Unseeded Nigerian conquers African champion

Isau Ogunkunle (NGR) in action at the Africa PTT Championships in Alexandria, Egypt on Sunday June 30, 2019..

Nigeria’s Isau Ogunkunle announced his emergence at the Africa Para Table Tennis Championships holding in Alexandria, Egypt, as the 33-year-old humbled African Champion - Egypt’s Mohamed Sameh Eid in the men’s singles Class Four in the first round.   Isau Ogunkunle may not a familiar name in Africa but the Nigerian has made name for himself at the 2019 Africa PTT Championships in Alexandria, Egypt, when he caused the biggest upset at the tournament after beating the Egyptian 3-2. Ogunkunle who is competing in Class Four as one of Nigeria’s representatives was set up against his idol - Egypt’s Mohamed Sameh Eid and he knew that for him to prove a point in Africa, he must surmount the world number 11 and Africa’s number one. As Nigeria’s national champion, Isau Ogunkunle did the impossible in front of the Egyptian fans when he humbled the home hero in the first round of the Class Four singles event. From the start of the encounter the unseeded Nigerian was full of confidence against the tournament’s number one seed by winning the first game at 11-8. But Mohamed Sameh Eid had to rely on experience with a lot of topspin from the backhand to win the next two games at 8-11, 6-11. Having discovered the weakness of his opponent after losing the second and third games, Isau Ogunkunle decided to play more to the Egyptian forehand and this worked for him as he won the fourth game by 11-2. The final and deciding game went the way of the Nigerian who led from the start to the end to win at 11-7. The excited Nigerian did not hide his joy after the big win when he said, he would be unstoppable having surmounted his biggest challenge in the competition with the victory. “In 2011 when I first played against Mohamed Sameh Eid, he defeated me 3-0 but after the match he came to me to comfort and encourage me not to give up. Since then we have been friends and we communicate with each other regularly. He became my idol in the game,” Isau Ogunkunle said. However, the romance for table tennis for Isau Ogunkunle did not come by leisure but by sheer determination to make it big in life. “I was in school in 2005 when I lost my father and it was difficult for me to continue schooling so I dropped out. I decided to embrace shoe-making as a vocation. But it was in 2010 that somebody who came to patronize me invited me to table tennis hall and that was how I started playing table tennis,” the Nigerian said.

Egypt’s Eid Saleh sets new record in Africa

Egypt’s Eid Saleh sets new record in Africa Mohamed Sameh Eid Saleh (EGY) makes it to fifth Pralympic Games in Tokyo 2020 in Alexandria, Egypt on Monday July 1, 2019...

At 41, Egypt’s Mohamed Sameh Eid Saleh becomes the first Africa para table tennis player to be featuring in five Paralympic Games after the world number 11 avenge her group loss to Nigeria’s Isau Ogunkunle in the final of the men’s Class Four on July 1, 2019, to secure the continental sole slot to Tokyo 2020. From the group stage of the 2019 Africa Para Table Tennis Championships holding in Alexandria, Egypt, where he lost 2-3 to the Nigerian, Mohamed Sameh Eid Saleh who is current African champion knew that it would not be an easy ride to Tokyo. Having put the group stage defeat behind him, Mohamed Sameh Eid Saleh went to work to ensure he set another clash against the unseeded Nigerian. Being the last match of the session, Mohamed Sameh Eid Saleh and Isau Ogunkunle gave the fans something to cheer as both players sized up each other to the admiration of the fans. Even when Isau Ogunkunle was trailing Mohamed Sameh Eid Saleh, it was clear that the match would go into full length. With applause greeting every point won by the Egyptian, the final game made some of the fans to sit at the edge of their seat and without any doubt the win received a rousing applause from the home fans. For five minutes every activity at the Olympic Club Hall was standstill as the victory was celebrated in a big way by the home fans including the President of Egypt Table Tennis Federation (ETTF), Moataz Ashour. An elated Mohamed Sameh Eid Saleh admitted that this has been the toughest qualification for him having featured in previous four Paralympic Games. “I am so excited that I will be going to my fifth Paralympic Games in Tokyo but I must admit that it was a difficult route for me this year. My opponent is a good player and I think he is still young and can still make it to the Paralympic Games. But generally, this has been the toughest qualification for me and I am so happy that I will becoming the first African para table tennis player to compete in five Paralympic Games,” Mohamed Sameh Eid Saleh said. From the 14 athletes that qualified for Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Egypt picked eight slots, Nigeria picked five while Tunisia secured one slot.

