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Tag: Odegbami

  • Abiodun appoints Odegbami as Grand Sports Ambassador of Ogun

    Abiodun appoints Odegbami as Grand Sports Ambassador of Ogun

    Former Green Eagles captain, Segun Odegbami, has been appointed as the grand sports ambassador of Ogun State.

    Also appointed were Tobi Amusan and Anthony Joshua.

    The governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, announced the appointments at the Segun Osoba Press Centre in Abeokuta on Tuesday.

    Governor Abiodun presented the certificate of appointment to Odegbami as the state grand ambassador while speaking to sports editors about the readiness of the state to host the 22nd National Sports Festival.

    Read Also: Odegbami mourns legendary Captain Christian Chukwu

    “Permit me to use this opportunity to perform this ceremony of unveiling Chief Segun Odegbami as our grand sports ambassador.

    “The National Sports Festival will come and go, but we’re already thinking of leveraging on the gains that will come from hosting the NSF.

    “That’s where Odegbami will come in to help us maximise the sports economy.

    “He had already given us the template of the Amsterdam Arena, which we intend to replicate at the MKO Abiola Stadium.”

  • Improved economy’ll halt exodus of youths – Oyegbami

    Improved economy’ll halt exodus of youths – Oyegbami

    The Convener Ministers of God Prayer Network International, Bishop Bola Oyegbami, has called on the federal government to put in place policies and programmes that will improve the economy and create job opportunities that will help in putting a stop to the exodus of youths outside the country.

    Oyegbami made the call recently at a Day of Prayer for the nation, organised by Ministers of God Prayer Network International held at the Christ The Light Chapel, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, titled ‘Restoration unto Wealth upon Nigeria from God.’

    Oyegbami said, “The government needs to implement policies that improve the economy, create job opportunities, and curb security challenges to checkmate the exodus of youths outside the country. They should also establish industrial farming, and create export-friendly policies.”

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    Speaking on the essence of the prayer session, Oyegbami, said: “The essence of the programme is for God’s mighty hand to come down upon the nation and restore the nation. We just concluded a 70-day night vigil, praying over the nation and God said he has answered and that he is going to bring wealth into the nation.

    “God will make a David of whosoever is on the throne and the situation will be changed. The throne in the nation is connected and dedicated to the throne of God in Nigeria. And the throne of God is of righteousness and justice. God is going to use the ministry of circumstances to change the situation of the nation. Since we started this prayer for the nation and state, things are changing gradually, that is how it is going to turn around and righteousness will come over the nation, she added.

    In her keynote address, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians to maintain their faith in the face of adversity.

  • Tributes as Odegbami mourns son’s death

    Tributes as Odegbami mourns son’s death

    Nigerian football legend Segun Odegbami has been inundated with condolences following the heart-breaking news of his son, Oluwagbeminiyi’s passing.

    Fans, friends, and family members have been reeling in shock after Odegbami shared a heartfelt tribute on his Facebook page titled “Oluwagbeminiyi Omo Odegbami – The Gentle Pilgrim Returns Home!”

     “The thought of writing about Oluwagbeminiyi Omo Odegbami in the past tense is utterly incomprehensible,” the football legend wrote, his words heavy with emotion.

    Odegbami recounted how, brimming with creativity just a day before Good Friday, Oluwagbeminiyi messaged his father seeking guidance on their documentary project.

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    Odegbami, encouraging his son’s independence, urged him to press forward with his ideas.

    Odegbami described Oluwagbeminiyi as a “gifted, multi-talented young man” whose abilities extended far beyond the realm of the documentary. He lauded his son’s writing skills, poetic lyricism, rapping talent, captivating elocution, and unique culinary expertise.

     “These gifts resided within this unassuming young man,” Odegbami continued, “who preferred a simple, secluded life, content with his Spartan existence and unbothered by the chaos of the world around him.

  • Odegbami , Ilaboya  fine-tune plans  for Sportsville Awards gala

    Odegbami , Ilaboya  fine-tune plans  for Sportsville Awards gala

    All is now set  for this year’s  Sportsville Recognition Awards following a parley  on Sunday  between

    The Chief Executive Officer of Sportsville Communication Services Ltd, Frank Ilaboya  and Chairman of this year’s ceremony, Dr Segun Odegbami MON.

