NPFL: We will play like wounded Lion in Enugu - Akinbinu

Akanni Seyi


Rivers United hit man, Samuel Akinbinu has vowed that United will be on top of their game when they visit Enugu in Match Day six of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).



United faithfuls were seen as they left stadium in dismay on Sunday evening after playing one all draw with Aba based side.

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Rivers United came back to draw level against Enyimba after the former defunct Prime FC forward, Israel Daniel came on from bench to rescue his side in the closing stages of the encounter as they dropped valuable points in front of their fans.



Speaking to codedreporter.blogspot.com.ng, Samuel Akinbinu hinted that, " It's so painful to share points with our visitor, at least we controlled the game to some extent but goals refused to come our way, in fact we have all what it takes to nail the game.



"Rangers have been putting up impressive performances both home and away this season but with good officiating, we can do the impossible. We are going to make up for the lost points by His grace because we are like wounded Lion.



"Rivers United is the best footballing brand now in Nigeria and we can't afford to disappoint our teeming supporters including the first citizen of the State." Former Bayelsa United point man concluded.

NPFL: Omoyele Stars as his goal condemned visiting MFM FC

Lanky goal poacher, Tosin Omoyele cannot hide his excitement as 2017 Nigeria Professional Football League champions Plateau United piped the MFM FC of Lagos 1-0 in their Match Day 5 encounter.



The Kennedy Boboye-led side picked up all three points at the New Jos Stadium on Saturday.



The former defunct COD striker scored the only goal that made the difference for Peace Boys in the first minute, firing the ball home following a throw-in from former U-23 Eagles defender Chizoba Amaefule.



The Jos based club have now recorded four wins from five games this season and have conceded only once in the 2018 season.



"I am happy to have scored my first NPFL goal this season, I supposed to have opened my goal account some days back but I decided to provide the assist.



"I was in the better position to wreck the havoc on the Lagos based team today and I didn't hesitate. This goal indeed is a morale booster for me and the entire squad." Former Osun United striker concluded.

NFF mourns Deji Tinubu's death

The Nigeria Football Federation and the entire Nigerian Football family are in utter shock over the death on Thursday evening of former NFF Board Member and immediate past Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Honourable Ayodeji Tinubu.

Tinubu reportedly slumped during a novelty match as part of activities at a retreat involving officials of the Lagos State Government in Epe, and was later confirmed dead at the General Hospital in the same town.

“The death of Ayodeji Tinubu came as a rude shock. It was like a knife through the heart. The NFF and the Nigerian Football family have lost a great member, friend and supporter.

“As Special Assistant (Sports) to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, he helped to actualize the hosting of the 2nd CAF Beach Soccer Cup of Nations in Lagos State in December 2016. He had also been in the forefront of other projects in which Lagos State was partnering the NFF before he was posted from Sports to become the Governor’s SA on Commerce earlier this month,” Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, NFF 1st Vice President, who co-chaired the Beach Soccer AFCON organizing committee with Tinubu, said on Friday.

Ayodeji Tinubu served as Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission, before winning election to become a Member of the NFF Executive Committee in 2010. He served as Chairman of the Marketing and Sponsorship Committee under the Aminu Maigari administration of 2010-2014.

NFF President Amaju Pinnick was in grief: “Earlier this month, we were all together in Accra, Ghana for the AITEO-CAF African Football Awards. He was in the entourage of Governor Ambode, and was his usual lively self.

“In truth, we cannot find the right words to mourn with Governor Ambode and the Lagos State Government. This is heart –rending. However, we find solace in the fact that Ayodeji Tinubu has gone to rest, and that he left giant footprints in the sands of time. We pray that the Almighty God will comfort the entire Lagos State Government structure and grant his widow and the children the fortitude to bear the big loss.”

CHAN: Angola can't stop Nigeria - Faleye

By Sunday Agunbiade

Super Eagles sensational attacking midfielder, Sunday Faleye has allayed fear on football loving Nigerians that the current CHAN Eagles has what it takes to stop Angola in the quarter finals of the Africa Nation's Cup tournaments going on in Morocco.



Ikorodu born player who emotionally celebrated his winning goal against Libya said that the current CHAN team is an indivisible entity and the Coach Salisu Yussuf has helped a great deal in registering this in their memories . He said that the coach never apportions blames nor over celebrates individual players but he rather encourages and motivates us to do more for the country.



