NPFL22: Gombe United Returns Empty Handed Lokosa, Danbani On Score Sheet As Harmony Boys Cruise To Victory ln llorin

 

NPFL22: Gombe United Returns Empty Handed Lokosa, Danbani On Score Sheet As Harmony Boys Cruise To Victory ln llorin

Kwara United on Sunday returned to winning ways as they recorded emphatic 2-0 win over visiting Gombe United in NPFL match-day 9 encounter.

The Harmony Boys started the match impressively looking for an early goal and Gombe United were so lucky not to have conceded in the first 15 minutes of the encounter.

Defensive midfielder Afeez Nosiru powerfully fired a dangerous free kick in the 23rd minute, but Gombe United goalkeeper Itodo Akoh dived well to save.

The breakthrough eventually came for Kwara United in the 36th minute through Junior Lokosa, and two minutes later, Gombe United lost concentration and conceded the second goal netted by Alao Danbani.

Gombe United with Ahmed Jimoh up front tried their best to at least pull one goal back in the first half, but the duo of Bamidele and Nwaeze were brilliant in the central defense.

The Savannah Scorpions came out more agile in the second half, but they failed to get any goal and they would have even conceded the third when Kabiru Balogun penetrated inside the 18 yard box with the ball, but he missed as Biffo and his wards won 2-0.

Speaking after the encounter, Kwara United chief coach Sulyman Ashifat expressed happiness for the win claiming that the victory will spur his players up for the next game.

Gombe United coach Aliyu Zubair on the other hand blamed officiating as the main reason that condemned his wards to a defeat.

Meanwhile, Kwara United will on Monday be traveling to Uyo for the NPFL match-day 10 clash against Akwa United on Wednesday.

Afflicting Lions ln Lion's Den, Deji Ayeni Sunshine Gaffer Cutting The Gordian Knots

 

Seyi Joshua

Einstein is quoted as having said, “If I had an hour to solve a problem I'd spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and five minutes thinking about solutions.” The point he makes is important, preparation has great value to problem solving.

Leaving Nigeria National League Side Ekiti United on a rescue mission to a dent rattled, niggle and diffidence side in the nation's premier league side tells more about an ambitious man with magic wand.

Ikoh Allah as he's fondly called took the bull by the horn when matter most as many have doubted his ability following his announcement as the new head coach of Sunshine Stars.

Not ready to cut corners, Ayeni's coaching philosophy instantly stabilized Sunshine Stars, not only did he steer the team away from relegation, he ensured that Akure Gunners were laced with 'identity', same legacy he left behind with his previous employer.

The former Osun Utd assistant coach is known for leaving indelible impressions. A man that turned little known Cynosure FC to cynosure of talents and achievements. No wonder someone somewhere who's watching keenly was demanding for his signature at the beginning of this term at all possible cost.

Significantly, more than two reputable sides are ready to break bank in securing the service of Ayeni. The former Niger Tornadoes player has announced his arrival in Nigeria Professional Football League, after a sloppy start. The ljesha born Keep-lt -Simple exponent has rebranded Sunshine Stars with endearing soccer artistry at its best with no respect of any juggernaut. Intense preseason activities are now paying up.

This season, it's home away from home for Ondo State team who adopted Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode as their home ground following some ongoing rehabilitation works in their fortress in Akure. Yet, it's a perfect home record for 'Owena Whales' who pinned at mid-table with a game lesser.

Tactically savy in line of duty, Ayeni, one time national team invitee assembled young and energetic players mostly from Nigeria National League and Nationwide League One into the rank of the club, he kept faith with these players with some blend of experience, results doesn't cease coming. Azeez Ajagbe, Samson Olasupo, Dauda Mutiu, Adebari, Tunde Bello, Nwogbaga Ebonam and Anioke Anthony amongst others are reliable personnels full of vigor, raising dusts, enjoying the new lease of life in NPFL.

Having been to difficult grounds like Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Lekan Salami Sports Complex and Nest of Champions with something incredible to show for, that's to say there's something desirable in this young set up who have just extended their unbeaten run to six games with vigor.

