Abe & Friends: CHAN 2015 Eagle, NPFL Top Guns Set To Light Up Akure

CHAN 2015 Eagle, Tunde Adeniji, Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) ace, Ajibola Otegbeye Goal King and others are expected to bring fireworks to Akure this weekend when Sunshine Stars captain, *Sunday Abe* reunite with friends in a novelty match.

The anual star studded game tagged: Abe & Friends Football Fiesta organised by Sunshine Stars long serving captain, Abe will also have in attendance top sports administrators within and outside Ondo state. The match will be staged at the Ondo State Sports Complex Akure at 10 am on Saturday, 30th December 2017.

Abe who has just made a return to his boyhood club, Sunshine Stars following a loan spell in Europe speaking through the game coordinator, Mr Tayo Ajakaye said the 9th edition of the anual novelty game as always aimed to create a camaraderie of fun and unity for friends and fans of the Sunshine Stars captain during the festive period.

 "The game always bring together all football family of Skippoo (Abe) and afford the fans the chance to interact and have fun with him."Abe noted.

Mr Ajakaye also revealed that all logistics have been put in place to ensure the 2017 edition of the novelty match will be huge a success like the previous years.

Large number of Abe's teammates and friends at Sunshine Stars including CHAN Eagles maestro, Dayo Ojo*, Alaba Adeniyi, Ariyo David, Anthony Omaka*, Abiodun Joseph, Kehinde Adedipe, Ezekiel Boboye, Olumide Akinroyeje, new youth product, Segun Betiku, Media Officer; Chris Okunnuwa and other officials: Kayode Emmanuel (Trainer) Olarenwaju Ale (Trainer), Rafiu Elele Yusuf (Welfare Officer) among others are have been listed for the game.

Former and present NPFL stars expected in Akure for Abe & Friends Football Fiesta include Godfrey Oboabona*, Sunday Emmanuel, Seun Olulayo*, Jide Willisms, Niyi Adekunle, Thomas Adeshina, Afeez Aremu*, Lukman Haruna*, Ojo Olorunleke, Raymond Abdulsalam, Emmanuel Olowo, Raheem Lawal*, Busayo Gold, Fabiyi Olaniyi*, Kalejaiye Imisi, Kehinde Abiodun (Legacy).

Invited sports administrators to the game include former DG NSC Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye, Ondo Commssioner for Sports, Saka Yusuf, ODSFA boss, Otunba Tajudeen Akinyemi, Ondo FA chairman, Otunba Dele Ajayi, former ODSFA chairmen, Hon Akin Akinbobola and Prince Dapo Ajibade among others.

The other listed players are:

Alasoadura Tope (Njitab), Deji Abe, Oriose, Shina Adeoye, Bajowa Segun, Mayowa Bello, Femi Ojo, Alaba Onoo, Itoba, Ramond Keepers, Orelusi, Abey Orobo, Wole Fagite, Gbemi Akinrolabu, Oladele Godwin Olorundare, Daniel Oboabona, Deji Ayodeji Oloruntoba, Tosin Olabode, Adeniyi Idowu, Romeo, Igor Sanya, Elvis (Skye Bank), Small Lanre, Femi Micheal, Foluso Samuel, Niyi Egbin, Kingley Udoh, Olumide Mighty, Kolade Johnson, Coach Lama, Lanre Akin, Napo Issac, Makanjuola Julius, Adedayo Micheal (aka Yere), Fadoju Alaba, Gbemi, and Ojo Ajewole.

Participation of the asterisked names is subject to their availability at the time of the game on Saturday.

FOSLA awards scholarship to 10 footballers in Kogi State

Ten footballers under the age of 13 years have been selected to win scholarship awards into one of the fastest growing academies in Nigeria that combines education with the game of soccer, FOSLA Academy, Kerishi, Abuja.

The ten footballers will be selected from the 22 talented players picked from the 10th FOSLA U13 Football Championship in Anyangba, Kogi State.

According to head of competition, Mallam Ahmed Ajakpo, the selected 22 players include Wisdom Adama, Musa Abdullahi and  Bashiru Haruna all from Bassa LGA,  Emmanuel Peter, Ibrahim Alhaji, Attah Samuel, Kabiru Usman, Mustapha Ameh from Idah LGA and Usman Abass, Ahmed Musa with Muh'd Abubaka from Ankpa were among the 22 players chosen to go into the final screening and aptitude test.

Others are Others are Amedu Israel from Ibaji LGA, Julius Bukie, Kabiru Aminu and Salisu Danjuma from Omala. Afuluku Sunday from Ofu area council, Ojima Negedu from Olamoboro area council, Solomon Achimugu, Hamza Ibrahim(Dekina), AbdulAziz Muh'd all from Dekina LGA as well as Benjamin Alfa (Igalamela) and Tukura Joel from Bassa LGA who has been awarded an automatic scholarship for his outstanding talent and skills.

The final of this year's edition of FOSLA U13 football championship will be decided on the new year day of 2018 between Omala Local Government and Idah Local Government at the ancient Qua Iboe Primary School field at Idah by 4pm.

To reach the final, Omala defeated Dekina LGA 4-2 on penalties after goalless situation of the normal time while Idah LGA saw off the defending champions Igalamela/Odolu LGA by 2-0.

