Quantcast
Channel: Naija Football 247
Viewing all 891 articles
Browse latest View live
↧

Agbim fails to get Eagles’ call

May 14, 2015, 11:09 am
$
0
0
Erstwhile captain of Nigeria’s homebased Super Eagles team, Chigozie Agbim failed to make the cut in Stephen Keshi’s first team since his return.

With the return of Keshi to the team, it seemed assured that Agbim, who now plays in goal for Enugu Rangers would make a return but the Super Eagles gaffer preferred Daniel Akpeyi of Warri Wolves, Ikechukwu Ezenwa of Sunshine Stars and Chidiebere Eze of Gabros.

There was also a long overdue call up for Enyimba captain, Chinedu Udoji and a return to the team for Chibuzor Okonkwo who now plays for Gabros.

Stephen Keshi released a list of 26 home-based professionals who will kick-start the team’s camping programme ahead of next month’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Chad.

Record scorer in the Nigeria elite division, Mfon Udoh is accompanied by Nelson Ogbonnaya, Nathaniel Joseph and Moses Ekpai Ubong.

All the invited players are expected to report at the Bolton Hotel Apartments, Wuse, Abuja on Tuesday, 19th May, 2015

THE FULL LIST

Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Warri Wolves); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars); Chidiebere Eze (Gabros International)

Defenders: Solomon Kwambe (Warri Wolves); Chibuzor Okonkwo (Gabros International); Idris Aloma (Enyimba FC); Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Nelson Ogbonnaya (Heartland FC); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Chinedu Udoji (Enyimba FC); Samuel Olabisi (FC Taraba); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars)

Midfielders: Nathaniel Joseph (Sharks FC); Michael Egbeta (Warri Wolves); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Igbinosa Esosa (Nasarawa United); Moses Ekpai Ubong (Kano Pillars); Henlong Charles (Giwa FC)

Forwards: Mfon Udoh (Enyimba FC); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves); Ibrahim Shaibu (Giwa FC); Joe Omale (Dekina Dragons); Stanley Dimgba (Warri Wolves); Ezekiel Mbah (Kano Pillars); Onoriode Odah (Enugu Rangers); Azeez Shobowale (Kano Pillars)



↧
Search

Confed Cup: Warri Wolves upbeat

May 14, 2015, 3:41 pm
$
0
0
Azubuike Egwuekwe
Players of Warri Wolves are upbeat that they can go past AC Leopards and into the group stage of the 2015 CAF Confederation Cup.

The only surviving Nigerian side, Warri Wolves are already in Congo ahead of Sunday’s game and striker, Oghenekaro Etebo shares his thoughts.

“We are sure we can make it because since the tournament started we have not lost a game,” and enthusiastic Etebo said.

“We’ve drawn away and won all home games played so we believe we can do more and qualify for the group stage.”

Defender, Azubuike Egwuekwe agreed they aer positive they’ll come out with a good result.

“Of course we are yet to lose a game and we are positive we will come out of this game and play in the group stage,” Egwuekwe said.

Warri Wolves need to win over two legs against the Congolese to qualify for the group stage




↧
↧

Sunshine Queens coach, Olujohungbe targets double

April 3, 2015, 12:15 am
$
0
0

Sunshine Queens Coach, Kayode Olujohungbe has stated his target for the South-West outfit ahead of the upcoming Nigeria Women Premier League 2014/ 2015 season.

The Nigeria Women League board held its congress on March 24 where the 2nd of May was approved for the commencement of the new NWPL season.

Speaking to Naijafootball247.com, Olujohungbe said his target is to win both the League and Federation Cup and is optimistic he can make up for the mistakes of last season.

“I want to win the double next season and we will work very hard to achieve that feat. We went so close last season and lost it eventually but this time around we will put all the mistakes right.

"At some point the girls took their feet off the pedal when they were on top form especially during the Africa Women Championship break. The girls lost form and concentration. They found it difficult to return to full fitness and that’s why we lost in the two competitions. But I am very confident things will go on smoothly in the upcoming season." said Olujohungbe

Sunshine Queens were one of just two only teams (alongside Rivers Angels) that had 100% home record as they won all their home games, picking a total of 30 points from their respective home matches and Olujohungbe emphasized his team's resolve.

“We are going for every competition and that’s why the new girls we have brought in to the team are from top clubs in the Nigeria Women Premier League. My aim is to become double champions of Nigeria. If you look back at our performance, you will know it is very possible," he boasted.

The Ondo State government sponsored club has acquired the services of former Rivers Angles duo, Aminat Yakubu and Regina Macfancy ahead of the next season. Both players have represented Nigeria at the U-17 Fifa Women’s World Cup in recent times.

Former Angels forward, Aminat Yakubu was in the Flamingoes team at last year’s U-17 Fifa Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica scoring  a goal in Nigeria’s 3-0 win over  Mexico in the Group stage.

She was also on target for the Flamingoes team that thrashed the host, Azerbaijan 11-0 at the U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2012.

In the same vein, Regina Macfancy who is a defensive midfield stalwart featured at the U-17 World Cup in 2008 and was also in Kadiri Ikana’s Africa Women Championship team to Equatorial Guinea in 2012.

Olujohungbe who is a former assistant coach of Ondo State's men team Sunshine Stars joined the Queens mid last season, taking over from Kennedy Boboye who moved in the opposite direction.

Olujohungbe would lead the team to the 2014 Federation Cup final where they lost to Rivers Angels and also finished third on the NWPL table behind Pelican Stars and Rivers Angels.

They won 11 and lost 9 of their 20 league games played last season, scoring 25 goals while conceding 20 number of goals.
‎

↧

Rivers Angels retain 100% win record

May 17, 2015, 11:22 pm
$
0
0
Rivers Angels. Pic from www.sl10.ng
By Queen John

A goal in each half handed Rivers Angels a 2-0 victory over Nasarawa Amazons at the Liberation Stadium, Port Harcourt on Saturday in the Nigeria Professional Women League.