The wind of unity blowing in the camp of Sunshine Stars, coupled with unalloyed support of hard-working and energetic lieutenants Kamil Folarin 'Lama' and Kayode Johnson 'Imported' and other crew members should be sustained. This team is primed for a continental slot this time around if its usual terrestrial distraction is nipped.

NWFL: FC Robo Queens Banished To ljebuode With N2.5M Penalties

 

NWFL: FC Robo Queens Banished To ljebuode With N2.5M Penalties

The Nigeria Women Football League Friday slammed a three match banishment away from their traditional home and a fine of N2.5million on NWFL Premiership club, FC Robo Queens Football Club of Lagos.

This was contained in the statement issued by the NWFL Director of Communications, Mr. Dapo Sotuminu, and signed by the Chief Operating Officer of the NWFL, Ms. Modupe Shabi.

According to the statement, the NWFL Chief Operating Officer noted that: "Following the establishment that there was an encroachment, disturbance and harrassment of match officials by the home team fans on the field of play in the Match No: 14  between FC Robo Queens and Delta Queens played on January 19, 2022 at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium, Lagos. In line with Article 16.2 of the Regulatory Framework of the Nigeria Women Football League, FC Robo Queens has been fined the sum of Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N2,500,000) for violating the following rules : 

 •Fans' invasion of the pitch.

• Harrassment and intimidation of match officials.

• Breakdown of security protocol at match venue.

"Also in line with Article 16.1, FC Robo Queens have been banished to the Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State for next three home matches for the 2021/2022 NWFL Premiership season for bringing the game of football to disrepute. 

"We believe the sanction will serve as deterrent to FC Robo Queens and a strong warning to all the NWFL Premiership clubs."

 

Gombe Utd Boss Dan Fulani Commiserate With Late Balogun Family, Oyo Government, 3SC

 

Gombe Utd Boss Dan Fulani Commiserate With Late Balogun Family, Oyo Government, 3SC

Vice Chairman of Gombe United Dan Fulani has joined the top brass in the Nigerian football family to commiserate with family, Oyo State Government and Shooting Stars follow the sudden death of Rasheed Balogun.

Balogun, General Manager of IICC Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan (3SC) passed away on Thursday after a brief illness.

Dan Fulani who worked with late Balogun, known as Ekulekule by his colleagues and admires at Sunshine Stars and 3SC, expressed his sadness over the death of the football administrator par excellence.

"The demise of Balogun is a big loss to our domestic league and 3SC. He was a man that stand by his words, never compromise and a goal getter.

" His leadership qualities was second to none as he takes the welfare of everyone at the club he had worked as top priority.  

"It was a privilege for me to have worked with him and the things I learnt from him has made me a better administrator.

"I pray Allah (SWT) to forgive him of his shortcomings and grant him Al-Jannatul Firdausi as reward for his good deeds.

" Once again, I want to use this medium to empathise with his family, 3SC and Oyo State Government."

Late Rasheed Balogun, 62, was buried according to Islamic rites on Friday at his family home in Ogun State.

Balogun's death is a disaster - Oyo SWAN mourns

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Oyo State Chapter has described the death of the General Manager of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Alhaji Rasheed Balogun as a disaster, not only for 3SC but for Nigerian football in general.

Alhaji Balogun, who has been sick since last year, died on Thursday night at the age of 62.

In a press release signed by Oyo SWAN Chairman Niyi Alebiosu and the Association's Secretary, Adewale Tijani, the body of sports journalists in Oyo State lamented that the death of Balogun has robbed Nigeria's football fraternity of an experienced football administrator.

"Balogun's death is a collosal loss not only to 3SC but also to the entire football fraternity in Nigeria. Even we, journalists will miss him sorely. He was our friend, our father and our adviser. Balogun related with us very well and made our works very easy for us. It's sad we lost him", Oyo SWAN mourned.

The Association lamented further that Alhaji Balogun died at a time his wealth of experience is needed most by 3SC to weather the stormy water of Nigerian league presently threatening to drown the recently promoted Oluyole Warriors.