Nigeria vs Madagascar Preview: Why I will make changes to team's line up..Gernot Rhor We will try and win...Madagascar coach

Coach Gernot Rhor is set to name a different Squad that defeated Guinea last week Wednesday as the team file out this Evening against Madagascar. This is to put pressure on players and intensify competition in every position www.sportspedalng.blogspot.com can report.

The coach made this known at the pre Match  conference held in Alexandria on Saturday when he was answering questions from journalists. 

The Belgian German tactician who uncharacteristically made five changes to his starting line up  against the syli stars responded affirmitively when ask whether he will make changes to his squad that played against Guinea as the set to take on the braise from Madagascar 

"Will I make changes? Yes, because I want to put everyone under pressure and have that competition in each position. We’ll see in the last training tonight which changes we will do,” .

The coach however reterioted that the focus of the team is the to finish top of the group in order to avoid second in other group because it is better to play third. 

“It’s important to finish first of the group, it’s better to play a team in third than second so we will do all to finish top,” Rohr told reporters at the pre-match news conference.

According to the coach,the match will be very interesting as the team is highly motivated to win the match in order to top the group 

“It will be a really interesting match against a team that has a lot of offensive qualities. I think it will also be a ‘final’ in the group, the winner will be top and that’s a big motivation for us.”

The tactician will be playing against the country home of his in law as the Madagascans are having stellar outing so far in their debut appearance. 

They are yet to lose a game having drawn their first game against Guinea 2-2 and defeated Burundi in their last game to garner 4 points and a point against the Super Eagles will guarantee them a second place finish and avoid the calculations that come with qualifying with the third best finish across the groups

Madagascar coach,Nicolas Dupuis knows the task at hand and declare that his team will try and win .

“We’re going out there to try and win knowing we’re not favourites. One point will be enough for us to finish second. 

We’re not yet qualified for the last 16 so I’m not going to try and calculate things. It would be a shame for it to end here.”

Madagascar will be meeting the Super Eagles for the first in AFCON in their 3rd ever game in the competition while the Super Eagles will be playing their 89th matches after making their debut in 1963,they have racked up a massive 42 victories ,22 draws and 19 defeats with 3 titles to show for it.

The match is one the final matches  in Group B of Egypt 2019 as Burundi takes on Guinea in a winner takes all encounter, both matches will kick off by 5pm Nigeria time.

Nigeria invites 44 for Basketball World Cup

D’Tigers Head Coach, Alex Nwora has released a 44 man preliminary roaster ahead of the 2019 FIBA Men’s World Cup in China, after weeks of scouting.

The camping exercise which will commence on July 7, 2019 in Erie Community College, Buffalo, USA will include D’Tigers captain, Ike Diogu, Ben Uzoh, Ike Iroegbu, Agada Caleb, Emegano Obinna, Efevhera Michael, Portland Trailblazer’s Al Farouq Aminu, Stanley Okoye, Jordan Nwora, Aminu Alade, Tosin Mehinti, Zana Talib, Chris Obekpa and Ayodeji Akindele who all featured during the qualifiers.

Others include David Nwaba (Cleveland Cavaliers), Josh Akogie (Minnesota Timberwolves), Nwamu Ike (Fort Wayne Mad Ants), Michael Eric, Charles Bassey, Ike Obiagu, Achiuwa Precious, TK Edogi, Stephen Ugochukwu and Ado Abdul, Chimezie Metu (San Antonio Spurs), Ekpe Udoh (Utah Jazz) and recently drafted trio of Miye Oni (Miami Heat), Chuma Okeke (Orlando Magic) and Kezie Okpalla (Phoenix Suns).

