Sports
FirstBank Sponsors Samuel Okwaraji U-16 Football Championship 2026
The tournament will engage secondary schools from all 36 states and the FCT, in a two-stage competition.
FirstBank, through its First@Sports initiative, is sponsoring the maiden edition of the Samuel Okwaraji Under 16 Football Championship.
The competition is a nationwide youth football tournament organised to honour the late Samuel Okwaraji, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated football legends renowned for his patriotism, discipline, and commitment to national service.
The tournament will engage secondary schools from all 36 states and the FCT, in a two-stage competition.
The first stage will feature zonal eliminations across the six geopolitical zones, followed by a national final in Abuja featuring the top 12 qualifying teams.
In a statement , the Managing Director/ CEO of FirstBank, Olusegun Alebiosu, said: “Football is the strongest unifier of Nigerians. It brings communities together, inspires discipline, and nurtures talents across the country.
FirstBank is making a deliberate incursion into grassroots football development with this sponsorship, creating an enabling environment for the next generation of Samuel Okwarajis to discover, refine, and maximise their potential, thereby shaping the future of Nigerian football.”
In his remarks, Senator Osita Izunaso, the Chairman of the Championship Organising Committee commended FirstBank for throwing its weight around the championship.
Sports
Ex-Super Eagles striker Michael Eneramo dies after collapsing during match
Eneramo, who had retired from professional football, previously played for several clubs, including Besiktas of Turkey, Tunisian side Esperance, and Nigerian club Lobi Stars.
Former Super Eagles striker, Michael Eneramo, is dead, according to SCORENigeria on Friday.
Eneramo reportedly slumped and died while playing a football match in Kaduna State.
The 40-year-old was said to be featuring at the Angwan Yelwa pitch in the Television area of Kaduna when the incident occurred.
“He slumped and died right on the spot. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful,” a source told SCORENigeria.
The former international came on as a substitute in the second half before collapsing without any contact.
“He was pronounced dead at the hospital.”
Eneramo, who had retired from professional football, previously played for several clubs, including Besiktas of Turkey, Tunisian side Esperance, and Nigerian club Lobi Stars.
Sports
Governor Adeleke Remodelling Osogbo Stadium to 15,000 Sitting Capacity
Adeleke expressed happiness at the involvement of several foreign technical partners working with the contractors to ensure that the new stadium meets FIFA standards and eventually secures FIFA certification.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has commenced work on remodelling Osogbo Township Stadium from 4,000 to 15,000 sitting capacity.
In a statement , Governor Adeleke emphasised that the increased capacity will attract major sporting events to boost the development of all games in the state.
Adeleke expressed happiness at the involvement of several foreign technical partners working with the contractors to ensure that the new stadium meets FIFA standards and eventually secures FIFA certification.
He commended the speedy and qualitative ongoing remodelling of the stadium.
“This is the way to finally integrate Osun into the mainstream of sports development in the country.
“As a sports-loving governor, I am eager to ensure that the Osun Sports Trust Fund becomes operational,” he said.
Sports
Former NFF chairman Ibrahim Galadima dies at 78
His funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Fagge Juma’at Mosque in Kano.
A former chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Galadima, is dead at the age of 78.
His funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Fagge Juma’at Mosque in Kano.
Galadima, who also held the traditional title of Galadiman Fagge, died on Saturday evening at a hospital in Kano, according to his younger brother, Abba Galadima.
The late administrator was widely regarded as a key figure in Nigerian football, having played a major role in shaping the sport during his tenure.
He served as chairman of the football federation between 2002 and 2006, a period marked by efforts to strengthen the organisation and enhance Nigeria’s presence on the international stage.
Presidency replies Emir Sanusi on “Why are we still borrowing and borrowing?”
Nigeria Issues Safety Advisory to Citizens in South Africa over attacks on foreigners
Ex-Super Eagles striker Michael Eneramo dies after collapsing during match
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
News3 days agoNigeria’s Ambassador to Algeria, Mohammed Lele, dies at 50
-
News3 days agoJonathan visits Tinubu in Aso Rock
-
Health3 days agoPharmacists body urges FG to establish presidential committee for sector
-
Health3 days agoCross River identifies 10 more persons with COVID symptoms
-
Health3 days ago2026 World Malaria Day: WHO lists 5 steps to eliminate malaria by 2030
-
Crime2 days agoEx-Gov. El-Rufai Faces 5-count Amended Charge – DSS (Video)
-
Business2 days agoFG Launches Energise Commercialisation Now (ECoN) To Boost Industrial Productivity
-
Business2 days agoCBN increases ATM card issuance fee by 50% to N1,500