Bar. Paul Edeh Fulfils N1.6m Cash Pledge To Ratels Players, Coach To Get Plot Of Land In Abuja

 

Bar. Paul Edeh Fulfils N1.6m Cash Pledge To Ratels Players, Coach To Get Plot Of Land In Abuja. 

Naija Ratels President, Barrister Paul Edeh on tuesday honoured a N1.6m cash pledge he made to his team, following their promotion to the NWFL Premiership . 

Barrister Edeh made the fulfilment after his team ended their Championship campaign as winners of the second tier league, with a 1-1 draw against Adamawa Queens, amassing 10 points from four games in the process.

Presenting the Cash reward to the Captain of the team, NFF first Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi stated that he was satisfied with the standard of game seen at the NWFL Championship, noting that soon, players of Naija Ratels will soon be with various national teams. 

 

"It is a pleasure to help fulfil the pledge of N1.6m by the club chairman to the players. I have no doubt that Naija Ratels will do well in the Premiership and today's achievement is as a result of hardwork and dedication that the players and technical crew have put in place for some time now. 

"Am also proud of the products of Eko football and our dream of developing women football in various stages and state is coming to reality.

Club Chairman, Barrister Paul Edeh who affirmed his determination to help the team achieve even more glories, said it is natural for him to fulfil his promise he made to the team, before the beginning of the league. 

"I am fulfiled and satisfied with what these young girls have been able to achieve. It's not an easy task, but they were determined and played like a team all through the Championship season.

"In addition to the N1.6m pledge, the Head Coach of the team, Bankole Olowookere will also be given a plot of land in Abuja for the great job he has done with the team.

Naija Ratels gained promotion to the NWFL Premiership after playing four Championship games, winning three and drawing just one in the process.

NPFL Clubs To Withdraw From Aiteo Cup

 

NPFL Clubs To Withdraw From Aiteo Cup

The Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL Club Owners Forum have threatened to withdraw from taking further part in the ongoing Aiteo Cup.

The forum cited 'congested fixtures and paucity of funds' as the reasons for their latest actions.

The Club Owners in their quarterly meeting berated NFF for consistently not showing financial gestures to clubs participating in the national Challenge Cup.

This as one of their resolutions was clearly stated in a communique which read in part.

"The Club Owners after a Critical examination of the schedule provided for the 2021 Aiteo cup, paucity of funds and congestion in the league fixtures, unanimously resolved to withdraw participation in the Aiteo cup except if otherwise provided with intervention funds.

" It further called on the NFF to immediately pay to Kano Pillars FC the outstanding prize money for the last Aiteo Cup."

NPFL clubs will be on duty on Wednesday 7th July 2021 as Aiteo Cup second round kicks off in different centres. With this statement, the elite league campaigners may shun the Wednesday fixtures if things remain as it is. 

 

Pinnick Amaju Inaugurates Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament Committee

 Pinnick Amaju Inaugurates Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament Committee 

The Quest to host a successful Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament in Lagos  began with the Inauguration of the committee by NFF President/FIFA Council member; Amaju Pinnick. 

The virtual  meeting started at exactly 11am with all Local Organising Members were in attendance to show readiness to stage a tournament of repute. 

According to the the FIFA Council member, Amaju Pinnick "Everyone here is selected based on merit for this  national call and I'm confident that you will deliver with utmost efficiency. Aisha Buhari name stands for Integrity and the tournament must live up to that integrity."

Pinnick expects periodic reports before the tournament starts and to interface with Lagos state government as the host. 

The tournament will be yearly and the 

LOC  is expected to organise a befiting tournament that can stand the test of time sustainably. 

Bar. Seyi Akinwunmi who is the Chairman of the committee will Inaugurate different sub-committee that will ensure smooth execution of the tournament.

According to the Chairman of the committee, he appreciated the FIFA Council member for the confidence imposed on the Committee and assured him of leading the team right in unity and as A TEAM. 

"I understand your expectation as the FIFA Council member and we will deliver Accordingly" he concluded.

