Emmanuel Amuneke’s soccer academy will this summer storm Estoril, Portugal to compete in the annual Iber Cup which runs from July 1-6.

African representatives of the Iber Cup organizers, Serahana sports disclosed yesterday that two other youth clubs from Africa will be in Portugal for the youth soccer fiesta.

Seharana sports spokesman, Godson Ekadi told Daily Sunsports that Amuneke’s outfit and the other two clubs from Zambia and Cote d’Ivoire have concluded their registration for the event.

“This year we shall be featuring three youth academies from Africa in the IBERCUP, Lusaka Youth Soccer Academy, Zambia, Napoli FC, Ivory Coast, and Emmanuel Amunike Academy Nigeria. The three academies have fully registered and we will in the next few weeks begin to process their visas. We want to do that early to avoid last minute fire brigade approach,” Ekadi said. He pointed out that a Nigerian club COD FC of Lagos was part of the Iber Cup last year alongside the Zambian academy, that is making its second consecutive appearance.

Ekadi noted that the Iber Cup is the biggest youth soccer fiesta in Europe. The tournament he disclosed attracts clubs from over 40 countries with about 6000 players, coaches and scouts participating. “This year’s event is attracting the academies of big clubs like Barcelona, PSG, Sevilla and Brazil’s Vasco Dagama. It is a carnival of some sort. Scouts are there to pick the kids and a whole lot of football business go on alongside the tournament,” Ekadi stated. Apart from the Iber Cup, Seharana has also secured the right of being the African representatives of the organizers of the annual Brazil Cup.

“We also have the mandate with written evidence to henceforth represent the organizers of Brazil Cup in Africa with the very attractive FIFA World Cup 2014 package attached for participants,” Ekadi said.

It is only five years ago that C.O.D United Football Club was founded but the progress the club has already made is overwhelming. With a modus operandi based on discipline, integrity, excellence and teamwork, the club has easily attained the status of arguably the best run club in Nigeria.

In a country where haphazard league structures, corrupt officials, match-fixing and soccer-related violence hold sway, that is quite a feat. Over the years the club has consistently risen above the murky waters that domestic football in Nigeria represents and has firmly put paid to doubts about the possibility of non-governmental ownership and administration of local clubs in Nigeria.

Speaking about the club’s vision, Chief Executive of the club, Shola Opaleye, said their aim was “to impact football in Nigeria with competent and professional management.”

Judging by the steady, if not rapid, rise in C.O.D’s stature, they are very well on their way.

When, in 2007, the club was started from the City of David Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Victoria Island, few paid them any attention but fast forward four promotions and five years later, football lovers, corporate entities and the rest of the country have finally had to take notice.

Few clubs can rise through the National Amateur III League up to the Nigerian National League in strict adherence to their principles of excellence without being caught up in the pervasive sleaze that characterizes football in these parts.

“Sometimes, it feels like we are doing battle on and off the football pitch. Everywhere we go we make it clear that we will do things by the book and that often raises a more than a few eyebrows. From referees who have demanded fees and opponents who have offered to fix matches, we have seen it all.

“For us though, it is clear, we have gotten this far without wavering from our beliefs, we are just a division below the Nigerian Premier League, for a club that is as young as ours, that is no small achievement and we give God all the glory, all of these positives fuel our passion and further energize us,” said Opaleye.

Looking at C.O.D United’s recent success, one might think they would be carried away, are they? Opaleye laughs wryly as he answers: “Our feet are firmly on the ground, the team may be flying high but the heads that run it are calm not because we do not want to get excited but because our continued survival depends on it. Ours is a classic case of being so close yet so far, our margin of error is nonexistent, we either get it right or we do not but going by our recent achievements, we are hoping that we have made our intentions clear.”

But it has not always been a success story for C.O.D United. The management of the club is modelled on professional football clubs in

better developed league climes like in the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy and Germany and while the club has thus far enjoyed a semblance of success in replicating foreign practice, it has been an inherently daunting task.

Prompt payment of players and officials’ salaries, development of a vibrant youth development program with partnership with Bolton Wanderers Football Club, UK and opening a soccer school for kids, establishing an official merchandizing store and a strong fan club, the launching of a Membership Loyalty Scheme are previously unheard in football circles in Nigeria but C.O.D United have over the years placed a premium on all these even though it sometimes meant breaking their backs.

Opaleye explains the intricacies of ensuring that the club’s books are balanced. “We are primarily funded by our church, Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David Parish and also by revenue generated from our membership scheme and some individual and corporate partners.

