NNL: Daniel Ogunmodede thrilled with maximum points

Head Coach of Remo Stars Football Club (RSFC), Daniel Ogunmodede has expressed his happiness when his ward fought hard to defeat Enugu based, Lamray United FC in match day one of the 2019/20 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.

The Sky Blue Stars got their vital goal through captain of the day, Nduka Junior in the 58th minute after connecting well to a delighted cross from Ismail Sodiq to give his side the needed points.

Speaking with RSFC Press, Daniel Ogunmodede who knelt down immediately after the final whistle said he is quite impressed with his ward because the fought right for the start of the game to the end.

"I feel delighted with boys, they fought well from the start of the whistle to the end, I am impressed because they translated most things they learnt from our training sessions into the game, although not all was perfected but they are close."

"Like I said in pre-match, they are sets of young lads who have never played at that level before aside from Bankole Kayode and Fawas Otun and you saw a flash of it in their game today."

"The opponent came with a negative game plan which went in their favour in the first 45 minutes. My Joy for the boys is that they never gave up on themselves all through the game."

"The first match of the season is always very tough, most especially when over ninety percent (90%) of your team are first timers."

"The boys showed they weren't ready to let the opportunity given to them to go in vain, which they justified with their tactical perseverance today."

"The journey has just started, a win is in the kitten for us but we feel we still have to complete some other activities before traveling for our next game away from home, we have to instill more strength into the young lads because our away game must be played with a hundred percent (100%) strength and commitment."

"I am proud of Nduka Junior, he showed he is ready to show the world the kind of player he is gradually becoming, he is a born leader and you could see it in his display today, he showed the reason he was promoted and I am proud of that particular moment."

"I give credit to the other players too, everybody played well and they have given me an assurance with this game that they will go places."

Lastly, I must appreciate our supporters for their continuous support, most especially while we were trying to get a goal. We got couple of chances but didn't end at the back of the net, we will also work on it going forward." Daniel Ogunmodede

LMC hammer falls on Nasarawa Utd

Following disturbances at the end of MatchDay 4 fixture in Lafia, the League Management Company (LMC) has imposed sanctions on Nasarawa United, one of its players and two backroom staff.



The club will now play all its home matches behind closed door indefinitely with some financial penalties while the player, Paul Seun Komolafe will serve a one year ban, the Curator, Aliyu Mohammed Hamzat is to serve a life ban from all Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match venues and activities and the Media Officer, Eche Moses has been fined and cautioned. All sanctions are to commence immediately.



Komolafe is to serve a one year ban starting immediately for accosting and assaulting the match officials and for inciting the club supporters to commit violence against match officials in the match against Plateau United in breach of Rule C11 and C1.3.



Hamzat, the club’s Curator has been banned for life from participating in all Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match venues and activities for leading the attack on the Referee and other match officials in violation of Rule C11 of the Framework and Rules of the NPFL.



Moses was cited for breach of Rule C1 for releasing or causing to be released, a written press statement unfairly criticizing match officials, a conduct deemed capable of bringing the League to disrepute. He is to pay a fine of One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000) with a warning to desist from such conduct.



Nasarawa United were charged for breaches of Rule B13.18, B13.52.1, B13.52.2 and C1 for which the club was fined a cumulative fine of Four Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N4, 250, 000) including a N1,250,000 compensation for the Match Officials.



Under Rule B1.18, the club was charged for the action of its supporters who threw objects including stones towards match officials. This attracted a fine of One Million Naira (N1,000,000) while another fine of One Million Naira (N1,000,000) was also imposed on the club for failure to ensure adequate crowd control and prevention of access by unauthorized persons to restricted area which led to the attack on Match officials as they headed to the dressing room; considered a breach of Rule B13.52.1 and B13.52.2



Nasarawa United was also charged for breach of Rule C1, punishable by virtue of Rule B15.17 for conducts capable of bringing the game to disrepute through the action of some of its supporters, a player and an officer of the club in assaulting match officials and causing disturbances. This also attracted a fine of One Million Naira (N1,000,000) and another One Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N1,250,000) to be paid as compensation to the match officials pursuant to Rule C12 and in addition, be responsible for the costs of all verified medical expenses of the assaulted match officials. Nasarawa Utd has 10 working days to pay the imposed fines otherwise further disciplinary actions will be imposed.