The Committee members include:

Seyi Akinwunmi - Chairman

LASG Nominee -  Vice chairman

Ibrahim Gusau - member

Aisha Falode - Director of Organisation

Amina Daura - Deputy Director of Organisation

Margaret Icheen - Member

Ayo Omidiran -  Member

Umar Baba - Member

Chisom Ezeoke - Member

Kemi Areola - Member

Ademola Olajire - Member

Ufuoma McDermott - Member

Ese Okpomo - Member

Yinka Olagbemiro - Member

Kola Daniel - Member

Ruth David Secretary

Kamal Mohammed - Member.

NPFL:Enyimba Attacked, Olatunji, Bassa Injured In Jos

NPFL:Enyimba Attacked, Olatunji, Bassa Injured In Jos 

Irate fans attacked players of Nigeria Professional Football League side, Enyimba, and injured some of them after the visitors held home side Plateau United to a goalless draw in Jos, in a match-day 29 fixture on Sunday.

Enyimba midfielder Dare Olatunji and goalkeeper Sabirou Bassa-Djeri sustained wounds following the attack.

The chaos started in the 90th minute, when Enyimba defender, Timothy Danladi was issued a red card for a foul, but as he exited the stadium, angry fans hurled objects at the player with Enyimba coach; Fatai Osho’s pleas falling on deaf ears.

Fans of the home team were also angered after the centre referee waved play on following pleas from Plateau United players for a penalty.

The fans then invaded the pitch and ran after the match officials, but the security officials on duty protected the referee and his assistants, who remained in the centre of the pitch.

An Enyimba official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told journalists, “Our player, Timothy Danladi, was sent off in added time and that was where it all started. Missiles were directed at him as he made his way into the dressing room.

“It got worse at full time as the fans hurled stones, pieces of wood and everything they could lay hands on on our team.

 

“Many players and officials were hit in the mayhem, but Djeri-Bassa and Dare Olatunji were the ones that got injured.”

Plateau United captain, Elisha Golbe, led his teammates to appeal to the fans, who remained adamant and pelted Enyimba players with objects as they made their way to the dressing room.

The angry fans, according to an eyewitness, also attacked Plateau United coach Abdu Maikaba, because he failed to claim all three points at stake.

Ajiroba Thumbs 'Apex League' Set To Revamp Underage Tourneys

 

Ajiroba Thumbs 'Apex League' Set To Revamp Underage Tourneys

Arising from the meeting held with 31 Local Football Council Chairmen in the state of Osun, Osun State Football Association Boss Chief Rasaq Ishola Mustapha RIM., has fully backed the commencement of Osun State Apex Football League.

The astute football administrator and financier who despite meagre resources at his disposal had written his name in gold considering his exploits in two years of his administration.

The lle-lfe ranking chief who was lauded and heavily praised by the Local Football Council Bosses for roles he played when the chips were down with state teams and not forgetting his gestures (palliatives) towards the six football zones in the state wants football to be rejuvenated and to be made attractive to the public.

"I want to commend what you are doing at the grassroots, the pandemic has really affected the pace at which we love to move but despite that, we still have to do something.

"We are all here to serve our people and whoever that doesn't live up to expectations shall be replaced including myself. Kudos should be given to the local football councils that are churning out activities week in week out as I equally charge the unde-rperforming ones to be up and doing. I want you all to go back and stamp your authorities in your respective jurisdictions.

"We didn't receive any dime from government and that should not deter us from staging our programs. The board have tried alot to have staged three finals in two years via self funding. We completed Ogunjobi U-13 and U-15 Finals when we came on board, also, we were among the few states that played the Federations Cup tagged 'Ooni FA Cup'," Ajiroba who is equally a British trained lawyer informed.

He therefore made it known that the state FA shall fully back and identify with underage football competitions going forward.

Amongst the football programs on the table of the state of Osun Football Association is the forthcoming Osun State 'Apex Football League', the participation and modalities shall be published on the website, osunfa.org soon. Ooni Super 8 and Osun FA U-15 Football Tourney are also coming up at a later date.

BAFEM CUP: Bamisilé Elated As Match Day Three Take Center Stage

 

 

BAFEM CUP: Bamisilé Elated As Match Day Three Take Center Stage

 

With twelve matches played so far, Title Sponsor of the BAFEM CUP 2021, Rt. Honourable Femi Bamisile is in cloud nine as the competition enters Match Day 3 on Thursday.

Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Mr. Destiny Hassan on behalf of Rt. Honourable Bamisile stated that the competition is really living up to its expectations as youth are being gainfully engaged. 

Meanwhile Ikere United FC were the first team to grab the quarter final ticket as they showed superiority over Lionsgate Football Academy, 4-0. 

Earlier EKSU Galacticos bounced back from the Match Day 1 defeat to secure a 2-0 win against Ado United FC while FACOMS YITB SA and Choice FC settle for a 1-1 draw.

In the last match of the evening, Agbana Wonderful Academy lost 2-3 to a more matured and experienced Gateway Football Academy in an encounter that saw Gateway FC come from behind twice before scoring late to secure all 3 points.

Action continues next Monday 28th June in Match Day 4, as Shakers FC takes on Aare FC at 10am, by 12noon Royal Stars FC will play Agbonna FC, when it's 2pm Gateway FC will trade tackles with Omuo United FC while the final tie of the day at 4pm FUOYE Dazzlers will lock horns with Ekiti United Academicals.

Osun Utd, Osun Babes To Generate Revenue From Sales Of Shirts -Governor Oyetola

 

Osun Utd, Osun Babes To Generate Revenue From Sales Of Shirts -Governor Oyetola

Governor Oyetola Task State Public Office Holders To Invest In Osun Utd, Osun Babes

The Osun State Government is set to make both Osun United and Osun Babes Football Club generate revenue yearly from the sales of jerseys to political public office holders in the state.

Both state owned teams feature in the Nigeria National League (NNL) and National Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership.

In a memo from the state Ministry of Finance, as directed by His Excellency Governor Adegboyega Oyetola mandating all political public office holders to invest in the state clubs.

Both club players have in time past complained about their welfare and salary packages with protest.

This instruction might in the long run help  generate funds for both club to meet their financial demands.

To achieve this, part of the salaries of the state’s political office holders will be deducted to enable them to get jerseys of Osun United and Osun Babes.

The memo read, I am directed to refer to the above subject and convey the approval of Mr. Governor to your Office in respect of the sales of Osun United and Osun Babes Football Club Jerseys (Home and Away) to all Political Office Holders in the Public Service of the State including Hon. Commissioners, Special Advisers (SAS), Senior Special Assistants (SSAS), Honourable Members of the State House of Assembly, Local Government Political Functionaries and others.

In view of the foregoing, you are requested to use your good offices to effect one-off deduction of Twenty-four Thousand Naira (N24,000.00) from May, 2021 salaries of all Political Functionaries and remit same into the Ministry of Youth and Sports Bank Account.”

If the letter is implemented, political public office holders in Osun State will have in their custody jerseys of Osun Babes and that of Osun United.

Osun Babes finished in the 8th position at the end of the 2020/2021 NWFL Premiership while Osun United on the other hand are participating in the 2021 NNL.

Tebo Franklin Pumped Up To Make An Impact After Maiden Super Eagles Invitation

Tebo Franklin Pumped Up To Make An Impact After Maiden Super Eagles Invitation

Nasarawa United central defender Tebo Franklin has expressed his happiness following his maiden senior national team call-up.

The enforcer was named in the 25-man squad that will face Mexico on July 4 in an international friendly at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

“I’m so happy with the call up because it has always been my dream to play for Nigeria, and it has finally become a reality,” Tebo Franklin said.

“News of the invitation was mind-blowing to me. I was speechless and felt amazing. I didn't really expect any of this to happen.

“It is an opportunity for me to make an impact. I have to keep working hard and prove my worth. I am really happy,” he added.

The no nonsense defender saw full action on Sunday when Nasarawa United shared the spoils 0-0 with Enyimba in the week 28 of the Nigeria Professional Football League.

The last time the Eagles took on Mexico was in another friendly in March 2014 which ended goalless. Next month's game will be the fourth straight friendly between both countries with the last three ending in draws.

 

NWFL Championship: Registrations Door Shut Against Kaduna Queens

 Kaduna Queens knocked out without kicking a ball

NWFL Championship team, Kaduna Queens Football Club, were this afternoon knocked out of the Championship without kicking a ball.

