NNL demands contractual papers of players

The Bet9ja Nigeria National League has issued a strong notice to the management heads of its forty (40) clubs to provide as a matter of necessity every contractual agreement between them and individual players registered for the season.

This is with the aim of ensuring that clubs in the League are abreast in the proper management of the entire League, and to stem the ugly tide of contractual disputes which players face with the clubs.

Recently the NNL organized a workshop on the Transfer Matching System, TMS and Domestic Transfer Matching System –DTMS, in Abuja, which educated clubs on the need in ensuring proper records/data of all professional players in Nigeria, in compliance with FIFA directives and policy statements.

The NNL equally directed the clubs to submit same contractual bonds it entered with technical and management staff.
NNL Chief Operating officer, Lawrence Katken said this will enable the League body to domesticate all contractual obligations and agreement in the League for easy management of the League.

“It should be an open knowledge for the players ,coaches ,other technical crew and the NNL as the League body to have copies of contractual deeds entered into as evidence in case of disputes”

According to Lawrence, clubs have till Monday 16th April, 2018 to comply with the directives.
The Football Associations of the state of origin of the various clubs are also notified to ensure strict conformity.

Ekiti Based Philanthropist Becomes SWAN South-West Patron

Seyi Joshua



The South West forum of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria has decorated Asiwaju Oyediji Olajubu as the patron of the association in the zone.



The Osun born business man who is a registered member of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM) is a renowned sports philanthropist and enthusiast who has given immense supports for the growth of Football, Boxing and Golf locally and nationwide.



While decorating Asiwaju Olajubu as the patron of the association in the zone, SWAN Vice President South West, Mr Boye Ajayi lauded Chief Olajubu who cheerfully complied to become the patron of the association in the zone. He said that the new patron will help the association in every capacity to achieve its set goals in the zone.

Mr. Boye Ajayi VP SWAN (South West)

The event which took place in The Jewel Apartment Ado Ekiti, had in attendance Commissioner for Information, Youth and Sports in Ekiti State, Mr Lanre Ogunsuyi, General Manager Ekiti Sports Council, Chief Deji Samo, Deputy Secretary General of SWAN, Mr Wale Joseph, SWAN Zonal Secretary, Mr Dele Ogunleye, State Chairmen and Secretaries in the zone and relevant stakeholders among others.



The Zonal Caucus of SWAN later recognized exceptional individuals, brilliant athletes and a coach from Ekiti Sports Council with  meritorious award.



While reacting and appreciating the efforts of South West Caucus (SWAN), Commissioner for Information, Youth and Sports in the State, Mr Lanre Ogunsuyi charged Sports Writers from the zone to get involved in every activities that will improve sports development in the zone and beyond. He posited that talents should be discovered and nurtured to stardom early enough.



"Gone are the era of certificates, with the scarcity of white collar job, youths therefore must think out of the box and must be encouraged to put their talents into maximum use." He concluded.

Nigeria Pipped Poland, looking forward to Serbia

The Polish national team were put to sword by Super Eagles, losing 1-0 in the international friendly courtesy of Victor Moses 61st minute penalty.

The Eagles started the game on a bright note, stringing quick and precise passes in the midfield and recovering possession in brilliant fashion.

However, the West Africans’ dominance faded out midway into the first half as they began to lose possession easily and concede avoidable set pieces. Leon Balogun was at the right place at the right time to clear a well-taken cross off the goal line.

The Eagles did not create many chances in the first 45 as their only shot was a wide Odion Ighalo cross from the centre of the box in the 39th minute. The first half ended goalless after some end-to-end moves late in the half.

The Polish started the second half better than the way they played in the first and gave Nigeria a torrid time. The White and Reds’ dominance resulted in the Eagles loss of composure, making Gernot Rohr’s men to rely on long balls and counter-attacks to earn possession.

The Eagles however had a breakthrough on the hour-mark. Moses broke the game’s deadlock from the penalty spot with exquisite style after drawing a foul from a Polish defender in the box. The forward then slotted past goalkeeper Bartosz Białkowski effortlessly into the bottom left corner.

Both sides made a string of changes afterwards but the William Troost-Ekong-skippered side stood their ground and fought well to grind out the famous win at Wroclaw.

Nigeria will now take on Serbia on Tuesday, March 27 at the Hive Stadium, London as they look to continue preparations for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Osun Deputy Gov hosts SWAN excos, says easiest tool to integrate Nigeria is sports

The Deputy Governor of Osun state, Otunba Titi Laoye-Tomori has described sports as easiest tool to integrate the nation adding that the language of sports is powerful.