    The meeting, held at Odegbami’s Banana Island residence,  was not  only reunion for the duo after over two years of break but opportunity to finalise plans towards a  successful award ceremony fixed for Friday, March 1st  at Eko Club in Surulere, Lagos.

    Ilaboya  described the parley  very successful , adding Mathematical Odegbami  was very impressed   with the cover  design  for the event’s brochure  as well as  the detailed plans  for the eagerly-awaited  ceremony among other sundry issues.

     “Franklin, (that’s what Big Sheg calls me), “this cover looks good, I love the design, well done!” Ilaboya  quoted Odegbami as saying. “But how are you coping with the current economic situation in the country, in terms of financing this huge project.”

    Read Also: Sportsville Awards: Odegbami excited over chairmanship role

    The   former  Edo State Football Association Chairman said he was equally impressed with the way he was received  by his host  who ‘ listened  with rapt attention’  and nodded with  approval  following his detailed briefing.

    “I trust you to do a good job, you have been a disciplined man with focus. Congratulations ahead,” Odegbami  reportedly said.

    A highly impressed Ilaboya  would further  speak on his long-time relationship  with the 1980 AFCON winner.

    “For those who don’t know, Segun Odegbami was the one that gave me the break to be on TV when he offered me employment to work with him in 1996 as a TV reporter and eventually, as a presenter,” he stated.

    “Working with him at Worldwide Sports Ltd then was an exciting experience.

    Since then, TV has transformed my life and today, I owe this to Segun Odegbami.

    “ Agreeing to  Chair this  occasion is a big and rare privilege for me and the entire crew working on this project,” he added. 

  • Sportsville Awards: Odegbami excited over chairmanship role

    Sportsville Awards: Odegbami excited over chairmanship role

    By Paul Onehi

    Former Green Eagles  captain Segun Odegbami has yet described the annual Sportsville Special Recognition Awards as  credible and commendable.

    One of  the best players of his generation, the 1980  Africa Cup of Nations(AFCON) winner who is being expected to chair  this year’s event  on March 1st in Lagos , enthused  about  the excitement of chairing the prestigious  awards ceremony.

    “It gives me joy to be part of this year’s ceremony again, this time,  as the Chairman of the occasion,” he said.“ I was a recipient in the 2022 edition and I  must say this is one award  that is not only credible, but commendable.”

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    He continued: “What interests me most is that the award is not based on your current contributions, that Sportsville Special Recognition Award looks back to those who have contributed their quota to Nigerian sports development in the past, makes it unique and worthy of commendation.

    “The quality of Awardees every  year also speaks volumes of the painstaking efforts  the organisers put into the process.

    “I am not surprised though because Frank Ilaboya who worked with me a few years ago at Worldwide Sports Ltd, has always shown commitment and dedication to whatever he believes in,” the proprietor of Segun Odegbami Soccer Academy and Eagle 7 Radio added.

    This year’s  Award ceremony  holds at the Prestigious EKO CLUB, off Bode Thomas Street,  Surulere Lagos on Friday, March 1st .

  • ‘Prophet’ Odegbami  predicts Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire finale

    ‘Prophet’ Odegbami  predicts Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire finale

    Dr. Olusegun Odegbami won the Africa Cup of Nations gold and two bronze medals in seven years of energetic and diligent service to Nigeria in international football at senior level.

    The team was then known as Green Eagles. He was the star of the 12th  edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Nigeria in 1980, scoring two excellent goals in a Final that saw Nigeria spank the Fennecs of Algeria 3-0 at the National Stadium, Lagos.

    During that tournament, he scored three goals, just as he did at the 1978 finals in Ghana, where Nigeria picked up bronze medals after Tunisia abandoned the classification match as a result of Baba Otu Mohammed’s equalizer. He also played at the 1976 edition in Ethiopia, where the Green Eagles finished third behind Morocco and Guinea – the only AFCON played on league basis till date.

    Prior to the 34th  edition in Cote d’Ivoire, the one named ‘The Mathematical’ had told everyone who cared to listen that Nigeria would be champions of Africa after February 11 – the day of the Final match scheduled for the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara. Very few believed him.

