Okachi's Late Winner Sinks Go Round As 3SC Extend Lead

 

An 81st minute goal by substitute Anthony Okachi, was all the Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan needed to beat hard fighting Go Round FC of Omoku 2-1 o. Sunday afternoon.

It was the toughest game for the Oluyole Warriors so far as they had to muzzle their way to pick the maximum points, coming from a goal down to snatch victory in the NNL Group B1 Matxhday three encounter decided at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode.

Despite being under pressure, the visitors  shocked the homers with a  beautiful goal, few minutes to the end of the first half. It was their first clear chance of the first 45 minutes.

Before the Omoku based side got the goal, 3SC had failed to convert the numerous chances that came their way, having dominated proceedings after a ding dong affair in the opening stages.

Having battled in vain to level up in the first half, the Waheed Omololu led 3SC, spurred on by the pep talk from the Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Asiwaju Seun Fakorede, came into the second half like wounded lions, bombarding the visitors' goal area for the equaliser 

However, it was the visitors who almost doubled their lead minutes after the restart but goalkeeper Laide Okanlawon made a wonderful one on one save to keep the homers in the game.

A golden opportunity for the leveller came the way of 3SC when referee Uche Osondu awarded a penalty kick to the Stars after Gafar Olafmihan was brought down in the box.

Adebayo Abayomi stepped up to take the kick which was saved by goalkeeper Nwandu Chizoba.

The Ibadan soccer lords finally got the much needed equalizer barely a minute after missing the penalty kick when right back Muritala Taiwo slotted in the ball from a goal mouth scramble.

The goal gingered the host as the swooped on their opponents in search of the second goal but they were undone by a stout defending by Go Round backline and the flexibility of goalkeeper Chizoba.

On two occasions, goalkeeper Chizoba produced superb saves, parrying Malomo Ayodeji's well taken shots while the Ibadan soccer lords were also denied by the woodworks twice.

The visitors resorted to time wasting with goalkeeper Chizoba as the main culprit.

With time running out, the coach Edith Agoye led technical crew of 3SC introduced Anthony Okachi for impressive Malomo and the substitution paid off as Okachi headed in a well taken corner kick to seal a win for the Oluyole Warriors.

The visitors were punished for their acts of indiscipline which saw two of their players, Ngwu Onyedikachi and central defender Ezeala Christopher getting the marching order.

The team captain, Akaba Otega, had started it all, making uncomplimentary remarks while the teams were filing out, a development that nearly sparked off trouble even before the game kicked off.

The win over Go Round makes it three wins from three matches for the Oluyole Warriors and nine points from the possible nine.

Up next for the team is a trip to Lagos next Saturday, for a matchday four clash with eternal rivals, Stationery Stores of Lagos.

NLO1: Hammola International FC Unveil 'Hoppers' As Technical Adviser

 

Nationwide League One(Division One): Hammola International FC Unveil 'Hoppers' As Technical Adviser.

Ambitious Nationwide League One (NLO) (division One) side Hammola International FC of Ido Osun on Friday unveiled former Osun Babes Head Coach, Abdulazeez Abdulrazaq as the club's new technical adviser. 

In his address during the well organised unveiling ceremony, the President of the club, Muideen Odeyemi, popularly knows as 'Odhelee' said the club was found mainly to encourage home grown talent and give them a chance to excel to the world. 

"We are optimistic that this initiative will give opportunities to many young players around our environment, playing in the NLO division One will ensure the players get the chance to showcase themselves. 

"We aim to progress through to the Nigeria National League next season and that is alot of work to do. 

"The new manager is experienced and one who have managed some notable clubs in the past. He was with Osun Babes, Knight FC and is also the assistant manager of the South-west U-13 and U-15 team. We are hopeful and know he is going to do a great job with us. He concluded.

Also speaking, Team Manager of club and Chairman Grassroot Football Coaches Association of Nigeria (Osun), Rasheed Adeleke in his words reiterated on the words of 'Odhelee' , highlighting the aim behind Hammola International FC. 

