36 Lion ready to feast on Dynamo FC

The team kick started their training tour of Benin Republic with a 1-1 draw against AS Cotonou on Wednesday morning.

The boys had a recovery session before jetting off to Abomey for their next assignment. 

The team arrived Abomey at 11am from the city of Cotonou on Thursday.

Secretary General and Vice President of Dynamo FC gave the Lions a superb reception and treated them like Kings with Pounded Yam done naturally with Mortar and Pestle while they watched amusingly. 

The Lions had a feel of the Stade Municipal de Bohicon where their second match of the tour will be played on Friday. Kickoff is 4pm.

It would be recalled that 36 Lion have produced the likes of Junior Ajayi, Imoh Ezekiel, Sadiq Atanda, Yira Sor, Sodiq Popoola, Yusuf Lawal, Samson Akinyoola amongst others.

"The facilities here are top class, the grass is so beautiful" - Ellis Thumbs Up MJ Arena

South Africa head coach, Desiree Ellis is confident that her team are ready to fire on all cylinders at the Aisha Buhari Cup after having a feel of the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium turf laid by Monimichelle Sports Facility Construction Ltd. 

Banyana Banyana are one of the participating teams at the prestigious competition currently hold in the commercial City of Lagos.

 

The charismatic Ellis tinker her team the Black Queens of Ghana (Friday) in what would be their first game of the competition. 

The ex Spurs Ladies gaffer who spoke ahead of the cracker was full of praise for organizers of the #AishaBuhariCup for providing top class facilities.

The 58-year-old tactician stated that the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium turf is something she has fallen in love with, while declaring that her wards would relish playing on the Hybrid Synthetic Pitch.

"The facilities here are top class, the grass is so beautiful. This is unarguably the best pitch I have played on in here in Nigeria…so I am very excited about this. We have enjoyed ourselves since arriving Lagos and we hope to have a good tournament," the former Athlone Celtic, Wynberg St Johns, Joyces United, St. Albans City and Spurs Ladies star mused.

It would be recalled that Monimichelle Sports Facility Construction Ltd which laid the Mobolaji Stadium turf constructed the Enyimba Stadium in Aba where Enyimba has in the last couple of years been playing their continental games.

The Chief Executive Officer of the well regarded firm, Ebi Egbe has always made it clear that the vision of his company is to eradicate bad football pitches in Nigeria and Africa as well as change the face of stadium facilities in the continent.

Monimichelle Sports Facility Construction Ltd. also put in place the facilities at Mohammodu Dikko Stadium and Samson Siasia Stadium. 

Content culled from Vanguard, aside from the headline.

Aisha Buhari Tourney: Bar. Edeh Proud Of 'Fabulous' Falcons, Hails Organisers.

President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), Barrister Paul Edeh on Wednesday praised the organisers of the Aisha Buhari Tournament for doing a great job he simply described as 'extraordinary'. 

The 'six' nation tournament kicked off on Wednesday, September 15, 2021, with the Super Falcons getting a 2-0 victory over the 'Les Aiglonnes' of Mali at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, Onikan, Lagos.

The philanthropist and brain behind the biggest Women's Football Pre season Tournament in Africa (Flying Officers Cup) also gave kudos to the President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Melvin Pinnick; Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwoolu; and the members of the Organising Committee headed by First Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, for a job, well-executed.

The United Nations SDG Peace Ambassador also went further to congratulate African Champions, Super Falcons of Nigeria for its well-deserved victory over Malians senior women National team and wished the team well ahead of their final game against Bayana Bayana of South Africa next Tuesday.

2021 NWFL Premiership topscorer Monday Gift smashed home two late goals at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena to seal victory for the host and an excited Edeh highlighted that Monday's brace has shown how strong the NWFL Premiership has become under Aisha Falode. 

"No doubt, I am excited over her brace and the fact that the Super Falcons earned a comfortable victory. The NWFL Premiership is one of the best in the world and that's why the league keeps producing great players. 

"The Organisation of the tournament is one of the best I have seen so far, and kudos must go to the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick and the Local Organizing Committee, under the leadership of Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi.

"I was optimistic that we were going to have a perfect organisation before theme and am glad the LOC has surpassed people's expectations. 

The opening ceremony of the maiden Aishasuhari Tournament was attended by FIFA President, Gianni Infantino; CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe; and other football big wigs.

Six nations participate in the inaugural edition; Mali, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, and Cameroon alongside host, Nigeria.

Akhiwu Eugene Rolls Out 10 Weapons To Develop Edo Chess Association

 

In a season when reputable individuals who can come to the fore and put to place their skills, experience and exposure to play in raising the bar of Chess in Edo State becomes a scarce commodity, Akhiwu Eugene is the solution to the situation and the sustenance to any set policy, program or agenda for the Chess Association in Edo State. 

