Road to Qatar 2022: Ighalo returns as Rohr invites 24 Super Eagles for Liberia, Cape Verde duels

It is no longer a rumour about the return of Odion Ighalo to Super Eagles as Coach Gernot Rohr has included the Saudi based striker among the 24 players invited for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Liberia and Cape Verde later in the month.

 Among the invited 23 other players include team captain Ahmed Musa, deputy captain William Ekong, defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Leon Balogun, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi, forwards Moses Simon and Victor Osumhen, as well as 16 others.

The Super Eagles will tackle the Lone Star of Liberia at the Grand Stade Tangier in Morocco on Saturday, 13th November and then fly into Lagos for the final group game against Cape Verde’s Blue Sharks at the Teslim Balogun Stadium on Tuesday, 16th November.

Top of their pool with nine points but hotly chased by seven-pointer Cape Verde who host Central African Republic on the island of Mindelo, the Eagles need the three points against the Lone Star on the neutral turf of Morocco’s principal northern city to remain on firm ground when hosting the Blue Sharks three days later in Nigeria’s commercial and industrial capital.

 

Leicester City of England’s midfield enforcer Wilfred Ndidi, who missed the last round of games home-and-away against Central African Republic, is back in the trough, just as fellow Premiership boy Alex Iwobi and Spain-based forward Samuel Chukwueze.

 

Coach Rohr has this time extended invitation 2019 Africa Cup of Nations’ top scorer Odion Jude Ighalo, who announced his retirement from the international game following that AFCON feat in Egypt.  

 

The invited players and overseas-based members of the technical crew are to report directly to the city of Tangier on Monday, 8^th November while technical officials from Nigeria are to report in Tangier the same day.

EAGLES FOR LONE STAR & BLUE SHARKS

 

Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam, The Netherlands)

 

Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem (Alanyaspor FC, Turkey); Kenneth Omeruo (CD Leganes, Spain); Leon Balogun (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland); William Ekong (Watford FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Torino FC, Italy); Jamilu Collins (SC Padeborn 07, Germany); Abdullahi Shehu (AC Omonia, Cyprus); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Kevin Akpoguma (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany)

 

Midfielders: Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Joseph Ayodele-Aribo (Galsgow Rangers, Scotland); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Alex Iwobi (Everton FC, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England)

 

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey); Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal FC, Spain); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk, Belgium); Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Odion Jude Ighalo (Al-Shabab Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)

 

Organizers praise Optima Energy, clubs, others over Ogunjobi Gold Cup success

 

Organizers of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup have expressed their sincere thanks to its proud sponsor, Optima Energy, after a successful hosting of the nation's premium class pre-season tournament.

Remo Stars defeated their Southwest derby rival Shooting Stars 4-0 to become champions of the 9th edition of the tourney which was co-hosted at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne and FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu.

General Coordinator, Tunde Shamsudeen who expressed his delight said, "The success recorded during the Ogunjobi Gold Cup in Ikenne and Sagamu can not be overemphasized, but this could not have been achieved without the huge support from Honourable Kunle Soname, Barrister Churchill Oliseh, President FC Ebedei and a top brand like Optima Energy.

Family members of late Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Secretary-General, Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi and other VIPs that attended the final.

"FIFA and CAF certified synthetic pitch installation firm, Alansmith Nigeria Limited for a good job done on the FC Ebedei Stadium which hosted some matches.

"Our other partners, European Football Scouting Platform based in Finland, Afripro and the duo Nigeria indigenous sportswear firms, Owu, Haggai Sportswear who were also part of our success story.

"Not forgetting also, the participating clubs and their coaches, 2017 champion Niger Tornadoes, MFM FC, FC Ebedei, FC Yobo and Beyond Limits, who used the platform to showcase the football talents we have in the three tiers of our domestic leagues and prepare their teams for the new Nigerian football season.

"We also want to thank the board of Ogun State Football Association lead by Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi for giving the Ogunjobi Gold Cup brand the enabling environment to thrive.

"Also the beautiful game of football can not be complete without match officials, we want to thank as they were professional in their duties all through the tournament.

"Furthermore, I want to thank members of the Sporting media in Nigeria for professionalism and delivery of contents of the pre-season tournament."

The country's first pre-season tournament is also proudly supported by Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi Foundation, Naija League Magazine, Matchroom, Sports, 11th Media Global Concept, Phreestyle Sports, Renewed Hope, Kao Concept, Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Foundation, Dejavu Communication, Olansile Football Club, TSI Football Academy and ITS Football Management.

