Comedian Akpororo hails quality of NLO Cup

 

Nigeria's top rated Stand-up Comedian, Bowoto Jephthah Tanimola, popularly known as Akpororo on stage, has hailed the quality of the NLO Cup and top notch organization of the tournament by the Nationwide League One.

It was a hitch-free tourney as eight grassroot teams displayed the best of NLO brand of football to the delight of fans who trooped to the Uyo Township Stadium to catch a daily glimpse of the football moments in the NLO Cup, sponsored by telecommunications giant MTN and FirstCentral Credit Bureau.

At the end, a total of 35 goals were scored during the group phase in Uyo, with Palm Syrup qualifying to the final.

Akpororo, who owns and captains his team, Roro FC in the Nigerian 3rd division, couldn't spur his club beyond the Group phase of the NLO Cup, as they were knocked out of the competition at the Uyo Centre.

He led his team to a win, draws and loss. But despite the victory over Palm Syrup FC in their final group game, Roro FC failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the competition at the Uyo Centre.

Akpororo told NLO Media Channel after the victory over Palm Syrup, who are in the final after going past Kun Kalifah FC 6-5 in a nail biting penalty shootout.

"The NLO Cup has been cool tourney and another learning curve for RORO FC but I know with time, we will get to the level we have set for ourselves.

"Most importantly, I give credit to the NLO Secretariat for the initiative behind the NLO Cup, as we had some of the best teams in division in Kano and Uyo.

"I want to commend the NLO for the energy they have put in so far managing the nation's third-tier league, and making it a good brand that has attracted top sponsors. Surely, if the NLO continues with this kind of energy level, they will surpass their targets.

"For me (Akpororo), I love the beautiful game football, and since I didn't have the chance to play, I chose to have a team -RORO FC and I play for my team.

"I played all our matches in the grassroot to get this far, NLO and my ultimate dream for my club is to feature in the Nigerian Premier Football League."

Palm Syrup secures NLO Cup Semifinal ticket as journey ends for FC Chimoski

 

Palm Syrup FC became the first team to qualify for the semifinals of NLO Cup sponsored by telecommunications giant MTN and FirstCentral Credit Bureau, after recording a second win, after a 2-0 bashing of Jaguar FC in a second Group 2 fixture at the Uyo Township Stadium on Sunday.

It was an explosive game between both teams with two penalty saves at both ends, having recorded wins on Matchday 1 of the championship.

Palm Syrup took the game to Jaguar FC scoring first after Solomon Akpan made the most of an exciting pass from Abraham David for 1-0 in the 25th minute.

Abraham David who assisted the first goal then got his goal for a job well done in the 37th minute, after twisting and turning away from his marker at the edge of the box before curling in a superb strike for 2-0.

It was an interesting second half that saw two penalty saves from both goalkeepers. 

Palm Syrup won a spot kick in the 72nd minute after a foul on Solomon Akpan. Ukoette Anaibong then took the spot kick but was denied by Jaguar FC shot-stopper Uko Essen, to keep the scoreline at 2-0.

With 10 minutes to end the game, Jaguar FC could have started a comeback when they were awarded a penalty, but a magnificent sharp reflex reaction from Palm Syrup goalkeeper Nsisiong Ekpo, saw him deny Anyaegbunam Pacian from the spot kick.

Meanwhile, it was not too. good for FC Chimoski as they have been eliminated from the competition after suffering a second defeat, losing by a lone goal to Olegacy FC. Recall they fell 4-1 to Kun Khalifa FC on Matchday One.

In the other results from Uyo, it was spoils sharing as the game between Krane FC versus RORO FC and Vandrezzer JNR versus Kun Khalifa FC ended respectively at one all-draw.

However, matches continue at the Uyo Township Stadium on Monday morning with MatchDay 3 fixtures, while the Kano Centre resumes with MatchDay 2 existing fixtures at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata Kano.

Uyo Centre Matchday 3 Fixtures: 

FC Chimoski vs Vandrezzer JNR - 10am

Jaguar FC vs Krane FC - 12pm

Palm Syrup FC vs RORO FC - 2pm

Kun Khalifa FC vs Olegacy - 4pm

Kano Centre Matchday 2 Fixtures:

Tudun Wada FC vs Like Minds - 10am

Kwankwasiyya FC vs Green Lock FC - 12pm

Zeal Minds FC vs Barau/Murtala FC - 2pm

NA Royals vs FC Sheika - 4pm