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2016 NPFL Super 4: Egbuchulam's brace lift Rangers past Rivers United

December 8, 2016, 3:40 am
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Aliassou Sanou of Rivers United challenges Chisom Egbuchulam of Rangers
By Sam Nnaji

Chisom Egbuchulam's sumptuous second half strikes handed Rangers a 2-0 win over Rivers United in the second game of the NPFL Super4 tournament in Enugu on Wednesday.

The striker, fresh from winning Nigerian Sports Awards Player of the Year, put the Flying Antelopes ahead in the 64th minute before getting his brace ten minutes afterward. Markson Ojobo missed a penalty before substitute Chiamaka Madu would see a late effort crash off the woodwork.

The last time both sides met, it served up one of the most one-sided fixtures of Rangers' title-winning season. But anyone expecting another 4-0 bashing quickly diminished such thoughts as Rivers United bossed the opening minutes with Bernard Ovoke and Guy Kuemian keeping the new-look centre-back pairing of captain for the evening, Chibuzor Madu and Senegalese Ousmane Pape Sane on their toes.

In midfield, Rangers who were missing the craft of former Nigerian Under-20 star Obinna Nwobodo did struggle to keep possession early in the game and early attacking attempts were quickly snuffed out by vigilant and combatant trio of Gabriel Olalekan, Festus Austine and new-signing, Aliassou Sannou. Rangers would eventually wait till the 29th minute before their first meaningful attempt on Sunday Rotimi's goal.

That chance had sprung out from Tope Olusesi's brilliant cutback for the unmarked Egbuchulam but the striker failed to beat the ageless Rotimi from six yards. Earlier, Ovoke had sent a freekick narrowly wide of Nana Bonsu's goal. The Ghanaian had also thwarted Esosa Igbinoba's effort in those early minutes of dominance by the Rivers side.

Rangers looked better after the interval and the introduction of Charles Henlong offered the league defending champions more of the ball in midfield. What the game lacked was just a goal and Ovoke nearly provided it when he ghosted into the Rangers area but sent the ball flying over the crossbar. It would be his last contribution as Bolaji Sakin replaced him minutes afterward.

Kuemian would see his goal-bound strike blocked before Egbuchulam announced himself. Quick exchanges with Godwin Aguda in the Rivers United area set up Egbuchulam who unleashed an unstoppable strike that broke the deadlock. The stunner had the crowd on their feet and while it recovered, Egbuchulam waited ten minutes then repeated the feat.

Skinning past Gabriel Olalekan, Egbuchulam curled his strike goalwards. It flew, past Rotimi's best effort, grazing the crossbar and into the net. If the first was superb, the second was an absolute belter. United sought to respond and got a lifeline when Bolaji Sakin won a penalty in the 76th minute. But Nana Bonsu was keen on preserving his clean sheet, superbly stopping Ojobo's effort from the spot.

Rangers nearly got their third when substitute Chiamaka Madu sold a dummy past his marker but with Rotimi beaten, the ball hit the woodwork. Bonsu at the other end denied United as they sought a consolation. Superior finishing by a player of top quality had made all the difference between the two continental candidates.

Line-ups

Rivers United: Rotimi, Ojobo, Wassa, Sannou, Austine, Olalekan, Anaezemba, Kuemian, Ogbugh, Igbinoba, Ovoke

Subs: Thomas, Nweke, Asekunowo, Obinze, Weli, Okonkwo, Sakin, Asamoah, Israel, Mohammed, Doumbia

Rangers: Bonsu, Okoro, Okolie, Ousmane, Madu, Madu, Aguda, Olusesi, Udeagha, Egbuchulam, Clement

Subs: Akor, Odita, Madu, Azeez, Enete, Anyasodo, Edoh, Henlong, Amaefule


Culled from www.npfl.ng


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2016 NPFL Super 4:Wikki and Rangers end it goalless in Enugu

December 9, 2016, 10:11 pm
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Rangers-v-Wikki-Bright Silas and Ocheme Edoh of Rangers against Idris Sabo of Wikki Tourists 
By China Acheru

Rangers International and Wikki Tourists ended their Matchday 2 encounter goalless as the Super4 tournament continued in Enugu.

Imama Amapakabo changed every single one of his starting line from the first game a decision that affected the free-flowing football his Rangers side are known for.

"Yes I made all those changes because I want to give every player I've signed a feel of the game.

"Did it affect our style? Yes it did and it's expected because they were new players still learning our philosophy. But most of all I'm happy with the way we played especially in the second half and the result too," Amapakabo told npfl.ng.

"The game ended goalless and the positive is that we are yet to concede in two games."

Rangers seemed the better side but profligacy was their undoing for most of the game.

After a slow start to the game, Bright Silas should have put Rangers ahead in the 16th minute. He jabbed a cross that beat Wikki goalkeeper, Emeka Nwabulu but returned off the upright.

In the 30th minute, Ocheme Edoh's cross was completely mistimed by Nwabulu but Morris Enete failed to connect the free ball.

It was still Rangers on the prowl three minutes later when Chizoba Amaefule crossed into the box but Enete again failed to connect with his head.

Enete missed again in the 35th minute, this time from an Nnamdi Anyasodo cross, but his header failed to connect.

It was not all Rangers though in the first half as Omo Johnson was freed by Idris Sabo in the 27th minute. He ran into good space but shot at keeper, Akor.

COACHES RING THE CHANGES

The flurry of misses continued for Rangers in the second half.

Just one minute into the restart, Ocheme Edoh's volley in the box from an Amaefule free kick missed target by whiskers.

Three minutes later, Wikki's Chukwudi Samuel made a 20-yard run but his shot was deflected for a corner.

Wikki's gaffer, Baba Ganaru quickly took out Samuel for Victor Yakubu but on the hour mark it was Rangers that could have scored when Chiamaka Madu got a pass from Enete but the goalkeeper saved his shot.

In the 61st minute, Wikki made another change, bringing in Harrison Madu for Ya'u Hassan, but it was Rangers that kept pressing.

