It was a moment of overwhelming joy, gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for FC Robo Queens founder and grassroots football developer Coach Emmanuel Osahon, who showered blessings and praises on Super Falcons superstar Asisat Oshoala after receiving a brand-new car from his former player, Sports247.ng reports.

The touching gesture from the six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year has captured attention within Nigeria’s football community, highlighting the extraordinary relationship between a player who conquered the world stage and the grassroots coach who helped nurture her talent.

Overwhelmed by the unexpected recognition, Osahon could barely contain his appreciation as he offered heartfelt prayers for Oshoala.

“Agba baller, you are blessed, you are a blessing. I thank you. I can’t thank you enough. You are too much,” the emotional coach declared.

His brief but powerful words reflected the depth of his gratitude to a player who has never forgotten the foundation of her remarkable football journey.

For Osahon, the gift comes at an especially memorable moment, with five players from his FC Robo academy reportedly representing Nigeria at the ongoing 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Even more remarkable is the reported achievement of three of those players receiving Player of the Match recognition at different stages of the competition, underlining the academy’s contribution to the development of Nigeria’s next generation of female football stars.

The Flamingos have also made history by reaching their first-ever World Cup final following Wednesday’s stunning 3-1 semi-final victory over Brazil.

The combination of Nigeria’s World Cup success and Oshoala’s extraordinary gesture makes this an unforgettable period for the respected grassroots football developer.

Osahon’s influence extends beyond the current Flamingos squad. His academy played an important role in the early development of Oshoala, Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Nigerian international Gift Monday.

From nurturing young girls on modest training grounds to watching them represent Nigeria on the biggest international stages, the FC Robo founder has dedicated years to discovering and developing football talent.

Oshoala’s latest gesture also reinforces her reputation for remembering her roots and supporting those who contributed to her success.

For Coach Osahon, the greatest reward may not simply be the brand-new car, but the knowledge that a young girl he once helped develop has returned as a global football icon to say thank you.

And with his young players preparing to challenge Japan for the world title, the celebrations surrounding FC Robo may only be beginning.

The post ‘You Are Blessed, You Are a Blessing, I Can’t Thank You Enough!’ — Emotional FC Robo Coach Osahon Showers Prayers on Asisat Oshoala After Receiving Brand-New Car appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

The new president of Pan-African Scrabble Association (PANASA), Haruna Adamu, has received a useful reel of expert tips from experts of the game on how to succeed in the post he recently attained.

Sports247 reports that the line-up of wise counsel coming Adamu’s way is being led by PANASA’s immediate past president, Engineer Toke Aka, who is also a leading administrator of the sport in Nigeria.

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While affirming total support for the new president, who hails from Ghana, Aka urged Adamu to prioritise engagement with national federations, while strengthening PANASA’s secretariat and expanding the impact of Scrabble across Africa.

Aka, who is also a founding member and executive official of World English Scrabble Players Association (WESPA), added that Adamu must identify various challenges that are facing national bodies and help them develop strategies to increase participation in competitions.

The immediate past president of Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) declared: “I wish him well, and I must tell him that it is what he dreams and that will work. He is leading, and he must be the one to say or ask around to be able to say that this should be.

“If he does not take a step, nothing is going to happen. Nobody is going to push him. So all I say to him is that, as much as I have, I got in the position, he should also strive to take us beyond where we are.”

Aka further stressed what he described as a culture of timidity and limited engagement among some Scrabble administrators across Africa as an obstacle to the sport’s growth, then urged Adamu to note that challenges facing each country can be addressed through better planning, early preparation and support from PANASA, rather than be treated as huge obstacles.

“I don’t see them as problems. I just see them as bad planning. One man can’t do it alone. You need a team. So once your secretariat is up and doing, then what do you do for development? You engage, you ask, you talk.

“Even in countries where they don’t have, talk with the leadership in sports in such countries,” Aka asserted, while advocating persuasion, engagement and proper development efforts as strategies that will help PANASA face challenges facing different countries and provide solutions.

Aka posited that Adamu will succeed through effective leadership, a proactive secretariat and helping national associations overcome their challenges, while building on progress already made and extending Scrabble’s reach to more African countries.

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Nigerian FIFA futsal referee Ojeleye John Tope has continued to strengthen his reputation on the continental stage following his participation in the 2026 Futsal Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where he successfully passed the Confederation of African Football (CAF) fitness assessment and received officiating appointments.

Sports247 reports that Ojeleye’s involvement in the tournament represents another milestone in his international refereeing career, highlighting Nigeria’s growing presence in African futsal officiating.

The Nigerian official was among the referees selected for the continental championship, with his appointments demonstrating the opportunities available to match officials who meet CAF’s professional requirements.

Ojeleye reportedly received his first tournament assignment on October 15, officiating during the encounter between Tanzania and Angola. Angola secured an emphatic 6-0 victory, with the fixture providing the Nigerian referee an opportunity to gain further experience at continental level.

His participation followed his successful completion of CAF’s mandatory fitness assessment, an important requirement for officials selected to handle international competitions.

Ojeleye subsequently received another assignment for Mozambique’s encounter against Tanzania on October 17. The Nigerian was listed as the second referee alongside Senegalese official Elhadji Dieme.

Mozambique emerged 4-0 winners, completing their campaign with a convincing performance. The appointment further strengthened Ojeleye’s tournament experience and added another continental fixture to his officiating record.

Before his involvement in the Futsal AFCON, Ojeleye had already gained experience handling international fixtures.

In January 2026, he was appointed for the Africa Cup of Nations futsal qualifying encounter between Cape Verde and Senegal. His progression from qualifying matches to the continental championship reflects his continued involvement in CAF-organised competitions.

Ojeleye’s participation represents an encouraging development for Nigerian refereeing, particularly in futsal, where opportunities for international exposure remain important to officials’ professional growth.

His successful fitness assessment and subsequent appointments underline the importance of physical preparation, technical knowledge and consistency in officiating.

As African futsal continues to develop, Nigerian officials will be hoping to secure greater representation at major continental and international competitions.

For Ojeleye John Tope, the 2026 Futsal AFCON has provided another platform to build experience, strengthen his professional credentials and represent Nigeria in continental football officiating.

The post Nigeria’s FIFA Futsal Referee Ojeleye John Tope Shines at 2026 AFCON in Morocco, Handles Key Matches appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.