#YourSportsMemo Podcast

Spain have been far and away the best team of this Euro 2024 but history tells us that the best teams don't always win tournaments. Peter Ntephe, Matt Smith and Deji Oseni in London, Mansa Adwoah in Germany join Calvin Emeka Onwuka in the pod to preview a tournament short on frills and excitement and preview the final. Three years ago, Deji was a regular on the Euro 2020 series we had and successfully predicted the winner. Check out his prediction for the winner of this tournament. They also choose their player of the tournament.

Arsenal fans Ekpen, Folarin and Matt believe that the boys have to win at Wolves and then at home to Chelsea to remain in the title race before Champions City play again. Exit from the Champions League followed the home league defeat to Aston Villa is causing some doubts with regards to the title race now that City are two points ahead on the table. There is hope. It is SIX to go.

In what could be the just part 1, Calvin 'Emeka Onwuka is joined in the pod by Okey Aguoro, Sola Aiyepeku and Deji Faremi to discuss Super Clubs, effects of big money on football clubs and the leagues in Europe. Before the meat of the discussion, there was a fascinating insight on how IICC Shootings Stars Football Club of Ibadan, Nigeria was run in the 70s, as narrated by Sola. That on its own deserves another podcast. Okey and Deji give their views as per Real and La Liga merchants. These gentlemen know their sport..

I am joined in the pod by UEFA A Licensed coach, Chuks Akuneto, UEFA C Licence coach and multiple FIFA World Cup and AFCON journalist, Wole Opatola; Dr Peter Ntephe in Houston - FIFA Licensed player rep and Dr Ekpen Omonbunde - Arsenal Season ticket holder to discuss which way football is going. The two coaches let us in on how it actually is from a coach's view. Drs Ntephe and Omonbunde speak from the fans' view of the game. 

I had the privilege of having Manchester United fans from across the world join me in the pod to talk about where the current team is and hopes for the next season.Vic joined in from Nairobi, Yomi was in Amsterdam, Bola, Bayo and Eze from Lagos and Doc Ijay and myself in London. There was a big split in views on what is responsible for the poor performance of the team, which gave room for each to speak their minds. For Bola, nothing can save the season, for others winning the FA Cup will be good enough. We named that one player we would want the club to sign next season, Vic named FOUR! 

It was raucous in the pod at some point. But, it was great fun. Bimboh Adekoya (Arsenal fan), "I am convinced that Arteta is building a team to dominate the PL and Europe for years...In this episode of the podcast, Adekoya was joined in the pod by Richard Awe, Mr Demosho (Man City), Sola Aiyepeku, Babatunde Koiki (Liverpool) and Kunle Aderibigbe (Arsenal) to discuss the title run-in which starts with Arsenal's visit to the home of the Champions, City. It was interesting to hear both Richard and Demo give us some insights on Man City. While Bimboh was bullish, Kunle was slightly cautious.. The Liverpool fans believe that Klopp will get more than a Carabao Cup for his send-off. 

Dr ET Peters while in university in Nigeria and playing football had her knee busted by a wicked tackle. It changed her vision and career choice she said in a post on X. I was fortunate enough to get her to come on the podcast to tell us about it. Very grateful for her time. I never thought she was even into sport until that post. She was the captain of her uni's volleyball team! 

According to Tunji Oke, Barcelona's 5-0 demolition of Real Madrid in December 2010 "was a performance." In this episode of our 'Five Series', Tunji is joined by Peter Ntephe, Yomi Okunowo and Nanu Ugwu to recall 5 memorable matches they have watched. Yomi was at the Maracana Stadium to see James Rodriguez score THAT goal at the 2014 World Cup.. Peter recalls the feeling as Nigeria U23s rally to beat Brazil at the Atlanta '96 football event. Hope you enjoy it..

Apart from Pele, Diego Maradona, Leo Messi, Ronaldo da Lima, Cristiano Ronaldo, there have been so many really special footballers over the years. In this special episode dedicated to my late brother and friend Funso Oke, I was able to gather my friends who have watched this game for decades really. Sola Aiyepeku, Tunji Oke, Obafela Bank-Olemoh and Yomi Okunowo chose their favourite footballers down the years. There were some really special players there and memories.. 

