Sports

India 2022: Flamingos seek to reach FIFA World Cup final at Colombia’s expense

Published

3 years ago

October 25, 2022

Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos have already pulled up a few trees at the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in India, but they feel even more motivated to reach the Championship Match at the expense of Colombia whom they play in the first semi-final on Wednesday.

President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau on Tuesday arrived in the Indian city of Goa, where he will lead the cheers as Africa’s best team seeks to extend their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup record by reaching Sunday’s final.

Already, the Flamingos have become the first African team to reach the semi finals of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, after ejecting the United States in sensational fashion on Friday.

It can be recalled that Nigeria is also the only African country to have played in the Final of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup. The first time was in Germany in 2010, when the Falconets lost 0-2 to Germany after an early goal by Player of the Tournament Alexander Popp and an unfortunate own goal by defender Osinachi Ohale in Bielefeld.

The second time was in Canada in 2014, when the Germans again prevailed by the odd goal after extra time in Montreal.

On Wednesday, history-making Coach Bankole Olowookere will again bank on goalkeeper Faith Omilana, defenders Miracle Usani, Tumininu Adeshina, Comfort Folorunsho and Blessing Emmanuel, midfielders Taiwo Afolabi, Alvine Dah-Zossu and Blessing Sunday, and forwards Opeyemi Ajakaye, Edidiong Etim and Aminat Omowunmi Bello.

The Flamingos’s fire-power is not in doubt, having scored a total of eight goals in open play, conceding four. They have put a total of 36 shots on target, making them the side that has created the most opportunities of the four teams left in the competition.

Wednesday’s encounter starts at 12 noon Nigeria time.

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Sports

Mobolaji Johnson Arena Buzzes with Excitement as N-Youth League Super 8 Tips Off

Published

6 hours ago

June 17, 2025

The Gleamer

…N40million for Grabs

By Joel Ajayi

The historic Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos is set to witness top-tier youth football action as the Nigeria Youth League Cup (NYLC) Super 8 Tournament kicks off on Monday, June 23, 2025.
The highly anticipated competition will open with a thrilling fixture between Enyimba FC U-19 of Aba and Kwara United U-19, followed by a clash between Plateau United U-19 and Kano Pillars U-19 in the second match of Day 1.

Other teams vying for glory in the Super 8 are Mailantarki FC of Abuja, Sunshine Stars FC of Akure, Atlantic Business FC of Lagos, and Shuffle Select FC, also of Lagos.

This prestigious youth tournament boasts a total prize pool of ₦40 million. The champion will walk away with ₦10 million, the runner-up will earn ₦8 million, while the remaining teams will also receive financial rewards based on their final standings.

The NYLC, which began its inaugural season in April 2024, featured 23 teams split across two regional conferences. From the Northern Conference, Plateau United, Kano Pillars, Kwara United, and Mailantarki FC secured their spots in the Super 8, while Enyimba, Sunshine Stars, Atlantic Business, and Shuffle Select qualified from the Southern Conference.

During a press conference and draw ceremony ahead of the competition on Tuesday in Abuja NYLC President Robinson Adakosa announced that the Super 8 will adopt a round-robin format, featuring four matches daily at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Adakosa praised the dedication of all involved, noting that despite the challenges encountered during the season, the league has succeeded in identifying and nurturing exceptional young talents.

“This season has not only revealed outstanding players but has also drawn the attention of European scouts,” he stated, adding that the league remains committed to creating pathways for youth development in football.

He expressed gratitude to the participating clubs, board members, and stakeholders, including the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), for their unwavering support.

Adakosa also confirmed that all logistics for the tournament have been fully arranged to ensure a smooth and memorable experience for players and fans alike, with matches scheduled from June 23 to June 30.

In a major boost to the tournament’s profile, Adakosa revealed that FC Barcelona’s Head of Recruitment, Villa Gorriz, will be attending, alongside scouts from the United Kingdom and the Netherlands—underscoring the growing international interest in Nigeria’s grassroots football talent.

With excitement building, the NYLC Super 8 promises a week of explosive action, skillful displays, and future stars in the making.

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