Knights FC Unveiled New Kits Ahead Of New Season

The Nigeria Nationwide League One NLO outfit, Knights FC are ready to launch their home and away jerseys ahead of new NLO1 2020/2021 season.

In a statement made available to the club media department, the president of the team Mr Seeni Falonipe hinted that the bold honeycomb and stripes which are body friendly will spur the team to a greater outing.


He further stressed that the team motive is to play in the elite division of Nigerian league.


The General Manager of the team also added that the welfare of the team, top his priorities. He disclosed that players would be very proud of the camp and facilities on ground ahead of new season.

Ile-lfe based side would be aiming for promotion into the Nigeria National League NNL, when the new season resumes.

We will recall that the season was delayed due to covid19 but that do not stop the club from doing what are neccessary to prepare for the season when the delay is over.

'PUBS' Set To Lift Ondo Sports To Noble Height- TM Sunshine Queens FC Seun Betiku

The newly appointed president of a like-mind group christened People United By Sports PUBS, Seun Betiku has unveiled immediate plans harbored by the group in taking sports to enviable heights in Ondo State. 

Betiku, a graduate of Kogi State University who later ventured into professional football represented clubs like Kogi Utd., Rising Stars, Remo Stars, Sunshine Stars amongst others before calling time on his career.

While responding to questions on foremost Soccer Platform, Family United By Football FUBF, the one time Team Manager of Sunshine Stars FC noted that, 'PUBS' have identified and are ready to lift various organs of sports in the state that need urgent attentions.

"'PUBS' is a group of active and non active sportsmen and sports women coming together under one umbrella with a vision to take sports to a higher level in Ondo state and the world at large.

"We are meant to support one another, to face challenges together, share our stories and move ahead. 

"We believe there's an extent in which individuals can go but collectively, we can always achieve together. We deem it fit to appreciate governor's intervention in sports in Ondo state and applaud him. 

"The group is pragmatic in problem solving. We have gotten supports from state government in some projects we want to do now. 

"We are staging 'train the trainer' program for our coaches in all sports in Ondo state. We shall be creating platforms for sports men and women for government to hear their yearnings with a view to finding lasting solutions to mishaps that's bedevilling the sports developments in the state," Betiku who is the current Team Manager of Sunshine Queens FC told FUBF. 

Kano Pillars: Ibrahim A. Musa Gets Contract Extension

Kano Pillars FC are happy to announce to the general public that it had reengaged its Technical Adviser, Ibrahim A. Musa for the 2020/2021 Football season.




Ibrahim A. Musa signing his contract papers at the club’s secretariat

The Sai Masu Gida finished the 2019/2020 Nigeria Professional Football League Season 7th on the log after the league ended abruptly at Match Day 25 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.



According to the Chairman of the club, Alhaji Surajo Shuaibu through the image maker of the club, Rilwanu Idris Malikawa Garu, said that Ibrahim A. Musa was reengaged based on his performances in the past seasons as the technical adviser.



Alhaji Surajo charged him to to work closely with his assistants, players and the entire staff of the club for a successful 2020/2021 campaign.



The Chairman further reaffirmed his determination in given more attention to the welfare of the players by working with all relevant stakeholders in order to move the National Champions to the next level.



Responding shortly after he signed the contractual agreement, Coach Ibrahim Musa has pledged to justify the confidence shown in him and his his assistants.



It could be recall that Ibrahim A. Musa has been with Kano Pillars for the past twelve seasons thereby serving in many capacities.



During the 2018/2019 season, Ibrahim A. Musa has lead the Sai Masu Gida to their first ever Challenge cup title and the second ever triumph for the state in 66 years.



The Pride of Kano will be looking forward to their best season ever as they sets to participate in three major championships, the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL21, Aiteo Cup and the CAF Confederation Cup.

Pillars Media

Report On Osun Utd Sale By Governor Akande Never From Me -Yemi Lawal

Commissioner for Youths and Sports in the State of Osun, Yemi Lawal has expressed shock at a  newspaper (Osun Defender) report quoting him to have said that the state owned football team, Osun United was sold by the former Executive Governor of the state, HIS Excellence Chief Bisi Akande.


Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor, Mr. Adelani Baderinwa had faulted the claim of Lawal that the Akande administration sold Osun United Football Club.


According to Baderinwa, Osun as a state did not own any football team at the time, describing Lawal’s claim as gross misinformation.


