Sports
Aiyegbeni, Back To Our Consciousness
Like a recurring nightmare, Yakubu Aiyegbeni is back in our consciousness. How can we possibly ignore the powerful frontman, when our number one football addiction is the English Premiership? In the now famous game against Swansea City, Aiyegbeni put up a sensational one-man show, banging in all four goals to earn Blackburn Rovers a 4-2 home victory over Swansea. I watched with interest as people reacted to his exploits on social media and on the streets, hailing his exploits.
Our grievances with the Yak evaporated in an instant. It had taken a horrendous miss from three yards for us to send him into exile. A four goal show had suddenly bought redemption.
It is perhaps instructive we note that scoring goals has never been a problem for the Yak. It was the second time Yakubu has struck four goals in a League game. Seven years ago, he achieved the feat for Portsmouth against Middlesbrough at Fratton Park. From his time in the Nigerian League to Israel, to the highly competitive EPL, he has always scored. Aiyegbeni is regarded as one of the best African forwards to have graced the Premiership, second to the legendary Thierry Henry in the goal to game stats.
I could picture Stephen Keshi watching on, as the Yak covered himself in glory. When asked if he considered recalling the striker, he said: “Only the best players will make my team, no matter what anyone thinks. I will pick Yak on form to play for Nigeria if he keeps scoring in the English League. I want to win matches and only the fittest in Europe and Nigeria can deliver results for me.”
Irrespective of his scoring spree, opinion remains divided among fans. On one side is an army of supporters for the Yak. Their argument is simple: Yakubu’s experience and goal scoring prowess is needed in the Super Eagles.
“Keshi is the coach of the team. If he wants to call up Yakubu I don’t think that should generate any kind of debate because he feels Yakubu deserves to be part of the team to beef up his attack,” Christian Chukwu said.
“Apart from that, when you look at our players abroad Yakubu has done well this season and without sentiment any coach will give him the chance to play for the national team based on his current form. Right now he’s one of our best performing players.”
On the other side are those who feel the freshness and hunger of the likes of Ikechukwu Uche, Emmanuel Emenike, etc. is what we need. One of the prominent voices in this camp is that of Austin Okocha. Okocha insists Yakubu is past his sell-by date as a Super Eagles striker and should not return for the team he last played for at the 2010 World Cup.
“It is sad that at this time of our football, we are talking about bringing back Yakubu to the Super Eagles when we should be looking for fresh blood to take our game to the next level.
“I don’t know if it is a risk but the final decision rests with the coach of the team. No doubt, Yakubu is having a good time in the EPL now, scoring regularly for Blackburn. But if you ask my opinion on the matter, I will say that it is better for a coach to fail with fresh players that will ‘old’ ones. With new ones, everyone will know that the coach is rebuilding a new team and the blame will not be much even if such an experiment does not work out.”
Keshi has opened a training camp for his Team B, comprising of players from the local League. He confirmed in an interview that he was looking at picking at least ten players from the camp. The imminent recall of Aiyegbeni begs question of Keshi’s plan for Nigerian football – rebuilding or cycling? Is he seeking to build a new team that will play with passion and desire anytime they pull on the green jersey? Or are we still interested in rushing back to the same old players, whether in or out of form?
Right before Stephen Keshi is the choice of experience, form and hunger. And the jury is patiently waiting for him to pick his mix.
Hopefully, the results will be kind to him. And us.
Inyang wrote this piece for kickoffnigeria. Com
Ifreke Inyang
Ekiti State Government has honoured its contingents for their outstanding performances at the recently concluded National Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Games held in Abuja.
The state’s contingents participated in six events, securing first place in Essay Writing, second in Debate, Spelling Bee and Girls’ Basketball, third in Boys’ Basketball, fourth in Digital Literacy and Painting, fifth in Environmental and Entrepreneurial activities.
One of the standout moments of the event was the performance of Eniola Awelewa, who excelled in the painting competition despite his physical disability.
Speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State AGILE Project Coordinator, Yewande Adesua, described Eniola’s artwork, titled “It Takes a Village”, as a raw, honest and profound depiction of community and belonging.
She revealed that her painting attracted national attention and earned special recognition from Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who requested that the piece be displayed in her office.
Adesua noted that Eniola’s excellence underscores Ekiti’s commitment to inclusive education, which has earned the state national recognition, emphasizing that “disability is not an inability.”
She also commended Deborah Bello for her exceptional performance in the Essay Writing category, stating that her brilliance and resilience have once again brought honour to the state.
Ekiti State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye, congratulated the contingents, noting that their resilience and determination has not only brought them personal pride but also elevated the entire state.
Dr. Aderiye, represented by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Michael Omolayo, affirmed government’s commitment to not only infrastructural development but also intellectual growth and talent promotion.
He encouraged the students to continue to be exemplary ambassadors of Ekiti State and a source of inspiration to their peers.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Adetoun Agboola, applauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his investment in modern facilities for special schools, which according to her has empowered students with disabilities to perform beyond expectations.
