NPFL: Micheal Ibe dedicates Katsina United's win over Enugu Rangers to fans

 

Katsina United's mercurial midfielder, Michael Ibe has dedicated his team's 4-3 win against Enugu Rangers to the fans. 

Ibe's two goals and an assist against his former club played a key role as the Changi Boys held on to snap Rangers' 10-match unbeaten run in the Middle 29 of Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL encounter decided at the Mohammed Dikko Stadium in Katsina. 

The former Aiteo Cup winner said; "Today's is one of my best games this season, playing against my former club, table toppers and scoring two goals in the process is massive, so I want to dedicate this win to the supporters, fans of Katsina United. 

"They have been consistent with their motivation, encouragement and support for us which have never gone unnoticed, God willing, we will continue to make them proud wirh solid performances like this that will be enough to end the season well for us," Michael Ibe told Nigeriafootball.ng after the match. 

The former Akwa United player has so far scored six goals and has provided same number of assists for the Changi Boys in this current campaign. 

Katsina United are currently sixth on the log with 44 points from 28 matches. 

They will be guest to Bayelsa United in their next match. 

By Favour Itua

NPFL: Abubakar Bala resigns as Katsina United Head Coach

 

Bala Abubakar has resigned from his position as Head Coach at Katsina United after their Nigeria Premier Football League Match Day 25 game against Sunshine Stars on Wednesday. 

The former Kwara United coach decided to walk away due to a lack of a conducive atmosphere and the non-fulfilment of his contractual agreement by Katsina United. 

It has been reported that Bala has not received his monthly salary since joining the club four months ago.

Furthermore, he was twice attacked by irate Katsina United fans, with no efforts made by the interim management to intervene. On one occasion, he was rescued by heavily armed security men. 

In his resignation letter, Bala stated, "I humbly wish to resign my position as the Head Coach of Katsina United. This is a result of the lack of a conducive atmosphere and the non-fulfilment of my contract agreements.

"I'm sincerely grateful for the opportunity and support given to me during my brief stay with the club and wish the team the best of the season."

Bala took over as Katsina United's Head Coach on MatchDay 13 when they were in the 15th position with 14 points, just one point above the relegation zone. 

He played 12 matches, recording 6 home wins, 2 away draws, 1 home draw, and 3 away losses, accumulating a total of 21 points from a possible 36 points.

NPFL: "We deserve the point", Micheal Ibe reacts to Katsina United's draw against Kwara United

 

Katsina United's creative midfielder, Micheal Ibe believed his side labored to shared the points with Kwara United in the Matchday 20 of Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL clash on Saturday.

Issa Gata gave the Harmony Boys the lead in the first half in the match decided in Ilorin. 

The hosts could have doubled their lead before end of first half but were denied by Katsina goalkeeper, Pius Ibrahim. 

The Chanji Boys came out stronger in the second half and took the game to their hosts.

They would soon be reduced to 10 men when Sunday Akinmoladun was sent off. 

That did not affect the team's rhythm as they kept on pushing for the equalizer.

It would later paid for them as they scored late through Micheal Ibe whose curling effort from corner kick beat Adeyinka Adewale in goal for Kwara United. 

Katsina United would end the game with nine men with another marching order for Emmanuel Okoko.

Micheal Ibe who hailed his team mates for resilience noted that the point in Ilorin was like a victory. 

"We didn't give up from the start, even though they (Kwara United) were all over us in the first half. 

"We came back in the second half with more purpose and I think we deserve the point because we played better and defended well. 

"It was truly it a tough match and it's not always easy to come here and get anything, this one will be like a win and we will surely build on it, Ibe who has scored four goals with two assists this season told Nigeriafootball.ng after the match in Ilorin. 

Katsina United will next take on Kano Pillars next weekend in Katsina. 

"Federation Cup presents Osun United a fair platform to make statements" - Seyi Ajayi

 

🔹as Osun FA Boosts Team's Morale

Hostility returns in the Nigeria's ancient competition, the Federations Cup as Osun Utd battle Nigeria National League side Katsina Utd in one of the Round 64 fixtures slated for tomorrow in Abuja.

Omoluabi Giants who hit the Federal Capital Territory with twenty 20 players and some officials are in right frame of mind to unlock tactical and physical obstacles as they eye a slot in the next round.

It was a similar fixture in September 2018 when Abdullahi Biffo led Katsina Utd dump out Duke Udi's Osun United, courtesy of Dominic Abah's late strike as 'Changi Boys' progressed to group stage. 

In a swift reaction, after the light training at the match venue under the intense weather conditions, Osun Utd gaffer, Seye Ajayi is optimistic of turning in victory tomorrow.