"Our vision is to transform local talents into greatness, as a club, we have about 85% of local talents in the team, and also we are well instituted and want to do things the right way, because that is what we believe in. The team is disciplined and we aim to achieve our set out goals." He concluded.

In their speeches, Former Chairman of Egbedore Local Government, Hon. Kola Ajao, Renowned Sports Philanthropist Muideen Elebuibon, Sports Adminstrator Suleiman Folarin, Osun State F.A Secretary, Amoo Abayomi, Grassroots Football Coach, Akin Oyedunmola and Top Sports Journalists, Tunde Shamsudeen all expressed confidence that the new manager would take the club to the expected height. 

Speaking after his unveiling, Coach Abdulazeez Abdulrazaq said he joined Hammola FC International to achieve success, adding that he was happy to be part of the Ido-Osun based club, setting an NNL target for himself.

Akinwunmi Assures NLO Of NFF Massive Support

 

Akinwunmi Assures NLO Of NFF Massive Support 

The First Vice President Nigeria Football Federation, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi has assured the Nationwide League One (NLO) of massive support from the country's apex football body.

Akinwunmi gave the hint on Thursday in Abuja after he commissioned the newly renovated administrative office of the NLO.

According to the renowned Football Administrator as well as a Sports lawyer said, "This is a sign of seriousness, it shows the NLO Board is serious as regards providing an enabling environment for its staff to function optimally and this is to our aspirations. 

"We also need to celebrate any small feat and am proud to celebrate with them. We all pray that from here, they will move to the building that belongs o them. NLO is a serious business and am glad they are taking things seriously."

The Lagos Football Association boss also reiterated NFF stance towards the nation's third-tier league as its poised to get massive support from the Amaju Pinnick Board.

"Certainly, even as at Monday when we had our meetings with all the league bodies, we did discuss and we particularly assured the NLO of our massive support. They have got our back and for me as Chairman of the NFF Football Committee and Youth Committee, grassroot football is my thing, am really interested in it and they have got my support."

Akinwumi further assured that the Nationwide League One can become the best in the continent and among the best in the world.

"What the NLO does, is it creates a platform for those who venture into such business. They are not business men but run a league and ensure of its success. So it can be about a particular or number of players, in my opinion a wrong target. 

"The NLO is to ensure that its league reaches same standard of any youth development league in the world. It can be the best in Africa and among the best in the world."

Support The Girl-Child School Campaign: Ratels Sports Foundation Partners SWAN In A Fundraising Novelty Match

 

In a bid to sensitize and create awareness against poverty, discrimination and exploitations which has seen many girls drop out of school, Ratels Sports Foundation has collaborated with the Sports Writers Association Of Nigeria (SWAN), Abuja Branch on a fund raising Football novelty match to support and advocate for the education of the girl child.

The fundraising Novelty Match which will hold on Saturday, the 20th of February 2021 at the Area 3 Sports Complex, Abuja, will attract huge numbers of philanthropists who have seen reasons to support Ratels Sports Foundation and Barrister Paul Edeh in his quest to make life better for the girl child. 

Ratels Sports Foundation having staged a similar exercise last week, which was themed: "Kick Against Gender Based Violence" has gone further to help create an avenue to give the girl child hope on education, with the "Support The Girl Child School Campaign" initiative. Members of the Abuja Sports Writers Association Of Nigeria (SWAN) and Naija Ratels FC will tackle each other on the pitch to highlight the sensitivity on the initiative.

The convener of the event and President of Ratels Sports Foundation, Barrister Paul Edeh said the organisation decided to organize the novelty match with SWAN, with a view to put an end to many barriers facing the girl child education. 

"Everyday, girls face barriers to education caused by poverty, cultural practices, poor infrastructure, violence and more. Reason why we are collaborating with SWAN, Civil society organisation, the private sector, donors to overcome these challenges through the novelty match. 

