Sports

Dikko Applauds Inaugural FCT Secondary School Football Tournament in Abuja

Published

2 years ago

December 5, 2023

Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) 2nd Vice President, Shehu Dikko, commended the organizers of the maiden FCT Secondary School Football Tournament during his role as Chairman of the event held at the Waldorf Knoll Academy Football pitch in Jabi, Abuja, on Saturday.

Dikko emphasized the significance of grassroots football in the development of the sport and urged states across the country to initiate similar tournaments involving young boys. He stressed the importance of connecting with schools to ensure that players participating in age categories such as U13, U15, and U16 are of the appropriate school age.

“Grassroots football is the way for us to go,” Dikko expressed. “We have to connect with our schools because the kids that play at that level, whether U13, U15, U16 or whatever, the first thing is to make sure that they are of school age.”

He advocated for a comprehensive framework involving schools to establish proper records for young players, allowing for follow-up and development as they progress to higher levels such as U17, U20, national teams, and clubs.

Encouraging the continuation of such competitions, Dikko stated, “All schools should be encouraged to organize what we have seen here today. It could be annually, quarterly, or what have you and prepare these kids for the future.”

Following intense competition, Waldorf Knoll Academy emerged as champions, defeating HHH Foundation School 2-0 in an entertaining final. Hussaini Yahaya of Aduvie International School earned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, Yasir Yusuf of HHH Foundation School received the best goalkeeper award, and Moses Yakubu of Waldorf Knoll Academy was recognized as the highest goal scorer with four goals.

Dikko acknowledged the talent displayed by the young players, predicting bright futures for many and encouraging schools and player managers to keep a close eye on their development.

News

Foden Named UCL Player of the Week, Osimhen Second

Published

20 hours ago

November 6, 2025

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

Manchester City’s Phil Foden has been voted UEFA Champions League Player of the Week for Matchday 4, edging out Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray, who finished second.

UEFA announced the results on Thursday after a series of standout performances across Europe.

Foden earned the honour with two goals and an assist in City’s 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund, completing 92% of his passes and creating four chances.

Osimhen, meanwhile, became the second Nigerian ever to score a Champions League hat-trick, inspiring Galatasaray’s 3-0 victory over Ajax.

Other nominees were Carlos Forbs of Club Brugge and Mikel Merino of Arsenal.

Sports

Lookman, Atalanta Coach in Heated Touchline Exchange

Published

1 day ago

November 6, 2025

Admin

By Samuel Adeola

Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman clashed with his manager, Ivan Juric, during their 1-0 UEFA Champions League win over Marseille on Wednesday night.

The incident occurred in the 75th minute when Lookman, visibly frustrated, reacted angrily after being substituted while the game was goalless.

Juric confronted him on the touchline before CEO Luca Percassi and captain Marten de Roon intervened.

Lazar Samardzic later scored the decisive goal for the Serie A side.

After the match, Juric was seen speaking with Lookman again, though reports say it remains unclear whether the matter was resolved.

Sports

Osimhen Hat-trick Sinks Ajax in Amsterdam

Published

1 day ago

November 6, 2025

By Huldah Shado

Victor Osimhen fired Galatasaray to a 3-0 victory over Ajax at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Wednesday, scoring a stunning hat-trick that included two penalties.

After a goalless first half, the Nigerian striker opened the scoring in the 59th minute with a powerful header from Leroy Sané’s cross.

He doubled the lead seven minutes later from the spot after Youri Baas handled in the box, before completing his hat-trick with another penalty in the 78th minute following a second handball by Gerald Alders.

Ajax showed flashes of intent through Oscar Gloukh and Mika Godts but failed to break Galatasaray’s solid defense.

Osimhen’s treble makes him only the second Nigerian ever to score a hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League, sealing a memorable night for the Turkish champions in Amsterdam.