Bwari Football Coaches Association tourney end in grand style with lots of laurels, medals won

 

By Dayo Awoniyi

It was a jubilation galore yesterday at the grand finale of Bwari Football Coaches Association football  tournament as Yaba Stars and FC 24 Lungi Barracks emerge winners in U13 and U15 respectively.

It was a pulsating encounters and in the first final match in U13  that was played between Yaba Stars and IB Sports Dreams it ended in goalless draw at the regulation time but Yaba Stars emerged winner via penalties as they calmly dispatched all their five penalties but IB Sports Dreams saw one of their penalties saved and it ended in five goals to four in favour of Yaba Stars.

In the other final match in U15, it was keenly contested as they sized themselves up immediately the referee signalled kick off but in less than five minutes of the encounter, the boys from the Barracks, FC24 Lungi Barracks, took the initiative from a loose but and a calmly collected ball was slotted into the back of the net and it ended one nil at the end of first half.

At the resumption of second half, HB Academy started mounting pressures in search of equaliser and it eventually paid off toward the end of the match and the game ended in a goal apiece at the regulation time.

However, the match was decided via penalties and at the end of a tension soaked play, FC 24 Lungi Barracks won by eight goals to seven.

The leader of Bwari Coaches Association, Coach Paul Tanko, thanks all the dignitaries that graced the occasion for their supports and patient and promised that it will always get better with Bwari Coaches Association. 

The chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC), Coach Salisu Haske when speaking to journalists said " The aim of the tournament is to identify, nurture and promote talents and thank God all was achieved today and you can see that everyone here are happy and going forward we will continue to improve as an association ".

Salisu further thanked everyone that supported them in one way or the other in making sure that the tournament was successful. 

Giant trophies and cash prizes were given to the winners Yaba Stars and FC24 Lungi Barracks. Awards were also  given in different categories ranging from the Most Valuable Player (MVP) highest goal scorer, most disciplined coach,most disciplined  team,best goal keeper among others.

Some of the dignitaries present at the occasion include Coach Bala Nikyu,former coach of Nasarawa United, Hon. Musa Dikko,former Chairman Bwari Area Council, Mr John Anyebe,CEO Shamudo,Mr Felix Musa, Bwari FA Chairman, Mr Kenneth Lawrence, Patron, Bwari Coaches Association among others.

RESULTS

U13

YABA STARS O  IB SPORTS DREAMS 0 (5-4)PENALTIES

U15

HB ACADEMY 1  FC 24 LUNGI BARRACKS 1 (7-8) PENALTIES

'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.

Lotus 10km race: Winners got motivated, says CEO Nord Automobile

 

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nord motors, Oluwatobi Ajayi has said winners of the Lotus Bank Abeokuta 10km race were properly motivated.

Ajayi stated this during an interview with newsmen at the Lotus Bank Abeokuta 10km Race in Abeokuta, Ogun state on Saturday.

The astute entrepreneur who hailed the organisers for a hitch-free race, said all the winners were deserving.

He said, “I take sports very seriously; there is no bigger motivation than money. You could see both the foreign and home grown athletes were given prizes as motivation. This will make people train harder for the next edition and it makes people healthier. I believe there might be upcoming long distance clubs which can make the society fitter.

"The winners of the race were deserving and I promise to be a part of the 10km race in subsequent editions. This has been a fantastic event; the organisers have done a very good job and I am impressed. This has shown that when we do things right in Nigeria, they can come out nicely.”

Ajayi commended the Ogun State Government for supporting the Lotus Bank Abeokuta 10km race and Nilayo Sports Management Limited for promoting healthy living in the country.

He revealed that Nord Automobile will be a part of the 2024 National Sports Festival coming up in Ogun state.

He said, “I want to thank the Ogun State Government for allowing us to organise the 10km race and appreciate the youths for showing positivity towards sports in the state and country at large. There was no record of violence and I am proud to be associated with the Lotus Bank Abeokuta 10km race.

“NORD are part of the sponsors for Lagos Marathon and other sporting events. I am sure you are aware of the 2024 National Sports Festival and we are going to be part of the event.”