It was a close encounter between the two sides with no clear cut chances created in the early stages of the game with much of the battle in the middle of the pack.

Last season’s top scorer, Amarachi Orjinma was deprived of space in the heart of the visiting team’s defense as she was closely marked by captain of the side, Emenayo Ugochi who did a good job with a lot of credit to her keeping Orjinma quiet throughout the first half.

With few minutes to the break, Orjinma dropped deep to head a cross from the left which found Mercy Amanze who made up for her countless misses to left foot a shot into the top corner of the box.

The champions went into the break with a 1-0 lead, leaving the 2013 NWPL champions disappointed after frustrating their opponents with a disciplined defense in the first half.

It was all fireworks in the beginning of the second half from both sides.  Stand-in Falcons striker, Osinachi Ohale who was deployed from Abuja for the game made her presence felt protecting the back four away from her usual position thereby providing stability to a shaky midfield.

In the 55th minute, Ohale continued her spectacular work rate from the midfield and she found Ijeoma Obi who threaded a cross to Orjinma to slot home but she was brought down, winning a penalty for her side.

3mins later, Ijeoma Obi with a brace in the last league game against Capital City Doves converted the spot kick and handed the Port Harcourt side what eventually was the winner of the game.

The visitors had an opportunity of getting back into the game after a double substitution by coach Michael Olaoye but the changes never mattered after all.

In the 77th minute, Onyekachi Stella who came off the bench tried to give the Lafia side some hope after she pounced on a loose pass from a sloppy Angels’ defense but Charity John who was in goal saved it although it slipped away from her but Ulunma Jerome was quick to clear away from danger.

Charity John was once again called to duty with eight minutes to the end from a well taken free kick from captain of the lafia side Emenayo Ugochi but she was able to stop the visitors from getting a consolation goal thereby keeping a record of 2 clean sheets in two games.

Coach delighted with win

After the game, assistant coach of Rivers Angels Whyte Ogbonda was delighted for the victory.

“The girls tried very well because playing against a team like Nasarawa Amazons is not easy.

Remember, they are one of the female champions but beating them and when you consider that most of our girls are in the national team I think the girls tried today,” said Ogbonda.

Ogbonda also lauded the performance of stand in captain of Super Falcons, Osinachi Ohale.

“It was because of today’s game they made her come in because our middle is very porous and since the Nigeria football federation refused to release most of our girls we had to get Osi and I think she contributed a lot to the team, Ogbonda continued.”

Super Falcon happy to contribute

Rivers Angels defender, Osinachi Ohale was happy to contribute her quota to the success of the game.

‘I think they needed me to play for them though I had fatigue but I still contributed to the victory today,”

She further added, we have so many players in the national team that can play in other wings if they had been here today, the goal line would have been more than what we had today, Ohale said.”

Also available for the game was Edwin Okon who doubles as the Super Falcons coach and Rivers Angels coach.

Ogbonda feels his presence spurred the girls to victory against the Lafia girls.

“Definitely it contributed don’t forget he is the technical adviser of the team at least his presence today went a long way to spur the girls to a high level performance because everyone would love to be in the national team so they had to impress him and today, being the first time he is watching them play a league match since we recruited some of them to Rivers Angels,” Ogbonda concluded.

Nasarawa Amazons coach, Michael Oluwaseyi Olaoye was disappointed with the result.

“We played very well but we created chances we could not convert. We had two lapses in the defense, one from the goal keeper and the other from the defenders and they got the two goals and that is football because mistakes make the game.

“I am disappointed because we came for a win but it didn’t happen. We had our chances we could not utilize them to end the game at 2-2. When we go back home, we will return to the drawing board,” Olaoye said.

Olaoye however disagreed that the presence of the Rivers Angels players on national assignment would have done more damage to his side.

“I don’t think so we played better we had our chance they had theirs which they converted but we couldn’t convert ours and that’s football. Football is a game of chances,” said Olaoye.

Rivers Angels next play Taraba Queens on Saturday, May 23 in Jalingo.

OTHER WEEK 3 RESULTS
GROUP A
Delta Queens 2-0 FC Robo
Adamawa Queens 1-0 Confluence Queens
Osun Babes 3-0 Bayelsa Queens (WO)
Ibom Queens 4-0 Martins White Doves

GROUP B
Edo Queens 3-0 FC Taraba Queens (WO)
Rivers Angels 2-0 Nasarawa Amazons

Sunshine Queens 3-0 Pelican Stars (WO)
↧

Kano Pillars spit fire over LMC chairman's comments

May 18, 2015, 1:52 pm
$
0
0
Pic from WestAfricanFootball.com
Kano Pillars FC have advised the chairman of the League Management Company, LMC, Shehu Dikko to reconsider his statement concerning their dominance of the league.

According to Pillars, the LMC chairman said, the domination of Kano Pillars is killing the league.

Media Officer of the club, Rilwanu Idris Malikawa told naijafootball247.com in an email message that “the statement is too sentimental and is seen to be an intimidation to the efforts of Pillars to retain the title at the end of this season.”

Malikawa also advised the League Management Company to go back to drawing board to find out why “our league ranking has dropped instead of castigating Pillars”

“It is very shocking to see the chairman of the league mention Kano Pillars winning the league back to back as a factor responsible for killing the league.

“So what can he say about real Madrid and Barcelona in Spain, or Manchester United in England and CSKA Moscow  in their respective leagues?

“Let the LMC boss remember that they did not start the league on time and there was the issue of non release of complete league fixtures before the commencement of the league as well as approving substandard stadia in some states to play the league matches,” Malikawa said.

The aggrieved media officer also mentioned lingering crisis in the League body fpr long periods among others as some of the factors working against the growth of the league.

Malikawa pointed out to naijafootball247.com that “sai masu gida” as Pillars are called are doing well because of their good organisation, good welfare for its players, recruiting of quality players and the total support they are getting from Kano State government all the time.

