Segun David Set To Rekindle The Culture And Passion For Grassroot Sports Development In Surulere LGA

Published

2 years ago

April 19, 2024

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Segun David Set To Rekindle The Culture And Passion For Grassroot Sports Development Surulere LGA—In this interview, Segun David, the Senior Special Assistant on Sport to the Executive Chairman, Surulere Local Government spoke about various issues concerning sports development in Surulere Local Government Area and the untapped sports industry.

He also shared plans to help unearth talents in the Surelere Local Government Area.

Excerpts…

What is your vision for sports in Surulere?

My vision is to give fresh ideas, propose and promote road maps for sport development, evaluation, management and improvement in Surulere Local Government. Push good initiatives to bring back the good old times and divert children, youths and communities attention from social vices and moral decadence. Reigniting a seemingly lost zeal for community and internalized sports competition in the famed sport city. Rediscovering local sport talents at a young age regardless of gender or disabilities. To encourage peace, unity and an enabling environment for ease of commerce through sport in Surulere Local Government and beyond.

Surulere Local Government Area is regarded as the hub of sports in Nigeria due to the fact that it has two major stadiums. But in recent times, not much has been heard about sporting activities in Surulere. What plans do you have to change this?

My plan is to rekindle the culture and passion for sport at the grassroot level. This can be done by improving on past sporting activities by creating the right atmosphere for sport development in our communities at various levels. Identifying potential locations or facilities. Promote and encourage diverse range of sports. Recruit and partner with qualified coaches and trainers who can impart techniques and guidance to the participants. Also, with my experience working as a Regional Scout with Sport Management Consultancy Limited, a UK Based Company, it becomes very easy for me to discover talents with the LGA.

Encourage participation of both genders, all ages and individuals with disabilities. Seek partnerships with local businesses, organizations and government agencies for financial and logistical support.

Sports is a major tool for youths’ development and empowerment. How do you intend to harness the potentials of the youths in the area through sporting activities?

Yes, we have a project called ‘LERE FUNATHON’ coming soon. It is a 10km road race and funfair event (combination of sport and entertainment). Another one is the ‘CHAIRMAN’S CUP’. This is going to be a football competition for only private and government primary schools in Surulere. We will be having local board games for artisans coming up to encourage traditional sports and to promote local culture. Surulere Sport Festival will be coming later in the year. Periodical fitness walk or exercise with Chairman, community and Surulere workers amongst others. Tournament and clinic for children, teenagers and youths of different categories.

The focus oftentimes has been on football. What other sports will you be giving attention to?

We will be giving attention to Basketball, Table Tennis, Lawn Tennis, Athletics, Rugby, Board Games etcetera.

You seem to be passionate about sports. Do you have a plan of hosting a major sports competition in Surulere?

Definitely….

What kind of support do you have from the LG chairman as regards sports development in Surulere?

Listening ear and close attention to progressive ideas. His passion and commitments for sport is second to none and very encouraging. His open-door policy for access and operations. Quick response to work and solution to challenges.
Collaborating with private entities, Reaching out to other security and government agencies. Health and safety awareness and consciousness.

Apart from the Teslim Balogun and the National Stadium which belong to the State and Federal Government respectively, are there other recreational centres for sporting activities in the LGA?

Yes we have:
Femi Gbajabiamila Sport Complex, Sam Shonibare.
Paddington Football Field
Obele Oniwala Footbal Field
Razaq Balogun Football Field
Love Garden Football Field
Abalti Barracks Football Field
Small London Football Field

Sports Enthusiasts are of the opinion that one of the major impediments to sports development is a lack of adequate sports facilities and maintenance, especially in rural and sub-urban areas where raw talents abound. What plans do you have to address this?

I can proudly tell you that the worry about lack of adequate sport facilities in Surulere is gradually becoming a challenge of the past due to recent renovations and constructions of sport centers being facilitated by Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamilla and Hon. Suleiman Bamidele Yusuf. Apart from asking for more and identifying suitable locations and ensuring proper sport facilities and equipment are available for various sport activities, I believe we will focus and deal more on maintenance of the existing facilities.

Do you have any structure in place for discovering budding talents in Surulere LGA?

We will be going into partnership with reputable organizations that can help manage, market, promote and develop talents and sport activities in and outside Surulere. Hub in discovering and nurturing raw and refined talents.

So far, what is your assessment of sports development in Surulere?

Assessment of sport for us are in parts. In terms of infrastructure, so much has been done and put in place by Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and the Executive Chairman, Hon. Suleiman Bamidele Yusuf. We’ve had very few activities because most facilities were being given facelifts all over Surulere. Right now most infracstructural projects are done and have been handed over to the CDA’s for operations and maintenance. Evaluation and planning of sport projects are going on so we can have structured sporting programs or legacies that can outlive us.

However, we believe there is a lot to be done. This is why we are opening our arms to private organizations, ex-internationals especially sons and daughters of Surulere, government agencies, community leaders, individuals and stakeholders for support in all forms to drive and renew the hope of the famed sport capital of Lagos and Nigeria.

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BREAKING: Patrick Vieira Appointed New Senegal Head Coach as Teranga Lions Begin New Era

Published

4 days ago

August 18, 2026

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BREAKING: Patrick Vieira Appointed New Senegal Head Coach as Teranga Lions Begin New Era—-The Dakar-born former France international takes his first national-team coaching role after Senegal parted ways with Pape Thiaw following their disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign.

