Alkali showers encomium on Ogunnowo on birthday anniversary

Erstwhile Chairman of the Nationwide League One, Mohammed Alkali has poured glowing tributes on the Chief Operating Officer of the nation's third-tier domestic football league Olushola Ogunnowo on his birthday celebration.

Ogunnowo celebrates his birthday today Tuesday March 5, and Alkali, a former Executive Member of the Nigeria Football Federation, joined his family and friends to celebrate the brilliant football administrator.

Alkali congratulated Ogunnowo and expressed his delight, saying that he was celebrating with him, his family, friends, Nigeria's football family, and the over 300 NLO Clubs and Football Academies. 

He described Ogunowo as a thoroughbred football administrator whose years of experience, work ethic, and output in seeing Nigeria's grassroots football development are second to none. 

Alkali also expressed his appreciation for the good working relationship they had during his time as the head of NLO and noted that the league has achieved different success stories since he left under Ogunnowo's leadership.

Finally, Alkali wished Ogunnowo good health and challenged him to keep up the good work to ensure that the NLO remains a brand not just in Nigeria but also in the outside world.

NLO Boss, Alkali reveals reasons for NLO/Berackiah Coaching Clinic

Chairman Nationwide League One, Mohammed Alkali has stressed that capacity building of coaches in the nation's third-tier league is the essence of the NLO/Berackiah Grassroot Football Coaching Clinic.

The second edition of the Coaching Clinic kicked off on February 15 at five (5) centres Lagos, Otukpo, Birini Kebbi, Akwa and Uyo.

In his address delivered by his representatives at the five centers to all participating coaches, a delighted Akali said: "We are very proud to have partnered with Nigeria Football Coaches Association and Berackiah on this coaching clinic. The clinic is good for Nigerian football. The NLO as a body is very committed to improving the league and as such will go the extra mile to ensuring capacity-building events like this holds regularly with support from the Technical Department of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) .

"The coaching clinic will be on technical football session to facilitate knowledge for our local coaches and to develop the quality of the Nationwide League One. We are confident that this will significantly improve the technical expertise of our local coaches.

"The clinic will equip our coaches with the tactical knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the game. I’m proud to say that the course content is very rich and encompassing and the resource persons are top-notch Nigeria's best football instructors.

"Youth development is the future of football. We are committed to developing capacity at the grassroots level, with the Coaching Clinic, we’ll get the desired results. 

"We will continue to collaborate with our partners, in ways to develop our football and our league,"

The five-day clinic is expected to end on Saturday February 19th.

NLO set to kickoff 2nd NLO/Berackiah Grassroot Coaching Clinic

 

Secretariat of the Nationwide League One says all logistics have been put in place to ensure a smooth commencement of the second edition of the NLO/Berackiah Grassroot Coaching Clinic.

The five days grassroot football coaching clinic will kickoff simultaneously on 15th to 20th February at the catchment area of Lagos, Otukpo (Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba), Birini Kebbi (Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamafara), Awka (Anambra, Eboyin, Enugu, Abia, Delta and Imo) and Uyo (Akwa-Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Edo, Delta and Cross Rivers).

In a statement from the media department of the NLO, it's Chairman, Mohammed Alkali said: "The NLO is set to hit the new season running with the 2nd NLO/Berackiah Grassroot Coaching Clinic, which is aimed at equipping coaches in the league with the new trends in football coaching. 

"This followed the successes recorded in the maiden edition of the football clinic. In this year's edition, the technical aspect of the game will be the crux of the lectures which will be practical based.

"Our coaches will be lectured by some highly qualified and respected tutors we have selected to come impact in them the acts of winning matches at the end bringing the best out of their players.

"I want to further urge all our coaches present  to make the most out of this coaching clinic as no knowledge is lost, as they have a lot to learn. As they say, a coach is rated based on his/her last result."

Eminent football coach, High Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, former Super Eagles Head Coach and a FIFA/CAF retired instructor will lead other qualified resource persons, such as coach Adesina Asunmo, King Emmanuel, Moses, Alphonsus Dike, John Obuh, Maikaba Fagge, Justin Madugu, Haruna Usman Ilerika, Evans Ogenyi and host of others for the laudable project.

Recall in 2021, the NLO signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Berackiah Grassroots Coaching Clinic to help develop the skills of its league coaches which in turn would assure the broad development of the game as well as the talents spread across the nation.

Historic comeback as Destiny Boys rally to emerge NLO Super 8 Champions

Destiny Boys have emerged champions of the Nationwide League One (NLO) after they defeated Campos FC in a five-goal thriller at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne on Friday.

It was a game of two halves that saw the Ikorodu based team come from behind to win 3-2 after scoring three second half goals.