Beyond being a man of wider exposure and understanding the game of Ches, both as a player, coach and Administrator, Akhiwu Eugene is the kind of soul everyone who prays for progressiveness in Edo Chess will want to associate with.

Here are TEN reasons Eugene should be considered as the best option to lead Edo State Chess Association to the Promise land

Ehidiamhen Eugene AKHIWU is an International Chess Arbiter, an International Chess Organiser, a National/Developmental Chess Instructor, and has a Diploma in the Administration of a Chess Federation all of which were awarded by FIDE, the World Chess Federation. 

He is also the Technical Director of the Edo State Chess Association (ESCA).

As a Chess Administrator, Ehidiamhen has been more recently involved with taking the Chess in Schools Program of the World Chess Federation FIDE to the nook and crannies of Edo State through his organization; the Chess Knights; a registered entity with Corporate Affairs Commission. He has also been collaborating with the Life and Chess Club run by Princess Omonyemwen Adeyinka-Afolabi in inculcating the inherent advantages of learning and playing chess in the people of Edo State especially our children and adolescents. 

In 2013, Collaborating with Life and Chess Club, the Benin Chess Tournament Also Known as Oba's Cup was successfully organized which was the first FIDE rated chess tournament in Edo State and it is in its 5th Edition this year 2021. It is also important to note that the Chess Sequence which started in 2010 with the support of Ehidiamhen has been organized 22 times and the 23rd edition will be organized in September 2021. 

The Ehidiamhem Children's Day Classics also saw its maiden edition on the 27th of May, 2021. Testaments of these events can be found online.

His training, experience, qualifications and certifications cut across all the areas of chess play and administration.

The University of Lagos (Sociology) graduate is *Intelligent, Resourceful, and Capable, possess excellent oral and written communication skills, with a creative approach to engaging people.* He's an individual who is personally driven to succeed, he demonstrates the ability to lead and attain new levels of success in a highly competitive environment.

From 1983 till date, Mr Eugene has held as many roles as any Chess legend would have across the world. From being an Arbiter at the _B & H International Chess Grand Prix, Lagos- 1983_

_IBB Chess masters International Grand Prix Abuja- 1983_

_World Chess Olympiad, Calvia, Spain- 2004_

_World Chess Olympiad, Istanbul, Turkey- 2012_

A Deputy Chief Arbiter in competition across the continent from the zonal championship, African Junior Championship, All African games to Individual games between the late 90s, early 2000 and 2010.

What more Edo will benefit from, should Eugene be supported to lead them?

Give priority to the development of the Chess masses, mainly youth, putting foremost the socio-educational virtues of the game.

Modify the rules and organisation of tournaments according to our priority of mass development

Make the management of the Nigerian Chess Federation exemplary, based on real democracy and transparency.

Increase the living standard of all Chess professionals, just to mention but a few what a man of deep understanding of the sport can offer if allowed to steer the paddle of Edo Chess canoe.

A man without a goal will only get to a position with nothing to offer; Eugene however is not a farmer who goes to farm without a hoe. Here are highlights of his goals as an administrator

*Establishing closer links amongst local Chess players to form regular Chess Clubs and increase tournament participation within State Chess Associations.*

*Develop closer links between these Chess players and the Nigeria Chess Community.*

*Provide Equipment and Technical Assistance to increase the level of regular Chess activity.*

*Foster a greater sense of Community Spirit amongst Chess players of all ages.*

*Identify talented Chess players and Organisers, and develop their skills for the future.*

Though there have been some wall talks about an alien to the game who want to make his way through the back doors, but without mincing words, a man like Akhiwu Eugene is all Edo State Chess Association need to become a world powerhouse in a Chess game.

AS Cotonou hold 36 Lion in warm up

36 Lion were held to a 1-1 draw by AS Cotonou in the tour of Benin Republic as the highly-anticipated game with AS Cotonou ended in a stalemate on Wednesday morning.

The two clubs based locked horns at Stade René Pleven d'Akpakpa aiming for a win in the friendly.

Following a bright start from both sides in the first half, fans were treated to exciting football as 36 Lion and AS Cotonou opened up play and went on successive attacks. 

The roaring Lions drew the curtain raiser on the stroke of halftime through Joe Oloko. The forward latched on a delicious pass from Azeez Oseni to score.

With 36 Lion led by Nigeria youth international Oseni resuming the second half to give it their all, they should have doubled the lead. 

AS Cotonou grabbed the equalizer in the 79th minute via penalty.

