Sports
Osun Utd FC Unveils New Chief Coach
Osun Government has unveiled new Chief Coach for the state owned football club, Osun United FC (formally Prime FC of Osogbo).
The new coach, Duke Udi, was presented to newsmen by Gboyega Oyetola, Chief of Staff to Gov. Rafu Aregbesola, in company of the club Chirman, Taiwo Ogunjobi, in Osogbo.
Oyetola said that the state government place high priority to sports development.
“Sports is important to the human life that is why the state government is giving sports development and the Osun Utd the needed support.
“Despite scarcity of funds in the state, the state government ensured that the club was provided with needed funds to achieve the required results and perform optimally,’’ he said.
In a remark, Ogunjobi said the new coach was an accomplished footballer during his playing days.
“Udi played a vital role in the victories recorded by the 3SC in the mid-90s.
Ogunjobi said that Udi was selected on merit after screening.
“Though, no one is perfect, the management of the club had made a right choice in his selection,’’ he said.
Udi, expressed gratitude to the state government and the management of the club for giving him the opportunity to coach and lead the team.
He, however, ask for the support of all stakeholders in the club to deliver on the mandate given to him, to qualify the team for the premier league.
“We need everybody’s support to move the club to the premier league, so I need everybody to move with me in the right and same direction.
“I came to this club to make a statement and deliver on my mandate, I am not promising anything.
“But I will give my best and I pray my best will bring the required results,’’ he said
Tidesports gathered that the management of the club on January 6, announced Udi as a new coach of the club.
He was selected out of 27 coaches, who applied to handle the club through the 2016/2017 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.
The 41-year-old former Giwa FC and Rangers International coach, would be assisted by Bayo Adesina, Kazeem Oseni and Ajayi Obe, as assistants coaches.
Tunji Baruwa would serve as the goalkeeper trainer.
Sports
European Giants Circle For Osimhen
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
Sports
Tennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push
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.
Sports
W/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener
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.
-
Sports1 day agoFinancial Issues Stall Chelle’s Eagles Contract Talks
-
Sports1 day agoNFF mourns ex-Eagles striker Eneramo
-
Maritime1 day agoCILT Nigeria Seeks Anti- graft Agency Collaboration
-
Sports1 day ago
Four Private Clubs Gain Promotion To NPFL
-
Sports1 day agoTennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push
-
Sports1 day agoW/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener
-
Sports1 day agoEuropean Giants Circle For Osimhen
-
Sports1 day agoChelle Confirms Financial Issues in Eagles Contract Discussion
