Naija Football 247

Match Day 34 of the Glo Premier League scheduled for Sunday, October 18 have been rescheduled to Wednesday, October 21.

This is because of the CAF Championship for African Nations (CHAN) qualifying tie between Nigeria and Burkina Faso.

The match comes up at the Adokie Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt and features only players of domestic African Leagues.

In a notice sent to all the 20 Clubs of the League, the League Management Company (LMC) Chief Operating Officer, Salihu Abubakar said, “please be informed that all fixtures for Match Day 34 has been rescheduled due to the CHAN Qualification match between the Nigeria (Super Eagles) and Burkina Faso in Port Harcourt on Sunday, October 18, 2015.

This is to allow clubs with players in the CHAN team have full complement of their services for the matches of the Glo Premier League”.

All ten fixtures are billed to kick-off at 4pm in designated centers.

Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh will not be part of the team to Ouagadougou as he is ill.

Oliseh reportedly left the Port Harcourt camp of the Eagles early on Thursday morning and is said to be on his way to Belgium for medical care.

As a result, assistant coach, Salisu Yusuf will be in charge for the return leg of the Championship For African Nations qualifier against Burkina Faso after Nigeria won the first leg 2-0 in Port Harcourt.

After the double header friendly matches in Belgium against Congo DR and Cameroon last fortnight, Oliseh didn’t turn up at the Port Harcourt camp of the CHAN team until the eve of the game against Burkina Faso.

It was reported then that he was ill and would miss the first leg, but he suddenly turned up and was on the bench in the 2-0 win.

The winner on aggregate between Nigeria and Burkina Faso qualify for the CHAN to be held in Rwanda last year.

Sharks FC and Sunshine Stars have been sanctioned by the League Management Company (LMC) following separate incidents in Lafia and Akure that led to disruption of their respective Match Day 36 fixtures on Sunday.

The LMC fined Sharks N3, 000, 000 and Sunshine Stars N5, 000, 000 with further sanctions that also included Stadium ban and banishment to neutral venue for Sunshine Stars.

Penalty for pitch invasion

For pitch invasion by Supporters Club of Sunshine Stars in their match against Lobi Stars in Akure which is in violation of Article B13.22, the Supporters have been banned for the rest of the 2014/15 Glo Premer League for persistent disorderly behavior having been previously warned about such behavior in the Match Day 29 fixture against Nasarawa United.

The LMC charge and decision read, "a fine of Five Million Naira (N5, 000, 000) payable to the LMC within 14 days for encroachment onto the field of play by supporters of Sunshine Stars FC, causing the discontinuation of the match in breach of article B13.19".

For breach of Article B13.21, Sunshine Stars have also been banished to Lagos for their next three home matches while the disrupted match against Lobi Stars will be concluded in Abuja on November 11. Sunshine will thus play their rescheduled Match Day 34 fixture against Rangers and 38 fixture against Enyimba at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos. The Akure Township Stadium has also been banned from hosting matches of the NPFL for one year.

The Akure Club was also found in violation of article C10 and was ordered to pay the sum of N250, 000 to the Match Referee who was assaulted by the fans and another N250, 000 to the Cameraman of Lobi Stars FC who was also assaulted.

Sharks punished for abandoning League game

Sharks was sanctioned for the disruption by its players of Match Day 36 fixture in Lafia against Nasarawa United. Sharks players had refused to continue the match after the Referee awarded a penalty to Nasarawa United and was thus fined N3, 000, 0000, ducked three points from the total points won in the season while the three points and three goals for the abandoned game has been awarded to Nasarawa United.

Sharks General Manager, Chief Okey Kpalukwu was cited for breach of clause 1 of the code of conduct for Club Officials, Appendix E of the Framework and Rules and fined N250, 000. The LMC further reprimanded the club official for failure to properly control his players when they abandoned the match against Nasarawa United which is in breach of article C1 of the league Framework and Rules.

Lucky Atu presents trophy to Michael Nnodi

Players and officials of Rivers Angels on Tuesday presented the Nigeria Women Football League Trophy to the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Sports, Michael Nnodi.

The Port Harcourt based club who beat Bayelsa Queens 1-0 in the final of the Super 6 League grand finale in Umuahia were led by Team Manager, Matilda Michael Oyiloha and head coach Edwin Okon.

Also present to receive the team’s trophy were the Rivers State Director of Sports, Daobu Harvest Harry and the Director of Rivers state Stadia Authority, James Nmehiele.

Team manager of the club, Matilda Oyiloha while addressing the Permanent Secretary thanked the ministry for all their support

“It’s indeed an honor and privilege to be here today to present to you the 2015 Nigeria Women League Champions, Rivers Angels.

“We want to use this medium to say thank you for all your support even when the result was not forth coming, you were giving us all the encouragement to forge ahead and we say a very big thank you to you and promise to get you a double in 2016,” Matilda said.

On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Michael Nnodi promised to present the trophy to the state governor, Barrister Nyesom Wike.

“When Rivers Angels lost out of the FA competition, everyone was surprised, we all felt bad about it but thank God you were able to bring the bigger one which is the league title.

“Here is the trophy and we’ll ensure it gets to his Excellency. There’s nothing much for me to say rather than whatever we can do for you, we’ll contact your team manager as we put our heads together to ensure that something is done for you,” said the Permanent secretary.

As at Tuesday afternoon, only three players were still expected in the Super Eagles camp as preparations were intensified for Friday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Swaziland in Lobamba.

In camp are Captain Ahmed Musa, goalkeepers Carl Ikeme, Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Dele Alampasu, defenders Efe Ambrose, Austin Oboroakpo, Chima Akas, Jamiu Alimi, Kalu Orji, Godfrey Oboabona, Wilfred Ndidi and Elderson Echiejile, midfielders Paul Onobi, John Mikel Obi, Sylvester Igbonu and Rabiu Ibrahim, and forwards Odion Ighalo, Ezekiel Bassey, Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon.