He added that other clubs in Nigeria cannot challenge Pillars for the title until they emulate Pillars’ structures.

“We know the current LMC is working round the clock to improve the standard of the league and we [Pillars FC] are the happiest in that direction because it will help us even more to dominate the League,” Malikawa said.


Naijafootball247.com did not try to reach the LMC chairman for a reaction.
↧
↧

Ultimatums, suspensions and 9 match days of the Nigerian League

May 19, 2015, 3:46 pm
$
0
0
Ajayi Junior (Shooting) v Godwin Aguda (Rangers) via LMC media
It is not the Nigerian league if there is no drama and drama punched us in the face after match day 9 of the league.

People wonder why a school of thought argue that we have the best league in the continent and some drunken people like myself will even say the world.

Well, maybe not the best, but the most exciting… semantics? The choice is yours

Abia Warriors just like their neighbours Heartland did the most intelligent deed after match day 9 and that was to issue an ultimatum to its players and coaches because of what they termed, “poor performance”

They have been told to win their next three matches or be placed on half salary and this is coming from the chairman of the club, Emeka Inyama, a former journalist who in time past criticized moves like this.

According to the press release from the club’s media officer, Igwe Onuoha, this ultimatum was coming on the heels of the Warriors’ second home loss of the season as champions, Kano Pillars won 1-0 in Umuahia at the weekend.

He says there was an emergency meeting at the club’s secretariat after which the chairman, himself, Emeka Inyama said Abia Warriors have no reason not to do well since the welfare of the players and officials have been properly taken care of.

“As we speak, we are not owing any of you. Your salary has been paid regularly so you don’t have any reason not to perform well”, an obviously disappointed Inyama told the technical crew.

Now this is where I fault Inyama and most of those that run football in this country.

In what world does prompt payment of salary ensure you must win the league? In what world is it wrong to lose twice at home, but we celebrate when we win away from home?

Last time I checked, Queen’s Park Rangers and Burnley do not owe salaries but I see where they are on the table in England.



Then again, I do not know what the contracts of the players and coaches say… does it mention half salary if results do not go the way the club wants?

I’m sure all players and coaches signed contracts, with coach, Ladan Bosso’s the most publicized of them. What do these contracts say?

Two weeks earlier, Heartland FC had given an ultimatum to ifs coach, Erasmus Onuh to grab ten points from five games or be sacked.

This happened because they lost a 2nd home game. Before now, Heartland won twice on the road and were only two points behind the top team at the time, yet an ultimatum.


LMC wants three Referees, Six assistants Investigated
Pic by LMC media

Just as we were trying to chew on the ultimatum issue, the League Management Company, LMC, the body charged with running the Nigerian league lodged a complaint with the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF Referees committee, protesting against a couple of arbiters in the league.

The complaint was against three center referees and three assistants for poor officiating in some of the Match Day 9 fixtures played on Sunday, May 17.

The LMC asked the Referees Committee to have the officials stepped down from further games should they have been appointed pending the outcome of investigations. The match officials are facing allegations of poor officiating, questionable calls and lack of diligence.

Center Referee Henry Ogunyamodi of Ondo State and his assistants are being investigated for the match in Nnewi between hosts Gabros International and Sharks of Port Harcourt. The assistant referees are O. O Awosakin of ondo and Justin Takyun of Nasarawa

Also to be investigated are the Referees that handled the Wikki Tourists versus Lobi Stars match in Bauchi. They are Center Referee Ahmed Dan Zaria from Kaduna State and his assistants Alfa Abdulganiyu from Jigawa and Muktar Ismail from Kano State.

The other match under investigation is the fixture in Lafia between Nasarawa United and Sunshine Stars which had Patrick Nworie from Enugu as Center Referee and Iriabor A of Ebonyi and Ubani Andy from Imo as assistants.

Now I have no issues over this because this is the right way to go. After they have been investigated, they should be moved to the NNL until they are deemed fit enough to return to the top division.

I think this is due process and can push our league in the right direction.

If the LMC is consistent in these checks and balances, things will change in the league for the better.

I wrote on this blog some time ago that taking referees to London is not the issue. That rather seems like playing to the gallery.

Nigerian referees have always known the laws of the game and perform well in CAF Confederation Cup and Champions League games.

The problem has always been the bad/ corrupt referees who must be shipped out; the lack of security at stadia that causes referees to bend the rules which must be sorted out; and the corrupt club officials who induce the referees then set a mob on them if they refuse their advances.

However, kudos to the League for calling out the poor referees.

Match Day 9 results

Heartland 2-0 Akwa United

Dolphins 1-2 Enyimba International

Abia Warriors 0-1 Kano Pillars

Wikki Tourists 1-0 Lobi Stars

El-Kanemi 1-0 Bayelsa United

Gabros International 1-0 Sharks

Shooting Stars 1-1 Rangers

Nasarawa United 1-1 Sunshine Stars

Giwa FC 0-0 FC Taraba

From match day 8 results, clearly Enyimba have shown they are the better side than Dolphins. This is their 2nd win in Port Harcourt in 12 years.

In 2003 it was a 3-0 win and last Sunday, Enyimba won 2-1 in Port Harcourt. The last time Dolphins beat Enyimba was in 2011.

Kano Pillars also showed they can win away from home. The team has taken a lot of flak over its supposed poor away form this win in Umuahia may just be one of a couple this season.

Heartland grabbed a win at home, so they have 7 points left to claim from their nest three games.

I sincerely do not think they will make it.

