Nwosu Wants Oliseh To Rescind His Decision On Nigerian Players.

Former Nigeria International, Henry Nwosu, has called on Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, to accomodate Nigeria's football players who are playing regularly for their respective clubs either premier league or lower division.

The former Flying Eagles coach, said the country did not have arrays of football players who are currently playing top-football in Europe and beyond, thus, the Super Eagles coach should endeavor to beam his searchlight on Nigerian football players who command regular shirt in their respective clubs.

According to him, the list of Nigerian players to be invited to camp, ahead of the African Cup of Nations, Afcon, qualifier against Tanzania and other crucial matches should include Nigeria's domestic  league players who are in good form, adding that, the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL, have qualify players who could make the team alongside the foreign based players.

Nwosu, appealed to teh former Eagles captain not to discard players who played under the supervision of immediate past Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, but invite credible and experienced players among them in a bid to form a technical sound Super Eagles that would be a pride of Africa.

On the sack of Kano Pillars coach, Okey Emordi, the former Green Eagles midfielder, said club owners should desist from sacking of their coaches based on the club's poor performance in the league, adding that, coaches should be given the opportunity to stay put with a club irrespective of its position on the league table.

According to him, Arsenal Manager, Arsene Wenger, is an authority in the English Premier League because he has been with the club for a long period despite the club's beautiful and ugly days.

Junior Ajayi Needs To Be Calm, Says Liamed Gafar.

The proprietor of 36 Lions Foiotball Club, Liamed Gafar, is optimistic that Nigeria's Olympic team would scale through the hurdle  Olympic Games qualifier against Congo Republic, billed for this weekend in Pointe Noire, Congo.

Nigeria's Olympic team, under te tutelage of Samson Siasia defeated Congo by a slim margimg of two-one, in the first leg at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, in Port Harcourt, River State.

Gafar, a board member of the Lagos State Football Association, said the excitement of playing in a staduim which was full to capacity and also playing away from their home ground, National stadium, Abuja, were the major factors that affected th team quest of recording overwhelming victory against Congo.

While explaining that the team needs a minimum of one-all draw to scale through the qualify hurdles, Gafar, said the team stood a better chance to qualify if tey could re-enact santilating skills that pave the way for the two- one win, stressing that te fisrty leg in Port Harcoutrt should had ended four-nil if the team striker, Junior Ajayi, had converted to goals its scoring chances.

He advised the team striker, Junior Ajayi, who he described as a box player, who place  in a vantage position in the goal area, to be calm and not be in haste to score goals, adding that the combination of Taiwo Awoniyi and Junior Ajayi would produce goals in Pointe Noire, Congo.

LMC Holds Mid-season Seminar For Club Chairmen, Media Officers

The League Management Company, LMC, has concluded plans to hold a one day training program for Club Administrators, Media Officers and Chairmen of the Clubs’ Supporters.

Its chairman, Shehu Dikko, said the seminar which would hold on Thursday is in line with the strategic development plans to enhance capacity of Administrative and  Media managers of the clubs to build a commercially viable football league product, adding that it is also part of the activities for the 2014/15 Glo Premier League mid-season break which began on July 20. The League resumes this weekend.

Dikko, who stressed that the programme is also part of the activities for the 2014/15 Glo Premier League mid-season break which began last Monday, said the company was organizing a customized executive management training program that will involve examining several established case studies and interactive sessions.

A one day training program for Club Administrators, Media Officers and Chairmen of the Clubs’ Supporters has been scheduled to hold Thursday, July 30 in Abuja on the auspices of the League Management Company (LMC).

On the content of the training for Club Administrators, Dikko said the LMC is organizing a customized executive management training program that will involve examining several established case studies and interactive sessions.

“We hope to get Club Managers and Administrators to gain further insight and capacity for developing their clubs as base structure for building the business of football in Nigeria at the end of this program”, Dikko explained.

The topic for the Club Managers/Administrators seminar which holds at the Abuja Hilton is “The Football Business in Nigeria- the Value Chain of Club Football” and a range of experts in various fields of business development, sales and marketing communication have been slated to run the course.

On the same day in Abuja, Media Officers of the 20 Premier League clubs will also undergo training on Effective Communication to Opening New Business Frontiers on New Media

NFF Seeks Closer Ties With German Football

In its relentless quest to take Nigeria football to a new level, the Nigeria Football Federation has moved to formalize much closer relationship with current world champions, Germany in all football matters.

At a lunch –time meeting with the Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria, Mr. Dietmar Kreusel on Tuesday, top officials of the NFF led by the President, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, were on the same page as they praised the giant marks that Germany has made in world football.

“Germany is not only the reigning champions of the world in football, it is also a very strong economic power. We have come here to express our intention to make Germany our model for development of the game of football.

“We keenly desire to partner with the DFB (Germany Football Federation) and the German League. The NFF is presently doing a lot in the area of development of the game in Nigeria. Now, we are requesting for support for our development programmes for women’s football, as well as capacity building for our referees and coaches.”

As he has done in several fora in the past months, Pinnick underscored the importance of Nigeria in the comity of nations, and reiterated that the emphasis of the present NFF administration is on youth development and making the League the main hub for our National Teams.

Amuneke: Soaring Eaglets Good Test For Golden Eaglets

Ahead of their two-match friendly against Nigerian youngsters in Diaspora on Wednesday and Thursday, Golden Eaglets' Head Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, believes the test against the self-styled Soaring Eaglets is a good match practice.

The Soaring Eaglets is made up of youngsters from Europe, USA, Canada and Amuneke admits it would be a good test. Golden Eaglets had a feel of the Abuja National Stadium pitch on Tuesday and Amuneke warned his wards not to be carried away with the occasion.

"This is the first time we would be playing on this pitch but we want you to remain focused and show that you are  good to play in this team," said the former African Footballer of the Year. "It is good we
are meeting the Soaring Eaglets at this time and this is a big test for you guys."

The Golden Eaglets in the meantime, come into the match against Soaring Eaglets with an impressive record in international friendly without losing any of their last eight matches in regulation time.

“We are going to play two matches against the Soaring Eaglets and the match is not bigger than some of the ones we had played in the past,” noted Amuneke."We have to take it these two matches seriously."

Meanwhile, Wednesday and Thursday friendly between the Golden Eaglets and Soaring Eaglets is fixed for 4pm at the Abuja National Stadium.

Obinna Nwobodo Fully Recovers, Returns Friday

Flying Eagles player, Obinna Nwobodo, is expected backin the country on Friday after he had a successfully treatment for anterior cruciate ligament tear.

The midfielder, who was injured during the final match of the 2015 African Youth Championship between host Senegal and Nigeria in Dakar on March 22, did his final MRI,Magnetic Resonance Imaging, on Wednesday and was declared fit to return to active soccer.

Flying Eagles player, Obinna Nwobodo has successfully completed treatment for anterior cruciate ligament tear, and will fly back to Nigeria from Qatar on Friday.

The NFF sent the player to the Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, Doha, Qatar at the beginning of July, and he had a successful operation on July 7.

NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said on Tuesday that the joy of the Federation is that the player is back on his feet.

“Obinna Nwobodo was injured on national duty and we feel duty –bound to give him full treatment to recover and return to the game that he loves so much. We are happy

LMC Opens New Corporate Office

The League Management Company,LMC, on Tuesday opened a new corporate office in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

A 48 –unit structure situated in the highbrow Maitama district, the office comprises of an Executive Floor that houses offices for the Chairman, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Operating Officer, waiting room, work -station and IT Unit.

