HEARTY FELICITATIONS AND APPRECIATION TO KOGI STATE SGS AT 60

 

The chairman of the Kogi United and Confluence Queens, Honourable Abdulmalik Isah Dolly has joined a host of others well-wishers to felicitate with the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Dr. (Mrs) Folashade Ayoade Ariike on the auspicious occasion of her 60th birthday celebration. 

Honourable Dolly is his felicitation message said that Dr. Arike is known for her unwavering passion and commitment to contributing her quota to impacting humanity, not only in Kogi State but nationwide. 

The Chairman of Kogi State-owned football teams noted that Dr. Ariike's excellent service to the state and her people is inspiring not ruling out her contributions to sports development, football in particular. 

According to Honourable Dolly, "I called her mother because she has played a motherly role in our football teams especially Confluence Queens.

"On several occasions, she has rescued the team when we have difficulties."

"Today as she marked her 60th birthday, on behalf of the football teams, I'm extending our warmest felicitation to the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State. 

"As you celebrate this special day, I want to acknowledge your invaluable contributions to sustain the 'Continuity and Consolidation Agenda' of the present administration

"Dear SGS Ma, May your birthday be filled with abundant blessings, favours, health, wisdom and fulfilment.  

"May your leadership continues to inspire many and I'm confident that your future endeavors will bring even more successful

"I wish you a happy birthday and many happy returns of the day.

Signed:

Hon. Abdulmalik Isah Dolly

Chairman, Kogi United and Confluence Queens FCs

GRATITUDE AND HUMILITY: MY HEARTFELT APPRECIATION

 

I am overwhelmed with gratitude and humility as I share the news of my appointment as the New Manager of Kogi United Football Club!

I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to:

His Excellency, Alhaji Usman Ododo, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, for his unwavering passion and commitment to uplifting sports in our great state. Your trust in me is a tremendous honor, and I promise to work tirelessly to justify your confidence.

Hon. Monday Aridaojo Anyebe, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, for his innovative approach and dedication to youth empowerment and development in Kogi State. Your leadership has been a beacon of hope for our young people. This appointment is an opportunity to me and you won't be disappointed.

Hon. Abdulmalik Isah Dolly, Chairman, Kogi United and Confluence Queens, as well as Board Chairman, Kogi State Sports Council, for his unyielding discipline, tenacity, and commitment to the development of football in Kogi State. Your guidance and support mean the world to me. Thank you for entrusting me with this responsibility. I am confident that, together, we can achieve great things.

To my predecessor, Tijani Ibrahim, I salute you for the outstanding work you've done. Your legacy is a challenge to me, and I promise to build upon the foundation you've laid.

To our critical stakeholders and great personalities, I pray that God blesses and rewards you abundantly for being instruments to my appointment. I am honored to serve under your leadership and guidance.

To our great fans of Kogi united football club and lovers of sports, I appreciate you for your positive interest and support to our darling team. I will always count on your continuous support. This position holds great significance for me, both personally and professionally, and I am eager to contribute my best to the success of the team. I will be committed to working diligently, fostering a positive team environment and striving for excellence in all aspects of the role.

Thank you all, and let's work together to take Kogi United to greater heights! 

#KogiUnited #NewManager #Appreciation

Kogi United, Confluence Queens carry out major management, technical reshuffling

 

The management of Kogi United and Confluence Queens have announced a major shakeup in the administration and technical departments of both clubs in a bid to achieve the desired result in the coming football season. 

In a statement signed by the Chairman of the board for both teams, Mallam Abdulmalik Issa, Mr. Olachene Itodo has been announced as the new Team Manager of Kogi United replacing Mr. Ibrahim Tijani. 

Mr. Itodo was until his latest appointment the Coordinator of the club's feeder team. 

Mr. Tijani has now been appointed as the Coordinator for both Kogi United and Confluence Queens.

The management has also confirmed the appointment of Mr. Joseph Oboh as the substantive Secretary of Confluence Queens. Mr. Oboh has been on acting capacity since last season. 

In the technical department, Coach Musa Abubakar has been drafted to Confluence Queens where he will be assisting the Technical Adviser, Sabo Okala.

Former Super Falcons' defender, Ester Micheal will act as the Assistant and Trainer for the Queens with Jimoh Abdulazeez coming as the new Goalkeeper trainer for the Queens.

Moving in the opposite direction is Bestman Ossai as the new Goalkeeper trainer for Kogi United. 