8TH ADAMU YOLA GOMBE SOUTH UNITY CUP: ORGANIZERS SEEK NDLEA SUPPORT FOR DRUG-FREE SOCIETY

 

The Organizing Committee of the 8th Adamu Yola Gombe South Unity Cup, led by its Chairman Mr. Promise Uwaeme, has paid a courtesy visit on the Gombe State Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Okechukwu Nkere on Thursday, September 7, 2023, in his office at the National Secretariat in Gombe.

The aim of their visit was to solicit partnership ahead of the 8th edition of the tournament, which 'Beyond Football' objective, focus on a drug-free society.

In his address, the Chairman Promise Uwaeme highlighted the successes of the competition in the past seven years and its positive impact in promoting peaceful coexistence among communities and individuals through the round leather game of football. 

"We've made a remarkable achievement in the last seven years with this competition, and through the ‘Beyond Football’ initiative, we've encouraged peaceful coexistence among communities and people.” 

“We are committed to positively impacticting different aspects of human lives through this initiative and our desire this season is to support the fight against drug abuse especially among footballers and fans. We cannot do this alone without the support of a notable agency like yours." he continued. He stated.

Mr. Uwaeme emphasized the importance and impact of the ‘Beyond Football’ initiative on the immediate communities. "We're not just organizing a football competition, the Peace Advocacy Campaign last year was very impactful, and we are optimistic that the Drug-Free Campaign this year will be more impactful.” He added.

In his response, the State Commandant of the NDLEA, Okechukwu Nkere, offered his support to the committee and expressed satisfaction with the team led by Mr. Uwaeme and lauded their commitment to addressing the serious issue of drug abuse. Nkere said "I am very happy to have you here. Drug Abuse is a serious issue that we have to work together to combat. I assure you that we are going to work hand in hand with you to help reduce drug abuse to the barest minimum in Gombe State."

As the preparations for the 8th Adamu Yola Gombe South Unity Cup continues, the committee members and the lineup of activities for this year's tournament will soon be revealed while promising an exciting and impactful event that goes beyond the boundaries of sports.

NLO/Ikukuoma Super Cup: Matchday One records three wins, as Davidson gets First Hat-Trick

The Nationwide League One/Ikukuoma Super Cup lived up to the hype on MatchDay 1, as the four fixtures recorded three victories and a draw, with 16 goals scored while Kemfon Davidson displayed a five-star performance for Palm Syrup after he bagged a hat-trick.

The star game and a derby between two Imo State teams, Summer FC and Ave FC ended in a 3-3 stalemate but Ave FC will rue their poor defending, after finishing the first half 2-0.

Fans at the Uboma Secondary School Stadium Complex were left on the edge of their seats from the 1st minute to the end of the game.

The first real chance came in the 18th minute after goalkeeper Sebastine Chibuike of Ave FC made a magnificent save to deny Unaegbu Osinachi low drive set piece.

Ave FC then went ahead in the 25th minute as Ledee Victor chipped the ball into the net from a terrific assist from Alwell Jones. Forty minutes later, they were two goals up via a strike from enterprising  left back Adesokan Abdulmalik.

Nine minutes into the second half, the comeback started for Summer FC after Andrew Joshua found the back of Ave FC's goal.

Summer FC's joy was later cut short in the 59th minute as Adesokan Abdulmalik got his brace with a well-converted spot kick to make it 1-3 for Ave FC.

A brilliant display within four minutes saw Summer FC earning a point from the game, as in the 70th minute, Ebuka Duru, made the most from a defensive blunder to fire home past Ave goalie Sebastine Chibuike for 2-3.

While Osinachi Unaegbu completed the comeback with a 74th-minute strike from a delightful free kick from the edge of the box.

It was a five-goal thriller in the opening game of the NLO/Ikukuoma Super Cup at the Uboma Secondary School Stadium Complex, in Ihitte/Uboma LGA, as Palm Syrup beat Paul E FC 3-2.

Kemfon Davidson opened the tournament goal feast with the first strike for Palm Syrup in the 17th minute, and a quarter of an hour later, he curled home a delightful free kick from the edge of the box to double lead and net his brace.

It was a respite for Paul E in the 40th minute after Moses Ezekiel struck home to make it 2-1 heading into the break.

Davidson proved difficult to contain by the defense line of Paul E, as two minutes into the second half, the lanky attacking midfielder blasted in a delightful set piece for his hat-trick and a two-goal cushion for Palm Syrup at 3-1.

It was a little too late for Paul E to get back into the game as they got a penalty in the 90th minute which  Swande Mathew converted with a powerful drive that flashed past Palm Syrup's goalkeeper in goal.

