Onward News 24

Friday, 29 October 2021

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.

Ogunjobi's family, Optima Energy Rep, Osun FA Boss, NPFL Club Owners Scribe for Ogunjobi Gold Cup Final

Family members of late Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Secretary-General, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi, representative of Optima Energy, Chairman Osun FA and some big-wigs in Nigeria's football circle will be guests at the final of the 9th edition of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup on Saturday.

Shooting Stars of Ibadan host its Southwest derby rivals Remo Stars in a clash of stars at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

According to the General Coordinator of the nation's premium class pre-season tournament, Tunde Shamsudeen the widow of the late astute football administrator, Chief Mrs Oluwabukola Ogunjobi in the company of her son, Lanre and younger brother of late Ogunjobi, Rotimi Michael will be at the final slated for 3pm.

Expected too is CFO Optima Energy, Mr Lanre Sotunde who are proud sponsors of the 2021 Ogunjobi Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament.

Chairman Osun Football Association,

Otunba Rasaq Ishola Mustapha, Secretary Osun FA Amoo Abayomi and other members of the board will also storm Ikenne to honour the late legend, who was one-time chairman of the state FA.

Secretary of the Club Owners Association of Nigeria (NPFL), Alloy Chukwuemeka is also among the VIP guest that will watch the epic grand finale.

Astute administrators Tony Rafua, Mojeed Adegbindin, Lekan Kelani, Tunde Fabiyi and host of others have also confirmed to me that they will be in attendance at the final match.

Recall thrice the Ogunjobi Gold Cup was hosted in Ilorin, Chukwuemeka played an important role in ensuring a hitch-free hosting of the tournament.

Apart from the Director of Football providing the needed logistics, his club ABS FC of Ilorin are the defending champions after they stung Gombe United 3-2 at the last edition in Ilorin.

Kogi Gov. receives media awards board as state hosts 2021 edition

Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi, on Thursday received the Chairman and members of the Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA), in his office in Lokoja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Kogi State is hosting the 2021 NMMA, an annual celebration of the best in Nigeria’s media industry.

Bello, who personally received the visiting team from the NMMA, assured them of a peaceful and fruitful event in the State.

Members of the Board of Trustees, led by veteran media statesman, Dr Haroun Adamu, thanked the governor for accepting to host the event.

Adamu described Bello as a media friendly governor.

NAN reports that Mr Samuel Yemi, Deputy Chief of Administration of the board, was part of the delegation that visited the governor.

Others were Mr Adewunmi Adediran and Mr Mac Emakpore, both members of the NMMA Board of Trustees.

NAN also reports that the event, which began on Thursday, is expected to end on Saturday.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Amputee Football Nations Cup: Nigeria to face Egypt, Ghana amid lack of funds for flight bookings

The Nigeria National Amputee Football team have been drawn alongside Egypt and Ghana in the group D of the upcoming Cup of African Nations for Amputee Football (CANAF) in Tanzania

The draws for the CANAF 2021 which took place on Thursday was anchored by the president of the Federation of African Amputee Football (FAAF), Rev. Amartey Richard.

15 teams will be taking part in the 6th edition, making it the most featuring showpiece in the competition's history

Nigeria settled for Silver at the 2019 Cup of African Nations for Amputee Football (CANAF) after a 2-0 loss to host and world champions Angola in the final.

In group A is the host country, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Uganda and Morroco while group B had the current champion; Angola,Rwañda, Kenya and Zanzibar.

Group C has Liberia, Cameroon, Gambia and Ethiopia in the card with just three teams making up group D aforementioned.

Recall that the travails of the Nigeria team which also referred to as 'Special Eagles' was earlier reported with the team Captain, Sarafadeen Olalekan lamenting a poor preparation ahead of the tournament.

The Skipper of the team had noted the fact that the team is yet to open camp ahead of the showpiece with lack of funds to prosecute some of their basic needs among which is facilities, flight tickets, kits and food.

The aforementioned challenges are not new to the Nigeria 'crutches team' as they also had to suffer untold hardship during their last outing.

Even with the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare promising them a better welfare after their exploits in the last edition, the para- footballer have neither taste any compensation nor recognition from the government.