The winners of this year's final will smile home with a giant trophy and a cash of 50,000 cash prize while the runners will get 30,000 cash prize.

The championship has been a pet project of former Nigeria Football Federation, NFF President, Alhaji Sanni Lulu Abdullahi who is the owner the academy (FOSLA) that has produced players for different age cadres national teams.

Chidera Prosper Ojukwu is currently with the country's U15 national team while the likes of Achu Gabriel, Abubakar Suleiman, Solomon Abraham, Ejeh Joseph and Kehinde Mustapha were part of the last Golden Eaglets team from FOSLA Academy.

Breaking - Nigeria drop 1 place in latest FIFA Ranking, now 51st in world

Akanni Seyi

In what will come as a further surprise to many, despite putting up a fine performance by going through the World Cup qualifiers unbeaten and easing past perennial rivals Argentina, the Super Eagles dropped 9 places in the last month FIFA ranking released to become 50th in the world and 8th in Africa.

In the latest ranking released today,
Nigerians would have expected to have a better ranking as against the 50th the team got the last time it was released but that was not the case.

Countries like Morocco (40), Burkina Fast (44), and  Cameroon (45) were all ranked above Nigeria.

According to the ranking, the top 10 teams in Africa are;

Senegal
Tunisia
Egypt
Congo DR
Morrocco
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Ghana
Nigeria
Algeria

Top ten teams in the world. 

Germany
Brazil
Portugal
Argentina
Belgium
Spain
Poland
Switzerland
France
Chile

Rivers United players thankful to Gov. Wike after peaceful protests

The aggrieved players of Rivers United on Tuesday morning stormed the Rivers state government House demanding their sign on fees and other entitlements to be paid.



The players were seen displaying series of placards demanding the government to pay them their sign on fees for the 2014/15 season Players of Rivers United who are Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) campaigners on Tuesday morning, December 19, stormed the Rivers state government House in Port Harcourt.



The players believe that the huge sum of money has been deposited in the coffer of the State Ministry of Sports but nothing is said as regards the disbursement of the fund to the concerned players.

It should be noted that these monies were owed by the previous administration, before the merger, and during the days of Sharks and Dolphins FC.


The Governor later addressed the players personally and promised to look into their demands.


The players thanked the Governor and apologized for their actions of this morning

Home Eagles Star Adeleye Out For Two Weeks

The injured Home-based  Super Eagles defender Olamilekan Adeleye is hopeful to be fit on-time to play for the team at the African Nations Championship (CHAN),  after picking up a knee injury few minutes into the encounter involving  Plateau United on Wednesday.


Adeleye picked up the injury early in the game and was replaced by Kalu Orji.


Adeleye told Complete Sports in Kano: “I was afraid it was a serious injury after I was stretchered off but tests have confirmed it is not something serious.


“I will be out for around two weeks which gives me the chance to stiil be part of the team for the CHAN.” The no nonsense defender declared.


CHAN is scheduled for Morocco from January 13 to February 4, 2018.


Salisu Yusuf’s charges will face Enyimba in their next game at the NPFL invitational on Friday.


The team is expected to leave for Morocco early in January to begin full preparation for CHAN.


They are drawn in Group C along with Rwanda, Libya and Equatorial Guinea

FIFA sanction: NFF sets up 4-man committee

NFF’s 1st Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, has been named head of a 4-man panel to unravel the issues behind the slip that led to Nigeria forfeiting the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Algeria in Constantine on 10th November 2017.



The concluding match of Group B of the African series for Russia 2018 ended in a 1-1 draw, but FIFA on Tuesday awarded all three points to Algeria following Nigeria’s use of ineligible defender Abdullahi Shehu in the encounter.



NFF Executive Committee members Ibrahim Gusau and Felix Anyansi-Agwu are other members of the panel, with Mohammed Nasir Saidu, Chairman of Sokoto State Football Association, to serve as member/secretary.



“The Committee has two weeks to submit its report. It will have the responsibility of thoroughly investigating how the slip came about and those who were responsible, recommend appropriate sanctions and also make other recommendations that will forestall this kind of error in the future,” NFF President Amaju Pinnick announced at an early morning meeting with NFF Management and Staff in Abuja on Wednesday.

FIFA fines Nigeria for fielding ineligible player against Algeria

Akanni Seyi

Following the recent meeting of the Disciplinary Committee, FIFA can today confirm the latest sanctions imposed for incidents that occurred during the preliminary competition for the FIFA World Cup as well as in international friendlies, codedreporter.blogspot.com.ng gathers. 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been sanctioned for fielding an ineligible player in the match between Algeria and Nigeria on 10 November 2017. 

The match is declared to be forfeited and awarded 3-0 in favour of Algeria, with the NFF also receiving a fine of CHF 6,000. The sanction relates to the player Abdullahi Shehu failing to serve the automatic one-match suspension imposed on him as a result of receiving a caution in two separate matches of the same competition.

 This sanction bears no impact on the final result of the preliminary competition for the FIFA World Cup since Nigeria had already qualified (and Algeria eliminated) before the match took place.

