Mahanaim FC felicitates with Mallam Shehu Dikko over NSC appointment

 

The management and staff of Mahanaim FC congratulate the new sports supremo in Nigeria, Mallam Shehu Dikko on his appointment as the Chairman National Sports Commission. 

Mallam Dikko's appointment to chair the NSC by President Bola Tinubu is a worthy one that illustrates his wealth of experience in a sector he has nurtured for more than 20-years.

Mallam Dikko is a well grounded professional in our sports sector. He is someone whose expertise traverse every component that make up a working system needed for a functional sports sector. Working closely with him, one can see that his dedication to achieving results is second to none.

We believe Mallam Shehu Dikko's appointment will open up a new era that will stimulate the ecosystem and this simply means, all sectors within sports will benefit greatly.

Everyone at Mahanaim FC warmly congratulate Mallam Shehu Dikko and wish him all the best on this new task. 

Prior to this latest appointment as head of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko had chaired the Nigeria Professional Football League board for eight years with remarkable achievements. 

Dikko was also the 2nd Vice-President of the Nigeria Football Federation,(NFF) between 2014 and 2022. He is a member of the FIFA football stakeholders committee, a senior match commissioner of the Confederation of African Football,(CAF). 

Shehu Dikko started out as a sports consultant many years ago. He was the Nigerian manager of the FIFA goal project and was previously instrumental in bringing top European football clubs for Preseason tours into our dear country, Nigeria. 

We believe his experiences in this sector have more than prepared him for a successful stint as headship of sports in Nigeria. 

e-Signed:

Director of Communications- Mahanaim FC 

Olaoluwa Aro

Nigeria Football: Time to Unbound

 

... Attention Honourable Sports Minister, the time to *'ADOPT A CLUB IS NOW'!

By Adewale Ajayi

Let me start this piece by first defining the word *'Unbound'*. It simply means not bound together,  release, separate, not fastened together, not confined, freedom and so much more.

 In this context, Unbound means freedom, proliferation, opening the space for private investors to come in and operate in an environment that is condusive, accommodating and appreciative. 

The Nigeria professional football league as it is today, is a 20-clubs league format that has 95 percent government owned clubs and just 5percent privately owned clubs.

 What this means is that government plays a huge impact in what goes on within and around the league, leaving our football at the mercy of some politicians who see football as a political tool that has to be managed by their political loyalists, who inturn know that the only way they can keep their jobs is by getting results at all costs. 

Disadvantages of government ownership of Nigeria clubsides

1. Poor management

     

Most times, the men appointed are political loyalists to the government in power.

 Majority of them have never played football, have no managerial skills and lack the basic ideas of running a football club so all they do, is to apply orthodox means of winning matches to satisfy their owners 

2. The win at cost Syndrome 

These loyalists will want to win at all cost as that is the only way to keep their jobs.  It happens every year in the NPFL, before the start of every season, the chairman of Referees appointment committee and Chairman of the Nigeria Referees Association, pay courtesy calls to state governors on the request of the club owners and at such meetings, continental tickets are promised and delivered at the end of the season. 

3. Poor officiating

This has been the biggest bane of the NPFL. It is no longer news that club owners pay match officials large sum of monies to pick vital points especially at home. The Referees play a key role in helping to actualize the win at all cost syndrome and the reason behind this is well understood. The club owners have no idea of how to run the clubs, how to make money from the sale of players, branding and merchandising in order to meet their overall investments so they are left with just one option, which is to cheat. 

4. Crowd Violence

In the last few seasons, football hooliganism has been on the rise in the NPFL. The reason is that, majority of the club owners are under pressure to get results and when that doesn't come, they insight the fans against the referees which in most cases lead to serious infield and off-field crisis. 

SOLUTION

Using the Nigeria Telecommunication model

Over two decades ago, Nitel enjoyed absolute monopoly as the sole distributor of telecommunication network in Nigeria until the federal government thought it wise to allow other interested parties come forward with proposals on how to better the sector. That was how MTN, Econet and later Globacom came on board and today, the country is better off. 