"Girls education goes beyond getting girls into school. It is also about ensuring that girls learn and feel safe in school and have the opportunity to complete all levels of education, acquiring the knowledge and skills to compete in the labour market. 

"We believe in our ability as a body to make meaningful impacts through our various programmes and hopefully we can change the world in our own little way by ensuring there is a great turn around in the enrollment of the girl child in school." He concluded.

Waldrum Signs Agreement With NFF, To Be Officially Unveiled In Nigeria

 

 

Waldrum Signs Agreement With NFF, To Be Officially Unveiled In Nigeria

 

New Head Coach of the Women’s National Team of Nigeria of Nigeria (Super Falcons), Randy Waldrum, on Wednesday signed his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation, as he started his work with the nine-time African champions. The simple ceremony took place at the Super Falcons’ Emir Hotels abode in Antalya, Turkey.

 

President of the NFF, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, affirmed the belief of the football-governing body in the ability of the 64 –year old American to propel the Super Falcons to a higher level in women football’s global ranking.

 

“We believe that Mr Waldrum is the right man to take the Super Falcons from where the team presently is to that higher level that we want it to be. We have been champions of Africa on nine occasions and it is time that we move up to competing stoutly for honours at global level.”

 

General Secretary of the NFF, Dr Mohammed Sanusi signed on behalf of the NFF, with NFF Executive Member Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande, Chairman of the Women’s Football Committee, Hon. Ayo Hulayat Omidiran and Technical Director, Mr Augustine Eguavoen also present.

 

The Turkish Women’s Cup Tournament, also known as the Alanya Gold City Cup, is Waldrum’s first run-out with the reigning African champions.

 

While dislosing that Waldrum would be officially unveiled at a ceremony as soon as he is in Nigeria, Pinnick also charged the General Secretary to endeavour to invite credible businessmen to have sessions with players of the Super Falcons any time they are in camp, with a view to guiding the players on how to invest wisely.   

 

PHOTO: NFF GS Sanusi (middle) with Waldrum (second from right) at the signing of the contract in Antalya, Turkey on Wednesday. NFF Executive Member Yahaya-Kwande (second from left), Chairman of the Women’s Football Committee Ayo Omidiran (right) and Technical Director Eguavoen (left) watch.

Nigerian Coaches Storm Kano for NLO Berackiah/Abigol Football Coaching Clinic

 

Nigerian Coaches Storm Kano for NLO Berackiah/Abigol Football Coaching Clinic

Participants at the NLO Berackiah/Abigol Football Coaching Clinic have been urged to leverage on the delivery as the 5-day programme commenced in Kano on Monday for the North West geopolitical Zone A of the country.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the capacity building programme at the Ganduje Theatre Hall of Saadatu Abubakar Rimi College of Education in Kano, the CEO Berackiah International, Mr. Wonders N. Nwigwe urged the participants to embrace the revelation of football dynamism the clinic has been offering.

While thanking the Kano State Government for providing the enabling environment for the project, Nwingwe admonished the coaches to strike the chord of assimilation for the intensive period of coaching education which he said will help discover themselves and unleash their potential.

"If we are going to get good players, we must get good coachea. This was the reason behind our decision to initiate this project in order to impact the modern knowledge of football on our coaches which will in turn help them in developing players, Mr Wonders noted. 

The Director of Sports of Sports Commission in Kano State, Mallam Bashir Ahmed lauded the initiative and expressed belief that it will add value to the coaches.

Mallam Ahmad revealed that the programme has come at a time when the need to revive sports is pressing on the government hence it's capacity to help turn the trend in terms of talents discovery and development.

"The clinic is important because it comes at a time our sports is experiencing a downfall and now we hope this clinic will revive our sports back, Bashir said in his words.

For the clinic, participants will have the opportunity to learn from former coach Mathew Olorunleke, an Italian /Nigerian Coach,

Gian Marco Duina a certified goalkeeper trainer, Nigeria Football Coaches Association President, coach Ladan Bosso and host of other football instructors in Nigeria.

