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
Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Congratulates Oguntimehin On Election As Fct Swan Chairman
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters Association (NVRA) has congratulated Tolu Oguntimehin on his election as Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.
NVRA described his emergence as an opportunity to strengthen sports journalism and advance the welfare of members.
Oguntimehin emerged victorious at the FCT SWAN elective congress held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, defeating his challenger, Raphael Ekpang, by 88 votes to four.
In a congratulatory message, the Chairman of Nigeria Volleyball Reporters, Alhaji Ganiyu Oloyede described the election outcome as a testament to the confidence reposed in Oguntimehin by members of the association.
Oloyede expressed optimism that the new chairman would bring purposeful leadership, inclusiveness and renewed commitment to the development of sports journalism in the FCT.
He stressed that the responsibility of leading the association goes beyond occupying an office.
Oloyede noted that the new administration must prioritise members’ welfare, professional development, unity and the protection of their collective interests.
The NVR chairman also challenged the incoming leadership to create an enabling environment where sports journalists can thrive professionally, gain greater access to sporting events and contribute meaningfully to the growth of Nigerian sports.
He particularly welcomed Oguntimehin’s commitment to establishing a ₦200 million financial base for the association, describing the proposed initiative as an ambitious step towards building a financially stronger and more sustainable SWAN FCT.
Oloyede further emphasised the importance of collaboration among sports journalists, sports federations, government institutions and other stakeholders, maintaining that stronger partnerships would create more opportunities for members and improve the quality of sports reporting.
He urged the new executive to embrace transparency, accountability and open communication while ensuring that every member feels represented in the administration.
The Nigeria Volleyball Reporters reaffirmed its readiness to work with the new SWAN FCT leadership in promoting sports journalism, strengthening professional relationships and projecting Nigerian sports positively.
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