On 63 minutes, Ocheme Edoh beat the offside trap and crossed in for Chiamaka Madu who shot wide when it would have been easier to score.

At this point, 66th minute, Imama Amapakabo made a quick double change, throwing in Godwin Aguda for Ocheme Edoh and then Tope Olusesi for Morris Enete

Four minutes later, Sunday Udeagha replaced Chiamaka Madu for Rangers and Osas Okoro was thrown in for Bright Silas.

Ganaru took out Bature Yaro for Jonathan Richard and with ten minutes left to play, Omo Johnson was removed for Mubarak Umar.

Wikki Tourists had two amazing chances to score, first in the 75th minute when Shammah Tanze freed Jonathan but his cross was headed out for corner.

In the 82nd minute, Wikki left-back Jonathan Zikiye took out three markers but his cross was headed out for a corner.

Rangers could have won it in added time when Olusesi, free in the box latched on a cross, but rather than score himself, passed to Camara Aziz whose reaction was slow.

It ended scoreless but not in anyway boring.


Culled from www.npfl.ng
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Diary of Enugu, Day One: Ifeanyi Ubah seems to be Jesus Gill in disguise

December 10, 2016, 9:28 am
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I had my game face on before Friday's games
I had an early start and do not ask me why I was out of the house at 5am this morning.

But having left the house I remembered my two boys had for the last two months had this craze for bread and blue band margarine (they are specific on this brand) so I decided to search for bread.

The plan was to get it home on time to they could have it before going to school since I would leave for Enugu before it was their time.

Guy! There was not a single person selling bread in Port Harcourt at 5:30am, why?

From Agip through GRA to Olu-Obasanjo road and I could not find a soul selling bread.

Rather than go back home the same way, I chose to go through Rumuola. Certainly there would be bread sellers under the Fly over but there were none.

I drove through Rumuola and it was completely empty so I decided to go through Rumuokwuta but found the same situation.

At this point I remembered Lagos and I told myself I would find fresh bread in Lagos even at 4 am.

I drove through Ada George road and still nothing.

Well, we are Port Harcourt. We only sell bread when we want.

INEC Office like a war zone

In my quest to find bread, I drove past the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC office. It was about 20 minutes past 5 am at the time and it was under siege.

It was as though they had discovered weapons of mass destruction there and the whole Armed Forces of the country were there to defuse and retrieve them.

There were army and police trucks parked around the road in front of the building (Aba Road).

But aside the police and army who were there to do their jobs, I noticed civilians from probably the major political parties, PDP and APC who kept vigil there in a bid to forestall political opponents sneaking in to cart away sensitive materials.

All I can say is that Nigeria is a tough place to be in.

Bitter leaf soup

As soon as we arrived in Enugu later in the day, Emeka Dennar, Victor Ezeji and I, Victor suggested we get something to eat and we all settled for bitter leaf soup and eba since they had no wheat that I would have loved.

Emeka Dennar, like the true Igbo man asked to mix bitter leaf and egusi soup.

The last time I did that mix was in my University days in the late 80s/early 90s.

The bitter leaf soup was not bad but the eba was horribly prepared.

After that we headed to our hotel, a hidden place on the outskirts of Enugu and Imama Amakapabo came over to welcome his brothers from Port Harcourt to the coal city.

Next up was a rest and then the stadium for the Super 4 Match Day 2 games.

Great two games there at the Super 4. Rangers’coach, Imama Amapakabor is a mad man. Who makes all eleven changes to his team after a 2-0 win? But Imama did against Wikki Tourist and he said he would do the same in their final game against FC Ifeanyi Ubah.

It ended 0-0 but Rangers as usual seemed the slightly better side.

In the second game, the resurgence of Rivers United continued as they beat FC Ifeanyi Ubah 2-0.

Noise makers in the stadium

If the stadium was a classroom and I was the monitor told to write names of noise makers by the teacher, I would certainly have written the names of Emeka Nwani, Dumnodi Okonta and Tobi Adepoju.

It is always very difficult focusing on your game when these three are around you, but isn’t that the beauty of the job with colleagues around you.
At a point in the first game, Emeka Nwani said he knew two of the four clubs that would be relegated at the end of the next football season.

He claimed one would be from the South West and another from the north.

At that point, Tobi Adepoju said it would not be Shooting Stars and someone, I think, Dumnodi reminded Tobi of the games Shooting have played in pre-season.

Tobi Adepoju, responding to the scandalous losses in pre-season by Shooting Stars said the players that featured in the game were not real players of the club but triallists.

According to him, “we didn’t even let them were our jerseys. They wore bibs because they were not qualified to be called Shooting Stars players.”

Suddenly, Olawale Quadri looked back and said, “MFM plays good football,” and he was shouted down immediately.

Someone reminded him that even with their good football, the whole country had to go into prayer and fasting mode on the last day of the season to see that they escape relegation.

As soon as the game ended at about 9pm, the story broke that the Japanese coach of FC Ifeanyi Ubah had been sacked.

I had actually joked about it during the game that he could be sacked on Sunday, but someone said he will be sacked after the game if they lost to Rivers United.

On our way out of the stadium we were told he had been sacked already.

I just shrugged my shoulders.

Ifeanyi Ubah reminds me of Jesus Gil, once president of Atletico Madrid.

Jesus Gil was famous for sacking coaches in his time as president of Atletico Madrid.

In sixteen years as club president, Gil had thirty seven coaches. In one season, Atletico Madrid had six different coaches.

FC Ifeanyi Ubah have one the Federation Cup in their first full season. Let’s see what kind of success the musical chairs will bring for them this season.










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Diary of Enugu, Day 2: Oha soup is better than Bitter leaf

December 11, 2016, 8:36 am
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Nigerian League legend, Victor Ezeji picks Niger Tornadoes out of the pot
Today is a match free day but I know I’m going to be busy almost all day because of the schedule I had already made out for myself.

