Festus Allen gets Gateway United's top technical job for one football season

Gateway United FC has officially announced the appointment of Festus Allen as head coach for the upcoming 2024/2025 Nigeria National League season.

The unveiling ceremony, held at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode, was graced by Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, who presented Coach Allen with the club's jersey. The event also introduced the club's new technical crew, which includes:

Allen will be assisted by Shakiru Lawal (Assistant Coach 1), Emmanuel Bamidele ( Assistant Coach 2) and Michael Soniregun (Goalkeeping Coach).

Hon. Wasiu Isiaka urged the newly appointed technical crew to deliver their best for the club in the coming NNL season.

"Today, we unveil a new technical crew to lead us on this transformative journey. You are here to inspire, to build a legacy, and to strengthen the bond with our unique community. This is your opportunity to leave an indelible mark," he said.

During the event, Coach Allen said he's ready for the task ahead.

"I am honored to take on this role at Gateway United FC. My mission is to build a competitive team, foster a strong connection with the fans, and achieve the success this club deserves. Together, we can accomplish great things."

With a career spanning over 25 years, Coach Allen brings a wealth of experience to the club. Known for his tactical acumen and talent development, he has previously led ABS FC from the amateur division to Nigeria's top-flight league. 

His coaching portfolio includes stints with 3SC, MFM FC, Bayelsa United, and Ijebu United, where he built a reputation for identifying and nurturing young talents.

Behold! The unsung heroes reshaping Gateway United's fate

 

In the unpredictable realm of football, fortunes can change as swiftly as the wind. Such is the narrative of Gateway United, a stalwart of the Nigerian National League (NNL) whose journey through the league has been akin to a rollercoaster ride. 

For the past 12 years, Gateway United, owned by Ogun state government, are akin to a patron lingering too long in a barbershop and inevitably getting their hair done. Yet, despite the near misses and tumultuous seasons, the team, under the stewardship of Samson Omiponle, has displayed resilience, epitomized by their 7 games unbeaten run. 

However, the current season didn't commence with the desired vigor for Gateway United. Hindered by registration issues leading to delayed start, the team faced early setbacks. However, the Gateway boys have mounted a formidable resurgence in the latter half of the season. A commendable seven-game unbeaten streak has bolstered their campaign, albeit with the ultimate goal remaining promotion to the topflight league.

While Osun United presently leads the pack, their position appears precarious, akin to an elephant perched precariously on a tree branch, destined to adhere to the law of gravity. Meanwhile, Ikorodu City, the second-placed team, grapples with a squad riddled with injury woes.

Amidst this resurgence, three unsung heroes have emerged within Gateway United's ranks: Sulaimon Ogunleye, Segun Simon, and Jamiu Hamzat. Ogunleye, a diminutive yet dynamic right-back, has blossomed into a linchpin since joining in 2020, showcasing proficiency in pace, precision passing, tenacious tackling, and composure under pressure.

 Likewise, Jamiu Amzat, a formidable left-back akin to Marcelo, dazzles with his dribbling prowess, complementing Ogunleye's defensive solidity.

 Completing this defensive trident is Segun Simon, a cerebral central defender adept at marshaling the backline, orchestrating play from deep, and launching incisive passes to ignite attacking forays. Segun Simon, former Warri Wolves' player was an integral player in the Sporting Lagos squad that ensured their promotion last season. 

As Gateway United's resurgence gathers momentum, propelled by the contributions of these unsung heroes, the prospect of, at least, NNL playoff beckons tantalizingly, marking a potential watershed moment in the club's storied history.

NNL expels Gateway, Malumfashi from 2023/2024 participation

Gateway  FC and Malumfåshi FC has loose their Status as a professional  team with the NNL. 

This according to the Chief Operating Officer of the League Dr Ayo Abdulraham is in line with article 3.5 01 of the NNL rule book.

 The Scribe said the Board of the Nigeria National League  noted with huge concern the inability of the teams to meet their financial obligations to the NNL, and fulfill other club licensing conditions for the 2023/2024 league season.

" This was after our several waiver Via our circulars on the subject on conditions  participation" 

The Scribe said the compulsory payment of registration was agreed upon at the NNL Annual General Meeting held  in Jos, Plateau State. 

This he said is in accordance with circulars 265, 267,  270 on  conditions for participation, and the NNL rule book as cardinal pre requisite for participation in the Nigeria National League. 

"Regrettably, after the expiration of the official grace period, and subsequent telephone reminders Malumfashi FC of Katsina and Gateway Utd FC of Ogun State have failed to comply with registration requirements, which indicate their Inability to participate after league has commenced.

In view of the foregoing and in line with the provisions of the NNL rule book articles 2.1. the Ieague body hereby invokes its articles on

Gateway Utd FC and Malumfashi FC from  participating in the  League". 

He said that they  however  have the right to appeal to the Disciplinary   Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation within 48 hours on receipt of the letter.

#DapoAbidounCup21 Day One Wrap: 3SC pips Kwara Utd as Remo Stars outclass Ottasolo FC

Shooting Stars kickstart their title defense on a winning note with a 1-0 win over Kwara United. Both sides had their chances but failed to convert in the first 45 minutes. 