Putting the facts straight, 'The Working Process' as Yemi Lawal is fondly called by his admirers explained; "There is no iota of truth in the said publication or the former Commissioner for Information and Strategy claim, rather the writer of the story wants to be mischievous as I consider it as cheap blackmail and one to distract my good work as Commissioner for Youths and Sports in the State.


"The writer of the story clearly showed his incompetence as a media professional, didn't take his time to balance his work by hearing from my office, rather he was overzealous going to press."


The claim linking Akande, whom we regards as a role model of effective and good governance is uncalled for.


"Chief Bisi Akande the former Governor is a role model and one who championed a modern State of Osun.


"The post linking Chief Akande, whom we regards as a role model of effective and good governance in Osun State is uncalled for."

Niger Tornadoes Camp Wears A New Look

As part of effort towards ensuring that the players of Niger Tornadoes Football Club of  Minna, stays in a habitable environment ahead of the forthcoming Nigeria Football League Season, Niger State Government through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has completed renovation work at the Clubs old Camp in Tunga Minna.

It could be recalled that last season the management of the club was forced rent an apartment as an alternative place for the players as a result of the deplorable condition of the camp.

Speaking to Tornadoes Media, the Chairman of the Club Hon. Adamu Aliyu Mohammed while commending the State Government under the able leadership of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, for his personal interest in the growth & development of the team and quick intervention, said, the management is doing everything humanly possible to making sure that players are comfortable when they return for the commencement of the next football season.

The Chairman then reemphasized on the need for fans/supporters and relevant stakeholders to unite in order to achieve the common goal of regaining promotion back to the elite division.

Tornadoes Media

Osun: Contract Coaches, Performing Athletes Pledge Supports For State Government

Consequent upon the public outcry, insinuations and various mishaps that cruelly bedevilling the sporting constituency in the state, the Honorable Commissioner For Youth And Sports Hon. Yemi Lawal has reiterated the state government's efforts in creating a lofty and noble structures for sports developments in the state.


The young and energetic commissioner made these assertions while engaging hierarchy of Sports Council, Contract Coaches, Performing Athletes and Stakeholders inside the mainbowl of Osogbo Township Stadium this morning.

The Ministry of Youth And Sports boss having listened carefully to various observations from different quarters at the meeting assured that, the government is keen to restructure the process with a view to finding lasting solutions to mishaps and anomalies that have sent the government's efforts and investments into the low ebb.


He further revealed that, the government is committed to taking sports into nooks and crannies of the state with the goal of searching for 'young' talents, nurture and expose them to local and international competitions in a way that each athlete would be liberated economically in the long run. He added that only performing federations shall be recognized and supported going forward.

"It's being a wonderful engagements, we were able to talk about various issues, I want to believe we are all on the same page and we can begin to channel the new course for sports in the state of Osun," the commissioner informed the press after the meeting.


"We are lucky in the state of Osun to have a listening governor, someone who has the interest of youths at heart, we have a governor who is a sporting father, someone who is ready to accommodate whatever we are doing in sports and I want to believe after this engagement, there's definitely going to be a change.

"We are going to see how to accommodate as many people as possible and how we are going to move the state of sports forward within the shortest time possible.


"My candid advice is for everyone to go back to drawing board and ensure the sporting activities become bigger and acceptable to the people of the state, people must identify with what we are doing.

"With what happened here today, there's need for me to have another office here where l can always engage people, am sure we shall work on this." The 'Working Process' as fondly called by his admirers concluded.


Meanwhile, various coaches and athletes who are on contract with the state government have lauded and backed the initiatives of the Honorable Commissioner in his quest to restore the lost glory and confidence in the sector.

Football will resume better and stronger after Covid-19 break - Alloy Chukwuemeka

Football stakeholders and fans in Nigeria have been assured of a better and stronger new soccer season ahead of league resumption in Nigeria in the  aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic which forced cancellation of league games in Nigeria and some parts of the world.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday with Sports Writers at his Reno hotels lodge in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the club Owners Association of Nigeria, Alloy Chukwuemeka, said the Nigeria Football leagues would resume on a better and stronger footing after the forced break.

He said that  the Covid-19 pandemic was a case of emergency and a serious force Majure,  stressing that the decision to cancel all the leagues by the NFF was the best option available in the circumstance.

Chukwuemeka who is also a member of the NFF strategic studies committee revealed that plans were underway to resume the leagues as soon as the relevant authorities give a go ahead order for sporting activities to resume with September and October already picked as tentative date for resumption.

According to him ' Nobody envisaged the Covid-19 pandemic, so it is a case of emergency and Force Majure, all we need to do is to look at the positives derivable from it and maximize the opportunity to plan well ahead of a better and stronger next season', he said.