Ottasolo Preseason Tourney: 10-man Ottasolo hold 36 Lion

 

The eagerly-awaited Ottasolo Pre Season Tournament, began with a 0-0 draw in a game between Ottasolo International Football Club and 36 Lion on Monday morning.

The opener at Legacy Pitch saw Ottasolo picking up a red card.

36 Lion had nothing to show for it in front of goal as they were held by a resolute Ottasolo side. 

The young boys played fluid football and high pressure off the ball. And inside five minutes they could've been ahead. Azeez Oseni whipped the ball across the box but Moses Usor couldn't quite get the contact to tap home from close range at the near post.

Peter John was presented with a golden opportunity to open the scoring but his close range effort could not hit the target. 

Ottasolo goalie Korede Shodipo was at alert to deny Moses who whipped home a wicked free kick.

It was a physical battle between the two sides, with 36 Lion better in terms of possession.

Ifeanyi Ogba had a chance in the 24th minute as he fired one from the edge of the box against woodwork.

Peter and Ogba combined well to set Matiti Ibrahim up in the box but the midfielder's close range effort sailed wide.

Oseni was one of the Lion's brighter sparks. He produced another cross, this time deep, which fell to Moses at the back post in the 32nd minute, but he could only volley his effort wide. 

Ottasolo came closest to drawing the curtain raiser, eight minutes into the second stanza through Ogba who failed to make the right connection.

Ottasolo's Hammed Egbedeyi received the second booking and was sent off on the hour mark.

Ifeanyi Hemekwele was guilty of a shocking miss and would have converted with ease for Lion in the 62nd minute.

Odom Chikah thought he had given 36 Lion the lead after beating goalkeeper Korede Shodipo but it was correctly ruled out for offside.

The match ended goalless as least both sides played some attractive technically good football and their game was far more easy on the eye.

The tournament continues in the afternoon with Sunshine Stars facing Smart City. Kickoff is 3pm.

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.

Unity Preseason Tourney: Fosla Academy pips Mavlon FC to top Group A

 

By: Abdulquadir Adedapo

Nationwide League side Fosla Academy took early charge in group A of the Unity Preseason Tournament as they showed their superiority over another Nationwide League side Mavlon FC following a 1-0 win on Sunday afternoon. 

In what was the fourth game of the Preseason tournament in Abuja, both sides came into the encounter knowing that a win will put them in the driving seat following the earlier draw recorded on matchday one between Nasarawa United and Cynosure FC. 

Fosla were the better side from the blast of the whistle and almost made their dominance count in the 11th minute when a mix up in the defence line of Mavlon FC almost saw Agbo Isaac put through his own goal but the defender’s blushes were spared with the ball rolling out for a corner kick. 

Seven minutes later, Fosla took the lead, winger Mohammed Abdullahi fires in a promising freekick but a mistake from the goalkeeper saw him drop the ball with the ball falling into the calm feet of AbdulSalam Abdullahi who tapped home for 1-0. 

The goal brought out the best from Mavlon FC who twice came close to finding the equaliser halfway through the half but lanky striker Salim Fagbo failed to keep his shots down a blazed over the bar. 

The away side then continued to pressure for the equaliser before the break but a swift interchange between striker Fagbo and left-back Emmanuel failed to trouble the goalkeeper with the first half ending 1-0 in favour of Fosla Academy. 

The second 45 minutes then saw Mavlon FC make a double substitution as the duo of Elijah Entom and Aboje Omale were introduced with the away side in search of an equaliser. 

Not satisfied with the lone goal lead, the home side introduced Solomon Abraham as the striker almost had the dream entrance as he raced through on goal but his efforts flashed wide much to the relief of the Mavlon goalkeeper. 

Abraham then had yet another chance on the hour mark but he headed wide from a Mohammed Abdullahi corner with Fosla mounting on the pressure on Mavlon who were struggling to keep up with the fluidity of their opponents. 

Substitute Aboje Omale then entered the referees bad book following a reckless challenge on Onuche but the resulting freekick was blocked but a loose ball then fell to Allayi Haruna who hit a belter but the midfielders effort flew inches wide in goal. 

Abraham then had a chance to kill the game in the closing stages, but the strikers lack of composure in front of goal was his biggest undoing with Fosla holding on to seal a 1-0 win and move ahead of Nasarawa United and Cynosure in group A.