Remember, the Victor Ezeji Testimonial comes up in exactly one week from today and that was one of the reasons I and Victor Ezeji decided to come for the Super 4.

We had fixed a meeting with Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf, also known as Fresh and he said we should be at his hotel about 9 am.

Incidentally he was housed in the same hotel as the club chairmen and other League Management Company senior officials so it was obvious I was going to meet with other people too.

Well, we saw Fresh and had a good discussion with him of which he said we should come back in twenty four hours for feedback which we promised we would.

Eguma loves to be praised

I had to see my good friend, Doctor Wachukwu of Rivers United and my next stop was at their hotel which incidentally was close to mine.

On my way up the stairs I met Donald Egemba, also known as Dero on the stairway with Stanley Eguma.

Dero is a known supporter of Enyimba but living and doing his business in Port Harcourt for so long, he was known to all.

I stopped Eguma and told him I thought he had a good team and at the mention of that, he stopped to listen to me.

I told Eguma that I he had a good team. I said even the first game his side lost to Rangers did not take anything away from them because they played some good football which I had hardly seen from them before.

I continued that the win against FC Ifeanyi Ubah showed that it would be an interesting season ahead as his team was now in my books, one of the contenders for a title challenge.

He gave me a mile long grin showing he approved of what I said, but I was not finished yet.

I said, “Coach, now that I have called to praise you, I guess you are happy? If your team had played badly and I had said the truth about your team, you would have said I am fighting you, right?”

Eguma laughed and said he had always known me to be objective in my speaking, but I had said what I said. The team is currently playing well. If they play badly at some point in the season I will point it out to him too.’’

Club mascots getting ready for the event
Return for the draws

At eight o clock at night I was back to the Golden Royale Hotel to witness the draws for the league.

I was aware that some people criticized the League Management Company for holding public draws for the league rather than just prepare it and send out to the clubs and media.

Some other people wondered why the LMC released just the draws for week 1 and not for the full season but all these just showed that a few of our journalists are not well informed.

Firstly, we do not have to do everything like Europe. Even though we try to emulate them since they are a leading light we must still have our peculiarities.

There is a reason why we hold public draws for the league.

Nigerians still do not trust for one another and the League could be accused of rigging the draws to favour a team or two so it is best done in public. 

According to Shehu Dikko, “It's a tradition here that suites us as it makes everything transparent and of course we have an event to create value, especially for our sponsors, TV and media partners etc. Note in those days when draws where not made publicly clubs always complain of manipulation to either support some or deny some. But now the open draws where every club picked their fixture transparently has eliminated this and of course has created some excitement and buzz for the league.”

And to those that thought the full fixtures were not made public, they were.

For example, after the draws on Saturday night, Emeka Nwani came to me and said they (Rangers) will play Plateau United in Week 38 but will not need that match because they would have won the League by week 36.

The full fixtures were made on Saturday up till week 38.

Again, according to Shehu Dikko, “People are just focusing on week one fixtures because it's the opening week but every person at the draw has a booklet containing fixtures in numbers up to week 38.”

We fixed appointments with Barrister Danladi Isaac of Nasarawa United, Dominc Iorfa, the BOT chairman of the League, Emeka Inyama of Abia Warriors, Chuma Ubah of Ifeanyi Ubah and Felix Anyansi Agwu of Enyimba.

It certainly means we would be at the hotel again in the morning before the final round of matches for the Super 4.

Did I forget to say when I had lunch earlier in the day I tried Oha soup as the Enugu bitter leaf soup tasted like goat dung?

Yes I did… and the oha soup was a much better experience.

 
LMC chairman, Shehu Dikko backed by a bevy of beauties

Miss Nigeria Football was there to grace the occasion 

The stage was set before the event

Earlier in the day... The Oha soup looked and tasted better than the Bitter leaf



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Super Eagles Watch: Iheanacho, Ighalo, Musa continue to struggle

December 13, 2016, 6:24 am
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Ogenyi Onazi
By Sammy Omaenikun

Ahmed Musa continues to struggle with Leicester City even as Iheanacho finds Aguero's shoes too big to fill, not forgetting table toppers Chelsea with our own Victor Moses running the show.

It's the Super Eagles Watch time to tell you how our beloved Eagles featured across Europe.......

England

Odion Ighalo was stuck on the bench as Watford came from a goal down to defeat Everton three goals to two in front of their home fans.

Ighalo is enduring a terrible spell which had led to his losing his place in the starting line-up scoring just ones this season.

Super Eagles player Alex Iwobi scored his first goal of the season as he came off the bench to score Arsenal's third goal in their 3-1 win over Stoke City.

Kelechi Iheanacho was on for 58 minutes before he was replaced by Yaya Toure. It was Iheanacho’s 10th appearance this term with three goals.

His compatriot Ahmed Musa was benched for the whole match at the King Power Stadium. Musa has scored two league goals but has fired blanks in his last four games.

Victor Anichebe played all 90 minutes but  failed to add to his three goal tally as Sunderland lost 3-0 to Swansea.

SPAIN

Uche Henry Agbo started for Granada in their away game against Malaga.

The game ended one goal apiece, leaving Granada wallowing in the relegation zone.

FRANCE

Vincent Enyeama was instrumental in Lille recording a 2-1 home win over Montpellier who defeated Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 on Saturday at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in the Ligue 1.

GERMANY

Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun did not feature in FSV Mainz 1-0 away loss to Borussia Monchengladbach. Balogun was an unused substitute for Mainz.
 
Kelechi Iheanachor
TURKEY

Ogenyi Onazi was on full display in a decent performance that saw his team Trabzonspor win 4 - 1 against Adanaspor.

Nigerian forward, Aminu Umar was on target for Osmanlispor in their 2-1 away win against Akhisar Belediyespor in the Turkish first division.

Umar who was brought into the match in the 72nd minute, scored in the 85th minute to seal the win for Osmanlispor.

Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo made an appearance for Alanyaspor who beat Karabukspor 2-0 away. Omeruo played 90 minutes for Alanyaspor.

