Adexsports

28/05/2026

*Ilorin Durbar Festival: Journalist Escapes Death After DG Tourism’s Orderly Smashes Equipment* https://adexinsight.blogspot.com/2026/05/tourism-dgs-orderly-attacks-journalists_0321852312.html

*Adexinsight*

28/05/2026

*Ekun Shamsudeen’s Masterclass in Officiating Sets New Standard for Nigerian Refereeing*

The Ajaokuta referee’s commanding performances across the NNL, NWFL, and Federation Cup are earning him national acclaim as a model for fairness and professionalism.

Referee Ekun Shamsudeen Oluwatoyin, Chairman of the Ajaokuta Football Referees’ Society in Kogi State, has delivered a season of officiating that many in Nigerian football are calling a masterclass.

Ekun’s season kicked off with authority in Week 7 of the NNL Northern Conference, handling Lobi Stars vs. Sokoto United on 20th December 2026. His composure, control, and strict adherence to the Laws of the Game guided Lobi Stars to a 2-0 win. What stood out wasn’t just the result, but the respect he commanded — the visiting Sokoto United players posed for photos with him after the match, a rare sight that underscored the impression he left.

That performance earned him a high-profile assignment in the Nigeria Women’s Football League: the Week 10 clash between Edo Queens and Bayelsa Angels on 11th March 2026. Despite the fierce rivalry, Ekun managed the game with calm authority as Edo Queens ran out 4-1 winners. The match ended without incident, drawing praise from fans and football personalities in attendance who scored his officiating as near-perfect.

His reputation for impartiality was further tested in Week 14, the final matchday of the NNL season. Tasked with the relegation decider between City FC Abuja and Lobi Stars, Ekun ensured a level playing field in a tense atmosphere. Lobi Stars edged it 1-0, condemning City FC to relegation. The game became a talking point for all the right reasons — proof that in Nigerian football, the better team on the day can win, regardless of venue.

Ekun’s consistency carried him into the Federation Cup Round of 64, where he officiated Cynosure FC vs. Crown FC at Aiyengba Stadium, Kogi State. In a high-intensity tie won 2-0 by Crown FC, match officials again received commendation for their accurate interpretation and application of the laws, free from bias.

Through these assignments, Ekun Shamsudeen has not only built a case for elevation to higher platforms but has also become a symbol of the ongoing push to change the narrative around Nigerian refereeing. His performances demonstrate that quality officiating exists across all tiers of the game and deserves recognition.

If the Nigeria Professional Football League and the NFF are serious about raising standards, Ekun’s season provides a clear template: reward merit, give opportunities to capable referees in the lower leagues, and let performance — not politics — decide who officiates the big games.

28/05/2026

*Wasiu Alalade Rekindles Career in Iraq with 5 Goals, 4 Assists in 11 Games for Al Kadhimiya*

From Ilorin to Iraq, the former Nigeria U23 striker is writing a new chapter with strength, goals, and leadership at Al Kadhimiya SC.

Wasiu Alalade’s move to Iraq is paying off in spectacular fashion. The former Nigeria U23 international has hit the ground running for Al Kadhimiya SC, registering 5 goals and 4 assists in just 11 appearances since arriving from Angola.

The graduate and seasoned striker has quickly become central to Al Kadhimiya’s attacking play, bringing a blend of physical presence, intelligent movement, and creativity to the frontline. Standing at 1.83m, Alalade has used his frame to hold up play, link with midfielders, and create space for teammates, while also finishing clinically himself.

His contributions have shifted the narrative around the club’s season and provided a boost to both morale and results.

Alalade’s resurgence is the latest chapter in a career that has spanned Nigeria’s domestic elite and beyond. The Ilorin-born forward first made his name with ABS FC before earning a call-up to the Nigeria U23 national team.

He later featured for Enyimba FC and Kwara United, where his goals helped the Harmony Boys secure a historic FA Cup triumph in last year- 2025 — their first in 40 years.

After leaving Kwara United two seasons ago, Alalade took his talents to Angola before sealing a transfer to Al Kadhimiya in Iraq’s top flight. Though naturally comfortable on the wings, he has been deployed primarily as a central striker, a role in which his hold-up play and finishing have flourished.

Now, with the Iraqi league on a Sallah break, Alalade says he is focused on maintaining his fitness and sharpening his form ahead of the resumption. His target is clear: add more goals to his tally and help push Al Kadhimiya further up the table.

For a player once doubted after his exit from Kwara United, this spell in Iraq feels like vindication. Alalade isn’t just scoring goals — he’s rewriting his story, one match at a time.

