Naija Football 247

By Chibuogwu Nnadiegbulam

I woke up this morning to hear that the press conferences for both today and tomorrow's matches was done yesterday.

Meaning it was not only Egypt and South Africa that addressed the media yesterday, Nigeria and Kenya also did.

Faith told me that it was assistant coach, Ann Chiejine and midfielder Ngozi Okobi that represented Nigeria at the presser. Then I called Jessica, since she was in Limbe, to find out if she knew about the press conference, but she didn't.

Both Jessica and Janine spent the entire day in their hotel until later in the evening when they strolled to the CAN village, which was very close to their hotel, to have little fun.

Anyway, Sam got the audio of the press conference from Super Falcons Media Officer, Remi, so I asked him to forward it to me.

I was eating breakfast while completing an article previewing the final round of group matches. And afterwards, it was time to get ready for the stadium. The bus, which CAF provided for Buea-based journalists, arrived MRS Mile 17 at almost 1:30 and we got in.

The journey to Limbe was smooth and we had been saved the stress of hopping from one cab to another even as I would not have to sweat up that road that leads to the main entrance of the stadium.

About one hour later, we were at the stadium. Jessica and Janine were there already. They arrived earlier so that Janine could get her accreditation tag. But she didn't get it without having to sort out some issues, which included the fact that someone (which is me) had already been issued a tag under the organisation, 'Ladies March'.

We watched the teams warm up ahead of the crucial clash. Then, from the first blast of the whistle, it was South Africa doing all the attacking. Meanwhile, in Yaounde, Cameroon went a goal up against Zimbabwe by the second minute.

In Limbe, Egypt continued to slow down the pace of the match with their defensive tactics, but that could not stop South Africa from scoring their first goal of the tournament in the 28th minute.

In the second half, the flood gate of goals was opened and four more came for Banyana Banyana. Jermaine Seoposenwe got among the goals and we caught up with her at the mixed zone after the match.

You can bet I took a selfie, but just when I was about to tweet it, "no thumbnail" greeted me. I still have not understood how that demon overwrote my photo.

Moving on, we were back in Buea before 8pm. I ate, rested, and wrote this.

I forgot to tell you how the name "Animal Farm" came about in yesterday's diary entry.

Tracy told me that in the 80's, when that area was still developing, there was an old man who reared all kinds of animals there. And people came from different parts to buy goats, fouls, etc. That was how the name stuck till date.

It was a six goal thriller on Sunday at the pre-season Gold Cup as defending champions, Kano Pillars FC defeated MFM FC 4-2.

The Sai Masu Gida team who drew their first game against FC Ebedei took the game to their Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) foe and scored their first goal by Adamu Mohammed following a good build-up.

The Kadiri Ikhana team then doubled their lead after MFM FC goalkeeper gifted Pillars their second goal after he mistimed a cross thus leave Pillars ace, Kamalu Al-Hassan to tucked the ball into an open net.

The Olukoya Boys came back strong in the game as they won a penalty and was scored by Austin Ogunye to make it 2-1.

Ex-Supreme Court winger, Mubarak increased Pillars goals after he shot a low drive into the left corner of MFM FC net to make the score line 3-1.

As the clock thicker away, MFM FC were awarded another penalty following a hand ball in the box by a Pillars defender.

Ogunye then converted the spot kick to make 4-2 for his side.

Speaking after the game, coach Kabiru Baleria thanked his Kano Pillars players for playing to the pattern of their new Technical Adviser, coach Kadiri Ikhana.

"Not taking anything away from MFM FC, they are a good side. They did give us a better fight.

"We played them in the league last season and they showed to us what they are made of.

"For Pillars, it's still a rebuilding process, and am delighted that both old and new players are beginning to play as a unit.

"We are defending champions of the Gold Cup pre-season tourney and we are here to retain the Cup."

Pillars now lead Group A with 4points and a plus two goals difference of FC Ebedei who are also on 4points followed by MFM FC 3points, Niger Tornadoes 1point and Sunshine Stars 1point.

Enyimba/ Remo Stars game abandoned

Meanwhile, the game between Enyimba International and Remo Stars FC was abandoned after the former League champions walked off the pitch.

Scores stood at 2-2 when the Enyimba technical bench instructed the players to go off pitch in protest of a 70th penalty awarded against them.

Assara Emmanuel put the People's Elephant ahead in the 5th minute after capitalizing on defensive blunder which rendered Remo Stars safe hand Chizoba Ndukwe helpless.

Remo Stars wing back, Abiodun Rasheed drew level for the Sky Blue side in the 44th minute to end the first half 1-1.

Opeyemi Olufemi, nodded in Abiodun Rasheed right side corner in the 49th minute before substitute Stephen Chukwude equalized for Enyimba in the 62nd minute.

Penalty was awarded to Remo Stars in the 70th minute after an indecent tackle on goal bound Abiodun Rasheed which was contested by Enyimba players.

Referee Saheed Babayanju from Ondo State was left with no choice but to call a halt to proceedings after the former league champions failed to return to the pitch.

However, the Disciplinary Committee of the tournament sat few minutes after the match and awarded the match to Remo Stars.

Tunde Shamsudeen the General Coordinator of the tourney while speaking with Gold Cup Media stated that the rules makes it an offence for a club to refuse to continue playing a match.

Victor Moses scored again at the weekend

By Samuel Omaenikun

Victor Moses grabbed the winner as Chelsea came from a goal down to sink Tottenham Hotspurs at Stamford bridge, also claiming the MVP award yet again.

The story was not all good for our Eagles as most of them were either on the bench or on the losing side.

SPAIN

Uche Henry Agbo and his Granada side suffered another crushing defeat as Celta Vigo beat them by three goals to one.

The defeat leaves them bottom of the log with 5points from 13 games.

England

Nigeria striker Odion Ighalo started on the bench for the third consecutive game for Watford who lost 1-0 to Stoke City at Vicarage Road on Sunday

Nigeria winger Alex Iwobi was left on the bench for the second consecutive English Premier League game as Arsenal ended their three-game winless streak in all competitions with a 3-1 victory against Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Victor Moses who on Friday was linked with a move to Barcelona scored the winner in a fiercely contested game as the Blues scrapped out their seventh successive win of the season with a 2-1 win over Spurs.