BELGIUM

Moses Simon was in action for Gent who were held 1-1 at home by Oostende in the Belgian top flight.

Oostende  had Nigerian forward Joseph Akpala on their bench. In action also for Gent was Anderson Esiti while, Rabiu Ibrahim was benched throughout the game.


Defender Elderson Echiejile played 90 minutes for Standard Liege who beat Westerlo 3-1.
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Season 2 of Etche Sports Festival opens in Okomoko

December 21, 2016, 3:34 am
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The second season of the now annual Etche Sports Festival opened at Okomoko on Sunday, December 18, 2016 as United Brothers of Chokocho squared up against Pressure Boys of Igbo Etche.

At the end of the game it was United Brothers, who incidentally won the trophy last year beating Pressure Boys 2-0 with both goals coming from

Captain of the winning side and defending champions, Bobby Ogbonna said after the game that he trusts his boys to win the Cup again.

“We played better than them and I trust my boys to do well even in the next game they play,” Ogbonna told Naijafootball247.com after the game.

DeJohn Amadi of Pressure Boy simply took the defeat in good faith and was philosophical in his approach.

“In football, there must always be a winner and a loser. We will make sure we train well ahead of the next game,” Amadi said.

Abuja based, Dr. Uzoma Nwankwo, who came together with his friends and associates to do this explained why they undertook a venture like this.

“We want to use sports to engage young people. Etche people are great people and we just want an opportunity to expose these people.”

Being a doctor, Uzoma Nwankwo also uses this Sports Festival as an opportunity to give medical aid to Etche people, and this time he wants to create awareness for Elephantiasis.

“Many people think mosquitos only cause Malaria and they do not know it can cause elephantiasis. We also want to create awareness on that scourge that has plagued lots of people in Rivers State,” Nwankwo said.

The competition will run until January 6, 2017.


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Super Eagles Watch: Iheanacho has best goals to minutes ratio

December 27, 2016, 1:01 pm
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By Sammy Omaenikun

Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho has the best goals-to-minutes ratio in the history of the Premier League after scoring for Manchester City in their 3-0 away win over Hull City on Boxing Day.

The 20-year-old scored his sixth goal this season after doubling the lead for City at the KCOM Stadium. He put David Silva’s assist into an empty net.

Iheanacho’s goal means that he has scored every 96 minutes for the Citizens.

So here is the review of how the other Nigerian players faired over Christmas.

England

Odion Ighalo was on from start to finish but failed to be of any real impart as his side Watford scraped out a one all draw with Crystal Palace.

Alex Iwobi was on for Arsenal from the start but was taken out in the 71st minute as Arsenal's search for a goal intensified, Olivier Giroud would get what turned to be the winner in the 87th. Arsenal one Westbrom nil.

Chelsea continued their dominant form and as usual Victor Moses was on from start but was taken off in the 90th minute for Ola Aina. Chelsea 3 Bournemouth 0.

Super Eagles vice-captain Ahmed Musa was an unused substitute as Leicester City continued their terrible form as they lost 2 nil at home to Everton. The defeat leaves them 16th on the table and three point from the relegation zone

Victor Anichebe started for Sunderland but could only watch helplessly as a superior Manchester united side trashed them 3-1.

Manchester City wonder kid Kelechi Iheanacho started from the bench but was given the nod in the 58th minute and he repaid the manager's faith with a goal in the 78 minute. It ended City 3 Hull City 0.

CHAMPIONSHIP
Sone Aluko played 65 minutes for Fulham as they beat Ipswich Town two nil away from home.

Meanwhile Super Eagles goal tender Carl Ikemewas on for Wolverhampton Wanderers as they beat Bristol City 3 goals to 2.

BELGIUM
Henry Chukwuemeka Onyekuruwas on form as he grabbed a brace as Oostende were beaten 1 - 3 by his team AS Eupen, his teammate fellow Nigerian Jamabo Odeni George  was also on from start to finish. On the losing side was Joseph Akpala who was stuck on the bench for the entire game.

TURKEY
Ogenyi Onazi was on from the start but was pulled out after the half time break as Trabzonspor lost 3 nil at home to Fenerbahce

Godfrey Oboabona played 80minutes for Rizespor as they lost  0 - 1 to Osmanlispor FK.


Samuel Emem Eduokwas on for 85 minutes as his side Kasimpasa threw away a one nil lead to lose 2-1 to Antalyaspor
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LMC declares budget surplus of N483 million

December 27, 2016, 1:22 pm
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LMC chairman, Shehu Dikko
The League Management Company, LMC has declared a budget surplus/ savings of N483 million in its operations for the 2015/16 Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL season.

This was contained in the financial report submitted by the Chairman of the LMC, Shehu Dikko and accepted with commendations at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the LMC held in Enugu on Sunday, December 11.

In one of its 22 points resolutions, the AGM made up of the 20 NPFL Clubs, the Nigeria Football Federation and LMC Independent Directors, noted that it received a detailed presentation of the LMC income and expenditure report from the 2015/16 season which was approved at the 2nd AGM in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State in February, 2016.

It went further to state, “the outline of expenditure report shows actual income receipts for 2016 of N2.831 million as against the N2.112 million expected guaranteed revenues and N4.817 million projected gross revenue while actual expenditure budget for year 2016 stood at N2.347 million as against budgeted expenditure of N3.260 million for the season.

The financials for 2016 season therefore show a surplus/savings of N483million which has been carried over to form part of the revenues for the 2016/17 to facilitate early commencement of the season”.

Now to run a youth league

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs will from the coming season raise youth teams for players aged 15 years and below to compete in the new NPFL Youth League.

This youth league will be in partnership with LaLiga and it is expected that all clubs will participate in it.

On the Youth League, the AGM resolution noted, “The meeting approved LMC proposal to start a Youth League Competition for U-15 among NPFL participating clubs in association with LaLiga in furtherance of the partnership agreement between the two leagues. The league would be fashioned after the ‘LaLiga Promisas’ with Laliga serving as technical partners”

Clubs are expected to employ young coaches for the Youth teams and in line with the collaboration with Laliga, the Spanish league will provide Technical assistance by sending coaches who will train the Youth team coaches before the start of the league.

