Tuesday, 31 May 2016

LITTLE IWAYA TOWN HOME OF SUPER HEROES


Our first feature in our newly introduced report on grassroot sports is going to be on football.

A correspondent stumbled upon a game on Monday in that little town, a 5 aside football game played every Monday in the evening and it's tagged "Inter vs Liverpool".

With little over 200 fans in attendance to watched the game which is spiced up with music as the game goes on, to keep the fans entertained as the game goes on.

The information gathered shown that it was the first game of the season as each season starts after the end of European season, all FIFA rules applied during games, also learnt that transfers are made just like it's done in every football league around the world.

It was also learnt that the little town Iwaya is located in Yaba LCDA, and the football pitch is popularly called "Abete football field" .

The football pitch has produced more national team goalkeepers than anywhere else in Nigeria, one of the elder spoke to Babatunde Hakeem listed out Alloy Agu and Dosu Joseph as two significant goalkeepers that were discovered from same pitch he went on to list players like olalekan Gabriel, Mutiu Adegoke, John Dosu, Patrick Ogunsote has those that were also discovered from same Abete football field.

Our investigation further revealed that at one time in the past MFM FC used same football field as training ground, it was during that time Julius Emiloju and Oladejo Oluwafemi were also discovered by coach Fidelis Iluchukwu.

Another goalkeeper making wave presently from the same football field is last season Ikorodu United number one goalkeeper Baba Tunde.

It's certain nothing can be taking away from the little town of Iwaya in Yaba LCDA as a breeding ground for raw talents in football in all department on the pitch.


DREAM TEAM IN KOREA


The Nigeria U-23 team, Dream Team, on Tuesday evening arrived in Suwon, Korea Republic, venue of 4 -nation invitational tournament in which the team will be involved from Thursday.
The team of 19 players and 10 officials had arrived the Incheon Airport at about 6.45pm local time aboard an Ethiopian Airline flight.
On arrival the team, was received by an official of the organizing body who led the delegation to the city of Suwon, barely 90 minutes by road from Seoul.
The Nigeria team is lodged at the Ramada Hotel.

SEARCH FOR NEXT KANU BEGINS


The eagerly awaited screening of budding talents into the U-17 National Team, Golden Eaglets started on Tuesday at the NFF\FIFA Goal Project in Abuja with large turn-up of players from nooks and crannies of the country. Though 40 players were officially invited, over 3000 players actually turned up on Monday and Tuesday.

Ikegwuonu Ebuka Stanley who came from Imo State said it was his desire to feature for the Golden Eaglets in order to start his football career on a good note. "I want to play for my country and I know this will be a stepping stone if I can make it," said Stanley, a player with Owerri-based Jahrule Academy. "I'm proud of the last two teams that won the World Cup and I'm also looking forward to an opportunity to represent my country at this level."

Speaking on the same note, Tomiwa Durotoye, a Year 10(SS1) student at famous Daywaterman College in Abeokuta, said he was passionate about playing for Nigeria. "I was part of my school's team that recently won the AISEN Competition in Lagos but playing at the national team level will be a dream come true for me," said the light-skinned lad who is an academy player at Clique Sport.

Yet, Coach Manu Garba has warned that it would take more than enthusiasm on the part of the players to make the team, warning the players to be of good conduct during the screening exercise.

"We are going to give all of you equal opportunity but you have to be disciplined and do your best when you are given the opportunity to show what you can do on the pitch," said the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup –winning coach. He continued: "Please, don't let anyone fool you and collect any money from you; you will be judged by what you can do on the pitch as well as sound proof that you are within the age bracket.”

The on going screening exercise is part of the Golden Eaglets' preparations towards qualification for the 2017 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations to be hosted by Madagascar. The Golden Eaglets would be away to Niger on the first weekend of August 5-7 with the reverse fixture in Nigeria a fortnight later.

Monday, 30 May 2016

NIGERIA SUPER EAGLES IN LUXEMBOURG AHEAD FRIENDLY


The Super Eagles have arrived in Luxembourg City ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly against that country’s senior national team.

The delegation left Rouen, where they played Mali on Friday, at noon on Sunday and are now at the Alvisse Parc Hotel, an impressive facility located on Route d’Echternach in Luxembourg City.

There is a great spirit in camp as players and officials look forward to a win against Luxembourg, on the back of the 1-0 defeat of one of Africa’s strongest teams, Mali at the Stade Robert Diochon on Friday.

The team later trained at the Stade Josy Barthel, venue of Tuesday’s clash with theRed Lions.

However, there is quiet indignation about a report in an African football website, which claimed on Saturday that the Super Eagles could not exchange jerseys after Friday’s international friendly with Mali because the players do not have enough and only do ‘wash-and-wear’ of jerseys.

Team administrator Dayo Enebi Achor wondered where such a story emanated from when the Malian players never offered to exchange jerseys with the Super Eagles at the Stade Robert Diochon.

“We have received calls from Nigeria that people are happy about the performance of this young team against Mali. Most people believe that we are on to a good thing with this crop of players but someone is only interested in spewing falsehood to try and embarrass the nation.

“We use new jerseys for every match, and we exchange jerseys when it is necessary. The jerseys belong to the players and they are free to do whatever they want with them after these two matches.”

Chairman of the NFF Media and Publicity Committee, Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande confirmed toreportersthat the new jerseys designed for Nigeria will be unveiled at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in August, where 1996 champions Nigeria is one of only 16 countries taking part in the men’s football tournament.

Friday’s defeat by Nigeria was only the third loss in 11 matches for Mali in the past 14 months, and the Malians have already qualified for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations with two matches to spare.

