WAFU B: Garba Lawal Demand Perfect Start From Eaglets

 

 

Akanni Seyi

As five-time world champions Nigeria tangos Cote d’Ivoire in the first match of Group B in the ongoing West African Football Union (WAFU) B Tourney today at Lome’s Stade Municipal, former Super Eagles forward Garba Lawal has charged Eaglets to go for maximum points.

Both teams would be looking to pick up the three available points with Group B comprises of Nigeria, Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana. 

In a situation like this, each team would  play only two matches, that's always make the first game to be all important cracker as early elimination beckoning on the loser. 

"Weather we like it or not, Nigeria must win this encounter today, when you come to tournament like this,  you have some expectations before leaving your country.

"I believe our boys should settle down quickly and come to party when matter most, with coach tactics and methodology I believe that they are going to put their opponent to the sword.

"It's not going to be an easy one actually because first game is always difficult at the same time important, this is the opportunity for the lads to excel. All of them are young players with a lot of chances to play football to the highest level," former Roda JC forward informed.

Meanwhile, the Golden Eaglets had their MRI tests done last nite after the uproar in the media and the complaints from the Nigerian camp.

The team is good to go against the Ivoriens today by 5PM at the Stade D Munipal as informed by team's official.

Gateway United Resume Training For NNL 2020/21 Campaign

 

Ahead of the January 16th Nigeria National League, NNL kick-off date, players and technical team of Gateway United FC, Tuesday, resumed preparation for the forthcoming season after a two week festive break.

Welcoming the players on the training pitch of the MKO Abiola stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, the Team Manager Dare Osunsanya charged the players to justify the confidence reposed in them.

“The much anticipated season is upon us. It's now time to prepare ahead of the storm. Football is business and we must see it like that. In the NNL,  it's always the survival of the fittest and the rejected stone can turn to be the pillar"

"The coaching crew is ready to instill football knowledge into you, the state government is ready to provide all your needs, what you have to do is to eat, train, sleep; that's your routine until you retire".

In his welcome remarks, the Acting General Manager, Niyi Soleye harped on dedication, discipline and commitment as ingredients for success in the forthcoming season.

"Your watchword must be dedication, discipline and commitment, anything short of that is unacceptable. The new season affords us another opportunity to make the NPFL dream a reality."

"My appreciation goes to the executive governor of the state Prince Dapo Abiodun who has continually put us on a good trajectory. The Commissioner for youth and sport, Dr Oluwadare Kehinde has good plans for us. So going forward, we all must be physically and mentally ready. Nigerian professional Football League is where we all belong. So, let's work as a team, welcome to 2021", he concluded.

NWFL Premiership Week 4 Preview: Team News, Analysis, Stats And Players To Watch.

 

NWFL Premiership returns to action this wednesday following the Christmas break with several sides hoping the fortnight's inactivity could change their fortunes, while others will be hoping the few days off would have done nothing to interrupt their form.

Seven Matches will be played across seven centres on Wednesday.

Leaders Bayelsa Queens will be at home to Confluence Queens, while Nasarawa Amazons faces Delta Queens in a must win encounter, Sunshine Queens welcomes second placed Edo Queens to Akure, Abia Angels travels to Porthacourt to face defending Champions Rivers Angels.

In Warri, Royal Queens will be hoping to record their second victory at home this season, DreamStar Ladies have another tough test in Ibom Angels at the Agege Township Stadium, while Pelican Stars of Calabar will battle FC Robo Queens in Lagos. 

The action is incessant and persistent. Here is a short preview of the 2021 NWFL Premiership week 4 from www.thenwfl.com.

Rivers Angels 🆚 Abia Angels (Adokiye Anesiemaka Stadium)

Rivers Angels have recorded two away draws in their last three matches and will welcome Abia Angels on Wednesday. 

Abia Angels have won two games, losing only narrowly to Royal Queens in Warri two weeks ago. 

Rivers Angels Manager Edwin Okon knows how important it is to get their second victory at home as they target qualification for the Champions League. 

Maryann Ezeanagu, Vivian Ikechukwu, Brume Ikhekua and Damilola Koku, Christopher Precious are all available for selection upfront. 

#Nasarawa Amazons 🆚 Delta Queens. (Lafia City Stadium)

A must win game for Nasarawa Amazons, having lost their first three games in December. 

Christopher Danjuma is expectant same as the teeming fans of the 'Solid Babes' as they have a date to keep with  Delta Queens on Wednesday evening. 

One goal in three matches compared to Delta Queens seven goals in three, shows that Nasarawa Amazons have alot of work to do against the 'Okowa Ladies' at the Lafia City Stadium. 

Experienced Kafayat Ajani is back to the squad after some time out, Adejoke Ejalonibu, Amarachi Okoronkwo, Dooshima Tarnum and others are all available for this encounter.

#Bayelsa Queens 🆚 Confluence Queens (Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa)

Will Bayelsa Queens make it four wins in four games after Wednesday's encounter with Confluence Queens? That is the question in every lips of the NWFL Premiership followers. 

