Osun Born UFC Champion, Israel Adesanya visit Hometown Esa-Oke, receives Royal Blessings

By Oluniyi Isamotu

It was all pomp and pageantry as UFC Champion and global sporting star, Israel Odunayo Temitayo Mobolaji Adesanya visited his native community in Nigeria, Esa-Oke, Osun State.

It was a carnival of sorts at the palace of the Owa-Omiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Akanbi Adediran on Thursday, August 22, 2024 when the celebrated Osun indigene, New Zealand based martial artist and fist boxer visited.

He was ushered into the palace by traditional drummers in company of an enthusiastic crowd of highly elated youths and family members.

The Owa-Omiran in company of his traditional chief’s was full of praises to God for the feats achieved by the young sport star and prayed extensively for his glory to continue to shine brighter and brighter to the glory of God.

Oba Adediran announced that the traditional family compound of the martial artist and boxer in the community “Ananye ruling house” will be honoured during the forthcoming Esa-Oke Day celebration to be held later in the year.

As a mixed martial artist, Israel Adesanya currently competes in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is a former two-time UFC Middleweight Champion.

In kickboxing, he is a former Glory Middleweight Championship title challenger.

As of January 2024, he is number 2 in the UFC middleweight rankings, and as of August 2024, he is number 15 in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings.

Stylebender, as Israel Adesanya is popularly called, was accompanied on the trip to Nigeria and his homestate, Osun, by his parents.

This would be the second time in 5 years that the two-time UFC-Champion will be visiting Nigeria. He was in the country in 2019 as well.
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Renovating Osogbo City Stadium will be the Biggest News for Sport in Osun in a Decade -Osun FA Chairman, Sola Fanowopo

By Oluniyi Isamotu

As the news make round that the Osun government under the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke has finalised plans to renovate the Osogbo city stadium, expectations are already getting high from sport lovers and stakeholders in the state.

In his reaction to the news, the Osun Football Association Chairman, Sola Fanowopo, said the eventuality of that will be the biggest news story in the history of sport in the state for over a decade.

He further expressed his expectations of what he wants to become of the stadium when finally renovated which includes, improved seating and comfort, modern amenities, enhanced fan experience, increased safety and security, sustainability and accessibility, state of the art technology, premium hospitality and suites, improved concessions and dinning, enhanced player and team facilities, community engagement, historical preservation, easy navigation and wayfinding and most importantly, great Football pitches for the mainbowl and training grounds.

“I’m so glad with the news about the plans to commence work on Osogbo Township Stadium.”

“This is the biggest news of the decade for all the sports stakeholders in our state. A big thank you to Osun State Governor and his deputy”

Here are some of my expectations from a renovated Osogbo Township stadium:

“Improved Seating and Comfort: Enhanced seating options, increased legroom, and better amenities; Modern Amenities: Provisions of concessions, restaurants, and restrooms; Enhanced Fan Experience: Improved sightlines, better acoustics, and engaging entertainment options; Increased Safety and Security: Advanced security measures, improved emergency response plans, and enhanced crowd control; Sustainability and Accessibility: Environmentally friendly features, improved accessibility for fans with disabilities, and convenient parking options; State-of-the-Art Technology: Advanced scoreboards, high-quality sound systems, and reliable Wi-Fi connectivity.

“I also expect to see a Premium Hospitality and Suites: Luxurious suites, upscale dining options, and exclusive clubs; Improved Concessions and Dining: Variety of high-quality food options, convenient concession locations, and efficient service; Enhanced Player and Team Facilities: Upgraded locker rooms, training facilities, and team offices; Community Engagement: Public spaces for events, concerts, and community activities beyond sports games; Historical Preservation: Incorporation of historical elements and tributes to the stadium’s legacy; Easy Navigation and Wayfinding: Clear signage, intuitive layout, and minimal congestion.

And finally and, most importantly, Great football pitches for the main bowl and training grounds,” the Osun FA Chairman stated.
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Super Eagles: Ilechukwu, Ladan Bosso Tipped for Super Eagles Job

By Oluniyi Isamotu

NPFL champion coach Fidelis Ilechukwu and former Flying Eagles coach Ladan Bosso are among the names being considered by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to serve as local assistants to new Super Eagles coach.

Janne Andersson is rumoured to be the chosen new Super Eagles coach, subject to confirmation by NFF.

According to report, Andersson will come with two Swedish assistants, while the NFF will appoint some local coaches to assist them.

After close misses with both MFM FC and Plateau United, award-winning Ilechukwu finally won his first major trophy when he led Enugu Rangers to win the NPFL title last season.

He is a coach who works closely with grassroots teams.

Bosso was until recently, coach of the country’s U20s, the Flying Eagles.

He is currently the coach of NPFL club, Bayelsa United.