The Queens were eliminated from the NWFL Championship following their failure to beat the registration and club licensing deadline set by the Secretariat of the NWFL.

The Chief Operating Officer of the NWFL, Modupe Shabi, said at the official draws and Pre-Match Meeting to herald the NWFL Championship, that, only five teams will play in the NWFL second tier league after the failure of Kaduna Queens to beat deadline set for registration.

She noted that, the NWFL will adjust the league fixtures accordingly to accommodate five teams instead of the earlier planned six teams.

The five teams that would battle for the two promotion tickets to the NWFL Premiership are : Adamawa Queens, Heartland Queens, Kwara Ladies, Naija Ratels and Gallant Queens.

"As two top teams will be promoted to the Premiership, so also two bottom teams will be relegated to the Nationwide, so the challenge is going to be very tough, " Modupe Shabi said in Abuja.

The draws and Pre-Match meetings for the NWFL Championship League  were yesterday conducted by the Vice Chairperson of the NWFL, Rt. Hon. Margaret Incheen, who is also the Chairman of the Benue State Football Association.

She was supported by NWFL board member, an Nationwide League Co-ordinator, Sir Joe Amene.

Afeez Nasiru Upbeats About Positive Results In Makurdi

 Afeez Nasiru confirms Kwara Utd's readiness against Lobi in battle of supremacy in Makurdi 

Kwara United energetic midfielder Afeez Nasiru has confirmed his readiness and that of his teammates for their game this Sunday against Lobi Stars in Makurdi.

Over the years, Makurdi has been a tough venue for Kwara United as far as the Nigerian topflight is concerned as the Aper Aku stadium always look like a 'Kilimanjaro' to climb for the Harmony Boys. 

The last time Afonja Warriors visited Makurdi on November 10, 2019, the home team had their ways winning 4-0 in what remains the Harmony Boys' heaviest away defeat in 13 years.

However, Afeez Nasiru has disclosed to Kwara United media that himself and his teammates will seek redemption against Lobi Stars by getting the victory this time around.

"We understand the fact that Lobi Stars is one of the best teams in Nigeria, but we have won 3 away games this season at difficult venues and we are ready to do the same tomorrow against Lobi.

"Beating Lobi Stars will help our quest this season and we are ready to fight with our lives to make sure we triumph in this game," Afeez Nasiru who is a free-kick specialist stated.

In the topflight, Kwara United and Lobi Stars have met 18 times, with Kabiru Dogo's side winning 8, while the Harmony Boys have 6 victories - with the remaining 4 games ending in draws.

When they both met in the first fixture this term in the NPFL on February 3, 2021, Kwara United won 2-1 in Ilorin, with goals from Chris Nwaeze and Stephen Jude as Samuel Tiza netted a consolation for Lobi Stars in the 80th minute.

Meanwhile, Kwara United are currently occupying 4th position on the NPFL standings with 46 points, while Lobi Stars occupy 8th with 40 points.

Excitement As Dettol Becomes Official Hygiene Partner Of The Super Eagles

 

Excitement As Dettol Becomes Official Hygiene Partner Of The Super Eagles

The Nigeria Football Federation and Reckitt Benckiser Nigeria Limited

on Thursday in Lagos signed a contractual agreement that immediately

made Reckitt’s product, Dettol the Official Hygiene Partner of the

Super Eagles.

At a simple ceremony inside the Studio2 of HotSports Media Group in

Oregun, Akbar Ali Sha, General Manager of Reckitt Benckiser in

Sub-Sahara Africa, described the union between the Football House and

his company as a ‘historical moment’, insisting the agreement aligned

firmly with the firm’s purpose, which is “to protect, heal and to

nurture in relentless pursuit of a cleaner and healthier world.”

In this spirit, Dettol is primed to provide hygiene protection for the

Super Eagles at every turn before and after every of their matches on

the road to and at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations taking place in

Cameroon next year summer, and on the road to and at the FIFA World

Cup finals taking place in Qatar at the end of next year.

“We will also seek to extend the protection to millions of fans of the

Super Eagles through our partnership with the Nigeria Football

Federation. The world is presently going through the worst health

crisis in the history of mankind and it is a glorious opportunity to

underscore the importance of hygiene and best health practices around

the Super Eagles and their supporters,” Ali Sha added.

