Sports
Water FC CEO Makanjuola Nureni, Kogi Governor Usman Ododo, Youth Minister Olawande, others Named Among 100 Most Influential Nigerians
Joel Ajayi
For nearly three decades, Makanjuola Nureni—fondly known as “Muala” (meaning let’s make it together)—has quietly dedicated himself to grassroots football development in Nigeria. Working behind the scenes, he has helped young talents hone their skills, guided them toward national recognition, and offered them a pathway out of poverty, all while instilling discipline and strong moral values.
Though his efforts have gone largely unnoticed in the public eye, many of the players he has nurtured have gone on to represent Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup, the Africa Cup of Nations, and various youth competitions across the globe.
However, on June 20, 2025, Nureni finally received long-overdue recognition as he was honoured as one of the 100 Most Influential Progressive Nigerians, an award organized by Progressive Media. His name appeared alongside other prominent national figures including the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ododo; Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande; and the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos.
Speaking after receiving the award, Nureni praised the organizers for a well-coordinated event and the impressive turnout of awardees.
“I’m really impressed with the organization and, most importantly, with the large turnout of awardees. It takes a lot to pull off an event of this scale, and the organizers did an excellent job,” he said.
“As for the award itself—it came as a complete surprise. I didn’t see it coming. But when I got the call, I felt grateful. This recognition means a lot to me and to everyone working tirelessly to transform grassroots football in Nigeria and create life-changing opportunities for young Nigerians.”
His daughter,Oil of God Oluwanifemi Makanjuola who accompanied him alongside other family members and friends, also shared her thoughts on the recognition.
“This is long overdue. My dad has done so much for the game at the grassroots level. To see him finally get this kind of recognition is massive—not just for him, but for all the years of hard work and sacrifice he’s put in.”
The award marks a significant milestone in Makanjuola Nureni’s lifelong mission to use football as a tool for national development and youth empowerment.
Sports
Tangerine APT Pension Crowned New Kings of PFA Games 2025
Joel Ajayi
Joel Ajayi Tangerine APT Pension stormed the 2025 Pension Fund Administrators Games and snatched the crown with a commanding 66 points—ending FCMB’s reign and announcing themselves as the new champions of corporate sporting excellence.
From the first whistle to the final scoreboard, Tangerine APT played like an organisation possessed. They dominated volleyball and snooker, showcased brilliant tactical depth to finish second in chess behind Norrenberger, secured second place in team bonding behind Premium Pension, and held their own across the board—fourth in football, sixth in table tennis, fifth in scrabble, and eighth in e-sports, press conference, discipline and grooming. Every point mattered, and Tangerine APT grabbed them with fire.
Defending champions FCMB, despite flashes of brilliance, simply could not summon last year’s magic.
They finished second overall with 63 points—just three points behind the new champions. FCMB were first in scrabble, second in football, third in table tennis and e-sports, fourth in snooker and team bonding, and fifth in volleyball, chess, and press conference/discipline/grooming. A brave defence, but not enough to stop the Tangerine wave.
Rounding off the podium is NPF Pension, finishing third with 57 points after a spirited campaign. They claimed gold in football, second in table tennis and e-sports, third in volleyball, fourth in scrabble, sixth in press conference/discipline/fanfare/most coordinated, seventh in chess, and eighth in snooker and team bonding.
The rest of the table saw fierce competition:4th – Norrenberger Pension: 52 points, 5th – Premium Pension: 47 points, 6th – NNPC Pension: 45 points, 7th – Access Arm: 41 points
In Others position 8th – Trustfund Pension: 29 points 9th – PENCOM: 28 points and 10th – NUPEMCO: 25 points.
With the dust settled and the cheers still echoing, one truth stands tall:Tangerine APT Pension has ushered in a new era—bold, dominant, and unforgettable.
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