Moses was replaced by Branislav Ivanovic with ten minutes left to play.

Kelechi Iheanacho was benched for the fourth straight week as Manchester City came from a goal down to beat Burnley 2-1 on Saturday.

Victor Anichebe was of no help to Sunderland who crashed 2-0 to Liverpool. It was Anichebe's fourth start this season in the EPL.

Anichebe has bagged three goals this term.

Ahmed Musa was a 68th minute substitute in Leicester City's 2-2 draw at home to Middlesbrough.

CHAMPIONSHIP

Sone Aluko played for 84 minutes as Fulham lost 2-1 to Brighton on Saturday. He was replaced by Lucas Piazon.

Carl Ikeme returned to Wolverhampton Wanderers match day squad but watched as his side lost 2-0 to Sheffield Wednesday.

ITALY

Joel Chukwuma Obi came on from the bench as Torino had to dig deep to earn a 2-1 victory over ChievoVerona.

GERMANY

Nigerian defender Leon Balogun was on for Mainz 05 but was unable to stop home team Hertha Berlin from coming from a goal down to beat them 2-1.

FRANCE

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Vincent Enyeamawas on from start to finish as his team Lille played out a goalless draw with Nantes.

It was Enyeama's third clean sheet of the season and his 14th start of the season.

GREECE

Forward Brown Ideye was a 72nd minute substitute but was unable to break the deadlock and increase his goal tally as his side Olympiacos played out a goalless draw with AOK Kerkyra.

BELGIUM

Wilfred Ndidi was on from start to finish as his team were thrashed 6 nil away from home by Oostende.

Meanwhile in the same game Joseph Akpala was on the winning side but sat on the bench all through.

TURKEY

Kenneth Omeruo was on from start to finish for Alanyaspor who got a 3-0 win over Kayseirispor.

Godfrey Oboabona was on from start to finish but could do little to save his side as Fenerbahce trashed Rizespor by five goals to one.

Ogenyi Onazi was on for the entirety of the match as Trabzonspor tried to stop their free fall.

He had a quiet game and got a yellow card for his troubles in the 90^th as they played a goalless draw against Genclerbirligi away from home.

Samuel Emem Eduok was on for 58^thas Kasimpasa lost to Akhisar Belediye Genclik Ve Spor by one goal to nil.

With Nick Cavell of the BBC

By Chibuogwu Nnadiegbulam

Another beautiful day in Buea, Cameroon as I looked forward to Nigeria versus Kenya at the Limbe Ominisport Stadium by 7pm.

It's actually insane to think that Kenya would beat the defending champions as I already stated that in an article I wrote for Ladies March yesterday. But football holds lots of surprises and that is one of its endearing attributes.

I did a lot of voice editing this morning and also wrote an article. In between, I had gone to get something in the sitting room and stumbled upon a TV Sports show with a small audience.

As I sat to watch, Carine pointed out that the man sporting jersey number 18, who was at the time responding to questions from the show anchor, is Michelle Akaba's husband, with whom she had the seven year old girl that was standing beside him.

It was a French show, so Carine was of great help.

Only yesterday, Akaba scored the brace that ensured Cameroon defeated Zimbabwe 2-0, and finish the group stage of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations with a hundred percent record.

And here we were already watching her family on national television, CRTV to be precise.

Akaba's daughter who was a 'ball girl' at the same match, recalled how her friends fell over her in celebration like she was the goal scorer.

When the anchor linked up with a correspondent, who was standing by, in one of the Fan zones of the tournament in Yaounde, we could see the drawing of Aboudi Onguene and Gaelle Enganamouit on the wall that served as her background.

It is amazing how TV and radio stations are going with the flow of the ongoing tournament and even talk about it on their entertainment shows.

I helped Faith in the kitchen afterwards. She had gone to the market at Mile 16 to buy food stuff for rice and stew.

After we ate, by 4pm, we were all ready for the stadium. The bus arrived at Mile 17 at about 4:30.

Soon after we arrived at the stadium, Kenya's convoy came in, with Nigeria's convoy following closely. The Kenyans quietly alighted from their bus and walked in but the Super Falcons in our Nigerian way, got down and started singing and clapping towards their dressing room. It was unique. A moment almost everyone around wanted to capture.

Match time. Nigeria fired in two quick goals in the first ten minutes and the thought was would they score more that the six they got against Mali, but Kenya soon settled into the game and the Super Falcons went into the break with the 2-0 lead.

They added two more goals in the second half and will next face South Africa on Tuesday, in the semi-finals.

Julia, our Kenyan friend and colleague, sat beside me at the media tribune. She and Sam had made an agreement that Nigeria will score just two, because she already knew her Harambee Starlets would lose.

Before the match started, Nick Cavell of the BBC had joked if he could come sit between us (Julia and I) since were opponents today.

After the match, I gave Janine my recorder to help me get audio from the press conference while I published the match report I had written. When I came down, I went straight to the mixed zone to see if I could get any interview from Ordega or Oparanozie.

But I could not. The players did not come out until after we had left that area, because our bus to Buea was about leaving. Meanwhile Kenyan players had already entered their bus.

FC Yobo of Lagos team driver, Monday Abel Rapheal Nwankwo, has disappeared with the club's 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus.

President of the non-league side, Edwin Yobo in a chat said: "For the past six months neither I nor the club have not set eyes on him let alone the bus.

"When the team goes on a break, Rafael uses the bus for commercial purpose and in return pays the club the sum of #150,000(One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira), just as a payback for the kind gesture.

"Each time I try to reach him via his mobile phone it's either switched off or number busy and when I'm lucky to get through to him, he ends up giving me flimsy excuses, that he doesn't think he would join the team any moment as he's now working with another company and he doesn't have any money as his new employers are owing him."

Asked if he had made a formal report on the matter to the Nigeria Police, the elder brother to the ex-Everton of England and Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo said: "Not at all as I thought since it was a private matter that we could sit down and resolve it. But it's like he's taking advantage of my patience with him."

On his relationship with Rafael, "It has been nice. He was actually introduced to me by a friend that I should assist him.