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick,

acknowledged Dettol as the household name for anti-septic globally,

and expressed the excitement of the football body to welcome the

much-loved product on board. “In truth, the COVID-19 pandemic has

changed the way so many things are done, including the organization of

football itself. We are guided and guarded, and with Dettol, we know

we will be the better for it.

“Our goal at the NFF is to attain 80% self-funding by the end of this

year, and I have faith that we will get there. Football is the biggest

single unifier in our country and I believe that makes it one of the

sectors that should be doing exceedingly well. Our vision is to have

corporate support all around our events and activities, and I am

particularly happy that Dettol is here. It is a further vindication

that we are doing things right.

“I want to here and now provide Dettol full assurance that the NFF

will observe the spirit and letter of the entire contract that we have

signed today.”

Also at the event were Mr Tanzim Rezwan (Reckitt’s Marketing Director,

Sub-Sahara Africa); Mustapha Bugaje (Reckitt’s Sales Director,

Nigeria); Mr Taye Ige (President, HotSports Media Group - facilitators

of the agreement); Mr Ademola Olajire (NFF’s Director of

Communications); Mr Yohanna Mathias (NFF’s Director, Audit) and Mr

Alizor Chuks (NFF’s Ag. Director, Marketing).

There was also Super Eagles’ goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

Ilechukwu Rubbishes Report On Heartland Protest, Boycott Of Ifeanyi Ubah Game

 

Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has distanced himself from a news published on Tuesday in a national newspaper which reported that players of Heartland are set to embark on a protest and also boycott the MatchDay 28 game against Oriental Derby rivals, FC Ifeanyi Ubah.

According to Ilechukwu, "This is just another fake news, a cheap means to distract my team and fuel unnecessary tension in Owerri. 

"Let me state clearly that the players under my watch will never go on such protest or boycott any NPFL game. How would a Sports Journalist cook such a story when there is security challenges in the South East, let alone boycott an NPFL game.

"He should off course know the negative effects of such actions before he began writing his fake news where he quoted me.

"For record purposes, I did not grant such interview with any reporter on Monday or had a chat with any on social media platform, WhatsApp. I have taken time to go through the call log on phone and  chats, no number of such from the reporter that claimed to have interviewed me.

"The reporter has gotten on my nerve and he must face the consequences, I intend to seek the advice of my lawyer before I decide to take him and medium to court. Since I started coaching I have never had any issues with the media as I see them as partners in progress. During interviews I chose my words carefully as I don't want to be misquoted because I know the negative consequences. 

"This is the kind of issues I want to avoid. Of late some media have said to my face that am been selective with who I grant interviews with."

Speaking further, "I understand what the players are agitating for, like I have maintained, I want to use this medium to reassure the players that Governor Hope Uzodinma who is the club's number one fan will take care of the situation.

"Like every other teams in the NPFL have their challenges and that of Heartland is no different. So all hands would be on deck to proffer solutions to them as we move on."

NPFL: Sunshine Stars End Winless Run, Pipped Dakkada FC

 

NPFL: Sunshine Stars End Winless Run, Pipped Dakkada FC

Sunshine Stars returned to winning ways in the NPFL with a 1-0 victory over Dakkada in Wednesday's round 26 clash at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.

Centre back, Uzoechi Ejike's goal powered the Owena Whales to the double over the visitors from Uyo, to halt an alarming sequence of 18 games without a win in the league.

The hosts exacted their dominance on the game from the get-go but had to wait till the 38th minute to have a real crack at goal when Sunday Abe whipped in delightful ball for Sadeeq Yusuf, who saw his header kept out with a last ditch effort by the goalkeeper.

The coach Deji Ayeni tinkered side broke the goal drought in seven consecutive home games at the stroke of a hugely eventful first half when Ejike powered home a header from one of Abe's perfectly-weighted crosses.

Sunshine Stars created further openings to add to the tally in the second period, first through Faud Ekelojuoti who slipped in the area when sent through on goal.

Then Akindoyin Nasiru narrowly missed out on a worldie after his bicycle flick sailed just wide 18 minutes from time.