Also part of the building is the Trophy Room, a well –furnished Conference Room and offices for members of Staff.

Speaking at the official opening of the well –appointed edifice, NFF President Amaju Pinnick who was in company with some of his Board Members, said the Nigeria football family is proud of the LMC, as the body has been able to re-define, re-discover and re-build the Nigeria League.

“Apart from youth development, the focus of the present NFF administration is to ensure proper running of the Leagues. Surely, but slowly, all the Leagues are heading to that ideal point.

“This building is the first of its kind in West Africa. We are proud of the LMC and what it has achieved in the short time it has been in existence.”

Eaglets Welcome ‘Diaspora’ Challenge

Golden Eaglets' Head Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, has described as welcome development the proposed friendly with Nigerian youngsters from Diaspora.

The self-styled 'Soaring Eaglets' made up of players from United Kingdom,Europe,USA and Canada  would expectedly play two matches with reigning world champions, Golden Eaglets of Nigeria on July 29 and 30 at the main bowl of the National Stadium, Abuja.

"We are happy that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has approved these matches for us since it would offer us the opportunity at looking at Nigerian youths from outside," Amuneke said.

The 1994 African Footballer of the Year said the Golden Eaglets under his watch is opened to all Nigerians irrespective of where they are based and any youngster has a chance of making the Chile 2015 World Cup-bound team.

"We have a clear idea of the kind of players we want for the World Cup," noted the former Barcelona winger who was an assistant when Nigeria won a record fourth U-17 World Cup in 2012. "We would be delighted to get quality players from the boys coming from outside."

The Golden Eaglets secured a ticket to Chile 2015 after coming fourth at February's African U-17 Championship in Niger Republic, and would represent the continent alongside Guinea, Mali and South Africa.

Anyansi-Agwu: We Will Give Olympic Tickets Our Best Shot.

Following Wednesday’s meeting with the Head Coaches of the Super Falcons and the U-23 National Team, Chairman of the NFF Technical and Development Committee, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu has expressed optimism that the two teams will make progress in their different qualification races for next year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“We had very useful deliberations and I can tell you that both Coaches are very confident. They are not under –rating the opposition; just that they believe in their teams to make progress despite expected tough games away from home.

                          

“From the discussions, we were able to decipher the level of support that the two teams will need to succeed. We also have immense experience of the kind of reception that the two countries offer to visiting teams, which is not flattering. We will give the tickets our very best shot.”

The Falcons could only draw 1-1 with their counterparts from Equatorial Guinea in Abuja, and countenance a showdown against the two –time African champions in Bata on Sunday, August 2. Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea are the only countries to have emerged victorious in the biennial African Women Championship since it was launched 17 years ago, with the Falcons winning seven times.

As for the U-23 boys, they defeated Congo 2-1 in Port Harcourt and know that Pointe Noire is usually a very unfriendly terrain for visitors.

“We are aware of what odds will be set against us by the home team when we go to Congo. There are no illusions. But we are up to the task. We are going there strictly for the business of 90 minutes, and that is what will matter.

“Without being immodest, I like to say that I have been in this situation several times with various National Teams. I have always come out victorious. Of course, we will need the maximum support of the NFF to succeed,” Siasia said.

Siasia’s team qualified for the 11^th All-Africa Games despite drawing 0-0 with Zambia in Abuja. A 2-1 win in Lusaka sent the team to Brazzaville.

On his part, Falcons’ Head Coach Chris Danjuma assured that his girls will play the match of their lives against the bitter rivals in Bata on August 2.

“We did not go to the last Olympic Games. We will throw everything into the second leg in Equatorial Guinea and then look forward to the final qualifying round.”

Eaglets Trounce FOSLA Academy 4-0.

Nigeria's Golden Eaglets on Tuesday beat FOSLA Football Academy 4-0 in a friendly match played at the NFF\FIFA Goal Project Pitch in Abuja.

FOSLA Academy is owned by Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi, a former President of the Nigeria Football Federation.

Eaglets' captain Kelechi Nwakali scored a first half brace with a clinical finish in the 10th minute and followed with a well-struck free kick from the edge of the box five minutes later.

Eaglets midfielder, David Enogela, grabbed the third goal with a lively shot after a through pass from Nwakali.

On the other end, FOSLA's Mustapha Kehinde saw his free kick miss target by the whiskers in the 34th minute. In the 40th minute, Emeka Ebere scored Eaglets' fourth goal when he cleverly evaded his marker before slotting the ball behind goalkeeper Abddulazeez Yusuf.

FOSLA Boys were in the thick of action in the second half and Solomon Abraham nearly reduced the tally in the 77th but saw the ball roll away after beating goalkeeper Abdallah Suleiman as both sides battled till the end.

"The Golden Eaglets showed some maturity and I'm impressed with the team that played in the first half,"noted Peter Dedevbo, Head Coach of the Under 20 Women National Team, who watched the encounter. "From my experience, the Golden Eaglets can always get better as they build up towards the World Cup."

NFF Executive Committee member, Alhaji Ahmad Kawu; Deputy General Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme and; Mrs. Josephine Ebhodaghe, Principal of FOSLA Academy also watched the match.

NFF Adopts Measures To Boost Marketing Strategy

 The Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation has resolved that due regard and appropriate honour be accorded to all partners and sponsors at all of the Federation’s events and programmes, including matches of all the national teams.

It is the first time ever that the NFF is making a policy decision to give its partners and sponsors appropriate treatment and to facilitate the companies’ derivation of maximum mileage from all NFF programmes.

Its President, Amaju Pinnick, led the charge, following a presentation by the football body’s marketing consultant, Mike Itemuagbor.

“We are determined to give all our partners and sponsors their due regard henceforth. They put their money into supporting the Federation’s programmes and deserve every respect and honour at all our events.

“Certainly, we need more corporate bodies to partner with us in our efforts to seriously improve Nigeria football. But prospective partners will normally do a check on how you treat your current allies before deciding to pitch tent with you. It is natural.”

Even before Itemuagbor’s presentation, which dwelt on the imperative of taking into consideration the interests of partners and sponsors before making important decisions, Pinnick, Vice Presidents Seyi Akinwunmi and Shehu Dikko, and chairman of the Marketing Committee, High Chief Emeka Inyama had been pushing for new and refreshing attitude towards sponsors.

Weeks ago, the Executive Committee adopted a comprehensive document tabled by Inyama for an entirely different approach to marketing, as well as to sponsors and partners.

Pinnick said on Wednesday: “I have said over and over again that what we are doing presently is to focus hard on what needs to be done and summon the courage to do those things.

We are carefully putting in place the building blocks for a sustainable football culture, while not forgetting the mission of turning around the National Teams in order that they will always do the country proud at international level.”

Siasia Invites Sokari, 4 Others For Congo

Head Coach of Nigeria's Olympic team, Samson Siasia, has invited five more players to the team's camp ahead of the return leg of the African Under 23 Championship final qualifying fixture against Congo.

According to Siasia, the invited players were to add bite to the team's attack and solidify the defence as the team intensifies preparations for the potentially -explosive return leg in Pointe Noire on Sunday, August 2.

The invited players are‎  overseas -based Aminu Umar and Abdullahi Shehu, Semiu Liadi of Warri Wolves FC, Ndifreke Effiong of Abia Warriors and Flying Eagles' midfielder Kingsley Sokari.

The home -based professionals are expected to report to camp immediately while those based overseas are expected in camp by this weekend.
‎
Meanwhile, Coach Siasia has sounded a note of warning to all players given permission to travel after the team's first leg game against Congo in Port Harcourt to report unfailingly to camp on Wednesday or be axed.

