
Coach of the The Ogun State addressing his wards during The Semi-final Of The 17Th Milo Basketball Championships
Speaking after the match, Head Coach of the Delta side Solomon Inegbedi said, our victory in all stages means so much to us and most especially to grassroots sports, I applaud my players and salute their courage, I also thank Nestle Plc, sponsors of the championship for assisting in the development of basketball in the country.
In second semi final played, Ilupeju Grammar School Lagos confirmed their supremacy over Government Secondary Ilorin School, Kwara State with an emphatic 41-15.
Ilupeju grammar school lagos, will take on Don Domingo Secondary School Warri Delta State, in the final game of Western Conference.
In the girl’s semi finals, Ogun State representatives, Zeal College Otta, Ogun State will play against host team, Yejide Grammar School Ibadan, in the Western Conference Final slated for Tuesday. The girls from Ogun State soared in the last quarter to defeat hard fighting Anglican High School, Ekiti State 24-22.
17TH MILO BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
The head coach of Zeal College Otta, Akindele Peter said, the victory was well deserved and we are happy clinching a final ticket.
In the second semi final played, the defending champion Yejide Grammar School Ibadan walloped Wesley Girls Senior Lagos, in thrilling and sensational encounter by 38-30.
Yejide Grammar School Ibadan Oyo State, which has twice won the zone in the Nestle Milo Secondary Schools Basketball Championship, picked the first semi final ticket in the girls category at the ongoing Western Conference playoffs taking place in the indoor sports hall of Liberty stadium, Ibadan.
The hardworking, dedicated and disciplined Ibadan side defeated Queen Elizabeth School Ilorin, Kwara State 53-05 points. Team coach, Yemi Abiodun who was piloting affairs from the bench, praised his girls for their resilience: “I asked my players to take it easy and play their normal game without underrating the opponent”
Also Zeal College Otta, Ogun State silenced highly rated Ugborikoko Secondary School Warri, Delta state by 10-08.
Milo Secondary Schools Basketball Championship.
In the other quarter final matches played, Anglican high school Ado Ekiti, defeated Regina Mundi Girls Secondary school, Iwo, Osun State by 52-05, while Wesley Girls Senior of Lagos state over powered Queen of Rosary College Onitsha, Anambra state, by 56-08.
The semi final matches are billed for Monday at the same venue with hosts, Yejide Grammar School Ibadan confronting Wesley Girls’ Senior School Lagos, While Zeal College Otta, representing Ogun State, will take on Anglican High School from Ekiti State.
In the boys’ category, Don Domingo Secondary School Warri, defeated Ado Grammar School Ekiti by 28-15, while Government Secondary School Ilorin, Kwara State sent host boys Loyola College Ibadan packing by 37-33. Lagos and Ogun state walked over their opponents from Anambra and Osun State respectively in the other quarter final match. The Anambra and Osun boys teams were disqualified during the screening exercise.
The semi final pairings in the boys category are Lagos versus Kwara in first semi final game and Ogun State versus Delta state on Monday.
President, Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Wahid Oshodi speaks on Aruna Quadri who has now become the toast of the Sports world.
HOW DID YOU MEET Aruna Quadri?
I first saw Aruna play at the table tennis event at the 2006 National Sports Festival. Playing for Oyo State this young boy lost a tight match to the African champion Segun Toriola playing for Ogun in the team event finals. I was very impressed by his determination. Even then he had an excellent forehand
What attracted you to him?
More than anything it was his humility and discipline. Always greeting everybody respectfully even his fellow players. He was always watching the senior players and wanting to learn. So I invited him to Lagos to play in some of our tournaments and he played well but more importantly his behaviour and comportment was worthy of note.
What are the things that make him different from other players?
With regard to his ability his forehand is an excellent weapon and over the years he has continued to develop it. It’s no surprise that his nickname is the “the forehand”. He works harder than most players and he learns from Better ranked players. He never gives up. But I think his greatest attributes are his discipline and willingness to learn.
