Sports
Nigerian football legends, Kanu, Ikpeba back NNL revival
Two of Nigeria’s football greats, Kanu Nwankwo and Victor Ikpeba, have thrown their weight behind the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian National League (NNL), praising the quality of play and leadership at the second-tier level of Nigerian football.
Ikpeba was present at the Mobolaji Bank Anthony Stadium in Onikan, Lagos, on Sunday to witness a thrilling Match Day 15 encounter between Smart City FC and Warri Wolves, which ended in a 1–1 draw. The result brightened the chances of Warri Wolves’ qualification for the NNL Super Eight, the final playoff round of the league.
Kanu, the Chairman of Enyimba International FC, Nigeria’s most decorated football club, on his part expressed his excitement at the level of competition and performance of teams in NNL.
“There is great hope for Nigerian football from what I am seeing in the NNL. I have seen some of the games of the on going season. What I have seen is encouraging. These players are hungry, talented, and just need the right platform,” Kanu said.
Victor Ikpeba, 1997 CAF African Footballer of the Year, also commended the league’s progress under its current leadership.
“The standard of play is good and the league is very competitive. I look forward to attending the NNL Super Eight.”
Kanu and Ikpeba—winners of the CAF African Footballer of the Year in 1996 & 1999 and 1997 respectively—are among a growing list of ex-professionals lending support to Nigeria’s domestic football ecosystem.
Their presence and endorsements are expected to boost the league’s visibility and attract further attention to grassroots and developmental football across the country.
Sports
From Streets to Stardom: Unique Futbol Academy Scouting Program Inspires Ibadan’s Young Footballers
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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