Sports
Onigbinde, Others Pay Tribute To Late Ogunjobi
Several prominent football stakeholders had so much to say on the late Taiwo Ogunjobi, a former Secretary-General of the then Nigeria Football Association (NFA), as final burial rites for him began.
The football stakeholders paid their tribute on Wednesday in Ibadan at a symposium organised by the Western Nigeria Football Forum (WNFF) in honour of the former Nigeria international and football administrator.
Tidesports source reports that the symposium had the theme “Celebrating the Life and Times of Taiwo Ogunjobi’’.
It was part of the ongoing burial activities lined up in honour of the late Ogunjobi.
Seyi Akinwunmi, NFF’s First Vice-President, described the late Ogunjobi as a man of great virtue who contributed immensely to the growth of football in the country.
He said Ogunjobi’s achievements were numerous as a former player and skipper of the defunct IICC Shooting Stars Football Club, and a former player of the then Green Eagles.
“Ogunjobi was a great man who should be immortalised because of his contributions to the nation’s development in football,’’ Akinwunmi said of Ogunjobi, who was Chairman of Osun Football Association.
Adegboye Onigbinde, a former FIFA/CAF Instructor, said the late Ogunjobi had played his part very well, and called on everyone to always do good wherever they found themselves.
Onigbinde, who counseled all to embrace godliness, prayed to God to keep the late Ogunjobi’s soul in perfect peace.
Gbolagade Busari, the Board Chairman of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), said Ogunjobi was his hero, adding that he played a vital role in his return to the Ibadan-based football club.
Busari said Ogunjobi’s death was not a loss to only his family and 3SC, but a great loss to the country’s football family.
Rafiu Ladipo, President-General of Nigeria Supporters Club, described the late Ogunjobi as a man who was never ready to compromise the truth.
Ladipo, who said the country’s unity relied largely on football, called for the immortalisation of Ogunjobi for his immeasurable contributions to 3SC and football in Nigeria.
Bolaji Ojo-Oba, a former General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and Mohammed Sanusi who presently occupies that position, described Ogunjobi as an unassuming person.
“He was a peacemaker and bridge-builder,’’ Ojo-Oba said.
The duo urged other stakeholders to emulate Ogunjobi’s virtues, and promised that they would ensure that his legacies lived on.
Amanze Uchegbulam, Chairman of the Imo Football Association (FA), said the late Ogunjobi was his closest football friend in the country, disclosing that he was yet to recover from his demise.
“Ogunjobi occupied several positions to have an impact on his society. He is the first Chairman of Chairmen in Nigeria. He was very prayerful,’’ he said.
Felix Owolabi, an ex-international, said there were so many reasons to celebrate the late Ogunjobi, whom he said contributed immensely to the nation’s football growth.
NAN reports that the event was attended by Dominic Omeya, a former NFA Chairman, Fanny Amun, a former NFA Secretary-General, and Ibrahim Gusau, the Chairman of State FA Chairmen.
Also in attendance were ex-internationals such as Mutiu Adepoju, Ike Shorunmu and Dimeji Lawal, as well as some of the deceased’s children, Lanre, Deji and Omowunmi.
NAN reports that a candlelight procession was held after the symposium.(
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.