A John Terry slip in the soggy pitch in Moscow 2008 was followed by an atrocious refereeing performance Vs Barcelona in 2009 to leave Chelsea fans wondering if they will ever get to the Champions League Holy Grail.In Munich in 2012, nobody gave them a chance vs Bayern at the Allianz Arena. Somehow, it happened. Nine years later, Thomas Tuchel's team defeated Man City to win Chelsea's 2nd CL win.I have gathered Chelsea fans in the pod to describe their feelings during those two matches apart. This is the 2nd part of the CL Wins mini-series. Liverpool fans have already shared theirs. Nanu, Sola and Dapo are in Lagos and join Kay who is in Abuja. I started by asking them a question...

Liverpool Football Club are English football best and most successful export with their six wins in the continent's top tournament - the Champions Cup/UEFA Champions League. In this mini-series, we speak to fans of Premier League clubs who have won the tournament to recount their memories of those wins. Regulars Akin Dawodu,Lakunle Yusuf are joined by Ikwerreman, Emeka Nwabudike and Lanre Adeola to look back on those nights. It was fun and we hope you enjoy it.

Abu Azeez, Bimboh Adekoya, Rotimi Dada and Ruth Odunayo join Calvin Emeka Onwuka in the pod to preview Arsenal's 2023/24 Season. They are united in their belief that at least the Premier League title will arrive the Emirates trophy room while there are those who believe that a double is possible. It was quite interesting. Before they started out I asked them to choose their favourite Arsenal players. Henry, Bergkamp and Kanu got mentions. 

In the final episode of the FIFAWWC 2023, Australial/New Zealand Series, I am joined in the pod by Mercy, Blessing, Chief Suo, Lucy and Boss Lady Tega to review the tournament and try to chart a way for the women's football in the Nigeria and in the African continent. Mercy, Chief and Tega believe this is the time for any woman interested in football to get involved because the harvest will be plentiful. It is an insightful hour on what these women have in mind about the sport overall

The penultimate episode in the FIFAWWC 2023 series of the podcast has all the usual suspects from the first episode. Doofan - the resident Octopus and a vocal Lionesses fan, Lucy, Ruth and Blessing join Sola and Calvin Emeka Onwuka to preview the tournament, name their outstanding players of the tournament.They also go ahead to preview the final between Spain and England. You should listen to the roll call on who wins. There was enough time to talk about the Nigeria Super Falcons heartbreak penalty-kick defeat to England. 

With a former Super Falcons captain in Evelyn Nwabuoku, and coaches Shola Adegun and Tolani Oluwalose joining the usual gang of Sola Oyeniyi, Blessing Fowowe, TheAfroLucy, Vanessa Ezeokoye, Doofan, Ismail Akanni and Calvin Emeka Onwuka in a preview of the big match in Brisbane. The coaches in the pod describe what might happen tactically while Nwabuoku speaks from the point of view of the players in camp. She feels that Nigeria has nothing to lose and they should just give it their all. 

Calvin Emeka Onwuka is joined in this episode of the FIFAWWC Series by former Super Falcons Goalkeeper, Rachel Ayeagba, Chief Suo Chapelle, Sola Oyeniyi, AfroLucy, Amara Faith and Blessing Fowowe. We review the first round of matches and pick out the stand out moments of the tournament so far. We also managed to sneak in previews for most of the Round of 16 matches.

@AfroLucy joins Atinuke Esan, Opeyemi Imoru, Chief Suo Chapelle, @gbemidepool for this ACLSports.com's Sixth anniversary episode of the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia/New Zealand 2023. Calvin Emeka Onwuka presenting. The African teams - with the exception of African Champions, South Africa all have wins going into the last round of matches in the Groups. The Banyana Banyanas have a chance with their last game against Italy. Jamaica are in with a chance of qualification into the next round if they can avoid defeat vs Brazil, Linda Caceido and Colombia are all part of what the panel discussed. Enjoy the show and please share. There are also previous episodes in the FIFAWWC 2023 Series..