Sunday, 29 May 2016

THRASHING ORDER OF THE DAY IN NNL WEEK ONE GAMES


The Nigeria National League (NNL) that's Nigeria second tier professional football league kicked off last weekend with 14 matches played across the country.

The week one fixtures shown three games ended in a draw while the rest results were all wins, though the game involving FC Taraba could not hold due to the suspension placed on the team by the country football ruling body NFF.

The game between ABS FC and Crown FC will be played on Monday in ilorin.

The full results of all matches played as follows

Kogi United 1 : 0 Shekarau Babes FC.
Sokoto Utd 0 : 0 Mighty Jets FC.
Kaduna United FC 3 : 1 Jigawa G' Stars
FC Yarmalight 0 : 0 Katsina United.
FC Zamfara 2 : 1 Gombe United FC.
Wikki Tourists Feeders 3 : 0 Dreams Int'l FC.
Kwara United FC 2 : 0 Adamawa United.
Remo Stars FC 2 : 0 Delta Force FC.
Prime FC 1 : 0 Unicem Rovers.
COD United FC 3 : 1 Abia Comets FC.
Go-round FC 2 : 0 Akwa Starlets FC.
First Bank FC 3 : 0 Gateway United FC.
J. Atete FC 1 : 0 Bendel Insurance FC.
Bayelsa United 1 : 1 Cofine FC.

To be played on Monday
ABS FC VS Crown FC ( Monday)

KWARA UNITED TO CLASH WITH AKWA UNITED


The draws for this year’s Federation Cup Round of 32, shows that the cup holder Akwa United will be tackling Kwara United, after drawn bye in the first round.
The ilorin outfit won their first match convincly with the thrashing of Galadima Best by 7-1 goals.
All eyes will be focus on the game with the hope of high flying, high scoring Kwara United to send the cup holder packing out of the competition, or will it be the cup holder progressing to the next round in defense of their title.
The round of 32 of the Federation Cup will come up 15 and 16 June, 2016.

Prime FC Vs Kano Pillars
Akwa United Vs Kwara United
Sunshine Stars Vs Abia Comets
Dynamite FC Vs Flash Flamingoes
Shooting Stars Vs Almar FC
Top World FC Vs J. Atete FC
Crown FC Vs Niger Tornadoes
Enyimba FC Vs El-Kanemi Warriors
Plateau United Vs Dreams FC
Kogi United Vs Wikki Tourists
Lobi Stars Vs FC IfeanyiUbah
MFM FC Vs Katsina United
Rivers United Vs Kaduna United
ABS FC Vs Enugu Rangers
Warri Wolves Vs Jigawa Golden Stars
Go Round FC Vs Nasarawa United/FC Abuja

MIGHTY JETS KICKED OFF WITH AN AWAY POINT


It all begin on a good note as matches were played across the country to kick off the new NNL season after several postponement.

So far so good, in match day one, Mighty Jets  picked a point away from home with new Comer confine FC while all the other teams lost on the road to their host.

Wikki Tourist Feeders team on match day one recorded the highest numbers of goals as they thrashed their opponent by three unreplied goals in front of home crowd.

The match in Benin had to be stopped due to heavy rain.

Other results on match day one are as follows


Wikki Tourists Feeders 3 : 0 Dreams Int'l FC

FC Zamfara 2 : 1 Gombe Utd

Kogi Utd FC 1 : 0 Shekarau Babes

Sokoto Utd 0 : 0 Mighty Jets

Prime FC 1 : 0 Unicem Rovers

Bayelsa Utd 1 : 1 Cofine FC

Saturday, 28 May 2016

NFF TO PARTNER LATE RASHEED YEKINI FOUNDATION


The Nigeria Football Federation has declared that it will partner the Foundation launched by the children of the late Super Eagles’ goal –king, Rashidi Yekini.

This was disclosed at the weekend by NFF 1st Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, who received Yemisi Yekini and her sister, Omoyemi at the Lagos State Football Association office in Lagos.

“We will provide a solid base and support for the Foundation, which is a noble objective and deserves commendation. The NFF is truly impressed that you children of late Yekini have come up with this great idea.

“Of course, we will commit whatever we can to the Foundation. Yekini remains a Nigeria legend for all time. I advise that you should allow the Foundation to be run by professionals.”

Earlier, the eldest child, Yemisi, who is a student of cinematography at Leicester University, United Kingdom had formally informed Akinwunmi of the Foundation, and requested the NFF to help with materials that tell the story of her father’s marvelous contributions to Nigeria football while representing fatherland. These, she said, would be used to set up a Rashidi Yekini Museum in his home in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Akinwunmi, who is also Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, also disclosed that the LSFA/Akinwunmi Charity Foundation would take up payment of the school fees of Omoyemi Yekini, late Yekini’s last child, who is studying English at the University of Ilorin.

Yekini scored 37 goals for the Super Eagles in an international career that spanned 15 years. 

IHEANACHO LONE STRIKE CAGED EAGLES OF MALI


Hours after former captain Joseph Yobo called on the new generation of Super Eagles to “rise to the occasion and lift the Super Eagles to new levels,” a relatively young Nigerian team gifted with a sense of urgency, purpose and craftsmanship pipped Les Aigles of Mali 1-0 in an exciting international friendly in Rouen on Friday.

Without skipper John Mikel Obi and his assistant, Ahmed Musa who were released to be part of Yobo’s testimonial match in Port Harcourt, the Eagles were expected to struggle at the Stade Robert Diochon. But the young team fought well and in a pragmatic manner and could have won by a wider margin.

Forward Odion Ighalo fluffed a hatful of chances in the first half, but Etebo Oghenekaro, Alex Iwobi and man-of-the-match Shehu Abdullahi gave the Eagles legs on the field in a game that, for long periods, flowed from end-to-end.

