SORIOLA IN FOR MOHAMMED

Defender Gege Soriola has been called up to the Super Eagles as replacement for Yusuf Mohammed.

The Al Hilal fullback was forced to withdraw from the squad with injury.

Soriola was one of the stars of this month's WAFU Cup where the team of domestic Super Eagles reached the Final despite a lack of preparation.

Soriola was one of the standout players from the tournament, although he blotted his copybook with a mindless challenge in the Final that earned him a red card, and ultimately cost his team the title.

Sixteen Eagles In First Training Session.

Sixteen players were involved in the Super Eagles first training session on Monday at the Main Bowl of the National Stadium in Abuja following a flurry of arrivals earlier in the day.

Missing were Taye Taiwo, Yusuf Ayila, Joel Obi, Nnamdi Oduamadi, Ahmed Musa, Peter Utaka, Fengor Ogude and Gege Soriola.

All but Taiwo, Ayila and Oduamadi who has been released to the Under 23 team, later joined the squad at the hotel. Also arriving on Monday night was assistant coach Simon Kalika.

Coach Samson Siasia suppervised the training session, assisted by Salisu Yusuf, while Ike Shorunmu worked with the goalkeepers.

The team trains again on Tuesday evening, but this session is expected to be open for only the first 15 minutes.

Chess Height Holds On Saturday.

Nigeria’s most consistent chess tournament is set to hold next Saturday June 4 at the Sports Center of University of Lagos.

The tournament is open to participation of all members of the general public.

Several top players have indicated interest in showing up including Fide Master Olamide Ajibowo who won the last edition and is currently the most sensational player in the country across different tournaments.

The OAU Ile-Ife graduate who distinguishingly represented the country at the last chess Olympic will be challenged by the likes of Bunmi Olape, a top ten Nigeria player for the past 14 years and Charles Campbell who is noted for making few mistakes at the board.

Other contenders include Dapo Odugbesan, Toyin Jegede and Olaonipekun Agusto.

The major sponsor of the event is Honourable Wasiu Sanni-Eshinlokun, the chairman of Lagos Island Local Government.

Another sponsor, Yemi Abioye, is offering a prize to any unknown player who places in the first to fifth position.

Fashanu Supports 1 Game.

Former England striker John Fashanu has announced that he was giving his full support and commitment to the 1 GAME: Football without Violence campaign, stressing that it was “vital” for the growth of the game at all levels.

The UNICEF Ambassador called 1 GAME founder Philip Obaji to inform him of his pledge to the campaign shortly after speaking on the same issue on Cool FM “Football Fans Time Show” on Saturday morning in Abuja.

“I am honoured to support 1 GAME. I will join you at any time to campaign against violence. This initiative is vital for the growth of football. I am 100% part of it and to raise awareness on the dangers of football violence around the world is truly amazing.”

The 48 year old former Wimbledon and Aston Villa forward added: “I will speak to everybody I can on this issue. I will inform my colleagues, past and present footballers, administrators and the common man on the street. We must join hands and eradicate violence from the game.”

Born on 18 September 1962 in Kensington, London, Fashanu is a British television presenter and ex-footballer of Nigerian (paternal) and Guyanese (maternal) descent. He played most of his career in the United Kingdom. Fashanu represented England at full International level gaining two caps — against Chile and Scotland in a friendly tournament in May 1989.

Fashanu's last game, was on 4 February 1995 away at Manchester United in a Premiership game with his then club Aston Villa in a match they lost 1–0. He went in for a tackle with Ryan Giggs but snapped his achilles and was stretchered off and never played a professional game again. He retired at the end of the season.

He joins a list of high profile celebrities that include Jamaican Reggae Star Shaggy, R & B duo P-Square and Hip-hop sensation Durella who have publicly made a pledge to support 1 GAME.

Adefemis, Shade, Others Storm Olubayo’s Grave Today

Determined to celebrate the times and life of the failing Super Eagles defender, Olubayo Adefemi, his family members will today pay a visit to the grave side of the late footballer.

Late Adefemi’s senior brother, Abiodun Adefemi informed,Sportsweight.blogspot.com that the programme was put together to honour the Olubayo,stressing that it is the forty one days that the family lost Olubayo and it is important to celebrate him.

Abiodun Adefemi, who thanked friends, family, sports journalists and Nigerians that stood with them during Oubayo's death, said OLubayo's fiancee Shade and Bayo’s friends have assured that they would be present at the programme.

Olubayo lost his life in a car crash on the 18th of April,2011 in Greece while on his way to catch his flight in Airport to finalise his wedding plan.

NBBF Grant Lagos Hosting Right

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has awarded the hostting of the 2010/2011 post season playoffs to the Lagos bidding teams.

The Lagos bid is said to be unique as it will be the first time since the coming of the premier league that more than one team will bid to stage the playoffs tagged ‘The Fibal-8 playoffs.

NBBF president, Tijjani Umar says Lagos was awarded the hosting right after a careful study of the bid documents submitted by all the bidders and that of Lagos meet the requirement of the federation.

He challenge the Lagos-teams to match their words with actions as the final-8 playoffs is the climax of the DStv Premier Basketball League and must surpass or equal what was witnessed at the 2009/2010 finals in Port Harcourt last year.

The Lagos bidding team gave assurance that the 2010/2011 playoffs will be the best ever.

Bid spokesman, Ayo Bakare of Comets basketball club and logistics officer Rotimi Savage of Union Bank basketball club says they are on top of the bid and will not disappoint the federation and basketball fans when the playoffs dunk-off on June 20 through the buzzer on June 27.

Eight clubs are already waiting to sweat it out for the title with defending champion Kano Pillars basketball club leading the challenge from the Savannah conference and the only team that did not drop any game all through the regular season of the 2010/2011 campaign.

Other teams in the race for the diadem include Kada Stars basketball club of Kaduna, Yelwa Hawks and Bauchi Nets basketball clubs of Bauchi, leading the challenge from the Atlantic conference is 2009/2010 third place finisher, Union Bank basketball club of Lagos last season runner-up Royal Hoopers basketball club of Port Harcourt former league champion Comets basketball club who is staging a come back to the post season after winning the league shield in 2003 and 2006 Africa Champions Cup third place side, Dodan Warriors basketball club of Lagos.

The eight teams will be divided into two groups with one of the host side Union Bank basketball club and defending champion and Savannah conference leader being seeded.

Nigerien officials to handle Guinness The Match

The referees for Wednesday’s high-profile international friendly football match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Argentina’s senior team will come from Niger Republic.

Officials revealed on Sunday that Ibrahim Chaibou, a FIFA-graded referee of many years, will be Centre Referee with Itinni Haman as 1st Assistant Referee.

The 2nd Assistant Referee is Abdoulaye Mamane while Nigerian FIFA-graded official Bunmi Ogunkolade will work as the Fourth Official.

Wednesday’s clash at the National Stadium, Abuja, for which a total of 25,000 tickets are up for sale at the sum of N2,500 each.

It is the fifth clash between both countries at senior level.

Samson Siasia, presently Nigeria’s Head Coach, is the only man to have scored against Argentina at senior level, in the 1-2 loss to the Diego Maradona-led to the Argies at the Foxboro Stadium, Massachusetts, USA at the 1994 FIFA World Cup.

However, Nigerians retain good memories of a 3-2 win over the South Americans in the gold medal match of the 1996 Olympics Men’s Football Tournament in Atlanta, USA.

Meanwhile,A pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Guinness The Match will hold on Tuesday at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

The event, to be anchored by famous television journalist, Aisha Falode, will start at 11am.

Argentina, whose team arrived in Nigeria’s Federal Capital, Abuja on Sunday evening, will have at the practice pitch of the National Stadium between 3.30pm and 5.30pm on Monday.

The Super Eagles, who will hit camp on Monday, will have their first training session at the same venue between 5.30pm and 7.30pm of the same day. Both sessions will be open to the media.

Tuesday’s training sessions, which will see both teams train at the mainbowl of the National Stadium, will be closed, with media presence allowed only for the first 15 minutes. Argentina will train first from 3pm to 5pm.

Argentina Arrive For Guinness The Match

A 30-man delegation of Argentina’s national senior football team landed on Sunday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja aboard Lufthansa Airline aircraft ahaed of fisrt of June, International friendly at the Abuja, National Stadium..

The delegation left Buenos Aires on Saturday and spent only one hour at in Franfurt before boarding the flight to Abuja on Sunday.

The playing body was led by Manchester City ace Pablo Zabaletta.

The team's General Manager, Hernan Tofoni, said the delegation was impressed by the ease with which members passed through immigration at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and looked forward to a good stay and a great match at the National Stadium, Abuja on Wednesday evening.

Wednesday’s Guinness The Match, the biggest international friendly for the Nigeria senior team since a clash with five-time world champions Brazil in June 2003, will start at 7pm.

Enyimba, Pillars contest for glittering trophy

Activities leading up to Sunday’s inauguration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will hit fever pitch this evening with a football match between CAF Champions League trophy aspirants Enyimba FC of Aba and Kano Pillars at the National Stadium, Abuja.

