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As part of its contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria as well as ensuring continuity between the older generation of athletes and the younger ones, Heritage Bank Plc, in partnership with the Lagos State government, is targeting the youth in its forthcoming signature sports event, the Skoolimpics project.
The event which is billed to take place between November 2nd and 4th at the Teslim Balogun Stadium and Rowe Park, will be bringing together, over 200 public and private secondary schools with about 6,000 students competing across all the local government areas in the state.
In his address at a media briefing in Lagos, Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Bank, Ifie Sekibo, who was ably represented by Mary Akpobome, an executive director of the bank, explained that Skoolimpics targets development of young people in order to foster their physical, social and emotional wellbeing. Physical education and sports, he said, help in character and community building, delinquency reduction, community safety, economic and social development.
He said, “It is an organized tournament, driven on the platform of education, to aid tackling the dearth of insufficient sports talents by ‘catching them young’; mentoring them by facilitating the development of their talents and dreams whilst attaining good education.”
Other objectives of the tournament, he mentioned, included creating a platform through sports where the youths will imbibe great leadership attributes and lead their communities well; grooming young athletes yearly from the grassroots, develop, train and nurture them to compete and achieve their dreams; and increasing participation in sports in order to  discover more talents and future champions and Olympians.
Sekibo narrated that a look at the days of glory in sports to the present, particularly, with the recent lackluster outing at Rio Olympics, pretty sums up the deterioration in the country’s institutional framework.
He added: “In the history of Nigerian sports, never has there been an organized competition of this magnitude for all secondary schools! The talents to be gathered in one place can only be imagined and the emotions generated will simply be electrifying: different schools from different geo-political zones; competing students from different walks of lives, cultural ideologies and languages. ‘It will be an amazing melting pot to harness youthful talents with a clearly defined national outlook’.
“I would like to underscore our vision as a generational bank, one that is poised to help create, preserve and transfer wealth across generations. This mantra of ours is evidenced in the work that the bank has done so far in empowering children and youth in the society in order to foster productivity in the economy.”
On the part of the Lagos State government, the chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, Deji Tinubu stated that right now, there is no current school child both at the state and national level who is an athletic household name; whereas in those days, there was Stephen Keshi, Henry Nwosu, ChidImoh, Falilat Ogunkoya, Dick Tiger, a host of others.
He then narrated that the essence of Skoolimpics was to get everybody back on track, reminding them that the country’s future stars, are the ones who are in the secondary schools now and not the ones who are training and between the ages of 20 and above.
According to Tinubu, if we don’t tap them now, if we don’t starting training them, if we don’t start nurturing them at this level, we are probably going to lose another generation of stars who would probably have made Nigeria proud. ‘That is why we are partnering with Heritage Bank’.
“All the talents that will be discovered in this maiden edition, will stay with the experts, they will be counseled, guided, spoken to and we will entertain them so that even at this age, they will begin to have the feeling of what a champion is like.
“It is not going to be one of those programmes where we do the event and then you don’t get to hear about us until another one year. It is going to be a constant thing and by the grace of God in the near future, we will be able to hold somebody’s hand as a champion. It may be regional, continental, but all traced back to why we are gathered here today.”
Taking the audience down memory lane, Skoolimpics Brand Ambassador, Mary Onyali, narrated her experience at the age of 10 right from St. Mary’s Anglican Primary School, where she was trained by volunteer coaches and her visits to fine tune her talents at Rowe Park, Yaba up to Amuwo Grammar School, Agboju, where she was always sending senior students scampering into safety whenever she featured in a competition.
By 2004, after having vested 30 years of her talents to athletes, she had made five Olympic appearances, winning two Olympic medals and tens and thousands of medals in all African games, Commonwealth games, world championships and so on.
“Nigeria has 60% of its 160million population as children and youth. This boardroom decision of Heritage Bank to start Skoolimpics is a marked effort.  Here is the link: 98million Nigerians are children and the youth. They have been denied the opportunities of being greater than little Nkem (Onyali). But Heritage Bank is making Nkems of 2016 to have a greater hope and support.
“Please ask yourselves, must this situation of hopelessness continue? Can we change the situation? Yes of course, we can.I urge each and every one of you to join forces with Skoolimpics for the sake of our children in the state because once this pilot in Lagos is launched, we want to recreate on the streets of our states, greater children who are better than Nkem, who is sitting right here before you and talking to you.”

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BIG STORY

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

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4 weeks ago

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July 5, 2025

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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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4 weeks ago

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July 3, 2025

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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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4 weeks ago

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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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