Sports
Kunle Soname: Redefining Sports Administration and Philanthropy in Nigeria
By Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi
In Nigeria, football isn’t just a game; it’s a way of life, a collective dream, and a source of national pride. But for every child who dreams of becoming a football star, there’s an unspoken need for a system that can nurture that talent. That’s where a visionary leader like Kunle Soname comes in.
He’s not just a businessman or a sports investor; he’s a true champion of change who has dedicated himself to building a brighter future for countless Nigerians.
Soname’s story is one of determination and success. He founded Bet9ja, one of Nigeria’s leading betting platforms, and also the airline ValueJet. But he hasn’t just built a business empire; he’s used his success to give back to the community, proving that profit and purpose can go hand in hand.
His investments in sports, particularly football, have become a beacon of hope for many young athletes. He is the owner of the Nigerian football club, Remo Stars, and also has a stake in the Portuguese team, C.D. Feirense.
In May 2025, Soname’s vision for Nigerian football reached a monumental milestone. Remo Stars won the Nigerian Premier Football League title, making history as the first privately-owned club to achieve this incredible feat.
This wasn’t just a victory for the team; it was a statement to the world that with dedication and the right resources, private clubs can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the traditional government-backed teams.
For Soname, this win was the culmination of years of hard work and a powerful testament to his belief in the potential of Nigerian football. It showed every young boy and girl that it’s possible to build a career in the sport right here at home and chase their dreams.
Soname’s impact extends far beyond the football pitch. Through the Bet9ja Foundation, he has become a powerful advocate for women, girls, and marginalised communities.
The foundation has transformed lives by providing scholarships to young girls, offering vocational training for women, and promoting sports initiatives that encourage female participation. It has also helped improve access to healthcare in underserved communities and has partnered with organisations to support education for those who need it most.
In a country where opportunities can be scarce, Kunle Soname has built a legacy not just through his businesses but through his profound commitment to people.
He has shown that true success is measured not by wealth but by the positive change you create in the lives of others. By investing in young athletes, empowering women, and supporting those in need, he has made a ripple effect of hope and opportunity throughout Nigeria.
His work is a reminder that when you build with others in mind, you can truly change the world.
Arabinrin Aderonke is a former sports administrator, former sports editor, and sports for development consultant. She writes from Abuja.
Contact@arabinrinaderonke.com
Sports
AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja
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.
.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