Organizers have thrown in the extra incentive of a glittering trophy and the match is expected to be explosive from start to finish.

Two of the biggest football clubs in the country will set alight the National Stadium mainbowl from 6pm, with President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo expected to be in attendance. President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari will present the two teams to President Jonathan before kick-off under floodlight.

The President will lead a large delegation of government officials, cabinet ministers, captains of industry, members of the Diplomatic Corp and other dignitaries who will sit inside the Presidential Box.

A number of Heads of State and Governments from other countries, who will attend Sunday’s inauguration of President Jonathan, are also expected to be on hand.

The Presidential Inauguration Ceremonies Committee has perfected plans for an entertaining evening at the mainbowl, one of the most impressive football arenas in Africa.

Officials say star musicians, including ‘Koko Master’ D’Banj would be on hand from the early afternoon to keep the fans rollicking and comfortable.

Saturday’s visit will be the first time that President Jonathan will visit the arena since becoming the country’s number one citizen a little over a year ago. He is however, familiar with the structure as a regular guest while he was Vice President.

Enyimba FC will be clad in all-white while Kano Pillars will dorn their familiar yellow stripes. Last night at the pre-match meeting, officials of both teams expressed gratitude for the honour done their clubs to play for the President.

Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation and a former Team Manager of the National Senior team, Chief Mike Umeh will be the Match Commissioner. Centre Referee is Benjamin Ode, with Bosede Momoh as 1st Assistant and Anthony Gbileka as 2nd Assistant. The Fourth Official is Joseph Okeke.

All-Stars F.C commends NFF

The All-Stars Football Club of Abuja has heaped praises on the present NFF administration for its focus, diligence and commitment to the growth of Nigeria football.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the NFF President, Aminu Maigari, president of the club of former star players, Barrister Austel Elumelu said that his body was solidly behind the Maigari administration, and urged anyone who had issues with the NFF to go through the right channels.

Responding on behalf of the NFF President, Deputy General Secretary, Technical, Emmanuel Ikpeme thanked the All-Stars team for its visit and pledge of loyalty, and promised that the present NFF administration would continue to pursue policies and programmes that will ultimately lift Nigeria football to higher heights.

“We have no doubt about the integrity of the Members of NFF Executive Committee and Management Staff, and we will continue to support their policies and programmes because these are geared towards developing the Nigeria game.

“We are in full support of this board that has already recorded several successes despite being steeped in contrived crises”, said Elumelu.

Those on the delegation were its president, Barrister Austel Elumelu, vice president Auwal Salel, secretary general Victor Amadi, technical adviser Musa Garba, assistant technical adviser Aniete Ukoh, treasurer Onyekaba Chuwkuma and media officer Bashorun Olatubosun.

NFF: Maigari Was Not Detained

The Nigeria Football Federation,NFF,has denied reports in some national dailies that its President,Aminu Maigari, was detained at the Force Headquarters, Abuja on Wednesday in relation to a court order annulling the NFF Executive Committee elections of August 26, 2010.

Its General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu said that Maigari was invited to a meeting with the Police and granted same, in an atmosphere of mutual respect and concord.

“The NFF President, Alhaji Aminu Maigari had very useful discussions at Force Headquarters on Wednesday afternoon, before heading to Bauchi to attend to his sick wife. He was never at any time detained by the police.

“This statement is necessary in order to put the records straight”, said Amadu.

Sunshine’s Win Does Not Bother Dolphins.

Dolphins F.C Manager, Stanley Eguma, has said that the victory of Sunshine Stars of Akure against Bukola Babes does not bothered him.

Sunshine Stars has two points behind Dolphins F.C

Eguma said during the week that he would be distracted if he keeps looking behind him at the progress of Sunshine Stars, stressing that his priority is to continue to win his league matches in abid to lift the trophy.

Dolphins currently lead the pack with fifty points from 22 matches while Sunshine are a close second with 48 points from the same number of matches.

If Dolphins win the League it will be their third time as League winners having previously won in 1997 and 2004.

Sunshine Stars have never won the Nigerian League.

Meanwhile the club's midfielder, Victor Babayaro says his eyes are set on the prize which according to him is not just one.

Babayaro wants to win his first ever league title of his career as well as return to the national team.

Babayaro joined Dolphins in 2005 and has won the FA Cup twice in 2006 and 2007 but is yet to win a League title.

NOA Commends Ogba

The Nigeria Olympians Association, N.O.A,has expressed gratitude and appreciation to the President of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria, Chief Solomon Ogba, for his support for the body.

Its President, Henry Amike, who made this statement , said the Association was grateful to the AFN President who fulfiled his promise of completing the Association's secretariat with the state of the art furniture

Chief Ogba, who is also the Second Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, NOC, recently undertook to finish the secretariat of the Olympians body located at the first floor of the National Stadium Complex, Surulere, Lagos.

A letter dated May 24, 2011, and signed by the secretary of NOA, Superintendent of Police Sunday Bada, noted the contributions of Ogba to sports development in the country and thanked him for being a friend to the Nigerian athletes.

Kaduna United Plays ESS On Saturday

Kaduna United will tomorrow play Entente Sportive Setif of Algeria as scheduled by the Confederation of African Football.

Kaduna United, who arrived Algiers on Wednesday by Turkey Air, was move to Setif for the encounter by a local plane about 35 minutes on air.

When commending on the reception of their team, the club Head of Media Abdulrahman Tonga said, their host received them with hospitality, but complained on how the host denies providing them with a training pitch.

He also called on Kaduna United fans and all the football lovers in the country to pray for their victory in tomorrow’s match, adding that all the players are in good condition to play the Saturday game.

D’Tigers open camp with 16 players

In a bid to better it 5th placement at the 25th edition of the African Cup of Nations also known as Afrobasket for Men the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has mapped out a 3-day preparatory exercise for the nation’s senior national team, D’Tigers with mixture of home-based players and few other who ply their trade in the Middle East and other part of the continent.

The camp which will be conducted by the two coaches who qualified Nigeria for the continent biggest basketball showpiece, Coaches Sani Ahmed and Adeka Daudu has sixteen players.

The players conprises reigning DStv Premier Basketball League most valuable player, Abubakar Usman of Kano Pillars basketball club also includes Ibrahim Yusuf, Mathew Omonya and Onyeka Okeke from the Pillars, Kada Stars basketball club of Kaduna has Abubakar Yusuf and Abdulwahab Yahaya while Abel Baraya was called up from relegated Plateau Peaks basketball club of Jos.

Three Royal Hoopers basketball club of Port Harcourt made the call-up to the Abuja camp of D’Tigers they include, Michael Ohiero, Musa Usman and Azuoma Dike; Mohammed Bukar made the list from Dodan Warriors basketball club of Lagos; Orseer Ikyaator from Comets basketball club of Lagos and Onyeka Ekpete from Union Bank basketball club of Lagos.

The three included players who play professional basketball in the Middle East and other parts of Africa are Stanley Gumut (Libya); Edem Ekpeyong (Kuwait) and Boniface Synasius.

The players are to have two practice session daily between June 2 and 4 at the sports hall of the Abuja national stadium.

Playoffs Get June 20-27 Date

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has accepted the proposed date of June 20 through 27 date recommended by the federation League Board.

According to the President of the Nigeria federation, Tijjani Umar that the date was approved after the successful completion of the regular last Sunday in the Savannah conference of the DStv Premier Basketball League.

The NBBF President the date is to give all eight teams that qualified for the playoffs time to prepare adequately while venue for the playoffs will be made public soon.

“Date for the final-8 playoffs is most important to the teams and sponsor and that is what we have done by announcing the date so that the qualified clubs can begin preparation while our sponsor (MultiChoice Nigeria) will start to work towards that date from it end.

“Though the venue is also important but the board is taking a last minute look at the bidders before announcing the venue which will be make public soon.

Meanwhile qualifiers from the Savannah conference emerged at the weekend with defending champion, Kano Pillars basketball club who make a mince meat of city rival Nigeria Immigration basketball club in the last regular season game decided at the sports hall of the Sani Abacha stadium, Kofar mata, Kano by 115-54 points and kept a clean slate throughout the regular season.

Other qualifiers includes Kada Stars with 11-3 record, Yelwa Hawks basketball club of Bauchi 10-4 and Bauchi Nets basketball club 7-7 records.


Atlantic conference has Union Bank basketball club of Lagos 13-1, Royal Hoopers basketball club of Port Harcourt 12-2, Comets basketball club of Lagos 9-5 and Dodan Warriors basketball club of Lagos 8-6 records in that order.

MTN Lagos Street Soccer Ends On Saturday

The stage is set for the final stage of the MTN/Lagos Street Soccer Season 4 tagged “Legacy Edition” with his mascot called Horse (Esin ) scheduled for Saturday 28th May at the Campos Mini Stadium with the emergence of the 8 finalists.

The 8 teams that will be in the final stage (1/4 final, Semi & Final) are as follows: Agarawu Street, Lagos Island West, Amuda Street: Ignado/Ikotun Local government, Ajele Street; Lagos Island West and Koilo Street 2, Lagos Island.

Others are; Apalara street, Igando Ikotun Local Government, Ireti Street, Yaba Local Government and Koilo Street 1 Lagos Island.

