"We played against a well drilled and disciplined FULAFIA team", - Usman Adams

Coach Usman Adams of Nasarawa United has hailed the performances of the Federal University of Lafia boys after his side struggled to beat the University boys by 2 goals to nil at the Lafia City Stadium.

Ahead of the opening game of the 23/24 NNL season, Nasarawa United battled FULafia FC at the Lafia City Stadium.

In the keenly contested event, the University boys showed grit in early stages of the game but it was the Solid Miners as Nasarawa United is popularly known that went ahead through a rebound effort from Anas Yusuf after Joseph Omale saved King Osanga's initial shot. 

The goal however brought out the best in the Federal University boys as they pour men forward in search of an equalizer and they came close twice, first Isaac Jerry in goal denied Solomon Ityo from close range before Longji's effort went wild.

The University boys should had even the scored when Christopher Michael sent in a sweet pass to Solomon Ityo who rounded up the man in goal for Nasarawa United but Emeka Oyeama was at the right place at the right time to clear the goal bound effort in the goal line.

Fulafia boys kept asking all the questions but in the turn of the second half it was Hassan Adamu that came close for United after beating David Chuks for pace but Joseph Omale was on hand to race clear his line to deny the former Kano Pillars and Kwara United striker from increasing the tally.

The trio of Ogwu Agaba Edwin, Solomon Ityo  and Terry all made way for Shawrzak Dakum Zaks, Hassan Muhammad and Salim Abubakar and the latter made an instant impact when he took on Manga Muhammad to set up Hassan Muhammad but the attacker's effort was somehow deflected for a corner.

With ten minutes remaining, Nasarawa United got their second of the game when Sabo Akurba got to the end of an inswinger from Mubarak to chest home the ball beyond the reach of Omale.

Salim Abubakar thought he had gotten a consolation when he picked up the ball from Hassan Muhammad to skip past Manga Muhammad but his effort narrowly went off for a goal kick as the referee signaled the final whistle.

Technical Adviser of Nasarawa United, Coach Usman Adams while speaking with the Fulafia Director Of Sports Mr Simeon Onah, he revealed that the University boys gave him a good side despite not been a professional side, they gave him something to think about as they showed courage and discipline.

"We Played Against A very fit side today. Solid from the defense to their attack, a well drilled and disciplined side".

"You guys gave us a good fight, D match opened my eyes better to enable me adjust quickly with barely 2weeks to kickoff, He concluded".

As Nasarawa United continues with their build up to the forthcoming Nigeria National League, The University boys will also be preparing for the HiFL, NUGA games and the Mailafia.

'Lack of continuity, exodus of players are reasons for dismal performance of NPFL clubs on the continent' - Coach Bala Nikyu

 

By Dayo Awoniyi

Former coach of Nasarawa United, Bala Nikyu, has proffered solutions to the  challenges militating against Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs from excelling in the CAF club engagements. 

In a chat with Deeonesports during the just concluded Bwari Football Coaches Tournament in Abuja yesterday, the tactician said"Nigeria clubs are not succeeding in the continent because the clubs lack continuity compare to their counterparts in other countries, a club side can sign thirty players at the beginning of a  season and at the of the season they will allow them to leave in which other countries are not doing it like that,so lack of continuity is one of the problems ".

He further said that  exodus of players also affect our clubs, because, other countries don't allow their players to leave like that but rather add like three or four more good players to the existing one that already understand themselves but it is no so with some of our clubs. 

He however pointed out that " We have good players and technically sound coaches but we just need to work on continue and exodus of players and we will be good".

It could be recalled that the two clubs representing Nigeria in 2023/2024 CAF Champions League, Enyimba International and Remo Stars crashed out in the first round of the competition leaving only Bendel  Insurance in CAF Confederation cup.

Ray of hope shines on Nasarawa state as new sports commissioner, Jafaru Ango promises rapid, unmatched development

 

By Dayo Awoniyi

"We will leave no stone unturned to ensure we restore sports lost glory in Nasarawa state" was an affirmative statement made by Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Nasarawa State, Hon Jafar Ango while answering questions from journalists shortly after the draws for Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)held in Abuja on Tuesday.

Ango promised to deploy all the necessary human and material resources in actualising the dreams of rapid and unmatched sports development in the state.He said choosing a slogan "Creativity and excellence" was meticulously done because he will put machinery and mechanism on ground to achieve excellence in sports development in no distance time.

