Caleb Ochedikwu impresses in debut win for Croatian club

 

Nigerian youth international, Caleb Ochedikwu produced man of the match performance in his debut outing for Uljanik Pula helping them to a 2 -1 win over Grobnican in the Croatian top- flight game on Saturday, reports www.totorinews.com.

The former Mavlon FC player was a second half susbtitute and within few minutes on the pitch, he marshalled the midfield, where he also made an assist as Benjamin Pajkovic scored the second goal for the home side in the 70th minute.

Uljanik Pula had earlier opened scoring in the 48th minute through Robert Peric- Komsic, but the introduction of Ochedikwu in the 59th minute gave the team more stability in their quest to subdue their opponents for the maximum points.

He had the command of midfield, winning the tussles, as he also initiated attack from his quick interchange of passes with the attackers, where he almost made it a scoring debut, but the goal-post denied him twice in the game.

Although, Grobnican tried to claw their way back into the game in the 76th minute when Lovro Mikulica scored, there was nothing denying Ochedikwu and his teammates victory with their performance on the pitch.

Speaking after the game, a source close to Uljanik Pula was so delighted with the display of the midfielder, whom he described as a valuable addition to the club.

"He will be a great player. His performance was enough for me, an excellent debut game for the young player," the source said.

"He has big potential and we were all impressed," he added.

Ochedikwu signed for Uljanik Pula last month before the end of transfer window in Europe.

Afriskaut NLO Cup set to kickoff in October

 

The 2024 edition of the NLO Cup, sponsored by Afriskaut, will kick off in October, with the Bwari Stadium and Dipo Dina Stadium hosting the championship. 

In a correspondence dated 7th September to affiliate clubs that excelled in the just concluded NLO regular league season, informed of the date. 

The NLO CUP, a tournament designed by the Board of the Nationwide League One will enable the Champion clubs to compete among themselves and also use the event as a platform for the NLO to showcase the best talents in Nigeria's Grassroots League.

NAEMO Sports, which is one of NLO's partners, will use one of its affiliate brands (Afriskaut) to sponsor the event, which will commence on 5th October 2024 and run until the final on Sunday 20th.

The Bwari Stadium in the Federal Capital Territory will host the Northern Conference while the Dipo Dina Stadium Ijebu-Ode will host the Southern Conference.

The event, according to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the NLO, Olushola Ogunnowo, will enable Afriskaut to use their AI-driven technology data collection to assist the clubs in exposing their players to the world while the clubs go into an agreement on a full-time basis to further the relationship of players' data collection, which is the key in promoting and chatting a pathway for the grassroots football clubs players to the world.

The NLO Secretariat will contact the qualified clubs individually for enrollment to enable the league body to have a perfect tournament.

Salim Fargo Lawal: Nigerian striker tops wish list of major Belgian clubs

 

Sensational Nigeria and NK Istra striker, Salim Fargo Lawal is a subject of interest from notable clubs in the Belgian Jupiler league following his impressive performance with the Croatian club.

Totori News scooped that K.V Mechelen, an elite Belgian club side are among the clubs interested is signing the Nigerian attacker, who has continued to improve his game to the delight of the management of the club and fans.

Lawal has been a great phenomenon in Croatia after scoring three goals in 12 league games last season and started in seven games, but the hallmark of the striker, is his energetic performance in every match, that is imbibed with speed, strength and skills, with one of the goals in reckoning for the goal of the season in Croatia.

He has shown tremendous ability to learn fast, added with his professional discipline on and off the pitch, which has endeared him to the technical crew and the management of the club.

The 21- year old former Mavlon FC striker signed a three- year deal with NK Istra last year and he has continued to improve his game in the new season where he had made four starts and despite the transfer interests from clubs both within Croatia and across Europe, Lawal prefers to continue to ply his trade with NK Istra, where he has become the delight of the fans.

At the moment, the decision for Lawal to remain with NK Istra lies with the management of the club, as transfer negotiations are still on the table for the sublime striker.

Dino Sporting Club confirms sale of Stephen Ende, Timilehin Adekunle to Sabah FC

 

Dino Sporting Club is pleased to announce the transfer of Stephen Ende to Sabah FK in Baku, Azerbaijan. This transfer was finalized following a mutual agreement between both clubs regarding the terms of his contract.