The Chief Whip of Kano State Chapter of Nigeria Football Coaches Association (NFCA), Coach Usman Sanda expressed his delight at the initiative and assured the organizer of the association support through out their stay.

 

Guests at the event includes, Ibrahim Gwadabe (Minta); the Vice Chairman NFCA, Kano State chapter, Segun Akeusola; Head of Planning Berackiah/Abigol Clinic, Comrade Owolabi Aleshinloye, Head of Media Berackiah/Abigol Coaching Clinic among other distinguished personalities.

Ijebu Ode United Is A Team With Abundant Talents- Tunde Olisa

 Ijebu Ode United Is A Team  With Abundant Talents- Tunde Olisa

The chairman of Ijebu Ode United Mr. Tunde Olisa believes his team Ijebu Ode United has abundance of talent that will change Nigeria football history.

The Ijebu born administrator stated this at the Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu Ode Ogun State during the NNL Match day one between shooting stars and Rovers FC of Calabar.

"Our team is a team with abundant talents."

"We  are fortunate to have ijebu ode as our home base. This is where we train (Dipo Dina International Stadium)."

"We  are blessed with a wonderful and very intelligent coach is name is Coach Fesojaye Tajudeen a grassroot coach who knows how to build and mentor a player as long as you are ready to learn because he believe in hard work."

Based on the team's antecedent the chairman revealed Ibrahim Jabar deal they just completed with a South African club.

"We just sealed a deal with a South African club for one of our players which is one out many."

While speaking about his experience and how it has been financing the club, he said;

"Football is something I love though it has not been easy because most of my pension fund in the USA is always diverted to the project, in all I give thanks to God."

"We  have got a team bus and a beautiful camp which is just two minutes work from the stadium here in ijebu ode."

"We  have been in this business for long and we are  blessed with great players with the likes of Anthony Ujah former super Eagles player and also some NNL players like Abayomi of 3SC."

"We  have got players in the Nigeria U17 set up who have also played in the world cup so we have got projections for our players as regards national team assignments and also playing abroad."

"We  are also planning on having players on full scholarship which will assist young players to combine both football and education."

"My  vision in the next 10 years to keep transferring at least 10 players abroad and play in the NPFL."

Olukismet FC Unveil Gorgeous 2020/2021 Season Kits

 

Olukismet FC Unveil Gorgeous 2020/2021 Season Kits

Nationwide League One (NLO) side, Olukismet Football Club on Friday unveiled its 2020/2021 home and away jerseys to the public at Inspiration Hotel, stating its readiness to take the season by storm.

Fans of the Ikere-Ekiti based club will see their  team wear the new  jerseys in action when the NLO Division One kicks off next month.

Haggai, Nigeria's sportswear manufacturing fitm provided training and playing kits to the team and have the exclusive right to distribute dual-branded merchandising products from replica jerseys to branded face masks worldwide.

Haggai is a sister company of Nigeria’s foremost sports equipment marketers, the popular Zenith Sports.

The new kits unveiled were home and away, which is noted as being the team’s blue and yellow signature colours. 

Each player of the team got four (4) pairs of jersey comprising the home and away jersey, the training and traveling jersey which were all described as the best quality obtainable in this part of the world.

The players who were obviously excited wore the branded jerseys which were in different colors and sizes to the admiration of spectators and fans who came to catch a glimpse of the unveiling.

The players also signed their contract papers with the team.

Haggai are also the official merchandise partner of Nationwide League One (NLO) and also provide kit for NPFL clubs, and provides athletes with the most innovative performance apparel and accessories for a variety of sports (including inter-house sports) and other sporting accessories.

NLO21: Hammola FC Is A Platform For Latent Talents - Club President

 

NLO21: Hammola FC Is A Platform For Latent Talents - Club President

Ido Osun based Nationwide League One outfit Hammola International Football Club have been declared and tagged by its sole financier as a platform for grassroot players to advance their promising careers.