Fix your loop holes now, Inyama urges South-East, South-South teams ahead of new season

The Chairman, Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia, Chief Emeka Inyama said the recently concluded South-East/ South-South Pre-season Football Tournament was initiated in order to give the clubs within the geographical zones the opportunity to assess their preparations for the next season.


Speaking to newsmen in Umuahia, Chief Inyama said in as much as results could be important in such a tournament, the most essential thing was to afford the coaches the opportunity to see the players they want to parade in the new season and know whether they actually fit into their philosophy since they would face similar opposition when the league kicks off.


" So, we expect that the clubs that participated in  the tournament will return to base and work on areas of weakness and improve on areas of strength ", he said.


The Abia Warriors Chairman who expressed confidence that the tournament will be an annual event, said the venue would be rotated among the states in the zones concerned to further forge the bond of regional unity and brotherliness among the teams and players, revealing that the next edition will hold at Enugu.


He  commended all the teams that participated in the maiden edition of the tournament at Nnewi, insisting that they really gave a good account of themselves.

Super Six: Omoyele's late goal rescues point for Plateau Utd

Tosin Omoyele's late minute strike was enough to secure a point for Plateau Utd against ten men two-time CAF Champions League winners Enyimba international at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Monday.


Two sides who are representing Nigeria in the Caf competitions next face-off in what has been anticipated as tight encounter. 

Enyimba suffered a huge blow when Uche John was sent off in the 18th minute for a second bookable offense. However, Against the run of play,Ibrahim Akide trips Chinedu Udeagha in the box and the Referee made no hesitation in pointing to the spot for a penalty to the People's Elephants in the 22nd minute. 

Plateau United Goalie Okeimute Odah guesses right and pulls a great save from Chinonso Nonso's tame effort via the spot. 

Wasiu Alalade races to a sweet pass from Oladapo and sends a wicked cross to Udeagha. The former Rangers star did well to apply the finishing touch to the back of the net to hand advantage to the Aba based giants. 

The drama wasn't over when Centre Referee Adebimpe Quadri awarded the match second penalty to Plateau United in the last regulation minute as former Osun United striker, Tosin Omoyele dispatch expertly to force a 1-1 draw.

Nigeria to play Poland March 23 in pre World Cup test

Coach Gernot Rohr has hinted the Super Eagles will host fellow Russia bound 'Poland' in a World Cup warm-up at home on March 23, codedreporter.blogspot.com.ng gathers. 

Poland are one of the top eight seeds at next year’s World Cup in Russia.

Rohr disclosed this in an interview with football365.fr

They head Group H, which has another West African side Senegal as well as Japan and Colombia.

The coach also disclosed the Eagles are shopping for another test game against a European club prior to Russia 2018.

The Nigeria Football Federation are already proposing friendly against England in June.

Nigeria are drawn in Group D along with Argentina, Croatia and Iceland.

Ezenwa, Faleye 28 others in CHAN Eagles squad for Super Six

The home –based Super Eagles contingent arrived the ancient city of Kano on Saturday afternoon as Head Coach Salisu Yusuf and his crew countenance the beginning of preparations for the 5th African Nations Championship scheduled for Morocco 13th January – 4thFebruary 2018.



Yusuf, also Chief Coach of the Russia-bound A squad, has called up 30 players for the first phase of the preparations, in which the 2014 CHAN bronze medallists would test strength with the nation’s leading domestic clubs in the annual Super Six Tournament.



Super Eagles A team’s safe hands Ikechukwu Ezenwa, defenders Stephen Eze, Osas Okoro and Adeleye Olamilekan, midfielders Afeez Aremu, Rabiu Ali and Ifeanyi Ifeanyi as well as forwards Kingsley Eduwo, Sikiru Olatubosun and Anthony Okpotu are among those who will battle for shirts.



The glamour Super Six Tournament, traditionally organized to set Nigeria’s flag-bearers in continental competitions in battle mood after the lull and inactivity of the post –season break, will this year welcome NPFL reigning champions Plateau United, MFM FC, Akwa United FC, homers Kano Pillars and Enyimba FC, as well as the Super Eagles B.



The first matches are slated for Monday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, where the Eagles overpowered their counterparts from Benin Republic 2-0 on 19thAugust to qualify for the 5thAfrican Nations Championship.



Nigeria will tackle 2014 champions Libya, Rwanda and Equatorial Guinea in the group stage at the 5th African Nations Championship. The matches of Group C will be played in Tangier.



Libya shocked the African football family by winning the 2014 edition in South Africa at the expense of Ghana, despite the North African nation being embroiled in political turmoil at the time. Rwanda was the last team to qualify for the finals, after edging Ethiopia 3-2 on aggregate in a play –off that was necessitated by Egypt’s decision to forfeit her slot at the championship. Equatorial Guinea qualified for the finals following the withdrawal of Gabon.



Hosts Morocco, Guinea, Sudan and Mauritania are in Group A, in the event pitting the Atlas Lions against Mauritania in the opening match of the competition, at the Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca on 13th January.



Hosts of the inaugural edition of the competition in 2009, Cote d’Ivoire head Group B that will be based in Marrakech, and have Zambia, Uganda and Namibia as group mates.



