Japanese Ambassador Matsunaga Promises Collaboration With Iganmu FC

Published

3 years ago

May 11, 2022

By Akeem Busari

Ambassador Matsunaga Kazuyoshi last week held a virtual meeting with Iganmu Football Club representative, Mr. Kato Akihiro.

The Lagos-based NLO team is the first of its kind to be co-owned by its founder Mr. Abayomi Egbayelo and its Japanese associate and representative Kato Akihiro.

They discussed the team’s recent situation, the new projects it has started working on, and how to raise funds to run the team.

IGANMU F.C. is trying to manage the club using NFT (Non-Fungible Token) to receive financial support through crowdfunding and facilitate communication with fans.

The Ambassador was impressed by the efforts Iganmu FC to monetize sports by integrating sports and the latest blockchain technology.

As part of Ambassador Matsunaga’s sports diplomacy, they also discussed on the possibility of sports study in Japan, cooperation with Japanese companies, and donation of sports equipment.

The Ambassador also promised to visit Lagos in the near future to donate football equipment to Iganmu FC.

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“Aderonke Atoyebi Wins Big in Denmark, Inspires Global Recognition for Nigerian Women in Sports

Published

3 hours ago

November 3, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria’s own Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi has brought immense pride to the nation after being named the International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA) Role Model of the Year at a ceremony held in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The biennial ISCA Awards honour individuals and organizations that use sports and physical activity as tools for social change, inclusion, and empowerment across the globe. This year’s edition drew nominations from several countries, spotlighting outstanding figures who have transformed their communities through the power of sports.
Atoyebi’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and youth empowerment has made her a prominent voice in the sports-for-development space. Through her advocacy and leadership, she continues to demonstrate how sports can serve as a bridge for education, unity, and hope—especially among young women in Nigeria and beyond.
As part of the recognition, Atoyebi received a €3,000 cash prize along with the global visibility that accompanies the prestigious ISCA honour.
Speaking shortly after receiving the award, she expressed deep gratitude and excitement, dedicating the recognition to her team and everyone who has supported her journey.
> “This award means a lot to me. It’s a testament to the hard work my team and I have put in over the years,” Atoyebi said. “Being recognised on such an international stage proves that no effort toward positive change ever goes unnoticed. It motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and reaching more girls who need hope and opportunity.”

Atoyebi’s global recognition further strengthens Nigeria’s growing influence in the global dialogue around sports, development, and women’s empowerment. Her story continues to inspire a new generation of African women to believe that with passion, dedication, and purpose, they too can create lasting change.

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