Heartland, Dolphins, Abia Warriors Crash Out.

Top three football clubs in the Nigeria Professional Football League, Heartland,Abia Warriors and Dolphins Football Clubs have been bundled out in the round of sixteen of this year's edition of Federation's Cup played on Wednesday across the nation .

A rookie fotball club from Edo State, BJ Foundation, that had beaten Kurmi Market of Kano in the Round of sixty- four and  Sportlight FC of Katsina in the round of thirty- two, recorded the biggest triumph of their history by defeating a Glo Premier League club, Heartland Football Club by 3-2 in a match played yesterday at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi.

FC IfeanyiUbah defeated FC Taraba 4-2 at the Area 3 Playground, Abuja, and Abia Warriors fell 1-2 to fellow Glo Premier League team Nasarawa United in Oshogbo.

Remo Stars, who bundled out holders Enyimba FC in the Round of thirty- two,came close to knocking out Lobi Stars, but lost 3-5 on penalties after a One- all draw.

Plateau United that defeated Shooting Stars of Ibadan and Kano Pillars in earlier rounds, were thrown out of the tournament after lossing by a lone goal to El-Kanemi Warriors in  Minna while Akwa United overpowered Prime Football Club in Oleh, by One- nil.

In Ado-Ekiti, Niger Tornadoes Feeders eliminated another top division club, Dolphins FC of Port Harcourt 4-3 on penalties, after the match ended One goal apiece.

In the quarter –finals fixtures scheduled for next month, Lobi Stars will square up against BJ Foundation.

IfeanyiUbah will play against Nasarawa United while Akwa  United will battle Niger Tornadoes Feeders, just as El-Kanemi Warriors will await the  winner of the Kwara United Vs Enugu Rangers match fixed for tomorrow in Abuja.

Oshonaike Hits Semi Final At ITTF Africa Senior Cup in Cameroon

After playing two matches and getting a walk-over against CongoBrazzaville’s Han Xing, five-time Olympian, Olufunke Oshonaike yesterday secured a place in the semifinal of the women’s singles at the 2015 ITTF Africa Senior Cup holding in Yaounde, Cameroon.

From the final group matches played, Oshonaike defeated  Algeria’s Islem Laid 3-0 and repeated same feat against Cameroon’s  Beatrice Enjema and she got a walk-over against Congo Brazzaville’s Han Xing to top the group.

For leading the group, Oshonaike got a bye to the semifinal alongside Egypt’s Dina Meshref.

 For the semifinal ties on Thursday, Oshonaike will battle the winner between Egypt’s Nadeen El-Dawlatly and Cameroon’s Sarah Hanffou, while Egypt’s Meshref will tackle the winner between Algeria’s Islem Laid and Lynda Loghraibi.

 A confident Oshonaike said she is ready to take on any opponent as she was lucky to get a good draw in the group stage. “I am happy that I got a good draw and I hope I can be in my best form so that I can make it to the final.

In the final, anything can happen and I look forward to what is going to happen,” she said. 

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri and Kazeem Makanjuola also made it to quarterfinal where they are expected to tackle Egypt’s El-Sayed Lashin and Algeria’s Idir Khourta for places in the semifinal.

Lagos SWAN Cup shifted

The kick off of the 2015 Lagos SWAN Cup earlier  scheduled for Friday July 24 has been shifted by two days to Sunday, July 26.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the executive committee of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Lagos chapter, explained the postponement is in honour of the South West Sports Summit and the Elective Congress of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, both events of which are holding on same date in Abeokuta and Abuja, respectively.

The statement signed by Lagos SWAN Chairman, Fred Edoreh, said "as a responsible organisation, Lagos SWAN cannot ignore the importance of the South West Sports Summit to chart the path of development for sports in the region nor can it afford not to be pary of the national congress of the NUJ, our parent body. Both events are of high interest to our members and we would humbly defer to them."

The chairman of the sports committee, Debo Oshundun, explained further that except for the novelty match between Lagos SWAN Editors/Veterans and a team of ex internationals which now has to hold on Sunday, July 26 instead of July 24, the shift does not affect the other events and dates of the SWAN Week.

"The group matches will still hold on the following Monday and Tuesday, the annual Lagos SWAN Seminar on the future of our sports in which the DG of the National Sports Commission, Alhassan Yakmut, and the president of the NFF, Amaju Pinnick, will speak on different topics will still hold on Wednesday, July 29, while the semi finals and finals of the SWAN Cup will still hold on July 30 and 31," Oshundun said.

GOtv Boxing Night: I Will Win N1m Cash Prize, Says Fijabi.

Olaide "Fijaborn" Fijabi, one of the boxers billed to fight at the third edition of the GOtv Boxing Night on Sunday at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Lagos, has predicted that he will be the winner of the N1million cash prize for the best boxer at the event. The cash prize will be accompanied by a trophy named Mojisola Ogunsanya trophy.

Fijabi, who will be fighting Kazeem "Iberu" Ariyo, in a Light Welterweight challenge bout, was adjudged the best boxer at the last edition of the tourney last March.

"I have worked very hard and I believe my training has put me in a position not just to beat my opponent, but to retain the best boxer trophy and go home with the N1million cash prize," he said.

Fijabi's boast, however, has been sneered at by his Ariyo, who described Fijabi as way below the standard of the fighter that would make him sweat in the ring. "Fijabi will not last beyond a round. Mark my words," he raved.

GOtv Boxing Night, a six-bout tourney for professional boxers, is sanctioned by the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control. The biggest fight on the card is the 12-round National Light Middleweight contest between Sule "Tyson" Olagbade, reigning champion, and  Rasheed "Afonja Warrior" Abolaji.

It will similarly feature a six-round international female bout between Nigeria's Helen "Iron Lady" Johnson and Gifty "Tiger" Amanua Ankrah of Ghana
Also on the card is a Lightweight challenge bout between Prince Nurudeen Fatai and Chibuzor "T-Boy" Obi.

Other fights will see Sunday "Golden Child" Ajuwa taking on Femi "Easywhite" Ajayi in an eight round Cruiserweight challenge bout, while Onoriode "Onos" Ehwarieme will go head-to-head with Adewale "Masevex" Masebinu in a six-round Heavyweight challenge bout.

GOtv Boxing Night, which has the pay-TV company as the headline sponsor, is supported by MultiChoice, SuperSport, KSquare Security, Newsbreak.ng, Complete Sports, Brilla FM and Paragonis Multimedia Limited.

The competition debuted in November 2014 as a way of reviving the sport in the country. The second edition held in March. The event will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

Maurice Green For Ogba Grand Reception

The Organising Committee for the Sunday,  July 26 Grand Reception for the Athletics Federation of Nigeria President, Dr (Chief) Solomon Ogba, has announced that the event will be graced by former world 100metres champion, American Maurice Green.

A statement by the Scribe of the Edo Sports Media Practitioners Forum, Smarts Ebodaghe, also revealed that the NFF President, Amaju Melvin Pinnick is expected at the event, with the powerful NFF Disciplinary Committee Chairman, Barr. Chris Green in tow. Respected Sportscaster of note Taiye Ige, has also been listed for the A-grade event that will hold at the Adna Hotel, 28, Ladipo Bateye Close, GRA, Ikeja.

A member of the Organising Committee and Chairman of the Edo FA, Frank Ilaboya, declared that in the coming days more dignitaries will be unveiled for the event that is expected to kick-start several others in honour of the sons and daughters of old Bendel State now Edo and Delta and Nigerian great sports achievers in general.