Portugal –based defender Abdullahi Shehu, midfielder Ogenyi Onazi and US –based forward Obafemi Martins were being expected on Tuesday night.

The strike embarked upon by workers of Lufthansa Airlines delayed the arrival of most of the players, as the Nigeria Football Federation had to quickly re-book players on British Airways.

Officials of the National Football Association of Swaziland confirmed to the NFF on Tuesday that landing permit for the chartered flight, which will take the Nigeria delegation to Swaziland, has been secured.

The ARIK Air Boeing 737-800 aircraft is expected to depart from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 7am on Thursday, and will land at the Matsapha International Airport by 2pm same day.

Super Eagles’ players and officials will stay at The Sun Hotels, while the official training at the Somhlolo National Stadium, Lobamba has been set for 7pm on Thursday.

Benenois referees

The match between the Super Eagles and the Sihlangu Somnikati will kick off at 7pm on Friday, 13th November, with Germain Koole of Benin Republic as the referee.

He will be assisted by compatriots Bienvenu Dina, Sena Ulrich Houedin and Gustave Eugene Tohouegnon as assistant 1, assistant 2 and fourth official respectively.

Mohamed Bahou from Morocco will be the referee assessor with Zambian Joseph Nkole as match commissioner.

The Nigeria delegation will depart Swaziland immediately after the match and fly direct to Port Harcourt.

Both teams will clash in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, 17th November, with the winner going straight into the 20 –team, mini-league phase beginning next year.

By Zazi Bariza

Ten games will be decided as the curtain falls on the 2014/2015 season of the Glo Nigeria Professional Football League on Sunday.

It promises to be all fireworks as nine of the games will involve teams either hoping for continental places or fighting to beat the drop. These sides have had to wait until final match day to know what they will be involved in next season- continental football or sojourn in the lower league.

The only game in which there will be nothing of significance to be contested is the one at Illorin between already relegated Kwara United and 10^th placed Ifeanyi Uba FC.

Here, we take you through some of the fixtures that fans of the league cannot take their eyes off because of their significance. We call them the boiling points of the final day.

NASARAWA UNITED VS GIWA FC (LAFIA TOWNSHIP STADIUM, LAFIA)

With the second CAF Champions League ticket likely to be claimed by Warri Wolves, Nasarawa United and Giwa FC are among four teams that will jostle for the only CAF Confederation Cup Ticket available via the league.

Nasarawa United have not lost at home this season and will hope to crown their impressive campaign with a place on the continent.

Giwa FC presently have the advantage with 63 points, against Nasarawa’s 60; but an inferior goal aggregate means that a win for United will see them topple the boys from Jos into 3^rd spot, subject to the outcome of the game in Lagos between Sunshine Stars and Enyimba.

Sunshine Stars need to win in Lagos against Enyimba and hope for a Nasarawa United win to finish in 3^rd place.

But a draw in that game will see Giwa FC firmly in 3^rdplace.

WIKKI TOURIST VS KANO PILLARS (TAFAWA BELEWA STADIUM, BAUCHI)

Kano Pillars have nothing but pride and money to play for in this game. After three successive conquests in the league, present coach, Baba Ganaru, knows his team cannot finish above 7^thposition, but would need a result to ensure they do not drop lower on the table.

For Wikki Tourists, there is everything to play for. In order to claim a place on the continent, they will have to beat Pillars by up to four goals and hope Nasarawa United beat Giwa by just a goal.

Wikki Tourist will also be praying that Sunshine Stars do not beat Enyimba in Lagos

Win or lose, the people of Bauchi state will certainly be proud of the achievement of their darling team who have shown remarkable consistency after just returning to the top flight this season.

SUNSHINE STARS VS ENYIMBA (TESILIM BALOGUN STADIUM, LAGOS)

This game would have been inconsequential if not that Sunshine Stars got a goal in the last seven minutes of their rescheduled encounter against Lobi Stars on Wednesday thus ending the encounter 1-1.

This results means Sunshine Stars are on 60 points and have a chance to finish in 3^rd place if and only if they beat Enyimba in Lagos and Giwa FC fail to get a point in Lafia.

Permutations, permutations, permutations

AKWA UNITED VS LOBI STARS (GODSWILL AKPABIO STADIUM, UYO)

Lobi Stars will go into this game with no fear of relegation on their minds. Their impressive 2-0 defeat of Enugu Rangers in Makurdi over the weekend meant that the Benue State based outfit stand no risk of being relegated as they have gathered 49 points this season, 5 above the drop zone.

For them, the match would be a mere dress rehearsal for the Federation Cup final on November 22 in Lagos.

Contrarily, the case is different for the home side, Akwa United. They go into match day 38 in 17^th position on the log, and will have to count on their somewhat decent home record this season to pick all three points in the make or mar encounter.

The scary reality before them is that they do not have their hopes entirely in their hands as away wins for Sharks and Dolphins FC at Umuahia and Ibadan respectively could render every effort at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium fruitless.

SHOOTING STARS VS DOLPHINS FC (LEKAN SALAMI STADIUM, IBADAN)

With a victory for Akwa United over Lobi Stars not unlikely, Dolphins FC will have their work cut out when they travel to Ibadan to take on Shooting Stars.

Presently tied on points with Akwa United, Dolphins are only ahead by virtue of superior goals aggregate.

Except Akwa United win by as much as 10 goals, a win of any shade for the Port Harcourt based outfit will ensure topflight football next season.

A troubling fact for Dolphins is that they are one of the four teams yet to win on the road this term, but the desperation of the final day could inspire a novelty.

ABIA WARIORS VS SHARKS (UMUAHIA TOWNSHIP STADIUM)

Like their city rivals, Dolphins, the thing for Sharks is that they have their destiny in their hands.

All Sharks need to do against Abia Warriors on Sunday is to win.

Unlike their city rivals who have not won an away game in 2 seasons, Sharks have actually won on the road twice this term, against Bayelsa United and Kwara United.