Nwora also extended invitation to five Nigerian based stars, Agu Abuchi Ibe, Okpe Ocheibi Victor, Abdul Yahaya, Vincent Buchi Nwaiwu, Victor Koko Anthony alongside former Golden State Warriors player, Festus Ezeli, Michael Oguine, and Jordan Ogundiran.

Ogugua “OG” Anunoby (Toronto Raptors), Semi Ojeleye (Boston Celtic), Ochai Agbaji, Vincent Nnamdi, Stephen Domingos, Moneke Chima and Joshua Ifeoluwa Ajayi complete the 44- man list.

As part of the Nigeria Basketball Federation’s effort to effectively prepare the team, D’Tigers will face fellow world cup bound Dominican Republic at the Palacio de Los Deportes in San Domingo on July 20th and 22nd before another test game against Ex NBA and Euro All Stars on the July 26, as they round off the first phase of camping.

The Second phase of camping will commence on July 29, while the invited NBA players are expected to report to camp on August 1 before departing for Toronto on August 5, where they will be facing Canada on the August 7 and 9.

Nwora will be assisted by Glynn R. Cyrien (Ex Memphis Grizzlies), Mfon Kokoete Udofia (Atlanta Hawks) and Ogoh Odaudu (Rivers Hoopers)

The final 12-man list will depart for Nigeria on August 12, for the final round of training before leaving for China on August 18.

Nigeria battle Korea, Argentina and Russia in Group B

Faces at the #EunisellBoot19 Gala Night

It was a great dinner in lagos ,Friday Night 28th of June,2019 . The beautiful hall of Radisson blu ikeja hosted who is who in the Nigeria sports industry as well the two winners of the eunisel boot Mfon Udoh of Akwa United and Sunusi Ibrahim of Nasarawa united .

Both players scored 10 goals each to win two million naira each as well as golden boot with the replica of the top scorer gong

The 2019 Nigeria women Football League gets kick off date as 16 teams set to battle for honor in the new abridged League

The  2019 Nigeria Women Football League ,NWFL will begin on the 17th of July,2019. The date was revealed in a communique released after the Annual General meeting of the League's stake holder held in Abuja.

The League, which will be an Abridged format this season, comprises 16 teams with 4 teams in a group. The group will proceed to play in the Championship playoffs to determine the winner of the league while the last teams across the four groups will play in the championship relegation playoffs.

The communique further revealed that the winner of the league will proceed on tour of Spain as part of the bilateral agreement between Laliga and NWFL to international friendlies.

The league went on break since last year after the FIFA world cup in Russia and the abridged format will make for the lost time according to the communique.

The groups at a glance

Group A

Rivers Angels

Osun Babes

Delta Queens

FC Robo

Group B

Dream Stars Ladies

Heartland Queens

Adamawa Queens

Edo Queens

Group C

Bayelsa Queens

Sunshine Queens

Nasarawa Amazons

Jokodolu Babes

Group D

Confluence Queens

Abia Angels

Invincible Angels

Ibom Angels

Eunisell to reward Mfon,Sunusi tonight

Mfon udoh and Ibrahim Sunnusi will be rewarded for their effort as the highest goal scorers at the NPFL 2019 regular season in a gala to be held in Lagos tonight tagged #Eunisellboot19.

Both players scored 10 goals each for Akwa utd and Nassarawa utd respectively. The players  will smile home with the highest goal scorer gong as well as two million Naira for their effort as  each goal is rewarded with #200,000. 

The award is organised by eunisel to promote marksmanship as goals define the game .

According to the company's 

Managing Director, Mr. Chika Ikenga  said, “Our logic is simple; both players deserve to be rewarded for their performances. The eligibility to be awarded the Eunisell Boot, is based on the most goals scored and both players satisfy that basic requirement." 

The 2019  NPFL season was an abridged season in which each teams played twenty two matches and Akwa utd benefited from Mfon Udoh's goal as they top Group B to make it the Championship playoff  that was held in Lagos while sunusi's 10 goals ensured that Nasarawa escaped relegation in the keenly contested relegation battle which saw an unprecedented 8 teams relegated.