Nigeria’s Quadri is biggest mover in ITTF latest ranking, now world’s 73rd
As a Lagosian, what prompted you to support an athlete from another state?
This is a question I am continuously asked. But in those days we were supporting quite a few players, many of them from Lagos but there was something special about him. We try to support the best talents in Nigeria regardless of where they come from. All the best players come to Lagos to ply their trade and you really must do the best for those who are serious and ready to develop themselves.
How easy has it been for you supporting him?
Supporting such a player who is willing to work so hard gives me great pleasure personally. In recent times due to his performances we are now putting together a team of sponsors who will help to continue to develop his career and by extension other players who show the potential and discipline to improve themselves. It is never easy spending money in light of other contending factors but Quadri’s case has been worthwhile.
Was there any time you wanted to quit supporting him?
Never. Like I said his hard work and comportment has always been beyond reproach. He is a great credit to his parents and all those people who have coached and worked with him over the years.
For years, you have been supporting him, why and what kept you going?
I believed he had the talent and the ability to get to the top. He has now surpassed a lot of people’s imaginations but not mine. There is still a long way to go for him. I believe he has the ability to be a top 10 player. He his still young and you know in Table Tennis most players get better with age. He still has some work to do on his game. He knows that and he is willing to do the hard work that makes great players. There are still a lot of goals for him. The African title, All Africa and who knows an Olympic medal in Rio is not out of his reach, especially with the excellent form our men’s team are showing. But one step at a time.
Aruna Quadri recieving his NSA2014 Award
What type player is Aruna Quadri?
“the forehand” is one of the best attacking players in the world. He must continue to attack in his matches. Taking Zhan Jike ( the best big competition player in the world) to six games at the first time of playing him tells me there is more to come as long as he can keep his head down and work hard. He must listen to his coaches and the likes of Toriola who mentors him. All the international commentators describe his style as ferocious especially his big hitting forehand.
Looking at the feat achieved by Quadri in recent times, what are your conclusions?
The future is bright. He his already ahead of the targets we set at the beginning of 2014 but he must work hard to remain at that level. The African Senior Championships is next. But as you know the competition in Africa is at its strongest now. The experience of Toriola, Saleh and Lashen, coupled with the hard hitting attacking play of Omar and Khaled Assar. The young guns like Ojo Onaolapo, Omotayo,. The Chinese players from Congo. It won’t be easy but he has the ability to go all the way.
For how long will you continue to support him?
As long as he is doing the right things we will continue to support him. It is very competitive out there now and only those who show the required talent and discipline will continue to receive my support and that of the NTTF.
Aruna Quadri during the ITTF Star Awards at the Armani Hotel at Burj Khalifa on January 7, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
How will you describe your relationship with Aruna Quadri?
he is like a younger brother to me and so are many of our players but you know we have been working together for a while and I am very proud of his achievements.
How do other players see you supporting Quadri?
All our players know that if they continue to work hard they will receive the same opportunities as Quadri. The likes of Kazeem Makanjuola, Tosin Oribamise, Sukanmi Oginni etc are all getting the needed international exposure now. It is up to them to seize the chance they get and continue to improve. At the end of the day it’s to their glory if they do well.
Do you regret supporting Quadri?
Not in any way.
What has been your most memorable moment watching Quadri during a match?
The Commonwealth games team event semi final when he beat the highly seeded Singaporean player. The fellow did not know what hit him. Quadri’s forehand worked perfectly In that game and of course losing to Zhan Jike in that World Cup quarter finals. Really impressive and heartwarming
How long do you think Quadri can last in the game?
He still has a long way to go. If you look at the great career of Toriola Oshonaike and Co, he his just starting out. We wish him the best in future years.
The registration process for the first edition of Ayo Olopon Challenge Series is still on with the organizers of the tournament urging interested participants to send their registration through a short code number 33073 on any network sending their name, age and location to be registered for the tournament.
The Challenge Series that commences on the 24th of this month with the Abeokuta leg is expected to be declared open by the honorable commissioner for Sports in Ogun State, Lanre Tejuoso.
