Agbana named new Ekiti United gaffer

Seyi Akanni




Former Nnewi United tactician, Ademola Agbana has been re appointed as
Ekiti united FC gaffer.


The Ekiti born coach who in the time past has worked with the defunct ABUAD FC is to prepare the team for the forthcoming Nigeria National League season which is set to kick off in March, according to Ekiti State government.



The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr.Yemi Owoseni made this known today. He said the new management team has been set up to manage the club pending the constitution of a new board.


He charged the existing players of the club to resume and commence training immediately, while screening of new players is to commence on Monday, February 4th 2019, at the Oluyemi Kayode stadium Ado Ekiti.


The new Management team are:

Team Manager- Farotimi Soji,
Chief Coach - Ademola Agbana,
Assistant Coach 1- Afolabi Mayowa, Assistant Coach 2- Alabi Abiodun,
Goal Keeper Trainer - Adewumi N. Adebanji,
Physical Fitness Trainer - Adesoye Bright,
Secretary- Olowolafe Ayodeji and Agbeni Tola as welfare Officer.

OSUN STATE DEPUTY GOVERNOR BECOMES SWAN PATRON

Osun State Deputy Governor Mr. Adegboyega Benedict Alabi was on tuesday conferred with the patron of the Sport Writers Association of Nigeria, Osun state chapter.


The investiture was done at the office of the Deputy Governor Abeere, Osogbo and had in attendance former Vice Chairman of South-West SWAN, Muideen Adeleke, Osun SWAN Chairman, Adeyemi Aboderin and other SWAN Members in the State.


While bestowing  the position of patron to the Deputy Governor, the chairman SWAN Osun State, Adeyemi Aboderin said that Benedict Adegboyega is worthy to be a patron of SWAN because of his love and support for sports even before he became the Deputy Governor of the State.


He urged him to ensure that there is more sports development in the state during his tenure.


In his acceptance remarks, Mr.  Benedict Gboyega Alabi said the investiture by Osun SWAN will further boost his intentions on the growth of sports in the state.


He also promised to use his position as the number two citizen of the state to influence the progress and uplift of sporting activities in the state.

See the list of U-20 players NFF submitted to CAF

Flying Eagles coach has submitted the final 21 man list of players that will represent Nigeria at the U20 Africa Cup of Nations to the Confederation of Africa Football through the Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF) .





The list was compiled by the head coach of the team Paul Aigbogun and his technical assistants after three weeks of training at their camp in Abuja ahead of their departure to Niger Republic for the tournament in a week time.



Below is the full squad with the shirt number the players will wear at the tournament.



1. Akpan David Udoh ( Unattached)
2. Samu‎el Mike Zarumma ( Plateau United)
3. Ikouwem Udoh Utin ( Enyimba)
4. Peter Etim Eletu ( Price Kazeem Academy)
5. Aliu Salawudeen ( E‎mmanuel Amunike Academy)
6. Ozornwafor Valentine James ( Enyimba)
7. Quadri Liameed ( 36 Lions FC)
8. Ibrahim Alhassan ( Kano Pillars)
9. Nazifi Yahaya ( SonderjyskE FC)
10. Aniekeme Okon ( Akwa United)
11. Aliyu Ibrahim ( Oasis FC)
12. Igoh Ogbu ( Rosenborg)
13. Ogberahwe Solomon ( El-Kanemi Warriors FC)
14. Gata Issa Adeshina ( Wikki Tourist)
15. Muhammad Jamil ( Kano Pillars)
16. Olawale Gabriel Oremade ( Oasis FC)
17. Abubakar Ibrahim ( Plateau United)
18. Victor Boniface ( Real Sapphire FC)
19. Effiom Maxwell Michael ( Enyimba)
20. Afeez Olalekan Aremu ( IK Start)
21. Ogundare Daetan ( Kogi United FC)

Remo Stars set to outclass inspired Benin Arsenal

Remo Stars Football Club (RSFC) host fellow newly promoted side, Bendel Insurance FC at the Gateway International Stadium on Sunday in their first game of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season which happens to be the Match Day three (3) fixtures in the league.

The Sky Blue Stars are in Group A of the league alongside the selected NPFL Champion, Lobi Stars FC, former Champions, Enugu Rangers and Enyimba, fellow southwesterns, MFM FC, Sunshine Stars, Rivers United, Kwara United, Wikki Tourists and Niger Tornadoes FC.

