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Profiles Of The Glory-Chasing Golden Eaglets

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John Obuh has chosen 21 players to attempt to retain the Fifa Under-17 World Cup trophy for Nigeria, starting today in Abuja.

Here is a pen pix of all 21 glory hunters for the Golden Eaglets.

 

PLAYER PROFILES

NAME: Dami Danjuma PAUL

DATE OF BIRTH: 18/12/1992

CLUB: OUSFORD ACADEMY (NIGERIA)

First choice goalkeeper who showed great poise and agility all through the preparation period.

 

NAME: Aigbe OLIHA

DATE OF BIRTH: 11/02/1993

CLUB: IGBINO BABES FC (NIGERIA)

Defender with great concentration and ability.

 

NAME: Mohammed Goyi ALIYU

DATE OF BIRTH: 12/02/1993

CLUB: NIGER TORNADOES FC (NIGERIA)

Lanky defender who has flair for joining the attack.

 

NAME: Ogenyi Eddy ONAZI

DATE OF BIRTH: 25/12/1992

CLUB: MY PEOPLE FC (NIGERIA)

Talented midfielder who hails from Benue State in the North Central region. Attended Township Primary School, Jos.

 

NAME: Fortune CHUKWUDI

DATE OF BIRTH: 18/11/1992

CLUB: A & B ACADEMY (NIGERIA)

Team captain who defends with resolution. From Mbatoli Local Council of Imo State.

 

NAME: Kenneth Josiah OMERUO

DATE OF BIRTH: 17/10/1993

CLUB: HARD FOUNDATION (NIGERIA)

Lion –hearted defender who attended LEA Primary School, Jabi and hails from Ikwuano Local Council of Abia State.

 

NAME: White George AGWUOCHA

DATE OF BIRTH: 13/01/1993

CLUB: KWARA UNITED FC (NIGERIA)

One of few players in the Nigeria team who has experience from playing in the top division. Midfielder with vision and plenty of action.

 

NAME: Stanley Osaretin OKORO

DATE OF BIRTH: 08/12/1992

CLUB: HEARTLAND FC (NIGERIA)

Nicknamed ‘Little Messi’, another highly –experienced performer, who at his young age was instrumental to Heartland FC of Owerri’s qualification for the prestigious CAF Champions League final.

 

NAME: Abdul Jeleel AJAGUN

DATE OF BIRTH: 10/02/1993

CLUB: DOLPHIN FC (NIGERIA)

Discovered during the annual Shell Cup competition, Ajagun is on the books of Premier League returnees Dolphin FC of Port Harcourt. Visionary midfielder with a good shot.

 

NAME: Olanrewaju Ayobami KAYODE

DATE OF BIRTH: 08/05/1993

CLUB: MARVELLOUS FC (NIGERIA)

Bustling striker who hails from Odo-Owa Local Council of Ekiti State. A fighter in the attack

 

NAME: Terry ENVOH

DATE OF BIRTH: 12/12/1992

CLUB: MIGHTY JETS FC (NIGERIA)

Has useful experience from playing for the crowd –pulling Jos team, which used to be in the top division. Envoh is one of the players being looked upon to deliver this championship to Nigeria.

 

NAME: Chukwujike MGBAM

DATE OF BIRTH: 22/04/1992

CLUB: STANDARD FC ACADEMY (NIGERIA)

Another lion –hearted defender who attended God’s Favour International School and is from Abia State

 

NAME: Omoh OJABU

DATE OF BIRTH: 14/12/1992

CLUB: DOLPHIN FC (NIGERIA)

Ajagun’s team –mate at Dolphin FC. Powerful shooter who scored five in the 14-1 demolition of Qatari Sports Club in a friendly in Doha.

