Dynamo FC Clinches ARABI Unity Cup in Thrilling Penalty Shootout

The ARABI Unity Cup has concluded with a celebration of football and community spirit, drawing together players, officials, and supporters in a vibrant showcase of local talent. 

Dynamo FC emerged as champions after a nail-biting penalty shootout against OJB FC on December 22, 2024. The match ended in a 1-1 deadlock after regulation time, pushing the decision to penalties where Dynamo FC triumphed with a close 10-9 score, In the battle for the bronze, Igede FC showcased a masterclass performance against Afao FC, clinching a decisive 3-0 victory.

In his address, the Chief Organizer, Rotimi Arabi expressed immense delight with the collaborative effort that made the event possible. "I’m highly delighted that the effort without the stakeholders, ranging from the players, the technical officials, the LOC chairman, the chief organizer, and of course the family," he stated. 

The competition, he emphasized, is more than just for entertainment; it's a platform to scout and nurture football talents for Irepodun/Ifelodun LFC, Ekiti State, and potentially on a global stage. "The purpose of the competition is not just for fun, it’s to harness talents for Irepodun/Ifelodun LFC and Ekiti State, Nigeria and globally, the competition will still keep the feat in our next edition," he added.

Gratitude was extended to various dignitaries and organizations that supported the event. Government officials, including representatives from the Sports Commission and the State Governor, were acknowledged for their support. The Chief Organizer also thanked the Sports Writers Association of Ekiti State Chapter and the National Sports Writers for their coverage and promotion of the event. Special appreciation was given to Mr. Tayo Gbolan Adeyemo, the Chief Executive of Wonderland, for his contributions.

The ARABI Unity Cup also served as a testament to community support in sports. The organizer praised the leadership of Temitope Olaifa at Irepodun/Ifelodun LFC and assured continued financial backing for the competition. He also recognized key figures in Ekiti's football scene, including Taiwo Odebunmi, known as the father of football in Ekiti State, and both the current and former chairmen of the Ekiti State Football Association, Aare Oloworemo and Bayo Olanlege, respectively.

Rangers' Rise to Prominence: Usman Credits Ilechukwu's Tactical Genius

Bashiru Usman, a forward for Rangers Int'l FC of Enugu, has praised head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu for the team's current form.

Usman told https://www.sportsboom.com/football/ in a telephone conversation that Ilechukwu's influence has been instrumental to their success, both on and off the pitch. "The wealth of experience and expertise he has brought to the team as clearly had a positive impact on our team's performance."

For Bashiru Usman, Rangers Int'l FC has fostered a strong sense of camaraderie and togetherness among players, coaches, and staff. This family bond has created a positive and supportive team environment, where every individual feels valued and encouraged to give their best.

"We're more than just a team – we're a family. "Our unity and togetherness have been instrumental in our success, both on and off the pitch," He stated.

"The team environment is built on a sense of belonging, where every player feels part of a cohesive unit. This sense of belonging translates to a strong work ethic, dedication, and commitment to the team's goals.

"Our players know that they're part of something bigger than themselves. "We're not just playing for personal glory; we're playing for the team, for the fans, and for the pride of wearing the Rangers jersey."

He added: "Our unity and togetherness have become the hallmark of our team's identity. The team's success is a testament to the power of teamwork, and a shared vision."

According to Usman, Ilechukwu's exceptional leadership qualities have created a positive and inclusive team culture."Great personality, love, and effective communication," Usman said. "The coach-player relationship is good; he takes everyone along."

Usman said Ilechukwu's ability to communicate effectively with his players has empowered them to take ownership of their performances and work together towards a common goal. By instilling good values in every department, he has created a sustainable culture of excellence that will continue to yield result for Rangers.

Despite Fidelis Ilechukwu absence from the team on national assignment, the forward opined that his philosophy is not something to be compared with.

"The fact that Rangers continues to thrive even in Ilechukwu's absence is a testament to the strong foundation he has built.

"His commitment to building a positive team culture and his ability to inspire and motivate his players have created a winning formula that will undoubtedly continue to yield result for Rangers."

Asked what values has Fidelis Ilechukwu brought to the Rangers squad, and how have these values impacted the team's performance?, Usman replied: "He has brought a plethora of values that have revolutionized the team's performance.

"Ilechukwu's emphasis on discipline has permeated every aspect of the team's operations. From punctuality to training sessions, the coach demands the highest level of professionalism from his players.

"He has managed the team professionally which has created a cohesive unit. His leadership style has fostered an environment where players feel valued, supported, and motivated to perform at their best."