Adexsports

27/05/2026

26/05/2026

*NLO Kwara Chairman Commends Teams as State Play-Offs Loom*

Abraysports Boss Calls for Transparency, Government Support to Secure NNL Slot

Chairman of the Nationwide League One [NLO] Kwara Chapter, Abdullahi Adekunle Yusuf, has commended the conduct of participating teams in the Kwara NLO League as the two group leaders prepare for the decisive play-offs.

Yusuf, who also serves as Chairman of Abraysports FC, made the remarks during a “Hard Talk” session hosted by the Kwara State Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria [SWAN] at the Awoniyi Media House, Gorge Inn Stadium, Ilorin. He was joined by a representative of LA-Planet FC.

The session focused on recent developments in the league and the clubs’ commitment to securing a Nigeria National League [NNL] slot in the upcoming play-offs.

Both club administrators pledged to work together in the spirit of sportsmanship, regardless of which team emerges as Kwara’s representative. “Our primary objective is to secure an NNL slot for Kwara State,” Yusuf said. “We are united in our commitment to support whatever outcome advances that goal.”

Describing this year’s league as highly competitive, the Abraysports chairman expressed confidence that the best team would emerge victorious. He also stressed the need for stronger collaboration between clubs and the Kwara State Government, noting that football development requires significant financial investment.

“As NLO managers, we appeal to the state government and corporate bodies to partner with us. We remain committed to grassroots football development in Kwara,” he added.

Yusuf further urged the national leadership of the Nationwide League One to uphold transparency and prioritize grassroots football as the foundation for the sport’s growth in Nigeria.

Adexsports

24/05/2026

*Oparanmegwa Shines on Debut as Flamingos Thrash Guinea 5-0 in Abidjan U17 World Cup Qualifier*

Nigeria’s U17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, delivered a commanding 5-0 victory over Guinea in Abidjan on Saturday, taking firm control of their second-round, first-leg qualifier for the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Defender Oparanmegwa Pattra announced herself on the international stage with a composed and commanding 90-minute display at the heart of Nigeria’s backline. Tasked with neutralizing Guinea’s attacking threats

The Delta Queens center-back denied wave after wave of opposition advances with intelligent positioning, timely interceptions, and calm distribution. Her performance marked a seamless transition to senior international football and earned praise for its maturity and tactical discipline.

Head Coach Akeem Busari’s side set the tone from the opening whistle, with the team captain Harmony Chidi forward opened the scoring within seconds of kickoff, capitalizing on a swift team move to give Nigeria an immediate advantage.

The Flamingos doubled their lead in the 13th minute through a stunning long-range strike that left the Guinean goalkeeper with no chance. Nigeria’s relentless pressing continued to yield dividends, and in the 37th minute, FC Robo Queens forward Oluwakemi Adegbuyi made it 3-0 with a clinical finish.

Chidi completed her hat-trick three minutes later, slotting home a composed finish to cap a dominant first-half display.

The Flamingos carried their intensity into the second half, and their superiority was further underlined in the 56th minute when Mary Dunstan added a fifth to seal an emphatic away win.

Oparanmegwa’s contribution was pivotal in preserving the clean sheet. The defender anchored Nigeria’s backline with poise, organizing the defensive unit and snuffing out any counter-attacking threat from the Guinean side.

Her partnership with the rest of the backline ensured that the Flamingos maintained structural integrity throughout the contest.

The resounding result gives Nigeria a significant advantage ahead of the return leg, scheduled for Saturday, May 31, at the Ikenne-Remo Stars Stadium in Ogun State. A place at the 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco now looks firmly within reach.

Speaking after the match, Oparanmegwa pledged to maintain her focus and commitment to the team’s goal.
“I am ready to give my best for the team. Our target is to qualify for the World Cup, and we are determined to make history together.

I appeal to all our supporters to come out in large numbers and cheer us on as we aim to finish the job at home,” she said.

With momentum on their side and a five-goal cushion, the Flamingos will look to complete qualification in front of a home crowd in Ikenne-Remo.

21/05/2026

May 31, 2026: Super Eagles Legends Return… Ibadan Set for Epic Showdown at Adamasingba Stadium — Don’t Be Left Out !

Ibadan is gearing up for a football celebration as Super Eagles legends return to the pitch on May 31, 2026.

The epic showdown at the historic Adamasingba Stadium promises nostalgia, skill, and high energy as former internationals take fans down memory lane.

Organizers expect a packed stadium with supporters from across Oyo State and beyond.

It’s more than a match — it’s a reunion of Nigerian football heritage. Don’t miss the chance to witness the legends live in action.

