NNL:Osun Utd urges fans to stick with team after Nnewi Utd defeat

Osun United Football Club need fervent home support to help overturn a 1-0 deficit the team suffered on Wednesday against Nnewi United Football Club at the Rojenny International Stadium, Oba.



The management of the Omoluabi Giants called on the team fans to remain solidly behind the team which needs their support to succeed as they welcome Crown Football Club in a South-West derby on Saturday at the Oshogbo Township Stadium.



Speaking with newsmen, the spokesperson of the club, Tunde Shamsudeen, urged the fans to remain patient and not boo the boys who have shown readiness to bounce back and win their weekend Week 7 home match against the Ajilete Warriors.



“We can understand that it’s very difficult for the supporters, we want to tell them that we really need their support, it’s important for us, we hope they’ll stay with us because they’re a really important part of the club.



“The fans should be patient with the team, especially when things are not moving well with them on the field of play. The more we support them, the more they are likely going to improve on their performance, as the players have resolved to fight on till the end,” the former Media Officer of defunct Anambra United concluded.



Furthermore, the Engineer Jimoh Olayemi led management charged the players and their handlers to do everything humanly possible to put smiles on the faces of the teeming football fans who are expecting so much from the team.



They therefore urged the players to endear themselves to the fans by playing good football and winning their matches both home and away.



The management also warned their wards against complacency and underrating of opponents as the league gets tough.

WORLD CUP: PMB sets to send forth Eagles

President Muhammadu Buhari will this morning host Russia 2018 World Cup –bound Super Eagles at the Presidential Villa to a send-forth party before the Eagle’s departure to London for their crucial friendly match against England’s Three Lions at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaji Melvic Pinnick, disclosed while speaking to newsmen shortly after ‘Wealth Investment Seminar’ organized for the players and officials of the Super Eagles squad at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, yesterday.

He said the president, as the father of the team is excited about their progression to the World Cup and would officially send the team forth before leaving for Russia.

“President is a father to the team. He is excited about the team and he would official send them forth,” he said.

According to thenff.com,  today’s session will take place at the Federal Executive Council chambers at 10am, just before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting, saying it would be an opportunity for the country’s leader to meet with and wish the team well.

NFF chieftains told thenff.com that Wednesday’s session would take place at the Federal Executive Council chambers at 10am, just before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting.

Club owners are strong stakeholders of Nigeria Football - Pinnick

Members of the Football Club owners Association of Nigeria (Club Owners) have been described as one of the critical stakeholders in the administration and development of football in Nigeria.


President of the Nigeria football Federation NFF Amaju Melvin Pinnick stated this on Monday at the Annual General meeting of the League Management company LMC held at Echelon Height hotel in Portharcourt River state south south Nigeria.


The NFF boss described Clubs as the foundation of football worldwide just as he charged club owners to seek ways of ensuring that solid football structures are laid at the club level in line with international best practices.


He commended the leadership of the club owners Association in Nigeria led by Nasarawa utd boss Barr. Isaac Danladi, the executive and members for their efforts so far at keying into the transformation efforts of the LMC to revitalize the Nigeria domestic league.


Pinnick added that his administration would continue to interface with the club owners on issues of interest in line with his strategic action plan to take Nigeria football to an enviable height.


Earlier the Chairman of the League Management Company Mallam Shehu Dikko had informed the NFF president of the unalloyed support of the Club owners and the excellent working relationship with both the NFF and  the LMC.


The Chairman of the Club owners Barr. Isaac Danladi assured the NFF president of the total support of members of the club owners even as he praised him for his unprecedented achievements which have changed the face of Nigeria football and shot Nigeria to the highest level of World football politics.


The Club owners thereafter moved a motion of affirmation and endorsement in support of the leadership of the NFF and the LMC.

Rohr: Nwakali in my future plans

Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Gernot Rohr has explained how he came about his provisional 30-man squd for the World Cup and also revealed why teenage sensation Kelechi Nwakali was not included.

“Of course I looked first at the players who were with us for the qualifiers but then I also looked at other players who have done well for their clubs. That’s why you see players like Junior Lokosa who is doing very well in the Nigerian league and Simy Nwakwo who had an excellent season in Italy.”“It (the list) was not of my own making alone. I have backroom staff, including the medical team and I gathered all of them in my house. We looked at the players one by one and asked what qualities they have, and how they will complement the other players,” Rohr explained during a media briefing in Uyo on Friday.