“After listening to his story of him been an ex-NEPA of Lagos player, I then decided to bring him to the club as the team driver.

"For the over two years he has been with FC Yobo, there has never been an issue of salary or him been owed."

Yobo also in the chat disclosed his long term plans for the club.

"We have a blue print on ground for the club, so we are taking it one step at a time, as making it to the Nigeria Premier League is a gradual process.

"The club with a view to achieving its goals has also recruited quality and talented players. We also have been lucky with our recruitment drive as many players want to join the club owing to the name and the personality profile of Joseph Yobo.

"On our part, we have not disappointed them have we also given back to them by way of exposing them by attending championships, tours and also managed some of the very talented ones we have recruited over the years by way of offering them trials with European clubs.

"FC Yobo in the near future will become a house hold name and a brand in Nigeria football going by the blue print we have drawn for the club," he stated.

Coach Bala of Niger Tornadoes

Abubakar Bala, Technical Adviser of Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL side, Niger Tornadoes has disclosed that ongoing Gold Cup Preseason Tournament has helped his side to prepare well for the new season.

In an exclusive interview with Gold Cup Media Channel, the young tactician noted that his side are better ready than last season despite mass exodus of players from the Minna based side just as he called on LMC to raise the standard of the league in the new season.

You started the Gold Cup Tournament on a disappointing note, how do you see your chances of winning it?

We stand a good chance of winning it because we have seen all the teams in our group played, we have seen their strength though we have a bad start but looking at what we've seen in the other team, we have 70 per cent chance of qualifying.

How will you rate your team's readiness for the new season looking at their performance in training especially in this competition?

Well if you look at Niger Tornadoes you will see that it's almost new team entirely, we have about 85 per cent of new players, only 15 percent are old ones, and since we resume on 20th of October due to what we are going to face, we know that it's going to be a new team, and there's need to regrouped earlier and so far so good, just like I said last season that it will be different ball game, we want to change the character of the team for better, we want to instill more discipline and make the players get the zeal and motivation to do well.

We've played four games and I think it's look good with what the players have been doing in training matches and I hope by the time we finish this Gold Cup, we will be able to get our team completely ready for the league.

You may not be completely rated with your past season's performance as you came midway, but what are your expectations as you get set for your acid test in the NPFL?

Last season in the league, our target was to stabilize the team and make sure we remain in the league, this season we want to see a better performance than that of last season and that's why we quickly identified our mistakes which was from recruitment and we are working on that, we've gotten better players that will help the team and by the grace of God this season we will be much better.

The fixtures for the new NPFL season will be out by December 10, what are your expectations and how do you want your games to look like?

We are prepared for any team, looking at what we've done so far at this stage, I think we are better ready than last season, we are 90 percent ready for the league, this Gold Cup has helped to see some of the clubs we are to face in the league, we've seen Enyimba, Kano Pillars, Sunshine Stars, MFM FC and Remo Stars and others and we are hoping to end the new season better than last season.

Tornadoes look like a new team, don't you think mass exodus of players will affect your ambition going into the new season?

Definitely it will, and that's why we resumed earlier and we've been able to get better players to replace those that have gone, most of the players that are no longer with us were dropped due to bad performance and lack of discipline, just few players like Gabriel Wassa and Lukman Mohammed left on mutual agreement and again we've improved the character of the team better than last season and we believe everything will be fine for us this time around.

Are you more challenged now to make a big impact with Tornadoes now that major responsibility rest on your shoulder?

I have to admit that the challenges are more now, as you know that I was with the team last season and much is expected, like then I can have excuses that I'm not the one that started with the team but now that I'm in charge of all preparation and most especially I'm an indigenous coach from Niger State, the pressure have been very enormous but by the grace of God we can withstand the pressure and everything will go as planned for Tornadoes.

With the level of confidence you have in your team, can you bold enough to say Tornadoes will win the league this season?

I cannot categorically state that we can, but we will make a very good impact this new season, our target last season after gaining promotion was to remain, now we will want to go a step further in that, I think a top with good performance and result will make good season for us but if we see chances to win the league we will utilize it.

What are you telling the League Management Company, LMC to do now to better the NPFL than last season?

Like I always say, the two important areas for them to further work on are the officiating and Sponsorship. If those aspects are improved upon, we will have a better and interesting season than the previous ones.

What is your message to numerous Niger Tornadoes' fans and supporters?

They should be patient with us, they should continue to rally behind us and pray for our success and we promise them we will have a better season than that of last season.

By Chibuogwu Nnadiegbulam

It was Tobi's birthday today and the initial plan was to spend part of it at the beach in Limbe, before returning for the Super Falcons training in Buea.

But in the process of going back and forth regarding what beach to go - Seme beach, where we would pay 2000 CFA per person or Down beach where we would not pay a dime - we did not go again.

This is the same beach trip that was postponed from Thursday. Jessica had even called me to find out when we would be coming to Limbe so that they could join us.

Anyway, Tobi had to be content with the small birthday party we did for him at breakfast this morning. He posed for a photograph with five long loaves of bread piled in a tray serving as his cake. Since cake in this country is also expensive.

Since we did not go to the beach again, we went to the Super Falcons' hotel after lunch. Mr. Wisdom's wife cooked jollof rice for us. I couldn't eat at the time so I just served, Tobi, Busayo, Ademola and Nobert.

With Busayo leading, we were about to take a bushy short cut to the road when Mr. Wisdom's wife shouted that we should wield a stick because of snakes.

I had passed there before but at the mention of snakes, we turned back to take the familiar route.

Then I recalled how, Tobi, Faith and I had reacted when we saw a dead snake some days ago. I was the first to see it and was taken aback, before realizing it was dead. But my first reaction had already sent Tobi and Faith scampering.

Back to today, we eventually got to the Parliamentarian hotel. By this time, Tobi's love for Desire Oparanozie was already public knowledge.

It all started with him asking coach Omagbemi at a press conference, why Oparanozie was not playing. So you can imagine how blissful it was for him when she scored her first goal of the tournament on the eve of his birthday.

Even the Super Falcons players now knew, especially with all the messages that have been posted on social media. Tobi was also sharing the same birthday as defender Ugo Njoku.

