Governor Inuwa reappoints 'Dan Fulani' as General Manager of Gombe United

 

Executive Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammedu Yahaya Inuwa has reconfirmed the appointment of Mallam Abubakar Abubakar Yellow popularly called 'Dan Fulani' as the General Manager of the state's football club, Gombe United. 

With the Nigeria Premier Football League  (NPFL) new season kickoff rescheduled to a yet to be announced date, Dan Fulani was giving the nod by the State Governor to serve in same capacity, after he turned the club's fortunes around; guiding the club to promotion to the Premier League from the Nigeria National League  (NNL) and retaining Gombe United top flight status at the end of a tough 2022/23 Abridged League season.

Under Dan Fulani as General Manager, Gombe United who finished in Group B that had Bendel Insurance, Remo Stars and Enyimba, recorded some stellar performances and results in the tough Abridged League season. 

According to a press statement from the State Government and signed by the Media Aide, Shuaibu Muhammad Angazy, 'Yellow' as fondly called by his admirers, is one of the most experienced football administrators of his generation.

Angazy’s statement which was accompanied with a letter from the Governor's Office dated September 14 added that based on Yahaya’s approval, the General Manager’s  reappointment takes immediate effect.

Yellow, who hails from Gombe, is an astute football adminstrator, having previously worked for Wikki Tourists FC, El Kanemi Warriors, Enyimba FC of Aba, Sunshine FC of Akure and Shooting Stars FC of Ibadan.

Dan Fulani expressed his delight after his reappointment as Gombe United General Manager. "I can't express how delighted I am but this is another call to duty and also deliver, just as I have done in a few years I came into management of Gombe United.

"I want to specially use this medium to thank His Excellency, Governor Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his faith in me, after he deemed it worthy to once again hand me the baton to adminster the affairs of Gombe United as General Manager.

"I don't want to make much promises but am assuring that the Savannah Scorpions will hit the ground running when the new NPFL season kicks off, with the sole aim of winning and giving it a shot for a title or continental slot at the end of the domestic league campaign."

Anthony Encho ready to go past Beyond Limits for second Optima Energy Gold Cup title

Anthony Encho has expressed confidence that Beyond Limits can't stop Ijebu United from becoming new champions of the Optima Energy Gold Cup, let alone twice teach him and his team football lessons.

The Remo Stars International Stadium in Ikenne host the grand finale of the 11th edition of the preseason tournament on Saturday at 3pm, with two Group A facing off again.

Biliaminu Abdullahi's sensational strike from 19 yards was all Beyond Limits needed to nail Ijebu United in a thriller that determined who go top of the group and bragging rights of the derby.

Cameroon-born Encho won the pre-season tournament with ABS FC of Ilorin during its 8th edition in Kwara State told Optima Energy Gold Cup Media Channel on his expectations ahead the game against Beyond Limits again and why his team deserved to go past 3SC in the final.

'I believed in my lads, trust what I have impacted in them and they have shown me their quality coming this far, as we're ready to go against Beyond Limits in the final.

"It's going to be a fantastic game as am ready to win the trophy again. Beyond Limits can't stop my team or deny me of that record, by defeating twice in group stage and final. So that's my mind set towards the match.

"I trust my players to give their very best as we are ready to take this piece of silverware back home."

On his team's semi-final win against a 10-man 3SC after coming behind to draw level at 1-1 with three minutes to end the game.

"We deserved to put Shooting Stars to the cleaners in the penalty shootout after coming back to level terms in the 87th minute.

"My lads were under pressure despite playing at their best, but kept fighting despite falling behind by a goal in the 1st half."

"Got themselves some confidence boost, took the game to Shooting Stars and made the most of the player advantage after the goal scorer saw a red card and behold, the reward for their highs pressing an equalizing goal."

Referee Assault: 'I was breathing on Oxygen when Ref Ukah claimed I assaulted him', suspended Remo Stars GM denies allegation

 

Remo Stars General Manager, Ekene Abubakar Adams says he is yet to come to terms with while breathing with oxygen aid during the botched NPFL home game between Remo Stars and Gombe United, that he earned a ban from the Interim Management Company (IMC) on the allegation that he assaulted match referee Ndubuisi Ukah from Imo State.

The Sky Blues Stars became the third team to be docked three points and three goals by the IMC among other punishments imposed on the club.

Ukah claimed that he was assaulted in the dressing room at halftime as a result of Remo Stars' failure to provide adequate security for the match officials.