Oluyole Warriors started strong in the second half and broke the dreadlock with a fine header from Malomo Ayodeji in the 47th minute. 

An entertaining affair between Gateway United and Ijebu United in a local derby which produced three goals. Ijebu claimed a 2-1 win against Gateway with all the goals coming in the first half of the game. 

Remo Stars cruised to a 2-0 win over Ottasolo FC. The sky blue stars started strong after hitting the post early in the game from a Dayo Ojo’s freekick. 

Tolulope Ojo opened scoring with a well placed shot in the 70th minute after Qudus Akanni played a fine cross from the right. Seun Ogunribide sealed the win, after scoring a sumptuous freekick in the 90th minute. 

It ended a stalemate between MFM FC and Niger Tornadoes in the last game of Matchday One. Niger Tornadoes almost claimed all three points in the final minutes of the game but a goal line clearance from Chinonso Michael ensured the match end in a draw. 

POST-MATCH INTERVIEW: 

Remo Stars coach, Gbenga Ogunbote spoke about the qualities of his team after their 2-0 win over Ottasolo FC. 

“We have talented, quality, and young players, we are working to make a big statement in the season. We are a work in progress. The tournament has high quality and it offers a good opportunity to continue working with the team”. 

The tournament sponsored by Bet9ja and Value Jet is an initiative of Otunba Tade Azeez, President Nigeria Referees Association.

#DapoAbidounCup21

Dapo Abiodun Cup Draw: Defending Champions 3SC rekindles rivalry with Kwara United as Ogunbote faces former club

 

Defending Champions of the Dapo Abiodun Preseason tournament, Shooting Stars sports club have been placed alongside NPFL side, Kwara United and two NNL sides, Gateway United and Ijebu United in Group A. 

Shooting Stars won the two previous editions of the tournament, and claimed the last title with a 1-0 win over Lobi Stars. The Oluyole Warriors will hope to defend their title, when they face Nigeria Professional Football League side, Kwara United, and two Nigeria National League side, Gateway United and Ijebu United in Group A. 

New coach of Remo Stars, Gbenga Ogunbote will face his immediate former side, Sunshine Stars in Group B, with two NPFL sides, MFM FC, Niger Tornadoes, and Ottasolo completing Group B. 

The opening match of the tournament, Shooting Stars against Kwara United will kickoff by 7:30am on Tuesday, 12th of October. 

Dapo Abiodun Preseason Tournament: Draw 

Group  A 

Shooting Stars

Kwara United

Gateway United

Ijebu United

Group B 

Sunshine Stars

Remo Stars

MFM FC

Niger Tornadoes 

Ottasolo FC. 

MATCHDAY ONE FIXTURES: 

Shooting Stars vs Kwara United 

Kickoff: 7-30am 

Venue: Main Bowl 

Gateway United vs Ijebu United

Kickoff: 9-30am  

Venue: Practice Pitch 1

Remo Stars vs Ottasolo FC  

Kickoff: 9-30am

Venue: Main Bowl 

MFM  FC vs Niger Tornadoes  

Kickoff: 3-30pm  

Venue: Main Bowl.

Hakeem Busari: Nigerian coach with a special touch

 Gateway United head coach Hakeem Busari had his Secondary education at CMS Grammar School.

He made his name in grassroot competitions in Lagos. Curiosity piqued, Busari shadowed coaches in the academies for a while. His foot now firmly wedged in the door, there was no looking back.

Learning on the job, he swiftly demonstrated his promise on the touchline. His tactical shrewdness, man management and ability to recognise and grab opportunities when they arose helped the coach.

He started his journey as Technical Assistant to the Golden Eaglets before getting employed by Shooting Stars Sports Club in 2008.

His next step was even more unusual. Eager to prove to himself that he could be a success away from the football pitch, Busari studied Sport & Recreation Management at university.

The gaffer had stints at Crown FC and FC BESCOLA. He was well loved by supporters of both clubs.

During his time at Crown, he earned a reputation as one of Nigeria's football's most tactically astute coaches, regularly switching up formations according to the task in hand, whilst always staying faithful to his own unique fundamentals.

Credentials well and truly established, he was targeted by some clubs. However, the appeal of the Bayelsa United was too strong and he was named as Technical Consultant of the club in 2017.

He is also unafraid to take unconventional approaches to his work. The coach also holds CAF A&B Licenses, USA Grade D License and National Institute for Sports, Grade I, Grade II & Grade IV Certificate.

Feats of that kind do not go unnoticed and Gateway United employed him in 2017, where he has worked till date.

Pillars recently shortlisted Busari alongside five others for their vacant coaching job. This shows that the ex Crown FC boss is doing something right for a top Nigeria Professional Football League side to notice his potential.

#NNLFinalDay Saga: ABS FC Reacts to NFF O and D Ruling

The Director of Football, Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC, Alloy Chukwuemeka, has said that the decision of the Organising and Disciplinary (O&D), Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation was not in the best interest of the game. 

ABS FC Berates Gateway United

The management of Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC, has berated it's counterparts from Ogun state over the show of same they exhibited before, during and after the match day 14 Nigeria National League (NNL), encounter on Sunday in Ilorin.