NNL: Sikiru scores as 10 man Osun United boost playoff chances with draw in Enugu

 

Osun Utd once again secures a vital point in Enugu in one of the Match-Day 15 encounters of the Nigeria National League decided at UNEC Stadium, Enugu.

Seye Ajayi rang huge changes to the personnel that secure maximum points against visiting Ikorodu City last week in what's an unfamiliar squad as Mojeed Abimbola, Afeez Buhari and Sikiru Durodoye were handed the opportunity to impress.

United hit the ground running following a keenly contested openings as the host eager to go in front but Olatubosun Afolabi and Aminu Abubakar were handy for the most part of the duel.

A chance for the host 22 minutes into first period but Sabitu Abiola made an audacious save to deny the host from point blank. Two minutes later, Dayo Agbolade headed Omoluabi Giants in front but his classical header was ruled offside following an inviting well tailored set piece from Mutiu Ganiyu.

At half hour mark, Dayo Agbolade's close range low dive was parried to safety as pint sized Afeez Buhari masterminded a whip which nearly results in goal. It's a barren draw for the two sides in the first period.

The proceeding resumes with Giant Brillars piling pressures on United but a disciplined defensive work kept the threatening forwards at bay. A wonderful moment came three minutes past the hour mark following a long bursting runs from Sikiru down the lane as he stole a howler only to put it beyond opponents goalkeeper in a vital area. Seven minutes later, he was given the marching order following an altercation as he was awkwardly stretched by the medics.

The host responded twelve minutes later through Agu Offe from the spot as a result of a clumsy blockage which Centre Referee adjudged to be a foul. Moments at the death, Agbor Paul, Chika Kelvin and Ahmed Ahmed who were introduced deep into second period were impressive, combining well to ensure a vital point as Seye Ajayi tutored side boasts of another impressive runs.

What's next for Omoluabi Giants is a semi final clash with Nationwide League One side Karamba FC in the state Federations Cup on Tuesday at Ilesha Grammar School before welcoming perennial rival, Crown FC of Ogbomoso in Match-day 16 of Nigeria National League on Saturday 30th March 2024

Amobi breaks silence on how Rangers won NPFL title in 2016

Former Team Manager of Rangers International F.C of Enugu, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku has attributed the success recorded by the Flying Antelopes in 2016, as a conceited efforts of the Enugu State government. 

Ezeaku who spoke as a Guest to the FCT SPORTS UPDATE Personality Interview Segment said the he State Government in 2016 had the deep desire to lift the trophy and break the 32 years jinx.

" In a bid to do so people were asked to apply for the positions they felt they were capable of working in. That singular act to me started that journey to glory. I recall the Governor particularly telling me he wanted international best practices". 

"In 2016 when I got to Rangers, we made frantic efforts to get the players to hold us in trust and to hold us accountable. We first found that most of the players didn’t have copies of their contracts and we had to start from there. The structure at Rangers then was good. All we did was to get a psychologist and a physio on board. And of course with the sound technical crew we were good to go".

Continuing, Amobi said "In a nutshell I would say that once the players trust the Manager/Management the work becomes easier". 

 

On his recent course overseas, the former school boy player said "For my UEFA Certificate in Football management Course, I had always believed in improving myself, but when I served at the NFF in 2013 and the trio of Barr. Musa Amadu, Okey Obi and Dr. Emeruwa drummed those sermons about personal improvement as an avenue to generating values to the society.

"I knew it was worth it. Coming from very experienced seniors and achievers, you could bet I was not going to relent on that. Of course everyone prays to grow, so it would be correct to say I look forward to greater opportunities for the future".

NPFL Transfer Update: Rangers block Salisu's home return to Kano Pillars

 

Management of seven-time Nigeria league champions, Rangers International F.C under the headship of Prince Davidson Owumi, has sounded it loud and clear to all football stakeholders that the contract between it and its technical adviser, coach Salisu Yusuf, subsists.

Against the backdrop of reports making the round for the past two weeks that the coach has signed a deal with top league side, Kano Pillars F.C, the management after meeting with the gaffer at the corporate headquarters of the club, Thursday, came up with the stand.

G.M/CEO of Rangers International F.C said, after the meeting that had a representative of the commissioner for Youth and Sports, Enugu state, Hon. Manfred Nzekwe and some stakeholders of the club, “Coach Salisu Yusuf is a professional and a big one at that, hence due process needs to be taken in everything relating to the terms of the contract we have with him. We are saying that all the terms of the contract we have with coach Salisu Yusuf have to be fully respected.”

Coach Salisu had earlier during the meeting informed the meeting that pressure from his home state of Kano where the government and traditional institutions were on his neck to come and lead the ‘Sai Masu Gida’ side may not allow him to honor his contract with a side he loves with a great passion, Rangers International F.C.

Recall that Rangers’ old and new players are expected back in the coal city on September 17, 2021, to kick start pre-season activities for the fast approaching 2021/2022 football season.

David Obiazo talks up Elkanemi chances at NNL Super 8

As teams from the NNL set to complete move to get  tickets for promotion to play In the NPFL next season with clubs from the different groups compete for slots in Enugu.

The El kanemi warriors goalkeeper David Obiazo is very confident of a return to the NPFL were he featured for clubs like Heartland fc, kano pillars and plateau United of Jos before pitching tent with the maiduguri club, " I am very optimistic we are heading back to play in the NPFL next season but the journey must be achieved here in Enugu during the NNL playoffs so we are ready for business also equally going to give it our all, we have the players to achieve such feat and our coaching crew led by coach Baba Ganaru is experienced enough having worked with clubs in the NPFL is enough tonic to get us back to the NPFL but we must take one game after the other because all the teams will fight too".

The Abia born goalkeeper is hoping return back to the NPFL soon," I had my plans of returning to the NPFL and that was my major reasons of teaming up with El kanemi warriors before the beginning of the season and hopefully I will give my best we get back to the NPFL too".

El kanemi warriors will compete with teams Niger tornadoes, Dmd fc and Gombe United while the second group will have 3sc,Bendel insurance, Remo stars and Ekiti United hustle for tickets back to NPFL next season.

NEDUM

Governor Ugwuanyi Assures of Successful Super4 in Enugu

Government of Enugu State has assured football fans and the League Management Company (LMC) of a successful hosting of the first ever Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Super4 tournament which holds at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium from December 7-11.