The 2026 edition of the Femmco Football Championship began on an exciting note in Ifo, Ogun State, with Matchday 1 delivering competitive action across the U10, U13, and U15 categories.

Organised by Femmco 01 International, the grassroots tournament immediately lived up to expectations, showcasing young talents eager to make their mark.

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In the U10 category, Ultimate FC suffered a 2-0 defeat to Okeola Concord FC. Goals from Jolaoso Afeez and Ogundare Emmanuel secured a confident opening win for Okeola Concord. In the second fixture, Mico FC edged Dominion Star 1-0, with Elemo Semilore scoring the decisive goal in a tightly contested encounter.

The U13 division saw a standout performance from Femmco FC, who defeated Solace FA 3-1. Akanji Jibola stole the spotlight with a brilliant hat-trick, while Victor Olaleye grabbed a consolation goal for Solace FA. In the other U13 fixture, Musty FA of Kwara State secured a 2-0 victory over Dominion Star, with Afolabi Quoyum contributing a goal and an assist, alongside a strike from Olohunoje Abd’Afeez.

In the U15 category, Ultimate FC bounced back from their U10 loss to record a narrow 1-0 win over Young Star Iyana-Ilogbo. Buhari Taiye’s lone goal proved decisive in a closely fought contest.

Matchday 1 highlighted the competitive spirit and emerging talent within the tournament, setting the tone for an exciting championship. With more fixtures to come, attention now turns to the next round as teams aim to build momentum and secure qualification from their respective groups.

The post Femmco Football Championship 2026 Kicks Off With Exciting Matchday 1 Results appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Former Super Eagles defender Godwin Okpara has strongly rejected claims that the current board of the Nigeria Football Federation has performed well, describing the recent vote of confidence passed on them as unjustified.

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Okpara did not mince words in his assessment, pointing to Nigeria’s failure to qualify for back-to-back World Cup tournaments as clear evidence of what he considers poor leadership.

“This is incompetence,” he implied, stressing that such outcomes should not be overlooked or excused.

For the former international, missing out on consecutive World Cups is not just a disappointment, it is a major failure that reflects deeper issues within the administration of Nigerian football.

“These are glaring problems,” he said, arguing that results on the pitch are a direct reflection of decisions made off it.

Okpara questioned the logic behind the vote of confidence, suggesting that it sends the wrong message about accountability and performance.

“How can you reward this?” he asked, expressing disbelief at the decision.

In his view, the role of leadership is to deliver results and create an environment for success. When those expectations are not met, there should be consequences, not endorsement.

His comments add to a growing chorus of criticism directed at the NFF, with many stakeholders calling for reforms and greater transparency.

For Okpara, the focus should now be on identifying what went wrong and taking corrective action, rather than maintaining the status quo.

“Things need to change,” he suggested, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

As Nigerian football looks ahead, the debate over governance and accountability continues to intensify.

For fans, the frustration is clear.

Because for a country with Nigeria’s football pedigree, failure to qualify for major tournaments is not just disappointing.

It is unacceptable.

The post ‘This Is Incompetence!’ Okpara Rejects NFF Praise — Slams Vote Of Confidence After World Cup Failures appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s senior special assistant on grassroots sports development, Prince Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye has declared that the country’s number one citizen is progressively ‘redefining how Nigerians see their future.’

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Sports247 reports that Prince Adeboye stated this and more while providing a very deep, reflective, emotional and powerful tribute to President Tinubu on the occasion of his 74th birthday, which he defined as a milestone day for Nigeria.

While also hailing President Tinubu as a rare leader whose vision has evolved into a national movement of transformation and renewed purpose, Adeboye recalled over three decades of close working relationship with his highly-respected mentor.

Taking his mind back to when he first worked closely with the president during his time as Lagos State governor, Adeboye described Tinubu as a leader with vision, courage and consistency, plus a strong ability to translate ideas into reality.

“Having worked closely with Mr. President for over 30 years, right from his days as Governor of Lagos State, I have seen firsthand a leader who does not merely hold office, but one who transforms systems and builds people.

“What makes Mr. President exceptional is not just his vision, but his ability to translate that vision into action. Renewed Hope is no longer just an idea—it is a movement that is redefining how Nigerians see their future.

“In every young person given an opportunity, in every community touched by development, and in every life inspired to dream again, you see the imprint of a leader who understands that the strength of a nation lies in its people.

“This is not just a celebration of age, but a celebration of impact,” said Adeboye, who also emphasized President Tinubu’s long-standing commitment to youth development and grassroots empowerment, particularly through sports.

He added that President Tinubu’s all-round visionary leadership reflects a deep understanding of nation-building, which has been a highlight of consistency in his style of governance over the years, from Lagos to the national stage.

The post President Tinubu Is Redefining How Nigerians See Their Future – SSA Adeboye appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.