Akpororo Hails Quality Of NLO Cup

 

Akpororo Hails Quality Of NLO Cup

Nigeria's top rated Stand-up Comedian, Bowoto Jephthah Tanimola, popularly known as Akpororo on stage, has hailed the quality of the NLO Cup and top notch organization of the tournament by the Nationwide League One.

It was a hitch-free tourney as eight grassroot teams displayed the best of NLO brand of football to the delight of fans who trooped to the Uyo Township Stadium to catch a daily glimpse of the football moments in the NLO Cup, sponsored by telecommunications giant MTN and FirstCentral Credit Bureau.

At the end, a total of 35 goals were scored during the group phase in Uyo, with Palm Syrup qualifying to the final.

Akpororo, who owns and captains his team, Roro FC in the Nigerian 3rd division, couldn't spur his club beyond the Group phase of the NLO Cup, as they were knocked out of the competition at the Uyo Centre.

He led his team to a win, draws and loss. But despite the victory over Palm Syrup FC in their final group game, Roro FC failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the competition at the Uyo Centre.

Akpororo told NLO Media Channel after the victory over Palm Syrup, who are in the final after going past Kun Kalifah FC 6-5 in a nail biting penalty shootout.

"The NLO Cup has been cool tourney and another learning curve for RORO FC but I know with time, we will get to the level we have set for ourselves.

"Most importantly, I give credit to the NLO Secretariat for the initiative behind the NLO Cup, has we had some of the best teams in division in Kano and Uyo.

"I want to commend the NLO for the energy they have put in so far managing the nation's third-tier league, and making it a good brand that has attracted top sponsors. Surely, if the NLO continues with this kind of energy level, they will surpass their targets.

"For me (Akpororo), I love the beautiful game football, and since I didn't have the chance to play, I chose to have a team -RORO FC and I play for my team.

"I played all our matches in the grassroot to get this far, NLO and my ultimate dream for my club is to feature in the Nigerian Premier Football League."

NLO CUP: Palm Syrup Battles Kun Khalifa In 1st Semi-final, As Green Lock, Tudun Wada Go Top In Kano

 

NLO CUP: Palm Syrup Battles Kun Khalifa In 1st Semi-final, As Green Lock, Tudun Wada Go Top In Kano

It's a clash of the titans on Tuesday as the first semi-final of the NLO CUP  takes centre stage between Palm Syrup and Kun Khalifa FC at the Uyo Stadium by 3pm local time.

The maiden NLO Cup which is geared to celebrate the best of the Nationwide League One brand of football is sponsored by telecommunications giant MTN and FirstCentral Credit Bureau.

Interestingly, both teams topped Group 2 (Uyo) A and B respectively with 6pts and 7pts each, but Palm Syrup will be having their hands full against a Kun Khalifa FC side that was unbeaten in three matches with two victories and a draw, scoring six goals and conceding just two goals, for a spot in the final.

It was a sad one for RORO FC owned by Nigeria stand-up comedian, Bowoto Jephthah Oluwatiseyifumi Tanimola, popularly known as Akpororo, as his team finished second behind Palm Syrup FC despite going past them on the final group game.

At the Kano Centre, Tudun Wada and Green Lock go top of Group 1 A and B after picking maximum 6points each from two matches.

Green Lock come from behind to pip 

Kwankwasiyya Samba 2-1 with goals from Enoch Enenche in the one hour mark and a 75th minute strike from Onyedika Philip, thus making  Muhammad Auwar's 24th opening goal to count for little.

For Tudun Wada who got their campaign off in a slow start on Matchday One, brushed aside Like Minds FC by a goal to nil no thanks from a strike by Rabiu Abdullahi in the 12th minute.

Meanwhile, despite being on 6points each, both Tudun Wada and Green Lock FC must avoid a scandalous defeat on their final group matches on Tuesday, as an upset could mar any chances of a semi-final spot.

However, in the other results Zeal Minds FC trounced Barau/Murtala FC 4-0 with Ngbede Moses scoring a brace, while Krane FC snatched a win in the 7-goal thriller against Jaguar FC, as their game ended 4-3.

Vandrezzer JNR earned their first 3points with  a 2-1 win over FC Chimoski, as NA Royal FC were also 2-1 winners over FC Sheika.

