Basketball : Bank rewards the D'tigress

Zenith Bank PLC has rewarded players, coaches and members of the backroom staff with the sum of 200,000 naira each for their 2017 Afrobasket success.

At a brief reception held at the corporate headquarters of the bank in Lagos and presided over by the Managing Director, Mr Peter Amangbo, the gesture is part of their efforts to recognize excellence and continue their support for women's basketball in Nigeria.

He lauded the Sam Vincent led team for bringing the title 12 years after Nigeria last won it.

"We salute your courage and resilience in the face of adversity. Beating the champions of Africa twice and defeating the host in the semi final was not an accident but as a result of hardwork and courage."

He promised that Zenith bank who has continued to sponsor the women league in the last 12 years will not just stop at rewarding the team after their 2017 Afrobasket win, but will be a strong supporter of the team as they prepare for the 2018 FIBA world cup.

In his response, Vice President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation who responded on behalf of the federation thanked Zenith Bank for their unflinching support for women's basketball in Nigeria.

According to him, the presence of 3 home based players (Atosu Upe, Akashili Nkechi and Chioma Okoro) is a testimony to te role Zenith Bank has continued to play in basketball development in Nigeria.

He pleaded with Zenith Bank not limit their involvement with the Musa Kida led federation to just sponsorship of the Zenith Women league but should partner with the NBBF in preparing the team for the 2018 world cup in Spain.

"We have booked a ticket to the world cup in Spain. Preparation for this type of tournament is capital intensive. We need your support more than ever to ensure a smooth preparation for the team."

Captain of the side, Aisha Mohammed thanked Zenith Bank for deeming it fit to reward their hard labour after going 8 matches unbeaten at the championship that was held in Mali.

She assured that the team will try their best to ensure that they bring more honors to the country when they file out against the rest of the world in 2018

AITEO CUP: Rangers,Lobi Crash out as Ngwa FC,Unicem Rovers others qualify for Round of 16

The Reigning NPFL Champion has been thrown out of the aiteo cup ,in the Round of 32 of the competition.

Unicem Rovers defeated Rangers International by 6-5 on penalties after both sides battled to 1-1 full time draw.

The result mean Unicem Rovers will star in the Round of 16 of the competition.

Ngwa FC also edged out,another NPFL side, Lobi stars to qualify for the Round of 16 of the 2017 Aiteo Cup.

The Amateur defeated Lobi stars 4-3 on penalties, both sides played goalless  after 90 minutes.

The feat by Ngwa FC and Unicem Rovers is in line with cup tradition of smaller teams upsetting bigger sides in cup competitions.

Other Results show all the other bigger teams in the competition hold their own against their opponents as Shooting Stars , Abia Warriors,Plateau Utd, FC Ifeanyi Uba, ABS FC did enough to move past their less fancied opponents and qualified for the next stage of the competition.

Below is the full Results of the matches played yesterday

MEN

Sunshine Stars 4-2 Nasarawa United

Akwa United Vs Yobe Desert Stars (Uyo, 6 September 4pm)

Osun United 0-0 Kwara United (4-3 penalties)

Niger Tornadoes 1-0 FC Atete

Ngwa FC 0-0 Lobi Stars (4-3 penalties)

Unicem Rovers 1-1 Rangers International (6-5 penalties)

Ekiti United 1-1 Abia Warriors (4-2 penalties)

FRSC FC 1-1 Heartland FC (4-5 penalties)

FC IfeanyiUbah Feeders 0-2 FC IfeanyiUbah

El-Kanemi Babes 1-1 Almar FC (4-2 penalties)

FC Abuja Vs Samba Kurna (Area 3, Abuja, 31 August)

Plateau United 1-0 Ede United

ABS FC 6-3 Adamawa United Feeders

Katsina United Feeders 1-1 Bayelsa United (4-3 penalties)

Akwa Starlets Vs Doma United (Uyo, 6 September 2pm)

Delta Warriors 0-2 Shooting Stars

Thirteen  teams have now qualified for the Round of 16 and the winners of

FC Abuja / Samba Kurna (Area 3, Abuja, 31 August)
Akwa Starlets / Doma United (Uyo, 6 September 2pm)
Akwa United / Yobe Desert Stars (Uyo, 6 September 4pm)

Will complete the 16 teams that will compete in the next round of the competition.

The ladies also take to the pitch in the aiteocup and here are results across different centers nationwide

WOMEN

Adamawa Queens 0-1 Edo Queens

FC Robo Queens 1-0 Delta Queens

Confluence Queens 3-0 (W/O) Invincible Queens

Beautiful Tours 3-1 Moje Queens

Rivers Angels 5-0 Delta Babes

Bayelsa Queens Feeders 4-0 Fortress Ladies

Pelican Stars 1-0 Young Talents 99

Teams In Round of 16:

Ben Women FC, Ibom Angels, Jokodolu Babes, Sure Babes, Sunshine Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, Osun Babes, Abia Angels and Bayelsa Queens, Edo Queens, FC Robo Queens, Confluence Queens, Beautiful Tours, Rivers Angels, Bayelsa United Feeders, Pelican Stars.