In Ukah's report, he alleged that Ekene Adams was the attacker, and the IMC wasted no time to ban him from all NPFL activities for the rest of the season. The IMC further directed Remo Stars to ensure diligent prosecution in the law court, of the club's General Manager.

Adams, now members-elect of the House of Representatives while speaking with the sporting press gave his side of the event.

"There is no iota of truth in the match's official claim. That I was alleged to have assaulted Ukah and banned temporarily from all related Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) activities without any proper investigation and fair hearing on my part from the Interim Management Company (IMC), beats my imagination and also raises questions.

"This for me is prejudice and a way to cut short the ambition of Remo Stars to finish the season among the top 3 teams and feature in the Super 6 playoff.

"How can I stoop so low, to the level of assaulting a match official? The allegation is just cheap blackmail to rubbish my character and the good pedigree that took me years to build for myself in Nigeria football.

"I did not intend to join issues with the IMC, but as a credible stakeholder in Nigeria's football family, I just want to put the fact straight.

"I have never come close to molesting nor traded punches with any match official before or after a game. 

"Owing to my health recovery status, I was breathing with the aid of oxygen on the day of the NPFL game.

"So it was my crime to go into the dressing room to ask questions that needed begging answers from the match officials, as the ref was just out there acting on a script given to him and he perfected it well.

"If it's now a crime to go the match officials' dressing room, it means many club administrators should be banned as well, as the IMC should refer to one that has not gone to the dressing room to ask questions during the match interval.

"How demeaning it was and after many appeals, the Ukah refused to continue with the game. At 8:00pm (that night) he hurriedly checked out of his hotel room in the company of a few policemen without informing the host team. Not the IMC cared to ask questions about why he did that. To make matters worse, the new official (Reserve Referee) who stood in for him to complete the game added salt to injury, as he was biased."

"I want to thank all that have shown concern regarding the issue for their love and care. The IMC has done good, telling me to have a break from football.

"Mind you, don't deviate Adams from crises as being principled, one that stands for justice and never bends the rules. Did I say I didn't go to the dressing room, I did but never assaulted ref Ukah."

Adams will represent the good people of the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in the 10th National Assembly after he clinched his ticket under the platform of the (Labour Party).

Lobi Stars swell star studded NPFL line up for Ottasolo Pre Season Competition

 

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Lobi Stars, is the latest club to show interest in the fast approaching Ottasolo pre-season tournament scheduled to take place in Lagos from November 1 to 7.

Making this declaration was the coordinator of the tournament, Mallam Badawiy Bashir, who revealed that the organisers are making concrete arrangements towards a successful championship.

According to the General Manager of Kwara United, the likes of Remo Stars, Abia Warriors, Niger Tornadoes, Gombe United and Sunshine Stars will all be in Lagos for the prestigious pre-season event.

"Remo Stars, Abia Warriors, Niger Tornadoes, Kwara United, Gombe United and Sunshine Stars are the teams who already confirmed their readiness to be part of the Ottasolo pre season  tournament," he mused.

"The target is to have 10 teams and we are already in talks with other top sides who are just trying to look at their schedule before confirming their availability.

"The NPFL outfits will join the host team, Ottasolo International for the seven-day football competition in Lagos.

"Everything have been put in place for an explosive Tournament," he added.

NPFL: Gombe United unveils Dembele, Chidera Ezeh, 10 others

 

Ahead of the kick off of the 2020/2021 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Gombe United Football Club have signed and unveiled twelve players.

According to the chairman of the club Dr Larry Daniel more players would be recruited to bolster the squad.

Dr Larry Daniel explained that the technical adviser has identified some positions that need reinforcement and the management of the club is doing everything humanly possible to achieve that.

The Gombe United boss further explained that the Savannah Scorpions are back to their rightful place and they are building a team that will fight for the NPFL title this season.

The Secretary of the club Labiru Garba and board members: Abubakar Yellow, Alhaji Bappah Burah and Bulus Plando also re- echoed their resolve to make Gombe United title contenders and applauded Governor Inuwa Yahaya for his relentless support to the club.

The technical adviser of the club Aliyu Zubairu appreciated the management of the club for the support and encouragement and called for more in that direction.