CANAF 2021, which will hold from 28th of November to December 5th is a biennial tournament organised by the (FAAF) to determine Africa’s best team and also serves as part of qualifiers for the Amputee World Cup usually organised by World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF) .

Liberia have won three editions of the tournament while Ghana won the inaugural edition hosted in 2007 in Sierra Leone .

Unity Preseason Tourney: Mavlon Coach Agada talking tough ahead of Fosla Academy clash

Ahead of his side opening game at the Unity Preseason Competition, Head coach of Nationwide League One side Mavlon FC, Felix Agada has expressed his confidence in his side’s ability to pick up maximum points when they file out against Fosla FC on Sunday.

Coach Agada who had been ensuring his wards are very much ready to give a good representation of themselves stated that an opening day win will put them in a very good position to progress from group A.

The Abuja-based side has been intensifying their preparations with warm-up games against the likes of EFFC, Lucky Stars, and Dominion Hotspur, with coach Felix adamant that the games have helped his side prepare adequately for the tournament.

“This is going to be a very big preseason tournament for us, a chance to prove that we are ready to compete and play against some of the best teams in the country and that is exactly what we plan to do with the tournament.

“Our first game will be very important to how we perform and playing against a side like Fosla won’t be easy but I am confident in the ability of my boys to deliver the results come Sunday. We have played 6 games and have been unbeaten before now and we hope to continue with that form, coach Felix stated.

Similarly the club’s director of Sports, Mr. Paul Ogunlaja has also promised that his side will give a good representation at the tournament and believes his side can progress from group A despite being handed a tough draw.

Mavlon FC is in group A of the tournament alongside NPFL side Nasarawa United, NNL side Cynosure, and Fosla FC. They open their campaign with a clash against Fosla on Sunday before going up against Nasarawa United and Cynosure.

A total of 12 teams are taking part in the week-long preseason tournament with the top three teams from each group progressing along with the best-placed second team to the semifinals of the tournament.

Thursday, 28 October 2021

Assault: Kogi Referees Council recommends five year ban for Kabawa United officials, fans

Kogi State football Referee Council has recommended a five years ban

for Kabawa United FC officials and supporters in any football related activities identified to be involved in beating a referee to coma.

This recommendation is coming few days after the Kogi State Football Association slammed the club with a two years ban from all football related activities.

It could be recalled that a centre referee in the State FA Chairman cup final, Haruna Shaibu, was beaten to coma by irate fans of Kabawa United.

A statement issued to journalists on Thursday evening by the Kogi State football referee chairman Ibraheems Adams and Secretary Alh. Nnda Umar said this forms part of the communique of the council emergency meeting held recently.

The referees while recommending a strict punishment for Kabawa united officials, and it's fans to serve as deterrent to others resolved that, in the absence of serious and effective security arrangement, the council will not honour any match from the State Football Association.

The communique reads in part" The emergency meeting of Kogi State Referees Council was held to discuss on the assaults on our referees by some Kabawa United F.C officials and some supporters at the finals of the first edition of Kogi State FA Chairman's Cup at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja on Friday 15" October, 2021. The council had an exhaustive deliberation and the following

resolutions and recommendations were made:

"The council commended the organizer of the competition, Kogi State Football Association for all the arrangement put in place to ensure a hitch free tournament. However, the unfortunate incidence on that day should be re ~examined with the view to forestalling future occurrence.

"That the State Football Association should consider the valuables lost and the medical bills incurred by the referees. The total amount is 881,500. That, a compensation of #100,000 each be paid to the four referees involved.

"That Kabawa United FC officials and supporters identified to be involved be banned in participating in any football activities in the state for a period of five years. That as a matter of urgency, the State Football Association should organize seminars and workshops for our security personnel to keep them abreast with their expected role at match venues.

"The council emphasized on the need for solidarity amongst referees as had been the practice, to always defend colleagues in all activities and situations. The council pledge her continuous loyalty and support to the State Football Association.

"The council observed the good and fair officiating by the referees at the competition and commended all of them for good job and being good ambassadors of the council".