Sholss and her Crew return for another episode in the FIFAWWC2023 series. Blessing Fowowe presenting with regulars Sola and Doofan joined by Lucy and Amara and Odunayo Ruth. Apart from talking about the Super Falcons win over co-hosts Australia, the crew talked about the European Champions England's stuttering performances so far. These women know their football.

With Blessing Fowowe presenting, Sholss and her Crew return for the second episode of the FIFAWWC series. In the house, Doofan is totally convinced that the Super Falcons will do co-hosts Australia in the next group games. Listen in to find out if her fellow panellists agree with her.

Sola Oyeniyi brings her crew of Chief Suo, Doofan, Blessing Fowowe, NenyeChelsea and Abisola Owoyomi to preview and banter the at the start of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia New Zealand. Listen to them talk the great players expected to shine at the tournament and they even made their predictions on the teams to progress to the next stage after the first round. 

AC Milan of Italy fan, Hidaa Ahmed Ghaddar shares her football story that includes growing up in Kano, Nigeria and 3 ACL Injuries. Now living and schooling in London while recovering from her latest injury. Ghaddar talks about representing her country, Lebanon, in football and the pleasures of playing the sport in spite of the injuries. 

The Champions, Man City visit the league leaders, Arsenal in a big match at the Emirates Stadium. In the pod are passionate Arsenal fans Bimboh Adekoya, Kunle Aderibigbe, Ruth Odunayo Hassan and Lamid Momoh. They are quietly confident especially Adekoya who had always felt that this was going to be Arsenal's season. 

Fisayo Dairo is joined in the pod for another episode of the 2022 FIFA World Cup episode of the podcast by Samuel Okoro and Deji Gbenro who are both in Qatar. There is beer, there are very beautiful women and football has also broken out at the tournament. "Things are not as bad as the Western Media try to paint it"

The 100th episode of this podcast has www.Aclsports.com's Chief Football Writer hosts the maiden edition of the Qatar2022FIFAWorldCup Podcast with Azubuike Okechukwu, Ufuoma Egbamuno, Deji Gbenro and Temitayo Ojo.Okechukwu expects Argentina to win the tournament, Egbamuno does not think Qatar is as bad as many make them out while Ojewunmi-Ojo just wants us to forget all the negative stories and get on with supporting the footballers. 

Liverpool Football Club have not started the 2022-23 season brightly with only 2 points from the available 9. The narrative seems to be that maybe there should be changes. Liverpool fans Tosin, Gbenga and Kunle join in the pod to discuss their club's early season fortunes. They also give their predictions for how the club will fare this season. 

Mary Akinsola is joined the pod for the final episode in the Commonwealth Games Series. Regulars Blessing, Atinuke, Busayo, Rotimi were joined by Dare Kuti to review Nigeria's preparedness to deal with the future of her athletes. Many in the pod do not believe Nigeria has any sustained plans for the future and will continue to rely on the US Collegiate system to train our athletes. Also, the current Sports Minister and the Ministry should not take much credit for what happened in Birmingham.

Manchester United have started the 2022-23 season badly with two straight defeats and face Liverpool in their third game. I am joined in the Pod by Bola Adegbonmire, Doc Ijay, Tuka Lekura - our regulars. Ohis (Mamba Mentality), Jide Johnson, Kayode Kolawole and Bukayo Ewuoso are the new comers to the board.Was a quite emotive pod 

Regulars to the Pod, Sola, TY, Kay and Seyi are joined by debutant Tobi to preview the 2022/23 Season for Chelsea.For Kay "Chelsea can win the league because we are Chelsea, there nothing that can surprise me." Seyi on the other hand feels that making the top 4 will be an achievement. Sola just wants the team to close the gap on the Top 2 of City and Liverpool. An absolutely boisterous episode as it always is when I host the Chelsea fans. 