Chief Mrs. Tomori made this known on Thursday while hosting members of the executive committee and other members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Osun state chapter in her office in Osogbo.


According to her, sporting activities have great impacts on the lives of Nigerians and across the world saying that Osun people are enthusiastic to sport especially foreign football clubs.


While appreciating the advocacy visit by SWAN members in Osun, the deputy governor charged sports writers not to be political while writing sports adding that they should be objective in their reports.


She said, "State of Osun can boast of best calisthenics performance in Nigeria and Osun is sports enthusiastic. Sports has powerful language and language of love, unity; sports break all barriers. There is a need to promote sports across Nigeria.


" Sports is the easiest tool to integrate this country. It is so powerful and a unifying factor. We should sell this across the country. I am particularly happy about the positive impacts sports has on Nigerians.


"I want to urge sports writers to be objective and apolitical. We have 251 days more in office and I pray that God Almighty will choose a good successor. Osun is an anointed state and I want everyone to be prayerful for our next governor. Let's pray that someone anointed by God should be the next governor of Osun," she added.


Speaking earlier, the Chairman of SWAN in Osun, Adeyemi Aboderin who led other executives comprising the secretary of SWAN, Mr. Timothy Agbor, the vice chairman, Mr. Tope Alabi and other members explained that the advocacy visit was to discuss how the association can synergise with the state government for the growth and development of sports in the state.


He said sports has the power to change the world adding that the since the coming inception of the present state executive committee of SWAN, "we have left no one in doubt of our desire to bequeath a solid foundation on which sports development can be built on."


Aboderin sought the support and cooperation of the deputy governor and the state government at large to carry the association along in the scheme of things relating to sports promotion and development.

Etebo, Ajayi out of Poland friendly

The Super Eagles’ Radisson Blu Hotel camp in Wroclaw has become a beehive of activities following the arrival of 22 players and the beginning of training sessions on Tuesday.



Technical and backroom staff, alongside six players opened the camp on Monday, but the facility exploded into life with the arrival of goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defenders Kenneth Omeruo, Elderson Echiejile, Stephen Eze, Abdullahi Shehu and Chidozie Awaziem, midfielders Joel Obi, John Ogu, Ogenyi Onazi, Uche Agbo and Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon, Odion Ighalo, Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Moses on Tuesday.



Nigeria –based goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa and South Africa –based Daniel Akpeyi are expected on Wednesday.



Skipper Mikel John Obi is unlikely to make it to Wroclaw as he has been working hard at renewing his work permit in China, where he plays for Tianjin Teda. Team Administrator Dayo Enebi Achor told thenff.com on Tuesday: “We all had been hoping that the renewal would come in good time for him to fly to Poland. As it is now, it is not likely that he would make the trip.”



Midfield Trojan Oghenekaro Etebo is injured, and Egypt –based Junior Ajayi, who was unable to secure visa into Poland, will fly directly to London for Tuesday’s clash with Serbia at The Hive, Canons Park.



The team trained twice on Tuesday, with the same schedule for Wednesday, before Thursday’s training at match time inside the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw. The match kicks off at 8.45pm (Nigeria and Poland are on same time zone) on Friday.



Friday’s showdown inside the 43,000 –capacity stadium formally opens the first phase of the Super Eagles’ preparation for the 21stFIFA World Cup finals, taking place in the Russian Federation 14th June – 15th July this year.



After Tuesday’s game with Serbia in London, the three –time African champions will play a Send –Forth match against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Nigeria, before flying back to London for a prestige clash England’s Three Lions at Wembley on 2nd June.



Four days later, they come up against the Czech Republic at their final training camp in Austria, and another friendly game is on the cards before the squad jets out to the World Cup finals on 11th June.



Nigeria’s team base camp at the 21st FIFA World Cup finals is located in Yessentuki, Stavropol territory in the southern region of the Russian Federation.

Etebo, Ajayi out of Poland friendly

The Super Eagles’ Radisson Blu Hotel camp in Wroclaw has become a beehive of activities following the arrival of 22 players and the beginning of training sessions on Tuesday.



Technical and backroom staff, alongside six players opened the camp on Monday, but the facility exploded into life with the arrival of goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defenders Kenneth Omeruo, Elderson Echiejile, Stephen Eze, Abdullahi Shehu and Chidozie Awaziem, midfielders Joel Obi, John Ogu, Ogenyi Onazi, Uche Agbo and Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon, Odion Ighalo, Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Moses on Tuesday.