The other games ended JSC FC 1-2 Jaguar FC, while Ikukuoma FC put two goals past Giant Brillars. The action continues on MatchDay 2 with eye-catching fixtures.

*MATCHDAY ONE RESULTS* 

Palm Syrup FC 3-2 Paul E FC

JSC FC 1-2 Jaguar FC

Ikukuoma FC 2-0 Giant Brillars

Summer FC 3-3 Ave FC

Club Friendly: ‘Spirit’ dazzles as Mahaniam humble New Dawn FC in seven goal thriller

 

 

By Abdulquadir Adedapo 

Soccer enthusiasts in Bwari Area Council of Federal Capital Territory, FCT had a fresh taste of football artistry on Tuesday when one of the country’s finest non-league playing sides, Mahanaim FC engaged New Dawn FC in friendly encounter that ended 6-1 in favor of the former.

It was a repeat of faceoff between both sides who settled for 1-1 draw that last time they met in 2021 at the same ground. 

Mahanaim FC went into Tuesday encounter without the likes of Paul Ogunkoya, who joined Norwegian side Stabæk Football on deadline day in the summer transfer window; Aliyu ‘Tiger’ who's recuperating from injury and U-17 vice-captain Yahaya Lawali were also absent.  

However, Coach Jackson was able to field a strong line up mixed with plenty of youths with captain John Light and a tricky midfielder, Yakubu Joel popularly called 'Spirit' leading their quest for victory.

The host started the brightest and passed the ball around but could not find a breakthrough the defense of Mahanaim.

However, the visitors' high-pressing style of game caused them a plant of problems as they began to suffer plenty of turnovers in the opening exchanges.

Ten minutes into the encounter, Mahanaim FC unleashed their first full attack with 'Spirit' and Jamiu in the mix as they earned a corner that could have earned them their first goal but the referee spotted an infringement and ruled for a foul against the visitors.

Moments later Mahaniam had their nose in front, a lovely pass from the back from the skipper, John Light found the impressive Innocent James, who then showed good composure before feeding Jamiu Sulieman who beat his marker before firing into the net for 1-0.

James then went from provider to finisher eight minutes later as he regained his balance to tap home from close range following a lovely ball from the flanks by left-back Abdulrahman Mohammed, to make it 2-0.

The goal was what the visitors surely deserved as they continued to push for more, but a moment of madness seconds before half time saw them concede the ball in front of their box- as the host pounced to pull one back and ended the half 2-1 in favor of the visitors.

Despite the lead at the break, Coach Jackson and one of the club's Directors, and Head of Communications, Olaoluwa Aro, expressed their displeasure to the boys and urged them to uphold the club’s value on the pitch and be dominant purposefully in the second period.

Those words sure did performed wonders in the minds of the players as they completely seized possession in the opening 15 minutes of the second half, moving the ball more quickly and precisely almost identical to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

They soon turned their domination into goals, seeing Joel clearly showed why he was nicknamed ‘Spirit’, as the attacking midfielder went past several markers before slotting into the bottom corner for a 3-1 lead. 

Moments later, he made it 4-1 as he controlled expertly following the goalkeeper’s clearance from Light's well taken set piece and then unleashed a left-footed thunder strike to wow the entire crowd and grab his brace that ended any hope of a comeback for the home-side.

'Spirit' was then replaced with 20 minutes left to play as Coach Jackson rang in the changes to help give room for fresher legs.

However, the tempo did not drop a bit as Mahaniam FC added two more goals from Imran Aliyu and Elijah Emmanuel, both substitutes sealed an emphatic 6-1 win much of the joy from the home fans who praised the visitors for their good football intelligence on and off the ball.

Mahaniam FC will next face Camp United at the Mambila Barracks later on Wednesday evening hoping to improve on the 4-0 thrashing they handed to the Barrack boys last year.

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.

Summer FC duels with Ave FC to get inaugural NLO/Ikukuoma Super Cup underway

 

It will be football glitz and glamour in Uboma, Imo State as the inaugural Nationwide League One NLO/Ikukuoma Super Cup kicks off on Wednesday September 6 with an opening fixture between Summer FC and Ave FC.

The NLO secretariat, who last week listed 18 teams, which included two wild cards, released the groupings, match fixtures, timing, and venues that will host the 10-day tournament.