Youth football Development : NFF, Zenith launch second edition of Future Eagles tourney

The Nigeria Football Federation and Zenith International Bank on Wednesday in Lagos held a press conference to launch the second edition of the NFF/Zenith Bank U13/U15 Future Eagles Stars Championship.

At the event, held inside the offices of Lagos State Football Association, Onikan were NFF 1st Vice President/Chairman of Youth Football Committee, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, Zenith Bank’s Head of Digital Marketing, Mr. Pascal Or, Member of NFF Youth Football Committee, Mr. Dotun Coker, NFF’s Director of Communications, Mr. Ademola Olajire and Zenith Bank’s Head of Media, Akin Olaniyan.

Akinwunmi disclosed that calls have gone out for entries from the States for the second edition, with 10th September set as deadline for entries, and the zonal finals to take place 13th – 16th September. The group stage matches/final of U13/semi finals of U15 will come up in Kano 20th -23rd September, while the Final of the U15 will come up on a date to be agreed with the sponsors, and will also have the Future Eagles play against a top academy as curtain raiser.

“The NFF as an institution remains very grateful to Zenith Bank for this partnership, which has enabled us to give fillip to our vision of youth football development. The first edition produced players who form our U15 National Team (Future Eagles) that recently impressed in a two –match tour of Morocco against the Morocco U15 squad.

“For this second edition, we have planned for it to be much bigger, and we have the support of Zenith Bank. We are committed to sustaining the credibility and integrity of the championship through thorough screening that will take several stages and dimensions, and we also want to breed the next generation of Nigerian referees by using very young referees.”

Akinwunmi, also Chairman of NFF Football Committee, also revealed that his committee will insist on coaches who have a minimum of CAF C License to handle the teams, making case for young, agile, educated and certificated trainers to grow the future stars. “I can assure you that this is one project that the entire NFF Board is passionate about. It is about building good, diligent and wonderful people who are proud to be Nigerians.”

Pascal Or expressed Zenith Bank’s excitement at being involved in the programme: “When a good idea is thoroughly packaged, you know from the onset that it will be successful. The NFF has done brilliantly well with the way they handled the first edition and the plans they have unveiled for the second championship.

“My challenge goes to other organizations to get involved in forms of youth development programmes. The youth is the heart and soul of every nation. Zenith Bank is keen to continue to support and be identified with this programme.”

Ezenwa to start as Ajiboye replaces injured Akpeyi

Ikechukwu Ezenwa, who captained Nigeria’s Africa Nations Championship squad that eliminated Benin Republic penultimate weekend to qualify for next year’s continental finals in Kenya, will start in goal for the Super Eagles against Cameroon in Friday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying cracker in Uyo.

This was announced at the team’s press conference held at the Ibom Meridien Hotel, Uyo on Wednesday.

South Africa –based goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, who was in goal in the November 2016 3-1 win over Algeria at the same venue, has finally been ruled out of action on Friday as a result of injury.

Former junior international Dele Ajiboye, who is number one goal –tender for Nigeria Professional Football League table –toppers Plateau United, has been called in to replace Akpeyi.

As at Wednesday afternoon, there had been no definite word from the Cameroonians to the Nigeria Football Federation as to their arrival time or mode of transport into Nigeria.

Friday’s showdown at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium will kick off by 5pm.

Taekwondo: Nigeria's Otuadinma earns WTF Grand Prix Invitation

Nigeria’s African Champion, Uzoamaka Otuadinma, has been invited by the World Taekwondo body for the prestigious WTF World Taekwondo Grand Prix, which is scheduled to hold in Rabat, Morocco 27 – 28, 2017.

The WT Grand Prix Series is a G-4 ranked prestigious event exclusively for the top ranked athletes in the world who compete for ranking points and prize money.

Otuadinma’s strong performances in recent years have helped increase her world ranking. The Delta-born taekwondoin, who started Taekwondo in 2011 and become National Champion in 2012, dramatically increased her world champion when she clinched the African title in 2015 at the 2015 All African Games in Congo.

Her semi-finals loss at the hands of Africa’s number one seed in the Female +67kg cost Otuadinma an Olympic slot in Rio 2016, but the African Champion had solid performance at the 2017 World Championships and Korea Opens, which earned her vital world ranking point and returned the odds in her favour.

At the World Championships, Otuadinma defeated Swaziland’s Munave Carlos 23 – 3 before losing to 10 – 26 to 2015 World Team Cup Gold Medallist, South Korea’s An Saebom. Otudinma followed up this performance by winning a Silver medals at the WT G-2 ranked Korean International Opens in Chuncheon, South Korea, defeating South Korea, USA and Columbia before losing to China in the finals.

NTF President, Mrs Margaret Elizabeth Binga, secured the air tickets with which the official team was able to make the trip to South Korea to participate in the World Championships and Korea Opens. The team’s participation ensured they earned vital world ranking points.