With only goalkeeper Djigui Diarra to beat, Ighalo wasted a golden chance in the 19thminute. There were plenty of great opportunities but Ighalo, debutant Musa Muhammed and Etebo could not get the ball into the Malian net before half time.

Just before half time, an error by stand-in skipper Ogenyi Onazi nearly gifted Mali the lead. But the impressive Carl Ikeme covered well.

The mobile Musa Muhammed was thwarted after a good pass by the creative Alex Iwobi in the 50thminute. Etebo was then foiled three minutes later before Ighalo wasted another opportunity on the hour mark. Ikeme saved well from a header in the 69thminute, before substitute Kelechi Iheanacho scored Nigeria’s only goal in the 77thminute, only three minutes after coming on.

Iheanacho had replaced Iwobi in the 74thminute, in-between two efforts by Umar Aminu. Another substitute, Babatunde Michael, worked out a brilliant pass for the Manchester City forward to slot past the Malian goalie.

Six minutes from time, Iheanacho rattled the goalkeeper once again, before left back Kingsley Madu came close with a shot.

The Eagles were cheered off the field after what NFF President Amaju Pinnick called “an exciting display” at the Stade Robert Diochon. “I’m quite happy with the display and the result,” Pinnick added.

Coach Salisu Yusuf toldreporters that“The performance is inspiring and I am happy about the team spirit. Every player fought well on the field. The commitment and determination is there, and we hope to carry this forward.”

The Super Eagles will depart Rouen on Sunday for Luxembourg City, where they play that country’s senior team on Tuesday night.

MANU GARBA BEGINS EAGLETS OPEN SCREENING ON MONDAY


Nigeria’s 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup-winning coach Manu Garba (OON) willon Mondaybegin the screening of new players at the NFF/FIFA Goal Project in Abuja, towards putting together another world –conquering squad that will start with qualification fornext year's Africa U-17 Cup ofNations to be hosted in Madagascar.

The Golden Eaglets are the current world champions after a team led byEmmanuel Amuneke (MFR) won a record fifth title for the country inChile last year, and Garba noted all hands must now be on deck with theteam's qualifier against neighbouring Niger fast approaching.

Garba toldreportersthat the open screening would last for threeweeks starting with a list of 40 invited players scouted across the country, even as he called on ambitious and confident players within the stipulated age bracket to avail themselves of the opportunity."We don't have much time to waste and we are going to use just three weeks for open screening in order to have a close look atthe 40 invited players," stated Garba."It will also be an opportunity forusto see others since many uninvited players may also turn up, based on our previous experience."

Meanwhile, officials have warned that players coming for the screening exercise would as a matter of fact, take care of their personal welfare in terms of accommodation and feeding. They are advised to turn up with their playing kits as well as official documents to proof they are within the stipulated age bracket for the competition.

The Golden Eaglets would be away to Niger Republic on the first weekend of August,with the reverse fixture a fortnight later. The final tournament of the U-17 AFCON will be held from 2nd– 16thApril 2017inMadagascar.

NFF STOP FC TARABA FROM NNL PARTICIPATION


All matches involving FC Taraba in the Nigeria National League (NNL) have been placed on hold following the inability of the Jalingo side to settle outstanding payments and arrears owed players who featured for the club last season.

Secretary of the NNL, Mr. Lawrence Katken said until the management of FC Taraba complies with the decision of the 2015 Annual General Assembly of the NFF on payment of backlog of salaries and allowances to players, the club will play no part in the Nigeria league.

"Football is governed by rules and rules are meant to be obeyed. We have no choice but to implement the decision of the Congress. We always have to ensure clubs in the NNL are ready to run because they move to the Premier League from the NNL. It beholves on us to direct them well," said Katken. 

Katken said the Football Associations in Taraba State and that of the FCT, as well as management of FC Taraba and their scheduled opponents for the League opener, Supreme Court FC, have been duly informed. This means that Supreme Court will have to discontinue their preparation for the match against FC Taraba billed for Sunday.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Nigeria National League Adhoc Committee, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi is happy that the second tier League body has surmounted all odds to ensure the commencement of the 2015/16 Season.

Akinwunmi, who is also 1st Vice President of the NFF, said clubs will no longer bear the burden of paying officials’ indemnities, noting that his committee is out for complete fairness in the League.

Barrister Akinwunmi insisted the NNL must be seen as big business. "The League has come to stay. Our plan is to see that it grows better and all the clubs must ensure that they contribute to its success, so that a lot of sponsors and funds can roll in and everyone will benefit."

On the 2015/16 Season, Akinwunmi said: "I am expecting a very competitive League. You know, the clubs are itching to play. I have watched a lot of friendly matches between clubs preparatory to the league kick-off and I am impressed."

The NNL kicks off on Sunday with a total of 15 games.

Friday, 27 May 2016

LET THE HUSTLING FOR PROMOTION BEGINS


With the Nigeria National League (NNL) finally kicking off after one or two postponement by the board, before 28th May 2016 date was arrived at as the new date.

All have been put in place to have a hitch free 2015 / 2016 season.

This year season will also be played on abridged level as it was played last season due to the lost of period in the league calendar.

The 32 teams participating are divided into 4 groups of 8 teams with only one team from each group to gain promotion at season end.

The season will be unique as referee assessors are introduced for the first time in the lower division.

Here are the pairings and also match officials for week one games of the new season.