The LMC further issued an order of closure of gates to fans for all Nasarawa United home matches for an indefinite period but which can only be considered for review upon Nasarawa Utd Complying with set out criteria to improve security in venue and proper fan engagement. Such  review may be done under three conditions to be met by the club and which includes organizing an orientation program for its supporters to be supervised by the LMC and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), providing barricades that will restrict access by unauthorized persons from the stands to the dressing rooms of players and match officialsand to liaise with relevant security agencies for the purpose of identifying and prosecuting perpetrators of the acts of violence and disturbances.

The club, its player and backroom staff are allowed 48 hours to respond in writing, either accepting the decisions or electing to be tried by the NFF Disciplinary Committee

A 10 minutes chat with10-10, Bright Omokaro (MON)

Ex International, Bright Omokaro who is now the head coach of Osun United puts some records straight as regards his career as a footballer and now a CAF license holder.

It's a revealing moments, in this chat with Osun based Sports Writer Akanni Seyi, 10-10, as he's fondly called bares his mind on some topical issues, as he even reminisce the sweet memories of late chief Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi, the immediate past Osun FA chairman whose one year remembrance is just 82 days away. 

Sit back and enjoy, as brought to you by Coded Sports. 

C.S. Can we meet you sir ?

10-10. I am Bright Omokaro, ex international, presently am into football coaching, the coaching job has taken me to some clubs like Gray FC and 3SC amongst others. Presently, I am the head coach of Osun Utd, campaigning in the Nigeria National League NNL. 

C. S.  Going into new season with late preparations, any hope for our dear team? 

10-10. Yes, we started less than 3 weeks ago, it's not a bad one, players are responding to trainings, to me this is a time I need to talk psychology into the players. If we have to go by the duration required to infuse some technicalities, we never have that time. The environment is cordial with supporters, they are my brothers, since I came  back, they have been doing their best for the team. Am appealing to the management to please take the welfare of our players very serious.

C. S. Some quarters believe that going by the numbers of players in camp now, there would be selection headaches for the technical crew. How true is this sir? 

10-10. No, no I won't battle any form of selection headache because only registered players are the materials to use. Some players came late and it is impossible for us to register them apart from thirty five players that we are awaiting their clearance from Abuja. 

We shall concentrate on the registered ones for now. As far as am concerned, my program shall take care of the registered players. I know you are talking about crowd, but that has nothing to do in as much as l am focussed.

C. S. Now, what should the sports lovers in the state of Osun expect from the team ? 

10-10. From the onset, we must make a mark by the special grace of God. What we want from them is that they should support us in full because when you send a child to school without any support, the child won't perform, but when he knows that someone is there for him,  he would perform.

C. S. Since your arrival in the state, how will you rate the management of the club ? 

10-10. They are not doing badly, for me the late registration has a clause because some necessary equipments are not there, looking for money for the slot and other things have not been easy, so they have done well with the little resources within their reach. 

C. S. Your first home game is against Ekiti Utd. How much of your opponent do you know? 

10-10. To me I don't really need to know anything about Ekiti, this is how I coach and everywhere I coached I have made a mark. My own is to groom my own team to supersede whoever we are playing against. 

C. S. Back in the days when you are playing active football, can you compare and contrast now and tell me what has really changed ?

10-10. To me what has really changed is commitment because, the set of players you see today are not committed. Most of them didn't know the basis of football. I passed through the cadre, I played for Bendel Salvation Army Primary School, New Era College  Benin, 1st ever academy, 1st ever Junior National Team,  then I played for National Team. 

Then, you don't go to screening, even no manager to move you around, scouts see you where you play and absorb you into the existing systems. Grassroot footballs are crippled, as such no place to teach basics again. We should go back to grassroots for us to start grooming players for higher and future engagements.

European football has dominated everywhere now. People even fight themselves here, because of European football, you can imagine! It is not their fault, they have to look elsewhere because they didn't get the best here. In a situation where a player chests the ball and the umpire picks a foul against him, that's crazy, when a ball is coming tomorrow, will that player want to chest again? It's all entity, everyone needs to come together in order to redeem football, that's just the way forward.