The team which is still in its formative season have recorded some strides having obtained its affiliation certificate from the state FA and have equally shown interest to take part in the state Federations Cup.

The LeeBombers as they are fondly called will also be participating in the zonal league in this year's Nationwide League One Division 2.

The club which is being tutored by one time assistant coach of Osun Babes FC Abdul-Azeez Abdul Rasaq have seen a numbers of highly determined grassroot players jostling for a place in the final squad as the club draws curtain on its screening exercise.

While speaking to journalists in Osogbo, the energetic club president Muhydeen Odeyemi bares his mind on the birth of the club and even gave the general assessment of the team based on the level of preparations so far. 

" Am happy with the state of the team generally, the fighting spirit exhibited by our prospective players is commendable.

"We have played up to seven tune up games and we have won like five matches, we even had a draw with Ado Ekiti based NNL side, Ekiti Utd in Ado. We have been working towards perfection because with little time, we believe Hammola FC would be a formidable side.

" Our aim is to give determined numerous grassroot players the opportunity to showcase their stuff going into the league, the selected ones would be given the opportunity to display their potentials going forward. 

"More games would still be played as we are still working on the negatives observed recently, with God on our side, we will be ready in time for the task ahead of us." CEO Odhelee as he's fondly called informed.

Ratels Sports Foundation To Sponsor Benue State Football League

 

Ratels Sports Foundation Officially Unveiled As Sponsors Of Benue State Football League. 

Benue State F.A Announces Ratels Sports Foundation As League Sponsors.

Top Sports firm, Ratels Sports Foundation have been unveiled as the new title sponsor of the Benue State Football League which will kick off in the first week of March. 

In a press conference held at the Benue Hotels and resort, Markudi, on Friday evening, the Chairperson of the Benue State Football Association, Mrs Margaret Icheen noted that Ratels Sports Foundation, a sports firm owned by Barrister Paul Edeh has agreed to solely sponsor the 2021 State League, which will now be known as the "Ratels Benue State Football League".

The top football administrator and former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly stated that the partnership between the Benue State F.A and Ratels Sports Foundation will definitely help the tournament get new audiences than ever before. 

"We know Barrister Paul Edeh as a lover of Football, especially women's football which he has been supporting from his heart. 

"We are glad that his company, Ratels Sports Foundation has decided to be the sole sponsors of the 2021 Benue State Football League, which of course we know he did because of the love of football he has inside of him. 

The Nigeria Women Football League board member further went on to say that the league will kick-off in the first week of March and the top team will participate at the Nigeria Nationwide League (NLO). 

"The league will kick off in the first week of March and registration of clubs across the state is on, and the team that comes top will play at the NLO. 

She finally stated  "We want to thank you for providing all we need to make this competition a success and we hope we can rely on you and your firm for more partnership.

In his thoughts, the Chairman of Ratels Sports Foundation and President of Naija Ratels Football Club, Barrister Paul Edeh heaped praises on the leadership qualities of the Benue State Football Association boss. 

 The United Nations SDG Peace Ambassador noted that the sponsorship of the state Football League is a response to the repeated call of his Excellency, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom on the private sector partnering with him to develop the state from all quarters. 

"We are proud to be the title sponsor of this tournament and look forward to a long-term partnership, " The legal luminary said. 

"We didn't hesitate when the proposal of sponsoring the state league came to us, I am from Benue state and I have been longing and craving to partner with the leadership of the state F.A. 

"I forayed into sponsoring sports several years ago and recently this competition,  after I discovered that sports, especially the game of football is one of the key veritable tools and factors in uniting people. 

"Moreso in the face of the repeated challenges that the state has been facing, such as the various attacks by the herdsmen and other communal clashes ravaging our community, definitely the game of football is one of the tools we can use to heal the wounds. 

The Sports philanthropist also donated 42 premium balls for the success of the competition, stressing the need for more development in grassroots football in Benue State and Nigeria as a whole. 