Group D, based in Agadir, has 2011 runners-up Angola, Cameroon, Congo and Burkina Faso.



Goalkeepers: Ikechukwu Ezenwa; Dele Ajiboye; Theophilus Afelokhai



Defenders: Stephen Eze; Osas Okoro; Daniel Itodo; Adeleye Olamilekan; Kalu Orji Okogbue; Ifeanyi Nweke; Nasiru Sani; Timothy Danladi



Midfielders: Afeez Aremu; Raphael Ayagwa; Ifeanyi Ifeanyi; Rabiu Ali; Destiny Ashadi; Dayo Ojo; Emeka Atuloma; Douglas Achiv; Austine Oladapo; Abdulkadir Zango



Forwards: Sikiru Olatubosun; Kingsley Eduwo; Peter Eneji; Anthony Okpotu; Joseph Osadiaye; Sunday Faleye; Victor Mbaoma; Mustapha Ibrahim; Gabriel Okechukwu

MFM FC walloped 36 Lion to clinch Western Nigeria Preseason trophy

Mountain Of Fire and Miracles Ministries Footbal Club strolled past 36Lion with a 3-1 victory and emerged the champion of the maiden edition of Western Nigeria Pre Season Football tourney earlier today in Lagos.

The Olukoya Boys defeated 36 Lions 3-1 in the final decided Friday at the Agege Stadium courtesy of goals from two new recruits, Victor Mbaoma, Oche Salefu and Monsuru Bashiru while Bakare Emmanuel netted his team's only goal of the entertaining match.

The national chairman, Western Nigeria Football Forum Seyi Akinwunmi in an interview after the final said the forum has achieved its aim of preaching unity and love to the clubs in the zone.

He added that the tourney has enabled them to identify players from the zone who will turn out to be groomed and nutured to greatness.

Speaking further the NFF first vice president also assured that the next edition of the tourney will be well organised and bigger.


MFM FC will continue their preseason exercise with another  preseason event tagged, Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Invitational Tournament next week Monday in Kano at the Sanni Abacha Stadium.

Rivers utd Coordinator hails Ahmed Fresh over recent recognitions

Rivers United FC Team Coordinator Badawiy Basir has commended the Nigeria Football Federation Board Member, Ahmed Yusuf Fresh over the recent honorary recognition bestowed on him by a South Africa based Sport Institute.

Fresh, member of the CAF technical and development committee was honoured by the Africa Football Institute as the 'Newsmaker for the year twenty-seventeen' at South Africa at the weekend.

Bashir made this known to Maxi Sports on Wednesday December 6 shortly after his team Rivers United booked  Semi final spot in the ongoing South East and South West pre season at Nnewi.

"Fresh has done well for himself and Football in Nigeria, He has empowered the youth through organising tournaments for them at the grassroots"

"I believe more will come because he's still working hard,  I'm happy we are in the next stage of this tournament,  I personally wish Fresh well"

The Niger State Football Association Chairman Ahmed Fresh was of the recipient of New Telegraph award at Lagos for is huge contribution to Football in Nigeria.

He has also been honoured by different Sports body in the country, all to his passionate commitment to the development of the round leather game from the lowest level.

Inter Allies complete move for CHAN Eagles star Aremu

Ghana Premier League outfit Inter Allies have confirmed the signing of defensive midfielder Afeez Aremu Olalekan from Westerlo Football Academy.

The enforcer defended the colours of Akwa United last season in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and was part of the Super Eagles B side that placed second at the Fox Sports WAFU Cup in Ghana.

“We’re pleased to announce that we have reached agreement with Nigerian side Westerlo Football Academy for the transfer of Aremu,” an official statement from Inter Allies stated.

Becoming the third signing ahead of the new season, Aremu arrived in the country earlier this week and started training with the ‘Eleven Is To One.’

‪The President of Inter Allies Rabeh El-Eter said: “This is a very positive addition to our team because he will offer a lot to us.”‬

‪”He is a young player with huge capacity to learn and develop, with lots of quality.”

Upon signing for the club, the midfielder said he was “very excited” to join a good team where he can’t even wait to start.

“I would like to thank all parties involved in making this deal a successful one, it is a great move for me to come here to develop my career,” he told www.interalliesfc.com

“I am very excited to be signing for a good Club such as Inter Allies. I am looking forward to working with the new coach and the players.”

“I hope to do my best and exhibit my quality to help the team.”

Aremu also been selected for the 2018 CHAN tournament, going as one of the youngest players in the tournament.

He is a strong and aggressive defensive midfielder who plays with a lot of caution. He has grown into his profession which helps him to read the game very well.

Eagles to play England in pre World Cup friendly

The Super Eagles will engage England in a warm up game, the UK-based Skysport has reported, quoting the general secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mohammed Sanusi. Skysports however pointed out that it was yet to get a confirmation from The FA, the football governing body of England on the proposed match.

“We plan to play a friendly against England in June, before the World Cup,” Sanusi was quoted by Skysports as saying, adding that the venue and other details of the match were still to be worked out.

Both nations will feature at next year’s World Cup in Russia, with Nigeria drawn in Group D along with Argentina, Croatia and Iceland, while Gareth Southgate’s England will play Belgium, Panama and Tunisia in Group G.

