Featured
From Debut to Dominance’ — SSA Adeboye Hails Inter Lagos FC’s Rise to NPFL, Speaks as SmartCity FC Founder
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has congratulated Inter Lagos FC on their historic promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), describing their rise as a powerful example of structure, patience, and consistency in Nigerian football.
Adeboye, who is also the Founder of SmartCity FC, a club currently competing in the Nigeria National League (NNL), praised Inter Lagos FC’s steady progression over the past three seasons, noting that their journey reflects what is possible with the right football development model.
“What Inter Lagos FC has achieved is truly commendable. In their first season, they made it to the playoffs. In their second season, they showed consistency and growth. And now, in their third season, they have earned promotion. That is the kind of steady development we want to see in Nigerian football.”
Speaking from his experience as a football club owner, Adeboye emphasized that such success is not accidental but the result of deliberate planning and commitment.
“As someone who is actively involved in club football through SmartCity FC, I understand the level of work, discipline, and structure required to achieve this kind of success. This is not a fluke—it is the result of a clear vision and consistent effort.”
The presidential aide commended the players, technical crew, management, and supporters of Inter Lagos FC for their collective role in achieving the milestone.
“Every success like this is built on teamwork. I commend the players, the coaches, the management, and the supporters for believing in the project and staying committed to the journey.”
He noted that Inter Lagos FC’s promotion will serve as inspiration for other clubs, particularly those competing in the NNL.
“This is a big motivation for clubs in the NNL, including ours at SmartCity FC. It shows that with the right structure and determination, promotion is achievable.”
Adeboye further stressed that such achievements are vital for the growth of grassroots and professional football in Nigeria.
“Stories like this strengthen our football ecosystem. They encourage investment, inspire young talents, and raise the overall standard of the game.”
Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that Inter Lagos FC will compete strongly in the NPFL and continue to make Lagos State proud.
“As they step into the NPFL, I believe they will bring energy, competitiveness, and quality. Nigerian football needs ambitious clubs like Inter Lagos FC.”
He concluded by congratulating the club once again, describing their journey as a blueprint for success.
“Congratulations to Inter Lagos FC. Your rise is a story of resilience, growth, and achievement—and this is just the beginning.”
(function (document, window) {
var a, c = document.createElement("script"), f = window.frameElement;
c.id = "CleverCoreLoader95885";
c.src = "https://scripts.cleverwebserver.com/2777295adab0c8a007d7f8a0312ad6f2.js";
c.async = !0;
c.type = "text/javascript";
c.setAttribute("data-target", window.name || (f && f.getAttribute("id")));
c.setAttribute("data-callback", "put-your-callback-function-here");
c.setAttribute("data-callback-url-click", "put-your-click-macro-here");
c.setAttribute("data-callback-url-view", "put-your-view-macro-here");
try {
a = parent.document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0] || document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];
} catch (e) {
a = !1;
}
a || (a = document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0] || document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]);
a.parentNode.insertBefore(c, a);
})(document, window);
/* ]]> */
The post From Debut to Dominance’ — SSA Adeboye Hails Inter Lagos FC’s Rise to NPFL, Speaks as SmartCity FC Founder appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Under-18 and Under-20 men’s handball teams have intensified preparations ahead of the 2026 IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 Tournament in Lomé, Togo, with both squads now fully unveiled for the regional showdown.
READ ALSO: Nigeria’s U-18 & U-20 Handball Teams Land in Togo for Zone 3 Battle
The Under-18 team features a promising group of young talents, including Friday Shuaibu, Shaibu Mohammed, Aliyu Rufai, Sani Muntari, Usman Umar, Godstime Michael, Huzaifa Abdulkadir, Chidebere Davine, Hamza Yahaya, Mohammed Yahaya, Umar Mohammed, Abubakar Abdullahi, Akibu Mohammed, and Obeze Akunebu.