AFCON2019 : NIGERIA 1-0 GUINEA :Nigeria first to reach AFCON 2019 Round of 16

 

Nigeria became the first country to make it to the knockout rounds of the ongoing 32^ndAfrica Cup of Nations finals in Egypt on Wednesday evening, as Kenneth Omeruo’s well –placed header from a Moses Simon’s corner kick earned all three points against Guinea at the Alexandria Stadium.

 

A below –par first half gave way to a lively second half, during which Odion Ighalo, who earned all the three points for Nigeria after coming on as a substitute against Burundi on Saturday, could have scored if the Guinean defenders had not checkmated Ahmed Musa’s pass from a swift counter-attack, and Alex Iwobi forced a smart one –handed save from Guinea’s goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone from a snap shot.

 

The result means that for the first time since the AFCON finals (also staged in Egypt), Nigeria won their two matches of the finals.

 

At the beginning, the Syli Nationale were more business-like, working three shots on target including one that rattled Daniel Akpeyi, before Moses Simon fired wide over the bar when he freed himself from the right.

 

Coach Gernot Rohr rested captain Mikel Obi and William Ekong, with Chukwueze also benched for Simon and Ighalo starting in place of Paul Onuachu. Yet, the Super Eagles did not look intensely creative in the first half hour and it was largely the organization of Kenneth Omeruo, Leon Balogun, Chidozie Awaziem and Ola Aina at the back that ensured a barren scoreline at the interval.

 

Iwobi had movement and endeavour but gave the ball away severally, and Ighalo must have punched himself after side-netting with Musa waiting eagerly to raze the net from close range in the 32^nd minute. Earlier, Ighalo had, with a poor first touch, fumbled a good pass from Musa after the latter’s run down the left, and Iwobi also wasted another excellent pass by the pacy deputy captain.

 

The Super Eagles need only a draw from their last match of the group phase against Madagascar on Sunday to finish top of the group and remain in Alexandria for their Round of 16 fixture.

AFCON 2019 :Nigeria vs Guinea Preview: The Viruses that Rohr must deal with before Guinea match

NIGERIA VS GUINEA 3PM WEST SFRICA TIME KICK OFF

GROUP MATCH DAY 2 ON WEDNESDAY 26TH OF JUNE,2019

"We had some challenges with virus attack that knocked out some of the players, but I believe we will get better with every match,” 

That's a quote from Coach Gernot Rhor after the Super Eagles laboured to a one nil victory over Burundi in their opening game at the on going 2019 Africa Cup of Nations otherwise known as Egypt 2019.

Truthfully , News broke out just few days leading to the opening day match against the Swallows of Burundi that as many ad five members of the Super Eagles were not match fit and will not feature in the match ,notably Ahmed Musa and jamilu Collins,they were not feeling due to virus attack hence they were knocked out of the match. 

Admittedly the coach agreed that it affected the performance eventually as Samuel kalu was replaced few hours to kick off after he collapsed in final rehearsal for the match due another type of 'virus' attack called dehydration and his contributions was greatly missed no doubt.

The Super Eagles overcame the challenges and they got the Swallows of Burundi  swallowed at the end of 94 minutes in that Energy sapping encounter.

its good the Super Eagles kicked off their campaign on a winning a note,it doused the pressure and lift their not only their spirit but also boost their confidence in facing other teams as the competition continues. 

But the team should not be carried away by the jubilations and excitement that comes with Ola Aina's back heel made in heaven assist and the super cool finish by Odion ighalo there are fundamental errors that needs to be checked or avoided before the next game against a more experienced side in the competition. 

The style stars will square up against Super Eagles on Wednesday ,they look beatable but the team handler,coach Gernot Rhor,must get rid of some 'viruses 'noticed on Saturday against Burundi , a more experienced side could have killed off the game before the removal mikel obi and the introduction of Musa and ighalo will have mean nothing. 

"We thank our stars that we escaped and we might not be that lucky against Guinea on Wednesday if not addressed."

First off,the inclusion of Mikel obi was a virus that must be tamed,Coach Gernot Rhor invited probably for his experience and as the captain of the team it is almost certain that he will be selected for games but he didn't cover himself in glory with his lustreless performance in the last game,the coach must carve out a role that his experience can be use to the team's advantage if he will be selected against Guinea but definitely playing him in the number ten role is a virus that will' kill 'the Super Eagles as age is catching up with fast,especially when he was not the fastest of player even in his younger days as the Eagles strength remains the atttack.