The eight teams will play in a round robbin same day to determine the overall champion at a carnival like final which will have the State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) in attendance.

The overall champion will take N5million while the runners-up pocket N3million and the 2nd runners-up N2million naira and foreign trips of South Africa, Dubai and Gambia respectively.

Information available to the media from the Main Organising Committee assured of a hitch free final and urged spectators to troop out en-masse to see good football saying adequate security have been guaranteed.

LSBA Hosts Youth Camp

Bout 250 youths are expected to participate in this year’s edition of the 3 day Basketball Camp, tagged “Youth Alive 2011” holding at Rowe Park Centre, Yaba, being sponsored by Deepbond Global Limited.

The camp which is for youth between the ages of 12-23 years will take place between 26th – 28th May from 9:00am – 5pm daily.

Uthman Ola-Okunnu, Secretary Lagos Basketball Association (LSBA) stated in a press release made available to the media Wednesday at the National Stadium that the camp which is in conjunction with Deeepbond Global Limited is developmental programme aimed towards self discovering, role of education in sports, te spiritual growth which make existence meaningful and most importantly to use sports (Basketball) to reach out to the youth.

He further informed that; Mr. Ganiyu Otenigbagbe would be the camp Director while Mr. Gbade Olatona of the Deepbond Global Limited is named the programme co-ordinator.

NRA Assures Maigari of Total Support

The full executive body of the Nigeria Referees Association was on hand Wednesday at the Secretariat of the Nigeria Football Federation to pledge total support for the present administration headed by Alhaji Aminu Maigari, and warn disgruntled elements to channel their grievances to the right places.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the NFF President, NRA President Ahmed Maude said his body fully supported the programmes and projects of the Nigeria Football Federation and would continue to do so.

“We are fully behind you and your Executive Committee and Management as you steer the wheel of Nigeria football. Whoever has problems or grievances should go through the right channels. Whoever wishes to on the Executive Committee should go and read the Statutes and know how to navigate his way lawfully and democratically”, said Maude.

Deputy President of the body, Alhaji Tade Azeez stated that crisis would always rear its head and that crisis is part of development.

The NRA chieftains then pleaded for greater security at match venues for the safety match officials.

NFF President Maigari thanked them and assured that the Nigeria Football Federation would always carry them along in its programmes. He also commended the remarkable improvement in officiating of matches across the country.

With the NRA President were Deputy President Tade Azeez, vice presidents Dave Egho and Dr. Omoiyoho, secretary general Alhaji M. O. Oluwa, deputy secretary general Col. Olatoye, assistant secretary general Felix Badejo, financial secretary Elder Olokor, deputy financial secretary Alhaji Fowomola, treasurer Waziri Gawe Furo, training officer Agba Agba, deputy training officer Akure Mike, publicity secretary S. J. Adebisi, welfare officer Ben Igwe and one-time NRA President, now FIFA Referees advisor Linus Mba.

Falcons depart for final training camp

The National Women’s football team, Super Falcons on Wednesday departed for Saalfelden, Austria, venue of a four-week training camp that will usher the African champions into the 6th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals starting in Germany next month.

A team of 16 players and the full technical and administrative crew flew out of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Wednesday night aboard a Lufthansa Airline flight, with intensive drills and quality friendly matches to look ahead to.

There will be 26 players at the training camp, with nine foreign-based professionals set to join up from different parts of Europe and midfielder Evelyn Nwabuoku billed to re-unite with the group in Europe whenever she gets her visa.

Nigeria play France in their first match of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Sinsheim on 26th June, with games against hosts Germany in Frankfurt on 30th June and against Canada in Dresden to follow in Group A.

Shock defeat in the hands of Ghana’s Black Queens that meant elimination from the 10th All-Africa Games scheduled for Mozambique in September has been a sort of rude awakening, and NFF President Aminu Maigari on Wednesday instructed officials to ensure everything that is necessary is done to prepare the team adequately for the global showpiece.

Those who travelled from Abuja on Wednesday night included goalkeepers Precious Dede, Alaba Jonathan, Tochukwu Oluehi and Ogochukwu Kenechukwu, defenders Josephine Chukwunonye, Onome Ebi, Blessing Edoho, Osinachi Ohale, midfielders Esther Sunday, Francisca Ordega, Ebere Orji, Rebecca Kalu and Glory Iroka, and forwards Amenze Aighewi, Stella Mbachu and Desire Oparanozie.

Defenders Faith Ikidi, Ulunma Jerome and Helen Ukaonu, midfielders Uchechi Sunday, Emueje Ogbiagbevha, Ogonna Chukwudi and Rita Chikwelu and forwards Sarah Michael and Perpetua Nkwocha will join the squad in Austria.

The officials are: Eucharia Uche (Head Coach), Bala Nikyu (Asst. Coach), Bala Mohammed (Asst. Coach), Thomas Obliers (Technical Assistant), Omoye Akhigbe (Team Doctor), Chichi Okere (Physiotherapist), Ruth David (Secretary) and Mary Oboduku (Equipment Manager).

Tunde Popoola Heads HeroSports Board.

The Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee,NOC,Tunde Popoola, has been appointed as the chairman of advisory board of Herosports Newspaper, a Lagos based media outfit.

Speaking at the inauguration of the board recently in Lagos, the publisher of the sports paper, Sheriff Owolabi Bada said the choice of Popoola was a good one as he is seen as "Serving General" who has garnerd experience over the years as an athlete as well as sports administrator.

Popoola who presently runs as the manager of Union Bank sports branch and secretary General of Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) is expected o move the organisation forward with arrays of experienced businessmen and sports personalities.

Others who will be running the affairs of the outfit with him includes, Chief Abdul-Razak Akanni, Ayo Bada, Tunde Sulaimon, Chief Mrs. Falilat Ogunkoya, Kazim Oladipupo Bada, Alhaji Muhammed Bala Shagari, Reverend Jasmiel Samuel, Alhaji Nasir Muhammed, and Sheriff Owolabi Bada,

Kenyan officials for Dream Team

Kenyan officials will take charge of the 2012 Olympic Games qualifying match between Nigeria and Tanzania at the National Stadium, Dar es Salaam on Sunday next week.

Sylvester Kirwa will be the Centre Referee, with Peter Njenga Kiereini as 1st Assistant and Aden Range Marwa as 2nd Assistant. The 4th official is Davies Ogenche Omweno, also from Kenya.

Sahilu Gebrewold Gebremariam from Ethiopia will be the Match Commissioner.

The winner of the two-leg fixture will qualify for the eight-team mini-tournament that will take place in a yet-to-be-named country in December, from where the top three teams will qualify for the 2012 Olmypics Men’s Football Tournament, with the fourth-placed team playing off against a team from Asia.

The Dream Team is set to depart for Costa Rica on Thursday through Spain, aboard Iberia Airline flight, for an international friendly against the Costa Rica senior team on Sunday, 29th May. The team will return to Nigeria on Wednesday, 1st June and then fly to Tanzania on Friday, 3rd June for the Olympics qualifier.

Tickets go on sale in Abuja

Tickets for the much-hyped international friendly football match between the Super Eagles and Argentina’s senior team will go on sale from Wednesday, 25th June at the offices of the Nigeria Football Federation and a few other outlets in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Officials confirmed on Tuesday that only 25,000 tickets (Category A) will be sold for the high-profile friendly at the 60,000-capacity venue, one of the most maginificent football stadiums in Africa. A good number of the remaining seats would be won through on-going promotions by sponsors, Guinness, while the rest would be reserved for Government officials, dignitaries and other guests.

The tickets are going for N2,500. VIP tickets are not be for sale.

Apart from the offices of the Nigeria Football Federation, tickets can be purchased at Old Parade Ground, Paradise Restaurant (opposite AP Plaza, Wuse II), Mr. Biggs Restaurant (Kubwa, Gwarimpa), Assets Garden (opposite Garki hospital), Bridge-Hart Solution (opposite Court, Kubwa), Stop Over Spot, Durumi and Drum Stix.

In other States of the federation, tickets can be purchased at the Zenith Bank branches. NFF officials have also confirmed that a number of tickets would be sent to the offices of the Football Association in the States for easier reach of fans.

Four members of the Argentine delegation are expected in Abuja on Saturday while the delegation from Argentina will arrive on Sunday. Ten players of the Argentine team will fly into Abuja on Monday.

Members of the Nigeria senior team, Super Eagles have been handed a deadline of 1pm on Monday to report to the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

A pre-match press conference will hold at the Transcorp Hilton hotel on Tuesday.

CBN Splashes Six.Eight Million Naira On Tennis Players

All is now set for the Thirty third edition of the Central Bank of Nigeria Senior Open Tennis Championship scheduled to stroke off this Friday till 4th of June, 2011, at the tennis courts of the National Stadium Surulere as the apex bank has reviewed the total prize money fro six million to six point eight million Naira.

Speaking at the media briefing heralding the 33rd edition of the annual CBN Tennis Cup at the media centre of the National Stadium, Surulere, the bank's Director, Governor's Department who was represented by Abdulahi Mohammed, said the tourney has become an important event in the NTF's caendar of activites which all tennis players, fans and stakeholders anticipate with enthusiasm.

