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Akure-born coach Nike Ayeni has praised the Ondo State Football Agency for its support after guiding Sunshine Stars U19 to a historic Federation Cup campaign that has captured attention across Nigerian football. Ayeni, regarded as the only female coach currently managing a male football side in Ondo State, steered the youth team to its first state FA Cup success and qualification for the national Federation Cup Round of 64. Sunshine Stars U19 defeated Akure North United FC 1-0 to secure the state title before overcoming Adamimigo FC on penalties following a 1-1 draw.  The side then booked a place in the national competition with a convincing 3-1 play-off victory over Harmony FC. The team is now set for a high-profile Round of 64 clash against Nigeria Premier Football League side Niger Tornadoes FC. Speaking after the latest victory, Ayeni described the achievement as the product of discipline, preparation and collective belief. “This victory is not just about today; it is about the har...

Ebitake Feku has won the first gold medal for Ondo State at the ongoing third edition of the National Para Games in Abuja. Feku clinched the top prize in the men’s KL1 kayak event with an outstanding performance. In the women’s category, Idowu Olowu also delivered an impressive outing, winning silver and bronze medals in the KL2 200m and 500m events respectively. Meanwhile, Dagba Samuel (men’s KL3 500m), Ebilatei Feku (men’s KL1 200m), and April Seidagha (women’s KL3 200m) have all qualified for the finals. These achievements have set a positive tone for Ondo State as the festival progresses.   However, there was disappointment in para table tennis, as Timothy Umeh, Monday Anthony, and Kazeem Aminu were knocked out in the quarter-finals of the Open Challenge Class. Reacting to the state’s performance, the General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council, Mrs Evelyn Lebi, expressed her delight and attributed the success in the kayak events to God and thorough preparation ahead of th...

By Our Correspondent  Nigerian football fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment and frustration with Victor Osimhen's attitude during the Super Eagles' match against Mozambique. Osimhen, who is known for his exceptional skills on the pitch, was criticized for his behavior after the final whistle, as he walked straight to the tunnel without shaking his teammates or acknowledging the fans. Many fans felt that Osimhen's actions were selfish and showed a lack of appreciation for his teammates and the fans who came to support the team. "Great talent, stupid attitude, He should realize everything is not all about him, team winning should come before his ego." Another fan tweeted, "This is the Super Eagles of Nigeria, NOT the Super Eagles of Osimhen. Every member of the team is as important as you." Some fans compared Osimhen's behavior to that of legendary Nigerian striker Rashidi Yekini, saying that even if Osimhen breaks Yekini...

The Seun Albert Foundation will kick off its Annual “5ive Aside Street Football” tournament on Sunday, 14 December 2025 at Government Field, Ore. The Competition, running through Saturday , 17 December, will showcase local youth teams in fast‑paced, five‑a‑side matches aimed at promoting grassroots football, healthy competition and community cohesion during the festive season. “We want to harness the energy of our community and give the youth a constructive outlet,” said a foundation spokesperson.  “The 5ive Aside format is perfect for showcasing talent in a fun, inclusive environment.” Schedule Highlights  Sunday 14 Dec – Government Field 1     - 2 pm – Express vs. Olowo Camp 1     - 3 pm – Custom vs. Olowo Camp 2     - 4 pm – Opeyemi vs. Zaccheus Monday 15 Dec – Government Field 1     - 3 pm – Wesco vs. Odole Odigbo     - 4 pm – Ogbe vs. Idimango     - 5 pm – Jerry Sawmill vs. Ologede Tuesday 16 Dec – Government Fie...

The Ondo State Football Association Chairman, Otunba Dele Ajayi, has hailed the launch of the Club Owners Association in the state as a groundbreaking and timely step for football development. Ajayi, represented by board member Chief Ibukun Aladetoyinbo, spoke during the inauguration of the association’s state executives, local government coordinators, Board of Trustees, patron, and the unveiling of its official logo. He emphasized that the Club Owners Association plays a vital role in football growth at all levels, noting that government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility of developing the sport. According to him, “Club Owners Association is a very important integral part of football. We recognise them at the local government, state, and national levels. Government cannot do it alone, so we need both private organisations and individuals to join hands with government to develop the round leather game.” Ajayi commended stakeholders for establishing the body in Ondo State and assu...

