Sports

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

Published

7 months ago

March 21, 2025

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.

Pls remove paragragh 2 and paste this.

Mavlon FC, a modest Nigerian side known for discovering and nurturing talented footballers beamed their search light on Friday at the cradle when he joined the club as a young boy in 2018. This early recruitment under the ‘catch them young’ policy of Mavlon, underscores the club’s confidence in his talent and highlights Ftiday’s unwavering dedication, which has been instrumental in his development as a promising footballer.

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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Sports

Team Nigeria Jets to Cairo for 11th World Para Powerlifting Championships

Published

5 hours ago

October 7, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Excitement is high as Team Nigeria’s para powerlifting contingent departed Nigeria on Tuesday, October 7, for the 11th World Para Powerlifting Championships set to take place in Cairo, Egypt, from October 9 to 18, 2025.

The milestone event marks the first-ever World Championships to be hosted on African soil, symbolizing a new era for the sport on the continent.

The first batch of Team Nigeria athletes left the country on Tuesday amid cheers and well-wishes from officials, fans, and supporters.

The second batch of the contingent is scheduled to depart tomorrow, October 8, from Lagos, completing the full team that will represent the nation at this landmark competition.

Speaking ahead of the departure, officials expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and determination to uphold Nigeria’s longstanding reputation as a force to be reckoned with, in global para powerlifting.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) reaffirmed its full support for the athletes, emphasizing the government’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and excellence in sports.

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