The newly recruited players are:

1. Mutawakilu Fuseini from King Faisal Fc, Ghana - Centre Back

2. Ezeh Chidera from Heartland Fc - Right Back.

3. Al-ameen Al-ameen from ABS Fc - Winger

4. Williams Ukema former Akwa United player - Attacking Midfielder

5. Innocent Christian from EFCC Fc - Defensive Midfielder.

6. Ibrahim Sani Hassan (Dembele) from Doma United - Midfielder

7. Abubakar Sadiq Sa'ad from Zaki Mairiga Fc - Winger

8. Bello Ibrahim from Moonluck Academy,Lagos - Centre Forward

9. David Jack from City Bombers,Jos - Attacking Midfielder

10. Mohammed Shuaibu from Fc Cosmos,Abuja - Center Forward

11. Abubakar Ahmad from GBS,Jos  - Winger

12. Mohammed Dantata from Wikki Feeder - Centre Back.

Halilu Mohammed Teli

Media Officer

GUFC

Optima Energy is official sponsor of 2021 Ogunjobi Gold Cup

Indigenous oil and gas company, Optima Energy are now the new sponsor of Nigeria's prestigious Pre-Season Tourney Ogunjobi Gold Cup.

Tunde Shamsudeen, the General Coordinator of the tournament made known of the deal on Wednesday.

"It's another feather to our cap as we are very proud to announce Optima Energy Resources as our official sponsors.

"The sponsorship is a reward for our hard work over the years as the Ogunjobi Gold Cup has become a brand to the affiliate within Nigeria's domestic football," Shamsudeen said.

Optima Energy Resources Limited is an indigenous petroleum downstream marketing company having an ultra-modern white fuels depot in Koko, Delta State that is strategically positioned to serve the energy needs of the economy.

With over 50 and a growing number of petrol retail outlets that are meticulously positioned in almost all the geological zones of the country, Optima Energy Resources Limited is the preferred Energy choice availing the right quality, quantity of white fuels to the public in the most sincere and customer-friendly manner.

Meanwhile, the 9th edition of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament will be co-hosted at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne and FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu from Thursday October 21 through Saturday October 30, 2021.

ABS FC of Ilorin is the defending champions after they stung Gombe United in a 5-goal  thriller at the last edition in Ilorin.

Mohammed Mohammed unveiled as as new Technical Adviser of Sokoto United

 

In a bid not to leave any stone unturned and pick one of the two NNL Northern Conferences NPFL promotion tickets next season, Sokoto United have unveiled former Gombe United Chief coach, Mohammed Mohammed as its new Technical Adviser ahead of the 2021/2022 NNL season on a 2 year contract.

The colorful unveiling ceremony was held this Saturday at Shukura Coral Hotel, Sokoto. The former Julius Berger, Sharks  and Al Masri of Egypt player was immediately tasked to secure promotion ticket for the highly motivated Caliphate Boys next season.

The Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development,  Bashir Usman Gorau  gave the mandate when presenting the new gaffer to the State FA, SWAN (Sokoto Chapter), Referees Council, Supporters Club and other key Stakeholders in the state.

"Today is an interesting day and event to unveil our Technical crew. The journey to the NPFL begins now. We have made the right choice of appointing you and your assistants after consulting with every key Stakeholders within and outside the state. That's why we have invited everyone to witness this unveiling.

"Welcome our amiable Technical Adviser. Let me also challenge you and your team to take Sokoto United to the elite division next season as my Ministry and management of the club would give you the free hand to pick players of your choice without interference as all we crave is to play in the NPFL next season".

Coach Mohammed Mohammed in his acceptance speech thanked the Ministry for giving him the opportunity to serve and promised to bring his wealth of experience to bear in other to actualize the set target.

"I want to thank the Almighty God for this wonderful opportunity and also the Hon. Commissioner,  the Permanent Secretary and Director of Sports for making it possible  to be part of this wonderful family. I believe so much in hard work and Sokoto United won't be an exception.

"It's not going to be easy, but with a solid structure in terms of players recruitment and with the already existing high level of players welfare here, we shall achieve our promotion target next season.

"I want us to be patient as we take our steps one after the other. I and my crew can assure you of good and result oriented football next season.

"The caliber of people I would be working with are highly experienced and together we shall place Sokoto United  where it truly belongs which is the NPFL".

Also present at the unveiling ceremony are; the Parmanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports Development,  Hajiya Amina Dekada, Director of Sports, Bala Ubandoma, Sokoto State FA Chairman, represented by Comrade Sanusi Zulu, SWAN (Sokoto Chapter), Sokoto State Referee Council Chairman, Dr. Bello Abubakar, Sokoto United Supporters Club and other dignitries.

Sokoto United Media Department

Ogunjobi Gold Cup congratulates NNL champions, Tornadoes, Remo Stars, Gombe United

Organisers of Nigeria's prestigious pre-season tournament, Ogunjobi Gold Cup have congratulated Niger Tornadoes for winning the Nigerian National League(NNL) trophy.