The Uboma Secondary School Stadium Complex, in Ihitte/Uboma LGA, Imo State will host matches of the NLO Super League.

Six (6) groups A to F, have three teams each; as they will battle for pride in the group phase, for a winner from each group to qualify for the Second Round after 18 matches.

The top teams from the six (6) groups will square up against themselves in a Group A and Group B format made up of three (3) teams each, with only the two (2) best teams qualifying for the final of the NLO/Ikukuoma Super Cup billed for Saturday, September 16.

Teams drawn in Group A are Ihitte Uboma-based Summer FC, Ave FC, and Golden Albium FC (Delta State). Group B has Buratai FC (Yobe State), Palm Syrup FC (Akwa-Ibom State), and Paul E FC (FCT), while JSC FC Suleja (Niger State), Divine Praise FC (Lagos State) and Kofar Soro FC from Katsina State make up Group C

Ikukuoma FC (Imo State), Ablegod FC (Ondo State) with Kano-based Hausawa United FC are in Group D, followed by Tudun Wada FC (Kano State), Zeal Minds FC (Benue State) and Vandrezzer  Academy (Akwa Ibom State) in Group E.

The trio of DOHZ FA (Kwara State), Discovery Academy (Kebbi State), and FC Ebedei JNR will slug things out in Group F.

Chief Operating Officer of the nation's third-tier league, Olushola Ogunnowo who spoke ahead of the kickoff.

"We know that Nigerians are passionate about football, so we want to make our grassroot football irresistibly appealing to them and the rest of the World.

“All is still in top gear for the inaugural NLO/Ikukuoma Super Cup without hitches in terms of the logistics we have put in place,” said the NLO’s COO Olushola Ogunnowo.

The tournament which will be keenly contested will see invited foreign scouts, and eight Sporting Directors from different leagues across the world in attendance.

However, the NLO broadcasting department will be live-streaming all matches from the championship for fans all over the world to see.

Anthony Encho ready to go past Beyond Limits for second Optima Energy Gold Cup title

Anthony Encho has expressed confidence that Beyond Limits can't stop Ijebu United from becoming new champions of the Optima Energy Gold Cup, let alone twice teach him and his team football lessons.

The Remo Stars International Stadium in Ikenne host the grand finale of the 11th edition of the preseason tournament on Saturday at 3pm, with two Group A facing off again.

Biliaminu Abdullahi's sensational strike from 19 yards was all Beyond Limits needed to nail Ijebu United in a thriller that determined who go top of the group and bragging rights of the derby.

Cameroon-born Encho won the pre-season tournament with ABS FC of Ilorin during its 8th edition in Kwara State told Optima Energy Gold Cup Media Channel on his expectations ahead the game against Beyond Limits again and why his team deserved to go past 3SC in the final.

'I believed in my lads, trust what I have impacted in them and they have shown me their quality coming this far, as we're ready to go against Beyond Limits in the final.

"It's going to be a fantastic game as am ready to win the trophy again. Beyond Limits can't stop my team or deny me of that record, by defeating twice in group stage and final. So that's my mind set towards the match.

"I trust my players to give their very best as we are ready to take this piece of silverware back home."

On his team's semi-final win against a 10-man 3SC after coming behind to draw level at 1-1 with three minutes to end the game.

"We deserved to put Shooting Stars to the cleaners in the penalty shootout after coming back to level terms in the 87th minute.

"My lads were under pressure despite playing at their best, but kept fighting despite falling behind by a goal in the 1st half."

"Got themselves some confidence boost, took the game to Shooting Stars and made the most of the player advantage after the goal scorer saw a red card and behold, the reward for their highs pressing an equalizing goal."

Olumide Ajibolade talks up Beyond Limits' chances against Ijebu United at Optima Energy Gold Cup final

After watching his Beyond Limits go past Niger Tornadoes 3-1 for a place in the final, an ecstatic Olumide Ajibolade is sure his lads can beat Ijebu United for their first Optima Energy Gold Cup silverware.

All thanks to Coach Olumide's and his backroom staff, Beyond Limits who have been exceptional with their brilliant team play and eye-catching football are the only team yet to taste defeat in the 11th edition of the preseason tournament.

