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.”

Crisis, Accusations Tear Ekiti State FA Apart

Things have fallen apart among the rank and file of members and officials of Ekiti State Football Association, as prolonged crisis has stalled activities of the body, with fingers of accusation pointing in the direction of the body’s chairman, Ayo Alabi.

Information on offer from the state capital, Ado Ekiti indicates that stakeholders and board members of the association have blamed the poor state of football in the state on the crisis currently rocking the FA.

Some members of the board described the status of football in the FA as a state of comatose, which they attributed to the administrative system of Alabi, who is also commissioner of local government and chieftaincy affairs in the state.

However, while Alabi says there is no crisis, top members of the board, including the vice chairman, Otunba Ariyo Yomi and spokesman, Joseph Fatukasi, insist he is to blame for their woes.

They went on to accuse the chairman of several offences, including arbitrariness in decision making, as well as high handedness, blackmail, intimidation and misappropriation of funds.

The aggrieved board members also accused the chairman of boasting of support by the leadership of South West football forum led Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi.

These are praying for a meeting of stakeholders and the football Congress for them to table their grievances and fashion a way forward.

However, Lagos Football Association chairman, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, who is also chairman of South West Football Forum, is wading into the situation.

Akinwunmi stated in reaction to enquiries on the crisis that he would be in Ekiti State on  Thursday and promised that the issue would be resolved when he gets there.

Gold Cup: Saka humbled after marching order

Akanni Seyi



The semi final hero of Lobi Stars in the ongoing Gold Cup preseason tournament, Ayo Saka has apologized to his coaches and team mates after being involved in a verbal altercation that sparked the center referee to issue a red card.



Pride of Benue were leading the 'Chanji Boys' by a lone goal, courtesy of a solo effort from the former Rivers United hitman when the incidence took place.



Both Samuel Tswanya and Ayo Saka were involved in skanky and loathsome arguments in the sixty fifth (65) minute of play after a certain Katsina United defender was seen rolling in pains in his six yard, the center referee was left with no option than to dismiss the two veterans.



" I regret my actions today, l was so pissed off the way l was challenged and l found my self unable to control my anger.



" My dream is to win this tournament for my club back to back but it's unfortunate for me now, l won't be able to appear in the final. I want to apologize to whoever is disappointed with my actions, most especially my team mates and coaches. I hence forth promise to control my anger next time". The veteran midfielder stated

Ahead of CHAN, home base Eagles to camp in Morocco

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The home-based Super Eagles will commence camping in Morocco in January in preparation for the 2018 Africa Nation Championship billed for the same country.

The Salisu Yusuf-led side have also been lined up for the Nigeria Professional Football League Super Six competition in Kano in December in preparation for the CHAN tourney.

Media Officer of the team, Toyin Ibitoye disclosed the arrangements on ground for the CHAN Eagles to fine tune their readiness for the continental tourney.

“Our preparation for the CHAN has been divided into three stages by coach Salisu Yusuf,” Ibitoye disclosed to Complete Sports.

“The main preparation which is the final phase will be in Morocco and will start early next year.

“The first phase will be the camping exercise for the Super Six in Kano which starts early next month after which the players will proceed on break and come back for the second phase and after which we will embark on the last phase in Morocco.

“We also expect that the list of players that will play in the Super Four will be out in a couple of days.

The Eagles are drawn in Group C of the competition alongside Rwanda, Equatorial Guinea and Libya.

Lobi Stars advance to second Gold Cup final in two years

Ayo Saka's 19th solo effort helped Lobi Stars advanced to the final of the 2017 Gold Cup Preseason Tournament on Tuesday in Ilorin after defeating Katsina United 1-0 in the first semi final fixture played at the Kwara State Stadium.

Both sides started the encounter on a high with Thomas Adeshina of Lobi Stars had a chance to score the first goal but his effort went inches wide. 

Minutes after, Adeshina had another chance from Anthony Okputu but he was unlucky to hand his team the lead.

Ayo Saka later put the Markurdi-based club ahead in the 19th minute with a solo effort after connecting a beautiful pass from Cletus Itodo.

The 23rd minute of the pulsating match presented an opportunity  to Kastina United to level up but Agboola Joshua failed to bury his chance from a goal mouth scramble.

Coach Biffo tutored side continued to mount pressure on the Stars but John Lawrence did a yeoman's job pulling series of great saves to keep the scoreline intact.

The two teams were reduced to ten men in the second half following unsportsmanlike conduct from Ayo Saka and Samuel Tswanya, the center referee issued them a straight red card.