End

Shooting Stars set up Ogunjobi Gold Cup final clash with Remo Stars

Shooting Stars will go head-to-head with Remo Stars in the final of the 9th edition of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup, after they defeated MFM FC 3-2 on penalties in the second semi-final match of the preseason tournament at the FC Ebedei Stadium, Sagamu.

3SC two goalkeepers, Tambe Charles and Detan Ogundare were the unsung heroes in regulation time and during the spot kicks, as their brilliant saves shot the Oluyole Warriors to their first ever final at first attempt.

It was drab first half as both teams failed to create any clear cut chances as the first 45 minutes ended 0-0.

The game got to life in the second half, as in the 63rd minute Alabi Oladayo's shot at goal from a free kick from 30 yards was punched away by Tambe to keep a clean sheet.

Shooting Stars had the chance to win the game from the first touch of substitute Elijah Okigbo, but the midfielder put his striker from Gafar Olafimihan's pass up the woodwork for a goal kick to MFM FC.

The Cameroon shot stopper was called to the rescue again late in the game to deny the Olukoya Boys what could have been the winning goal.

As the clock got to 90 minutes, and with spots kicks to decide the team that will meet Remo Stars in the final, Shooting Stars coach then introduced their penalty specialist goalkeeper Detan Ogundare into the game.

Detan, a former Flying Eagles shot stopper made no mistake in the shoot out as he stopped two MFM FC penalties to send 3SC to the final.

The Southwest Derby battle of stars will ignite the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on fire on Saturday.

Remo Stars donate, Wheelchair, cash gift to die hard fan

It's a day not to forget in a hurry for Ilorin based die-hard fan of Remo Stars, Inuoluwa Heritage after he was given a new wheelchair and cash by management of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) team.

Heritage, a person living with disabilities is a passionate follower of the domestic league and travelled to Ikenne to support the Sky Blues Stars.

Presenting the gift to Inuoluwa at half time of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup semi-final game between Tornadoes and Remo Stars, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Sky Blues Stars Ogungbefun Lukmon said it was a way to reward his passion.

"The gesture is just to show our appreciation to him (Inuolawa) who has been a supporter Remo Stars. I also learnt that he is based in Ilorin, so the wheelchair will help ease his movement

"I wouldn't want to disclose the value of the cash that was given to him, the token is just to take care of his accommodation and feeding here in Ikenne."

A delightful Inuoluwa thanked the club President, Kunle Soname for his kind gesture as prayed that in the near future, the club will win the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) and make its debut in the CAF Champions League.

"I want to say a big thank you to Soname and everyone in Remo Stars. When the President(Soname) saw me supporting the Sky Blues Stars in one of the matches at the Ogunjobi Gold Cup, I sent someone to call me and after meeting with him, he told me he liked my passion for football and he has a gift for me.

"I never expected that it would a wheelchair to help ease my movement and cash to pay for my accommodation as I came from Ilorin to support Remo Stars."

Meanwhile, the Sky Blues Stars come from behind to beat Tornadoes 2-1 to advance to the finals of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup.

'Special Eagles' seek' help ahead of Nations Cup in Tanzania

Less than a month to the Amputee Nations Cup in Tanzania, the Nigeria Amputee National Team also known as 'Special Eagles' has appealed to the Government and all well meaning Nigerians to support the team ahead of the continental showpiece.

Speaking during an interview with Silverbird TV on Thursday, and monitored by our correspondent, the Captain of the team, Sarafadeen Olalekan says the team is yet to open camp and have a definite preparation ahead of the competition billed to for November 26th to December 5th in Tanzania.

Olalekan who led the team to their hisoric silver medal win in 2018 Angola Nations Cup thanked Nigerians for their support for the team, while urging them to rally round the team in yet another trying times.

"Presently at the National team , things are not going the way it supposed to be as our preparation towards the next Nations Cup has not been encouraging. Up till this moment, we have not opened the camp and also all the logistics have not been put in place"

Stressing how difficult it is to play Amputee football, he noted that the team couldn't also invite some of its foreign based players.

He emphasized the importance of going to Tanzania and getting a podium finish which will enable the team feature in the next year Amputee world cup coming up in Turkey- a novel approach different from the last appearance which was based on invitation.

