Sports
From London to Abuja: Mikel Arteta and Bunmi Haruna Share a Vision of Resilience and Tactical Innovation
Arsenal FC of London and Abuja-based FWC Champions FC share a compelling narrative of resilience and ambition. Both teams have faced challenges in their pursuit of titles: Arsenal has been without an EPL trophy for over two decades, while FWC FC has not secured a major title in nearly seven years.
In the wake of recent struggles, Arsenal boldly appointed former player Mikel Arteta in 2019, and in 2024, FWC FC took a decisive step by introducing the dynamic young coach Bunmi Haruna, a former assistant coach for Nigeria’s U-17 team. Both are passionate about their craft, with Arteta born in Spain in 1982 and Haruna just a year younger.
Reflecting on his first year, Haruna hailed it as both demanding and transformative. He successfully guided his team through an unbeaten league season, bringing them back into the conversation for top-tier contention. While they experienced a setback in the promotion playoff, losing on penalties, their captivating style of play has garnered a growing fanbase, especially in Jos. Additionally, the club celebrated its triumph in the FCT Pre-season Tournament, marking its first trophy in five years.
Looking ahead, FWC FC has set ambitious goals for itself, targeting promotion to the NNL and a state FA Cup victory by 2025. Haruna is dedicated to developing players for European opportunities and building a robust scouting network to help African talents make their mark in top-tier football. He envisions a future where players can secure positions with prestigious clubs like Barcelona and Chelsea by 2025.
“Our targets are clear: promotion to the NNL and the state FA Cup. I am committed to helping young talents in Africa achieve their dreams of playing for elite European clubs through my scouting network.
“I’m also among the few Nigeria-based coaches proficient in the latest video analysis software to dissect football games.
“I look forward to applying this expertise to continental teams and our national squad in the coming year,” said coach Bunmi Haruna.
Haruna expressed his admiration for Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta and his innovative set-piece routines. Impressively, over half of FWC FC’s goals in the NLO 1 Super 8 came from set pieces—tactics he mastered alongside Nigeria’s top youth team coaches.
“Set pieces are vital in modern football. I watch numerous Arsenal matches—not to imitate but to understand the strategic principles behind their offensive and defensive play, particularly during set pieces.
“I have learned immensely from working alongside Nigeria’s youth team coaches, including Manu Garba, Nduka Ugbade, Emmanuel Amunike, and Haruna Ilerika. They emphasize the impact of set pieces, which can shift the game’s dynamics in your favor, even when the team isn’t at its best,” Haruna concluded confidently.
Sports
Vipers VC celebrate captain Esther Mbah on birthday
Cyril Ogar
Vipers Volleyball Club have felicitated with their captain, Esther Mbah on the occasion of her birthday.
In a statement signed by the Vipers VC Team Manager, Suraj Abiodun Jabar; the club described Mbah as a leader who has consistently demonstrated excellence both on and off the court.
The statement also praised the Nigerian international for her valuable contributions to the club.
The statement mentioned her role in guiding Vipers to a second-place finish at the 2026 CAVB Zone 3 Club Championship in Ghana.
It read: “The management of Vipers Volleyball Club wants to celebrate Esther Mbah on the occasion of her birthday.
“She has been an asset to Vipers since joining the club, demonstrating outstanding commitment, dedication and leadership.
“Her contributions to the growth and success of the team have been invaluable.
“We appreciate her efforts, professionalism and the positive influence she continues to have on her teammates. We wish her more successful years ahead, good health and greater achievements.”
The club concluded its birthday message by wishing the experienced player continued success as she leads the team towards achieving more honours.
Beyond her achievements at club level, Mbah won a bronze medal for Nigeria at the 2024 African Games in Ghana, further establishing herself as one of the country’s accomplished volleyball players.
She has also secured qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, adding another milestone to her growing career.
In their separate messages, board members of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, James Datuhun and Chinedu Onikeku (OLY) as well as Coordinator of Vipers VC, Samuel Onikeku wished the Nigeria international a glamorous birthday.
They hailed Esther Mbah for exhibiting a high level of leadership trait since joining the team.
The stakeholders prayed for good health and ultimately success as she prepares for the Beach Volleyball event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
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