" I'm very happy that we qualify for the next round  and what is important to us is total victory against every opponent. We remain an indivisible entity and those that you see on the bench are as good as those playing, so, regardless of who scores or assists, we are a team bound with focus and the focus is to lift the trophy. This is a team built on unity,love and discipline and our coaches usually tell us to go for team's victory and shun individual accolades".



Faleye ,reacting in an exclusive interview with a prolific reporter, Sunday Agunbiade from their hotel in Morocco said that the pairing of Nigeria against the high flying Angola in the quarter finals would not be a stumbling block to the actualisation of their dreams but would rather help them to a step closer to the trophy



"The team's yearnings and aspirations for this tournament transcend quarter finals and Angola would not be a stumbling block to the actualisation of our dream but they would rather take us closer to the semi final of this tournament. With God on our side, we would from there go ahead to lift the trophy for Nigeria "  Faleye posited.



Nigeria top group C with 7points beating Equitoria Guinea by 3-1 and book a date with Angola in the Quarter Finals on Sunday by 5pm

NFF signs top Swedish coach, Dennerby, for Super Falcons

• The Nigeria Football Federation has signed an agreement with top Swedish football coach, Thomas Dennerby, to take the role of Head Coach of eight –time African champions, Super Falcons.  The contract also enables Dennerby to come into the job with an assistant, Mr. Jorgen Petersson, another highly experienced Swedish coach nominated by Dennerby himself.

Dennerby, who spent nine years with Hammarby IF of Allsvesnkan and played in the European Cup in 1983 and 1985, won 34 caps for Swedish junior teams between 1975 and 1981. He coached the Swedish Women’s Senior Team between 2005 and 2012, during which the team played at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics and the 2007 and 2011 FIFA World Cup finals, winning bronze at the latter tournament. He also served time as youth coach for Stockholm FA and worked in various capacities for former club Hammarby between 1993 and 2001.



More recently, he did scouting and analyses for the Swedish FA at the 2013 and 2017 European Championships, the 2016 Olympics and the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.



Petersson has worked with several top Swedish clubs including Moheda IF, Osters IF, Vaxjo, Alvesta Golf, IFK Varmamo, Malmo FF, Kalmar FF and Linkopings FC, was assistant coach of the Swedish U23 women team between 2006-2012 and scouted for the Swedish women national team at last year’s European Championship.



The appointment is in line with the pledge made by NFF President Amaju Pinnick to get a world –class coach to take the Super Falcons and other women national teams to the next level (of competing creditably and for laurels at global championships), and who would also work assiduously with the Federation to ensure robust development of women football in Nigeria. Pinnick expressed delight that the process had gone smoothly and assured the coaches of a conducive working environment to achieve the set milestones.



“The NFF decided to go for a coach of the calibre of Thomas Dennerby for three reasons: to sustain and enhance the Super Falcons’ dominance on the African scene; to take the Falcons and the other women teams to the next level of challenging for laurels at global competitions like the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup and; to generally lay the foundation for the real development of women’s football in our country,” Shehu Dikko, NFF 2nd Vice President/Chairman of Strategy, told thenff.com.



Dikko added: “Dennerby will live in Nigeria most of the time and support the other women teams whenever he has the time. The contract is until the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo in the initial, with the right for automatic renewal subject to meeting performance milestones as agreed. He will be in Nigeria very soon for the public unveiling.



“The NFF Technical and Development Committee has already shortlisted three Nigerians to work with Messrs Dennerby and Petersson as assistant coaches and goalkeeper trainer. These three will resume work soon to start preparing the team for the upcoming WAFU Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire pending the resumption of Dennerby and Petersson.”



The three coaches who will work with Dennerby and Petersson will be announced soon.

Udi hails resolute 'Pride of Rivers'

Sunshine gaffer, Duke Udi has thumped the  resolute display of Rivers United in their NPFL midweek meeting in Akure. Though the 'Akure Gunners' left it late to subdue United's resilience with two goals from Yahuza Bala and Franklin Sasere.



With some decent scoring chances spurned in the early minutes, Sunshine Stars for a moment thought they had a goal to show for their dominance at the stroke of half time when Sikru Alimi headed past Sunday Rotimi in goal for Rivers United but the effort was ruled out for alleged infringement.



The men in orange continued the search for a goal in the final period, however were repeatedly frustrated by a resolute United side and with the clock dragging down quickly Sunday Emmanuel and Bala were thrown into the fray in place of Tayo Adebogun and Alimi respectively by coach Duke Udi.

Udi's tactical masterstroke proved decisive as substitute, Bala who was involved in another goal rightly ruled out for a hand ball reacted smartly to a teeing header and smashed home acrobatically from goalmouth in the 74th minutes to break the deadlock to the delight of the home fans.