Patrick Vieira has been appointed the new head coach of the Senegal national team, with the former France international taking charge of the Teranga Lions for the first time in his managerial career.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) confirmed Vieira’s appointment on Tuesday, August 18, announcing that the 50-year-old will succeed Pape Thiaw, whose tenure ended following Senegal’s elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

The appointment represents a major new chapter in Vieira’s coaching career and his first opportunity to manage a senior national team.

Vieira Returns to His Birth Country

Although Vieira represented France throughout his international career, including winning the 1998 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2000, he was born in Dakar, Senegal.

The former midfielder moved to France at the age of eight before developing into one of the country’s most celebrated footballers. He eventually earned 107 caps for Les Bleus and became an important figure in France’s golden generation.

His connection to Senegal makes the appointment particularly significant as he now returns to lead the country’s senior national team.

Replacing Pape Thiaw

Vieira takes over after Thiaw was removed from his position following Senegal’s disappointing World Cup campaign.

The Teranga Lions were eliminated in the round of 32 after surrendering a 2–0 lead against Belgium before eventually losing 3–2 in extra time. The result brought an early end to Senegal’s World Cup ambitions and contributed to the decision to make a change in the dugout.

The FSF subsequently turned to Vieira as it looks to begin a new era.

First National-Team Job for Vieira

Vieira arrives with considerable experience in club management but has never previously managed a senior international side.

He began his coaching career with Manchester City’s youth setup before taking charge of New York City FC in MLS. He later managed French side Nice, Premier League club Crystal Palace, Strasbourg and Italian club Genoa.

His appointment therefore presents a new challenge for the former Arsenal captain, who must now translate his club-management experience to the international stage.

AFCON 2027 Qualification Awaits

Vieira’s first major task will be preparing Senegal for the next international window and the country’s qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Senegal are the reigning African champions and will be expected to remain among the continent’s leading teams under their new manager. The AFCON qualifiers are scheduled to begin as early as September.

The appointment also gives Vieira an opportunity to build a team capable of competing for another continental title while establishing a long-term project with the national side.

A New Chapter for Senegal

For Senegal, Vieira’s appointment represents both a change in leadership and an attempt to reset after a disappointing World Cup.

For Vieira, it is a chance to manage the country of his birth and take charge of a talented generation of Senegalese players.

The FSF said further details concerning Vieira’s official presentation and the next steps in his installation will be announced later.

The man who lifted the World Cup with France in 1998 will now attempt to lead Senegal to continental and international success — beginning with the Teranga Lions’ new era under Patrick Vieira.

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JUST IN: Maresca Suffers Arsenal Defeat Again as Manchester City Lose Community Shield 3–0

Published

6 days ago

August 16, 2026

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JUST IN: Maresca Suffers Arsenal Defeat Again as Manchester City Lose Community Shield3–0—-Enzo Maresca’s competitive debut as Manchester City manager ends in disappointment as Arsenal cruise to victory in Cardiff and lift the Community Shield.

Enzo Maresca’s first competitive match in charge of Manchester City ended in a nightmare as Arsenal swept aside the FA Cup holders 3–0 to claim the 2026 Community Shield at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

The defeat means Maresca has suffered another setback against Arsenal, having previously faced the Gunners during his time at Chelsea. But this loss will carry particular significance, coming in his first competitive game since taking over from Pep Guardiola at City.

Calafiori Strikes Inside 24 Seconds

Arsenal needed less than a minute to take control.

Riccardo Calafiori opened the scoring after just 24 seconds, finishing from Myles Lewis-Skelly’s delivery to give Mikel Arteta’s side a dream start. It was reported as the fastest Community Shield goal in 58 years.

The early goal immediately put City under pressure and gave Arsenal confidence as they looked to exploit the uncertainty surrounding Maresca’s new-look side.

Havertz Doubles Arsenal’s Lead

Arsenal continued to dominate and eventually doubled their advantage in the 28th minute.

Kai Havertz found the net after goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma failed to deal convincingly with the situation, leaving Arsenal with a commanding 2–0 lead before half-time.

City struggled to generate a sustained attacking response, with Arsenal’s defensive organisation limiting the opportunities available to Erling Haaland and Phil Foden.

Ødegaard Completes the Rout

The Gunners completed the victory early in the second half when captain Martin Ødegaard added a third goal.

Christos Tzolis was involved in another Arsenal attacking move, while Ødegaard produced a composed finish to effectively put the contest beyond City’s reach.

Arsenal’s defence then held firm to preserve a clean sheet and secure a convincing victory.

A Nightmare Start for Maresca

The result could hardly have been more difficult for Maresca.

The Italian was appointed as Guardiola’s successor after City entered a new era following the Spaniard’s departure. The Community Shield represented Maresca’s first competitive opportunity to demonstrate that he could lead the club back to the top of English football.

Instead, Arsenal exposed several weaknesses in his team, particularly in defensive organisation and their ability to control the match after falling behind.

Maresca had previously said one of his ambitions at City was to close the gap on Arsenal, who finished as Premier League champions last season. His first competitive meeting with the Gunners therefore provided an immediate test of that ambition.

Arsenal Send Early Warning

For Arteta and Arsenal, the victory provides an early statement ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

The Gunners looked sharp, aggressive and confident, while their new additions and returning players fitted smoothly into Arteta’s system.

The Community Shield does not determine the Premier League title race, but Arsenal’s performance will undoubtedly strengthen belief among their supporters that the champions are ready to defend their crown and compete for further silverware.

For Maresca, however, there is now plenty of work to do.

Manchester City’s new era has begun with a heavy defeat, while Arsenal have already sent a clear message to their rivals: they are ready for another fight at the top.

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