Prior to Otuadinma’s invitation, Nigeria’s Chika Chukwumerije has been the only Nigerian ranked high enough to be invited to three Grand Prix series. Currently, Africa oppositions like Cote D’Ivoire, Tunisia, Egypt, Nigeria Republic, Morocco all have highly ranked players that constantly attend the Grand Prix Series.

The WTF World Taekwondo Grand Prix was introduced by the World Taekwondo Federation in 2013 to provide a homogeneous system for qualification to the Olympic taekwondo competitions with four competitions per year in each event.

NPFL Needs corporate Nigeria to be more Attractive. ....Irabor

 

The chief Executive officer of the League management company ,LMC,Honorable Nduka Irabor has declare that the Nigeria Professional Football League,NPFL needs the investment from cooperate Nigeria to be more attractive and reach the standards we will all be proud of.

 

This is coming on the trails of huge cooperate Nigeria investments in foreign sporting activities. He made this assertion at the symposium organised by the Lagos state chapter of the Sports writer Association of Nigeria ,Lagos SWAN, to mark this year Lagos SWAN week.

 

Irabor Affirmed that over 100 billion naira leaves the shores of the country on yearly basis from the purse of cooperate Nigeria sponsoring foreign sporting activities especially football.

 

"From our study with the central bank of Nigeria 100 billion naira goes out to sponsor foreign sporting activities especially football on yearly basis from cooperate Nigeria" .

 

But how can we make NPFL attractive to the "foreign investing" cooperate Nigeria? The astute administrator believe the  NPFL is sufficiently attractive enough to attract investors and have a good return for their money but asked for their sense of pride in investing in a thing 'of own 'and then they can only invest in the league to make it more attractive and not abandoning it for foreign sporting activities.

 

"There are two ways to look at it,it's ours .
First of all , the sense of pride has to reign to make it more attractive we need the money.

As it is right now it's attractive enough. The days you say they don't come to see match is over.

We ve seen on a match day people thronging the stadium ,things have changed but we need to draw attention to it."

 

The journalist turned administrator also defined the role the media should play in other to make the league more attractive.

"what's important is that the media should let people see what is going on as it is ,don't exaggerate,inflate or blow up minor issues.

Some things are trivial that we tend to concentrate on,is it poor officiating? This things are not new to football it happen even at world cup stage sometimes they are human errors that we in the media makes it to look as if it determine the league itself, don't put people off,sure you have a role to play.

 

Finally,Irabor  proposes the need for community ownership of clubs as this will get the people involved and also make the league more attractive

 

"I am not saying that the administrators should not look for a proper way to project their game but let this game get into the community.

if the people are involved, or are part of the club entity they will want to come out and see what they are doing" he concludes

AITEO Cup: Sunshine ,Nasarawa clash headline Round of 32

The encounter between NPFL teams Sunshine Stars of Akure and Nasarawa United of Lafia at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode is the pick of the Round of 32 matches of this year’s AITEO Cup competition that will come up on Wednesday.

In the women’s competition, in which the first ball will be kicked on Wednesday, the match between Premier League teams FC Robo Queens and Delta Queens of Asaba at the Legacy Pitch of National Stadium, Lagos headlines the Round of 32.

Yobe Desert Stars, who eliminated top NPFL side Kano Pillars in a rescheduled Round of 64 tie in Damaturu on Thursday, square up against Akwa United in Uyo next week – the match rescheduled as a result of the Nigeria/Cameroon World Cup qualifier in the same city on Friday.

Lobi Stars, who kicked out fellow NPFL side Katsina United, are away to Ngwa FC in Abakaliki, while Unicem Rovers will host Rangers International of Enugu and the Oshogbo Township Stadium is venue for the clash between Osun United and Kwara United.

In the women’s version, Adamawa Queens will take on Edo Queens in Fufure, Invincible Queens are away to Confluence Queens in Lokoja and Rivers Angels will tackle Delta Babes in Port Harcourt.

NPFL side Niger Tornadoes will be up against FC Atete (the club that eliminated Rivers United) in Lokoja, Shooting Stars are away to Delta Warriors in Warri and Plateau United host Ede United in Jos.

AITEO Cup Round of 32 Matches

WOMEN

Adamawa Queens Vs Edo Queens (Fufure)

FC Robo Queens Vs Delta Queens (Lagos)

Confluence Queens Vs Invincible Queens (Lokoja 2pm)

Beautiful Tours Vs Moje Queens (Area 3, Abuja 2pm)

Rivers Angels Vs Delta Babes (Port Harcourt)

Bayelsa Queens Feeders Vs Fortress Ladies (Nembe Stadium)

Pelican Stars Vs Young Talents 99 (Calabar 2pm)

* Ben Women FC, Ibom Angels, Jokodolu Babes, Sure Babes, Sunshine Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, Osun Babes, Abia Angels and Bayelsa Queens were drawn bye into the Round of 16.

