Grassroots Football Enhancement in Sapele From 1950-1980

Sapele is actually a sports recreation accident coverage town in southwestern Nigeria, situated in Delta Point out. Sapele is positioned on the headwaters in the Benin River, which flows out for the Niger Delta.

Football growth in Sapele commenced inside the 1950's, when football was just at its infancy in Nigeria, and Sapele a town famous for excellence was in the fore entrance in soccer then. The then Sapele township stadium was among the many first built stadium in Nigeria The will to completely acquire football on the grassroots level gave delivery towards the Sapele Amateur Football Association in 1987.

This was promptly accompanied by the staging with the inaugural Sapele Cup of nations Competitors in 1988. It was a contest that showcased sixteen teams from Sapele and environs. A number of the groups that participated on the inaugural Cup of nations level of competition include: K.B Stars, Athletico De Marin, Ghana Black Stars and Loaders F.C.

The competitors was put collectively by Mr. Gabriel Igarri and Mr. Dan Evumena. It is actually interesting to note that the inaugural Sapele Cup of countries trophy was donated by Chief P.D.O Akpeki the Ugo of Okpe Kingdom. Likely back again to soccer improvement in Sapele, it truly is worthy of be aware to recall that in 1968, Nova Luna Football Club was shaped. It had been the 1st Youth club in Sapele. It was founded by Late Mr. Tony Okonedo who was then a Graded football referee. He also established Females Football club that same year. After the formation of Nova Luna, came Niger Swimming pools Football club in 1969. It had been formed with the Niger Pools business.

It later on metamorphosed into Strangers Football Club in 1969 which was formed by former players of Niger Swimming pools F.C. Strangers Football club was then captained by Olayinka John( Ayogi) who died about the 7th of January 2010 immediately after a protracted illness. The club existed for two along with a 50 percent many years.

In 1971, Ethiope F.C Sapele was formed and it gained prominence due to the caliber of players in its fold then. When it absolutely was rumored that the club will be leaving Sapele for just a new foundation, the then Governor of Bendel State- Osaigbovo Ogbemudia took over the affairs on the club and re-named it New Nigeria Financial institution F.C, with its base in Sapele.

There were four State club while in the then Bendel Point out

Ethiope Soccer Club (Later re-named New Nigeria Bank F.C Sapele) Viper F.C Benin (Later on re-named Bendel Coverage of Benin) Ika Rangers F.C Agbor (Later on re-named Midwest Line F.C) Warri Wolves F.C Warri (Later on re-named Midwest Line F.C\z)

These 4 clubs were being later on handed over to numerous companies through the then Bendel State Governing administration. In 1971/72, there was the eleven brothers F.C and Eleven Strikers F.C the two based in Sapele. Late Olayinka John (Ayogi) was the then mentor of 11 brothers. The club produced the likes of German Odjegbe who was the then captain of Bendel U-17 football crew that gained Gold medal at the 1973 Countrywide Sports activities Competition. The club also developed Prince Afejukwu, Oshoff Shogbene, goalkeeper Nasiru Momoh, Samuel Afejukwu and Ighoraye Ogayone. Eleven Strikers F.C were then captained by Monday Daibo along with the crew had the likes of Andrew Boyo.

In 1973, Ethiope F.C afterwards re-named New Nigeria Bank F.C still left Sapele and in 1974, the workforce was then known as Custom and Exercising F.C. A bulk of gamers from Strangers F.C Sapele formed the Custom made F.C which was then less than the Tailor made and Physical exercise Division.

The team was then captained by inspirational defender Gabriel Igarri from 1975 to 1983. In just this period below overview, there have been other teams that sprang up within the Sapele metropolis. These involve: Govt Coastal Company F.C - Founded in 1976, Seaboard F.C (Comprising Delta Packaging firm, Everyday living Flour Mills and Leading feeds)- started in 1977 and Palm Line Company F.C- Established in 1977. From these a few groups, a joint group to signify Sapele was fashioned. It was then identified as Urhiapele F.C. Urhiapele F.C was launched while in the 1985/1986 season. The club didn't having said that last lengthy thanks to administrative problems. They only played just one welcoming match against the Nigerian Countrywide Petroleum Enterprise Soccer Club Warri.

There was also the Rainbow Football club which came into existence in 1980. The club which was then actively playing while in the State League/ Condition Challenge Cup was sponsored by Main Michael Ibru. Just one noteworthy participant that came out of the ranks of Rainbow F.C was Goalkeeper Andrew Aikhomogbe who afterwards rose to prominence and represented the U-17 Nationwide staff the Golden Eaglets within the FIFA U-17 Championship tagged Scotland 89.