The attackers in the team are all pacy,young and full of energy and mikel's 'snail movement' will slow the attack down and will mean lack of goals as the team will struggle to create chances that could lead to goals. 

The best position for the team captain for now is to sit on the bench and watch as the goes on and probably come in when the team is leading to help the defensive midfield of the eagles and bring his wealth of experience in match management to bear on the match

 Alex iwobi position as the number ten must be sorted quickly playing as on the wings is killing his effectiveness by thirty percent we saw how he gave his best when he swapped role with Ahmed musa against Burundi,in other to maximise his potential to the glory of the Eagles the coach need to jettison sentiments and play Alex iwobi in the central midfield for the eagles. 

Secondly the other virus that must die is the Goalkeeping,with the trio of Daniel Akpeyi,Okechukwu Ezenwa and Francis Uzoho no doubt the Goalkeeping role is the weakest link of the Super Eagles and that's very deadly virus that's need to be well managed. Daniel Akpeyi's incompetent as a Super Eagles is well documented he is a perfect example of the two extremes, a moment of Genius followed by a moment of villain. Lots of school boy errors and lack of confidence was written all over him. But can Uzoho or Ezenwa di better ? Am  not sure . it seems we are in a 'onechance ' bus with the three goalkeepers. Coach Gernot Rhor and his backroom staff especially the Goalkeeper trainers, Alloy Agu and pichhone must do something fast before Wednesday otherwise the Eagles may have their mouth filled with stories that touched.

Set pieces wins you trophies just as a Good team defending, coach Gernot must deal with this lapses noticed on Saturday as the find it hard to break their opponent on the run of play,the super Eagles failed to take advantage of the numerous corner kicks and free kicks in the vital area that comes their way. Against a more Experienced and tactical side, scoring through a run of play may be non existent but set pieces and dead balls situation in vital area is an alternative for team to shine. It seems Gernot is confused as to what to do with converting corner kicks and free kicks to goal as well. For the Super Eagles to go he must exterminate the 'deadball' Virus. 

The team show lots of promises but for the to get to the promise land as they are gunning for the fourth AFCON triumph the medical virus that affect key players especially the likes jamilu Collins etal must be cured as fast as possible as Every player must be fit and be ready to contribute their quota when called upon,the bench option in the super is tantalising if the team can afford to keep Ahmed musa and odion ighalo on the bench in the first match and their inclusion brings tactical changes that got the swallows swallowed the coach needs to find the right combination and always get his plan B ready if the plan A is not giving optimum results.

Rhor got 100% in that regard in the first match and he must safe guard it with A plus 'anti virus' so that the Eagles soar higher and hunt their prey seamlessly 

The Super Eagles will beat the syli stars hands down and book a place in the second round if the coach can take care of all this lapses noticed in the first and henceforth perfect it in subsequent matches ,the sky will be their beginning as they set to beat the syli stars silly come Wednesday. 

ACCESS BANK LAGOS CITY MARATHON: Registration for 2020 race begins with N5000 payment

Registration for the 2020 edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon opened Monday, June 17, 2019, with intending participants paying a fee according to a statement signed by the organization Director of Communications and Media Olukayode Thomas.

Upon the payment of the registration fee of N5, 000 for the 10km race and the full marathon, intending participants can register online at www.lagoscitymarathon.com or collect registration form at the Marathon Office, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos or any of the Access Bank branches nationwide.    

Thomas said foreigners who intend to participate in the 2020 edition slated for February 8, 2020, will pay a registration fee of $US100 (One Hundred United States of America dollar only).

Thomas said the first four editions of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon was free but a fee is being introduced from 2020 so as to comply with the IAAF requirement which stipulates that all top label races must charge a participation fee.

He said 10% of the registration fee paid will be donated to five charity organizations selected by members of the public and other stakeholders.

