Sports

Flying Eagles Win Bronze as Mavlon FC’s Abubakar Steals the Show in Penalties

Published

1 year ago

May 18, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria were again furtunate in penalty kicks after goalkeeper Rufai Abubakar’s heroic saves guaranteed a bronze medal win for Nigeria at the expense of Egypt, the host of the AFCON U20 tournament, reports.

Abububar, who nurtures his football with Mavlon FC of Lagos never tested action in the tournament until he replaced goalkeeper Yakub in the dying minutes of the game, before the centre referee signalled the end of 90 minutes and straight to penalties.

The introduction of Abubakar by the technical crew of the Flying Eagles led by Aliyu Zubairu proved to be a master stroke strategy, as the former Golden Eagles rose to the occassion to save two penalty kicks from Egypt, while his teammates were very clinical scoring all the four penalty kicks to make sure that Nigeria did not leave Egypy empty- handed.

Abubakar demonstrated strong composture and confidence to deny Egypt despite the noise coming from their fans to distract him.

It was the fifth time the Flying Eagles will be winning bronze medal at the AFCON U 20 tournament. Nigeria is seventh time winners of the tournament and came second twice.

Share on Facebook

Sports

Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Congratulates Oguntimehin On Election As Fct Swan Chairman

Published

19 hours ago

November 12, 2026

The Gleamer

The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Association (NVRA) has congratulated Tolu Oguntimehin on his election as Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.

NVRA described his emergence as an opportunity to strengthen sports journalism and advance the welfare of members.

Oguntimehin emerged victorious at the FCT SWAN elective congress held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, defeating his challenger, Raphael Ekpang, by 88 votes to four.

In a congratulatory message, the Chairman of Nigeria Volleyball Reporters, Alhaji Ganiyu Oloyede described the election outcome as a testament to the confidence reposed in Oguntimehin by members of the association.

Oloyede expressed optimism that the new chairman would bring purposeful leadership, inclusiveness and renewed commitment to the development of sports journalism in the FCT.

He stressed that the responsibility of leading the association goes beyond occupying an office.

Oloyede noted that the new administration must prioritise members’ welfare, professional development, unity and the protection of their collective interests.

The NVR chairman also challenged the incoming leadership to create an enabling environment where sports journalists can thrive professionally, gain greater access to sporting events and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigerian sports.

He particularly welcomed Oguntimehin’s commitment to establishing a ₦200 million financial base for the association, describing the proposed initiative as an ambitious step towards building a financially stronger and more sustainable SWAN FCT.

Oloyede further emphasised the importance of collaboration among sports journalists, sports federations, government institutions and other stakeholders, maintaining that stronger partnerships would create more opportunities for members and improve the quality of sports reporting.

He urged the new executive to embrace transparency, accountability and open communication while ensuring that every member feels represented in the administration.

The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters reaffirmed its readiness to work with the new SWAN FCT leadership in promoting sports journalism, strengthening professional relationships and projecting Nigerian sports positively.

Share on Facebook