Olumide, a UEFA C licensed, MBP certified methodologist, who also holds an NIS Diploma and Coerver Youth Diploma, likes to be perfect with his job, uses effective tactics to overwhelm his rivals, teaches, and defines a clear direcion for his players during matches.

Speaking to Optima Energy Gold Cup Media Channel after reaching the final on third attempt, "We are in a very good reign of form at the moment and the boys have reached a level of maturity, that they were learning in previous editions.

"So what they have displayed coming this far is a sign of an evolution they have had in the past two editions of the Optima Energy Gold Cup.

"For Beyond Limits, it's going to be another game and final. I like finals because they bring about a different stimulus and puts a bit of pressure on the players, which is good for their development.

"We will compete for sure, but there's a lot of tiredness in the team now, as it's almost nine matches in 14 days and it's almost impossible to get the best out of the players.

"That's no excuse for Beyond Limits, as we're going to come out and looking forward to Ijebu United in the final as we're going to be ready."

Doping ban: House Committee on Sports invites NOC, NADO over WADA threat to ban Nigeria

 

The Federal House Committee on Sports has invited the leadership of Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) and National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) over World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) threat to ban all Nigerian from participating in all sports.

This follows Nigeria's inability to comply with international standard as laid down in the World Anti-Doping code.

After lifting ban on Nigeria in November 2018, WADA is furious that the country has not fulfill the promises made to comply with international Anti-Doping regulations. 

To this end, WADA has concluded plans to ban Nigeria from participating in all sports if nothing is done before the end of August, 2023. 

To save Nigeria from the international embarrassment, the Chairman, House Committee On Sports, Hon. Ekene Adams has invited the leadership of Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC) as well leadership of National Anti-Doping Organisation (NADO) to a Meeting scheduled for Tuesday 22nd August, 2023. This is to put heads together and come up with plans to stop WADA from the imminent suspension capable of putting the country's image in bad light.

"Anti-doping has become very important in sports that athletes and countries alike can be banned  from participating in sports if they do not comply with international anti-doping regulations." Honourable Ekene said.

He added, "To save innocent athletes and Nigeria from the embarrassment, the House Committee On Sports has mapped out plans to stop the imminent suspension by inviting the leadership of NOC and NADO to appear before it.

"Due lack of time, we need to act as quickly as possible to forestall WADA ban pronouncement at the end of August. Sports is a very important tool for addressing youth restiveness and engaging youth for meaning achievement in life. 

"Nigeria has huge population of youth and the benefit this group gain from sports can not be overemphasized and must not be taken away from them. 

"If Nigeria is banned again, it is the innocent Nigerian athletes that will suffer from it. This Government does not need the distraction and embarrassment the issue of anti-doping will generate for the country nationally and internationally." He concluded. 

Hon. Ekene Adams felicitates with new Sports Minister

 

The Chairman House Committee on Sports Honourable Ekene Abubakar Adams, has congratulated the newly appointed Minister of Sports, Senator John Enoh, saying his vast experience will help the sector to grow. 

According to Hon. Ekene "Let me heartily  congratulate the new Sports Minister Senator  John Enoh, on his well deserved appointment by Mr President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His trajectory as a foremost  lawmaker who had served in the the Senate will be a huge advantage  to the accomplishment  of his new assignment.  As a former lawmaker he understands the dynamics of every  sector, so I believe he will hit the ground  running."

The Member  Representing Chikun/ Kajuru Federal Constituency assured that his Committee  along with the Senate  counterparts will work in harmony with the new Minister to chart a new direction for Nigerian Sports.

"We are all stakeholders and partners in progress, we are ready to work together in the best interest of our great country. We shall  partner with the Minister  to ensure that Sports takes center stage in our nation's development history."

Enoh is Nigeria's 36th Sports Minister and succeeds Sunday Dare who served for four years under former President  Muhammadu Buhari.

Phillip, Gbenga set sights on breaking more Rope Skipping World Records

 

Having successfully broken the World Record for most skips on foot for 30 seconds and for one minute, Philip Solomon and Gbenga Ezekiel are ready to break more skipping world records.

Both skippers based in Akure, Ondo state, South West Nigeria are currently the world record holders for most skips on one foot in 30 seconds and 1 minute.

Gbenga and Philip both still in secondary school have now set eyes on breaking more records in rope skipping on the Friday, 18th August 2023.