"It's a different ball game tomorrow, I have prepared this side and they can challenge any teams in Nigeria, we as a team fear no foes.

"Psychologically, we are fit and ready for the duel, we are motivated. Many thanks to our sports loving governor who has been supporting us tremendously in every way, we pray he continues to support us as Osun Utd returns to where it belongs in no distant time." Coach Seye Ajayi, a former 3SC goal machine affirmed.

"You are known as 'Giant Killers' in the Federations Cup. Historically, you have done it before, therefore, go and reclaim your status, we are on ground to cheer you to victory, we are fully committed to your success. With the level of your preparation and dedication, you will move mountains". Those are the words of Osun FA supremo, Otunba Rasaq lshola Mustapha RIM., who's  represented in Abuja by a board member, Shola Fayoyinwa.

Believe And Achieve side who agonisingly lost 5-4 via penalties to Sunshine Stars last time out in lkenne, after a barren scoreline at regulation time will lock horns with impressive Katsina Utd at Area 3 pitch tomorrow by 2pm as the winner of the tie progresses to Round 32.

Unity Preseason Tourney: Its an all NPFL semifinals

 

Wikki Tourists FC and Katsina United on Thursday picked the remaining two slots to make it an all NPFL teams semi finals at the ongoing Unity Preseason Tournament holding in Abuja. 

The tournament which Started with 12 teams has seen the elite division clubs showing their class, despite initial set backs to the lower division teams, to emerge at the last four. Thereby, separating the men from the boys. 

The last match of the Group C which was played between Wikki Tourists of Bauchi and Katsina United lived up to expectations, and watched by capacity crowd which included the Chairman of NFF Technical Committee Alhaji Ahmed Fresh, NFF Technical Department members Paul Aigbogun, and Garba Lawal, Nigeria Football Coaches Association Chairman and National U. 20 coach, Ladan Bosso, Super Eagles Coordinator Patrick Pascal, former National team Coach James Peters among others, saw both teams  qualifying for the Semi Final of the Unity Pre Season tournament in style after settling for a goalless draw. 

Wikki Tourists garnered 7points and +7goals advantage to top group C, while Katsina United finished as best losers with same points with lesser goals advantage. 

Wikki Tourists will now take on Plateau United in one of the Semi Finals  tomorrow Friday 5/11/2021

by 4pm at the Area 3 playing ground, while the first Semi Final by 2pm  same day will be between Nasarawa United and Katsina United. 

The final of the tournament has been slated for Sunday 7th November 2021 at the Area 3 playing pitch.

Nasarawa United, Plateau United, Wikki Tourists, others arrive Abuja for Unity Preseason Tournament

 

Nasarawa United on Friday became the first Premiership club to arrive Abuja for the Unity Preseason Tournament holding in the Capital city from 30th October to 5th November 

Speaking to the team before their departure on Friday, Nasarawa United Chairman, Barr. Isaac Danladi, stated that the Preseason tournament would give his team the opportunity to test their new recruits ahead of the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League Season.

"Yes, the Preseason tourney is Kick-starting  on Saturday in Abuja, and it's a good preparation ground for us ahead of the new football season.

"The beauty of this tournament is the fact that it has in it top flight teams within the North Central Zone of the country, including former league champions, Plateau United FC.

"There are also Katsina United as well as Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi and other top second division clubs.

"Also, this tourney will offer us a serene atmosphere to work towards our programmes for next Season because at this time, we have to be far away from distractions."

Danladi who also heads the NPFL Club Owners' Association said the Club's participation at the preseason tournament is not all about winning it but to use it to fine-tune the team ahead of the forthcoming Nigeria Professional Football League Season. If we win, that's very good. If we don't win, it is good too. However we are going into the tournament with good vibes

Twelve teams split into three groups will participate in the one week-long competition.

Addressing his team before their departure, the General Manager of Plateau United Football Club of Jos Pius Henwan challenged his players to be good ambassadors as they participate in the Unity Pre-season Football Competition in Abuja.

Henwan reminded the players that they are representing Plateau State and as such , they should exhibit good conduct during the competition and do the state proud.

He explained that the team's continental aspirations start from now and challenged the players to work hard by winning the trophy at the end of the competition.

" Don't look at this Pre-season Tournament as mere friendly matches, but take it as competitive league matches because how well you do in this Competition will go a long way to determine our performance in league which kick off in few weeks .

He directed the head coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu to drop any player who indulge in act of indiscipline stressing that there is no room for such players in the team this time around.

He reminded the team that management will not hesitate to drop any player who fails to live up to expectation stressing that there will no room for complacency in the team this season.