Femi Abioye, the Chief Task Assigner of Dekaizen Worldwide Limited organisers of the event said that in an efforts to take the game to the grassroots some selected private and public secondary schools in Ogun State have been invited to play in the developmental segment of the tournament.
Abioye stated that the challenge series which has the backing of telecommunications giant, MTN Nigeria will hold in Abeokuta till the 26th before the train moves to Ile-Ife, Osun State from the 1st of October to 3rd with the grand finale holding in Oyo Town, Oyo State from 15th to 17th of October where the grand commander (Oba’Otaa) will be crowned.
He disclosed that over 1 million Naira will be won in prize money by the finalists in a graduating manner.
Ogun State’s First Lady, Mrs. Olufunso Ibikunle, Chief Mike Umeh and Dr. Lanre Tejuoso congratulating the Eaglets after the match
Nigeria’s U-17 team, Golden Eaglets are through to the final qualifying round of the 2015 African Championship to be hosted in Niger after a 5-0 aggregate win against Les Leopards of Congo
Democratic Republic.
Leading 1-0 from the first leg second round match played in Kinshasa last weekend, the Golden Eaglets confirmed their superiority yet again with a 3-0 win at the M.K.O Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta on Sunday in front of appreciative home fans.
There were first half goals for Suleiman Abdullahi, Victor Osimhen while Kehinde Ayinde and Samuel Chukwueze added the other two in the second half.
In attendance to watch the second leg encounter was Ogun State’s First Lady, Mrs. Olufunso Ibikunle who stood in for His Excellency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun as the Special Guest of Honour; Dr. Lanre Tejuoso( State’s Commissioner for Youth & Sport; Chief Mike Umeh, the NFF’s Acting President and his 1st Vice, Dr. Shehu Adamu amongst other important dignitaries.
Congo Democratic Republic line up
The Golden Eaglets dominated the game right from the outset with some good positional play but failed to convert early chances.
But on the dot of 30th minute, Suleiman Abdullahi scrambled the ball into the net
for the first goal after the Congolese failed to clear a dropped Kingsley Michael’s by goalkeeper Sese Bia Israel.
Michael nearly added the second goal five minutes later when his long range shot was parry away by Israel. From then, the Golden Eaglets mounted pressure forcing the Congolese to concede a corner in the 42nd minute.
Suleiman took the resultant free kick and Victor Osimhen nodded into the net after Israel’s failed to hold tightly to the ball.
At the restart, the Congolese nearly pulled a goal back in the 47th minute but Djemes Diala’s angular shot was caught by Goalkeeper Akpan Udoh. Udoh was also at his best few minutes later when he touched away Mutatu Mbedi’s well struck free kick.
Amuneke pulled out injured Chinedu Ndu for Samuel Chukwueze and it was the gifted striker that provided Kehinde Ayinde to bury the ball beyond Israel for the third goal in the 67th.
The last moment was very dramatic as Abdullahi saw his ball hit the goal post after the goalkeeper has been well displaced by Chukwueze in the 89th minute. But Chukwueze still had the final word when he drove the ball into the net with almost the last kick of the match.
Meanwhile, the Golden Eaglets would now meet Gabon in the third and final round towards a place in the next African U-17 Championship after the latter eliminated Ethiopia on a 3-0 aggregate on Saturday.
Golden Eaglets line up
Golden Eaglets Vs. Congo DR
A.Udoh- A. Muhammed (L. John 90), A. Usman; A.Bamidele, L. Halilu – E.
Agenor, K. Nwakali. K.Michael (, C. Ndu 57; S. Chukwueze 64) S.
Abdullahi -K.Ayinde, V.Osimhen
After two sessions at the Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola Stadium, the Golden Eaglets have settled down in Abeokuta ahead of their Under-17 African Championship qualifier against Congo DR this weekend.
The NFF had picked Abeokuta for the game due to the on-going renovation work at the U. J Esuene Stadium in Calabar and the team was whisked to the rock city in a seamless transition from Lagos upon their arrival from Kinshasa on Monday.
