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YSFON Rounds Off 2014 Activities

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The Kaduna State chapter
of the Youth Sports Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) has in Kaduna rounded off its year 2014 activities with the final matches of seven competitions.
The final matches were played at the Kaduna YSFON Pitch and the ABS Training Pitch, both at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium (ABS).
They involved finalists from various age-grade male competitions organised by the youth sports body since January, involving a total of 140 youth football clubsides.
In the final of the under-10 competition which had 14 participants, Nationale of Tudun Ilu beat Gamji of Kaduna South 3-2 at the YSFON pitch.
Florentina beat FC Porto 1-0 at the YSFON pitch in the final of the under-13 competition, which was an 8-a-side event involving 12 teams.
At the ABS Training Pitch, Golden Boys of Igabi beat Bufa of Kaduna South 2-1 in the final of the under-15 contest which had 20 participants.
The under-17 event which had 24 participants saw Stallion beating Doka Stars on penalty kicks after a goalless draw at the ABS Training Pitch.
In the under-18 category which had 36 teams as participants, the Quarry Men Fc of Kaduna North lost 0-3 to El-Haroun FC of Kaduna South.
In the final of the under-14 competition which had 18 teams, Golden Arrows beat Gamji 2-0.
The final of the under-17 competition for clubsides in the Zangon-Kataf local government area was also played on Sunday in Kaduna at the ABS Training Pitch.
Sixteen teams took part, with Dutsen-Mai of Zangon-Kataf taking on Amana Madauchi in the final match.
Speaking after the matches, the Kaduna State YSFON Secretary, Abdulrasaq Usman, said it was thrilling for him and the organisation to have ended the year on such a note.
He said the final matches were just some of the finals of competitions the organisation put together in the year.
“Five other final matches were played some days ago on these two pitches, involving some other age-grade clubsides, and it is a good thing to see the excitement in the players and their officials.
‘Not only that, it was lovely seeing the quality of play and the individual skills displayed by the boys in these matches, and I can say that the national team handlers are missing a lot by not being here,’’ Usman said.
The official, who is also the YSFON National Organising Secretary, said it was important that Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials should take time out to watch youth competitions in states.
“It is very important, because Nigeria has a lot of youth football talents and it is only when the NFF officials go round that they can really see them and choose the best for the country,’’ he said.
Usman however , appealed to public-spirited individuals and corporate bodies to come to the aid of Kaduna State YSFON, saying the body was in dire need of financial assistance.
“We have a lot of activities on our programme, and not only in male and female football, but in other sports too, involving various grades of youths.
“However, finance is our major problem, as we receive no grant or any form of assistance from any group or government.
“So, we will greatly appreciate any form of support to help expose hidden sports talents, and help in grooming and shaping their lives for a better future,’’ he said.

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European Giants Circle For Osimhen

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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

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Tennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push

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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.

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W/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener

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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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