Campos FC took the lead after Nzubechi Ogbuehi scored two quick goals in the 34th and 37th minute to put his team in the driver's seat, as the Owerri based team finished the half with a 2-0 lead.

It was a huge turn around of events in the second half after Enyimba legend, Ayo Saka scored in the 58th which appeared to be the right tonic Destiny Boys needed.

As the game entered the last 10 minutes, Uzoma Chinonso pounced on lose ball from Campos defenders sloppy defending to put the scoreline as 2-2 in the 82nd minutes.

With eight more minutes and added-time, the boys from Ikorodu were determined not to take the game to penalty shootout as they had faith in destiny.

As they piled up the heat on Campos defence, they were gifted a third and winning goal after Awolonu Chukwuebube put the ball in his own goal in the 89th minute.

It was little too late for Campos to put up an attack as the match official signalled end of play after three minutes of added time.

Ahmed Fresh hails organizers of Ogunjobi Gold Cup on two stadia innovation

 

Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) Executive Member and Chairman Technical and Development Committee, Ahmed Yusuf Fresh have given credits to the organizers of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup for using two stadia for its pre-season tournament.

The prestigious tourney which is in its 9th edition is been co-hosted at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikene and FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu, both in Ogun State.

Fresh who performed the official kick-off to set the tone of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup said, "The pre-season tournament has a name attached to it. Late Ogunjobi was a father figure in Nigeria's football, and glad we have used the pre-season to honour him.

"Marvelled at the level of works done at the FC Ebedei Stadium and a big kudos to Barrister Churchill Oliseh for this multi-million naira project. 

"This is what we want to see in our leagues across the three divisions, big applause to FC Ebedei President. If a Nationwide League One (NLO) team can have a FIFA /CAF certified stadium like this why not the over 350 clubs in the third-tier league and even the NNL and NPFL teams.

"I want to also commend the General Coordinator Tunde Shamsudeen and his team for maintaining the standard of the tourney and also thinking within the box to be the first  organizers to use two stadia to host its pre-season.

"The use of Remo Stadium and FC Ebedei Stadium for the Ogunjobi Gold Cup is for the benefit of the fans who are passionate about football."

Fresh, further said that he could grace the final on Saturday October 30, 2021 at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikene.

"The 9th edition won't be an exception, an assuring that if time permits I should be at the closing ceremony."

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.

Akali charges teams to win fairly at Optima Energy NLO Super 8 Play-Off

 

Chairman of Nationwide League One (NLO) Mohammed Alkali has charged players at the  Optima Energy NLO Super 8 play-off to exhibit their talents, strive to win and win fairly as matches are been streamed live on NLO TV App.

Akali gave the charge after the official launching of the NLO TV App in Ikenne, Ogun State.

Udala FC of Anambra State, Ijebu United of Ogun state, Destiny Boys of Lagos, Campos FC of Owerri, JM Liberty of Makurdi, Ottasolo of Ogun state, Doma FC of Gombe and Junior Damburam of Katsina State battle for who becomes the overall champion despite gaining promotion from their respective zones.

According to Akali, the tournament which is powered by Optima Energy Resources Limited, is a gathering of champions and when champions play one another, one expects to see great football in all the games to determine the champion among champions.

"Knowing full well that football is a media event, I am glad to let you know that this year's Super 8 of NLO will be streamed live and the matches can be watched on NLO TV."

The Nasarawa State Football Association big wig also thanked the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), as they have been a bedrock of support to the activities of NLO

The NFF executive committee has over the years has given the NLO the creative environment for football to flourish at the grassroot in Nigeria.

Akali, commended the hospitality of Ogun State Football Association, the host of NLO Super 8 and all the directors of NLO, NLO Secretariat, Club Owners, players, Nigerian referees, football fans, the media and every grassroot football stakeholder, as they deserve great commendation for their wonderful contributions throughout the season.

Akinwunmi sees NLO TV as catalyst to grassroot football development in Nigeria

 

Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, Vice President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has hinted that the NLO TV App will give grassroot football in Nigeria a new identity.

Management of the nation's third-tier domestic league launched its television and a video viewing application, as they began airing the 2021/22 matches starting with the Optima Energy NLO Super 8 match-day games.

"The NLO is the birthplace for grassroot football, that's where fireworks should be tapping from, the earlier acknowledge that the better for all of us, said Akinwunmi.

"The app will change the face of NLO matches completely because we can now see these players in their elements. The whole world can see the kind of football Nigeria has in stock.

"We underestimate ourselves, now the coaches have no place to hide. They can not say they have not seen the players rather wherever they are our national team coaches can easily access these players.

"Am very proud of what Mohammed Alkali, the Chairman NLO, Sola Ogunowo and his team have done, which is something we must emulate.

"Technology is the way forward and this will change the face of football, believe me, just give it a few years. It is fine to have it at the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) level but when you have it at the grassroot, it changes the face of the game."