ABS vs Crown FC
Sanni
Tope
Tosin

First bank vs Gateway FC
Quadri
Rahmon
Ogbonna


Remo stars vs Delta Force
Morenikeji
Muniat
Shakiru

Prime FC vs Unicem Rovers
Babayanju
Akanwumi
Ajayi


COD Utd vs Abia Comets
Usman
Fatimo
Onabanjo


Go Round vs Akwa Starlets
Rev Fr Azudiukwu
Ogbonna
Rev Fr Obinna


Sokoto Utd vs Mighty Jets
Emma Yua
Prince
Aliyu A


Kogi Utd vs Shekarau
Nurudeen
Yiye Ben
Christiana


Kaduna Utd vs Jigawa G stars
Boyar
Achimi
Aminu


Yarmalight vs Katsina Utd
Bello
Sani
Hassan


FC Zamfara vs Gombe Utd
Elisha
Musa A.A
Christiana


Wikki tour Feeders vs Dreams Intl
Habibu
Tijani
Simon Peter


FC Taraba vs Supreme Court
Roland
Usman
Maggash


Kwara Utd vs Adamawa Utd
Salihu
Babagata
Ahmed


j Atete vs Insurance
Odaji
Oputu
Udoete


Bayelsa Utd vs Confine
Arinze
Osakwu K
Iyogotha

SIASIA PICKS OKECHUKWU,EMILOJU AND 18 OTHERS FOR KOREA


Head Coach of the Nigeria U-23 team, Samson Siasia has selected 20 players made up of 12 home -based and eight overseas –based professionals for next month’s Suwon Invitational Tournament in Korea Republic.

The list is dominated by players who featured against the Brazil U-23 in a friendly in that country two months ago, which Nigeria won 1-0, while two new faces Emiloju Julius and Abdulrahman Taiwo break into the team, and winger Saviour Godwin also makes a return to the team after a long absence.
Addressing the players after its friendly game on Thursday at the practice pitch of the National Stadium, Abuja, Coach Siasia charged those selected for the trip to see it as an honour. "That you were selected does not mean that those not selected are not good. We simply want to give everyone enough opportunity to justify why they should be part of the team to the Rio Olympics."
To those who were dropped, Coach Siasia told them not to see themselves as not being part of the plans of the technical crew, but a clarion call to work even harder, as the team will be going to the United States of America for its final camping exercise where the best will be selected for the Olympics.
The delegation of 20 players and 10 officials will be led by NFF Executive Committee member and Chairman of the NFF Media and Publicity Committee, Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande. The group is expected to depart Nigeria for Korea Republic on Monday, 30th May aboard an Ethiopian Airline flight, and arrive in Seoul on Tuesday.
20 PLAYERS FOR SUWON TOURNAMENT
1. Emmanuel Daniel
2. Yusuf Mohammed
3. Emmanson Daniel
4. Sincere Seth
5. Ndifreke Effiong
6. Segun Oduduwa
7. Stanley Amuzie
8. Julius Emiloju
9. Erhun Obanor
10. Saturday Erimuya
11. Azubuike Okechukwu
12. Usman Mohammed
13. Stanley Dimgba
14. Sodiq Popoola
15. Saviour Godwin
16. Taiwo Awoniyi
17. Ubong Ekpai
18. Abdulrahman Taiwo
19. Nathan Oduwa
20. Tiongoli Tonbara

KWARA UNITED THRASHED GALADIMA TO MOVE ON


Kwara Utd, Dynamite FC sent out warning to other clubs still in the Federation Cup to gear up for their scoring prowess as both teams eliminated their opponents in the round of 64 of the fed cup on high score margin on Thursday.
Kano Pillars could only managed to defeat Abeokuta base Gateway FC by a goal to move to the round of 32 .
Others match day 2 fixtures results are arranged below


Kwara United 7 : 0 Galadima Best
Abia Comets 2 : 0 Nembe City
Damaturu FC 1 : 8 Dynamite FC
Nasarawa United Vs FC Abuja (Abandoned)
FC Zamfara 0 : 3Almar FC (W/O)
El-Kanemi Warriors 2 : 0 Katsina Feeders
ABS FC 1 : 0 Yenagoa City
Dreams FC 1 : 1 Akwanga Selected (Dreams win 4-2 penalties)
Gateway FC 0 : 1 Kano Pillars

Thursday, 26 May 2016

RAYMOND EMERGED DR OLUKOYA U18 CHAMPIONSHIP


The Athletics Federation of Nigeria in partnership with Dr DK Olukoya just concluded this year's Dr Olukoya U18 championship.

This year’s event is used to select athletes for IAAF world junior championship coming up in Russia July.

The boys 100M was won by Ekevwo Raymond in a time of 10.35sec while Aniekeme Alphonsus won the girls 100M in 11.57sec.

OKECHUKWU, FOUR OTHER PLAYER BEAT SIASIA DEADLINE


The camp of the U-23 National Team, Dream Team, came alive on Wednesday with the arrival of five of the invited foreign based players hitting camp to beat the Wednesday deadline handed down by Head Coach Samson Siasia.

First to arrive the Serob Legacy Hotel camp of the Dream Team was captain Azubuike Okechukwu who was looking fit and ready as he wasted no time in joining the team's morning training session.

Next was Portugal based defender Stanley Amuzie who came in around 2pm thereby being part of the team's evening training session, and the number was increased when the team was having dinner with the arrival of the trio of Godwin Saviour, Taiwo Awoniyi and Usman Mohammed, with back slapping and hugging from their team mates and officials.

On Thursday afternoon, the camp was further boosted when England based Nathan Oduwa arrived. Speaking to reportersCaptain Okechukwu expressed delight in being called upon to wear the colors of the country as he sees it as a thing of pride and honor.

"This is a big family and any time I am called upon to be part of the family, I feel highly honored and as such will do every thing to make it. I have had a hectic season and as such had wanted to rest a little with my family, but this is a call to duty which I must honor, so I had to cut short my rest to beat the deadline set by my coach who I know is a no –nonsense person."

With the arrival of the six players, the camp now has seven of the eight foreign based players invited to camp, with France based midfielder Sodiq Popoola expected in camp on Friday due to flight challenges.

