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Tag: Rafiu Ladipo

  • Ladipo: I’ll use new role as CASS patron to unify African supporters club

    Ladipo: I’ll use new role as CASS patron to unify African supporters club

    By Olusegun Raphael

    President General of the Nigerian Football Supporters Club (NFSC) worldwide, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, has described his election as Patron of the Confederation of African Sports Supporters (CASS), as one of the biggest achievements of his career. 

    Speaking during a media briefing, Ladipo said the recognition marked a major milestone in his career and reflects years of dedication to promoting sports, unity, and positive fan culture on the continent and beyond.

    “I invited you today to celebrate this moment because when I started this journey, I never knew it would take me to this level,” he said. “Just last month in Casablanca, Morocco, I was elected and nominated as Patron for the Confederation of African Sports Supporters. That, to me, is a very big one.”

    Read Also: Victor Osimhen not leaving AFCON camp — NFF official

    According to him, the investiture ceremony will be held in Nigeria in March, with delegates from several African countries expected to attend. He revealed that Reverend Samuel Ikpea has been unanimously approved as chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the event.

    Ladipo also disclosed that at least 65 members of the Ghana National Supporters Union will be in Nigeria to celebrate his election, describing the gesture as a strong sign of continental solidarity.

    “If supporters from another country can travel down to honour me, it shows what this appointment means for African football unity,” he said.

    He explained that CASS serves as the umbrella body for supporters’ groups across Africa, similar to how CAF oversees football associations, with a mandate to promote peaceful and organised fan engagement.

  • Nigeria to host African Supporters Award

    Nigeria to host African Supporters Award

    It was triple delight for Nigeria Football at the just concluded Confederation African Sports Supporters meeting in Casablanca, Morocco. President General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr Rafiu Ladipo was appointed Patron of the Continental Supporters Group.

    The body also picked Nigeria to host it’s maiden award night billed for March  in Lagos with Reverend Samuel Ikpea, National Chairman of Nigeria Football Supporters Club chosen to head the local organizing committee. The meeting was attended by over 36  countries including Nigeria,with some joining online.

    Read Also: AFCON 2025: Morocco beat Cameroon 2-0 to book semi-final spot

    In his acceptance speech, Ladipo pledged more support for Confederation of African sports Supporters Club and call for more collaboration among Supporters Club in the continent .He urged sports supporters club to stay away from violence act .

     “We had a fruitful meeting today attended by 36 countries and we have agreed to hold the maiden award in Lagos .Nigeria was chosen as host by the 36 countries because of the tremendous role of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club.

    They believe in Nigeria capacity to organize successful and colourful event and most especially the chairman of the local organizing committee Rev Samuel Ikpea.CASS is one body and the only body recognize by CAF as the umbrella body of all supporters club in Africa.”

  • Ladipo: NFF interference killing Football Supporters Club

    Ladipo: NFF interference killing Football Supporters Club

    •Says only 18 supporters in Morocco

    Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, President General of the Nigerian Football Supporters Club (NFSC), has accused the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of deliberately undermining and fragmenting the country’s once-unified supporters’ movement, warning it has negatively affected Nigeria’s football fortunes on the continental and global stage.

    Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, Ladipo said the NFSC, over 70 years old, has been systematically weakened through administrative interference, imposition of an Interim Management Committee, and refusal to recognise the club’s constitutional processes. He explained that the briefing was delayed to avoid distracting Nigeria’s players during ongoing international engagements, particularly in Morocco.

    Ladipo recalled the NFSC’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s football development, from the Green Eagles to the Super Eagles, and across junior national teams. He stressed that the NFSC is unique globally, boasting chapters across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Australia, many of which he personally inaugurated at his own expense.

    Ladipo rejected claims the Supporters Club benefits financially from football, saying members self-fund their activities. “We don’t collect money from NFF or government. We sacrifice our time, jobs, families, and lives to support Nigeria,” he said.

    Read Also: 16th Round: NFF agree to pay Super Eagles $30,000 each

    The NFSC leader alleged the crisis began in 2012 when NFF tried to impose leadership without elections, contrary to the club’s constitution. He said NFF discouraged corporate sponsors by branding the club “disunited”. “Who divided us? It is the NFF,” Ladipo stated.

    He criticised Nigeria’s arrangement in Morocco, with only 18 supporters, describing it as unprecedented and shameful. Ladipo appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene, urging authorities to let the Supporters Club operate independently.

    Ladipo expressed confidence the Super Eagles can reach the Morocco tournament final if things are properly organised. He also highlighted Nigerian boxing’s revival under his leadership of the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control. Ladipo warned that unless the Supporters Club is unified, Nigeria risks decline in fan support and morale at international competitions. His interest, he said, is Nigeria’s image and sports success, not personal power or gain.