The German-born coach also revealed why Nwakali was not in the squad. Football fans had queried why the former Golden Eaglet star was not included, particularly after he put up a five-star performance against Atletico Madrid in last Tueday’s friendly international.

Rohr said: “Nwakali is a good player. I knew him before now and he was in my list of 35 players. We had a team of 50 players which we pruned down to 35 and then 30. By the time he played against Atletico, we had already submitted the 30-man list on May 14 and the game against Atletico was on May 22 so it was too late to include him. He’s in my plans and definitely he will be invited after the World Cup.”

Rorh also hinted that new invitees Lokosa and Nwakwo will get the chance to prove their mettle in Monday’s friendly international against Congo DR in Port Harcourt.

“We will see them on Monday and hopefully they will make a case for their inclusion with their performance against Congo DR and even if they don’t get to be selected, they would have learnt valuable lessons from training with the team. But I have been impressed so far with their performances,” he said.

'Live it up' Official Song of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ including lyrics

The most celebrated players in the world of football will be joined in Russia by some of the biggest stars of today’s international music scene. As part of another exciting collaboration between FIFA and Sony Music, Will Smith, Nicky Jam and Era Istrefi will perform 'Live It Up', the Official Song of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ produced by DJ and songwriter Diplo.

CollaboratorsWill SmithEra IstrefiProducerDiploYou can listen  to the audio here. https://sml.lnk.to/LiveItUp


[Intro: Era Istrefi]
Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh

[Chorus: Nicky Jam]
One life, live it up, 'cause we got one life
One life, live it up, 'cause we got one life
One life, live it up, 'cause you don't get it twice
One life, live it up, 'cause you don't get it twice

[Verse 1: Era Istrefi]
[?] your numbers, is a force we can mix
We raise our flags and put our pride on our back
We feelin' like a champion when we shine our light
We got the power, make condition correct

[Chorus: Era Istrefi]
One life, live it up, 'cause you got one life
One-one-one life, live it up, 'cause you got one life
One-one-one life, live it up, 'cause you don't get it twice
One-one-one life, live it up, 'cause you don't get it twice

Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh

[Vesre 2: Will Smith]
One life, one dream
One moment, one team
One youth, lights high
Thousand road blocks, one shot
One truth, no fears
One flag, oh yeah
We've been waiting for this all year
Where y'all at? we're right here!

[Verse 3: Nicky Jam]
Ya empezó la rumba y estamos celebrando
Todo el mundo que me levante la mano
'Tamos vivos, hay que disfrutarlo
Hoy nadie me detiene porque yo no sé parar, no, no

[Chorus: Nicky Jam]
One life, live it up, cause we got one life
One life, live it up, cause we got one life
One life, live it up, cause you don't get it twice
One life, live it up, cause you don't get it twice

Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh

[Bridge: Will Smith]
For the love, I'm a rebel I'm coming from
Every nation under the sun
Elevating their favourite song when we hit and run
You own it, you got it
The whole world it's watching
So let's get this pumping
Where y'all at? we're right there!

[Chorus: Nicky Jam & Era Istrefi]
Only one life to live, got so much to give
Fighting for the nation now, that is my gift
Run like a champion and win like a king
That's my only gold my everything
Living up now, now

Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh (living up now, now)
Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh

Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh (jealousy, ambition)
Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh (victories, celebration)
Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh (one love, one nation)
Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh-oh
Ay

[Outro: Era Istrefi]
That's win you reached that goal
That's win you reached that goal
That's win you reached that goal
That's win you reached that goal

NFF plans Town Hall event for Port Harcourt

The Nigeria Football Federation has concluded plans for a massive Town Hall event that will bring together various stakeholders of the game in Port Harcourt on Monday.



Billed for the Hotel Le Meridien (Ogeyi Place) in the Garden City, the event will present an opportunity for administrators, partners and sponsors of the NFF, football enthusiasts, fans, media representatives and other stakeholders to meet and bond with the players of the Super Eagles before the squad flies out to the FIFA World Cup in Russia.



Mallam Shehu Dikko, NFF 2nd Vice President/Chairman of Strategy Committee, told thenff.com: “This is an event for us to bring the players to meet with the stakeholders and appreciate them, and generally have a good time before the match against the Congolese. The occasion certainly presents a great opportunity for conviviality considering that the team will be leaving for London and onwards to the World Cup after the match with Congo.



“We have invited the Rivers State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Wike to grace the event, and we are also expecting our partners and sponsors, fans, media representatives as well as other stakeholders. It is going to be a feel-good atmosphere before the match against the DR Congo team later in the evening,” Dikko, who is also Chairman, Marketing, Sponsorship and TV Rights Committee, stated.



