Sports

2024 NSF: FG, Ogun State Sign MoU

Published

2 years ago

May 7, 2023

….We are ready to Hold a World-class Festival-Governor

The Ogun State Government and the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Saturday, 6th May 2023.
Reacting after signing the MoU at the Governor’s Office in Oke Mosan, Abeokuta on Saturday, Governor Dapo Abiodun updated the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare that Ogun is noted for recording many firsts and hosting of the competition would not be an exception.

“Ogun State indigenes have invested in sports development in Nigeria. Apart from that, we have eminent sports men and women who have distinguished themselves and brought glory to this country. We are ready to host a world-class festival next year. We have capable hands and sponsors that are ready to support us.

“I want to assure you that we will live up to expectations as reflected in the MoU. I can assure you that we will not disappoint you.
“I want to assure you that, like you have said to me that the one in Edo was a very good showing, the one in Delta was better than the one in Edo, the one in Ogun will be the best. We will immediately move to set up a Local Organizing Committee,” the governor stated.

Governor Abiodun expatiated that the National Sports Festival was introduced to promote unity and cohesion among the youths, noting that Ogun as a state with a huge number of youths due to the large number of education institutions, his administration has developed strategies to productively engage them through sports and other relevant activities.

“Sports is a tool to teach our youth leadership skills development, discipline, team work and self confidence. When youth are busy through sports engagements, they won’t have time for social vices. Some of them have developed into world beaters and we will continue to encourage them”, Abiodun added.

The governor recollected how the state performed very well in the last edition of the Festival, winning 70 medals, and appreciated the Minister and the Federal Ministry of Sports for supporting the state at the bidding stage. Assuring that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure a successful National Sports Festival in the year 2024.

In his remarks, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare said the choice of Ogun State as the next host was due to its culture of sports development, availability of sporting infrastructure and potentials to host a befitting festival that would linger for a long time.

He said the state has been blessed with famous sports men and women making the country proud, and expressed confidence that its performance as the host of the next edition will outshine the last two editions.
The Sports Minister however, called on the state to start preparations, as soon as possible, assuring corporate bodies that are ready to sponsor the competition handsome incentives, such as; tax holidays, and others.

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Sports

From Mavlon FC to Finland: The Rising Journey of James Samuel Friday

Published

2 hours ago

March 21, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

James Samuel Friday, a promising young goalkeeper from Nigeria, has recently made headlines following his transfer from Mavlon FC to SJK Seinäjoki II in Finland. Born on April 5, 2006, the 18-year-old shot-stopper is already making a name for himself with his impressive performances between the sticks.

Mavlon FC, a Nigerian club renowned for identifying and nurturing young talents, discovered Friday at just 12 years old in 2018. His early recruitment under the club’s “catch them young” policy underscores their confidence in his abilities. Over the years, his dedication and hard work have been instrumental in shaping his promising career.

During his time at Mavlon FC, Friday also gained valuable international exposure, participating in the prestigious 73rd and 74th Viareggio Youth Tournaments in Italy. His performances caught the attention of scouts and clubs beyond Nigeria’s borders.

On February 1, 2025, Friday officially joined SJK Seinäjoki II, a Finnish club where he aims to develop further and gain vital experience in a competitive European environment. Prior to this significant move, he was invited by English club Charlton Athletic for a training and development program in London, where he impressed the technical crew and management with his goalkeeping skills.

Internationally, Friday has already represented Nigeria at the U20 level. He made his debut on March 7, 2024, under coach Ladan Bosso, earning his first cap for the national team. Since then, he has remained committed to improving his game and proving himself on bigger stages.

In modern football, where goalkeepers are expected to contribute to team play beyond shot-stopping, Friday excels with his ball-playing abilities. His precise passing allows him to connect with teammates effectively, facilitating quick transitions from defense to attack. Standing tall at 1.95m, he commands his area with authority and provides a strong presence between the posts.

With his talent, work ethic, and the right environment at SJK Seinäjoki II, Friday is poised for a bright future in European football.

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