Onward News 24: August 2016

Sunday, 28 August 2016

Match Preview: Rivers United vs Plateau United

Rivers United continue their quest for an unlikely title in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Sunday when they face Plateau United at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt.

Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club of Lagos and Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia will clash in this Sunday’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Match Day 33 encounter at the Agege Township Stadium, Lagos State.

Niger Tornadoes quest of maintaining their premier league status will be put to test when they host Lobi Stars in Match day 33 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja, Sunday.

FC Ifeanyi Ubah head coach Rafael Everton believed that his team has what it takes to win the Nigeria Professional Football League this season.

Ilorin Agog as 2nd National Youth Games Begins

All is now set for the second edition of the National Youth Games, NYG scheduled for Ilorin, Kwara state from 21st to 30th, September, 2016.

.... Asks Appeal Court to set aside the Order

The League Management Company (LMC) on Tuesday, August 23 filed an appeal against the Plateau State High Court order asking it to reinstate Giwa FC to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). The LMC, in its appeal filed by Chief Akin Olujimi (SAN),aying the Court of Appeal to set aside the interim order of the Plateau State High Court, Jos on several grounds of law and challenging the jurisdiction of the lower court to have granted the orders in the first place.

President of Nigeria Para-Badminton Federation, Samuel Ekeoma has appealed to corporate bodies and individuals with passion for persons with disabilities to partner with the federation in featuring at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic games.

It was indeed a home coming for the Executive ‎secretary of the Club owners Association Mr Alloy Chukwuemeka as he donated sports kits, Match balls and a hundred thousand naira cash to his community owned football club Ehime Mbano United FC on Monday in Imo state south east Nigeria.

Kogi Wrestlers Swoop Gold in Anambra

Wrestlers from Kogi State bagged a total of 6 gold medals at the just concluded invitational wrestling tournament held in Awka, Anambra state.

LMC Responds to Giwa FC over Interim Court Order

All NPFL clubs, including Giwa FC agree:

* a. to abide by and comply with the Statutes, Rules and Regulations governing the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL);

* b. to abide by the outcomes of settled disputes within the football regulations;

* c. not to litigate over football matters;

* d. that should you violate this undertaking, you shall automatically be deemed to have voluntarily withdrawn your membership/affiliation to NPFL and be expelled from the NPFL and by extension all Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) organized competitions, matches and activities and will not be eligible for ....... Read More

Just like a wounded lion, Champions Rivers Angels will be hoping to come back from last weekend’s defeat to Sunshine Queens in Akure when they welcome Adamawa Queens tomorrow at the Yakubu Gowon stadium in Port Harcourt.

Saraki Renovates Late Rashidi Yekini's House, Boosts Mother's Business

The Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki today extended hands of fellowship to the family of the late football legend, Rashidi Yekini.

The Golden Eaglets have arrived in Niamey for their Africa U17 Cup of Nations qualifier against Junior Menas of Niger Republic, taking place on Saturday. Camped at the Royal Palace Hotel, the players have expressed confidence ahead of the crucial game.

Nigeria’s Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr has invited 23 players, including Captain Mikel John Obi and goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, for next month’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania.

Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry, MFM FC striker, Isah Akor has said the Olukoya Boys are in Bauchi to wrestle for the three points at stake in Sunday's Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) against Wikki Tourists Football Club.

By a Circular from the League Management Company (LMC), addressed to club chairmen/general managers dated 17th August 2016 and titled “Expulsion of Giwa FC from the Nigeria Professional Football League”, the LMC appeared to have in one swoop reinstated Giwa FC to the Nigerian League after months of expelling them, while directing that No club shall henceforth feature any player whose registration it acquired on the basis of the expulsion of Giwa FC, effectively withdrawing such registrations.

Chukuwemeka: My La Liga Tour Experience And The Way Forward For NPFL

SECTION ONE

It all began with the signing of a partnership agreement between the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and the Spanish La Liga, a collaboration that quickly metamorphosed into a great football deal cum bilateral relationship leading to the official opening of the La Liga office in Abuja, and support to the ‎IDPs in Maiduguri via Elkanemi Warriors FC.

