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From Engineering to Football Scouting: How Passion for Youth Development Changed Ezeilo Hilary Ogochukwu’s Life 

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For many people, engineering and football scouting belong to two completely different worlds.

READ ALSO: Favour Onyah Powers Into NCAA Championships with Stunning Personal Best

One is built on calculations, transformers, and technical precision; the other thrives on talent identification, dreams, and the unpredictable beauty of the game.

Yet for Engineer Ezeilo Hilary Ogochukwu, both worlds have become part of a remarkable journey driven by one thing, passion.

As the Director of Hil-Ten Engineering Services, Ezeilo built a successful career in electrical engineering, specializing in electrical installations, overhead lines, and transformer installations.

But beyond the business meetings, project sites, and technical drawings, there was always another calling close to his heart. Football.

Growing up, Ezeilo understood the struggles faced by talented young players in Nigeria. Like many gifted footballers of his generation, he never had the opportunities that many young players enjoy today.

“My experience as a player was a heavy one,” he recalled. “We never got the opportunity to reach the international professional level.”

That experience would later become the motivation behind a mission that is changing lives.

What started as organizing grassroots football competitions in his neighborhood gradually evolved into something much bigger.

Through unity tournaments, he brought young boys together, creating a platform where they could showcase their abilities while competing for prizes.

But two years ago, he decided to take things a step further.

“I wanted to change the game,” Ezeilo said. “Instead of just organizing tournaments, I wanted the best players to have opportunities to continue their football journey.”

That decision marked the beginning of his transition from engineer to football scout.

The turning point came when he met Coach Felix Ifeanyi Nwosu, popularly known as Abacha, who was working with Rangers International’s U-19 team at the time.

Their partnership opened a new chapter.

“For the love of the game, I am giving opportunities to these young boys,” Ezeilo explained.

“Coach Felix has been a great help ever since I met him.”

Since then, he has scouted more than 20 players for Rangers U-19, helping talented youngsters move closer to achieving their dreams.

The sacrifices have been enormous.

On the day of this interview, Ezeilo had flown from Anambra State to Lagos simply to watch the NPFL final day involving Rangers and Ikorodu City, to see some youthful talented players in Ikorodu City and Rangers.

It was another example of the commitment he continues to make despite having no immediate financial rewards attached to the venture.

“Right now, I’m in Lagos because of football,” he said. “It is basically out of passion. I’m not looking at the profits that may come from it.”

His efforts are already yielding results. Within two years, two of the players he helped develop have secured opportunities abroad, while several others are progressing through the pipeline and edging closer to professional careers.

For Ezeilo, every success story represents something more than football.

It represents hope.

It represents a second chance for young boys whose talents might otherwise go unnoticed.

It represents an opportunity he never had.

“I decided to give the younger generation the opportunity that I never got,” he said. “I stay with them, take care of their needs, guide them, and help manage their careers.”

Despite his growing influence in football development, Ezeilo remains committed to engineering.

A graduate of Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Anambra State University, he continues to run his engineering company while investing a significant portion of his earnings into youth football.

He believes education remains important, but he also understands the life-changing opportunities football can provide.

“Education is the key to success,” he said. “But if you are truly talented and committed, football can change your life, help your family, and create opportunities for future generations.”

Looking ahead, Ezeilo’s vision extends far beyond Rangers’ youth teams. He dreams of seeing more Nigerian talents break into Europe and other major football destinations around the world.

His mission is simple: identify talent, nurture it, and create pathways for success.

As long as his engineering business continues to thrive, he says he will keep investing in young footballers.

“What I do is born out of passion,” he said. “As far as I continue making profits from my business, I will keep investing in these young players and helping them achieve their dreams.”

In a country blessed with immense football talent, people like Engineer Ezeilo Hilary Ogochukwu are proving that sometimes the greatest impact is not made on the pitch itself, but by those working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the next generation gets its chance to shine.

The post From Engineering to Football Scouting: How Passion for Youth Development Changed Ezeilo Hilary Ogochukwu’s Life  first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.

The post From Engineering to Football Scouting: How Passion for Youth Development Changed Ezeilo Hilary Ogochukwu’s Life  appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

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WAFU – B U-17: Adegbuyi, Oparanmegwa Fire Flamingos Past Côte d’Ivoire

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Nigeria’s Flamingos maintained their perfect run at the 2026 WAFU-B U17 Girls Cup with a commanding 2–0 victory over hosts Côte d’Ivoire in Yamoussoukro on Thursday.

Oluwakemi Adegbuyi gave Nigeria the perfect start when she struck in the fourth minute, putting the Flamingos in front at the Lycée Scientifique.

The early goal allowed Nigeria to settle into the contest as the Flamingos protected their advantage through the remainder of the first half.

Côte d’Ivoire pushed for a response after the restart, but Nigeria remained disciplined and continued to threaten on the counter.

The Flamingos eventually doubled their advantage in the 83rd minute, with Pattra Oparanmegwa finding the back of the net to put Nigeria firmly in control.

The victory extends Nigeria’s perfect record in the competition, with the Flamingos now having won all four of their matches.

Nigeria had earlier opened their campaign with a 5–0 victory over Niger Republic before defeating Ghana 4–2 and overcoming Burkina Faso 2–0.

Against Burkina Faso, Mary Dunstan broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute before Adegbuyi struck in stoppage time to seal the win.

The victory over Côte d’Ivoire therefore represents another impressive display from the Flamingos, who have continued to combine attacking quality with defensive discipline throughout the tournament.