Ottasolo Preseason: MFM, Remo, Sunshine in 'Group of Death' as 36 Lion open tourney with Ottasolo FC

 

It will be a battle between the host team of the maiden edition of the Ottasolo Pre-season tournament,  Ottasolo Int. FC and Lagos-based Football Club, 36 Lion, as the championship kickoff on Monday at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium,  Surulere, Lagos.

In a draw conducted at the Havannah Hotel, Egbeda on Sunday, Ottasolo Int. FC seeded in Group A was joined by 36 Lion, Lobi Stars and Yobo FC.

The opening game is scheduled to take place by 9am as the teams prepare to be the maiden winner of the championship. 

Group B is arguably the Group of Death with Lagos-based Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, MFM FC seeded in the group alongside newly promoted side, Remo Stars, Sunshine Stars and Smart City.

Coming from winning the first recognised Pre-season tournament in the country, the Ogunjobi Gold Cup, Remo Stars already showed that they are ready for the season and they will be the team to beat in the group.

Two games will be played on Monday with Sunshine Stars taking on Smart City by 3pm at the same venue.

Speaking during the draws ceremony witnessed by top administrators, the Coordinator of the Pre-season, Bashir Badawiy, appreciated all the clubs that made it to Lagos while also assuring them of a level playing ground and a good time in Lagos.

Present at the draws were the CEO of the host team and the sponsor of the competition,  Otunba Gabriel Davies, Football Director of ABS, Ilorin, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, CEO of 36 Lion, Alhaji Liameed Gafar, Coach Henry Makinwa, among others.

The Pre-season is taking place at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere, from November 1 to 7.

Alloy Chukwuemeka: Nigerian football needs more private investors like Ottasolo

Well meaning Nigeria and corporate organizations have been charged to invest in Football as a way of creating employment for the teeming youths as well as ensuring positive engagement of young talented players who seek career as future professional Footballers. 

Executive Secretary of the NPFL Club Owners Association of Nigeria  Chief Alloy chukwuemeka made the call on Sunday in Lagos while speaking with newsmen shortly after the draws to usher in the maiden edition of Ottasolo Preseason soccer tournament in Lagos.

Chief Chukwuemeka who was a special guest at the draws ceremony said the likes of Otunba Gabriel Davies, proprietor of Ottasolo FC needed to be encouraged while his passion and investments in football should be emulated by all and sundry.  

He described the Maiden Ottasolo Preseason tournament as another milestone aimed at encouraging Football activities amongst clubs, hence the club owners and NPFL clubs were in the tournament to support and participate in the event. 

The club owners scribe who doubles as a Member of NFF Strategic Studies Committee commended the organizers of the tournament for a transparent draws, urged the participating clubs to play to the rules and  imbibe discipline and spirit of sportsmanship .

The  maiden Ottasolo Preseason soccer  tournament kicks off on Monday at the Legacy pitch of the National stadium Surulere Lagos.

Grassroot football investment in Nigeria is profitable - Churchill Oliseh

 

Barrister Churchill Oliseh, President of Nationwide League One (NLO) club, FC Ebedei has advised Nigerians that investment in grassroot football is a profitable venture.

Churchill, the elder brother of former Super Eagles coach and the captain is credited with discovering Nigerian internationals like Obafemi Martins, Paul Onuachu (Genk, Belgium), Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England) among others.

In a lecture, he delivered at the maiden Ekiti State Football Association Merit Awards ceremony at the Adetiloye Banquet Hall in Ado Ekiti, titled The Essence Of Investing In Grassroot Football, Oliseh said, "The gains from investing in football are wide, varying, covert, secret, concealed and rewarding.

"I want to tell everyone present in this hall that since 1994, there is no medal Nigeria has won that you won't see a product of FC Evedei has not been part of it.

"So it's profitable investing in grassroot football and the profits can be immediate or long term based. One who may not necessarily be the owner of the grassroot team can still make from the profits if he or she belongs to the chain that groomed the player.

"The inability to profit from football investment is prima facie evidence of incompetence, ineptitude and flawed policy or model.

"Another common component why many grassroot football clubs don't make gains in their investments is as a result of them not being able to separate their finances from that of the club."

The FC Ebedei boss further advised investors to be ready for the challenges ahead in the football business industry.

"Presidents or owners of these clubs most also prepare for existing present-day terrain and industry drawbacks and challenges as they do for the weather."

