Sports

Abiola’s sporting legacy remains unmatched even after 25 years.

Published

2 years ago

June 12, 2023

Edu

In a prophetic interview back in 1992, after receiving prestigious accolades such as induction into the African Football Hall of Fame and the highest honor from the Confederation of African Football, the late Chief Moshood Abiola expressed his confidence that Nigeria would eventually honor him.

Abiola remarked, “Only Nigeria refused to honor me, but I’m sure they will do that one day. The whole of Africa has done so, what else do I want?”

Despite winning the highly acclaimed June 12, 1993 presidential election, which was widely regarded as the fairest in Nigeria’s history, Moshood Abiola was denied the opportunity to become the President of Nigeria. The military junta, under the leadership of General Ibrahim Babangida, annulled the election and prevented Abiola from assuming office.

Following his declaration of himself as president in 1994, Abiola was imprisoned by the regime of General Sani Abacha. Tragically, he passed away on July 7, 1998, at the age of 60, while still in custody, as he fought relentlessly to reclaim his mandate.

In honor of Moshood Abiola, various commemorative events have been organized throughout Nigeria, and June 12 has been designated Democracy Day, a national holiday in the country.

To pay tribute to his memory, several public facilities have been renamed after him, including the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, his hometown in Ogun State, and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, which is the most prominent.

Abiola’s passion for sports and his remarkable contributions to the sector in Nigeria were highly regarded by sports enthusiasts and those who knew him. Despite being a successful businessman, publisher, politician, and philanthropist, his love for sports remained unwavering throughout his life.

Many may be unaware that Abiola, who hailed from a modest background, excelled as an athlete during his teenage years. He emerged victorious in the All Nigeria School Athletics Championship and even attained the middleweight amateur boxing title, showcasing his sporting prowess.

Having been an amateur boxer himself, Abiola’s personal involvement in sports inspired his keen interest in various sporting disciplines following his successful business ventures.

His support for boxing was evident as he became a member of the World Business Commission of the International Amateur Boxing Association. Abiola’s benevolence extended beyond boxing to other sports such as swimming and athletics. He took it upon himself to sponsor events like the Asekun National Swimming Competition and the AAA Junior Athletics Championships, demonstrating his commitment to the development of these sports.

Additionally, Abiola played a significant role in raising funds for Team Nigeria for the 1994 Los Angeles Olympics. The funds raised exceeded the requirements, allowing for the construction of the gymnasium at the National Stadium in Lagos, which stands as a lasting testament to his contributions.

Furthermore, Abiola served as the Chairman of the Presidential Monitoring Committee for the Nigeria 1999 FIFA U-20 World Cup, showcasing his involvement in the organization and oversight of major international sporting events.

During his lifetime, Moshood Abiola generously financed three football clubs: ITT FC of Lagos, Abiola Babes of Abeokuta, and Concord FC of Lagos.

Abiola Babes, in particular, emerged as one of Nigeria’s most prominent football clubs during the 1980s. Rising from the third division to the topflight league, the team achieved remarkable success, winning the FA Cup twice in 1985 and 1987.

The squad boasted an impressive roster of some of Nigeria’s finest footballers, including Muda Lawal, Rashidi Yekini, Best Ogedengbe, and Yisa Sofoluwe (all of whom have passed away), along with players like Friday Ekpo, Toyin Ayinla, Dominic Iorfa, and many others. Abiola Babes set a benchmark for club football administration in the country.

Abiola’s dedication to the success of his club was unwavering, and he was willing to stake everything, even his life, for their triumph. One memorable incident occurred during a Cup Winners Cup quarter-final match against Zambia’s Nchanga Rangers in 1987. Abiola encountered a drunk bus driver and narrowly escaped gunshots from armed robbers while traveling with the team, showcasing the challenges and sacrifices he faced in his commitment to the club.

“We were initially informed by the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) that the match would be played in Lusaka. However, we faced difficulties when we discovered that the venue had been changed to Nchanga on the eve of the match. In desperation, I had to arrange for a late-night flight to take us to Ndola,” Abiola recounted in a 1992 interview.

“I hired a bus from Ndola to drive us through Kitwe to Nchanga, but to my dismay, the bus driver turned out to be intoxicated. So, I took it upon myself to drive the bus for three and a half hours. Along the way, we encountered armed robbers on three separate occasions. Near Kitwe, they even opened fire on us. It was a perilous situation. What if something had happened to me? To navigate through, I had to resort to bribing our way to Kitwe. We arrived in Kitwe at 2:30 in the morning on the day of the match, only to discover that the officials had already left.”

“I quickly ensured the players rested, and then I drove the bus back to Kitwe to bring the officials back at 7:00 in the morning so they could officiate the match. The game eventually kicked off at 2 pm because they deliberately wanted to deny our players sufficient rest,” Abiola revealed, highlighting the extraordinary challenges and determination he faced to ensure his team could compete.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Abiola Babes advancing to the semifinals with a 3-2 aggregate victory over the Zambian team, having previously defeated them 2-1 in Nigeria.

This account of Abiola’s commitment demonstrates the extent to which he dedicated himself to his beloved club. Despite the challenges and obstacles faced, Abiola’s determination and support propelled Abiola Babes to success, showcasing his unwavering commitment to the team’s progress.

