Anthony Encho ready to go past Beyond Limits for second Optima Energy Gold Cup title

Anthony Encho has expressed confidence that Beyond Limits can't stop Ijebu United from becoming new champions of the Optima Energy Gold Cup, let alone twice teach him and his team football lessons.

The Remo Stars International Stadium in Ikenne host the grand finale of the 11th edition of the preseason tournament on Saturday at 3pm, with two Group A facing off again.

Biliaminu Abdullahi's sensational strike from 19 yards was all Beyond Limits needed to nail Ijebu United in a thriller that determined who go top of the group and bragging rights of the derby.

Cameroon-born Encho won the pre-season tournament with ABS FC of Ilorin during its 8th edition in Kwara State told Optima Energy Gold Cup Media Channel on his expectations ahead the game against Beyond Limits again and why his team deserved to go past 3SC in the final.

'I believed in my lads, trust what I have impacted in them and they have shown me their quality coming this far, as we're ready to go against Beyond Limits in the final.

"It's going to be a fantastic game as am ready to win the trophy again. Beyond Limits can't stop my team or deny me of that record, by defeating twice in group stage and final. So that's my mind set towards the match.

"I trust my players to give their very best as we are ready to take this piece of silverware back home."

On his team's semi-final win against a 10-man 3SC after coming behind to draw level at 1-1 with three minutes to end the game.

"We deserved to put Shooting Stars to the cleaners in the penalty shootout after coming back to level terms in the 87th minute.

"My lads were under pressure despite playing at their best, but kept fighting despite falling behind by a goal in the 1st half."

"Got themselves some confidence boost, took the game to Shooting Stars and made the most of the player advantage after the goal scorer saw a red card and behold, the reward for their highs pressing an equalizing goal."

Optima Energy is official sponsor of 2021 Ogunjobi Gold Cup

Indigenous oil and gas company, Optima Energy are now the new sponsor of Nigeria's prestigious Pre-Season Tourney Ogunjobi Gold Cup.

Tunde Shamsudeen, the General Coordinator of the tournament made known of the deal on Wednesday.

"It's another feather to our cap as we are very proud to announce Optima Energy Resources as our official sponsors.

"The sponsorship is a reward for our hard work over the years as the Ogunjobi Gold Cup has become a brand to the affiliate within Nigeria's domestic football," Shamsudeen said.

Optima Energy Resources Limited is an indigenous petroleum downstream marketing company having an ultra-modern white fuels depot in Koko, Delta State that is strategically positioned to serve the energy needs of the economy.

With over 50 and a growing number of petrol retail outlets that are meticulously positioned in almost all the geological zones of the country, Optima Energy Resources Limited is the preferred Energy choice availing the right quality, quantity of white fuels to the public in the most sincere and customer-friendly manner.

Meanwhile, the 9th edition of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament will be co-hosted at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne and FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu from Thursday October 21 through Saturday October 30, 2021.

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

AlanSmith Nig Ltd Partners Ogunjobi Gold Cup

FIFA and CAF certified synthetic pitch installation firm, Alansmith Nigeria Limited has sealed a partnership deal with the organisers of the foremost pre-season tournament in Nigeria, the Ogunjobi Gold Cup.

Joshua Adamu, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Alansmith Nigeria Limited whose groundsmen will be providing technical support on Ebedei Stadium, one of the venues for this year's Ogunjobi Gold Cup, said they are delighted to tag with the tournament which has become a brand in Nigeria's domestic football.

Adamu hosted the Ogunjobi Gold Cup General Coordinator, Tunde Shamsudeen on a tour of the Ebedei Stadium facility on Tuesday in Sagamu.

According to Shamsudeen, while speaking with Gold Cup Media stated: "The partnership will be of immense benefit to the tourney."

Alansmith boss on his part said: "We're delighted to partner with Ogunjobi Gold Cup which over the years have proven to be the best pre-season tourney for domestic football teams in the country.

"Looking at the calibre of teams that have featured in the tourney, which cuts across the three tiers of our domestic league, Nigeria Professional Football League(NPFL), Nigeria National League(NNL) and Nationwide League One (NLO), shows how teams rate the tourney.

"We're a result-driven firm so we looking forward to a better partnership with the brand and Nigerian football as well."

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

Kwara FA Boss, Henry George, Isaac Danladi, Alloy, others celebrate Abdul Momoh on Birthday

Top football stakeholders across Nigeria have showered encomiums, praises on Ace photo-journalist, Abdul Momoh who marked his birthday on the 2nd of September, 2021.

Leading the pack for those that sent their goodwill messages were Executive Chairman of Kwara State Football Association, Mallam Idris Musa Abdullahi, Chairman, Nigeria Club Owners Association, Barr. Isaac Danladi, former Chairman of Kwara United FC, Prince Oladimeji Thompson and Director of Football of ABS FC, Alloy Chukwuemeka among others. 

Barister Dalandi commended the photographer for his outstanding work which he's using to promote football in Nigeria and wished him well in life and his career.

In his own words,  NMMAF Boss, Ambassador Henry George said a lot of good things about veteran sports promoter just as he prayed for him and promised to host him and his family at the weekend in Ilorin.

The Kwara State FA boss, Malam Idris Abdullahi, described the award winning photojournalist as hardworking and noted he was proud of the product from his state in an open gathering in Ibadan.

Similarly, Secretary of the Club Owners Association, Chief Alloy Chukwuemaka also wished Momoh happy more years and charged him to always work harder while praying for him for more success.

NPFL: Tornadoes, ABS share spoils in Lokoja

Niger Tornadoes of Minna on Wednesday in Lokoja came from a goal down to force Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC to a one all draw in a Match Day 2 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) encounter.