At the hotel, Jessica made attempts to make Tobi chat with Oparanozie but he was shy. He claimed he did not want to distract the girls. Already we had been told we could only talk to the girls (if we wanted to) after their training.

Before they got into their bus, I took a photo with our legendary Perpetua Nwufor (nee Nkwocha) but that "no thumbnail" demon was at it again. The picture vanished.

While the Super Falcons trained, Janine insisted that journalists around take part in the viral Mannequin challenge. After about three attempts, in which Cecilia moved, not knowing she was still in the background of the video; Faith's skirt would not stop waving; and Janine would not stop blinking, we finally succeeded, in spite of my accreditation tag refusing to stay still in the last try.

After all the wait, Cece was only allowed to speak to one player, Ngozi Okobi, even after she had requested for three.

We moved on nonetheless. At about 7pm, Faith and I stopped at Mile 17, while the other ladies entered another cab going to Limbe.

Meanwhile, Tobi and the other guys decided to enter the CAN village which was close to the training stadium.

Kano Pillars and Remo Stars have made it into the semifinals of the Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament.

Pillars who are Gold Cup tourney defending champion defeated Niger Tornadoes Football Club 1-0 to secure a semi-final spot.

A resilient team effort was required from Kano Pillars to overcome enterprising Tornadoes who gained better ball possession but were shy in front of goal.

Adamu Muhammed’s 31st minute strike ensured the Sai Masu Gida side advanced to the semifinal to cap a remarkable run.

Pillars recorded 8 points from four games, while FC Ebedei garnered 7 points from same number of games.

MFM have 6 points from three matches with a decisive game at hand against Tornadoes to be played on Wednesday evening.

Meanwhile, newly promoted Remo Stars also qualified for the semifinals after defeating non-league side, FC Yobo 3-2 in the final round of Group B match.

The Sky Blue Stars started like a house on fire and it paid off in the 2nd minute after Ekene Awazie scored from a nice build up.

Ekene doubled the lead with a beautiful finish just after 15 minutes into the game before Chukuma Emmanuel pull one back for FC Yobo in the 37th minute of the game.

Yobo FC started the second half brilliantly but couldn't make it count early enough to level up against the NPFL newcomers.

In the 52nd minute of the game, Francis Nwako rounded the FC Robo goalkeeper to shoot into the net to make the scoreline 3-1.

FC Yobo missed couple of chances before Bright Ogbonna scored with a sublime freekick to end the game on an interesting note.

Remo Stars garnered 8 points from four matches and will be up against an unconfirmed opponent from group A on Thursday evening.

With Jermaine Seoposenwe

By Chibuogwu Nnadiegbulam

I woke up to an already jam-packed day, with my mind outlining what and what I needed to do, including writing my diary. I just felt busy even before I started doing anything.

To start with, I seemed glued to the bed until I completed an article I needed to submit to AIPS before noon, but I was ready in time for our movement to today's pre-match press conference.

In the bus, one of the Cameroonian journalists narrated how a TV was stolen at some place where he was drinking with about 19 other persons. A man had come into the place, walked to the TV, unplugged it, and carried it with him.

But the journalist and the others assumed that the thief was a technician sent by the owner of the place. However, when the owner of the place came, he said he did not send any technician.

I laughed my heart out at the story. "See mind", I thought.

It was then another journalist in the bus revealed that three motorcycles were stolen from the stadium that night Nigeria played Kenya. We then remembered that a motorcycle sped past our bus that night, when we were on our way home. And the person at the back of the motorcycle was carrying another motorcycle which had its lights on.

After the stories about stealing, an argument ensued about who will win between Nigeria and South Africa. Tobi said he was giving the Super Falcons two goals ahead, while Sam kept insisting that history favours Nigeria. Most of the Cameroonian journalists in the bus were rooting for South Africa. They obviously want an easier opponent in the final.

When we got to the stadium at 2pm we had to wait for the representatives of each team to arrive. We were told there a was protest happening at the University of Buea which caused the delay for the teams who were actually coming from the same hotel in Buea.

There have also been stories emanating from Bamenda regarding strikes and protests, and there are hints that the likes of Limbe and Buea are just waiting for the Women's AFCON to come to an end.

English speaking Cameroonians feel cheated in the country and they would not mind fighting for their right and possibly independence, based on what some have said.

After the press conferences of the two teams, I was able to retake a photo with Jermaine Seoposenwe.

If you remember, I took a photo with her after they defeated Egypt 5-0 but the photo disappeared.

We got back home at about 6pm. And I buried my head in another article.

Danladi Isah

Former Plateau United Football Club goalkeeper, Danladi Isah, has said that the semi-final match of the 4th edition of Gold Cup Pre-season Tournament between his new club, Kano Pillars and Lobi Stars Football Club is not a do-or-die affair.

Danladi who was excellent in goal for Pillars in his debut when they defeated Niger Tornadoes FC 1-0 in their final group match on Tuesday evening tagged the semi-final engagement between the Sai Masu Gida and the Pride of Benue not a do-or-die.

"Well, first we as Kano Pillars family must give thanks to God for taking us far in this ongoing Gold Cup Pre-season Tournament.

"Talking about the semi-final clash against Lobi Stars it's never a do-or-die situation for us. It's just a football match but I must tell you this Pillars have this tradition in any game we play you must give your best to win and I believe winning is our birthright.

"Every team that came for this tournament gave their best and we all know that it's just one team that will lift the trophy at the end of the day and all the teams who are still in the tournament are all doing well but I believe we will be crowned champions at the end of it all," he concluded.

Pillars the defending champion of the country's most prestigious pre-season tournament earned the semi-final ticket after topping Group A with 8 points from four games will battle Group B runners up Lobi Stars at the Pitch A of the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu-Ode on Friday evening in a match that promises to be exciting and entertaining.

Lobi Stars management have said that the Gold Cup has shown their strengths and weakness to the coaching crew as they get set for the start of the new league season.

This is the second time the 'Food Basket' team is taking part in the prestigious league club tourney, touted as Nigeria’s biggest pre-season football tournament and bankrolled Senator Abdulfatai Buhari.

Lobi Stars tweeted thus, "The decision to play ‪@GoldCupTourney has made massive impact on ‪@LobiStars. We salute the organizers of‪ the championship."