Stephen, a standout performer from Dino Sporting Club’s successful campaign in the Creative Championship League last season, will join Sabah FC’s U19 squad, where he will compete in the UEFA Youth League.

Additionally, Sabah FC has secured the permanent transfer of Timilehin Oluwaseun Adekunle. 

Timilehin, who joined Sabah FC last year on loan with an option to buy, will now continue with the club on a permanent basis following the successful completion of the transfer agreement with Dino Sporting Club.

The Chairman Samuel Columbus wishes the players the best.

"We are immensely proud of Stephen’s development and accomplishments at Dino Sporting Club. His move to Sabah FC is a testament to his hard work and our commitment to nurturing talent that can compete on the global stage. We wish him every success as he embarks on this exciting new chapter."

"Timilehin’s permanent transfer to Sabah FC underscores the quality of players we develop at Dino Sporting Club. We are delighted to see him continue his journey at a top club, and we are confident he will continue to excel. His progress is a source of pride for our entire organization."

"At Dino Sporting Club, our mission is to develop world-class talent. The recent transfers of Stephen and Timilehin reflect our dedication to providing our players with opportunities to showcase their skills on bigger stages. We are committed to maintaining this standard of excellence."

"These transfers represent just the beginning of what we believe will be a bright future for Dino Sporting Club. We are building a legacy of excellence, and our players are the cornerstone of that vision. We look forward to continuing to produce talents that will shine globally."

"Our focus has always been on developing players who not only excel on the pitch but also embody the values of discipline, dedication, and sportsmanship. We are confident that Stephen and Timilehin will continue to represent Dino Sporting Club with pride and distinction." He concluded.

Afriskaut's data-driven approach powers NLO Cup

 

The Nationwide League One (NLO) has played a critical role in the development of Nigerian football by consistently supplying top talents to the Nigerian national teams, European and African teams, likewise the Nigeria Premier Football League and Nigeria National League clubs. 

Established formally under the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) in 2008, the league has become a foundational platform for young players across Nigeria to showcase their talents and Afriskaut is proud to partner with the Nationwide League One to sponsor the NLO Cup.

Afriskaut's partnership with the NLO is a perfect blend of the league's rich history of player development and Afriskaut's cutting-edge expertise in data-driven football scouting and players analytics.

Afriskaut aims to create a benchmark for youth talent in Nigerian football and brings its expertise in football talent identification, data-driven insights, and marketing to elevate the league's profile and the players within it.

Afriskaut will employ cutting-edge technology to collect and analyze vital player data as well as key football parameters, including speed, distance covered, key passes, assists, and more.

This data will not only enhance player development but also provide scouts and clubs with the necessary tools to make informed decisions, ensuring that Nigerian football talent is showcased on the world stage.

The Afriskaut sponsorship agreement was sealed with executives of Afriskaut and the NLO Chief Operating Officer, Olushola Ogunnowo.

Ogunnowo highlighted the significance of the partnership while speaking with the NLO Media Department, saying, “This partnership with Afriskaut for the NLO Cup for the next five years is a historic step for Nigeria's football growth, and demonstrating the Secretariat deep-rooted commitment to the over 400 clubs in the nation's third division league. 

"The NLO Cup tournament is organized to determine the champion from the eight (8) Nationwide League One teams and 17 Nationwide U19 Youth League teams that gained promotion to Nigeria National League and NLO Division One. 

"It's also more of a scientific scouting with Ai technology event geared towards helping the teams expose their players to the international market. 

"With the sponsorship, the NLO Cup will become one the most prestigious sporting events, showcasing our best talents to top clubs in Europe and off course, a global audience."

This collaboration is a significant step toward raising the visibility and credibility of Nigerian football, with the NLO Cup set to become a premier event that reflects the highest standards of youth football excellence.

MOK Foundation President empathizes early exposure of youths to sports

Youths' early engagement in sports has been described as means to nurturing them to greatness. 

The Founder of MOK Foundation, Muhydeen Kayode Okunlola gave the advice when he received players and officials of Olalomi Royal VC in his office on Monday. 

Okunlola who is also the Principal Partner of Luxiar Construction Limited reemphasize his commitment in youth empowerment and which has inspired him to venture into sports like football, volleyball and other series of sports, stressing that it will make any youths that have talents to showcase it from the grassroots to international scene. 

"What inspired me to go into sports development is because I am a youth and I believe in youth empowerment and I believe venturing into sports like football, volleyball and other series of it makes the youth that have talents to be able to showcase their talents from the grassroots to international," he said. 