NPFL TOP SCORERS

5 GOALS

Ibrahim Shuaibu (Giwa FC)
Tunde Adeniji (Sunshine Stars)

4 GOALS

Mfon Udoh (Enyimba)
Bright Ejike (Heartland)
Mohammed Usman (FC Taraba)
Chisom Chikatara (Abia Warriors)
Esosa Igbinoba (Nasarawa United)

3 GOALS

Victor Yakubu (Wikki Tourists)
Segun Alebiosu (Kwara United)
Ubong Ekpai (Kano Pillars)
Mubarak Umar (Wikki Tourists)
Ugochukwu Leonard (Nasarawa United)
Okereke Maduabuchi (Gabros FC)
Ifeanyi Onyeali (Abia Warriors)

Onoriode M. Odah (Rangers)
↧

Nigerian League takes another break

May 20, 2015, 3:28 am
$
0
0
After ten match days, the Nigeria Professional Football League will be taking its second.

The League Management Company (LMC), the group saddled with running the league on Tuesday announced yet another break, this time for three weeks to commence after games of Match Day 10.

In a circular to the NPFL Clubs, Shehu Dikko, the Chairman of the LMC said the break period would be used amongst other things to carry out spot checks on Clubs’ compliance with the NFF Clubs Certification Regulations and also allow the clubs Managers some space to engage meaningfully with the new political leadership in their respective states.

“You may wish to recall that we started the league with blanket provisional waiver to the clubs to allow them comply with all registration requirements  before Match Day 9 when a review will be conducted by the LMC. The break period is also a time to revisit club stadium facilities to remedy observed defects as the clubs have so far operated with provisional certificates," the LMC Chairman added.

Mallam Dikko said the break had also become necessary to allow the club managers time to "acquaint themselves and engage meaningfully with their respective new Governor-owners."

The League will now resume June 14 with games of Match Day 11 originally scheduled for Sunday, May 24, 2015.


Clubs, fans and sponsors have been assured that the break will not affect the date on which the final games of the season will be played, which is still November 15 as originally scheduled. However, the midseason break for the second transfer window will now start on July 19 as against the initial July 10. The second round games will commence on August 2 with Match Day 20.

Between March 28 and April 11, 2015, the League took a break for the General Elections in the country.
↧

Eagles’ call up excites Udoji

May 25, 2015, 11:34 pm
$
0
0
Enyimba captain, Chinedu Udoji cannot hide his excitement at being called up to the Super Eagles for the June 13 AFCON Qualifier against Chad in Kaduna.

Football fans, writers and pundits had for the last two years topped Udoji to make his Super Eagles debut but he was never invited by the coach, Stephen Keshi who preferred the home based quartet of Solomon Kwambe, Kunle Odunlami, Azubuike Egwuekwe and lately Chima Akas.

However, Udoji was listed amongst 26 players from the Nigerian league for the squad, a development that got him excited

 “Seriously, I have to appreciate God for it. I know this call up has been in the making but I really didn’t expect it this time,” Udoji told naijafootball247.com.

“Now it has come I know I really have to work hard to prove to the coach that he didn’t make a mistake to call me to the national team,” Enyimba’s captain said.

“It’s not about being on the list. I cannot go there just to make up the numbers. I have to fight because the national team is not an easy place to be. And you know this is my first call up,” he said.

Having waited so long for this call up, Udoji believes he can add something to the national team.

“The defenders are my friends. I know them well and we all have our qualities. The national team is not a club side but I believe I have my part to play in it.

“I hope the coach gives me playing time and if he does, he can be sure I will play according to his instructions to the fullest.

“They are doing well already but I have to add my own quota. They are doing well and have not been conceding a lot of goals, but that doesn’t mean I do not have a part to play in it,” Udoji said.

Nigeria’s squad for Chad

Meanwhile, head coach of the national team, on Sunday night made public a list of foreign based players to join up with 26 based in the home league for the game against Chad on June 13.

Top on the list is captain and goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama.

The list also has the likes of Godfrey Oboabona, Kenneth Omeruo, Ahmed Musa and Watford striker, Odion Ighalo.

FOREIGN BASED
THE FULL LIST:

Goalkeeper: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France)

Defenders: Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor FC, Turkey); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough FC, England); Leon Balogun (Darmstadt 98, Germany); William Troost-Ekong (FC Dordrecht, The Netherlands); Kingsley Madu (AS Trencin, Slovakia)

Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva); Babatunde Michael (Volyn Lutsk, Ukraine); Rabiu Ibrahim (AS Trencin, Slovakia); Anderson Esiti (Estoril FC, Portugal); Steven Ukoh (Biel-Bienne FC, Switzerland)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Aaron Samuel (Guangzhou R & F, China); Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England)


HOME BASED

Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Warri Wolves); IkechukwuEzenwa (Sunshine Stars); ChidiebereEze (Gabros International)

Defenders: Solomon Kwambe (Warri Wolves); Chibuzor Okonkwo (Gabros International); Idris Aloma (Enyimba FC); Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Nelson Ogbonnaya (Heartland FC); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Chinedu Udoji (Enyimba FC); Samuel Olabisi (FC Taraba); Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars)

Midfielders: Nathaniel Joseph (Sharks FC); Michael Egbeta (Warri Wolves); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Igbinosa Esosa (NasarawaUnited); Moses Ekpai Ubong (Kano Pillars); Henlong Charles (Giwa FC)

Forwards: Mfon Udoh (Enyimba FC); Gbolahan Salami (Warri Wolves); Ibrahim Shaibu (Giwa FC); Joe Omale (Dekina Dragons); Stanley Dimgba (Warri Wolves); Ezekiel Mbah (Kano Pillars); Onoriode Odah (Enugu Rangers); Azeez Shobowale (Kano Pillars)



↧
Search

Warri Wolves want league games moved

June 8, 2015, 1:00 am
$
0
0
Azubuike Egwuekwe
After their ouster from the CAF Confederation Cup last Saturday, Warri Wolves do not want to play their league game against Kano Pillars.

The management of the Warri based side have already written to the League Management Company requesting for the postponement of their league match with Kano Pillars and others in view of the invitation of seven of the first eleven players to the National teams.

According to a statement made available to naijafootball247.com by the Media Manager of the Club, Etu Moses, “the rules of the LMC clearly states it that when a club has more than five players with the national team, their matches may be postponed and in view of that, the Club wants its matches postponed until the players are back.”