The League has also endorsed a new bonus/incentives structure as proposed by the LMC as well as approved club merchandising proposal by the LMC to deploy part of the clubs’ revenue from source for payment of clubs’ jersey replicas and the election of clubs’ representatives to serve on the LMC Board.

“The meeting approved with enthusiasm, the club merchandising proposal by the LMC Board to pay part of the funds due to clubs in kind through the supply of clubs official replica jerseys. The clubs are to sell the replicas to fans recoup the money and also drive passion in club supporters. The meeting noted this scheme would jumpstart and open club merchandising market and create new revenue streams for the clubs”.

The new bonus/incentive structure will see clubs earn N500, 000 for an away win, N200, 000 for an away draw and N250, 000 for attracting over 5000 fans to watch home games.

There is also a N200, 000 monthly stadium maintenance support and N100, 000 for dressing three Youth players (U-18) in a Matchday squad with one of the players having a play time of 15 minutes while N200, 000 will be paid to a club that fielded such youth players with one playing for 45 minutes on a Matchday.

The newly elected Directors to represent the clubs on the LMC Board are Paul Bassey of Akwa United, Chief Emeka Inyama of Abia Warriors, Mike Idoko of Lobi Stars, Emmanuel Aiyeyun of MFM, Alhaji Danarewa Kurfi of Katsina United and Alhaji Isa Musa Matori of Wikki Tourists. Their election is in line with article 13 and 14 of the LMC Governance structure



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Etche Sports Festival enters crucial stages

December 29, 2016, 9:34 pm
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Coach Gift Worgu of Egwi FC says he had to pull a magic stunt to ensure his side won 3-1 over Ulakwu 2 FC in the Etche Sports Festival.

After going 1-0 down early in the game, Egwi FC eventually won 3-1 and Worgu said even at 1-0 down he was hopeful.

“When I found out the problem of my side I had to work some magic.

“The problem was that my midfield was not cooperating with the attack so I made some vital changes and the goals came,” Worgu said.

Darlington Chinemerem of Ulakwo 2 FC was visibly angry after the loss and blamed his players completely.

“My players refused to take advise from me.

“At some point in the game they felt they knew what to do without me and that was why we lost the game, but I know how to correct it and will make amends for the next game,” Chinemerem said.

Other results from the Etche sports Festival are

Supersport FC of Okomoko 1-0 Okoroagu FC
Pressure Boys 2-1 Ogom FC
Ulakwo 1 FC 2-1 Umuanyagu
Wonders FC 1-0 Ulakwu 1 Odogwa FC 0-1 Solid Boys of Igboh-Etche
Corinthians 2-2 Supersport of Okomoko
Ulakwo 2-1 Odagwa
Umuanyagu 0-2 Solid Boys


In Wednesday’s games

Supersport FC will take on Warriors FC while Okoroagu will be up against Corinthians FC
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Semi finalists emerge at Etche Sports Festival

December 29, 2016, 9:44 pm
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Sponsor of the tournament, Uzoma Nwankwo
United Brothers beat Wonders FC 1-0 to qualify for the semi final of the Football Section of the Etche Sports Festival.

In another quarter final encounter, Solid Boys beat Supersport of Okomoko 1-0.

The encounter between Pressure boys and Egwi FC ended goaless until Pressure Boys won via penalty shoot outs 2-1.

Corinthians beat Odowagwa 3-0 via penalty shootouts in the 4th quarter final of the tournament.

In Friday’s semi final matches, United Brothers will take on Solid boys at 2pm while Corinthians will be up against Pressure Boys FC


All Matches will be played at the Okomoko/ Egwi play ground in Etche 
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Go Round FC continue player development scheme

December 29, 2016, 9:50 pm
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Felix Obuah
Go Round Football Club over the last week concluded the first phase of their player development scheme with a long serving member of the team.

Okey Eluozo, a player with Go Round FC on his retirement was sponsored to the National Institute of Sports, NIS in Lagos by the club and just concluded a Basic Coaching course.

He has thus been immediately appointed as an assistant coach with the side.

“I am immensely grateful to the team for this gesture towards me,” Okey said.

“I am also happy that after my playing days with the side, I can also contribute to their development as a coach,” the ex-player said.

Club president, Felix Obuah over the weekend told GoRound FC Media that what the club had done with Okey will be a continuous thing.

“That is why we are here as a club. We do not just want to win matches and trophies but we want to develop human capacity,” Obuah said.

“Today, it is Okey Eluozo that now has his coaching badges and we believe that tomorrow other players who excelled and gave their all for us will get the same benefit.

“It is my belief that the addition of Okey to the technical crew will boost our chance if success next season,”

Go Round FC will participate in the Nigeria National League, NNL and also play in the Federation Cup in the 2016/17 football league season.



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7th is the date for the Victor Ezeji testimonial

December 30, 2016, 10:10 pm
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The Victor Ezeji Testimonial, VET will now hold on Saturday, January 7, 2017, the chairman of the Main Organising Committee, China Acheru says.

The testimonial was previously scheduled for December, 17, 2016 but had to be moved after that date clashed with the Annual General Assembly, AGA of the Nigeria Football Federation.

“It was unfortunate we had to move it then, but it is better to delay it and hold a befitting testimonial for Victor Ezeji than have one that has most stakeholders in Nigerian football absent because they are occupied somewhere else,” Acheru said.

“We still expect the governor of Rivers State, Barrister, Nyesom Wike as Special guest of honour on the day as well has the NFF president, Amaju Pinnick as well as LMC chairman, Shehu Dikko, who will incidentally play for one of the teams.

“the chairman of the Club Owners Association, Barrister Danladi Isaac is also expected to lead a delegation of all 20 club chairmen in the top division for the big event, so the planning did not stop even though we moved the date,” the MOC chairman said.