Mary Akinsola is joined in the pod by Atinuke, Blessing, Busayo and Rotimi for a snap review of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Members chose their star performer for Nigeria and discussed how the successes can be maintained/sustained. There were also questions as to why Boxing and Table Tennis did not come up with the goods as was expected of them.

The 2022/23 Premier League season starts Friday the 5th of August 2022. We start a preview show with Arsenal. I am joined by regulars Ruth Odunayo, Bimboh Adekoya and Mayowa Kolade. We also made room for first timers Victor Owo and Wale Taiwo.There is a general acceptance that finishing in a Champions League position will do for most in the Pod. However, Bimboh said he is getting the 2003/04 Season vibes off this team. He expects them to challenge for the title and perhaps win it. Stranger things have happened.

Busayo, Nathaniel and Atinuke join Mary Akinsola in the pod as they continue their review of the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, UK. The surprise Gold medal in Discuss and the poor outing of the Table-tennis and Boxing teams are discussed by the gang. 

Akintoye Arogunmati is Nigeria's representative at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. In this Episode of the Series, Mary Akinsola has Akintoye in the Pod to discuss all things Esports and how he started.He is going to Birmingham to win the Gold, he says

Mary and the Gang return for the 3rd Episode in the Commonwealth Games 2022 Series. She is joined by the usual but Ijeoma Okigbo makes a debut in the series. The Gang discuss Team Nigeria with their large number of coaches and delegates! 

Thirty-nine years of hurt and disappointment come to an end in Oregon, US as Tobi Amusan wins the Gold at the 100m Hurdles event after breaking the World Record in the semi-final. Nigerians all over the world are celebrating her and her achievement. In the pod with me to discuss the epoch making event are Yewande Esan, Andrew Randa and Deji Ogenyingbo. An emotional day for all of us. 

In this Episode of the Series Mary Akinsola talks with Nigeria Athletics Journalist Funmi Fameso on the World Championships in Oregon and the Nigeria's preparation for the Commonwealth Games..

The Commonwealth Games 2022 in Birmingham, UK is upon us. Mary Akinsola and her Gang will have a Series in the Pod before, during and just after the Games.For this episode she has Godwin Nathaniel, Atinuke Esan, Busayo Olowookere, Raymond Tolulope in the pod. 

I am joined in the podcast by our WAFCON2022 Regulars of Odunayo Ruth, Sola Oyeniyi, Blessing Fowowe and Fisayo Dairo to preview the South Africa Vs Zambia and Nigeria Vs Morocco semi-final match ups. The hosts are bidding to host to win, South Africa believe their consistency over the years should provide a WAFCON Triumph while the Zambians are not there to be joked with. Everyone in the Podcast is impressed with the Zambians and acknowledge the quality the Moroccans possess. It is going to be an exciting finish to the tournament.

Sola Oyeniyi starts to present the WAFCON2022 Special episodes of the Podcast. In this episode she is joined by Favour Itua, Blessing Fowowe, Monsurat Olatunji and Fisayo Dairo. Fisayo Dairo believes that perhaps this is the opportunity for the rest of Africa to catch the tenth-title chasing Super Falcons of Nigeria

Biola Solace-Chukwu gathered her usual gang of Atinuke, Uzo and Femi to review Rafa Nadal's Tournament at Roland Garros, Paris. there was also plenty of time to discuss the winning machine that Iga Swiatek has become. Plus, a little preview of the Grass court season and the seeming absence of the the Williams' sister at the All England Tennis Club slam. 

Arsenal Fans Bimboh, Ruth, Mo, Matt and Olaitan join me in the Pod to preview the 2021/22 Premier League Season. They feel it ended like a missed opportunity with regards to missing out on the Champions League BUT considering how the season started there is happiness on the return of European Football to the Emirates. Bukayo Saka wins their Player of the Season. 

Biola Solace-Chukwu is joined in the Pod by the usual suspects Femi Kumuyi and Atinuke Esan while Uzo Onuoha was unavoidably absent. They discuss the shocks in the Women's draw, the retirement of Joe Tsonga and the current impasse regarding Wimbledon and the ATP and WTA. 