While England might be using Nigeria to gauge what to expect from Tunisia, the Super Eagles would use England as a test case for the duo of European sides, Croatia and Iceland. The latter eliminated England from Euro 2016.

According to Skysport, England are scheduled to play the Netherlands in a friendly on March 23 before hosting Italy four days later. They will meet Tunisia in their World Cup opener at the Volgograd Arena on June 18, the same venue where Nigeria will face Iceland on June 22.

England and Nigeria last played at the 2002 World Cup in Osaka, Japan on June 12, 2002 in a match Coach Adegboye Onigbinde had to ring changes from the earlier line-up of Nigeria in the preceding matches with Argentina and Sweden.

Vincent Enyeama was handed his first World Cup cap. So also was Femi Opabunmi. Before then, the Super Eagles had played a friendly match with England on June 16, 1995 when Amodu Shaibu made his managerial debut with Nigeria.

The encounter, in which the Super Eagles first put on Nike kits, ended 1-0 in favour of England at the old Wembley Stadium.

ADETUNJI RESUMES TRAINING WITH ABIA WARRIORS

One of the top scorers in the Nigeria Professional Football League last season, Sunday Adetunji has resumed training with his club, Abia Warriors of Umuahia after being sidelined by injury for four months, codedreporter.blogspot.com.ng gathers.


The former Shooting Stars of Ibadan hitman, who scored 14 goals in 26 matches for the Warriors before the injury,  ended his season early in Makurdi when he broke his forearm after landing awkwardly as he leapt very high to nod in his second goal in Abia Warriors' historic 4-2 away win over Lobi Stars at the Aper Aku Stadium in a week 33 action of the NPFL.


After receiving treatment at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, he was later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia where a team of doctors successfully joined both ends of the broken bones and since that time in August, he never kicked the ball again as he recuperated.


But he has resumed training with his team mates. Head of Abia Warriors Medical Team, Dr Enyinnaya Anozie said Adetunji only resumed "light training"  adding that it would still take some weeks before he could regain match fitness.


On his own, Adetunji who has been in high spirit said it was a very difficult period for him.

"Actually, I feel great to be back because it's not easy being out for months. I'm a kind of player who would always want to be on the pitch playing, so it was not easy for me watching from the sidelines but I thank God that I'm back and strong.

On the injury he said, " I never expected it to happen to me but I believe in fate on the affairs of men so it happened but I have come over it and I'm back".

He expressed appreciation at the solidarity he received from people from all walks of life during the period particularly  the Abia Warriors family led by the Chairman, Chief Emeka Inyama who he said did everything humanly possible to ensure he returned to action as soon as possible.

Adetunji said he would pay them back by playing and scoring more goals for the club anytime he is selected to wear the Abia Warriors colours.

Russia 2018, NFF get financial subsidy from CAF

At its last meeting held on 16 November 2017 in Rabat, Morocco, the CAF Executive Committee decided to set up an ad hoc committee chaired by the CAF 1st Vice President, Kwesi Nyantakyi, to map out a kind of support to be provided to African representatives to the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018.

The committee, which has CAF Executive Committee member Kalusha Bwalya and presidents of the Football Associations of the five qualified countries as members, met in Moscow, Russia, on the sidelines of the draw for the FIFA World Cup scheduled for 1 December 2017.

At the meeting, it was decided that CAF will grant a financial subsidy of $500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand dollars) to each of the five African teams. The financial package will be used mainly to strengthen and improve the technical supervision of each team.

In addition, CAF will provide each African representative with “fieldwiz” equipment, a technological device and physical performance measuring tool for outdoor team sports players.

Russia 2018: Rohr opens W’Cup door to Martins

Obafemi Martins could have a chance to play at another World Cup if he maintains his scoring form, Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr has told KweséESPN.

"For now, we have Kelechi (Iheanacho) who is playing not all the time. (But) we played with Kelechi against Argentina and he did well.

“Then Anthony Nwakaeme also did well against Algeria and Odion Ighalo, who is injured now, did very well against Cameroon. But we have also other players, like the young boy Victor Osimhen, and we have to look everywhere.

“We have a lot of opportunities for the strikers, and so Martins, if he is scoring goals, will be welcome.” said Rohr

Wenger, Houlier Recommends Rohr To Nigeria – Pinnick

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick has revealed two Frenchmen, Coach Arsene Wenger of arsenal and ex-Liverpool boss Gérard Houllier were contacted before the appointment of Gernot Rohr as the coach of Nigeria in August 2016.


Nigeria was forced to go in search of an expatriate manager after the draw for the third round of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers pitted the national team in the same group as Cameroon, Algeria and Zambia.


”When we saw the draw for the World Cup, we knew we were condemned [by a tough group] and we determined that we must overcome it,” Pinnick said at a Nigerian Federation event attended by KweséESPN’s Colin Udoh.


“The first thing we identified was that we needed a new coach so we reached out to Arsene Wenger, to Gerard Houllier, and one name kept coming to the fore: Rohr.


“Now we have no regrets about hiring him and he has proven himself not just by qualifying for the World Cup, but with the foundation he is laying for our team, which now has young players from the age of 19, [he is] doing well.”


