Sports

Ex-Tottenham Coach Sets Out Bold Agenda to Rebuild Nigerian Football

Published

2 months ago

July 27, 2026

Nigerian-born, England-based football coach Demi Emmanuel Olutoge has unveiled an ambitious blueprint to revive Nigerian football, declaring his readiness to coach in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) as part of efforts to transform the country’s football fortunes.

Olutoge, a former player with Saffron Walden Town in England’s Essex Senior League and a former Tottenham Hotspur Youth Team coach, said Nigeria possesses immense football talent but lacks the structures needed to develop players into world-class stars.

In a statement issued on Monday, he called for comprehensive reforms in the domestic league, including improved player welfare, better salaries, enhanced television rights and a more attractive football ecosystem.

“Nigeria has enormous talent, but much more needs to be done to develop these players into world-class stars. Our league must be restructured to become more competitive and attractive.”

The UEFA-qualified coach lamented the huge financial support Nigerians give to foreign clubs through the purchase of jerseys, tickets and other merchandise, arguing that such resources should be redirected to strengthen the domestic league.

he added: “If we intentionally develop our league, Nigerian clubs can become African champions and eventually compete for the FIFA Club World Cup. Our national teams can also become dominant forces in Africa and globally.”

Olutoge said he has developed a football template capable of strengthening the game from the grassroots to the senior national team, covering the U-17, Flying Eagles, U-23 and Super Eagles.

He expressed confidence that with proper planning, effective structures and the right mindset, Nigeria can become a global football powerhouse within the next 15 years.

Olutoge has coached within the youth systems of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City and holds a Master’s degree from the University Campus of Football Business (UCFB) at the Etihad Campus in Manchester.

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Sports

AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja

Published

14 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.

In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.

Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.

The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.

As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.

The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.

The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.

With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.

Africa is coming to Abuja.

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