The determined Lions were unable to find a winner thereafter which left Oseni and his team-mates disappointed.

“I think we deserved more, but you have to show more also on the pitch,“ the attacking midfielder told the Media post-match.

Speaking about his form so far, he added: “I think I’m good, I’m good. The team, we all good. Training well, we arrived here very focused as always and like I said I always give my best on the pitch and give my heart to help my team-mates. So we need to keep it up, we keep improving and I wanted to win today – that’s why I’m disappointed with the result.”

Five Reasons To Look Forward To The 2021 Flying Officers Cup

Since the tournament's inception in 2019, a number of big Nigerian Women Football clubs have participated. 

In 2019, Edo Queens emerge winners after defeating Nasarawa Amazons in the final. Nasarawa Amazons lost in the 2020 final to eventual winners Bayelsa Queens by a lone goal. 

This year's edition promises to be bigger and better, with sixteen teams fighting for honours, including three from neighboring African countries Benin Republic and Ghana.

Here are five Reasons why we should all look forward to the biggest women's football Pre-season Championship in Africa.

1. It's Something Different. 

There has never been a Pre-season like this before, where teams from outside of Nigeria will be represented. 

This would be an opportunity for teams to taste a different kind of football and opportunity away from norms. The atmosphere is expected to be something new. 

2. Rivalries 

One of Flying Officers Cup biggest selling points would be the passionate rivalries many teams in the tournament have with their opponents. 

So many rivalries will be rekindled. From the local derbies to the African one. 

Top teams like Rivers Angels, Bayelsa Queens, Nasarawa Amazons and FC Robo Queens may most likely meet up in the competition.

3. The Return Of Fans. 

A handful of supporters will be allowed to come support their clubs. Recently, the Coronavirus epidemic ravaged the world, which made most matches played behind closed doors. With fans coming in and taking necessary precautions, it promises to be an electrifying environment at the Area 10 Sports Complex, Abuja. 

4. Cracking Goals And Entertaining Style Of Play. 

Look forward to strikes such as the sumptuous free-kick scored last year by Royal Queens midfielder Chioma Olise against Edo Queens or the stunner from about 30 yards scored by Naija Ratels midfielder Blessing Emmanuel to give her side the equalizer against Nasarawa Amazons in the Semi-final. We are expected to see even better goals this time around. 

5. Underdogs Giving The Favourites A Run For Their Money. 

If the 2020 edition of the Flying Officers Cup taught us anything, it was that nothing is ever certain in Football. Naija Ratels an underdog, went on to reach the Semi-final of the Flying Officers Cup, losing via penalties to Edo Queens and Nasarawa Amazons respectively in the third-place and semi's matches. 

We might be seeing more surprises this year with teams from the NWFL Nationwide, Championship and Premiership all participating.

Flying Officers Cup : Africa Women Foootball Foremost Journalist Rates Flying Officers Cup High

Ghanaian top Football Journalist, Genevieve Naa Bardina-Quaye has described the Flying Officers Cup as a new approach to women's Football Pre-season Competition in Africa.  

Sixteen teams altogether, comprising thirteen Nigerian teams, and three others from Ghana and Benin Republic will compete for honours in Abuja from the 10th to the 24th of October 2021. 

Naa Abardina-Quaye while speaking from her base in Accra, the capital of Ghana said the Organisers of the Flying Officers Cup have done something that has never been achieved before in Africa Women's Football history. The well-travelled journalist went on to add that the Pre-season Championship will give teams representing their countries at the TotalEnergies CAFWCL the right atmosphere to get a good preparation ahead of their battles in Egypt. 

"The Flying Officers Cup is a competition that is being talked about here in Ghana. Teams are eager to compete and am glad that teams will represent Ghana at the competition this year. 

"For me, I see it as a big achievement for the Organisers, this is the third edition and am sure it would get bigger by the years. Possibly, next year, we can get teams from Southern, Eastern and Northern Africa compete in the Competition. 

"It only shows quality, when teams like Rivers Angels, Bayelsa Queens, Nasarawa Amazons and the rest compete with Clubs from Ghana and Benin Republic in a Competition that isn't Organisers by WAFU or CAF. It clearly has to show the kind of dreams the Organisers have for Women's Football and special kudos should also go the the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) for providing an enabling environment for this kind of Competition." She Concluded

The Flying Officers Cup is a Women's Football Pre-season Championship sponsored by Ratels Sports Development Foundation and this year's edition will see teams from Nigeria, Ghana and Benin Republic compete for honours in Abuja from the 10th-24th October 2021.

Flying Officers Cup: NWFL Premiership Coaches Heap Praises On Organisers

Top Coaches in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership have heaped praises on the Organisers of the upcoming Women Football Pre-season Championship, the Flying Officers Cup. 

