Sports
Water FC CEO Makanjuola Nureni, Kogi Governor Usman Ododo, Youth Minister Olawande, others Named Among 100 Most Influential Nigerians
Joel Ajayi
For nearly three decades, Makanjuola Nureni—fondly known as “Muala” (meaning let’s make it together)—has quietly dedicated himself to grassroots football development in Nigeria. Working behind the scenes, he has helped young talents hone their skills, guided them toward national recognition, and offered them a pathway out of poverty, all while instilling discipline and strong moral values.
Though his efforts have gone largely unnoticed in the public eye, many of the players he has nurtured have gone on to represent Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup, the Africa Cup of Nations, and various youth competitions across the globe.
However, on June 20, 2025, Nureni finally received long-overdue recognition as he was honoured as one of the 100 Most Influential Progressive Nigerians, an award organized by Progressive Media. His name appeared alongside other prominent national figures including the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Usman Ododo; Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande; and the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos.
Speaking after receiving the award, Nureni praised the organizers for a well-coordinated event and the impressive turnout of awardees.
“I’m really impressed with the organization and, most importantly, with the large turnout of awardees. It takes a lot to pull off an event of this scale, and the organizers did an excellent job,” he said.
“As for the award itself—it came as a complete surprise. I didn’t see it coming. But when I got the call, I felt grateful. This recognition means a lot to me and to everyone working tirelessly to transform grassroots football in Nigeria and create life-changing opportunities for young Nigerians.”
His daughter,Oil of God Oluwanifemi Makanjuola who accompanied him alongside other family members and friends, also shared her thoughts on the recognition.
“This is long overdue. My dad has done so much for the game at the grassroots level. To see him finally get this kind of recognition is massive—not just for him, but for all the years of hard work and sacrifice he’s put in.”
The award marks a significant milestone in Makanjuola Nureni’s lifelong mission to use football as a tool for national development and youth empowerment.
Sports
From Boardroom To Battlefield: Corporate Giants Trade Deals For Goals As Third Edition Of Corporate Stars League Kicks Off
Joel Ajayi
Ten corporate giants are preparing to swap boardroom meetings, spreadsheets and strategy decks for football boots, tactical battles and bragging rights as the Corporate Stars League returns with a promise of fierce competition, corporate networking and business deals that could extend beyond the touchline.
For five weekends, beginning Saturday, October 24, 2026, participating organisations will battle for supremacy on the pitch, where boardroom influence counts for little without teamwork, skill, determination and the ability to find the back of the net.
This year, new contenders have thrown their hats into the ring, hoping to dethrone defending champions Norrenberger and prevent them from making it back-to-back titles.
But Norrenberger are not surrendering their crown without a fight. Their representative, Victor Olamide Mattews, insists the champions are ready to defend their title, warning challengers that stopping them will be no easy task.
The company’s ambition to simplify wealth creation and champion inclusive financial solutions appears to extend beyond the financial market, with the champions eager to establish their dominance on the football pitch as well.
Telecommunications giant MTN, whose slogan is “Everywhere You Go,” will also be looking to make a stronger impression after falling short last season. Their representative, Abubakar Bako says the team is returning with renewed determination, hoping to improve its performance and ensure that this time, its presence is felt across the competition.
The Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) is also taking its reach beyond financial statements and revenue collection to test its strength on the pitch. But whether its reform-driven approach can translate into football success remains another ball game entirely.
Meanwhile, the representative of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (PI-CNG & EV), David Idakwo, says although this is the organisation’s first appearance in the competition, the team is ready to learn and challenge established conventions.
Similarly, Hassan Haruna of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) says the organisation hopes to translate its financial discipline into tactical precision, sound decision-making and a winning performance on the pitch.
Then comes Beer and Barn, ready to bring its own flavour to the contest. Beyond the football, the hospitality brand offers grilled pub meals, shawarma, live-band performances and energetic DJ nights. Its representatives will hope to make their presence felt on the pitch as much as they do in the entertainment and hospitality scene.
However, the competition is not just about goals, celebrations and corporate bragging rights. With the Nigeria Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), the Pension Commission (PenCom) and Jaiz Bank also among the participating organisations, the banter is already gathering momentum.
From playful jibes about power supply and infrastructure to pension benefits, investment decisions and corporate expansion, the pre-tournament exchanges have added another layer of excitement to a competition where professional rivalries will temporarily give way to football banter.
But when the whistle blows, the real talking will have to be done with the ball. Every misplaced pass, missed chance and defensive lapse could prove costly, while a moment of brilliance could separate champions from challengers.
Speaking after the draws and unveiling of the teams, 5Stars Operations Manager, Misal Dikko, said this year’s edition promises a higher level of competition, with more participating teams and increased expectations from corporate management.
“We are going to have an interesting competition, especially with the number of participating teams and the level of expectations from management. They have shown they are ready to put their money where their mouth is by supporting their teams with all the necessary logistics,” Dikko said.
With ten corporate teams preparing to battle over five weekends, the Corporate Stars League promises more than football. It is a meeting point for competition, camaraderie, networking and business opportunities.
For the defending champions, the mission is to protect their crown. For the challengers, it is a chance to rewrite the story. And for every team, the ultimate objective is clear: turn corporate ambition into football glory.
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