  • President NBBofC  hails Oyo on training for aspiring referees, judges

    President NBBofC  hails Oyo on training for aspiring referees, judges

    The President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC), Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, has lauded the Oyo State Chapter of the body over planned training/workshop for the aspiring boxing referees and judges scheduled to hold between Thursday, 28th  August and  Sunday, 31st August at the Media Centre of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan.

    Ladipo  referred to the event as a much-anticipated opportunity that the organization had sought to enhance the prospects of professional boxing in Nigeria. He emphasized that this initiative will significantly contribute to the growth of professional boxing in the region.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Boniface, 10 others who failed medicals

     “I will be thrilled to be in Ibadan and be part of this historic event. The workshop/seminars will educate the participants on the art of officiating a professional boxing bout, strategy, and a comprehensive understanding of the sport. This dual approach enhances individual performance and promotes the broader growth and understanding of boxing,” Dr. Ladipo said.

    He added: “This marks a significant step forward in promoting boxing in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. When officiating is not good, you can’t expect your sport to grow. But when you have good officiating, it encourages the sport to grow.”

    Speaking in the same vein, the Chairman of the Oyo Chapter of NBBofC, Hon. Gbenga Opaleye, noted that the initiative is aimed at improving officiating standards but  importantly, will avail the state to have the first set of professional boxing referees and ring officials.

    He said: “It’s a big thing that is going to happen, and that goes to show how seriously we are taking boxing in this state. This training is a crucial investment in our officials’ development. It is not just to teach the rules; we’re building

    “Importantly, helping our professional boxing in Oyo State, which will ultimately enhance the quality of the sport and ensure the safety of the fighters. By equipping our officials with the necessary skills and knowledge, we are laying the groundwork for a brighter future in boxing, fostering a vibrant community around this thrilling sport,” Opaleye added.

  • NIS Fellowship award excites Rafiu Ladipo

    NIS Fellowship award excites Rafiu Ladipo

    The President General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, has expressed joy over the conferment of the fellowship award on him by the National Institute for Sports.

    In a letter signed by the Director General of the NIS, Prof. O. A Moronkola, and the Registrar, Belmond Benson, the body stated that the award was based on the contribution of Dr. Ladipo to the development of sports in Nigeria.

    The official event is billed to take place on Thursday January 30th at the NIS Gymnasium Hall at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

    In a swift response, Dr Ladipo said he was elated about the recognition and will be present at the ceremony next week.

    Read Also: NFF berates FIFAs over World Cup bidding process

     “I gladly accept this honour. It is a big recognition of what I have been doing for the development, growth of sports and enhancement of positive image for our dear country Nigeria for almost five decades. This will make me to do much more,” Ladipo said.

    In addition, Dr. Ladipo has also decided to put up an endowment programme for the best male and female students of the Institute.

     “The package will run yearly and I will just liaise with the authorities to activate this as part of my contribution to the Institute,” Ladipo added.

    Former DG of the National Broadcasting Commission, Dr. Danladi Bako, is also among the recipients of the NIS fellowship award.

  • Crises can stop Eagles  from 2026 World Cup, says Ladipo

    Crises can stop Eagles  from 2026 World Cup, says Ladipo

    The pioneer President General of  Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Rafiu Ladipo, has warned that the country cannot afford to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup and as such the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should put  its house in order and end the ongoing feud in the Super Eagles.

    Reacting to the recent outburst by Napoli  striker Victor Osimhen as well as the purported resignation of coach Finidi George, Ladipo said the NFF cannot allow the war of words between the player and coach to rage on for the interest of Nigerian football.

    “There was a disagreement between him and his players and NFF,” Ladipo said on SOUQ Sports Special. “As a coach, you are the father of the players and whatever that is happening should be seen as a crisis between a father and his child. However, I was told there was a meeting with the NFF and it was there the NFF tried to put things in the right perspective.

    Read Also: Adeleye tips Nigeria to top athletics’ medal table

    “I am yet to get the outcome of that meeting but we shouldn’t deceive ourselves. Nigerian football is in crisis. I have given my own advise by way of relating with the past and stating what should be done.

    “We need to put our acts in order. Call the players and the coach and then let’s work for the progress of Nigerian football. Nigerians will not like to see our failure not to be part of the World Cup in two years’ time. We should not allow the same scenario that deprived us a place at the last World Cup to repeat itself.”

    The Super Eagles are fifth out of six teams with just three points from four games in Group C. They are four points behind group leaders, Rwanda who have seven points. The same team they will face in March next year when the World Cup Qualifiers resume.

  • Boxing in Nigeria needs more promoters, official says

    Rafiu Ladipo, the President of Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), on Thursday in Lagos said more promoters were needed to contribute to the boxing sport’s development in Nigeria.

    Ladipo told the News Agency of Nigeria he was however pleased with latest developments in boxing as the sport was gradually getting the attention it deserves.