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    Even as he addressed the Super Eagles at their Pullman Hotel in Abidjan on the eve of their encounter with Guinea Bissau (final match of the group phase), some persons who were there did not quite share in his conviction that the Eagles would be champions.

     Today, many have been ‘converted’, and the 71-year- old legend said he  was happy that things are going according to his expectations.

    “I said long before the finals that we would be champions of Africa. Many people thought I was just sounding off. Now, they are seeing their light. Everyone appears to believe now that the Super Eagles can do it.

     “Now that we are in the semi-finals, I am seeing that we are going to be playing the host nation, Cote d’Ivoire in the Final. We are beating South Africa and Cote d’Ivoire will beat Democratic Republic of Congo. The stage is set for a classic Final match on February 11.”

  • Odegbami, others grace relationship seminar

    Odegbami, others grace relationship seminar

    • By  Onyewuchi Nwachukwu

    In a bid to help Nigerians build better relationships, relationship counsellor, Pastor Ruckey Peniel, has hosted dignitaries to this year’s HopeNow Lagos Conference.

    The event tagged “Towards Empowering Relationships,” had finance coach, Sola Adesakin, soccer icon Segun Odegbami, media guru Emeka Mba, sports administrator Godwin Dudu-Orumen, Dr. Lanre Olusola, popular gospel artist Dr. Panam Percy Paul and UK based, Dipo Bamuyi in attendance.

    Pastor Peniel: “HopeNow is a platform created to discuss everything about relationships. It’s not limited to romantic relationships, but also financial or business relationships. We are here to learn about things that will help our relationships.

    “If you don’t like where you are in life, you need to change those you associate with.”

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    Adesakin said romantic and non-romantic relationships die prematurely owing to financial challenges, stressing that solid relationship cannot be built without financial wisdom.

    In her words: “The finance aspect is one of the main issues destroying relationship. Relationship is not about marriage alone, we have other aspects of it which many don’t see as major. This leads to finance topic in relationship and it cut across…

    “With my experience, I believe with financial wisdom we can strengthen our relationships. Money is a tool and as such, money should not be the devil that causes damage in our home.”

    Odegbami also contributed to the theme from football perspective, alongside other guest speakers.

  • Iceland in trouble, Super Eagles on fire: Odegbami

    The Vikings of Iceland that held Argentina to a draw in the first game of Group D in the FIFA World Cup in Russia, will have it tougher with Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the crunch match starting at 4pm today.

    Chief Segun Odegbami, former Nigeria international, who held a pep talk with the Nigerian team in Volgograd on Thursday said made the prediction in a post on Facebook.

    Super Eagles will fight, said Odegbami about his impressions of the team that lost to Croatia 2-0.

    “I saw their spirit. They will fight like they have never fought before. When we parted to go and watch the Argentinian match on TV, both my Head and my Heart were in sync about expectations tomorrow – Iceland are in trouble”, wrote Odegbami.

    Read his full post:

    `’I am in Volgograd. I have just finished watching the final chapter of an unfolding drama in Group D of the World Cup. It is curtains for Argentina, because I do not see how they will survive their last match against Nigeria.

    “It was a rare privilege earlier this evening when, at the instance of Amaju Pinnick, I was given the rare privilege to address members of the Super Eagles at their dinner table, the only person to do so on the eve of their greatest challenge when they confront the Vikings of Iceland with all the pent up ‘anger’, energy, determination and motivation from the Croatian match.

    “It was a spirit lifting meeting that we had. I simply reminded them of their responsibility to ensure that they displayed the full version of the Nigerian do-or-die spirit. I reminded them also about their responsibility to the ordinary Nigerian on the street that is with them unconditionally foŕ as long as they give their best. I reminded them of their assured place in history if they could rise above the disappointment of their first match, win tomorrow and convert this moment of their greatest challenge into the moment of their greatest triumph.

    “I gave them the good wishes of all Nigerians and prayed with them for favour from the elements. It was a small contribution to their already bulging enthusiasm and confidence.

    “I saw their spirit. They will fight like they have never fought before. When we parted to go and watch the Argentinian match on TV, both my Head and my Heart were in sync about expectations tomorrow – Iceland are in trouble”.