Etu stated that since the club will not want to toy with the league, they have no choice than to make the request.

"We have seven of our regulars with the National teams namely- Daniel Akpeyi, Egwuekwe Azubuike, Solomon Kwambe, Gbolahan Salami, Stanley Dimgba while the duo of Oghenekaro Etebo and Omoforman Freedom have travelled with the U-23 team to Morocco.

“The rule is clear on this and we want it to be applied,” Etu Moses said.

According to Etu, during the 3 weeks break, Warri Wolves wanted to play some of their outstanding matches but the LMC turned it down, saying they wanted all the teams to observe the break.

"During the break, we wanted some of the outstanding matches to be played but our request was turned down and there is no way we can take the risk of playing tough matches with the likes of Kano Pillars without seven of our regulars."

Meanwhile, the Management of the team has expressed gratitude to all the fans all over the country who turned up to cheer the team in their continental match last Saturday and urged them to extend the same support in its league matches.


"We are grateful to all our fans for their support last Saturday. It was fantastic and we want them to extend it to the league matches," said Etu.
↧
↧

NNL Update: SUPRME COURT GO TOP

June 8, 2015, 6:32 am
$
0
0
Yet again, the   on-going Nigeria National League (NNL) has continued to produce interesting results as home teams had near clean sweep by defeating all the visiting clubs at the weekend with Ikorodu United walloping Bussdor 4-0 at home.

Elsewhere Plateau United hammered Jigawa Golden Stars 3-0 while Remo Stars defeated rivals Prime FC of Ogbomosho 3-1.

Adamawa United destroyed visiting Kogi United 2-0 but Head Coach of  Kogi United, Yomi Godwin Elijah has lamented the manner his team lost to Adamawa United in the tough duel on Saturday.

"It wasn't a good result for us, we deserve to pick something from this match as my boys played better and created their own chances, we were just unfortunate to lose," Elijah said.

Yobe Desert Warriors beat Spotlight FC 2-1, the same goal margin Supreme Court beat Kaduna United in Abuja.

The Apex Boys as Supreme Court is called who are on seven points, now seat on top of table in their pool.

Technical Adviser of Supreme Court, Coach Fatai Osho who made several tactical decisions described the victory as a hard earned one against an experienced Kaduna-based side who featured in the country’s Premier League last season.

Also, Abia Comets FC pipped Go-Round FC 1-0 at Umuahia Township Stadium just as Mighty Jets FC and Gombe United drew 1-1 in Jos . See results.


NNL WEEK FOUR RESULTS

Supreme Court 2 vs 1 Kaduna Utd
Yobe Stars 2 vs 1 Spotlight
Adamawa 2 vs 0 Kogi Utd
Plateau Utd 3 vs 0 Jigawa
Mighty Jets 1 vs 1 Gombe
Ikorodu Utd 4 vs 0 Bussdor
Abia Comets 1 vs 0 Go Round

Remo Stars 3 vs 1Prime  
↧

League warns FRSC, GO-ROUND FC on hooliganism

June 9, 2015, 6:18 am
$
0
0
Determined to nip hooliganism in the match venues in the bud, the Nigeria National League (NNL) has written a strongly worded letters to the management of two league clubs to desist from the acts of intimidations and harassment of opponents or face severe sanctions.

The two culprits are the Abuja- based Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Football Club and Go- Round Fc of Omoku, Rivers State. They were found guilty of acts which tend to bring the game to disrepute.

In a letter signed by the NNL General Secretary, Lawrence Katken, the officials and supporters of both clubs were accused of acts which are in breach to the Rules and Regulations of the league.

According to the NNL scribe, match officials’ reports indicated that FRSC supporters encroached into the pitch and also harassed the officials during their game against visiting Niger Tornadoes FC, a situation which led to the game to be halted for eight minutes in contravention of Article 4.3 (1) of the Rules of the competition.

In the manner, Go-Round FC Team Manager, Soni Uboh  and other officials of the club were accused of deliberate infraction during their league match in Omoku against Ikorodu United FC.


Therefore, both clubs have been seriously warned by NNL to behave themselves or face the ugly consequences of their actions or inactions during their home games. .
↧

Warri Wolves, missing players and ambiguous laws of football

June 10, 2015, 2:27 am
$
0
0
In Nigerian football, we create rules but hardly respect or play by them and this has been one of our biggest problems.

The old League, known as the NPL also fell foul of their own rules by either choosing to ignore them or not knowing they exist.

The latest addition, the LMC have in time past not really adhered to some of their rules, especially in their first year in office.

Though, after closer checks and inquiries, it seemed they were trying to adapt to the league, its politics and intricacies.

However, most Nigerian football watchers have accepted the LMC to be an upgrade of the old NPL and it is expected that the respect the rules and regulations guiding the league.

Enter Warri Wolves and national team call ups

On Monday morning, I received a mail in my box from the media manager of Warri Wolves, Etu Moses on their request to have their league games postponed and I also took time to visit social media sites, Twitter and facebook to see the reactions from Nigerians who follow the league, as well as respected sports/ football writers.

A dare say, a lot of the reactions were based on personal feelings, sentiments and not anything close to interpreting the rules and speaking based on what the books say.


What do the rules say?

According to Article 15.14 of the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL Framework and Rules, Where a club have five (5) players in the national camps, its matches may be postponed at the request of the club in writing provided such application is received not later than 72 hours before the scheduled matches.


I think the rules are self-explanatory on the issue and there should be no sentiments involved in how the decision is taken.

Have they written?

The question is not one of issuing press statements as that is akin to “playing to the gallery.”

Have Warri Wolves written to the League Management Company, tabling their requests?

Because there is rule book and I believe it says something about the club in questions writing to the league asking for their game to be moved, so first things first- they must write to the league and that letter must be sent in 72 hours to the game in question.