Nigeria –based goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa and South Africa –based Daniel Akpeyi are expected on Wednesday.



Skipper Mikel John Obi is unlikely to make it to Wroclaw as he has been working hard at renewing his work permit in China, where he plays for Tianjin Teda. Team Administrator Dayo Enebi Achor told thenff.com on Tuesday: “We all had been hoping that the renewal would come in good time for him to fly to Poland. As it is now, it is not likely that he would make the trip.”



Midfield Trojan Oghenekaro Etebo is injured, and Egypt –based Junior Ajayi, who was unable to secure visa into Poland, will fly directly to London for Tuesday’s clash with Serbia at The Hive, Canons Park.



The team trained twice on Tuesday, with the same schedule for Wednesday, before Thursday’s training at match time inside the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw. The match kicks off at 8.45pm (Nigeria and Poland are on same time zone) on Friday.



Friday’s showdown inside the 43,000 –capacity stadium formally opens the first phase of the Super Eagles’ preparation for the 21stFIFA World Cup finals, taking place in the Russian Federation 14th June – 15th July this year.



After Tuesday’s game with Serbia in London, the three –time African champions will play a Send –Forth match against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Nigeria, before flying back to London for a prestige clash England’s Three Lions at Wembley on 2nd June.



Four days later, they come up against the Czech Republic at their final training camp in Austria, and another friendly game is on the cards before the squad jets out to the World Cup finals on 11th June.



Nigeria’s team base camp at the 21st FIFA World Cup finals is located in Yessentuki, Stavropol territory in the southern region of the Russian Federation.

Etebo, Ajayi out of Poland friendly

The Super Eagles’ Radisson Blu Hotel camp in Wroclaw has become a beehive of activities following the arrival of 22 players and the beginning of training sessions on Tuesday.



Technical and backroom staff, alongside six players opened the camp on Monday, but the facility exploded into life with the arrival of goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defenders Kenneth Omeruo, Elderson Echiejile, Stephen Eze, Abdullahi Shehu and Chidozie Awaziem, midfielders Joel Obi, John Ogu, Ogenyi Onazi, Uche Agbo and Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon, Odion Ighalo, Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Moses on Tuesday.



Nigeria –based goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa and South Africa –based Daniel Akpeyi are expected on Wednesday.



Skipper Mikel John Obi is unlikely to make it to Wroclaw as he has been working hard at renewing his work permit in China, where he plays for Tianjin Teda. Team Administrator Dayo Enebi Achor told thenff.com on Tuesday: “We all had been hoping that the renewal would come in good time for him to fly to Poland. As it is now, it is not likely that he would make the trip.”



Midfield Trojan Oghenekaro Etebo is injured, and Egypt –based Junior Ajayi, who was unable to secure visa into Poland, will fly directly to London for Tuesday’s clash with Serbia at The Hive, Canons Park.



The team trained twice on Tuesday, with the same schedule for Wednesday, before Thursday’s training at match time inside the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw. The match kicks off at 8.45pm (Nigeria and Poland are on same time zone) on Friday.



Friday’s showdown inside the 43,000 –capacity stadium formally opens the first phase of the Super Eagles’ preparation for the 21stFIFA World Cup finals, taking place in the Russian Federation 14th June – 15th July this year.



After Tuesday’s game with Serbia in London, the three –time African champions will play a Send –Forth match against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Nigeria, before flying back to London for a prestige clash England’s Three Lions at Wembley on 2nd June.



Four days later, they come up against the Czech Republic at their final training camp in Austria, and another friendly game is on the cards before the squad jets out to the World Cup finals on 11th June.



Nigeria’s team base camp at the 21st FIFA World Cup finals is located in Yessentuki, Stavropol territory in the southern region of the Russian Federation.

Etebo, Ajayi out of Poland friendly

The Super Eagles’ Radisson Blu Hotel camp in Wroclaw has become a beehive of activities following the arrival of 22 players and the beginning of training sessions on Tuesday.



Technical and backroom staff, alongside six players opened the camp on Monday, but the facility exploded into life with the arrival of goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defenders Kenneth Omeruo, Elderson Echiejile, Stephen Eze, Abdullahi Shehu and Chidozie Awaziem, midfielders Joel Obi, John Ogu, Ogenyi Onazi, Uche Agbo and Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon, Odion Ighalo, Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Moses on Tuesday.



Nigeria –based goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa and South Africa –based Daniel Akpeyi are expected on Wednesday.