The team will be guided by officials Abdulhakim Yakubu and Ayo Joshua, who are tasked with shaping the squad into a competitive unit capable of challenging for top honours.
In the Junior category, Nigeria’s Under-20 team boasts a strong and diverse lineup drawn from both domestic and regional clubs.
The squad includes Attahiru Ab Sahabi (Sokoto Rima), Obabori Samuel Aduralere (Adjidja HB Cotonou), Ganiu Aduragbemi Emmanuel (Tojemarine HB), Kareem Faruk Olamilekan (Tojemarine HB), Akanni Basit (Lagos Seasiders), Mohammed Musa (Safety Shooters), Jackson Nelson (Adamawa Warriors), Chuks Moses Egwuelu (Safety Shooters), Okolie Olisaemeka Andrew (Tojemarine), Yusuf Suleiman (Sokoto Rima), Abaaka Simon (Safety Shooters), Suleiman Sani (Flowers HB Cotonou), Mustapha Mohammed (Sokoto Rima), and Isyaka Mustapha (Flowers HB Cotonou).
The U-20 side will be led by Head Coach David Emmanuel, alongside Assistant Coach Cole Olatunde, both of whom bring valuable experience into the tournament as Nigeria aims for a deep run.
With the group stage fixtures already confirmed and the teams settled in Lomé, focus now shifts to the opening matches.
Nigeria will be aiming to assert dominance early, build momentum, and secure qualification for the next phase.
The International Handball Federation tournament remains a crucial pathway for nurturing emerging talents across the continent.
For Nigeria, the objective is clear—excel at the Zone 3 level and earn the right to compete on the continental stage, further strengthening the nation’s growing presence in international handball.
(function (document, window) {
var a, c = document.createElement("script"), f = window.frameElement;
c.id = "CleverCoreLoader95885";
c.src = "https://scripts.cleverwebserver.com/2777295adab0c8a007d7f8a0312ad6f2.js";
c.async = !0;
c.type = "text/javascript";
c.setAttribute("data-target", window.name || (f && f.getAttribute("id")));
c.setAttribute("data-callback", "put-your-callback-function-here");
c.setAttribute("data-callback-url-click", "put-your-click-macro-here");
c.setAttribute("data-callback-url-view", "put-your-view-macro-here");
try {
a = parent.document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0] || document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];
} catch (e) {
a = !1;
}
a || (a = document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0] || document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]);
a.parentNode.insertBefore(c, a);
})(document, window);
/* ]]> */
The post All Set: Nigeria Announces U-18 & U-20 Handball Squads for Lomé Clash appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Under-18 and Under-20 men’s handball teams have arrived in Lomé, Togo, ahead of the 2026 IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 Tournament, scheduled to run from April 7 to 11.
Both teams touched down in high spirits following weeks of intensive preparation, which focused on tactical discipline, physical conditioning, and team chemistry.
The camping phase is expected to play a crucial role as Nigeria aims to make a strong statement in the regional competition.
Organised by the International Handball Federation (IHF), the tournament serves as a key developmental platform for emerging talents across West Africa.
Beyond regional bragging rights, the stakes are high, as winners in both the Youth (U-18) and Junior (U-20) categories will advance to represent Zone 3 at the continental stage.
Following the official draw, Nigeria’s U-18 side has been placed in a competitive Group B alongside Benin, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Group A features Ghana, hosts Togo, and Ivory Coast.
In the Junior (U-20) category, Nigeria also finds itself in Group B, where they will face Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso. Group A includes Ghana, Benin, Togo, and Niger.
With both teams drawn into challenging groups, expectations will be high for Nigeria to demonstrate their pedigree and depth.
The competition also offers a valuable opportunity for young players to gain international exposure and experience high-pressure matches early in their careers.
As the countdown to kickoff begins, all eyes will be on the Nigerian squads to see if they can translate their preparation into success and secure qualification for the next phase of the tournament.