“We appreciate the unwavering support of our pastor, Idowu Iluyomade and church members but the truth is, to do the kind of things we have set out to do, we need a lot of corporate Nigerian to support us, and they can do so profitably. We are have shown that we are innovative going by the series of firsts we have recorded.

“We are the first Nigerian club to have a megastore, the first to be affiliated with an English premiership club (Bolton Wanderers), the first to set up a soccer school and we are the only Nigerian club that runs the whole gamut of a first team, reserve, U-16, U-12 as well as our academy.

“We have also set up a tournament for kids called OMODELIG and we are unearthing talents some as young as eight years old. We are also the first and only side to produce a monthly newspaper. We keep thinking and working on ways to build real value on and off the pitch and our fans also have had a taste of our forward thinking approach. We need a lot more support from the corporate world in order to keep the vision going.”

Opaleye went on to indicate that for C.O.D United, the big picture is the goal.

“All our actions over the years, our successes, and our consistent belief in due process as well as our hand-on approach in running the club are all driven to generate trust and goodwill which our would-be sponsors can leverage upon. We firmly believe the by the grace of God, giving our ambition and focus that in a short while we will be competing on many fronts not just in Nigeria or in African but across markets such as Europe and this will place our sponsors on a great pedestal as they will be associating with what we believe will be a truly first-class Nigerian football club that everyone can be proud of. It is an exciting opportunity.”

For a club in Nigerian football, all of this sounds novel but Opaleye’s confidence is rather infectious.

“Right from the off, we started this football club with a big picture in mind and our sponsors have numerous opportunities to identify strategic brand tie-ins. Brands always find it hard to invest money in certain projects but we have created a credible product - a well run football club in the megacity, Lagos.

“Overtime our long term goals will manifest and we will be not just the number one club in Lagos but also in Nigeria.”

Not one to paint bland pictures, Opaleye supports his arguments with facts and figures.

“Across Europe, 12 million jobs have been created from sports and sports accounts for 3% of world trade, it has taken a new dimension and we intend to take advantage of the opportunities that football presents, our sponsors can also come onboard and enjoy a fantastic range of benefits and leverage on all of these,” Opaleye concluded.

It is abundantly clear that the vision of C.O.D United is uncommon and they appear to be unwilling to waver or even take a pause, the dizzying heights they have reached in so short a period is an evidence of their drive.

In a few years, they just might realize their dreams of competing in and maybe even winning the CAF Champions League and even though they are still playing for promotion to the Nigerian Premier League, you get the feeling that everyone in the club has three words etched into their minds: Full Speed Ahead.

Coach Nuno Ferreira is a friend and partner of Serahana Sports. He has wealth of experience in youth soccer that we consider very beneficial to African youth football development.

Mr. Ferreira has been involved in youth soccer as both Coach and team manager in the past 10 years, he served as team manager of the BENFICA U-16 soccer academy in Lisbon between 2005 and 2010.

During his sojourn as team manager of the BENFICA academy, he groomed some of the finest players in the present Benfica line-up.

Mr. Nuno Ferreira is unarguably a household name in Portuguese football. He is admired by youths who always want to be around him because they see him as a mentor.

Mr. Ferreira is presently helping the Lisbon football association to groom the junior female team. He is available for new challenges either in the big league or an opportunity to transform the youth football of any other nation.

We highly recommend him to any football federation in Africa that may be interested in hiring this man of great soccer potentials. Our youth football development really needs a coach with the technical and tactical qualities of Mr. Nuno Ferreira.

Ricardo Lion heart Sá Pinto is from that generation of Portuguese legendary footballers that history will never forget. A great achiever for both country and club, Sá Pinto has brought smiles to Sporting Lisbon and the entire Alvalade since he took over from Domingos Paciencia.
Serahana Sports are wishing our friend an excellent reign as coach of this great club with many victories and trophies.

Miss Angola Leila Lopes is crowned by Miss Universe 2010 Ximena Navarrete of Mexico after being named Miss Universe 2011 during the Miss Universe pageant in Sao Paulo September 12, 2011. This African angel is honestly an epitome of what REAL BEAUTY should be, NATURAL!!! Leila, the Serahana team are saying thank you! We shall celebrate you for a long time.

Photo by Reuters

Football fans will once again have a privilege of watching a high-profile duel when Nigeria's Super Eagles take on the dreaded South American side, Argentina, on June 1 in Abuja.
The proposed duel put together by Eagles official sponsor, Guinness, is expected to give football fans value of their support to the national team.