In a gain-gain move and situation monitoring, La Liga again extended invitation to the NPFL All Stars to play against some clubs in Spain and also, to participate in the Carranza Pre-Season tournament, a great opportunity to expose our players at the global stage. It was also an avenue to boost the capacity of the Club Managers through seminars and workshops.

Even when some soccer pundits never believed it would come to reality, the LMC immediately announced commencement of selection of coaches, players as well as accompanying officials for the tour.

Thereafter, in less than four weeks, all arrangements have been concluded; players were selected, called to camp, re-screened and the final list of players released. Also released were the list of technical officials, members of the Club Owners, LMC Support Staff, top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and accompanying journalists. All these were done through careful selection.

The biggest surprise of the tour was the speedy issuance of visas to the contingent by the Spanish Embassy, a situation which had never been experienced in the past. No doubt the cordial relationship established by the keadership of the LMC and the Spanish Embassy. Many thanks to the Ambassador.

As a member of the contingent, we set out for the journey on the 8th of August through the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, on board the Royal Air Maroc, through Morocco enroute Madrid in Spain. Special thanks to Emma Ayanbumi and Dayo Enebi of the Protocol Department of the NFF, they were great.

As we stepped down at the airport in Madrid, the La Liga officials were all on ground to give us a near presidential reception, took us to the shuttle trains, provided us with superb air-conditioned buses, and to the train that took us to Valencia.

They provided us with all the services needed by our contingent and on time too, with the highest degree of courtesy.

On arrival ‎in Valencia, another set of La Liga officials were already on ground with air conditioned buses with which we were conveyed to their official hotel, named NH.

At the hotel, our keys and files as well as programme of events were handed over to us with our names written on them. There was no delay in checking-in even as our foods were‎ waiting for us in the restaurant. The dinning tables were designated and marked separately for officials, players and technical team respectively.

As programmed, all the buses and Protocol Officials always arrive one hour before any movement (whether for trainings, matches or even for seminars) and they will move at exactly 8.00 am as planned, same as their trains which never wait for anyone.

The same tre‎atment was what we got all through our stay, until they finally took us to the Madrid Airport for our journey back home.

SECTION TWO

During our stay in Spain, the NPFL All Stars team played three matches, the first against Valencia, which they lost 2-1, against Malaga, which they also lost 4-1 and against Athletico Madrid, which the Madrid-based team won by 2-1. They lost all the three matches, conceeded eight goals and scored three. (one na own goal sha)

Although many thought that we could have won at least one of the matches or even get a draw, but that was not the mission of the contingent to Spain.

The matches played by the team were great exposure for the players and coaches to top European teams and scouts as well as an opportunity to prepare the players ahead of the next CHAN Championship.

Again, it afforded the coaches the platform to fraternize with their foreign counterparts, cross-fertilize i‎deas on new techniques, and as well exchange contacts, aside putting Nigeria domestic football league in the global football map.

More importantly, the trip exposed ‎our League Club Chairmen and Managers on how best to manage their respective clubs, using the clubs in Spain as case studies.

The seminars and lectures attended by the contingent, if implemented, will no doubt bring about a‎ positive radical change in the style of management and administration of the league and club football in Nigeria.

Our officials were groomed on how best to put in place a proper football club management structure, we were also taught how to develop and breed players from ages six and eight, and up to playing for the main team. We were taken round the facilities, and also taught us how to maintain facilities, including pitches.

There were also lectures of club financing, development of fans base, television and broadcast, sponsorship to developing a strong football culture amongst the players, fans and the community.

In all, we were taught‎ all what made the La Liga one of the best leagues in the world and I do hope that we will maximize the advantages from this capacity building to impact positively in our domestic league in Nigeria.

Some of the things I learned ‎ from the trip and the people of Spain were that:-

1- The people are hospitable and appreciate genuine visitor‎s.

2- Virtually everyone is busy and there is job satisfaction and dignity of labour.

3- They are law abiding and crime rate is very low. Even when you give them money they hardly collect and whatever you have in your room remained as you kept them.

4- They are advanced in technology and that has a very big multiplier effect on their transportation and agriculture, including infrastructure.

5- They are conscious about time and quick in doing things and that is shown in how they play football too.