' You cannot give an exact date of league resumption for now because government is yet to reopen sporting activities but the September/ October tentative date given by the NFF is for planning purposes '.

It would be recalled that the Nigeria Football Federation NFF recently cancelled all the leagues in Nigeria including the yearly Aiteo cup due to the challenges posed by the novel Covid-19 pandemic.

Makinwa Wants More Ex-Internationals To Tinker Nigerian Clubsides

  

Henry Makinwa has called on ex-Internationals who have acquired the necessary coaching certificates to return to Nigeria and add value to the league.

'Maki' as he's fondly called stated this while speaking with sports journalists. The former Abia Warriors tactician who played in Egypt, Portugal, Cyprus, Israel, China, Spain, lndonesia, Romania, Malta amongst other countries last played for Concord FC in Nigeria before jetting out to team up with Rayo Vallecano in Spain at the age of 19.

The league has enjoyed in the time past brilliant contributions from former Nigeria internationals and a lot of them are still around. Recall that ex-junior International  Imama Amapakabo won the league for Enugu Rangers in 2016 same could be said of Kennedy Boboye who secured the league title for Plateau Utd in 2017.

"We have had Nduka Ugbade, Austin Eguavoen, Daniel Amokachi, lke Shorunmu, Duke Udi, Alloy Agu and many more. 

"Am here currently and I hope the likes of Eddy Dombraye Haruna Doda, Okunowo etc can follow suit.

Makinwa started his coaching career in Nigeria with Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club of Ilorin, in 2016 and used his tactical masterpiece to promote the side to Nigeria Professional Football League after just a season in Nigeria National League.

"I therefore recommend to Finidi George and many more our competitive NPFL." Maki concluded.

Four Years ln NPFL Henry Makinwa Katsina Utd Gaffer Says 'No Regrets

Four Years ln NPFL Henry Makinwa Katsina Utd Gaffer Says 'No Regret'

Katsina Utd gaffer Henry Makinwa has reiterated his affection for the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL saying that, with his few years of coaching in Nigeria's top flight division, nothing to regret about.

The merchant tactician who is a UEFA Pro License holder

represented 17 clubs in 11 countries during his professional career. 

The vastly exposed Obafemi Awolowo University lle-lfe graduate started his coaching career in Nigeria with Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club of Ilorin, in 2016 and used his tactical masterpiece to promote the side to Nigeria Professional Football League after just a season in Nigeria National League.

Known in Portugal as 'Maki', the ex-international later moved to Abia Warriors and later joined Katsina United at the beginning of the just concluded season.

While speaking with journalists, Makinwa stated thus;"I highly recommend NPFL to all Nigerian coaches abroad with certificates to jump at any offers for them to coach in NPFL. 

"It's worth it and they will add Value to NPFL. There are few challenges but it's worth it. 

"My four (4) seasons with NPFL teams no regrets," Makinwa who ensured that 'Changi Boys' have broken the jinx of losing away games having amassed 7 points away from home in the just concluded season stated.

Players Welfare My Top Priority - Rangers Int'l T.M Barr. Amobi

The Team Manager of Nigeria Professional Football League side Rangers Int'l FC, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku has described every second in football as important.

The youngest Team Manager in the NPFL said this on one of Nigeria's top Sports Platform, Family United by Football (FUBF) on Saturday evening, encouraging teams in the league to do more on the welfare of their players.

" Every second is important in football." He told FUBF

" I learnt alot during our time in Spain for the Caraza tournament. When we got back I had to step up on how I care for the players because the tournament opened my eyes to a lot of things.

" I had to do some rare things like getting the players fruits at halftime, providing hot tea during cold period including everything they need just to make them feel comfortable and perform at their best, because every second is important in football.

" Here at Rangers International FC, we don't joke with the welfare and health of our players, on matchdays, we make sure we have all medical equipments ready, the ambulance, oxygen and other neccesary equipments required.

On security, Barrister Amobi had this to say:

" We should try to tighten up security on matchdays, also, the means of travelling in our country  is something we must look into, we must strive to device easier means of embarking on long journies. "The cathedral is a very safe place to play football, the fans just want to watch beautiful football and I think that's exactly what we should be having in all centres across the country.

Oladunni Oyekale Crown FC Head Coach Regrets Not Playing For Super Eagles

Oladunni Oyekale Crown FC Head Coach Regrets Not Playing For Super Eagles

The head coach of Ogbomoso based NNL outfit Crown FC, Oladunni Oyekale (MON) has bemoaned his inability to wear green-white-green color for the senior national team.