Five minutes from time Sasere bundled in his first league goal to seal the victory for Sunshine Stars as Bala turn provider. The big win moved the Akure Landlords to within two points of the NPFL summit with seven points from four matches.



 "We know they planned to earn a draw here and it worked in the first half even though we had a goal disallowed but in the second half we made two attacking changes that paid off. We will go to face Abia Warriors in Umuahia and fight like every other game.



 "This River United side are better than the one we me last season. They are good passers of the ball and dangerous. I think they will go places.



"Sunday Afolabi performed creditably well to contain my men and I want to applaud Jide Fatokun for his brilliant display again today," Udi confirmed to codedreporter.blogspot.com.ng.

NPFL: Pillars' gaffer demands absolute concentration

Kano Pillars Football Club Technical Adviser,Coach Ibrahim A. Musa said his team would remain focus on the task ahead of them, codedreporter.blogspot.com.ng gathers.


Coach Ibrahim stated this while answering questions from journalists at Sani Abacha stadium kofar Mata, Kano after a 2-1 victory against Abia warriors FC  in an entertainment encounter in Match Day 4 in the on going 2017/2018 NPFL season.


Ibrahim said Abia Warriors  is a good team but his boys utilized their opportunities and collect their maximum points.


"Now our target on  any match is to get the maximum points in order to consolidate  our efforts," Coach Ibrahim said.


He commended his players and expressed confidence that they will do it again in Maiduguri, Borno state capital, when they visit Elkanemi Warriors FC on Sunday.

ABS FC appoint coach Tunde Sanni as Technical Adviser

The chairman of Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC, Mr Seni Saraki has approved the appointment  of former Kwara United Head Coach, Tunde Sanni, as the Club's Technical Adviser.


Alloy Chukwuemeka, the team's Director of Football, confirmed this development in an interview with the newsmen on Tuesday in Ilorin.


Chukwuemeka said the former  Shooting Stars of Ibadan player will take charge of the Saraki Club in March  as hostilities in the NNL league resumes .

He added that the appointment of Tunde Sanni became necessary after the expiration of the two seasons contract of coach Henry Makinwa who is presently on disengagement leave in Spain .


The ABS Director of Football, explained that Sanni's wealth of experience earned him the job and called on the club's teeming supporters to give  him the needed support for the progress of the Club.

Sanni has worked under the watchful eyes of the likes of Chief Festus Onigbinde, late Kafaru Alabi and Ahmadu Shuaibu, Joe Erico, Clemence Westerhoof, Fatai Amoo among other notable coaches.

Coach Tunde Sanni, an indegiene of Ilorin in kwara state holds a CAF B' coaching license and a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University Ile Ife.

Chukwuemeka said details of his contract will be made available during his unveiling ceremony.

LULU CONGRATULATES 15 FOSLA ACADEMY STUDENTS FOR GAINING ADMISSION IN THE UNIVERSITY

Former NFF President and Proprietor of FOSLA Academy Karshi Abuja Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi at the weekend congratulated the pioneer students of the Academy that were recently offered admission into Nasarawa University Keffi to pursue various academic disciplines.

Lulu who expressed his joy on the development said that the dream of establishing the Academy is gradually coming into fruition, and future revealed that the Academy would continue to sponsor the students until they complete their degree studies "the concept of  FOSLA Academy is to produce players who would excel in both academics and football. Within the last six years, you have excelled in the game of football in the country , now you have also excelled in your academics by doing excellently well in your Senior Secondary School examinations, and also gaining admission into the University. Now, I want to challenge you further to carry all the good attributes we have inculcated into you to the University, and also conquer in your various chosen academic disciplines, and University Sports. You are free to play for any club of your choice in the country, but always ensure that that will never jeopardize your academic pursuit. We are expecting you to come out with good grades at the end of your stay in the University " the former FCT Director of Sports told the lucky students in a meeting at the weekend.

The Omachi Atah of Igaland warned that the Academy is ready to part ways with any of the students who tries to jeopardize his education for football,  insisting that they must combine both effectively to secure a better future for themselves, their families and the country in general. He challenged the other students of the Academy to ensure that they surpass the achievements of the pioneer students both in academics and football. He finally called on other spirited individuals and bodies in country to support the Academy to secure a greater future for the less privileged children in the country.

It would be recalled that Nasarawa University Keffi recently offered provisional admission to 15 out of 19 scholarship students of the Academy to study various academic disciplines in the University.