Meanwhile, Coach Siasia is expected to release the list of players for next month's Suwon Invitational Tournament in South Korea on Friday.

CONFIDENT EAGLES CONFRONT MALI IN ROUEN


The Super Eagles are good to go for victory against their Malian counterparts in Friday’s international friendly match at the Stade Robert Diochon in Rouen, France, according to interim Head Coach, Salisu Yusuf.

Yusuf, who is assisted by Imama Amapakabo and Kennedy Boboye, have worked with a relatively young team in three training sessions but says there is belief in the squad going into the clash with the fellow West Africans.

“Yes, we have had only three training sessions. But they were very good sessions and the team has bonded very well. We expect to go all out even though it is a friendly match.

“We are working with players who have self –belief and there is excellent team spirit.”

Only two players, namely Turkey –based defender Kenneth Omeruo and Belgium –based midfielder Wilfred Ndidi were being expected as at Thursday afternoon.

In camp are Odion Ighalo, Ogenyi Onazi, Brown Ideye, Carl Ikeme, Alex Iwobi, Abdullahi Shehu, Umar Aminu, Kingsley Madu, Moses Simon, Elderson Echiejile, Leon Balogun, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Musa Muhammed, Etebo Oghenekaro, Babatunde Michael, Raheem Lawal, Gbenga Arokoyo, Kelechi Iheanacho, Daniel Akpeyi and William Troost Ekong.

Friday’s match is the first of a two –game arrangement that will see the Super Eagles leave for Luxembourg City on Saturday, to play that country’s senior national team on Tuesday night.

FEDERATION CUP MATCH DAY TWO FIXTURES


Can Gateway FC without Kano Pillars?

Kwara United Vs Galadima Best - Abuja - 26/05/16 - 4pm

Abia Comets Vs Nembe City - Owerri - 26/05/16 - 4pm
Damaturu FC Vs Dynamite FC - Abuja - 26/05/16 - 2pm

Nasarawa United Vs FC Abuja - Kaduna - 26/05/16 - 4pm

Kaduna FC Vs Bridge Boys - Lokoja - 26/05/16 - 4pm

FC Zamfara Vs Almar FC - Lokoja - 26/05/16 - 2pm

El-Kanemi Vs Katsina Feeders - Bauchi - 26/05/16 - 4pm

ABS FC Vs Yenegoa City - Ijebu-Ode - 25/05/16 - 4pm


Dreams FC Vs Akwanga Selected - Jos - 26/05/16 - 4pm

Gateway FC Vs Kano Pillars - Lokoja - 26/05/16 - 4pm

Wednesday, 25 May 2016

HEARTLAND FC STUNNED BY NON-LEAGUE SIDE


Top World Football Club stunned Heartland FC in Oleh, Delta state to advanced to the next round.

The non-League side sent Heartland FC packing on penalties kicks 4-3, after the game ended goalless in regulation time.

COACH OSHO FATAI ADVANCED WITH CROWN FC


Since moving to Crown FC after his resignation from Kogi United, coach Osho Fatai has been working hard to see that he changed the fortune of the former NPFL side.

In so doing his first competitive competition, which was the States' FA cup, coach Osho tutored side dethrone the Oyo state champion 3SC to come tops in representing the state at the national level.

With the club first game in the Federation Cup, Crown FC dismissed fellow Nigeria National League side Sokoto United by 3-1 to advance to the round of 32 of the oldest competition in the country.

Other results from day 1 fixtures of the round of 64 are as follows

Sunshine Stars 2 Giwa FC 0
J. Atete 1 Akwa Starlets 0
Fasbir FC 0 Niger Tornadoes 2
Prime FC 2 Inneh Stars 1
Kogi United 1 Ekiti United 1 (Kogi win 4-3 on penalties)
Go Round 3 Yobe Stars 1
MFM FC 1 El-Kanemi Babes 1 (MFM win 3-2 on penalties)
Shooting Stars 2 Wikki Feeders 0
Heartland 0 Top World FC 0 (Top World win 4-3 on penalties)
Rivers United 4 FC Papilo 3
Plateau United 4 Zara FC 0
Wikki Tourists 1 FRSC FC 1 (Wikki win 3-2 on penalties)
Yarmalight 2 Warri Wolves 3
Katsina United 3 FC Lokoja 0 (W/O)
Jigawa Golden Stars 3 Gashaka Buffaloes 0 (W/O)
Sokoto United 1 Crown FC 3
Rovers 1 Flash Flamingoes 1 (Flamingoes win 5-4 penalties)
FC IfeanyiUbah 1 Ebonyi United 0

17 EAGLES IN FRANCE


Watford FC of England star forward Odion Ighalo was the first player at the Super Eagles’ camp in France on Tuesday night, but has since been joined by 16 others as the three –time African champions prepare for a friendly international with Mali’s Les Aigles at the Stade Robert Diochon in Rouen on Friday night.

The list of 17 players includes the nine who left from Abuja aboard an Air France flight on Tuesday: Ogenyi Onazi, Brown Ideye, Abdullahi Shehu, Umar Aminu, Kingsley Madu, Elderson Echiejile, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Etebo Oghenekaro and Musa Muhammed.

There are also England –based goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, Germany –based defender Leon Balogun, Arsenal of England’s Alex Iwobi and Belgium –based forward Moses Simon.

Morocco –based midfielder Babatunde Michael and Turkey –based Raheem Lawal and Gbenga Arokoyo were being expected last night.

South Africa –based goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi and Norway –based defender William Troost Ekong are expected on Thursday. But Manchester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho and Turkey –based defender Kenneth Omeruo have been held back by visa hitch.

However, Super Eagles’ administrator Enebi Achor toldreporters that both players are hopeful of getting their visa latest Thursday.