Usman continued: "His dedication to the team's success is unparalleled, tireless work ethic and commitment to excellence have rubbed off on us. We are now more focused and driven than ever.

"The motivational skills are second to none. Ilechukwu knows exactly how to inspire his players, both on and off the pitch. His ability to motivate his players, even after games, has been instrumental in maintaining their confidence and momentum," He stated.

"Rangers' quest to retain the league title won't be a walk in the park with Remo Stars and Rivers United pushing hard. "All will we need is to be at the top of our game in every match to stay ahead of the pack.

"We need to keep our focus, be consistent, and strategic in our approach to retain the league title."

Rangers lost to Sagrada Esperança in the second preliminary round 3-2 on aggregate  marked a premature end to thier continental campaign.

Usman expressed his disappointment over his sides' early exit from the CAF Champions League. "It was a painful loss to me but I believe we have potential to excel in continental competitions. We've learnt a lot of lessons from this experience."

The Road to Recovery: Olisa Ndah Opens Up About His Injury Journey

Super Eagles and Orlando Pirates of South Africa defender, Olisa Ndah recounts  the emotional turmoil he experienced in the aftermath of the injury that has kept him out of action for months. 

The Nigeria international suffered a tibia fracture in a 3-0 victory against Polokwane City FC in the league on September 24.

Ndah has been one of the key players for the Sea Robbers in the current 2024-25 campaign, leading from the back and has made nine appearances in all competitions and helped the Bucs to six clean sheet.

The talented footballer was riding high, enjoying a successful stint with his club and even earning a call-up to the Super Eagles. But then disaster struck, and Ndah found himself struggling to come to terms with a debilitating injury.

"Mentally, it's been really affecting me," Ndah admits, reflecting on the emotional toll of his injury. "I was in a great place, performing well for my club and earning a call-up to the Super Eagles. It was an incredible moment for me, but the injury really messed me up mentally."

Despite the setbacks, Ndah remains determined to bounce back stronger. He's working tirelessly to rehabilitate his injury, and his positive attitude is inspiring.

"At this point, I'm trying to stay positive and focus on my recovery," Ndah explains. "I'm doing everything I can to recover well and get back to my best. It's not easy, but I'm determined to overcome this challenge and come back even stronger.

"I'm currently working on my recovery and rehabilitation. While I'm unable to provide an exact return date at this time, I'm hopeful that it will be as soon as possible. I'm staying focused and committed to my comeback, and I appreciate the support and patience of my fans and loved ones," Ndah stated.

"From Glory To Decline: The NPFL's Slip Down The Rankings"

Former Nigeria international and Beach Soccer Eagles captain Isiaka Olawale has attributed Nigeria' League decline in recent year's to numerous factors.

Olawale said lack of financial support, poor infrastructure, mismanagement, inadequate marketing promotion, and youth development were the bane of the league.

According to International Federation of Football History and Statistics, IFFHS at the beginning of 2024-25 League season, statistics showed the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL is ranked 7th in Africa and 77th in the World, while Egyptian League tops in Africa and rated 20th globally.

Olawale believed that the Nigeria Premier Football League should've continued to climb the leader and not regression. "In 2012, the Nigeria Premier League was rated the best league in Africa and today reverse is the case. It clear to say a lot has gone wrong with our football, Olawale told https://www.sportsboom.com/football/

"The NPFL has lost its soul. The passion, the excitement, the competition - it's all gone. Now, it's just about the money," Olawale stated.

"I remember when we played, we didn't have all the fancy facilities and equipment, but we had heart. We played for the love of the game, not just for the money."

The former Lobi Stars player said he is not surprised that our national teams are struggling. "When the foundation is weak, the entire structure will collapse. We need to fix our domestic league before we can expect to compete with the best in the world."

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has a crucial role to play in revitalizing the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL). However, according to Olawale, the NFF's inaction has contributed significantly to the league's decline.

"The NFF has abandoned the NPFL to suffer. They're more interested in the national teams and international competitions, forgetting that the NPFL is the foundation of Nigerian football.

"The NFF has not provided sufficient financial support to the NPFL. Clubs are struggling to pay players' salaries, and it's affecting the quality of the league," He stated.

"They have not done enough to improve the organization and management of the league. Scheduling, refereeing, and marketing are all areas that need improvement.

"We have heard about issues of corruption and match-fixing but the NFF has not taken a strong stance against corruption and match-fixing. It's a cancer that's eating away at the league, and if it's not addressed, it will destroy the NPFL."

The former Beach Eagles captain said the decline of the NPFL has had a ripple effect on Nigeria's teams in CAF continental competitions.