FOSLA Academy was established in 2011 to give students who are naturally endowed in the game of football the opportunity to pursue their football career and education at the same time.

CHAN: 5 things Eagles must do to conquer Libya

After making a slow start to the 2018 African Nations Championship(CHAN) on Monday, playing out 0-0 with Rwanda in their opening Group C game in Tangier. Ahead of the second group game clash against Libya on Friday, here are 5 things 'Super Eagle B' must do to conquer almighty Libya.



1. The Home Eagles Must Be Clinical In Front Of Goal

Salisu Yusuf’s men recorded 18 shots on goal and six on target in their first Group C match against Rwanda. Three of those efforts hit the crossbar. The trio of Anthony Okpotu, Sunday Faleye and Emeka Ogbugh who had scoring chances in the  game must be clinical against a Libyan side that was not really tested defensively in their opening game win against Equatorial Guinea. Also Kano Pillars midfielder, Rabiu Ali, who supposedly is the team’s play-maker must also do more to ensure his crisp passes beat the defence of Libya for his forwards to score.



2. Salisu Must Change His Approach

The Home Eagles need more than one player to dictate the pace of the game, to stand a chance of defeating Libya on Friday. Coach Salisu Yusuf deployed a 4-3-3 formation in his opening game restricting Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, playing in the deep lying role to just the ball winning duties which unarguably is his primary assignment.

The Akwa United midfielder can do more than what he offered against Rwanda by influencing the game more if he is also allowed to launch attack from his defensive position. By doing that, Rabiu Ali could also get the freedom to move up front and closer to Anthony Okpotu who was isolated for the better part of the match against Rwanda. Okechukwu Azubuike is another player with experience who can come on at some stage in the game to offer more threat in attack for the Home Eagles.



3.  Okpotu Needs More Support In The Attack

Parading Anthony Okpotu, a last season top scorer in the Nigeria Professional Football League, didn’t help the Home Eagles in their opening game against Rwanda last Monday. The Lobi Stars marksman who scored 17 goals for the Markudi outfit was isolated in the attack and barely got the needed support from his teammates to get off the mark in the competition.
The inexperienced duo of Sunday Faleye and Emeka Ogbugh did not really support Okpotu who was restricted to half chances for the 78 minutes he featured in the game. Despite the lack of support,  Okpotu had three attempts on goal. But that must change if the team are to stand a chance of defeating group leaders, Libya.



4. Top Players Must Raise Their Game

Top stars in the Home Eagles were far from their best in their opening game. The likes of Osas Okoro, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, Rabiu Ali, Anthony Okpotu did not really stamp their authority in the game against Rwanda. Ali in particular,  who touched the ball more than any player  during the game, failed to create clear cut chances and also failed to take his chances despite coming close to scoring twice.

For all their qualities as individuals (Okoro, Ifeanyi, Ali and Okpotu), they proved defiantly ineffective in changing the course of the game against
 Rwanda. Not one of the quartet showcased any genuine leadership that the team can turn to in times of adversity.



5. Coach Salisu’s Need Good Luck

In every facet of life, we all need a bit of luck to pull through despite the hard work and efforts put into a task. The Home Eagles’ game against Rwanda saw Salisu Yusuf’s men firing 18 shots on goal, three on target and they also crashed the woodwork three times in their opening game. Undoubtedly, they were unlucky that none of those strikes went in. Against Libya the Home Eagles must pray that they lightening doesn’t strike twice.


Credit: Complete Sports

Haggai to kit Osun Utd, Osun Babes

Nigeria Sportswear giant Haggai has reached an agreement to become the official kit sponsor of Osun United and Osun Babes FC from the 2018 Bet9ja Nigeria National League and Nigeria Women Premier League season, codedreporter.blogspot.com.ng gathers.





Haggai is a sister company of Nigeria’s foremost sports equipment marketers, the popular Zenith Sports and comes after the Omoluabi Giants and Omoluabi Queens end its association with Owu Sportswear at the end of the 2016-17 season.






The leading Nigeria's sportswear manufacturing will provide training and playing kit, to the teams and will have the exclusive right to distribute dual-branded merchandising products worldwide.




Chief Executive Officer, Paul Maduakor, said the deal would help the firm "to further strengthen its position in key markets around the NNL and NWPL.

Away and home jersey 

Maduakor, expressed delights on the kit partnership deal with the two State of Osun teams, and noted that his firm are read to give quality services to Osun Utd and Osun Babes.




"We're happy for the honour to become the kit sponsor of Osun Utd and Osun Babes, our passion is to kit teams and we desires a fruitful relationship with the State of Osun in years to come."