"His death at this time is unfortunate. It's so painful that we lost Balogun now. He shouldn't have died now, not at this time when we need him to use his skills and experience to paddle away the troubled canoe of 3SC to safety.

"We're very sad, but who are we to question the Almighty God who gives and takes life? God knows why he left at this time. May Allah forgive him his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest", the Association prayed.

While commiserating with the Shooting Stars Sports Club players, officials and fans as well as the Oyo State Football Association, the Oyo State Sports Council, the Oyo State Ministry of Youths and Sports and the Nigeria Football Federation over the demise of the ex Julius Berger, Sunshine Stars and 3SC administrator, Oyo SWAN prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased and also supplicated that God should comfort his family and give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, his death represents to stakeholders.

NPFL: Kabiru Adeniji, Former 3SC Forward Set To Compound Shooting Stars' Woes

 

NPFL: Kabiru Adeniji, Former 3SC Forward Set To Compound Shooting Stars' Woes 

Niger Tornadoes Football Club Of Minna shall host shooting stars of Ibadan in a first of three games in the Nations Capital as the Ikon Allah Boys target a second home win this season. 

Former Shooting Stars striker Kabiru Adeniji whose goal propelled Niger Tornadoes to record its first home win of the season against Plateau United has lebelled his teams next game as "MUST WIN" 

Speaking to the Club's Media shortly after Tuesdays training session, said 3SC should forget about tomorrows match and focus on the next as the three points for the host is sacrosanct.

"We are wounded and need to recover quickly and it begins now against Shooting Stars, we know they are equally a good side but with the spirit in our camp, their is no escape for shooting tomorrow, vows Adeniji..."

The two teams recent meeting was in the 2021 NNL Super 8 Play Off that took place in Enugu where Niger Tornadoes ran away victorious with a 3-2 win to emerge NNL Champions.

Meanwhile, Oyo state government have rolled out three matches ultimatum to Oluyole Warriors technical crews due to the club's absymal display in the ongoing season.

NNL Relegation Play Off: Osun Utd Retains lts NNL Status After A Stern Test.

 

NNL Relegation Play Off: Osun Utd Retains lts NNL Status After A Stern Test.

Osun Utd this morning retained its Nigeria National League NNL, status after defeating their counterpart Dynamite FC 1-0.

The match which was greeted with anxiety, squabble, logic was played under protest. Omoluabi giants raised an order from which saw their opponent fielded unregistered players in its rank.

The two teams therefore agreed to tango upon the intervention of NNL chiefs who earlier disagreed on some biased decisions in its fold.

Joy Cometh FC have earlier petitioned Nigeria Football Federations following the decisions of NNL board in allowing playoffs to take place despite not written in last season's AGM communique.

The act which was tagged, 'unconstitutional, unprofessional and illogical'. It is now certain that Joy Cometh won't honor its all important game with Apex Krane FC.

Despite the row and rackets, Abideen Baruwa tutored side passed the test as Hammed Hammed's lone strike ensured Osun Utd. have retained their NNL status.

Drama will continue to unfolds in the coming days as interests will rage on in determining who stays and who drops.

Coach Bolus Quits Vandrezzer FC

 

The Management of Vandrezzer FC have released one time MFM FC gaffer Tony Bolus. In a release signed by the club, the management thanked the tactician for his immense contribution to the club.

"The Management of Vandrezzer FC want to thank coach Tony Bolus for his contributions to the successes of the club in the last NNL 2020/2021 football season. 

"Coach Bolus served the club as the team head coach in the latter part of 2021 season. He led the team through to the end of the season, finishing 6th place on the league table; this ensuring we remained in the league during the most turbulent moments for the club in 2021. 

"Former MFM FC tactician went further to engrave his name in the annals of history by leading the team to win the coveted Lagos FA cup 2021; which marks the first ever trophy of Vandrezzer FC who entered the Nigerian football arena just two years earlier.

"As Coach Bolus moves on, we wish him the very best  and more successes in his coaching career, the club stated."