Gbenga Ezekiel, who in February was declared the world record holder for most skips on one leg in one minute with 265 skips has requested to break his own record and also the record of most double under skips on one leg in one minute.

The current holder of the record is Indian, Himanshu Prajapathi with 132 skips.

Gbenga will also aim to break the record for most consecutive double under crossover currently held by United Kingdom’s Pete Thompson with 362 skips.

Philip Solomon who did 153 skips on one foot in 30 seconds to become the Guinness World Record holder for most skips on one foot in 30 seconds  will also be aiming to break thee current record on same day.

Philip will be attempting most skips in 30 seconds currently held by Japan’s Megumi Suzuki with 162 skips and most criss-cross skips on one leg in 30 seconds currently held by Indian’s Himanshu Prajapathi with 67 skips.

Philip will also attempt to break the most blindfolded crisscross skips on one leg in 30 seconds record also held by Indian Himanshu Prajapathi with 62 skips.

New trialist, Kenneth Godswill will attempt to break the most double under crossover in 1 minute. The current record holder is United Kingdom’s Peter Thompson with 127 skips.

Another new name on the block, Dunsin Dubem will join his colleagues to attempt breaking the record for most double under crossover in 30 seconds. A Phillipine, Ryan Eedion ONG Alonzo is the current holder of the record with 73 skips.

All attempts to break the different world records will be held at the Akure township stadium on Friday 18th August 2023 starting from 10am.

Optima Energy Gold Cup: Biliaminu's superb strike earn Beyond Limits bragging right over Ijebu United

 

Beyond Limits became the first team to record three wins out of three matches in the group phase of the Optima Energy Gold Cup, as Biliaminu Abdullahi's sensational effort from 19 yards nailed Ijebu United in a thriller at the Remo Stars International Stadium in Ikenne.

It was a top of the table clash between two Ogun State football teams, and it lived up to the hype in the final game of the group.

But it was Beyond Limits that claimed the bragging rights, to go top on the log of their group with 9points while Ijebu United settled for second with 6 points from two wins, as former champions Sunshine Stars got their first win beating Hammola FC by a lone goal to finish third and fourth respectively.

After a thrilling 85 minutes of quality football from both teams, the last five minutes was a soaked tensed but it was Biliaminu who made his Beyond Limits look unstoppable, after he made the most of a set-piece from his team's half to lash a wonder strike in between a helpless Ijebu United goalie for what could be the goal of the tourney in the 87th minute.

The strike sees Biliaminu lead the race for the Optima Energy Gold Cup golden boot with four goals and one better than Ijebu United's Ifeanyi Ihemekweele who bagged a hat-trick in the 6-1 thrashing of Hammola FC.

Beyond Limits will wait till Wednesday to know if they will take on Tradesafe FC, former champion Niger Tornadoes or FC Ebedei in the semi-final, while Shooting Stars who top Group B will host Ijebu United for a chance to make it into three consecutive Optima Energy Gold Cup final.

The trio of Tradesafe FC, Tornadoes and FC Ebedei need a win to join 3SC in the last four of the 11th edition of the nation's esteemed pre-season tourney.

House Committee on Sports assure Nigerians on finding lasting solution to recurring unpaid bonuses of national teams

 

... holds fruitful meeting with NFF 

The Meeting between the 10th Federal House Committee On Sports and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) at the National Assembly on Tuesday aimed at restoring peace in Nigeria football ended with resolutions to get the country's football back on track.

The Committee also charged the NFF to resolve the issues regarding the two affected State Football Associations (Plateau and Nasarawa) where Normalisation Committees were set up.

To this end, the Committee stated that the NFF should respect their statue.

"What we are simply saying following petitions received from the two State FAs is that the Federation should respect and go back to their statute to restore peace and order in Nigeria football," the Chairman House Committee on Sports, Honourable Ekene Adams said.

Meanwhile, the President of the Federation, Ibrahim Gusau assured the House Committee that all the lingering issues regarding the State FAs elections will be resolved amicably within three weeks and would revert back to the House on the resolution.

The Committee and the Federation agreed to work together and find lasting solution to the recurring unpaid bonuses of all national teams.

When asked about the payment of the Super Falcons players, the Federation said it would be paid as soon as the money is received from FIFA.

As regards Awalu Baba Jara who was suspended following allegation of match fixing, the Federation has assured the House Committee on Sports to give the alleged offender fair hearing before final decision could be taken.