The Ikon Allah Boys beat Shooting Stars who also gained promotion alongside Gombe United and Remo Stars, 3-2 in a thriller at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, venue for the 2020/22 NNL Play-Offs.  

Tunde Shamsudeen, General Coordinator of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup said: "I want to use this medium to congratulate the quartet of Tornadoes, Shooting Stars, Gombe United and Remo Stars for picking a promotion ticket to the NPFL.

"It was well deserving of the teams as they capped their brilliant season and hard work with the much-needed ticket.

"The feat recorded by the clubs in Enugu has shown to our critics the value of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup to teams in their three tiers of our domestic league, as over the years the tourney Cup has grown to become a brand in Nigeria's  football, as it gives teams the needed platform to prepare for the new seasons.

"With the quality of football exhibited by these four teams at the NNL play-off, I'm certain these teams will make a difference in the NPFL this season.

"I want to appeal to the four teams that it's a different ball game in the NPFL and it's difficult to gain promotion and easy to relegate. So they must invest wisely in their squad, get their recruitment process right and strive to pick points on the road."

Shamsudeen, further hinted that plans were in top gear to organize the 9th edition of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup preseason tournament.

"I want to keep much of the information to my chest, though some states are bidding to host the prestigious championship, while more than 20 teams in the three tiers of our leagues have signified their interests of participation."

Club Owners welcome 3SC, Niger Tornadoes, Gombe United, Remo Stars to NPFL

The Football club Owners Association of Nigeria have congratulated the four clubs from the Nigeria National League NNL who gained promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL via the just concluded super 8 play off held in Enugu. 

Club owners said the four clubs showcased high level display of soccer artistry worthy to play in the top flight domestic league,  the NPFL. 

" We are happy to welcome you to the top flight league as worthy winners and assure you of our cooperation in the NPFL " . Club owners said in a statement in Enugu jointly signed by the Chairman Barr. Isaac Danladi and the Executive Secretary Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka who were in Enugu to observe the super 8 play off.

The Association urged the newly promoted clubs to speedy up their preparations cum licensing requirements in order to have a smooth take off in the Nigeria Professional Football League expected to kick off soon. 

Club Owners also congratulated the leadership of the Nigeria National League NNL for a successful conclusion of the season just as it praised the government and good people of Enugu for being a good host of the super 8 play off.

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

NNL Super 8: Ogunjobi Gold Cup charges 3SC, Tornadoes, Remo Stars, Gombe United to win promotion ticket

 Nigeria's prestigious pre-season tournament for teams in the domestic leagues, Ogunjobi Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament has charged the quartet of Shooting Stars (3SC), Niger Tornadoes, Remo Stars and Gombe United to clinch a promotion ticket.

 

Shooting Stars and former Ogunjobi Gold Cup champion Niger Tornadoes, the duo of Remo Stars and Gombe United plus other four teams El-Kanemi Warriors, DMD FC of Borno, Ekiti United and Insurance of Benin will be chasing the four available tickets for Nigeria Professional Football League(NPFL) football next season.

 

 

Niger Tornadoes

Ogunjobi Gold Cup General Coordinator, Tunde Shamsudeen gave the charge after Remo Stars emerged top of the Southern Conference Group B2 ahead of Insurance.

 

"Over the years, the Ogunjobi Gold Cup has grown to become a brand in Nigeria's domestic football, as it has given teams the needed platform to prepare for the new seasons.

 

 

"Shooting Stars, Niger Tornadoes, Remo Stars and Gombe United are teams that have used the platform to know the strength and weakness of their squads going into the season.

 

 

Remo Stars

"So having come this far, it's best the four teams cap their hard work by earning promotion from the NNL playoff. 

 

 

"We believe they can, looking at their pedigree in the NNL season that ended. Though it's going to be a different ball game in Enugu, which of course is a neutral ground for the eight (8) teams, irrespective of their good form in the season.

 

"However from what I saw in some of the home and away matches involving 3SC, Tornadoes, Remo Stars and Gombe United, I can place a bet on them to gain promotion to the NPFL, as the teams have a sound coaching crew and players that will surely deliver the goods."

 

 

Shooting Stars

The week-long football fiesta will be staged at the 22,000 capacity Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, Enugu State from Tuesday 7th through to Saturday 11th September.

 

 

Draw for the playoff will be conducted on Monday 6th September 2021 with the opening ceremony and first game holding the next day

Hon Khamisu Mailantarki activates multi-million naira football development program in Gombe

... Hold Interactive Session With Football Coaches

... Donate N2.7m for 2021/2022 season registration fees to Nationwide and State Leagues Clubs

Praises and commendations from Gombe State football stakeholders, coaches, and enthusiasts was the order of the day as day Hon Khamisu Mailantarki unveiled a mega football development program in Gombe, the capital city of Gombe State. 