In the closing minutes of the game, the Chanji Boys had a glorious chance to equal the scoreline through Stephen Adah but he missed the opportunity.

The game ended with Lobi Stars securing their second consecutive Gold Cup final.

Speaking after the match Katsina United manager, Abdullahi Biffo said" I didn't see this defeat as a disappointment because like I said our coming here was not to win but to test the our level of preparations for the season, but reaching this far shows we are closer to where we want to be."

"I want to commend the boys for adjusting to my philosophy and I want to commend the organizers of this tournament, it has assist clubs to check their level of readiness for the season," he said.

Chief Coach of Lobi Stars, Evans Ogenyi on his part told Gold Cup Media that "We are happy to reach another final consecutively, it was a good match and we are happy with the way the boys played and hold up during the difficult moments.

"All the semifinalists are potential winners of the tournament but we want to try as much as possible to win it which I believe it will be an added impetus apart from using the tournament to prepare for the new league season," said an obviously elated Lobi Stars handler Evans Ogenyi.

Lobi Stars will await the winner between Niger Tornadoes and Kano Pillars to determine their opponent in the final to be decided on Friday.

GOLD CUP: Lobi, Tornadoes book Semifinal tickets

Lobi Stars and Niger Tornadoes have booked the semifinal tickets of the ongoing Nigeria most elaborate Preseason Tournament, Gold Cup after their respective victories over Remo Stars FC and ABS FC in Ilorin, on Monday.



The Markurdi outfit advanced to next round of the Gold Cup tourney after claiming a 1-0 win over Remo Stars in one of the games played Monday morning at the Kwara State Stadium.



Ubale Manir scored the only goal of that game in the 23rd minute of the exchange.




Solomon Ogbedei's men emerged as the first team to qualify to the semifinal of the competition with eight (8) points from four (4) matches.





Niger Tornadoes made it to the next stage of the competition after Mubarak Umar, Ifeanyi Okoye and John Kim netted a goal each to hand their team their first ever Gold Cup semifinal ticket with a 3-1 victory over the Saraki Boys.



Chindo Babangida got ABS FC's consolation goal from the penalty spot in the 54th minute of the explosive match-up.



Coach Abubark Bala and his charges amassed eight (8) points from four (4) matches to emerge as the first team to qualify next round of tournament from Group B.

Gold Cup: Katsina United sink FC Ebedei to earn first Gold Cup win

A goal in each half of the game ensured the supremacy of Katsina United as they climbed  and top Group B in style after a cracking, pulsating and breath-taking encounter at the end of MatchDay Four of the tournament played on Saturday at the Mainbowl of Kwara State Stadium Complex llorin.



FC Ebedei managed not to have conceded inside ten (10) minute of play as Chanji Boys perpetually dominating the proceeding in the executing zone. Ebenezer Odeyemi's constant pace and agility proved too much for Oliseh Boys to curtail.



Deep into the first stanza, Isah could have opened the account after Destiny Ashadi's pace rattled FC Ebedei's defence but his threading  effort was clawed excellently by Tosin Dauda in goal for FC Ebedei. Ebenezer Odeyemi broke the dead lock in the 35th minute, burying a low drive past the keeper after receiving a humble pass from Garba Yushau.



Oliseh Boys started on front foot after the restart with Effiong Stephen, Ayinde Gbenga and tournament's highest goal scorer Daniel Batholomeu, posing a serious and dangerous threat to Katsina United at the back but Usman Barau and Timothy Danladi showed a convincing maturity in curtailing the constant threats.



Ashadi's movement in the final third, ten minutes from time nearly put the icing on the cake of the Chanji Boys but a resolute Maikasuwa Godwin intercepted brilliantly to keep the score line at 1-0.

However, Dauda Tosin couldn't grip a range that was dropped in his area in the last minute of play and substitute, lbrahim Nurudeen unerringly headed into the empty net as the second goal sealed the maximum points for Chanji boys who were composed, agile and superior in the evening, thus displacing 'Oliseh Boys' from the top of the log.



 In his reaction after the game, Ebedei Coach Babatunde Oladeinde took the positives from the game and promised to go back and work on the negatives stating that FC Ebedei will do everything possible to qualify from the group.



On the other hand, Coach Abdullahi Biffo heaped praises on his lads for overwhelming display, claiming that their performance today can be traced to the outcome of the game between their opponent and MFM FC yesterday. He further disclosed that the tempo of their performance will be sustained going to their next game.