Remo Stars FC made an instant return to the top tier of Nigeria Football, NPFL after amassing six (6) points from nine (9), they defeated both Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and Delta Force FC while they fell 1-0 to Bendel Insurance FC in the Super 8 that took place at the Enyimba Township Stadium in Aba.

For Bendel Insurance FC, they finally gained promotion back into the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) eleven (11) years after they relegated to the lower division, they topped their group in the Bet9ja Nigeria National League (Bet9jaNNL) and later went on to win all their games in the Super 8 competition.

Never before have Remo Stars and Bendel Insurance clashed in the Nigeria Professional Football League, but outside of the NPFL there have been a notable game played between the two sides.

The most recent match between Remo Stars and Bendel Insurance came earlier this year in the Super 8 held at the Enyimba Township Stadium in Aba, the match ended 1-0 in favour of the Benin Arsenals.

It wasn't a good outcome for the Sky Blue Stars two (2) seasons ago when they first gained promotion into the NPFL, they have now look to restructure themselves and ensure they have a decent outing in the league this time around with Kennedy Boboye and Daniel Ogunmodede as Technical Adviser and Head Coach respectively.

SWAN to decorate Osun Deputy Governor, plan big for Feb. 1

  Tajudeen Ahmad


The Sports Writers' Association of Nigeria (SWAN), State of Osun Chapter will on Tuesday, 22nd January, 2019 decorate the Deputy Governor, State of Osun, Mr. Benedict Gboyega Alabi as the Patron of the association.


This came to the fore at the first meeting of SWAN in the year 2019,  which held at the correspondent chapel, Oshogbo, State of Osun on Wednesday, 16th January, 2018.


The meeting had in attendance SWAN Chairman in the State, Mr Yemi Aboderin, Chairman, 2019 Awards Committee, Yinka Olawole, Assistant General Secretary Tajudeen Ahmad, the immediate past Treasurer, Mrs Florence Babasola and many more.


Speaking, Osun SWAN Chairman, Mr. Yemi Aboderin described the investiture of the Deputy Governor as a worthy gesture to the deserved servant.


 The Deputy Governor has been a lover of sports even before he joined active politics and has also single-handely organized football competitions for Osun  youth in the past. As a matter of facts, he expressly approved his investiture to hold next week", added Mr Aboderin


Mr. Aboderin enjoined all members of SWAN in the state to be present at the  investiture which holds at the Deputy Governor's office, Abere on Tuesday, 22nd January, 2019.


Chairman, 2019 SWAN awards committee Mr. Yinka Olawole while addressing members on the programme which holds February 10th, 2019 said committee members have unanimously agreed that only those who signify intention to be present at the ceremony will constitute award recipients.


 We have sent letters to those approved by the committee and we have also contacted them individually because we shall not give award plaque to those who would attend the program by proxy. The categories of Award are Personality Award, Media Award and Players Award, which have been well scrutinised by the committee", submitted Olawole.


The meeting also agreed that in commemoration of 55th anniversary of SWAN which holds February 1st, 2019, Ayo Olopon, Scrabble, Ludo, Whot and Draughts competition shall hold at the correspondent chapel among members and important personalities who will also be on ground for interaction.


There will also be fantastic prizes for winner of each category while a friendly match between SWAN and Osun Bankers FC will hold on Saturday, 2nd February, 2019 at the Oshogbo Township Stadium in the morning.


Member were also enjoined to register for the 2019 SWAN identity card which is the prerequisites for the National Congress holding this year.

Confluence Queens unveil Whyte as new Head Coach

Confluence Queens Football Club of Lokoja have unveiled Ogbonna Whyte as the new Head Coach for the club's 2019 Nigeria Women Premier League, NWPL season.

Whyte, a former Rivers Angels and Ibom Angels' tactician has been tasked with the responsibility of bringing success to the club in the upcoming campaign.

Club chairman Mallam Abdul Sule believed Whyte's wealth of experience on the job would help the team to attain its targeted height.

According to Sule " We needed a coach with experience in women football, Whyte is not new to the women football system, having worked with the likes of Rivers and Ibom Angels.

"Our purpose of bringing him in is to ensure Confluence Queens compete with best teams and win trophies."

