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Paddysco Academy: Building Nigeria’s Next Football Stars from the Ground Up

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Under the leadership of CEO Peter Azunanaya Okereke, Paddysco Sports has become a key player in youth sports development in Nigeria. At the core of this mission is Paddysco Academy, which nurtures children as young as three in football, instilling skills, discipline, and passion for the game.

The academy’s annual 2024 Sports Fiesta and Awards, held at City Pride School in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, was a platform for parents and supporters to witness the children’s progress. This event highlighted the dedication and growth of young players trained in a professional setting.

Okereke’s vision focuses on long-term development, aiming for participants to gain an in-depth understanding of football by age 10. Acknowledging the cultural emphasis on academics in Nigerian households, he ensures a balanced approach, allowing young athletes to pursue both sports and studies. Partnerships with countries like Finland provide a unique opportunity for students to develop their football skills while continuing their education abroad.

The academy’s popularity has grown significantly, with enrollment increasing from 70 children last year to over 200 this season. Parents like Ahmed Shittien appreciate this early start in structured training, which wasn’t widely available to previous generations. For many, Paddysco represents an environment where young talents are guided professionally in both sports and academics.

Parent Udeaga Chuks Michael views Paddysco as a launching pad for youth athletes, stressing the potential benefits of government collaboration with private sports initiatives. He believes this synergy could propel young Nigerians to compete globally at an early age.

For aspiring stars like Ginika Nwakachukwu, Paddysco is a place where academic and athletic dreams coexist. “We’ve learned so much from the coaches here,” Ginika said. “I feel prepared to become a future star.”

Notable awards went to Ude Enyinnaya (Best Goalkeeper), Ositadinma Christabel Chimamanda (Most Valuable Player), Nwafor Peniel (Most Improved Dancer), and Omojola Johanna (Most Flexible Dancer), celebrating their achievements and hard work throughout the year.

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Super Eagles World Cup squad: Which players will face the axe?

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Super Eagles Squad Selection: Players Likely to Miss Out

With the March 21 and March 25 fixtures approaching, Super Eagles head coach Finidi George is set to trim the squad to 23 players. Ahead of the March 17 announcement, here are the players who might miss out.

The squad features NPFL standouts, including Remo Stars’ goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, Enugu Rangers’ defender Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, and Niger Tornadoes’ forward Papa Daniel Mustapha. Despite their domestic performances, they might not make the final cut due to stiff competition from overseas-based players.

Several players are battling injuries, making their selection unlikely. Maduka Okoye (Udinese) underwent wrist surgery in December and isn’t expected back until April. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio) suffered an ankle sprain on February 25, and while reports suggest he could return early, his chances remain slim. Akor Adams (Sevilla) has yet to make his Super Eagles debut and remains out with a training injury from February.

Some players may be excluded due to lack of form or irregular playing time. Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough) struggled at Sevilla before moving to the Championship in January, raising match fitness concerns. Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars) may lose his spot due to limited game time and rising competition. Paul Onuachu (Southampton) has struggled for consistency in England, while Cyriel Dessers (Rangers) has had mixed performances, making his selection uncertain.

Others who may miss out include Umar Sadiq, Joe Aribo, Chidera Ejuke, Alhassan Yusuf, Christantus Uche, and Igoh Ogbu.

With a talent-packed squad, Chelle faces tough decisions before finalizing his 23-man squad for the crucial fixtures.

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Guardiola Vows to Rebuild Man City After Narrow Win Over Spurs

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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has pledged to restore the club’s dominance after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday.

A 12th-minute goal by Erling Haaland proved decisive as City moved into fourth place in the Premier League standings, strengthening their bid for a Champions League spot. However, the narrow win highlighted the club’s struggles this season, as they remain far from the dominant force that has won four consecutive league titles under Guardiola.

Despite their recent success, Manchester City has endured an underwhelming campaign, currently 20 points behind league leaders Liverpool. Their hopes of retaining the Champions League title were dashed following elimination by Real Madrid, leaving the FA Cup as their only shot at silverware this season.

Guardiola acknowledged the decline but expressed confidence in his team’s resurgence.

“Never will be this season the old City. Old City were too good, but we will be back,” he stated.

City controlled the first half, creating several chances to extend their lead, but missed opportunities kept Spurs in the game. Tottenham, struggling in 13th place, grew into the match and dominated possession in the second half, but failed to break through City’s defense.

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou admitted his team’s early struggles cost them the game.

“We were too wasteful in the first half. Against City, that lets them get into a rhythm,” he said.
Despite another defeat, Postecoglou was encouraged by his side’s second-half display.
“It’s disappointing to lose again, but it did look more like us today,” he added.

With City still fighting for a top-four finish, Guardiola is expected to make significant squad changes in the summer to strengthen the team. Addressing defensive vulnerabilities and regaining consistency will be key to City’s ambitions next season.

Meanwhile, Tottenham will shift their focus to the Europa League, as their chances of a strong league finish remain slim. The club is expected to make key reinforcements in the summer transfer window to improve their squad for the next campaign.

As both teams enter the final stretch of the season, City will look to secure Champions League qualification while Spurs aim to salvage their season through European competition.

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Guardiola Regrets Not Strengthening Squad in Summer Transfer Window

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Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has expressed regret over his decision not to strengthen his squad during the summer transfer window. In hindsight, he believes that rejecting the opportunity to revamp his team was a mistake, especially given the impact of injuries on their disappointing start to the season.

Guardiola had initially decided against making new signings, relying on his existing players, with only Savinho and a returning Ilkay Gündogan joining the team. However, the club has since moved to refresh their squad, agreeing a deal for Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov and negotiating with Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush.

Reflecting on his summer decision, Guardiola said, “I relied on the team and thought we could do it again with the same players. But after the injuries, wow, maybe we should have done it differently.”

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