Nigeria Sports Arena

NFF President Amaju Pinnick has expressed confidence that the Senior Men National Team, Super Eagles, will qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals.   The qualification series for the 2017 Cup of Nations (to be hosted by Gabon) will be concluded in September 2016, but the Eagles have what is seen as a group-decider, double-dose against the Pharaohs of Egypt in March, while the qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, to be staged in Russia, begin in October 2016.   Pinnick spoke on Channels Television program, ‘Sports This Morning,’ on Thursday, where he also explained that a holistic solution being packaged for the women’s game in the country has been slowed down by the poor state of the economy, which hit hard at the company that was willing to pick the bills of the proposed expatriate Coach for the Super Falcons.   Nigeria’s number one football administrator paid glowing tributes to the contribution of ideas, toil and sacrifices of the Membe

The stadium announcer’s regular refrain that “it’s getting bigger and better” simply spoke the minds of all who were there as the second edition of the Seyi Akinwunmi Charity Mini-Tournament held with much funfare at the Campos Square, Lagos on Sunday. Majority Leader in the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila was there, as well as NFF President Amaju Pinnick, Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission Deji Tinubu, NFF 2nd Vice President Shehu Dikko, NFF Board Member Sunday Dele-Ajayi and Hon. Nduka Irabor. There were also the Seirki of Egbaland, Oba Tosin Fadare, President of the Nigeria Referees Association Tade Azeez, President of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club Rafiu Oladipo and Chairmen of Football Associations of Ogun and Oyo States, Ganiyu Majekodunmi and James Odeniran. Former Ekiti State FA chairman Isaac Ayodele was also in attendance. Akinwunmi, who captained the Igbobi College Old Boys Association and Friends in the veterans’ game against Amaju Pinni

Kogi United FC have confirmed their readiness to compete for honor and trophy in the upcoming Nigeria National League, NNL season. Chairman of the club, Abdul Sule disclosed this in Lokoja after Kogi United completed the swapping of position with Bida Lions FC of Niger State to remain in the NNL. Kogi United lost their status in the NNL last season after losing the appeal case against Adamawa United but have since exchange status with the Niger based club who promoted to the NNL last season. Abdul Sule said the move to remain in the second tier league of the country became necessary as Kogi United deserves to be in top flight in Nigeria football. He added that the club would put all they've got to compete favorably in the new season as mistakes noticed in the previous season would be amended. "We are back in the game, I can confirm to you that we will be in NNL next season after we did the deal to swap position with Bida Lions, begins Sule. "We cannot afford to play

Vice-chairman of Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi, Mr. Dominic Iorfa will relinquish his position at the end of the year after 14 years of meritorious service to the Benue State-owned club. During this period, the former international served as Sole administrator, chairman, Technical Director and vice-chairman. Iorfa who guided Lobi Stars to the finals of this year’s Federation Cup finals said he has taken the decision to step down after due consultation with his family. “After 14 years at the helm of affairs of Lobi Stars, the time has come for me to step down so as to have more time to face other challenges. “I did my best while serving as Sole Administrator, Chairman and Technical Director of the club. My landmark achievements are there for everyone to see.” Dominic also thanked the Benue State governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom for giving Lobi Stars both physical and moral support since assuming office in May this year. “I want to thank the government and people of Benue for givin

President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN Evangelist Chief Solomon Ogba, Tuesday unveiled the Local Organising Committee, LOC for the maiden edition of the Access Bank Lagos International Marathon. In a statement signed by the AFN Head of Media, Olukayode Thomas, the LOC chairman for the Access Bank Lagos International Marathon is Mr. Deji Tinubu while former Team Nigeria Captain, Yussuf Alli is the General Manager Marathon. Other members of the LOC charged to midwife the first full marathon race in Nigeria also include Olumide Bamiduro who will serve as secretary, Nilayo Sports Management Limited who are the Consultant while Olukayode Thomas is the head of Media and Communication. To organise a flawless event that will meet international standards, Mr. Thomas explained that the LOC will also have representatives from The Lagos State Police Command, Lagos State Traffic Management Agency, LASTMA, Access Bank Branding Division and The Lagos State Signage and Advertisement