He further stressed that, doing this will help them to focus on their goals and for them to get to fit into it in other to help them achieve their goals. 

Okunlola also noted that, a lot of graduates are knowledgeable in terms of skills in different kinds of games, saying that if the foundation can venture into such, it will help them achieve their dreams and make the nation proud.

While commenting on what he has seen on the Olalomi Royal Queens, the sports philanthropist affirmed his impression with the results so far, noting that the team has full potential to grow and compete in top leagues in Nigeria just as he commended the club for impressive showing of bravery and determination.

The Chairman of Olalomi Royal Volleyball Club doled out the sum of 200,000 naira to motivated the team ahead of their remaining matches at the ongoing 2024 CGC Volleyball Premier League.

Responding, Head Coach of Olalomi Royal VC, Oluwabukola Faremi, applauded Muhydeen Kayode Okunlola for his unwavering support.

Faremi revealed that the support of MOK has motivated the players to excel during the league.

The assistant head coach of Nigeria U17 Girl's team said, “I want to applaud our Chairman, Muhydeen Kayode Okunlola for his financial support to the team. The only way we can repay him is to be amongst the top three in the first phase of the league and I am working towards it”.

Meet Hyacinth Ogonna, talented footballer whose Messi's arrival at Barcelona inspired him to strive for greatness

By Wale Mustapha

For Hyacinth Ogonna, playing football remains his motivation, source of joy and avenue to become great. 

The enterprising young forward is fast becoming one of the talented players penciled for greatness in a foreseeable future. 

He arrived at Dino Sporting Club in 2017 as a relatively unknown player but quickly became the face of the fast rising youth team in Nigeria.

Ogonna recently signed a three year deal with Belgian club side, Westerlo FC to continue his development as a footballer. 

In this exclusive interview with OnwardNews24, Ogonna talked about his football journey so far, highest moments in football and source of motivation to strive for more. 

Q: What inspired you to start playing football? 

Ogonna: I started playing football at a very young age, playing football makes me happy and I enjoyed it, so I said that I will be a professional footballer, it’s what I love doing the most.

Q: Is there a coach or athlete that you look up to as a role model and why?

Ogonna: It's Lionel Messi. His story of arrival in Barcelona always motivates me. It taught me that when they doubt you prove them wrong with your best performance always. 

Q: What do you believe is the greatest challenge most athletes are facing today?

Ogonna: My perspective I think is consistency.

Q: What are your highest moments in the colors of Dino SC?

Ogonna: My highest moments in the colors of Dino SC was when we won the TCC Cup. It was a moment of greatness being able to be among the players to win a trophy for the club. It's amazing moments for me. 

Q: How much has playing in Dino influence your career and as a person?

Ogonna: Dino SC played a very big role in my life, on and off the pitch, it's helped shape my attitude, development, exposure, experience and so on, I was guided.

Dino SC is a family to me and a big thanks to Dino family.

Q: Tell us about the person, Chief Samuel Columbus and who he is to you?

Ogonna: Chief Samuel Ali Columbus is like a father to me. 

I’m really thankful to him for believing in me even when there were critics, he only saw the light in me and also showed and guided me in the right path to success. 

He treats and loves me like a son and I’m grateful to him because he's a Godsent to me.

Q: What are the preparations you think Dino has given you to be a champion?

Ogonna: I learned that to be a champion you must have a good attitude, be hard working and dedicated, be the best in what you love to do best, be exceptional, always be ready.

If you believe you can achieve anything you put your mind to it. 

Q: What are your dreams in football?

Ogonna: To play for the best teams in the world, win the world's best player, win a champions league trophy, win the World Cup with my country Nigeria, to be recognized as one of the greatest footballers of all time. 

Q: Have you set any target for yourself over there in Belgium?

Ogonna: Yes I have set my target and I believe I will achieve them.

Alamuro Congratulates Gov. Ododo on Supreme Court Victory, Urges Him to Sustain Right Path

 

The Alamuro of Amuro, HRM, Oba (Engr.) Alfred Modupẹ Aiyedogbon (JP), has congratulated Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and his Deputy, Joel Salifu, on Supreme Court Victory as the duly elected Executive Governor of Kogi State. 

In a unanimous judgement on Friday in Abuja, the Supreme Court of Nigeria, affirmed Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo as the duly elected Governor of Kogi State.