As the 3rd edition of the Adu Unity Football Competition continues to gather momentum, eight teams have secured their spots in the quarter-finals of the tournament. The qualified teams are Ijapo Ages Stars FC, United Army, Celecal FC, Velocity FC, Akure United, Idanre United, Olukayode FC, and Signature FC. Ijapo Ages Stars and Celecal FC topped Groups A and B respectively with 13 points each, winning four matches and drawing one. Akure United and Olukayode FC led Groups C and D with 10 points apiece, after winning three games and drawing one. The runners-up in each group were United Army (10 points), Velocity FC (8 points), Idanre United (7 points), and Signature FC (9 points). The quarter-final matches are scheduled to kick off today at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure, and are expected to showcase skill, passion, and football artistry to the delight of fans of the round leather game. A total of twenty-three football clubs, drawn from the 18 local government areas of Ondo State, ...

The third edition of the Adu Unity Football Competition will officially kick off on Saturday, with defending champions Ijapo Ages Stars set to face United Army in the opening match at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure. A total of 23 teams from 18 local government areas across the state have registered for this year’s tournament, which promises excitement and talent discovery. Ijapo Ages Stars are the reigning champions, having won the first two editions consecutively. Addressing the participating teams, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Raymond Abdulsalam, reaffirmed his committee’s commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent competition. “The competition will be played at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure, and the Ijapo Housing Field. Any act of thuggery or indiscipline will not be tolerated. I urge all teams to exhibit maturity and good sportsmanship,” he said. Abdulsalam added that the winners will receive ₦1 million, runners-up ₦500,000, third-pl...

The Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the 3rd Adu Unity Football Competition, Raymond Abdulsalam, has assured participating teams of fair and impartial officiating. Abdulsalam made this declaration in an interview with journalists in Akure, emphasising that the competition will be organised under the supervision of the Ondo State Football Association (FA). He revealed that 20 teams from across the 18 local government area of the state will compete in the tournament aimed at uncovering hidden talents at the grassroots level. “Football is the best tool to unify the youth and break barriers,” Abdulsalam said. “Any outstanding player discovered during the competition will be monitored and nurtured to stardom.” The LOC Chairman assured that all participating teams would be treated equally in terms of officiating. “The LOC will ensure that all participating teams are treated equally in the area of officiating,” he emphasised. Abdulsalam also announced that the L...

El-Kanemi Warriors goalkeeper, Hakeem Otuyiga, popularly known as the Gagama Flying Cat, has extended his heartfelt appreciation to his grassroots coach, Oladimeji Abimbola, for his mentorship and support throughout his football journey. In a chat with journalists, Otuyiga acknowledged the significant role Coach Abimbola played in shaping his career, describing him as more than just a coach.   "I'm using this opportunity to thank him for all he has been doing in my life and in the lives of many others. I also want to wish him success in his international course in Germany," Otuyiga said. Coach Oladimeji Abimbola has been admitted into a prestigious football academy development programme in Germany, organized by X-Touch in collaboration with UEFA-licensed German football administrator, Coach Thomas Geist. Otuyiga further praised Coach Abimbola for his holistic approach to coaching, noting that he goes beyond the pitch to impact lives.  "Coach Dimeji is not...

The Ondo State Football Stakeholders Forum (OSFSF) congratulates its Convener, Otunba Dele Ologbese, on being honored with the prestigious Role Model on Sports Development award by Focus Magazine. Speaking on behalf of the Ondo State Football Stakeholders Forum, Mr. Michael Babatunde described the award, bestowed on the Pioneer Secretary of the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), as a well-deserved recognition of his dedication and immense contributions to the growths and developments of the round leather game. He further emphasised that the award acknowledges the invaluable efforts of the President of Ologbese Global Sports Management in advancing sports development in Ondo State and Nigeria at large. “There is no disputing the fact that through Otunba Dele Ologbese’s meaningful and consistent counselings and advocacies, significant improvements have been made in the sports sector, particularly football, in the State,” Mr. Babatunde stated. Otunba Ologbese was ably represented at the ...