"Our teams are no longer competitive in CAF competitions. We're not just talking about winning trophies, we're talking about being able to hold our own against the best teams on the continent," he stated.

"Our teams are not prepared for the challenges of CAF competitions. We don't have the same level of organization, the same level of coaching, or the same level of player development as other top teams on the continent.

"The quality of our players has also declined. We're not producing the same caliber of players that we used to. Our players are not as skilled, not as fit, and not as dedicated as they used to be.

"Some of our coaches are also not as experienced or as skilled as they used to be. We're not seeing the same level of tactical acumen, the same level of game management, or the same level of player motivation."

He further said the infrastructure and logistics are also not up to par. We're not providing our teams with the same level of support, the same level of resources, or the same level of infrastructure as other top teams on the continent."

Olawale said the Egyptian League's rise to the top of African football ranking 20th globally, offers valuable lessons for other leagues, including the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).

"We need to go back to the basics and study the model adopted by the Egyptian League and how it rose to the top in Africa. "The NPFL was once there but we need to study the current trends in modernizing our football to compete with the best leagues globally.

"Our football can not remain like this because it is not enhancing our league growth and reputation," he explained.

As a seasoned player in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and former captain of the Beach Soccer Eagles, Olawale offered expert analysis on the league's strengths and weaknesses.

"There is need to enhance the Nigeria Premier Football League board (NPFL) organizational structure and communication with clubs and stakeholders and implementing sustainable funding models, attract new sponsors, and increase investors' support for the league." He stated.

Olawale added: "The necessity to invest in modernizing stadiums, training facilities, and other infrastructure to elevate the league's overall quality is of importance and strengthen youth development programs, increase investment in grassroots football, and provide opportunities for young players to compete at the highest level.

"We can’t rule out a transparent, accountable, and effective governance within the league board and NPFL clubs."

Olawale said the NPFL has potential to become one of the top leagues in Africa but it requires a collective effort from all stakeholders.

"To regain its former glory, the NPFL must address these challenges and capitalize on opportunities and provide a platform for Nigerian footballers to thrive."

MOB UNITY CUP EXCITEMENT BUILDS: Preliminary Matches Wrap Up, State-Level Competition Set to Kick Off

The MOB Unity Cup preliminary matches have reached a thrilling conclusion, with several local government areas crowning their champions and securing spots in the Unity Cup proper. 

With over 57 matches played already, the tournament has seen an impressive 5,500 youths participate, including coaches and players, and is set to heat up as the best teams from each local government area face off.

United Queens Emerge Victorious in Ekiti West

In Ekiti West, United Queens Ile ona emerged victorious in the female final, defeating Alara Queens 1-0. The match, which was played in front of a packed stadium, saw both teams display impressive skills and determination. However, it was United Queens ile one who ultimately emerged victorious, thanks to a solitary goal.

Covenant FC secured third place in the male category, while Alara FC came 1st Mom FC 2nd. The male category has been highly competitive, with several teams displaying impressive skills and determination.

State-Level Competition Takes Shape

The state-level competition will bring together two representatives from each local government area, with two female and two male teams competing. The finals in Irepodun/Ifelodun, ijero,Ekiti west and Efon Local Government have already been concluded, and the winners will proceed to the state-level competition.

Qualified Teams Announced

The following teams have qualified for the tournament, moving on from the preliminaries:

- Irepodun/Ifelodun:

-  Eksu Galaticus, Samba FC

- Ekiti West: Alara FC, Mom FC

- Ijero Local Government: Wisdom Academy, Ijero United

- Efon Local Government: Isaja FC, Obalu FC

- Ado Centre: Leo FC, De Light Football Academy

The following teams have qualified for the ladies category:

- Irepodun/Ifelodun: V.O.A Queens Iyin ekiti, Ajakaiye Memorial Queens

- Ado: De Light Queens, Golden Queens

- Ekiti Central Constituency 1: Ile Ona Queens, Alara Queens

Ado LG Semi-Finals Thriller

In the Ado semi-finals, Copdem played out a 1-1 draw against LEO FC, but LEO FC edged out their opponents via penalties to secure a spot in the finals. The match, which was played in front of a packed stadium, saw both teams display impressive skills and determination.

In another semi-final match, Delight FA won 2-1 against Pariola FC. The match was highly competitive, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. However, it was Delight FA who ultimately emerged victorious, thanks to two well-taken goals.

The MOB Unity Cup is set to continue with more exciting matches, and fans can expect a thrilling conclusion to the tournament. The state-level competition promises to be highly competitive, with the best teams from each local government area facing off.