The Apex court affirmed Ododo's victory at the November 11, 2023 gubernatorial election in the state. 

The Alamuro in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday in Effo Amuro, described judgment as a remarkable and well-deserved victory. 

"The entire Amuro Kingdom is thrilled to extend her heartfelt congratulations to you on your remarkable and well-deserved victory as declared by the esteemed Supreme Court of Nigeria. 

"This momentous ruling is a triumph for democracy and the will of the Good People of Kogi State.

“The people of the state have placed their trust in you, and we have no doubt that you will work tirelessly to fulfil the aspirations and dreams of the citizenry. 

"Your passion for public service, your vision for progress, and your unwavering dedication to the welfare of the people will undoubtedly guide you in the path ahead," he said

The royal father urged the Governor to develop a robust partnership with the Federal government in the interest of the people of Kogi State.

The monarch added: "Now that you have been finally affirmed as our Governor, I beseech you to develop a robust partnership with the Federal government in the interest of our people. 

"We have full confidence that you will be magnanimous in victory and also, lead with integrity, wisdom, and compassion. 

"Your tenure is an opportunity to bring about positive change, uplift communities, and foster an environment of inclusivity, progress, and development which we have no doubt that you will succeed in.

"Congratulations, Your Excellency."

Oba Alfred Modupẹ Aiyedogbon (JP)

Alamuro of Amuro.

End

10-man Shooting Stars dethrone Beyond Limits as Optima Energy Gold Cup champions

 

A 10-man Shooting Stars of Ibadan defied the odds as they broke their Optima Energy Gold Cup final jinx, as they emerged champions of the 12th edition beating defending kings Beyond Limits 2-0 in a tantalizing clash at the Remo Stars Stadium on Saturday. 

It was heartbreak for Beyond Limits who, despite an impressive performance, were put to the sword by an experienced and more determined Oluyole Warriors. 

Just after the half-hour mark, Shooting Stars reminded fans watching the Optima Energy Gold Cup finale exactly what they are capable of with the ball and tactical play.

On the 32nd minute, the referee was spot on as he awarded 3SC a penalty after Sodiq brought down Olaniyi Fasanmi, who was put through on goal by Utim. Aliyu Abubakar then stepped up and converted the to hand Shooting Stars the lead, as they entered the break. 

Two minutes after the restart of the second half, 3SC lost its captain Taye Muritala, who received his marching order for a needless foul on Beyond Limits striker. 

A second Shooting Stars goal would come in the 72nd minute, after Desmond Ojietefian jumped highest and connected with a superb delivery to nod into the net from range for a second goal.

 

Beyond Limits would rule lady luck and rue their misses chance as the Oluyole Warriors were crowned champions after fourth attempt at giving it a shot in the final. 

Shooting Stars were rewarded a sum of ₦2, 000,000 from Proud Sponsors Optima Energy while Beyond Limits took home a sum of ₦1, 000, 000 for emerging as runners-up. 

For the individual awards, Olisa Emmanuel of Beyond Limits took home the Golden Glove after keeping three clean sheets hearing to the final.

 

Benin Premier League Association Sportive de la Vallée de l'Ouémé (ASVO) FC were awarded the Best Behaved Team while Stephen Idowu got the Best Referee award. 

It was deserving of Kparobo Arierhi, as his three goals and one assist earned him the Highest Goalscorer award. 

The tournament Most Valuable Player went to Shooting Stars attacker Aliyu Abubakar, as his coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, was presented with the off-season tourney Best Coach gong.

Beyond Limits' Olumide hails Optima Energy Gold Cup organizers with SofaScore innovation

 

The idea of the organizers of 2024 Optima Energy Gold Cup to have their games stream on popular SofaScore Application has been commended by the Head Coach of Beyond Limits, Ajibolade Olumide. 

Recall before the kickoff, Optima Energy Gold Cup has announced SofaScore as its official technical partner. 

Sofascore, owned and developed by Croatia based tech company SofaIT, will in the next three years, starting from 12th edition to collect and analyse match data to the millions of global users of the Sofascore app, of teams and players taking part in the nation's sought-after off-season football tournament. 

"I think the positive of the 12th edition is the fact that games were now live on the SofaScore app," Olumide said. 

"I have not been around since the tournament started, but I was able to follow the games in detail. 

