Gold Cup success, a learning curve for Sunshine- Lama

Seyi Joshua


Basking in the euphoria of the recent feat attained by 'Akure Gunners', in the just concluded Gold Cup Preseason Tournament, the assistant coach of Sunshine Stars FC, Kamal Folarin (Lama) has hinted that, the success would further spur the club for more silverwares in the forthcoming NPFL season. 

Recall that, long time academy graduate, Adedipe Kehinde blasted the 'Owena Waves' in front in the sixty fifth (65) minute of the tension soaked duel and Harmony Boys couldn't restore the parity before the regulation time thereby making Sunshine Stars Gold Cup Champions second time in six years.

Kehinde Adesina of Sunshine Stars in action 

"The club regrouped three days before the start of the tourney, you know there were new technical appointments in the club.

" We honored the invitation in good faith to test couples of new arrivals and to see how they can cope in big games. I want to inform you that we didn't have much time to train as a unit having lost a lot of our top notch prolific players.

"Coach Kabiru Dogo used the tournament to instill his playing philosophy in players, our old players really sparkled when needed and they brought the needed balance going forward." Erstwhile Gray FC of Ede gaffer submitted. 

Despite being the champion of the latest edition of the tourney at the expense of  hegemonic Kwara United, Kabiru Dogo side however not completely exonorated from glitches accustomed to their executing personnels.

Players of Sunshine Stars are presented with Gold Cup trophy 

"I can say we are fifty percent ready for the coming season right now, we need some back up at the back and good clinical finishers up front.

"The gaffer has identified few good replacements on the course of the tournament and contacts would soon be established with the identified players.

"Though injury to our key players last season and non registration of the club's new recruits by League Management Company on time formed part of indices why Sunshine Stars had to battle relegation till last day.

"With the new technical officials on board, I believe confidence has started returning to the club. We will be aiming for a continental slot come next season." He stressed.

Coach Folarin who was recently promoted from Rising Stars coaching department to senior team as an assistant coach was a reliable outfield player for Rising Stars during his playing days in the elite division.

Omaka Anthony with the MVP award.

"Let me on behalf of the technical officials appreciate the management of Sunshine Stars for giving the club the necessary supports in participating in the recently concluded unarguably the best preseason tournament in the land. 

"This feat would be a learning curve for us as we continue to assemble best legs that will challenge for trophies in the coming days. The organisers again should be encouraged because they are doing a fantastic job in bringing teams together with little resources." He concluded. 

Gold Cup: Sunshine Stars emerge champion

Sunshine Stars were crowned champions of the 6th edition of Gold Cup Preseason Tourney after they beat Kwara United by a lone goal on Saturday at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.


It was a second Gold Cup trophy in the cabinet of the Owena Whales in six years.


Both teams failed to create any clear cut chance, as they played with caution with a view of holding on to ball possession.


The second half recorded a bit of action as Kwara attacking midfielder Sunday Emmanuel  who should have scored the opening goal, but the former Sunshine Stars player decided to shoot the ball straight to goalkeeper Emmanuel Ariyo.


In the 54th minute, Thomas Adesina should have scored but wasted the chance as he shot his effort wide.


Coach Abubakar Bala men surrendered to Sunshine Stars attacking display in the 62nd minute as Adedipe Kehinde header beat Kenneth Okoli in a goal-mouth scramble situation.


The Owena Whales went home with a cheque of Three Hundred Thousand Naira (#300, 000) and a giant trophy while the Harmony Boys got a sum of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (#200, 000).


However the duo of Anthony Omaka  (Sunshine Stars) and Segun Alebiosu  (Kwara United) were rewarded for their brilliance performance in the tourney.


Omaka went home with the Vomoz Mobile Most Valuable Player of the tournament award while Alebiosu got the top scorer's award respectively.


Gold Cup Pre-season Tournament is sponsored by distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic, Dr. Buhari Abdul-Fatai (BAF), and proudly supported by Nigeria Football Federation Executive Committee Member, Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, foremost betting company, Bet9ja, Nigeria leading sportswear firm, 'owu', Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sportspro, New-Bell Global Investment, 11th Media Global Concept, Phreestyle Sports, and Play Sportswear.