Uyo MD3 RESULTS:

FC Chimoski 1-2 Vandrezzer JNR

Jaguar FC 3-4 Krane FC

Palm Syrup FC 0-1 RORO FC 

Kun Khalifa FC 1-0 Olegacy FC

Kano MD 2 RESULTS:

Tudun Wada 1-0 Like Minds 

Kwankwasiyya Samba 1-2 Green Lock

Zeal Minds FC 4-0 Barau/Murtala FC

NA Royal FC 2-1 FC Sheika

Palm Syrup Advances To NLO Cup Group 2 Semifinal, FC Chimoski Eliminated

 Palm Syrup Qualifies For NLO Cup Group 2 Semifinal, FC Chimoski Eliminated

Palm Syrup FC became the first team to qualify for the NLO Cup semifinals sponsored by telecommunications giant MTN and FirstCentral Credit Bureau, after recording a second win, after a 2-0 bashing of Jaguar FC in a second Group 2 fixture at the Uyo Township Stadium on Sunday.

It was an explosive game between both teams with two penalty saves at both ends, having recorded wins on Matchday 1 of the championship.

Palm Syrup took the game to Jaguar FC scoring first after Solomon Akpan made the most of an exciting pass from Abraham David for 1-0 in the 25th minute.

Abraham David who assisted the first goal then got his goal for a job well done in the 37th minute, after twisting and turning away from his marker at the edge of the box before curling in a superb strike for 2-0.

It was an interesting second half that saw two penalty saves from both goalkeepers. 

Palm Syrup won a spot kick in the 72nd minute after a foul on Solomon Akpan. Ukoette Anaibong then took the spot kick but was denied by Jaguar FC shot-stopper Uko Essen, to keep the scoreline at 2-0.

With 10 minutes to end the game, Jaguar FC could have started a comeback when they were awarded a penalty, but a magnificent sharp reflex reaction from Palm Syrup goalkeeper Nsisiong Ekpo, saw him deny Anyaegbunam Pacian from the spot kick.

Meanwhile, it was not too. good for FC Chimoski as they have been eliminated from the competition after suffering a second defeat, losing by a lone goal to Olegacy FC. Recall they fell 4-1 to Kun Khalifa FC on Matchday One.

In the other results from Uyo, it was spoils sharing as the game between Krane FC versus RORO FC and Vandrezzer JNR versus Kun Khalifa FC ended respectively at one all-draw.

However, matches continue at the Uyo Township Stadium on Monday morning with MatchDay 3 fixtures, while the Kano Centre resumes with MatchDay 2 existing fixtures at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata Kano.

Uyo Centre MatchDay 3 Fixture

FC Chimoski vs Vandrezzer JNR - 10am

Jaguar FC vs Krane FC - 12pm

Palm Syrup FC vs RORO FC - 2pm

Kun Khalifa FC vs Olegacy - 4pm

Kano Centre MatchDay 2 Fixtures

Tudun Wada FC vs Like Minds - 10am

Kwankwasiyya FC vs Green Lock FC - 12pm

Zeal Minds FC vs Barau/Murtala FC - 2pm

NA Royals vs FC Sheika - 4pm

NNL: Essien Strike Gives 10-man Osun Utd Three Points Against Tradesafe ln Lagos

 

NNL: Essien Strike Gives 10-man Osun Utd Three Points Against Tradesafe ln Lagos

It's a super victory for 10-man Osun Utd as host, Tradesafe FC was pegged back and crashed in their backyard following a superior masterclass performance by Omoluabi Giants who won 1-0 courtesy of Emmanuel Essien stunner at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan Lagos, in one of Nigeria National League Match Day 2 matches.

It's the first game of the season for Seye Ajayi tutored side who fielded nine of the squad that got the team promoted last season. Subairu Suleiman in goal posed a superlative performance in his debut game.

Victory for the visitors was difficult to envisage as Sultan Hameed received his second bookings following a hard tackle on his marker five minutes from the break. United brilliantly absorbed resulting pressure that characterized the closing moments of the first stanza.

Three minute after restart, Emmanuel Essien struct after collecting a well measured throw-in from wing back, Francis Odudu to send United and their travelling squad into frenzy.