While mentioning Sadiq Abdullahi, David Imonite, Remi Osho, Sunday Maku, Veronica Oyibokia, Magret Olagundoye, Clara Usofa as some of the skillful tennis players the competition had produced, stressing that the annual tennis tournament has become a selection ground for budding talents that have featured in the Davis Cup and All African Games.

Mohammed, who sees the partnership between the apex bank and Nigeria Tennis Federation,NTF, as the bank's Corporate Social Responsibility to contribute positively to the development of tennis in Nigeria., explained that the winners of last year's edition in the male and female categories Emmanuel Sunday and Fatima Abinu were sponsored to participate in the Tennis Training Academy in the Netherlands from March to May, 2011.

He said the CBN Junior Tennis Tournament was fashioned to serve as a feeder to the Senior Championship as it is open to boys and girls , adding that CBN in conjunction with the NTF had re- introduced the mixed doubles in the tourney after a long period of fifteen years.

In his usual character, the first Vice President of NTF, Yemi Omoseni, who represented the Federation's President, Sanni Ndanusa, commended the apex bank for its commitment towards development of tennis for thirty three years which had added value to the sport in the Junior and Senior categories.

According to Omoseni, the international exposure of Emmanuel Sunday and Fatima Abinu to top international Tennis Tournamments was to help the tennis players to garner point on the ITF ranking and also to aspire to play in the Grand Slam.

The NTF First Vice President, said the kind gesture of CBN in organisin a regular Junior Tennis Tournaments had helped Nigeria to improve on her perfromance at the just concluded African Junior Tennis Championship held in Gaborone, Botswana, in April, 2011.

He told sports journalist that this year's edition would serve as a measure of inviting tennis players to camp in preparation for the All African Games, stressing that best ten tennis players each in the male and female categories would be selected from the competition as he explained that eight tennis playrs in the male and female cadres would make he list to the All African Games.

Our correspondent, reports that Emmanuel Sunday won the Men's Singles event, Fatimah Abinu carted away the Ladies Singles trophy as the dou of Candy Idoko and Shehu Lawal smiled homewith the Men's Double trophy just as Fatima Abinu and Omotayo Ibrahim got the Ladies Singles award.

Daniel Uchechi Promise Better Outing.

Leicester and Nigeria's Olympic team midfielder, Daniel Uchechi,has said that the team would miss the scoring skills of Warri Wolves striker, Ekigho Ehiosun, in the matche against Coastal Rica.

The team which observed an evening training session on Tuesday at the National Stadium, Surulere,under he supervision of Ben Iroha, Stanley Eguma and Alloy Agwu as the team would depart Nigeria on Thursday.

Uchechi, said te Warri Wolves striker has a special skills in goal scoring and h has been instrumental to the victories recorded so far in the matches played so far in the Olympic Games and All African Games qualifiers, adding that his exclussion would not deprieve them from winning the Tanzanian crucial match but spur them to victory.

The football player, said the Coasta Rica friendly tie came at the right time as well as the Gombe United tie as it would serve as a preparation for the Tanzania match, stressing that the Tanzanian squad had shown good commitment having defeated Cameroon

Eguma, Iroha Promise To Sustain Wining Streak.

The technical crew of Nigeria's Olympic team, has assured that the team would sustain its wining streak in the match against Tanzania in a bid to scale trough the qualifying round.

The team's assisitant coach, Stanley Eguma, said the Tanzania squad were not a push over and it would be wise to design a tactics that would create scoring chances as the team watchword towards the match is hard work and determination.

Eguma, said the team had been charged not to allow complacency to ovveride their chances of qualifying for the All African Games and the Olympic Games in 2012.

In his view, Ben Iroha,as Assistant Coach, explained that the friendly tie against Gombe United on Sunday in Gombe and the forthcoming riendly against Coasta Rica would motivate the football players to stand a better chance to win the Tanzanianc match.

Ojo Onaolapo Wants Governor Mimiko To Boost His Career.

Head Coach of the Ondo State Table Tennis Association, Omoniyi Adedotun, has called on Governor OLusegun Mimiko, to assist the Nigerian and African number one Junior Table tennis player, Ojo Onaolapo, to feature in the forthcoming World Junior Table Tennis Championship in Hon Kong.

Adedotun, who praised the Ondo State Governor for improving the standard of sports, said Onaolapo who hails from Akure South ocal Government has been the pride of the state, Nigeria and Africa, having won many laurels in table tennis tournaments approved by the International Table Tennis Federation,ITTF,thus he needs to attend regular competitions to be in good form to make the country proud.

While being optimistic that Onaolapo would wn a Gold medal in the Men's Singles event at the National Sports Festival in Rivers State, the coach said Onaolapo would had scale through the semi final clash of the African Junior Championship because he could not afford a butterfly racket,stressing that the Tunisian ping ponger who beat him have access to regular international tournaments.

According to him, the International Table Tennis Federation, ITTF, has ranted Onaolapo scholarship but the young pingponger still need financial help of Ondo State Government to keep his dream of becoming the world's number One Junior champion..

SWAN Inaugurates Electoral Committee.

The Lagos Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN,has inaugurated a five man electoral committee for the Association's 2011 eection.

Francis Ehikhase of Voice of Nigeria stands as the Chairman, Humphrey Nwosu of Supersport.com is the Secretary while Gowon Akpodonor of Gaurdian Newspapaer, Bl;essing NNwosu of Silverbird Television and Bunmi Ogunyale of Compass Newspaper are members.

While speaking, the Committee's Chairman, Ehikhase, promised to conduct a hitch free election that would usher in a credible candidates that steer the Association in the next three years.

The present Executive members of Niyi Oyeleke's administration should have been dissolve in April but the constitution allows for an extension of three months, thus the board would be dissolved in July.

Dolphins Suspends Edward.

Dolphins defensive midfielder, Iyowuna Edward has been suspended indefinitely by the club.

On Saturday, 7th May, 2011 after the Rivers State FA Cup final between Sharks and Dolphins, the manager of Dolphins, Stanley Eguma was beaten up by hoodlums who
claimed to be protecting the interest of Edward for registration in the 2010/11 Nigeria Premier League season.

The management of the club, as a result of the hoodlum's action took the decision after due consultations.

Edwards monthly salaries from 7th of May, 2011, will be withheld pending the outcome of the investigations and he has been ordered to vacate the camp of the club and not
take part in any club activity until directed otherwise.

Iyowuna Edward signed for Dolphins in 2006 and broke his in 2010 during an FA Cup round of 64 match in Aba that has kept him out until now.

He had previously broken his leg in training in 2007 and was out for 8 months.

Despite his inability to play for the club since 2007 he has been paid his salaries and sign on fees up till date.

Baraje Wants More Motivation

Dolphins chief coach, Zachary Baraje,has appealed to the Rivers State Government to give adequate support to help the team win the League.

Baraje says the motivational package of the club must be increased so the boys can be buoyed up for more victories especially on the road.

“The motivation from the government is good so far. I can say it is much better than last season from what I have heard, but this is a crucial period and I believe they can do it better,” Baraje said.

“We ended the first round on a high and in the second stanza so far we have picked a point on the road and won twice at home so we are doing well and this is where I believe the government who own the club can come in and make things better.

He however added that the state governor gave the club a big challenge which is a great motivation for the team to go all out and win the League.

“I remember when Sharks were presented with their car gifts for winning the WAFU Cup, the governor clearly said he would not give anything to Dolphins but will do so if the club wins so I believe that will push the boys to go all the way and win something.

“The governor clearly said it was not the turn of Dolphins until we win. So if we can work hard and win all our remaining home matches as well as a couple away we will surely win the League but we expect that all emoluments be paid on time so the boys can continue to give their all,” Baraje said.

NFF Bans Jalla and Others

The Nigeria Footbal Federation,NFF, has placed a life ban on Jarrett Tenebe, Shuaib Gara-Gombe, Harrison Jalla, Chikelue Iloenyosi and Olajide Fashikun from all football-related activities within the nation fort heir ignonimous roles in trying to truncate the programmes of the NFF.

The Federation took the decision on Tuesday during its emergency meeting held in Abuja.

The NFF condemned the recent attempt by the President of National Association of Nigerian Footballers, Harrison Jalla along side other peopleto constitute a parallel body for the administration of football in the country.

To this end, the NFF has approached the National Assembly to quickly assist in fast-tracking the process for the change of name from Nigeria Football Association to Nigeria Football Federation.

The Federation's Executive Committe commended Messrs Felix Owolabi, Emmanuel Okala, Sani Usman and Tajudeen Disu for dissociating themselves from the illegal move
initiated by Jalla.

NFF Supports Blatter.

The Nigeria Football Federation,NFF, has thron its weight in the candidature of Sepp Blatter as the Federation affrirmed its support for the FIFA President ahead of the FIFA Presidential Election coming up in Zurich, Switzerland on the first of June, 2011

The decision to support Sepp Blatter according to the NFF was because of his tremendous works in development of the game in Africa and globally as well as the Goal Projects from which all National Associations worldwide would continue to benefit.