CHAN: Nigeria squares up Libya, Rwanda, Equatorial Guinea

The Nigerian team, drawn in Group C along with Rwanda, Equatorial Guinea and Libya will open their campaign with a game with Rwanda. The match, along with those against Equatorial Guinea and Libya will hold at Stade Ibn Batouta.

Tangier, the Moroccan port on the Strait of Gibraltar, where Nigeria picked the ticket for the football event of the 1976 Montreal Olympics, is where the home based Super Eagles will begin their campaign to win the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in January.

Morocco, the hosts, will open the competition with a match with Mauritania at the 65,000 capacity Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca.

The competition, like those of the higher Africa Cup of Nations will be played in double-header format.

Immediately after the Morocco versus Mauritania clash, Sudan and Guinea will take the pitch in Group A.

In Group B are the quartet of Cote d’Ivoire, Uganda, Namibia and Zambia. They will play their matches at the Stade de Marrakech in Marrakech.

Group D comprise of the ABC teams of Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon and Congo. They will play their matches at the Stade Adrar in Agadir.

Gold Cup: Okpotu's late strike rescues point for Lobi Stars

A goal mouth scrambled effort by Anthony Okpotu ensured defending champions Lobi Stars salvaged a point in grueling matchday 3 of the ongoing Gold Cup Preseason Tournament in Ilorin on Friday.

Victor Denis had earlier shoot Pillars ahead in the 25th minute as his overhead kicked crossed the line before Lobi Stars' keeper, Lawrence John could pick.

Pillars' Ibrahim Alhassan tried a distance shot on target Lawrence John held firmly on the line.

Ebube Duru raced past his marker to take a shot for Lobi Stars in the sixth minute but his attempt went inches wide.

Kano Pillars thought they had taken the lead two minutes later when Rabiu Ali gets a through pass from Nwagua's low pass but John denied him as he parried to corner.

Lobi responded with a renewed vigor as Ojo Tolulope run down the right flank to locate Okputu but Pillars' defenders combined well to clear their line.

Kano Pillars' goal arrived in the 25th minute when Victor Denis' overhead kick went pass the goal line before John could pick.

Lobi could have level up the scoreline with five minutes remaining but Pillars' keeper Yusuf Mohammed stood firmly between the sticks to tip Okpotu's goal bound free kick to corner.

The Makurdi based side still had a chance to level up scoreline with a minute to end half time as Uchenna Eze shoot from edge of the box but Mohammed punched to corner.

The resumption of the game witnessed an improved performance from Lobi Stars as they pushed for equalizer but Pillars stood their ground to maintain their lead.

Ayo Saka curled wide a close range effort from Ebube's cross in the 59th minute.

Kano Pillars' Keeper,  Yusuf Mohammed dived well to rescue situation as Ebube Duru's cross sailed into his box with a minute into an hour mark.

Substitute Manu Garba could have put the game to rest for Pillars in the 64th minute when put through with a neat pass from Rabiu Ali but the bulky forward shoot wide with only John to beat.

Lobi Stars would get their deserved equalizer with six minutes to end the game when Anthony Okpotu arrived on time to jabbed in the ball from a goal mouth scramble.

Both sides finally settled for draw as they couldn't find a way through to get the winner.

Technical Adviser of Pillars, Ibrahim Musa who commended both sides for putting up a good match noted that his side could have won had they converted their numerous scoring opportunities.

His counterparts from Lobi Stars, Evans Ogenyi praised his players for rallying to get a point from the match adding that the match afforded the Makurdi based Club to test new legs in their fold.


Meanwhile, group B leader FC Ebedei will today trade tackle with Katsina United in the only game of Match Day 4

GOLD CUP: FC Ebedei shocks MFM FC ..... As Katsina United, ABS FC settle for draw

Daniel Batholomeu bagged a brace as FC Ebedei pipped the high-flying MFM FC of Lagos in the first game of Matchday Three encounter of ongoing Gold Cup Preseason Tournament played this morning at the Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin.


 Both teams tango with high tempo from the start, having garnered one (1) point each from their previous games, with the winner to lead the group temporarily. The Olukoya boys announced their dominance early in the game with excellent foot works from enterprising Onuwa Chukwuka setting up the likes of Sikiru Olatubosun and Victor Mbaoma. Glorious chances beckoned on the experienced Olukoya boys who were furiously terrorizing FC Ebedei's lock spot but the likes of Sikiru Olatubosun and Victor Mbaoma were culprits in front of goals.