MEN

Sunshine Stars Vs Nasarawa United (Ijebu-Ode)

Akwa United Vs Yobe Desert Stars (Uyo, 6 September 4pm)

Osun United Vs Kwara United (Oshogbo)

Niger Tornadoes Vs FC Atete (Lokoja)

Ngwa FC Vs Lobi Stars (Abakaliki)

Unicem Rovers Vs Rangers International (Calabar 4pm)

Ekiti United Vs Abia Warriors (Ado-Ekiti)

FRSC FC Vs Heartland FC (Area 3, Abuja 4pm)

FC IfeanyiUbah Feeders Vs FC IfeanyiUbah (Nnewi)

El-Kanemi Babes Vs Almar FC (Maiduguri)

FC Abuja Vs Samba Kurna (Area 3, Abuja, 31 August)

Plateau United Vs Ede United (Jos)

ABS FC Vs Adamawa United Feeders (Ilorin)

Katsina United Feeders Vs Bayelsa United (Katsina)

Akwa Starlets Vs Doma United (Uyo, 6 September 2pm)

Delta Warriors Vs Shooting Stars (Warri)

* All matches to be played on Wednesday, 30th August 2017, except otherwise stated.

Eagles target 12th win over Cameron's Lions

Eagles target 12th win over Cameroon’s Lions

The Super Eagles will aim to achieve a 12th triumph over the Lions of Cameroon when both teams go for each other’s jugular at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Friday.

In 19 previous encounters, Nigeria have been winners 11 times, with Cameroon winning four times and four matches drawn.

Of these games, three happened to be the Final matches of the Africa Cup of Nations (all won by Cameroon, including a nail –biting penalty shoot-out session in Lagos in February 2000), and there were two different fixtures of FIFA World Cup qualifiers (1968 and 1989) shared equally.

Nigeria eliminated Cameroon from the qualifying race for 1970 World Cup finals, winning 3-2 in Douala after a 1-1 draw in Lagos. But the Lions took their revenge in 1989, snatching the minimum win they needed in Yaounde (1-0) to kick the Eagles out of the race for Italia ’90, only two weeks after Sam Okwaraji’s death.

While Cameroonians treasure the wins in Abidjan (1984), Casablanca (1988) and Lagos (2000) that gave them three of their five African titles, Nigerians have sweet memories of a 2-0 defeat of the Lions in Ibadan (in 1989) and a gutsy 2-1 win over Cup holders Cameroon in the quarter finals of 2004 Africa Cup of Nations in the sunshine of Monastir.

When the two teams last clashed, at the Edmond Machtens Stadium in Brussels in October 2015, the Eagles ran away 3-0 winners. Efe Ambrose rose highest in the Lions’ box to nod home a Mikel John Obi free –kick, before Moses Simon rounded the goalkeeper for the second goal and Odion Ighalo headed the third after a splendid pull –out by Elderson Echiejile.

Mikel Obi, Simon, Ighalo and Echiejile are in the Nigerian squad that will seek a repeat scoreline on Friday.

NIGERIA & CAMEROON AT SENIOR LEVEL

8 Dec 1962: Nigeria 3 Cameroon 1 – Lagos (Nkrumah Cup)

1 Jan 1963: Cameroon 1 Nigeria 2 – Yaounde (Nkrumah Cup)

7 Dec 1968: Nigeria 1 Cameroon 1 – Lagos (World Cup Qualifier)

22 Dec 1968: Cameroon 2 Nigeria 3 – Douala (World Cup Qualifier)

13 Feb 1972: Cameroon 1 Nigeria 2 – Yaounde (Friendly)

22 Jan 1975: Nigeria 1 Cameroon 0 – Lagos (Friendly)

17 July 1978: Cameroon 0 Nigeria 0 – Algiers (All-Africa Games)

2 Feb 1980: Nigeria 0 Cameroon 0 – Ibadan – (Friendly)

18 Mar 1984: Cameroon 3 Nigeria 1 – Abidjan (ACN Final)

17 Mar 1988: Cameroon 1 Nigeria 1 – Rabat (ACN – group phase)

27 Mar 1988: Cameroon 1 Nigeria 0 – Casablanca (ACN Final)

10 Jun 1989: Nigeria 2 Cameroon 0 – Ibadan (World Cup Qualifier)

27 Aug 1989: Cameroon 1 Nigeria 0 – Yaounde (World Cup Qualifier)

25 Jan 1992: Cameroon 1 Nigeria 2 – Dakar (ACN – Bronze medal game)

7 Aug 1997: Cameroon 0 Nigeria 1 – Tunis (LG Cup)

13 Feb 2000: Nigeria 2 Cameroon 2 (3-4 penalties) – Lagos (ACN Final)

1 Jun 2003: Nigeria 3 Cameroon 0 – Lagos (LG Cup)

8 Feb 2004: Cameroon 1 Nigeria 2 – Monastir (ACN – group phase)

11 Oct 2015: Nigeria 3 Cameroon 0 – Brussels (Friendly)

Upbeat Eagles plot Cameron's fall in Uyo

Table –toppers Nigeria are confident of overhauling Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions when both teams clash in perhaps the biggest match of Africa’s Group B of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying race on Friday.