Gold Cup: Sunshine Stars set up Kwara Utd final tie

Sunshine Stars will battle Kwara United in the final of the 2018 edition of Gold Cup Preseason Tourney on Saturday in Akure.

Goalkeeper, Ayo Ojo stole the evening after he stopped two penalties as the Owena Waves beat Remo Stars 3-2 on penalties after they played 1-1 in regulation time in the semi final which was decided at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure on Thursday.

Midfielder Omaka Anthony gave the Kabiru Dogo side the lead in the 9th minute scoring a fabulous free kick from 25yards.

Remo Stars responded well after the goal, dominating with impressive counter play.

Their efforts were then rewarded eleven minutes later as Edoka Owochio scored from a goal mouth scramble in the 20th minute to equalize for his team.

The game was then forced to penalties after the game ended 1-1.

Ayo Ojo proved why Dogo introduced him in added time as he saved the first and forth penalty kick taken by Remo Stars.

The Ondo State Sports Complex will host the final on Saturday November 24, 2018.

Danjuma praises Falode's NWFL for improved Pro-League

The Chief Coach of the Nigeria Women Premier League defending champions, Nasarawa Amazons of Lafia, Christopher Danjuma, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Women Football League headed by Aisha Falode, for a wonderful organisation of the Women's Pro-League Play-Off especially at the Abuja centre hosting matches at the FIFA Goal Project, Package B of the Abuja National Stadium.
Danjuma, who is also the chief coach of the national Under-20 Women's team, the Super Falconets, was full of plaudits for the Aisha Falode-board not only for the excellent organisation at the Abuja centre coordinated by the NWFL vice chairman, Hon. Margaret Icheen, supported by Hajia Hussaina Suleiman and the NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Ayo Abdulrahman, but also for the impressive standard of play by all the teams in the centre.


The Amazons' coach noted that, the teams in Abuja are equally matched and the competition for promotion to the Premier League has been very tough.


"I have been able to pick some good players here for next season's campaign for my club Nasarawa Amazons. I am sure these players can help my club to achieve set goals in the Premier League next year.


"Also as a national team coach, I have been able to pick some good players who can fit in perfectly into the national Under-17 team, the Flamengoes and the Under-20, Falconets. These players are no push overs in anyway as I monitored them closely in two different games each here at the Abuja centre.


"We are grateful to Madam Aisha Falode and her wonderful board for giving us this option to watch and select these young enterprising players who will be relevant in Nigerian women's football for years to come," Christopher Danjuma said.


Source NWFL MEDIA.

Dare Olatunji 'Osun Pogba' joins Enyimba

Seyi Joshua

Enyimba International have completed the signing of Osun United priceless asset, Dare Olatunji for an undisclosed fee, reports Coded Sports.

The valuable and enterprising midfielder who will be 21 on November 24th has signed the dotted line for Aba based club with the duration of three (3) years to become the latest addition to the People's Elephant.

The versatile midfielder who was captured from Police Machine two seasons ago by the workaholic and resourceful ex-international Duke Udi has improved a lot to become a force to reckon with without any sign of slackness in sight.

Several Top NPFL clubs have been jostling for the services of Dare Olatunji in the past but Enyimba FC are so fortunate with clear headway.

On what motivated him to choose Enyimba ahead of other suitors the young and experienced midfielder has this to say; "I feel calm and happy. 

"It is a positive move for me definitely, I am  used to coping and to adjust in the best possible way, for massive gestures people are showing me here, it's a positive way of starting.

“ Now I feel comfortable and looking forward to the future, which for sure will be very nice because am here to contribute my quota and win silverware with this modest club." 'Osun Pogba' as he's fondly called stated.

Osun United through their media chief announced the departure of their productive player yesterday, the club therefore wish him more successful endeavours in his career. 

An optimistic defensive midfielder, who harps on hard work and prayer hailed series of coaches that have modelled his growing and brilliant career.

" A lot of coaches have worked on me but l specially appreciate Duke Udi for giving me the platform to showcase the stuff I've made of, oftentimes he do fight me but little did I know that it's to my benefit, I will forever be grateful to him." he informed Coded Sports.