Some of the Managers who spoke to the Media recently, described the tournament as a good way for their various teams to prepare hard at the highest level, ahead of the beginning of the Premiership season. 

Nasarawa Amazons Head Coach, Christopher Danjuma, whose team participated in the last two editions of the Flying Officers Cup said the tournament has always helped and given his team a clue of what to expect, when the league starts. 

According to the Nigeria U-20 Women National team, the Falconets Gaffer, the Competition offers his team the opportunity to gel better by playing against top teams in a very competitive atmosphere.

"It has always been a perfect way to start the season. The Flying Officers Cup, has become a tradition for Nasarawa Amazons. We were at the last two editions and got to the finals, losing to Edo Queens and Bayelsa Queens respectively. It gives us the chance to get better as a team and that's one thing that has really been helping us." He Concluded. 

Osun Babes will be participating in the prestigious tournament for the first time this year, having missed out of the last two editions and the Head Coach of the side Olayinka Adunola said she is optimistic and looking forward to a fantastic Pre-season Championship in Abuja. 

" No doubt, we have always wanted to participate in the tournament, but am glad that we can this time around. We know the standard of the tourney and understand that we have to be at our best to keep the momentum going until the league starts. We want to have fun on the pitch, at the same time, try some new players and improve as a team everyday. The Flying Officers Cup offers us the platform to do that." She Concluded. 

Bayelsa Queens Head Coach, Moses Aduku said his team will use the tournament to test new players and strategize ahead of the new season. Bayelsa Queens recently won the AITEO Cup and a lot is expected from them in Abuja, but the experienced Gaffer insist it's just a Pre-season Championship. 

"Every Coach wants to win something and add more silverware to the ones they already have in their cabinet. We are going to be ourselves, improve in every game and test the quality that we have and definitely won't put too much pressure on ourselves. I am impressed with the standard of the Competition and no doubt, it is the best." He Concluded.

Sunshine Queens will also be at the Flying Officers Cup for the first time and their Manager, Tayo Onilude is very much excited too. 

"We have been working hard everyday to get the players in shape and against all odds will be giving our best in Abuja. The good thing is that we would be playing against some solid teams and perhaps we would be using different formations and tactics to execute our games, until we get it right. 

For Bankole Olowookere, his team Naija Ratels surpassed so many people's imagination, by reaching the Semi-final of the 2020 edition. His team, then in the NWFL Nationwide, went on to beat teams like Royal Queens, Kaduna Queens and played draws with Edo Queens and Nasarawa Amazons in the third place and Semi-Final games respectively, now in the Premiership, Olowookeere thinks his team will compete better. 

"We did well last year and hopefully, we can do more and play better, he said. The team will continue to improve on its style of play and that is the most important thing for us." He Concluded. 

AITEO Cup finalists, FC Robo Queens of Lagos will also plan to make a grand entry into the Competition this year. The 'Lagos Landladies' have quality players and are looking at competing with the best. The Head Coach and owner of the Club, Osahon Emmanuel also gave a huge thumbs up to Barrister Paul Edeh and Ratels Sports Development Foundation for being consistent with the Pre-season Championship. 

"We are working towards competing against some of the best teams in Nigeria and Africa. This is a while new idea from what we used to have in the past. Kudos to the Organisers as we look forward to having a great tournament. 

The Flying Officers Cup is the biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship in Africa and this year's edition, the third will see teams from Nigeria, Ghana and Benin Republic participating.

SWAN/SESC FRIENDLY: ZIKEL COSMETICS AND MONIMICHELLE SPORTS LIMITED JOINS TRAIN

Nigeria’s leading luxury make-up brand, Zikel Cosmetics and foremost Nigeria Sports Facility

 construction company, Monimichelle Sports Limited have confirmed their partnership of the friendly involving the Super Eagles Supporters Club and SWAN Selected.  

Astro turf development expert and President of Monimichelle Sports Limited, Ebi Egbe – aka Monimichelle, in a chat with President, Super Eagles Supporters Club, Prince Vincent Okumagba confirmed he will support the friendly as the pen pushers and SESC are vital bodies in sports development. 

CEO of Zikel Cosmetics, Kelvin Ezekiel, on the other hand said the relationship between his brand and SESC has yielded positive results over the past few years and will hope to get more mileage, hence the reason for partnering. 

Meanwhile, Zikel Cosmetics and Monimichelle Sports Limited have now joined numerous brands like Haggai Sportswear, Wakanow and Zenith Sports Limited in partnering the Super Eagles Supporters Club and SWAN Selected friendly. 

