Tolu Ojo, Bolu Shotimade, 38 Others invited For WAFU B U20 Championship

 

Ladan Bosso, Head Coach of Nigeria’s U20 Boys (Flying Eagles) has called up a total of 40 players for next month’s WAFU B U20 Championship taking place in Niamey, capital of Niger Republic.

 

The list has four goalkeepers, 12 midfielders, 17 midfielders and seven forwards.

 

Invited players have been advised to arrive at the Blue Spring Hotel, opposite Ministry of Justice (Maitama), Abuja on Monday, 18th April with their international passports, according to Team Secretary Aliyu Lawal Ibrahim (08034824582).

 

Seven –time African champions, the Flying Eagles will play in Group B of the WAFU B Championship alongside Ghana and Burkina Faso, with the tournament scheduled for 7th – 20th May in Niamey. Hosts Niger Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo and Benin Republic will contend in Group A.

 

Only the two finalists will qualify from the WAFU B zone to participate in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

 

ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:

 

Goalkeepers: Orya Joseph (Lobi Stars); Nathaniel Nwosu (Water FC); Jimoh Saheed (Adoration FC); Chijioke Anianboso (Giant Brillars)

 

Defenders: Njoke Augustine (Abia Warriors); Gabriel Adewara (Ikorodu United); Babaji Abubakar (Niger Tornadoes); Okoli Augustine (Giant Brillars); Hassan Shuaibu (Smart City); Uzochukwu Ezeobi (Zamfara United); Opeyemi Omoloye (Amure City); Frederick Benjamin (ABS FC); Monsuru Oyinmade (A&A Academy); Adegbite Emmanuel (Enyimba FC); Bolu Shotimade (Akwa United); Adamu Saidu (Water FC)

 

Midfielders: Anas Hassan (Vandrezzer FC); Okeowo Oluwaseyi (3SC); Shehu Sada (Nasarawa United); Promise Harrison (SuperStars Academy); Lawal Samson (Katsina United); Clinshak Longba (Plateau United); Aminu Muhammad (Gombe United); Abdulmajeed Ibrahim (Global FC); Onuche Ogbelu (FOSLA Academy); Jejeko Ola (Coment FC); Hussaini Garba (Maikunkele FC); Divine Nwachukwu (Adoration FC); Sulaiman Kirki (Kebbi United); Munir Idris (Niger Tornadoes); Aminu Yahaya (Nnewi United); Tolulope Simon Ojo (Remo Stars); Muhammad Sambo Shehu (Katsina United)

 

Forwards: Emmanuel Ogbole (FC Basira); Ifeanyi Ogba (Lobi Stars); Sopurochukwu Kelechi (HP Academy); Henry Ndubuisi (Cydos FC); Ibrahim Yahaya (Gombe United); Aliyu Abdullahi (Nasarawa United); Ahmed Abdullah (HP Academy) 

CKD Media

Do Away With Distractions, Osun Utd Gaffer Charges Lads

The head coach of Osun Utd., Olatunji Baruwa has exhorted his wards to remain focus and develop a strong character following the team's resurgence after strings of poor results.

Recall that, Omoluabi Giants only garnered a point from their game involving Gateway Utd, Bendel Insurance, Abeokuta Stomers and Adoration FC.

Again, Baruwa tutored side have failed to register any goal in the first half at home to the dismay of die hard supporters. The story remain unchanged as the team welcomed J_Atete FC in matchday 10 of Nigeria National League.

The contest decided at the mainbowl of Obafemi Awolowo University football pitch in lle-lfe saw the visitors fluffed a glorious moment inside ten minutes as God'stime Edewor's pointblank delivery from the edge of the area agonizingly sails inches wide.

Immediately after the break, the host rejigged their personnel and it yielded instant impact. 

Substitute, Habeeb Owolabi sent the host infront from a rebound, pint sized winger Quozeem Raheem had earlier dispatched a ferocious rockets which Efe Toke in goal couldn't held on to and former Rehoboth FC forward smashed it home from close range to register his fourth goal of the current campaign at the stroke of fifty minutes.

The goal was all that matter as the visitors' threatening moves were brilliantly and constantly kept at bay by resolute pairings of Akilapa Olusola and Aminu at the back. 

Speaking to the media afterwards, Baruwa who couldn't hide his affection remarked thus; " we are delighted with the final score line after giving out points cheaply in our previous encounters.

"Big kudos to the boys for their efforts. We will continue to work hard and leave other distractions to achieve our goals. The three points will restore our confidence as we seek to reclaim the lost points henceforth, we know where we belong and where we aim to finish, until we get there, we won't relent."

Believe and Achieve side will hit the road once more as the first round draw curtains by the weekend. Ibom Youth who lost on the road shall welcome Omoluabi Giants.

NNL MD5: Total Victory ls The Deal, Osun Utd Wing Sensation Pelumi Olaoluwa

 

NNL MD5: Osun Utd Wing Sensation Pelumi Olaoluwa Canvases For Perfect Home Record

Ahead of Nigeria National League Match Day 5 clash with another South West NNL debutant, Ikorodu City FC, Osun Utd pacy winger has demanded for resilience and focus going into all important duel.

Having lost two away games so far, Omoluabi Giants hope to bounce back when the 'Believe and Achieve' side welcome 'Oga Boys' from Lagos. Still basking in the euphoria of their slim win over Gateway FC during the weekend courtesy of Ganiyu Adewara's ferocious set piece, Obafemi Awolowo's Pitch in lle-lfe, the adopted home of Osun Utd., will come alive again by tomorrow.

In its first midweek game this season, Omoluabi Giants are focused to seal maximum points for third time at home this season according to Pelumi Olaoluwa, one of the youngest lads in the squad.