Skipper Mikel John Obi is unlikely to make it to Wroclaw as he has been working hard at renewing his work permit in China, where he plays for Tianjin Teda. Team Administrator Dayo Enebi Achor told thenff.com on Tuesday: “We all had been hoping that the renewal would come in good time for him to fly to Poland. As it is now, it is not likely that he would make the trip.”



Midfield Trojan Oghenekaro Etebo is injured, and Egypt –based Junior Ajayi, who was unable to secure visa into Poland, will fly directly to London for Tuesday’s clash with Serbia at The Hive, Canons Park.



The team trained twice on Tuesday, with the same schedule for Wednesday, before Thursday’s training at match time inside the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw. The match kicks off at 8.45pm (Nigeria and Poland are on same time zone) on Friday.



Friday’s showdown inside the 43,000 –capacity stadium formally opens the first phase of the Super Eagles’ preparation for the 21stFIFA World Cup finals, taking place in the Russian Federation 14th June – 15th July this year.



After Tuesday’s game with Serbia in London, the three –time African champions will play a Send –Forth match against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Nigeria, before flying back to London for a prestige clash England’s Three Lions at Wembley on 2nd June.



Four days later, they come up against the Czech Republic at their final training camp in Austria, and another friendly game is on the cards before the squad jets out to the World Cup finals on 11th June.



Nigeria’s team base camp at the 21st FIFA World Cup finals is located in Yessentuki, Stavropol territory in the southern region of the Russian Federation.

Etebo, Ajayi out of Poland friendly

The Super Eagles’ Radisson Blu Hotel camp in Wroclaw has become a beehive of activities following the arrival of 22 players and the beginning of training sessions on Tuesday.



Technical and backroom staff, alongside six players opened the camp on Monday, but the facility exploded into life with the arrival of goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defenders Kenneth Omeruo, Elderson Echiejile, Stephen Eze, Abdullahi Shehu and Chidozie Awaziem, midfielders Joel Obi, John Ogu, Ogenyi Onazi, Uche Agbo and Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon, Odion Ighalo, Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Moses on Tuesday.



Nigeria –based goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa and South Africa –based Daniel Akpeyi are expected on Wednesday.



Skipper Mikel John Obi is unlikely to make it to Wroclaw as he has been working hard at renewing his work permit in China, where he plays for Tianjin Teda. Team Administrator Dayo Enebi Achor told thenff.com on Tuesday: “We all had been hoping that the renewal would come in good time for him to fly to Poland. As it is now, it is not likely that he would make the trip.”



Midfield Trojan Oghenekaro Etebo is injured, and Egypt –based Junior Ajayi, who was unable to secure visa into Poland, will fly directly to London for Tuesday’s clash with Serbia at The Hive, Canons Park.



The team trained twice on Tuesday, with the same schedule for Wednesday, before Thursday’s training at match time inside the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw. The match kicks off at 8.45pm (Nigeria and Poland are on same time zone) on Friday.



Friday’s showdown inside the 43,000 –capacity stadium formally opens the first phase of the Super Eagles’ preparation for the 21stFIFA World Cup finals, taking place in the Russian Federation 14th June – 15th July this year.



After Tuesday’s game with Serbia in London, the three –time African champions will play a Send –Forth match against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Nigeria, before flying back to London for a prestige clash England’s Three Lions at Wembley on 2nd June.



Four days later, they come up against the Czech Republic at their final training camp in Austria, and another friendly game is on the cards before the squad jets out to the World Cup finals on 11th June.



Nigeria’s team base camp at the 21st FIFA World Cup finals is located in Yessentuki, Stavropol territory in the southern region of the Russian Federation.

Etebo, Ajayi out of Poland friendly

The Super Eagles’ Radisson Blu Hotel camp in Wroclaw has become a beehive of activities following the arrival of 22 players and the beginning of training sessions on Tuesday.



Technical and backroom staff, alongside six players opened the camp on Monday, but the facility exploded into life with the arrival of goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defenders Kenneth Omeruo, Elderson Echiejile, Stephen Eze, Abdullahi Shehu and Chidozie Awaziem, midfielders Joel Obi, John Ogu, Ogenyi Onazi, Uche Agbo and Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon, Odion Ighalo, Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Moses on Tuesday.



Nigeria –based goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa and South Africa –based Daniel Akpeyi are expected on Wednesday.



