The much-anticipated Plateau Christian Cup officially kicked off on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at St. John’s College, Jos, with a series of exciting matches featuring teams from various churches and ministries across the state. Organized by the Lighthouse Rescue Sports Outreach (LRSO), this soccer championship is the first of its kind, aiming to bring together youths from churches in Plateau State through sports.
LRSO President, Geoffrey Bottson, in his opening remarks, explained that the championship was created to engage church youths beyond the traditional annual one-week youth programs. “This tournament provides an opportunity for continuous youth engagement within the church, and we hope it becomes a lasting platform for unity and discipleship,” Bottson said.
He also expressed his gratitude to the churches and players participating in the maiden edition of the tournament, while calling on individuals, organizations, and the government to support the initiative. The winning team and the runners-up will represent Plateau State in the Nigerian Christian Cup, set to take place in Abuja later this year.
Rev. Tongsmangs T. Dasbak of Jesus Revelation Global Ministry, who serves as the National Sports Chaplin, delivered an exhortation during the launch, emphasizing that the championship is an avenue to make disciples for Christ. He symbolically kicked the ball to officially declare the tournament open. Pastor Haruna Damina, LRSO Patron, also encouraged participants to embody the character of Christ throughout the competition.
The first match of the tournament saw CYON of St. Theresa’s Deanery face off against the Police Chapel of Plateau State Command. It was a closely contested game, with Police Chapel narrowly securing a 1-0 victory.
The championship will continue with matches held at both St. John’s College and Police Field in Jos, leading up to the grand finale on September 29, 2024, where the first-ever Plateau Christian Cup champions will be crowned.
The kickoff event was marked by excitement from players and spectators alike, as anticipation builds to see which church team will claim the inaugural title.
Lagos is bracing for another spectacular Sunday of touchdowns, rivalries and championship drama as the Showtime Flag Football League returns to Showtime Arena, Meadow Hall, Lekki, on October 18, 2026, with five mouthwatering Gameweek 4 encounters in Showtime Bowl Series XV.
After last weekend’s explosive 5v5 Cup, which produced an astonishing 277 points across five matches, the spotlight shifts back to the regular league. This time, wounded pride, championship ambitions and the opportunity for revenge will fuel the action.
The opening battle at 1:20pm pits Lagos Rebels against Rivers Alphas. Rebels quarterback Sulaimon Alhameen arrives with enormous momentum after throwing four touchdown passes in a devastating 56–0 Cup victory over the Alphas. Can Rivers produce the response nobody saw coming?
At 2:40pm, defending champions Lagos Knights confront Gateway Horns. Knights superstar Kayode Mafe, who delivered six touchdown passes and 201 passing yards in last Sunday’s 51–18 Cup triumph, will be looking to inspire another commanding performance.
Lagos Greenbacks meet Delta Braves at 4:00pm, with receiver Obiekezie Chiamaka among the names attracting attention after scoring twice in the Greenbacks’ 37–7 Cup victory.
The fourth contest, at 5:20pm, sees former champions Abia Warriors renew hostilities with Cross River Ikan Sports. Warriors receiver Jordan Nathaniel, the MVP of their recent 21–6 Cup victory, provides another compelling storyline.
At 6:40pm, Ibom Raptors and Delta Panthers close the programme, with quarterback Taiwo Oluwalanu and receiver Titilayo Happiness Abanikanda among the Raptors’ standout performers from their 59–22 Cup encounter.
With defending champions, former titleholders and ambitious challengers fighting for supremacy, every touchdown could shape the road to Showtime Bowl XV in May 2027.
Beyond the rivalries, Showtime continues to strengthen Nigeria’s position in a sport heading for its Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.
Lagos, don’t just watch the highlights. Come and witness the action! Five matches, one arena and a Sunday packed with sporting drama await.
Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi emerged as Fulham’s hero after scoring the decisive goal in a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Hull City, handing the Cottagers their first Premier League win of the 2026/27 season.
Sports247 reports that the Nigerian international struck in the 33rd minute, converting an opportunity created by Sander Berge to secure three valuable points for the London club.
The victory also marked a significant breakthrough for Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa, who celebrated his first Premier League triumph in charge in his seventh league match.
With Fulham desperately searching for their first league victory of the campaign, Iwobi stepped forward to provide the decisive moment.
The breakthrough arrived in the 33rd minute when Norwegian midfielder Sander Berge supplied the assist for the Nigerian international to put Fulham ahead. Iwobi’s goal proved enough to separate the two teams as Fulham successfully protected their slender advantage.
For the Super Eagles midfielder, the strike represented an important individual contribution at a time when his club urgently needed a positive result. His ability to influence the outcome highlighted his importance to Fulham’s attacking play.
The result brought welcome relief for Álvaro Arbeloa following a difficult start to his managerial tenure at Fulham. Having gone six league matches without recording a victory, the Spanish tactician finally secured his first Premier League win at the seventh attempt.
The triumph will provide encouragement for the manager and his players as they attempt to build confidence and improve their performances. For Fulham, the three points represent more than simply another league result, offering a potential turning point after a frustrating opening period.
The victory against Hull City also carried significant importance for Fulham’s position in the Premier League standings. After enduring a winless start to the campaign, the Cottagers collected their first maximum points of the season and moved out of the relegation zone.
The result provides a timely boost as the club looks to establish greater consistency and move further away from the bottom of the table. While the season remains in its early stages, Fulham will be hoping the victory can serve as a foundation for improved results.
Iwobi’s match-winning contribution represents another encouraging development for Nigerian football, with the midfielder continuing to demonstrate his importance in the English top flight.
The experienced international has established himself as a versatile player capable of contributing in different midfield and attacking roles. His latest goal underlines his ability to deliver decisive moments when his team needs them most.
For Fulham, the wait for a Premier League victory is finally over. For Álvaro Arbeloa, the pressure has eased, and for Alex Iwobi, his 33rd-minute winner has provided another memorable moment in his Premier League career.