       

Government realized at that time that Nitel has not lived up to expectation and are happy today with the improvement the sector has made so far. 

WAY FORWARD

The Adopt A Club initiative

Like the adopt an athlete and adopt a stadium initiative of the Sunday Dare  administration which has enjoyed widespread publicity, acceptance and endorsement, many are of the opinion that the federal government through the sports ministry can appeal to individuals, corporate bodies and other multinationals to adopt a football club from their state and sponsor the adopted club in the NPFL. 

The likes of Aliko Dangote, Baba Ijebu, Femi Otedola have shown over the years that they have deep passion for football but they are afraid to come forward and invest in the league because of the negative stories that comes out of the system. 

Multinational companies like Shell, Oando, AITEO and telecom giants like Mtn, Globacom and Etisalat can all adopt a football club, offer them full and total branding and use same to promote their social responsibility to society. 

 In the last two seasons, the English Premier League spent over 425M pounds on community development alone. Football in Europe is very big business and the earlier we see the need to gradually take these clubs away from government, the better it will be for our football. 

In 2003, Roman Abraham Abrahamovic bought Chelsea for just over 140m pounds and earlier this year, thesame club was sold for 4.25billion pounds out of which, 1.5b pounds will be used to build a new Stadium for the West London Club. 

That is how football business has grown and the earlier we key in as a country and a people, the better it will be for all of us.

Adewale Ajayi writes from Canada. 

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".

LMC is work in progress - Barrister Amobi

Former Rangers International F.C of Enugu Team Manager, Barrister Amobi Paulinus Ezeaku has described the League Management Company (LMC) as a work in progress. 

The legal luminary who entered the history books as the youngest team manager to have won both the Premier League and Federation cup with Rangers said a trip down memory lane would attest to the fact that the League is on an ascendancy. 

"It has improved to an extent. In addition to the Mobile app where we can watch games, it is my humble thoughts that when games are on TV it would bring back deeper ecstasy and the desired followership" .

 

He said that most of the other issues that affects clubs, are behoove on such Clubs to sort themselves out towards taking the league to an enviable and adorable state .

 

He maintained that for Nigerian Clubs to perform excellently in CAF tournaments, there must be a roadmap, a strategic plan that would be consciously followed. "When such strategic plans are executed there is every tendency that that we would go far in continental games. Strategic Plans take about 3-5 years" .

Barrister Amobi who spoke as a Guest of the FCT SPORTS UPDATE Personality Interview Segment added that there are various  business angle that Nigeria clubs should embrace, among which are the numerous avenues on transfer of players to merchandise sales, and so many other things. 

"I would encourage a business investor to invest In sports in Nigeria and get top class and seasoned administrators to run the club" he concluded.

NPFL22: Pillar of Sports drum support for Kwara Utd ahead of new season, commends Gov. AbdulRazaq

The new Kwara Pillar of Sports, Prince Oladimeji Thompson, has called on soccer fans and enthusiasts in the state to get behind their darling team, Kwara United FC when they play host to Dakkada FC on Sunday and throughout the season.

Thompson made the call in a statement he personally signed on Friday in Ilorin, ahead of the commencement of the 2021/2022 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season. 

The Kwara Pillar of Sports, who had previously managed the team urged football lovers to always get behind the team whenever they are playing, adding their support and chanting can turn around their performance on the pitch.

"I want us to know that everyday is not Christmas, so the team will not perform same way in every of their matches.

"On a day they are not performing well is when they need all of us the most to sing for them to raise their play.

"Abusing them when the day is already tough will only add salt to injury which we don't want.

"So, I am using this my statement to appeal to all soccer enthusiasts in the state to always stay solidly behind the team at all times" Thompson said.

Thompson in the statement, also commended the State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his swift response to the banning of the Kwara Stadium Complex from hosting matches in the new season.

He said the Governor showed his leadership qualities by ensuring the stadium gets a face-lift within the shortest period of time to get League Management Company's (LMC), provisional approval to host Kwara United’s home games.

Thompson also commended the Executive Chairman of Kwara State Sports Commission, Malam Bola Mogaji, the FA Chairman, Malam Idris Musa and the management of Kwara United for working hard to get the stadium ready for the new season.