Olatunji became latest signings after Chukwuka Onuwa, Stanley Okorom and few others were reportedly snapped up by Aba Landlord

Ayeni confident of Gold Cup success despite defeat

Cynosure FC Head Coach, Deji Ayeni says losing their first match at the ongoing Gold Cup tournament is not a big deal as it afforded them opportunity to restrategise for their semi-final game against Kwara United today Wednesday November 21, 2018 at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.


A 65th minute strike by Adedipe Kehinde was all Sunshine Stars needed to top Group B table and condemn the Abakaliki-based side to its first defeat after going three games unbeaten in the tourney.


Ayeni told Gold Cup Media; “The loss is a positive one for me because in football, you either win, lose or you draw. So as a good technocrat, you should expect that.


"Its not a loss because I foresaw what was going to happen. I’m a kind of person that doesn’t complain about officiating. Be it as it may, we gave them a good fight.


“There is no team that is not beatable. The most important thing for the teams is to work on their tactics and how disciplined are you.


"You can bear me witness today, if not the loss of concentration, there is no way we would have lost the match because I work on my tactics and made sure that everybody worked according to it.


Ayeni further said he was proud of his boys’ performance, adding his players can walk into any team in the NPFL without having trials.


“Honestly speaking, if the boys find themselves in any team, they will deliver because they have what it takes. But one thing I understand about Nigerians is that we don’t always appreciate the younger ones.


"We should give them the opportunity to exhibit what they have so that you will have a balanced team.


"Look at our national teams, when the players are aging we should replace them with younger ones so that the team will be solid and ready to compete again. But when the bulk of team are old players, you find it difficult for the whole cohesiveness of the game.”

I'm penalty specialist, says Cynosure's Imiete

Cynosure FC of Eboyi goalkeeper, Believe Imiete says stopping penalties is his speciality.

Imiete who kept two clean sheets in the victories against Lobi Stars and Mountain of Fire and Miracles (MFM FC of Lagos) at the ongoing Gold Cup Tourney in Akure, denied Lobi Stars Samad Kadiri a goal from the spot kick last Friday.

"Its good feelings for me to have kept a clean sheet and saved a penalty against a CAF Champions League side, Lobi Stars of Makurdi.

"In fact, I'm a specialist at saving penalties. The feat is no fluke but down to hard work in training and been focused in matches.

"I don't do guess work once I'm faced with a task of saving a penalty.

"In many penalties I have saved, I chose the spot I want to go and at the end, I just see myself making a save.

"Keeping clean sheets, I cherish that as a goalkeeper as this statistic is what determines our market.

"I hope one day I'll be living my dream as a top class goalkeeper in Europe but I fancy starting the journey with an A-list club in the Nigeria Professional Football League.

"My plans for the season is helping my team gain promotion  from the Nigeria National League to the top flight by recording more clean sheets, so I can compete with the big teams  in Nigeria.

Cynosure FC no fluke, says Coach Ayeni

Cynosure Football Club Head Coach, Ayeni Ayodeji Alexander says his team's success in the Gold Cup Tourney in Akure is no fluke.

Cynosure became the first book a semi-final spot after going three games unbeaten in it group.

"Victories recorded here in the Gold Cup Tourney in Akure is no fluke as our play tactics is unique. We play as a unit, attacking and defending together.

"We're also a disciplined side.
We don't like to give away ball possession easily and our defending have been fantastic as we have kept three clean sheets and scored five goals.

"This match stat is good for my team's psyche as it will boost their confidence level.

"Mental fitness is really a problem for many players in domestics leagues as they easily give when the challenge is tough.

"This was the most important thing I did after I took the Cynosure job, as I changed the orientation of my players.
Today is of good benefit to us all. 

"Going further in the tourney; mean tough challenge awaits my team, my players are mentally ready for the hurdle."

The Abakaliki based side who have 9points will on Tuesday host Sunshine Stars, who has 7points in a last game that will determine who goes to top of the group.