In another development, Coach Muhammed Yusuf has been elevated to the post of Head Coach of Kogi United. 

He will be in charge of the club pending a new Technical Adviser be appointed for the Confluence State club. 

He will be assisted by Abdul Bello who has been deployed from Confluence Queens. 

Veteran women's football specialist, Mr. Moses Bako has been engaged as the consultant for Confluence Queens while Mr. Aranka Timothy will head the Scouting unit of the club. 

Mallam Issa congratulated the new appointees and the redeployed officials just as he charged them to bring their wealth of experience to bear for the clubs to achieve greater successes in the coming season. 

Kogi United missed out on promotion to the Nigeria National League, NNL last season while Confluence Queens finished in an undesirable position in the last Nigeria Women's Football League, NWFL season.

Kogi United appoints Itodo as new Team Manager

The management of Kogi United have appointed Micheal Olachene Itodo as the new Team Manager of the club.

Itodo's appointment was confirmed on Thursday by the Chairman of the club, Mallam Abdulmalik Issa.

Itodo will be replacing Ibrahim Tijani who has been acted in the capacity for the past three seasons

Mallam Issa said Itodo's appointment was as a result of his track record of professionalism and dedication to achieve success and instilling discipline in the team.

While congratulating Itodo on his new role, Mallam Issa assured him of the management's support and encouragement to succeed with the club. 

Itodo until his latest appointment was the Coordinator of United'a tou6h team. 

He led the club to win several domestic laurels within state and also performed creditably at the Nationwide League One NLO playoffs.

NFF appoints Abdul Sule as Member Technical Study Group Committee

 

Former Nigerian international, Abdul Sule was among the notable names announced by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF as members of various standing and ad-hoc committees for smooth running of operation and to achieve desired results. 

In the release by the Federation on Tuesday, Abdul Sule was among the Technical Study Group Committee that has Issa Ladan Bosso as the chairman. 

This committee will be responsible for assessing technical efficiencies of coaches and players of our various national teams.

They will also be used as scouts for Nigerian players as well as assessing Nigeria's opponents at various international tournaments.

The committee members are: 

1. Technical Study Group Committee:

i. Coach Ladan Bosso - Chairman

ii. Coach James Adesina - Vice Chairman

iii. Coach Manu Garba

iv. Ibrahim Gwadabe

v. Tijjani Babangida

vi. Mutiu Adepoju

vii. Edema Fuludu

viii. Abdul Sule

Ix. Hamisu Mohammed

It will be recalled that Abdul Sule was appointed as Vice Chairman of the Committee that has been saddled with the responsibility of reviving the famous BCC Lions of Gboko.

Sule played for the Benue based club before moving to abroad.

He was the Chairman of both Kogi United and Confluence Queens between 2015 and 2021. 

Sule, popularly called Kana played for Nigerian between 1991 and 1993.

APC national stalwart, philantropist pledges support for Kogi United, Confluence Queens

 

By Godwin Wambebe

The Personal Assistant to the Executive Governor of Yobe State and National Caretaker Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Alhaji Yakubu Murtala Ajaka has pledge his support for Kogi United/Confluence Queens football Club of Lokoja.

Alhaji Muri as he is popularly known threw his weight behind the Kogi state government Sponsored teams after interacting with Chairman of the two Clubs Abdulmalik Isah and pledge his unflinching Support for the teams Wednesday evening in Abuja.

The top All Progressive Congress party stalwart describe football and Sports in general as a readily available tool to engaging youths positively and redirect their minds away from unprofitable things and a venture that can give them a lifelong Sustainable platform as Sports has become absolutely lucrative.

" With this in mind,there is the need for government,corporate organizations and well meaning individuals to key into the lofty concept and idea of supporting sports.We can use Sports to engage the youths who happen to control an appreciable percentage of the Nation's population positively by investing heavily in the sector"

The Young Politician/Philanthropist who is widely known especially in his home state of Kogi for his large heart,generosity and desire to always uplift the downtrodden wherever he goes said after hearing the story of the two state clubs and their needs to compete favourably in their respective Leagues, promised to support the teams in whatever way he can.

A generous Man,the young aide to the Caretaker National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress who is also the executive governor of the Nort-eatstern state of Yobe Alhaji Mai Mala Buni commended Alhaji Yahaya Bello for his giant strides in infrastructural development,Security,educational upliftment, Youth and Women empowerment said with what the Presidential hopeful has achieved so far,there is the need to complement his efforts by supporting the two teams for Optimum performance. 