  • Odegbami loses N12m watch to ‘burglars’

    Odegbami loses N12m watch to ‘burglars’

    Six men were yesterday arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, for allegedly stealing properties with N14.1 million from the house of former Green Eagles captain Segun Odegbami.

    Oke Moses, 18, Abdul Azeez, 22, Ajibade Rahmon, 24, Isaac Okenuga, 29, Olusola Orisansope, 22, and Daramola Abiodun, 22  were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Folashade Botoku on a four-count charge of burglary, conspiracy, receiving stolen property and stealing.

    According to the police, the defendants committed the offences between June 1 and 20, at about 2am at 13, Saro Close, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Prosecuting Sergeant Chijioke Njoku said two Moses and Azeez unlawfully broke into, Odegbami’s house and stole items worth N14.1 million.

    He listed the items to include one Iphone 7s plus valued at N490, 000, a Samsung Galaxy S3 phone valued at N150,000, two Apple Laptops valued at N600,000 and a Rolex wristwatch valued at N12 million.

    Other items are a box containing clothes and shoes valued at N500,000 and a phone charger valued at N5,000.

    The total value of the items is N14.1 million.

    Responding to a question from Magistrate Botoku, Njoku said following an investigation by the Victoria Island Police Division, Odegbami’s Samsung Galaxy S3 phone was traced to Okenuga who told the police that he bought it from Moses and Azeez.

    But Moses and Azeez, according to Njoku, denied burgling Odegbami’s home.

    They allegedly said they got the phone from a man under the pedestrian bridge at Ketu, along Ikorodu Road.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty.

    Magistrate Botoku granted them N1 million bail each with two sureties in the like sum.

    The sureties, she said, must be employed and show evidence of tax payment.

    The case continued on August 17.

  • FIFA PRESIDENCY: NFF tells Odegbami to face reality

    FIFA PRESIDENCY: NFF tells Odegbami to face reality

    The Nigeria Football Federation has chastised former Nigerian international player Olusegun Odegbami to stop his campaign of calumny against the NFF and prominent Nigerian football figures and face up to the reality that he undid him own campaign for a slot at the FIFA Presidency.

    Former Green Eagles’ captain Odegbami failed to secure the statutory five nominations needed to put him on the ballot for next year’s FIFA Presidential election, and has been relentless in throwing salvos against the NFF and prominent figures like Dr. Amos Adamu and Chief Orji Uzor Kalu.

    “We are thoroughly disappointed at the conduct of Chief Odegbami since his failed bid,” Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande, Chairman of the NFF Media and Publicity Committee, stated. “He was his own big problem, with the letter he wrote castigating the leadership of FIFA and CAF, which he brazenly copied to these eminent figures.

    “We consider Chief Odegbami an elder statesman in Nigeria football, but he has been throwing a lot of tantrums lately. He has been accusing very prominent and illustrious persons of so many things, and pretending to be a saint.”

    Yahaya-Kwande, also a ranking member of the House of Representatives, said the onus was on Odegbami to secure his five nominations outside NFF’s endorsement.

    “The NFF is aware that Odegbami reached out to the Football Associations of Ghana, Togo, Benin Republic and Zambia. How is his failure the fault of the NFF? They told him to his face that they were opposed to him because of his statements against the President of CAF, who is now Acting FIFA President.

    “He said the NFF wasted time in endorsing him. As far back as September 8, we set out conditions for himself and Chief Orji Kalu to meet before we could endorse either of them. We always emphasized extensive consultations by the aspirants. It is outrightly mischievous for him to give the impression that the NFF was his problem. The NFF President was in Cairo, Egypt to campaign for him for the five nominations, but where was Odegbami himself on the day that mattered?

    “Let it be said that Nigeria was the only country where more than one person showed interest in the race. Odegbami was a great football player and brought honour to Nigeria, but Chief Kalu also brought honour to Nigeria through extensive support for Enyimba to win top laurels.It is also true that Kalu announced his interest before Odegbami did.”

    Yahaya-Kwande emphasized that none of the candidates who eventually got on the ballot relied solely on their National Association to get the five nominations for them.

    “Odegbami has this strange idea that everyone else is tainted and he is not! He worked against himself. It is not NFF’s problem; it is his problem, entirely.”