Club Owners scribe hails Remo Stars Stadium as huge investment to boost football development in Nigeria

 

The ongoing construction of a multi- billion naira Remo Stars international stadium in Ikenne Ogun State South-west Nigeria has been described as a major boost to the growth and development of football in Nigeria. 

Speaking with Sports Writers on arrival at the stadium project in Ikenne Saturday,  Executive Secretary of the NPFL Club Owners Association Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka described the state of the art facility as a massive investment in the football industry.

Chukwuemeka who was a guest at the final of the Ogunjobi Goldcup preseason tournament took a guided tour of the facility through many standard pitches and commended the Owner of Remo Stars FC for adding value to football and youths development in the country. 

According to him " Critical infrastructure development remains key to rapid growth of football, this facility is massive and a huge investment to develop football, he said.

" Iam very sure that if governments at all levels can replicate such a structure in the 774 local governments areas in Nigeria, then we are good to go, so we must commend Hon. Kunle Soname for this huge investment coming from the private sector to boost football ",he concluded.

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

Remo Stars maul Shooting Stars to lift Ogunjobi Gold Cup

 

Remo Stars have been crowned champions of the 9th edition of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup after they defeated their Southwest derby rivals 4-0 in the final hosted on Saturday at the Remo Stars Stadium Stadium in Ikenne.

A hat-trick from unsung hero Andy Okpe and one from former Oluyole Warrior striker David Ojukwu was enough for the Sky Blues Stars to humiliate 3SC and win the nation's premium class pre-season tournament after breaking their seventh-time semi-final jinx.

Shooting Stars goalie Detan Ogundare gifted Remo Stars an easy chance to score three out of the four goals the team conceded within 15 minutes owing to his carelessness with his passes to his defensive line.

At the half-hour mark of the game, Remo Stars were the better side in the contest, as they kept the pressuring on Shooting Stars for an opener.

The first chance at goal came in the 26th minute after Tolulope Ojo low drive shoot at Detan Ogundare went off target.

Then, the real chance came in the 42nd minute after Andy Okpe capitalize on Detan's poor clearance pass to his teammate to poke into the net the first goal of the game.

Five minutes into the second half, Ojukwu punished his former team as he made it 2-0 for Remo Stars.

Mercurial midfielder Dayo Ojo take advantage of Detan's poor pass again, to give Ojukwu a pass and the striker made no mistake than to shoot the ball into the net.

Okpe, in the 57th minute then bagged his brace putting the icing on the cake for the Sky Blues Stars nodding in the empty net from Tolulope Ojo's cross to make it 3-0.

As the game near 10 minutes to end the derby, Okpe then scored a brilliant goal with his head to bagge his hat-trick, as he made it 4-0 for the Sky Blues Stars to put the game beyond the reach of the Oluyole Warriors, and took home the match ball.

Victorious Remo Stars then took home the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500, 000) while 3SC got Three hundred thousand Naira (N300, 000) as runners-up.

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.

"It's very important for us to start well in our first away fixture of the season" - Okoli

 

A tough, physical encounter against ENPPI is on the cards for Saturday night’s first away league match of the season for Al Mokawloon.

The Egyptian Premier League encounter takes place at the Petrosport Stadium (al-Qāhirah (Cairo)) with kick off set for 6pm.

Last season saw the two sides playing to a 1-1 draw in Cairo. Overall, in the head-to-head record, there have been 30 matches played, with ENPPI winning 16, Al Mokawloon 5, and nine draws.

Al Mokawloon won their first game of the season against El Sharqia Dokhan 1-0 thanks to a first half strike from new signing John Okoli.

“Obviously it’s very important for us to start well in our first away fixture of the season,” said Okoli to the Media.

“So it’s vital that we go out on Saturday night and get all three points against ENPPI.

“Preparations have gone well this week. We have settled in well – everything’s in place and we know what’s expected of us on Saturday.

“ENPPI are a difficult team to play against – an aggressive, hard-running team - strong and physical, they play long balls. It will be a tough game, but we’re well prepared and looking forward to it.”

The former Saif Sporting star also emphasised that he is not under pressure to deliver.

“The team is very, very, very important. I prioritise overall success and not personal ambition. Every striker always want to score, but there is no pressure on my part to make it happen,” he said.

Cash Transfer: FG disburses new round of stipends to vulnerable households in Kogi

 

By Stephen Adeleye

The Federal Government has disbursed another round of payment of two months' arrears of stipend to each of over 74,000 beneficiaries in Kogi State, under its Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme.