A change of formation by Seye Ajayi led technical crew following enduring and laborious proceedings did wonders as 'Believe and Achieve' side inspired by wingers, Quozim Raheem and Yemi Ogunleye with long bursting press from Dayo Agbolade. Tradesafe FC were unlucky twice, being denied by woodwork fifteen minutes from full-time.

 

The last five minutes was greeted with tempo and more pressure but United was swiftly gifted another chance as substitutes, Babatunde Sodiq and Paul Abgor planned a long one to onrushing Emeka who dropped behind the line but was shoved inside six yard having dislodged Hasan Ismail in goal for Tradesafe FC but the host was lucky as referee refused to halt the incident. The show later turned to Afolabi and Goringo's  pairing at the back with Subairu Suleiman who maintained a clean sheet with man of the match performance.

At the blast of final whistle, Seye Ajayi was in cloud nine as players dedicated the victory to him, "It was a tough match for us as we were reduced to 10 man, that helped us to do what we wanted to do on-time. We were able to contain them as well as catching them unaware upfront, I want to sincerely appreciate my guys and congratulate them for securing the victory far away from home." Ex 3SC goal poacher stated.

Omoluabi Giants will return home to wait for Warri Wolves in match day three of the Nigeria National League on Saturday 2nd December 2023 at Osogbo Township Stadium.

Goal Fest ln Opening Day Of NLO Cup, Uzorchukwu, Sunday Bag Hat-trick

 

Seven Wins, 30 Goals Recorded In NLO Cup Opening Day, As Uzorchukwu, Sunday Net Hat-trick

It was a carnival of goals, with seven victories, a combined 30 goals scored, and Ifeanyi Uzorchukwu going home with a match ball following his hat-trick, as the inaugural NLO Cup- sponsored by telecommunications giant MTN and FirstCentral Credit Bureau kicked off on Friday in Kano and Uyo.

Eight Matchday One fixtures, four each in Group 1 and Group 2 were concluded at the Sani Abacha Stadium and Uyo Township Stadium respectively, to the delight of anxious fans who came to catch a glimpse of the Nationwide League One brand of football. 

It was an interesting curtain raiser in Kano, as Like Minds FC ace Ifeanyi Uzorchukwu was a torn in the flesh for Zeal Minds FC defense, after he fired three goals past them, to became the first player to score a hat-trick and helped his team to a 4-3 win.

Another 7-goal thriller was in Uyo after Jaguar FC needed a late penalty to edge RORO FC 4-3. The game produced six different goal scorers, with Awhana Silas scoring a brace for losing Roro FC.

Ikechukwu Chukwudi opened the scoring for Jaguar FC with a fine finish in the 25th minute to the delight of his team at the Uyo Township Stadium.

Two quick goals were recorded in the space of four minutes after Hassan Joshua doubled the lead for Jaguar FC in the 27th minute while Abraham Samson pulled one back for RORO FC from a scramble two minutes later. 

In the 33rd minute, Anyaegbunam Pacian increased the tally with a stunning strike, as Jaguar FC took a 3-1 lead into half-time.

On the one-hour mark, Awhana Silas scored a sensational strike to keep RORO FC's hope alive to make it 3-2. He then completed what looked like a comeback for his team with his second to draw RORO FC level at 3-3 in the 69th minute. RORO FC will rue hard-luck after Jaguar FC was awarded a spot kick and Godwin Onoja stepped forward to send goalkeeper Tubobo Saheed the wrong way to make it 4-3 for Jaguar FC.

In the second fixture of Matchday One, 

Alex Sunday also made history as he scored a hat-trick in the NLO Cup after his team Kun Khalifa FC put four goals past FC Chimoski, who managed just one goal in the game.

It took Alex Sunday 12 minutes to find the back of the net after he put Kun Khalifa ahead with a superb stunning strike from the edge of the box. He then scored his second and third in the 37th and 50th minute.

From the other results, Abuja-based Green Lock FC pipped NA Royal FC 2-1, while Kwankwasiyya FC was also 2-1 better than FC Sheika.

Palm Syrup FC were the first team to keep a clean sheet after they edged Krane FC 2-0.

Tudun Wada FC also kept it decent with their defending after they pipped Barau/Murtala by a lone goal while Olegacy FC and Vandrezzer JNR shared the spoils as the game ended 1-1.