Hon Mailantarki revealed the development when he hosted an interactive session with the leaders and coaches of Nationwide and state leagues football clubs respectively at the Hajiya Amina conference hall in Gombe, while presenting his speech, the CEO of Aqua Gardens and Amazon Kayak stated out the conditions of the program which will be executed under his football academy 'Mailantarki Care Football Academy' under which the franchise deal with the European and domestic partners was sealed. 

Similarly he vividly explained to the club owners the nature of any possible deal that will involve teams if their respective players were found worthy of selection to form part of the platform under Mailantarki Care Football Academy. 

Meanwhile the platform have since made its debut by showcasing talents from the State to Russian Football Development side FDC Vista and a domestic scouts UDE Sports Management talents hunting programs in Abuja respectively, successful players from the latter exercise will participate in the next phase of the program scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt in September. 

Furthermore arrangements have concluded for the first ever regional scouting tournament under the platform, the event which is scheduled to hold in Gombe will see about 10 foreign scouts/agents in participation for possible  recruitments of talented players to various football clubs and academies in Europe

The program is a branch of Mailantarki Care Foundation which aimed at exposing talented players to foreign scouts/agents for career development, the foundation is a dedicated charity initiative for youth empowerment launched by the former federal legislator years back which have since impacting the lives of many beneficiaries across various developmental program. 

In a related development Mailantarki had swiftly responded to the demands of the two football forums (Nationwide and state leagues) by paying all their registration expenses for the 2021/2022 season worth N2.7m (two million and seven hundred thousand naira) in other for the clubs to focus and start an early preparation for the upcoming third tire and state leagues competitions respectively. 

In their separate response, the delighted stakeholders and coaches lauded the  philanthropic gesture as they termed it the first of its kind in the history of football in the state. 

Notable among those present at the historic and colour event were Chairman of Gombe State Sports Commission ably represented by the state Director of Sports Suleiman Jarmai, Gombe State FA Chairman Philibus Yakubu Sarma, GSFA Vice Chairman Adamu Yakubu Kupe, Chairman Nationwide League Forum Hashimu Ibrahim, Chairman State Leagues Forum Sani Yahaya, Dahiru Hassan Kera, Bala Abubakar Ajuji among others.

Adeyemo, Eduwo, Usman vie for VAT Wonder Goal 14

Niger Tornadoes’ Bolaji Adeyemo , Gombe United’s Musa Usman and Kingsley Eduwo of Lobi Stars made the shortlist for VAT Wonder Goal 14.

NRA seeks protection of referees at match venues

The Nigeria Referees Association, NRA has pleaded with clubs, state FAs and league organisers to provide adequate security for match officials at match venues.

Shooting Stars rally to beat stubborn Gombe United

Two weeks after the collapse of Shooting Stars vice captain, Ebiaku Promise during the match against Enyimba FC, another similar occurrence was averted on Sunday evening in the team's 2-1 win over Gombe United in one of the Week 33 NPFL fixtures at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba Ibadan.

Gombe United's Abbani Clinches VAT Wonder Goal 9

Gombe United forward, Sani Abbani hs emerged the winner of the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL) VAT Wonder Goal 9 for Match Day 28 in a close race that saw him edge closest rival, Sunshine Stars Joseph Abiodun with Abu Azeez of Shooting Stars coming a distant third.

Remo Stars Ochowechi Clinches Match Day 22 VAT Wonder Goal

Remo Stars Salefu Ochowechi’s 19^th minute free kick goal against Gombe United on Match Day 22 turned out the most popular for the fans who participated in the voting for Match Day 22 VAT Wonder Goal selection.

Ochowechi happy to get Remo Stars back on track

Man of the Match, Ochowechi Salefu opined that Remo Stars' 2-0 victory against Gombe United in one of the Matchday 22 of NPFL was very important to him and his team mates.

Fatai Osho confidents Remo Stars will beat the drop

Remo Stars Football Club Technical Adviser, Osho Fatai has indicated that the battle to escape relegation in the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL, has just started with a 2-0 win over Gombe United at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu.

Saka, Abdulwaheed and Ugochukwu make VAT Wonder Goal Cut

Gombe United’s Afolabi Abdulwaheed, Ayo Saka of Rivers United and Enyimba’s Ugochukwu Leonard have been shortlisted for the inaugural VAT Wonder Goal award for Match Day 20.