Football stakeholders in Ondo State have given Ondo State Government one year ultimatum to return Sunshine Stars and Sunshine Queens to back the premier League.   The stakeholders decried the relegation of both Sunshine Stars,  Sunshine Queens, and the dwindling fortunes of other sports in the state. At a media parley with Newsmen  in Akure, the state capital, the stakeholders called on the Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, to set up a panel of enquiry to probe the last five matches played by Sunshine Stars. Some of the stakeholders pledged to testify and provide evidence if such a panel is constituted. The former Chairman of the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), Akinshola Akinbobola, flanked by the ex-Chairman of the Sunshine Stars Supporters Club, Mr. Oduyi Emmanuel, and a former player of Rising Stars, Mr. Udo Daniel, expressed pain over the relegation of Owena Whales, once considered the state’s heritage and pride to the lower league. Akinbobola furth...

The Entire members of Ondo state ALL STARS has congratulated the Chairman of the caretaker committee of sunshine stars football club,Tokunbo Akinyelure on his appointment by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. The president of the association,Hon. Adebayo Abayomi aka NFA commended the appointment of the astute administrator. Abayomi while pledging the support of the association expressed confidence that the experience of Akinyelure will undoubtedly add value to management of football development and ultimately rescue sunshine stars from relegation. Meanwhile, Ondo State All Stars has lined up the following friendly match on Saturday 12th April, 2025 at Ijapo Housing Field. TIME: 9:00am Ondo State All Star vs Ilorin All Star  Weeks ago, Ondo State All Star played a (1 v 1) draw against Ijesha All Star. E-Signed Oluwafemi  Filegbe aka Lebe PRO, ONDO STATE ALL STARS.

The management of Sunshine Stars has handed a three-match ultimatum to the club’s coaching crew following a poor run of form. The ultimatum also extends to the Team Manager, Welfare Officer and other backroom staff. This decision was reached after an extensive assessment of the team’s performance since the beginning of the second stanza of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Sunshine Stars have managed to secure only seven points out of a possible 21 in the second half of the 2025 NPFL season. The management has made it clear that both the coaching crew and other backroom staff must improve their performance in the next three games or face sanctions. Femi Atolagbe Sunshine Stars Media Manager

The children and youths of IDPs Uhogua (Benin City) Camp recently won the maiden edition of the Mary Waya award. This award which is named after Mary Waya, the current co-coach of the Malawi national netball team is to honour her for defying the outbreak of COVID-19 and taking the risk to come to Nigeria in 2020 to train and certify 24 Nigerians as qualified Netball Africa coaches .  A statement by the Trustees of CSED Initiative stated that the target of the Mary Waya award is to recognise the efforts put in by organisations and group of persons who use the power of sport to overcome tough life circumstances that are beyond their control.  Fast forward to 2025, Mary Waya’s act of selflessness has led to CSED Initiative the netball pacesetters in Nigeria, training and equipping more than 370 P.E. Teachers and community youths for free.  This has been done through their "Project 2027" programme that aims at bringing netball to the attention of one million Nigerian school g...

Sunshine Stars' Technical Adviser, Bala Abubakar has declared the team’s readiness for the second stanza of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), in the 2024/2025 season. Abubakar emphasised his determination to approach every match with focus and intensity, noting that the reverse fixture against Ikorodu City will not be an exception. Acknowledging the challenges ahead, particularly against the Lagos-based side, Abubakar restated his commitment to building formidable and compact squad capable of reclaiming their rightful place among the League's top teams. “We are working round the clock to ensure we start the second string of matches on a promising note, beginning with victory in our first match", Bala said. “The reverse fixture against Ikorodu City will be tough; they are a strong side and currently holding a comfortable position on the NPFL table. "Sunshine Stars lost the first leg to them 2-1 so they will be here fighting for points. “We have prepared adequatel...