"Even before the tourney started, the schedule was already up on the app, which was really freshing to see, so it's a positive development. 

"However, the football is still the same, the quality is there so we appreciate the fact that quality teams still grace the tournament and hopefully in subsequent seasons, we keep having proper teams and we keep having a good tournament."

Beyond Limits, who became the second team to make a back-to-back final, will battle Shooting Stars for the off season's biggest accolade on Saturday at the Remo Stars International Stadium, with 3pm as kick-off time.

"Our objective is always to compete", Beyond Limits coach speak ahead of Optima Energy Gold Cup final

 

Head Coach of Beyond Limits Academy, Ajibolade Olumide has said that retaining the Optima Energy Gold Cup against Shooting Stars in the final will be a bonus to his side, as his lads are ready to to learn, compete against the best.

Both teams clash in Saturday's finale of the 12th edition of the nation's off-season football tournament billed for the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State. 

His thoughts ahead of the tantalizing clash after Beyond Limits edged FC Ebedei in the first semis on Thursday. 

"The objective is to learn and compete, Shooting Stars should give us a good game for the boys to take the lessons. We're happy. 

"I've never gone to a tournament thinking I have to win, it's never in the back of my mind, and of course people say that's a lie because we win everything. 

"Our objective is always to compete, and if we win, it's a bonus. We have to ensure the lads play well and improve, and if we win again on Saturday, it's just another trophy, and we're happy for that."

On the tough and close game against FC Ebedei, "I don't think our semi-final game was difficult just because we won with a one goal margin, however the opposition was very physical, a lot duels and intensity pressing, organization with bodies behind the ball. 

"And off course, we expected that when we know, as no team wants us to have space behind, so we keep probing trying to find the options to play around them and eventually we get a break through. 

"By and large I think the organization from FC Ebedei was good but we were not just able to have in our one by one, may be it's preseason, so we have a lot to work on. 

"Nothing different from what we actually do, it's preseason so we would then compete and hopefully we'll be able to field a lot more players, so they can get the needed minutes as they prepare for other competitions that's ahead of us. So nothing special, just our normal approach of excellence."

Nigerian midfielder, Ochedikwu joins Croatian club side

Talented Nigerian midfielder, Caleb Ochedikwu has increased number of Nigerian players who made a switch to abroad this summer following his move to Croatian side, NK Uljanik Pula of Croatia, www.totorinews.com reports.

Ochedikwu agreed to sign a three year deal with NK Uljanik Pula after a successful trial that saw him impressed both the technical and management of the club. 

The 19 year old midfielder was discovered and nurtured by Mavlon FC of Lagos, a modest Nigerian club side that is gradually becoming the hub of football talents for European clubs with the latest acquisition of Ochedikwu.

With a playing style similar to that of Rodri of Manchester City and Spanish international, it was therefore not a surprise that he was handed three years contract.

The talented midfielder is known for winning the ball to thwart the threat of opponents, initiating attack right from the deep. 

He is also richly endowed with great shooting ability and visionary passes that can split open the opposition in a jiffy, setting up his attacking teammates for onslaught in search of goals.

The midfielder was a member of Flying Eagles team that won the bronze medal at the AFCON U-20 tournament hosted by Egypt in 2023.

Kparobo inspires Beyond Limits to consecutive Optima Energy Gold Cup final

 

A dazzling performance from Ariehi Kparobo, as his superb half-volley shot Beyond Limits to a back-to-back Optima Energy Gold Cup final at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne. 

Both teams produced some fireworks in the opening 44 minutes to the delight of fans who came to catch a glimpse of the first semi-final. 

Being the only team that won all its group matches in the 12th edition of the nation's prestigious off-season tournament, Beyond Limits recorded much of the ball possessions, recording four shots at goal with one off target. 

Kparobo then stole the show in the 45th with a sublime strike from out of the blues to give his Beyond Limits the lead into the break and took his goal tally to three goals, as he chases hat-trick hero and Ikorodu City's Thankgod Chilaka for the top scorer's award. 

It was a balanced second half and all to play for FC Ebedei as they searched for an equalizer, but Beyond Limits' backline was up and defending well. 

Both teams brought fresh legs into the game to change the dynamics of play, but Beyond Limits held onto their one lead. 

The best moment came for FC Ebedei in the final minute of regular time to put the game into penalties, but the effort from Olaide Owoyemi found the side netting to leave Beyond Limits within a game of being crowned the 2024 Optima Energy Gold Cup champions.