“Payment of registration fee will enable us to raise the standard of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon to the standard of other world-class marathons like New York Marathon, Dubai, London, Chicago, and others. It will also attract many tourists to Lagos thus boosting the State's economy; especially in the areas of hospitality, transports, sales of arts and crafts and the positive stories they leave with will attract genuine investors to Lagos State in future”. Said Thomas
 

AFCON2019: Zimbabwe turn up to give some light to a glooming week of Africa football as Trezeguet shoot Egypt to a winning start

The 2019 Africa cup of Nations kicked off in Egypt on Friday after Zimbabwe players shelved their initial plan to boycott the game over demand for arrears of allowances and match fees for attending regional tournaments.

The opening match lived up to Expectations as the Zimbabweans troubled the host and never looked like a team that didn't train twenty four hours to the match. 

The host team,Egypt,were resolute and determined not to share point with Zimbabwe and they were able to counter everything Zimbabwe throw at them to treat the watching fans to sumptuous Africa football to the delight of both biased and the nuetral fans.

Though Zimbabwe lost to Trezeguet's well taken shot but both teams gave Africa biggest football competition a befitting opening match that it deserved, a soothing relieve to a tumultuous week for Africa football.

The build up to the championship wasn't the best,as CAF was in the eyes of the storm starting with the Caf Champions League final VAR saga which eventually ensured that the Competition ended in an embarrassing stalemate. 

Just before the dust settled on that,news broke on the the arrest of CAF president,Ahmad Ahmad, in France and he was questioned on corruption,financial misconduct and improper business deals on behalf of CAF to highlight the height of the division in the Camp of the 'Change' group that uprooted the formidable isa hayatou's stronghold of Africa football and Africa Football needs a divine Intervention before things fall further apart as it seems the Anchorage at the Centre is failing.

Just before kick off, FIFA intervention was timely,Fatima Samoura was appointed to lead CAF for initial six months starting from August and this move douse the tension in CAF. She is to oversee the forensic audit of CAF this will restore the integrity and honor to a Confederation fast losing it.

What a week for Africa football and its admistration,In midst of all these distractions leading to the first match, the players of Egypt and Zimbabwe still find enough motivation to give the fans something to cheer about Africa football.

#IsupportBamigbelu: Help a dying Photojournalist to raise fund for hip Surgery

Origa  Bamigbelu is a Photojournalist from Nigeria.

He has blessed the Nigeria football landscape with his numerous shots and have  captured many unforgettable moments both in the NPFL and when the Super Eagles are on duty.

He now your support to stay alive as he needs a hip replacement surgery to stay Alive.

I will like to appreciate everyone who has contributed to this cause.

We had N960,000 before the recent campaign from donations from concerned Nigerians  but as I speak now we have been able to realised
N3.6 million,but our target is N5 million.

In his words "The pains are becoming more excruciating everyday but I know that I will survive it with donations."

Join us in this #isupportBamigbelu campaign and donate funds for  Hip Replacement/Osteomyelitis surgery for a Photojournalist ._

Please help with your donations no amount is too small.

*Account Name:* *Bamigbelu Ademola* *Medical*
*Union Bank: 0048053797*

#IsupportBamigbelu

Three time Nigeria Open Champion ,Assar braces up for Bundesliga challenge

Having played in the last two seasons professionally in the French elite league for Marseille-based Istres, Omar Assar (EGY) is aware of the task ahead of him when he begins a new life in his career in the prestigious Bundesliga in Germany.

Like every athlete, who aspires to go higher in their career, Omar Assar has decided to take up the gauntlet to compete in the star-studded Bundesliga for SV Werder Bremen.

Admitting what he had to forgo to leave his former club in France, Omar Assar said: “It is hard to leave such a big and nice club as Istres in Marseille. However, I decided to take a new challenge and I am very happy with my decision.”

The three-time Nigeria Open champion will join forces with German international, Bastian Steger and Romania’s Hunor Szöcs in the club’s green colours under the coaching guidance of Cristian Tamas.

With several offers coming the way of the 2015 African Games champion, the Egyptian sensation had to consider the profile ofSV Werder Bremen coupled with the quality of the players and technical before finally making up his mind to sign the dotted lines in march this year for the 2013 Bundesliga champion.