Organizers hinted thenff.com that a couple of stand-up comedians and a popular musician have been contacted to add glamour to the event, which will commence at 10am.   

Niger 2019: Flying Eagles proceed on a month break

Nigeria U20s, the Flying Eagles, have proceeded on  break  and the team will resume after a month, officials said.

This followed the team’s passage to the final qualifying playoff for the 2019 U-20 AFCON in Niger at the weekend.

The Flying Eagles eliminated Guinea Bissau 3-2 on aggregate and will in July battle surprise team Mauritania for a place at Niger 2019.

“The team will go on break for about a month and reassemble at a venue yet to be decided,” a top team official said.

It was also gathered that Lobi Stars central defender Ekene Olisema lost his father just days leading up to the crucial qualifier against Guinea Bissau in Calabar on Sunday.

“We kept away the news from the player till after the game,” an official revealed.

Flying Eagles will have beat Mauritania on aggregate to stand a chance of qualifying for the U-20 African Cup of Nations in Niger where four African team pick the FIFA U-20 World cup.

Omoyele, Adeleye, Nwakali, 20 others for Atletico friendly

Ahead of Tuesday’s glamour friendly match with newly –crowned Europa League kings, Atletico Madrid FC of Spain at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Super Eagles’ B Head Coach Salisu Yusuf has invited 23 players, among them highly –rated Plateau United striker Tosin Omoyele and Katsina United defender Destiny Ashadi.



There were also call-ups for Akwa United FC goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo, Enyimba FC forward Isiaka Oladuntoye, FC IfeanyiUbah defender Adeleye Olamilekan and Lobi Stars’ duo of Olufemi Kayode and Ebube Duru.



A sprinkle of foreign –based actors, including the nimble –footed Alhassan Ibrahim, former U17 World Cup –winning captain Musa Muhammed and the Nwakali brothers (Chidiebere and Kelechi) was also included.



All invited players are expected to arrive at the Bolton White Apartments Hotel, Abuja on Friday, 18th May before the contingent moves to Uyo at the weekend.



INVITED PLAYERS



Olufemi Kayode (Lobi Stars)

Olorunleke Ojo (Akwa United)

Olufemi Thomas (Rangers International)

Musa Muhammed (Lokomotiv Plovdiv)

Stanley Okoroma (MFM FC)

Ebube Duru (Lobi Stars)

Ikouwem Utin (Enyimba FC)
Adeleye Olamilekan (FC IfeanyiUbah)

Austin Opara (MFM FC)

Isiaka Oladuntoye (Enyimba FC)

Chinedu Ajana (Katsina United)

Raphael Ayagwa (Plateau United)

Destiny Ashadi (Katsina United)

Kelechi Nwakali (MVV Maastricht, Netherlands)

Alhassan Ibrahim (FK Austrian Wien)

Chidiebere Nwakali (Aberdeen FC, Scotland)

Usman Mohammed (Norway)

Dayo Ojo (Sunshine Stars)

Emem Eduok (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey)

Sadiq Umar (NAC Breda, Netherlands)

 Tosin Omoyele (Plateau United)

Kadiri Samadi (Lobi Stars)

Ibrahim Alhassan (Kano Pillars)

FIFA Ranking: Super Eagles Stay 47th, Argentina, Iceland Maintain Positions

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have maintained their 47th position in the latest FIFA world ranking, codedreporter.blogspot.com.ng gathers. 

The latest ranking was released on Thursday on FIFA’s official website.

There is also no movement by the Super Eagles’ 2018 World Cup Group D opponents as they all maintain their previous spots.Also in Africa, the World Cup-bound Super Eagles remain sixth.

Argentina remain number five in the world, Croatia in number 18 and World Cup debutants Iceland on number 22.

Nigeria’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Group E qualifying opponents also keep their previous positions as South Africa, Libya and Seychelles stay 72nd, 100th and 194th in the world respectively.

And the Democratic Republic of Congo who will face the Eagles on an international friendly on May 28, remain number 38 in the world.

For the top 10 ranked countries, Germany remain in first position, Brazil in second, Belgium in third, Portugal fourth and Argentina fifth.

In sixth place are Switzerland, France are seventh, Spain eighth, Chile ninth and Poland 10th.

The next FIFA ranking will be published on June 7, 2018.

NNL: Okeji dedicates first league goal to fans

Seyi Joshua


Victor Okeji's second half spot kick secured the maximum points for Osun United as they battled hard to condemn visiting Dynamite Force FC, in one of the Week 3 Group B2 fixtures of the Bet9ja Nigeria National League on Saturday at Osogbo Township Stadium.