C. S. Can you share with us the beautiful moment you cherished most in your career? 

10-10. Smiles. I have a lot of sweet memories while playing. In Maroc 88, when Ademola Adesina was given a red card, we were leading Tunisia by a goal, Adesina's dismissal was a slap in our face. As the Lord would have it, l went somehow hard on their chief tormentor and the guy was taken out. The match was extended to penalty shootout and we finally won the game. Late Okonkwo told me in Dodan Barrack that well done Bright, you made it 10-10. Since then, I was rechristened 10-10 in football industry.

C. S. In the course of this assignment, how would you react to criticisms.

10-10. My brother, our job is exposed to hazards. Exposed in the sense that anybody can say anything. Even if anyone criticizes me, he's indirectly telling me to work on my lapses. I will always welcome constructive criticisms.

C. S. Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi is no more, how would you react to his exploits while alive?

10-10. I respect his managerial acumen, he will be missed, such a brilliant and listening administrator is very scarce. Ogunjobi has done well for the country. May his soul continue to rest in peace. 

C. S. Thank you for your time. Best wishes.

10-10. You are welcome. 

Develop winning mentality, Ajiroba tasks Osun Utd

Akanni Seyi

As the Nigeria National League 2019/2020 season takes center stage this weekend, the state of Osun Football Association Chairman Chief Rasaq Ishola Mustapha RIM, has called on the sole representative of the state in the National League to be alerted and filled with winning and excellent mentality.

The battle of United definitely on the horizon this weekend as Osun United will play host to Ekiti United in one of the week one dicey fixtures. 

The two sides have rejigged their armoury towards the new season with Omoluabi Giants aiming to take all the available points at the mainbowl of Osogbo Township Stadium.

It would be a rousy home coming for Coach Deji Ayeni who last tutored ambitious Cynosure FC. Ekiti Utd has since been fortified with gleeful personnel ranging from goalkeeping department, new defensive set up and a renewed midfield planners not to leave out fine poachers.

Bright Omokaro who in turn is ready for his first assignment with the state team had one time worked in the state, twice promoting Gray FC  into the Pro-league. The squad have been beefed up with unheralded names coupled with few tested retained ones. Notable amongst the returnees are Olusola Akilapa, Damola Fakayode and Mojeed Yusuf among others.

It is on record how instrumental is the state of Osun Football Association in returning Osun United to the National League. To this end, the football association boss in the state, Chief Rasaq Ishola Mustapha has charged the state owned team to remain calm and maintain high level of concentration in the course of the campaign. 

"This is our own project and it's our duty to support it staunchly. I call on every one to throng the stadium complex and cheer our own giant into victory. No doubt, the team will enjoy maximum backing of the football association in their quest to stamp their authority and excel."

Ajiroba who was decorated yesterday with a commemorative medal by a board member, Engr. Kehinde Aina on the occasion of Prof. Olu Aina at 80 tourney, therefore called on government to motivate the team for optimum delivery.

"We need to look for a way to motivate the team, the present commissioner for sports and youth engagement is a young man who knows what it takes to brand a winning team. I charge the government to support this team with needed fund. I equally charge the players to put the state first and never relent in their quest for supremacy and promotion." Ajiroba of the source concluded.

Am here for serious business - Afolabi

Seyi Akanni


The newly appointed head coach of the Abakaliki based Nationwide League One (NLO) outfit Cynosure FC, Shina Afolabi has reiterated his intention of exposing the club for further achievements and promotion into the higher division.



One time tactician of Osogbo based NNL side Prime FC is an household name, considering his exploits in the National Challenge Cup where he piloted Prime FC  to play in the semi finals of the competition in 2014 and narrowly missed the promotion to Nigeria Professional Football League in the following year.


In his chat with codedsports.com, Coach Shina Afolabi who tutored Ajiroba FC last season made his intentions known thus;



"I thank God for making this day a reality, Cynosure FC is an ambitious club and am glad to be part of this set up.


"I am highly indebted to the chairman, staffs, and highly supporting fans of this club for finding me worthy for this role.


"It's going to be a very serious adventure here, I will need cooperation of everyone to succeed and to promote this club. Club hierarchy have informed me of the yearnings and aspirations of this club, with God on our side, we are going to hit the ground running and the fans will smile." He expressed.