MFM FC safe hand Nasamu Emmanuel, who had been hardly tested for the most part of the first stanza was called into action in thirty nine (39) minute as he denied lanky Gbenga Ayinole from point blank. The youthful sides couldn't break the deadlock at the end of the first stanza.


Oliseh boys were decisive in most of their attacking build up as the match gathered momentum and their efforts were finally rewarded with a brilliant goal from Daniel Batholomeu as MFM defenders failed to clear their line, after a scramble. MFM coach turned to his bench in his bid to restrategize and rescue points for his side as Adebayo Waheed, Atu Irumekhai and Abayomi Lawal were thrown into fray and the result was instant as the Lagos-based team midfielders wouldn't stop creating sparks. Victor Mbaoma later benefitted from Salifu's vision to bury a lovely low drive past onrushing Tosin Dauda in goal for Ebedei.


What a moment of respite for the Lagos based team but the joy lasted barely four minute when Effiong Stephen sets up Daniel Batholomeu who unerringly powered in a fierce strike from close range. Batholomeu's third strike of the tournament confirmed his status as highest goal scorer at the moment.



 Olukoya Boys later went into the act of terrorizing Ebedei's defensive set up but all to no avail. Speaking to Gold Cup Media after the game, Coach Tunde Oladeinde of FC Ebedei lauded the spirited performance by his boys and promised more players will be exposed and tested in their subsequent fixtures.


On the other hand, MFM FC assistant coach, Olalekan Gabriel who stood in for Fidelis Ilechukwu says his wards will fix the loop holes in every department of the team before their next game.


Coach Biffo tutored side, Katsina United and ABS FC played out a goalless draw in the second game of the day which was decided at same Stadium.


With the results of the Group B matches, FC Ebedei are now setting at the top of the table with four points from two games, while Niger Tornadoes, Katsina United and ABS FC have two points respectively.

LMC NPFL season to kick start Jan. 14

Pre-season Invitational holds in Kano, Dec. 11-17Club Licensing documentation ends January 5Season ends September 30

Activities to kick-start the 2017/18 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season which began with the on-going club licensing will enter the next stage with the annual NPFL Pre-season tournament from December 11-17, 2017 to usher in the grand season opening matches on January 11, 2018.

The schedule of the new season’s activities which has been endorsed by the League Management Company (LMC) will witness a flurry of activities including the induction and orientation workshop for the four newly admitted NPFL Clubs on December 14 and the LMC Pre- Annual General Meeting (AGM)/Consultative Meeting with NPFL participating Clubs on December 16 in Kano where the pre-season tournament will hold.

According to Salihu Abubakar, the LMC Chief Operating Officer, other activities scheduled for the month of December include “the draws for the new season, pre-season seminar and spot checking on Clubs compliance to licensing regulations, payment of players and officials salaries, status of facilities, etc.”

The LMC have also fixed t January 5, 2018 as the final date for submission of Club Licensing documentation by clubs participating in the league.

The statement read, “January 5 is the cut-off date for compliance with redemption and settlement of any outstanding payment of salaries arising from 2016/2017 NPFL Season to players and coaches; and or provision of an acceptable Financial Guarantee to guarantee the overdue payments and a tentative payment plan from the Club proprietors”.

Another highlight of the calendar comes up on January 8, 2018 when the LMC, which is First Instance Body (FIB) will issue the NFF Club Licensing Certificate to qualified clubs that meet the criteria for participation in the 2017/2018 NPFL Season.

“The 2017/18 season will start at all centers on January 14 and in the first stanza, there will be thre midweek matches on match days 2, 4 and 5 while the midseason break will be from April 30- May 5 and a longer break for the FIFA World Cup from June 14-July 15. Resumption from the World Cup break will be on July 18 with match day 25 which will be the first of another three midweek matches in the second stanza. The other two midweek fixtures will be on match day 27 and 29”, continued Abubakar in giving a breakdown of the calendar.

The LMC assured that it took into consideration all scheduled fixtures of the AITEO Cup, CAF Club competitions and the FIFA World Cup in planning the calendar noting that “this is part of the reason we delayed the release of the fixtures and barring any unforeseen events, we definitely will conclude the season on September 30, 2018”.

GOLD CUP: Batholomy rescues a point for FC Ebedei

Batholomy Daniel's goal from spot kick in the 71st minute for FC Ebedei ensured FC Ebedei and Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC share the spoils in their opening encounter in the ongoing prestigious Gold Cup Preseason Tournament at the main bowl of Kwara Township Stadium.