RESULTS 

KANO CENTRE

Like Minds FC 4-3 Zeal Minds FC

Green Lock FC 2-1 NA Royal FC

FC Sheika 1-2 Kwankwasiyya FC 

Barau/Murtala 0-1 Tudun Wada FC 

UYO CENTRE

RORO FC 3-4 Jaguar FC

Krane FC 0-2 Palm Syrup FC 

Kun Khalifa FC 4-1 FC Chimoski  

Olegacy FC 1-1 Vandrezzer JNR

AjaraU17Championship: Semi Finalists Get Jerseys As Organisers Harp On Fairplay

 

AjaraU17Championship: Semi Finalists Get Jerseys As Organisers Harp On Fairplay

The semifinalists of ongoing Ajara U-17 Football Competitions today get their match jerseys with renewed vigor as semi final duels set to take place tomorrow in Osogbo.

The competition which is sponsored by Ajara Humanitarian Foundation is in partnership with Ilaji Hotels and Resorts.

Recall that lbadan based Hospitality and Nationwide League One outfit had delivered numerous kits and plaques to spice up the tournament which is staged to discover raw talents from schools.

While presenting the jerseys to the beneficiaries, the executive director of the foundation, Alhaji Bayo Jimoh congratulates the last four teams standing in the competition, he further charge the semifinalists to remember to play by the rule in the remaining matches.

"Let me once again congratulate the beneficiaries, the hardwork you have put in sustained you thus far. In the spirit of fair play, the participants are urged to play by the rule. 

"A team is destined to lift the giant trophy and for those that won't, I hope they go back to drawing board, there is always next time. We assure level playing ground for all participating schools.

"To twenty three players scouted by the technical partners, I want to congratulate you all. With best facilities in Ilaji, you will come out fine under the tutelage of modern coaches and I hope it will be a pathway of career progression to abroad. Sincere thanks to Ilaji Hotels and Resorts for adding values to what we are doing, we can't thank you enough." Alhaji Bayo Jimoh, the Giwa Adini of Osogbo land noted.

Meanwhile the stage is set as Rex-Varsity ambush Ataoja High School in the first semi final match while Ido Osun High School targets AN-NUR scalp in the second semifinal. As finalists emerge tomorrow, the coveted trophy and cash prize of one million two hundred and fifty thousand naira are in the offing for the finest school.

Boboye, Double NPFL Winner Named Heartland FC Technical Adviser

To change the dwindling fortunes of Heartland FC in the ongoing 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League season, the management of the five times league champions, has announced the employment of Kennedy Boboye as the club's new Technical Adviser.

He has replaced erstwhile coach, Christian Obi who until the development failed to win a game from opening nine matches of the season.

Boboye who has signed a one year renewable contract with the Naze Millionaires has come to the Owerri side with the impeccable record of winning the league title twice with Plateau United (2017) and Akwa United (2021).

The former Remo Stars gaffer's first target will be to ensure Heartland FC start winning their league games from the weekend blockbuster Oriental derby tie with Enyimba in Owerri and Boboye in his first interview with Heartland FC Media said he is aware of the enormity of the task before him.

"I am ready for the task. I had different thoughts when I was contacted initially because of the club's position on the league table but with what I have seen on ground I am certain we can pull through," Boboye told Heartland FC Media.

"We need everyone to get to work. You are going to be seeing a new mentality in the team. The players have assured there would be changes and I am excited to be here."

In the other shake up in the team, Charles Uzor has been elevated to the position of the Head Coach as Willie Udube's replacement.

Also, Osuorji Linus Maduabuchi is now the new Team Manager. He was the club's Assistant Team Manager before the new change. He is replacing Victor Ezuruike who has been redeployed to the club's feeder team. 

The head coach of the Heartland FC Feeder team, Chidi Ike has been sent to the Heartland FC main team to also fortified the technical crew.

Ambitious Adeyemi FC Dares Remo Stars ln Four-goal Thriller

Club Friendly: Ajekiigbe a delight to watch as NPFL side show class against Adeyemi FC 

Adeyemi Football Club of Ibadan displayed an outstanding performance in a friendly match against NPFL side Remo Stars that ended 3-1 at the Remo Stars Stadium on Tuesday November 21st 2023.

