NLO3: HMK FC Maintains Unbeaten Run, Ambush Perennial Rival Victory Police In Top Of The Table Clash

 

NLO3: HMK FC Maintains Unbeaten Run, Ambush Perennial Rival Victory Police In Top Of The Table Clash 

After strings of winless run in the ongoing Nigeria Nationwide League One Division Three, Osogbo based side, Higher Majesty Knights FC pipped Kogi Pillars 1-0 this evening at the mainbowl of Ondo State Sports Complex Akure.

Adeyemi Ademola opened scoring deep into the first half. Having amassed two points from two games to stay second on the log, HMK lads fought brilliantly to wrestle power from their counterparts who equally needed to avoid defeats to brighten their chances in the centre.

Flawless Kogi Pillars took some initiatives in the early minutes of the encounter but most of their dangerous runs met a solid and well organised defensive set up of HMK FC. 

Adeyemi Ademola's struck sparked more awareness from the opponent as the game witnessed more firepower from both sides. The second half produced no further goal despite late dangerous set pieces from both sides.

Definitely not a perfect start from the previous two games which saw Igala Utd and Musty FC share spoils with HMK FC but today's win over Pillars is rather a sweet one and confidence boosting duel going into next game. 

On the other hand, Victory Police who enjoyed perfect start, sitting atop of the log would have their hands full in a game which could serve as group decider.

Coach Kunle Sipebi therefore charges his wards to go for the kill against their known foes. "l want to appreciate the club president for the platform provided for the boys to showcase what they have in stock. Coming from today's victory, we are looking forward to another crunchy tie with our hard fighting opponent tomorrow.

"Having played three games non stop, we know how huge our last game mean to us. I therefore urge the lads to give the encounter a tireless shot," concluded the team boss. 

Okolo, Ikechukwu On Score Sheet As Gateway United Ensures Bayelsa Utd Returns Empty Handed

 

Okolo, Ikechukwu On Score Sheet As Gateway United Ensures Bayelsa Utd Returns Empty Handed 

A goal in each half from Michael Okolo and Julius Ikechukwu ensured a comfortable 2-nil win for Gateway United  over Bayelsa United in 2020/2021 NNL Matchday 18  encounter at MKO Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta.

Four changes were made to the squad that lost to Abia Comets in Umuahia in matchday 17 with Salifu Haruna, Michael Okolo Sunkanmi Odusina and Seyi Okeowo making the starting line-up.

The first attempt came in the 14th minute with Iwundu Chidozie blasting wide a loose ball from close range. 

Gateway United's enterprising attack paid off in the 28th minute when Bayelsa United defender handled Michael OKolo's chipped pass to Sunkanmi Odusina with his hand. Resultingly, penalty was awarded and the experienced midfielder Michael Okolo stepped up and converted from the spot. 

Okolo came close again a minute to halftime with a low angled shot from the edge of the box which went few inches shy of goal.

Hakeem Busari tutored side continued from where it left off in the second half and it was Michael Okolo who again stung the  palm of  Bayelsa goalie John Shaibu with a low effort which nearly beat him at his near post.

In the 57th minute, Bayelsa United were reduced to 10 men; Ebedebiri Endurance sent off for unsportsmanlike behaviour. Gateway United capitalised on the numerical advantage, making three substitutions as Seyi Okeowo, Salifu Haruna and Olasunkanmi Odusina made way for Obinna Okoro, Mohammed Hamal and Julius Ikechukwu. 

The changes paid off instantly as Julius Ikechukwu turned super sub, doubling the scoreline with a well taken strike barely three minutes after coming on. He struck a beauty after beating his marker inside the box in the 69th minute.

 Julius Ikechukwu came close again, drilling a low shot which narrowly missed the far post, while Araromi Ibukun's outstretched leg blocked Stephen Wisdom's low effort. The two aforementioned attempts characterised the closing closing stages of the game as Ibukun Araromi produced his 9th clean sheet of the season.

Godosky away trip comes next at Rojenny stadium, Anambra for the Ogun State owned team on Saturday 29th May, 2021. 