Abia Warriors on the other hand have nothing to play for, except pride in this one.

The certainties

A few things are certain as far as the League is concerned.

Enyimba are the champions; Kwara United, FC Taraba and Bayelsa United have been relegated.

The fans can enjoy the last day of football as the drama will be high octane on the day

Enyimba captain, Chinedu Udoji

Enyimba captain Chinedu Udoji and Giwa FC trainer, Danladi Buggi, have been named winners of the League Bloggers Awards (LBA) for the month of October.

Udoji claimed the award in the player's category while Buggi emerged the manager for October.

The pair fended off a shortlist of eight in the month under review to be named the best performers in the Glo Premier League.

Enyimba defender, Udoji, had to contend with the like of Warri Wolves duo of Gbolahan Salami and Joseph Osadiaye as well as Chisom Chikatara in the player's category. The trio of Salami, Osadiaye and Chikatara netted hat-tricks in the month of October. There was also Dolphins striker, Godbless Asamoah with an outside chance.

But the tussle for the player of the month was narrowed to Udoji and Salami, who was impressive for Wolves with four goals in October.

However, Udoji's defensive display for Enyimba in the month as well as playing the odd-job man role as a defensive midfielder following injuries to his teammates also gave him an edge.

His defensive leadership in the game at Nasarawa United which ended 0-0 helped Enyimba claim a precious point when he scooped the ball off the line late in the game.

Udoji did not show that he was just programmed for defending as he showed exemplary character by scoring winning goals. He scored the winner in their 2-1 win over 3SC and then repeated the act within a space of two weeks against Kwara United with the solitary goal in their last game in October.

It was always going to be Buggi in the manager's category. Having just been only elevated from the feeder ranks of Giwa FC to become head coach of the club in September, he guided his team to an unbeaten finish in October - a feat only rivalled by Nasarawa United.

But Buggi claimed the manager's award on the virtue of Giwa FC's 10 points, the most by any of the 20 clubs in the Nigerian top-flight, in October. Buggi beat Kabiru Dogo (Nasarawa United), Paul Aigbogun (Warri Wolves) and Stanley Eguma (Dolphins) to the manager's award for the month under review.

It is the second time that a coach from Giwa FC will win the LBA manager's gong this season. In April, Tony Bulus claimed the manager's mention while in charge of the Jos club.

LBA winners this season

March 2015

Player: Ebere Odiche (Heartland)

Manager: Tony Ogharanduku (FC Taraba)

April 2015

Player: Ibrahim Shuaibu (Giwa FC)

Manager: Tony Bulus (Giwa FC)

May 2015

Player: Tunde Adeniji (Sunshine Stars)

Manager: Kennedy Boboye (Sunshine Stars)

June 2015

Player: Ocheme Edoh (Giwa FC)

Manager: Abdu Maikaba (Wikki Tourists)

July 2015

Player: Ndifreke Effiong (Abia Warriors)

Manager: Paul Aigbogun (Warri Wolves)

August 2015

Player: Anthony Okpotu (Lobi Stars)

Manager: Kabiru Dogo (Nasarawa United)

September 2015

Player: Esosa Igbinoba (Nasarawa United)

Manager: Festus Allen (Sharks)

By Zazi Bariza

With the Super Eagles of Nigeria set to kick off their race to qualify for the Russia 2018 World Cup on Friday, very few Nigerians know the first thing about the Swazi team that lie in wait.

As a result, soccer fans in Nigeria are expecting the game to be a smooth walk over for the Eagles. However, a closer look at the Swazis reveals that they could be a bit tougher.

THE TEAM

The senior male football team of Swaziland are called Sihlangu Semnikati. They are currently placed 130 on the FIFA World Ranking and 41^stin Africa. They have never qualified for either the FIFA World Cup or the Africa Cup of Nations. Their best ever placement on the FIFA World Ranking is the 93^rd position they occupied in October 1993.

They suffered their heaviest defeat in March 2013 when they were hammered 10-0 by the Pharaohs of Egypt in an international friendly in Alexandria.

However, their biggest win came only a month ago when they hosted and mauled Djibouti 6-0 in a Russia 2018 first round first leg qualifier in Lobamba.

THE COACH

Harris Bulungu became caretaker coach of the Sihlangu in 2013 following the departure of Valere Billen. In 2014, he was appointed in full capacity.

Notable names to have worked handled Sihlungu are Bafana Bafana coach, Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba and Jan Van Winckel who has gone on to work with European sides such as Club Brugge and Olympique Marseille thereafter.

STAR PLAYERS

Tony Thulani Tsabedze

The dimunitive Mbabena Swallows of South Africa midfielder was responsible for the two goals that sank Guinea in the preliminary round of the CHAN qualifier earlier this year. He was also among the scorers in the historic 6-0 bashing of Djibouti.

IMPRESSIVE RESULTS IN 2015

12/06/15 Guinea 1 – 2 Swaziland (AFCON 2017 qualifier)

20/06/15 Swaziland 2 – 2 Angola (CHAN 2016 qualifier)

09/10/15 Djibouti 0 – 6 Swaziland (Russia 2018 qualifier)

17/10/15 Swaziland 2 – 1 Djibouti (Russia 2018 qualifier)

CHANCES OF THE EAGLES

Coach Sunday Oliseh will lead the Eagles into this game with some memory of how difficult another lowly placed East African side, Tanzania, made life difficult for him in his first game in charge of the team.

Coach Oliseh showed no sign of underrating the East Africans when he invited his most reliable legs for the fixture.

John Obi Mikel, who was unarguably the team’s best player in their last two games( against Congo and Cameroon), is in the team; while the likes of Odion Ighalo, Moses Simon and Efe Ambrose who also acquainted very well were not left out.

The home based likes of Paul Onobi, Chima Akas and Ezekiel Bassey showed real quality for the CHAN team and could be great additions if called upon on match day.

A big factor that may count for the team is that they seem to have overcome the in house fight that arose from the appointment of Ahmed Musa as skipper, culminating to the untimely retirement of veteran goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama.