Haggai are the official merchandise partner of Nationwide League One (NLO) and also provide kit for Lobi Stars, FC Ifeanyi Ubah, and provides athletes with the most innovative performance apparel and accessories for a variety of sports (including inter-house sports) and other sporting activities.

NPFL: Udi hails 'Fantastic' Fatokun

Akanni Seyi


Sunshine gaffer, Duke Udi has heaped praises on one of his new recruits, Jide Fatokun for his discipline and outstanding performance displayed in  Owerri after a crucial away point earned by 'Owena Whales'.



Heartland couldn't make use of their begging chances and Sunshine Stars too had the chance to nick maximum points when Ezekiel Thompson set up Franklin Sasere in front of goal at the tail-end of the game but the big framed striker's effort was blocked to safety minutes before the game came to an end.



Speaking to codedreporter.blogspot.com.ng,
 elated Udi described the performance of debutant Jide Fatokun, as classy and overwhelming.


"Since he joined us, he has been wonderful. Very discipline and hard working. A fighter to the core.


"Everyone loves him here in Sunshine FC Akure. He is very humble and always ready to learn." He concluded.


Fatokun teamed up with his former boss at Sunshine FC this season, after an excellent and brilliant performance for Osun United last season.


The lanky midfielder recounts the experience of playing in the Nigeria Professional Football League for the first time.


"My experience is massive, I thought the first match will be hard for me, but with the  courage and support of my coach and senior colleagues, I was able to adapt without headache.


"I see my new team at the top at the end of the season because, we have experienced and young players in the squad who are ready to fight for the team coupled with amazing coaches.


"Sunshine Stars will be the team to beat this season." The former Gray FC of Ede concluded.

Sunshine Stars will welcome Katsina Utd on Wednesday in Match Day two (2) of Nigeria Professional Football League,  NPFL.

NPFL: Every team is a title contender - Bosso

Akanni Seyi

The wait for the new season is over and the long anticipated moment is here. Kano Pillars and FC Ifeanyi Ubah locked horns in the opening fixture of 2016/2017 league season, Plateau United eventually won the league.



Katsina will come alive today, not for anything but for the commencement of 2017-18 Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) season in which Katsina Utd will engage their nothern rival, Kano Pillars.



FC IfeanyiUbah will on Sunday host new comers Yobe Desert Stars in one of the Week 1 matches of the new season at the fortress of the FC IfeanyiUbah International Stadium Nnewi, the Anambra Warriors will be looking to maintain their sizzling form which have seen them yet to lose a game at home for three years and counting which buttresses the fact that the FCIU Stadium is a fortress.


Coach Ladan Bosso insists that his side will do necessary things on the pitch to secure the maximum three points on Sunday.


"Our journey for the season starts this Sunday and we have to begin on a strong note in order to give us that drive, confidence and competitive state we want to instill into the team.


"We had a good preseason which gave us the opportunity to work on various aspects of our game. It also gave us a clue on our strength and weak areas. Those weak points we've tried to work on and we believe we are ready to go. We see every team participating in this season's competition as potential contenders so we have to take all our games very serious.


"Come Sunday against Yobe Desert Stars we will play our brand of football and the target is all the 3 points at stake, Am very much aware of the expectations of our fans and supporters, we will do everything humanly possible within our limit to win their confidence," Ladan Bosso told fcifeanyiubah.com.

Clubs must register 15 U19 players, NLO insists

Ahead of the 2017/18 season in the Nationwide League One (NLO), Shola Ogunnowo, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the NLO has said that the board has directed that all the clubs in Nationwide league must register a minimum of 15 players that are within the age of  19 category.



According to Ogunnowo, the league body is determined to ensure that the Nationwide league will continue to be the cradle where players are nurtuted and developed into greatness and having a minimum of 15 Under 19 players in every club in the league will help to develop these players, as he noted that the league is a platform to showcase young football talents in Nigeria.



“In the last season we limited the number to 10 Under 19 players , but this season, the board directed that minimum of 15 Under 19 players should be registered by the clubs before the commencement of the league. The league secretariat will ensure that the clubs present the birth certificates of these players, primary school leave certificates and any other genuine documents that will show the record that they have minimum of 15 Under 19 players that will be registered by the club in the new season,” Ogunnowo said.



“The secretariat will ascertain if the clubs are complying with the directives from the board and to know the actual age of these players . Although, it may be a bit difficult to ascertain the age of these players, but adminstratively, we should be able to control the level of lies that might be presented by these clubs.