Alhaji Ajaka met with the Chief Security Officer to the Executive Governor of Kogi state Alhaji Abdulmalik Suleiman and the Chairman of Kogi United/Confluence queens football Club Honourable Abdulmalik Isah Dolly in Abuja, the Nation's Capital where salient issues affecting the development and welfare of the teams were discussed extensively. 

Kogi United Football Club is preparing to commence campaign in the Nation's second tier league in a week's time and will look to put behind it, last season's disappointing outing in the League and post a better performance this season.

The Young energetic APC stalwart who is known for his generosity and large heart was later presented with a Kogi United branded Jersey as the Club's Grand Patron by the Club's Chairman Honourable Abdulmalik Isah Dolly and the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to Kogi state governor Alhaji Abdulmalik Suleiman.

NNL Playoff: Our best wasn't enough - Folley

 

Head Coach of Kogi United has expressed displeasure with the way his side approached their Nigeria National League, NNL Relegation Playoff where they lost 2-0 to FRSC FC on Wednesday in Abuja. 

The encounter played at the Aguinyi Ironsi Cantonment football pitch was the last life lines for clubs to beat the drop to the Nationwide League One, NLO division from the second tier status. 

Two second half goals from the Safety players rendered United to another disappointing season. 

Ojekunle who told newsmen after the game in Abuja picked much of positives from the performance of his players but believed they could have done more. 

"I must be frank with you, I'm not happy with how it ended, we should have done better after playing so well for most part of the match, we tried our best to control the game but I think its not enough. 

"I don't want to talk much on some calls from match officials, but I still believe we could have played better, the condition of sticking with old players to prosecute this playoff didn't favor us as well but no time for excuses," he said.

Asked what is next for Kogi United as regards their status and if he will stay with the team playing the NLO, Ojekunle said he's a professional coach that respects contract and agreement adding that Kogi United is too good to play in the amateur division. 

"I won't want to talk about where we will play next season but you and know this club is well structured than to be playing in the lower league, with due respect to NLO and the clubs there. 

"I'm staying with the team in whatever league we are playing, I've signed a contract with them and as a professional coach I will respect that."

NNL Relegation Playoff: Opportunity for Kogi United to get back into reckoning - Folabi Ojekunle

As the Nigeria National League, NNL Relegation Playoff gets underway on Tuesday 11th January 2022 in the nation's capital, Avuja, Technical Adviser of Kogi United football Club of Lokoja Folabi Ojekunle has described the tourney as an opportunity for his side to bounce back into reckoning and retains it's NNL Status. 

Speaking to Kogi United Media ahead of the Play-off, the former Udala fc gaffer said it's absolutely unfortunate that a team like Kogi United with such arrays of quality and hardworking players found itself in relegation battle at the end of the 2020/2021 Nigeria National League Season despite picking maximum points away from home on two occasions.

The experienced tactician said the management of the club understands the importance of the Playoff and as such have put all measures in place to ensure that the team does not go down the murky waters of relegation.

"Its a good thing that the Nigeria National League authority have decided to stage the Playoff to give teams the opportunity to return back to the second tier League after some abysmal performances last season. This is an opportunity for us to bounce back from the doldrums and we are going to make good use of this advantage and opportunity"

On the quality and depth of the team, Coach Folabi said "We still have good players in the team who can withstand any opposition and eventuality anytime anyday and we have worked on them thoroughly since taking over at the club few months ago and hopefully they will deliver when we meet Road Safety football Club of Abuja on Wednesday to decide who remains in the NNL"

It will be recalled that following some strings of poor performances by the Confluence State Club last season, the team was relegated from the Nigeria National League after finishing second to the last in group A1 of the Northern Conference.

But while the Club is still ruing over its drop from the NNL, the Nigeria National League body at their Annual General Meeting in Benin city the Edo State capital on 13th December 2021 resolved that the eight (8) relegated teams from the Southern and Northern Conference respectively should meet in Abuja and play themselves to determine which team goes down or remains in the Nigeria National League for the 2021/2022 Season. 

Kogi United fc will take on Road Safety fc of Abuja on Wednesday 12th January 2022 at the Aguiyi Ironsi barracks football pitch. 

KUFC MEDIA

10TH JANUARY 2022

I will work with key stakeholders to achieve NPFL goal - Coach Folley

 

By Bishop Aturu 

The newly appointed Technical Adviser of Kogi United Football Club, Coach Folabi Ojekunle has expressed his resolve to work will all critical stakeholders in the state to ensure unity of purpose and NPFL goal.