Reigning African champions Cameroon come to town at a time the Eagles are fully committed to establishing an unassailable lead in the pool, and on the back of Nigeria having won the last three encounters between both nations at senior level.

Cameroon won the African title in Gabon early in the year – a championship for which Nigeria failed to qualify – and then tucked three big games under their belt at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia in the summer. Yet, they have a mountain to climb against a Nigerian side ready to rise to the occasion in front of a partisan home crowd at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

The Lions will derive little comfort from glancing at the Group B table, on which they lag behind Nigeria with as many as four points, and also realize they have never beaten Nigeria in a World Cup qualifying match played in Nigeria.

Team captain Mikel John Obi is at the head of 22 players who were as at Tuesday morning in the Akwa Ibom State capital for the big encounter, with only Cyprus –based Abdullahi Shehu and Russia –based Aaron Samuel still expected at the Ibom Meridien Hotel.

Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, told thenff.com on Tuesday that his wards are fully focused on what pundits have referred to as Nigeria’s biggest match of the year.

“It is a big match and we are fully focused and committed. The players know what it means; they need little or no reminding of how important this match is. I am happy we have almost the full house now and can concentrate on our tactics for the game.”

Tuesday’s arrivals were Moses Simon, Uche Agbo, Leon Balogun, John Ogu, Anthony Nwakaeme and Victor Moses, joining up with Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Kelechi Iheanacho, William Ekong, Ahmed Musa, Chidozie Awaziem, Ola Aina, Daniel Akpeyi, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Mikel Agu, Odion Ighalo, Wilfred Ndidi, Dele Alampasu, Elderson Echiejile and Tyronne Ebuehi who made it to Uyo on Monday.

Nigeria, on six maximum points from their first two matches, will all but seal a place in Russia if they snap up the three points on offer on Friday evening. Zambia and Algeria, the other two teams in the group, have one point each and clash at the Heroes National Stadium in Lusaka on Saturday.

It's Been a Wonderful, Crazy Season For us ....Amobi

"It's been a wonderful, crazy season for us.  This season we learn from each game and come back better " .

These are the choice words of Barrister Amobi Ezeaku ,the team manager of Rangers international football club used in describing Rangers' 2017 season.

 

The defending Champion defeated Remo stars by two goals to one in one of the March day 36 fixtures of the Nigeria Professional Football League , NPFL, at the Gateway international stadium Sagamu on Sunday courtesy of brace from the boots of Bobby Clement.

Each goal in each half gives Rangers international their first away victory of the campaign to take their point haul to 52 points ,which is enough to keep them in the NPFL for next season.

 

A lot of their fans expected a lot from the defending Champion this season but they couldn't just lived up to that high hopes of the fans.

The team started the season with a loss at home to Abia warriors and the Flying Antelopes failed to recover from that 1-2 loss all season,that moment marks the begining of a  rough and turbulent ride both in the domestic and Continental compaign.

 

Off the pitch pitch event wasnt helpful to the cause of the team on the pitch , from the rise and suspension of Christian Chukwu to the sacking and arrest of Imama Amakpakabo these are no doubt ugly Episodes in the Club's season that serve as a major distraction to the team's collective aspirations of giving their fans a good follow up season after a winning their first tile after 32 years in the previous season.

 

An elated Amobi  seems to have put the troubles' season behind and looks at the future after the soothing victory at Shagamu on Sunday

'Now we know we are safe and we will go back to Enugu to work hard and preserve our future in the league it's been a crazy season for us".

 

Rangers will host Enyimba of Aba at the cathedral ,in Enugu ,in their last home match of the season though nothing significant at stake,save pride and bragging rights, for the flying Antelope but they Will fancy a victory in front of their home fans and give them a parting moment to savour till league match returns to the venue next season .

The Mayweather vs McGregor bout: The official Purse

It's no longer News that Mayweather knocked out McGregor in the 10th round.

For all that cares,the bout lived up to the hype.

But the news is the Amount of take home for boxers that made last night event a great show that it was.

Here is the official breakdown of the purses:

Bout 1: Savannah Marshall ($5000) vs. Sydney LeBlanc ($3500)

Bout 2: Kevin Newman ($7500) vs. Antonio Hernandez ($7000)

Bout 3: Juan Heraldez ($12,500) vs. Jose Borrego ($5000)

Bout 4: Thomas Dulorme ($75,000) vs. Yordenis Ugas ($50,000)

Bout 5: Andrew Tabiti ($100,000) vs. Steve Cunningham ($100,000)*USBA/NABF Cruiserweight Title*

Bout 6: Nathan Cleverly ($100,000) vs. Badou Jack ($750,000)*WBA Light Heavyweight Title*

Bout 7: Gervonta Davis ($600,000) vs. Francisco Fonseca ($35,000)*IBF Junior Lightweight Title*

Bout 8: Floyd Mayweather, Jr. ($100,000,000) vs. Conor McGregor ($30,000,000)

Vitoria Futebol Clube completes the signing of Adebanjo jacob

Portuguese Side Vitoria Futebol Clube have completed the signing of  Adebanjo Jacob from AD Oliverense.