The commissioner who is just a week old in the office seek supports from all stakeholders in achieving his robust plans "In sports only one person can't do it, it's all about family affairs and we have to come together to ensure things are put together so that whatever that has gone wrong be fix to bring all sports activities to Nasarawa metropolis ".

He further expressed his disappointment that the state own club Nasarawa United was relegated last season but promise that by the grace of God all the necessary things will be done to ensure their quick come back to the elite league NPFL next season.

Ango said he visited Lafia Township Stadium on Monday and in the next three weeks,the  stadium is expected to wear new look as face lift is eminent and Nasarawa United can return to their home ground for better execution of their games.

NFF’s Chairman of Chairmen, Ahmed Yusuf ‘Fresh’ commends organisers of Unity Preseason Tourney, says medical support will be start of more to come

 

Olaoluwa Aro

The newly elected Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Chairman of Chairmen, Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf 'Fresh' has saluted the efforts of the Unity Preseason Tourney organizers, for putting together a successful preseason event, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

EFCC of Abuja emerged champions of the tournament, as they walked tightly against Nasarawa United to lift the trophy of the second edition of the annual Preseason Tournament. 

The second edition of the Unity Preseason Tournament has been described as one of highly competitive football showpiece in the North Central, owing to the fact that, top clubs in Nigeria Professional Football League ( NPFL) and Nigeria National League ( NNL), within the circuit of this Geopolitical zone, have made it a point of reference, for preparing themselves, ahead of the new season(s) respectively. 

In a telephone conversation with Comrade Ahmed Yusuf, who was obviously busy with other grassroots engagement in his state, but distantly monitored almost 75% of all the games at this year’s edition of Unity Preseason event.

Fresh euphorically maintains his commitment toward the Unity Cup project, while hailing the idea behind the event, as he shared his views on the event. 

" Unity Preseason Tourney is platform for Nigerian clubs through which opportunities are provided to test the readiness of the new players and equally asses them. I followed all the updates from the beginning and I am confident, the purpose of this preseason tournament is being achieved without hyperbole" he noted but continued by saying;

" The organizers sought for my contributions and I picked up the Medical aspect, because that area is usually neglected in organization of football event. 

“It's noteworthy to make Medical personnel services available at Match venues, even though, no body prays for a mishap but as someone who organizes grassroot events, I don't pay less regard to the Medical units,  so that the entire Football program wouldn't be stained with an emergency, and to avoid anything that can vitiate it as well" he said, while cogently explaining his unavailability at the finals.

"  I was invited to watch one of the Quarter final matches on Thursday but I rain-check it because of the final but painfully, I didn't grace this year's final as I had to join other NFF's executives at Ibadan on national assignment, " said the Former NFF Technical and Development Committee Chairman. 

This year's edition of Unity Preseason Tourney had four groups with 13 teams and matches were played at two venues, which are Area 10 football pitch and Area 3 as well. 

The final of the second edition was between Nasarawa United, one of the Nigeria Professional Football League Sides( NPFL) and EFCC of Abuja, a household name amongst the Nigeria National League ( NNL) Teams in North Central. 

The Solid Miners lost 4-3 on penalties to the Anti graft Agency Football team after normal duration ended in a one all draw.  

Historically, Nasarawa United lost two consecutive finals of the Unity Preseason Tournament since the birth of the competition. In 2021, Plateau United defeated the Lafia-based team by lone goal.

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.

Unity Preseason Tourney: Wikki Tourists, Fosla FC record first win

 

... As Simonben FC inch closer to semifinals 

Wikki Tourists and FOSLA Academy on Monday won their first matches in the ongoing Unity Cup Preseason Tournament after they overpowered Capital City FC and Mavlon FC respectively.

Kabiru Adeniji got the curtain raiser for Wikki Tourist in the 34th minute when his well anticipated shot from a  build up with  Taye Muritala beat the opponent goalkeeper hands down.

 Anas Yusuf made it two for the Wikki boys in the 81st minutes and completed his brace three minutes later

A visibly excited Dogo challenged his lads to do better in the remaining games and he revealed that the games at the pre-season tourney would help his team prepare adequately for the new season.

Earlier in the first match of the day, Nationwide League side Fosla FC took early charge in group A of the Tournament as defeated another Nationwide League side Mavlon FC by 1-0 win. 

The encounter saw both sides playing brilliantly with Fosla been more forceful. 

