Ottasolo Preseason Day 3 Wrap: Smart City put Remo Stars on the brink; Lobi close in on semi-final ticket

 

Remo Stars will now depend heavily on the results of other matches if they are to qualify for the semi-final round of the on-going Ottasolo Pre-season Tournament after they lost their second consecutive game to Smart City on Wednesday at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Lagos.

The Sky Blue Stars had lost to MFM on Tuesday and were hoping to stage a comeback in the tournament but Lagos based Smart City had other ideas as they plan how to negotiate their qualification to the next round, too.

Smart City narrowly lost to Sunshine Stars in their first game on Monday but they stormed back to life with a 1-0 win over NPFL new entrants, Remo Stars. Habeeb Olaitan converted the only goal of the game from the penalty spot after he slotted the ball beyond the reach of Remo Stars goalkeeper, Timi Adeyoriju in the 15th minute.

After many failed attempts by both teams, Remo Stars were reduced to 10 when substitute goalie, Salami Kelvin was penalised for a foul on Amos Okoro in the 86th minute in the 18 yard box. Smart City's Toheeb Sunkanmi missed the resultant spot kick a minute later. 

There was no chance for Gbenga Ogunbote's men to get a face saving draw and have been booted out of the tourney with no points from two games.

Earlier, the host team of the on-going Ottasolo Pre-season tournament, Ottasolo International FC forced their more illustrious opponent, Lobi Stars, to a 1-1 draw at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, in the first game of the MatchDay 3.

Ottasolo drew their first game with 36 Lions while Lobi secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Yobo FC on Tuesday. Both teams were looking for a win that will move them closer to the semifinal stage of the maiden edition of the tournament.

Both teams came out smoking as they continue to look for the opening goal but failed to come until the 23rd minute when Ottasolo FC's Jelili Moshood put the ball beyond the reach of his goalkeeper, Korede Shodipo in his attempt to clear out  Lobi's goal-bound effort. 

The newly promoted Nigeria National League side didn’t allow the goal to weigh them down as they continued to pile on the pressure which paid off just three minutes later as Ogunjimi Samuel headed Ottasolo back into the game after he connected a lovely cross from Issah Mohammed.

While in another game also decided on Wednesday, Yobo FC put themselves in a better position to qualify for the semi-final of the pre-season tourney after a 2-1 win over 36 Lion.

Godwin Arewa put Yobo FC in the ascendancy with the opening goal of the game in the 23rd minute. It was their first goal in the tournament. Gift Nwokeke increased the goals tally in the 60th minute for Yobo FC but Raji Olamuyiwa reduced the goals deficit in the 70th minute to make for a frenetic final 20 minutes at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Lagos.

On Thursday, Yobo FC and Ottasolo FC will slug it out in their final Group A game with both teams needing positive result to progress. The host, Ottasolo FC with two drawn games are under compulsion to beat Yobo FC to progress to the semi-final while Yobo FC with three points must also secure the maximum points to be certain of qualification irrespective of the result of Lobi Stars vs 36 Lion on Friday.

Smart City will also on Thursday face MFM in their third and final Group B tie. Both teams are on three points but Smart City have played a game more. Both are Lagos based clubs but Smart City will be eager to pick the maximum points that should be sufficient for a place in the semi-finals while the Olukoya Boys can't afford to lose knowing that their final group game comes up on Friday against tough Sunshine Stars.

Remo Stars with two losses are close to being bundled out of the tournament but they will trade tackles with Sunshine Stars also tomorrow with the sole aim of fighting until the end of the group stage if they could get an outside chance to qualify.

The Ottasolo pre-season tournament is in its debut edition with the owner of Ottasolo FC, Gabriel Davies as sponsor.

Ottasolo Pre-season Tournament:

Results

Ottasolo FC 0-0 36 Lion

Lobi Stars 1-0 Yobo FC

Sunshine Stars 1-0 Smart City

MFM 1-0 Remo Stars

Ottasolo FC 1-1 Lobi Stars

36 Lion 1-2 Yobo FC

Smart City 1-0 Remo Stars

Day Four (November 4) Fixtures

Yobo FC vs Ottasolo FC 9.00 am

Smart City vs MFM  2.00 pm

Remo Stars vs Sunshine Stars 4.00 pm

MFM FC, Lobi Stars record morale boosting victories on Day Two of Ottasolo Preseason Tourney

 

Surulere continued to be on the spotlight as the second day of the 2021 Ottasolo Pre Season Tournament took place on Tuesday at Legacy Pitch.