Now staying at the Intercontinental Suites, they had a brief session Monday evening to shake off jet lag after about 12-hour flight from Kinshasa via Nairobi to Lagos and resumed their routine training only on Tuesday.
“We have no problem playing here in Abeokuta in spite of the fact that our fans in Calabar would miss us,” said Prince Udofia, the team coordinator.
“In fact, we are gratefully to the Ogun State Football Association led by Alhaji Ganiu Majekodunmi who has ensured that all is well since our arrival here.”
golden Eaglets line up against Egypt in Cairo
Meanwhile, Abeokuta is home coming of sort for Golden Eaglets’ goalkeeper, Akpan Udoh.
Though hails from South-South in Akwa Ibom, Udoh has lived mostly in Ogun State-precisely in Ijebu-Remo. The former Under-13 goaltender attached to Remo Football Academy was one of the lads picked by Uplift Team- a project by Mrs. Olufunso Amosun – to tour Udinese last year.
“I’m happy to come back to Abeokuta particularly with the National Under-17 team,” said Udoh who was a silver medal winner for Ogun State at the 2013 chief of Naval Staff Cup.”
We are looking forward to a good game against Congo DR. and we are therefore, calling on the fans
to come and cheer us on Saturday.”
In Continuation of our Up Close And Personal Series Our Man Sola Rogers had a one on one Interview session with New “Super Eagles” Kid on the Block Babatunde Micheal: below are excerpts of the Interview
my name is Babatunde Micheal i am an indigene of Abeokuta, Ogun State, born in Maroko, Lagos but i grew up in Surulere Lagos. Somewhere around Lawanson.
Whats your Educational background?
I attended Itire Pry School. and from there i moved to Community Secondary School Mushin.
When did you Start playing Football.
I started at an early age, we had a lot of fields then in my part of Surulere. we played football in places like Agbebi, Adebayo, Oshiga and Fadairo playing grounds.
I was very active while growing up, i was the Class Captain and Games Prefect, i was part of the Athletics team and of course i played Football for my School.
Did you join any academy or team at any point in time?
I started my football career from a team called New star in Sanya Area of Surulere. From there i moved to “Great Olympic” and from Great Olympic i joined Water football Academy in Abuja.
How long were you at Water Football Academy for?
I played there for quite a few years before joining Heartland Football Club Of Owerri.
What position do you actually play on the field? we mean your ideal role?
I can play in any attacking position, i can play on both wings but i prefer playing from the right wing.
But you seem to have played a more central role at the Mundial, did that affect your game?
Not at all, in my Club my coach gives me different roles on the pitch, I can play anywhere, I can play the role of a creative midfielder, i can also double as as a Supporting Striker or even as a top Striker.
How long did you play for Heartland FC?
i was there for a year. i met guys like John Owoeri, Kennedy Chinwo, Ike ThankGod, Ikechukwu Ezenwa to name a few, i was very young then but i still got to play a lot of games.
From Heartland where did you go?
I moved to Ukraine, to join Fc Kryvbas from Krybas i moved Volyn Lutsk also in the top flight in Ukraine, We had other Nigerians like Brown Ideye, Haruna Lukman, Taiye Taiwo and Yusuph Ayila playing in the same league with me.
Have you ever experienced any form of Racism?
No, Nothing like that, i haven’t experienced it on the filed of play and even off the pitch, you see am not an out-going guy, i usually go home after training or matches.
Lets talk about the first time you heard that you had been called up into the Super Eagles
To be honest with you i was completely Surprised, i kept on Praying to God to make it happen, football is all i know and to get a chance to serve my country is the highest honour ever. i know a lot of people were surprised that a guy that wasn’t part of the Nations cup winning team was being called up.
So many people were also shocked to see your name on the Coach Stephen Keshi’s final list for the 2014 World Cup so many uncomplimentary things were said how did you feel about this?
I heard so many things, i know people were asking questions like Who is this boy? and where is he from, But this made me strong and more determined to prove my worth. i really wanted to show the World what i could do.