    Ladipo said the upcoming boxing reality show, “Rumble in the Box’’, was an example of latest positive developments in the sport in Nigeria.

    “It is good. `Rumble in the Box’ which is set to come up in January will put boxing in Nigeria on another level.

    “I must commend the person who brought up the idea, Mansa Musa Promotions, for the initiative to develop the youths through their hard-earned funds.

    “This is what we want for boxing as we have continued to keep our doors open to promoters and sponsors of boxing,’’ he said.

    Ajibade Olajoku, the Chief Executive Officer of Mansa Musa Promotions, told NAN that the boxing reality show would have 24 male boxers and 16 female boxers competing.

    He said the whole target of the event is to add value to boxing and make international boxing stars because it would be transmitted live on television.

    Olajoku added that the best female and male boxers going by the highest number of votes would get the opportunity to fight in the world championship belts.

    “We are happy to tell the world what we want to do at Mansa Musa Boxing Productions and which is to get highly skilled boxers to fight in the lightweight category in a reality show.

    “The boxing reality show will have 24 male boxers and 16 female boxers in one location and also moving together competing and training together.

    “The show would also go through elimination series where the viewers would get to decide the fate of every boxer until we get the best boxer that is fit to compete internationally,’’ Olajoku added.

    He also said that the show would have a multi-talented world-class coach, the U.S.-based Demarcus Corley, to guide the youths on how to go about their training.

    “Corley, nicknamed `Chop Chop’ and was a world-class professional with 84 fights and 50 wins, would be on ground as a guide for the boxers.

    Speaking also, Remi Aboderin, the General Secretary of Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), assured that the boxing reality show would be a great success.

    He said already the event has the backing of the association.

    Aboderin who doubles as the President of West Africa Boxing Union (WABU) said the event was packaged to give young and skillful boxers an opportunity to showcase their talents.

    “We at the NBB of C are confident about the whole idea because it is set up for the good of our boxers.

    “We want more promoters to come and invest in boxing and give our home-grown talents the opportunity to show their quality and guide them to stardom.

    “The idea of having Corley to guide the boxers is also well accepted because he has the credentials in terms of his professional records and achievements,’’ he said.

  • Ladipo warns detractors to stay away from Supporters Club

    Ladipo warns detractors to stay away from Supporters Club

    Rafiu Ladipo, President-General, Nigeria Football Supporters Club ( NFSC ), on Thursday said that detractors should stay away from the club because it would remain an indivisible entity during his lifetime.

    Ladipo made the assertion in an interview while speaking about efforts to unify the supporters club this year.

    He said that the club was open to everyone, but that things must be done according to the laws guiding the club, adding that the present administration of the club would ensure unity.

    “Nigeria Football Supporters Club will remain indivisible and I want all detractors to please stay away. We have rules guiding the club and those disgruntled elements should toe the line of the constitution.

    “I want to say that supporters club is a registered entity with a valid constitution, so our actions are guided by the law. We don’t just wake up to change rules.

    “It is disturbing and laughable for a group of people that are suspended for going against the rules and provisions of the club to form a splinter group.

    “What do these people know about the supporters club? Unfortunately they are new members not for more than five years, yet, they want to usurp authority,’’ he said.

    Ladipo said that the club formed about 62 years ago remained a legacy that must not be allowed to be disjointed because of those agitating for positions not meant for them.

    “Those agitating in the supporters club said they want leadership position and they want it by all means, that is not what leadership is all about. I have demonstrated what leadership is.

    “I will not sit back and watch what we have laboured for in the past 62 years to be rubbished; we sweat for this club, energy and time not to talk about financial obligations.

    “When talking about the operations of the club, even our sponsors are aware and we have the records of those they are sponsoring because we need to keep appropriate records.

    “We operate an open door policy, so there is no reason to have any splinter group; those that are ready to work will be accommodated but those that want trouble should be out,’’ he said.

    Ladipo said Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should have midwifed the unity of the club and not fanning an embers of disunity; a position he said he noticed.

    Also Read: 1,000 supporters club members to cheer Super Eagles in Russia

    “If NFF is coming to support us, that should but not be to divide us. We have been doing our things over the years and getting sponsors for all competitions.

    “It will not be proper for us to have two supporters club in a competition; it will have dire consequences and this will not be good for the country.

    “World Cup is a big project at hand now and all hands must be on deck to ensure our success. We need to make a mark at the World Cup and the African Championship of Nations ( CHAN ).

    “Nigeria Football Supporters Club has always been the best in any competition we attended, ranked above some footballing nations, this is our legacy and we must strive to protect that,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • No leadership crisis in Nigeria Football Supporters Club – Ikpea

    No leadership crisis in Nigeria Football Supporters Club – Ikpea

    Samuel Ikpea, President, Nigeria Football Supporters Club ( NFSC ), has debunked the statement credited to the Media Officer of Super Eagles, Toyin Ibitoye, that the club was enmeshed in leadership crisis.