German-born Gernot Rohr, who is also in the possession of a French passport, has signed a two-year contract extension and his wages have been paid until December 2017.

LEADERSHIP

CHAN: VAR to be used during the championship

The Confederation of African Football has confirmed the introduction of Video Assistant Referee [VAR] for the 2018 African Nations Championship. 
 
The biennial competition is scheduled to take place between January 13 to February 4, 2018 across four Moroccan cities of Casablanca, Marrakech, Tangiers and Agadir. 
 
The Caf Referee’s Committee in a meeting in Egypt on Monday agreed that the technology will be experimented from the quarter-finals stage of the tournament with officials already shortlisted for the next year’s World Cup and with previous VAR trainings to be invited.

Let there be peace, Ekiti FA move to resolve crises

The Local Football Council Chairmen in Ekiti State have agreed to put all unresolved issues behind them to advance the frontiers of football in the state, codedreporter.blogspot.com.ng gathers.

Board members of the association led by the Vice Chairman and other LFC heads made this known after rising from an emergency meeting that sought to clarify some grey areas between the state football association chairman and board members after several intervention efforts had failed.

The emergency meeting is the first in several months since the board was formed owing to the FA chairman's disingenuous plans not to carry board members along in fundamental activities.

It was gathered during the meeting that the state rather than progress in it's sports activities like other states was back peddling due to the lack of attention and proper planning.

One of the board members, Mr Oloworemo Oluwole expressed disgust at a situation where the slot that will allow an Ekiti man to be a committee member  in NFF was given away by the EKFA chairman.

This according to him was one of the impunious decisions that has kept the state in recent times on a back foot as it concerns football development.

Another member, Mr Fatukasi Joseph  revealed that the emergency meeting held plans to revert to the FA's Statutes to revive the state of football in Ekiti which has produced popular footballers such as Sunday Alimi and the likes.

Although the state of football in Ekiti State might be in a dire condition,the Ekiti State FA tied up with it's board members have vowed not to allow any selfish interests dissuade their desire to institute to a worthy legacy for the generation unborn.

The meeting ended with the forum agreeing to work within the provisions of the State FA Statutes to move football forward in the state.  The members of the Board presence led by the VC of the EKFA, Otunba Ariyo A.Y.O. were charged with the responsibility of organizing the 2017 AGM before the end of the year

LA LIGA to storm NLO Super 8

A new twist of excitement is in the air concerning the NLO Super 8 slated to begin next week in Katsina as officers of La Liga have promised to grace the occasion in furtherance with the partnership the custodian of Spain elite league have with the cradle of football in Nigeria.


Olushola Ogunnowo in a chat with the media in Abuja on Monday  revealed that the Country Director of La Liga Global Network and his representatives  have confirmed that they will be at Katsina to witness action on the field as the eight teams in the tournament battles for supremacy from the blast of the whistle.


"There was a meeting we held in Lagos between the NLO and the Country Director of La Liga , Javier Del Rio and he stated that it categorically that La Liga representatives will be at NLO Super 8 to witness the matches live at the Mohammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina city," Ogunnowo said.


He stressed further that : "The nationwide league is saturated with a lot of youthful talented footballers and the NLO is not surprised that La Liga will be sending their scouts to watch the players that will be paraded by the eight teams in the tournament.


"Their purpose of coming is to fulfill their partnership with NLO, which is in area of players development and i am quite sure that they will see some players with unique football talents at the tournament," he added.


The NLO Super 8 tournament is expected to kick off on December 4 and it will end on December 9 in Katsina state.

Benue State bid to host 2018 GoldCup Pre-Season Tourney

Benue State Government has declared it's interest to host the 2018 edition of the Gold Cup Pre-Season Tourney.

The iconic Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi is expected to host matches of the Nigeria's most prestigious domestic club event, the Gold Cup Pre-season Tournament.

General Coordinator of the tourney, Tunde Shamsudeen, disclosed to Gold Cup Media Team after Kano Pillars were crowned champions of the 5th edition with 1-0 triumph over defending champion Lobi Stars FC  to claim their second Gold Cup trophy in three years courtesy of a 33rd minute strike from Rabiu Ali.  

"The next edition of the Gold Cup could be moved out of Ilorin, Kwara State, capital. We are delighted to announce that the Food Basket State have signified its intentions to host the next edition of the Gold Cup.

"Reason been that, we want to spread it to other Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) fans state. You would agree with me that there's a good follower-ship of our three tier leagues in Makurdi.

 

"We all know that we can't talk about our domestic football without mentioning Benue State or teams and sports administrators that have come from the state. 

"The state boast of teams that have won laurel in and outside Nigeria, produced players that have excelled in the game of football and also produced fine administrators too. 

"Benue State saying they want to host the next edition of Gold Cup Tourney is a big boost for the tourney and we believe that with their support the next edition will be bigger than the previous editions.

"Let me also state here, that Kano State have also indicated it's intentions to host the tournament too."

South West Pre-Season Tourney: 11 teams to participate in readiness for new season

The Chairman, South West Football forum, Seyi Akinwunmi said that Pre-Season tournament, will feature 11 teams.