In the 24th minute, Omole Adebusuyi provided an excellent feed to Ajekiigbe Sunday, who skillfully scored a goal, giving Adeyemi FC an early lead. Despite Remo Stars' Samad Kadri responding with a goal in the 41st minute, Adeyemi FC continued with heavy attacks.

During the second half, Coach Daniel Ogunmodede's tactics allowed Remo Stars to take control, leading to Samad Kadri securing another goal in the 59th minute. Remo Stars extended their lead to 3-1 with a goal from Farayola Olawale in the 85th minute.

Post-Match Reaction:

Head Coach Kolawole Emmanuel (Coach Drey) shared his thoughts after the game:

🗣️‘While this isn't the result we desired, it's a learning experience. We faced a top NPFL side, and Remo Stars utilized their home advantage. We'll address our weaknesses and focus on the next agenda.’

Adeyemi Football Club continues its preparations for upcoming events in the world of football.

Osun Utd Secures 1-0 Win Against Stubborn Ilaji FC In A Friendly

 

Osun Utd decides to engage Nigeria Nationwide League One outfit Ilaji FC in a friendly, following the postponement of its Nigeria National League, Match Day One, against Gateway Utd., in a bid to get the lads busy for the season.

Abiola Sabitu started in goal while Afolabi Olatubosun and Abubakar Aminu paired at the back, Essien controls the middle as Rapheal Orngudwen lead upfront as countless fans thronged the stadium anticipating good football.

It's a close contest from the blast of the whistle as Omoluabi Giants dominate the proceedings early enough but fails to create chances as Ilaji FC defenders maintained a fine line at the back.

On resumption, following a goalless first half, Seye Ajayi rings some changes in a tactical substitution as Dayo Agbolade and Qozeem Raheem were called upon. 

Ilaji lads were excellent once again at the back frustrating good move by the home side.

Deadlock broken thirteen minutes after resumption owing to much intent and pressures thrown at opponents. Kid sensation, Ismail Ayodele appears before his marker and was hacked, inside six yard following a through low drive that falls behind the line from Emmanuel Essien who dazzles brilliantly. Centre Referee made no mistake pointing to the spot as substitute, Dayo Agbolade stepped on to send Ilaji FC goalkeeper the wrong way. 

The scoreline remains unchanged not untill Dayo Agbolade's tenacity saw him hitting the back of the net fifteen minutes from time, for second goal which was agonisingly ruled offside as he benefits from breakdown in communication via opponents back line. Ilaji lads despite going behind gave good account of themselves as centre referee ended the contest 

Coach Seye Ajayi after the game posited that his boys met a good fight from the opponents, he maintained that, his boys won't lose focus going into the season as few loopholes noticed will be worked on.

Dayo Agbolade the goal scorer maintained that, his compatriots needs to understand themselves better upfront following series of moves being flanked offside, he's optimistic of more goals as the season kiskstarts.

Omoluabi Giants will be on the road to engage Tradesafe FC of Lagos in Match Day 2 of Nigeria National League on Saturday 25th November, 2023. Tradesafe FC this evening lost 0-1 to NNL new comer Solution FC in far away Awka.

NPFL: Rangers Late Strike Stop Sunshine In Akure

 

A late goal by a substitute, Jonas Emmanuel on two of the four added-on minutes of the 2023/2024 NPFL match day 8 fixtures, helped the ‘Flying Antelopes’, Rangers International F.C earn a share of the spoils as they forced the ‘Owena Whales’, Sunshine Stars F.C to a 2-2 draw in an encounter played at the Akure Sports Complex on Sunday.

Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu had stuck to the squad that defeated Heartland on the last match day. The boys did not disappoint the traveling delegation as former league top-scorer, Godwin Obaje nodded the Coal City side into an early lead as he connected home an Isaac Saviour well-taken free kick that resulted from the fouling of Kenneth Igboke on 4 minutes under pressure from lanky Ekerette Udom.

