Odesports1

08/09/2026

SmartCity FC Unveil Betiku Seun Soji As New COO Ahead Of 2026/2027 NNL Season

Lagos-based SmartCity Football Club have unveiled experienced football administrator Betiku Seun Soji as the club’s new Chief Operating Officer (COO) ahead of the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.

The appointment is part of SmartCity’s preparations for the new campaign as the club continues its ambition of securing promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Betiku brings significant experience in football administration and team management to his new role, having worked across different levels of Nigerian football.

According to his professional profile, he previously served as Team Manager of Sunshine Stars FC, where he was responsible for the club’s overall operational administration. He also served as Team Manager of Sunshine Queens FC, the Nigerian Women’s Premier League side, between 2019 and 2021.

His experience also includes a spell as Team Manager of Rising Stars FC Akure, where he helped the club secure promotion from amateur football into the Nigerian National League.

Beyond club football, Betiku has been involved in grassroots sports development for more than a decade. He is the President of People United by Sports (PUBS), an organisation focused on promoting peace and harmony through sporting activities across Ondo State.

Through the organisation, he says more than 100 scholarships have been provided to vulnerable athletes, alongside empowerment initiatives for active and retired sports personnel.

He has also coordinated the Ondo State Summer Tennis Clinic since 2017, a grassroots programme which has introduced more than 5,000 children between the ages of four and 12 to the fundamentals of lawn tennis.

Betiku holds a BSc in Mathematics from Kogi State University, Anyigba, as well as qualifications in Physical and Health Education and a Diploma in Football and Tennis Management.

His appointment comes as SmartCity intensify preparations for the new NNL campaign. The Lagos club is among the teams listed in the proposed Conference B line-up for the 2026/27 season alongside Beyond Limits FA, Solution FC, Akwa United and other clubs.

SmartCity, founded by Chief Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye, have established themselves as a club with a strong emphasis on grassroots development and creating professional pathways for young Nigerian footballers.

The club narrowly missed out on promotion to the NPFL in previous campaigns and have publicly maintained their ambition of reaching Nigeria’s top flight.

With Betiku now taking charge of the club’s operational affairs, SmartCity will hope his experience in administration, team management and grassroots development can help provide the organisational structure needed for a successful 2026/27 campaign.

The appointment signals SmartCity’s determination to combine its grassroots identity with stronger professional administration as the club targets a major push for NPFL promotion.

08/09/2026

Gaa Akanbi FC Coach celebrates former captain Femi Ogunbakin on Professional Certificate in Sports Management at NIS

The Head Coach of Gaa Akanbi FC, Abolarinwa Bashir, has congratulated the club’s former captain, Femi Ogunbakin, on the successful completion of his Professional Certificate in Sports Management at the National Institute for Sports, NIS.

Coach Bashir described the achievement as a testament to Ogunbakin’s hard work, passion, perseverance, commitment and dedication to personal development and sports.

He noted that Ogunbakin has always been committed to acquiring knowledge and improving himself, adding that the new qualification would further enhance his contributions to the development and management of sports.

“Femi has always been someone who seeks knowledge whenever and wherever he can.

This achievement is another indication of his passion for learning and development, and I believe the knowledge gained will be valuable in his future endeavours,” Bashir said.

The Gaa Akanbi FC tactician urged Ogunbakin to effectively utilise both the theoretical and practical knowledge acquired from the programme for the advancement and management of sports at the grassroots, national and international levels.

He further prayed that Almighty Allah would grant Ogunbakin greater success and open more doors of opportunities for him in his future endeavours.

Ogunbakin, a former captain of Gaa Akanbi FC, has continued to demonstrate his commitment to sports development through continuous learning and professional advancement.

Odesports 🖋️

27/08/2026

Crown FC still in process of screening players after loss to Kwara United - Technical Director

The Technical Director of Crown Football Club, Ogbomoso, Akande Fatai Adejumo, has expressed satisfaction with his team's performance despite their 2-0 defeat to Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL side Kwara United in a friendly encounter.