David Tyakase gave Lobi Stars the semi-final ticket as they shared the spoils with Crown FC in a game that brought the best out of the Godwin Koko Uwua side.

Last season after their semi-final exit from the Gold Cup tourney, Lobi Stars got the season off to a flying start when they pipped Shooting Stars at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba.

Kingsley Eduwo winning and only goal of the game handed Lobi their first 3points of the season.

Janine, Remi Sulola, Jessica Amadi and Chibuogwu Nndiegbulam

By Chibuogwu Nnadiegbulam

I was the one to prepare breakfast today, so I woke up earlier than usual, took my bath and went into the kitchen. I started by doing the dishes from last night, before going to the supermarket opposite MRS filling station, to buy bread and eggs.

There were no eggs but they had different shapes and sizes of bread. It was my first time at that supermarket but Faith had already told me that I would have to pay 100 CFA for a nylon bag.

I asked for eight loaves of bread, the long one we have been eating all week, and it amounted to 1000 CFA. I gave the cashier 2000 CFA note and she gave me my change.

When I remembered I had not paid for the nylon bag which I would use to carry the bread, I gave the cashier back the 1000 CFA, but she did not have 900 CFA change to give to me. After I explained that I did not have any smaller money, the lady who was already wrapping my loaves of bread with a paper, just left it.

I stood there for like five minutes, thinking these people would "shake body". But they went about their business like I was not even there. And it's not even like I didn't have the money to pay or wasn't willing to pay, and yet someone does not care if I stood there till eternity with the loaves of bread staring at me.

Thank God I still had to buy eggs. But what if I had nothing else to buy?

I left the store to look for where I could buy eggs, and was directed to a shop at the nearby Musango park. After buying the eggs, I finally got coins. Then I returned to the supermarket to bail my loaves of bread.

After breakfast and all, we left for the stadium at 2:30pm, so we could watch the first semi-final between Cameroon and Ghana at 4pm.

In the bus, the Cameroonian journalists were boasting that their Lionesses would defeat the Black Queens while Nigeria would lose to South Africa. One of them went on to joke that he had consulted the god of the mountain to that effect. But we told him we had a God greater than his god.

We stopped by at a Police training school en-route the stadium to pick up a policeman, but still arrived in time for the match.

We all watched the match with keen interest at the media working area. I even had to watch standing. After Cameroon defeated Ghana 1-0 the Cameroonian journalists could not hide their excitement. During the match, one of the volunteers, who was watching the game with us, shouted "Ghana must go". And go they did, to fight for third place.

At half time, I gave my analysis of the match on one of their radio stations. Mr. Nana, their commentator live at the stadium, asked me a few questions regarding the match.

It was during the second half of the game that Nigeria and South Africa arrived the stadium. I filmed their entrance. Both teams sang and clapped, and I wondered who would sing best on the pitch.

When we got into the main bowl of the Limbe Omnisports Stadium, we found out that the big screen was also showing the Cameroon versus Ghana match and there was a sparse crowd watching.

The match between Nigeria and South Africa was so tension-soaked that Busayo went spiritual, while Faith and Tobi would not stop screaming.

A larger portion of the crowd was supporting South Africa, as per underdogs, and hailed their every touch on the ball. Banyana Banyana were truly a thorn in the flesh of the Super Falcons, but in the end Desire Oparanozie's freekick had the final say.

With that, we were done with the Limbe Omnisport Stadium at this tournament.

When we got back home, we were treated to 'Ndole'. A Cameroonian dish, that Tobi has not stopped talking about since he first tasted it. It was prepared by Carine's elder sister, and brought to the house for us.

It was indeed a great way to sign out of Buea. We were leaving for Yaounde by 7am tomorrow.

Lobi Stars FC will battle fellow Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, MFM FC in the final of the 4th edition Gold Cup Pre-season tournament.

The Godwin Koko Uwa team in the semi-final shocked defending champions, Kano Pillars 3-1 while the Olukoya Boys beat Remo Stars 4-2 on penalties after full time scores was 1-1.

Gambo Mohammed put the Sai Masu Gida team ahead with a cool finish in the quarter hour of the game.

Lobi Stars came from behind to cancel Pillars lead as Sunday Akleche scored from the penalty spot in the 30th minute.

The second half was even for both teams as they displayed best of football artistry to the amusement of the Ijebu-Ode fans.

As the second half clock thick away, Nwangwa Nyima put Lobi Stars ahead with a 72nd minute goal.

Pillars technical adviser, Kadiri Ikhana and his assistants charged the Pyramid side on for an equalizing goal, Ifeanyi Inyam then scored the goal that broke the camel's back with a 80th minute strike.

In the other semi-final game, the Olukoya Boys got the first goal with a fine finish by Stephen Odey to put his goal tally to two goals in three matches.

A rejuvenated Sky Blues side showed class as they scored an equalizer in the 72nd minute as Opeoluwa Olufemi nodded from a cross.

MFM FC of Lagos shot stopper, Nasamu Emmanuel turned hero of the evening as he stopped two spot kicks from Remo Stars as the Olukoya Boys scored four of their spot kicks.

The finale will be held on Sunday at the main bowl of the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode.

By Chibuogwu Nnadiegbulam

May the soul of the departed rest in peace. Yes, Nigeria won yesterday, but thoughts about that fatal plane crash in Medellin, was what flooded my mind.

A plane carrying members of the Brazil Serie A side Chapecoense, crashed in Colombia, killing more than 70 people. And they were scheduled to play in the Copa Sudamerica finals against Atletico National in Medellin today.

Today, we left Buea. The Super Falcons of Nigeria and Banyana Banyana of South Africa even left before us because they would have to board a 9am flight from Doula which is about 2hours from Buea.

Meanwhile, CAF provided a bus for us journalists to embark on a six-hour journey. We were only Nigerian journalists in the bus. It started by picking up Janine, Jessica, Cecilia and Bidemi from Limbe, before coming to Mutengene to wait for us coming from Buea (Tobi, Busayo, Nobert, Bamidele, Faith and I).

It was a smooth trip. Just that there were too many stops because the driver, in spite of knowing his bus was branded with regards to the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, kept picking up passengers.