The goal silenced the half-full Akure Township stadium but sprung the coach Edith Agoye’s wards into action as they pushed for an early leveler that failed to materialize as the backline of the visitors ably anchored by the duo of Ifeanyi Onyebuchi and David Chimezie as Kazeem Ogunleye almost increased the lead for Rangers on 11 minutes but his pile-driver from about 25 meters missed target by few inches before Ibrahim Yusuf drew the home side level on 13 minutes after been left unmarked to blast an unstoppable shot past goalkeeper, Japhet Opubo as fans of the ‘Owena Whales’ found their voices again.

Both sides retired for the first half on even note and on resumption of the second stanza, the home side pushed for the winning goal as they dominated the middle of the pack but Ejike Ugochukwu, Chukwudi Nwaodu, Isaac Saviour, Joel Odoh, and Kenneth Igboke joined others to put up stiff resistance until the 81st minute when Moses Omodumueke’ teasing shot found its way past a badly positioned Opubo to put the home side in front heading into the last ten minutes as the fans went into wild in celebrations that were cut short with only two minutes remaining in the match when Isaac Saviour found Odoh Joel on the right who ran down with the ball to deliver an inch-perfect cross that was stylishly side-footed into the net by Jonas Emmanuel as goalkeeper Mustafa Lawal was caught napping as the visitor’s bench went into wild jubilations.

Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu said after the match, “It was a very difficult match against a quality side but as our slogan says, we never say die until the final whistle and I give my players kudos as we keep working on the areas of deficiency. My defense gave away cheap goals but we keep working until we get it right.”

With the win, Rangers maintain the third spot of the twenty-team log with 14 points from eight matches and will next play Katsina United on Sunday, November 19, 2023, at the Awka City stadium.

Ilaji Hotel And Resorts Partners Ajara Humanitarian Foundation, Donates Kits, Plaques

 

Ilaji Hotel And Resorts Partners Ajara Humanitarian Foundation, Donates Kits, Plaques

Akanni Seyi, Osogbo. 12th November 2023.

Codedsports.com

It's glitz and glamour today as Ibadan based Hospitality and Nationwide League One outfit, Ilaji FC delivers kits and award plaques at the ongoing Ajara U-17 Football Competition in Osogbo.

The tournament in its quarter finals have more than two hundred and fifty secondary school students participating in the soccer fiesta in its second edition.

Ajara Humanitarian Foundation, a non governmental organization is established to support and promote youths, focussing on empowering them through education and talent discovery. The foundation has equally set up youths with life skills within and outside the state.

Speaking while taking delivery of kits, medals and plaques at a brief event in his Osogbo residence, Alhaji Dr. Adebayo Jimoh,  Executive Director of the foundation was full of praise for both Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of the resort, ably represented by Coach Zico and Coach Sesan.

"I want to sincerely thank the management of Ilaji Hotels and Resorts for coming on board. We presented the visuals of what we did last year to them and they were so thrilled and partnered with us without any bottlenecks. Our football platform is aimed at discovering future Okochas, Kanus and even Oshimens.

"We are glad to have you with us, it's an honour, it means we are doing sensible things. We are so greatful for keying into this project. I am optimistic of more years of greater partnership," noted Dr. Jimoh a versatile administrator and financial expert.

According to Coach Zico, "Ilaji is synonymous for youth development, this underscores our vision and that's our area of calling. We have penciled down close to fifty players that we will further work with after the tourney. This is our first time of coming on board, our CEO and COO are delighted with the project. We will donate more and fully involve next year," said the Head Coach of Ilaji FC 

Ilaji FC donates 4 set of jerseys for the semi finalists, Most Valuable Player (MVP) award, highest goal scorer award, award for best goalkeeper, most behaved team award, and best coach award. 

The football competition is powered by US based Dr Lanre Jimoh, whose passion for youth empowerment shares affinity with that of his father, Alhaji Bayo Jimoh, a former group managing director of the Odua Investment Company.

Ataoja High School and Rex-Varsity have since qualified for semi final after dislodging their opponents, Osogbo Grammar School and Salvation GS respectively in a keenly contested duels. As An-Nur School is set to tango with Islamic School, while Ido Osun High School will face-off with Ham Zainab in the other quarter finals fixtures on Friday. The winner of the tourney goes home with a cash price of a million and two hundred and fifty thousand N1,250, 000.00 with a giant trophy while runner up smiles away with half a million naira. Souvenirs are on the table for all participating schools.