Sports

Kogi Community Keys Into FIFA’s Initiative As 12 Teams Battle For Unity Cup

Published

2 years ago

December 4, 2023

By Salifu Usman, Abuja

In a bold move to discover and groom young talents in line with FIFA’s grassroots developmental initiative, Oganenigu Unity Cup has kicked off in Oganenigu, Dekina local government area of Kogi State.

The community-based unity tournament which was flagged off during the weekend with the opening match between Odolu-Efu FC and Ajachaga FC in Odolu-Efu will climax on December 27, 2023, with 12 teams from the community battling for Honours.
The chairman of the local organizing committee, Comrade Abel Baba, said the tournament designed to create peaceful coexistence, unity, and patriotism among people of the community is also aimed at creating job opportunities for the teeming youth and eliminating youth restiveness using the instrumentality of football.

“Sport is a unifying factor that binds people together irrespective of their ethnic and religious inclination. As a group, we are committed to the development of sports and we will continue to use it to create jobs and engage the youths for peace and unity in this era of security challenges.”

On his part, the deputy chairman of the organizing committee and former Kogi State House of Assembly aspirant, Hon.Prophet Akache Abimaje, said the committee hopes to use the tournament to spot budding talents to assist them grow in their football career. “This is the first time the community is organizing such a football competition.”

The systematic promotion of grassroots football has always been one of FIFA’s priorities to bring football to as many people as possible, thus addressing one of the world body’s missions: “to develop the game”.

It is on bases that expertises and enthusiasts alike are excited that the Oganenigu Unity Cup is a driving force for the development and empowerment of teeming youths.

The first match saw Odolu-Efu wallop Ajachaga 3-0 just as Aloko FC thrash arch-rivals Ugbabo 2-0 in the second match of Day 1.

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Sports

From Streets to Stardom: Unique Futbol Academy Scouting Program Inspires Ibadan’s Young Footballers

Published

14 mins ago

November 4, 2025

The Gleamer

Ibadan is buzzing with excitement as the Unique Football Academy Scouting Program kicks off, bringing together top European football clubs and talented young Nigerian players.

The four-day program, which commenced on Monday, features a delegation of four directors from prominent European teams, including two from Kosovo and one from India, led by renowned football agent Diego Martins from Portugal.

The scouting program aims to identify and select outstanding players who will be given opportunities to showcase their skills in Europe.

Successful players will be offered the chance to take their careers to the next level, with the organizers assuring them of opportunities abroad.

According to the Director of the program and founder of Unique Football Academy, Mr. Jelil Oladimeji, this is not the first time the academy has organized such an event.

“This is the 4th edition, and we are proud of the progress and impact we have made so far in terms of exposing our raw talent to the European market,” he said.

The program has already proven successful, with several players from previous editions going on to excel in European leagues. Some notable examples include Haruna Saleh with PAOK in Greece and Praisegod Emersons in Slovakia.

As the program continues, clubs are gearing up to exhibit their talents, and the future looks bright for Nigeria’s young football stars.

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