Skipper Mikel John Obi is unlikely to make it to Wroclaw as he has been working hard at renewing his work permit in China, where he plays for Tianjin Teda. Team Administrator Dayo Enebi Achor told thenff.com on Tuesday: “We all had been hoping that the renewal would come in good time for him to fly to Poland. As it is now, it is not likely that he would make the trip.”



Midfield Trojan Oghenekaro Etebo is injured, and Egypt –based Junior Ajayi, who was unable to secure visa into Poland, will fly directly to London for Tuesday’s clash with Serbia at The Hive, Canons Park.



The team trained twice on Tuesday, with the same schedule for Wednesday, before Thursday’s training at match time inside the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw. The match kicks off at 8.45pm (Nigeria and Poland are on same time zone) on Friday.



Friday’s showdown inside the 43,000 –capacity stadium formally opens the first phase of the Super Eagles’ preparation for the 21stFIFA World Cup finals, taking place in the Russian Federation 14th June – 15th July this year.



After Tuesday’s game with Serbia in London, the three –time African champions will play a Send –Forth match against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Nigeria, before flying back to London for a prestige clash England’s Three Lions at Wembley on 2nd June.



Four days later, they come up against the Czech Republic at their final training camp in Austria, and another friendly game is on the cards before the squad jets out to the World Cup finals on 11th June.



Nigeria’s team base camp at the 21st FIFA World Cup finals is located in Yessentuki, Stavropol territory in the southern region of the Russian Federation.

Etebo, Ajayi out of Poland friendly

The Super Eagles’ Radisson Blu Hotel camp in Wroclaw has become a beehive of activities following the arrival of 22 players and the beginning of training sessions on Tuesday.



Technical and backroom staff, alongside six players opened the camp on Monday, but the facility exploded into life with the arrival of goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defenders Kenneth Omeruo, Elderson Echiejile, Stephen Eze, Abdullahi Shehu and Chidozie Awaziem, midfielders Joel Obi, John Ogu, Ogenyi Onazi, Uche Agbo and Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon, Odion Ighalo, Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Moses on Tuesday.



Nigeria –based goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa and South Africa –based Daniel Akpeyi are expected on Wednesday.



Skipper Mikel John Obi is unlikely to make it to Wroclaw as he has been working hard at renewing his work permit in China, where he plays for Tianjin Teda. Team Administrator Dayo Enebi Achor told thenff.com on Tuesday: “We all had been hoping that the renewal would come in good time for him to fly to Poland. As it is now, it is not likely that he would make the trip.”



Midfield Trojan Oghenekaro Etebo is injured, and Egypt –based Junior Ajayi, who was unable to secure visa into Poland, will fly directly to London for Tuesday’s clash with Serbia at The Hive, Canons Park.



The team trained twice on Tuesday, with the same schedule for Wednesday, before Thursday’s training at match time inside the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw. The match kicks off at 8.45pm (Nigeria and Poland are on same time zone) on Friday.



Friday’s showdown inside the 43,000 –capacity stadium formally opens the first phase of the Super Eagles’ preparation for the 21stFIFA World Cup finals, taking place in the Russian Federation 14th June – 15th July this year.



After Tuesday’s game with Serbia in London, the three –time African champions will play a Send –Forth match against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Nigeria, before flying back to London for a prestige clash England’s Three Lions at Wembley on 2nd June.



Four days later, they come up against the Czech Republic at their final training camp in Austria, and another friendly game is on the cards before the squad jets out to the World Cup finals on 11th June.



Nigeria’s team base camp at the 21st FIFA World Cup finals is located in Yessentuki, Stavropol territory in the southern region of the Russian Federation.

NNL: Osho upbeats of NPFL return

Remo Stars Technical Adviser, Osho Fatai have said his side are filled with optimism going into the 2017/2018 Nigeria National League (NNL) set to commence on the 31st of March, 2017.


Osho spoke on his targets, tactics, club youth system, challenges and many more.


Remo Media: The Nigeria National League (NNL) have another date for the commencement of the season, what are your plans?


Fatai Osho: Our plan is like any other team in the league, it will not be different because if you are playing in that league, the ultimate thing is to get to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and we are quite aware of that. I believe we have had the best of preparation and ultimately we want to play in the NPFL because we believe that is where we belong. We will work so hard to achieve that and I think at the end we will get that done.


RM: Coach, you will start the league with sets of new players unlike the players you had last season in the NPFL, do you think you will be missing any other player?


