Sports
From London to Abuja: Mikel Arteta and Bunmi Haruna Share a Vision of Resilience and Tactical Innovation
Arsenal FC of London and Abuja-based FWC Champions FC share a compelling narrative of resilience and ambition. Both teams have faced challenges in their pursuit of titles: Arsenal has been without an EPL trophy for over two decades, while FWC FC has not secured a major title in nearly seven years.
In the wake of recent struggles, Arsenal boldly appointed former player Mikel Arteta in 2019, and in 2024, FWC FC took a decisive step by introducing the dynamic young coach Bunmi Haruna, a former assistant coach for Nigeria’s U-17 team. Both are passionate about their craft, with Arteta born in Spain in 1982 and Haruna just a year younger.
Reflecting on his first year, Haruna hailed it as both demanding and transformative. He successfully guided his team through an unbeaten league season, bringing them back into the conversation for top-tier contention. While they experienced a setback in the promotion playoff, losing on penalties, their captivating style of play has garnered a growing fanbase, especially in Jos. Additionally, the club celebrated its triumph in the FCT Pre-season Tournament, marking its first trophy in five years.
Looking ahead, FWC FC has set ambitious goals for itself, targeting promotion to the NNL and a state FA Cup victory by 2025. Haruna is dedicated to developing players for European opportunities and building a robust scouting network to help African talents make their mark in top-tier football. He envisions a future where players can secure positions with prestigious clubs like Barcelona and Chelsea by 2025.
“Our targets are clear: promotion to the NNL and the state FA Cup. I am committed to helping young talents in Africa achieve their dreams of playing for elite European clubs through my scouting network.
“I’m also among the few Nigeria-based coaches proficient in the latest video analysis software to dissect football games.
“I look forward to applying this expertise to continental teams and our national squad in the coming year,” said coach Bunmi Haruna.
Haruna expressed his admiration for Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta and his innovative set-piece routines. Impressively, over half of FWC FC’s goals in the NLO 1 Super 8 came from set pieces—tactics he mastered alongside Nigeria’s top youth team coaches.
“Set pieces are vital in modern football. I watch numerous Arsenal matches—not to imitate but to understand the strategic principles behind their offensive and defensive play, particularly during set pieces.
“I have learned immensely from working alongside Nigeria’s youth team coaches, including Manu Garba, Nduka Ugbade, Emmanuel Amunike, and Haruna Ilerika. They emphasize the impact of set pieces, which can shift the game’s dynamics in your favor, even when the team isn’t at its best,” Haruna concluded confidently.
Sports
NSC Hails Nigerian Badminton Team as Eniola Bolaji Strikes Gold, Men’s Doubles Team Secures Bronze in Spanish International Tourney
Joel Ajayi
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has applauded the Nigerian contingent at the 2025 Spanish Parabadminton International, after another impressive outing that saw the team secure a gold and a bronze medal in Toledo, Spain, on Sunday.
Paralympic medallist Eniola Bolaji continued her dominance, winning her second gold medal in two weeks with a commanding 2-0 (21-7, 21-10) victory over Turkey’s Halime Yildiz in the women’s SL3 final. Bolaji had won gold a week earlier at the Spanish International in Victoria, Spain.
In the men’s SL4 doubles event, Nnana Jeremiah and Eze Chukwuebuka delivered a strong performance, battling their way to a well-deserved bronze medal.
NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the athletes for making Nigeria proud and praised the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, led by Francis Orbih, for ensuring the team’s optimal performance on the international stage.
“These athletes have once again showcased the resilience and talent that define Nigerian sports. Their success is a lucid indication of their hard work and the strategic leadership we demand from the Badminton Federation and other sports federations. We are proud of them and remain committed to supporting their journey to greater heights,” Dikko said.
Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, emphasized that the achievements align with President Bola Tinubu’s vision of strengthening grassroots sports while ensuring Nigeria competes favorably on the global stage.
“As part of our mandate under President Tinubu’s administration, we are committed to developing talent from the grassroots and supporting our elite athletes to bring home international laurels. The NSC will continue to back the strategic vision of sports federations as we work towards building a strong and sustainable sports ecosystem,” Olopade stated.
Since the National Sports Commission leadership took office, Nigerian contingents have continued to impress internationally including international successes in cricket and basketball recorded thus far. The NSC leadership stated that no stone will be left unturned until Nigerian sports reaches its full potentials.
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