Heartland players drag club to FIFA over 8 months unpaid salaries

 

Ahead of the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season scheduled to kick off next week, the players of Heartland FC of Owerri, have threatened to take the Naze Millionaire,  to World Football governing body, FIFA over eight months unpaid salaries.

Prior to the end of last NPFL season, the management of the Owerri-based side, promised the team, that all their financial entitlement including, the eight months backlog of salaries will be paid, but according to the players nothing has been paid.

With less than a week to start another season, in the Nigerian topflight, Heartland player who pleaded to be anonymous, claimed that the weak League Management Company (LMC) has failed them hence, they have vowed to take the club to FIFA as they seek for justice.

“It’s sad that we are here talking about our unpaid salaries of about eight months, after we involved the League Management Company who appear to be very weak and toothless.

“Some of us are family men, breadwinners of our families, we don’t have other profession than football, but it’s sad that after you worked tirelessly for a season, you still have to beg and cry for what is rightfully yours.

“We are highly disappointed with the LMC, because by now they ought to have sanctioned Heartland and place an embargo on them, but here we are, Heartland are preparing to start the new season, having completed half of the registration process with the same LMC.

“Since, it appears the League body can not help us, then we have decided to report the case to FIFA and see maybe we will get the desired justice.”

Expect best of volleyball at Division One League – Hon Daunemigha

 

The Chairman Media and Publicity of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Hon Famous Daunemigha has told Nigerians to expect the best of volleyball at the 2nd phase of the 2021 National Division One League.

The 2nd phase of the National Division One League will take place at Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja from 18th to 28th November, 2021.

Hon  Daunemigha said the League Management Committee (LMC) led by Controller of Immigration (CIS), Monica Ezugwu has put in modalities to make the Division One a success.

He revealed that 10 teams consisting of 8 men and 2 women will participate at the final phase of the Division One League.

He said, “As the National Division One League serves today, Nigerians should be expecting the best of volleyball during this championship. During the 2019 Division One League, we witnessed the unbelievable as smaller teams shocked the bigger teams. As we stand, there are no weak teams in the league; they have what it takes to beat themselves.

 “The League Management Committee (LMC) led by Controller of Immigration (CIS), Monica Ezugwu are working round the clock to ensure this year’s Division One league because this is the first official assignment of the new board.”

“Kada Kings, Bauchi Spikers, Kwara United ABM of Kastina, Team Oyo, Spartans Spikers of Yola, Caliphate Spikers of Sokoto and Equity Spikers of Kebbi are the men’s team while Kwara United and Zamfara Babes are the only women’s teams”, Hon Daunemigha.

He said COVID-19 guidelines will be strictly adhered to during the league.

Akwa United strongman Gbadebo revels in NPFL All-Stars call-up

 

Akwa United central defender, Samson Gbadebo has expressed delight following his call up to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) All-Stars squad that will play the Budweiser Game of Kings which features Spanish La Liga great, Roberto Carlos as well as EPL icon, John Terry.

Gbadebo who has been on top form for the Uyo based side is part of the players invited for the event. 

"I think it was an honour in the first place to be given the platform ahead of several other players in Nigeria," he told the Media.

"What it means is that my work is being assessed and I have to keep the same mental psyche going forward since there are several other defenders there yearning for such platform.

"Hopefully this is the beginning of more things in the pipeline for me. So grateful for the invite and will surely not look back after this.

The former Rivers United man is very happy with the chance offered him by the technical crew of the NPFL All-Stars.

He has been in a different mood ever since the invitation reached his club and he was notified.

Obviously, he will be an instant hit with the NPFL All-Stars since he knows how to work under pressure. He is aware of the situation at stake and will rise to the occasion when given the chance.

The Budweiser Game Of Kings comes up in Lagos at the Teslim Balogun Stadium from 18th-21st November 2021.

Maxisports CEO appreciates Dikko, Fresh, Bosso, others for gracing Unity Cup final

Secretary of this year's organizing committee of the just concluded Unity Preseason Cup competition in Abuja Olaoluwa Aro has expressed gratitude to their sponsors and special guests, who took out time to attend the maiden edition of the tournament; whilst also praising them for their support for a successful ending of the week-long tourney. 