Liverpool face Real Madrid in the 2022 Champions League final in Paris on Saturday hoping to cap the season with a 3rd Cup win after their triumphs in the Carabao and FA Cups in England.I am joined in the Pod by their fans Akin in London, Kenneth in Barbados, Gogolee in Port-Harcourt, Lakunle in Lagos and Pod debutant Damian also in Lagos.As expected they are bullish of Klopp's men's chances even though they are sweating on the fitness of Fabinho and Thiago. 

Real Madrid and Liverpool football clubs meet in the 2022 UEFA Champions League final in a repeat of the 2018 final. Both these two European Aristocratic clubs had met in the 1981 European Champions Cup final in Paris back in 1981 - same venue for this year's final.I have gathered in the Pod three passionate Madridstas in Seun Oreks, Aisha Atitiola and Achopa Ezeuduma. They are quietly confident of a Real Madrid win. That is what Real fans do!

Nigeria no 1 Tennis writer and broadcaster Biola Solace-Chukwu hosts her friends in the Pod to preview the 2022 Roland Garros French Open tennis Championship starting on May 22nd.Biola is joined by Femi Kumuyi, Uzo Onuoha and making her debut on the Pod, Atinuke Esan. They are not looking beyond Djokovic for the men's title but the fear is how long Swiatek will keep her winning run going.

Leon Balogun, the Glasgow Rangers and Nigeria Super Eagles defender makes his debut appearance on the Podcast in this episode. Balogun and his Rangers mates are in the UEL and Scottish cup finals so the big defender talks us through what it is like playing for the Glasgow giants, winning the league last season and this Europa League run.Balogun also talks about the pain of missing out on the Qatar 2022 World Cup and how much of a heartbreak it was. 

Kilani Jamiu joined Kunle Fayiga, Doc IJ and myself in the pod to speak on what we think is responsible for the current situation at Manchester United. I blame Ralf Rangnick and all the previous managers. Kunle thinks it is the players, Doc IJ thinks it is shared. What do you think?

European Champions and early Premier League Pacesetters Chelsea fans gather in the Pod to preview the year 2022 while reviewing a quite rewarding 2021.Kay Suberu is joined by Uzo Okoroma and Tayo Kehinde. As usual, Suberu leads the charge that Chelsea will win it all while the others believe a cup and a 2nd place finish in the league are achievable.

A Mixed Grill of fans from across the world speaking about the current situations at their various clubs. There is a City fan not very impressed with Pep Guardiola and his City legacy, a Liverpool fan expecting a League and Cup double, Arsenal fans on Arteta. There is also a Man United fan hoping for the best. The Barcelona fan is patient and clear on what the next few years will bring.YourSportsMemo podcast properly mixed. 

Seyi Alao, Doc IJ, Kayode Suberu, Agbo Chukwuma and Kunle Fayiga look at Lionel Messi's latest feat. They also take a look at the Man United's appointment of Ralf Ragnick on an interim basis plus the Premier League title race. Kay is certain Chelsea will win the title. Chukwuma is certain Arsenal will finish in the Top 4 while wishing evil continually on Manchester United "because of the Howard Webb days.."

A Special episode in which new and regular panelists share their experience of playing sports and what might have been if they had followed through. Wisdom Obi-Dickson and Mohammed Abdulbaki are the newbies that joined Bola Adegbonmire, Lakunle Yusuf, Doc Ij and Bimboh Adekoya. Doc IJ loved playing basketball, Lakunle loved his hockey while the rest of us were pretty much football folks. Their stories are riveting and probably same across most of the world where getting higher education degrees tend to be high on the agenda of most parents.

The second part of Women in Nigeria Sports Media has Tega Onojaife, Ngozi Ezeuduma, Cece Omorogbe and Chibuogwu Nnadiegbulam their experience in this industry. They were candid as they talked about getting in, staying in and even on the sexual harassment issues they have faced. A must listen for young women wanting to get into sports media in Nigeria