Fredrick Oliseh wants FC Ebedei to tackle Beyond Limits with improved intensity

 

General Manager and Head Coach of FC Ebedei, Fredrick Oliseh says it is an incredible feeling breaking the 12-year jinx in the Optima Energy Gold Cup, as he assured that it will be the same intensity against Beyond Limits in Thursday's semi-final. 

Fredrick said: "It's incredible qualifying for the preseason semi-final; it's great working with a committed assistant; it all comes down to hard work, that's what it is, and never giving up and always adding up to the formula at FC Ebedei. 

"Great credit to the entire staff and the players. It's not just me as no man is an island. To our President Barrister Churchill Oliseh, who's the frontrunner and insightful in giving me this platform."

Ahead of the next clash against Beyond Limits, "The games in the group are done, and you are only as good as your next game.

"Intensity, the same as you have seen on FC Ebedei, our level will be intense, we will be on the front foot. We will obviously create chances and then capitalise on moments; that's what we are going to do."

On his team's performance against Ikorodu City whom they piped 1-0 and kept a clean sheet. 

"You didn't keep clean sheets without hardwork, it takes a lot, that's why I have to give credit to the players and coaches. We work incredibly hard on how we want to defend and what we do when we don't have the ball, and you see the results right there on the pitch."

On his lads scoring two out of the three goals they recorded in the group phase in the first half. 

"Football is a game of moments, and these moments fell to us in the first halves of the matches against Osun United and Ikorodu City, and we have taken them. 

"At FC Ebedei, we only chase excellence, and this is the position we want to be in, as we don't accept anything less and demand outright the best for ourselves in terms of performance performance. 

"To be able to do these against Osun United, Ikorodu City and Shooting Stars is a testament to our psyche and mentality at FC Ebedei."

Fatai Osho reveals ASVO FC plans ahead of Shooting Stars' clash at Optima Energy Gold Cup

 

Technical Adviser of Association Sportive de la Vallée de l'Ouémé (ASVO) FC, Fatai Osho has assured that his side will give its best shots against Shooting Stars of Ibadan. 

Osho revealed his pre-match routine ahead of Thursday's Optima Energy Gold Cup semi-final against the Oluyole Warriors at the Remo Stars International Stadium, Ikenne by 3pm. 

"I'm impressed with the transition in my team, coming from an opening day defeat to a draw and a win in the final group game," he told Optima Energy Gold Cup preseason tournament Media Channel. 

"But, we can't be ignorant of the fact that we still have a whole lot of work to do, to make the team better.  Having a contest with Shooting Stars in the semi-final will help us as a team, as the Oluyole Warriors will expose our weaknesses and strengths, and on our part, we'll be ambitious. 

"Once a team is in the semi-final of any tournament and has the chance to win it, then such a team must give its best shot. That ASVO FC will do, as we want to have another test with defending champions Beyond Limits in the final if both teams qualify. 

"We are looking forward to the Optima Energy Gold Cup final, as there's always a first time. In the last week of intense training and looking at the work rate of players in the matches we have played coming this far, I am highly encouraged. So playing in the final on Saturday will be an icing on the cake for us. 

"My assistants and I will prepare the team mentally for Shooting Stars and with a mindset that anything is quite possible."

On his team's progress in the preseason tournament, "It has been one with mixed emotions but a good one for the team, as finishing the final game against Kasam FA with a win and with 10-man, said a lot about the team. 

"In our first game against Beyond Limits, we started badly, the conditioning was not there, and we then had to work extra hard on the players, so that they could be able to compete, that's was has manifested in the team as they can now play better with the ball as a unit and execute my tactical instructions on the pitch. 

"The fitness level of my players is gradually coming up, as this is the only time we can overload them in training and still ask them to play. 

On his no-show in the dugout, " It is deliberate. It's a preseason tournament, and I want my assistants to do much of the job on the touchline while I watch calmly and jot on my notes the key things I see about my players during matches."

Osho, a former coach of Akwa United, has assured ASVO FC fans that they will see his 'Sugar Ball' when the Beninoise season kicks off. 

"No doubt about it, we are going to be good in that area, my free-flowing football. Practically, we have just two weeks to work as a unit, and to have a team, where you can have players that can pass the ball to each other with their eyes closed, would need time."