The team trained on Wednesday evening, and will train twice on Thursday, at 9am and at 6pm.

ITTF CONFIRM OBIORA,TWO OTHERS FOR OLYMPIC


Commonwealth medalist, Faith Chinenye Obiora and two others have been confirmed by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games in Brazil.
  Among the 276 athletes that will compete in the table tennis event of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, Nigeria’s Obiora will be joined by compatriots – Ahmed Koleosho and Chinedu Emmnauel Nick and the team is also listed in the Classes 4-5 of the men’s team event.
  Among the 102 female athletes, Obiora, who was Nigeria’s flagbearer at the Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games in India, will battle for medal in class five in Brazil.
  Koleosho and Nick will compete in class three and four respectively of the men’s event of the Paralympic Games.
  Meanwhile, the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) is organising three-day training for experts in the classification of athletes for the para table tennis event at the Media Centre of National Stadium under the tutelage of Spain’s Perez Pablo Fausto.
  The training is meant for participants who are technically and medically inclined in order to help in classification of athletes for the forthcoming National Sports Festival.
  A one-day tournament will also be staged for the athletes to practicalise the training.

Tuesday, 24 May 2016

SIASIA SOUND WARNING TO FOREIGN PROS


As preparations for the football event of Rio Olympics hot up, Coach Samson Siasia has handed down a warning to all the invited foreign –based players for the Suwon Invitational Tournament to report to camp on Wednesday or forget about making the team to the Games.
Siasia handed down the deadline after Monday evening’s training session at the FIFA Goal Project pitch, Abuja.
Expressing displeasure that most of the players invited for the Suwon Tournament have arrived Nigeria but are not willing to report to camp, the coach said the only way he can select players for the Olympics is when they train together as a team, adding that no player will walk into his team without earning it.
"It is annoying that these boys have not placed the same importance myself and other members of the technical crew have placed on the Olympics. I have information that aside one or two players who are involved in their team's play –off games, the others have arrived the country but have just refused to report to camp.
"If they don't report to camp on time, how can I work on them to know their level of adaptability to my game plan? It's frustrating sometimes. Except for Saturday Keigo who reported to camp on Sunday, the others have not bothered to report.”
Coach Siasia disclosed that if any of the invited overseas –based players thinks because he has been registered for the competition in South Korea and as such cannot be dropped, he has a surprise for that player. The affected foreign –based players are: Amuzie Stanley, Azubuike Okechukwu, Usman Mohammed, Sodiq Popoola, Saviour Godwin, Taiwo Awoniyi and Nathan Oduwa. 
Meanwhile, the Dream Team will on Thursday play a friendly game with a local clubside as part of its build –up for the Suwon Invitational Tournament.

ENYIMBA INT’L DRAWN ALONGSIDE FIVE TIMES CHAMPION ZAMALEK


Two times CAF champions league winner, Enyimba int’l of Nigeria have been group along Zamalek football club of Egypt.

The two times African champion will play in group B along Zamalek of Egypt, Sundown of South Africa and Es-Setif of Algeria.

The first game of the group stage will be played the weekend of 17-19th June, 2016.

FEDERATION CUP ROUND OF 64, MATCH DAY 1 FIXTURES


The round of 64 teams for 2016 FEDERATION CUP kick off tomorrow in various centres across the country with the big match for the day to be the game between Sunshine Stars of Akure and Giwa FC of jos in Lokoja.
Another interesting game for the round wil be play in Abuja as Warri Wolves will be battling it out wit Yarmalight FC.
Sunshine Stars Vs Giwa FC - Lokoja - 25/05/16 - 4pm
Rovers FC Vs Flash Flamingoes - Lokoja - 25/05/16 - 2pm
Go Round Vs Yobe Stars - Makurdi - 25/05/16 - 2pm
Rivers United Vs Papilo FC - Umuahia - 25/05/16 - 4pm
3SC FC Vs Wikki Feeders - Enugu - 25/05/16 - 4pm
Heartland FC Vs Top World - Oleh - 25/05/16 - 4pm
J. Atete Vs Akwa Starlets - Owerri - 25/05/16 - 4pm
Sokoto United Vs Crown FC - Abuja - 25/05/16 - 2pm
Fasbir FC Vs Niger Tornadoes - Zaria - 25/05/16 - 2pm
ABS FC Vs Yenegoa City - Ijebu-Ode - 25/05/16 - 4pm
Akure City Vs Enugu Rangers - Jos - 25/05/16 - 4pm
Kogi United Vs Ekiti United - Benin - 25/05/16 - 4pm
Wikki Tourists Vs FRSC FC - Makurdi - 25/05/16 - 4pm
Plateau United Vs Zara FC - Zaria - 25/05/16 - 4pm
Prime FC Vs Inneh Stars - Lagos - 25/05/16 - 4pm
Yarmalight Vs Warri Wolves - Abuja - 25/05/16 - 4pm
Jigawa Stars Vs Gashaka Buffaloes - Bauchi - 25/05/16 - 4pm
MFM FC Vs El-Kanemi Babes - Kaduna - 25/05/16 - 4pm
Katsina United Vs FC Lokoja - Kaduna - 25/05/16 - 2pm
FC IfeanyiUbah Vs Ebonyi United - Owerri - 25/05/16 - 4pm

Monday, 23 May 2016

WHO DARE ENYIMBA


The draw for the money spinning CAF champions league group stage comes up today Tuesday 24th May 2016 in Cairo, Egypt.

With the two times African champion all warm up for this stage of the competition with the new found form exhibited in the ongoing NPFL and having the current competition leading scorer in person of Mfon Udoh, it's clear that the remaining teams will be praying not to be group along side the people's Elephant.