Nigeria would be playing Argentina for the first time after the last FIFA World Cup in South Africa and both countries have confirmed their readiness for the match. According to the Guinness Chairman, Mr Babatunde Savage, at a briefing in Lagos, his company decided to sponsor the grade A duel because most Eagles' fans are also ardent fans Guinness Stout consumers. "Nigeria is a great nation of good people, many of whom are ardent football followers. Not just our local talent and national team but any game, anywhere in the world, particular, the English Premier League, Champions League, La Liga and, of course, the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup tournaments.

"Guinness is the first choice beer of football fans and it recognises that football unites and inspires like no other sport. For some years, it has brought great football experiences to the fans in Nigeria and our new coach, Samson Siasia, shoulders a heavy responsibility with the hopes and dreams of the nation pinned on him.

But the recent criticism that even a small country such as Guatemala was reluctant to come to Nigeria to play a friendly has led to a rising swell of voices among fans on the street to the NFF and Siasia himself demanding that the country be given a credible and fair chance to show that she has what it takes. So, we at Guinness have decided to take positive action and reiterate our support for the nation's fans and our national team," Savage said.

The proposed duel is a rematch of 2010 World Cup group game between the two countries in Johannesburg. Argentina won 1-0 courtesy of an early Gabriel Heinze powerful header, but goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama was in inspired form to deny Messi on, at least, two occasions.
The South Americans also beat the Eagles 1-0 in a 2002 World Cup group clash.
Both teams have twice clashed in the final of the Olympic football event.

Nigeria beat Argentina 3-2 to win an historic Olympic Gold at Atlanta '96, while the South Americans got their revenge at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Argentina inspired by Messi also denied Nigeria the 2005 FIFA Under-20 World Cup. Messi and company won 2-1. The June friendly will be a good tune-up match for the Eagles prior to their Nations Cup qualifier away to Ethiopia.
Compilation from the Sun News

Efforts by the Super Falcons chief coach, Uche Eucharia to keep the players in competitive mood ahead of the Germany 2011 FIFA Women World Cup in June received a boost at the weekend as Finland FA accepted to play the Nigerian flag bearers in May.

It was gathered that the arrangement to have Hungary and Norway to engage the Falcons was yet to be fruitful, as the venue and date have remained unresolved. NFF president, Aminu Maigari had promised credible friendly games to prepare the Falcons for the Germany FIFA Women World Cup finals.

While confirming May 17, 2011 for the international friendly between the Falcons and Finland in Helsinki, the NFF Chief Media Officer, Ademola Olajire said the football house was still waiting for the response from Hungary and Norway to chose dates and venue.

"Finland has accepted to play an international game with our Super Falcons on May 17, 2011 in Helsinki. However, we are yet to get confirmation from Hungary and Norway for our request.

The Scandinavian countries are strong in women football which was why we are happy over Finland’s confirmation, and would still push to get Norway approve our request for a friendly", Ademola Olajire said yesterday.

The NFF spokesman said the federation was yet to decide where the team’s handler, Eucharia would attend her refresher course. He stated that NFF was considering between England and Germany where the Falcons’ technocrat would refresh her memory on women football for the Germany FIFA Women World Cup finals.

Compilation from Vanguard Sports Nigeria

"There would be a level playing ground for every Nigerian player irrespective of where the person is based. I would like to build a strong side at home, so that we would only require two or three players among the ones outside the country any time we have a match to prosecute. The home-based players will surely complement my team." Siasia submitted.

The former international striker stated that while he reigns as national team coach, there would be no sacred cow in the team, no benchwarmers, and the major criteria for making the national team would include the player's form and ability to command a regular first team shirt in his club.

His words: "What I want to promise Nigerians is that during my tenure as the man in charge of the Super Eagles, there won't be any sacred cow in the Eagles. The era of players strolling into the camp and picking shirts has gone for good. It does not matter who is involved, if a player is not in form and does not command a regular first team shirt in his club, that player will not make my team.

"Therefore, any player who wants to make my team must always be in form and must be commanding a regular first team shirt in his club.Nobody is exempted from meeting these criteria, including the captain of the team. If the captain falls short of my criteria, he would have no place in the team. It is no more business as usual; any player nursing the ambition of playing for the national team should get ready to work hard to earn his place in the team. "Again, I want to state that the era of having a demarcation between foreign-based and home-based Super Eagles is over. For me, I would rather call all of them national team players. I don't think there is any need for those prefixes: foreign and home-based," Sia-One declared.