The merchant tactician who started his football career in Gombe with Doma United, Water Board FC later represented Mighty Jets before switching to Bank of the North FC in Kano. He was with Elkanemi Warriors till 1998 before calling time on his career after a persistent bilious injury.


The former Adamawa Utd gaffer had the opportunity to play in U-17 World Cup in 1987 and he was part of U-20 World Cup in 1989 with the likes of Philip Osondu, Nduka Ugbade, Jimoh Balogun, Emeka Amadi, Samuel Elijah, Peter Ogaba among others.


While chatting with journalists on Family United By Football FUBF, a foremost Soccer Platform, the one time tactician of NPA FC of Lagos described himself as 'unlucky' not to have played for Super Eagles after series of eye catching performances at the junior level.


"l played in the U-17 tourney in 1987 and we came second, l also played in U-20 World Cup (Saudi Arabia) in 1989, we came home with Silver.

"l was also at the All African Games (1991) we came third with Bronze medals.

"Everybody has what God had planned for him, some of my mates in those age grade competitions played for the Super Eagles but l was not lucky and l will not blame myself for it.

"l tried to work hard to get there but it didn't work out, at least not everyone will play for Super Eagles, it's just like if you are lucky and you get there, so be it. I am fine and fulfilled." The one time Head Coach of National Futsal Team told FUBF.

Ifeanyi George: 'Everyday I feel his presence'- Rangers TM Ezeaku

The departed soul of Rangers International FC sensational goal poacher Ifeanyi George has left the football community in the country dejected, depressed and downcast back in March 2020.

Ifeanyi 26, gave up the ghost as he was involved in the ill-fated fatal accident that occurred at Abudu on Benin-Agbor expressway after his car bumped into a parked truck on his way to Lagos, after the Nigerian top-flight league was suspended owing to the Covid-19 outbreak.

While speaking during the Personality Interview on  Family United By Football FUBF, a top WhatsApp Soccer Platform, Amobi Ezeaku who is the Team Manager of Enugu Rangers described Ifeanyi as a player who is full of 'life, hope and ambitious'. He noted that lfeanyi's  presence is still felt at the club. 

"Ifeanyi George isn't just a player because in Rangers we live as a family. We do speak about him with so much emotion because I remember in Cairo before his goal against Pyramid FC, he was in my room and he told me that it's going to be his last season in Rangers because he was so ripe to play in Europe.

"It's our dream that he travels to Europe to play and enjoy himself and possibly find his way to the mainstream of Super Eagles.

" Here we are today praying for the happy repose of his soul. He was prolific and intelligent player.

"He had wonderful positioning, he had the grip of the ball upfront, he knows how to string passes with his teammate. He was just exceptional.

"It is very difficult for us to forget lfeanyi. I am happy that we have been able to rest that jersey number 15 for this season and the next and the insurance package going to his family as well. 

"These things won't bring him back but everyday l feel his presence, everyday l feel he's working with us, everyday I feel he's listening to us when we talk as a team, everyday I feel him in my heart and I know all of us at Rangers feel the same way." Barry as he's fondly called concluded.

PUBS Excos Inaugurated, Declare Support For Aketi’s 2nd Term Bid

A group named People United By Sports (PUBS) have thrown their weight behind the re-election of incumbent Governor Rotimi Akeredolu during the inauguration of the new State Excos in Akure. 

At the event which is widely attended by the stakeholders in sports sector in the state, the Chief Executive Officer of the state, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu assured that his administration will continue to give adequate support to all round sports in the state .

 

Governor Akeredolu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mr Tayo Oluwatuyi stated this during the inauguration of the State Executives of People United by Sports (PUBS) at the indoor hall of the State Sports Complex.

 

The newly elected SSG commended the Association for acknowledging the giant strides of the current administration in the sports arena.

He admonished the organisation not to shy away from coming up with lofty ideas, policies that would further develop all round sports in the state.

He said, “on our part we will ensure that sports men and women in the state get the best they deserved to enhance their participation both home and abroad.”

However, Sports men and women in Ondo State have decleared their support for AKETI second term bid.

Seun Betiku

Betiku Seun, President PUBS informed why the group was declaring it’s support for Support for AKETI 2nd term.

“The incumbent Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu has done well in the last four years, not just in sports but in other sectors looking at the development in the state.

“He has made Sports among his top priority with funding of the state owned Nigeria Premier League (NPFL) team, Sunshine Stars and also supported other top athletes in other sports to achieving successes. So he deserves a second term so he can complete his programme for sports development in the state.”

