LAGOS SWAN CUP 2014: Team SWAN calls up Ogazi, Alao, Obi, Awogu and others

LAGOS SWAN CUP 2014: Team SWAN calls up Ogazi, Alao, Obi, Awogu and others….Rafiu Ladipo as Centre Referee and Seyi Akinwunmi, Match Comm

Ahead of the Lagos SWAN Cup 2014, the technical committee in conjunction with the Team SWAN Coaching crew after weeks of scouting and deliberation has released a provisional list of players that will take on the Nollywood All Stars at the novelty match to herald the official opening ceremony of the SWAN Cup 2014.

A Shortlist of 34 players has been submitted to the coaching crew but this list will be pruned down to 18 players and 4 officials. The game which will last 50 minutes with 25 minutes both halves will be 11 a side and each team will be made up of male and female players, with an unlimited number of substitutions.

Top on the list is long standing captain Paul Ogazi, the Mastersports duo of Ejiro Omonode and AIPS Africa President Mitchell Obi, also invited to camp is Brilafm Boss Larry Izamoje, Hotsports MD Taye Ige, Supersport GM Felix Awogu, Jenkins Alumona, Mumini Alao and Super Eagles Media Officer Ben Alaiya while a high powered women’s list consist of Ejiro Babafemi, Nneka Anibeze,Henrietta Ukaigwe, Blessing Nwosu, Pepsie Adiukwu, Mercy Igbafe, and Barrong Tony-Uranta amongst others.

Meanwhile, Dr Rafiu Ladipo, President General, Nigerian Supporters Club Worldwide, will be the Centre Referee. The no nonsense centre referee has asked that both teams come with their “A” game as he would not be showing them any favours but concluded that FIFA rules will be applied to the fullest, while the Lagos State FA Chairman, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi has been appointed match commissioner of the day.

In the same vein, the Sponsor, Winners Golden Bet speaking through their Assistant General Manager, Deji Beecroft, have promised to spice up the event in their own way. Beecroft is set to lead a large entourage of supporters to the game while stating that this is just the beginning of a long and mutually beneficial relationship between his company and Lagos SWAN.

On its own part, Organisers of the Nigerian Sports Awards, Unmissable Incentives LTD have stated that their drive to use Awards as a form of stimulating growth in Nigerian Sports is what informed their decision to provide all the medals and trophies that will be won during SWAN CUP 2014.

Kits for all the teams that make it to the Semi finals of the Lagos SWAN CUP 2014 will be provided by OWUSPORTS Nigeria, and C.E.O. Of the company Barrister Tunji Brown has promised fresh designs which he says are the hallmark of OWU.

So come Thursday, April 24, 2014 all roads lead to the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere, as Team SWAN battles Team Nollywood in the SWAN Cup 2014 opening ceremony novelty match.

The Full list for Team SWAN below:

Paul Ogazi

Mitchel Obi

Ejiro Omonode

Larry Izamoje

Mumini Alao

Felix Awogu

Niyi Oyeleke

Felix Okugbe

Taye Ige

Onochie Anibeze

Adekunle Salami

Chris Opara

Dapo Sotiminu

Ben Alaiya

Tony Ubani

George Aluo

Jide Alabi

Jenkins Alumona

Ladi Egbedire

Godwin Enakhena

Ken Ochonogor

Femi Obong Daniel

Mike Maiyaki

Ejiro Babafemi

Henrietta Ukaigwe

Blessing Nwosu

Deola (NTA)

Pepsie Adiukwu

Mercy Igbafe

Barrong Tony-Uranta

Nneka Anibeze

Mariah Olatunji

Cecilia Omorogbe

Anulika (VON)

Anabel Okweri )FRCN)

Chisom Mbonu.

Female Footballers and their Coaches recognized by Peps-Pean Productions

Pepsie Adiukwu, CEO of Peps-Pean Productions and a leading figure within female football in Nigeria has confirmed that she has arranged a female football match on Sunday 6th April 2014 to honour female footballers and their coaches.

Sunday 6th April is the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace.

Launched by the UN at the initiative of the International Olympic Committee, the first ever ‘International Day of Sport for Development and Peace’ will take place on Sunday 6th April 2014.

The event represents a unique opportunity to mobilize, join forces, encourage and bring to light projects for peace and development through sport.

Peps-Pean Productions is joining this major celebration of sport for peace by organizing a football match on Sunday 6th April 2014 at the National Stadium Surulere practice pitch.

The goal of this event is to celebrate sport as a tool for development and peace and encourage members of the public to raise awareness and rally support for initiatives in their local communities.

Joël Bouzou, President and Founder of Peace and Sport stressed the importance of the event: “By establishing 6 April as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, the UN and IOC are paying tribute to the unique role of sport in our society and honouring its constructive and positive values,” he said.

“Throughout the year, a tremendous amount of work is carried out by stakeholders on the ground – often in difficult conditions. This day serves as a way to recognize and honour their achievements,” Bouzou continued.

Indeed, Peps-Pean Productions is using this initiative to honour grassroots female footballers and their coaches – unsung heroes who guide them to hone their skills, in various nooks and crannies of Nigeria.

Pepsie Adiukwu a TV producer/presenter of many firsts has been involved in the development and promotion of female football in Nigeria for two decades.

Amanze Uchegbulam, Pepsie Adiukwu & Ben Alozie – ‘Female Soccer with Pepsie’ – 1999

Indeed, the ace broadcaster through her TV program, “Female Soccer with Pepsie” pioneered the coverage of female football.

“I remain very committed towards contributing whatever I can to the development of female football. On the occasion of this first ever ‘International Day of Sport for Development and Peace’ I felt it right to recognise our grassroots female footballers and their coaches for their contribution” she said.

Coach Joy Etim the first female coach in Nigeria and a one-time female national team coach has been coaching female footballers for over twenty years and currently coaches young girls at the National Stadium Surulere.

“I really appreciate the recognition that Pepsie Adiukwu has always given to our female footballers and coaches. We do not really get much recognition for our efforts, so it is very motivating,” said Coach Joy.

Toyin Asogba

Toyin Asogba a 13 year old JS3 student of David International College Obalende currently trains and plays at the National Stadium Surulere and is coached by Nkechi Mbilitam a former national team utility player who was part of the FIFA Women’s World Cup – China PR 1991.

“I am happy to play in the match that has been organised by Pepsie Adiukwu.

It gives us players the encouragement we need.

We invite everyone who can to come to the National Stadium on April 6 to support us and watch us play. You can also “like” our photo on April6 Facebook page or Pepsie Adiukwu Facebook page.”

For more information on the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace please visit http://www.april6.org