Coach Foley as popularly called made this known to members of Kogi State Chapter of Sport Writers Association Of Nigeria, (SWAN) during a familiarization visit at the Club's training ground.

The meeting which was at the instance of the experienced tactician was part of his determination to ensure that football stakeholders in the state gets involved in the task of ensuring an improved and better Kogi United during his reign.

In his words, " I am a fulfilled man today after meeting with the Sport Writers body because they are critical stakeholders in the sports sector,  which without their prompt and concise reportage, the society and indeed the world will not get first hand and detailed information about happenings in the world of Sports".

The Tottenham-trained coach thanked the Sport Writers for honouring his invitation and promised that henceforth, familiarization meetings and interactions like this with the body will be consistent and steady during his reign.

"The partnership with you guys is absolutely necessary because the mandate given to me by the Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello at my unveiling is to secure promotion for Kogi United to the Nigeria Professional Football League at the end of the forthcoming  NNL season and there is no way this can be achieved without the contributions,input and support of the major stakeholders which SWAN is also an integral part of"

Coach folabi said he had an extensive and fruitful discussion with the executive Governor of the state during his unveiling on steps and measures to be taken if the mandate to take the club to the top tier is to be achieved which the Number one citizen promised are being looked into. 

Chairman of SWAN in Kogi State Mr Bishop Aturu who spoke unbehalf of the group thanked the coach for deeming it fit to draw the body close.

He said the group as the body of Sport Writers in the state consist of individuals who are versatile and good in what they do and are ready to harmonize and partner with Kogi United in the area of  publicity and also ensure a good working relationship.

According to Mr Aturu, "we have in our rank and file practising sport  journalists who are good at what they do and as such we can harmonize our strenght to ensure a very good publicity for the club.We also look forward to more meetings and interactions like this"

"We are also looking at having a press conference with you so as to know more about your plans and programmes for the club as soon as you are successfully through with the screening exercise"

A veteran journalist who is the correspondent of the Leadership Newspaper in Kogi State and Ex-Officio of SWAN, Elder Sam Egwu applauded the tactician for the bold step taken to have a good rapport with the Association in the state saying it will also give Kogi United's activities more coverage and publicity.

The Meeting with the Sport Writers Association Of Nigeria Kogi State Chapter is one a series of Familiarizatiin meetings and interactions the former Udala fc handler has been having with football stakeholders in the state since he assume his new position as Technical Adviser of the Nigeria National League campaigners.

Coach Folabi Ojekunle has also met with the Kogi State Football Association, State Referees Council, Supporters of Kogi United fc in a bid to ensure that everybody is involved in the task of Making the Club a force to reckon with when the New Season gets underway.

Detan Ogundare trusts Shooting Stars credentials to win Ogunjobi Gold Cup

The Oluyole Warriors host their Southwest derby rivals Remo Stars in the climax of the 9th edition of the prestigious pre-season tournament at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

Detan, a former Flying Eagles shot stopper said after his saves in the penalty shoot-out against MFM FC propelled Shooting Stars to their first Ogunjobi Gold Cup final.

"'It's another final game for us, and a tough one as both teams are rivals and want to win the Ogunjobi Gold Cup for pride and for fans.

"For any team can win but 3SC has the edge going into Saturday's final. Recall Remo Stars forced us to a draw in the NNL Super 8 Promotion play-off in Enugu and we did beat them recently via penalties in one of the pre-season games. This time around, they can't escape it will be Shooting Stars at the end of 90 minutes." 

His thoughts after he replaced his goalkeeping partner Charles Tembe on the dot of 90 minutes after scores stood at 0-0.

"Not much of a feeling as I knew it was my turn to make an impact in the game and I had the confidence that my team would steal the evening.

"I was so delighted that my coaches believed in me after they introduced me into the game against MFM FC for the penalty shoot-out. 

"They know it's one of my specialty and glad I didn't disappoint after I stopped two of MFM spot kicks."

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

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.

CONE Sports identify with organizers to boost Unity Preseason Tournament

 

A leading sports ware company in the country, CONE SPORTS has reached agreement with the  organizers of the Unity Preseason Tournament (Unity Cup) to be the official kit partners of the tournament. The tournament holds in Abuja from 30th October to 5th November. 

Revealing this in Abuja at the weekend, the Coordinator of the tournament, Patrick Ngwaogu expressed happiness on the milestone achieved in the agreement. 