The competition will hold between Dec 3 to Dec 8 at the Agege Township Stadium. Akinwunmi said the competition would serve as a platform for the clubs playing in the league to assess their teams.

”The regional tournament could serve as an appraisal for the team on their preparedness for the new season. ”The Pre-Season tournament is aimed at giving the clubs campaigning in the league a veritable platform to assess their team before the commencement of the league,” he said.

 Akinwunmi who is also First Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said that the regional championships to provide a synergy for football developmental programmes among the south west clubs. ”It is also an avenue for the discovery of young players in the South West Zone,” he said.

Akinwunmi said that the organisers were satisfied with the level of preparedness of the teams that had registered for the tournament. “We are satisfied with the level of preparation for the championships . The teams are getting prepared”. “We are expecting teams from the Nigeria Professional Football League and Nigeria National League 10 of them,” he said.

 Akinwunmi said the organiser of the tournament had learnt from the previous edition of the tournament. ”This showed that the teams that performed well also translate it to their campaign in the league. “We are quite satisfied with the timing of the tournament because it will serve as a prelude to the new league season.

 “The last edition affords various teams the opportunity to assess their team in terms of performance and technicalities. “Those that performed well in the championships last year can see their effect in their campaign during the league season because they can assess the players. “The tournament helps them to know their strength and weakness and also affords them the opportunity to plan ahead for the league,’’ he said.

Akinwunmi assured that the tournament would keep improving in terms of organisation and coordination. “What we are assuring is that the competition will continue to get better as the time comes by. The mistakes noticed in the previous edition will be corrected in the next. “By next year, we hope to see more clubs interested in the tournament,” he said.

 The Secretary of the forum, Akin Akinbobola, said that not only the teams and players would enjoy the benefit of assessing themselves, but also the referees. “The opportunity of assessment is not only for the teams, but also the referees and match officials getting them ready for the new league season.

“The teams that will be participating are drawn from the Premier League, National League and a state representative from Ekiti.

 “The teams are MFM FC, Sunshine Stars of Akure, Remo Stars, Crown FC, of Ogbomosho, Spartan FC of Lagos, Akure City, and a club assembled by Ekiti,’’ he said.

Akinbobola said that part of the gains of the tournament would be a technical assessment reports to be given by some experts in the league system to strengthen the clubs participating in the tournament. “Parts of the gain include a technical report that will be given by the technical committee headed by Taiwo Ogunjobi who will give a holistic approach to the teams.

“They will be assessed in their areas of strength and weakness and advice on where they needed to consolidate and improve top have a successful outing in their campaign.

 “We are also giving the team opportunity to know what to expect from other teams and if there are more lapses, there would be another tournament to assess them. “The tournament would probably hold a month to the commencement of the new league season,’’ he said. The tournament which was first held in 2016 at Onikan Stadium was won by Gateway FC of Abeokuta.

Gold Cup: Pillars claim second Gold Cup trophy in three years

Kano Pillars beat Lobi Stars 1-0 in the final of the 5th edition of the Gold Cup Preseason Tournament to claim their second Gold Cup trophy in three years courtesy of a 33rd minute strike from Rabiu Ali. 

The interesting game produced some breathtaking moment for both teams avid fans in Ilorin. Kano Pillars created the first chance of the game after four minutes of play when Nyima Nwagua failed to connect Ifeanyi Nweke's well delivered cross.

 

Nwagua had another opportunity to score the first goal of the pulsating encounter after receiving a pass from Nzube Anaezemba but his shot went inches wide.

The defending Champions were awarded a free kick in the 8th minute of the match when Salau Ibrahim was brought down in the final third by Chris Madaki but Moses Bunde poor delivery from the free kick was cleared by Chinedu Udoji.

Evans Ogenyi's men were denied an opportunity to net the opener in the 28th minute through Ibrahim Salau but Pillars goalkeeper David Obiazor pulled a brilliant save.

Ibrahim Musa's wards scored the only goal of the game in the 33rd minute when Rabiu Ali beat an offside trap before putting the ball past John Lawrence. The first 45 minutes ended with the Pillars claiming a deserved one goal lead.

The Benue Army came out strong in the second half and created couple of goal scoring chances but Pillars were resolute with their defensive play.

In their bid to get the equaliser, Lobi Stars made few changes. Eze Uchenna was introduced for Ibrahim Salau in the 53rd minute while David Tyavkase and Manir Ubale came in for Paul Onobi and Adeshina Thomas. The 75th minute of the exchange saw Lobi Stars weaving around Pillars defense with great passing skills, Duru sent in a lovely pass to Okpotu but Udoji intercepted it with a timely tackle.

Pillars stood their ground and defended their lead as they claimed their second Gold Cup trophy in three years.

However, FC Ebedei's youngster Batholomew Daniel claimed the top scorer award with three goals, Rabiu Ali was voted the tourney most valuable player while John Lawrence of Lobi Stars was named the tournament's best goalkeeper.

Lobi, Pillars for Gold Cup Final

Kano Pillars beat Niger Tornadoes 3-2 on penaties in the second semi final of the ongoing Gold Cup Preseason Tournament on Friday after a goalless draw in a pusulating encounter played at the Kwara Township Stadium, Ilorin.