"We are sponsoring the league in line with the budget proposal 100%. It may interest you to know that Ratels Sports Foundation have an existing partnership with Zenith Sports, owners of Haggai Sportswear, last year we won the best brand team of Haggai, which means that there was no team that patronised the Sports kit company more than us. 

"The biggest women football Pre-season Championship in Africa, the Flying Officers Cup was also sponsored by Ratels Sports Foundation, which was successfully executed and received great commendations across the globe. 

"This year, our vision, desire and dream in Ratels Sports Foundation is to reach out to the grassroots, because that is one of the sectors that has been neglected both by the state and federal government. We will do more to climb the ladder of time and also ensure that we further strengthen our partnership after the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"Finally, we want to pledge our loyalty and supports to the chairperson of the Benue State F.A, Mrs Margaret Icheen, and most especially, we are endeared to you because you are the only female chairperson in the whole of the federation." He concluded.

This year's Benue State Football League is expected to be the biggest ever with over 40 teams participating and is scheduled to take place at the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi  starting from the first week of March. Fixtures will be released soon after the draws.

Coaches Vow To Change Football Trend As NLO Berackiah/Abigol Football Coaching Clinic Ends In Lafia

 

Coaches Vow To Change Football Trend As NLO Berackiah/Abigol Football Coaching Clinic Ends In Lafia

The North Central Zone of NLO Berackiah/Abigol Football Coaching Clinic came to an end in Lafia, Nasarawa State with participants pledging a new approach to football development.

Coach Rabo Bello, one of the participants who received his certificate at the closing ceremony of the 5-Day clinic on Friday at the Lafia City Hall commended the organizers for the initiative which he said has widening their horizon about the dug-out dealings and will bear a positive impact on their players.

Rabo who also thanked the Nasarawa State Government for providing the enabling environment,  expressed his delight at the privilege and opportunity to have learnt from all the resource persons who he said have been able to bequeath them with insightful contents.  

In a remark, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in Nasarawa State, Alhaji Othman Bala expressed belief that the programme would change the narrative of football development and lauded the leadership of Nationwide League One (NLO) for finding the state worthy of hosting the programme.

Bala congratulated all the 52 participants and charged them to transfer the knowledge acquired to their players believing that the technical delivery has afforded them a new knowledge about the game.

He further assured that the State Government under the leadership of Engr. Abdullahi Sule would continue to do it's best in a bid for the state to take it's righteous position in the scheme of sports development in the country. 

"A seed has been sown today and I want to urge you (coaches) to please tender that seeds to blossom so that it will yield multiple fruits which in the next few years will bear impact on the society" the Commissioner said.

The Chairman Nationwide League One (NLO) Alhaji Mohammed Alkali who expressed his satisfaction about the programme which he said has been able to serve the yearnings of coaches in acquiring more knowledge through a simple mechanism.

Alkali who is also the chairman Nasarawa State Football Association and a Board Member of NFF noted that NLO partnership with the Berackiah/Abigol Football Coaching Clinic reflects the philosophy of the league in providing equal opportunities for teams and also cause a new wave of development in terms of putting the league on a sustainable path.

In their separate remarks, the CEO of Berackiah International, Mr Wonders Nwigwe and Coach Mathew Olorunleke appreciated the government of Nasarawa State for their overwhelming support towards the success of the clinic. 

They also thanked the government for the warm reception and hospitality the team had enjoyed since they entered the State. 

The former Technical Director of NFF, Coach Bitrus Bewarang urged the coaches to materialise all they have learnt in the clinic to practice, charging them to live up to expectations the clinic was meant to fulfil. 

The train of the clinic has now covered the South-West, South-South, South-East and North-Central with Nigerian coaches benefiting from an in depth delivery of coaching education aimed at enhancing their capacity and competence.

Next on the clinic schedule is the North Western part of the country with Kano State as the programme centre.