PREDICTION

I expect Sihlungu to come out buoyed in this game because playing against Nigeria will represent the highest achievement most of their players will have in their international careers. They will also be fired up by the 8-1 aggregate win recorded over Djibouti.

However, Nigeria are not Djibouti. I foresee a 3-0 victory for the Eagles.

Ogenyi Onazi... Pic (Premium Times)

Super Eagles and Lazio SS midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi says he looks forward to a time when attacks on innocent people by terrorists will be things of the past.

He says he was really sad after hearing and seeing pictures of terror strikes in France last Friday.

Onazi who is currently in Port Harcourt, Nigeria preparing for a crucial World Cup Qualifying game against Swaziland told naijafootball247.com he still does not understand what terrorists do what they do.

“These terrorists’ attacks have been on right from my days in Jos. I even escaped one once when I returned on holidays.

“It is so bad that I keep praying to God to put an end to these.

On Friday night in France, terrorists attacked the city of Paris, killing more than one hundred and twenty people, with the target being the Stadium where France were engaged in a football match against Germany.

“When I heard about the one in France… it was so sad. Not just France, but Nigeria, Syria and the rest it makes me sad and I only pray to God.

“It always breaks my heart because I do not understand how people will do things like that with lots of lives lost.

“I cannot even injure an animal not to talk of a fellow human being. We are all human beings. It is so sad. Any time I hear things like this I am so sad. We can only pray to God to have mercy on us and put an end to this,” Onazi said.

In May 2014, Ogenyi Onazi, only just avoided being bombed to death in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

The bombing left 118 people dead.

Paul Onobi, Pic: Goal.com

Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh says Sunshine Stars midfielder, Paul Onobi is not a replacement for John Mikel Obi.

Oliseh, speaking after last Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Swaziland told a packed press conference that no one has a place in the team so he would not dwell on that.

He took time to react to talks that Chelsea based Mikel Obi was dropped for Onobi

“He did not play at the expense of anybody and we must be realistic, nobody has a place here. So if you are saying he played at the expense of somebody, I do not agree with that,” Oliseh said, obviously reacting to a question from ITV’s Kola Daniel who opined that Onobi started the game at the expense of John Mikel Obi.

Oliseh went ahead to give plaudits to the Sunshine Stars midfielder.

“He is a home star and I said it when it took the job I said I don’t care where you play your football. If you are good enough and can adapt to our tactics then you will play.

“The fact that he played against Swaziland is a vindication of that philosophy we are putting into play,” Oliseh said.

“The thing I like about him is that he is solid, strong on the man, can play, is clairvoyant and is very hungry, which is what we need now.”

After a dour display against Swaziland in the first leg that ended goaless, Oliseh tweaked his starting eleven fielding the likes of Paul Onobi (Sunshine Stars), Austin Oboroakpor (Abia Warriors) and Chima Akas (Sharks) with Enyimba’s Ezekiel Bassey coming on as a late substitute.

Nigeria are now through to the next stage of the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifiers.

The Nigeria Football Federation will on Sunday at the Final of the 2015 Federation

Cup, honour those who had contributed to making their flagship competition the most glamorous football tournament in the country.

The yearly honour is part of the attempt to restore glory to a tournament that used to draw the biggest crowds, as this tournament of shocks and intrigues unfold.

The 2015 edition is not left out in terms of shocks, as Akwa United and Lobi Stars, two teams that finished in the bottom half of the Nigeria Premier League table, will battle it out in the Final.

The 2015 Federation's Cup Honorary list include former Shooting Stars striker, Rashidi Yekinni, Baba Otu Mohammed of Mighty Jets, Best Ogedegbe, former Standard of Jos defender, Okey Isima, Friday Ekpo , Sam Opone, Amusa Adisa, Inua Rigogo, Dahiru Sadi, and Ifeanyi Ifeanyi Onyedika of Enugu Rangers.

Others are FIFA graded referee Linus MBA, and veteran journalist, Segun Adenuga.

The NFF and the Lagos State Sports Commission have also announced that gates will be free, and the sum of N200, 000 (Two Hundred Thousand naira) will be won via a raffle draw.

Fans coming to the arena have been told to expect a well-monitored situation with efficient crowd control, alert security officers, friendly protocol officers and well marshalled parking, all in a bid to make the Federation Cup experience worthwhile for all present.

Lobi Stars players celebrate a recent victory

By Zazi Bariza

On Sunday 15^th November, it was a contest in which only one side was in dare need of spoils; but on 22^nd November, just eight days after, it will be a fiercely fought battle between two sides.

One with so many similar experiences, trying to stage a return to where they are believed to belong; and the other a mere green horn per cup finals in Nigeria. Both will be gunning for the prestigious Nigerian Federation Cup shield.

The final of the Nigeria’s Federation Cup is here again. This time, it is an intriguing matchup between two sides that, in the just past domestic league season, struggled until the final day to keep top flight status.

Akwa United will come into this game without any cup final experience to recount while Lobi will be looking to relive their 2003 triumph, not forgetting losses in the 2005 and 2012 finals.

After losing 0-1 to Akwa Starlet in the Akwa Ibom state final, the Promise Keepers, as United are fondly called, went on to dispatch Dalhatu United 6-0, before beating Peacemakers, Prime FC, Tornadoes Feeders and Nasarawa United. Save for the penalty shootout victory over Tornadoes Feeders, United’s journey to the final was relatively smooth.

Lobi Stars’ own path to the final was a tight rope. After a resounding 4-1 victory over Junior Spotlight in the round of 64, they had to depend on odd goals against Niger Tornadoes, BJ Foundation and Enugu Rangers, plus the penalty shootout win over Remo Stars in the round of 16.

THE COACHES: TENGER VS BARAJE

Lobi Stars’ Justin Tenger promised to draw the curtain on his lengthy coaching career after this game.