Children's Day: Macjey, Gold FM to Organise Cross Country Race For Osun Students

 

Children's Day: Macjey, Gold FM to Organise Cross Country Race For Osun Students

A sports organisation in Nigeria, Macjey and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Gold FM 95.5, Ilesa, Osun State will organise cross country race for secondary schools' students in Osun State to mark 2021 International Children's Day.

Cross country running is one of the disciplines under the umbrella sport of athletics and is a natural-terrain version of long-distance track and road running.

In a statement made available by the Chief Executive Officer of Macjey, Coach Yinka Ogunkeye and made available to newsmen on Friday, the country race would enable talents to be discovered with the aim of nurturing talented youngsters to stardom.

According to Ogunkeye who initiated the recently held Ijesa Grand Marathon, the sporting event which will hold in Ilesa would afford the organisers the opportunity of engaging youths in the state and addressing their challenges.

With the aim of catching them young, Macjey and Gold FM said sports sponsors and enthusiasts would be on ground during the Children's Day Celebration to identify talented racers.

Ogunkeye said the athletic event would create forum to address juvenile delinquency in order for the society to enjoy atmosphere of love, unity and peaceful coexistence among youths.

"We (Gold FM and Macjey) decided to organise this Children Day Cross Country race for Secondary Schools' boys and girls. The motives behind this initiative are to create atmosphere of love, unity and peaceful coexistence among the youths.

"As we all know that sport is a tool for socio economic growth, this event will arouse career prospect from the cradle. It's a 'Catch Them Young' approach that will help in discovering talents, getting youths involved in constructive activities and encouraging self-discipline, self reliance among other noble virtues.

"This Cross Country race that will be held on Thursday, May 27, 2021, will create forum that will alert youths about danger of living dishonourable life and encourage morally sound foundation for them," the statement reads.

Macjey is a sports oriented organisation that is also involved in event planning. It has covered all south western states. 

"Our aspects are supply of all sports equipment and facilities, fitness advice, coaching, health instructor, agent of all sports bodies globally. We have decided sporting events such as Iwude Ijesa marathon, OSBC marathon, Odua marathon, Positive FM , Progress FM, Splash FM, Wazobia FM Marathons, series of soccer competitions  and the recently held Ijesa Grand Marathon," Ogunkeye, a sports expert explained.

Osun State To Stage Sports Festivals ln August- Yemi Lawal

 

Osun State To Stage Sports Festivals ln August- Yemi Lawal 

The state of Osun through the Ministry of Youth and Sports have successfully received the nod from Osun State governor Mr. Gboyega Oyetola to stage its state version of sports festival.

The Honorable Commissioner for Youth and Sports in the state, Honorable Yemi Lawal made this known today while featuring on the SWAN Monthly Stakeholders Forum.

He noted that, preparations will be climax in June this year for proper and hitch free festival.

While breafing Sports Writers on the state of facility on ground for the project, the energetic commissioner informed that much have been done in the area of facilities identification because about three thousand athletes would participate about one hundred participants from each local government.

"l have been to Obafemi Awolowo University Sports Complex, Olasore International School Sports Pitch, same goes to Redeemers University. I believe various tourney would be staged in those institutions.

"We can't wait till everything is set, Osun State can't be compared to its neighboring states in terms of financial vibrancy and resources.

"We have a lot of gap but we can still make use of the ones available. The festival would be taken to grassroots and talented Osun indegenes would be discovered, nurture to stardom and finally expose them to both local and international competitions."

The commissioner further revealed that plans are on top gear to stage Principal's Cup and Headmaster's Cup to facilitate the process of harvesting talents from grassroots. He solicits for grassroots developments for there's a million and one talents out there.

"We need to discover more talents in case anyone leaves we won't feel the space and suffer. Spots business is what we are looking at because of revenues that could sustain the entire state could be tapped from this sector if it's done properly," concluded the honorable commissioner who assumed office on 24th October 2019.

Gov Okowa Sacks Sports Commissioner And Other Cabinet Membe

 

Gov Okowa Sacks Sports Commissioner And Other Cabinet Members 

 

Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has sacked the 25 Commissioners in the State, Secretary to the State Government, Chief of Staff Government House, Senior Political Adviser, and others.

