Charles Agada inspires Mavlon to beat ATFA to secure Viareggio Cup semifinal berth

 

Football fans at the on- going Viareggio Cup in Italy were treated to a sublime football when Mavlon FC and Alex Transfiguration FC, two Nigerian teams met at the quarter - final clash.

Alex Transfiguration drew the first blood when Henry Madubuko converted from the spot in the 5th minute. The early goal deficit brought out the fighting spirit in search of an equaliser, which failed to come as both teams went into the break with Alex Transfiguration at an advantage.

However, it was a different ball game in the second half as the technical crew made some changes and the team more dominating against Alex Transfiguration, a team that comprised of players from some clubs that participated in the TCC league in Lagos, Nigeria.

In a nutshell, Mavlon indeed played against a team that can be likened to as consortion of players from about four teams in Lagos, but the strong winning mentality helped the team to claw back into the game through Inuwa in the 51st minute.

It became a balanced affair, but a winner must emerge within 90 minutes or straight to the penalties. It was a ding dong affair, an end to end attacking football from both sides.

But it was Mavlon that went into the lead 14 minutes later courtsey of Charles Agada, the captain of his side, who has now scored eight goals in the tournament.

Agada's goal proved the decider and paved the way for the team to play at the semi - final of the 2024 Viareggio Cup in Italy.

It is all African affairs as four Africans teams are in the semi-finals of the tournament.

Mavlon FC will engage Centre Nationale of Brazzaville, while Beyond Limits and Ojodu FC, two Nigerian teams will trade tackles in the other semi-final fixtures on Saturday . 

Dino SC star boys making waves at Viareggio Cup in Italy

The contingent of Dino Sporting Club currently jostling for honors and glories at the prestigious 74th Viareggio Cup in Italy are creating notable impressions, crafting a tournament filled with remarkable performances.

The squad, consisting of David Ede, Christian Nwachukwu, Pascal Okoli, Okoro Hyacinth, Stephen Ende, Ikechukwu Friday, and Amos Adzuu, proudly represents Alex Transfiguration F.A (ATFA). 

Six of these talented players have played pivotal roles, propelling the team to the quarterfinals.

Under the guidance of Dino Sporting Club Head Coach Godwin Gibson, ATFA boasts a strong lineup captained by Ogonna Okoro Hyacinth. 

Ogonna Hyacinth showcased his goal-scoring prowess against Honved Budapest of Hungary on Tuesday.

The team's journey in the preliminary round comprised three intense matches, securing a victory, a draw, and experiencing one defeat. Notably, they triumphed over RUKH L-VIV of Ukraine in the round of 16.

Now in its 74th edition, the Viareggio Cup stands as a premier tournament for young talents, providing a platform for scouts from top football clubs to identify emerging stars.

Viareggio Cup: Free scoring Agada inspires Mavlon FC to back to back win over Jovenes Promesas

 

Red- hot Nigerian teenage striker, Charles Agada is leading the goal scoring chart of the 2024 Viareggio Cup with four goals in two games, reports www.totorinews.com. 

The unstoppable striker was too lethal in the colours of Mavlon FC in the 2-1 victory of Jovenes Promesas in the match day two of the on- going Viareggio Cup tournament in Italy.

Mavlon FC approached the game with strong intention to subdue Jovenes Promesas from the blast of the whistle and the attacking due of Ephraim Elisha and Charles Agada were in a razor - like partnership to pummel their opponents with goals.

The attacking forays into their opponents' vital area paid off when Agada collected a lose ball inside the box and clinically fired into the net to give Mavlon the advantage.

The goal deficit brought out a fighting spirit from Jovenes Promesas players, as they went in search of equaliser, which they eventually got after a defender of Mavlon handled the ball inside the box and the referee pointed into the box.

Friday James in goal for Mavlon FC failed to stop the resultant kick, as both teams went into the break all squared.

The second half completely belonged to Mavlon FC. The teenage team from Nigeria totally dominated their opponents to the admiration of fans and they sealed the victory when Agada collected a pass from Simon Karshe and dispatched two defenders before hitting the ball with his left foot to restore the advantage again for his club till the end of the game.

Agada had earlier scored two goals in their first game against Avellino FC, which ended 4-1 in favour of the Nigerian side.

Viareggio Cup: Elisha, Agada inspire Mavlon to record big win over Avelino

Mavlon FC duo of Ephraim Elisha and Charles Agada stole the show on Tuesday as they registered brace each in the 4-1 win over Avellino FC at Viareggio Cup.

Elisha combined beautifully well with Agada as they went in search of early goal and it came when Agada was hacked down inside the box and Elisha converted from the spot, but Noah Mutanda restored parity for the Italian side 1-1.

Mavlon went ahead again through Elisha as the Nigerian side went into the break with a 2-1 advantage.

On resumption, Avellino FC went in search of an equaliser, but failed in their attempts, as Charles Agada punished the young Italians after pouncing on a loose ball in the box to hit it into net.

The game went beyond the reach of Avellino when Agada, a member of 2023 Golden Eaglets of Nigeria team to AFCON U-17 tournament in Algeria, hit a low drive to make it goal number four for Mavlon FC.

90 minutes witnessed football supremacy from Mavlon FC against an Italian team that is very formidable the U-19 tournaments in Italy. It was indeed a master - class performance from Mavlon FC.

Mavlon FC will trade tackles against Jovenes Promesas in the next game on Thursday at the on- going Viareggio Cup in Italy.