Agboola, represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Special Education and Social Inclusion in the Governor’s Office, Stephen Abimbola, urged parents of children with disabilities to enrol them in the state’s special facilities, where they can receive proper support and unlock their potential.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of a brand-new wheelchair to Eniola Awelewa to aid his mobility (courtesy of Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa and the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba) and the formal handing over of the national award to Deborah Bello.
The Umuahia-based side secured their spot in the CAF second tier club competition after finishing third in the 2024/25 Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) season their highest league placing in history and first opportunity to compete at the continental level.
To make sure they are adequately prepared when the competition kicks off later this year, both players and officials have commenced the first phase of training this week, a top official of the club who wants to remain anonymous said.
CAF is yet to release the preliminary draw, and Abia Warriors’ opponent is still unknown at this time.
Similarly, Rivers United Football Club of Port Harcourt have equally began preparations for the new season, marking a significant step towards building on their impressive performance in the 2024/2025 football season.
Under the guidance of Technical Manager Finidi George, the team held its first full training session on Monday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium’s main bowl, with about 25 players in attendance.
The technical crew and support staff warmly welcomed the players back, charging them to mentally prepare for the challenges ahead.
Finidi George emphasized the importance of readiness, stating, “I welcome you back from the offseason break. Now it’s time to get ourselves ready for the task ahead of time. Welcome back.
”Rivers United’s second-place finish in the NPFL season has secured their spot in the prestigious CAF Champions League. As they gear up for the continental competition, the team is focused on fine-tuning their skills and strategies. Although the CAF draw is yet to be released, Rivers United is diligently preparing for their opponents, whoever they may be.
The first phase of training has commenced, involving both players and officials. With the Nigeria Premier Football League schedule set to kick off in August, Rivers United is poised to deliver an outstanding performance in both the CAF Champions League and the domestic league.
The Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA), led by its President Babajide Akeredolu, last Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, as part of preparations for Nigeria’s participation in the upcoming African American football tournaments in Egypt.
The NAFA delegation also held discussions with the NSC Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, during separate meetings held at the NSC office at the National Stadium, Abuja.
Speaking during the engagements, Akeredolu outlined Nigeria’s level of preparedness for the continental event, revealing that three teams would be representing the country: the Male National Team, Female National Team, and the U-13 Team.
He noted that Nigeria would be the only nation apart from the host country fielding multiple teams, a testament to the consistent development efforts invested in the sport since 2019.
Akeredolu emphasised that the country’s expanded representation reflects years of commitment to nurturing American football in Nigeria and showcases the nation’s growing prominence in the African football landscape.
He said, “We are here to inform you about the fact that three teams will be going to Egypt. Male national team, female national team and under-13 which is as a result of the work we have been doing since 2019 in collaboration with Nigeria School Sports Federation. This project has led to over 17,000 kids who have gone through the league initiative over the past five years.”
Akeredolu also assured the NSC management that NAFA is optimistic of victory, adding that the team is eyeing representing Africa in the World Games slated for the United States next year and ultimately clinching a spot at the Olympics.
“We are ready and one of the few countries that have established leagues dotted around. We have leagues in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun. We have built a pipeline for talent.
“We are hoping that we will be the country that will represent Africa in the World game, which is slated for next year in the United States”, he said
Akeredolu explained the significance of the tournament and the Nigerian team’s preparedness for the event in Egypt. He stated: Since flag football became an Olympic sport, there has been a significant effort to establish continental games to improve Africa’s representation on the global stage. The collaboration of our federations has resulted in this notable event.
“All African countries came together to interface with the global body, and now we have our first African tournament”.
The President and his team also unveiled the teams’ jerseys at a separate event, noting to the excitement of the DG and Chairman that they were produced locally. He gave a detailed explanation of the efforts that have been put into place to ensure that the teams emerge victorious.
Akeredolu said, “We came here to unveil our jersey to the DG and tell him that we are fielding three teams for the competition- the main team which has been in camp for two months now, a female team and an U13 team who have been supported by our partners Nigeria American Football Outreach, Browns Nigeria and the NFL respectively.
“We are quite optimistic and we believe that with the support and activities of many leagues in Nigeria, we have a lot of players who can give us a formidable National team
Responding, the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the NAFA leadership while wishing the team all the best in Egypt.
The Chairman charged the team to give their best and represent the country well by showcasing their talents in Flag Football.
On his part, the Director General of the NSC, Hon Bukola Olopade, charged the team to make the country proud and return with flying colours.
Hon. Olopade said, “On this trip to Egypt, I wish you guys well, and I am more encouraged that you guys are very confident that our women’s team will win Gold. I am also very fascinated that you are taking U13 to this tournament. It’s in line with the Commission’s renewed hope to also start building for the future.”
Meanwhile, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayo Olawande who doubles as the Chairman of the Flag Football Development Board in his goodwill message, urged the NAFA team to bring home the trophy.
He expressed his unshaken confidence in NAFA’s ability to break ground and make an impressive performance at the tournament.
On the NAFA team entourage were; the Vice President, Mr. Seye Obatolu and the coordinator of NAFA Gridiron Gems, Ms Nancy Damhindi.