"There's no funding. Even now, we have not gotten flight ticket and we will be travelling with 18 man team. We need support for logistics, feeding and kicking" he quipped

He added that the team is yet to also get recognition and compensation from the government since its exploits in the last Nations Cup.

The 7th Amputee Nations Cup will be featuring 18 countries-

more than the last edition which had 10 teams on the card.

Olalekan, who lamented that the team also lack the best of facilities for training believes that the they are repleted with Technical crew and players that are capable to make the country proud.

Referee boss gives blessing to Ottasolo Pre-season tourney

Organisers of Ottasolo Pre-season tournament continue to give more details ahead of the competition after announcing the commitment of the Lagos State arm of the Nigeria Referee Association.

According to the coordinator, Bashir Badawiy, the referees already assured of their support and availability for the seven-day championships scheduled for the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, from November 1 to 7.

“I received assurance from the president of the NRA, Otunba Tade Azeez, that referees in the state would be available for the competition,” he said.

“This is a big boost for the pre-season as we count down to the first day of the tournament, and that is Monday, November 1.

“We already have assurance from the clubs that they will be in Lagos for the championship and I want to reiterate the fact that we are almost ready.

“I want to use this opportunity to thank the chairman of Ottasolo International FC, Gabriel Davies, for putting his weight behind the pre-season tournament and I am sure it is going to be a success.”

The pre-season tournament is scheduled to take place from November 1 to 7 at the newly refurbished Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

Remo Stars break seven year jinx, secure Ogunjobi Gold Cup final slot

Remo Stars broke their seven years jinx in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup in style as they are through to their first finals after they defeated Niger Tornadoes in one of the semi-final games of the pre-season tournament at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

It was an action packed encounter that saw two super strikes from free-kicks as the Sky Blues Stars coming behind to win the game 2-1 at half-time.

Tornadoes, a former champion of the tournament drew first blood as they took the lead in the 8th minute.

Goalkeeper Kayode Bankole of Remo Stars was left helpless after Abubakar Ansaru scored from a sublime free-kick at the edge of the box to increase his goal tally in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup to two.

Six minutes later, the Sky Blues Stars brought even the scoreline after captain fantastic

Nduka Junior scored a beauty from a set-piece. It was Nduka's second goal from free-kick as he scored in same fashion against MFM FC.

In the 23rd minute, Tornadoes had goalkeeper George Michael to thank after he forced off a save from Dayo Ojo's rocket from 25yards to keep the score at 1-1.

Tornadoes were then punished for their sloppy defending in the 38th minute and gifted Tolu Ojo his second goal in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup.

The attacking midfielder quickly made the most of the error to shoot into the net Remo Stars second goal.

Coach Gbenga Ogunbote who won the Ogunjobi Gold Cup with Sharks FC of Port-Harcourt will be hoping to lead Remo Stars to their first triumph in the tournament as they could go head-to-head with either of Shooting Stars or MFM FC in the final billed for Saturday at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.

Allsvenskan: Amoo hails Hammarby vital win at IK Sirus

By: Abdulquadir Adedapo

Nigerian midfielder Akinkunmi Amoo was once again at his brilliant best for Swedish side Hammarby IF as they matched on to yet another important victory away from home following their 1-0 win at IK Sirus on match day 25 of the Allsvenskan.

On the back of three consecutive wins in all competitions, the visitors handed the tricky Nigerian his 16th league start of the campaign with Amoo hoping to add to his 12 goals tally in the league already.

The 19-year-old almost got off to the perfect start for the visitors when he raced off to a loose ball in the midfield before going past two markers but his fierce left foot shot went inches wide much to the joy of the home fans.

The Former Golden Eaglet midfielder was at it again a minute later when he set up Gustav Ludwigson but the striker's goal bound effort was well saved by the goalkeeper with Hammarby winning a corner from it.

The visitors then made their constant pressure count half way through the half when defender Richard Magyar tapped home from a goal-mount scramble to give Hammarby a deserved 1-0 lead, a lead they held going into the break.