By Ayo Ademokoya Alhaji Kabiru Baita, Chairman of Kano Pillars FC has assured the teeming fans and supporters of ‘Sai Ma Gida’  that their darling team would not only win the Nigerian Professional League come next season but will also go ahead to win the CAF Champions League which has eluded Kano Pillars 3 times after  they were bundled out by their Nigerian counterpart, Heartland FC of Owerri at the semifinal of the championship  in 2009. Alhaji Baita, who was appointed  almost at the mid season of the just concluded 2014/2015 Nigerian Professional League season  by the newly elected Governor Ibrahim Ganduje to succeed Alhaji Abba Yola shared his vision for the club in the forthcoming years as well as disclosed  the reasons the former Nigerian League champion, Kano Pillars  could not defend the trophy won in 2013/2014 in an exclusive interview with our correspondent after the seminar organized by the League Management Company held recently at the Lagos Business Scho

Nigeria international left-back, Gloria Ofoegbu underwent a successful knee operation last week, as predicted by women football sources. It was revealed by a close pal of the overlapping Rivers Angels star that the Imo-born player has been expected to go for a medical operation to fix her knee. According to the source, all is well with the former Nasarawa Amazons player after she went under the knife on Thursday at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos. “Gloria Ofoegbu went for an operation on Thursday. The operation was successful. She is in high spirit at the moment. “The doctors will give an update on her progress. She is expected to be out for more than ten weeks,” said the source. Efforts to reach the ex-Falconets defender has been abortive as she didn't pick her calls when we sought to speak to her on the success of the surgery.

Head Coach Sunday Oliseh has extended invitation to Warri Wolves player Bartholomew Ibenegbu popularly know as Mosquito,  Enugu Rangers trusted midfielder, Christian Madu and Shooting Stars player for the first phase of preparatory camp ahead of next month’s 4th African Nations Championship in Rwanda.   The Super Eagles B has already been drawn into Group C of the competition alongside Niger Republic, Tunisia and Guinea, with matches to be played at the Stade Regional Nyamirambo in Kigali.   Also called are regulars Kalu Orji, Austin Oboroakpo, Jamiu Alimi (defenders), midfielders Ifeanyi Mathew, Paul Onobi, Usman Mohammed and Bature Yaro, forwards Ezekiel Bassey, Tunde Adeniji, Chisom Chikatara and Prince Aggrey, and goalkeepers Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Olufemi Thomas.   Invited players have been directed to report at the Bolton White Apartments, Wuse Zone 7, Abuja on Monday, 14th December.   Nigeria won the bronze medal at the last African Nations Championship held in South Afric

The newly installed Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has pledged his support to the development of football in the ancient city and vowed to establish a modern football academy. Speaking briefly during the coronation friendly match between Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan and Ajiroba Ooni Football Club of Ile-Ife at the Sports Complex of Obafemi Awolowo University, Oba Ogunwusi thanked Otunba Sola Mustapha (President Ajiroba Ooni FC) for organizing the friendly match adding that the city is honored by the presence of Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi (Chairman Osun FA), Chief Adegboyega Onigbinde, Ademola Adeshina, who are considered as a football hero's in the country. Oba Ogunwusi, says football remain the only unifying factor in the country and has vowed to allocate programs as relate to sports, football especially and promised he is committed to development of football. He noted; “I will try to allocate the programs as relate to sports, most especially f

Chairmen of Football Associations in several States in Nigeria, who are in London for a 4-day leadership training program, were on hand to cheer Nigeria and Watford FC marksman Odion Ighalo to a terrific performance that earned the home team all three points against Norwich City, in an English Premiership game at Vicarage Road on Saturday.   Ighalo, who has scored two goals and provided a number of assists for the Super Eagles this year, set up the first goal for Captain Troy Deeney as he was fouled in the box on the half hour. Deeney made no mistake from the spot.   The Nigerian, a Vicarage Road fans’ favourite, made the game safe for Watford when he converted with a minute into added time, this time Deeney turning provider.   Ighalo expressed his honour at seeing so many Chairmen of State FAs from Nigeria being around to inspire him, and he produced a sterling performance, coming close to scoring on a number of occasions and generally making life difficult for Norwich FC before