Warri Wolves return to the League on Sunday, June 14 and that letter must get to the LMC by Wednesday, June 10.


Is it based on sentiments

I have followed the arguments on twitter and facebook and most of the reactions are based on sentiments, not laid down procedure.

Some people ask why a game should be postponed because 7 players are missing when the club registered 30?

Others feel it will affect the league if games of one club are postponed since the league has a date already to be rounded up.

But should these arguments ensure when there is a rule book?

Based on these sentimental arguments, I want to ask if, say, Chelsea FC play an important league match without Coutoius, Terry, Ivanovic, Hazard, Costa, Matic and Oscar? Especially if the rules say they do not have to play if five of these are absent?

What about Barcelona without Neymar, Messi, Suarez, Iniesta, Busquets, Rakitic and Alves?

But aside all these, there is a rule book that should be obeyed.


What should the LMC do?

The LMC can do nothing until they have received a letter from Warri Wolves asking for their games to be postponed. If that letter is not sent, then the league games will go on as scheduled.

But as soon as the letter is received the first thing the LMC should check is if the letter made it minimum of 72 hours before the game in question…

If that checks off, the next will be to confirm that Warri Wolves have at least five players in National team camps.

My own findings indicate that Daniel Akpeyi, Egwuekwe Azubuike, Solomon Kwambe, Gbolahan Salami, Stanley Dimgba are currently in Kaduna with the Super Eagles while Oghenekaro Etebo and Omoforman Freedom are with the U23 team.

If this is true, then the LMC has no choice but to postpone those games as is stated in Article 15.14 of rule books.

Where a club have five (5) players in the national camps, its matches may be postponed at the request of the club in writing provided such application is received not later than 72 hours before the scheduled matches.

It will be good to obey rules and regulations in Nigeria, especially in football and this will be a good test case.

If Nigerian football stakeholders do not like this then due process is simply amending these rules the next time a congress sits.

Ambiguity of the laws and lacunas

The Nigerian constitution is not clear and has lots of loopholes.

My lawyer friends tell me every law has a loophole and the best lawyers exploit it.

I have gone through that law that talks about National team players and I believe it is ambiguous in a way.

Here is goes again…

Where a club have five (5) players in the national camps, its matches may be postponed at the request of the club in writing provided such application is received not later than 72 hours before the scheduled matches.

Now on closer examination, the law does not say, where a club has five players in the national teams their games WILL BE postponed or their games MUST BE postponed…

The law actually says, their games MAY BE postponement which means, it’s not a certainty that postponing the games will happen.

The term, MAYBE means, By chance, possibly, perhaps or peradventure.

Something tells me that those who wrote the rules knew what they were doing.

The bottom line is that Warri Wolves will write to the LMC because they fulfil all the conditions to have their games postponed, but the LMC will still have to decide if they want the games moved.

My Verdict- It is injustice to force a club to play crucial league games without seven of their best players.




↧

Gabros United FC is now Ifeanyi Ubah FC

June 12, 2015, 10:07 pm
$
0
0
Businessman and Chairman/CEO of Capital Oil Limited, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah has completed the takeover of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Gabros International FC following an approval granted by the League Management Company (LMC) and conveyed in a letter signed by the LMC Chairman and NFF Vice President, Mallam Shehu Dikko. By the approval the club formerly known as Gabros International FC will now be known and addressed as FC IfeanyiUbah.

In the letter, the LMC Chairman remarked that the approval has been granted consequent on the verification of Ifeanyi Ubah Limited’s compliance with requirements for takeover of clubs and change of name. The change of name takes effect from Match Day 11 and all points accumulated by Gabros International FC has been transferred to FC IfeanyiUbah which now appears on the NPFL fixture and log.

Dikko said, “After submitting to the very rigorous process put in place to ensure that only serious business minded persons and corporate groups are admitted to club ownership, the LMC is satisfied that Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah has substantially met the requirement and has been granted approval to takeover Gabros International FC”.

The LMC Chairman commended Dr. Ubah for patiently working to meet these requirements and said “it demonstrated your commitment to operating and funding the club in line with LMC Rules and Frame Work which has been designed to protect the institution of the league and also safeguard the interests of the players and other employees of clubs participating in the NPFL”.

The letter listed some of the conditions met to include but not limited to submission of the certificate of incorporation of the FC IfeanyiUbah as a limited liability company registered by the Corporate Affairs Commission, submission of a quarterly Financial Performance Guarantee issued by Skye Bank and the club’s business strategic development plan. The Financial Performance Guarantee is not cash paid to the LMC but a bank’s undertaken to make available that amount of money  to the LMC should the club be proven to have defaulted in meeting its financial obligation to employees (players, coaches and other employees) or to another club and failed to remedy after appropriate notice. This is a safety net put in place by the LMC to address the problems of indebtedness especially to players and coaches by clubs.
Others are a letter of Personal Performance Guarantee of the club by Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, letter from Zenith Bank attesting to Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah’s good standing as the bank’s customer and a Personal Guarantee Deed of agreement of Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah in favour of the LMC for the value N1.5b for three years including investment in club infrastructure. The personal guarantee deed represents an undertaken by Dr. Ubah as the club promoter to guarantee and fund the participation and operations of FC IfeanyiUbah for a minimum period of 3 years in league football and compliance to all the NPFL and NFF rules and other extant football rules and regulations .

The rest of the requirements fulfilled by FC IfeanyiUbah include a sponsorship agreement with Capital Oil Ltd for a three year deal worth N5b to support the club including the provision OF new infrastructure (mini stadium) and a letter of consent from the owners of Gabros International FC for the takeover and change of name of the club.