He added that Blatter has also pledged to increase grants to National Associations, and to make the administration of the game more open and to fight corruption.

The NFF also encouraged Nigerians to turn out en masse at the National Stadium, Abuja on Saturday, 28th May, 2011 for the Inauguration Match of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, between CAF Champions League campaigners Enyimba FC and Kano Pillars.

The Executive Committee urged Nigerians from all walks of life to continue to support the National Football Teams in their immediate assignments, starting with the Super Eagles playing against Argentina in a friendly at the National Stadium, Abuja the first of June.

The match against Ethiopia in an African Nations Cup qualifier in Addis Ababa on Sunday, 5th June, the National Under 23 team, Dream Team, against Costa Rica in San Jose on Sunday,the Olympic qualifier against Tanzania, the Super Falcons in the 6th FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany and the National Beach soccer team.

The Committee also approved the national teams to camp in Faro, Portugal.

Union Bank Set To Win Club Championship.

The Coach of Union Bank Table Tennis Club, Samson Kolawole Ajayi, has expressed optimism that his team would retain the club champioship trophy in the ongoing National Table Tennis Competition in Lagos.

Ajayi, said the club's management has fortified the team with required table tennis kits to spur the ping pongers to victory, adding that the table tennis players have been in camp since January, 20111, in readiness for any major tournament.

The table tennis coach, said wining this year's chairman's Cup in the Men's Singles event was an indication that thy are in competiton mood to record a remarkable feat.

He said the club's priority was reprsented Nigeria at he African Club Championship in Tnisia in July, 2011, adding that he has resolved to surpass the African Club Championship records after picking a silver ware at the event.

The Union Bank team comprises ofJide Ogidiolu, Kazeem Makanjuola, Shola Oyetayo, Ashimiyu Ganiyu,Sharafa Adeleke and Sunday Odunlade in the male cadre as Rasheedat Ogundele, Sidikat Yaya, Bello Fatimoh and Fashola Aminat were included in the female list.

Lagos Tops National Under 13 Table Tennis Tourney.

Lagos State has emerged the champion of the just concluded National Under 13 team event in the boys category in the ongoing National Under 13, 16, 20 and Club Championship at the knowck - up hall of the National Stadium, Surulere.

The Lagos team which comprises of mustapha Bello, Qudus Summer defeated the duo of Ibrahim Umoru and Idrisu Zakeri of Kogi State by three staright set.

Bello, outplayed Umoru in the first game of the team event by 11 - 8, 22 - 9, as Qudus Summer sustained the tempo as he beat Idrisu Zakeri, 11 - 5, 11 - 7, while Bello wrap up the game when h stamped his superiority over Umoru in the game that ended 11 - 6, 11 - 6.

In the Under 16 Girls, ERkiti State beat the Lagos team by two straight set.

The duo of Tosin Oribamise and Blessing Eniola of Ekiti State defeated Alimot Ayinla and Nimota Aregbesola of Lagos State.

Pillars Keep Clean Slate, Harmer Immigration 115-54

Defending champion of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) organised DStv Premier Basketball League, Kano Pillars basketball club harmer city rival, Nigeria Immigration basketball club by 115- 54 points in a week-14 regular season game of the league.

The Savannah conference pairing saw the Nigerian league champion taking the Immigration through basketball clinic and drills after it out played the Para-military side in all department of the game.

Tapgun Rockets basketball club of Jos fell at home to visitor, Niger Potters basketball club of Minna by 59-69 points.

Though the Rockets coached by former Pillars captain and point guard, Umar Bala will not be relegated to the lower division-one as the League Board of the NBBF had confirmed Plateau Peaks basketball club for the drop from the premier league.

In Bauchi it is rejuvated Yelwa Hawks basketball club that took the season last regular season game against city rival Bauchi Nets winning by 78-67 points to remain third on the log.

Kada Stars basketball club of Kaduna was awarded the two maximum points and 20 basket against relegated Peaks in Abuja.

Nigeria begin preparation with home-based

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has started preparation for the Women National Team, D’Tigress ahead the 22nd edition of the Afrobasket for Women with fourteen home-based players.

The team will have a two-day drilling exercise in Abuja with Coach Ayo Bakare leading the technical crew with Patrick Omo-Osagie and former Nigeria senior national team captain and forward, Mfon Udoka as assistances.

The fourteen basketball players were mainly from the three top clubs participating in the Zenith Bank Women Basketball League with former champion, First Bank basketball club of Lagos accounting for eight out of the fourteen playeers.

Zenith Bank Women Basketball League defending champion, First Deepwtaer basketball club has four of its players called up while Sunshine Angels basketball club of has two. First Bank BC has Grace Okonkwo (Centre), Oluchi Nzekwe (guard), White Patience (guard), Vera Ellong (guard), Magdalene (guard), Nike Dawodu (forward), Sandra Jamane (guard), ImaObong Akpan (guard), First Deepwater BC has Atosu Upe (guard), Kelechi Obasi (forward), Nkeci Akashili (guard), Blessing Emmanuel (guard), while the duo of Rebecca Iritei (guard) and Korede Sosanya (forward) are from Sunshine Angels basketball club of Akure.

Nigeria won the 19th and 20th edition of the African Cup of Nations in 2003 in Mozambique and 2005 in Nigeria just it has an All Africa Games gold (2003) in its kitty.

Head Coach, Bakare said the task before the team was to return the country to a winning ways and stamp its authority as a basketball nation to reckon with in Africa in particular and the world in general.

Maigari Hails Goje Over New Gombe Stadium

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Aminu Maigari, has praused Gombe State Government over its new Gombe Township Stadium, Pantami which was commissioned on Sunday.

Migari, was of the opinion that a revolution in football development would have started anew across the federation if each of the 36 States of the country can embark on the construction of similar infrastructure.

We have to commend the Gombe State government for this feat, and also congratulate the good people of that State. What His Excellency, Governor Danjuma Goje has done is a legacy like no other.

“The Nigeria Football Federation would embark on a campaign to sensitize the Chief Executives of other States of the Federation to do something like that.

It is true that courtesy of hosting two global tournaments in the past 12 years, we have a number of standard facilities. But if we can have more of the type that the Gombe State government has just put up, it would be wonderful”, Maigari said.


On Sunday, the 12,000-capacity Gombe Township Stadium, Pantami was commissioned at a colourful ceremony that had Governor Muhammad Danjuma Goje and the Hon. Minister/Chairman, National Sports Commission, Professor Taoheed Adedoja in attendance.

A string of invitational relays and a football match between the National U-23 team, Dream Team and the Gombe United FC formed the highpoints of the occasion.

The Dream Team, preparing for an international friendly match in Costa Rica next week and a litany of qualifying matches next month, won the tie 1-0 through a goal by Dolphin FC midfielder Ayo Saka.

Also at the occasion were former Super Eagles skipper Daniel Amokachi and Super Eagles’ midfielder Sani Kaita, as well as a good number of football administrators and enthusiasts.

Lagos SWAN Wins Lucozade Tourney.

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, has broken the jinx of nothing wining competitive soccer tournaments for a over couple of years as the Lagos SWAN emerged the champion of the Lucozade Sports Five- A- Side Football Competition.

The tournament which came to a close on Sunday at the Funturf, Lekki, feature three teams, Lagos SWAN, Connect Marketing and GSK Boys as the event was part of Glascosmithline activities lined up by the number one sport drink in Nigeria to mark the Lucozade Re- Launch, in order to be in line with international standard.

The Lagos SWAN team which comprises of Wale Joseph of Premier Newspaper, Ladi Egbedire of Silver bird Television,Adebobola Alawode of PM News,Jimmy of Classic FM,Yinka Adebayo of EKO FM/Sportsweight.blogspot.com, Raymond Nwabuke of Sportsday, Bunmi Ogunyale of Compass,Dominic of Sportsday,among others won the first match against Connect Marketing team.

Dominic of Sportsday Newspaper scored the first goal in th first hlf as Jimmy of Classic FM scored a fantastic goal of the tournament after receiving a pass from Yinka Adebayo that pierce trough he defenders of Connect Marketing in a round robin match.

The second match was a must win match for the Connect Marketing players but it was unfortunate as their aspirations to scale trough to the final was denied by the GSK Boys who fought hard to score a goal in a efforts to protect the company's image being he maker of the sport drink.

GSK victory paved the way for the final between the Best two teams of the tournament as the Lagos SWAN were in good frame of mind and well composed to lift the trophy following the match plan of the team's technical crew led by Fred Edoreh, Niyi Alebiosu, Ayo Bada and Raymond of Sportsveille.

As the centre referee signalled for the kick off of the final match, the Lagos SWAN in their usual character swung into action creating passes and taking absolute control of the match as Jimmy of Classic FM failed to seal the match in the first half after failing to convert a goal but Raymong Nwabuna put smiles on Lagos SWAN after he netted a well deserved goal in the second half.

While speaking on the Re- Launch of Lucozade Sport,the Brand Manager of Lucozade Sport, Kunle Faloye, who was one of the key football players of the GSK Boys, said the company decided to re- launch the sport drink which was the fastest selling sport drink in Nigeria in a bid to align with international standard, adding that the re- launch does not have anything to do with the content of the drink.