SESC Players have started arriving Lagos ahead of the friendly billed for Thursday, 2nd September at the Legacy Pitch, Surulere, Lagos by 4pm.

Prince Okumagba has also confirmed members,  players, officials, will take to the bar after the match as there will be refreshments for all.

SWAN/SESC FRIENDLY: HAGGAI SPORTSWEAR TO DONATE OFFICIAL MATCH BALL, KIT BOTH TEAMS

More partners have continue to throw their weight behind the Super Eagles Supporters Club ahead of the friendly against SWAN Selected as Nigeria’s foremost sports kitting company Haggai Sportswear have decided to kit both teams, donate an official match ball for the encounter. 

Haggai Sportswear, an official jersey sponsor of the Super Eagles Supporters Club made this known earlier today in a chat with President of SESC, Prince Vincent Okumagba.

Prince Okumagba also confirmed there will be a brief ceremony before Kickoff to officially present the Jerseys and official match balls.

Meanwhile, Member of SESC and also a Sports Journalist based in Aba, Abia State, Frank Okoye AKA "Orangeman" has donated 10 packs of water for both teams ahead of the game.

The match between SESC and SWAN Selected is billed for Thursday, 2nd September, 2022 by 4pm at the Legacy Pitch, Surulere, Lagos.

SESC/SWAN SELECTED FRIENDLY: Zenith Sports Limited Donate Kits

Leading sports equipment firm, Zenith Sports Limited have joined the list of partners ahead of the cracker between Super Eagles Supporters Club and SWAN SELECTED by donating Jerseys to SESC. 

This was made known 

 by the Managing Director of Zenith Sports Limited, Mr Paul Maduakor and revealed to SESC by the President of the Club, Prince Vincent Okumagba that a total of 18 Jerseys and 2 Goalkeeper kits will be donated to the club for the friendly as support knowing that, the Super Eagles Supporters Club have over the years have been a force both in Nigeria and diaspora to be reckon with.  

It will be recalled, foremost travel agency Wakanow had earlier partnered with SESC with a coveted trophy delivered for the friendly. 

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles Supporters Club will begin close camping on Monday, 30th, August 2021 ahead of the encounter billed for Thursday, 2nd September 2021 at the Legacy Pitch, Surulere, Lagos.

Wakanow Partners SESC Ahead of Friendly Against SWAN Selected

Africa's leading, full service online travel company, Wakanow has decided to partner with the Super Eagles Supporters Club ahead of the much anticipated friendly between SESC and SWAN SELECTED. 

According to the Managing Director of the travel agency, Mr Bayo Adedeji, the giant strides achieved by SESC, the passion, dedication and commitment towards supporting our National teams have not gone unnoticed and will take care of logistics including donating a trophy ahead of the friendly.  

President of the Super Eagles Supporters Club, Prince Vincent Okumagba in his response, thanked Wakanow for the partnership as he hinted that this will go beyond the friendly as the club prepare ahead of the African Cup of Nations in January 2022 which will take place in Cameroon. 

 The friendly is billed for the 2nd of September and will take place at the Legacy Pitch, Surulere Lagos by 4 pm.

AFCON 2022: SPIRITUAL PATRON OF SESC APOSTLE CHINYERE PLEDGES BUS

Ahead of the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon 2022, Patron and Spiritual Father of the Super Eagles Supporters Club Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere who is the General Overseer of Omega Power Ministry (OPM) has pledged a brand new Bus to the Club. 

This was made known during a courtesy visit led by the President of the Super Eagles Supporters Club, Prince Vincent Okumagba to his home in Portharcourt, Rivers State.

Apostle Chinyere during the visit hinted that asides the bus donation, he will be in Cameroon with SESC to cheer the Super Eagles to victory.

It will be recalled on Sunday, Prince Vincent Okumagba along side his executives performed the Investiture on Apostle Chinyere during a powerful service which had over 2000 in attendance at the Headquarters of OPM.

Prince Okumagba in his response to the pledge thanked Apostle Chinyere for his immense support as he hopes this will bring more giant strides to the club.

NNL All Stars Wins 2021 Amapro Football Championship

NNL All Stars were crowned champions of the 6th edition of Amapro Football Championship after they defeatedd Abraysports 4-2 on penalties. 

The full time score stood at 1-1 even as both teams tried to outwit themselves while trying to take their chances during the game. 

Abraysports had the better of the match as they dominated play creating several scoring chances in the first stanza.

Obadun Abdulrasheed jumped highest in the area to nod home the opener for Ilorin based Abraysports on 30 minutes.

Ibrahim Hameed curled the ball beyond the wall and it rested at the back of the net for NNL All Stars' leveller. 

