Grassroots Football Development in Sapele From 1950-1980

Sapele is really a town in southwestern Nigeria, situated in Delta Condition. Sapele is situated for the headwaters from the Benin River, which flows out for the Niger Delta.

Football growth in Sapele begun inside the 1950's, when soccer was just at its infancy in Nigeria, and Sapele a town noted for excellence was at the fore front in football then. The then Sapele township stadium was among the initially http://www.linkedin.com/company/sadler-sports-&-recreation-insurance/products constructed stadium in Nigeria The need to fully develop football at the grassroots level gave birth into the Sapele Beginner Soccer Association in 1987.

This was quickly followed by the staging in the inaugural Sapele Cup of countries Opposition in 1988. It had been a competition that showcased 16 teams from Sapele and environs. Some of the teams that participated within the inaugural Cup of nations competitiveness involve: K.B Stars, Athletico De Marin, Ghana Black Stars and Loaders F.C.

The levels of competition was set collectively by Mr. Gabriel Igarri and Mr. Dan Evumena. It is actually attention-grabbing to notice which the inaugural Sapele Cup of countries trophy was donated by Chief P.D.O Akpeki the Ugo of Okpe Kingdom. Likely back to football advancement in Sapele, it's deserving of be aware to remember that in 1968, Nova Luna Soccer Club was formed. It absolutely was the 1st Youth club in Sapele. It had been established by Late Mr. Tony Okonedo who was then a Graded soccer referee. He also started Girls Football club that very same 12 months. Immediately after the formation of Nova Luna, came Niger Pools Football club in 1969. It had been formed by the Niger Swimming pools organization.

It later on metamorphosed into Strangers Football Club in 1969 which was shaped by former gamers of Niger Pools F.C. Strangers Football club was then captained by Olayinka John( Ayogi) who died around the 7th of January 2010 immediately after a protracted health issues. The club existed for 2 as well as a 50 % yrs.

In 1971, Ethiope F.C Sapele was formed and it acquired prominence due to the caliber of gamers in its fold then. When it had been rumored that the club will likely be leaving Sapele to get a new base, the then Governor of Bendel State- Osaigbovo Ogbemudia took in excess of the affairs with the club and re-named it New Nigeria Bank F.C, with its foundation in Sapele.

There were 4 Condition club within the then Bendel Point out

Ethiope Football Club (Afterwards re-named New Nigeria Financial institution F.C Sapele) Viper F.C Benin (Later on re-named Bendel Insurance of Benin) Ika Rangers F.C Agbor (Later re-named Midwest Line F.C) Warri Wolves F.C Warri (Later on re-named Midwest Line F.C\z)

These four clubs were later handed about to various corporations through the then Bendel Point out Governing administration. In 1971/72, there was the eleven brothers F.C and Eleven Strikers F.C both based in Sapele. Late Olayinka John (Ayogi) was the then coach of eleven brothers. The club produced the likes of German Odjegbe who was the then captain of Bendel U-17 football group that received Gold medal with the 1973 Countrywide Sports Pageant. The club also manufactured Prince Afejukwu, Oshoff Shogbene, goalkeeper Nasiru Momoh, Samuel Afejukwu and Ighoraye Ogayone. Eleven Strikers F.C have been then captained by Monday Daibo and the staff experienced the likes of Andrew Boyo.

In 1973, Ethiope F.C later re-named New Nigeria Bank F.C left Sapele as well as in 1974, the group was then often known as Customized and Physical exercise F.C. A bulk of gamers from Strangers F.C Sapele formed the Custom F.C which was then underneath the Custom made and Exercise Section.

The workforce was then captained by inspirational defender Gabriel Igarri from 1975 to 1983. Inside of this era beneath review, there were other groups that sprang up from the Sapele metropolis. These consist of: Federal government Coastal Company F.C - Started in 1976, Seaboard F.C (Comprising Delta Packaging organization, Lifetime Flour Mills and Leading feeds)- launched in 1977 and Palm Line Company F.C- Founded in 1977. From these three teams, a joint group to symbolize Sapele was formed. It absolutely was then known as Urhiapele F.C. Urhiapele F.C was established within the 1985/1986 season. The club didn't however final long owing to administrative difficulties. They only played one particular welcoming match in opposition to the Nigerian Nationwide Petroleum Organization Football Club Warri.

There was also the Rainbow Football club which came into existence in 1980. The club which was then taking part in while in the State League/ Point out Problem Cup was sponsored by Main Michael Ibru. One particular notable player that came away from the ranks of Rainbow F.C was Goalkeeper Andrew Aikhomogbe who later on rose to prominence and represented the U-17 Nationwide group the Golden Eaglets with the FIFA U-17 Championship tagged Scotland 89.