“I had several offers from European clubs especially from Germany this year. I felt I have I improved my game and that is why many German clubs were willing to sign me,” he said.

Also, Omar Assar wanted to fulfill his childhood dream with his movement to Germany. “It has been a childhood goal and dream that I wanted to be the first Egyptian, Arab and African player to play in the best league in Europe. So I am very honoured that I am going to represent Bremen in this coming season.

“It is a great honour to be the first player from Africa to play in the modern Bundesliga and I am more excited that I have signed to a big club such as Bremen with nice people,” he added.

Omar Assar who has been training with the club in the last two months spoke glowingly about his prospect in the club. “I am so excited joining Bremen, a team that has won the league before in 2013. My targets are enormous but my first goal is to show respect to my teammates, members, fans and management of the team during the daily training and preparation for the commencement of the league. I am also hoping that I will have a good season with great attitude in my first season and I wish to perform very well in all the seasons,” Omar Assar admitted.

Africa Champions Cameroon crashed out of Russia Race as Nigeria need one more point to reach Russia

Eagles make a point in Yaounde, need one point to reach Russia

Cameroon merely delayed Nigeria’s 2018 FIFA World Cup ticket celebration even as the African champions were themselves eliminated from the race in a crunchy game that ended 1-1 in Yaounde on Monday.

In the event, the Super Eagles will qualify for their sixth FIFA World Cup finals with one point from their last two matches of the campaign.

Just as they did in Uyo on Friday, the Indomitable Lions started with some pace and passion, but they were immediately matched by a confident Super Eagles pumped up by the 4-0 thrashing of the African champions three days earlier.

As early as the 7th minute, Nigeria had started searching for the goal that would put them in the ascendancy and straight to Russia, but Sebastien Siami headed away a floated free –kick by Victor Moses.

Two minutes later, when Jean Pierre Nsame, surprisingly preferred to Vincent Aboubakar, was gifted an opportunity as Fabrice Olinga drilled the ball into Nigeria’s box, but he wasted it. In the 14th minute, Moses, full of running as he was in Uyo, earned a corner from a breezy run.

On the half hour, Nigeria got the lead that their self –assured approach deserved when Odion Ighalo, giving as much trouble to the Cameroonian defence as he did three days earlier, latched onto a Moses’ pass and got the ball into the box. It was returned, but a lurking Abdullahi Shehu floated it back, and Moses Simon rifled into the roof of Fabrice Ondoa’s net.

Ighalo and Moses threatened the Lions’ defence further, and in the second half, Nigeria continued where they left off as Moses continued to prove quite a menace to the hosts while goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa would not allow any ball past him.

On the hour mark, Cameroon coach Hugo Broos brought on Christian Bassogog and Aboubakar, which enlivened the Lions’ game, and after Moses came close to getting a second for Nigeria with a deft chip that missed narrowly, referee Papa Gassama duly pointed to the penalty spot after Ezenwa foiled Arnaud Njoum in the box in the 73rd minute. Aboubakar scored to level up.

Nigeria could have won it as Moses went for goal from a free kick in the 81st minute only to miss narrowly, and he did not direct a final effort well enough.

Yet, the Eagles deserve commendation for putting in a good shift at the Stade Omnisports Ahmadou Ahidjo, and Nigeria’s Sports Minister, Barrister Solomon Dalung, who met the players just before they left their hotel for the stadium and gave them a message of encouragement from President Muhammadu Buhari, hailed the players for their spirit and sure –footed approach.

“The Super Eagles have done very well. They have made Nigeria proud and I commend them. We are close to getting the ticket to Russia 2018.”

NFF President Amaju Pinnick expressed confidence that the Eagles would wrap up the World Cup ticket when they host Zambia in Uyo next month.

“This was the toughest World Cup qualifying group in Africa and the Super Eagles have been excellent. I praise them for their efforts since the qualifying campaign started and I want them to go for the three points against Zambia so that we wrap up the ticket quickly without further delay.

“Everyone called it the Group of Death, but we are alive to tell the story, and a very good story at that. We await Zambia and I believe the sweet story will be completed in great style.”

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."