Executives of the body have said that the event will assume a wider dimension in the coming days, as plans have reached advanced to also honour sons and daughters of the states and beyond who have made more than a passing contribution to sports development and growth in Nigeria.

First Bank Pip Rugged First Deepwater to Finals Ticket, To Face Dolphins in Finals.

Nkechi Akachili's game high 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists combined with Chidinma Nwakamma's14 points and reigning Zenith Bank Women's league MVP,  chioma Udeaja's 13 points helped defending champions First Bank to their first consecutive finals appearance since 2011.

The  reigning champions defeated former 4 time champions First Deepwater 68-43 in the semi finals at the ongoing Zenith Bank Women's Basketball League at the National Stadium in Lagos.

The reigning champions started rather slowly as First Deepwater raced to a 10-8 lead in the opening 5 minute. But a 10-0 run in the closing minutes of the 1st quarter from the elephant girls ensured they took an 8 point lead into the 2nd quarter 18-10. The fine run continued in the 2nd quarter with First Bank went on a 18- 9 run to lead 36-19 at half time.

However, First Deepwater came out of the locker room a different side outscoring First Bank  17-11 closing the game to 9 points in the 3rd quarter 36-47, only to run out of gas in the final quarter as the reigning champions raced to a 25 points win (68-43) in the end out scoring First Deep water 21-7 in the final 10 minutes of the game.

Head coach of First Bank Basketball club, Adewunmi Aderemi said he is confident his team will defend their title successfully on Saturday.
" All we are looking at is defending our title and representing Nigeria very well at the continental championship".
"No one can stop us ". He added

First Bank will take on the Dolphins in the Finals  for the 2nd straight year after the flamboyant FIBA Africa Zone 3 champions secured their 3rd straight finals appearance at the expense of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Queens 84-49.

We Bow Out With Our Heads High - Okagbue

Remo Stars FC ended their 2015 Federation Cup campaign in the Round of 16 haven been knocked on penalties by Lobi Stars after a one all draw at regulation time.

Benue born attacker Ochowechi Salefu opened the scoring 30seconds into the game with a brillant strike to give the Sky Blue Stars the deserved lead at half time.

Mohammed Edumar was well placed to poke it a scrabbled ball to level the scores for Lobi Stars and the game when on to Penalties after scores were on level terms at full-time.

Head Coach Uche Okagbue has picked the positives from the game indicating that despite the team failing to progress in the competition, the team will go out with head up high.

"We aren't qute happy bowing out at this stage. We just have to keep working hard to ensure we surpass our previous performance in the competition.

"The lads gave it everything they had in them even when the gave got very physical they stood strong, the have done well we played against two teams from the Premier League and we weren't defeated in 90mins of play so we can be proud of ourselves.

" We just have to focus on the Nigeria National League and finish well in the league."

In 2013 Remo Stars FC were knocked out by Enyimba in the Round of 32 by 2-1 in Lokoja

2014 saw Bayelsa United  claim a 1-0 Victory over the Sky Blue Stars in Rojenny

2015 Lobi Stars knocked out the Sky Blue Stars 5-4 on penalties at the Rojenny  Stadium Oba.

Eaglets Trounce Youth Management FC 3-0

Nigeria's U-17 team, Golden Eaglets on Wednesday defeated Youth Sport Management Team 3-0 at the NFF\FIFA Project Pitch in Abuja.

The match against the Lagos-based side was Golden Eaglets' 35th friendly match with local teams with an impressive record of 31 wins; three draws and a loss.

It was also an opportunity for new -found recruits to contest for places in the 2015 World Cup-bound squad.Ginger -haired Gavin Thompson grabbed a 30th minute opener, and his first goal in national team colours, albeit from the spot kick after Akanni Sodik was brought down in the box. Taofeek Jibril doubled the lead for the Golden Eaglets 15 minutes later when he flicked a header into the net after a goal -mouth melee.

Coach Emmanuel Amuneke brought a new set of players including captain Kelechi Nwakali and striker Victor Osimhen in the second stanza. In the 63rd minutes, Osimhen floated a through pass to Nduka Ebere who rounded off his marker before burying the ball beyond goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye.

Amuneke described the performance of his wards as reassuring, adding that competition amongst the old and new players is exciting.

“This was a good match for us though we arrived early this morning from Lagos for the match,” said Ita Bassey, Chief Scout of Youth Sport Management.

The Golden Eaglets had a better performance and we pray they do even much better in Chile."

The 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup will be held between October 17 and November 8 in Chile, South America.

Oliseh: I Come To Serve My Country, Not To Wage War

Former Super Eagles’ captain Sunday Ogorchukwu Oliseh resumed life as Head Coach of the team on Wednesday, with a clear message to the generality of Nigerians: “I come to serve my country, not to wage a war.”

There were several questions and insinuations at Wednesday’s colourful official presentation ceremony bothering on Oliseh’s perceived ‘stubborness,’ but the former captain swiftly differentiated between being principled and being stubborn.

NFF President Pinnick, Oliseh and NFF GS, Mohammed Sanusi at the official presentation.

NFF President Pinnick, Oliseh and NFF GS, Mohammed Sanusi at the official presentation.

“I have come to serve, and the NFF has promised to give me all the support I need to succeed. They are the employers and I am the employee. That distinction has to be appreciated at all times.

“I have had meetings with members of the Technical and Development Committee, led by Chief Anyansi-Agwu, very knowledgeable people all. I have met members of the Executive Committeeand the General Secretary. I believe we will all work together excellently. It is a huge honour to be Head Coach of Nigeria.

NFF President Amaju Pinnick presided over the event, supported by Vice Presidents Seyi Akinwunmi and Shehu Dikko, Executive Committee members Anyansi-Agwu, Yusuf Ahmed Fresh, Dilichukwu Onyedinma, Babagana Kalli and Ahmad Kawu, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and other members of NFF management, including Technical Director Shaibu Amodu.

As Pinnick announced to the audience that the NFF would immediately pay three months’ salary of Oliseh and his assistants in advance, the member of the FIFA Technical Committee.

N1m Cash Prize: Obisia, Okorodudu, Others Laud GOtv

Boxing legends, Obisia Nwakpa and Jeremiah Okorodudu have commended digital terrestrial pay-TV provider, GOtv, for offering a cash prize of N1million to the best boxer at the 3rd edition of the GOtv Boxing Night holding on 26 July at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium Lagos.

Nwakpa and Okorodudu spoke in Lagos on Tuesday during a press conference to announce the six-fight professional boxing event. Okorududu, who spoke first, said he was happy at the announcement of the decision to award the generous cash prize, the biggest in the history of Nigerian boxing, describing it as an indication that the sport has regained its momentum in the country.

The ex-Olympian called on the 12 boxers billed to fight at the event to put in their best as a show of appreciation for the kind gesture of GOtv. "If you put in your best, it will further encourage GOtv and other prospective sponsors to support the sport," said Okorodudu, who once expressed regrets that a sponsor like GOtv was not available during his days as a boxer

Nwakpa, a former World Boxing Council Light Welterweight title challenger, was also full of praise for GOtv, saying the gesture will accelerate the revival of boxing in the country. Like Okorodudu, he called on boxers participating at the GOtv Boxing Night to repay the sponsors' faith in the sport with committed performances.

The biggest bout on the card at the tournament, sanctioned by the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control, is the 12-round National Light Middleweight contest between Sule "Tyson" Olagbade, reigning champion, and Abolaji "Afonja Warrior" Rasheed.