The CCT is the disbursement of N5,000 monthly stipend to the poor and vulnerable households under the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) of the Federal Government.

Hajia Falilat Abdurasaq, the Head of Kogi State CCT Unit, disclosed this to journalists at the payment venue at LGEA School, Mopo, Isanlu, Yagba East Local Government Area.

She noted that the Federal Government had recently introduced digital mode of payment of stipends to beneficiaries to replace the usual table payment.

She added that the Federal Government had in August, disbursed N20,000 stipend to each of over 74,000 beneficiaries in the state, for January to April 2021 arrears.

She added that the payment of N10,000 to each beneficiary, for stipends' arears of May and June 2021, commenced on Thursday Oct. 7,  and has been completed.

She stressed that the essence of the cash transfer was to fulfill President Muhammadu Buhari’s promise to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty.

Abdulrasaq commended the federal government for digitalising the payment, saying it was a great relief to the beneficiaries and CCT officials considering the challenges encountered during table payment.

According to her, the disbursement is digitalised to mitigate the risk involved in carrying huge cash about, and gathering of many vulnerable old women in one place and under harsh weather condition.

She further commended the efforts of the National Programme Coordinator, Hajiya Halima Shehu; and the Honourable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar Farouq, for initiating the digital payment and esuring a hitch free processes.

Also speaking, Mr Stephen Mohammed, the Team Lead of Fortis Mobile Money, a company responsible for disbursement of  CCT in Kogi, earlier told NAN at one of the Cash-out point in Lokoja that the digital payment had come to stay.

''We are no longer test running the digital payment but it has come to stay; though beneficiaries seem not to understand, but we will not relent to keep educating them.

''We are sensitising the beneficiaries on the need to accept and adopt the digital payment of their stipends, but sometimes change is difficult.

''We will keep educating the beneficiaries because of their level of understanding until they adapt to the system'', he said.

According to him, the beneficiaries can now walk into any available Fortis Agent or point of sales (POS) stand to cash out their stipends without any form of stress.

He added that Fortis Mobile Money, had developed an App, that would help beneficiaries to stay at the comfort of their homes and access the money in their wallet.

He emphasized that the beneficiaries could also access their money anywhere in the country irrespective of their location unlike before when it was table payment at a designated centre.

''Another benefit is that if beneficiaries missed their stipend in any cycle, the money will still be in their wallet.

''But before, once beneficiaries missed their payment they would not be able to get it again for that cycle, because no arrears'', Mohammed said.

Some of the beneficiaries, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for alleviating the suffering of the poor and the vulnerable at the grassroots.

Two beneficiaries, Mrs Lydia Babatege and Emiola Matthew both from Isanlu, in their separate interviews expressed their gratitude to the federal government for remembering the aged, the poor and widows in the society.

Sefiyat Osagada, a top-up beneficiary, who cashed out her stipend in Adavi LGA, commended the federal government for the disbursement, saying the top-up fund had helped her child to access healthcare services as well as completing the routine immunization.

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.

Ogunbote wants Ogunjobi Gold Cup title to boost Remo Stars' pedigree

Gbenga Ogunbote says he has no special plans for Shooting Stars in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup final, that he could name an unchanged team as the aim is win the trophy on Saturday at the Remo Stars Stadium.

The Oracle who won the tourney as Sharks FC of Port-Harcourt gaffer said, "That we have defeated a former defending champion of the pre-season, Tornadoes is gain saying that Remo Stars deserve to be champions too.

"However, meeting Shooting Stars in the final makes it a difficult one but Remo Stars will go into the the game like it has done in the other games it has played."

Asked if he would name a different team against the Oluyole Warriors, like he did against Tornadoes.

"I have made use of 28 players in the tournament, I may decide to or not to rotate my starting team against 3SC."

Regarding his team's hard fought victory over Tornadoes in Thursday's semi-final, "Forget about our result against Tornadoes, they were a worthy opponents against us in the semi-finals.

"Am looking at the strength of my team, so we played against an NPFL side and you can see the quality they gave to Remo Stars. It's a good one for my players and it's going to boost their confidence level as we go into the new domestic league season.

"We are not going to be carried away by the victories he have recorded in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup, the loop holes we noticed in the course of our matches, I want to assure that we will also proffer solutions to them."

Recall ABS FC of Ilorin are the defending champions after they stung Gombe United 3-2 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.