Guided by the leadership of Paul Okoku, the 1983 set of Flying Eagles, has honoured the memory of their late captain, Ali Jeje, by awarding a full scholarship to his son, Abdul Rahman Jeje.

The 1983 Flying Eagles team to the first World Cup in Mexico, became the first Nigerian national football team to qualify and represent the country in a FIFA-World Cup tournament.

Paul Okoku, assistant captain of the team, alongside his then-teammates, engaged Abdul Rahman Jeje regarding his aspirations before reaching the decision of granting him a full scholarship. The team was reminded of the gentleman-like nature of Ali Jeje, who led the team and Nigeria in the watershed moment at the first World Cup 41 years ago.

Ali Jeje passed away in early 2000s, after being faced with hardship and illness. However, his comrades of over four decades determined that supporting his son’s educational journey through scholarship, would be a perfect way to demonstrate brotherliness.

In a statement released by him, Paul Okoku recalled how Nigeria defeated Guinea over the two legs to qualify for the tournament, achievements in Nigeria football history at the competition, and thanked all his teammates for being part of the goodwill towards the family of the late Nigeria international.

“During his tenure as our able captain, I had the privilege of serving as his deputy captain. This historic moment marked the first time a Nigerian national team represented Nigeria in any FIFA organized World Cup tournament, in the football history of Nigeria. Hence, the team represented the continent of Africa during the FIFA World Cup championships, in Mexico, in 1983. Excerpts from the interview with the late Fetus Okubule, the first Nigerian referee at any FIFA World Cup tournament, in Mexico, 1983, courtesy of the 1983 Flying Eagles squad: ‘Meanwhile, it was in 1983 that Okubule became the first Nigerian referee at a FIFA tournament when he was picked for the FIFA Youth Championship (now FIFA U-20 World Cup) in Mexico,’” he wrote.

“Incidentally that was also the first FIFA tournament attended by a Nigerian national team, when the Flying Eagles qualified after beating Guinea over two legs and he was the centre referee in the Group B match between Poland and the United States in Pueblo as well as the game between Brazil and Holland at the Jalisco Stadium, Guadalajara. At the tournament, two other African referees – Bernard Grah of Cote D’Ivoire and Mohammed Larache of Morocco – were sent home after the Group games while Okubule was among the 12 retained to proceed with the remaining matches. Nonetheless, Ali Jeje endured significant hardships, facing years of illness before his passing in the early 2000s. In light of his contributions and the legacy he left behind, we believe it is fitting to support his son’s educational journey through this scholarship.

“Furthermore, on behalf of the Esteemed Solidarity Flying Eagles Team, 1983 set, and as the vice captain of the history-making squad, I salute you, my fellow teammates, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our team members who generously supported this initiative financially and in kind who deserve our genuine appreciation for their integral role in the scholarship scheme: Chibuzor Ehilegbu, Otti Amaechi, Paul Okoku, Femi Olukanni, Segun Olukanni,

Dehinde Akinlotan, Taju Disu, Dahiru Sadi, Tarila Okorowanta, Manu Garba, Alphonsus Akhahon, Sunday Edema Benson, Yemi Adebanjo, Samson Siasia, Patrick Udoh, Muyiwa Manny Motajo, Humphrey Edobor, Bright Benson, Wahab Adesina, Wilfred Agbonabare, Christopher Anigala, Yisa Sofoluwe, Raymond King, Mike Igbeka and Tarfa Kpako.

“I couldn’t be prouder of your courage, as a team, and dedication to our association. Your involvement in this initiative exemplifies true teamwork and demonstrates the power of collective action. Your unwavering support has made this scholarship possible, allowing us to honor Ali Jeje’s memory and invest in the future of his family. My humble gratitude is in line here as I once again express my thank you immensely to all our teammates for your outstanding support and commitment. Your contribution to this scholarship is not only commendable but also life-changing for Abdul Rahman Jeje. It is essential to reflect on the profound impact you have had on his life, especially considering the challenges he has faced, including the loss of his grandmother, who played a significant role in his upbringing following Ali Jeje’s passing. Your generosity and kindness have made a meaningful difference, and for that, we are deeply grateful.”

A spectacle performance by HB Utility of Ilupeju has earned them the winners’ trophy of the 5th edition of JOF U-13 Cup Football Tournament.

Watched by dignitaries who included Managing Director of the sponsor company, JOF Nigeria Ltd, Dr Olusegun Olugboyegun and a host of others, it was a ding dong affair between HB Utility and their opponents, Zamadek Football Club from Lagos Island, but the boys from Ilupeju were too much for their foes as they triumphed 3-0 in the final match.

In the third-place match for Latoyam FC from Coker Aguda defeated Orile Iganmu’s Strong Dove FC 1-0.

Dr. Olugboyegun explained that the tournament should give hope to the grassroots players, adding that he was pleased with the football talent shown by the young players. He expects some children to play in the Nigerian national teams in the future.

” I am very happy with what I saw today. The players participating in this tournament are not only 13 years old, but some are also 10 years old, and I understand that the Captain of HB Utility is a 9-year-old. The boys we saw today were also promising, so they are young with promising future.

” Now that this tournament is over this year, we will select some of those who will join the JOF All-Stars team. Since they will be over the age of 13, 14 and 15 at that time, they will spend the next few months in camp playing with their age groups before the team will be disbanded. While in the camp, we will expose them to other things outside the pitch, teach them to make them believe that their talents can see them through in life,” Olugboyegun said.

The champions returned home with trophies, gift bags and N750,000, while the first runners won N500,000, the second and third runners won N350,000 and N250,000 respectively.

The Most Valuable Player of the tournament was Ayomide Atiga from HB Utility team, the best scorer was Agbolade Abdullahi from Zamadek Boys team, and the best goalkeeper of the tournament was Steve Oyerinde from HB Utility team.

According to the Badminton World Federation (BWF, multiple African Men’s Singles Badminton Champion, Anuoluwapo Opeyori has qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Opeyori who is a two time African Games Champion made history by becoming the first Nigerian badminton player to make it to the Olympics back to back (2020 and 2024).

Opeyori dominated Africa in the men’s singles from 2019 till date winning four African Championship titles and two African Games titles.

An elated Francis Orbih, President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) told newsmen on Saturday that Anuoluwapo Opeyori has broken the jinx in Nigeria badminton by making it to the Olympic Games in Paris.

Orbih said Opeyori’s qualification shows that the current leadership of Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) target of producing world class players is beginning to manifest.

He revealed that BFN will leave no stone unturned in supporting the dreams and aspirations of the young players in making podium finishes.

Orbih said, “History has been made in badminton as Anuoluwapo Opeyori has secured a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with the release made by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

“I am excited and full of joy because Anuoluwapo Opeyori is the first Nigerian badminton player to feature in the men’s singles at the Olympic Games and also the first Nigerian to attend two Olympics and back to back.

“Three years ago, it was Dorcas Adesokan in the women’s singles and Opeyori with his partner Godwin Olofua in the men’s doubles that made it to the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Today, Anuoluwapo Opeyori will represent Nigeria in the men’s singles; the leadership of BFN and Nigeria are proud of him”.

Orbih charged Anuoluwapo Opeyori not to relent but continue to train and attain top form ahead of the Olympic Games.

He said, “I want to urge Anuoluwapo Opeyori to continue training hard for the Games; we are going to ensure he attends training tours before the Olympic Games”.