FO: Actually we are talking of players who have been together for a long period of time, now they are out because they have to move on and there is no reason we have to put them back but we believe we have a good youth system and that have taken charge of  the vacuum they could have created. If you remember we played most of our U19 boys towards the end of the league, some are the around and they will be very relevant in the course of the league. We are a team that have reservoir of talents and if players are going out, we don't believe without them we won't be able to play. We have what it takes to mould the boys up and we have other now set of players we have also recruited, it is more like a brand new team. The only challenge I think we will have is cohesion because they haven't played together for a very long time and I doubt if there is any other team who have had good preparations than us. We have played in different competitions and that tells slot about our preparations.


RM: Are you satisfied with your new players going all the way to meet your club's target?


FO: Exactly, if we aren't sure of their capabilities I will have changed them long ago but I am really satisfied. Looking at the results of our friendlies, it is a pointer to the fact that we are are on course and that's the way we are looking at it. They have responded so well to the trainings, they are doing very well and are very optimistic going forward.


RM: "No success without challenges" What are your challenges?


FO: Even teams that win World cup will tell you they have challenges. That is how nature is, even the world but we are not looking at those challenges, we are looking at the positives as a team. There are many things we have that many other teams will dream to have and if that is the situation, I don't think we have to start crying fowl unnecessarily. We look good and the players are well motivated and we can only get better.


RM: Last season, We (Remo Stars) had two wonderful kick takers, Do you think you have developed or built new sets of player to replace them in taking the kicks?


FO: Anybody who is conversant with the way I coach will know I am very dangerous with set pieces and most of those are not designed based on individual players, it is always designed as a group and that is why in that area I think we will be comfortable. The set pieces is not basically an individual player thing but it's more like a group and I think we would be more okay in that area. These are what I call little fight in football when you go to football field and you can from no where bring out a set piece and get results. I don't joke with it with teams I have handled in this country and I think this present set of players are well equipped in that area.


RM: You are experienced in the NNL with different clubs, majority of the coaches out there are always scared of your tactics. Are you scared of any of them and will you stick to your tactics?


FO: I will be honest with you, for you to get results as a coach,  you have got to respect other coaches. We have many great coaches in this country and I can't be carried away with reports that I am taking tactically superior but I am more concerned about how prepared is the team coming to particular competitions and I respect all oppositions coming into the competition or league this time around because they have sound and better coaches. When you respect those coaches,  it means you must do everything humanly possible to get results but if you come in with a swollen head, you will leave to regret that because good coaches are springing up daily in this country, we are blessed with great players and coaches in Nigeria. I insist I have respect for all of them. As regards to how my team will play, there won't be a complete deviation from but we grow everyday and there are one or two things I will also add to my team and style of play but in terms of how we play generally, people know what to expect from me.


RM: Remo Stars will start the season away from home, will the result be a determinate to what to expect all through the season?

FO: I don't see it that way because every match in the league will play a role in terms of us getting what we want. We can't just play it to the fact that if we get good result in Osun will determine but getting good result there will build the confidence of the team and put us in a good step to actually achieve what we intend to achieve but it doesn't really boil down to that particular match, every match in the group is of great importance and its until we get the ticket. If you look at the way the league is designed now,  we can't get the ticket out rightly topping the group. It means we are just about to start the first phase of the battle and the second phase is actually where to get the job done.

Kwara United FC Technical Adviser, Bala Abubakar unveiled in Ilorin

Kwara United Football Club today unveiled Abubakar Bala as the new Technical Adviser of the Club.

At the unveiling ceremony held at the Conference Room of Sports Council, Ilorin, the Chairman of Kwara United Football Club, Prince Oladimeji Thompson said the event calls for sober reflection as the Club was working hard to restore the glory of Kwara United.

Prince Thompson said the Club was working tenaciously with stakeholders in arriving at decision in the spirit of inclusive administration.

He promised to redouble his commitment to put the Club at vantage position and sustain its hard earned promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League.

In his remarks, the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Elder Ayobola Samuel said the government is committed to supporting Kwara United to return to winning ways.

According to him, a sustainable funding arrangement has been put in place to improve the welfare of players and Technical crew of the Club to prosecute the Nigeria Professional Football League.

Governor Ahmed also directed the management of Kwara United to revert to the old gate fees to further mobilise spectators to the stadium.

Responding, the new Technical Adviser of Kwara United, Coach Abubakar Bala Mohammed expressed delight over the opportunity to head Kwara United and sought the support of all stakeholders to succeed.

He appealed to Kwarans to be patient and prayerful as he rebuilds the Club to winning ways.

Coach Bala promised to design a Technical programme that would give the Club new playing direction with a view to ensuring the success of the Club.