Speaking to the press to show his gratitude to the guests, CEO of a Renowned Sports agency, MaxisSports International  Olaoluwa Aro who was equally elated, personally took out time to thank the dignitaries who graced the occasion. 

"I want to humbly thank all our sponsors and partners for the successful hosting of this competition and we are glad we were able to unite the clubs around the North cause the event was a way of fostering UNITY on and off the field whilst also giving the fans in Abuja something to cheer about. 

" I also want to appreciate the Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC)  Mallam Shehu Dikko who compressed his tight schedule to honour the final, not also forgetting Alhaji Ahmed Fresh the leader of the North Central Football fraternity who was ever-present all through the competition;  and also the Chairman of the Club Owners Association, Issac Danladi and the Secretary of the association,  Alloy Chukwuemeka respectively. 

"My appreciation also goes to the president of Nigerian Football Coaches Association, in the person of Ladan Bosso, and of course,  the Deputy Director- Technical and Scouting of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and Former Flying Eagles Coach Paul Aigbogun,  while also recognizing the presence of

the Chairman of Bauchi State Football Association,  Patrick Pascal (MON).

" Lastly, I also want to thank Robert Akpenpuun Chairman VLGFC, and ex-International Garba Lawal(MON), not also forgetting Mr Phemmy Adetunla, Spokesperson of the Nigerian Olympic Committee, and a renowned journalist, as well as all members of the Press, for their relentless support and effort."

Plateau United were crowned champions of the maiden edition after they piped Nasarawa United 1-0 in the final.

ANFPU President, Abdul Sule says its time to rebuild, reboot players' union

 

President of the newly established All Nigerian Football Players Union (ANFPU) Abdul Sule has urged all present and retired footballers to demonstrate core values that would help them remain relevant during and after playing the game of soccer. 

Sule who was a former Super Eagles player was appointed as President of the body, in a well organised ceremony held in Abuja on Wednesday, which was attended by ex- footballers, and top NFF Officials, including the Second-Vice President of the NFF, Shehu Dikko.

"It is time to rebuild and reboot the players union association in our country. It requires vision, trust, knowledge and courage. ANFPU is a players-led organisation, which demonstrates the values of ensuring better life for the present and retired footballers in Nigeria.' Sule Said. 

"As a former player, who have played both in the local league, the national team and also abroad. I believe I have the deep understanding of the players position within the game and will contribute significantly to the growth of the organization.

"This historic initiative will provide courage for all footballers in the country. Their voices will be heard and together, we can think of ways to develop, and protect players rights, both male and female.

"The association also aims at inspiring the younger players for more achievements and restore hope to the retired footballers. 

"Generally, we are looking at galvanizing the football playing community, through a strategic support system that would bring a new life into the Nigerian Football environment. 

"We have so many opportunities, partnerships wit the club owners and also with the Football Federation, as we are affiliated with them and have all it takes to be a union. 

"We have started work and are willing to accept players who are eligible to join the association. We are really poised at helping the current and ex players achieve their dreams. This is the main motive behind the association.

Kwara United FC rejects Biffo's resignation, awaits his resumption

 

The management of Kwara United Football Club has rejected the resignation of it's Technical Adviser/Head Coach, Abdullahi Usman Biffo, urging him to return back to his position after recuperating from surgery.

Coach Biffo had, in a letter dated October 29th, 2021, and addressed to the Chairman of the Club, Kumbi Titiloye, resigned from his job, picking November 30th, 2021 as his last day of employment.

 

"Please accept this letter of resignation from my position as Technical Adviser/Head Coach of Kwara United Football Club. My last day of employment will be November 30th, 2021", the letter read in part.

He said that he received a letter of query from the Kwara State Sports Commission, claiming that the act breached the terms of his contract, as he is not directly employed by the Commission.

"I received a letter of query from the Kwara State Sports Commission, and as a professional football coach, I value working ethics and well organized working environment.

"I am no longer comfortable working for the club any more", he averred.