 

NAME: Sani Shehu EMMANUEL

DATE OF BIRTH: 23/12/1992

CLUB: MY PEOPLE FC (NIGERIA)

Attacking midfielder who also loves to defend. Like Ojabu, hails from Etsako Local Council of Edo State

 

NAME: Yusuf Olaitan OTUBANJO

DATE OF BIRTH: 12/09/1992

CLUB: EMMANUEL AMUNIKE ACADEMY (NIGERIA)

Supporting striker who attended Solan Primary School and is from Ijebu-Ode area of Ogun State.

 

NAME: Amos Ossai IZUCHUKWU

DATE OF BIRTH: 09/12/1993

CLUB: TEAM LAGOS (NIGERIA)

One of the goalkeepers, who also showed great agility during preparation.

 

NAME: Obinna Emmanuel OKORO

DATE OF BIRTH: 30/12/1992

CLUB: YOUNG STARS FC (NIGERIA)

Defensive midfielder with great skill and audacity. He hails from Onicha Local Council of Ebonyi State, and attended Town School, Emene.

NAME: Edafe EGBEDI

DATE OF BIRTH: 05/08/1993

CLUB: BISALLO FC (NIGERIA)

Fast–paced winger who is one of Coach Obuh’s aces.

 

NAME: Deji Mayowa JOEL

DATE OF BIRTH: 23/11/1992

CLUB: ECO ACADEMY (NIGERIA)

Good midfielder who distributes well. From Ifelodun Local Council of Kwara State.

 

NAME: Ramon Olamilekan AZEEZ

DATE OF BIRTH: 12/12/1992

CLUB: FUTURE PRO ACADEMY (NIGERIA)

Another talented midfielder, from Iwajowa Local Council of Oyo State.

 

NAME: John FELAGHA

DATE OF BIRTH: 27/07/1994

CLUB: ASPIRE ACADEMY (QATAR)

Young John Felagha attended Kpansia Secondary School, Yenagoa and was discovered by Moses Aduku, then made the cut to be taken to the world–renowned Aspire Academy, Doha after the Nigeria finals in 2007. He joined the Nigeria team when they went for their final preparation camp at Aspire in October.

 

THE TECHNICAL CREW

HEAD COACH: Sam John OBUH

 

ASSISTANT COACH 1: Monday ODIGIE

 

ASSISTANT COACH 2: Abimbola SAMUEL

 

GOALKEEPERS’ TRAINER: Suleiman SHUAIBU

 

TEAM DOCTOR: Charles AGADU

 

TEAM PHYSIOTHERAPIST: Ejike Victor ONYEMEANU

 

TEAM COORDINATOR: Garba LAWAL

 

TEAM SECRETARY: Sirajo HASSAN

 

EQUIPMENT MANAGER: Shehu ADO

 

CAMP COMMANDANT: Oriola MICHAEL

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WAFCON Qualifiers: Falcons to face Benin in Togo

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The Benin Football Federation has confirmed that the Cheetahs will host Nigeria’s Super Falcons in Lomé, Togo, in their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier later this month.

The decision comes after Benin failed to secure approval for any of their home stadiums from the Confederation of African Football.

As a result, the federation opted to play its “home” fixture at the Stade de Kégué in Lomé.

The first leg of the second-round qualifier will be held in Togo on October 24, whilst the return leg will take place four days later in Nigeria on October 28.

The aggregate winner over the two legs will advance to the 2026 WAFC

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Nigerian para-lifters win gold, silver, bronze at World Champs

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Nigerian para-lifters Rita Ferdinand, Esther Nworgu and Rukayat Opeyemi Ajiboye won gold, silver and bronze medals respectively at the ongoing 11th World Para Powerlifting Championships in Cairo, Egypt, Tidesports source reports.

Ferdinand soared to victory on Saturday, lifting an impressive 153kg to clinch gold in the women’s up to 79kg category and further cement Nigeria’s legacy in the sport.

Her remarkable feat added to Nigeria’s growing medal haul at the historic championship after Nworgu had earlier won silver in the 50kg category, whilst Ajiboye claimed bronze in the same class.

Nworgu narrowly missed gold to Venezuela’s Clara Fuentes, who edged her out for the top spot in a fiercely contested competition.