6‎- They are sentimentally attached to their clubs and the clubs' pattern of play is taught to the players to reflect their cultural heritage. Infact one of the fans told me that " as death separates husband and wife, death cannot separate me with Cadiz FC".

7- We were told that just like the usual differences between the clubs and FA here in Nigeria, that they face similar challenges too but they try to manage such situations .

8- They are very passionate about the game of football and so addicted to their clubs that no matter the result of any game, they would keep supporting till the end.

9- ‎Bread, Bread, Bread, vegetables and fruits and milk and butter and juices and nuts hmmmmm na their food be dat. 'No swallow' no salt, no pepper for their food.

By and large, it was a worthwhile experience.‎ Even you who did not travel to Spain, I believe that from what you have read here you can make use of the experience we shared to cause a positive improvement in our league.

In Summary I believe that a lot is still needed to be done to improve our league system borrowing from the Laliga experience.

Our clubs need to focus more on how to put a proper working structure that will support the growth of club football taking into consideration the commercial avenues to be self sustaining, improve on development of fans base and develop quality players and coaches that can attract fans to the stadia.

We should also build a strong football culture devoid of win at all cost syndrome . We must start now by doing things that will discourage government ownership and control of football clubs and begin the transition to community and private ownership of clubs as seen in Spain.

On the other hand the organizers of the League LMC must ensure that the league is organized in line with international best practices by raising the commercial value of the league sponsorship and TV broadcast right to earn more revenue that will encourage good organization, participation and competition.

They should ensure that facilities approved for hosting of matches are of better standard and can guarantee security of fans and quality play.

Also ensure that Officiating which is one of our major problems is guaranteed via provision of sponsorship and special welfare packages and adequate security for the Referees with severe sanctions for the erring ones.

In the interim, the LMC should take over some responsibilities at the league centers by organizing special security for the officials, provide their accommodation and feeding and other logistic as well as reducing or ensure minimal access by club officials to the Referees.

The LMC should also ensure strict adherence to the provisions of the Rules and it's implementation to the fullest.

They should ensure that the players and coaches are given special protection by supervising all contractual agreements entered into with the clubs.

On the other hand, the federation NFF should try as much as it can to give some degree of independence‎ to the League body to take decisions in the best interest of the league without undue interference.

Because of our peculiar situation the appointment and placement of match officials should be done in conjuction with the league to avoid discrepancies like re-appointment of Referees who are in black book of the league.

We must also avoid the appointment of referee assessors a‎nd match commissioners from same state with the Referees, while members of the Referees and match commissioners appointment committees should be stopped from been appointed as match commissioners or assessors. ( because you cannot send your own report to yourself for scrutiny).

With the support of all well-meaning stakeholders in football, we can take our league to a greater height and compete favorably with other organized leagues of the World including Spanish ‎Laliga.

May God bless Nigeria, NFF,LMC and the Club Owners.

Alloy Chukwuemeka( Executive Secretary Club Owners Association Nigeria)

Special commendation to all members of the delegation who conducted themselves well in Spain as good ambassadors of Nigeria, hardworking LMC boss ‎Mallam Shehu Dikko, Alh. Ahmed Fresh, Barr. Chris Green, Barr. Isaac Danladi, Hon. Nduka Irabor, Hon. Nuhu Danbuaran, Alh. Kabiru Baita, Alh. Mala Zana Kakaje, Hon. Isa Matori, Dr. Isaac Ayodele, Alh. Salihu Abubakar, Mr Godwin Enakhena, High Chief Emeka Inyama, Mr Chukwuma Ubah, Chief Okey Kpalikwu, Barr. Tunji Brown (Owu), Mr Jude Anyadufu, Mr Etu Moses, Mr Harry Iwuala, Mr Niyi Oyeleke, Mr Fred Edoreh, Mallam Ibrahim Danbatta ‎, Mr Nobert Okoli, Mr Ayo Ibidapo,China Acheru, coach Salisu Yusuf, coach Abdul Maikaba, coach Imama Amakakarpo, coach Ike Shorumi and host of other technical officials and players( special recognition for Abdulrahman Bashir and Ikechukwu Ezenwa)

Haka!