Technical Adviser of the team, Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu thanked management for the opportunity to attend the competition and assured that the team will give a good account of itself in the tournament.

Other teams that have arrived for the week long tournament are Cynosure FC, Fosla FC, NYSC Strikers, Mavlon FC, Wikki Tourists and Sokoto United. 

Hostilities with begin on Saturday with Nasarawa United tackling Cynosure FC.

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

Nasarawa United, Cynosure to get Unity Preseason Tournament into action

 

2021 AITEO cup finalists, Nasarawa United will play the opening match of the maiden edition of the Unity Preseason Tournament holding in Abuja. The Lafia outfit, will battle giants killers Cynosure FC of Abakaliki. 

In a draw released at the weekend by the Organizing committee of the tournament, Nasarawa United who are grouped in Group A alongside two NLO sides Fosla FC and Mavlon FC 

In the second match of the opening day, former NPFL Champions Plateau United FC will be on stage against another NLO from Abuja Waco FC. The match which the Fedelis Ilechukwu will not take for granted as they will surely go out for the maximum points. Plateau United are in Group B with the likes of Sokoto Utd and EFCC FC who will square it up with each other in the last match of the first day. 

According to the Coordinator of the tournament, Patrick Ngwaogu, Katsina United, Wikki Tourists, Capital City FC and NYSC Strikers will settle scores in Group C. 

Ngwaogu who was the former First Vice Chairman of FCT Football Association said  teams are expected to make 7 (seven) changes in a match. This he said is to enable the teams have the opportunity of assessing all their players. 

The former Abia Warriors FC Sporting Director said as the teams are grouped into 3 (Three) groups, of four teams each, that only one  team is expected to emerge from each  of the group  with one best loser for the semi finals. 

The man popularly know as *Odogwu Ndi Abia* , insisted that all FIFA rules governing the game of football will be applied in the tournament.

Katsina United, Cynosure FC, EFCC FC confirms Unity Preseason tournament participation

 

Premier League top flyers Katsina United FC has confirmed their participation in the maiden edition of the Unity Preseason Tournament holding in Abuja from 30th October to 5th November.

Confirming this in a message to the organizers, the Team Manager of team Abdulganiu Adeleke said the tournament came at the right to enable the Coaches assess the readiness of the team ahead of the 2021 /2022 NPFL season.

He was full of appreciation to the organizers of tournament for putting together the program for teams, and believed that the aims will be achieved at the end of the day.

Also two Nigeria National League teams EFCC FC and Cynosure FC confirmed their participation in the tournament. In their separate messages, the teams said they are ready to give all the elite clubs a run for their money in the tournament.

Nasarawa wins duel of uniteds against Katsina

Katsina United again failed to get a result on the road after they fell 2 - 1 at Nasarawa United in one of the NPFL match day 15 decided at the Lafia City Stadium in Lafia.

NRA frowns at Referees' treatment in NPFL season opener

The attention of the Nigeria Referees Association, NRA, has been drawn to unpalatable incidents trailing the kick off of the NPFL. 

#AhlanCup17: Kano Pillars ease past Katsina United to book final ticket

Kano Pillars humbled Katsina United 4-1 on Friday in Kano to qualify for the final of maiden Ahlan Cup Preseason Tournament.

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.

CAF TICKETS: Gold Cup congratulate MFM FC , Enyimba

General Coordinator Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament, Tunde Shamsudeen, has heaped praises on Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministires (MFM FC) and Enyimba International Football Club after they respectively picked a CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup ticket.

Usule’s header, Adamu’s lob and Ibenegbu’s free kick make VAT Wonder Goal 11 shortlist

 The race for the Match Day 30 VAT Wonder Goal has opened between Martins Usule of Katsina United, Adamu Hassan of Nasarawa United and Ikechukwu Ibenegbu of Enyimba International.

Katsina United worsens Rivers United's survival hope

Rivers United dropped crucial points at home on Monday as they drew 1-1 with Katsina United on match day 33 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). 

NPFL Match Day 33 preview: Rivers United versus Katsina United

The ‘Pride of Rivers’, Rivers United return to Port Harcourt to face Katsina United after suffering two consecutive defeats in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). 

ABS FC boost survival hopes with 2-2 draw in Katsina

Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC, came from behind twice to draw hosts, Katsina United in a two all draw on Sunday. 

LMC Counts Gains of the NPFL U-15 Promises Tournament

The recently concluded Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) U-15 Promises Tournament has been described as the jumpstarting of the process for a sustainable youth football culture in the NPFL.

Remo Stars' Eric over the moon with winning goal

Remo Stars' Man of the Moment, Dufegha Eric says his debut goal and victory against Katsina United means a lot to him and the team.