List of teams remaining in the competition

Al Ahly ( Egypt)

Wydad Casablanca ( Morocco)

ES Setif (Algeria)

AS Vita Club (Democratic Rep of Congo)

Zesco United (Zambia)

Zamalek (Egypt)

Enyimba int’l FC (Nigeria)

OLAH, SHOA EMERGED WINNERS AT ITTF PREMIER LOTTO NIGERIA OPEN


Finland’s Benedek Olah first trip to Africa ended in celebration after the Finnish claimed his first ITTF World Tour title at the 2016 Premier Lotto Nigeria Open on May 22.

Also, Jieni Shao’s second trip to Africa ended well as she retained her women singles title at the Nigeria Open.

To emerge as men singles champion, Benedek Olah beat Egypt’s Khalid Assar in the final 4-1 to lift his first title in an ITTF-organised tournament.  

Prior to his berth in the final, Benedek Olah had defeated  Nigeria’s duo of Bode Abiodun in seven games (12-10, 9-11, 8-11, 5-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-5), before overcoming Segun Toriola in a six games contest (9-11, 11-8, 11-5, 12-10, 9-11, 11-6).
“I really enjoyed myself in Lagos, I think the fans were unique and I really felt them whenever I was playing; this is not common across the world, here the fans were always supporting us”, said Benedek Olah.

“I hope to come back because I really played very well particularly the quarter-final and semi-final matches against Nigeria’s Bode Abiodun and Segun Toriola”, added Benedek Olah. “They were my toughest opponents because they played with a lot of spin with different kind of style.”

“My game is now on another level because I was consistent in this tournament and this paid off for me to win my first World Tour title; I had a good feeling throughout the tournament and I hope to be back next year”, concluded Benedek Olah “I did not regret being invited by Quadri Aruna; I think there was a good atmosphere for the players and I must also commend the organisers for a good job.”

For Portugal’s Shao Jieni, the winner of the Women’s Singles event in Lagos there is also progress but not quite as dramatic as that experienced by Benedek Olah.

The top seed recovered from an opening game deficit to beat Hungary’s Szandra Pergel, the second seed, in five games (9-11,11-8,11-4,11-6,11-9) to clinch the top prize.

“This is my second time in Nigeria and I am happy that I am able to retain my title”, said Shao Jieni. “Lagos is a very special place for me because the fans are always there for the players.”
 
“I can say that the final was not that easy but I put a lot of power into my shots and my service was also helpful”, added Shao Jieni who is the only Portuguese player to reach an ITTF World Tour Women’s Singles final.
“Particularly I was overwhelmed by the support from the Lagos fans”, stressed Shao Jieni. “Certainly, this helped me in the tournament as I hope to come back to Lagos again.”


OLDEST ORIENTAL DERBY CAPPED OFF NPFL FIRST STANZA


The first stanza of the Professional league ended on Sunday but the high point of the Match day 19 Was in Enugu where the oldest oriental derby was played on Friday with over 20,000 fans in the stands to witness the turn around in the league.

The derby ended up in a goalless draw, first time in the past five seasons that both teams would played without scoring and no winner at the end of ninety minutes.

Ikorodu United got bashed as usual on the last day in far away Bauchi by Wikki Tourists.

Abia Warriors got stunned by Owena waves as Sunshine Stars grabbed all three points in far away Umuahia by defeating their host in front of home fans with Olorundare last minute strike.

Rivers United lost their chance of moving to the submit, has host Lobi Stars made sure they leave Makurdi empty handed to the oil city of Port Harcourt .

Shooting stars misery continue with a two nil lost to Akwa United in the magnificent nest of champions.

The game between MFM FC and Giwa FC did not hold due to the expulsion of Giwa FC from the league on the ground of missing three cumulative matches as stipulated in the league organiser framework and rules for the current season.

Here are the remaining match day 19 results from all centres

Plateau Utd 0-0 Kano Pillars
Warri Wolves 3-1 El-Kanemi Warriors
Wikki Tourists 3-0 Ikorodu Utd
Abia Warriors 1-2 Sunshine Stars
Lobi stars 1-0 Rivers Utd
FC Ifeanyi ubah 2-0 Niger Tornadoes
Akwa Utd 2-0 Shooting Stars
Enyimba int’l 1-0 Nasarawa Utd
Rangers int’l 0-0 Heartland FC

Sunday, 22 May 2016

ITTF CONFIRM TEAM NIGERIA FOR RIO OLYMPIC GAMES


The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has formally confirmed Team Nigeria as one of the 16 countries that will compete in the men’s team event of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil.
  In the list released by the world table tennis ruling body, Team Nigeria will fly Africa’s flag in the event alongside world and Asia champion, China as well as Germany, United States, Australia and host – Brazil.
  Other nations that made the cut based on their world rating are Japan, hong Kong, Portugal, , Korea Republic, France, Sweden, Austria, Poland, Chinese Taipei and England.
  With this development, aside Segun Toriola and Aruna Quadri who have qualified to play in the singles event, the team will have Bode Abiodun, who is the third highest ranked Nigerian in the world as the third player to complete the required number of players expected to form a team for the Olympic Games.
  However, in the women’s team event, Egypt will represent the continent alongside, China, Germany, United States, Australia and host – Brazil. Others are Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea Republic, Chinese Taipei, Korea DPR, Netherlands, Romania, Poland and Austria.
  Meanwhile, Paraguay’s Marcelo Aguirre and Syria’s Heba Allejji are the players to receive the Tripartite places for the respective Men’s Singles and Women’s Singles events at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The decision was announced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
  Both players have received formal approval from their respective National Olympic Committees.
  Marcelo Aguirre is the winner of the Men’s Singles title at the 2013 Latin American Championships in San Salvador, it will be the third consecutive time that Aguirre has competed in the Olympic Games.
  He was present in Beijing in 2008. when likewise he receive the Tripartite place, before qualifying for London 2012 Olympic Games by emerging successful in the Latin American Qualification tournament staged in Rio de Janeiro.
  Marcelo Aguirre, named at no.228 on the current World Ranking is the highest listed player to meet the criteria.
  For Heba Allejji; it is her Olympic Games debut. Impressively, despite the problems facing her country, at the age of 19 has a World Ranking of no.677. She competed in the 2016 Asia Olympic Qualification, the 2016 ITTF World Tour Qatar Open and the 2015 Asian Junior Championships.
  The Tripartite places at Olympic Games like Universality places at Youth Olympic Games aim to provide universal representation as a fundamental aspect of the Olympic Games.
  The Tripartite Commission allocates places for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games to National Olympic Committees who fielded less than eight athletes in individual sports or disciplines at the last two editions of the Olympic Games.
  There is a detailed pathway that started with a National Olympic Committee (NOC) application to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) being submitted by the deadline of Friday 15th January.

