Featured

Ex-International Confirms Existence of ‘Juju’ In Nigerian Football

Published

5 years ago

July 22, 2020

…Sees Hope For NPFL players In Super Eagles

Joel Ajayi

Former International and IICC Shooting Stars of Ibadan legend, Patrick Olusegun Odegbami has added his voice to the debate on the existence of ‘juju’ in football, confirming its existence, but doubts its efficacy.

Odegbami, it could be recalled, took to his column in some newspapers penultimate week to discuss his experiences on the practice of ‘juju’ while his playing career lasted, said there is ‘juju’ in the game right from the cradles. He spoke as a Guest of the FCT FOOTBALL UPDATE WhatsApp group “PERSONALITY INTERVIEW.

Mathematical Odegbami as he is fondly called said “there is juju in football. There is juju in primary, secondary school football. There is juju in Nigeria football, there is juju in Africa football, and there is juju everywhere. But, it depends on the context you are looking at it. Juju is not always from the negative aspects that people are looking at it. If you seek anything divine to the game of football, it becomes ‘juju’ and everyone is using it one way or the other”. Odegbami reiterated that on his personal experiences in the game, shows that such does not work. That to succeed in football, that all the basic and fundamental principles of practice and training in the game must be observed.

The former NTC FC of Ibadan and Housing Corporation of Ibadan mesmerizing winger whose skills demystified the then dreaded WNDC Shooting Stars of Ibadan, for NTC to win the Region’s Challenge cup in 1972,

Said the composition of the present Super Eagles team with majorly foreign-based players should not be a sort of worry to anyone, as every country uses their best of players, no matter where they are based. He said in the past, the majority of the players play at home, so, the bulk of the national team players came from home. He observed that the trend changed in the ’80s following the mass movement of players overseas.

He, however, sees hope for the NPFL players immediately after the Coronavirus pandemic ravaging the world ” I am seeing hope for the best players in the country staying at home after the pandemic, as the mass rush to overseas will be reduced, and this will give the Coaches the opportunity to work with the best of players in the domestic league” he concluded.

Share on Facebook

Featured

Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

7 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

Share on Facebook