But in a.message by the Chairman, the Board rejected the resignation, reminding him that he signed a three year contract which needs to be completed.

"The management of Kwara United Football Club has received your resignation letter, and subsequently, have rejected same because it negates the terms and conditions in the three years contract you signed with the club.

"You are therefore, expected to resume after recuperating from the successful eye surgery you had, to ensure a smooth preparation of the club for the forthcoming 2021/2022 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

"As a professional football club, we also value working ethics, and club has provided the coaches a well organized working environment in the first and second of the three years of their reign, and believed that this will be sustained, irrespective of the circumstances", the statement added.

The statement also added that Kwara United FC will strive to build on the successes of last season, commending the State Government for it's unalloyed support to the club.

Unity Preseason Cup: Wikki's improvement delights Dogo, hails organizers for a hitch free tourney

By: Abdulquadir Adedapo 

Head Coach of NPFL side Wikki Tourist, Kabiru Dogo has hailed his side's solid display in their second group game of the Unity Preseason Tournament after they brushed aside NYSC Strikers 4-0 on Tuesday afternoon to record their second win in Group C. 

Having defeated Capital City FC 3-0 in their opening game on Sunday, the Bauchi based side showed their supremacy once again on Tuesday afternoon as they took out NYSC Strikers to make it maximum points from group C. 

Speaking after another brilliant performance, Dogo hailed his players' solid display whilst also praising the level of organizations at the Unity Preseason Tournament. 

“Rhere has been an improvement from my side, in our first game we won 3-0 but today scored one goal better although it's not about the goals, but the way we play. Today the boys were more composed and played better. 

“On the tournament, I must give commendations to the organizers of this tournament, the competition lived up to its billing, the teams are playing well and we are getting to the business end already where every team wants to win every match,’ Coach Dogo added. 

The former Sunshine Stars of Akure gaffer further posited that the tournament will serve as a perfect shape up for his lads ahead of the new season stating that his boys are almost ready for the new NPFL season. 

Wikki Tourist will next face Katsina United in their last group game with the winner of the encounter all but securing passage into the semifinals of the competition.

Organizers praise Optima Energy, clubs, others over Ogunjobi Gold Cup success

 

Organizers of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup have expressed their sincere thanks to its proud sponsor, Optima Energy, after a successful hosting of the nation's premium class pre-season tournament.

Remo Stars defeated their Southwest derby rival Shooting Stars 4-0 to become champions of the 9th edition of the tourney which was co-hosted at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne and FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu.

General Coordinator, Tunde Shamsudeen who expressed his delight said, "The success recorded during the Ogunjobi Gold Cup in Ikenne and Sagamu can not be overemphasized, but this could not have been achieved without the huge support from Honourable Kunle Soname, Barrister Churchill Oliseh, President FC Ebedei and a top brand like Optima Energy.

Family members of late Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Secretary-General, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi and other VIPs that attended the final.

"FIFA and CAF certified synthetic pitch installation firm, Alansmith Nigeria Limited for a good job done on the FC Ebedei Stadium which hosted some matches.

"Our other partners, European Football Scouting Platform based in Finland, Afripro and the duo Nigeria indigenous sportswear firms, Owu, Haggai Sportswear who were also part of our success story.

"Not forgetting also, the participating clubs and their coaches, 2017 champion Niger Tornadoes, MFM FC, FC Ebedei, FC Yobo and Beyond Limits, who used the platform to showcase the football talents we have in the three tiers of our domestic leagues and prepare their teams for the new Nigerian football season.

"We also want to thank the board of Ogun State Football Association lead by Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi for giving the Ogunjobi Gold Cup brand the enabling environment to thrive.

"Also the beautiful game of football can not be complete without match officials, we want to thank as they were professional in their duties all through the tournament.

"Furthermore, I want to thank members of the Sporting media in Nigeria for professionalism and delivery of contents of the pre-season tournament."

The country's first pre-season tournament is also proudly supported by Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Foundation, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sports, 11th Media Global Concept, Phreestyle Sports, Renewed Hope, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Olansile Football Club, TSI Football Academy and ITS Football Management.