Their dismissal was contained in a statement issued by the immediate past Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu.

 

Okowa also ordered that all the affected former political appointees should hand over to the Permanent Secretaries in their respective ministries.

 

Aniagwu said the move was to give room for fresh blood to strengthen the administration’s agenda of a stronger Delta.

He listed those affected by the dissolution to include the 25 Commissioners, Secretary to the State Government, Mr Chiedu Ebie; Chief of Staff, Mr David Edevbie; Senior Political Adviser, Mr Funkekeme Solomon; Chief Strategist, Festus Agas and Special Advisers.

 

”The Governor thanked members of the dissolved cabinet for their contributions to the successes of his administration in the past six years including those who joined in last two years.

One Bernard Onomugo from the State Civil Service was also sacked for allegedly recruiting names into the state payroll

Ratels Foundation Reiterates Support For Benue State Football Association

 

Ratels Foundation reiterates support for Benue State Football Association

Ratels Foundation President, Barrister Paul Edeh has reiterated his desire to always support Benue State Football Association.

The Ambassador made this disclosure over the weekend.

He stated that Ratels Foundation will ensure that Benue State Football Association is well equiped ahead of the Super 8.

Edeh added that the Ratels Foundation was ready “to support you (Benue State Football Association) all through as we are very happy to grow the development of Benue football. Ratels believes that this is a partnership that works and must continue to deliver value to the delight of all the people of Benue.”

“I'm happy with the way Benue State League was well organized and this has spurred me to do more at the Super 8.”

Ratels Foundation single-handedly sponsored the recently concluded Benue State Football League. 

The Foundation blessed first to third placed teams with cash prizes, jerseys and Ratels branded balls.

Barrister Paul Edeh is the owner of Nigeria Women's Football League clubs, Naija Ratels and Honey Badgers.

Ayeni Expects 'lnstant Sparks' After Mid-Season Squad Shake Up

Ayeni Expects 'lnstant Sparks' After Mid-Season Squad Shake Up

Following the additions of new players to the squad of Ekiti United FC, Coach Ayodeji Ayeni expects serious turnaround of results week in week out at the ongoing season.

The new recruits led by one time Beach Eagles captain, Isiaka Olawale have also promised to ensure cohesion and unity in the team to further brighten the chance of the team in playing at the Super 8 at the end of the season.

The players who were unveiled prior to kickoff of the week 13 match against Stores of Lagos expressed delight at the warm reception accorded them by the fans and technical crew of Ekiti United FC

Speaking with the head coach , Ayodeji Ayeni said he was optimistic that the fresh legs will bring quality in key departments of the team.

The coach who wished the delisted  players best in their endeavours said  those that were let go to at the end of the first stanza of the league were considered surplus to requirements.

The coach while calling for sustenance of support for the team noted that the match against Stores did not go as planned as the technical crew was expecting more than the single goal scored in the match.

He said more goals would have been recorded in favour of Ekiti United fc but for  some begging chances including a penalty that were missed in the second half of the encounter.

The players unveiled on Sunday included Goalkeeper, Joseph Okoh, striker Eniola Adewura, defender Bakare Emmanuel, winger Effiong Itoro, strikers Femi Ojo, 

Abdul Razaq and Oripelaye Taiwo as well as defender Joseph Emeka and experienced attacking midfielder Isiaka Olawale.

The team currently occupying the 5th place on group B1 of NNL table with 18 points. Ayeni tutored side will travel to Rivers State this weekend to face Go Round FC in week 14 of the Nigeria National League.

Young King's FC Pleased To Announce Fruitful Partnership With BKJ Kitchen&Events

Young King's FC Pleased To Announce Fruitful Partnership With BKJ Kitchen&Events

BKJ Kitchen&Events has partnered Young King's FC family as the club's first ever major partner, and their logo will appear on club's kit for the first time.

Osogbo based Young King's FC, a model side with track record of excellence is committed to raising future stars per excellence.

