Uncategorized
AKINWUNMI MOURNS AS REALITY OF OGUNJOBI’S PASSAGE SINKS IN
The morning after, it was still like the strike of thunder; like a bad dream. The death of Chief Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi, former international defender, former Secretary General of then NFA, former NFF Board Member and Chairman of Osun State Football Association remained a huge shock.
First Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Seyi Akinwunmi, said: “It has taken me 24 hours to truly accept the reality of Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi’s passage.
True, it was confirmed to me by many who should know, all through yesterday (Monday, 11th February 2019) including Tunde Shamsudeen (his sort of adopted son) and Ade Somefun (close friend and brother).
“I was even present when the NFF President spoke to his blood brother, but it was not until I woke up this morning (Tuesday, 12th February 2019) to remember my telephone conversation of late last night with Mazi (Amanze) Uchegbulam and I read Big Seg (Chief Olusegun Odegbami) tribute that it finally sunk in…”
In a chat with thenff.com, Akinwunmi, who is also Chairman of the Western Nigeria Football Forum of which the late Chief Ogunjobi was a strong pillar, added: “He was a humble, charismatic and humorous personality. For someone who had seen it all, from being a former international and hugely successful club player and administrator, to being the Chief Operating Officer of the NFF and later as Member of the Board, he was down-to-earth.
“It is still like a bad dream. But we have to accept the reality that Chief Ogunjobi is no longer with us. He led very well and supported very well, at different situations. His life was a testimonial of integrity.”
Akinwunmi said he saw in Chief Ogunjobi, who was also a Member of the NFF Reforms Committee of which Akinwunmi is chairman, a commitment and passion for success capable of infecting and impacting anyone close to the former defender and administrator of repute.
Ogunjobi, who captained then IICC Shooting Stars FC (now 3SC) to the final of then African Champions’ Cup (now CAF Champions League) in 1984, was Sole Administrator of the same club when it again reached the final 12 years later.
He also left huge footprints at Gabros FC and Julius Berger FC, before he was appointed Secretary General of then NFA in February 2002. He worked with Brigadier General Dominic Oneya’s board, and also with Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima’s board, before leaving the post in 2005.
The following year, he was elected Chairman of Chairmen of Nigerian Football, earning a seat on the Executive Committee led by Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi, and was Chairman of Technical and Development Committee in a period that Nigeria qualified for and participated in every competition it registered for.
During the Lulu presidency (2006-2010), and with Ogunjobi as Chairman of Technical and Development Committee, Nigeria won the FIFA U17 World Cup (2007), won the Women Africa Cup of Nations (2006), won the silver medals at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament (Beijing 2008), won the silver medals at another FIFA U17 World Cup (Nigeria 2009), won the African Beach Soccer Cup of Nations twice (2007 and 2009) and played at the first –ever FIFA World Cup finals held on African soil (South Africa 2010).
The Nigeria Football Federation has opened a condolence register for its deceased former Chief Operating Officer at its secretariat in Abuja.
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.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
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
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
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.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Host CAF General Assembly For Third Time, CAF Awards For Seventh
Atlas Lions Embrace AI As Google Gemini Becomes Official Partner
NPFL at 36: Why Nigeria’s League Top Scorers Rarely Become Super Eagles Legends
Breaking! Uzoho suspended from Super Eagles’ next match with Sierra Leone
No longer Super League as CAF changes name of its new clubs competition
NIGERIAN FOOTBALL CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SANUSI CHARGES NIGERIAN COACHES TO BE UPRIGHT, DILIGENT
- World Cup4 days ago
FIFA Plans Three Opening Ceremonies in All Host Nations for 2026 World Cup
- World Cup4 days ago
United States Unveils Hollywood-Style FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony
- World Cup4 days ago
Mexico president wavers on plan to cut school year by 40 days for the World Cup
- World Cup5 days ago
Burna Boy Joins Shakira for Official 2026 World Cup Song ‘Dai Dai’
- World Cup1 week ago
Despite 2026 Absence, Nigeria Still Leads Africa’s World Cup Winners’ Chart
- Premier League4 days ago
Man United’s Fernandes and City’s Shaw win FWA Footballer of the Year awards
- Nigerian Football4 days ago
Sporting Lagos Crowned 2026 NNL Champions After Dramatic Super Four Finale
- Premier League2 days ago
Arsenal survive huge scare to edge towards title