Ottasolo Preseason: MFM, Remo, Sunshine in 'Group of Death' as 36 Lion open tourney with Ottasolo FC

 

It will be a battle between the host team of the maiden edition of the Ottasolo Pre-season tournament,  Ottasolo Int. FC and Lagos-based Football Club, 36 Lion, as the championship kickoff on Monday at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium,  Surulere, Lagos.

In a draw conducted at the Havannah Hotel, Egbeda on Sunday, Ottasolo Int. FC seeded in Group A was joined by 36 Lion, Lobi Stars and Yobo FC.

The opening game is scheduled to take place by 9am as the teams prepare to be the maiden winner of the championship. 

Group B is arguably the Group of Death with Lagos-based Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, MFM FC seeded in the group alongside newly promoted side, Remo Stars, Sunshine Stars and Smart City.

Coming from winning the first recognised Pre-season tournament in the country, the Ogunjobi Gold Cup, Remo Stars already showed that they are ready for the season and they will be the team to beat in the group.

Two games will be played on Monday with Sunshine Stars taking on Smart City by 3pm at the same venue.

Speaking during the draws ceremony witnessed by top administrators, the Coordinator of the Pre-season, Bashir Badawiy, appreciated all the clubs that made it to Lagos while also assuring them of a level playing ground and a good time in Lagos.

Present at the draws were the CEO of the host team and the sponsor of the competition,  Otunba Gabriel Davies, Football Director of ABS, Ilorin, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, CEO of 36 Lion, Alhaji Liameed Gafar, Coach Henry Makinwa, among others.

The Pre-season is taking place at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere, from November 1 to 7.

Club Owners scribe hails Remo Stars Stadium as huge investment to boost football development in Nigeria

 

The ongoing construction of a multi- billion naira Remo Stars international stadium in Ikenne Ogun State South-west Nigeria has been described as a major boost to the growth and development of football in Nigeria. 

Speaking with Sports Writers on arrival at the stadium project in Ikenne Saturday,  Executive Secretary of the NPFL Club Owners Association Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka described the state of the art facility as a massive investment in the football industry.

Chukwuemeka who was a guest at the final of the Ogunjobi Goldcup preseason tournament took a guided tour of the facility through many standard pitches and commended the Owner of Remo Stars FC for adding value to football and youths development in the country. 

According to him " Critical infrastructure development remains key to rapid growth of football, this facility is massive and a huge investment to develop football, he said.

" Iam very sure that if governments at all levels can replicate such a structure in the 774 local governments areas in Nigeria, then we are good to go, so we must commend Hon. Kunle Soname for this huge investment coming from the private sector to boost football ",he concluded.

Remo Stars maul Shooting Stars to lift Ogunjobi Gold Cup

 

Remo Stars have been crowned champions of the 9th edition of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup after they defeated their Southwest derby rivals 4-0 in the final hosted on Saturday at the Remo Stars Stadium Stadium in Ikenne.

A hat-trick from unsung hero Andy Okpe and one from former Oluyole Warrior striker David Ojukwu was enough for the Sky Blues Stars to humiliate 3SC and win the nation's premium class pre-season tournament after breaking their seventh-time semi-final jinx.

Shooting Stars goalie Detan Ogundare gifted Remo Stars an easy chance to score three out of the four goals the team conceded within 15 minutes owing to his carelessness with his passes to his defensive line.

At the half-hour mark of the game, Remo Stars were the better side in the contest, as they kept the pressuring on Shooting Stars for an opener.

The first chance at goal came in the 26th minute after Tolulope Ojo low drive shoot at Detan Ogundare went off target.

Then, the real chance came in the 42nd minute after Andy Okpe capitalize on Detan's poor clearance pass to his teammate to poke into the net the first goal of the game.

Five minutes into the second half, Ojukwu punished his former team as he made it 2-0 for Remo Stars.

Mercurial midfielder Dayo Ojo take advantage of Detan's poor pass again, to give Ojukwu a pass and the striker made no mistake than to shoot the ball into the net.

