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ASIWAJU BOLA TINUBU BACKS MIKEL, AS SUPER EAGLES SKIPPER SETS TO RAISE NEXT STARS
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Super Eagles’ skipper, John Mikel Obi at the home of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on Tuesday unfolded his plans that will ensure the production of the country’s next football stars.
NFF 1st Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi lends support as Mikel Obi presents his Nigeria’s Next SuperStar agenda to Asiwaju Tinubu.
The national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who is also known as a committed football fan, not only endorse the project, but also offer an unflinching support.
In attendance was Seyi Akinwunmi, the senior vice president of the Nigeria Football Federation and a passionate grassroots football developer.
Mikel had opened his short presentation telling the APC leader of his humble background.
“I come from the street. I am happy I have been able to overcome challenges and rise to be who I am today. I therefore decided to set up the Mikel Obi Foundation and give back to the street by creating a platform for the less privileged to also rise.
“This is why I have come to seek your blessing.” Asiwaju Tinubu responded with enthusiasm.
“I will say congratulations. I am very proud to receive you. I am a great fan of football, even though I support not your former club, Chelsea.
“You have made this country, Nigeria, proud with your achievements. You have also contributed to the success of others and you are a great symbol of our children.
“I am in total support of your program to help our kids to develop their talents. You will be an inspiration and a mentor to many of them.
“Your efforts are commendable, supportable; I will therefore commit myself to supporting you in any way that you seek.
“You are welcome to this humble home of mine. We will regard you as a family member. Just come in anytime, no formality; just let me know what I can do.
“I have been supporting so many efforts and initiatives like yours especially in the areas of arts, culture and music and in many other areas of talents. I will commit myself to your course”, Asiwaju Tinubu said.
Mikel Obi had spoken about the “Nigeria’s Next Football Superstar” project which seek to raise another generation of footballers in the country.
The Super Eagles had remarked: “After fortunately coming through the rigorous process of the Pepsi Academy in Nigeria, I know first hand how many flames of dreams died along the way. Now, I want to help change that.”
According to him, boys of between 13 and 16 will have to apply to be the next superstar. From the audition and trials, nine boys will be selected.
According to him, the winners will be chosen by top class coaches and scouts.
“The winners will receive two-week training session at a top English club and a chance to earn a year youth team contract.
African teams will battle for the remaining qualification spots for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup this weekend as the final round of qualifiers reaches its climax across the continent.
In Kampala, Ghana will attempt to protect a slender 2-1 first-leg advantage when they face Uganda’s U20 girls away from home.
Cameroon are also in a strong position ahead of their return-leg clash against Tanzania in Dar es Salaam after securing a 3-1 victory in the first meeting.
Meanwhile, Benin will fancy their chances of advancing when they host Côte d’Ivoire following a 1-1 draw in Abidjan.
Nigeria’s Falconets are equally close to qualification after earning a 2-0 first-leg victory over Malawi ahead of Saturday’s decisive encounter in Lilongwe.
The successful teams will join the global field for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland next year.
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The London Marathon broke the record for the highest number of finishers in a marathon, with 59,830 participants completing the course to surpass the mark of 59,226 at last year’s New York City event.
Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe shattered the world record to become the first man to run the marathon in under two hours, followed by Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha, who also breached the two-hour barrier on Sunday.
“To then break the record of the largest number of finishers in the history of marathons underlines the inspirational nature of the London Marathon. We are incredibly proud to have set a new Guinness World Record,” said Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events.
In the women’s race, three women ran under two hours and 16 minutes in a single race for the first time ever, as Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa defended her title by shattering her own women ‘s-only world record
-Reuters
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By George Akpayen
The finish line is now in sight in this season’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), and much of the talk has centred on the title race and those at the other end of the table, which surprisingly include last season’s champions Remo Stars.
However, there is another race shaping up among the leading top scorers this season, and this could see as many as six or more players going head-to-head in the final six matchdays.
Top contenders in the race for the battle for the golden boot are Enugu Rangers’ striker, Godwin Obaje and Ikorodu City winger Joseph Arumala, who have scored 11 goals apiece.
On the tails of the top-two scoring individuals are Victor Mbaoma (Remo Stars), El-Kanemi Warriors midfielder Daddy Abdulrahman, Katsina United’s Uche Collins and Emeka Obioma of Abia Warriors, all on 10 goals each.
THE PERFORMANCE BREAKDOWN
Out of the top-six leading scorers, Obaje, Arumala and Mbaoma have more direct goal involvement. Obaje and Arumala have 11 goals and two assists each, while Mbaoma has 10 goals and assists from 23 appearances, which is the least number of matches featured in among the leading scorers. Mbaoma missed most of the early parts of the season due to bruised ribs.
El-Kanemi Warriors midfielder Abdulrahman has made the most appearances among the top-six scorers and has a 12-goal direct involvement (10 goals + two assists).
Obioma is however, the only top-six scorer who is yet to register an assist this season after 26 appearances for Abia Warriors.
Interestingly, Collins is the only top-six scorer who has netted a hat-trick this season so far.
THE CHASING PACK
There is also the chasing pack in the race for the Golden Boot. One of them is Plateau United winger Temitope Vincent Adebayo, who has scored nine goals. Sodiq Ibrahim (3SC), Enyimba striker Chidera Michael, and Igbunu Evwierhurhoma of Warri Wolves.
The variety of players in the chasing pack also makes the race intriguing as they have been consistent goal scorers in recent matchweeks. They are definitely breathing down the necks of the frontrunners.
There are also the outsiders in the race. Jonathan Mairiga of Wikki Tourists, Chidozie Iwundu (Rangers) and Bendel Insurance duo of Kayode Oke, 3SC’s Qamar Adegoke and Alex Oweilayefa – all on eight goals. On seven goals is Kano Pillars legend Rabiu Ali.
WORTHY MENTION
However, Iwundu deserves a big mention among the top scorers as he is the top-scoring defender. He has made 29 appearances for Rangers and has been booked three times and sent off once.
Iwundu’s goalscoring form from his centre-back role has also been important for his club in their title aspirations this season, and his team will hope his form can continue into the final six matchdays.
No doubt, there will be twists and turns for individual glory in a race that is still wide open. Fixture difficulty, favourable run-in, struggling defences and hunger in front of goal are surely going to be among the factors that would decide who wins this race in an unpredictable league. At this point, nothing is guaranteed as all top marksmen are odds-on to claim the top individual prize.
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