The Olansile FA graduate believes the level of developments occasioned by Coach Tunji Baruwa's tactical philosophy is highly commendable and he should be supported by all and sundry.

"My thoughts about tomorrow's game is to try our possible best and get all the three points.

"I can actually say the government is really trying to motivate the players, but there's room for improvements.

"The supporters are also trying their best at our home games, but we're missing their huge presence in away games. We are really banking on their support in achieving together this season.

" My expectations is to try all we can do to make sure the team gain promotion this season. Kudos to the coach, for believing in me, I always try to learn from him everyday. The most important thing is to play to the coach instructions. As a team, the experienced colleagues are making us feel comfortable on and off the pitch." Enterprising Olaoluwa who had the opportunity of being listed in starting lineup of every game this season informed.

Referee Ukasonaya Christian from Imo will be at the centre as he will be supported by compatriots from Ebonyi, Elom Joseph and lgwe Faith. The Kick off is 4pm as match updates return on the club's media channels (FB: Osun United FC; Twitter: Osun United_)

Ibadan Soccer Fans React As LMC Okays Night Football At Refurbished Lekan Salami Sports Complex

 

Ibadan Soccer Fans React As LMC Okays Night Football At Refurbished Lekan Salami Sports Complex

Seyi Akanni

Scores of football fans have been tongue lashing Oyo State government for proposing the return of night kickoff for the state's premiership side, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), also known as Oluyole Warriors.

According to a letter dated February 23, 2022 which was endorsed by Salisu Abubakar, COO, LMC Ltd. and addressed to the Secretary, Oyo State Football Association,  the league organising body, said it gave its nod to the request after due considerations.

"After due considerations, the LMC hereby grants Shooting Stars approval for their home matches to be played at 7.00pm, with effect from Matchday 16 game number 158 3SC v Enugu Rangers", read the part of the letter.

As part of measures to ensure hitch free games, the management of 3SC, has fixed the sales of match tickets for each game between 2.30pm and 5.30pm.

According to the new arrangement, fans who fail to buy their tickets within the stipulated time, should stay at home as all gates leading to the arena will be shut at exactly 5.30pm.

The latest arrangements didn't go down well with numerous 3SC followers. 

While one ardent follower bemused the hike in ticket prices, some condemned the idea of night kickoff citing security reasons.

"That's not a good idea, if the Gate is closed by 5:30 and match end by 9pm that is three and half hour inside the stadium, ha ... The gate should be closed immediately after the game starts instead." A fan tweeted.

According to another fan named 'Special', "They should just cancel it please.

We’ll be watching our match in day light. 

I’ve my job and I can’t abandon it for up to 4hrs because I want to watch match. 

At least I can leave home by that 5:30pm, 

I’ll go there an hour before and I’ll struggle to get the yeye ticket". He concluded.

Elmer K., opined, "Maybe' it is good if fans come out to cheer the team. The policy should be how to retain the fans and how to create viewing centres across Oyo state for others to watch who can't go to the stadium".

"Why the sudden increment in gate takings?

From 100 to 200 and to 500 again within 3 month's.

"Secondly why are they fixing our games at night at this crucial time, we play for daylight self we dey struggle to win and you are putting a fixtures with our old rival under floodlight.. It is well".

"Exactly! The major problem is the time lag between movement restrictions and match commencement is too much. A larger proportions of the fans are businessmen and you can't tie them down unproductively.

"From my deductions, non-residential fans in Ibadan are not factored in before enacting this unpopular decision. They assumed only residential fans come to Stadium. What a myopic reasoning." A long time supporter noted.

It's yet to be seen if the concerned authorities will bend to the yearning of these supporters. As it is, though the timing may not be favourable, fans will still have to adjust in order to keep supporting their football team. Lagos and Benin are two centres where night kickoff is prevalent.

Poor Attention, Facilities Bane of Grassroot Sports Development - OAU Don, Prof. Adedoyin

 

Poor Attention, Facilities Bane of Grassroot Sports Development - OAU Don, Prof. Adedoyin

A Professor of Cardiopulmonary Respiratory Physiotherapy with the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Rufus Adedoyin  has attributed challenges bedeviling grassroot sports development to poor attention and lack of facilities on the part of the government and private individuals.

Speaking on during the Stakeholders' Forum, a monthly Interview program of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Osun State Chapter, Prof. Adedoyin said this has also led to the poor performance of Nigeria age grade teams and athletes at the intercontinental and international competitions.

According to him,the challenges in the sports sector will be far from over if we fail to go back to the grassroots where there are budding talents, saying that it is unfortunate that there are no quality programs from the government for primary schools sports again as it used to be which are platforms for identifying budding talents that can be nurtured to stardom.

He noted that there are no Physical and Health Education teachers,principal or headmaster's cup,while most schools do not have football pitch or training equipment. Without these, according to him,there is no way a country can make headway in sports development.

Prof. Adedoyin also called on government not to approve private schools that do not have sports ground and facilities as all work no play make Jack a dull boy,adding that talents in children are best discovered at tender age through participation in sporting activities with their peers. This is why all schools should be mandated to have a training ground where all pupils can engage in any game of their choice. 

"It is when pupils and students participate in competitions that they will be able to showcase their talents to the world. 

Earlier in his remarks, Chairman, Osun SWAN, Timothy Agbor who was represented by the Association's Treasurer, Seyi Akanni lauded Professor Adedoyin for his annual Peace Soccer Competition in Ile-Ife which according to him, has been a means of enhancing peaceful coexistence between people of Ile-Ife and Modakeke among other towns.