Also on the card is a six-round international female bout between Nigeria's Helen "Iron Lady" Johnson and Gifty "Tiger" Amanua Ankrah of Ghana.

The event will also feature a Light Welterweight challenge duel between Kazeem "Iberu" Ariyo and Olaide "Fijaborn" Fijabi. The fight will span eight rounds.

In the Lightweight category, Prince Nurudeen Fatai will take on Chibuzor "T-Boy" Obi over eight rounds, while Sunday "Golden Child" Ajuwa is billed to fight Femi "Easywhite" Ajayi in an eight round Cruiserweight challenge bout.

In the Heavyweight division, Onoriode "Onos" Ehwarieme will go head-to-head with Adewale "Masevex" Masebinu in a six-round challenge bout.

GOtv Boxing Night, which has the pay-TV company as the headline sponsor, is supported by MultiChoice, SuperSport, KSquare Security, Newsbreak.ng, Complete Sports, Brilla FM and Paragonis Multimedia Limited.

The competition debuted in November 2014 as a way of reviving the sport in the country. The second edition held in March.

Lagos Islanders, Dodan Warriors Dominate Atlantic Conference Playoffs

The Lagos Islanders who were top dogs of the Atlantic conference during the regular season continued their dominance in the Playoffs, as they raced to a perfect 3 wins from 3 at the in the ongoing Conference 6 Playoffs holding at the Indoor sports hall of the National Stadium in Lagos.

The Islanders pipped Lagos rivals Union Bank 70-53 on Wednesday in their 3rd game of the series having defeated Dodan Warriors 53-51 courtesy an Hillary Aigbokhaionde last gap 3 pointer and  a 60-54  victory against Customs.

Similarly, 2nd placed Dodan Warriors showed the spark that kept them as fans favorites during the regular season as they recovered from Tuesday's loss to the Islanders in their win over struggling Kwara Falcons who are seeking for their 1st win in the playoffs courtesy a 68-62 points, having already defeated Oluyole

Warriors 75-51 in their opening fixture. Rejuvenated Union Bank who share the same wins and losses with their Lagos rivals, Dodan Warriors won their first 2 games before falling to the Islanders on wednesday 53- 70.

The Nigerian Customs side also got a big boost to make the Top 4 as they came from behind to run home winners over Oluyole Warriors 58-61 to earn their first win of the playoffs.

The Ibadan Boys have managed just one win so far in the playoffs while Kwara Falcons will hope to save what is left of their Final aspirations as tangle with Customs in a must win encounter on Friday, having lost all their 3 games so far at the Atlantic Conference, Conference 6 Playoffs, after Thursday, which is reserved as a rest day.

The concluding fixtures for the battle for the best 4 in the Conference for the National Final 8 are as follows:

Friday
Union Bank vs Dodan Warriors 3pm
Kwara Falcons vs Customs   5pm
Lagos Islanders vs Oluyole Warriors 7pm

Saturday.
Kwara Falcons vs Lagos Islanders 3pm
Dodan Warriors vs Customs  5pm
Union Bank vs Oluyole Warriors 7pm

AAG: NTTF To Invite Players To Closed Camping

The Nigeria Table Tennis Federation, NTTF, says about twenty table-tennis players will be invited to closed camping, ahead of the All African Games in Congo Brazaville, in September.

Its President, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, said the NTTF would also pave the way for other notable ping-pongers to be part of the open camp in order to further acquire skills and also gain confidence while playing with top Nigerian professional table-tennis players.

While regarding table-tennis as a professional sport, Oshodi, pointed out the annual Lagos International Table Tennis classics and various international and national championships and the present international Table Tennis Federation's rankings have set the pace for NTTF to select qualty table tennis players for the closed camping.

The immediate past Commissioner for Sports in Lagos State, said,  the Federation's technical committee and Executive committee of NTTF would ratify the list of players to be invited, stressing that, Aruna Quadri, among others, are still featuring in the European table-tennis circuits.
 
The NTTF President, who is optimistic that Nigeria would stand the chance of winning laurels at stake, despite the high standard of table-tennis in Egypt, said El-Lashin of Egypt is a legend who could be likened to Segun Toriola but his years of experience in the game is not a threat to the Nigerian table-tennis team that have world class players who are in good form to make the nation proud at the All African Games.

Nwankpa Blames NSC For Setback In Nigerian Boxing

As Nigerian sports enthuasists expect the nation's pugilists to win laurels at the forthcoming All African Games in Congo Brazaville, former African and Commonwealth Champion, Obasia Nwankpa, has warned teeming Nigerian sports fans not to expect positive results from the boxers that would be selected for the games.

The number one World Boxing Council, WBC, contender, said the head coach of the Nigeria Boxing Federation, Tony Konyeagwachi and his assistant, Adura Olalehin, lack technical skills of coaching boxers to win international competitions of such magnitude which usually take a serious boxing nation and coach four years to plan in order to achieve remarkable feat.

While regarding Konyegwachi and Olalehin as amatuer coaches whose peers are still active in the game of boxing, Nwankpa said, the coaches did not have pre-requisite coaching certificates or required experience to train pugilists to make the country proud at the All African Games, AAG, adding that, none of the boxers invited to camp are capable of winning Gold medals''.

Nwankpa, who challenged the coaches over their inability to produce All African Games Gold medalists, said the training programme of the coaches was an indication that the boxers would only make up the number of African athletes to the Games without recording success because serious boxing nations had started preparations couple of years ago, unlike the Nigeria Boxing Federation that invited pugilists to camp when the Games would begin in less than two months.

While warning the National Sports Commission, NSC, for the misfortune, the former national coach, said the commission did not enrol the Federation's coaches on regular refresher courses, neither does the NSC deem it necesary to make provisions of quality and modern equipment at the boxing gym, adding that, the boxers invited to camp are not exposed to national competitions, which would have serve as a test to measure their performances.

Gotv Boxing Night: One Million Naira Up For Grab

The organizers of Gotv Boxing Night, Flykite Productions, has set a high standard to be beaten in the history of professional boxing in Nigeria, the boxing promoting outfit has earmarked a million naira as star prize for the best boxer at the 3rd edition of the professional bout fixed for Sunday, 26th of July, 2015.

Chief Executive Officer, Flykite Productions, Jenkins Alumona, said the gesture which is first of its kind in the history of professional boxing in Nigeria, was to uplift the standard of boxing and also to create opportunity for Nigerian pugilists who for a long period of years have been an amateur boxer because of the poor renumeration and lack of regular competitpons.

He said, the best boxer of the 3rd edition of Gotv Boxing Night would be selected by Sports journalists and boxing stakeholders, as the boxing promoter  assured that the prize money would be increased in subsequent editions, adding that the move would ginger the pugilists to give their best while in the ring.

Alumona, who apologized for the the power outage witnessed during the second edition, said, a power generating set had been acquired in addition to the source of electricity to be provided by the management of National Stadium, Surulere.

Meanwhile, the Secretary General of Nigerian Boxing Board of Control, NBB of C, Remi Aboderin, had warned the boxers scheduled for the championship not to see the event as do or die affairs based on the one million naira prize money attached to the competiton, adding that they should endeavour to see the gesture as a challenge to work harder for success.

LMC Set To launch NPFL Awards After Yekini

Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC), Mallam Shehu Dikko has said the league is very close to the official unveiling of the Rasheed Yekini trophy for the highest goal scorer as part of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Awards which the board approved at its meeting in June.