Okpe, in the 57th minute then bagged his brace putting the icing on the cake for the Sky Blues Stars nodding in the empty net from Tolulope Ojo's cross to make it 3-0.

As the game near 10 minutes to end the derby, Okpe then scored a brilliant goal with his head to bagge his hat-trick, as he made it 4-0 for the Sky Blues Stars to put the game beyond the reach of the Oluyole Warriors, and took home the match ball.

Victorious Remo Stars then took home the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500, 000) while 3SC got Three hundred thousand Naira (N300, 000) as runners-up.

The country's first pre-Season tournament is sponsored by Optima Energy, and its proudly supported by Alansmith Nigeria Limited, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Foundation, Nigeria leading sportswear firms, Owu, Haggai Sportswear, Afripro, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sports, 11th Media Global Concept, Freestyle Sports, Renewed Hope, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Olansile Football Academy, TSI Football Academy and ITS Football Management.

Nasarawa United, Plateau United, Wikki Tourists, others arrive Abuja for Unity Preseason Tournament

 

Nasarawa United on Friday became the first Premiership club to arrive Abuja for the Unity Preseason Tournament holding in the Capital city from 30th October to 5th November 

Speaking to the team before their departure on Friday, Nasarawa United Chairman, Barr. Isaac Danladi, stated that the Preseason tournament would give his team the opportunity to test their new recruits ahead of the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League Season.

"Yes, the Preseason tourney is Kick-starting  on Saturday in Abuja, and it's a good preparation ground for us ahead of the new football season.

"The beauty of this tournament is the fact that it has in it top flight teams within the North Central Zone of the country, including former league champions, Plateau United FC.

"There are also Katsina United as well as Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi and other top second division clubs.

"Also, this tourney will offer us a serene atmosphere to work towards our programmes for next Season because at this time, we have to be far away from distractions."

Danladi who also heads the NPFL Club Owners' Association said the Club's participation at the preseason tournament is not all about winning it but to use it to fine-tune the team ahead of the forthcoming Nigeria Professional Football League Season. If we win, that's very good. If we don't win, it is good too. However we are going into the tournament with good vibes

Twelve teams split into three groups will participate in the one week-long competition.

Addressing his team before their departure, the General Manager of Plateau United Football Club of Jos Pius Henwan challenged his players to be good ambassadors as they participate in the Unity Pre-season Football Competition in Abuja.

Henwan reminded the players that they are representing Plateau State and as such , they should exhibit good conduct during the competition and do the state proud.

He explained that the team's continental aspirations start from now and challenged the players to work hard by winning the trophy at the end of the competition.

" Don't look at this Pre-season Tournament as mere friendly matches, but take it as competitive league matches because how well you do in this Competition will go a long way to determine our performance in league which kick off in few weeks .

He directed the head coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu to drop any player who indulge in act of indiscipline stressing that there is no room for such players in the team this time around.

He reminded the team that management will not hesitate to drop any player who fails to live up to expectation stressing that there will no room for complacency in the team this season.

Technical Adviser of the team, Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu thanked management for the opportunity to attend the competition and assured that the team will give a good account of itself in the tournament.

Other teams that have arrived for the week long tournament are Cynosure FC, Fosla FC, NYSC Strikers, Mavlon FC, Wikki Tourists and Sokoto United. 

Hostilities with begin on Saturday with Nasarawa United tackling Cynosure FC.

Detan Ogundare trusts Shooting Stars credentials to win Ogunjobi Gold Cup

The Oluyole Warriors host their Southwest derby rivals Remo Stars in the climax of the 9th edition of the prestigious pre-season tournament at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

Detan, a former Flying Eagles shot stopper said after his saves in the penalty shoot-out against MFM FC propelled Shooting Stars to their first Ogunjobi Gold Cup final.

"'It's another final game for us, and a tough one as both teams are rivals and want to win the Ogunjobi Gold Cup for pride and for fans.

"For any team can win but 3SC has the edge going into Saturday's final. Recall Remo Stars forced us to a draw in the NNL Super 8 Promotion play-off in Enugu and we did beat them recently via penalties in one of the pre-season games. This time around, they can't escape it will be Shooting Stars at the end of 90 minutes." 