Already, the likes of Etim Esin, Kelechi Osunwa, Ahmed Abdulrahman, Kennedy Boboye, Dominic Oruma, Imama Amapakabo, Oneykachi Okonkwo, David Tyevkase and many other stars of the Nigerian league are expected to take part in the testimonial.



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Isaac to lead club owners to Ezeji testimonial

January 1, 2017, 11:53 pm
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Danladi Isaac
The chairman of the Club Owners Association, Barrister Danladi Isaac will lead all other Nigeria Professional Football League Club chairmen to Port Harcourt next weekend for the Victor Ezeji Testimonial.

Isaac made this known to the chairman of the Main Organising Committee, China Acheru just before Christmas.

“I will be in Port Harcourt for the testimonial and I will ensure that all other club chairmen are also in Port Harcourt to be part of the Victor Ezeji Testimonial since it is our way of honouring a league legend like Victor,” Danladi Isaac said.

“We must honour people like Victor Ezeji because of what he has done in Nigerian football, the time he spent and his discipline too.

“So turning up enmasse for the event is something we will do,” Danladi Isaac said.

The Victor Ezeji Testimonial comes up on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at the Sharks FC Stadium in Port Harcourt.

It would be followed by a thanksgiving service on Sunday, January 8 at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, House of Grace Parish, in Woji, a suburb area of Rivers State.


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Victor Ezeji Testimonial to join anti hooliganism campaign

January 2, 2017, 9:01 pm
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Port Harcourt based author and sports journalist, James Abutu Onoja has pledged towards the Victor Ezeji Testimonial, VET that comes up on Saturday in Port Harcourt.

Onoja told the chairman of the Main Organising Committee, China Acheru that he will make available copies of his book, “Hooliganism, Violence and Security in Soccer,” to Ezeji to hand over to his friends who come to play the game.

"I always cherished the style, discipline & dedication to any team Victor Ezeji played for, hence I am supporting him with my book on why fans should shun hooliganism & violence in sports,” Onoja told VET Media.

"My book titled - Hooliganism, Violence & Security in Soccer - is meant to educate sport fans on the consequences of Hooliganism of any form.”

Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, China Acheru told VET Media that what Onoja has done is a welcome development.

“In events like these, not every sponsor or partner will give you money. But sometimes things like these go a long way to show that the people around are interested in what you are doing,” Acheru said.

“Like we have said many times before, Victor Ezeji deserves this testimonial and it will hold on Saturday in Port Harcourt. We are also happy at the level of awareness it is creating within and around Port Harcourt as well as across the country.

“We need more people like Onoja around us and maybe then we will truly be confident to say Victor Ezeji is well loved in Nigeria.”




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Mutui Adepoju to play Ezeji Testimonial

January 5, 2017, 9:18 pm
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Mutui Adepoju
Former Super Eagles midfielder, Mutui Adepoju will play in the Victor Ezeji Testimonial on Saturday, January 7, 2017.

Adepoju spoke with the chairman of the Main Organising Committee, MOC, China Acheru on Thursday to firm up his plans to be in Port Harcourt for the big event.

“I will be in Port Harcourt for the testimonial,” Mutui said.

“It’s a nice city where I played in as a footballer with Femo Scorpions and visited as an administrator with Shooting Stars but most of all it will be good to be around to honour one of us who has paid his dues,” Adepoju said.

Adepoju, who runs the LaLiga office in Abuja will play for Team Ezeji alongside the likes of Emakpor Joseph Dibofun, Imama Amapakabo, Ahmed Abdurahman, Mangut Mbwas, Abubakar Musa, Martin Datoru, Emma Ebiede amongst others.

Team Ezeji will come up against Team NPFL that will feature the likes of Shehu Dikko, Mobi Okparaku, Sam Ledor, Dondo Avaa, Kennedy Okogba, Aondomen Tali, Ifeanyi Nwachukwu, Binebi Numa, Ernest Teigbanyo and Albert Chinwo

Full list of players for Victor Ezeji Testimonial

TEAM NPFL

Shehu Dikko, Mobi Okparaku, Sam Ledor, Dondo Avaa, Kennedy Okogba, Aondomen Tali, Ifeanyi Nwachukwu, Binebi Numa, Ernest Teigbanyo, Albert Chinwo, Thank God Amaefule, Alari George, Rotimi Sunday, Emeka Nwanna, Henry Ditimiya, Domo Okara, Joe Cole, Sam Sodje, Ahmed Garba(Yaro), Bode Babington, Willy Udube, Kennedy Boboye, Chidi Aluka, Ezeoha Okereke, Aaron Samuel, Paul kanyion, Ebidowe Oweife, Darlington Omodiagbe, Friday Onyeukwu, Austin Eguavoen and Stanley Eguma


TEAM EZEJI

Chike Onyeacho, Jack Robinson, Ibinabo Brown West, Emakpor Joseph Dibofun, Imama Amapakabo, Goodwin Usman, Ahmed Abdurahman, Tobinson George will, Mangut Mbwas, Abubakar Musa, Henry Okorie, Martin Datoru, Mutui Adepoju, Aye Pepple, Emma Ebiede, Dominic Oruma, Obinna Nwaneri, Kingsley Eta, London Owen Irifeke, Kelechi Nworgu, Tekena Amachree, John Peterside, Chuks Ezeji, Daniel Nor, Buchi, Benjamin Joffa,Oseme Okoruwa, Kingsley Sawyer, Furo Iyenemi, Alphonsus Dike and Joseph Egbu.

The game holds at the Sharks FC Stadium on Saturday, January 7, 2017.



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MFM FC is ready for the League says coach

January 10, 2017, 2:57 am
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Fidelis Ilechukwu
MFM FC head coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu has stated that his charges are ready for hostilities in the 2016/17 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

With less than 5 days to the start of the new topflight season, the MFM FC gaffer believes the Olukoya Boys have prepared well enough to kick off their campaign on a high in the new Nigerian topflight season.