The vastly experience gaffer, has previously had stints at Nasarawa United, Niger Tornadoes, Gombe United, Wikki Tourists, Kwara United and of course, Akwa United.

Akwa United team line up

He will be hoping to draw the curtains on his coaching career with a Federation Cup medal dangling around his neck, and one factor that may ensure that is his knowledge of the Akwa United team, considering that the bulk of their current players worked under him when he was in charge two years ago.

Zachary Baraje of Akwa United will also come into the game with his own good share of experience. The former Enyimba, El Kanemi and Nasarawa United tinker man is quite aware of the continental ticket target set before him by his employers and, after woefully failing to achieve that via the league, now has a second chance to make a name for himself among soccer loving people of Uyo.

HEAD TO HEAD

Both sides are at par on head to head. Each team have won 7 of their last 14 meetings, leaving no draw. Lobi have scored 18, just one more than United.

The last 4 meetings have ended in 1-0 wins, with each side winning two.

PREDICTION

This looks like a game between two sides of pretty much equal strength. As a result, except a goal comes early and brings disequilibrium, things might remain cagey all 90 minutes. But In any case, Lobi have shown greater discipline this season. Rigid but decisive on the offence, their back line is one of the toughest to break down.

Lobi Stars may edge it by the odd goal, as they have always done.

Zachary Baraje (Pic: Supersport)

The coach of Akwa United, Zachary Baraje, has declared he is excited by the prospects of becoming the first man to win a trophy for the Akwa Ibom state side.

Baraje, who had coached both Shooting Stars of Ibadan and Enyimba of Aba, will undoubtedly see a trophy win with Akwa United should they accomplish it, the crowning moment of his career.

“This is the first time that Akwa United will play in the final of the Federation Cup and I am happy that I led them to achieve this feat,” Baraje said.

“I want to make history with the team by winning the trophy in our first time of making it to the final of the competition.

“Akwa United may not have done well in the Nigeria Premier League, but we are in the Federation Cup and we are going to win it this first time that we have qualified for the final.

“The people of Akwa Ibom have been very supportive and they deserve to see the trophy when we beat Lobi Stars on Sunday.”

Skippers at war

Meanwhile, the skippers of both Akwa United and Lobi Stars, are embroiled in war of words.

Terna Ikpeen, the skipper of Lobi Stars and Akwa United Captain, Otonbong Effiong both had strong words ahead of the showdown.

“We have the experience in Cup game having won the trophy in 2003. We know how to play Cup matches,” Ikpeen said.

“Akwa United might be a good side, but they should wait for their time to win this trophy. This is not their year, we are ready and everything is working in our favour in this competition.

“We are poised to lift the trophy and take it to Makurdi to tell our supporters that we are a good side irrespective our performance in the Nigeria Professional Football League. We know what is at stake and I am optimistic that we are going to win the trophy and become champions again,” he concluded.

Effiong disagrees, insisting that the pain of two years ago, when they lost in the semifinals, will spur them on this time.

“Two seasons ago, we lost in the semifinals to Warri Wolves,” he said.

“But we have bounced back to play in the final two years later. We are not coming to Lagos to count the bridges. We are coming with one aim: And that is to win the trophy for the first time ever.

“We played Lobi Stars twice this year and we know the way they play. I Sincerely believe that we have a better team and that will be put into play on Sunday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium.

“This is one opportunity that we don't want to pass us by. This is our first final and we are going to also win the trophy for the first time.

“The Government, management and fans are behind us and we will not want to fail them in our first attempt”

The game kicks off at 3pm on Sunday at the Teslim Balogun stadium, following the Women Final which kicks off at 1pm.

After what has been termed by many as one of the most exciting and best managed League seasons in Nigeria, chairman of the League Management Company, Shehu Dikko is already looking forward to the next one.

The Nigerian football season finally came to an end on Sunday, November 22, 2015 with Akwa United beating Nasarawa United 2-1 in the Federation Cup final but the league ended a week earlier with Enyimba emerging victors.

Chairman of the League Management Company, LMC, Shehu Dikko told NaijaFootball247.com that they really want to have the media capacity to cover all the games in the league.

“What we really want is to have the media capacity to cover all our games. Whether they are all live or just simply covered, then we can say we are getting there.

“Once we can get to that level, then the game will explode. We also want to see how we can improve our infrastructure. As soon as this is good and comfortable then I’m sure the fans would love to come back. That’s the basis and springboard we need to bring back fans,” Shehu Dikko said.

“The games may not all be live for now, but if we can have a few live games then have the rest delayed or put in a proper highlights show then we can count our gains. Broadcast and infrastructure are key elements for an improved league,” Dikko told naijafootball247.com.

Sunday Games versus EPL

With the love of the English Premier League and other European leagues taking over Nigeria, Shehu Dikko believes it still did not do much damage to turn out at league venues and continues to preach Friday night football.

“This year, in spite of the foreign leagues, our fans turned out because the football was good.

“But we tried the Friday night games and if we can build on it, the fans will enjoy. We also want to explore free to air games so we get to a point where the fans will have a variety of games to choose from.”

NPFL invasion of the Super Eagles

When Nigeria’s Super Eagles played a World Cup Qualifying match against Swaziland, three players from the Nigerian League, Austin Oboroakpor, Chima Akas and Paul Onobi were in the starting line up while Ezekiel Bassey came on as a substitute, a development that thrilled Dikko.

“You can see we are all gloating over it. It was a crucial game for the country and many would have thought the foreign based players would be used, but these home boys featured and did very well.

“Now the players know that if they do well, they can play for the Super Eagles. Chima Akas plays for Sharks who were relegated so it means, if you are good individually you will be noticed by the national team selectors, not minding the over quality of the club you play for,” Dikko said.

Harmonizing the calender

Another top plan that has been on going in Nigeria since 2006 is to harmonize the League calendar from the current January to November program to the more recognized European August to May season but Dikko says there is no such agreement in place currently.