NFF Is Illegal, Says Jalla.

The National Associatioin of Nigerian Footballers,NANF, has inaugurated an interim board of the Nigeria Football Federation,NFF.

The exercise took place in Abuja on Saturday.

Its President, Harrison Jalla, who confirmed this in an interview with Sportsweight.blogspot.com, said the Aminu Maigari board was illegal as it was not backed up by the law of Federal Republic of Nigeria, stressing that the Maigari led board has not being operation for years.

According to Jalla, the Nigerian law recognised the Nigeria Football Association and not the Nigeria Football Federation, adding that NANF decided to set up an interim board since Maigari's board has been in the vaccum for years.

While expressing satisfaction. Jalla, said he would be in Zurich, FIFA's Headquarters, to attend the Federation's Congress in order to regenerate Nigerian football.

He said the interim NFF Board would meet the Minister/Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, on their position as they would also unveil their plans to the Commission as he explained that the move was being supported by NANF's stakeholders.

However, the position of Harrison Jalla, was supported by Veteran Sports Journalist, Dudu Orumen.

According to Orumen, the law of Federal Republic of Nigeria does not recognise the Nigeria Football Federation,NFF,stressing that the past regime during the regime of Sanni Lulu and Aminu Maigari, ave been collecting money from the Federal Government with the leter head of th nigeria Football Association hile the money is being spent as the Nigeria Football Federation.

Meanwhile, the National Sports Commission has thrown its weight on the Nigeria Football Association.

In a press statement issued and a copy made available to Sportsweight.blogspot.com, the NSC through its Special Assistant to the Honourable Miniser/ Chairman,Laja Akintayo, said the law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, does not recognise any other body responsible for football except the Nigeria Football Association,NFA, also known as the nigeria Football Federation,NFF.

Similarly, the zonal coordinators and chairmen of the state Football Association including the Federal Capital Territory, have also condemned the move of the National Association of Nigerian Footballers,NANF, to set up a parallel body for administraton of football in Nigeria.

Desist From Using Professionals,Adeniji Adele Warns.

Teams participating in the ongoing MTN/Lagos Street Soccer Champions Season Four tagged''Legacy Edition'' has been warned agains the use of professional footballers as the competition enters the crucial stage this weekend.

Giving this warning Sunday at the unveiling ceremony of the championship mascot''Esin'' at Campos Mini Stadium was the honourable commissioner for Sports
Prince Demola Adeniji Adele who said any teams found
using professional players at this stage will be disqualified if such teams wins.

According to him'' i know that as the championship gets into this stage ,teams will want to win at all cost and will want to deploy any means,but the organisers frown at any form of cheats and such would be dealt with appropriately'',he said.

Meanwhile,the following teams have qualified for the round of thirty-two which commences this weekend across various centres in the state.

Lawal Akapo (Apapa Lg),Ishola Street(Oriade LG),Akingbade Street,Bello Owolabi ,Araromi StreetOganla Street.

Others teams are;Dayo Saka Street,Balina Street(Ikorodu),C:VU:Street(Ikoyi Obalende),Okepopo Street (Lagos Island),,Orito Street(Ajeromi Ifelodun),,Ireti Street,Bibire Street,Amuda Street,and Koilo Street (Lagos Island).

The rest are;Bankola Street(Agege),Ajenifuja Alejoh Street(Ikorodu West),Fuad Kasim street(mosan Okunolag),Oladehinde CokerStreet;Campos Street,and Odunlami Street.

Other qualifiers are still been expected as at the time of filling this report.

NBBF Demotes Plateau Peaks

The Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, has demoted Plateau Peaks Basketball Club of Lagos division One after failing to honour two league matches in the DSTV/NBBF Premier League.

The Federation's secretary General, Francis Gbiri, informed Sportsweight.blogsot.com, that Plateau Peak failed to honour the league match against Bauchi Nets on 6th of February, 2011 and Kano Pillars on 9th of April, 2011, a move the Secretry said negate the rules and regulations governing the league.

Gbiri, said the NBBF actio was in line with the article 18 subsection 1 and 2 of the DSTV/NBBF Premier eague rules and regulations.

Bash Ali Calls On President Jonathan

World Boxing Federation, WBF, cruiserweight champion, Nigerian Bash Ali, (OON), is once again calling on President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene so that his ambition to become the oldest man to win world boxing title will come to reality.

The Edo State-born Pugilist said that he is making a clarion call to the President because there are efforts by some officials of National Sports Commission, NSC and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs to thwart his plan to stage the Guiness Book of World Record fight in Nigeria.

According to Ali in a pettition he wrote to Jonathan dated 6 May, "despite two Local Organising Committees, LOC set up the Federal Government on 9 November, 2006 and August, 2009, so far, both have failed because of corruptive tendency of some officials. Right now, the historic boxing event is in limbo.

"After being frustrated for three years at the NSC, because I will not work with the officials unless it is on a transparent note, on 30 July, 2009, I took my fight's proposal to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. I met several times with the then minister, Ufot Ekaette and the incumbent, Elder Godsday Orubebe."

Bash Ali alleged that instead of Orubebe helping out with the staging of the fight, despite the fact the championship costs had been included in the budget of the Ministry for 2010, the Minister decided to send to him defamatory text messages.

"I met with the Minister several times after the 5 January, 2010 meeting and each time, he told me that if I believe it is possible to do transparent business in Nigeria that I must be living in the air," said Ali.

"Sir, in the last one year, I have applauded you for the approved $200M for the entertainment industry, approved money for soccer players, compensation for several athletes for bringing honour to Nigeria and have been wondering why a historic fight that will bring honour, glory, unprecedented level of positive international publicity and money to Nigeria is left out in the cold?"

The aged boxer conrinued in his letter to Jonathan: "It is instructive to inform you that George Foreman (USA) at 45 years 215 days set the Guiness Book of World Record, GWR, in his country. Joe Bugner (Australia) at 48 years 110 days broke the GWR in his country. So it is only befitting that I shatter the record in my country, Nigeria."

Bash Ali, however, concluded in the petition that "my immediate prayer to you is to set up a presidential task force comprising private and public sector that will handle the hosting of this historic fight and report directly to you."

Lagos Rugby Union League Set To Go.

Friends of Rugby” board have concluded plans for the take off of the Lagos Rugby Union League its flag ship program for the 2010 Rugby season scheduled to kick off next month at the National Institute for Sports of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

According to the spokesperson of the group Mr Ntiense William who have being maintaining meaningful rugby development program especially the Lagos Rugby League in the country in the last 6 years, “We have concluded plans for the take-off of our flag-ship rugby program for the 2011 rugby season being the much talked about Lagos Rugby Union League, which will kick-off next month with Six Clubs as last year.

Said he, “We are constrained with time and will just maintain the format of the last edition for this year. Normally we start in March, but right now we are starting in July which will cramp up our programs. The League will witness 30 matches played over 10 weeks from July through to November with the finals in December. There will be 3 matches played at the same venue each fortnight. Also we will resume International engagements as well.

According to Williams, other programs penciled down for the year on our sponsorship will include the traditional Rakia 10’s Rugby Tournament which will kick off the season next month i.e. June.

There will also be the Independence Rugby Tournament which has fast become a rugby celebration of some sort, and a much watch event in our calendar. We will have a special consideration for the Women version of the game this season as we have packaged a women’s only rugby tournament sometime in August.

The season will be rounded off with the Tri-Regional Tournament, the National League Finals, and the Dubai 7’s International Rugby Tournament.

Rockets pick first season win, beat Immigration 67-62

Tapgun Rockets basketball club of Jos on Wednesday recorded its first regular season win in a Savannah conference pairing of the DStv Premier Basketball League against Nigeria Immigration basketball club of Kano by 67-62 points.

The Coach Umar Bala tutored side who had dropped twelve of their thirteen regular season games showed great zeal against the visitored when they came calling on Wednesday at the sports facility of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

An elated Umar told Sportsweight.blogspot.com on phone that his boys just realise that the team can’t go on losing week after week.

The former Kano Pillars basketball club points guard and captain gave assurance that the team will be better in the 2011/ 2012 season thanks to a Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) ruling which relegated Plateau Peaks basketball club.

Peaks who lost its week-13 regular season game to Yelwa Hawks basketball club of Bauchi by 80-113 points will try its luck in the less fancy national division-one come next season.

Peaks basketball club relegation came as a results of forfeiting two regular season games against Bauchi Nets and Kano Pillars, the team thus become the second casualty in the 2010/2011 season after Delta Force basketball club of Asaba suffered the same fate in the Atlantic conference of the league.

In another week-13 game played Wednesday in the Savannah conference of the DStv Premier League, defending champion, Kano Pillars basketball club defeated Niger Potters basketball club of Minna by 107-67 points while Kada Stars basketball club of Kaduna edge past Bauchi Nets basketball club by 78-66 points.

