2019 HIFL: Defending Champion UAM Tillers Ambush KUST Pyramids in Kano as Final legs of Round of 16 take Centre stage

Higher Institution Football League, HIFL returns as defending Champion University of Agriculture Maiduguri aka UAM tillers Ambush Kano State University of Technology KUST Pyramids at the KUST sports Arena wudil,kano state in one of the Week 9 matches ,and the final legs of the Round of 16 matches that will played across four centres by 4pm today.

UAM Tillers won the first leg by 2 goals to nill,and KUST Pyramids will need a clear 3 goals victory to join OAUGiants UNILORIN Warriors LASU blazers  and UNIBEN Royals in the Quarter finals

Other fixtures schedule to hold today ,Bayero University kano football team the BUK stallions will host Ahmadu Bello University's ABU nobles ,the first leg ended Goalles

University of Calabar ,UNICAL MALABITES will take 3 -1  first leg Advantage to their host Rivers State University ,RSU dolphins with the host needing a clear 2 goals victory to advance.

University of Uyo ,UNIUYO Tuskites will need to do more for them to make it to the Quarter finals, they need to overturn a 3 deficit as they host Edo State University, ESUT Explorers at the Uniuyo sports complex uyo .

The HIFL is in its second season,the collegiate football platform has been a veritable ground for talents discovery as some of the talent discovered are playing in the Nigeria professional football league,NPFL.

It is organised by pace sports and marketing in collaboration with Nigeria University Games,NUGA and sponsor by Stanbic IBTC,premier cool and Indomie Noodles

2019 HIFLWeek 6 Reviews: UAM Tillers,UNICAL and ESUT off to good home win

2018 winners of the Higher Institutions football league, University of Agriculture Maiduguri aka UAMTillers started the 2019 round of 16 stage on a brilliant note, as the 10-man team, secured a comfortable 2:0 home win over visitors kano State University State Technology aka KUST PYRAMIDS in Makurdi on Wednesday. 

UAM Tillers, who were without last season’s Most valuable player, Ebuka David, put pressure on the visitors’ despite been reduced to 10 men in the first half. 

The team finally secured two late goals to the delight of the home fans in the 74th and the 89th minute courtesy of Terkuma Abata and Attargher Job.

Elsewhere in Calabar, 2018 runners up, UNICAL MALABITES were the better side at home against Rivers State University aka RSU DOLPHINS and will be going into the return leg with a 3:1 advantage. 

Malabites’ Ngaji Ekpong put the hosts ahead in the 2nd minute, while Emmanuel Charlie and Godwin James secured the victory with goals in the 22nd and 43rd minutes respectively, Manfred Emmanuel of RSU Dolphins ensured that the visitors did not leave without a goal with his 58th minute strike. 

In Enugu, Enugu State University Technology, ESUT Explorers defeated UNIUYO TUSKITES, with a comfortable 3:0 win. Emmanuel Emmanuel, Ngene Nnamdi and Ugwu Tochukwu all shared in the spoils with goals in the 18th, 34th and 58th minutes respectively. 

In Zaria, ABU Nobles were held at home to a goalless draw by BUK Stallions, opening up the second leg for more exciting action. 

Results at a Glance:

UAM tillers 2 -0 KUST Pyramids

Unical Malabites 3 v 1 RSU Dolphins 

ESUT Explorers 3 vs 0 UNIUYO TUSKITES

ABU NOBLES 0 V 0 BUK STALLIONS

JC International academy owner blast: The future of Nigeria National team begins with imparting Grassroots coaches as the 2nd Edition of JC coaching Clinic holds in Ogun state

The need to engage grassroots coaches in training, seminars and clinics on the trend of modern day coaching has once again been brought to the fore as a veritable tool for developing Football at the grassroots level.

The needs were highlighted by the Chairman, JC International Football Academy, United States based Dr. Joseph Ogunsanya on Saturday 27th of July,2019 at the second edition of the JC coaching clinic in Papalanto, Ewekoro Local Government, Ogun State.