Speaking further as regards the quality of work done at the Remo Stars Stadium venue for Optima Energy NLO Super 8 play-off, the Sports Lawyer gave the edifice a pass mark.

"We have been looking forward to this for quite a while and am so glad I was able to make it. First of all, you see the ambience of the place, it's still a work in progress but it's a fantastic stadium.

"The quality of football we saw on Monday morning at the Remo Stars Stadium shows that we will continue to have talents in Nigeria."

Ikenne comes alive as Optima Energy NLO Super 8 begins

The City of Ikenne will take centre stage as the Optima Energy NLO Super 8 will kick off on Monday as JNR Danburan will lock horns against Doma in the first game billed for 10 am at the Remo Stars Stadium.

Fixtures released by the Nationwide League One (NLO) from the draws held in Ikenne informed that Group A is made up of 

JNR Danburan, Destiny Boys, Doma FC, and Udala FC while Ijebu United, Ottasolo, Campus and JM Liberty are in Group B.

Three other Matchday 1 fixtures are as follows, Ottasolo FC will host Campus FC at none while Udala FC trade tackles with Destiny Boys at 2 pm. At 4 pm, Ijebu United will be having its hands full when they battle JM Liberty. 

Chief Operating Officer(COO) Sola Ogunowo speaking after the draws gave reasons why the NLO is hosting Optima Energy NLO Super 8.

"We are having this event to have a single champion in the NLO Division 1, we have over 350 clubs in the league and we can not just have promotions without a champion.

"The NLO deserves to have one and that's the reason the chairman of the nation's third-tier league went out of his way to ensure that the 2020/21 championship play-off takes place.

"We have set a standard, so will not stop until we archive our target and that is the reason why we are doing everything to ensure a hitch-free play-off."

Meanwhile, all players are to wear black hand bands on Matchday 1 in memory of late chairmen of Destiny Boys and Udala FC.

Late Otunba Adebowale Ogunade, popularly called ‘Big Debo’ died in February while High Chief Philip Udala was murdered by unknown gunmen in July.

It was gathered that Udala was killed when his convoy was ambushed at Eke-Agu Market junction in Abatete, Idemili North Local Government Area.

The unknown gunmen had invaded a police facility in the area and were fleeing the scene when they ran into Udala’s convoy.

Group A 

JNR Danburan

Destiny 

Doma FC 

Udala FC 

Group B

Ijebu United 

Campus 

JM Liberty 

Ottasolo FC

CHAN: We have confidence in Super Eagles - Fresh

By Aro Olaoluwa

Chairman of Technical and Development committee of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Comrade Ahmed Yusuf Fresh has submitted that the Super Eagles B team would make progress as they prepare for the second group match against Libya at the ongoing African Nations Cup championship in Morocco.

NLO fix March 2018 as new football season

The Nationwide League One on Saturday rose from its Congress to fix March next year, 2018 for the kickoff of its 2018 football season. This was even as it commended the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF over the Super Eagles qualification to the next world cup in Russia 2018.

NLO Super 8: Dynamite outclassed Aklosendi

.... As Atete, Delta Stars shares spoil

Dynamite Force Football Club, bounced back to reckonming at the ongoing Nationwide League One (NLO) Super 8 tournament when they whitewashed Aklosendi International Football Club in the first game of the Matchday Two, coming from a goal down to win 3-1 at the Mohammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina.

Olorunda LG FC wins Ogunjobi Golden Cup

Olorunda Local Government FC of Oshogbo, have emerged winners of the second edition of the Ogunjobi Golden Cup after beating Yaa Jamiu Isibo FC of Ede 2-0.

LMC pledges supports for Benue Flood Victims

The League Management Company LMC, organizers of the Nigeria professional Football League in Nigeria have promised to support the victims of the recent devastating flood in Benue state, north central Nigeria. 

Ogunnowo pleased with NLO standard

Chief Operating Officer, COO of the Nationwide League One, NLO, Shola Ogunnowo has expressed delight with the achievement recorded in the league this season. 

Niger State Governor's Cup ends with pump, pageantry

By Adewale Ajayi

The sleeping town of Mokwa is just about one hour drive away from Kainji, home of the very popular Kainji Dam in Niger state, North central Nigeria.

Dikko task NPFL Youth Club Coaches to Maximize Benefits of Workshop

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Youth team Coaches attending a clinic in Abuja has been urged to make the most out of the workshop which has resource persons from the Spanish LaLiga. 

Alkali Promises New Dawn in NLO

The new management of Nationwide League One under the leadership of Independent Chairman, Mohammed Alkali, have unveiled it's plans to restructure the third tier league to make it conform professionally in line with world class standard and international best practices so as to attract sponsors.