Savannah conference regular season will be rounded off on Sunday with two local derbies as Kano Pillars basketball club take on city rival Nigeria Immigration basketball club at the sports hall of the Sani Abacha stadium, Kano, Yelwa Hakws basketball club will go up against Bauchi Nets basketball club at the sport hall of the National Sport Commission centre in Bauchi.

Tapgun Rockets basketball club will play host to Niger Potters basketball club of Minna in ABU, Zaria and relegated Plateau Peaks basketball club of Jos will entertain Kada Stars basketball club of Kaduna in Abuja.

Siasia Excludes Osaze.

Nigeria head coach, Samson Siasia, has left out West Bromwich Albion striker, Peter Odemwingie, from Super Eagles’ games against Argentina and Ethiopia in June.

Reports, have it that Odemwingie opted out to take a break following the long season he had at his English club, where he has scored 15 goals this season.

Siasia named a 24-man team in Abuja,on Thursday in a press conference and added another two players on stand-by.

The Super Eagles face Argentina in an international friendly at the National Stadium in Abuja on June 1.

Four days later, Siasia's men head to Addis Ababa to play Ethiopia in a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The reason for leaving out Odemwingie by the 43-year-old Nigeria manager was not immediately established.

But words are now flying that Siasia may have decided to punish Odemwingie for his recent rant on a social network website, Twitter.

NFF Exposes NANF’s Bag of Lies

The Nigeria Football Federation,NFF, has dismissed the grounds on which the so-called National Association of Nigerian Footballers intend to set up a parrallel football governing body in the country.

NFF General Secretary, Musa Amadu, who confirmed that the Federation had alerted all security agencies in the land against this move that threatens public order and tranquility, said NANF were building castles in the air.

He said NFF had issued circular to all its members and also notified FIFA and CAF,adding that NANF abandoned the legal route and now want to take the law into their own hands .

“It is important that the public gets to understand that these characters merely want to cause public disorder and acrimony.

They went to a court of law to say that the NFF elections were not properly conducted, and then voluntarily withdrew the case. Later on, they went back to try to re-list the case, but the court threw out the application and that was that.

“If they wanted, they could have gone ahead and appeal to the Court of Appeal, and then further to the Supreme Court. But they abandoned the legal route and now want to take the law into their own hands. Nigerians must be wary about the real intentions of these individuals.

“Football administration is a serious business. They have lost everywhere and now want to put public order, safety and security to task.

“All they want to do is disrupt Nigeria’s progammes and preparations for so many competitions that we have qualified for, including the Super Eagles’ high-profile international friendly match against Argentina and the Super Eagles’ clash with Ethiopia on 5th June in a 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifier.

“Let us not forget that National U-23 team, Dream Team has Olympic Games qualifiers against Tanzania and All-Africa Games qualifiers against Ghana in June, the National women’s team, Super Falcons, will participate in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany in June/July, the National Beach Soccer team will take part in the African Beach Soccer Championship in Morocco in June, the National U-20 team, Flying Eagles will be at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia in July/August and our clubs are participating in the on-going CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

“If you want to prove that a body is illegal, the place you do that is the court of law. Any other option is taking the law into your own hands and this step has the potential to endanger the polity at large.

“We are focused on the job of taking Nigeria football to higher heights, and will not be distracted by these individuals.

“It is quite laughable that they are quoting Article 7.2 of the FIFA Statutes. This article states that, “Executive bodies of Member Associations may under exceptional circumstances be removed from office by the Executive Committee (of FIFA) in consultation with the relevant Confederation and replaced by a normalisation committee for a specific period of time”.

“The issue now is: There is no exceptional circumstance in Nigeria football, and FIFA has not said anything like that. And the question is: Who is NANF to determine there is a problem and so, it would set up a committee to run Nigeria football?

“We are not moved, as this present attempt will equally come to nothing, just like other previous efforts.

“We have issued circular to all our Members on this matter and have notified FIFA and CAF accordingly”, concluded Amadu.


Amadu, said NANF went to a court of law to say that the NFF elections were not properly conducted, after which they voluntarily withdrew the case, adding that NANF later went back to re-list the case, but the court threw out their application.

He added that NANF want to disrupt Nigeria’s progammes and preparations, including the Super Eagles’ high-profile international friendly match against Argentina and the Super Eagles’ clash with Ethiopia on 5th June in a 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifier.

Siasia’s list for Argentina, Ethiopia

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel), Dele Aiyenugba (Bnei Yehuda, Israel), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Petah Tikva, Israel).

Defenders: Chibuzor Okonkwo (Heartland FC, Nigeria), Yusuf Mohammed (Al Hilal, Sudan), Taye Taiwo (Olympique Marseille, France), Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Yusuf Ayila (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine), Dele Adeleye (Metalurh Donetsk, Ukraine), Efe Ambrose (Ashdod MS, Israel).

Midfielders: Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England), Joel Obi (Inter Milan, Italy), Fegor Ogwude (Valerenga, Norway), Kalu Uche (Almeria FC, Spain), Nosa Igiebor, Lillestrom FC, Norway), Nnamdi Oduamadi (AC Milan, Italy), Isaac Promise (Manisapor FC, Turkey)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (VVV Venlo, Netherlands), Victor Anichebe (Everton, England), Peter Utaka (Odense Boldklub, Denmark), Obinna Nsofor (West Ham, England), Ikechukwu Uche (Real Zaragoza, Spain), Ekigho Ehiosun (Warri Wolves, Nigeria), Emmanuel Emenike (Karabukspor FC, Turkey)

Standby: Victor Moses (Wigan FC, England), Shola Ameobi (Newcastle, England)

NFF disowns The Female Football Foundation

The Nigeria Football Federation on Tuesday stated that it has not in anyway endorsed a group calling itself The Female Football Foundation to hold a launch to support the national women’s football team, Super Falcons towards its campaign at this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany.

NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu said in Abuja that the mission and objectives of the group remain unclear to the football-governing body in the land since it had failed to seek for endorsement from the NFF.

“We do not have a clear idea of what the group is doing, and it would be wrong on our part to associate with the launch. The group has not through any written documentation sought for approval for what it is doing, or the endorsement of the Nigeria Football Federation for the project.

“In as much as we would approve of genuine efforts by private individuals and companies to help propel women’s football in Nigeria and also to support our women’s team’s campaign at the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Germany this summer, we are compelled by decency and diligence to disassociate ourselves from this initiative that has failed to seek for NFF’s endorsement”, stated Amadu.

The Female Football Foundation has made newspaper publications to the effect that the body is launching a private, welfare, insurance and nurture (win) initiative for the Super Falcons’ June 2011 World Cup bid, at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Ikeja on Wednesday, 18th May, 2011.

Kaduna United Is Ready For E.S Setif- Cooreman

The Technical Director of Kaduna United Maurice Cooreman said his team is ready to face the Algerian opponent Entente Sport-Setif in their next stage of African Confederation Cup tournament which scheduled to play between 26 to 29 of this month in Algeria.

The former Bendel Insurance Technical Adviser added that, for the past one month Kaduna United is ready to meet any club among the qualify teams in the continent, saying that his young team has come to an age to compete with any football team in African.

“For the past one month was ready for this match, because we know we are going to meet any team among the teams that are competing in this championship. Kaduna United is now a big team that is not afraid of any club in the continent, and by the special grace of God my team will be among the two teams that will play in the finals of this championship” Cooreman said this during interview with Leadership Sports.

When asked if he know much about his opponent, the former winner CAF Cup said, with his experience in African Football he knew how to play any opponent home or away. Adding that, he has confidence on his players.

Also in addition to that, the Commissioner of Youth and Sports Kaduna state Honourable Abdul-Aziz Mohammed said, the Kaduna state government was in full support of the its team in insuring that Kaduna United has gone far in the Orange Championshipas he called for the players of the team to have confidence on themselves by making sure that they beat E.S Setif at home.

The Confederation of African Football conducted the inter-club competitions draw on Sunday at its headquartering in Egypt.

CAF President Issa Hayatou, members of CAF Executive and CAF Interclub committee, and club representatives were in attendance.

50 Football Clubs To Romance MAF Cup

Necessary arrangements have been concluded for this year's edition of the Honourable Moruf Akideru -Fatai Soccer Competition.

The grassroot football Competition has been scheduled to kick-off this month at the Oshodi Sports Complex, Oshodi as about fifty football teams have signified interest to participate at the event.

The competition tagged “MAF Cup” is being bankrolled by Hon Akinderu -Fatai representing Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency One at the Federal House of
Representatives, Abuja.

According to him, the tournament is part of his pledges towards the development of the game in lagos State and his constituency as he anticipate teams across the state and other neighbouring states to faeture in the event.

The coordinator, Olumuyiwa Olushina, confirmed that activities towards the commencement of the round leather game event has been formalized, adding that several teams have started picking their forms ahead of the deadline.

The competition according to him, could have started earlier than June, but was postponed due to the just concluded national general election in which the sponsor was re-elected into the National Assembly under the platform of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN.

Larry Babes FC of Egbeda defeated Bush FC of Oshodi two nil in the final of the 3rd edition held last year at the venue.

Yinka Exonorates Siasia

Former Flying Eagles and Sunshine F.C defender, Adeyinka Adedeji, has exonorated the team's coach, Samson Siasia, for losing to Togo in the final of the WAFU Cup which came to an end over the weekend at the M.K.O Stadium, Abeokuta.