We passed by a Banana plantation, that had its bunches protected by blue nylon bags and a well arranged rubber plantation. We discussed a lot about the Super Falcons performance at the Women's AFCON, analysing players as well. Tobi jokingly asked when we would get to Ore so we could by food.

As we progressed, Jessica shared her testimony of how she had complained of the price of shortbread on Twitter, and a good Samaritan bought two for her.

Everyone in the bus got at least one piece to keep their mouth busy. Not like it has not been busy with plenty talk.

As we drove into Yaounde, we got a bad first impression. One of us was hit on the head through the window, by an "agbero", who assumed she was the referee that officiated the Cameroon vs Ghana semi-final. A second one came to hit the glass - by then we had to close the windows to avoid any further harassment - while another one was shouting from a small distance.

Coming from the South West, where they are English speaking, a lot had been said about the Francophone region and that incident was like a confirmation.

Meanwhile one of the tournament officials who was with us in the bus, was claiming that the "agbero" was joking. He was the one who explained that they thought she was the referee.

We moved on from that, anyway, and finally arrived at the Sports Complex with our luggage. It shares the same wall with the CAN village, which had more restaurants than anything else. When Tobi went there to ask for the cost of food, they told him 2000 CFA. It was actually disappointing that one could not find a place to buy recharge card.

They hardly sell recharge cards here, though. They do more of transfers because it is way faster and you don't have to come out in the middle of the night in search of airtime.

In batches we all left the Sports Complex for our various hotels.

By the way, we were always updated with the movement of the Super Falcons. After leaving their hotel early enough so as not to miss their 9am flight, they ended up staying at the airport for about six hours before the first batch travelled.

The five officials that could not go with the first batch then boarded another plane soon after, but that one developed a fault, and they finally travelled by road.

Back at the hotel, thank God for Jessica's connections, we had fufu and bitter leaf soup with plenty "orishirishi" for dinner. A hot bath followed, and good nights sleep.

With Thembi Kgatlana

By Chibuogwu Nnadiegbulam

It was my first morning in the city of seven hills. The day for the last set of pre-match press conferences for the tournament.

My first port of call was Mont Febe, the hotel where South Africa and Cameroon are lodged.

The Banyana Banyana were the main reason I went there. I needed to have a chat with their goalkeeper, Andile Dlamini, who is a first choice goalkeeper in a tournament for the first time, since she made her debut with the senior team.

And also Thembi Kgatlana, whose pace can trouble any defence.

I met our Kenyan friend and colleague, Julia, there. We were actually communicating via Whatsapp before I took a cab.

The first cab man that wanted to take me told me 2000 CFA. I did not even answer him again. Then I called Julia who told me she paid 1500 CFA but felt like she was cheated because she was later told she should have paid 800 - 1000 CFA.

With that in mind, I flagged down another cab which took me to the hotel, which was not so high up a mountain, for 800 CFA.

Julia was already having an interview with Janine van Wyk, the captain of the South African side. So I approached Linda and Noko, who were waiting for their turn to their turn to get into Julia's hot seat. Noko helped me call the media officer of the team.

When Namhla Mphelo came down, I told her what my mission was, and she called Andile Dlamini and Thembi Kgatlana for me. I did an extensive interview with these two and felt good with myself. Where I would have the 'wahala' now would be in transcribing.

After Julia and I were done with South Africa, we went to the lobby downstairs to see if we could catch one or two Cameroon players. We waited till they finished their lunch, but afterwards, even their captain refused to talk. They all spoke French by the way, so that was another big issue.

We had thought of seeing the Media officer, Leocadia, first, but she was not in the hotel. She had left alongside the coach and a player for their press conference. However, when we contacted her, she said they would only be available for interviews after the final on Saturday.

While we were about leaving the hotel, we caught with coach Desiree Ellis, who was at that time late for lunch. But by the time she was done telling us her itinerary for the rest of the day, 6pm was the only available time left. I didn't go back, but Julia did.

From Mont Febe, Julia and I got into another cab headed for Djeuga Palace hotel, where Nigeria and Ghana are lodged. We needed to speak to Ghanaian players.

On our way, an elderly got in. After a while, she started speaking French to me, but since I didn't understand, the driver interpreted. She asked me if I had a ticket, but I told her no because I don't need tickets to go into the stadium. I had already told her I was a journalist and she even looked at my tag and gave me thumbs up. Afterwards she said, Cameroon will beat Nigeria 2-0.

After enduring traffic jam on the road, Julia and I finally arrived at Nigeria and Ghana's hotel. We had an interesting interview with Elizabeth Addo, Portia Boakye and Suleman Samira.

It was after that we went our separate ways. Julia needed to change some money, while I needed to go for Nigeria's press conference.

I missed the press conference though, but I watched the first 15 minutes of their training. That was the much time the media got. By this time, I was so hungry and tired that I began to get angry.

To make matters worse, the CAF bus that had offered to carry us for free started wasting time while we were already inside the bus.

While on our way finally, we were told about a dinner organised by the Minister of Communications at 8pm tomorrow and before we went to our various hotels, we visited the Minister at the Ministry of Communications.

We finally got to the hotel.

Brown Ideye has 9 goals in 10 League games

By Samuel Omaenikun

It was a weekend of wonderful footballing action from Nigerians all across the globe as Victor Moses continued to break new grounds with his Chelsea side, while Ideye just did not stop scoring in the Greek league.

GREECE

Brown Ideye was in superlative form, bagging a brace as Olympiacos crushed away side, Levadiakos by 4 goals to nothing.

Ideye was taken off in the 77minute.

ENGLAND

Victor Moses played all 90 minutes as Chelsea extended their winning streak to eight games with a 3-1 win over Manchester City at the Ethiad Stadium on Saturday.

It was Moses’ 13th English Premier League match of the season. The game also saw Kelechi Iheanacho make his first appearance for Manchester City after five weeks.

Victor Anichebe made his sixth start for Sunderland who recorded their third win of the season with a hard fought 2-1 win over Leicester City who paraded Ahmed Musa for 18 minutes.

Alex Iwobi was handed a cameo appearance as Arsenal smashed West Ham 5-1. The game was Iwobi's 10th of the campaign.

Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo came on as a second half substitute for Watford who suffered defeat away to West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns

Ighalo, who extended his goal drought to ten games this season, came on for Juan Camilo Zuniga in the 77th minute in what was his 13th Premier League appearance.

Isaac Success was an unused substitute in the encounter having missed the last five weeks due to a hamstring injury.

Sone Aluko scored his fourth goal of the season for Fulham who spanked Reading 5-0.

SPAIN

Uche Agbo played for 77 minutes in Granada's 2-1 win over Sevilla.

He was replaced by Javi Moreno Marquez in his 10th appearance this season.

FRANCE

Vincent Enyeama kept his fifth clean sheet for Lillie who defeated Bordeaux by a lone goal. Enyeama has been in goal for Lillie in all Ligue 1 games this season.

GERMANY

Leon Balogun was on from start to finish as Mainz 05 was beaten by champions Bayern Munich in an entertaining encounter. Full time score was Mainz 1 Bayern Munich 3.

PORTUGAL

Nigerian versatile player Oghenekaro Etebowas on display for the entire game but could do nothing to stop his team Feirense from sinking at home to Arouca two goals to nothing.

BELGIUM

Moses Simon was an 86rd minute substitute as his side Gent held home team Westerlo to a scoreless draw.

At the other part of town Nigerian Onyinye Ndidi had a day to forget as his team were beaten at home despite first taking the lead early on, he was on for the full game it finished Genk 1 - 2 Lokeren.

Anthony Bassey and Henry Chukwuemeka Onyekuru were on from start to finish but that didn't stop AS EUPEN from losing by a goal to nothing away to KV Mechelen

Olarenwaju has 14 goals this season

Austria

FK Austria Wien forward, Kayode Olanrewajuscored his 14th goal of the season in the Austrian top flight in Saturday 's 2-0 win over Admira Wacker Moedling,

Olanrewaju struck in the 70th minute for Austria Wien's first goal before Raphael Holzhauser sealed the win from the spot with six minutes left to play.

TURKEY

Emem Eduok got the only goal for Kasimpasa as they were narrowly beaten by Galatasaray by 2 goals to 1. Emem was taken off in the 68minute.

Aminu Lawal was an unused substitute as his team Osmanlispor FK won 2 - 1 to beat Karabukspor.

By Chibuogwu Nnadiegbulam

It is the penultimate day of the 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations, and I am already looking forward to going home, but I'm not done with my mission here.

Today, we got to the stadium at about 12:30, so we could get our SADs, after which we waited for kick off. It was a boring wait by the way. But I was not idle all the same.

There was an option of going to the Super Falcons training, but I didn't want to miss the game between Ghana and South Africa either.

The match was really tight but, Ghana eventually found a breakthrough. Linda Eshun's header.

I felt for South Africa. I wanted them to claim the third place for their coach at least, but that did not happen.

I had the mixed zone tag, so I went there after finishing up my match report. I missed Ghana players, but was able to speak to some South Africans. They all felt luck was not on their side in the tournament.

We wanted to go back to the hotel so we could freshen up ahead of the 8pm dinner that the Minister of Communication, Issa Bakare had organised for journalists. However, it was already late and we could be caught up in traffic.

So just the way we were, we had to join the bus from the stadium to the venue of the dinner.

We waited there for one hour, before the Minister arrived with his pretty wife, and the host of the evening finally talked into the microphone. The Minister gave his speech, and we had a toast, before going for food.

We then watched a cultural dance and a blind man sing, before Janine, Jessica and I left for the hotel at 11pm.

Day 17

Before today, the fever of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2016 final had already gripped Yaounde and the country at large. Well, the tournament itself has been amazing in terms of turnouts at the stadium, but having the hosts, Cameroon in the final, an overflow was expected.

We (journalists) had already been advised to be at the stadium by 9am. The LOC member who had taken us to see the Minister of Communication the other day, kept sounding it in our ears with the patchy English he could mutter.

We arrived at the stadium just around 10 this morning. Jessica, Janine, Cecilia, Bidemi and I, were all in one taxi, and having our tags helped us go past three road blocks leading directly to the stadium.

Uniformed men were all over the place. From long distances, people trekked to the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, since cars were not allowed beyond certain points.

Still, the crowd outside the stadium was overwhelming. And the military men managed the long queues, comprising mostly Cameroonian fans, well enough.

We were not through the main gate in the car, so we had to alight. That gave us the opportunity to take photos and videos of the scenes outside. But the most interesting thing was, the stadium itself was almost full. And then we wondered where the ones outside would stay.

The CAF bus for journalists arrived at the main gate of the stadium, and we hopped in. But it was not also allowed through the other two gates/checkpoints, even when the LOC member that was with us, explained that we were all journalists. So we came down and had our bags and all, checked before finally going in.

The sound of vuvuzelas, the screech of whistles filled the atmosphere and there were mostly green, red and yellow scattered all over. Small Cameroon flags stuck into empty seats and lots of others already being waved by spectators. We found out that people started trooping into the stadium since 5am.

There were no gate fees but invites. But that does not undermine the love the Cameroonians have shown for their Women's national team all through the tournament.

The gates were eventually closed at 11am and those who could not enter flooded viewing centres.

Yaounde was at a standstill as many wanted to witness history.

Fans in the stadium, including the few Nigerians, were treated to live performances as they awaited the arrival of Cameroon President, Paul Biya.

The match started at 3:30. It was as intense as expected with Cameroon doing most of the attacking, while Nigeria did most of the defending. However, the one real chance Nigeria had, Oparanozie put the game to bed. She silenced the intimidating Cameroonians and gave Nigerians a voice at that time as they lifted their eighth title.

I feel blessed to have been a part of it all, from being in the midst of such a mammoth crowd, to emerging champion as a Nigerian.

But, Again, how could the Minister of Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung and NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, come around, and fail to see the Super Falcons?

Well, we went to the Super Falcons hotel after the match, before going back to our hotel.

The Organizing Committee of prestigious Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament, have appreciated the distinguish Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Dr. Abdulfatai Buhari for his maximum support all through the tournament.