Mavlon defeated Jovenes Promesas 3-0 at the last edition of Viareggio Cup in 2023.

Mavlon departs Lagos for Viareggio Cup in Italy

 

Modest Nigerian club, Mavlon FC have departed the shores of Lagos, Nigeria for this year's edition of Viareggio Cup in Italy, www.totorinews.com reports.

 

The Nationwide League One (NLO), side parades very exciting young talented footballers, some have represented the age - grade teams of Nigeria at international tournaments.

The team participated at last year's Viareggio Cup where they shone brightly to the delight of football stakeholders, especially football scouts in Italy and Europe.

Speaking to www.totorinews.com before the team departed, Muyiwa Showole, the chief coach of the team, disclosed that the experience gained after participating in 2023 Viareggio Cup will be useful in navigating their opponents this time around.

"We thank the management of Mavlon FC for another great opportunity to participate at this year’s Viareggio Cup. We learnt a lot last year and we hope to do better this tournament after what we gained last year," Showole said.

Kebbi BSC wallops BS Vion to secure historic second round berth at World Winners Cup

By Wale Mustapha 

Nigeria's representatives at the Beach Soccer World Winners Cup, Kebbi BSC make history on Thursday to qualify for their first ever second round stage following their 15-1 hammering of Slovakia side, Ba Vion.

Kebbi BSC started the tournament going on in Italy on a rather unimpressive notes losing their opening two games to Copenhagen BSC of Denmark and ASD Napoli of Italy.

They however repelled and rose to the occasion with a dominant outing against Vion. 

Two goals in the first period by Filipov and Ekene Obi opened the floodgate of goals for Nigerian champions. 

The second period saw them scoring six goals with a hat trick from Filipov while Hassan Muhammed scored twice and Usman Mohammed getting his name on the score sheet as well. 

The team wrapped up victory with emphatic seven goals in the third period, thereby qualifying as the third best team in Group A.

They will be taking on Spain's Mazarron BSC in the Friday's second round clash. 

Viareggio Cup: "We are taking the Cup to Nigeria" - Kanayo Martins

Mavlon Sporting Director Kanayo Martins says they fear no-one after mauling Jovenes Promesas 3-0 at the Viareggio Cup.

The Abuja based team are probably the most feared side in the competition because of their pattern.

Kanayo said it will be important for his boys to play without fear for any foe

"We have been training for eight months. We were in Bulgaria last year. As soon as were back to Nigeria, preparations started for the Viareggio Cup."

"The boys like the Viareggio Cup, they like the environment in Italy. This place is friendly to the entire team," Kanayo Martins said to the Media.

"Footballers love good facilities, for the boys they're enjoying every moment here. 

"We aren't scared of any team. I can tell you authoritatively that teams are actually scared of us. We are here not just to participate but compete. Trust me we are taking the Cup to Nigeria," he concluded.

Viareggio Cup: Biliaminu dedicates Ladegbuwa's win over Sport Recife to Otunba Olowu

 

Buoyed by a stunning 2-1 victory over highly fancied Sport Recife at the opening day of the Viareggio Cup, Ladegbuwa Football Club skipper Oriyomi Biliaminu has dedicated the feat to Club President Otunba Dapo Olumide Olowu.

The Nigerian team picked up victory over the Brazilian outfit thanks to goals from Gbolahan Onabanjo and Timilehin Akande on Tuesday.

Ladegbuwa Football Club were seen as underdogs for the game but they caused an upset with a stunning performance.

"Of course, we are very happy that we won our first match. It was difficult but we showed a great desire. Now we want more, to win again and then we talk about qualifying from the group," Oriyomi Biliaminu told the Media in an interview.

"It is one match at a time and that is who we will go. But we are very happy and looking forward to what comes next."

"We were very motivated before the game against Sport Recife thanks to the club chairman, Otunba Dapo Olumide Olowu who has been using Ladegbuwa Foundation to empower youths and exposing us to the World. The victory is dedicated to him," the talented player added.

Ladegbuwa, Mavlon, Kakawa get tricky draws at 73rd Viareggio Cup in Italy

 

The draws for the 73rd Viareggio Cup has been held in the representation room of the Municipality of Viareggio in Italy.

Nigeria trio of Ladegbuwa, Mavlon and Kawawa got their group opponents in the tricky draws.

Kakawa will battle with Fiorentina, FA Euro New York and Monterosi in Group B.

Group G should be easily navigated by Mavlon who have Bologna, Atromitos and Jovenes Promesas to battle with.

In Group G, Lagos based Ladegbuwa will slug it out with the likes of Rappresentiva Serie D, Sport Recite and Imolese.

The draws was met with reactions from many, but Ladegbuwa Sporting Director Mr Wale Joseph described the draws as ‘fair’.   

“It is a fair draw,” Mr Wale Joseph said to the Media on Saturday.

“You can’t ask for less, you can’t ask for more. It is a competition of 32 and you take whatever comes.

“We have played a couple of friendlies to keep our boys in shape and will keep improving ahead of the tournament,” he added.

Mavlon will also be using the tournament to expose their young players having toured two European countries in 2022.

The 32-team competition will hold from March 20 to April 3 2023.

Shooting federation solicits government, corporate's support

The Nigerian Shooting Federation, NSF, says it is soliciting for assistance from Government and private sector in the Country to enable it participate at the forthcoming Para-Shooting Tournament slated for between 29th January and 13th February, 2018, in Umbria, Italy.