"We have prepared well enough in all departments of our team but we want to use these remaining days to round up our preparation," Ilechukwu told mountaintopfc.com.

He continued: "We have signed new players in our team and I believe with the response from the players during our training sessions. I believe we are good to go.

"With what I'm seeing the team will do well because their response in training shows that they are good to go. I believe that by God's grace they will do well," he concluded.

Ilechukwu's men who emerged as the runners-up of the 4th edition of Nigeria's most prestigious pre-season event, the Gold Cup, held in Ogun State last year after they lost the final to Lobi Stars 4-3 on penalties. They are expected to maintain their fine form in the league.


The Lagos-based team will begin the new season with a home game against Niger Tornadoes on Sunday, January 15, at the Soccer Temple, Agege Township Stadium.
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Remo Stars keeper, Chizoba sure of NPFL stay

January 10, 2017, 3:33 am
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Remo Stars’ goalkeeper, Chizoba Ndukwe has indicated his willingness and readiness to ensure the team maintains its new status in the Nigeria Professional Football League, (NPFL).

Speaking with RSFC Media, he said, "I am willing and ready to assist the team to maintain their NPFL status by God's grace,” Ndukwe said.

"God assisted me and the team during the Nigeria National League (NNL) season to gain promotion and I am very sure he will do the same when the NPFL season starts in some days’ time.”

Chizoba who was the team's number one goalkeeper during the club's time in the Nigeria National League, hailed the team for doing the greater job of making sure the club secured the NPFL slot.

"It's a delight to have the team gain promoted, I appreciate my teammates for doing the greater job during the NNL season and I am sure they will do the same in the NPFL.”


The Sky Blue Stars will play Plateau United in the first game of the new NPFL season scheduled for the 15th of January, 2017.
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Getting set for a new NPFL season

January 13, 2017, 12:06 am
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By Gbenga Emmanuel

We both agree that life hadn’t been the same for most of us after the concluded 2015/2016 NPFL season.

Our weekends were as boring as hell when we looked out for in anticipation and anxiety where the next away win would come from.

I know you’d say the European teams/ Leagues made up for the fun, but my brother there is no league like the Nigeria Professional Football League.

It’s a league where some coaches see every game as a BIG game.

It might be easy for the likes of RONALDO, MESSI, AGUERO AND ZLATAN to get goals as they can but here in the NPFL it’s a different ball game entirely.

Hitting double figures is a big achievement for any player, let alone scoring a HATTRICK.

The NPFL is a league where we have life threatening defending and goal keepers who can catch anything, I mean anything.

Being a fan of the NPFL is not just by interest but for the fact that you are born into a club based on where you come from.

We can both agree that the game of football brings a lot of anxiety, passion and tears in some cases, but the NPFL redefines that.

I am not saying it doesn’t have its bad side because we are not perfect and are human after all, but the brilliant display of tactics, tackles and dribbles overshadows the glitches.

We should also not forget the wonderful League Management Company, LMC, who have transformed the league to what it is right now.

With a lot of promise, giving us a lot to hope for and expect.

In local parlance we would have said, ''Give them one bottle'' for a job well done.
My friend I hope you didn’t feel bad when the season ended because a new one is here again.

Just go and get your club's new jerseyespecially if they are a newly promoted side or will play on the continent next season.

Brace yourself in anticipation, expectation and hope for the upcoming NPFL 2016/2017 season because my brother.…


E NO GO EASY O! O!! O!!! O!!!!.
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It's a brand new Nigerian League season

January 14, 2017, 8:30 pm
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By Zazi Bariza

It may look like only a week back when Rangers International were crowned champions of the Nigerian Professional Football League, but here we are again with a brand new season, the 2016/2017 NPFL season.

Unlike previous seasons, the “Beyond the Three Points” campaign of the League Management Company is expected to make teams diverge focus from just winning football matches to other aspects of the game such as merchandise, employment creation and community participation.

Nonetheless, the performance of teams on match days will eventually be the decisive factor in determining who emerges champions, as well as those that we be sent packing to the lower division.

As it is with every season, some stand greater chances at the title than others, and some other will be contented with retaining topflight status. So, let us take a look at what teams are expected to do what in the 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League season.

THE CONTENDERS
Without a shadow of doubt, Rangers International look like a side strong enough to defend their league title. They may not have had a particularly impressive preseason (failing to win the Super 4 Tournament and losing the Charity Cup), but their ability to tie coach Imama Amapakabo down with a new, improved contract as well as keeping the pivot of their title winning squad shows some level of consistency, which is key.

If Rivers United could put up a serious challenge last season, fighting for the title until the final match day, then they should be able to take it a step further this season.

Having enjoyed a smooth preseason, including triumph in the Super 4 and a training tour of Spain, the Port Harcourt based side look set for greater things.

They have also been bolstered by key signings - Esosa Igbinoba, Ifeanyi Nweke and Nzube Anaezemba - and the Serbian coaching course embarked upon by coach Stanley Eguma during the offseason. Do not also forget, the sponsors of the team, the Rivers State government have got their back!

The billionaire club, FC Ifeanyi Uba, have shown steady progress over the past two years. Last season, they won their first major title, the Federation Cup, and signed a partnership deal with Premier League side, West Ham United.

Although they endured a little tumult in the off season hiring and firing American-Japanese trainer Kenichi Yatsuhashi, placing a wager against the Ananmbra Warriors chances of challenging for top honours this season will be mighty risky

After failing to live up to expectations last season, Akwa United did the needful, parting ways with 'Belgerian' Maurice Cooreman, and replacing him with Abdul Maikaba who for two seasons furnished the league with an eye-catching brand of football with Wikki Tourists. Now at United, 

Maikaba will hope to harness the abundant talent within the ranks and leverage on the overwhelming financial support the team enjoy from the state government. Key for them will be forward Christian Pyagbara. The former youth international failed to make a mark at Enyimba, but his exploits at Sharks two seasons ago shows that the Promise Keepers have a player who can deliver the goals in double figures.