Sunshine Stars will remain focused and approach the second stanza of the Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL with renewed energy . Chairman of Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA) Bamidele Ologunloluwa made the expression in Akure, the state capital while welcoming the players back from the new year holiday.  Ologunloluwa said there is need to fortify the team with quality legs following a critical assessment of the team in the first stanza. He assured supporters and stakeholders that Sunshine Stars will turn over a new leaf hence solicited more support and understanding. According to the President of the club, "with the support of all and sundry Sunshine Stars will bring joy to the faces of our supporters with a relatively good performance. "We thank our supporters for standing by us during thick and thin and we are soliciting more support from them. "I believe in the technical know-how of the coaching crew led by Abubakar Bala that positive results will be coming our wa...

Sunshine Stars will remain focused and approach the second stanza of the Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL with renewed energy . Chairman of Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA) Bamidele Ologunloluwa made the expression in Akure, the state capital while welcoming the players back from the new year holiday.  Ologunloluwa said there is need to fortify the team with quality legs following a critical assessment of the team in the first stanza. He assured supporters and stakeholders that Sunshine Stars will turn over a new leaf hence solicited more support and understanding. According to the President of the club, "with the support of all and sundry Sunshine Stars will bring joy to the faces of our supporters with a relatively good performance. "We thank our supporters for standing by us during thick and thin and we are soliciting more support from them. "I believe in the technical know-how of the coaching crew led by Abubakar Bala that positive results will be coming our wa...

Sunshine Stars Football Club players and Officials have proceeded on a mid-season break to spend some with their families. The management of the team approved the break, in Akure following the team’s return from their matchday 19 tie against Ikorodu City in Lagos. The break begins on Friday, 30th December and ends on Sunday, 5th January 2025. President of the club, Bamidele  Ologunloluwa, commending the players for their efforts during the first stanza of the season, which placed them in 15th on the log called for a moderate celebration during the holiday. He equally thanked Ondo State government for throwing his full weight behind the club. "I appreciate our sports-loving Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa for his support. I also thank and commend our tireless fans for standing by the team through thick and thin," he said. Speaking further, he acknowledged the challenges the team faced, playing away from their traditional home ground in Akure. "The renovation of our stadium is ...

Promise Awosanmi came to the rescue as Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure strolled past El-Kanemi Warriors in the match day 18 tie of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).  The Owena Whales waited till the 84th minute before breaking the deadlock through Promise Awosanmi who beat goalkeeper George Abine from Elmer Arunta's pass. Sunshine Stars started the encounter on a bright note with  good exchange of passes but were unable to find the back of the net despite creating goal scoring opportunities in the first half. All efforts from the visitors  to break the brick wall of Sunshine Stars defence in the second half was resisted by the backline coordinated by team captain Chidozie Iwundu and assisted by Adebayo Alimi and Yusuf Olowoshile. Opeoluwa Olufemi thought he had given the home team the lead in the 68th minute only to see his short parried away by Abine.  El kanemi Warriors were reduced to ten men in the 78th minute as one their players received the marchin...

Super Eagles invitee, Promise Awosanmi has fired Sunshine Stars back to winning ways in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) at Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium Ijebu-Ode. The first half of the encounter ended goalless before the prodigy scored the match winner from a long-range free-kick in the 48th minute. The game of Stars saw the two teams rue goal scoring opportunities in both halves. Minutes after resumption, Awosanmi wasted no time in putting the Owena Whales ahead. In the 75th minute, Sunshine Stars Goalkeeper Abdulateef Ishola denied Lobi Stars a clear goal scoring chance, thanks to his superlative save.  Both teams were unable to outdo each other in the remainder of the encounter as the home team kept the maximum points. Sunshine Stars coach Bobola Akinfolarin commended his players for their spirited efforts in ensuring that the three points were kept in the kitty.   Akinfolarin added that the victory was the collective effort of the crew, management, players and ...