Sports

Protesting Akwa Utd Fans Seek Boboye’s Sack After Home Draw With Sunshine Stars

Published

3 years ago

January 24, 2022

Angry fans of Akwa United Football Club of Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, were at the weekend were restrained by security officials from attacking the Head Coach, Kennedy Boboye, soon after the centre referee, Ahmed Rabiu, from Kano state blew the final whistle, signalling the end of the week eight encounter with Sunshine Stars of Akure, which ended in a barren draw at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium (Nest of Champions) on Sunday.

With only 11 points from eight matches, the reigning Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions failed to give the anxious fans something to cheer, as the Akure Stars punctured all attempts at goal, forcing angry verbal missiles against Boboye.

“It is time for Boboye to go”, Effiong Bassey, who was prevented from invading the pitch to attack the coach, roared.

“We will beat him today”, “Boboye must go”, “It is time for him to leave Akwa United”, several other fans, restrained by security officials thundered from the terrace.

“How can a coach desirous of winning a crucial home game failed to show any sort of enthusiasm by gingering the players and dishing out instruction from the sideline?

“But in this case, Boboye just sat down and was fiddling his phone as the game was still on, while his opponent, the Head Coach of Sunshine Stars, Deji Ayeni, was running and dishing out instructions, motivating his players to do more; I thinks it is time for him to go”, a senior management official of Akwa United, who would not want his name in print told Newsmen”.

However, at the post-mach interview, Boboye escaped, leaving his assistant, Abdullahi Umar, to address Journalists, who pleaded with the home fans to suppress their emotions as the coaching crew was still trying to re-jig the squad with the arrival of new players.

The highly elated Ayeni, was full of praises for his boys for what he called proper interpretation and implementation of his tactical approach to the game on the field of play.

“The away draw is good for us; the boys were good and the tactical formation was followed. We studied the style of play of our opponent and we approach every game as they come. We don’t believe in big name players.”

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Sports

Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju Emerges NAWIS Representative on AFN Board

Published

3 hours ago

June 9, 2025

The Gleamer

By Joel Ajayi

Renowned former Nigerian sprinter Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju has been elected as the Nigeria Association for Women in Sports (NAWIS) representative on the board of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

Her emergence followed a transparent electoral process conducted by NAWIS on Monday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. Olukoju secured 30 votes out of 45, defeating her sole opponent, Dr. Nneka Anibeze, who polled 15 votes.

The election aligns with the revised AFN constitution, which reserves a dedicated seat on the board for a women-in-sports representative.

A trailblazer in Nigerian athletics, Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju brings a wealth of experience to her new role. A former Olympian and African champion, she is best remembered for her record-breaking performances in the 400 metres and her pivotal role in Nigeria’s relay teams during the 1990s.

Her appointment is expected to bolster advocacy for gender inclusion, athlete welfare, and grassroots development within the federation.

In her acceptance speech, Olukoju expressed heartfelt gratitude for the trust placed in her by NAWIS members, pledging to work tirelessly to promote the interests of women in sports.

“Once again, I want to thank our founder and the NAWIS EXCO leadership. Leadership isn’t about how far you advance yourself—it’s about how far you can advance others,” she said.“If you’re not passing on what you’ve learned and experienced to those you lead, you’re not setting yourself up for lasting success. Leaders are meant to serve others.”

She also emphasized her readiness to take on the responsibility, regardless of her location.

“Thank God I have good health and stamina. I’m ready to contribute positively to the growth of sports in Nigeria, especially women in sports.

“Let me remind you that I have always answered the call to serve Nigeria, no matter where I lived at the time.

“I am ready to serve again in this new capacity, and distance will never stand in the way. I will always be physically present to carry out this great responsibility whenever necessary.”

With her appointment, Fatimah Yusuf Olukoju is set to be a powerful voice on the AFN board—representing women, championing development, and shaping a stronger future for Nigerian athletics.

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