Sports

Ex- NBA Chair, Balogun tasks legal professionals on mentorship

Published

4 weeks ago

July 17, 2025

milcah

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Former Chairman of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), Ilorin branch, Chief Rafiu Balogun (SAN), has urged his professional colleagues, particularly those who are alumni of the University of Ilorin, to provide mentorship to their junior ones, especially undergraduates .

The former Ilorin NBA branch Chairman said the much needed mentorship is necessary to complement the efforts of those who have cultivated the act of giving back financially to their alma mater.

Chief Balogun, who was an alumnus of the University of Ilorin and one of the 50 Ambassadors of the institution, spoke with journalists on the sidelines of the “University of Ilorin Ambassadors’ investiture, Distinguished Alumni and Award ceremony, where the University raked in cash donations of N600 million from the honourees.

The legal luminary, who doubles as the North Central Chairman of the Red Cross Society of Nigeria and Chairman of the Kwara State chapter of the society, stressed the need for Nigerians, especially those who are successful in their professional callings to cultivate the habit of rendering service to humanity.

He added: “That is why in the Red Cross, one of our seven principles is humanity, service to humanity is key, it is very paramount. As the Chairman of Red Cross here in Kwara State and Chairman of the North Central of Red Cross, I totally agree with what Kuliyan Gerin said that you must give back to the society.

“People like us, I am not rich but at least we’re providing mentorship to our juniors, to our students through the law society because I was the one that started the Law Society here during my tenure as
President. We mentored them, we are also giving back, it could be in terms of knowledge, in terms of materials, in terms of fees, advice, it can come in any way. It needs not be money alone.

“So that is why I am totally in support and in line with Kuliyan Gerin that you cannot say because you have succeeded in life you have amassed so much wealth without giving back.

“In fact, God is going to judge you, you are going to render account, according to Professor Oloyede.

“So, we appreciate them (UNILORIN) because they thought we have been representing the University well, and that is why we are honoured.”

End

Sports

Title: Real Madrid and Barcelona Share Mutual Respect, Says Ancelotti Ahead of Copa Final

Published

4 months ago

April 4, 2025

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by Ajadi Ashraf, Kaduna.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti says there is mutual respect between his side and fierce rivals Barcelona, as both clubs gear up for an intense run-in across multiple competitions.

Speaking ahead of Madrid’s weekend La Liga clash against Valencia, Ancelotti acknowledged Barcelona’s form and quality, stating, “Barcelona is playing well, they’re in good form. I think there’s a lot of respect for Barcelona because of their quality, and I think Barcelona also has a lot of respect for Real Madrid.”

Madrid trail league leaders Barcelona by three points with nine matches left to play and will face the Catalan side in the Copa del Rey final on April 26. Both teams are also through to the Champions League quarter-finals.

Los Blancos booked their place in the Copa final after a dramatic 5-4 aggregate win over Real Sociedad, while Barcelona narrowly edged past Atletico Madrid.

Madrid’s preparations for the weekend are clouded by injury concerns, with first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois still sidelined due to a muscle issue. Second-choice keeper Andriy Lunin is also a doubt, leaving the door open for 19-year-old Fran Gonzalez to possibly make his senior debut.

“There is no concern, Courtois is much better and we think he can make it for Tuesday [against Arsenal],” Ancelotti said. “We have a doubt for tomorrow’s game with Lunin… and if he’s not fit I have total confidence in Fran.”

Ancelotti acknowledged the physical toll of their midweek extra-time thriller and praised upcoming opponents Valencia, who are unbeaten in four games.

“We have some doubts, obviously, due to the effort in extra-time,” he said. “We are aware that Valencia are doing very well. This is an important moment of the season.”

Sports

Mbappe Among Three Real Madrid Stars Fined by UEFA for ‘Indecent Conduct’

Published

4 months ago

April 4, 2025

milcah

by Ajadi Ashraf, Kaduna.

UEFA has fined Kylian Mbappe and two other Real Madrid players for “violating basic rules of decent conduct” during their Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash against Atletico Madrid.

The European football governing body announced on Friday that Mbappe was fined €30,000, while defender Antonio Rudiger was handed a heavier €40,000 fine. Midfielder Dani Ceballos received a €20,000 penalty. Meanwhile, Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior, who was also under investigation, escaped punishment.

In addition to the fines, Mbappe and Rudiger were issued a suspended one-match ban in European competitions. This means they remain eligible for Real Madrid’s quarter-final first leg against Arsenal on Tuesday, as the suspension will only be enforced in case of further misconduct.

UEFA did not provide specific details of the players’ actions but cited a breach of Article 11 of its disciplinary regulations, which mandates “decent conduct” from participants. The incident stems from the heated Madrid derby on March 12 at the Metropolitano Stadium, where Real Madrid edged Atletico on penalties following a 2-2 aggregate draw.

Reports indicate that several Madrid players provoked and taunted Atletico fans during their celebrations after sealing the dramatic victory.

Real Madrid, the defending champions with a record 15 European titles, now turn their attention to a high-stakes clash with Premier League giants Arsenal.

UEFA has fined Kylian Mbappe and two other Real Madrid players for “violating basic rules of decent conduct” during their Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash against Atletico Madrid.

Reports indicate that several Madrid players provoked and taunted Atletico fans during their celebrations after sealing the dramatic victory.

Real Madrid, the defending champions with a record 15 European titles, now turn their attention to a high-stakes clash with Premier League giants Arsenal.