Dikko further remarked that the LMC is quite delighted to have a big private investor with huge passion for football taking over a club in the NPFL and hope that this will set the stage for other serious  business men and blue chip companies in Nigeria to take over clubs in the elite league either as owners, investors and or sponsors. He assured existing and potential investors in the league that the LMC is always available to provide all the necessary support and advisory service to any qualified party interested in taking over club in the league.
↧
↧

Adeniji, Boboye get League Bloggers Awards for May 2015

June 16, 2015, 7:43 pm
$
0
0
Kennedy Boboye
The Sunshine Stars pair of Tunde Adeniji and Kennedy Boboye have become the latest Glo Premier League actors to be named winners of the prestigious monthly award organised by the League Bloggers Awards (LBA) this season.

Adeniji bagged the LBA Player for May while Boboye is the best manager for the same month under review for performances in the Nigerian top flight.

Sunshine Stars striker, Adeniji, had to fend off four other players to be named LBA Player for May. Others in the running for the player's award were Jonathan Zikiye of Dolphins, Oghenekaro Etebo of Warri Wolves, Chisom Chikatara of Abia Warriors and Kano Pillars striker, Adamu Hassan.

But the number was whittled down to two players, and Adeniji was left to battle Dolphins left-back, Zikiye for the LBA gong. The Sunshine Stars man got the nod ahead of Zikiye after scoring three goals out of the seven netted by his team in May, meaning he accounted for 43 per cent of their league goals in May.

He also put in inspired performances at Heartland where they won 3-0 and he scored twice including an individual goal to beat Zikiye, who scored twice in May including a stunner at FC Taraba.

For the manager's award, Boboye was always clear favourite to pick the prize after Sunshine Stars finished the month under review in style without losing a game and amassing 10 points out of the 12 available.

Boboye also guided Sunshine Stars to impressive results at two difficult grounds. Sunshine Stars won 3-0 at Heartland and drew 1-1 at Nasarawa United.

Kano Pillars manager, Okey Emordi, came close to challenging Boboye but fell short as his team managed to notch up nine points owing to 0-1 losses at Kwara United and at 3SC. Mitko Dobrev of FC Ifeanyiubah, Paul Aigbogun of Warri Wolves and Abdu Maikaba were the other managers nominated for the manager's gong.

The LBA will present the awards of player and manager for the month of May to Adeniji and Boboye respectively later this month.


↧

I would have done worse than Onazi, says Keshi

June 17, 2015, 5:26 am
$
0
0
Super Eagles head coach, Stephen Keshi has told Naijafootball247.com that he could have done more than Onazi who received a red card for retaliation against Chad.

Onazi was given the marching orders for hitting back at an opponent after Nigeria got the penalty for the second goal and while Keshi says the Lazio player has been forgiven, he adds that in his playing days, he would have done worse than the midfielder did.

“Of course I’ve forgiven him but I would probably have done worse than Onazi did,” Keshi told naijafootball247.com.

“How can you stand on your own and somebody comes to hit you in the eye? That’s painful. Without a cause? Football is not played like that and in the heat of the moment, Onazi retaliated because he is human

“The only fault I have with him is that he should know better that retaliation will cost him. I might have done worse than that in my day.

“We will lose him for a game or two and will miss his services but I have forgiven him. It could happen to anybody,” Stephen Keshi told Naijafootball247.com.

The coach added that the team is gradually taking shape and he is happy with the effort his boys are putting in.

“The boys did what they were supposed to do against Chad. We are all on the same page and I am happy they now know the direction I want the team to go,” Keshi told naijafootball247.com.


↧
Search

Eagles to play in Kaduna again, Falcons, U23s get Port Harcourt

June 24, 2015, 7:02 am
$
0
0
The Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna will host the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between the Super Eagles and the Pharaohs of Egypt, scheduled for Wednesday, March 23, 2016.

Officials have also confirmed that work will be undertaken on the pitch of the stadium, as well as a couple of other areas that need to be improved before the clash with the seven –time Africa Cup of Nations winners. The match comes up in exactly 40 weeks.

Nigeria and Egypt share top spot on the Group G table, with the Pharaohs ahead on one goal advantage, following their 3-0 whiplash of Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in Cairo in penultimate weekend’s opening matches. A day before, the Super Eagles had beaten Chad 2-0 also in Kaduna.

The Eagles’ next match in the series is away to Tanzania in the first week of September, before the double-dose-on-the-trot with the Pharaohs, who have missed all three past Africa Cup of Nations finals, including the 2013 finals that Nigeria won in South Africa.

NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, explained on Wednesday that the Federation will henceforth decide international match venues well in advance in order to afford host cities enough time to work on the facilities to be used for such matches.

In line with the new policy, the NFF has also announced that the first leg of the 2016 Olympics qualifying match between the Super Falcons and the Senior Women National Team of Equatorial Guinea coming up on Saturday, July 18 will be played in Port Harcourt.

Following the withdrawal of Mali in the second round, the Falcons now have two rounds of qualifying fixtures to prosecute before qualification for the Women’s Football Tournament of next year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Nigerian girls have played at three previous Olympics – 2000, 2004 and 2008.

Also, the African U-23 Championship final round, first leg match between the Nigeria U-23 team and the Congo U-23 side will be played in Port Harcourt, a day after the Falcons/Equatorial Guinea clash.

The winner of the fixture qualifies for the African U-23 Championship coming up in Senegal in December, where the best three of the eight participating teams will be eligible to represent Africa at the Men’s Football Tournament of next year’s Olympics. The fourth –placed team in Senegal will play-off against a team from Asia.




↧

Siasia issues Friday deadline to players

June 24, 2015, 7:41 am
$
0
0
Samson Siasia, coach of Nigeria’s U23 team says players must report in camp by Friday.

Expressing anger at the attitude of the players to the invitation, Siasia said he cannot understand why players who called to beg for permission to see their families and rest a little would fail to report to camp after the one -week grace he granted.

"No player can hold the nation to ransom. This attitude of theirs is unprofessional. When the players arrived from the U-20 World Cup, they called me to beg for a grace period to rest a little, which I did, and they promised to report after one week. It is now more than one week and none of them is around."