He said Siasia should not held responsible for their defeat as he condemned the reactions of soccer pundits who claimed that the coach is a Silverware soccer tactician, stressing that Siasia has won three major tournaments and losing two in five major championships he had featured.

The home base Super Eagles player, who expressed dissatifaction for losing the match to Togo, said the team's technical crew were determined to win the match to keep the cup in the country but it was the players complacency that robbed the victory off the grip of Nigeria.

Adedeji, who do not want to attribute the team's defeat to a particular player, said the team sholud be blame for the defeat because they failed to raise their game when it mater most , adding that Nigeria players featuring in the Premier League are very good despite losing the match.

The player who believed that the team is still in a building process, said Nigerians should not expect the national teams to win at all times.

Chigozie Targets Brace

Dolphins ace player, Christopher Chigozie says his dream is to start his goal scoring run for Dolphins in today’s game against Rangers in Enugu.

Chigozie who ended the first round on 7 goals for Ocean Boys says he still has 8 more goals to score in the second round as he plans to start with Rangers.

Chogozie, who dropped Ocean Boys for Dolphins F.C, said the PortHarcourt based club was an ambition side and his desire is to help the team to win the League.

Dolphins Manager, Stanley Eguma says he is going for a result against Rangers in Enugu in today's mid week league match.

Dolphins has engaged five big clubsides on the road in the second round but says it does not matter as they would try to maintain their first round form that saw them win four and draw one on the road.

Eguma, who rated Rangers are a big side, said he respected the team like any other club in Nigeria but his mentality since the commencement of the league is to win all his league matches.

The coach hoped that the referees assigned for the match would live up to expectations as well as the fans as he stressed the standard of officiating and attitude of soccer fans could make or mar a match.

In the second round of the League, Dolphins have already been on the road against Enyimba.

The club will also play Heartland, Warri Wolves, Sunshine Stars and Kano Pillars away from home.

NFF mourns Garba Ubaliyo

The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed great sadness over the death on Wednesday last week of a former Board Member of the Federation, Alhaji Garba Ubaliyo.

Ubaliyo, a highly-respected football administrator, was the pioneer chairman of El-Kanemi Football Club of Maiduguri and was Member of the then NFA Board headed by Col. Abdulmumuni Aminu (rtd) between 1993 and 1996.

“We mourn the passing away of this great administrator who, no doubt, left his giant footprints in the sands of time.

“We remember the wonderful contributions of the late Garba Ubaliyo to the development of Nigeria football, through his visionary and diligent management of El-Kanemi FC of Maiduguri, his tireless pursuit of the growth of the game and his boundless energy, enthusiasm and dignified carriage”, wrote NFF President Aminu Maigari in a letter to the Yobe State government.


Ubaliyo was known all over the land for the meteoric rise of El-Kanemi, incidentally founded by Colonel Abdulmumuni Aminu (rtd), and his meaningful contributions while on the then NFA Board. The Borno club won the most glamorous title in the land, the then FA Cup (now Federation Cup) in 1992 and reached the semi finals of the African Cup Winners Cup in 1993.

“Ubaliyo’s death at this time has robbed us of a man who can seamlessly and tirelessly contribute to the development of the Nigeria game. His great ideas, suggestions and advice would have continued to help our game in one way or the other”, mourned Maigari.

Falcons Fail To Reach All-Africa Games

Nigeria will not take part in the women’s football tournament of this year’s All-Africa Games after the Super Falcons threw away a one-goal lead to lose their see-saw fixture against Ghana’s Black Queens in Accra on Sunday.

Perpetua Nkwocha scored for the six-time African champions after only 11 minutes but the Queens, who already failed to qualify for this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Germany and were eliminated from the 2012 Olympic Games by Ethiopia, hit back to equalize in the second period and then fired the winner in added time with both teams countenancing extra time.

The defeat summed up a sad weekend for Nigerian football following Saturday’s 3-2 defeat of the Super Eagles by the Hawks of Togo in the final of this year’s West African Football Union (WAFU) Cup tournament in Abeokuta.

NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu, was grieved. “It’s so sad. We threw everything into this second leg to ensure that our team picked the ticket but God decreed otherwise.

“We just have to take it that way because it’s all part of the game. It would have been great to have our women’s team in the All-Africa Games because that would have meant one gold medal guaranteed. But it is not going to happen and we must not lose focus.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup is starting in Germany next month and we are in the final round of the qualifying race for the London Olympics. We must ensure the team is adequately prepared for the World Cup and that we don’t falter in the last round of the Olympics qualifying against another tricky team like Equatorial Guinea”, said Amadu.

WAFU Cup: NFF commends Super Eagles

Despite unexpected defeat in the final of this year’s West African Football Union (WAFU) Cup competition by Hawks of Togo, the Nigeria Football Federation has stated clearly that it is not ashamed of the Super Eagles.

The NFF said they would indeed continue to encourage the domestic League boys’ challenge for places in the senior squad.

“Let us take this as an act of God and brighten up”, Maigari intoned as he addressed the squad, standing beside Head Coach Samson Siasia. “Football is like that; you win some and you lose some. Truth is no one likes to lose in a final match, moreso when it is on home ground. But truth also is that when two teams go up against each other in a final match, only one will emerge the winner.

“We lost today and it’s all part of the game, but I commend your spirit and enthusiasm, and your determination to win. More than these, you showed courage and comportment.

“No team wins always. I can assure you that the Nigeria Football Federation, the coaching crew and indeed, you players must have learnt a lot from this tournament. These lessons will help us all as we go forward”, insisted Maigari.

Its President Aminu Maigari, while addressing the players in the dressing room minutes after the stunning loss to the Hawks, said the team put in everything to achieve victory on the day but had the tide against it.

While commending the players team spirit and enthusiasm, and their determination to win, Maigari, said the team'stechnical crew as well as the players would have learnt a lot from this tournament.

Nigeria fell 2-3 in front of home fans at the MKO Abiola Stadium, with Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel among the fans.

A second minute goal truly unsettled Super Eagles’ nerves, while red card to impressive centre back Gege Soriola and a colourless display by stand-in-skipper and goalkeeper Rotimi Sunday did not make help matters.

The NFF President urged the players to pick up their morale and fight for shirts in the main squad ahead of the high-profile international friendly against Argentina in Abuja on 1st June and the crucial 2012 Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia in Addis Ababa on 4th June.

Responding, Head Coach Siasia assured that the defeat would not impact on the focus of the team as the team take on Argentina on the first of June in an international friendly scheduled for the National Stadium, Abuja.

Ajetunmbi,Hassan Win Victory Table Tennis Tourney.

Nigeria's international table tennis player, Seun Ajetunmobi and Funka Hassan, have emerged the winners in the Men's and Women's Singles of the Victory Table Table Tennis Championship organised by the Lagos State Sports Table Tennis Association.

The one day tournament which came to a close on Tuesday at the Mobolaji Johnson Sportshall, Rowe Park, Yaba, saw Ajetunmobi, who plays professional tabletennis inPortugal, berating a home based ping ponger, Olabisi Yussuf, from Ogun State.

Ajetunmobi, who defeated Adeyinka Ahmed-Taiwo in the Men's Singles semi clash by 11- 7, 12- 10, 11 - 6, humilated Olabisi Yusuf who crushed Dotun Aiyelumo, to reach the final by three set to, 11- 7, 11 - 6,6 - 11, 11 -7.

Funke Hassan, who outplayed Sidikat Yakubu by three set to one to book a date with Bose Odusanya whom she beat by three straight set of 11 - 7, 11- 7, 11 -8, in the semi final before she square up with Yetunde Thompson in the final.

Thompson, who also, Yusuf Modinat and Aminat Fashola in semi final by three set to one, 9 - 11, 11 - 7, 11 - 2, 12 - 10, to confront Funka Hassan who whipped her by threeset to one, 9 - 11, 11 - 8, 11 - 8, 11 - 4.

To their efforts, Ajetunmobi and Hassan were honoured with a cash prize of fifteen thousand naira each coupled with table tennis kits as the second place players smiled home with Eight thousand naira each while joint third ping pongers got two thousand naira each.

As part of efforts to encourage the state's ping pongers to work hard to win majr tournaments, the association rewarded all the ping pongersthat were eliminated in the quarter final statge in the Men's and Women's Singles events.

Chairman of the Association,Olumuyiwa Noah, said the tournament which was in honour of Governor Babatund Raji Fashola and his Deputy, Adejoke Orelope Adefulure, stressing that the tournamnet has enabled the association to discover two young female ping pongers who would be groomed to represent the state in future tournaments.

While speaking, the former Gunsa Table Tennis player in Portugal, who commended the Association's Chairman,OLumuyiwa Noah, for deem it fit to sponsor the event, urged corporate bodies and sports philantrophists to support the association's quest to add value to the sport through regular tournaments.

He observed that Nigerian table tennis players have the basic skillsbut there is need for a regulat table tennis league where the athletes would have opportunity to play on regular basis as the trend would further improve their skills