The goal that separated the two teams came from a beautifully taken free kick from Fosla's  winger Mohammed Abdullahi (Kekere) was tapped into the net by Abdulsallam Abdullahi after the goalkeeper dropped off the ball. Fosla FC in their characteristics paraded all Undergraduate students of Nasarawa University Keffi. 

In the last match of the day, WACO FC surrendered their earlier lead to lose 2-1 to Simoniben FC of Kaduna. 

Hassan Abdullahi put WACO FC in the lead but Sadiq Abdullahi and Brooks Emmanuel netted one goal each in the second half to ensure the team owned by Nantes FC winger, Moses Simon earned maximum points from two games.

On Tuesday, Katsina United will test their might against NYSC Strikers in the sole match of the day.

Cynosure, Nasarawa share spoils in Unity Preseason Tourney opener

 

Cynosure Football Club fought tooth and nail to snatch a point from the claws of Nasarawa United at the first match of the maiden edition of the Unity Preseason Tournament, "Unity Cup".

The encounter, which kicked off at the Area 3 Football Pitch, Garki Abuja lived up to expectations of every keen observer as it was packed with mixed emotions, tension, and of course, late drama.

Nasarawa United had the better of the game in the first half but were kept at arms length by Cynosure FC's defense duo of Timothy and Adeiza.

And just on the 40th minute, the Solid Miners opened the score sheet through Tola Oluwole who strikes from an unexpected position only for goalkeeper, Onu Olughu to watch on as the ball bounced and finds its way in -  hitting the side bar .

It was stunned silence for the Top Dogs and the technical crew till the blast of the referee's halftime whistle.

Cynosure resumed the second half in high spirit and had few unconverted chances with Goja Lawrence and Kenneth Nze trying their luck from far distance.

The game came to life as Festus Allen's inspired changes saw the Top Dogs brimming with confidence once again.

All hopes seems lost until James Pope who came late on for Kenneth Nze - weaved into space and stabbed home from six yards after a beautifully worked corner kick from Joseph and Chimamkpa in the 90th minute.

 *NEXT MATCH* 

Cynosure FC - Fosla FC

Time - 12 PM

Date - November 1, 2021. 

© Cynosure Football Club

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.

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.

Nasarawa United confirms participation at Unity Preseason Tourney

Nasarawa United has concluded plans to participate In the One Week Unity Pre-Season Tournament holding in Abuja from 30th October to 5th November. 

This according to the Club's Media Officer Amos Eche will be  part of the team's preparations ahead of the new domestic football league season.

The AITEO cup finalist  will be joined by fellow Premiership League Sides, Plateau United, Lobi Stars, Kwara United, and Niger Tornadoes. 

While Nigeria National League Clubs expected at the tournament will include , ABS, NAF, EFCC, FRSC, And Kogi United. 

According To The Coordinator Of The Tournament And Ace Journalist, Patrick Ngwaogu, tournament Is specifically meant for teams within the he North Central Part Of The Country.

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.

Nigeria international Tebo Franklin registers assist for Hacken

Nigeria international Tebo Franklin registered an assist on Sunday afternoon to help Hacken defeat Orebro 2-1 in the Swedish Allsvenskan.

The centre-back was named on the bench of his team when they visited Behrn Arena to face Orebro on the matchday 22 of the ongoing campaign.

Tebo Franklin replaced injured Faltsetas Alexander in the 13th minute.

Following a good start to the game by Tebo and his teammates, they raced in front in the second minute of additional time of the first stanza.

Tebo provided a quality assist for his Nigerian compatriot Godswill Ekpolo.

In a hard-fought battle, Bengtsson Leo was set up by Walemark Patrik for the second goal as first half ended 0-2.

Pushing on to search for a goal, the hosts pulled one back through Nahir Besara from the penalty spot.

Super Eagles B star Tebo Franklin rallied his partners to play at the top level to stop the home team from adding to their tally.

The former Nasarawa United has now played two games since joining the Wasps.

Nigerian defender Tebo happy to make Hacken debut against Amoo's Hammarby

Nigeria B international Tebo Franklin is delighted to make his Hacken debut against Hammarby in the Swedish Allsvenskan on Sunday.

The 21-year-old climbed off the bench in the 36th minute to feature for his side in their 1-1 draw against Akinkunmi Amoo's team at the Bravida Arena (Göteborg). 