 

The special adviser to the governor on political matters and strategy Rt. Hon. Victor Olabimtan who was represented by comrade Wole Olugbode equally affirmed and lauded the ingenuity of the number 1 citizen in the state to further make the state a 'Sporting Hub' churning out world champions. Awards were given to outstanding athletes in the state, Seun Ogunsanya being former world champion.

The dignitaries at the event are; the state governor ably represented by the SSG Mr. Tope Oluwatuyi, Commissioner for Sports , Barrister Dotun Owanikan,  Chairman OSFA , Chief Tajudeen Akinyemi, 8 House of Assembly members lead by Hon Sunday Olajide, Chairman house committee on Finance and Appropriation. The chairman NURTW Ondo State Comrade Jacob Idajo and the General Manager, Ondo State Sports Council Chief Wande Fabuluje among others.

Meanwhile the Ondo State Independent Electorial Commission have fixed the Ondo Governorship election for October 10, 2020.

Osun Sports Set To Be Overhauled For Optimum Efficiency - Yemi Lawal

Honorable Commissioner for Youth and Sports in the State of Osun, Mr. Yemi Lawal has assured that necessary actions are in place to return sporting activities in the state back to its glorious mode.


While responding to several claims flying on social media over what it terms as lopsided appointments under his purview, the young and energetic Commissioner told journalists in the state Tuesday afternoon thus; "Sports is a little bit backward in the State because of some untoward practices in the sector before now.


"The performing athletes cum contract staffs getting stipend from the coffers of the state government will have their remunerations stopped for now because we are starting all over again as approved by the Chief Executive Officer of the state His Excellency Alh. Gboyega Oyetola," he informed.


The Sports Ministry boss further revealed that the best athletes would be selected across the local government areas via series of competitions that would take place across zones before the state finals. Those are the ones that will be given contract.


"We are lucky to have a listening Governor who is ready to listen to our plans.


"We are in the process of a serious overhaul across the local governments, they are the ones that will help drive our reforms at the grassroots, in discovering hidden talents. The process is very transparent and not even based on any party affiliations.


"While trying to reform the sector, there was more of a public outcry by some people who believed we are taking away what they perceived as their inheritance.


"What is important is that, as a public servant, I owe the people maximum responsibility to make sure that I serve them to the best of my ability.


"Going forward, there's a need for serious restructuring as graciously approved by Mr Governor, anything like contract staff, performing athletes, even players of Osun Utd and Osun Babes will have their salary stopped henceforth."


While outlining plans to revive sports in the state, the Commissioner informed that, his ministry will commence a serious restructuring. He insists that sports will start all over from the grassroots.


"The outcry has given birth to a new era, we are trying to patch and patch the situations before now, but it keeps giving us new defects, that's why we are rebuilding again, we know it will take time but we are going to have a very solid structure at the end of the day.


"We are setting new standards for our teams, we shall get them incorporated again. It is not going to be the business as usual," the youngest commissioner claimed.

Enyimba Enjoy Life With Osho's Philosophy - Oladapo

Enyimba FC midfielder Austin Oladapo has attributed the form attained and the mental grasp enjoyed by the team this season to the tactical depth, pattern and balance initiated by the team's gaffer Fatai Osho. 

The Lagos born humble gaffer joined the 'People's Elephant' as the head coach at the start of 2019/2020 Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL season to work with Usman Abd'Allah who would later shown the way after a couples of below par displays by the NPFL big wig.

The former Crown FC and Remo Stars Sports Club handler has since turned the strings of misfortunes earlier suffered by the team with a renaissance aided by an eye-catching, easy-on-the-eye footballing style which had lifted the most successful club in Nigeria from 13th position to 2nd on the log according to LMC Point Per Game PPG framework.

In his recent chat with journalists Oladapo credits Osho as the brain power of the team, he recounts thus; "every coach has his own philosophy when it comes to the game, Fatai Osho is one of those who has a very great philosophy.

"That philosophy suits the pattern of Enyimba players that was why we were able to pick up and started winning matches both home and away.

"I think Osho did a lot of work and what he was bringing to the team most especially the new players recruited by the club that's what they love. 

"Everything started blending together that was what helped us to be back into winning ways which Enyimba is known for. He changed the mentality of the team and tried to let us know that we can do it both home and away.

"At the end of the day, we started seeing the results and we have no choice than to key into his tactics and everything he's bringing to the table," Oladapo stated.