    Ikpea said this on Wednesday in Lagos while reacting to Ibitoye’s allegation on the leadership of the supporters club.

    The Eagles spokesman had on Monday in a private newspaper interview allegedly said that the Nigeria Football Federation was mindful of the situation with the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, which is a private body.

    He also said that hence, there were plans to ensure that the crisis did not affect the Eagles in Russia.

    Ikpea quoted him as saying: “The Nigerian Football Supporters Club has split into two factions with Rev. Ikpea and Vincent Okumagba laying claims to the leadership of the body.

    “The Ikpea faction is backed by majority of the members, including Rafiu Ladipo, who is the President-General of the body.

    “While Okumagba is supported by the younger elements, who want change in leadership from Ladipo’s over 20 years of controlling the body.

    “The club could not travel with the Super Eagles to Ndola where Zambia hosted Nigeria in the opening game of the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

    “The Ikpea-led group arrived in Cameroun by road on match day when the Indomitable Lions hosted the Super Eagles in Yaoundé.

    On the position of NFF over the issue, Ikpea said that it was unfortunate that the football house was feigning ignorance about the status of the association.

    “There is no truth in a statement by Super Eagles Spokesman, Ibitoye, over their imaginary crisis. We had a legitimate election last year which has the NFF representative in attendance.

    “There is no faction or crisis at all, I was duly and democratically elected at the July 10, 2016 election at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, so why the denial of the authenticity of headship of NFSC.

    “What I expect from NFF is a role of bridge builder and not fanning the embers of disunity. The fact remains that the supporters club is a one body with no known faction,’’ he said.

    Ikpea said that if NFF truly wanted to send a contingent to Russia 2018 World Cup, they knew who and who to contact.

    “If the NFF truly want to sponsor some of us to Russia, they know who to contact there are no two ways to that. They are well aware of the status of our association.

    “Maybe, this is another ploy to sponsor some of their cronies to the Mundial on government payroll by claiming that we are divided or did not know the faction to deal with.

    “We want to appeal to NFF not to divide the house with undue interference and speeches that could set the association on the brink.

    “The election which they failed to acknowledge was witnessed by the body’s council of Elders, Representatives from the NFF and Ministry of Sports,’’ he said.

    On the issues around Okumagba, Ikpea said he has been officially dismissed from the club in 2015, adding that the club had been part and parcel of the Super Eagles qualifiers.

    “We have been part of Eagles matches both home and away, where we spent our personal resources and even our lives to travel to Cameroon by road.

    “About Okumagba, he and some members were officially dismissed from the club for anti-club activities and disrespect to the club.

    “Their letters were forwarded to the NFF, Nigeria Police, Ministry of Sports and House of Assembly which they acknowledged, copies of the letters were documented,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • NBB of C backs Ace’s Solid Sports, clamours for more boxing promoters

    NBB of C backs Ace’s Solid Sports, clamours for more boxing promoters

    The Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) has called on more boxing promoters to come out and help in developing professional boxing in the country.

    General Secretary NBB of C, Remi Aboderin, made the appeal at the launching of a new boxing promotional outfit, Ace’s Solid Sports in Lagos on Thursday.

    According to Aboderin, the coming-in of the new boxing promotional firm will improve professional boxing in the country.

    “It’s a very good one for us, it shows that we are getting to the level that would be good for professional boxers.

    “It’s not the best if there is just one promoter. There are lots of boxers all over Nigeria that it will be better if there are consistent boxing promotions monthly or weekly. It is not too much because we have all the  materials here. So their coming will improve professional boxing we have been craving for.”

    Also a member of the NBB of C, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, while calling for more boxing promotional firm, said the boxers needed many boxing promoters to give them opportunities to fight for honors.

    “The coming in of Ace’s Solid Sports is something that will propel and move our boxing forward and also encourage the boxers themselves to give their best.

    “A situation where you have one tournament in two months is not good enough for Nigeria.

    “We need more promoters to be able to give opportunities to our various boxers, particularly if we have boxing tournaments every months, more boxers will participate and boxing will come back alive.”

    The Director/Founder, Ace’s Solid Sports, Babatunde Adegbuyi said his aim of sponsoring professional boxing is to assist young talented boxers in the country to embrace education and also to expose them to modern training techniques.

    He said it was disheartening that the standard of boxing in Nigeria had nose- dived since there were inadequate reputable boxing promoters to aid the growth of professional boxing.

    “We are not going to stop when we start our promotion. I noticed that at the moment there is currently a boxing event that go for few months, stop, go for few months and stop.

    “We are going to have a programme that will role from year to year and also not only thinking about our pocket but also the community in general. Getting young kids into the ring, getting young kids education, looking in area of health, that is what we will be doing.”