Sports
Milo Moves To Promote Grassroots Sports Dev
Nestle Milo’s Brand
Manager, Ms. Funmi Osineye, has said that the company was totally committed to grassroots sports development in Nigeria.
Osineye, who said this at the end of Milo Football Clinic, said that the programme was part of Nestle Nigeria Plc.’s commitment to grassroots sports development in the country.
The four-day annual clinic, which took place at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja, was the fourth edition.
The clinic was organised by Staruf Sports Development, a Lagos-based sports development company managed by ex-Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, in collaboration with the Nestle Plc., makers of Milo drink.
More than 2,000 children, drawn from 200 schools across the FCT, participated in the event, whose screening exercise began on October 2.
Osineye said that the company’s goal was to take the programme to all the 36 states of the country.
“We are committed to this cause; this is something we have been sponsoring for four years now and we will continue to do so by the grace of God.
“Last year, we were in Calabar, Owerri, Ijebu-Ode and Ibadan. But, this year, we will be going from Abuja to Benin, Port-Harcourt, Akure, Enugu, Abeokuta and Lagos,’’ she said.
Out of 2,000 children who participated in the clinic, 32 players were selected and divided into two teams to play against each other at the clinic’s grand finale.
They were grouped into “Team White’’ and “Team Green’’.
After an exciting and gruelling encounter, the match ended 2-2 at full-time and went straight into penalty shootouts. “Team White’’ won 3-2.
The players of the winning team were given N40,000 each as well as boots, jerseys, footballs and school bags, while the losing team players received N20,000 each and football kits too.
Certificates of participation signed by Peter Rufai and Milo-branded gift items were also given to all the 2,000 participants.
A cross-section of children, who spoke to newsmen after the clinic’s finale, expressed joy for participating in the programme.
Arinze Adumekwe said that he was lucky to be one of the 32 players chosen to take part in the final match.
“I feel very happy, having been selected to take part in the finale, and for winning the match.
“I am sure my parents will be really proud of me today,’’ he said.
Mishark Thomas said that he still felt fulfilled, even though he did not receive any cash prize.
“Although, I wasn’t among the lucky few selected to take part in the clinic’s final game but I am still excited to have participated all the same.
“I have my certificate and lots of gift items to show for it after all,’’ he said.
On his part, Idi Shetima said that he learnt a lot from the clinic and hoped that such training would be organised from time to time.
“I will put all I have learnt into practice, as I hope to pursue a football career after schooling,’’ he added.
The grassroots football clinic, meant for children with ages ranging between nine to 13 years, ended last weekend.
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
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.
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has confirmed that financial discussions are ongoing over his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation, but insisted his attention remains on coaching duties and upcoming assignments.
Chelle, whose current deal runs until January 2027, said negotiations over his future are being handled by his representative, while he focuses on team preparation and player assessment following Nigeria’s strong showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the team finished third.
Speaking to Nigerian journalists, he acknowledged that financial matters remain part of the ongoing talks but stressed that he is prioritising his responsibilities with the national team.
“Yes, there are financial issues to be discussed and resolved. But I leave them to my agent to handle with the federation,” Obayiuwana quoted Chelle as saying on X.
“I want to concentrate on the job and the task at hand.”
Chelle’s comments come amid increased attention on his future following Nigeria’s recent success, which has reportedly attracted interest from other teams, although he remains committed to ongoing preparation.