Alloy Chukwuemeka (A.C.C) is the GM of ABS Ilorin FC and Secretary General of Nigeria Club Owners Forum.

He writes from Ilorin.

IfeanyiUbah Dents Rangers' Title Hope

FC Ifeanyi Ubah on Wednesday returned to winning ways when it defeated league leaders Rangers International 2-0, courtesy of goals by Alberico Da Silva and Chijioke Alakwe at the Ifeanyi Ubah International Stadium, Nnewi.

Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club of Lagos came from a goal down to record a one all draw against Warri Wolves Football Club of Delta State in Match Day 31 of the Nigeria Professional Football League ( NPFL ) played at the Agege Township Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Christian Weli netted the only goal in the 1-0 win over Heartland in a match day 31 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) game decided on Wednesday.

Remo Stars Football Club secured a 1-0 victory over Go Round FC in the rescheduled inconclusive Week 8 match at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu this afternoon.

NNL: Kwara United Claims Referee Assistance in Dreams' Defeat

Dream International FC of Makurdi have referees to thank for their Week 11 Nigeria National League match victory over Kwara United FC today at the Aper Aku stafium in Makurdi.

Goals by captain John Mikel Obi and Aminu Umar steered African champions Nigeria past Denmark in the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Rio 2016 quarter finals in Salvador on Saturday.

It was a nerve wrecking display of football in Lokoja in the Week 11 encounter between Kogi United and Sokoto United.

Champions Rivers Angels suffered her first defeat in the 2016 Nigeria Women Premier League game played today at the Akure stadium.

Wolves Protest non-Payment of Salaries

Warri Wolves players have appealed to the management of the club to pay their five-month salary arrears.

ABS FC Appeals NFF Disciplinary Committee's Decision

Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC will appeal the Nigeria Football Federation Disciplinary Committee decision awarding 3 points and 3 goals to Cofine FC of Akwa Ibom over its failure to honour Nigeria National League (NNL) week 2 encounter.

The attention of the Ministry of Youth and Sports has again been drawn to the news that Team Nigeria's Captain John Mikel Obi paid hotel bills accruing from the 8 unaccredited players and officials in Rio with the National U-23 team.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung and NFF President Amaju Pinnick have moved quickly to douse feelings of discontent in the Nigeria U23 team camp, ahead of Saturday’s Men’s Olympic Football Tournament quarter –final clash with Denmark.

An inspired second half display by Rivers United was enough to see them power past Ikorodu United 2-0 in a rescheduled Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) game decided on Friday in Port Harcourt.

Mayor of Cadiz to host NPFL All-Star Delegation

..... As Yusuf promises new game plan against Malaga

The Mayor of the Spanish province of Cadiz, Jose Maria Gonzalez will on Friday receive the delegation of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) to the Trofeo Ramon de Carranza LaLiga World Tournament.

.... Laud Chierika's Heroics

Youth and Sports Minister Barrister Solomon Dalung has extolled the virtues of 2016 Olympic table tennis quarter finalist Aruna Quadri who celebrated his 28th birthday on Tuesday.

Nigeria’s league stars, the NPFL All-Star put up a brave fight but lost 1-2 to top Spanish Laliga team, Valencia CF in a friendly at the Luis Suñer Picó Stadium, Alzira on Wednesday.

Valencia CF holds Commercial and Marketing Session for NPFL Clubs

... Charged to set Objectives and invest in organizational structure

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) delegation made up of Directors of the League Management Company (LMC), Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Board members and 11 NPFL Club Chairmen and Managers have been challenged to set clear commercial and sporting objectives for their club with a plan for achieving the vision.

#Rio2016: Siasia to Rest Stars as Nigeria U23 Arrive in Sao Paulo

Glory –chasing Nigeria U23 team has arrived in Sao Paulo ahead of Wednesday’s Group B final game against Colombia at the Arena dos Corinthians.

The Nigeria Football Federation and Mr. Gernot Rohr have signed a two –year contract that will see the former Gabon, Niger and Burkina Faso coach work as Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles.

The simple ceremony at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja saw NFF President Amaju Pinnick and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi signing on behalf of the Nigeria federation, in-between Mr. Rohr’s own signature.