Coaches at the coaching clinic

Dr Ogunsaya who confirmed that the future of any country’s national team begins with imparting knowledge in the grassroots coaches appreciated his Wife for her continuous support since the dream started.

Dr Ogunsaya while reacting to questions from the media as regards his reasons for putting a lot of money, time and resources into the event said “ basically the future of Every country national team is based on the amount of coaching that is received at the grassroots ". 

The football administrator also on how he fell in love academy football and model he has in shagamu

'Long time ago, I took a US team to Sweden to play, I fell in love with what I saw in Sweden, kids were camped in a hostel, a very big pitch was in use, and then I decided that I will come up with something like that later in future, that’s the Genesis of the JC International Football Academy”.

“The Second aspect is the coaching clinic, which is strictly for the grassroot coaches, it is the second edition because I knew I need to give something back to Nigeria”.

Meanwhile one of the Clinic instructors, Head Coach of MFM FC Fidelis Ilechukwu was full of praises for the organizers, he said he was stunned to know that a gargantuan edifice for sports development was erected in that area.

On the Coaches clinic proper, Fidelis Ilechukwu said “We learn everyday, this is quite huge and massive, I must commend the organizer for the opportunity given, I initially wanted to attend as a classroom student because I believe no knowledge is lost, but then, I learnt a lot as an instructor too”.

“I am quite optimistic that the grassroot coaches have learnt a whole lot, I urge all of them to be patient and take life as it comes”.

Also in attendance were the head coach and assistant coach of Gateway United, Hakeem Busari and Shakiru Lawal and the Chairman Ogun State Football Coaches Association, Mr Olaseinde Bankole among other Football Coaches.

Hakeem Busari also heaped praises on the organizers, adding that “This clinic should come up at least twice a year, it beats my imagination and we have all learnt one thing or the other which will help us going forward”.

After the clinic proper, there was a novelty match between the coaches and players of JC International Academy which ended 1-1 at full time.

2019 NWFL Week one Review: Bayelsa whiplash Kaduna in NWPL clash as Abia, Edo, others record wins

Nigerian champions, Bayelsa Queens recorded the highest win on matchday 1 of the 2019 Nigeria Women Premier League (NWPL) which kicked off across eight centres and the four groups on Wednesday, July 24.

The Restoration Girls pummelled visitors, Kaduna Queens 3-0 at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.

Rafiat Sule scored the match opener for the Yenagoa side in the 8th minute, Joy Bokiri takes the goal tally to two in the 30th minute while Mary Anjor grabbed the winner in the 67th minute to hand the side the whole three points at stake. Sule’s eight minutes goal went down in history as the fastest goal on matchday 1 of the new league season.

Edo queens vs Dreamstars 

Elsewhere, it was not a dreamed start for the top-flight newcomers, Dream Stars Ladies as they were piped 0-1 by visiting side, Edo Queens at the Agege Stadium in Lagos. Grace Henry lone strike proved decisive to hand the Benin City amazons the league opener’s first away victory and the three points in their kitty. The presence of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) chairperson, Aisha Falode and other dignitaries did nothing to help the course of the Lagos side to get even against highly inspired and motivated Benin City side.

Confluence Queens made their home turf counts positively with two unanswered goals against visiting side, Ibom Angels at the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja. Coach Whyte Ogbonda ensured his former side went back home empty-handed to Uyo.

Kemi Famuditi scored from the penalty spot in the 29th minute to give her side the lead while Joy Michael scored the assurance goal and winner in the 57th minute.

Abia Angels defeated hard fighting first timers, Invincible Angels 2-1 in Umuahia. The Umuahia side led after eleven minutes through Grace Marcus while the Gboko side achieved parity in the 22nd minute through Favour Dagogo. Nwamaka Nneneme missed a golden opportunity to up the side goal tally from the penalty spot but Marcus rose to the occasion to make up for the loss with her second goal in the 68th minute.

