Mr VAR

Founder and Chairman of the Pillar of Sports Youth Development Foundation, Mr. Temitope Ademola Obideyi, has explained the motivation behind his initiative to honour legendary players of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), saying their immense contributions to the club and Nigerian football deserve lasting recognition. Speaking in an exclusive interview with OyoSportsNews, Obideyi said the initiative was born out of a deep conviction that the sacrifices and achievements of the club's former stars should never be forgotten. According to him, the legends of the Oluyole Warriors brought pride, excitement, and unforgettable memories to countless supporters, particularly during the club's glorious years in the 1970s and 1980s when Shooting Stars established itself as a dominant force in Nigerian and African football. He noted that many of the club's retired players dedicated the best years of their lives to building the enviable legacy that Shooting Stars enjoys today,...

The ongoing 21st edition of the annual Bishop Mike Okonkwo football tournament has  entered  the round of 16. Teams that have qualified for the knockout stage of the championship currently going on at the Bridge Institute ( NITEL ) play ground Oshodi are; Agege Sports Academy, Giggson Fc, Samjason Fc, AP Warriors, Royal Pharaohs, Hot Eaglets, Dynamic Dreamers Fc and Jossam Sports Fc. Others are; Greatness Fc, Trident Fc, Mega 22, Believers Fc, 12 Angels Fc, Abundant Life Fc, Future Stars 99 SA and the defending champions, Rehoboth Fc. Speaking on what to expect at the round of 16, Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee of the championship, Deacon Malachy Ndubuzor, promised fans that they'll be treated to the best football action which the tournament is noted for, just as he expressed happiness with the level of football artistry and discipline displayed by the teams during the preliminary stage. " I'm really happy that as usual we had a successful preliminar...

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has commended the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, and Director General of the Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for the transparent and prompt disbursement of cash rewards to Team Nigeria athletes who have won medals at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.. SWAN President Mr. Isaiah Benjamin through the Association's Secretary-General Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo in a statement on Sunday said the immediate presentation of financial rewards to medal-winning athletes at the competition venue, with the balance paid directly into their personal accounts, represents a commendable departure from past practices and reflects the NSC's commitment to transparency, accountability and welfare of Nigerian athletes. Presence Benjamin also hailed increase in the athletes and coaches' rewards after winning medals at the Games. He noted that the initiative has sent a strong message that e...

Best Talent Football Club continued their impressive preparations with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Baraka Football Academy in an entertaining friendly match played on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Car Park C, Temple Arena, Redemption City of God, Mowe, Ogun State. . The encounter burst into life almost immediately as Ezekiel gave Best Talent FC the lead after just 58 seconds, setting the tone for an exciting contest. However, Baraka FA responded swiftly, scoring in the 2nd minute to restore parity before taking the lead with another goal in the 5th minute. Despite going behind, Best Talent FC remained composed and continued to press for an equaliser. Their persistence paid off in the 13th minute when Taofeek found the back of the net to make it 2-2. With both sides creating chances in an entertaining and competitive game, the decisive moment arrived in the 73rd minute when Otene calmly slotted home the winning goal to complete Best Talent FC's remarkable comeback and sea...

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has commended the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, and Director General of the Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for the transparent and prompt disbursement of cash rewards to Team Nigeria athletes who have won medals at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. SWAN President Mr. Isaiah Benjamin through the Association's Secretary-General Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo in a statement on Sunday said the immediate presentation of financial rewards to medal-winning athletes at the competition venue, with the balance paid directly into their personal accounts, represents a commendable departure from past practices and reflects the NSC's commitment to transparency, accountability and welfare of Nigerian athletes. Presence Benjamin also hailed increase in the athletes and coaches' rewards after winning medals at the Games. He noted that the initiative has sent a strong message that ex...

The Nationwide League One (NLO) is intensifying efforts to raise the standards of football administration, improve discipline across its competitions, and strengthen Nigeria's talent development pipeline, according to the league's Chief Operating Officer, Olushola Ogunowo. Speaking during an exclusive interview on the Sports World Platform, Ogunowo outlined the strategic initiatives driving the country's largest football league, which boasts nearly 400 participating clubs across Nigeria. The interview, anchored by renowned sports broadcaster Sunday Agunbiade (Mr VAR) and co-hosted by sports journalist Afonne Chukwuemeka, focused on governance, officiating, and the future of grassroots football in Nigeria. Building Better Football Administrators Responding to a question from Ikenna Okonkwo, General Secretary of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), on measures being taken to curb misconduct among clubs and improve league management, Ogunowo stressed t...

 By Michael Odetunde The Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO), Dr. Shola Ogunnowo, has urged clubs participating in the league to strictly comply with its rules and legal framework. Ogunnowo made the appeal during the July edition of the Super Interview on the Sports World WhatsApp platform on Friday. He said the league is intensifying efforts to prevent some club owners from gaining an unfair advantage by fielding established professional players in a competition designed to develop emerging football talents. "We have been doing our best to curb the attitude of some club owners who intend to cheat the system," he said. According to him, such practices undermine football development in Nigeria by denying young players the opportunity to showcase their abilities. "These actions are affecting football development in Nigeria because they deny younger players the chance to display their talents by bringing in already established prof...

Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Nationwide League (NLO), Shola Ogunnowo, has thrown his weight behind the second-term re-election bid of the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, describing his leadership as progressive and worthy of continuity. Ogunnowo made the call on Friday evening during a WhatsApp interview session on Nigerian popular group, *Sports World Platform* hosted by renowned sports journalist, Sunday Agunbiade (Mr VAR), alongside co-host Afonne Chukwuemeka. Speaking during the interactive session, Ogunnowo applauded Gusau's administration for initiating reforms that have brought renewed stability and growth to Nigerian football. He noted that the NFF under Gusau has demonstrated a genuine commitment to football development at all levels, including grassroots football, league administration, youth development, and improved collaboration with football stakeholders. According to him, continuity remains essentia...

The Oyo State Football Association (OYSFA), in collaboration with the Pillar of Sports Youth Development Foundation, has announced a One-Day Seminar for coaches of clubs and football academies affiliated with the Association. Addressing newsmen in Ibadan shortly after finalising the arrangements, Oyo FA Chairman, Oba Alakinleye of Akinleye, HRM Oba James Oluyemi Odeniran said that the capacity building is part of cardinal programmes of the Association ,aims at preparing leadership skills amongst the coaches in the sate. The ex FIFA badged referee lauded the Pillar of Sports Youth Development Foundation, Mr Temitope Obideyi for his vision which aligns with the Regulatory functions of the state football body. The seminar is scheduled to hold on Saturday, August 8, 2026, by 11:00 a.m. at the Academy Suite, Moremi Hall, Oke Ado, Ibadan. The one-day programme is designed to enhance the knowledge, competence and overall capacity of grassroots football coaches in Oyo State. Partic...

President Ikorodu City FC Sanmi Doherty says Nigeria’s football reforms will only succeed if clubs are allowed to invest in academies before being burdened with unsustainable salary demands. Sanmi Doherty, has waded into the debate over the NPFL reform agenda, calling for a development-first approach instead of pushing clubs toward heavy financial obligations they cannot sustain. Doherty’s comments come after National Sports Commission Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, confirmed that the 2026/2027 NPFL season will kick off with or without full compliance to the Commission’s new club licensing requirements. While acknowledging the need for reforms, Doherty argued that Nigeria’s football future cannot be built on high player wages alone. Speaking on the direction of Nigerian football, the President Ikorodu City said the real growth will come from the grassroots. “If I have my way, I want to invest more in my academy and developmental programmes. I want to start from prim...

The President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr. Benjamin Isaiah, has outlined his administration’s vision to rebuild the association into a respected professional body while addressing critical challenges affecting sports journalists across the country. Isaiah made this known during his appearance as a guest on the Friday night Super Interview session of the Sports World WhatsApp Platform, hosted by the platform’s founder and administrator, Mr. Sunday Agunbiade, popularly known as Mr. VAR. During the interactive session, the SWAN President spoke extensively on issues ranging from the stability of the association, welfare of sports journalists, accreditation challenges, professionalism, digital transformation and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. Awijare News highlights some of the key issues discussed during the interview. Building a United and Respected SWAN Since assuming office as SWAN President, Benjamin Isaiah said his administration’s major f...

President, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN has reacted to allegations over the sharing of travelling slots given to the Body by both National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF. The Kogi born Media experts stated this while featuring in a popular WhatsApp group, *Sports World Platform* on Friday, 17th July, 2026 in a questions and answer session tagged Super Interview hosted by Sunday Agunbiade (Mr VAR) . Critic within the executives and extended members across some state chapters have alleged the misused official traveling slots ,and such to them is tantamount to acting against association statutes. Some opposing NEC members claimed Benjamin diverted travel opportunities intended for executives, while the same conspiracy theory was overtly circulated by state chapters across media space.   Reacting, "I think this is just an allegstion because it's not absolute true. What I can confirm to you is that the National Spor...

All is now set for Best Talent Football Club of Mowe to lock horns against MKA Football Club in the Maiden edition of Nextgen Elite Championship Pre Season Cup. The pre season tourney which runs from Sunday, 12th to Wednesday,15th July, 2026, is designed to serve as a test run to private league coming up later in the year. But, the hostility will take place at Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode, Ogun state where some carefully selected high flying football clubs in the state have been pitched against each other to pilot the muddy water. This championship is aimed at preparing private clubs ahead of the upcoming football season while providing entertainment for fans during the off-season. The competition will feature four matches daily, except for designated rest days, ensuring continuous excitement throughout the week. The competition will feature 12 teams which include : Best Talent FC, Super Acurate, Fun Twins, Elegant FA, Aremu FC, New Hope Naija FC and Supreme God...