Various speakers at the unveiling charged the new handler to give Kwara United new direction.

Sunshine board blessed with saboteurs - Duke Udi

Akanni Seyi


Aftermath of his sacking as the head coach of Sunshine FC, Duke Udi has brandished the board of 'Owena Whales', as they are fondly called, the home of saboteurs, codedreporter.blogspot.com.ng reports.



The ex-international was amazed to read the news about his disengagement online, moments after the team's routine training this evening.



Udi left Osun United last season after a blistering moments with 'Omoluabi Giants' and his immediate exploits with Sunshine Stars ensured 'Akure Gunners' had to escape relegation following the vital away points garnered by the team.




"Asking me to step down its not a problem. I thank the fomer chairman Hon.Gbenga Elegbeleye for the support he gave me through out his tenure.  I thank my players and supporters of Sunshine Stars for their support throughout my stay and I wish the team all the very best.



"They have to pay me my one year contract. They have to pay me my balance of 750,000 for retaining the team in the Premier League. My January and February salaries. My seven (7) match bonuses." He confessed.



The former 3SC midfielder alleged that some board members sabotaged his effort in bringing sanity to the team in all fronts.




" I blocked every bad activities which include collecting money from the players. They did not give a dime to buy players. No preseason training but I was able to do things in the Premier League. I cant even use my new players because of litigation problems.



" Attacking the referee so that we lose points and subsequently be banned away from home were all their making.
I have promised myself to always give my best wherever I go." The former Osun United gaffer concluded.

John Obuh quits Kwara United

The management of Kwara United FC has mutually agreed to path way with its technical adviser John Obuh following the not too impressive performance of the club in the Nigeria professional football league.


A statement signed by the media officer of the club Abdul Waheed Bibire on behalf of the clubs president sir Prince Oladimeji Ladi Thompson said the two parties reached a compromise following a meeting facilitated by the Kwara state football association chairman Mallam Busari Ishola.


The statement further explained that the decision became necessary in view of the yearnings and aspirations of the stakeholders to move the club forward.


The statement added that coach Obuh will be long remember in the history of the club as a passionate and committed coach.


The management also wishes to use this medium to wish the out gone gaffer the very best in his future endeavors.


It also assured the teeming fans and supporters of the club that a substantive technical adviser would be named as soon as possible so as not to create vacuum.

France 2018: Falconets in group D along Germany, others

Nigeria’s U20 girls, Falconets have been drawn in the same pool as perennial foes Germany, China and Haiti in Group D of the 9th FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup taking place in France, 5th– 24th August 2018.




Two –time runners –up Falconets begin their campaign with a huge test, against Germany at the Stade de Marville in Saint-Malo on Monday, 6th August. Germany edged Nigeria to lift the trophy the two times Nigeria got to the championship final – in 2010 in Germany and 2014 in Canada.



Chris Danjuma’s maidens will then be up against Haiti three days later at the same venue, before moving to Dinan-Léhon, where they play China at the Stade du Clos Gastel on Monday, 13th August.





Nigeria’s Group D opponents Haiti will be taking part in their first –ever FIFA women’s tournament, and FIFA General Secretary Fatma Samoura said: “I’d like to send my regards and warmly congratulate Haiti, who just qualified for their first-ever FIFA women's tournament, on their remarkable road to France. Well done, girls, for taking this huge step.



"It’s so encouraging to see these young girls pointing the way forward through playing football. For FIFA, increasing the participation of women in football is an imperative. The development of women's football is at at the top of our list of priorities in our strategy 'FIFA 2.0: The Vision for Future'.”



France will also host the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals.



THE DRAW



GROUP A

France

Ghana

New Zealand

The Netherlands



GROUP B

Korea DPR

England

Mexico

Brazil



GROUP C

USA

Japan

Paraguay

Spain



GROUP D

Haiti

China

Nigeria

Germany

Rohr invites Mikel, Okechukwu, Moses, 25 others for Poland, Serbia friendlies

Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr has listed captain Mikel John Obi, Akwa United striker Gabriel Okechukwu and playmaker Victor Moses in his 28 –man squad to battle Poland’s fellow Eagles and Serbia in pre-FIFA World Cup friendly matches this month.



Home –based goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, who stood between the pipes for the very crucial last four World Cup qualifying games (home-and-away to Cameroon, home to Zambia and away to Algeria), leads the goalkeeping section and will be joined by new boy Francis Uzoho and Daniel Akpeyi.



