🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Obafemi Martins tips Italian Consulate U-20 Cup talents for Serie A careers
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Former Super Eagles striker Obafemi Martins has expressed confidence that outstanding players from the inaugural Italian Consulate General U-20 Cup in Lagos possess the skills for Serie A careers. Martins, who played for Inter Milan and Newcastle United, served as an ambassador for the tournament and pledged to use his connections to link top talents with European clubs. The six-day competition, held from June 2-7 at Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, was organized by the Italian Consulate General in Lagos to identify youth talent and foster cultural exchange between Nigeria and Italy. Eight teams, including Okaka FC, Plateau United, Bendel Insurance, and 36 Lions FC, participated. Tournament organizer Emmanuel Omijeh noted that the quality of players exceeded expectations, making the selection of 20 prospects for a trip to Italy challenging from 40 scouted stars. Italian Consul General Ugo Bani and former Super Eagles midfielder Christian Obodo, who also had a distinguished Serie A career, praised the tournament's success and the high standard of play. Tournament technical director Ken Enofe and chairman Kofo Williams also commended the talent on display, acknowledging the need for further coaching. The winning team and selected standout players will travel to Italy for trials with the goal of securing professional contracts.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
StarTimes Nigeria has announced it will provide comprehensive live coverage of all 104 FIFA World Cup 2026 matches from June 11 to July 19, 2026. According to StarTimes Nigeria Marketing Director, Oke Umurhohwo, the initiative aims to ensure all Nigerian football fans can enjoy the tournament regardless of location or income. The company is also launching a "Watch the World Cup. Win Big." campaign, offering subscribers the chance to win prizes totaling N50 million, including a N10 million grand prize to be awarded on July 19, 2026. Other prizes include StarTimes H30 Solar Home Systems and StarTimes S130b Solar TV bundles. Subscribers can qualify by purchasing and activating a new StarTimes DTH or DTT decoder, renewing or reactivating eligible bouquets, or purchasing and activating a StarTimes S130b Solar bundle, with the campaign running from June 1 to July 19, 2026. StarTimes has also introduced special World Cup decoder discounts from May 18 to July 31, 2026, and offers its Basic Bouquet starting at N4,000. Matches will also be available for streaming on the StarTimes ON app.
Former Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi will be inscribed on the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to Nigerian football. This was confirmed by former Super Eagles captain Segun Odegbami during a memorial lecture in Lagos. The NIIA Sports Diplomacy Wall of Fame is a national monument established by the Federal Government to immortalize Nigerians who have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s international politics and diplomatic objectives through sports. Keshi's role in advancing Nigeria's foreign relations through football will be acknowledged at a ceremony on July 28, one day before the 10th anniversary of his burial. The event also marks three years since the monument was erected within the NIIA premises in Lagos, with sponsorship from Dr Allen Onyema and Air Peace. Odegbami stated that Keshi, a former Nigerian Green Eagles captain and national team coach, has been deemed worthy by the NIIA. Keshi played and captained the Nigerian national football team, coached Nigeria to an African Cup victory, and led Togo to the FIFA World Cup. He also assisted a generation of Nigerian and African football players in transitioning to professional ranks in Europe. Keshi, who died on June 7, 2016, at 54, won the Africa Cup of Nations as both captain in 1994 and coach in 2013, and led Nigeria to the 2014 FIFA World Cup. He was named CAF Coach of the Year twice, in 2005 and 2013.
Professor Funso Afolabi, Chairman of the Governing Council of Yaba College of Technology, stated that Nigeria's tertiary institutions possess the capacity to develop innovative security technologies and community-based solutions for the nation's security challenges. Speaking during a visit by the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti Kingdom, Oba Adeola Ajakaiye, Afolabi emphasized that universities and polytechnics have the intellectual resources and research capabilities to create homegrown technological solutions supporting national security objectives. He advocated for a national policy framework to strengthen collaboration among tertiary institutions, traditional institutions, and local communities, noting that modern traditional rulers are critical stakeholders in education, security, and economic development. Afolabi also highlighted the importance of increased investment in technical and vocational education to address unemployment and skills deficits. The Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Adeola Ajakaiye, described his visit as a strategic engagement aimed at fostering developmental outcomes, expressing optimism that YABATECH's expertise could contribute to indigenous security solutions. The Rector of YABATECH, Dr. Ibraheem Abdul, reaffirmed the college's commitment to empowering young Nigerians, especially girls, through entrepreneurship and skills acquisition programs.