Pinnick told thenff.com that the agreement is for two years, with the former German defender, who also coached top French club Girondins Bordeaux and elite Tunisian side Etoile du Sahel, handed a target of qualifying the Super Eagles for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia.

“We are happy that this has been sealed and we can now focus on other arrangements for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers starting in October,” said Pinnick.

Rohr, clad in a simple shirt and jean trouser and wearing a smile, said: “I am enthusiastic to get to work. This is a big challenge because Nigeria has big players everywhere and has the ability to do well internationally.

“I have a German heart – the heart of a winner. I have confidence that with the right atmosphere and the right support, the Super Eagles have the capacity not only to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, but get to the latter stages of the competition.”

Rohr, 63, will step out with the Super Eagles for the first time when Nigeria host Tanzania in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Port Harcourt in a few weeks. Although the match is a dead rubber as both teams are out of the running for the tournament, it serves as a test game for the Eagles ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier away to Zambia on 3rd October. Nigeria will also play Cameroon and Algeria in the qualifying race.

Officials confirmed to thenff.com that Coach Rohr is scheduled to embark on VIP scouting immediately, which includes flying to Spain to watch the NPFL All-Stars play against Atletico Madrid and Malaga in Cadiz on Friday, in the Trofoe Carranza tournament.

The NFF

RIO OLYMPICS: NIGERIA PILLAR OF SPORTS, EJIDIKE RALLIES SUPPORT FOR NIGERIA

Spurred by the scintillating performance of the Under-23 football team which has booked a berth in the quarter-final stage, the Nigeria Pillar of Sports, Chief Donatus Agu Ejidike, JP has rallied support for the Nigerian contingents to the on-going Rio Olympics Games to enhance possible medals.

Technical Adviser of the Nigeria Professional League All-Star, Salisu Yusuf, has assured that the players will give a good representation of Nigeria as they file out against Valencia CF on Wednesday to kick-start action in their tour of the Spanish LaLiga.

Club Owners Delegation Off To Spain For Laliga Tour

Few days after a courtesy visit to the president of the Senate and Patron of the Association Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, some members of the Club Owners Association have left the shores of the country to Spain for the Laliga/ NPFL All Stars tours.

Plateau United Snaps IfeanyiUbah's Unbeaten Run

Plateau United on Saturday defeat FC Ifeanyi Ubah at the Rwang Pam Stadium Jos courtesy of two first half goals by Kabiru Umah and Benjamin Turba.

Enterprising attacker, Adeyemi Adeyeye, scored a brace as Prime Football Club secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Delta Force Football Club of Asaba, on Saturday in one of the Nigeria National League Week 10 contest.

FIFA U17 World Cup defending champions, Golden Eaglets of Nigeria started their campaign for the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Madagascar 2017 with a narrow 1-0 win against Junior Menas of Niger Republic at the Abuja National Stadium on Saturday.

Kogi United bounced back to winning moment with a 2-0 victory over Mighty Jets of Jos in the Week 10 encounter of Nigeria National League, NNL on Saturday.

The Technical and Development Committee of Nigeria Football Federation has recommended to the Executive Board the candidature of Mr. Gernot Rohr for appointment as Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles.

Onazi Joins Turkish Club from Lazio

Super Eagles midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi has joined Turkish Super Lig side, Trabzonspor on a four-year-deal.

The Metro Pro league title race comes to an end tomorrow as Remo Stars U19 team face Nat Boys of Lagos in a title winning deciding match.

The Management of Kogi United football club has placed its players on half salaries following their disappointing 0-2 loss to Shekarau Babes FC in Kano on Saturday.

Sunday, 28 August 2016

Tuesday, 23 August 2016

Monday, 22 August 2016

Saturday, 20 August 2016

Friday, 19 August 2016

Thursday, 18 August 2016

Sunday, 14 August 2016

Saturday, 13 August 2016

Friday, 12 August 2016

Thursday, 11 August 2016

Wednesday, 10 August 2016

Tuesday, 9 August 2016

Monday, 8 August 2016

Sunday, 7 August 2016

Tuesday, 2 August 2016