The Akure landlords took hold of the contest in the final stages but required goalkeeper Henry Ayodele to intervene with a punching save when Dakkada heightened their failed search for a leveler.

A delightful coach Ayeni shared his thoughts on the game.

"I am highly elated; I want to thank God for the victory and the boys for their resilience, all Ondo State football stakeholders for their support. The win has given us some relief, but this is just the beginning!

"With this win we have gotten our confidence back, we will build on it till the end of the season. We are going to Enugu to make things happen." Ikoh Allah, former Ekiti Utd tactician stated.

Sunshine Stars next visit Enugu for a match day 27 tie with Rangers on Sunday.

Minifootball AFCON 2021: Nigeria Pitched Against Senegal, Morocco and Djibouti

 

Nigeria national team have been drawn in the group A with Senegal,  Morocco and Djibouti in the first round of next month's Africa Minifootball Nations Cup.

The draw ceremony which took place at the Ilaji Hotels, Ibadan, Nigeria on Wednesday evening was attended by presidents of African Minifootball Association as well as Oyo state Deputy Governor, Rauf Olaniyan  and African football legends.

The Nigeria Minifootball team will hope to manoeuvre their way past their rivals in Group A for a chance to feature in their knockout stages  of the tournament.

Since making their debut in the biennial tournament in 2018 in Libya, where Nigeria finished fifth, this time the team will need to do more on the home soil to lift the trophy in the front of the home fans.

In group B, Burkina Faso will face Benin Republic, South Africa and Tunisia, while the defending champions, Ivory Coast will lock horns with Egypt, Somalia and Ghana in group C.

The 2018 host, Libya, Gabon, Zambia and Algeria completed the teams in group D.

The draw process was carried out by former Super Eagles star and the face of Mini Football in Nigeria, Mutiu Adepoju and the president of African Mini Football Federation Achref Ben Salha.

The best five teams will qualify for the World Cup in Ukraine in August.

The Group in Full 

Group A

Nigeria (Host)

Senegal

Morocco

Djibouti

Group B

Burkina Faso

Benin Republic

South Africa

Tunisia

Group C

Ivory Coast (Defending Champion)

Egypt

Somalia

Ghana

Group D

Libya

Gabon

Zambia

Algeria

NNL: Baruwa In Cloud Nine As Unlucky 3SC Narrowly Lost To Osun Utd

NNL: Baruwa In Cloud Nine As Unlucky 3SC Narrowly Lost To Osun Utd

Akanni Seyi

Osun Utd. were handed a boost in their quest to avoid relegation as they took Oluyole Warriors to cleaners in one of the match day 18 matches at the Osogbo Township Stadium.

Former Delta Force goal poacher, Monsuru Adio strikes as early as two minute to give United the needed maximum points, the encounter which saw the host ending 9 years winless streak against Ibadan landlord. 

The Omoluabi Giants as they are fondly regarded took initiatives right from the blast of the whistle, marauding ex-Shootings forward Thomas Adesina wreck an havoc in the vital area after controlling brilliant loop from byline. Onrushing lwo born striker instantly took it and slotted home acutely inside Shootings' six yard. 

Early in the second half, unlucky 3SC rattle the bar in their quest to salvage a point however United's keeper Arinze Okoro quickly diverted the rebound into a corner kick same way Elum Henry's header from close range goes narrowly off target at the death.

Edith Agoye later turned to top scorer Gafar Olafimihan who takes the place of hard fighting Malomo Ayodeji but were unable to break the stiff defensive pairings of Olushola Akilapa and Olatubosun Afolabi who was later replaced due to shoulder injury. Osun United endured a lengthy period of pressures and were rewarded with vital points against the run away group leader.

While speaking to newsmen after the tension soaked duel, the acting head coach of Osun Utd, Tunji Baruwa was full of excitement as he informed that the outcome would be the first of many. 

"We knew the strength of almighty 3SC before this match and we equally prepared for this game. It's unbelievable defeating the table topper but my lads have to put their lives on the wire to achieve the positive results.

"I want to thank the state government and the managements for the confidence reposed in me. I want us to believe this is a collective assignments and we will all be proud where we are going to finish this season." Ejo as he's fondly called who last worked with Gateway United stated.