All Stars dominated play in the second half and should have won it but the Abraysports defence were solid keeping their lines.

Both teams then had to decide their fate via penalties after the referee signaled end of the game.

The end result saw the NNL All Stars winning the game 4-2 on shoot out, thus claiming the trophy of the 6th edition of the Amapro Football Championship.

NNL All Stars' Innocent Christian was voted King of Amapro Football Championship while ABS FC goalkeeper Nasiru Toheeb was picked as Prince of the competition.

FCT FA Pledges Maximum Support For Flying Officers Cup.

 

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Football Association Chairman, Mouktar Mohammed has said that the FCT Football body will give the Organisers of the upcoming Flying Officers Cup the full supports needed to make it bigger than the last two editions.  

Adam Mouktar Mohammed made the pledge when he welcomed the President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF), Barrister Paul Edeh, to his office on Friday, with the Ratels Boss presenting him with Naija Ratels FC Souvenirs. 

 The seasoned Football Administrator who has aided the growth of football in the Federal Capital with his numerous initiatives since resuming office as Chairman, further expressed satisfaction at the quality of preparation going on ahead of the biggest Women Football Pre-season Championship in Africa, noting that the Association will surely play a pivotal role to ensure huge success. 

"Today is indeed a historic day and I am very delighted to receive the President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation, Barrister Paul Edeh." Mouktar said. 

"I have been a big fan of your Football Club, Naija Ratels Football Club, even before we met and it's all because of the passion you have put in place to make it a success in less than two years. We would keep supporting all your projects and we want to use this medium to officially say that the FCT Football Association under my leadership has endorsed the upcoming Flying Officers Cup and we shall work together to ensure we have a very robust competition." He Concluded.  

Speaking also at the meeting between the two parties, President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation, Barrister Paul Edeh, hailed the FCT FA Boss for deeming it fit to give necessary supports to Naija Ratels FC and the Flying Officers Cup. "The official presentation of the Naija Ratels FC jersey signifies the symbolic mark of our club with the FCT F.A. We would also like to seek your support to set up an Academy here at the FCT, which also goes in-line with your policies on grassroots football. 

"Ratels Sports Development Foundation look forward to a strong collaboration and relationship with the FCT F.A. We are indeed appreciative of the support that we've already gotten from the Association. 

"Our intention is to leave a positive legacy for Football in Nigeria, so that we can contribute to future generations, but to achieve these objectives, we need the support and assistance of Organisations like the FCT Football Association.

The third edition of the Flying will hold in Abuja, from the 10th to the 24th of October 2021.

'The Working One' Speaks On His Future Ambition, Where He wants To Coach In 2027

One of Nigeria most flamboyant coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu loves to coach in Europe in the next seven years. He made this known when he was a guest in Let's Gist Naija , LGN, WhatsApp group. 

'I am a very ambitious coach and I will love to coach in Europe' stated Nwachukwu this when he was responding to question on his future ambition and where he will love to be in the next seven years with coaching career. 

The self-acclaimed 'working one ' speaks further on the perceived superiority of coaches between the Europeans and African counterparts. 

"The Europeans are not better than us the only challenge is ourselves, we don't value ourselves instead we value the whites more." The former MFM football club coach emphasised. 

The coach whose football philosophy is possession football is presently working in one of Nigeria biggest club, Heartland FC of Owerri after he left MFM FC at the end of last season, a team he coached for over a decade.

'My Super Eagles Time Will Come' The Only Super Eagles Star That Won Champions League Season Blast

He was the Nigeria Professional Football League highest goal scorer in 2018, he scored 19 goals in just 21 match days just two goals away from breaking Mfon Udoh's all-time highest goal scored in a season of 38 games but unfortunately, the league was called off after 21 games for the Russia 2018 World cup. 

His name is Junior Sewanu Lokosa, he is one of the most prolific strikers the league has ever seen with a total of 35 games scoring 24 goals. 

He shone like a star in the only game he played for the Super Eagles, the occasion was one of the World cup preparatory games against Congo DR, he gave a man of the match display and everyone was calling for his inclusion in the final squad to the World cup. 

 He was dropped by the coach but ever since he is still waiting for his second Super Eagles appearance despite showing a lot of promises.

"It's the coach decision, and I don't really feel bad about it. There are better days ahead my time will surely come". The former Kano pillars football club striker told Journalists during a Chat in Sports Lounge, (Whatsapp group) on Thursday. 

The 27-year-old speaks further on how injuries have slowed his progress since he moved to Esperance of Tunis ' I was competing with their national striker and it's not very easy to play in every game but unfortunately, I got injured with two games to the end of the season but I will back pretty soon and you will see me in full flight". Lokosa said. 