Saturday, 21 May 2016

LAGOS TEAMS IN SHAKY START AS NWPL KICK OFF


The Nigeria Women Premier League kicked off amist low key on Saturday with six matches played across the length and breath of the country.

Nasarawa Amazons recorded the highest goal of the day with a 3 nil bashing of Abia Angels in lafia.

The two teams representing Lagos state this season got off on a not too good note as FC Robo were held by Delta Queens to a two all draw, COD ladies were inflicted with a three goals to one in far away Yenegoa by Bayelsa Queens.

Osun Babes dismissed pelican stars by two unreplied goals.

The star match of week one fixtures ended in a one all draw as confluence Queens held Sunshine Queens in front of home fans in Akure to share the points.


Group A
Nasarawa Amazons 3-0 Abia Angels
Osun Babes 2-0 Pelican Stars
Bayelsa Queens 3-1 COD Ladies


Group B
Capital City Doves 1-0 Taraba Queens
Sunshine Queens 1-1 Confluence Queens
FC Robo 2-2 Delta Queens


Sunday 22nd May
Tokas Queens Vs Edo Queens
Martins White Doves Vs Rivers Angels

FLYING EAGLES KEEP HOPE ALIVE FOR ZAMBIA 2017


The lone strike of Agor Chukwudi in the 64th minute, is all that is needed by Emmanuel Amuneke and his lads to kick off their campaign in Burundi for the CAF U20 qualifier.

The flying eagles performance in far away Burundi is good enough for the second leg that will be coming up in a fortnight in Nigeria.

TORIOLA ADVANCED AS TOURNAMENT REACHES CRUCIAL STAGE

Nigeria’s best players of the moment, Segun Toriola and Bode Abiodun booked their places in the second round of the ITTF Premier Lotto Nigeria Open.
  Toriola was made to work hard for the victory as Portugal’s Diogo Carvalho stretched the former African champion to the seventh game in a thrilling match watched by capacity crwod at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium.
  But with experience and calmness, Toriola gave the fans something to cheer with a 4-3 win to edge out the Portuguese.
  Also, Bode Abiodun wasted no time in beating Wale Fagbamila 4-2 while Ojo Onaolapo was shown the exit by Portugal’s ZHAO Tianming with a 4-0 bashing.
  However, the star player of the day was Nigeria’s Tobi Falana who bundled out seeded Ghanaian Felix Lartey with a 4-2 win to the admiration of the fans.
  Nigerian players had no chance in the men’s U-21 as Egypt’s Shady Magdy and Portugal’s Diogo Chen battle for the title.

Friday, 20 May 2016

OLDEST ORIENTAL DERBY END IN STALEMATE


The much anticipated oldest oriental derby between Rangers int’l and Heartland FC ended in goalless draw as both teams couldn't find the back of the nest.
 This is the first time since 2010/2011 season that both teams will be playing goalless and there wouldn't be a winner at the end of ninety minutes, though Rangers int’l could have been the winner of the night but surprisingly Chisom Egbuchulam threw the chance away in the 44th minutes when is penalty kick was saved by Ebele Obi was in goal for Heartland FC.

Rangers int’l was in controlled of the game all through but couldn't translate it to winning and this could make it difficult for the team to end the first stanza at the submit.

OLDEST ORIENTAL DERBY


It's going down tonight in Enugu as the Nigeria professional football league enters the last stage of the first stanza.

What more can be said of the match of the week as the oldest oriental derby takes center stage tonight as Heartland FC of Owerri invade Enugu Rangers Int'l FC.

Coincidentally the two clubs have never been relegated from the top flight before, even when Heartland FC was known as Iwanyanwu National, this is now spanning over three decade of existence as clubs.

Much is expected from both clubs as everything is at stake which includes pride and bragging right among equals.

The two clubs head to head in the last five seasons

2014/15 Heartland 2-O Rangers
Rangers 1-O Heartland

2013/14 Rangers 1-O Heartland
Heartland 2-O Rangers

2012/13 Heartland 2-1 Rangers
Rangers 3-1 Heartland

2011/12 Heartland 1-O Rangers
Rangers 1-1 Heartland

2010/11 Heartland 3-1 Rangers
Rangers 1-O Heartland

Other fixtures for match day 19 are listed below

Rangers Int'l vs Heartland

Plateau Utd vs Kano Pillars

Warri Wolves vs El-kanemi

Wikki Tourists vs Ikorodu Utd

Abia Warriors vs Sunshine stars

Akwa Utd vs 3SC

Lobi stars vs Rivers Utd

Enyimba vs Nasarawa Utd

MFM FC vs Giwa FC

Ifeanyi Ubah vs Niger Tornadoes