Afolabi had earlier been contacted by a Nigerian Premier side, Espoir FC based in Zinder with the aim of securing his signature as Technical Adviser but the board couldn't meet his demands.



"Signing the dotted line here is an act of God, I was to sign with Espoir FC in Niger Republic but the deal wasn't materialized. I want to assure everyone here that I won't disappoint the club faithfuls.


"There's a legacy and pathway that we will continue to build on with due diligence. I therefore thank the club chairman once again for his vision and quality leadership.



"I want to thank my former employer and father, Chief Rasaq Mustapha, Ajiroba of the source, for his fatherly role and supports all this while. I equally appreciate everyone that have contributed to my career, one way or the other. With your supports once again, I know we will succeed" He concluded.



Deji Ayeni left his position as head coach at Cynosure FC with mutual consent after securing Ekiti Utd plum job. Afolabi who signed a two years contract is expected to work with the existing assistant and the backroom staffs.

NPFL: Sunshine Stars, Warri Wolves share spoils in Akure

Sunshine Stars and Warri Wolves ended their first clash in the top-flight since 2016 in an engaging 1-1 draw in Akure.

It was a match that had the home side fighting back for a share of the spoils.


Both goals came in the first half. Very much against the run of play, Upele Charles rose highest to head Warri Wolves into the lead from a corner kick by former Sunshine man, Egbeta Michael.


Sunshine took only six minutes to gain parity. Israel Abia, who had missed a hat trick of good chances prior, finally found the composure to slot in low to the keeper’s right after creating some space for himself on the edge of the Wolves box in the 36th minute of play.


It was at that point, the least Sunshine Stars deserved. Abia had been presented the first clear chance of the match on the 6th minute but fired way over the bar. It was his third wayward shot that drew loud groans from the home crowd as frustration grew.


The mood was made worse by Upele’s goal. It turned out to be Warri’s only shot on target all afternoon, from what was the first of just two corner kicks they won.


Their second half play was even more conservative than the first as they closed much of the space afforded Sunshine in the first half.


As the match wore on, there were half chances for the hardworking Abia, captain Sunday Abe and Omaka Anthony but all were easily grabbed by Warri keeper, Ocheayi Richard.


And the away side could even have won it, much against the flow of the game, if Okoyoh Michael had found target from a rare attack in the closing stages.

NPFL

Dangote to refurbish MKO Abiola Stadium-SD

Africa’s richest man and Nigeria’s billionaire businessmen, Aliko Dangote, will renovate the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja.


Hon. Sunday Dare, Minister of Youth and Sports Development disclosed this while addressing sports journalists on Thursday.

According to him, the renovation of the stadium will start in the next two weeks.

“Yes, Abuja is coming back up,” he said.

“Already we have gotten Dangote, I can say that he has agreed to bring back the Abuja football pitch, the light and score board.

“Work will start in another one week or two weeks.

“And we will use the same model, we will adopt the pitch model for several of our stadia. Atleast, the three other big ones.

“We are looking at between now and March we should have four big stadia, football pitches, FIFA standard.

“And I think if given time, within a year this country should be ready to host virtually any FIFA soccer tournaments.”

I won't mind stepping on toes to get results - Osun Sports Commissioner Yemi Lawal

Akanni Seyi



The new newly installed honorable commissioner for youth and sports in the state of Osun, Hon. Yemi Lawal has assured his unalloyed commitments in taking sports to next level in the state.



While reacting to various observations, requests and suggestions put forward by members of state of Osun Sports Writers Association, who gathered in his office on a courtesy call. The young and energetic ministry's boss assured that, he will run all inclusive programs.



"It is a collective responsibilities that sport is developed in the state. We should know that no single government can do it all.



"We are going to look at what is in existence and improve upon what's on ground. Governor wants our youths to be economically engaged."



Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigerian (SWAN) in the state, Yemi Aboderin had earlier pointed out some areas where the commissioner urgently need to look upon, all for the developments of sports in the state.



"We need to develop our teams. The dead and indolent sports will be revived.




"Physical and Health Education (PHE) has to return to our curriculum in secondary schools in order to encourage youth participations in sports.