It was Lobi Stars of Makurdi who faced Yobo FC in an entertaining opening match of the day at 9am.

Both sides were hoping to bag a win in the keenly contested battle.

However, Yobo FC could not contain their fast-paced opponents as they succumbed to a 1-0 loss.

Lobi Stars rested most of their key players, yet they remained a threat.

Experienced striker Daniel Jackson climbed off the bench to nod home the winner with 12 minutes left on the clock.

The win for Pride of Benue over the NLO side in the tournament takes them to top of the Group A standings with three points from one game, while Ottasolo FC and 36 Lion share one point apiece.

In the second match, coach Gbenga Ogunbote led his Remo Stars' side in search of a win over MFM FC, yet they failed to hit the ground running.

In the 23rd minute, Victor Osuagwu had the chance to put Sky Blue Stars in front but he failed to score as Onyeabuchi Ifeanyi intercepted his effort.

Remo Stars custodian James Faith denied Dennis Obasi the chance to wreck the ship with a fine save.

Adebayo Oyedele eventually got onto the score sheet in the 47th minute as the game ended 1-0 in favour of the Olukoya Boys.

The loss leaves Ogunbote and his troops with no point in Group B. Sunshine Stars and MFM FC have three points each. Smart City are also pointless. 

Meanwhile, the Remo Stars will now turn their focus to Smart City for their next clash on Wednesday whilst 36 Lion chase a win against Yobo FC on the same day. 

Ottasolo FC will be out to dim Lobi Stars in a pulsating encounter at Legacy Pitch.

Results So Far 

MatchDay 1 Monday Nov. 1

Ottasolo 0-0 36 Lion

Sunshine Stars 1-0 Smart City

MatchDay 2 Tuesday Nov. 2

Lobi Stars 1-0 Yobo FC

MFM FC 1-0 Remo Stars

MatchDay 3: Wednesday Nov. 3

9am - Ottasolo vs Lobi Stars

2pm - 36 Lion vs Yobo FC

4pm - Remo Stars vs Smart City

Ottasolo Preseason Tourney: Lobi Stars overcome determined Yobo FC

 

Lobi Stars started the Ottasolo Pre Season Tournament on a good note as Eddy Dombraye's side snatched a 1-0 win against Yobo FC on Tuesday morning.

The Pride of Benue struggled to get themselves into top gear in the opening 45 minutes at Legacy Pitch as Oliver David and Shedrack Kaye missed Yobo's best chances before the break.

Dombraye's Stars did looked to step up the tempo of the game after the restart with Chinonso Okonkwo lashing an effort just over the bar.

However, with the Lagos based side beginning to feel the pressure, usual suspect Daniel Jackson netted the winner on 78 minutes.

A loose ball was kept alive inside the final third by Austin Ogunye who crossed for the onrushing Jackson to head home the breakthrough.

Yobo FC came close to levelling up in the 82nd minute through Muhammed Adam but goalkeeper Orya Joseph denied him with a point blank save.

Another curled effort from Godwin Arewa was repelled by the impressive Orya five minutes later.

At the end of proceedings, Stars had three points in the kitty.

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.

Ottasolo Preseason Tourney: Sunshine, Lobi confirm arrival date

Two of the 10 teams expected to take part at the maiden edition of the Ottasolo Pre-season championships, Sunshine Stars of Akure and Lobi Stars of Makurdi, have both confirmed their arrival date for the tournament.

The coordinator of the tournament, Bashir Badawiy, stated that all the teams have already confirmed their participation and they will be arriving Lagos as from Friday, October 29.

“Sunshine Stars was the first to confirmed their arrival date through their chairman, Akin Akinbobola, who confirmed to me that the team will be in Lagos on Saturday, October 30,” he told Ottasolo Media.

“On Wednesday, the management of Lobi Stars also said they will be in Lagos on Friday, so we are happy that everything is going according to plan.