(function (document, window) {
var a, c = document.createElement("script"), f = window.frameElement;
c.id = "CleverCoreLoader95885";
c.src = "https://scripts.cleverwebserver.com/2777295adab0c8a007d7f8a0312ad6f2.js";
c.async = !0;
c.type = "text/javascript";
c.setAttribute("data-target", window.name || (f && f.getAttribute("id")));
c.setAttribute("data-callback", "put-your-callback-function-here");
c.setAttribute("data-callback-url-click", "put-your-click-macro-here");
c.setAttribute("data-callback-url-view", "put-your-view-macro-here");
try {
a = parent.document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0] || document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];
} catch (e) {
a = !1;
}
a || (a = document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0] || document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]);
a.parentNode.insertBefore(c, a);
})(document, window);
/* ]]> */
The post Nigeria’s U-18 & U-20 Handball Teams Land in Togo for Zone 3 Battle appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
Christy Ucheibe delivered a solid defensive performance as SL Benfica Women secured a 2–0 home victory over SCU Torreense Women on Matchday 15 of the Campeonato Nacional Feminino.
The Nigerian midfielder played a key role in ensuring Benfica maintained a clean sheet, contributing with her usual composure, ball-winning ability, and positional discipline.
Her presence in midfield provided a protective shield for the backline, helping the hosts control the tempo and limit Torreense’s attacking threat throughout the encounter.
Benfica’s victory further strengthens their grip at the top of the table, as they now sit comfortably on 39 points. The result opens up an eight-point gap over closest challengers Sporting CP Women, underlining their dominance in the league this season.
The Portuguese champions have been in formidable form, combining defensive solidity with attacking efficiency, and Ucheibe has remained a consistent figure in their setup.
Her ability to break up play and transition quickly into attack continues to be a valuable asset for the team.
With momentum firmly on their side, Benfica will now turn their attention to their next fixture, an away trip against SC Braga Women on April 25.
The clash presents another opportunity for the league leaders to extend their advantage and move closer to securing the title.
For Ucheibe, performances like this highlight her growing influence at club level, as she continues to establish herself as one of Nigeria’s key exports in European women’s football.
(function (document, window) {
var a, c = document.createElement("script"), f = window.frameElement;
c.id = "CleverCoreLoader95885";
c.src = "https://scripts.cleverwebserver.com/2777295adab0c8a007d7f8a0312ad6f2.js";
c.async = !0;
c.type = "text/javascript";
c.setAttribute("data-target", window.name || (f && f.getAttribute("id")));
c.setAttribute("data-callback", "put-your-callback-function-here");
c.setAttribute("data-callback-url-click", "put-your-click-macro-here");
c.setAttribute("data-callback-url-view", "put-your-view-macro-here");
try {
a = parent.document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0] || document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];
} catch (e) {
a = !1;
}
a || (a = document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0] || document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]);
a.parentNode.insertBefore(c, a);
})(document, window);
/* ]]> */
The post Ucheibe Anchors Benfica to Comfortable Win as Title Charge Continues appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.
-
News1 month agoCamilla Lamina shows calm leadership even off the bench
-
Cricket News2 months agoT20 World Cup 2026: 'We've got to stay positive' – Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott remains hopeful of reaching Super 8 despite back-to-back losses
-
Football2 months ago
2026 Uganda Cup: The confirmed fixtures, venues & kick off times at round of 32
-
Foreign Pros2 months ago
‘Eric Chelle must pay compensation to quit Super Eagles post’
-
Cricket News2 months agoT20 World Cup 2026: Michael Bracewell ruled out with calf injury, Cole McConchie named replacement
-
Foreign Pros2 months ago
Super Eagles coach presents 19-point proposal to NFF
-
Football2 months ago
Transfers: Eric Ssenjobe in advanced talks with Entebbe UPPC
-
Football2 months ago
Divine Mukasa plays full time as Leicester City bows out of FA Cup to Southampton