ABS FC dominated the first fifteen minutes of the game with majority of their chances not well converted before FC Ebedei rose to get their first opportunity in the 30th minute but Soliu Dogo calmly denied Miracle Mboh a chance of giving his side the lead.




Goalscorer, Ayinde Taiye made a solo run diagonally to ensure his first opportunity of the game put ABS FC ahead in the first half of the game.



Batholomy Daniel equalised from the penalty spot after ABS goalkeeper, Soliu Dogo pinned Gbenga Ayinde down in the second half of the game.




Speaking with Gold Cup Tournament Media Crew after the game, Head of Technical Department of FC Ebedei, Oladeinde Babatunde felt the task is higher than their expectations but they are just in the tournament to expose his wards.




Coach of ABS FC, Sulyman Quadri on the other hand says they wanted to get maximum points in the game but they could not because majority of their players are no longer with the team.




ABS next match will be against Katsina United on Friday while Ebedei lock horns with MFM FC.

Gold Cup: Okpotu wants total commitment from team mates

Akanni Seyi


Lobi Stars forward, Anthony Okpotu has stated that, only commitment and absolute focus can see his side repeating the same feat they achieved during the last edition of the prestigious Gold Cup preseason tournament in Ijebu Ode.



Gold Cup defending Champion took on the tournament newbie, Kwara United, after the official kick off being performed by Sen. Fatai Buhari in company of former NFF Secretary, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi (Osun Pillar of Sports), at the main bowl of Kwara  Stadium llorin.


Fans were thrilled, as Kwara United defenders were absolutely exceptional in curtailing the attacking threats being posed by Lobi Stars throughout the pulsating encounter as each side couldn't break the deadlock while the game ended in  stalemate.



Solomon Kwambe's freekick from the edge of the box could have sealed the game for the Stars at the death of time but Harmony Boys were lucky to come out unscathed, many thanks to the wood work.



Speaking to Gold Cup Media after the encounter, the Nigeria Professional Football League highest goal scorer last season, Anthony Okpotu noted: "We are here to prove points, the season is about to kick start and tournament like this will show us how far we are ready for the season.



"We need absolute concentration to win this tournament successively, because, the remaining teams won't take this competition with levity. We are going to brace up when we take on our next opponent, Kano Pillars." He concluded.



Earlier in the day, former champion, Kano Pillars took the maximum three points off hard fighting Remo Stars as the game ended 3-2. Also, the game involving the last edition's finalist, MFM FC and Niger Tornadoes FC ended in a barren draw.

Buhari, Ogunjobi to kick off Gold Cup Tourney

Distinguish Senator of the Federal Republic, Dr. Buhari Abdul-Fatai (BAF) will on Wednesday do the official kick off of the 5th edition of the Gold Cup Pre-season Tournament in company of former Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, at the Main Bowl of the Kwara Stadium, Ilorin.




General Coordinator of the tourney for domestic league clubs in Nigeria, Tunde Shamsudeen, hinted on Tuesday while addressing newsmen in Ilorin.




"We're delighted to announce that the Gold Cup sponsor Senator Buhari will set the alive with the ceremonial first kick of the ball. He will not be alone as Pillar of Sports in State of Osun, Ogunjobi and other VIP's will watch the opening game.




"We also express our sincere appreciation to Kwara State Football Association for their immense support accorded the hosting of the 5th edition. I must confess that this is the best technical support we've received over the years.




Lobi Stars will begin the defence of the trophy they won last year in Ijebu-Ode as they lock horns against debutants and newly promoted Kwara United.




In the other fixtures of Matchday one, two known gladiators in the Gold Cup tourney, MFM FC and Tornadoes renew their rivalry when they draw swords, as


Coach Fatai Osho will be having his hands full as his Remo Stars team will tango Kano Pillars.



Gold Cup Pre-season Tournament is sponsored by distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic, Dr. Buhari Abdul-Fatai (BAF), Nigeria Football Federation Executive Committee Member, Alhaji  Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, foremost betting company, Bet9ja, Nigeria leading sportswear firm, 'Cone', Naija League Magazine, Tribeca Code, Phoenix ASC, Matchroom, Sportspro, Select Sports, Bovina View Hotel, Stadium Hotel, New-Bell Global Investment, 11th Media Global Concept, Phreestyle Sports, Rashidi Yekini Foundation and Mao Football Academy.