Siasia disclosed that the Friday deadline is to give the players the benefit of doubt.

He had invited Musa Mohammed, strikers Godwin Savior and Taiwo Awoniyi and goalkeeper Dele Alampasu who are based at home to report to camp on Monday 22nd June, while the overseas-based players Kingsley Sokari, Musa Yahaya, Kelechi Iheanacho and Moses Simon have been given until two weeks to the African U-23 Championship qualifier against Congo billed for Port Harcourt on July 19.

Already, Sharks FC defender Chima Akas and his Warri Wolves counterpart, Semiu Liadi alongside the overseas-based Umar Aminu, Shehu Abdullahi and Ikechukwu Okorie have all reported to camp, cutting short their break.

In a related development, Coach Siasia has denied reports making the rounds in the media that he has invited a Norway-based defender, Sola Akinyemi to the Dream Team, saying that before any player is invited from abroad to any of the National Teams, there is a process to be followed with the NFF giving the nod for such invitation.

While thanking the media for all the support since he took over the U-23 team, Coach Siasia appealed for thorough verification of any information before publication.


↧
↧

Enyimba deny Mfon Udoh suffered stroke

June 24, 2015, 8:19 am
$
0
0
PRESS STATEMENT FROM ENYIMBA FC

The management and board of Enyimba Football Club wishes to state categorically that the reports that our star player Mfon Udoh has suffered a stroke are entirely false and misleading.

Saab Osuji, the author of a Complete Sports report where the story first broke, made no attempts to speak with our medical team - as one one would expect - in a matter related to a player's health and based his claim on the statements of an anonymous player and our head of media, who requested specifically to obtain further information from the player and report back to him.

This is against the ethics, standards and good practice of journalism and calls the true intent of the author into question.

Mfon Udoh suffered a bout of common cold just after our Matchday 7 game against FC IfeanyiUbah in Nnewi on May 3rd, for which he consulted our medical unit and was given the right medication to improve his wellbeing. This kept him out of the team that hosted Giwa FC on Matchday 8 a week later.

When he had not recovered fully ahead of the trip to Dolphins on Matchday 9, he was referred to Wimpole Clinic Aba, one of the medical centres we partner with for observation by Dr. Onyeike Kalu.

It was under intense scrutiny and after tests had been conducted was it discovered that Mfon Udoh's cold had brought him facial nerve palsy, or Bell's palsy, as it's also called. This illness causes the loss of some facial movement, due to nerve damage. Facial muscles droop and become weak on a side of the face.

Anyone familiar with medical conditions knows that common cold is the name given to a contagious viral disease which infects the soft lining of the nose and throat. It is believed that this infection is the cause of Udoh's facial nerve palsy but we are pleased to announce that he has made great recovery and will be with the team soon, doing what he loves best.

At no time was he paralysed or lost the ability to move himself. He remains active and has kept in touch with our Team Doctor, Ferdinand Ajere, who manages his physical therapy. Above all, God is the Ultimate Healer and we believe His healing and protective hands have covered Mfon Udoh and will continue to cover him.

In a matter of days, Udoh will resume normal training with the rest of the team, get on the pitch and bang in those goals we all love him for.


↧

Keshi’s Eagles to get more fresh faces

June 28, 2015, 1:44 am
$
0
0
Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi is not in a hurry to shut the door on fresh faces to the team.

In the last AFCON qualifier against Chad in Kaduna, William Troost Ekong, Kingsley Madu and Anderson Esiti got their debut a situation that that worried Nigerians who see too many new additions to the team as a bane to smooth team play.

But Keshi, in an exclusive interview told naijafootball247.com said that his rebuilding process will not end as long as he remains coach of the team.

“In football, rebuilding is forever,” Keshi told naijafootball247.com.

“Is it not Chelsea who were champions last season who want to buy new players? Arsenal, Manchester United have fantastic sides but still continue to get new players.

“You need to keep looking for balance and that new thing that will make your team better so we will continue to bring new players into the team so far as they will help the team,” Keshi said.

He recalled that during his playing days, Clemens Westahof continued to change his team because he always wanted something new.

Nothing to prove

In spite of his recent worries, Keshi says he has no point to prove to Nigerians as regards his ability to handle the national team.

“If I do not have anything to prove to Nigerians I have a lot to prove to myself.

“Every day I go out to work I have to prove to myself that I have a standard I must keep, in training sessions and games,” He said.

Keshi has come under fire from the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, fans of the national team and the media in recent times after it was alleged that he applied for the coaching job of Ivory Coast while still having a contract with Nigeria.


↧

Top clubs snubbed me, says Cooreman

June 29, 2015, 12:01 am
$
0
0
Top Belgian manager, Maurice Cooreman has revealed reasons why he dropped a notch down to coach at Ikorodu United in the Nigeria National League, NNL.

Cooreman has won the Nigerian league with Ocean Boys and Enyimba as well as the FA Cup with Kaduna United.

But after a stint at Gombe United in the 2013/14 season, the Belgian suddenly resurfaced with Ikorodu United.

“No Premier League club wanted me and I tell you I was very surprised even with all the achievements I have.

“I sent my CV to seven clubs and didn’t get a response so when Ikorodu United came to me I had to consider it.

“The chairman of the club is a big man and the vice chairman is one of the big men of DSTV and they gave me a good contract so I thought I would put my neck on the line,” Cooreman told naijafootball247.com.

“At least let me restart my career here and prove there is still something good about me,” he said.

“We train well here. The players are nice and train hard and I think we can do something here.”

Difficult 2ndtier

Cooreman admitted that the information he got about the Nigeria National League before he got the job showed it would be a difficult place to play in.

“The second division is very difficult. All the teams here are fighting to come into the Premier League and we are a new team so it’s taking some time for my boys to adapt to the system we play.


“You know we got lots of players from different Premier League clubs and it is taking them some time to adapt to this division but we will get there,” he said.
↧
Viewing all 891 articles
Browse latest View live
Search