“The debate is on. Do we go European or maintain the current CAF Calendar? If we go European, it will be tough because CAF starts their games from February to November and if you harmonize our calendar to Europe, it means clubs on the continent will play all year round.

“It’s not for me to decide. The stakeholders will meet and we will agree on what to do,” Dikko said.

The league may just stick to its current February to November format.

Enyimba International won the League for a record 7^th time while Warri Wolves finished in 2^nd place and will also play in the CAF Champions League.

Nasarawa United finished 3^rd and will take part in the CAF Confederation Cup.

By virtue of wining the Federation Cup, Akwa United also play in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.

Injured former Super Falcons defender, Gloria Ofoegbu finally had surgery on her knee after a Port Harcourt based business man came to her rescue.

Ofoegbu had been out injured since November 26, 2014 when she hurt her knee while playing for the Super Falcons in the Africa Women Championship in Namibia.

With the NFF issuing a statement denying that she was injured at the Africa Women Champions, the Rivers Angels player had resigned herself to fate until help came her way.

A Port Harcourt based business man who wants to remain anonymous watched her story on popular Lagos based Cable News Network, Channels TV as well as listened to various radio sports shows in Port Harcourt.

He took it upon himself to bring in Surgeons from the United States who examined her on October 17 and just over a month later, the surgery was performed.

Gloria Ofoegbu was accused by the Nigeria Football Federation of nursing a chronic right knee injury for five years and arthritis according to reports written by Super Falcons’ doctor, Omoye Akhigbe and team physiotherapist, Adaku Nwachukwu.

However, the foreign experts diagnosed her of a Meniscus Tear and a Grade IV Chondral Damage of her knees.

In a chat with the media officer of Rivers Angels, her club, Ofoegbu said she was indeed grateful to all that God used to remedy her situation.

“I am very happy and I want to thank the entire journalists that God used to bring this man, especially Channels Television.

“I equally want to appreciate the efforts of the selfless Sports presenters in Port Harcourt and also those in Abuja. They did well.

"I give glory to God for the success of the surgery and with the assurances from the Doctors, I will be back on my feet soon," said Gloria after a Church thanksgiving service on Sunday.

Gloria, a left-footed set-piece specialist incidentally scored for the Super Falcons in the same match before she copped the injury that could have been easily dealt with but is now proving to be a career-threatening one.

She has already started her rehabilitation process and will be out for a few months before regaining full fitness although doctors told her that her chances of playing football again "are very slim" due to the lateness of the surgery.

Garden City Radio team

The 2015 5-A-Side Football Competition organized by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Rivers State chapter for all media houses in the state got underway to a fantastic set of first round games on Wednesday.

Day One of the tournament tagged "Henry Kalio Cup" was characterized by goals, misses, gaffes and modest form of novelty as journalists enjoyed themselves in fun-filled but competitive manners.

The ceremonial kick-off was taken by the Special Adviser to the Rivers State Governor on NDDC, Barrister Aribitonye Okiri. The combined team of Tide and Independent Monitor Newspapers started the goalfest with a 5-2 victory over Wave FM. Isaac Mbah scored a brace while goalkeeper Gabriel Nwanetanya also registered his name on the scoresheet.

In Group A's other game, CoolWazobiaNigeriaInfo were annihilated by an effortless Garden City Radio side who steamrolled over their much vaunted opponents by 5 goals to nothing. Sports writers, Damiete Sanipe, Fisayo Dairo and Benjamin Sawadinho were among the goals as the Ufuoma Egbamuno-tutored CoolWazobiaInfo side wondered what they were to do with the ball for long spell in the game.

In Group B, substitute China Ikwerreman Acheru was in goal scoring form as Today FM hammered RSTV 3-0. Acheru, who received the loudest ovation when he came on in the 2nd half scored his team's 3rd barely five minutes after entering the fray.

Victor Kwame Sampong and Benjamin Kadiri got the other goals for Today FM.

Meanwhile, a brace from Maxwell Barilee propelled Treasure FM to a 4-2 win over Rhythm FM. Okey Onwugbonu was also on target for the FRCN side who rattled the Gbenga James-led Seasiders for longer periods in the game.

Group Standings

Group A

1. Garden City Radio 3pts +5

2. Tide/Independent Monitor 3pts +2

3. Wave FM 0pt -3

4. CoolWazobiaInfo 0pt -5

Group B

1. Today FM 3pts +3

2. Treasure FM 3pts +2

3. Rhythm FM 0pt -2

4. RSTV/Radio Rivers 0pt -3

THURSDAY's SCHEDULE

Group A

1:00pm - Wave FM vs Garden City Radio

1:50pm - The Tide/Independent Monitor vs CoolWazobiaInfo

Group B

2:40pm - RSTV/Radio Rivers vs Rhythm FM

3:30pm - Today FM vs Treasure FM

The tournament is played in honour of Henry Kalio, who lost his life in a fatal motor accident in 2004.

Kalio was the chairman of the Rivers State Council of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria as well as Media Officer of Sharks FC at the time of his death.

Ngozi Ebere, Kelechi Nwakali, Victor Osimhen as well as Azubuike Okechukwu and Oghenekaro Etebo will lead the lines for Nigeria in the Glo/CAF Africa Footballer of the year awards.

Ngozi Ebere was nominated in the Women Player of the Year Category while Kelechi Nwakali and Victor Osimhen got listed in the Youth Player of the Year Category.

For the Most Promising Talent group, Oghenekaro Etebo and Azubuike Okechukwu got mentions, while Emmanuel Amuneke got a mention in the coach of the year category.

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) recently released the nominees for the other categories for the 2015 Glo-CAF Awards. The categories are; Women Player of the Year, Youth Player of the Year, Most Promising Talent, Coach of the Year, Referee of the Year, African Legend, National Team of the Year, Women National Team of the Year, Club of the Year, Platinum Award.

The list was unveiled at a press conference attended by CAF Excutive member Anjorin Moucharafou and Glo representatives on Monday, 14 December 2015 in Abuja, Nigeria.