“We are determined to control and correct the erroneous notion or belief that most people all over the world that Nigerian players are not sincere with the age they claim to be and our focus is to eradicate this at the grassroot league of Nigeria." he concluded .



The registration for the new season has already began, while the hostilities in the league for clubs in division one and two will commence on 29 March, 2018.

Naira rains for Plateau Utd for continental, NPFL goals

The Management of the defending Champion Plateau United Football Club of Jos has pledged cash boost for the CAF champions leagues, NPFL and Aieto Cup respectively as 2017/18 NPFL season is about to kick start. 

The top official hosted Plateau United to dinner on Wednesday in Abuja as another way of appreciating the team as well as to psyche the team to work hard in order to repeat the successes recorded in the previous year.

Speaking at the dinner, the team’s technical director Ahmed Ibrahim, said the team will participate in three competitions which are NPFL, CAF champions league and Aieto cup which is known as Federation Cup.

While announcing the cash boost, Ibrahim said: “as for CAF Champions league, each goals scored at group stage attract the sum of 500,000 and if team progress to quarter final by the grace of God, each goal will attract cash of #1 million naira while man of the match for the CAF Champions League will be 100,000.

“For NPFL, Man of the match for every match will smile home with #30,000 which was penciled at #20,000 last season while match bonus will have 50 percent increase from normal last season match bonus.

Speaking Also, was the Captain of the team, Elisah Golbe, who expressed happiness and promised the team’s readiness and determination to repeat the 2017 feat: “on behalf of the players, we will try our best, we will take every match as it comes come Sunday, we are not going to let management down”.

Meanwhile, defending champions Plateau United will open the 2018 premier league camping away to Nassarawa united at Lafia on Sunday.

OSUN BABES GAFFER LOOKING FORWARD TO GLORIOUS NWPL SEASON

 Osun Babes FC Chief Coach Liadi Bashiru is already preparing for the new Nigerian Women Premier League season, and believes any summer signing will be joining a "solid group" of players at the club.



The soft spoken tactician managed to finish in 5th place last season after starting strongly. Some of the impressive results his team managed to pick up includes a 1-0 win over league champion Nasarawa Amazons, a 2-0 win over Confluence Queens, a 3-2 win over Delta Queens and a double 3-0 and 2-0 home and away victories over Saadatu Amazons.



When asked on what he feels about the upcoming NWPL season and the kind of players he would be signing for the "Omoluabi Queens" Bashiru said;




" We do not aim at signing too many players in the upcoming season, because we feel we have a strong squad already and many of our players have pledged their loyalty to the club ahead of the new campaign.




“ These are the ladies I have worked with closely in the past and they know how I work and I can trust them. I’m delighted that we will still have them here next season.




 " The technical crew have invited some new players down to pre-season and i’m sure a fair few of them will be involved next year”. Bashir told the club's media team.



" The new players, when they arrive, will find a group more ready to go for big things. But the reality is we are fighting to win titles and fighting to end well too.




" As a team, we believe that enthusiasm and dedication are key attributes that brings success to a club and we are poised to continue instilling those qualities in the squad.



As the team wraps up preparation for the upcoming campaign, he pinpointed the need for a small, committed squad; a decision that he says will lead to a stronger team spirit and consistency.



 “ I’m a big believer that if you’re honest with the players, that is half the battle won and if you are winning games even better, you have to carry your players along. I love to be so open to my players and treat them like sisters, that's one of the reasons we have been improving year by year". He disclosed to the Club Media.

CHAN 2018: AFELOKHAI HAILS ENYIMBA STANDING, EXPRESSES FAITH IN DEPTH

Enyimba's Theophilus Afelokhai believes the club is well equipped to absorb the loss of five players to Super Eagles for the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The veteran goalkeeper is one of a league-high five players from the seven-time Nigerian champions who were named in the final squad of 23 for the CHAN in Morocco. Austin Oladapo, Ikouwem Udoh, Ibrahim Mustapha and Ikechukwu Ezenwa complete the Enyimba contingent.

In spite of these absences, Afelokhai was bullish regarding the People’s Elephant's start to the league season.

"This is not the first time for Enyimba to have a high number of players in the national team. We have [the] experience to handle it," he told _Enyimba Media_.

" I give thanks to Almighty God for making me be among the players to represent Nigeria for CHAN."

Afelokhai also stated that having such a large contingent from one club was an indication of the strength in depth at Enyimba.

"It is a sign of the stature of the club, and the progress we have made [individually] as players."