NLO: HMK FC Commences Screening Exercise

 

NLO: HMK FC Commences Screening Exercise

The Nationwide League One Division One outfit, Highest Majesty Knights FC have commenced the process of recruitment of new players.

Based in Osogbo State of Osun, the 'Royal Warriors' campaigned in division three last term but will size up muscles in division one in the coming season.

According to General Manager of the club Kunle Sipebi, paper works have been sorted and necessary requirements have been settled for the club to play in division one.

To this end, HMK FC camp is widely opened for players as screening for recruitment of new players will commence on Friday 7th of January and ends by Thursday 20th January 2022. The screening is necessary to identify great talents which will add value and bolster the current side.

The information further has it that, UniOsun Football Pitch Osogbo Main Campus is the venue of the exercise. Players are expected to resume with their kits by 8am.

The exercise is to fortify the team ahead of the forthcoming NATIONWIDE LEAGUE ONE season and as well give young talents the right profile and platform to achieve their dreams of playing professional football in Nigeria, Europe or anywhere in the world.

 HMK FC is well organized with fascinating welfare packages, world class camp with itch-free mode of transportations.

 FC Commences Screening Exercise

The Nationwide League One Division One outfit, Highest Majesty Knights FC have commenced the process of recruitment of new players.

Based in Osogbo State of Osun, the 'Royal Warriors' campaigned in division three last term but will size up muscles in division one in the coming season.

According to General Manager of the club Kunle Sipebi, paper works have been sorted and necessary requirements have been settled for the club to play in division one.

To this end, HMK FC camp is widely opened for players as screening for recruitment of new players will commence on Friday 7th of January and ends by Thursday 20th January 2022. The screening is necessary to identify great talents which will add value and bolster the current side.

The information further has it that, UniOsun Football Pitch Osogbo Main Campus is the venue of the exercise. Players are expected to resume with their kits by 8am.

The exercise is to fortify the team ahead of the forthcoming NATIONWIDE LEAGUE ONE season and as well give young talents the right profile and platform to achieve their dreams of playing professional football in Nigeria, Europe or anywhere in the world.

 HMK FC is well organized with fascinating welfare packages, world class camp with itch-free mode of transportations.

We Cleared Kolawole Daniel Legally 3SC Replies Vandrezzer

 

The attention of the Management of the Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, has been drawn to a petition written to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Player's Status Committee by NNL side, Vandrezzer FC,  laying claims to the ownership of a player, Kolawole Daniel and accusing 3SC of illegally fielding the player.

Going by tbe content of the petition, Shooting Stars, as a professional side, is shocked and amazed with Vandrezzer's claims, aimed at tarnishing the image of the Oluyole Warriors.

For clarifications purpose, we want to state here emphatically that 3SC do not have any deal with Vandrezzer over any player,  as they claimed in their petition, as the player in question, Kolawole Daniel, was cleared from his parent club, Gidado FC of Ilorin.

It will interest you to know that Daniel, who  featured for Osun United during the 2017 season, returned to his parent club, Gidado FC,  who later released him to Vandrezzer on a two year loan deal in 2019.

At the end of the 2019/20 season, in which we competed in the NNL, we got wind of Daniel's availability, having left Vandrezzer after the expiration of the loan deal and we contacted his parent club, Gidado FC for his services.

After a successful discussion between 3SC and Gidado FC, a deal was sealed for the player to join Shooting Stars, after Gidado FC presented the necessary documents, proving that the player belongs to them.

From the documents made available to us during the course of discussion by Gidado FC, which we carefully studied, we got convinced, with fact, that the player, Kolawole Daniel, is a bonafide player of Gidado FC, hence, our decision to negotiate with them.

We therefore use this medium to call on the management of Vandrezzzer FC, to desist from making claims capable of dragging our name in the mud, as far as the transfer of Kolawole Daniel is concerned.

We took the right step by approaching the rightful owner of the player (Gidado FC),, before agreeing to secure his services, according to FIFA and NFF statutes on players' transfer.