Both sides went into the game with hopes of facing already qualified Lobi Stars FC in the final of the 5th edition of the Gold Cup Preseason Tournament.


Niger Tornadoes had the first glaring chance to score the first goal of the game, following a long throw in from Reuben Ogbonnaya but Shamsudeen's header went unattended to. 


Terkaa Melaai denied another close effort from Adamu Hassan after Nweke Ifeanyi delivered a wonderful cross into the final half.


Kano Pillars continued to mount pressure on Ikon Allah Boys in the second half, Abbah Hamza had a clear chance to score but Terkaa Melaai pulled a  beautiful save.


Minutes later, Niger Tornadoes got an attempt to punish the Sai Masu Gida Boys but Uche Ohusanya wasted a glorious opportunity to bury into an empty net from Wakali Mohammed's brilliant run.


The penalties shootouts presented Tornadoes with a chance to book the final ticket after Terkaa had saved two  spot kicks but Uche Uhusanya hit the upright to hand Pillars opportunity to win their second Gold Cup Tournament in three years.


Head Coach of Niger Tornadoes, Sola Adewuyi said he is satisfied with his boys, though they missed so many chances to have buried the game before it got to the penalty shoot out but they were very unlucky and have have positives to take home from this competition.


Technical Adviser of Kano Pillars, Ibrahim Musa on the other hand said he isn't happy because his boys played their worst game of the tournament and they will work on it going into the final of the competition against Lobi Stars FC.

My injury hell is over – Dele Olorundare

Former Sunshine Stars forward, Dele Olorundare has declared he would soon be back on the pitch and scoring goals after finally finding a lasting solution to his persistent injury.

Olorundare, who once led Sunshine Stars to third place in the NPFL and led the line as Sunshine Stars played on the continent for the first time has battled consistent knee problems for the past two years and his career has stalled as a result of the injury.

Olorundare is arguably Sunshine Stars record scorer with 42 goals from 69 appearances. His superb season form earned him a call-up to the Home-based Super Eagles under late Stephen Keshi in 2013.

However, it appears he is certain the lingering problem has now being solved and is gearing up for a return to the league.

“It started two years ago when I felt something in my knee. I continued playing with it because I wanted to help my club but apparently, it was getting worse. When I fully broke down, I started looking for medical solutions to resolve it and that was where my problems began,” he says.

“One solution led to another but I wasn’t feeling any better and loosing hope till I heard about Kasi Healthcare. Dr Salami and Dr Dayo Osholowu assured me they could finally resolve the issue and I decided to go with them as they seemed to know what they were talking about and I saw the technology they had. It has turned out to be the best decision I have made in my career. My knee is healing fast now and I will resume training very soon. I cannot wait to be back.”

Speaking on Olorundare’s injury, Dr Salami, Chief of Surgery at Kasi Healthcare said making the right diagnosis and confirming same with modern technology is fundamental to identify and plan for treatment of delicate sports injuries and ensuring that players make the best of their short careers.

“It is sad many players lose out on the best years of their careers because of inadequate care. Our team has extensive clinical experience managing sports injuries. Nigerian athletes can now gain access to diagnostic ultrasound and MRI scans reported by specialist sports medicine specialists and l radiologists, either same day or within 48 hours of their initial appointment.

“We offer a world class but local solution for injured Nigerian athletes. We have consolidated all our skills, expertise, and made the investment in the modern technology to create a world class sports medicine service here in Lagos Nigeria. That is our mission here at Kasi. I am happy for Olorundare, he deserves to be back on the pitch. He has been through a lot. 

Dr Salami is a Fellow in Arthroscopy at the Sancheti Institute of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Pune, India. He is also a fellow of the West African College of Surgeons and member International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS); European Society for Sports Traumatology.

Also speaking on the issue is Head of the Kasi Healthcare Interventional Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation service Dr Dayo Osholowu who is a Diplomat of the FIFA Football Medicine Center of Excellence Johannesburg and member of the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup Medical team and Former Team Doctor of NIgerian Dodan Warriors Basketball Team says NPFL players, other Nigeria athletes all need fast diagnosis and full recovery.

"They want to return to their achieved levels of fitness and performance as soon as possible with minimal disruption. For even the most severe sports injuries such as a torn ACL (knee ligament) we offer advance keyhole and micro surgery including Laser treatments for Sports Injuries. We also offer Physiotherapy and individualized rehabilitation programmes to ensure full recovery from sports injuries and orthopedic surgery.

“Our team is 100% Nigerian and trained at top Sports Medicine centers in Europe, USA, South Africa and India. We are here to provide the best quality specialist healthcare to this category of Nigerians. It is sad that in the past many have never fully recovered from these injuries which are completely treatable.

“We are happy, we are giving athletes and Nigerians hope by helping them recover from injuries. This year we have treated Terry Envoh, a former Nigerian international and he is on his way to fully recovering. Another Nigerian International Segun Oduduwa who also got injured playing for the National U23 team has had his surgery and is strictly following our recovery plan.

“Segun will make a full and complete recovery and he will be back on the pitch soon. That’s what gives us pride, helping our people return to sports or any other endeavor and leading active, productive lives.”