“Like we all know, some of the other clubs are already in Ogun State, so it won’t take them long to get to Lagos. The likes of Kwara United, Shooting Stars and Niger Tornadoes are in Ogun State participating in another pre-season.

“Also, we have some teams based in Lagos coming for the tournament, MFM, Smart City and the host team, Ottasolo Int FC.

“I can assure you that it is going to be a good time out for all the teams and they will be able to see how far they have gone in preparation for the new Nigeria Professional Football League season.”

The Ottasolo pre-season tournament is scheduled for November 1st to 7th at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

Mavlon FC will compete at Unity Preseason Tournament - Ogunlaja

 

Nationwide League One side, Mavlon Football CLUB have confirmed their participation at the maiden edition of the Unity Preseason Tournament scheduled to take place in Abuja from 30th October to 5th of November. 

Based in Abuja with a youth set up in Benue State, the NLO side are very keen to rub shoulders with the big boys in the top flight of Nigerian football with the tournament expected to help them prepare better for the new season. 

A total of 12 teams are expected to participate in the week long tournament with NPFL big guns Plateau United, Wikki Tourist of Bauchi, Nasarawa United and Katsina United already confirming their participation in the tourney. 

Other teams expected to compete in the week long competition are NNL side’s EFCC FC, Cynosure FC, Sokoto United, Capital City FC with the trio of Fosla FC, WACO FC and NYSC Strikers also joining  Mavlon from the NLO. 

Speaking ahead of their participation, Director of Football, Mavlon FC, Mr Paul Ogunlaja stated that the competition will further allow his team gain plenty of experience when the face teams from the NPFL and the NNL. 

Mr Ogunlaja also noted that his wards will give a very good representation of themselves stating that, Mavlon CLUB have some of the best young talents in the country and will produce lots of upsets at the week long tourney.

" We are not just going to participate in this forthcoming event but also compete like every other team because, Football belongs to the Youths and we have talented players who are battle ready to face the big Teams when the Unity Preseason tournament kick starts" Ogunlaja revealed

Mavlon Football Club are drawn in Group A alongside the Solid miners- Nasarawa United, Cynosure FC of Fosla Academy

Rangers lure Ossy Martins to the Cathedral

 

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) outfit Rangers have completed the signing of Ossy Martins.

Martins recently parted ways with Lobi Stars and moved on to the Cathedral on a free transfer, after ending his romance with the Makurdi based side.

During his spell in Makurdi, he scored 13 goals in 27 appearances for the Pride of Benue.

Ossy Martins is a very direct player who uses pace, power and strength in an almost brutish way to force his way through opposing defenders. When he receives the ball from his deeper lying team mates he is not afraid to turn and run on his own, using his physical capabilities to try to force a chance, rather than waiting for his team mates to catch up, which would potentially slow down a counter attack. He is always looking to get on the score sheet and can often be found just outside the six yard box ready to pounce on balls.

Off the ball Martins is very hard working and is the sort of striker that will defend from the front and try to win the ball back for his side. 

His presence at Rangers is expected to boost the club next season in the NPFL.

The player lists ABS, Kwara United, Rivers United and FC Ifeanyi Ubah as his former clubs.

Kola Daniel explains essence of Ottasolo Pre-season Tourney; confirms participating teams

Kola Daniel who is a strong partner in organizing the Ottasolo Pre-season Tournament has informed that all modalities have been put in place for a hitch-free tournament holding at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos as from November 1st.

He confirmed that the final two weeks to the start of the maiden edition of the tournament is being used to finalize all arrangements and ensure that even though the Ottasolo Pre-season Tourney is only in its debut, it would still rank among the best organized pre-season tournaments.

Daniel, who is a media aide to the Minister of Youth and Sports confirmed the participation of Niger Tornadoes, Gombe United, Lobi Stars, Sunshine Stars, 3SC, Kwara United, and Remo Stars.

"It has been two weeks of intensive preparation aimed at trying to package the first of its kind pre-season tournament in Nigeria named Ottasolo Pre-season Tournament that is going to take place in Lagos," Daniel disclosed in a radio programme monitored in Abuja.

"The start of the tourney is gathering momentum and clubs have been showing their interest to take part. We have got top NPFL clubs that have indicated interest to participate. 

