Sports
Younger Players’ ll Enhance S’ Eagles’ Performance – Disu
The Technical Director, Lagos Junior League (J-League), Tunde Disu, yesterday called for more inclusion of home-bred youngsters in the national senior team, Super Eagles to enhance their performance.
Disu made the clarion call in an interview with newsmen while commenting on Wilfred Ndidi who was awarded the Leicester City FC’s Young Player of the Year.
Tidesports source reports that Ndidi, a product of the Lagos State sponsored J-League was recently awarded the Young Player of the Year by the last year’s winners of the English Premier League.
Disu also commended Genort Rohr, the Super Eagles Technical Adviser, for including three home-based players – MFM FC’s duo of Stephen Odey and Sikiru Olatunbosun and Akwa United’s Alhassan Ibrahim in the national team.
Reflecting on how the youngsters could be helpful in the Super Eagles’ squad, Disu said that the blend of young bloods from the local league with experience of older players would enhance the team’s performance.
“The Super Eagles need young bloods like Ndidi in the senior team which I believe will give the necessary blend the team needs to prosecute matches and achieve better performance.
“Experience has shown that these youngsters have passion for the game and they are more resilient in their approach to national engagements.
“Overtime some of the youngsters that broke into the national teams perform better than the older ones because the level of their productivity is still high.
“I will like to see some of the home-grown talents being called up to the national team. We have many of their likes in the J-League,’’ he said.
Disu said that the J-League had produced players that could be regarded as world class, adding that some of the products of the league were making waves in Europe.
“Lagos J-League is a worthy example of grassroots academy that has produced world class footballers. Some of the graduates of the league are exceptional.
“We already have players such as Ndidi, Victor Osihimien, Taiwo Awoniyi, Stephen Odey and Dele Alampasu among others who can be regarded as the standing Eagles.
“There is no need of tagging them future stars; they should start to play now because this is the time the nation needs their youthful energy to perform.
“The inclusion of these youngsters will ensure better performance and results for the Eagles,’’ he said.
Disu said that the J-League would soon start and that he expected more super talents to be discovered during the season.
“The J-League will soon start and we are already screening the footballers. I hope to see more super stars discovered when we start the league.
“Within its short time in the football stage, the league is already making waves and I can attest to the fact that the league is one of the best organised junior leagues in Africa.
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.
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