Super Falcons coach Thomas dennerby enjoying the matches at one of the centre

Rivers Angels sweated to their panties to snatch a goal victory against tough side, FC Robo Queens at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt.

Nigerian captain, Evelyn Nwabuoku grabbed the much sought after goal from the penalty spot in the first half stoppage time to hand the Jewels of Rivers the whole three points in the hotly contested encounter.

Osun Babes shared the spoils goalless with visiting side, Delta Queens at the Osogbo Township Stadium.

Sunshine Queens held former champions, Nasarawa Amazons to a barren draw at the Akure Township Stadium.

Heartland Queens, too were unable to displaced visitors, Adamawa Queens as the encounter ended barren at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

NWPL matchday 1 results:

Dream Stars Ladies 0-1 Edo Queens

Osun Babes 0-0 Delta Queens

Bayelsa Queens 3-0 Kaduna Queens

Confluence Queens 2-0 Ibom Angels

Abia Angels 2-1 Invincible Angels

Rivers Angels 1-0 FC Robo Queens

Sunshine Queens 0-0 Nasarawa Amazons

Heartland Queens 0-0 Adamawa Queens.

2019HiFL : OAU,UI headline Round of 16 as hostilities return across four campuses

The 2019 Higher Institution Football League returns on Wednesday with  four mouth watering fixtures in the Round of 16 across four centres in the country .

Perhaps the biggest of them all is the much anticipated heavy weight clash between Obafemi Awolowo University ile ife football team otherwise known as the OAU giants and the University of Ibadan also known as the UI Pioneers as the exciting Higher Institution Football League, HIFL, enters week 6.

The rivalry between the  students and graduates of both schools is legendary, at every opportunity either in pubs,libraries, workplace social gathering, the debate is always about one topic.. my school is better than yours.

With pride and Ego at stake and ultimately a quarter final ticket on the table this match ticks all the boxes of a perfect matchup.

This is an opportunity for both schools to extend and proof their superiority over one another once again,as the case may be.

There will be emotions ,passions, ultimately there will undue flow of adrenaline as both sides will  battle like a prince returning from an exile, and forcefully gunning for the throne of his ancestors. 

The turf of the OAU sports complex will suffer because high level of dexterity of skills is expected to be displayed by both teams as they compete for honours. 

OAU giants are coming into the game as favourite having made last year's super 4 in Lagos,they were drawn by in the group stage hence they will be playing their first game of the season.

Playing in front of their vociferous supporters will surely boost their confidence to go all the way and the giants from ife are set to trample on the Pioneers when they show up on Wednesday.

Though UI Pioneers struggled to make it out of their group but they did enough to outscored the dreaded LASU team,the propeller which took them to the round of 16,the game no doubt lift their spirits and will surely increase them in believe that they can face any opposition in their bid to be crowned the 2019 champion.

The fact that the Pioneers played in the group stage will surely give them some edge,mistakes would have been corrected and strategy will would have perfected.

 

The die is cast, we surely  have more than a match on our hands its  battle for the kings ,a battle royal indeed.

In the  Other fixtures, the LASU Blazers will host the FUTA tigers at the ojo campus of the Eko for show team having qualified on top of their group at the Ibadan centre the lasuites are dangerously poised to blast past the tigers from Akure.

Uniben Royals have a great first round performance and they will be high in confidence to face the FUTMINNA Transformers, another side that are not push overs when it comes to inter collegiate football in the country.

While it's going to be Royal rumble in Ilorin the Uniilorin warriors will take on Federal University of Oye Ekiti football team ,better known as FUOYE dazzlers.

The winner of these match over two legs  will proceed to the quarter finals competition as the return leg will take place in a fortnight. 

The HIFL is organised by Pace sports and marketing and proudly sponsored by Stanbic IBTC,premier cool and Indomie

Ann Chiejine upbeat as Abia Angel's takes on tricky invincible Angles

Abia Angels head coach, Ann Agumanu-Chiejine has said her side are quite ready for the testy and tricky season’s opener against newcomers, Invincible Angels.