I congratulate him and his colleague, Stephen Keshi. As a senior member of the Nigerian football fraternity, I assure him of my cooperatThe 2008 Beijing Olympics silver-winning coach in the football event, further revealed how he hopes to rebuild the national team. According to him, there would be a strong home-based team just as Nigeria had it during his time as a national team player under Clemence Westerhof. He revealed that he has submitted his programme to the technical committee of the NFF with the hope that the committee would approve his submission and thereby helping him in building a strong national side Nigerians would be proud of.

Compilation from the Sun News

Samson Siasia has been appointed the new Super Eagles of Nigeria coach ahead his erstwhile captain, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi to succeed Lars Largerback who declined to sign a new deal with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) after the team's woeful performance in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Siasia who won the heart of Nigerians after winning silver in both the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2007 and silver at the 2008 Olympics was said to have presented a more comprehensive programme which the NFF technical committee found irresistible.

He was discovered, while playing grassroots football in the popular 'Ajegunle Mock Nations Cup'. He was in Secondary School, when he was invited into the national under-20 team by Coach Paul Hamilton for the 1985 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Russia. Five years later he graduated into the Super Eagles under Coach Paul Hamilton.

Reacting to the appointment, Coach Paul Hamilton said, "Like I told you before, the two of them are good but now that Siasia has been given the job, the NFF should give him all the support he needs. Money should not be an issue. I congratulate him and his colleague, Stephen Keshi. As a senior member of the Nigerian football fraternity, I assure him of my cooperation. For Keshi, this does not mean the end of the world."

Siasia was part of the team that won Nigeria's second Nations Cup in Tunisia and also a member of the Eagles that played in Nigeria's first ever World Cup in USA 1994. Siasia scored a memorable goal in Nigeria's 2-1 loss to Argentina in the group stages. He won 46 caps in the national team and scored 13 goals.

Exposure brought by the national team took Siasia to Europe where he started with Lokeren of Belgium. He later moved to France where he won the league with FC Nantes in the 1994/95 season. His foreign sojourn took him also to clubs in Portugal, Australia, Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Compilation from the Sun News/ Niger Delta Standard/ Vanguard

NIGERIA vs. FRANCE friendly preparatory match before the 2010 FIFA WC in South Africa.
This historic friendly took place at Saint Etienne in France on the 2nd of June 2009. Serahana Event and Sports Management were there.

The world witnessed a truly historic world cup final in the magnificent and beautiful soccer city of Africa. It was a record breaking world cup of events in a continent that the builders refused.

This World Cup in Africa will be remembered obviously as a record breaker. Africa! Yes! Africa hosted the World Cup without flaws; it was a world party with the vuvuzela's providing the music.

It was the first time a host nation did not qualify for the 2nd round stage, and also the first time a European nation would win the world cup outside the European continent. It was a keenly contested final which saw both finalists breaking FIFA records.

As much as we feel for the Netherlands, they became the only nation on record to have reached the World Cup final thrice and lose thrice in 74, 78 and 2010. We wish them more luck in Brazil.

Talking about the champions Spain, we believe that the spirit of soccer in the beautiful soccer city of Johannesburg decided to compensate for Jogo bonito, a former Brazilian pattern of play that has become a Spanish tradition for some time now.

It was their first ever appearance in a FIFA World Cup final and a first historic victory. Imagine a team that presented two captains from two of the greatest clubs in the world, Barça and Real Madrid, parading also two of the best midfielders of our decade with best substitutes in every position, and have been playing the best soccer for some time now. The only thing this generation of players lacked was the FIFA World Cup.

When Brazil lost the World Cup in 1982 with a similar star studded side, it took them twelve years to build another team that won the World Cup in 1994. Those who for whatever reason will not respect Africa and Africans should think again because everything good can come out of Africa if the opportunity is extended.

A world party was held in Africa without flaws, this is very important. It was an exceptional FIFA World Cup of New Records. Fourteen yellow cards is a World Cup record, and for the records also, it was in Africa that FIFA decided to consider goal line technology to help referee's better.

The FIFA World Cup began in Paris on 22/30 May at the La Villette with the Africa Concert 2010 dedicated to South Africa. Serahana Event and Sports Management was present at the concert.

Icons like Hugh Masekela, Mahotella Queens, and Johnny Clegg brought the World Cup fever to Paris.

It was an electrifying concert that was also dedicated to the Madiba, Nelson Mandela.

Hugh Masekela was such a delight, so much that the crowd would not let him go.

Gratitude must go to the President of the La Villette Mr. Jacques Martial and Mr. Frédéric Mazely, Director of Productions including the entire La Villette team for putting up such an unforgettable concert for Mother Africa.