'Omoluabi Giants' defied the rain to fight for maximum points in the make or mar encounter that saw their best chance hitting the woodwork late in the first half.




Musa Aroma was adjudged to have handled the ball in the six yard while trying to relieve the pressure off Nwokeke's well tailored cross in the sixty one (61) minute of the contest. The waiting moment finally arrived.




The standing captain, Victor Okeji whose pacy runs and drives proved problematic for the visitors, stepped on and sent the keeper in the wrong direction.




Damola Fakayode should have increased the tally nine (9) minutes later, facing the empty net but his jab was inches wide after a scintillating and inviting cross from David Fadairo that left the keeper nagging.



"I thank God for this victory, the rain affects our optimum efficiency I must admit, we fought together and won together and that's the most important thing, I therefore dedicate my first goal of the season to our numerous and passionate fans." The former Bayelsa United hitman told codedreporter.blogspot.com.ng

Osun Utd seek first league win against Dynamite FC

Osun United Football Club will be up against Nigeria National League newcomers, Dynamite Force Football Club on Saturday at the Oshogbo Township Stadium in one of the 2018 Bet9ja NNL Group B2 Week 3 contest.

The Omoluabi Giants will cross swords with Dynamite, as they will hope to give themselves a huge lift by winning their first game of the 2017/2018 season.

A win is what Osun United want in front of their passionate home fans and to achieve this they need to be clinical in front goal against a side that isn't afraid to attack.

Records favour Osun United to beat Dynamite having came from behind to defeat the Benin darling team 2-1 in the 2012 Federation Cup now Aiteo Cup.


The vital away point picked by Osun United on Sunday against Delta Force will have given Dynamite coach Johnbull Omoregie, more food for thoughts.

But in Dynamite, the team is exceptionally gifted as they have the machinery that can cause problems for any football club in the NNL.

Osun United do not however just rely on few players, as they have an incredibly strong midfield and a defence capable of stopping Dynamite in their tracks and a good performance for them is vital.

Osun United gaffer, Adebayo Adesina, believes the team has what it takes to win the match.

“It is a very big match against Dynamite, I believe the match is going to be very tactical. We know what is at stake, a win will bring back our confidence and set my lads on track, so we are going to play with every seriousness.

“I think we have to match up, work hard and put in a good performance to defeat Dynamite, and we are fully focused for the game. I can assure our fans that we will perform better than what we did against Delta Force last weekend, we are going to do our very best to get all three points at stake because we have a target,’' Elewele as he is fondly called told ​OSUN UNITED MEDIA.​

Breaking: Delta Force Fire Victor Agali

If the feelers coming out of Delta Forces' camp has anything to go by,  the management of Delta Force under the watchful eyes of Com. Moses Etu has just fired its head coach, Victor Agali, Coded Sports reports.




The ex-international, who managed a Lagos based team AS Racines last season was fired this evening after two games in charge of 'Okowa Boys' without a win.




Unicem Rovers white washed Delta Force 4-2, in his first game in charge in far away Calabar during the Match Day One of Bet9ja Nigeria National League (NNL).




The present Super Eagles' scout has now join the likes of Coach Peter Nieketien and Coach Blankson Tosan which the club had shown the exit door in less than twelve (12) months.




"We were all in rude shock when Agali confirmed to us immediately after our home draw with Osun United this evening that his job has finished with the club. I am still speechless up till this moment. We will know the direction of the club as the event unfolds in the coming days." A Delta Force player, 'name withheld' informed Coded Sports.

NNL: Okeji rues missed chances in United's draw

Seyi Joshua 

Ten-man Osun United players put up a spirited performance, with long bursting efforts on the road to secure a draw when they faced Delta Force in J. J. Okocha Stadium, Ogwashi-Uku in Match Day two of Nigeria National League (NNL). 

The host players couldn't go past a well discipline defensive set up of 'Omoluabi Giants'. With constant threats posed by 'Okowa Boys' at intervals, 'Believe and Achieve' gladiators stood a firm ground to ensure that the scoreline is tied goalless at full time.

Speaking to codedreporter.blogspot.com.ng, after the game, Victor Okeji who captained his side hinted that; " It's one of the game of our lives as we were determined to scoop maximum points on this familiar terrain.

"My first goal attempt would have unsettled and silence our host had it been that I made it counts. I will work more on my scoring skills because I can't wait to do it again for United. 