The test match, played at the Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl, George Innih Stadium, Ilorin, on Wednesday evening, saw the Harmony Boys secure victory over the Ajilete Warriors.

Speaking to journalists after the encounter, Adejumo explained that Crown FC are still in the process of screening players, adding that the youngsters showed positive signs despite the defeat.

“We are still screening some players who are trying out, so you can see that the boys are showing positive signs.”

He stressed that the primary objective of the friendly was not to defeat Kwara United but to assess the players and determine how well they understand and adapt to the club's philosophy.

According to him, Crown FC is positioned as a pathway for young and talented players, with the club focused on achieving its long-term objectives.

Commenting on the club's ambition ahead of the Nigeria National League, NNL season, Adejumo expressed confidence that the Ajilete Warriors would mount a strong promotion challenge while maintaining an attacking style of football.

“I'm very sure we will fight for promotion. Something is achievable.”

Crown FC have been drawn in Conference A of the second-tier league alongside Remo Stars, Edel FC, Godswill Akpabio FC, Eko United, Stormers SC, Heartland FC, Sunshine Stars and OYC FC.

The Ajilete Warriors will begin their NNL campaign away against Heartland FC at the Dan Anyam Stadium, Owerri on Saturday 31st October.

27/08/2026

27/08/2026

Tolu Omoniyi scores winner as Kwara United Queens beat Champions Rise to reach YSFON CP Cup final

Tolu Omoniyi scored a sublime goal as Kwara United Queens defeated Champions Rise 1-0 to book their place in the final of the YSFON CP Cup.

The encounter, played at the George Innih Stadium, Ilorin, witnessed grit, passion and tenacity from both sides, but it was the Courageous Queens who displayed greater composure and purpose throughout the game.

The first notable attempt came in the 10th minute when Modupe Owoosho narrowly failed to connect with a neat pass from Tolu Omoniyi.

Champions Rise responded with confidence and determination, pe***ng Kwara United Queens back on several occasions as they searched for the opening goal.

However, the breakthrough eventually came when Omoniyi produced a sublime finish, beating the goalkeeper into the top-left corner to give the Courageous Queens the lead.

Kwara United Queens came close to doubling their advantage a few minutes later, but Owoosho's effort went narrowly wide as the referee brought the first half to an end.

Coach Harun's side resumed the second half from where they left off, pushing forward in search of another goal, while Champions Rise remained resolute at the back.

Champions Rise nearly restored parity from a resultant free-kick, but goalkeeper Barakat Ayomide pulled off a fine save to deny the opponents.

Omoniyi also came close to doubling the advantage late in the game, but her effort sailed over the bar.

Nevertheless, her first-half strike proved decisive as Kwara United Queens held on to secure a 1-0 victory and a place in the final.

The Courageous Queens will lock horns with Model Queens in the final, scheduled for Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at the KFA Pitch inside George Innih Stadium, Ilorin.

27/08/2026

Godswilll Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta.
Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba..
Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.
Mobalaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.
Durbar Stadium, Oyo.
Soun Township Stadium, Ogbomoso.
Enyimba Stadium, Aba.

Europe soon !

O Lord, please crown my efforts 🙏

26/07/2026

Happy birthday to the man who trained me in Yoruba sportscasting.

My boss of inestimable value.

Thank you for all you do.

On this special day of yours, heaven will rise to favor you more, sir.

God bless you richly, sir.

Kollymar Amole (Igwe Sport)

25/07/2026

FULL-TIME | FRIENDLY MATCH

Falconets U-20 2–1 Camp United FC

The Falconets secured a 2–1 victory over Camp United FC in today’s friendly encounter.

⚽ Falconets
• 9’ - Own Goal (Ahmed Abubakar)
• 18’ - Mafisere Kafayat Oluwatosin

⚽ Camp United FC
• 52’ - Abdurrahim Alimi

25/07/2026