_Adexsports_

21/05/2026

The Federation Cup Round of 64 clash between Beyond Limits Football Academy and Bida Lions ended 1-1 after regulation time, with Bida Lions edging a 3-2 penalty shootout victory at the main bowl of the Rashidi Yekini Stadium, Ilorin.

The encounter, officiated under the supervision of the match commissioner and witnessed by the FA Chairman of Moro Local Government Council, sports enthusiast Mr. Adetunji Sunday Adetayo, drew a significant turnout of football lovers from across Ilorin and Kwara State. Fans were treated to a high-tempo contest that kept the stadium electric from start to finish.

20/05/2026

Beyond Limits FA Head Coach Olumide Ajibola Eyes Federation Cup Test, Balances New U17 National Team Role

*Ilorin* — Head Coach of Beyond Limits FA, Olumide Ajibola, said his side is eager to measure itself against Bida Lions when the two meet in Wednesday’s President Federation Cup Round of 64 tie in Ilorin, describing the fixture as a valuable opportunity to test the team’s depth against unfamiliar opposition.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Ajibola noted that facing a new opponent provides the ideal platform to assess his squad’s tactical discipline and adaptability under competitive pressure.

“We are excited about the opportunity to test our ability against a new team. Matches like this sharpen the players and show us where we stand,” he said.

The encounter comes at a significant moment for the tactician, who recently received his appointment with Nigeria’s U17 national team. Ajibola said he views the dual responsibility as both an honour and a chance to extend the developmental philosophy he has applied at Beyond Limits to the national stage.

“Serving with the U17 national team is a responsibility I do not take lightly. The work we do here at Beyond Limits is about building players for the future, and that aligns directly with what the national setup requires,” he explained.

With Beyond Limits known for blending youth development with competitive performance, Ajibola expressed confidence that the squad is prepared to approach the cup tie with focus and intensity, while maintaining the club’s long-term commitment to grooming talent.

20/05/2026

Ahmed Maro Throws Weight Behind Son and Beyond Limits Ahead of Federation Cup Tie with Bida Lions

Proud Father and a football enthusiast Ahmed Maro has pledged his full backing to his son, Ahmed Bidemi Aboubakar, and his club, Beyond Limits FA, as they prepare for Wednesday’s President Federation Cup Round of 64 encounter against Bida Lions.

Speaking ahead of the fixture, Maro expressed strong confidence in the team’s prospects, noting that he has closely monitored their recent performances and believes they possess the quality to advance.

“I believe in them. I have been watching their progress, and I am convinced they will rise to the occasion,” he said.

Beyond rallying support for his son’s side, Maro used the opportunity to underscore the transformative role of sports in youth development. He argued that structured engagement in athletics offers young people a constructive alternative to social vices.

“Education is important, but sports are equally vital. When a young person is actively involved in sports, they are less likely to fall into drug abuse or other negative influences. It keeps both boys and girls occupied with purpose,” he stated.

The proud father urged parents to actively encourage their children to participate in football, basketball, volleyball, and other sporting activities, stressing that such involvement cultivates discipline, self-confidence, and a positive outlook.

According to Maro, combining academics with athletics has not hindered his son’s progress. He revealed that Bidemi successfully sat for and cleared his WAEC examinations while pursuing his football career.

“I give them the freedom to enjoy their passion without compromising their studies. He wrote WAEC once and passed. Sport is a part of life, not a distraction from it,” he added.

Maro also disclosed that his commitment to the game remains personal. He said he still trains and plays regularly at the stadium, maintaining an active connection to the sport he champions.

“I still play football myself. I come to the stadium to train and play whenever I can,” he said.

With morale high in the Beyond Limits camp, Maro concluded by wishing the team success in their upcoming clash.

“I wish Bidemi and Beyond Limits all the best tomorrow. They are a good side, and I have no doubt they will emerge victorious,” he concluded.

17/05/2026

*Former Kwara United Feeder Team Curator Seeks Support After Surviving Fatal Road Accident*

*Ibrahim Yusuf, former curator of Kwara United’s feeder team, is appealing for financial assistance after surviving a fatal road accident on 5th May 2026 while returning home from work*

*The tragic incident claimed the lives of two people instantly. Yusuf, former Kwara United staff, sustained serious injuries and has already spent a significant amount on medical treatment. He still requires extensive care and is calling on sports stakeholders and well-meaning individuals for support during this difficult time*

*His condition is critical, and he is currently unable to recognize anyone. For those willing to assist, you can reach out through his brother, who is with him at the hospital*

*Account Name: Rasheed Adesina*
*Bank: FCMB- Account Number 1031429896*
*Contact Number 07063941740*

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

*Adexsports*