Amoo then took off from where he left off in the second half and almost doubled Hammarby’s lead on the hour mark but a last-ditched sliding tackle from Marcus Mathisen ensured scores remained at 1-0.

The Nigerian then almost sealed the win ten minutes from time but some bit of selfish play saw him fire straight at the goalkeeper from close range with striker partner Gustav a better option should the Nigerian had passed the ball for him to tap home.

That miss almost cost the visitors all three points as the host hit the post from the subsequent attack but Hammarby held on for their 12th win of the campaign and moved just four points behind 3rd place AIK in their pursuit for European Football.

“+3 points, away win. We are climbing up Massive support from the traveling fans. #Bajen, Amoo posted afterwards.

The Eagles hopeful completed 6 of his 9 take ons, the most in the encounter, winning 11 duels, completing 85% of his passes and making two key passes.

Wednesday, 27 October 2021

Omololu talks up Shootings Stars chances to win Ogunjobi Gold Cup

After helping Shooting Stars to advance to the semifinals of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup, Waheed Omololu said the team's focus presently is to win the Nigeria's first pre-season tournament.

The 3SC captain said after the game against Tornadoes, "It was a good game, I feel the Oluyole Warriors were more determined to win the tie to ease off the pain we felt after losing to them in the Nigerian National League (NNL) Super 8 play-off final in Enugu.

"We were a bit lackadaisical against them in Enugu, but our attitude in last Saturday's game was that of seriousness, as we fired all cylinders against them.

"The team is gradually taking shape and growing from strength to strength as the games come.

"Now that we have sealed a semi-final spot and perhaps not needing the last game to qualify, the focus will be to get to the finals and at the end add the Ogunjobi Gold Cup title to our trophy cabinet by winning it.

Speaking ahead of Thursday semifinal contest against MFM FC at the FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu he noted; "It won't come easy either but with the level, we are now the onus is on Shooting Stars to win it. We are poised to now give our hundred and fifty per cent in the next matches."

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, Phreestyle Sports, Renewed Hope, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Olansile Football Academy, TSI Football Academy and ITS Football Management.

Ogunjobi Gold Cup: Ogunbote speaks on Remo Stars' plans ahead of Tornadoes clash

After defeating FC Yobo to qualify for Thursday's semi-finals, Gbenga Ogunbote says his Remo Stars will be at it's best against Niger Tornadoes.

The 'Oracle' of NPFL in his post-match media chat said, "For me, the semi-final game against Tornadoes is like the other games we have played as we are still building a team.

" The tourney has been of help to the team as things are taking shape gradually. Mistakes are bound to be made during matches and in between, we are equally training with a view of correcting blunders made by the players.

"The target of every coach in a pre-season tourney is to win matches and know the depth of his team. We know little about Tornadoes having defeated them a few weeks ago.

"It's a game we want to win and also play in the finals of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup, so we should do our best just as we have done in the previous matches."

Olalekan targets Shooting Stars' scalp with MFM in Ogunjobi Gold Cup semifinal

Olamilekan Gabriel says his MFM FC will go all out against Shooting Stars when they meet in the Southwest Derby semi-final clash in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup on Thursday at the FC Ebedei Stadium.

This will be the first meeting of both teams in the country's prestigious pre-season tournament for teams from the three tiers of the domestic leagues.

The Olukoya Boys who finished second in Group A behind Remo Stars set eyes on another final if they go past the Oluyole Warriors.

Recall the first time they made it to the final in 2016, the Olukoya Boys lost 4-3 on spot-kicks to Lobi Stars at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode.

Speaking ahead of the game, "This is a semi-final and a few things are at stake. I except a different ball game against 3SC, as they will come out strong.

"Am optimistic that my lads will be clinical, as we have shown them the few mistakes they made in the game against Remo Stars. I expect nothing short of victory from them as the Oluyole Warriors are not invincible."

As regards the loss to Remo Stars, "It was a match we could have taken a point from, we should have won it in the first half of the lads had taken the half-chances that came their way.

"Mind you, Remo Stars were not the better side in the meeting of the two Southwest Derby teams. It's a lesson learnt and that will help the coaching crew fine-tune the squad as we are still going to lock horns against them when the season kicks off."