"Lobi Stars, Gombe United, Niger Tornadoes, Sunshine Stars, 3SC, and as well Remo Stars are the NPFL clubs that will attend the pre-season tournament. Ottasolo FC will also take part."

Daniel hailed the sponsor of the pre-season tournament, Gabriel Davies who is also the owner of fast-rising Ottasolo FC and he described him as an advocate of grassroots football who played the game to the highest level before he quit to venture into the football business.

He also thumbed up the metamorphosis of Ottasolo FC who qualified for the Nigeria National League barely a season in the Nigeria Nationwide League and he confirmed the participation of Ottasolo FC in the pre-season tournament.

"Ottasolo FC is owned by Gabriel Davies who is an advocate of grassroots football. He played for Stationery Stores and left the shores of Nigeria to play in the Benin Republic," Daniel continued.

"He played in the same club as Benin Republic internationals Mouri Ogounbiyi, Rasak Omotoyossi, Jonas Oketola, and others who were looking up to him when he was still active. 

"He is a man with a vision and good passion to ensure that players are off the streets and are given a new source of livelihood and also engage them. It was the reason why he decided to venture into the football business. 

"Ottasolo FC played in the Nationwide League last season immediately the club gained promotion to play in the Nigeria National League this season. 

The Minister of Sports Media aide believes that the pre-season tournament will help equip the participating NPFL teams to help gauge the level of their preparedness and also ensure they tie all loose ends before the season commences later in the year.

"The essence of this pre-season tourney is to prepare clubs taking part to gauge the level of their preparedness for the fast-approaching start of the season. It will enable them to see loopholes they intend to correct before the start of the season too. 

"Ottasolo Pre-season Tournament is ready and by the first of November we will kick off the maiden edition in Lagos. Mobolaji Johnson Stadium Arena, Lagos will host the matches of the tourney. 

"All modalities have been put in place. The Coordinator of the tournament, Badawiy Bashir has been working helter-skelter to ensure all hands are on deck for a hitch-free tournament."

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.

CONE Sports identify with organizers to boost Unity Preseason Tournament

 

A leading sports ware company in the country, CONE SPORTS has reached agreement with the  organizers of the Unity Preseason Tournament (Unity Cup) to be the official kit partners of the tournament. The tournament holds in Abuja from 30th October to 5th November. 

Revealing this in Abuja at the weekend, the Coordinator of the tournament, Patrick Ngwaogu expressed happiness on the milestone achieved in the agreement. 

According to him,  the company has agreed to kit the two finalists, kit the official of the teams, kit the Organizing  officials and provide the match balls. He was full of praises for the Chief Executive officer of Cone Sports, Mr. Cletus Okojie for his commitment to the development of sports in country. 

Ngwaogu who was the immediate past First Vice Chairman of FCT Football Association also revealed that the Organizers have reached agreement with some hoteliers in the capital city to provide accommodate to the teams at a subsidized rate. He said the broadcast partners of tournament will also be revealed within the week. 

Teams participating in the tournament are Plateau United, Nasarawa United, Lobi Stars, Kwara United, and Niger Tornadoes. The NNL clubs will include ABS, Kogi United, EFCC FC, NAF FC and FRSC FC.

Draws for Gov Dapo Abiodun Cup hold on Monday, teams set to arrive

 

The third edition of the Gov Dapo Abiodun preseason tournament is set to take centre stage in Ijebu-Ode, as teams set for arrival on Monday, 11th of October, 2021. 

Ijebu-Ode will be a host to 12 teams for a week, in the tourney created to prepare teams for the regular season. 

Shooting Stars have won the two previous editions of the Dapo Abiodun preseason tournament with a 1-0 win over Delta Force and Lobi Stars in 2019 and 2020 season respectively. 

The defending champions, Shooting Stars promoted to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) this season and will be joined by Kwara United, MFM FC, Gombe United, Remo Stars, Wikki Tourists, Sunshine Stars, Niger Tornadoes in the tournament which kicks off on October 12. 

Draws for the tournament will take place on Monday, 11th of October at the Dipo Dina Stadium by 5pm.