Former junior international Kenneth Omeruo is back among the defenders, as Joel Obi among the midfielders, while Eagles’ B stalwarts, defender Stephen Eze and forward Gabriel Okechukwu, are also handed opportunities.



Russia –based Brian Idowu, who scored against Argentina on his debut in a friendly in Krasnodar in November last year, and Al Ahly of Egypt’s Junior Ajayi, who earned an Olympic bronze in Brazil in 2016, are also called.



Three –time African champions Nigeria will trade tackles with the Bialo-Czerwoni (White and Red) or Eagles, as the Senior National Team of Poland is known, at the 43,000 –capacity Stadium Wroclaw on Friday, 23rd March 2018.



Four days later, the Eagles will take to the pitch against the Senior National Team of Serbia at The Hive, London - home ground of Barnet FC and London Bees.



These are the first two in a list of six friendly encounters planned for the Super Eagles by the Nigeria Football Federation ahead of the 21st FIFA World Cup finals in the Russian Federation this summer.



THE FULL LIST



Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Deportivo La Coruna, Spain); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Enyimba FC); Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa)



Defenders: Abdullahi Shehu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Tyronne Ebuehi (Ado Den Haag, The Netherlands); Olaoluwa Aina (Hull City, England); Elderson Echiejile (Cercle Brugge KSV, Belgium); Brian Idowu (Amkar Perm, Russia); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); William Ekong (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey); Stephen Eze (Lokomotiv Plovdiv, Bulgaria)



Midfielders: Mikel John Obi (Tianjin Teda, China); Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (Las Palmas, Spain); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Uche Agbo (Standard Liege, Belgium); Joel Obi (Torino FC, Italy)



Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Odion Ighalo (Changchun Yatai, China); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Junior Ajayi (Al Ahly, Egypt); Gabriel Okechukwu (Akwa United)   

ABS donate balls to Govt House team

Officials of Nigeria National League (NNL) side, Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC, on Saturday donated balls to the Kwara State Government House football team.


Presenting the balls to the state Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, the Coordinator of the team, Idris Musa, reminded the Governor that ABS began its life circle from the Government House.


"Your Excellency sir, our club (ABS), started from here before it was moved to Kwara Hotels playing ground.


"We decided to come and honour you with these balls today because we do not want to forget our root.


"We are at the same time promoting the legacy of our Proprietor, Dr. Bukola Saraki, who believed in developing the youth through sports.


"This is official Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) balls we used last season while we play in the division, we hope this place can produce players for us in the future sir" Musa said.


Responding, the Governor, thanked ABS for reaching back to its root and reiterated his commitment to giving life to the youths through sports.


"I want to thank you for giving out these balls and I appreciate your spirit of sportsmanship which sports was founded.


"We are committed to sports development in the state and we will continue to give sports the priority it deserves." Gov. Ahmed said.

It would be recalled that ABS had recently distributed balls to some local clubs in the state in order to support their growth.

NPFL is my target - Coach Bala

Newly appointed Technical Adviser Gombe United, Bala Abubakar has addressed Gombe United players today after the training at Pantami Stadium shortly after his presentation by the interim management board led by Alh Usman Ahmed, codedreporter.blogspot.com.ng gathers.



The  chairman interim board explained that, Bala replaces Manu Garba OON who was recently reappointed as the handler of the national  U -17 male football team.



Ahmed Usman assured him of maximum support in order to achieve set target, saying that his management board has confidence in him, hope he will not let them down.


Addressing the players, the new Technical Adviser who took Niger Tornadoes to the AITEO Cup final last season described Manu Garba as his senior colleague, urged the players to be more committed as he sought for cooperation in the quest to return the club  to the elite league next season.

Odua Football League Logo Unveiled

The NFF president, Amaju Pinnick, leader and members of South West football forum today gathered to unveil the 'Odua Football League' Logo and commissioned the new secretariat meant for the forum.


The state-of-the-art office complex, situated in the Central Business District of Ibadan, Oyo state, the country’s former western region capital,


The first vice president of the NFF and the leader of the South Western Nigeria Football Forum, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi says the new office complex is the first  structure to be acquired by any  geo-political zones in the country.


He stated further that the commissioning would be the first of its kind for regional football development in the country.


According to him, the brand new office building will now become a model for replication in other football  zones.


The western Nigeria football forum has positioned itself as the preferred
leading partner in Nigeria as it continues to
support Nigeria’s long-term aspiration to be among the top football nation in the world.


Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi said, the existence of the office complex is a reaffirmation of south west commitment
to support Nigeria to achieve its football development reforms.