"We are going to work with ministry of education to develop and nurture school talents into stardom. Sports must be moved from where it is to the next level. We are dropping those that will work against our mandate.




"We are going to do everything humanly possible to build and revive dilapidated infrastructures. Everyone has the responsibility to take ownership of government assets. More resources would be deployed to improve the facilities.




"SWAN would be engaged as a stakeholder to sensitize the masses about the direction of the government in sports developments, l therefore beg for your cooperation."




On the need for necessary action in repositioning the state teams, the commissioner assured that there's an ongoing reviewing of teams activities and possible way forward would be established.



"No one is happy with the state of things in Osun Utd. We are currently looking into the activities of state teams. We will try our best to ensure that Osun Utd return to NNL.




"We will look at what is wrong and focus on how to improve upon what is on ground.




"There's no way we will do the same things and expect different results. We are prepared to get results and introduce new things.




"We will study the situation and work on the sustainability of any sporting facilities. We are going to be pragmatic and work more on the field." He concluded.

U17 World Cup: Nigeria Face Netherlands In Round of 16 on Tuesday

Golden Eaglets of Nigeria will trade tackle with one of the best loosers that made it to second round, Netherlands on Tuesday.




Eaglets finished as Group B winners despite losing 2-1 to Australia. Netherlands qualified from Group D as one of the four best third-placed teams.




The Netherlands who need 4 goals in their last group match against USA surprisingly surged into knockout phase contention by soundly defeating USA 4-0 on Saturday night in their Group D finale at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Brazil 2019.





Holland qualified as one of the best losers. Netherlands lost to Japan 0-3 in their first group D match, were also defeated by African side, Senegal but won the USA 4-0 to sail through to Round of 16. The Oranje boys garnered 3 points from 3 games, conceded 6 and scored 5 goals and qualified to book a Round of 16 ticket against Nigeria.






Manu Garba must find a lasting solutions to his sloppy defence if he wants to play in the finals of the mundial. Recall that Eaglets had to come back twice to secure victory over Hungary and Ecuador thereby conceded six goals in 3 matches while scoring eight to lead in group B.

NPFL: MFM FC get first away victory as Uyo based teams share spoils on the road.

By Akanni Seyi


Nigeria Professional Football League returns with accustomed glamours after five months of non-league actions, there are actions  across eight centres with soccer fans hitting stadia once again.



Eight games were played today, twelve goals were recorded, one away win, 4 home wins and two draws as Enyimba and Rangers matches were postponed due to their CAF Confederation Cup engagements.



Delta State proved to be a fertile land for Akwa Ibom based teams as Mfom Udoh restored the parity for Akwa Utd after Samuel Amadi scored the fastest goal for his side, Warri Wolves. Akwa Starlets too return home after securing a point in Asaba.



At the New Jos Stadium, Plateau United ran riots scoring three goals against former champions.



Lobi Stars also scored a consolation goal through Sikiru Alimi. Silas Menrot and Solomon Kwambe own goal in the 12th and 28th minutes gave the hosts deserved lead,  Amos Gyang also registered his name on the score sheet as the game ended in 4 goals thriller.


The biggest surprise of match day one was posed by MFM FC in Okigwe as Heartland FC were shocked with Clement Ogwu’s 40th minute strike to earn the 'Church Boys' the only away win of the week.



At Sani Abacha stadium in Kano, Rivers flows to the Pyramid city to hold the 2018 Aiteo cup champions to a goalless draw.



In Anambra, Ifeanyi Ubah FC pipped newly promoted Adamawa United 1-0 to steal away the maximum three point.



Wikki Tourists are 2-1 better than Jigawa Golden Stars. Lala Abdullahi put the visitors ahead in the 15th minute before Saidu Abbdullahi and Mohammed Guda’s goals in the 47th and 61st minutes ensured the hosts claimed the three points.




#NPFL20 MATCHDAY 1 RESULTS

Wikki 2-1 Jigawa GS
Plateau Utd 3-1 Lobi
Delta Force 1-1 Akwa Starlets
Kano Pillars 0-0 Rivers Utd
Heartland 0-1 MFM
FC Ifeanyiubah 1-0 Adamawa Utd
Wolves 1-1 Akwa Utd
Abia Warriors 2-0 Katsina Utd