The Umuahia side will confront debutants from Makurdi in Wednesday’s Nigeria Women Premier League (NWPL) Group D matchday 1 clash at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

The 2018/19 NWPL abridged season is due to commence on Wednesday at the various centres among the four groups.

Agumanu-Chiejine said though her side lost substantial number of players to competitors in the out gone season the rookies are damn ready to give the top-flight campaign the necessary push it deserves.

“Abia Angels are ready for the 2018/19 NWPL season as well as the starter against newcomers, Invincible Angels on Wednesday in Umuahia.

“However, worthy of note is the fact that we lost 19 key players to our rivals at the end of last season.

“We will be parading bunch of greenhorns and unknown players in the premier league though we are determined to make them known prior to the end of the season.

“I always believe that what make a coach worth his/her onion is ability to bring unknown players to limelight and stardom.

“We combed the length and breadth of the grassroots and villages to shop for rookies who will be debuting in the premier league for the first time.

“They are hungry for action and we are well primed to make them superstars at the end of the league campaign.

“Their first test is the clash against Invincible Angels and they have promised to start the campaign on a winning note,” said the former Nigerian shot stopper.

Agumanu-Chiejine insisted that her side will make amend this time around the side near miss of the Super 4 cut last season.

“Abia Angels narrowly missed the Super 4 spot in the out gone season, it’s still our target to play in the Super 4 this time around.

“I pray the players will play strictly to instruction throughout the season’s campaign to be able to top their group to earn the slot,” said the former Nigerian assistant coach.

Abia Angels will campaign for the prime position in Group D together with newcomers and matchday 1 opponents, Invincible Angels, Confluence Queens and Ibom Angels.

NWPL matchday 1 fixtures:

Rivers Angels Vs. FC Robo Queens

Osun Babes Vs. Delta Queens

Dreamstars Ladies Vs. Edo Queens

Heartland Queens Vs. Adamawa Queens

Bayelsa Queens Vs. Kaduna Queens

Sunshine Queens Vs. Nasarawa Amazons

Confluence  Queen Vs. Ibom Angels

Abia Angels Vs. Invincible Angels

JC coaching Clinic to hold on Saturday as Fidelis Ilechukwu confirmed participation

Olympic Eagles assistant coach and MFM FC of Lagos gaffer, Fidelis Ilechukwu will grace this year' JC Coaching Clinic as guest coach,the organiser of the annual coaching clinic program have confirmed.

The MFM gaffer will share some of his success stories with some grassroot coaches that will be attending this year's JC Coaching Clinic.

According to Dr. Joseph Ogunsanya,

Chairman of JC International Football Academy and the coaching  Programme Coordinator 

 "Based on his experience from Grassroot to the level he is at the moment, he will be giving time to impact his skills on coaches that are attending the clinic."

Camara as the MFM's coach is fondly called is delighted to part of the coaching course billed for Last Saturday in July at the JC international stadium along papalanto/shagmu Road.

 "I'm delighted to be part of the JC Coaching Clinic, I like new challenges and been busy all the time. That the  Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) is in it off-season shouldn't mean one can learn a new thing.

"Not minding my A-list Coach status, am ready to learn from any coach as football gives back to one, what he/she has given to it.

"Coaching is symbiotic as we learn new things in the beautiful game, and new things happen everyday.

"The new things could be training methods, playing, marking patterns, attack and defence formats, scoring and defending set-pieces."

The program will be facilitated by coach Akeem Busari and Coach Olaseinde Bankole and it will feature Basic Coaching, coaching methodology, professionalism, care and prevention of injuries as well as admistration of first aid.

The program will run for 9 hours will also feature concussion of playing football and classroom training .

The one day coaching event is billed for the JC Stadium Papalanto- Shagamu, Ogun State on July 27,2019 from 8am to 9pm.

For enquiries about participation interested grassroots coach can call 08027602428,09059883585