DYNAMO FC SETS THE PACE WITH 3-0 THRASHING OF IGEDE FC IN ARABI UNITY CUP 2024 OPENER

The ARABI Unity Cup 2024 kicked off in style today, with Dynamo FC delivering a resounding 3-0 victory over Igede FC in the opening match. 

The highly anticipated tournament, which promises to showcase the best of local football talent in Irepodun/Ifelodun, got off to a thrilling start at the packed stadium.

Dynamo FC, dominated the match from start to finish, with their trio of goalscorers - Olalekan, Atoye, and Ayodele (Emmakay) - causing havoc for the Igede FC defense. The team's impressive display of skill, strategy, and teamwork has undoubtedly made them one of the teams to beat in this year's competition.

The match, which was attended by a large and enthusiastic crowd, was played in a lively and sporting spirit. Despite the one-sided scoreline, Igede FC showed flashes of brilliance and promise, and will be looking to bounce back in their next match.

The ARABI Unity Cup 2024 is set to continue over the coming weeks, with a series of exciting matches lined up. Football fans can look forward to thrilling encounters, stunning goals, and plenty of drama as the teams battle it out for the top prize.

Niger Tornadoes' Captain Reveals Secret To Winning League Title

As the Nigeria Premier Football League season heats up, Niger Tornadoes FC captain, Mustapha Aliko believes his team has the prospects of claiming their maiden Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL title.

Speaking exclusively to https://www.sportsboom.com/football/, the former Nigeria International stressed the need for Niger Tornadoes to adopt a more consistent and clinical approach to thier game if they want to win the league title.

"We have shown that we can beat any team in the league but we need to work on our mental toughness and ability to close out games."

When asked about the team chances of winning the league title?, Aliko expressed optimism. "We have a strong squad and a good team spirit," he said. "We've been working hard in training, and I believe we have what it takes to win the league title."

Asked about the strategies he believes the team should adopt to win the league?, His response was succinct and revealing: "Never say die attitude. "When you have a never say die attitude, you can overcome anything," he stated.

Aliko also emphasized the importance of consistency and teamwork in achieving success. "We need to be consistent in our performances and work together as a team," he said. "We also need to be clinical in front of goal and take our chances when they come."

Niger Tornadoes FC have experienced a recent slump in home form, which has seen them drop valuable points. Aliko acknowledged the challenge but expressed confidence that the team can turn things around.

"We've been working on our home form, and I believe we can improve," he stated. "We need to be more clinical in front of goal and defend better as a team. "We need to make our home stadium a fortress.

"We need to create a hostile atmosphere for our opponents and pick up maximum points at home. Our fans have been fantastic, and we need to repay them with more wins at home."

He added: The team needs to stay focused and motivated throughout the season even when things are not going our way. "We (Tornadoes) must believe in ourselves and our abilities, and we need to work together as a team to achieve our goals. We cannot afford to drop points against smaller teams, we need to be more ruthless."

Aliko also identified lack of continuity as a major challenge facing the team. "The problem of Tornadoes is lack of continuity in the team. "We have a new team every season, and it's hard to build a strong team when you have new players coming in every year."

He acknowledged that building team chemistry is a significant challenge, particularly with 80% of the team comprising new players. "We changed players every season, and you can't expect us to gel together in just a few games," he said. "We need time to understand each other's playing style, build trust, and develop a strong team spirit."

MOB UNITY CUP PRELIMINARIES HEAT UP AS FINAL MATCHES APPROACH

The MOB Unity Cup preliminary matches are reaching their climax, with several local government areas concluding their finals and others gearing up for their championship matches.

In the Irepodun/Ifelodun local government area, the male finals saw MOB FC defeat Igede FC 3-0 to claim the top spot, while Samba FC edged out EKSU FC 2-0 to secure second place. Mob fc took home the third-place prize.

Meanwhile, in Ekiti West, united queens emerged victorious in the female final, defeating Alara queens 1-0. In the female category, Covenant FC secured third place, while Alara fc and mom fc  will battle it out for the top two spots.

In Ijero Local Government, the final matches are scheduled to take place on December 6. Teniola FC will face Ultimate FC in the third-place match at 12:45 PM, while Wisdom Academy will take on Ijero United in the final match at 3:45 PM. The female third-place match will feature Wisdom vs Best Leg at 1:45 PM.

The state-level competition will bring together two representatives from each local government area, with two female and two male teams competing. The finals in Irepodun/Ifelodun and Efon Local Government have already been concluded, and the winners will proceed to the state-level competition.

The MOB Unity Cup is a highly anticipated event that promotes unity and sports development among the youth in the state. The competition is expected to produce exciting matches and discover new talents in the world of football.