Shooting Stars as a professional club, with vast knowledge of rules guiding the transfer of players, will never descend so low, to contract any player illegally.

If Vandrezzer have any issue on Kolawole Daniel, that should be between them and GIdado FC, as we don't have any business with them, since we did not get the player from them but from his parent club, GIdado FC, which we did legally, and with the neccessary documents available to back our claims, for the benefits of doubt.

NPFL: Etafia Expelled From NPFL For Assaulting Match Official, Dakkada FC Banished To Benin

 

After conclusion of preliminary investigation on the assault on an Assistant Referee, the League Management Company (LMC) has announced the immediate expulsion of Sunday Etefia, the Dakkada FC Assistant Coach.

The LMC also fined Dakkada FC a total sum of N3.5m and ordered to play their next three home matches at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin for breach of Rules B13.52 and C9 following the incidents of the MatchDay 4 fixture.

The LMC also recommended a review of the performance of the match Officials including the Match Commissioner, Dr. Mrs. N Anyanwu for her failure to duly report the incident of assault on the Assistant Referee 11. It noted that " curiously, the Match Commissioner identified the perpetrator as a fan whereas it was a club official"

Also recommended for a performance review is the Match Referee, Mathew Tanimu from Plateau State for his match Management and failure to timely submit the match report given the serious incident.

Etefia was indicted for assaulting Assistant Referee 11, Sani Baba, at the end of the Matchday 4 fixture against Remo Stars in Uyo. The LMC recommended to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to review the coaching licence of Etefia "as you have failed the threshold to be a coach under the NFF Licence" 

In the Summary Jurisdiction notice, the LMC noted that Dakkada FC was charged for "breach of Rule B13.52 in that on Sunday, the 2nd of January 2022, you did not fulfill your responsibility, as the designated home team, to ensure adequate and effective security for persons involved in the match, wherein a match official (AR 2 – Sani Baba) was assaulted and battered by one of your officials (Sunday Etefia) as the match officials proceeded to leave the pitch at full time; and the General Manager of the visiting team was also harassed and assaulted in the tunnel at half time".

In the second charge, Dakkada FC was found in breach of Rule C9 for failing to control their officials and ensure their proper conduct at all times. The battering of Assistant Referee, Baba by Etefia and harassment of Remo Stars General Manager were cited as such improper conduct.

Consequently, the LMC fined the Club N3m for failure to provide adequate security in the course of the match.

Dakkada were ordered to pay the sum of N250,000 each to the Assistant Referee and General Manager of Remo Stars for medical expenses and may include any additional verifiable and authenticated medical costs.

While ordering Dakkada to play a minimum of three home matches at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, the LMC ruled that the club would only be permitted to return to its home stadium upon receipt of a satisfactory report or update on the formal report to the Police and prosecution of the official involved in the alleged assault. The prosecution must be authenticated by the LMC legal team and compliance unit.

The club must pay the stipulated fines within seven working days and have a two points deduction which shall be suspended for a probationary period of the remainder of the season.

Both the club and the charged official have 48 hours from the date of the notice to submit to the summary jurisdiction or elect to face a disciplinary hearing.

Fortunate Cup '22: Kick Off Date, Groupings, Full Fixtures Released

 

Fortunate Cup '22: Kick Off Date, Groupings, Full Fixtures Released

The organisers of Fortunate Cup have released the full fixtures of the prestigious Fortunate Cup U-18 Championship.

The tournament in its second edition will see 16 teams jostling for the coveted trophy.

The tournament which will take off from the preliminary stage will feature Olansile FC and DAPWAD Boys of lragbiji on Wednesday 5th January 2022 by 10am.

The tournament is aimed at discovering young talents with the platform provided by ace entrepreneur, Alhaji Wasiu Adejumo the producer of Fortunate Bread in Osun State.

Olansile FC is the defending champion. Recall that the 'Omo Mummy' Boys defeated City Rollers 2-0 to win the maiden edition.