Nigeria Super Eagles starting 11 With Babatunde Micheal at the 2014 World Cup photo credit Reuters
How were you welcomed into the Super Eagles Fold by the other players?
I have a lot of friends in the Super Eagles, Ogenyi Onazi is my friend, Emmanuel Emenike is my friend, Osaze Odenwingie is my friend, Mikel is my friend , all the Super Eagles players are my friends, we were like one big happy family. So joining the team was easy
They all welcomed me with open arms the treatment was great.
Super Eagles fans were not too impressed with the result of some of the Friendly games the team played leading up to the World Cup, how did you guys feel about this in Camp?
While we know that friendly games are important, footballers also need be be careful so as to not jeopardise their chances of making it to the World Cup Proper.
How did you feel Finally getting to put on the Green white Green for Nigeria at the World Cup in Brazil?
Playing for my country is something that i can never forget? i will keep on serving this Country with all my heart, playing at the World Cup is a Big deal for me, it as boosted my career tremendously. there a lot of players out there looking for this type of opportunity, everything in life has its own time and season, and i believe that this is my time.
Micheal Babatunde battles it out with Emir Spahic during a World Cup game Photo Credit AFP
You incurred an Injury during the Argentina vs Nigeria game when a Shot from your friend and teammate Ogenyi Onazi hit your hands, tell us what went through your mind?
I was like wow what happened, i just found my self on the ground, I actually thought i could continue that game, i really wanted to continue playing, eventually i had to be stretchered off and later the Doctor told me that i had to go through surgery, this effectively ruled me out of the World Cup. i was devastated. but i guess that is Football for you.
We have seen Footballers suffer much worse fate than this, so i just give God all the Glory. Me and Onazi even joked about it afterwards.
Virtually Every footballer has a Nickname, So whats yours?
They call me “African Messi”. Lionel Messi is my Role Model i love watching him play.
Which Football Team do you Support?
I like Arsenal and FC Barcelona, But i am More of a Barcelona fan
Which Football team do you support in Nigeria?
Its Heartland FC of Owerri for me
Apart from Football you mentioned earlier that you also did a bit of athletics?
Yes i represented my school a couple of times at some athletics tournaments and i also played the drum sets for my church
So should we be expecting a Babatunde Micheal Album or single anytime soon?
[Laughs] No, i think i would like to concentrate on my football career
I like White, i also like wearing Black, But White is my Favourite Colour
Whats your Favourite Meal?
i like Rice and Chicken but i love Pounded yam and Egusi more
The ladies will want to know if Babatunde Micheal is Single or Married?
[Smiles] I am in a Relationship
Any Words for young Upcoming footballers?
First ill like to Thank Coach Stephen Keshi for Giving me a chance to prove myself. And for the young ones i would to say to them that they should work hard, and also pray too, if you train once a day at the moment there’s nothing wrong with increasing it to twice a day, Hard work pays.
Micheal Babatunde, with match officials at a recent game in Lagos
Nigeria Nation-wide League one side, Juvenile Football Club of Ota, Ogun State has appointed Festus Allen as their new Technical
Director. The former Shooting Stars FC coach, who has been tasked with the responsibility of ensuring the club secure promotion to the professional cadre of Nigerian football,and he is delighted to be offered the job.
“It’s a great opportunity to be given the task of managing a wonderful club like Juvenile FC. I want to thank the management
of the club for this great opportunity”
Chairman and financier of the club, Honourable Ayo Desmond Alabi is confident Allen with his wealth of experience can lead the club to the pinnacle of Nigerian football in the next few years.
Coach Festus Allen is an experienced gaffer, hence our decision to appoint him as the new Technical Director of Juvenile FC begins the club Chairman, Honourable Alabi said.
Juvenile FC would be vying for one of the two promotion tickets up for grabs in Group B of the Nationwide League that has the likes FC Ebiede, Gray FC, Ila FC,Ajiroba-Oni of Ife, Police Machine of Lagos, Rising Stars of Akure,Fountain FC of Ado-Ekiti, Afijio and Atiba United both from Oyo.
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