Enyimba travel to Makurdi on the 14th of January to face Lobi Stars on Matchday 1 of the 2018 Nigeria Professional Football League season.

GARDEN CITY PRE-SEASON FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT : MAKALA RESCUES POINT FOR RIVERS UTD

Substitute, Victor Makala's last gasp goal was all Rivers United needed to keep their hopes of making it to the final of the GARDEN City PRE-SEASON football tournament alive as the team snatched a 1-1 draw with rampaging Abia Warriors football club of Umuahia in both teams' second game of the tournament at the Sharks Football club Stadium in Port Harcourt.

The Pride of Rivers were desperate for victory after surprisingly  drawing 2-2 with amateur side, SKE fc in their first game of the tournament and after a goalless first half against the Warriors,  they fell behind in the 57th  minute when Emeka Isaac hammered in from close range to raise the curtains. It was Isaac's second goal in as many games in the tournament.

The goal spurred the hosts into more action as they earned a succession of corner kicks which they failed to capitalise on to draw level.

As the game wore on, and with both sides effecting many substitutions, it was the Warriors who could have killed off the game when Cyril Uduak went clear but his team mates failed to connect his pull out to the chagrin of the Warriors bench.

They were to pay for their profligacy when Makala ghosted past two Abia Warriors defenders in the last minute of the game to beat Agbor Ekoi who had remained magnificent all night for the much needed equaliser.

An argument as per the legitimacy of the goal led to the expulsion of Warriors' defender Ozor Chinedu by the referee.

Abia Warriors still lead the pack with four points from two matches and will need to avoid a defeat in their final game against SKE tomorrow to make it to the final. After holding Rivers United in their first game, SKE lost 2-3 to Cynosure and would require an outright victory against Abia Warriors to stand a mathematical chance of progressing to the final.

For Rivers Utd, they must beat Cynosure who are currently second on the table with three points, to make it to the final as a draw will see them take an early shower in the tournament while their city rivals will progress to the final, reserved only for the top two teams on the table after the round robin games.

Rivers State Government release funds for 2014/15 sign on fees

Rivers State Government has fulfilled its promise in releasing sufficient funds to settle the debt of sign on fees owed its state owned teams.

The Rivers State Government has released funds for the payment of sign on fees owed players of Sharks, Dolphins and Rivers Angels FC for the 2014/15 season.


According to the club Media, the funds were owed by the immediate past administration in the State.



Speaking on the development, Rivers State Sports Commissioner,  Honourable Boma Iyaye stated that the present administration will continue make the welfare of sports men and women in the State top priority.



He added the the Rivers State Government will continue to support the two State-owned clubs, Rivers United FC and Rivers Angels FC to ensure that laurels are claimed in the upcoming campaign.

Salisu picks Ezenwa, Ali, Okpotu, 20 others for CHAN

Head Coach Salisu Yusuf on Tuesday released his final squad of the Super Eagles B for the 5th African Nations Championship starting in Morocco next week, with goalkeeper and skipper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, midfield Trojan Rabiu Ali and marksman Anthony Okpotu listed.



Ezenwa is joined for the goalkeeping duties by Oladele Ajiboye and Theophilus Afelokhai, and defensive stalwarts Osas Okoro, Stephen Eze and Kalu Orji Okogbue also made the list, as midfielders Ifeanyi Ifeanyi and Ekundayo Ojo and forwards Sunday Faleye and Emeka Atuloma.



The team of 23 players and their officials are expected to fly out of the country in a few days, to continue preparations in Morocco ahead of Nigeria’s first match of the campaign against Rwanda in Tangier on Monday, 15th January.



The 2014 bronze medallists will also play 2014 champions Libya at the same Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier on Friday, 19th January, before travelling to Agadir to tackle Equatorial Guinea on Tuesday, 23rd January.



FULL LIST



Goalkeepers: Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Enyimba FC); Oladele Ajiboye (Plateau United); Theophilus Afelokhai (Enyimba FC)



Defenders: Osas Okoro (Rangers International); Daniel James (Plateau United); Kalu Orji Okogbue (Rangers International); Ikouwem Utin (Enyimba FC); Abdullahi Musa (Wikki Tourists); Timothy Danladi (Katsina United); Ifeanyi Nweke (Kano Pillars); Stephen Eze (Kano Pillars)



Midfielders: Ifeanyi Ifeanyi (Akwa United); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Augustine Oladapo (Enyimba FC); Ekundayo Ojo (Sunshine Stars)



Forwards: Emeka Atuloma (Rivers United); Anthony Okpotu (Lobi Stars); Eneji Moses (Plateau United); Ibrahim Mustapha (Enyimba FC); Emeka Ogbuh (Rivers United); Sunday Faleye (Akwa United); Nura Muhammed (El-Kanemi Warriors); Okechukwu Gabriel (Akwa United)

Salisu picks Ezenwa, Ali, Okpotu, 20 others for CHAN

Head Coach Salisu Yusuf on Tuesday released his final squad of the Super Eagles B for the 5th African Nations Championship starting in Morocco next week, with goalkeeper and skipper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, midfield Trojan Rabiu Ali and marksman Anthony Okpotu listed.