 

The clinic will run from Monday 15th - 19th Friday at the Pyramid City.

We Are Tired Of Suffering, Confluence Queens Players Send S.O.S To Kogi Govt

We Are Tired Of Suffering, Confluence Queens Players Send  S.O.S To Kogi Govt

Except with last minute intervention by Kogi State Government, Confluence Queens will not honor their NWPL home game against FC Robo on Wednesday.

Following the one month postponement of matches due to Covid 19 mandatory test, the NWPL may witness it first walk-over under the current league board as reports say Confluence Queens have no money to continue the league.

The Lokoja based side are to resume for the continuation of women's league when the hostilities get underway at Confluence Stadium on Wednesday.

Inside sources who revealed to our correspondent have it that the Queens who are 11th on the NWPL log have been cash strapped following neglect by state government.  

Their male counterparts owned by Kogi State Government, Kogi United had on Thursday protested for backlog of entitlements and sign on fees for two seasons. 

One of the players of Confluence Queens who spoke on the condition of anonymity said the girls were ready to stay out of the Wednesday game billed for Confluence Stadium, Lokoja as they cannot play with empty stomach calling on Governor Yahaya Bello to come to the team rescue.

"I'm not sure we will honor our next game, with the look of things in our team.

"We have not received any sign on fees for the past three years, no match bonus, the management are owing us lots of outstanding traveling allowances, we don't have training materials, no bus."

"We've been training and preparing with everyday promises that things will get better but nothing yet, except the management answer us by giving us what we need, no match.

"We've not been paid our sign on fees for two and half seasons, even to play matches is always a problem. Nothing to eat and no camping we will just go to matches like that, we are tired of this and we cannot be playing on empty stomach," she said.

Efforts to reach the chairman of the club, Abdul Sule proved abortive as his lines couldn't go through as at the time of filing this report. 

The New Direction Queens who finished as runners up last season are eleventh on the ongoing NWPL log due to several challenges.

 

NLO21: Olukismet FC Set To Unveil New Kits

 

Olukismet FC Set To Unveil New Kits For 2020/2021 Season

Nationwide League One (NLO) Division One side, Olukismet Football Club are set to unveil their new kits for the 2020/21 season.

The new kits, will see the ambitious side retain their traditional blue colour for the shirt with yellow stripes running across the shoulder while the short is all blue for home kit.

The away kit shirt is a yellow top with blue strip and yellow short with blue strip.

A statement from the club read that arrangements have been concluded to unveil the club new kits produced by Nigeria Sportswear giant Haggai alongside the players on Saturday February 13, 2021 at Inspiration Hotel and Suites, Ikere-Ekiti.

Fans of the Ikere-Ekiti based club will be able to see the team wearing the new jerseys in action when the NLO Division One kicks off next month.

Haggai is a sister company of Nigeria’s foremost sports equipment marketers, the popular Zenith Sports.

The leading Nigeria's sportswear manufacturing will provide training and playing kit, to the team and will have the exclusive right to distribute dual-branded merchandising products from replica jerseys to branded face masks worldwide.

Haggai are the official merchandise partner of Nationwide League One (NLO) and also provide kit for NPFL clubs, and provides athletes with the most innovative performance apparel and accessories for a variety of sports (including inter-house sports) and other sporting accessories.

Unpaid sign-on-fees: Kogi United players barricade Government House, threatens to boycott league games

Unpaid sign-on-fees: Kogi United players barricade Government House, threatens to boycott league games

Players of Kogi United on Thursday launched a peaceful protest at the Kogi State Government House to press home the demand for their unpaid sign-on-fees for two years.

The players who were dressed in their club colours marched to the State government house to lodge their complaint to Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello.

They blocked the entrance of the Government House, threatened to continue the protest until all their entitlements were paid.

The angry players have also threatened to adopt other options, which includes boycotting of their 2020/21 Nigeria National League matches.

"We want to be paid our two years sign-on-fees as we have people that looks up to us for survival," said one of the angry players.

