Sports

From Mavlon FC to Finland: The Rising Journey of James Samuel Friday

Published

15 hours ago

March 21, 2025

Joel Ajayi

James Samuel Friday, a promising young goalkeeper from Nigeria, has recently made headlines following his transfer from Mavlon FC to SJK Seinäjoki II in Finland. Born on April 5, 2006, the 18-year-old shot-stopper is already making a name for himself with his impressive performances between the sticks.

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Mavlon FC, a modest Nigerian side known for discovering and nurturing talented footballers beamed their search light on Friday at the cradle when he joined the club as a young boy in 2018. This early recruitment under the ‘catch them young’ policy of Mavlon, underscores the club’s confidence in his talent and highlights Ftiday’s unwavering dedication, which has been instrumental in his development as a promising footballer.

During his time at Mavlon FC, Friday also gained valuable international exposure, participating in the prestigious 73rd and 74th Viareggio Youth Tournaments in Italy. His performances caught the attention of scouts and clubs beyond Nigeria’s borders.

On February 1, 2025, Friday officially joined SJK Seinäjoki II, a Finnish club where he aims to develop further and gain vital experience in a competitive European environment. Prior to this significant move, he was invited by English club Charlton Athletic for a training and development program in London, where he impressed the technical crew and management with his goalkeeping skills.

Internationally, Friday has already represented Nigeria at the U20 level. He made his debut on March 7, 2024, under coach Ladan Bosso, earning his first cap for the national team. Since then, he has remained committed to improving his game and proving himself on bigger stages.

In modern football, where goalkeepers are expected to contribute to team play beyond shot-stopping, Friday excels with his ball-playing abilities. His precise passing allows him to connect with teammates effectively, facilitating quick transitions from defense to attack. Standing tall at 1.95m, he commands his area with authority and provides a strong presence between the posts.

With his talent, work ethic, and the right environment at SJK Seinäjoki II, Friday is poised for a bright future in European football.

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Sports

NNL Chairman Promises Exciting Second Stanza

Published

7 hours ago

March 21, 2025

The Gleamer

The Chairman of the Nigeria National League (NNL) has assured fans and stakeholders of a more competitive and well-organized second stanza of the season.

Speaking on Friday in Abuja at the 2025 Next Level Scouting event, held at the Turf Arena, Central Business District, Aluo emphasized that the league is committed to maintaining high standards.

The scourting event, organized in partnership with USYAK Academy, attracted over 10 scouts from around the world, all keen on discovering future football stars.

Aluo acknowledged that while the first stanza of the league had been successful, the second phase would be more challenging due to increased competition and desperation among clubs.

“We know the second stanza will be more difficult because desperation sets in. That’s why we need to closely monitor matches, ensuring officiating remains as fair and transparent as it was in the first phase. Clubs that deserve to win should win, whether playing at home or away.”

“Like in the first stanza, all our matches will be live on television and streaming platforms. We also want to improve match venues—some of the pitches are not up to standard.We’ve given clubs until the 28th of this month to upgrade their pitches or relocate to better venues because we want matches played in TV-friendly stadiums.”

Aluo praised referees for their efforts in ensuring credible officiating, which has contributed to the league’s growing popularity.

“I want to commend the referees for their job. It may not be 100% perfect, but officiating has been very good.

“Fans have also been wonderful, and their enthusiasm is attracting more people to NNL matches. We’re seeing crowds at NNL games almost as much as in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). That’s a great sign for our growth.”

Regarding the NNL Super 8, Aluo confirmed that while the venue is yet to be finalized, it will be announced before the end of the league season: “We’re happy with the progress of the league, and we believe the second stanza will be even better. As for the Super 8, the venue will be announced before the league concludes.”

He also expressed gratitude to the media for their role in promoting the league’s positive image: “I want to thank the media for their unwavering support. They have been instrumental in driving the league forward, and with their continued backing, we will take the NNL to the next level.”

With these assurances, fans can look forward to a thrilling and competitive second stanza, as teams battle for promotion, relegation and a place in the NNL Super 8.

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