The Portuguese Premiere Liga Side announced the signing of the 23 year old defensive midfielder on their Facebook page as Adebanjo Jacob signed on a two year deal.

Jacob moved to Portuguese second division side AD Oliverense from Remo Stars in 2014 and after playing for the Sky Blue Stars in the 2013/14 Nigeria National League Season.

"Am very excited about my move to Vitoria Futebol. It's a big step for me in my career having played in the second division for quite a while, now I have the chance to play in the top division for the next two year.

"I want to make a huge impact for my new club just as my legend Rashidi Yekini did in the past, I also want to start winning major trophies and possible get a chance to play for my country but first I need to settle down and start playing games for now."

Ahead of 2017 ITTF World Cup: I need a coach Aruna Quadri pleads

Despite putting Nigeria on the world map at several occasions, Africa’s highest ranked table tennis player, Aruna Quadri is pleading for support for him to hire a coach prosecute the 2017 ITTF World Cup holding in Liege, Belgium later in the year.

Quadri who has consistently been inking his name in the annals of African table tennis history as the first African to make it to the quarterfinal of the Olympic Games as well as the first player from the continent to make it to the semifinal of the ITTF World Tour.

Being his second consecutive appearance at the ITTF World Cup, a pained Quadri said: “I am actually getting used to playing without a coach because I have no sponsor. Since I have no sponsor in order to have a coach, I just have to play alone. I can say that a coach is very, very important but since I have no support, I just have to keep on playing alone.”

“Actually, if I am not ready to play in the Bulgaria Open, I wouldn’t come along. But I am here because I am ready to play without a coach. If I had a coach, it would be even better of course,” he added.

Quadri attributed her victory against Japan’s Yuto Kizukuri in the round of 16 of Bulgaria Open as sheer luck.

“I think I have been really lucky in this tournament. It was my best match I was 6-3 down in the last set but luckily I won. I gained some confidence from the round of 16 match. I have something really important happening here and I am very happy,” he said.

He however, pleaded with his fans over the disappointment at Nigeria Open.

“I cannot actually say that Nigeria Open was a big disappointment for my fans but at the same time it is one of the things that normally happen in sports. For me it is meant to buckle me up. I thought it is possible to do so much better and anything can truly happen,” Quadri said.

It would be recalled that the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung promised to support Aruna Quadri for the World Cup but the 2014 ITTF Star Player is still waiting on the minister to fulfill his promises.

Return our passports now! Journalists cry out to UK High Commission

Three Nigerian sports journalists who were denied the opportunity to cover the just ended 16th IAAF World Championships in London by the United Kingdom High Commission in Lagos want their international passport returned to them immediately.
The journalists Messrs Esan Oludare of Complete Sports, Tunde Eludini of Premium Times and Charles Ogundiya of New Telegraph also appeal to the international sporting community to strip Britain of any hosting rights granted it as well as stop future award of such rights.
“It is unbelievable that the United Kingdom High Commission could toy with the emotion and passion of Nigerians who have been denied adequate and proper coverage of the championships,” Esan who is the editor of Complete Sports and has covered eight editions of the championships said.
“Some of us applied as early as the first week of June while I applied on July 4, 2017.The Local Organising Committee for the championships advised us in an email that we should apply not later than July 7, 2017 so that we could get our visas issued before the 29th of July.
“The Championships held from August 4 to 13. As I am talking to you now, the message on my visa application as tracked on the UK Visa Application Centre in Nigeria (Lagos - Ikeja) website this (Wednesday August 16, 2017) morning is that my application is still waiting for a decision to be taken.
“It reads thus: Your application is now with UK Visas & Immigration for a decision. If this is not ridiculous, I wonder what that message connotes, coming a clear three days after the championships ended.
Ogundiya on his part want Britain to be stripped of all rights to host international championships and Games as he hinted that the journalists could consider legal options if the passports are either tampered with and/or are not returned on time to enable them use for other international competitions.
Ogundiya who writes for New Telegraph said: “It is obvious they are not ready to accommodate people who have gone through strict security checks before they were issued accreditation cards. And for crying out loud we are journalists who have legitimate rights to cover the championships in London.
“The United Kingdom agreed not to deny people who have been accredited for the championships the right to participate either as athletes, officials or journalists before they were granted the hosting right for event. It is crystal clear now that they fooled the IAAF.
“'The return leg of the Nigeria versus Cameroun 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier is in early September in Yaounde and now we cannot plan towards covering it because the UK High Commission is still waiting to take a decision on our application for visa for a championships that ended few days ago. We hope the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs will take up this matter as it is not only a slap on Nigeria but a total disregard for us as human beings.”

I’m indebted to Lagos fans – Omar Assar

For the support he has always enjoyed whenever he is playing in Lagos, Egypt’s Omar Assar believes the fans played a crucial role in his triumph at the ITTF Nigeria Open ‘Lagos 2017’.