"It was a positive game. The team really did well and worked hard, I'm very happy," Tebo Franklin told the Media.

​​"Just to play my first game here at the Bravida Arena, in front of the fans, that was probably the best occasion. Obviously, it's a dream come true. 

After a rather long wait for his maiden outing for the Wasps, the centre-back made his bow and was impressive.

"I'm very excited to have made my debut, it's very important.

"I think we need to focus on the next game, fight hard together and I think we'll go further. In terms of personal accolades, this is indeed a day to cherish for me and my family. Everyone has been waiting for my debut since my move to Hacken. I knew everyone was watching from all corners of the country. It was nerve-wracking at first, but I would like to thank my coaches and teammates for helping me settle. Their words of encouragement during the match helped me to play my football," the defender continued.

"When we are on the pitch, we are all the same and we have to give our all."

"Now that my first game is behind me, I hope to build on this game and work on getting more matches under my belt. At the end of the day, it's one thing to play one match but to play consistently is a different ball game. It requires a lot more work," he said.

Tebo Franklin joined Hacken on a short term loan from Nasarawa United at the summer transfer window.

NPFL22: Ayeleso pens emotional goodbye message to Pillars as he completes move to Plateau United

In the moments of a serious exodus of players at the former champions of Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL, Kano Pillars ahead of the new season, one of the club's important players, Suraj Ayeleso has also joined the train as he complete a two year deal with Plateau United. 

Ayeleso, the former ABS FC and Kwara United goalkeeper spent two seasons with the Pyramid Boys when he joined them from Nasarawa United in 2019. 

Ayeleso won 2019 Aiteo Cup trophy with the 'Sai Masu Gida' side when his heroics between the sticks during the shootouts helped Pillars to beat Niger Tornadoes in the final.

He who took to his social media page (Facebook) on Thursday to announce his departure thanked the management and fans of Kano Pillars for the love, support and opportunity to be part of the club history. 

He confirmed that Pillars will forever remain in his heart as he's hoping to make another history with the Tin City side.

"Dear Kano Pillars fans,

Today I say goodbye to a magnificent club as it is Kano Pillars. I want to thank the club for helping me become a better footballer and for making me feel at home during my time here.

"About two years ago Kano Pillars, a club that will remain in my heart, gave me the amazing opportunity to play for one of the most respected football club in Nigeria and Africa at large. And for me winning the Aiteo Cup and playing on the continent in two years is a dream come through for me.

"After this year I can only say thank you to the club, the management and to the fans that have supported me since the first day I wore the Sai Maisugida jersey and of course thank you and good luck to my team-mates, who helped me settle in since day one not only as a teammates but as friends.

"Today I say goodbye to Kano Pillars but I take with me many memories, lessons and great moments that will live with me forever. It has been one of the best years of my football career.

"At last I want to wish Kano Pillars many success for the future and thank the club for giving me the opportunity to play for this great club. Its time to move on for another challenge and I hope to make more positive history with Plateau United.

"Thank you with all my heart," he said. 

The Kwara born goal tender will be working with Fidelis Ilechukwu who has just been appointed as the new Technical Adviser of Plateau United following the departure of Coach Abdu Maikaba after the just concluded NPFL season. 

Kano Pillars finished 5th on the log last season while Plateau United ended 9th.

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.

Suleiman's lone strike returns Nasarawa United back to winning ways

Nasarawa United crawled back to reckoning in the Matchday 11 of Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL with a nervy 1-0 win over 10 man Wikki Tourists thanks to Mohamed Suleiman's rebounded effort in the 48th minutes.

Gallant Rangers fall to Nasarawa United

Former league champions, Enugu Rangers International F.C, Monday, at Lafia City stadium, in a match Day 5 encounter of 2017/2018 NPFL fixture lost all three points at stake as host’ Nasarawa United ran away with a 2-1 victory.

Achiv helps Nasarawa achieve first NPFL victory

By Wale Mustapha 

Creative midfielder, Douglas Achiv was the star man for Nasarawa United on Sunday as the Solid Miners ended their winless run to the new NPFL season with a comfortable 2-0 win over Sunshine Stars.

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. 

Dogo debunks speculation of leaving Nasarawa United

.... says 'I'm going nowhere '

Technical Adviser of Nasarawa United, Suleiman Kabiru Dogo  has reassured Management and Fans of the Solid Miners that he is not leaving the Club against speculations.