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SWAN Worries Over Future Of Nigerian Football

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The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has Wednesday expressed serious concern over the dwindling fortunes of Nigerian football in recent times.

In a press statement signed by its Deputy Secretary-General, Babs Oyetoro, the body said Nigeria’s present situation was one of its darkest moments in football.

“It is sad to note that this is the first time since 1986 that Nigeria would fail to qualify for the African Nations Cup.

“It is also worrisome that the Super Falcons, who were African champions for a sixth time record by 2010,did not make it to the All-Africa Games last held in Maputo.

“Now, they are already out of the Olympic Games slated for London in 2012,’’ SWAN said in the statement, a copy of which was made available to the Tidesports source in Abuja.

The sports writers body also lamented the failure of former African champions Enyimba International FC of Aba to qualify for the final round of the CAF Champions League.

“This was after it (Enyimba)had raised the hope of the teeming Nigerian populace that they were on the verge of making another history.

“In the same vein, Sunshine Stars of Akure lost at home in the CAF Confederation Cup in the first leg match, and this is also a testament to the declining state of the Nigerian league,’’ SWAN said.

It noted that all these indicated that there were some fundamental problems.

“Obviously, something is fundamentally wrong with Nigerian football,’’ SWAN lamented.

It then called on the Nigerian football authorities to urgently address the ugly situation.

“This has to be done with immediate effect, if Nigerian football must move ahead. Nigerian football, at the moment, needs an urgent reformation to move forward,’’ it said.

It also urged the National Sports Commission ( NSC) to go beyond funding the game, and take its supervisory role more serious.

“The NSC should be prepared to take the bull by the horns to deliver the round leather game from its present captivity.

“It should work in collaboration with the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) to find a lasting solution to the lingering crises.

“These crises, to a larger extent, have affected the genuine growth of the game because any house divided against itself can never stand,’’ SWAN said.

It further called on all the warring factions in Nigerian football to sheathe their swords in the interest of the game.

“Certainly, there cannot be any meaningful progress amid crisis.

“This is why the NFA board members, when they meet on Friday in Abuja, should allow national interest to be the overriding factor with a view to moving Nigerian football forward,’’ the body said.

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European Giants Circle For Osimhen

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Victor Osimhen will be the centre of attention as several of Europe’s biggest clubs send scouts to yesrerday’s Intercontinental Derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, with the Nigerian forward set to play a decisive role in the Super Lig title race

Representatives from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Juventus were expected to be present at Rams Park, underlining the scale of interest in both the fixture and its standout performers.

Reports in Turkish media indicate that the derby will serve not only as a key moment in the domestic title race but also as a platform for transfer discussions and strategic collaborations between clubs.

According to those reports, top European sides have secured places at the stadium with a dual purpose.

“Europe’s leading representatives will be present at the stadium within the framework of both player transfer and cooperation,” ,” Milliyet reported.

“Real Madrid, Barcelona, among many clubs, including Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Napoli and Juventus, have made reservations for today’s match.”

Osimhen was expected to be among the primary players under observation, alongside teammates Baris Yilmaz and Gabriel Sara, with scouts closely monitoring their performances in one of the most high-profile fixtures in Turkish football.

The report further noted, “Victor Osimhen, Yilmaz and Sara were at the top of the watch list and that the interest would mainly be in these players.”

It also highlighted broader discussions beyond player recruitment, stating, “Apart from this, ideas will be exchanged for strengthening relations between the clubs and new joint agreements.”

The Nigerian striker’s presence came at a crucial point in the season, with Galatasaray holding a four-point lead over second-placed Fenerbahce and knowing that victory would all but secure the league title with three matches remaining.

Osimhen recently returned from injury, making a brief appearance in the cup defeat to Genclerbirligi after missing four games, a period during which Galatasaray’s form showed signs of inconsistency.

His absence coincided with a mixed run of results in April, where the league leaders recorded two wins, one draw and one defeat, including a loss to Trabzonspor and a draw at home to Kocaelispor.

Defensively, Galatasaray have also shown vulnerability, conceding in each of their last six matches across all competitions, a concern ahead of a fixture that could define their campaign.

The derby follows disappointment in the Turkish Cup, where Galatasaray suffered a shock 2-0 home defeat to Genclerbirligi, while Fenerbahce were also knocked out after a 1-0 loss to Konyaspor

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Tennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push

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A tennis tournament held in honour of Olusola Odumosu, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps FCT Command, has been described as a major step towards grassroots sports development and youth engagement.

The three-day competition, staged at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, began midweek , last week and ended on Friday, attracting young players across different categories.

On the court, top-ranked player Canice Abua won the men’s singles title after a hard-fought 7-5, 6-4 victory over Lucky Danjuma, who is ranked fourth nationally.

In the boys’ category, Unity Alex defeated Khaleed Dalha in straight sets to win the title, while Salvation Alex triumphed over Opeyemi Olademeji to win the girls’ singles event.

Odumosu, who marked his birthday with the event, said the initiative was designed to uncover young talent and strengthen the foundation of tennis development in Nigeria.

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W/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener

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Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, opened their preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers with a dominant 6-0 victory over Generation Next in Abuja as head coach Akeem Ishola Busari continues to shape his squad.

The emphatic win came during a 60-minute friendly at the Goal Project at the weekend, where the Flamingos took control early and led 4-0 at half-time before the match was halted in the 54th minute due to heavy rain.

Goals were spread across the squad, with Shavih Istifanus opening the scoring inside the first minute, followed by a brace from Tobiloba Sarafa in the 10th and 23rd minutes.

Harmony Chidi added the fourth in the 28th minute, while Aminat Adebisi struck just before half-time and Precious Paul completed the scoring early in the second half.

The match forms part of a busy training camp in Abuja, where Busari has invited 36 players as Nigeria step up preparations for their second-round qualifier against Guinea.

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