The Egyptian who made history as the first player to win the men’s singles title thrice as well as unbeaten in all his participation in the tournament is willing to return to Lagos for the competition.

To claim the title in 2017, Assar beat India’s Sarthak Gandhi in the final 4-0 (11-6, 13-11, 11-6, 11-8). With the win, Assar maintains his perfect record in Lagos, having now won the tournament on each occasion he has played.

“I feel very wonderful wining this competition again. This competition is very special for me because it being hosted in Lagos. The fans in Lagos have been very supportive in me claiming the title. So I need to ensure I play very well because many people are waiting to see me winning the title. From the start of the tournament, there have been a lot of improvements among the Nigerians and Egyptians, while I am particularly thrilled with the performance of the Indians,” said Omar Assar.

Assar, who is Aruna Quadri’s partner in men’s doubles, believes the Nigerian would return stronger following his round of 16 exit. “Aruna Quadri and others played really well. But I am always proud whenever I and Aruna Quadri play in the final of any major event because it helps to promote the sport in Africa. Aruna Quadri is a very good player and I am sure next he will make a comeback and have better competition next time,” he said.

Dina Meshref made sure Egypt doubled down on the titles, defeating Russia’s Olga Kulikova in the final of the Women’s Singles. It was a 4-0 (11-4, 16-14, 12-10, 11-6) victory for Meshref, who dropped only two games during the event. It was the Egyptian’s third attempt at the title, and it turned out to be third time’s lucky, having made the quarterfinal in 2014, and final in 2015.

As Africa’s number one player, she kept continental pride and made sure the title stayed on home soil for the first time in the event’s history.

"Playing in any top European league is my dream" - Hadedeji

Playing in any top European league is my dream"- Hadedeji

"I learnt a lot playing against Stuttgart"- Hadedeji

....

"I learnt a lot playing against Stuttgart"- Hadedeji

Mayungbe Prince Hadedeji is a Nigerian footballer, born and brought up in Lagos. Hadedeji made his way into Germany about five years ago where he plays football as a professional. He has got the potentials, and he seeks more opportunities to play and experience top-flight football in any part of Europe.

How long have you been in Germany and how is life over there? 

Well, I have been in Germany for about five years now and I can say that it has been good all along. Life here is quite organised, it is a society that allows and enable you to become what you want to be provided you have your papers as a foreigner and you understand the language.

Can you mention the clubs you have played for in Germany? 

Since I arrived here, I have been opportune to play for a number of Professional amateur clubs while I still chase the top dream. I have played for T.KS.Z LUDWISBURG,FC MARBACH, and TV PFLUGFELDEN which is my present club.

Where is your preferred position? 

I play outside right or outside left position. I can also play from the attacking midfield role. 

Have you always been a forward? 

I think I will say I am more comfortable in the outside right or left the position. In the club's I played, I've always maintained the role so I enjoy playing from the sides.

Where do you see yourself in the next coming years?

It is the dream of every footballer to attain top Professional level, the ultimate for me is to one day play in any premier Division in Europe. I know this dream will come true very soon, it's just a matter of time.

How competitive will you say the league you currently play is? 

The professional Amateur league here I'll say is far above other European countries in my opinion. The level of organised is topnotch, the team want to win and win well. You just have to be the best here to qualify to the next level without favouritism.

What will you say is the difference between Nigerian football and German football?

There are a lot of differences. In Nigeria, football is more physical, and the facilities are not always available. Look at the pitches in Nigeria, they do not encourage good football. But here in Germany, I can say that you will learn good movement, tactics and you are exposed to sound coaching. The playing turf is also football friendly and the other equipment you need to develop are available.

Which match will you describe as the most difficult so far?

Without thinking too much, I will say the match my team played against Stuttgart. As you know the Stuttgart side is a top division team, so playing against them was quite tough. Although we lost but I will say I learnt alot from that match.

Have you had any trial recently in any part of Europe?

Yes, I was in France some months back for a trial at AS Pagny. All things being equal there is a move in the pipeline that will happen soon, once it is all clear it will be made public.

Any dream of playing in the national team of Nigeria?

Of course yes. It is the dream of every player to see himself in the Green and White colours representing Nigeria. I once had the opportunity when I got called for the up in the junior cadre but then I didn't make it, but I know my time shall come. So if I get an invite, I'll jump at it.

Who is your role model or which sports icon has influenced you the most? 

Is that your favourite sports personality? Without thinking twice, my role model is Thierry Henry. I love the way he used to play in his days, I still watch some of his clips to learn and improve daily in my game. And for my the person who has influenced my life the most, I'll say my dad. He has always been there to encourage and support me in any step I take toward my career.

If you were not playing football, what would you have been doing?

 There something I love too much which is being a DJ. I like music so much and I still try my hands on it whenever I have the time to. 

Which team do you support?

 Arsenal FC has always been my favourite football club because of the kind of football they play. I will also say love good football, so any club that delivers that, I like such club.

Dou you have a nick name?

Some of my team mates here call me Prince Boateng. 