Dikko said the decision to name the trophy after one of Nigeria’s most prolific forwards was chosen by the board as a route to immortalize the player who scored a total of 37 goals in 58 appearances for the country and demonstrated exemplary character and commitment throughout his career.

“There is a broad plan to institute awards and honour outstanding players, officials, key stakeholders and fans in the league at the end of every season and there are a number of factors that led us to reach the decision to name one of these awards, that of the highest goal scorer after the late Rasheed Yekini. The awards is part of strategic plans of the LMC to create commercial value and additional revenues out of the assets inherent in the league property.

"We considered the aspiration factor which seeks to let the players know that they too can become national heroes if they achieve excellence and make a success of their career. It says to them that they too can become legends of the game and the society will honour them as we have sought to honour the late Yekini”, Dikko further explained.

The LMC Chairman disclosed that a monetary incentive and other social benefits will be attached to the awards, adding that in the case of the highest goal scorer award, “we have received a request from the Rasheed Yekini Foundation to provide additional cash support to the winner and we are studying their proposal. There are already plans to officially unveil the special trophy for this award at one of the league game venues”.

Dikko said the NPFL Awards is a long term project of the LMC open to corporate sponsors in both headline and other supporting categories for which some corporate firms are already holding talks with the LMC on their potential participation in the NPFL Awards.

Yekini started his football career with United Textile Mills Limited (UNTL) Kaduna before teaming up with the then IICC Shooting Stars, now Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan and finally, the defunct Abiola Babes before he joined Africa Sports of Cote d’ Ivoire.

Born on October 23, 1963, the one-time Africa Footballer of the Year died on May 4, 2012.

8 Tertiary Institutions To Feature In Olumide Oyedeji Intercollegiate Basketball Championship

Eight tertiary institutions in Nigeria will participate in the Olumide Oyedeji Intercollegiate Basketball championship as part of his advocacy for sport men to get sound education along with playing professional sports.

The institutions are,Obafemi Awolowo University, Ahmadu Bello University,Niger State College of Education, Lagos State Polytechnic, University of Lagos, Federal University of Education, Gombe, Auchi Polytechnic and Federal College of Education,Technical, Minna.

Long time captain of the Nigeria's D'Tigers, Olumide Oyedeji, decided to stage the tournament as part of his advocacy for sport men to get sound education along with playing professional sports. 
The initiative adds to the D'Tigers' captains annual give back programme the Olumide Oyedeji Basketball Camp.

The veteran Nigeria captain, said the motivation behind the "Stay in School" campaign is to stress the need for education among sport men particularly basketball players and to revive the culture of School sports programme at the tertiary level which helped him on his way to becoming  a Pro athlete.

The tournament will dunk- off on Sunday at the Sir Molade Okoya Thomas Indoor Sportshall, Teslim Balogun Stadium.

Toriola, Quadri Lead Team Nigeria To Relies ITTF Africa Senior Cup In Cameroon.

Six-time Olympian, Segun Toriola and 2014 ITTF Star Player, Aruna Quadri will spearhead Nigeria’s quest for the title at the 2015 ITTF Africa Senior Cup holding in Yaounde, Cameroon.
 
The tournament serves as qualifiers for the ITTF Men and Women World Cups holding later in the year.

The three-day championship which serves off on Tuesday July 21 to 23 would be followed by ITTF Africa Club Championship involving teams from the continent.

At the ITTF Africa Senior Cup, two players are expected to represent each country in the men and women singles with Egypt’s El-Sayed Lashin and Han Xing as defending champions.

The winners in the men and women singles events will represent Africa at the ITTF World Cups.

According to Toriola, Nigeria has what it takes to clinch the title as Egypt and Congo Brazzaville are under pressure to perform beyond expectations.

“I saw the Egyptian and Congolese teams in China and they are really preparing well. I was aware that the Congolese team has been in China since last year because they are the host of the All Africa Games and they want to perform well.

Also, I met the Egyptians who are also eager to know who will be representing Nigeria at the tournament. But with what I saw I know the Congolese and the Egyptian teams will be under
pressure to perform well. But as for Nigeria, we will not be playing under pressure as everybody is relaxed,” he said.

Toriola believes taking part in the competition would afford him the opportunity to know his present form ahead of the All Africa Games.

“I have short preparation for the event because I started practice this week and with my experience I am sure I will still play very well.

My focus is not on the title because anything can happen in table tennis but I know my experience as former champion will be helpful in Cameroon,” he admitted.

The 2002 Commonwealth Games champion tips Nigeria to excel, “As for Nigeria, I think Nigeria is the favourite for this tournament,” he said.

ITTF World Cadet Challenge: Animasahun Listed In ITTF Hopes Team.

Nigeria’s Abayomi Animasahun has been listed in the ITTF Hopes Team selected for this year’s World Cadet Challenge in Egypt.

The selection was based the performance at the just concluded ITTF Hopes Week and Challenge in China with the team made up of four boys and four girls that will be catered for by the world table tennis ruling body.

To achieve this feat, Animasahun played second fiddle to United States’ Nikhil Kumar to be among the four-man boys’ team.

The teenager will be joined in the team by American Kumar, Singapore’s Yan Kai Andy Wong and New Zealand’s Nathan Xu.

In the girls’ team, winner of the ITTF Hopes Challenge, Egypt’s Sara Elhakem, India’s Diya Parag Chitale, Russia’s Elizabet Abraamian and El Salvador’s Melissa Mendoza in the girls’ team.

The 2015 ITTF World Cadet Challenge will be staged in the historic Egyptian resort of Sharm El-Sheik from Friday October 23 to 31.

The eight-man team will be supported by Butterfly with the selection meeting one of the main objectives of the ITTF Hopes Programme; that every member continent of ITTF is represented.
 
The winner of the Boys’ Singles and Girls’ Singles events at the Challenge Tournament, Nikhil Kumar and Sara Elhakem, gained automatic selection.
 
The remaining three places for boys and three places for girls were based on a combination of coaches’ assessment in Shanghai and results at the Challenge Tournament.
 

The players will attend a 14-day training camp at a venue yet to be determined prior to travelling to Egypt.

Now the next step is for national associations to endorse the relevant selections; the deadline date being Friday July 31.

Dejan Papic, the ITTF Education and Training Co-ordinator is the Mentor of the Hopes Team, Polona Cehovin Susin, the ITTF Education and Training Director, is the Team Manager.

NFF Board Endorses, Presents Oliseh As Eagles’ Coach

Following the sack of former Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, the Nigeria Football Federation will on Wednesday present Sunday Ogorchukwu Oliseh to the media and the general public as the new head Coach of the Super Eagles.

Its President Amaju Pinnick, as well as other members of the NFF Executive Committee and Management will preside over the presentation that will take place at the Media Centre of the National Stadium, Abuja from 10.00am, in front of scores of media representatives.

On Tuesday, Oliseh and his assistants had a robust, 90 –minute meeting with the NFF Technical and Development Committee, headed by Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, where he unfolded his plans for the Super Eagles.

After the parley, a meeting of the NFF Executive Committee received the report of the Technical and Development Committee, and unanimously adopted the recommendation to hire Oliseh as the new Super Eagles’ Head Coach.

 Nicknamed ‘Passmaster’ in his playing days, during which he won Olympic football gold, the Africa Cup of Nations gold, silver and bronze, and reached the Round of 16 at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup final competitions with the Super Eagles, Oliseh holds a UEFA Pro License and is a member of the FIFA Technical Study Group.

“There is no time to waste. The team has important matches to prosecute in the next few weeks and it is imperative that Oliseh starts work immediately,”

NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, said Oliseh would immediately begin the task of preparing the Super Eagles for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier away to Tanzania in the first week of September, as well as an international friendly some days later.