GOLD CUP: Kwara Utd, Cynosure FC zoom to semi final

Kwara United and Cynosure FC have qualified to the semi-final of the Gold Cup Preseason Tournament holding in Akure after they both won their third games respectively.


The Harmony Boys edged past Remo Stars 2-1 in a thriller that saw both Segun Alebiosu and Ekene Awazie scoring to remain joint top scorers of the Nigeria's First Pre-Season mini league with three goals each.


Kwara United scored their two goals in quick succession in the first half, as it took them eight minutes to break the Sky Blue Stars defence.


A long range shot by Peter Momoh from 30 mitres left James Faith stunned in goal for Remo Stars.


In the 10th minute, Kwara United profited from a lose pass close to their box, and Segun Alebiosu made no mistake scoring his team's second goal with an easy tap in from an assist from Ebenezer Odeyemi.


Three minutes into the second half, Remo Stars were handed a lifeline as they were awarded a penalty for a tackle on Awazie by a Kwara defender in the box.


Awazie then converted from the spot to reduce the goal deficit for the Sky Blue Stars.


In the other group game, Nationwide League One side Cynosure FC, defeated FC Ebedei 2-0 to be the only team to get to the last four without conceeding a goal.


It took the Abakaliki side six minutes to do the damage on Ebedei after Solomon Chigozie turn Eliza Amie's low cross to the bottom corner in the second minute in what looked like the fastest goal in this year's edition.


Cynosure doubled their lead in the 6th after Ogar David scored a screamer from another Amie's assist.


Both teams now lead the two groups table logs with 9 points each.

Cynosure Fc Maintain 100% Gold Cup Unbeaten Run

By Mayuku Charles


Two goals within the first ten minutes of the encounter ensured Cynosure Fc registered another victory at the Ondo State Sports Complex Akure in 2-0 win over Fc Ebedei keeping their unbeaten run in the tournament intact.

Cynosure Fc scored as early as the 2nd minute through skillful attacking midfielder Solomon Chigozie who finished up an intelligent assist from enterprising Elijah Amie.

Elijah Amie again proved to be the shinning star on the day where he provided another assist this time in the 6th minute to hardworking Ogar David whose long range screamer will enter as one of the goals of the tournament.

Cynosure Fc continue to maintain 100% win run with 9 points from 3 matches played.

Head Coach of the Centre of Attraction side Ayodele Alexander Ayeni was, however, delighted with his side’s character in maintaining 100% unbeaten run.

“It was very important for us to win because Fc Ebedei is one of the teams with the underdog tag in this tournament" he told Cynosure Fc Media.”

"They are a young and ambitious side so we knew it was not going to be an easy match".

“It was very essential, especially when we went two goals up very early in the game and did not become complacent. This has shown the personality of the team to go for the game.

“I’m very happy with our response and we will continue to take one game at a time".

FULL TIME
Cynosure Fc 2-0 Fc Ebedei
(Solomon Chigozie 2' & Ogar David 6')
Elijah Amie with both assist.

Gold Cup: Remo Stars drain Rivers Utd 2-1

Rivers Utd were handed the blues on Saturday as Remo Stars came from behind to beat them 2-1 on  MatchDay3 of 2018 Gold Cup Tourney courtsey of a second half brace by Ekene Awazie.


It was a game of two halves with Rivers Utd dominating the 1st while Awazie was the torn in the flesh on the Garden City team in the second.


It took thirty-eight minute for Stanley Eguma led Rivers Utd to score their first goal of the tourney as Rasaq Adebayo blasted his side forward with a cool finish after outclassing Remo defenders.


Remo Stars had goalkeeper, Olisa Nwoye to thank as Rivers Utd should have made it 2-0 in the opening six minutes of the second half.


As the game got close to its one hour mark, Ekene Awazie leveled the scoreline for Remo Stars profiting from a sloppy defending by Rivers Utd.


With seven minutes to end the game, Awazie then capped his  evening scoring a brace and winning goal for the Sky Blue Stars as he put the ball past Biodun Akande.


Awazie is now joint top scorer in the Gold Cup Tourney with Kwara Utd Segun Alebiosu.