The hosts entered Thursday’s encounter as Nigeria’s closest challengers in the standings, having collected six points from their opening three matches. Côte d’Ivoire had also demonstrated their attacking threat with a 9–0 victory over Niger Republic before facing the Flamingos.

Nigeria, however, maintained their superiority in the decisive encounter, with Adegbuyi’s early strike and Oparanmegwa’s second-half finish securing another three points.

The result takes the Flamingos to 12 points from four matches, strengthening their position at the top of the WAFU-B U17 Girls Cup standings.

Nigeria will now turn their attention to their final fixture of the competition against Guinea, as coach Hakeem Busari’s side look to complete the tournament with another victory.

The WAFU-B competition is also serving as valuable preparation for Nigeria ahead of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, where the Flamingos will compete against North Korea, Puerto Rico and Poland in Group B.

The post WAFU – B U-17: Adegbuyi, Oparanmegwa Fire Flamingos Past Côte d’Ivoire appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

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EuroMatch NPFL Matchday 5: Sporting Lagos Shock Enyimba as Rangers, Barau FC Pick Up Vital Wins

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The EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) delivered another action-packed round of fixtures on Matchday 5, with Sporting Lagos producing one of the biggest results of the round while Rangers International, Barau FC and Shooting Stars all secured important victories.

READ ALSO: EuroMatch NPFL: Enyimba Stunned Again! Sporting Lagos Complete 3-2 Comeback in Aba

Sports247 reports that in Aba, Sporting Lagos stunned nine-time champions Enyimba FC 3-2, completing a remarkable comeback after the home side took the lead through Stanley Dimgba in the 44th minute. Tobi Iyanda extended Enyimba’s advantage in the 55th minute, but Sporting Lagos responded emphatically.

The visitors levelled in the 51st minute before Haruna Hadi put Sporting Lagos ahead in the 65th minute. Daniel Aboh added another four minutes later to complete the turnaround and condemn Enyimba to another defeat.

Rangers International continued their strong campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over newly promoted Ranchers Bees. Iwundu scored in the 53rd minute to hand the defending champions another valuable three points.

At home, Barau FC defeated Abia Warriors 2-0. Joseph Atule opened the scoring in the 22nd minute before Ibrahim Ayoola doubled the advantage in the 61st minute.

Bendel Insurance also secured a home victory, edging Ikorodu City 2-1. Chinedu Nwosu converted from the penalty spot in the 49th minute, while Alex Oweilayefa struck in the 84th minute. Aderemi Adeoye had earlier scored for Ikorodu City in the 80th minute.

In Ilorin, Kwara United defeated Nasarawa United 2-1. Sanni Muhammed gave the hosts an early lead in the 12th minute before Jofrank Istifanus equalised for Nasarawa United in the 29th minute. AbdulSalam A. restored Kwara United’s advantage in the 65th minute.

Shooting Stars recorded a convincing 2-0 win over Katsina United, with Olanrewaju Ridwan and Qamar Adegoke finding the net.

Doma United and Plateau United played out an entertaining 2-2 draw, while Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves shared the points after a goalless encounter.

In Lagos, Inter Lagos drew 1-1 with Kano Pillars. Ubong Friday, assisted by Ahmed Musa, put Pillars ahead in the 33rd minute before Bashir AbdulKareem levelled in the 76th minute.

The Matchday 5 action continues on Thursday when Rivers United, the Pride of Rivers, face Kun Khalifat FC. With the campaign gathering momentum, another round of NPFL drama awaits.

The post EuroMatch NPFL Matchday 5: Sporting Lagos Shock Enyimba as Rangers, Barau FC Pick Up Vital Wins appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

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BREAKING: Super Eagles Camp Grows to 23 as Ndidi, Chukwueze Land in Uyo Ahead of Madagascar Clash

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The Super Eagles camp in Uyo has grown to 23 players following the arrival of captain Wilfred Ndidi and winger Samuel Chukwueze as Nigeria intensifies preparations for Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar.

Ndidi and Chukwueze landed at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo at exactly 5:20 p.m. on Tuesday, arriving from Lagos aboard an Ibom Air flight before linking up with the rest of Éric Chelle’s squad.

Their arrival followed that of goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who had earlier increased the number of players in camp from 20 to 21 before the team headed out for its first training session.

The initial 20 arrivals were Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Taiwo Awoniyi, Isaac James, Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredrick, Moses Usor, George Ilenikhena, Arthur Okonkwo, Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Chibuike Nwaiwu, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Raphael Onyedika and Frank Onyeka.

With Nwabali, Ndidi and Chukwueze subsequently reporting, Chelle now has 23 players available, giving the coach an almost complete group as preparations gather momentum in Uyo.

Nigeria’s squad underwent a late alteration after Victor Osimhen was ruled out through injury, prompting the recall of Taiwo Awoniyi as his replacement.

The Coventry City striker is already in camp and will compete with Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and George Ilenikhena among the centre-forward options.

The Super Eagles will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Bissau for their second Group L qualifier against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

After the disappointment of missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria are under pressure to begin their AFCON campaign positively.

With 23 players now assembled in Uyo and training underway, Chelle can turn his attention to shaping the team he believes can deliver the opening three points against Madagascar.

The post BREAKING: Super Eagles Camp Grows to 23 as Ndidi, Chukwueze Land in Uyo Ahead of Madagascar Clash appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

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