The General Co-ordinator of Nigeria's most elaborate pre-season tournament in Nigeria, Tunde Shamsudeen, applauded Bet9ja, Naija LEAGUE Magazine, Owu Sportswear, MatchRoom, Phoenix AC, Pebbles Hotel and Tribeca Code, who were the official partners of the competition and the Nigeria Media for a successful event.

The 4th edition of the pre-season tourney was held in Ijebu-Ode at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium from November 25 to December 4, 2016 and was indeed a huge success for the organisers, Nigeria League teams, and partners.

Ten teams from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL) and the NationWide League(NLO) gave good account of themselves in the 10-day soccer fiesta as they prepared for the Nigerian League season.

Lobi Stars Football Club emerged as the winner of the competition with a 4-3 penalty win over Gold Cup debutant, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club on Sunday evening.

An obviously excited Shamsudeen thanked the clubs, partners, media, friends and family who made the pre-season event worthwhile.

"I want to appreciate Senator Buhari for his maximum support from the commencement of the tournament to the tail end. He has been a major pillar that ensured the tournament was successful."

"Senator Buhari donated a trophy for the last edition, and moved a step further by ensuring that cash prizes, trophies and medals are awarded to the Season 4 champions."

The Coordinator also hyped praises on the teams that participated in the 4th edition of the tourney.

"I really appreciate all the teams such as newly crowned champions, Lobi Stars, MFM FC, Kano Pillars, Remo Stars, Crown FC, Niger Tornadoes FC, FC Ebedei, and Enyimba, for honouring the invitation because without them the competition won't have taken place."

"I will like to thank my media team for the time well spent in making sure that latest happenings during the competition are been circulated, also different mediums for making time in disseminating to their large heterogeneous audience."

When both sides clashed last season, Jimoh Oni of FCIU plays through Abdullahi Musa and Festus of Wikki

The 2016/ 17 edition of the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL Super 4 tournament kicks off on Wednesday in Enugu.

Wikki Tourists who finished 3^rd on the table last season will take on FC Ifeanyi Ubah, Federation Cup winners in the opening game at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, also known as the Cathedral.

According to fixtures released by the League Management Company (LMC), the game will be played at 5pm while the second fixture between League champions, Rangers International and runners-up, Rivers United will start at 7pm.

Both sides, Wikki and FC Ifeanyi Ubah made managerial changes in the off season with Baba Ganaru replacing Abdu Maikaba at Wikki while Japanese Kenichi Yatsuhashi will continue from where Brazilian born Rafael Everton stopped at the end of last season.

Chief Operating Officer of LMC, Salihu Abubakar said “on Match Day 2, Rangers International will play Wikki Tourists in the first match starting at 5pm while Rivers United and FC IfeanyiUbah will take to the pitch for the second game of the day.”

Elaigwu, Quadri headlines list of Referees for NPFL Super4

Meanwhile, Hannah Elaigwu from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is the only woman Referee that made the list of six Referees and six Assistant Referees listed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the 2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Super4.

Also listed is the youngest FIFA badged Nigerian Referee, Adebimpe Quadri of Lagos State who officiated the 2016 Federation Cup final between FC Ifeanyi Ubah and Nasarawa United

The list shows that in all there are six match Referees, six Assistant Referees, three Match Commissioners, two Referees’ Assessors, a Referees' Physical Instructor, a Technical Instructor for post-match reviews and two post match assessment coordinators.

Other Referees listed include, Ago Abubakar of Yobe State, Bashir Salihu from Kano State, Abdullahi Shuaibu from Katsina and Joseph Ogabor from Cross River State.

The Assistant Referees include Abel Baba, from Kogi, Samuel Pwagutakan from Adamawa, Peter Ogwu Friday from Bauchi, Usman Abdulmajeed from Oyo, Igudia Osifo from Edo and Iyorhe Mimisen from Benue State.

The Referees’ Assessors are Linus Mba of Lagos and Prince Elube from Niger State while the Match Commissioners are Ogungbemide Dele of Ondo State, Umar Isah of Kogi and Golly Emmanuel from Delta State.

Add caption

The League Management Company (LMC), has sanctioned the Kwara Stadium Complex to host matches of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL),for 2016/2017 season.

An official of the LMC, Elder Bode Oyewole, who inspected facilities at the stadium on Wednesday in Ilorin, told newsmen that he is satisfied with what he saw on ground.

"If what we have seen is anything to go by, I have no hesitation but to say the stadium is fit to host any match of any magnitude.

"All are the facilities are important, the changing room is as important as the match officials room, the sickbay is as important as the pitch,” Oyewole said.

"I have spoken with the appropriate authorities as regards those that need to be ungraded,” Oyewole said.

He said football is developing fast in Nigeria but added that one will be doing the country injustice if we are to compare our stadia to what is seen in Europe.

Newly promoted side, Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC, will play their league games in Ilorin when the NPFL season resumes.

Super Falcons Cameroon diary, Day 9

Gold Cup: Pillars, MFM FC tie ends in 6-goal thriller

Super Eagles Watch: Victor Moses seals victory for the blues

Super Falcons Cameroon diary, Day 10: How to celebrate women footballers

FC Yobo driver absconds with team bus

Gold Cup is good pre-season preparations, says Tornadoes

Cameroon diary, Day 11: Who has a crush on Oparanozie, snakes and the mannequin challenge

Gold Cup: Kano Pillars, Remo Stars in semi finals

Super Falcons Cameroon diary, Day 12: Cameroonian thieves are the real MVPs

Gold Cup: Lobi match not a do-or-die, says Pillars keeper

Gold Cup: Lobi Stars takes positive from Gold Cup

Super Falcons Cameroon diary, Day 13

Gold Cup: Lobi Stars, MFM in final

Super Falcons Cameroon diary Day 14: attacked by Cameroonian Agberos

Super Falcons Cameroon diary Day 15:

Super Eagles Watch: Brown Ideye gets brace, Olarenwaju scores 14th goal

My Super Falcons Cameroon diary: Hmmm, the NFF and Dalung

Gold Cup: Organisers appreciate Senator Buhari, Partners, others

Wikki Tourists, FC IfeanyiUbah open Super 4 in Enugu

ABS FC to play 2016/17 season home games in Ilorin