Former champions Enyimba and Kano Pillars should also be considered in the number, but the new season has a lot to unfold, so let’s wait for it.

THE PARTICIPANTS

El Kanemi Warriors, for all the years they have spent in the topflight, have nothing of note to show. Last season, the Maiduguri based outfit only managed a paltry three points away from home and finished 16th on the log. Coach, Ladan Bosso was quick to explain that their poor away form was as a result of the distance from Maiduguri to other venues, but except they begin to pick points in away games, it may be another unremarkable season of mediocrity for them.

Though a traditional side, it took the timely intervention of Gbenga Ogunbote to save Shooting Stars from relegation last season. The death of defence stalwart, Joseph Izu will create a big hole at the back, but Oluyole Warriors will bang on the experience of new coach Fatai Amoo whose experience in the Premier League dates back to his days with the now defunct Julius Berger FC. Notwithstanding, few will expect a serious outing from them.

THE NEW BOYS

While Gombe United, ABS FC and Katsina United are staging come backs; Remos Stars are having their first thirst of the Nigerian topflight.

In Manu Garba, Gombe United have a gaffer that not only gets the right results, but plays the 'right' football along with it. The 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup winning coach may not have experienced topflight players within his ranks, but his own exposure and commitment to winning can propel his youthful side to achieving great things this season.

One of the privately-owned teams, ABS FC have, from their first sojourn in the league, shown that they can compete with the big boys. Coached by Henry Makinwa, club Director of Football, Alloy Chukwuemeka says the team play 'digital football'; and the fans can’t wait to see how ‘digital’ football can get.

Remo Stars are another privately owned club campaigning in the league this season. For them, Coach Nduka Ugbade is known to be a student of scientific football, and having spent years as a TV pundit, it is time to work the talk.

Fifteen years after relegation from the topflight, Katsina United are returning to the NPFL with the resemblance of total newcomers. Coach Bala Nikyu is saddled with the responsibility of prosecuting the season largely with players that have no NPFL experience. The former Wikki Tourist gaffer was quoted as saying that NPFL teams are lazy, so perhaps, he has his plans mapped out.


Whatever be the case and however the teams eventually perform, fact remains that every new season comes with new expectations and predictions; new players and coaches; this and that, here and there. But be it as it may, all that followers of the NPFL want is a peculiarly interesting league season.
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Rivers United win season’s opener against El Kanemi

January 15, 2017, 9:25 pm
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Goals either side from half time from Guy Kuemian and Emeka Ogbugh proved decisive as Rivers United beat El Kanemi Warriors 2-1 in their opening game of the 2016/17 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

Bello Kofamata struck for the visitors in the final minute of the game but it proved to be merely academic as the ‘Pride of Rivers’ overcame a late-fight back to hold on for a deserved win.

The win at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt on Sunday saw United continue their tradition of winning their opening game of every NPFL season they have competed in.

The home side opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Guy Kuemian rounded off a flowing team move, finishing Lukman Mohammed’s cross with aplomb after Bernard Ovoke did well to win the ball in midfield and start off the move.

Three minutes from time, substitutes, Bolaji Sakin and Emeka Ogbugh combined brilliantly to provide the second goal which put the game to bed.

Sakin played Ogbugh through with a delightful through ball and the attacker showed nerves of steel to finish past George Michael in the El Kanemi goal.

The visitors ensured there was a grand stand finish when Kofamata headed home a cross to send shivers down the spine of the home faithful.

United dominated both halves and could have romped to a bigger win but for profligacy of Kuemian, Bernard Ovoke, Lukman Mohammed and Ogbugh who all missed glorious opportunities to make goal scoring contributions.

The Warriors had their moments as well, particularly in the tenth minute when Haliru Hashimu failed to direct his header on target from close range when left unmarked in the penalty area.

El Kanemi’s head coach, Ladan Bosso surprisingly cut a positive figure after the contest, insisting that his charges lost to a better side.

“I am happy we did not lose by two or three goals. Losing 2-1 is not a bad result.

“Rivers United is a good team and they played better (than my team).

“They have great confidence from the (excellent) pre-season they had coupled with the Super 4 tournament which they won in Enugu.

“They have a better team and I say congratulations to Rivers United,” Bosso told assembled media after the game.

United’s technical manager, Stanley Eguma also spoke to the press after the game.


“We didn’t play badly. We were compact and created chances.

“Unfortunately, we lost a lot of the chances we created.

“However, it wasn’t really so much of a surprise as some of the boys are playing together in the league for the very first time.

“With time, they will get better and the standard will get better,” he said.

United will next travel to Uyo to face Akwa United on match day two of the NPFL on Wednesday.

Match stats
Rivers United: Sunday Rotimi, Ifeanyi Nweke, Wassa Gabriel,  Emeka Atuloma, Festus Austine, Ayobami Asekunowo, Nzube Anaezemba, Lukman Mohammed (Ogbugh Emeka 67’), Guy Kuemian Venance (Weli Christian 83’), Esosa Igbinoba and Ovoke Bernard (Bolaji Sakin 68’).

Substitutes not used:Femi Thomas, Gabriel Olalekan, Asamoah Godbless and Ojobo Markson.


El Kanemi Warriors: George Michael, Promise James, Tswanya Samuel, Aguda John, Ehis Kenneth, Yarhere Efe (Kofamata Bello 75’)   , Mathias Samuel (Sunday Anthony 88’), Bashir Azado, Haliru Hashima (Aghoha Otakho) and Abraham Audu.

Substitutes nit used:Mohammed Usman, Alhaji Mohammed, Hussaini Mohammed, and Daniel Japhet


Yellow cards
Rivers United: Ayobami Asekunowo (23’), Lukman Mohammed (30’), Nzube Anaezemba (60’) and Festus Austin (76’)
El Kanemi: Haliru Hashimu (34’)

Red cards: Nil

Goals:
Rivers United: Kuemian (28’) and Ogbugh (87’)
El Kanemi Warriors: Kofamata (90’)




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