"Losing a first game of the season at home speaks volumes but we have promised our teeming fans to keep a date with us, we shall give them enough points on the road this season."

Osun United shall welcome Dynamite Force from Benin in week three (3) of Bet9ja Nigeria National League (NNL) in their quest to gather enough points for play off. 

"This draw shall propel us to register our first league goal and our first win in our next home game. We will not relent in ensuring smiles is returned to the faces of our teeming supporters." He concluded. 

Aiteo: Osun Utd walloped Omoluju FC 8-0 as MAO FC ambush Fehinty FC

Seyi Joshua


Defending champion Osun Utd zoomed to quarter finals of the State of Osun Federations Cup, now Aiteo Cup in style, after dumping off a grassroot side Omoloju Boys from Otan Ayegbaju in the opening game of the round of sixteen (16) fixtures.



'Omoluabi Giants' as they are fondly called dominated the proceeding with much of the players that lost 0-1 to Remo Stars on Saturday. Ekene Azike broke the deadlock for the host barely five (5) minutes into the duel to unsettle the Otan based boys in an enthralling encounter.



Victor Okeji nets brace as the likes of
David Fadairo, Michael Ozoemena, Dare Olatunji, Akorede Memud and Segun Falana registered a goal each to silence Omoloju Boys FC.



Osun Utd will therefore take positive from this encounter as their character will be tested when they face Delta Force on Sunday in Ogwashiuku in the Bet9ja Nigeria National League week two (2) match.



Meanwhile, in the other round of sixteen fixtures, Fortune FC of Osogbo shall engage Slemco FC from Iwo while the second and the last game on Saturday is tagged 'Agbale Derby', Wusu FC and Ede United will battle for supremacy. Ede United being the runner up of the last edition.



On Sunday, five games shall be decided inside the main bowl of Osogbo Township Stadium. Fehinty FC and MAO FC shall tango before Ijesa Warrior trade tackle with Igbona Warrior. Lasun Babes will size up New Stars, Knights FC will battle hard fighting Wasiu Alabelewe FC, The last game of the round of sixteen (16) is between Nationwide League One side, Ajiroba Ooni and Police FC.



The winners shall join the already qualified teams in the quarter finals. The quarter finals fixtures will be available after round of sixteen (16) stage, according to F. A. Secretary in the state, Amoo Abayomi.

NBBF: Registration commences for 2018 Total Divisions 1 and 2 league season

The Nigeria Basketball Federation has commenced registration of clubs and players for the 2018 Total Divisions 1 and 2 league season.

This follows the recent agreement signed between NBBF and Total E&P Nigeria Ltd, for sponsorship of the National Divisions 1 and 2 Men's Basketball Leagues totaling 60million naira.

Interested Clubs are to obtain and complete the League Registration Forms from their various State Basketball Associations, the Secretariat of the Nigeria Basketball Federation or online.

Under this new arrangement in NBBF/Total Division 2, each of the 36 States and the FCT, Abuja, will hold State Preliminary competitions to determine the 2 teams to represent the state at the zonal level.

The Vice President of the NBBF, Babs Ogunade said the new league format which is expected to accommodate more teams is a clear departure from what was obtainable under the former board where few teams gathered to play about 4 or 5 matches within a one week period.

“In recent years, the National Men’s Division 1 and 2 leagues could best be described as a jamboree and a waste of time and resources. Teams pay registration fees and other expenses with nothing at stake except promotion ticket.”

According to the directives from the NBBF, the format of competitions at the state level will depend on the number of teams registered at the state level as 74 teams are expected to qualify for the Divisions 2 playoffs.

Explaining the format, Ogunade said, “The Zonal Champions and Runners up will qualify for the Conference Final 6.  In this case, there will be 2 Conferences. The top 2 Teams from the Northwest, North Central and the North East Divisions make up the Savannah Conference, while the Top 2 Teams from the South East, South West and South South make up the Atlantic Conference”.

The Conference Champions, along with the 2nd, 3rd and 4th place Teams from each Conference will qualify for the Final 8 to be held at a venue to be decided by the NBBF from where the National Champions and Runner Up will emerge.

The top 4 teams at the Final 8 will qualify for the 2019 season of the National Division 1 League .

All the competitions will take place within a time frame to be decided based on the registration received from the teams and states.

The Total National Division 1 Men's League will also adopt the same format as the Division 2 League with the teams presently in Division 1 retaining their status and the teams increased to 16 teams.

Total will provide playing kits for all Zonal finalists.

Registration and submission of completed forms closes on 10th of May, 2018.