Ezenwa is joined for the goalkeeping duties by Oladele Ajiboye and Theophilus Afelokhai, and defensive stalwarts Osas Okoro, Stephen Eze and Kalu Orji Okogbue also made the list, as midfielders Ifeanyi Ifeanyi and Ekundayo Ojo and forwards Sunday Faleye and Emeka Atuloma.



The team of 23 players and their officials are expected to fly out of the country in a few days, to continue preparations in Morocco ahead of Nigeria’s first match of the campaign against Rwanda in Tangier on Monday, 15th January.



The 2014 bronze medallists will also play 2014 champions Libya at the same Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier on Friday, 19th January, before travelling to Agadir to tackle Equatorial Guinea on Tuesday, 23rd January.



FULL LIST



Goalkeepers: Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Enyimba FC); Oladele Ajiboye (Plateau United); Theophilus Afelokhai (Enyimba FC)



Defenders: Osas Okoro (Rangers International); Daniel James (Plateau United); Kalu Orji Okogbue (Rangers International); Ikouwem Utin (Enyimba FC); Abdullahi Musa (Wikki Tourists); Timothy Danladi (Katsina United); Ifeanyi Nweke (Kano Pillars); Stephen Eze (Kano Pillars)



Midfielders: Ifeanyi Ifeanyi (Akwa United); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Augustine Oladapo (Enyimba FC); Ekundayo Ojo (Sunshine Stars)



Forwards: Emeka Atuloma (Rivers United); Anthony Okpotu (Lobi Stars); Eneji Moses (Plateau United); Ibrahim Mustapha (Enyimba FC); Emeka Ogbuh (Rivers United); Sunday Faleye (Akwa United); Nura Muhammed (El-Kanemi Warriors); Okechukwu Gabriel (Akwa United)

Salisu picks Ezenwa, Ali, Okpotu, 20 others for CHAN

Head Coach Salisu Yusuf on Tuesday released his final squad of the Super Eagles B for the 5th African Nations Championship starting in Morocco next week, with goalkeeper and skipper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, midfield Trojan Rabiu Ali and marksman Anthony Okpotu listed.



Ezenwa is joined for the goalkeeping duties by Oladele Ajiboye and Theophilus Afelokhai, and defensive stalwarts Osas Okoro, Stephen Eze and Kalu Orji Okogbue also made the list, as midfielders Ifeanyi Ifeanyi and Ekundayo Ojo and forwards Sunday Faleye and Emeka Atuloma.



The team of 23 players and their officials are expected to fly out of the country in a few days, to continue preparations in Morocco ahead of Nigeria’s first match of the campaign against Rwanda in Tangier on Monday, 15th January.



The 2014 bronze medallists will also play 2014 champions Libya at the same Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier on Friday, 19th January, before travelling to Agadir to tackle Equatorial Guinea on Tuesday, 23rd January.



FULL LIST



Goalkeepers: Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Enyimba FC); Oladele Ajiboye (Plateau United); Theophilus Afelokhai (Enyimba FC)



Defenders: Osas Okoro (Rangers International); Daniel James (Plateau United); Kalu Orji Okogbue (Rangers International); Ikouwem Utin (Enyimba FC); Abdullahi Musa (Wikki Tourists); Timothy Danladi (Katsina United); Ifeanyi Nweke (Kano Pillars); Stephen Eze (Kano Pillars)



Midfielders: Ifeanyi Ifeanyi (Akwa United); Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars); Augustine Oladapo (Enyimba FC); Ekundayo Ojo (Sunshine Stars)



Forwards: Emeka Atuloma (Rivers United); Anthony Okpotu (Lobi Stars); Eneji Moses (Plateau United); Ibrahim Mustapha (Enyimba FC); Emeka Ogbuh (Rivers United); Sunday Faleye (Akwa United); Nura Muhammed (El-Kanemi Warriors); Okechukwu Gabriel (Akwa United)