According to him,  the company has agreed to kit the two finalists, kit the official of the teams, kit the Organizing  officials and provide the match balls. He was full of praises for the Chief Executive officer of Cone Sports, Mr. Cletus Okojie for his commitment to the development of sports in country. 

Ngwaogu who was the immediate past First Vice Chairman of FCT Football Association also revealed that the Organizers have reached agreement with some hoteliers in the capital city to provide accommodate to the teams at a subsidized rate. He said the broadcast partners of tournament will also be revealed within the week. 

Teams participating in the tournament are Plateau United, Nasarawa United, Lobi Stars, Kwara United, and Niger Tornadoes. The NNL clubs will include ABS, Kogi United, EFCC FC, NAF FC and FRSC FC.

Moukthar pledges FCT FA support for Unity Preseason Tournament

The Chairman of FCT Football Association Abba Mourtar Mohammed has given his approval to the hosting of the Unity Preseason Tournament holding in Abuja from 30th October to 5th November 2021.

Revealing this in Abuja, the Organizing Committee Chairman, Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu Ndi Abia) said the Chairman was so excited of the program, and has agreed to donate the main trophy and medals of the tournament. He further confirmed that the Chairman has promised to make the presentation of the trophy soon.

According to him "the Chairman welcomed the idea, and said that the tournament will not only give all the participating teams the opportunity to assess their new acquisitions, but it will also provide an opportunity to the teams within the zone to interact and exchange positive ideas that will help them in the new season. He commended the initiators of the tournament and promised to be there for them all through ".

The Unity Preseason Cup is expected to be played among all the NPFL clubs in the North Central zone and the NNL clubs.

Teams expected at the tournament are Kwara United, Plateau United, Lobi Stars, Niger Tornadoes, Nasarawa United, Oyah FC, NAF FC, FRSC FC, EFCC FC, ABS FC and Kogi United.

Mr Ngwaogu further said that the clubs have started confirming their interest to participate in the tournament which will be the first in the zone.

Unity Preseason Tournament debuts in Abuja

The maiden edition of the Unity Preseason Tournament will be held in the Federal Capital Territory for all the Premiership and National League clubs in the North Central zone of the country.

According to the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu Ndi Abia) the tournament is meant to prepare the teams in the zone for the 2021/2022 Football season.

Ngwaogu said the tournament is aimed at unifying the teams in the zone, prepare them adequately for new season and give them the opportunity to assess all their new recruits for the season.

The former Abia Warriors FC Sporting Director said the teams expected for the tournament will include Kwara United, Plateau United, Nasarawa United, Niger Tornadoes, and Lobi Stars. He said the NNL clubs expected will include Kogi United, ABS FC, EFCC FC, FRSC FC, NAF FC and Oyah Sports FC.

He said that 30 October to 5 November 2021 has been proposed for the tournament.

NNL Preview: John Jerome targets full points against Mighty Jets

Kogi United will be guests to Mighty Jets in Jos for one of the Matchday Two encounters of the 2017/2018 Nigeria National League, NNL season on Saturday.

Frimpong strike wins NNL opener for Kogi United

A well struck free kick from Daniel Frimpong ensured Kogi United commenced their 2017/2018 Bet9ja Nigeria National League, NNL season on a brighter note with a 1-0 victory over newly promoted side, Aklosendi FC from Lafia.

ABS' Ernest Governor on Enyimba radar

Relegated Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC defender, Ernest Governor is one the targets of former champions, Enyimba International as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2017/18 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and the 2018 CAF Confederation Cup.

Abdulrahman wants quick start of new NNL season

Head Coach of Kogi United, Tunde Abdulrahman has called for quick resumption of the new Nigeria National League, NNL season just as challenged the league organizers and club administrators to improve match officials and players' welfare packages.

Kogi United wraps NNL season with comfortable victory

Kogi United ended the 2016/2017 Bet9ja Nigeria National League, NNL season on a high note with a comfortable 2-0 victory over FC Zamfara in Lokoja on Wednesday.

FRSC rejects Kogi United license

Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC Football Club defeated gallant Kogi United by a lone goal in the Matchday 25 of the Bet9ja Nigeria National League, NNL clash on Saturday.

Kogi United dim Yobe Desert Stars in Lokoja

A first half goal and assist from Abel Bobby inspired Kogi United to a comfortable 3-0 home win over Yobe Desert Stars in the Matchday 21 of Bet9ja Nigerian National League, NNL clash in Lokoja on Saturday.