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