His thoughts after he replaced his goalkeeping partner Charles Tembe on the dot of 90 minutes after scores stood at 0-0.

"Not much of a feeling as I knew it was my turn to make an impact in the game and I had the confidence that my team would steal the evening.

"I was so delighted that my coaches believed in me after they introduced me into the game against MFM FC for the penalty shoot-out. 

"They know it's one of my specialty and glad I didn't disappoint after I stopped two of MFM spot kicks."

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

The country's first pre-Season tournament is sponsored by Optima Energy, and its proudly supported by Alansmith Nigeria Limited, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Foundation, Nigeria leading sportswear firms, Owu, Haggai Sportswear, Afripro, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sports, 11th Media Global Concept, Freestyle Sports, Renewed Hope, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Olansile Football Academy, TSI Football Academy and ITS Football Management.

Remo Stars donate, Wheelchair, cash gift to die hard fan

It's a day not to forget in a hurry for Ilorin based die-hard fan of Remo Stars, Inuoluwa Heritage after he was given a new wheelchair and cash by management of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) team.

Heritage, a person living with disabilities is a passionate follower of the domestic league and travelled to Ikenne to support the Sky Blues Stars.

Presenting the gift to Inuoluwa at half time of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup semi-final game between Tornadoes and Remo Stars, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Sky Blues Stars Ogungbefun Lukmon said it was a way to reward his passion.

"The gesture is just to show our appreciation to him (Inuolawa) who has been a supporter Remo Stars. I also learnt that he is based in Ilorin, so the wheelchair will help ease his movement 

"I wouldn't want to disclose the value of the cash that was given to him, the token is just to take care of his accommodation and feeding here in Ikenne."

A delightful Inuoluwa thanked the club President, Kunle Soname for his kind gesture as prayed that in the near future, the club will win the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) and make its debut in the CAF Champions League.

"I want to say a big thank you to Soname and everyone in Remo Stars. When the President(Soname) saw me supporting the Sky Blues Stars in one of the matches at the Ogunjobi Gold Cup, I sent someone to call me and after meeting with him, he told me he liked my passion for football and he has a gift for me.

"I never expected that it would a wheelchair to help ease my movement and cash to pay for my accommodation as I came from Ilorin to support Remo Stars."

Meanwhile, the Sky Blues Stars come from behind to beat Tornadoes 2-1 to advance to the finals of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup.

Olalekan targets Shooting Stars' scalp with MFM in Ogunjobi Gold Cup semifinal

 

Olamilekan Gabriel says his MFM FC will go all out against Shooting Stars when they meet in the Southwest Derby semi-final clash in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup on Thursday at the FC Ebedei Stadium.

This will be the first meeting of both teams in the country's prestigious pre-season tournament for teams from the three tiers of the domestic leagues.

The Olukoya Boys who finished second in Group A behind Remo Stars set eyes on another final if they go past the Oluyole Warriors. 

Recall the first time they made it to the final in 2016, the Olukoya Boys lost 4-3 on spot-kicks to Lobi Stars at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode.

Speaking ahead of the game, "This is a semi-final and a few things are at stake. I except a different ball game against 3SC, as they will come out strong.

"Am optimistic that my lads will be clinical, as we have shown them the few mistakes they made in the game against Remo Stars. I expect nothing short of victory from them as the Oluyole Warriors are not invincible."

As regards the loss to Remo Stars, "It was a match we could have taken a point from, we should have won it in the first half of the lads had taken the half-chances that came their way. 

"Mind you, Remo Stars were not the better side in the meeting of the two Southwest Derby teams. It's a lesson learnt and that will help the coaching crew fine-tune the squad as we are still going to lock horns against them when the season kicks off."

The country's first pre-Season tournament is sponsored by Optima Energy, and its proudly supported by Alansmith Nigeria Limited, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Foundation, Nigeria leading sportswear firms, Owu, Haggai Sportswear, Afripro, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sports, 11th Media Global Concept, Freestyle Sports, Renewed Hope, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Olansile Football Academy, TSI Football Academy and ITS Football Management.