Orafu Joseph looking forward to another competitive NPFL Season

 

One of the revelations from last Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL season for Lobi Stars, Orafu Joseph can't wait for the start of new season to start in earnest and he is hoping for more game times.

Joseph, a product New Hall Football Academy starred for Lobi Stars last season, though with just a handful of games but believed he has improved enough ready to prove his mettle if entrusted with more game times.

The young lad who can play as central defender and as right back is also hopeful the new coach, Eddy Dombraye would bring the best out of him just as he's ready to give his all for The Pride of Benue to achieve greatness in the coming season.

"Its a season I hoping to prove myself at any opportunity I have, I can't wait for new season to commence and I believe Lobi will do well.

"I couldn't much games as expected last season but I've doubled my effort now and grown to gather more confidence which I believe will help to seize any change I'm given now.

"Its a good thing to have a high profile coach who has played the game to highest level, I'm confident he will help us do well and get the best out of us as players and I'm ready to learn a lot from him and help him too." 

Lobi Stars finished eighth in the just concluded season garnering 52 points from 38 games.

NPFL: We Are In Rivers For A Mission - Ozor

 

Former Success Academy, Benue state graduate, Ozor Benjamin, has restated his team's aim to upset their host (Rivers United) as Lobi Stars trade tackles with the Pride of Rivers in one of the Matchday 37 fixtures of the current Nigeria professional football league, NPFL season.

The Utility player (Ozor Benjamin) who can effectively function from the right full back position as well as a rugged and calculative center back divulged their mission to the oil rich Rivers State as they wish to achieve a double over the Rivers State owned team.

Haven dismantled the Coach Stanley Eguma tutored side at the Aper Aku stadium in the first round Fixture in Markurdi, Ozor express a high confidence of running away from Rivers State with a point(s) in the bag as they go toe to toe with the Rivers State based outfit on Monday.

"We are hopeful to get a positive and favourable result on Monday, is not going to be a 'Tea Party, but we believe in our ability and have resolved to give our opponents a run for their money"

'We came with the aim to put up a damage control to our disappointing last home fixture against Enyimba on Matchday 30, I foresee a good result come Monday"

Rivers United fixture against Lobi Stars has was been postpone to Monday following Rivers United involvement in the Semi-Finals of the Aiteo Cup.

Born on 1st May,1999, the 22years defender since teaming up with Lobi Stars in the current Nigeria professional football league campaign has established himself as an integral squad member of the Coach Kabiru Dog tutored side.

Alimi wants more NPFL VAT Wonder Goal prize to support charity

Sikiru Alimi has the typical build of an active athlete and spots the scraggly beards that is trendy amongst contemporary youths globally. But his appearances does not give a hint of his push and drive on the pitch, a monstrous chase that covers almost every blade of grass on the field in pursuit or possession of the ball.

Adeyemo calls for Tornadoes' focus

Niger Tornadoes' vice captain Bolaji Adeyemo has urged his side to put the recent 3-1 defeat to Lobi Stars behind them and focus on getting back to winning ways in their next fixture.

CHAN Eagles is a team of character - Ogbeide

Technical Adviser of Lobi Stars, Solomon Ogbeide has talked up the quality of Super Eagles B team at the African Nations Championship, CHAN which has earned them semi final ticket.

Lobi Stars, Enyimba settle for draw in Makurdi

A quite subdued atmosphere lent itself to a low-key opening game, as Lobi Stars and Enyimba shared the spoils on the opening matchday of the 2017/18 NPFL season.

Lobi Stars advance to second Gold Cup final in two years

Ayo Saka's 19th solo effort helped Lobi Stars advanced to the final of the 2017 Gold Cup Preseason Tournament on Tuesday in Ilorin after defeating Katsina United 1-0 in the first semi final fixture played at the Kwara State Stadium.

North Central derby clash heralds 5th Gold Cup Tournament in Ilorin

Defending Champions Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi will slug it out with newly promoted Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL side Kwara United of Ilorin in the opening Match of this year's Gold Cup Preseason Soccer Tournament slated for Wednesday 15th of November, 2017 at the Main Bowl of Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin.

Kano Pillars back in Gold Cup Pre-season

Former Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Champions, Kano Pillars Football Club will compete in the fifth edition of Gold Cup Pre-season Tournament.