WILL VOIGT IS NIGERIA’S AFROBASKET COACH.

The Nigeria Basketball Federation has selected William B. Voigt ahead of others to lead its campaign at the 2015 Aftobasket Men’s Tournament in Tunisia. Coach Voigt was the Head Coach/General Manager of the Bakersfield Jam of the NBA Development League from August 2009 to July 2014 during which period he won more games than any other Coach in the D-League and helped his team to be regular Season Champions in 2012-2013.

Coach Voigt was offered a short term contract until September to win the Afrobasket and qualify Nigeria for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. If he succeeds, he will be the Coach to lead the team to the Olympics. He is to be assisted by a team of Assistant Coaches and Video analyst. Coaches Ayinla Johnson and Abdulrahaman Mohammed as well as the team doctor and physiotherapist will keep their positions from the 2013 coaching staff.

The new Coach will not be new to the National team and Nigerian Basketball environment as he has previously coached two of the team’s standouts, Alade Aminu and Ike Diogu in the NBA D-League and has also volunteered in Summer Basketball Camps organised by Masai Ujiri in Zaria and Lagos between 2004 and 2008.

The National team training camp is expected to open in Abuja on 15^th July with both home and foreign based players.

Golden Eaglets Defeat Eko United FC

Nigeria's Golden Eaglets on Wednesday brushed aside Eko United Football Club 4-0 in a friendly match played at the NFF\FIFA Goal Project Pitch in Abuja.

Gangling  striker, Victor Osimhen grabbed a brace while Nduka Ebere and Joseph Michael added the other goals.

In front of an impressive crowd including chieftains of the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) like Barrister  Seyi Akinwunmi (1st Vice President); Mallam Shehu Dikko (2nd Vice President); Board members- Alhaji Ahmad Kawu and Alhaji Yusuf Fresh; Dr. Mohammed Sanusi (General Secretary) and a host of management and staff,  the Golden Eaglets put a spirited performance to underline their readiness for the task ahead.

Incidentally, three of the goals including two in the first half by Osimhen in the fourth minute and Ebere in the 40th minute were from the spot kick after Eko United defenders were punished for ball handling in the box.The Eaglets could have added more goals in the first half but Osimhen and Ebere's efforts crashed against the goal post.

Eko United were rejuvenated in the second half but the Eaglets' defence-line led by Lukman Halilu and Ebuka Okoroji  did great job to keep the Lagos side at bay.

At the other end, Eko United collapsed under the Eaglets' pressure again in the 63rd  minute following another ball handling and Osimhen dispatched the ball beyond the goalkeeper once more. Minutes later, substitute Suleiman Abubakar's volley on the edge of the box ricocheted off the goal post again. 

But in the 85th minute, Michael grabbed his first goal for the Golden Eaglets off an incisive pass from Obinna Chukwu  to put the match beyond Eko United.

"This was a good performance by the Golden Eaglets," stated Coach Shakiru Giwa of Eko United, a former player with Julius Berger FC. "I'm quite impressed with the fitness of the team and we lost to a very good side."

Coach Emmanuel Amuneke equally praised his fledgling side but added the team is still work in progress as they step up preparation for the FIFA U-17 World Cup starting in Chile on October 17.

Sunday Oliseh To Caoch Nigeria's Super Eagles

Following the sack of Stephen Keshi has the head coach of Super Eagles, the Nigeria Football Federation,NFF, has entered into talks with former Super Eagles’ captain, Sunday Oliseh with the view of handling the team.

The former Super Eagles captain,Sunday Oliseh, will be unveiled next week after the NFF Executive Committee, might have concluded negotiations by this weekend.

Following the encouragement of a team of the NFF Technical and Development Committee that is working on filling the vacant position,Sunday Oliseh, met with NFF President Amaju Pinnick in London on Tuesday.

Chairman of the NFF Technical and Development Committee,Felix Anyansi-Agwu, said the federation had made an offer yet they have to work out the final details of the agreement in a few days, stressing that the Executive Board has to give approval for his appointment based on the final terms to be agreed  .

According to the deal, Oliseh will come with a Foreign Technical Assistant, whose job description will centre around development programmes, and who will work with Clubs’ Teams and certified Academies towards developing the game from the grassroots.

Oliseh is expected to come up with a five –year developmental plan to fashion a unique and coaching philosophy for all the National Teams, and will for this purpose,interface regularly with coaches of those teams.

Oliseh, is presently a FIFA instructor, and runs a consultancy that trains and assesses coaches worldwide and he is also member of FIFA Technical Study Group.

He was in the Nigeria squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia in 1994, and played in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup final competitions, with the Super Eagles reaching the Round of 16 in both.

He was also in the Nigeria Under 23 side that won Africa’s first Olympic football gold in Atlanta nineteen years ago.

Oliseh played for Reggiana, FC Cologne, Ajax Amsterdam, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, VFL Bochum and RC Genk in a magnificent professional career, during which he played under some of the best coaches in the universe.

He won 63 caps for Nigeria between 1993 and 2002, picking up Africa Cup of Nations gold, silver and bronze medals.

Oliseh holds a UEFA Pro License, and coached Belgian lower division club, Vervietois between 2008 and 2009.

NFF Explains Rationale For Picking Oliseh

The Nigeria Football Federation,NFF, has shed light on the reason why former Super Eagles captain, Sunday Oliseh, is being favoured to handle the Nigeria's Super Eagles after the sack of Stephen Keshi whose contract was terminated last Saturday.

Its President, Amaju Pinnick, said Sunday Oliseh had vast experience and immense knowledge of the game, and would certainly add value to the vision and objectives of the NFF.

According to him, Oliseh has bought into the federation's vision and objectives towards the development of Nigeria football and h would command the respect of the players,thus, the NFF believe he has the temperament to work harmoniously with the Technical and Development Committee, the Technical Directorate and the Technical Study Group.

The NFF Boss, explained that the Federation was also looking at how Oliseh would periodically organize clinics and seminars for club coaches in the Nigeria Professional Football League, in order to strengthen the playing philosophy across board.

Chairman of the NFF Technical and Development Committee,Felix Anyansi-Agwu, said the choice of Oliseh would pave the way for a robust youth development programme, elite player development strategy and performance programmes to drive higher standards, among other core sustainable development programmesAnyansi-Agwu, assured that the NFF, would give him all the support to succeed as they have been giving to all coaches.

Oliseh played for Reggiana, FC Cologne, Ajax Amsterdam, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, VFL Bochum and RC Genk in a magnificent professional career, during which he played under some of the best coaches in the universe.

He won 63 caps for Nigeria between 1993 and 2002, picking up Africa Cup of Nations gold, silver and bronze medals.

Oliseh holds a UEFA Pro License, and coached Belgian lower division club, Vervietois between 2008 and 2009.

Buruj MD Rallies Stakeholders On Sports Development.

Buruj Sports Academy Managing Director, Salaudeen Waheed, is confident that the future of Nigeria football will be enhanced and secured if all the stakeholders in the business of football come together in one voice to speak against the ills bedevilling the administration of football.

He said the country has not been able to maximise the potential of its young talents because successive governments have neglected the real professionals who have the technical and managerial know-how why those who are interested in what they will gain from are the ones who are being saddled with the responsibility.

"The way the game is being run here, I just don't know. There are people who 've been in this business like we are doing; and who have been investing heavily to help those young talents that are coming up to get good foundation that will help them to excel but we are not getting encouragement from other stakeholders."