Junior Lokosa won the CAF Champions League with Esperance of Tunisia last year as well as the Tunisia Ligue 1. 

Coach Highlights The Major Challenges Of Working With Nigeria Professional League Players

Coach Usman Abdullah has highlighted the major challenges of working as a coach in the Nigeria Premier League, NPFL.  

The coach who holds UEFA A coaching license picks the level of coaching players receive at the grassroots before becoming an NPFL player as one of the challenges of coaches at the elite division. 

Coach Usman who won the Nigeria Premier League in 2019 with Enyimba Football Club last, who now works as the head coach of Wikki Tourists of Bauchi said the major problem is the players lack basics of the game from the grassroots. 

He said as a nation we need to improve on the level of coaching players received from the grassroots as it makes coaching job in the NPFL very difficult. 

" There are some things you really want to do in camp with players in your team but it becomes impossible as you make do with the quality of the players you have in your team" The Former Stationary Stars of Lagos player laments. 

He made this assertion on Thursday afternoon when speaking with Writers Lounge on the Challenges of being a coach in the NPFL.  

The Well-travelled coach stated further that it is a systemic problem that is affecting tactical play in the league and needs to be addressed  

"I think the problem has to do with the whole system of our football because we pay more attention to the grassroots as most of the players missed a lot that they ought to have been taught from the grassroots, we need to work more on the grassroots so that we can get the desired output when the players to play in the NPFL". Usman said. 

The coach who started his coaching in Europe highlight other challenges confronting coaches in the League 

"There are other challenges coaches faced in the league if I start to mention them it may take the whole day, is the organisational problem or finances, there are a lot but one just has to work it out and get the best out of it". The coach concludes. 

Coach Usman Abdullah took over from Paul Aigbogun to lead Enyimba to their seventh NPFL title when the team won the Super 6 in Lagos after the Abridged League of 2019. 

He led Enyimba to the CAF confederations semi-finals losing to Raja Casablanca of Morocco. 

He was relieved of his job and join Wikki Tourists in the middle of the 2020 Season which is currently suspended to curtail the spread of Coronavirus. 

Follow my twitter @sportspedal 

Check my thought on how to make the Nigeria Professional Football League toast of fans and sponsors

TASKS BEFORE NPFL STAKEHOLDERS

http://opr.news/s118cf333191104en_ng

My thought on the Nigeria Professional Football League ..how to make it more attractive and attractive.  Read and share

Download Now

https://opr.as/share

2019 HIFL Season ends as UAM Tillers set to defend title in Agege today

2018 defending champions, UAM Tillers, and runners up, UNICAL MALABITES are set to face off in the HiFL 2019 finals, after they both cruised past, OAU Giants and UNILORIN Warriors respectively, to book their place yet again in the highly anticipated finals of the 2019 Super Four, scheduled for today at the Agege township stadium in Lagos. 

Meanwhile, UNILORIN Warriors will play OAU Giants in the third place to complete the 2019 Higher Institutions Football League Super Four.

Activities making the end of the 2019 season begin with the Super 4 press conference held in Lagos yesterday

Director, PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Sola Fijabi, said that all is in place for a successful hosting of the super four, in Lagos, “we are witnessing a reenactment of last year’s final and third-place matches and it is interesting, we are glad about the progress made and the expansion achieved through the season. 

The league has gained wider acceptance among higher institutions across the country and has been noted as a game-changer in higher institution sports in Nigeria, our expansion of participating teams to 32 and our all-impactful Coaching Clinic in Lagos were few of the highlights of the 2019 season for us” Fijabi said

 “We have reviewed the rules of the game in line with our experiences from last year and global trends in football and collegiate sports. We did this in conjunction with our partner, the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) and other technical partners. 

Our desire is to create a league that would be of pride to us as a company, the Nigerian universities and indeed our esteemed sponsors” we have set everything in motion for an awesome finale and we are set to usher in an even better 2020 league season” Fijabi Added.

In his remark, the President of the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA), Prof. Stephen Hamafyelto expressed that the 2019 edition of the higher institutions football league has been nothing but a grand success “At NUGA, we are committed to ensuring the sustainability of the league, the 2019 edition has been a grand success, we are pleased with the execution and we are committed to ensuring that our students and indeed sports-loving Nigerians continue to enjoy thrilling experiences across the match centers, this excitement will hope to make grander at the finals”

For the 2019 Higher Institutions Football League Season, the top 32 Universities from NUGA-member institutions played over a period of 21 weeks, with the final four billed for the Agege Stadium, Lagos, on the 26th of October 2019 with third place final kicking proceedings by 12 noon and the final match will follow by 3pm with small doctor On the band stand .

