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.