"They promised to pay our entitlements but it did not happen."

"We are tired of empty promises from Kogi State Government. We don't think playing league games will be a good option for us."

The players also claimed that increment in salaries, which was promised by the State Government, is yet to be activated.

It will be recalled that Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello recently approved the release of the sum of N3,980,000,000 to implement projects in the first quarter as provided for in the budget.

 

Gateway Utd Streghtens Backroom Staff As Toyin Ayinla, Baruwa Others Join Club

 

Gateway Utd Streghtens Backroom Staff As Toyin Ayinla, Baruwa Others Join Club

Ahead of the February 13th NNL kickoff date, Gateway United FC has bolstered its backroom staff with the appointment of Toyin Ayinla as Assistant Chief Coach and Tunji Baruwa as Goalkeeper’s trainer. 

Tunji Baruwa, a former Golden Eaglets Goalkeeper trainer and now with the Future Eagles was the goalkeeper trainer of Osun United until his appointment at Gateway United.

Others are Shakiru Lawal returning as Assistant Coach, Bunmi Okeowo will serve as the team Scout, Emmanuel Olusola as Physical Trainer, while Usman Ismail will act as the club Curator.

It would be recalled that Toyin Ayinla had his first stint as an assistant coach from 2010 - 2012, and returned in same capacity in 2014 to 2017, and now, his third coming in 2021. 

The new officials will work in tandem with the chief coach Akeem Busari with the hope of securing the elusive topflight ticket in the forthcoming NNL season.

Earlier in the preseason last year, the Gateway club had acquired the services of Dare Osunsanya as the Team Manager. Mr Osunsanya is a former member of the 7-man  Management Committee of Gateway United during the Government of Group Captain Sam Ewang.  

We Hope To Pick The Three Points - Tebo Franklin

   

Nasarawa United centre-back Tebo Franklin recognizes that Wednesday's Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match against Enyimba will be tricky, but believes that his side will come out on top.

The defender has proven to be a crucial component of Bala Nikyu's Nasarawa United team this season.

Speaking to Newsmen, Tebo Franklin expressed his elation with Nasarawa United's form this season but stressed that Enyimba will be difficult competition.

“Top three is very good, but now we must just concentrate on a game against Enyimba that will be one of the most difficult we’ve had so far in NPFL,” he began.

“We play well at home, but we will try to win as always.”

Tebo Franklin's efforts in the centre of defence have paid off: in the seven NPFL matches he's started, the Solid Miners have conceded a mere five goals.

The defender is modest enough to not accept all the credit, however.

“The defence's success is due to the sacrifice of all,” he said.

Asked about his prediction for Wednesday's match in Lafia, Tebo Franklin was optimistic.

“It might be a narrow win, but we hope to pick the three points.”

Osun FA Digitalize Activities, Launch Its Football Portal

 Osun FA Digitalize Activities, Launch Its Football Portal

In its quest to take the game of soccer to enviable heights in the state of Osun, Chief Rasaq lshola Mustapha led  administration has launched its official football website as part of its manifestos in advancing the game of soccer in the state. 

The website which is a promise fulfilled when fully activated, would be a channel in which important media contents as related to football activities will be provided.

With an attractive design and inherent usability, there is a strong focus on constant useful updates, components, data managements, news and lofty engagements.

According to FA supremo, who has heavily invested in football, the link is an avenue for global community to access series of activities coming out of the state.

" Our catchy official website domain www.osunfa.org, would be a channel for the public to get relevant and useful informations including news releases, competition schedules, football components, local match updates and related news from the State FA.

" I have been working round the clock and set the agenda on how to digitalize grassroots activities and packaged useful contents aimed at drawing the attentions of both investors and followers." Ajiroba Ooni who single handedly floated Ajiroba Ooni FC for more than two decades informed.

The link www.osunfa.org is designed for mobile and PC use and will be undergoing constant improvements from time to time, even feedback would be considered, because of the portal's stability.