The partnership according to the club boss is a further signal of the Club’s indication to continue breaking new ground in exploring  club sponsorship drive.

BKJ kitchen and Events, a leading food productions outfit in Osogbo metropolis 

offers products that fulfill many different needs like fully prepared highly nutritious  ready meals satisfying the yearnings of the masses.

"We are glad to announce this partnership, the record of success and dedication to growth of our shirt sponsor is a perfect match for our mission statement.

"We appreciate the large heart of BKJ Kitchen under the leadership of Bankole Kayode Damola whose passion for our brand is commendable.

"Biggy as he's fondly called has agreed to work with us and support our ambitions, we look forward to the exciting moments over the coming years, we will also be glad to be part of BKJ success," stated club boss Rafiu Adebisi. 

 

NPFL/La Liga U15 Promises Final: Katsina United vs Warri Wolves - Preview, Team News, Lineups

 

NPFL/La Liga U15 Promises Final: Katsina United vs Warri Wolves - preview, team news, lineups

Defending champions Katsina United are bidding for their third crown, whereas Wolves are gracing the biggest stage of U15 football in Nigeria for the first time and would be one of the most surprising winners in the competition's history.

The current crop of players discovered in Enugu have the ability to ensure that the next decade or so is fine for Nigeria, with some of the best young players and quality in every area of the pitch.

Katsina United

The omens are there for Katsina United, then, but it has not all been plain sailing up to this stage; they were lackluster in the semi-final against MFM FC but pulled through 4-2 on penalties.

With the exception of the MFM FC match, Kastina United have relied on defensive solidity more than attacking flair, but with Nafiu Dahiru and the likes of Yakubu Sadiq, Umar Bala and Umar Abubakar in their ranks they are certainly capable of turning on the style in the final third should the need arise.

The talent at the team's disposal meant that his side were always among the favourites to lift the trophy in Enugu.

Warri Wolves

Wolves' journey to the final has been described as remarkable, and with the talent they have in their team it is easy to overlook just how big an achievement it is.

There is no getting away from the fact that Wolves have had a tough route all the way to the final, with most of the pre-tournament favourites devoured by the Seasiders.

They pipped Akwa United 1-0 in the semi-final with Okiki Oghenevwegba on song at the Cathedral.

There is no doubting their heart, then, and they have the smatterings of a promising talent to go with it - from Okiki, who is a top candidate for best player of the tournament, and Uwakwe Samson to Angayama Jeffery and Mamah Stephen.

Whether that quartet can have as much of an impact against Katsina United remains to be seen - it certainly appears to be the best midfield and defence they have come up against so far - but they have made it this far on merit and should they pick up one more victory then it will be a remarkable feat.

Team News

All eyes will be on Umar Abubakar on Sunday as the youngster plays like Rashidi Yekini.

Doing so would be a fitting finale to a stunning tournament from the attacker, and while it is far too soon to suggest that he may go on to enjoy a career like Yekini, rarely does such a prodigious talent emerge and then perform on the biggest stage.

Such has been Umar's impact that others have had to play the supporting act, including Khalifa Aminu.

Muhammed Sani is expected to keep his place in the side.

Momentum seemed to give the Katsina United players an extra boost. So, the technical crew are unlikely to make any changes if they can avoid it.

There are no injury concerns, and Okiki Oghenevwegba's performance in the semi-final is expected to have earned him another starting spot for the final.

Angayama Jeffery was Wolves' main dangerman against Akwa United and he should be crucial again today. 

Katsina United possible starting lineup: Abubakar Anas, Aminu Sani, Kasimu Abdullahi, Yakubu Sadiq, Umar Bala, Muhammed Sani, Nafiu Dahiru, Khalifa Aminu, Abubakar Yasir, Ummaru Sule, Umar Abubakar

Warri Wolves possible starting lineup: Onakpoya Marho, Richard Eriga, Usen Emmanuel, Isaac John, Alatan Azuka, Believe Nse, Uwakwe Samson, Asomusho Kelly, Mamah Stephen, Angayama Jeffery, Okiki Oghenevwegba