Lobi Stars will be hungrier against Sunshine Stars - Ogbiede

After Cynosure FC gave his side a lot to think about, in the ongoing  Gold Cup Tourney on Matchday two, Solomon Ogbiede says his players are hungry to beat Sunshine Stars.


The battle of Stars is among the high profile games billed for Saturday at the Akure Stadium.


"There's nothing to complain about or me handing any player the blame for the loss.


"I liked what I saw and liked the team we played against as they gave us a good contest.


"I started a different team entirely against Cynosure as I wanted to give all my players needed playing time.


"Our style of play was good but a loss of concentration in the box by my defenders in that split seconds cost us."


"The tie against Sunshine Stars is the usual league game, one that will be tough, as I will be playing against a team I know well and fans that once adored me in Akure.


"Not taking anything away from Sunshine Stars, my players will be hungry to return to winning was."


Saviour Francis of Cynosure FC
scored the only goal that turned out to be the match winner in the 55th minute.

NNL: COACH MOGA QUIT HIS ROLE IN AKLOSENDI

Impressive Coach Stephen Moga of Aklosendi Int'l FC Lafia has resigned from his role as the Chief Coach Coach of Aklosendi Int'l FC Lafia who plies in the Bet9ja Nigeria National League (NNL) .

This development came  Friday 9th November, 2018, after the club's management meeting in the club's secretariat Lafia.

Stephen Moga is the pioneer coach of the club  from it inception in 2016 after his playing career with Nasarawa United. 

In his first season as  a coach in Aklosendi , he coached the club to qualify to the division two of   Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO), from the division three.

   The highlight of his career ,  was the promotion of Aklosendi Int'l FC Lafia to the second tier of Nigeria club football  as well as playing in the Nasarawa state  FA  cup final in 2017.

    Talking to the media team , "it's a tough decision to take,  as it was the club that gave me the first step into his coaching career.  He went on to express his appreciation to the club and  pleaded with the team and the fans to take his resignation in good faith as it part of life to always move on" .
  

   The club chairman accepted the resignation and wished coach Stephen Moga the best in his  next job

Gold Cup: Pillars begin title defence against Phoenix ASC

Kano Pillars, A list status in the domestic league will be put to test as they begin their Gold Cup Tourney title defence against 'giant-killers' Phoenix ASC when the pre-season event kicks off on November 15th in Ado Ekiti.


This is a second Group A tie billed for the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium with a kickoff time of 4pm.


In the first game of the Group, Kwara United and Rivers United who faced each other three times last season in the league and Group phase of the Aiteo Cup in Lagos will lock horns by 10. am Remo Stars who hope put their Ilorin poor form behind them are drawn bye.


The Sky Blue Stars will aim for their first three point in the 10 days football fiesta when they host new boys, Phoenix ASC on Friday, 16th November.


Meanwhile, the opening fixtures of Group B will see CAF Champions League side and 2016 Gold Cup Champions, Lobi Stars open its campaign against FC Ebedei.


Coach Kabir Dogo who will be making his debut in the Gold Cup Tourney, will be leading his new look Sunshine Stars against debutant Cynosure FC of Abakaliki. Both matches will be played on Thursday 15th, November.


Fidelis Ilechukwu and his Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries FC lads will be resting ahead their first game against FC Ebedei on Friday, 16th November.

The top two teams from  two Groups in the mini-league will qualify automatically for the semis.


Leader of Group A and B will host runner-up of Group B and A respectively on 21st and 22nd of November by 4pm local time.


Winners from the two semi-final games will then lock horns for the ultimate prize in the epic final at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium on November 24th.

The Gold Cup Pre-season Tournament sponsored by distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic, Dr. Buhari Abdul-Fatai (BAF), and proudly supported by Nigeria Football Federation Executive Committee Member, Alhaji  Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, foremost betting company, Bet9ja, Nigeria leading sportswear firm, 'Owu', Play Sportswear, Ekiti State Football Association, Naija League Magazine, Seyi Akinwunmi Foundation, Phoenix ASC, Sportspro, New-Bell Global Investment, 11th Media Global Concept, Phreestyle Sports and Vomoz Mobile.