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, congratulated the athletes on their outstanding performances, commending their relentless drive and patriotic spirit.

“Our athletes continue to make us proud, showing the world that Nigeria is a force to be reckoned with in para powerlifting. Their bright start in Cairo reflects the depth of talent, discipline, and dedication that define Nigerian sports,” Olopade said.

“The NSC remains steadfast in providing the necessary support to ensure our champions keep soaring.”

The 11th World Para Powerlifting Championships, taking place from October 9 to 18, 2025, marks the first-ever edition to be hosted on African soil, a milestone event highlighting the continent’s growing influence in adaptive sports.

The National Sports Commission had expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and determination to uphold Nigeria’s longstanding reputation as a force to be reckoned with in global para powerlifting.

The hosting of the championships in Cairo represents a significant moment for African para sports, providing an opportunity to showcase the continent’s growing infrastructure and commitment to disability sports.

Nigeria has established itself as one of the leading nations in para powerlifting, consistently winning medals at major international competitions, including the Paralympic Games and World Championships.

The 10-day competition has attracted top para powerlifters from across the globe, all vying for world titles in their respective weight categories.

The National Sports Commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Team Nigeria throughout the competition as the athletes aim for more podium finishes and continue to make the nation proud.

Nigeria’s strong start in Cairo has raised expectations that more medals will follow as the championship progresses, with several other Nigerian lifters yet to compete in their respective weight categories.

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SWAN Disowns Illegal Lagos Election, Petitions IGP, DSS  others

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The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has strongly disowned and condemned the purported election set to be organised in Lagos by suspended members of the association, describing it as illegal, null and void, and a deliberate act of sabotage against the integrity of the body.

The NEC said the only intention of the suspended members of the association is to create confusion, wondering why they leverage the use of thugs to create confusion while colluding with illegal security operatives.

In a firm resolution reached by the NEC and endorsed by the National Secretariat, SWAN reaffirmed that Ms. Olatutu Oladunni and Mr. Bello Omotunde, former Chairperson and Secretary of the Lagos Chapter respectively, remain indefinitely suspended from all activities and structures of the association.

The association has consequently petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), drawing attention to what it described as a dangerous pattern of intimidation, impersonation, and misuse of security operatives by the suspended duo to disrupt peace within the Lagos sporting and journalistic community.

In the petition signed by SWAN National President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the association said the suspended officials are attempting to stage an unauthorised election in Lagos on Thursday, October 9, 2025, despite prior notification of their suspension to both the Lagos State Police Command and the DSS Directorate.

SWAN recalled that during the Lagos SWAN Congress held on September 17, 2025, Ms. Oladunni mobilised more than eleven (11) police vehicles and armed operatives to a peaceful gathering of sports journalists — describing the act as “a brazen show of force, abuse of privilege, and a deliberate attempt to intimidate members.

“The so-called Lagos election is not only illegal but also an affront to the authority of the National Executive Council,” the NEC resolution stated. “The individuals behind this plot have no mandate or legitimacy to act in the name of SWAN. Their continued defiance constitutes gross misconduct and will attract further disciplinary measures.”

The association warned that any security officer or agency that lends support to the illegitimate exercise would be aiding an unlawful activity and undermining the association’s recognised constitutional order.

SWAN therefore, urged the IGP and DG DSS to restrain the suspended officials, maintain neutrality, and prevent any misuse of security institutions in matters internal to professional associations.

Reaffirming its authority, the NEC through the National Secretariat, reserves the power to supervise or approve elections in state chapters, stressing that any activity outside that structure “is null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.”

“The NEC of SWAN stands firm in defending the unity, credibility, and sanctity of the association,” the statement added. “We will not permit any act of indiscipline, impersonation, or external interference that threatens our stability and professional integrity.”

The association further assured all members nationwide of its commitment to due process, accountability, and the protection of journalists’ rights, urging them to disregard the actions of the suspended individuals and remain guided by the decisions of the National Executive Council.

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