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The 2017 edition of the GTBank-Ogun State Principals Cup will reach its climax on Thursday 21st September, 2017 in the famous MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta. The highly anticipated finals will thrill football lovers from across Ogun State and beyond as first-time finalists take on former champions.

The curtain raiser for the day will be the finals in the female category between 2 time winners, Muslim High School, Isolu and Iko Gateway Grammar School, Idiroko. In the male category, Ipara Community Secondary School, Ipara will hope to spring an upset as they take on title favorites, Pakoto High School, Ayede-Ifo who won the trophy in 2015. The matches are bound to produce historic moments for two of the four schools as both jostle to win the trophy for the first time ever.

The GTBank – Ogun State Principals Cup has been won by 5 schools since its inception. In the male category, Alamuwa Grammar School, Ado Odo won the first and forth editions of the competition (2013, 2016) and are the only male team to win twice so far – a feat Pakoto High School hope to repeat when they file out on Thursday – while Remo Divisional High School, Sagamu emerged winners in 2014. In the female category, Orile Ilegun Comprehensive High School, Odeda clinched the title in 2013, Alamuwa Grammar School, Ado Odo 2014, while this year’s finalist, Muslim High School, Isolu took home the title in 2015 and 2016.

Outstanding players to watch out for in the male category of this year’s final include Olalekan Toheeb of Pakoto High School who is the leading scorer of the tournament with 3 goals, and Sodiya Olaoluwa of Ipara Community Secondary School who won the most valuable player award in the semifinals. In the female category, all eyes will be on Adeyanju Hanna of Iko gateway Grammar School who scored the lone goal that earned her team a place in the final, and Kayode Tolulope of Muslim High School whose midfield prowess helped her team get to this stage of the competition. Winners in both categories will be rewarded with the sum of N1,000,000 each, while the 1st ,2nd, 3rd runners-up will be given N750,000, N500,000, and N350,000 respectively.

 Commenting on the Finals the 2017 GTBank – Ogun State Principals Cup, Segun Agbaje, the MD/CEO of Guaranty Trust Bank plc, said “We are proud to lead this initiative that provides an avenue for students to showcase their talents and passion for the game of football even as they remain committed to their academics.” He further stated that “This competition paves the way for youths to cultivate their sporting talents and aptitudes, while fostering and building a healthier lifestyle at a critical stage in their lives”.

 Guaranty Trust Bank plc is a foremost Nigerian financial institution that has maintained a defined Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy since its inception in 1990. The Bank actively supports in-classroom and out-of-classroom educational programmes, infrastructure development, students’ scholarship and teachers training across Africa.

Alongside the Ogun State Principals Cup, GTBank also sponsors the Lagos State Principals Cup, and the Masters Cup tournaments.

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As WAFCON Kicks Off Today, The Falcons Of Nigeria Will Win Their 10th Title — By Seun Oloketuyi

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The energy in Morocco is electric. From the bustling streets of Rabat to the buzzing stadium corridors in Casablanca, a continental celebration of football has begun. The 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, delayed until 2025, kicks off today — and as the anthem rings out to open the tournament, one team walks into the spotlight with more than just ambition. The Super Falcons of Nigeria are here to reclaim what they’ve long considered theirs: the WAFCON crown.

Nine-time champions, decorated with decades of dominance, Nigeria’s women’s team has been the pride of African football. But this time, there’s something different. It’s not just about titles or rankings. It’s about redemption. Two years ago, the Falcons fell short, narrowly edged out of the final by host nation Morocco and forced to watch South Africa take the throne. That sting hasn’t faded — it’s fuel.

The players know what’s at stake. Asisat Oshoala, now playing for Bay FC in the U.S. after an illustrious run with Barcelona, returns with fire in her eyes and form in her boots. Alongside her, a younger generation is rising — bold, unshaken, hungry. In training, the tempo has been sharp. In their voices, confidence. In their hearts, belief,She is expected to inspire the younger generation lead by the team Captain Rasheedat and the new blood of Alozie,Ashley,Esther and Toni Payne plus Ayinde a lot is expected.

Now led by new head coach Justine Madugu, following the departure of Randy Waldrum, the Falcons are embracing a refreshed style of play — blending tactical discipline with expressive, fearless attacking football. Madugu has not only brought structure but also instilled belief, trust, and a renewed fighting spirit,Many including me are still stunned Monday Gift is not in this team but yet we are behind them.

The road won’t be easy. Morocco is loud and proud on home soil. South Africa still glows from their 2022 triumph. Zambia arrives with momentum. But even in the shadows of rising stars, Nigeria still stands tallest. When the Super Falcons walk out tomorrow against Tunisia for their opening match, they’ll carry more than just jerseys on their backs. They’ll carry history. Legacy. And expectation.

This is a team that has shaped the narrative of African women’s football for decades. Their dominance isn’t luck. It’s culture. Discipline. Passion. Every touch of the ball, every sprint, every tackle will be driven by the memory of past glories — and the desire to write a new chapter.

As the tournament kicks off today, the message from Nigeria is clear: the Falcons are flying again. Not with arrogance, but with assurance. And by the time the final whistle blows in Rabat on July 26, they believe they’ll be right where they belong — lifting the trophy for a record 10th time.

Africa is watching. Nigeria is ready.

I Totally believe Falcons will come home with the 10th Wafcon

  • Seun Oloketuyi the producer of Flying with the Falcons

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JUST IN: Super Eagles Legendary Goalkeeper Peter Rufai Dies At 60

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The Super Eagles have honoured former Nigerian goalkeeper and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner, Peter Rufai, following reports of his passing.

In a statement posted on Thursday via X, the national team referred to Rufai, popularly called “Dodo Mayana,” as an iconic figure in Nigerian football whose impact will always be remembered.

“Forever in our hearts, Dodo Mayana. We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 AFCON champion,” the statement said.

The statement praised Rufai’s outstanding career, highlighting his remarkable performances and influence beyond football.

“Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond. Rest well, Peter Rufai,” it added.

Rufai was a key member of the celebrated Nigerian team that won the 1994 AFCON and qualified for the country’s first-ever FIFA World Cup in the same year.

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BREAKING: Liverpool Star Diogo Jota Dies In Car Crash At 28

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Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota has passed away at the age of 28 after a fatal road accident in Spain.

The accident took place on the A-52 motorway, at kilometre 65, close to the municipality of Palacios de Sanabria in Zamora province.

Born in 1996, Jota was an important player for both Liverpool FC and the Portuguese national team. News of his sudden death has caused shock and grief across the football community and beyond.

Spanish sports newspaper MARCA reported the crash on Thursday, confirming that Jota died at the scene.

“Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota dies in a traffic accident in the province of Zamora,” the publication stated in a short report, expressing sorrow over the loss of the talented footballer.

Jota was known for his determination, sharp goal-scoring ability, and flexibility on the field.

As of the time of this report, additional information about the crash and funeral plans has not been released.

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