"All over the world, football is s serious business and to leave it in the hands of people who have never invested anything in terms of time, knowledge and money is to waste the future of this and upcoming generation."

"In Europe and United States, it is a well entrenched culture that education and sports go together in the advancement of children. They always discover them early as they attend schools and devote some time to be groomed in sports academies or through school sports.

But here,parents only want to send their children to school while little or
nothing is being spent to support them for sporting excellence."

There are some of the things we should shift out attention to and very soon, we will begin to reap the benefits. See what the USA Women's team and their U-19 Basketball team did over the past few weeks. They are breeding champions at all levels and the earlier we follow the trend, the better for us," he admonished.

Registration Opens for Lagos SWAN Cup, 2015

The Sports Committee of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Lagos Chapter, has announced Winners Golden Bet as the main sponsor of the 2015 edition of the Lagos SWAN Cup competition and has fixed July 24 as the kickoff of the event.

The SWAN Cup is designed to engage sports journalists on the sports desks of the various media organisation in Lagos with a view to promoting active participation in sports, healthy living and camaraderie among sports media practitioners.

Arising from its meeting on Wednesday, July 1, the committee said it has opened the collection of forms for all interested sports desks at a flat rate of N2000 obtainable at the secretariat of the association.

Chairman of the committee, Debo Oshundun, revealed that the opening ceremony of the weeklong event to be held at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Lagos, will see a team of veteran sports writers and editors square up against ex internationals to herald what promises to be an action packed, fun-filled week which shall also feature free medical checkups and health talks for the benefit of members and their families.

Oshundun also informed that the week will also feature the annual "SWAN seminar on the future of our sports" which is being organized this year in partnership with the Nigerian Sports Awards, NSA.  Tentatively scheduled for July 29, the seminar shall draw high profile personalities in the sports and media industries to address the two topics of "Funding sports in Nigeria" and "Maintaining integrity in sports reportage."

The 2015 Lagos SWAN Cup also introduces a one day Tug of War competition by the side to provide more space inclusion and excitement for members and entertainment of sports fans.

While calling on well meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies to support and partner Lagos SWAN with the attendant benefits of huge media exposures, the chairman of the committee also enjoined all members and the sports desks of all media houses in Lagos to join in the fun for interaction and recreation pointing out that and interaction "all work and no play makes jack a dull boy."

Remo Stars Disgraced Enyimba Out Of Federation's Cup.

Remo Stars FC has created an upset in the ongoing Federation's Cup as the team defeated  defending Champions Enyimba Football Club, three- one, through penalties to progressed to the round of 16 of the Federations Cup.

Remo Stars drew first blood through Ogbonna Paul who scored his first goal for the Sky Blue Stars after his low shot on the 28th minutes left Enyimba goalie Femi Thomas rooted to the spot.

A response was expected from the defending champions but were unable to break the resilient defense of the Sky Blue Stars and ended the first half trailing by a goal to nil.


At half time the Sky Blue Stars had won over the hearts of the Benin Football fans with the level of performance, zeal and determination to prove a point.


Uwadieagwu Ugwu gave Enyimba the much needed response in the second half as he converted a free-kick in the second half which saw the game ended in stalemate after some resilient from the Sky Blue Stars.


Remo Stars goalkeeper, Ndukwe Chizoba, was on form as he saved Maxson Ojobo, Okonkwo spot Kick while Ezikel Bassey hit the wood work which saw Adebogun Omotayo convert the decisive penalty to spark up a moment ending with euphoria
from the players and the Benin football fans after ending the spot kick 1-3.

Edo Media Practitioners Plan July 20 Bash For Ogba

The umbrella body of Edo indigenes in the sports media industry has unveiled plans to host the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, Solomon Ogba, to a grand reception on July 20 in Lagos.

Ogba, was recently awarded a honorary doctorate degree by the University of Port Harcourt for his immense contribution to sports development and growth in the country and members of the Edo sports media body feel he deserves to be celebrated more than he has been, especially as they regard him as not only an astute sports administrator but one of the Niger Delta extraction.

Chairman of the body, Osaretin Emuzie and Secretary, Smarts Ebodaghe, said in a release that the event will hold in Lagos at a high brow hotel and plans have been concluded to invite major stakeholders in sports to the ceremony.

“An organizing committee is already in place and in the coming days we will tell the world where the event will hold. Dr Ogba deserves all the accolades that is being poured on him and we are ready to support him in his illustrious sports endeavours”, Ebodaghe declared.

In another development, the body has congratulated Mr Mike Itemuagbor for the successful hosting of the third edition of the 10 kilometre Okpekpe Road Race few weeks ago in Etsako East LGA of Edo State.

The leadership of the body said it was excited that apart from that fact that the race has now been listed on the international calendar of athletics by the IAAF, Itemuagbor and the people of Edo state have demonstrated that they are ready to rediscover sports in the state with the hard working Comrade Governor, Adam Oshiomhole.

The body urged Itemuagbor not to relent in his support for sports nay athletics, adding that the body is solidly behind the urbane sports marketer in his drive to help Edo state and indeed Nigeria rediscover its strength in sports.

Onigbinde Condemns Enyeama's Comment.

FIFA and CAF instructor, Adegboye Onigbinde, has strongly condemned the comment made by super Eagles captain, Vincent Enyeama, over the safety of Ahmadu Bello stadium, Kaduna, in the African cup of nations qualifier against Chad.

The former super eagles coach, said Enyeama as a player should not interlope into the affairs of football administrators whose responsibilities are to ensure smooth running football in Nigeria and also monitor, organise and compete in major competitions in order to be ranked among the best football playing nations.

Onigbinde, who stressed that the NFF should have resolved the issue internally without making it public, said the Eagles captain had no right to query the choice of venue for the Afcon qualifier against Chad which according to him had been sanctioned and approved by FIFA and CAF, adding that Vincent Enyeama is not bigger than the Nigeria Football Federation.

The former football referee, said super eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, must endeavor to enlighten his players not to interlope into the affairs of the NFF but rather concentrate on their primary assignments and make the nation proud in major competitions.

NJF Invites 42 Judokas To Camp

A total of forty-two judokas have been invited to camp ahead of the All African Games AAG, billed for congo Brazzaville in September, 2015.

The judokas who were twenty-one male and Twenty-one female athletes were picked from eighty-five athletes from sixteen states and clubs that participated in the just concluded national trials conducted by the Nigeria judo Federation , NJF, in Abuja.

President, Nigeria Judo Federation, Musa Oshodi, acknowledged that the trials was a huge success as the event which was earlier scheduled to hold last Friday was delayed till Saturday because of low turn out of athletes for the trials geared at selecting judokas for the AAG.

Oshodi, who is optimistic of a good outing at the All African Games, said the Federation would surpass the National Sports Commission, NSC,target of four Gold medals as he stressed that the NJF have good, proficient athletes who are capable of winning more than four Gold medals at the Games.

He mentioned Esther Augustine, who won a gold medal in the 63 kilogram at the 2014 Africa Judo championship which was a pre-requisite for the last commonwealth games in Scotland as well as Eniafe Solomon and Patrick Issah, who are currently in North Korea for the Fisu games as one of the reliable judokas whom the federation believe would make the nation proud with adequate support. 

As part of efforts to make the athletes to excel at the Games would embark on a training tour of West African countries, Cote D'ivoire , Republic of Benin and Cameroon with the support of Nigeria Sports Commission.

He assumed that NJF had resolved to organise regular competitions, coaches and referees seminars after the crisis rocking the federation has been resolved.