GROUPINGS

GROUP A

ZAKARIYAU FA

FUTURE BOYS

OLANSILE FC

DAPWAD BOYS IRAGBIJI

GROUP B

CITY ROLLER

TSO FC

FORTUNATE FC

LIGHT STAR

GROUP C

KOLAWOLE FC

TSI FA

GOOD LUCK FC

DIAMOND FC

GROUP D

YOUNG KING'S FC

EXCEL FC

GOLDEN BOYS FC

YSF WARRIORS

FIXTURES

Wednesday 5th, January 2022

1. Olansile FC Vs DAPWAD BOYS 10am

2. City Roller Vs TSO FC 12Noon

3. Zakariyau Vs Future Boys 2pm

4. Fortunate Vs Light Star 4pm

Thursday 6th, January 2022

5. Kolawole FC Vs TSI FA 10am

6. Good luck Vs Diamond 12Noon

7. Young King's Vs Excel 2pm

8.Golden Boys Vs YSF Warriors 4pm

Friday 7th, January 2022

9. Olansile FC Vs Zakariyau FC 10am

10. DAPWAD BOYS Vs Future Boys 12noon

11. Light Stars Vs TSO 2pm

12. Fortunate FC Vs City Roller 4pm

Saturday 8th, January 2022

13. Good luck FC Vs Kolawole FC 10am

14. Diamond FC Vs TSI FC 12Noon

15. Golden Boys Vs Young King's 2pm

16. YSF Vs Excel FC 4pm

Sunday 9th, January 2022

17. Zakariyau Vs DAPWAD 10am

18. Future Boys Vs Olansile FC 12noon

19. Light Star Vs City Roller 2pm

20. TSO Vs Fortunate 4pm

Monday 10th, January 2022

21. Diamond FC Vs Kolawole FC 10am

22. TSI Vs Good luck 12noon

23. Young King's Vs YSF Warriors 2pm

24. Excel FC Vs Golden Boys 4pm

Quarter Finals

Friday 14th, January 2022

25. Winner A Vs Runner up B 2pm

26. Winner B. Vs Runner up A 4pm

Saturday 15th, January 2022

27. Winner C Vs Runner up D 2pm

28. Winner D Vs Runner up C 4pm

Semi Finals

Wednesday 19th, January 2022

29. Winner 25 Vs Winner 27 2pm

30. Winner 26 Vs Winner 28 4pm

FINAL

Sunday 23rd January 2022

31. Winner 29 Vs Winner 30. 3pm

#Jumbo #Sardine #Fortubite #Premium #Cluster #Fruitbite #Bamba #Tyson #King 🍞

#FortunateCup22

Olaifa Onifade, Awise Of Osogbo Donates Cash, Jerseys To Osun Utd, TSI FA

 

Olaifa Onifade, Awise Of Osogbo Donates Cash, Jerseys To Osun Utd, TSI FA

A sports philanthropist Chief Olaifa Onifade the Awise of Osogbo has gifted cash and jerseys to Osun Utd.

Speaking at the mini presentation ceremony this morning at the Osogbo Township Stadium, Awise of Osogbo land stated that, his gestures was borne out of his love and passion for the game.

"I was involved actively in the game in the early part of my life. I used to keep for All Saints Primary School lgbona during my primary school days.

"I fell in love with the defunct NEPA FC, in those days, the language l understood was football.

"I was nurturing the idea of having a football team untill I was advised to keep supporting the state team."

He told players and managements of the team that, more supports will be coming towards the team when the league kick start.

"I will be supporting the team even when the team is going to play away. Government alone cannot do it, we have to keep projecting Osun State in a good light." Awise stated.

In the same vein, Awise also promised to gift the foremost soccer academy TSI FA a team jersey while he donated a cash gift to the academy. The gestures which club's director of football Tunde Shamaudeen described as unprecedented.

Awise later prayed for the team's progress and called on the state government to uplift the facilities in the stadium and give the welfarism of the team a top priority.

Gbenga Ololade, the sole administrator of the team on behalf the team lauded Awise of Osogbo for his philanthrophical gestures. He heaped praises on the donor and prayed for God to uplift the donor. He stated that state government is trying its possible best to change the fortune of the team.