He commended former handler Tenimu Nayashi for his efforts while with the team, and wishes him goodluck in his future endeavour

Coach Whyte Ogbonna also, promised to give his best and craved for the management and fans' support as he begins fresh journey with the New Direction girls.

He will be assisted by Sabo Okala and Musa Amorley.

Former defender of the club Esther Michael popularly called 'Tarash' has been graduated to be Coach Trainer.

Whyte assisted Edwin Okon at Rivers Angels for nine years before joining Ibom Angels.

He guided the Uyo based club to back to back Aiteo Cup final where they narrowly lost to Rivers Angels on two occasions.

Confluence Queens who missed out of the Super 4 last season will be hoping for a better season with the new coach.

NPFL: Impressive Stars earned vital point in Ilorin in season opener

Sunshine Stars FC of Akure started life in 2019 NPFL season, with a point on the road, following a 1-1 draw against Kwara United at the Kwara State Stadium Complex.


Franklin Sasere scored in the first half but goalkeeper Ariyo David, who made several goal bound saves was eventually beaten by his own man late on in the second half.


In coach Kabiru Dogo's first league game in charge, the gaffer would perhaps be the most pleased with the result as he handed debuts to Fuad Ekelojuoti and academy, product Kolade Adeniji on his return to home in Ilorin.


The game was barely matured before centre referee Nura Abubakar pointed to the spot in the 12th minute, adjudging Anthony Omaka to have tripped Odeyemi inside the Akure side's box.


Segun Alebiosu stepped up for the home side and Ariyo David guessed right to deny him and keep the game level.


Fifteen minutes later, Ariyo collected calmly from a header off a corner kick, before saving a freekick from former teammate Sunday Emmanuel. Captain of the team, Sunday Abe also put his body on the line and made a goal mouth block to ensure the Akure side soak the host's pressure.


Sunshine Stars broke the deadlock at the strike of halftime through Franklin Sasere who lobbed home from a ball that ricochet in off the woodwork anf the goalkeeper.


The Dogo tutored side resumed the second half in the driver's seat and goalkeeper Ariyo David stood firmly between the sticks to ensure a safe drive.


Jide Fatokun tested the Kwara United goalkeeper with a low drive in the 49th minute and Amah also missed a chance to double the visitors advantage eight minutes later.


In the 68th minute, Ariyo was finally beaten, no thanks to a miscue which caused Seum Olulayo to divert Usman Mohammed's cross into his own net for the home side's equalizer.


Stars almost regained the lead in similar fashion as Peter Momoh over hit a back pass which narrowly missed his own net, minutes after Fatokun had acrobatically sent a volley just high from the target inside the area.


There was still plenty of time for Ariyo David to make more heroic saves, even as academy product, Kolade Adeniji was also thrown into the fray to replace Dayo Ojo - and the starlet sure made some attempts.


Debutant Fuad Ekelojuoti, whose presence was heavily felt on the pitch made way for Ibe due to a knock as the game ended with a goal to either sides.


When faced with the media after the thrilling contest, Dogo appeared just satisfied with the share of the spoils while hinging the own goal conceded on momentary loss of concentration.


 _"Happy New Year to my people in Ilorin! Though we came here for a win, the result is good for us. We are not our best yet and we have not clear most of our new players._


 "The own goal was just a loss of concentration between the goalkeeper and the defender. We know Lobi Stars (next opponents) very well and they are play continental, ahead of other teams already, but with determination and the support we have from the government, management and the people, Lobi will be defeated in Akure."

Osun FA to inaugurate Electoral, Appeals Committees Monday

The Annual General Congress of the State of Osun Football Association will take place at the Oshogbo Township Stadium on Monday January 14, 2019.


Chairman Osun FA, Chief Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi, will during the congress inaugurate the state FA's Election Committee as well as the Electoral Appeals Committee ahead of the elections which comes up next month.


Speaking with newsmen at the weekend, the Secretary Osun FA, Amoo Abayomi disclosed that the inauguration will take place as from 10.am.


“It is important that we inaugurate the Committees immediately in order that they can set the stage quickly for conduct of elections into the Osun FA."


Expected at the congress are Osun FA Executive Committee members, Chairmen of Local Football Councils, Leagues (NNL and NLO representatives), Coaches, Referees and Player's Association.