Confluence Queens under Whyte Ogbonda are seen as a team that can spring out surprises when least expected. Moses Aduku and his girls are confident and are raring to go into the game o Wednesday. In-form Anjor Mary, Joy Jerry, Ruben Charity will be looking at extending their unbeaten run in the league.

#DreamStar Ladies 🆚 Ibom Angels. (Agege Township Stadium)

Heading into Wednesday game, Coach Anya Ugochi must be thinking about getting her first victory of the season as she faces Ibom Angels on Wednesday at the Agege Township Stadium. 

Both teams didn't start the season on a good note and Moruf Adeyemo must be aiming at getting a positive result against the 'Galaticas'. 

Ayatsea Hembafen, Anuoluwapo Salisu, Juliet Iroele and others will have to work hard to win against the very determined 'Orange Ladies'.

#Royal Queens 🆚 Osun Babes (Warri Township Stadium)

Coach Yinka Adunola has spoken of the importance of keeping the momentum generated against Pelican Stars ahead of the tie in Warri against Royal Queens.

Royal Queens are a very difficult team to beat and Coach Paul Mene will be in the dugout without his faifhful assistant Ifunanya Patricia who controversially resigned from her position some days ago. 

Both sides play free-flow attacking football and create alot of chances on the flanks. Yemisi Samuel, Habibat Agbaji, Sarah Iloduba and others will be hoping for a great result in Delta, while Bukola Oni, Chioma Olise, Chika Idika, Rosemary Adesina will all want a comprehensive victory against the Omoluabi Queens.

#Sunshine Queens 🆚 Edo Queens (Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure)

A big test for Rollandson Odeh and his players.  Sunshine Queens hardly lose at home and thus have a good team and an experienced Manager in Wemimo Matthew.

Odeh leads his players to their second away game this season and it's against a side well known for their superb style of play. 

Elizabeth Zirike and Sandra Chichi will be going back to Akure, where the fans still cherish them, having dorned the Orange jersey of Sunshine Queens in the past. 

Patricia Innocent, Seun Fakunle, Goodness Ihuoma and others will be seeking for nothing but victory when the battle gets off on Wednesday.

#FC Robo Queens 🆚 Pelican Stars (Legacy Football Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere)

Osahon Emmanuel is a manager who has a great connection with his players on the pitch of play. The charismatic coach will be playing against a Pelican Stars team who lost 3-0 to Osun Babes in December. 

Charismatic captain Gift Monday scored a hat-trick in their last home game against Osun Babes, the December player of the month will be hoping to increase her goal tally on Wednesday. 

Pelican Stars have some experienced players in their Squad, Chinenye Okafor, Gladys Abasi, Hannah Amos, Love Okon and a host of others will be optimistic in picking a positive result in Lagos.

Tornadoes Resumes Training, Conducts ECG Test For Players

 

Niger Tornadoes Football Club of Minna has resumed full training, Monday evening, after the festive break, ahead of the commencement of the Nigeria National League (NNL)

The Coach Abubakar Bala tutored side is expected to embark on rigorous training and a couple of friendly matches aimed at ensuring that the team is adequately prepared ahead of new football league season.

It could be recalled that the League body had in December pronounced that the  Nigeria National League (NNL) will commence on January 16.

Niger Tornadoes currently trains at Maryam Babangida mini football pitch as an alternative training ground.

Earlier, Doctor Tasi'u Ibrahim the team's Doctor led the players to the Power Diagnostic Center in minna, where Electrocadiograph, better known as (ECG test) was conducted as one of the prerequisite for registration of teams that will take part in the league.

 

FC Ebedei Players, Officials Take COVID-19 Test

Players, coaches and other backroom staff of FC Ebedei each took the COVID-19 test as the team resumes this week ahead of the February 10 kick-off of the new Nationwide League One (NLO) season.

The Oliseh Boys commencing on Sunday took the test as it was one of the guidelines set by the Presidential Task Force (PTF) and made mandatory by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to all football teams taking part in the three tiers of the country's leagues. 

According to the club President, Barrister Churchill Oliseh: "We're getting set for the new NLO season and as an arrival pererquisite, all players and officials of FC Ebedei mandatorily undertook the COVID-19 test.

"Giving our extensive scouting networks our players cut across the entire nation thus the tests were carried out under strict protocols by accredited and/ or officials from the Nigeria Centre for Disease and Control (NCDC) in the respective geo-political zones of the players primary place of holidays".

"We hope that the tests conducted will come negative as all players and officials are only returning to camp after their 3 weeks break for the Christmas and New year celebrations.

"Results from the test we expect to start coming within 48 hours," the elder brother to former Super Eagles coach and captain, Sunday Oliseh said.

Recall the management of the Oliseh Boys also recently carried out a routine maintenance and renovation of its team's camp facilities which included the players rooms, with a view to ensuring a condusive atmosphere and best living standards.