Meanwhile , As part of activities making the End of the season, the HIFL media partners defeated the organiser/sponsor's team in a novelty by three goals to one . The novelty set up the for what to expect in today's. It was full of excitement artistry display of skills and showmanship.

The curtain will drop on the 2019 season with the Awards night for those that have distinguished themselves all through the season.

The league is organised by PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing in partnership with the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA). The league is sponsored by Stanbic IBTC, Indomie Nigeria and Premier Cool.

Toroza Terungwa penalty heroics sends Defending Champion UAM Tillers to the Final as Odey shootdown the Warriors from ilorin

2018 defending champions, UAM Tillers, and runners up, UNICAL MALABITES are set to face off in the HiFL 2019 finals, after they both cruised past, OAU Giants and UNILORIN warriors respectively, to book their place yet again in the highly anticipated finals of the 2019 Super Four. 

Toraza Terungwa, was the hero for the resurgent Tillers as he saved three straight penalties, to give his side a 3:0 shoot-out win in front of a roaring home crowd. OAU tillers were the first to score in the 46th minute as tough defender Faleti Ayo brilliantly headed home a cross, to put the Tillers under pressure. However, Tony Eliagwu rescued the home team with a 57th minute leveler, to send them through to level the scores on the day and also on aggregates.

Then it was onto penalties as both teams could not be seperated. It is the second time, the Tillers will qualify ahead of OAU Giants, after the Giants suffered similar fate in the 2018 semifinal stage. 

Elsewhere in Rumuolumeni, Rivers State, UNICAL Malabite’s Odey Santos scored twice in the 45th and 90th minute to send the Malabite’s into the finals after a 2:0 defeat against Unilorin Warriors in their Super Four decider.

UNILORIN Warriors will now play OAU Giants in the third place match while the Tillers and Malabites will lock horns in the finals to complete the 2019 Higher Institutions Football League Super Four. 

The games are scheduled for the 26th of October at the Agege township stadium in Lagos. 

The league is organised by PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing in partnership with the Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA).

The league is sponsored by Stanbic IBTC, Indomie Nigeria and Premier Cool. The top 32 Universities from NUGA-member institutions will play over a period of 21 weeks, with the final four billed for the Agege Stadium, Lagos.

Nigeria Amputee team calls for Buhari’s intervention

The Nigeria Amputee football team, Special Eagles, currently in Angola for the Africa Amputee Football Cup of Nations, have called for the urgent fatherly intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari towards alleviating their poor condition into the tournament.

The Special Eagles landed, Benguela, venue of the competition, on Wednesday night to return to the competition after nine years of absence due to lack of funds. 

With only solidarity support from the Nigeria Football Federation which was not sufficient to foot their bill, the 15-man team of 10 players, 2 coaches, one back room staff and two officials travelled on the strength of flight tickets provided on credit by their travel agent.

Speaking on arrival in Angola, President of the federation, Alhaji Suleiman Isah, said while they are still expecting the ministry of sports to approve some support for them even while grappling with contending demands from other sports, it has become necessary to appeal for the intervention of the President of the country on the plight of the national amputee football team.

“It is tough for us but we needed to make this trip to keep hope alive for the amputees who have decided to counter their physical disability by engaging respectably in sports. They have been absent from the Africa Nations Cup for nine years because there was no funding support. It will devastate the boys badly if they missed this edition again.

“Unfortunately, the only support we got was from the NFF and it is not enough to cover the cost of flight tickets even as we dropped some players. We got tickets on credit just as we also procured jerseys, tracksuits, boots and other equipments on credit. Worse is that we don’t even have a dime to give to the players as allowances both at the competition and on return.

“We are hoping that the sports ministry will approve some aid for us but we are not certain. Under the circumstance, we wish to respectfully appeal to our deer President to intervene to bail us out even if only to provide for the flight ticket. His fatherly gesture will be a big boost for amputee sports and will also give hope and sense of belonging to our physically challenged persons who are seeking social inclusion through sports, instead of constituting burden to their families or nuisance to the public by begging. It is especially so as amputee football has developed into a professional sports with a number of Nigerians engaged in professional clubs overseas. We need to support the development of this platform in Nigeria to provide opportunities to more amputees. To deny them on this would mean neglect and rejection of this category of our fellow citizens.”

The Nigeria amputee football team will open their Nations Cup campaign against Liberia on Friday, October 4. Their subsequent fixtures are against Cameroon, Tanzania, Sierra Leone and host Angola on October 8.

With experience from the Mexico 2018 World Cup, the Special Eagles are rated as the strongest team in Africa to challenge for the trophy against Angola who are current world champions.