The winners will be decided by votes from the CAF Football and Media Committees except Legend and Platinum awards, which are not subject to vote while Referee of the Year Award will be decided by the votes of CAF Refereeing Committee.

The winners will be announced at the Glo-CAF Awards Gala scheduled for Thursday, January 7, 2016 in Abuja, Nigeria.

Below are the nominees for the various categories in alphabetical order;

Women Player of the Year

· Gabrielle Onguéné, Cameroon

· Gaelle Enganamouit, Cameroon

· Ngozi Ebere, Nigeria

· N'rehy Tia Ines, Cote d’Ivoire

· Portia Boakye, Ghana

Youth Player of the Year

· Adama Traore, Mali

· Kelechi Nwakali, Nigeria

· Samuel Diarra, Mali

· Victor Osimhen, Nigeria

· Yaw Yeboah, Ghana

Most Promising Talent

· Azubuike Okechukwu, Nigeria

· Etebo Oghenekaro, Nigeria

· Djigui Diarra, Mali

· Mahmoud Abdelmonem ‘kahraba’, Egypt

· Zinedine Ferhat, Algeria

Coach of the Year

· Baye Ba, Mali, U17

· Emmanuel Amunike, Nigeria U17

· Fawzi Benzarti, Etoile Sportive de Sahel

· Hervé Renard, Cote d’ivore

· Patrice Carteron, TP Mazembe

Referee of the Year

· Alioum Neant, Cameroon

· Bakary Papa GASSAMA, Gambia

· Eric Arnaud OTOGO CASTANE, Gabon

· Ghead Zaglol GRISHA, Egypt

· Janny SIKAZWE, Zambia

African Legend

· Charles Kumi Gyamfi, Ghana

· Samuel Mbappé Léppé, Cameroon

National Team of the Year

· Cote d’Ivoire

· Ghana

· Mali U17

· Nigeria U17

· Nigeria U-23

Women National Team of the Year

· Ghana

· Cameroon

· South Africa

· Zimbabwe

Club of the Year

· USM Algers , Algeria

· TP Mazembe, DR Congo

· Orlando Pirates, South Africa

· Etoile Sportive du Sahel, Tunisia

The calamitous participation of billionaire side CoolWazobiaNigeriaInfo in this year's Henry Kalio Cup was brought to a rather comfortable end on Thursday.

The East-West Road based side went down 1-2 to Tide/Independent Monitor Newspapers in their second successive loss of the tournament.

First half goals from Malta-based veteran, Olalekan Ige and team's topscorer Isaac Mbah gave Tide/Monitor a two goal lead before Kelvin Akani reduced the arrears in the second stanza for CoolWazobiaInfo. Akani's goal was greeted with loud cheers from the spectators who had longed for the subdued CoolWazobia team to register their first goal of the tournament. Defeat means sure elimination for CoolWazobiaInfo who will now play Wave FM on Friday in a purely academical contest.

Earlier, Wave FM were also bundled out of the competition by Group A leaders Garden City Radio who inflicted a 3-1 defeat on their local rivals. Azunda Wobo scored twice while Benjamin Okeina added a third for the Garden City side led by Goalkeeper/Coach Pointman Carl Orakwue.

In group B, it was a harvest of goals for Silverbird's Rhythm 93.7 FM who bounced back from their opening day defeat in emphatic fashion. The Seasiders thumped their hapless opponents, RSTV/Radio Rivers 7-1 to all but eliminate them from the tournament.

Adokiye Bob-Manuel scored a hattrick for Rhythm while DJ Kevin helped himself to a brace. Kenneth Lawson who created 4 of the goals also hit a double in a marauding display by Rhythm.

In Group B's other game, Today FM spanked Treasure FM 2-0 to maintain leadership spot in the group. Evangelist Talking Drums and Victor Kwame Sampong "Ghanaman" scored for the China Acheru tutored lads.

In another cheering development, Telecommunication firm, Airtel Nigeria has announced their partnership with organizers of the SWAN "HENRY KALIO CUP" 2015 starting from today (Friday). The firm will now be visible at the Sharks Football Club Stadium today and tomorrow for the grand finale of the tournament.

Part of the agreement reached will see Airtel give out mouth-watering incentives to participants which include players and fans.

FRIDAY's FIXTURES

12:00pm - Wave FM vs CoolWazobiaInfo

12:50pm - Garden City Radio vs Tide/Independent Monitor

1:40pm - RSTV/Radio Rivers vs Treasure FM

2:30pm - Today FM vs Rhythm FM

Group Standings

Group A

1. Garden City Radio 6pts +7

2. Tide/Independent Monitor 6pts +3

3. Wave FM 0pt -5

4. CoolWazobiaInfo 0pt -6

Group B

1. Today FM 6pts +5

2. Rhythm FM 3pts +4

3. Treasure FM 3pts ---

4. RSTV/Radio Rivers 0pt -9

SWAN CUP STATTO:

Highest goalscorers:

Isaac Mbah (Tide/Monitor) - 3 goals

Adokiye Bob-Manuel (Rhythm) - 3 goals

Charles Ikobong (Wave FM) - 2 goals

Maxwell Barilee (Treasure FM) - 2 goals

Azunda Wobo (Garden City Radio) - 2 goals

Benjamin Okeina Sawadinho (Garden City Radio) - 2 goals

DJ Kevin (Rhythm FM) - 2 goals

Kenneth Lawson (Rhythm FM) - 2 goals

Victor Kwame Sampong "Ghanaman" (Today FM) - 2 goals

MESUT ÖZILS OF THIS WORLD (TOP ASSIST MAKERS)

Kenneth Lawson (Rhythm) - 5 assists

Damiete Sanipe (Garden City Radio) - 2 assists

Fisayo Dairo (Garden City Radio) - 2 assists

Gabriel Nwanetanya (Tide/Monitor) - 2 assists

Isaac Mbah (Tide/Independent Monitor) - 2 assists

Head Coach Sunday Oliseh has released the list of 23 players of the Home Based Super Eagles team who will seek to do Nigeria proud by winning the African Nations Championship title in Rwanda.

Goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, defenders Austin Oboroakpo and Chima Akas, Olympic Team midfielders Usman Mohammed and Yaro Bature and forward Chisom Chikatara headline a list that also includes Enyimba FC’s skillful winger Ezekiel Bassey, former junior international Ifeanyi Mathew and the Sunshine Stars’ trio of Paul Onobi, Prince Aggrey and Tunde Adeniji.

Former junior international goalkeeper Femi Thomas, Shooting Stars’ central defender Jamiu Alimi and former Supersand Eagles’ ace Bartholomew Ibenegbu have also been included.

The team, alongside technical and backroom staff, flew out of the country on Saturday afternoon to Cape Town, South Africa, where a 10 –day pre-Championship training camp has been arranged, alongside two friendly games against fellow Rwanda –bound Angola and Cote d’Ivoire on January 6 and 11 respectively. Oliseh arrived South Africa ahead of the delegation.

Nigeria’s CHAN Eagles finished third at the 3rd African Nations Championship held in South Africa in 2014, and Sunday Oliseh’s invigorated squad aims to win the Cup in Rwanda on February 7.

The team will campaign in Group C of this year’s championship alongside 2011 winners Tunisia, Niger Republic and Guinea, with matches to be played at the Stade Regional Nyamirambo, Kigali.

NIGERIA’S SQUAD FOR CHAN

Goalkeepers: Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars); Olufemi Thomas (Enyimba FC); Okiemute Odah (Warri Wolves)

Defenders: Austin Oboroakpo (Abia Warriors); Kalu Orji Okogbue (Enugu Rangers); Jamiu Alimi (Shooting Stars); Mathew Etim (Enugu Rangers); Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Stephen Eze (Sunshine Stars); Christopher Madaki Maichibi (Giwa FC); Samson Gbadebo (Lobi Stars)

Midfielders: Ifeanyi Mathew (El-Kanemi Warriors); Paul Onobi (Sunshine Stars); Usman Mohammed (FC Taraba); Yaro Bature (Nasarawa United); Bartholomew Ibenegbu (Warri Wolves); Ibrahim Attah Salau (Shooting Stars)

Forwards: Osas Okoro (Enugu Rangers); Ezekiel Bassey (Enyimba FC); Tunde Adeniji (Sunshine Stars); Bright Onyedikachi (FC IfeanyiUbah); Chisom Chikatara (Abia Warriors); Prince Aggrey (Sunshine Stars)

The National Finals of the F5WC Tournament comes up on January the 15th-16th 2016 at the Campos Mini Stadium on Lagos Island.

16 teams of 7 each from different parts of Nigeria will converge on Lagos for two days of football hostilities at the end of which the last ream standing will get a chance to represent Nigeria at the F5WC Global tournament in Bangkok, Thailand in March 2016.

F5WC Nationals will be played in a round robin format as the 16 finalist have been drawn into 4 groups of 4 teams each with the top 2 teams qualifying for the Quater-finals.

The eventual winners will also get a giant trophy, medals and the sum of 1.5million Naira from the main Sponsors of the tournament, Olympic Milk.

Olympic milk have also promised to take one lucky fan on an all expenses paid trip to the Etihad to watch a Manchester City FC home game. The MVP and Highest Goal Scorer at the National Finals in Lagos will also get the experience of a lifetime when they get a chance to also watch Stars our own Kelechi Iheanacho and Other Man City Stars in Action at the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City.

Meanwhile The Senior Special Assistant to the governor of Lagos State On Sports Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye has also revealed that the Lagos State Government through his office has decided to Support the tournament as it meets with the plans by the State Government to use Sports as a veritable tool for youth empowerment.

Managing Director of Fivesports, Organisers of the Football 5’s Tournament, Bayo Akande has called on Lagosians to come out in large numbers to witness a well packed event, with lots of giveaways spiced with entertainment and games for the fans. Akande informed that plans have been put in place for football lovers to enjoy the beautiful game in a conducive atmosphere with adequate security.

Group A,

Kakuri Fc (Kaduna)

De Royal Fc (Lagos)

Fc Hearts (Kano)

Gladiators (Rivers)

Group B,

MHB Fc (Kaduna)

MFM Region 70 (Lagos)

Rebel Athletic Fc (Lagos)

Remo football academy (ogun)

Group C

Mutunchi Fc (Kaduna)

AGO Fc (Ogun)

Zico Fc (Rivers)

Tao Fc (Lagos)

Group D

Golden Lions Fc (Lagos)

Dabo Fc (Kano)

Awolowo FA (Lagos)

FIN Academy (Abuja)

League MatchDay 34 League Games Stand down for CHAN

Oliseh ill, out of Eagles Ouagadougou trip

League hammer falls on Sunshine Stars, Sharks

Rivers Angels present league Trophy to State Sports Ministry

WCQ: Eagles camp bubbles for Swaziland

FINAL DAY’S BOILING POINTS IN THE GLO NPFL

Chinedu Udoji, Buggi clinch LBA October awards

KNOW YOUR OPPONENTS: SWAZILAND

Nigerian International, Ogenyi Onazi condemns terrorist strikes in France

Onobi is not Mikel’s replacement, says Oliseh

Nigerian Federation to honour Cup legends

LOBI VS AKWA: 2015 FEDERATION CUP PREVIEW

FEDERATION CUP: Akwa United Coach Excited by Final Appearance

Dikko reels out plans for Nigerian League

Port Harcourt business man rescues Ofoegbu

Henry Kalio Cup kicks off in Port Harcourt

Ebere, Nwakali, Osimhen are Nigeria’s lights in CAF Awards tunnel

Cool/Wazobia/Info FM disgraced out of SWAN Cup

Oliseh picks 23 Eagles for African Nations Championship

Nigeria’s Premier National 5 A-side Tournament Holds In Lagos