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has signed a strategic agreement with Byblos Travels and Tours Nigeria Limited, aimed at providing affordable travel opportunities and logistics support for sports journalists. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed in Abuja, is expected to significantly reduce the financial burden on sports journalists through discounted airfares, visa advisory services, accommodation support and other travel-related benefits. Speaking, SWAN President, Mr Isaiah Benjamin, described the agreement as a major step towards improving the welfare and professional capacity of members. The SWAN President said the leadership carefully examined the details of the agreement before endorsing it, while commending a veteran Sports Journalist Abdulgafar Oladimeji for facilitating the agreement. "Anything that will benefit our members, we are always interested in it. Having gone through the contents of this agreement, I believe it wi...

The organisers of the 8th edition of the Ifeanyi Ekwueme Tico/Select Pre-Season Tournament have confirmed that the competition is scheduled to kick off on August 5th and will run through August 12, 2026.   The highly anticipated tournament will feature Nigeria's elite teams, Second Tiers League, NNL and NLO in a thrilling contest It would be recalled that the 7th edition of the Pre-Season Tournament was held in Abia state and Enugu where the group matches held while Enugu hosted the finals between Rangers international FC vs Enyimba international FC which Enyimba won by a lone goal.Enugu will play host to the sought after tournament this year.   The competition was founded by former Super Eagles player Ifeanyi Ekwueme, saying it gears towards allowing clubs to test their tactics and give young players a chance to be seen by scouts.  The Ex Super Eagles forward emphasized the tournament's importance, noting that it offers a vital opportunity to fine-tune t...

...Open Trial commences Monday and ends Saturday. Camp of Best Talent Football Club of Mowe today, 5th July, 2026 returns to its ecstatic steeze as players resume from a week break in prepration for different trials and other season's engagements. Coach Farouk Yusuf while speaking with club’s Media after completing their first training session, he expressed joy over the attitude of his boys and said the Integrity side would aim for the best in the much anticipated programmes.  According to the grassroots football proponent, I'm extremely delighted to welcome back 20 players out of 33 we used to prosecute the recently concluded Nationwide League One season. They responded well with just a light training session after a short break." "Safe to put it on record that we dropped 13 players on performance clause and we have sent invitations to some brilliant players spotted during the league." "May I add that screening and open trials for young and inge...

...Open Trial commences Monday and ends Friday. Camp of Best Talent Football Club of Mowe today, 5th July, 2026 returns to its ecstatic steeze as players resume from a week break in prepration for different trials and other season's engagements. Coach Farouk Yusuf while speaking with club’s Media after completing their first training session, he expressed joy over the attitude of his boys and said the Integrity side would aim for the best in the much anticipated programmes.  According to the grassroots football proponent, I'm extremely delighted to welcome back 20 players out of 33 we used to prosecute the recently concluded Nationwide League One season. They responded well with just a light training session after a short break." "Safe to put it on record that we dropped 13 players on performance clause and we have sent invitations to some brilliant players spotted during the league." "May I add that screening and open trials for youn...

The 2026 edition of the Tico/Select Preseason Tournament will take place in the last week of July, organizers have confirmed. The annual preseason event will feature 10 teams across Nigeria’s football pyramid: two football academies, two Nigeria National League One [NLO] teams, two Nigeria National League [NNL] sides, and four Nigeria Premier Football League  clubs. Organizers say every participating team will receive 10 branded T-shirts for officials, plus 3 Select match balls. Semi-finalists will also get jerseys for the semi-final and final matches as compensation for their participation. For the title decider, the champions will receive gold medals and a giant trophy, while the runners-up will get 25 silver medals. The mix of NPFL, NNL, NLO teams and academies is expected to give top-flight clubs competitive build-up games, while offering lower-tier sides and academies exposure against higher-level opposition ahead of the new season. Preseason tournaments like Tico/...

It was an exhilarating joy galore for Best Talent Football Club Coach, Farouk Yusuf after securing back to back victories against Juvenile FC and Lasegski Football Club in the ongoing Nationwide League One Season taking place at MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun state.  The Adeyinka Adeyemo’s boys were heroes of the last two encounters having gone deeper than usual to earn deserving victories over the two arch rivals The Mowe giants handler, Farouk Yusuf could not hide his joy after dispatching Lasegski 2-0 and recorded a nerve wrecking 2-1 victory over Juvenile making it 4 goal haul in a spate of two matches. Speaking after the match, Coach Farouk, who has become a prominent figure in grassroots football in Nigeria, was full of praise for his team’s performance, saying he was in high planets with the results. “I must confess to you that I'm the happiest person on earth today with the results churned out by my boys. They played to instructions and the...

The Oyo State Football Association under the able leadership of Oba Alakinleye of Akinleye, HRM Oba James Oluyemi Odeniran has hereby expressed its unwavering and total support for the re-election bid of the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, for a second term in office. According to the release made available to newsmen in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital,  FA Boss noted that the Zamfara born football administrator has demonstrated exceptional leadership  through transparency and integrity which changed the perception of football status in Nigeria.  "Since assuming office, Alhaji Gusau has demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and commitment to the development of football across Nigeria. His administration has brought stability, transparency, and renewed confidence to the game at all levels, while fostering greater inclusion and opportunities for football stakeholders nationwide. The Oyo State Football Association ack...