Eagles Set to devour the Squirrels as Nigeria takes on Benin Republic in CHAN 2018 Qualifier

In any contest between the Eagle and the squirrel in the jungle, the bitting and scratching attack mode of the squirrel is definitely a no match for the vision,swiftness and mastery of the Eagles.

This aptly the describe the scenario of any contest between Nigeria and Benin Republic it should always end in a "no contest" using all verifiable parameters.

But this is football,it's not mathematics and because there is no definite formula to calculate the outcome of a match , The actors have only 90 minutes to decide their own fate as "anything can happen " and 'upsets' is a word synonymous with football.

This will be the setting at the mattew  kerekou stadium by 4pm today as the Squirrel of Benin takes on the Home based super Eagles of Nigeria, in the first leg of the 2nd round of the 2018 CHAN qualifier.

At stake is the ticket to the next African Championship otherwise known as CHAN billed to takes place in Kenya.

The competition organised by CAF exclusive for players plying their professional football trade in their country.

Arnaud Acakpo,A beninoise sports journalist with JIPS sports, believe the Squirrel has what is takes to upset the Eagles over  two legs because the squirrel have really prepared for the competition ' the team has been together  for a long time ,having played seven friendly matches prior to this game against top African side like Ghana,Mali,Burkina Faso ,Egypt and they were to hold their own having narrowly lost two out of the seven  friendly matches played.

" I believe they have a chance against the Super Eagles '.

He went further ,"the fact that the squirrel edged out Togo in the first round of the quafier gives the the needed desire to move on. Confidence is high in the squad and the mood in the camp is to beat Nigeria and make a statement with the match"

The cotonou based journalist continued 'The home based Super Eagles are playing their first competitive match and they barely camped for three weeks ,so am really expecting an upset because our boys are quick on the ball and mentally ready for this match "
He predicted a comprehensive 3-1 bashing of the super Eagles.

Meanwhile the team coordinator of the Super Eagle ,Patrick pascal believe the Eagles have been adequately prepared for this match,and the boys are highly self  motivated to grab the chance provided by this platform to "break into" the main super Eagles squad.

"The boys are ready to take the chance and to prove their mettle and it's a big chance for them to impress and break into the main super Eagles team this is enough motivation for the boys to go out there and beat the squirrel.

The CHAN is a platform that will help their career so they can't afford to miss out of the Kenya party come next year
he concludes.

The coach of the side ,salisu Yusuf says they are only out here in cotonou to make Nigeria proud and which the team is ready to do by coming out victorious on sunday and finish the job in kano by next weekend.

"We love the people and the hospitality shown to us ,it's like a home game for us from to the hotel to the stadium But the most  important thing for us is to make our country proud, we are ready because have what it takes" the unassuming coach concluded.

The die is cast, and the battle line is drawn . The fans will be on the edge of their seat as both teams have only 90 minutes to work the talk while Beninoise will be expecting their first victory ever in against Nigeria while the Super Eagles will love to continue Nigeria dominance and love to extend unbeaten record against the Squirrel to 13 games .

It's ten victories for Nigeria while Benin Republic can only muster two draws since our first meeting 40 years ago when the Super Eagles defeated Benin Republic 7-0 in 1977 in a friendly held in Nigeria and to the last defeat 1-0 at the 2010 AFCON.

The gap between African countries has really reduced over the years but the Super Eagles remain the favorite but can the Squirrel really avoid being devoured ,?

That's a question that will be answered after 90 minutes plus added time of hostilities as the Super Eagles seek to make a mince meat out of the squirrel.

Aruna Quadri predicts a tough 2017 ITTF Challenge Nigeria open

Aruna Quadri predicts a tough challenge as ITTF Challenge serves off in Lagos

Aruna Quadri has declared that the 2017 seamaster ITTF challenge Nigeria Open will be one of the most competitive ever.

The competition,serves off on August 9th and will end on August 13th,parades the best of the finest world's ping pongers at the Molade Okoya Thomas hall of the Teslim Balogun stadium.

Speaking at the venue of the competition in lagos,the Africa champion said that every year the competition is getting bigger so as the stars on parade.

"It's going to be the toughest Lagos open ever judging by the caliber of players on parade,from the round of 32 there will be no walkover,every match is going to be difficult. "

However,the 2014 star player of the year who celebrate his birthday on the opening day of the competition, believe he has what it takes to be the first Nigerian to win the competition and give himself a befitting 28th year birthday gifts.

I have prepared so well, and am hoping on God to crown my effort and am hoping to gift myself a birthday gift on the 13th of August,the last day of the competition and be crowned the winner.

The Lagos open is in 5th edition and as Aruna quadri is hoping to be the first Nigerian has been to win it.

He is ranked 29th in the world,the highest ranked Africa and the number one seeded player for the games while his arch rival,Egyptian Omar Assar ranked 64th.

The implication of this is that both can only meet in the finals.

Aruna defeated asar to become Africa champion at Agadir in morrocco earlier in the year and his performance at the India open makes him the hot favorite to cart away the prestigious men single top crown and cash prize of 42,000 dollars.