The chairman of Club Owners & Managers Association,Barrister Isaac Danladi has applauded the beach soccer Club challennge with Fc Barcelona that is running for the second edition. Barrister Isaac who also doubles as the chairman of Nassarawa United Fc  says "Its a welcome development to have Nigeria Premier Leaque clubs take advantage from the beach soccer club exercise as a pre-season tournament and also to use the event to fraternise with the Lagos soccer fans and followers as Premier Leaque Football returns to Lagos come 2015/26 football season, this will in a long way help them to prosecute the leaque well". In a related development the Chairman to the beach Soccer Committee of the Nigerian Football Federation, and also the chairman Media and Publicity committee, Hon Suleiman Yaya Kwande, has confirmed the participation of Kano Pillars Football Club of Kano; 3SC Football Club of Ibadan and Pepsi Football Academy to the 2015 edition of COPA Lagos Club challenge with

The 2015 Atlantic Conference winners of National Men Division One Basketball League, Niger Potters, who have also booked a return to the DSTV League next season have revealed they will prove when the season jump ball that their qualification was no fluke. Niger Potters Thursday afternoon officially picked one of the two tickets available after beating APA Flames 89-80 to seal a place in the elite league. Potters needed the victory after suffering a shock defeat to Yobe Desert Warriors 77-76 points Wednesday making the clash against APA Flames of Otukpo a must win. The lshaq Yayaya coached team won the first quarter 18-17, lost second quarter 16-22, won third quarter 22-18 and sealed the last quarter with 33-23 points. Potters' Steve lead his team's scoring chart with 24 points with 11 and 10 points contributions respectively from Omokudu and Suleman to grab the needed win while APA Flames' 34 points score from Haruna, 17 from Abu 14 and 11 from Sunday and Ujah were not en

State of Osun Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has assured the management of the state owned team, Prime Football Club of his 100 percent support for the team next season. Governor Aregbesola, has put to rest the peddling rumour that Prime Football Club would be disband due to the financial crisis rocking the state. Aregbesola, while receiving the triumph Osun Under 13 players in his office during the week said though it was painful as Prime failed to secure one of the Globacom Premier League tickets but, stated that he believe in the managerial prowess of Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi led management. He charged the management to ensure they recruit exceptional and discipline players next season, who will be good ambassador of the state as he promised to support the team where need be. "I will continue to support the team, I am given you my word, and let me know whenever you need my support," Aregbesola said.

Chairman Nationwide League One (NLO) Alhaji Ahmad Kawu, has said that he was quoted out of context following an online publication which was released credited to him claiming that the Federal Government is not paying attention to the preparation of National Teams for major competition. Kawu's comment in a pally with friends was blown out of proportion. The online publication making the rounds quoted Kawu wrongly and painted him in bad light claiming that he lambasted  President Muhammadu Buhari.  Speaking to newsmen, Kawu said he can't and will never lambast the President for any reason. "First and foremost I will like to say that I was quoted out of context, I am a Muslim, I have respect and I respect leadership, am a leader in my constituency and people respects me a lot and nobody has come out to lambast me and that does not stop people from coming to meet me, to tell me I'm wrong or I'm right, but for clarity I didn't lambast Mr. President." "

Photograph by Vanguardng.com Proprietor of Comets of Lagos, Ayo Bakare, whose team is currently competing in the ongoing Men National Division Basketball League in Port Harcourt has revealed his intention was not to qualify for the DSTV League but expose the bunch of talented young boys in his club to the dynamics of playing in the league.  This is coming as Comets have continued to display good basketball artistry in the tournament meant for the qualification of two teams one each from the Atlantic and Savannah to replace demoted FCT Rocks and Police Baton.  So far, Comets have not lost any game in the conference and still look good to give hosts Royal Hoopers big fight when they clash on Thursday afternoon in a game that will most likely determine the leader of the group.  On Sunday, in their opening game, Comets beat Osun Lions 95-22 and defeated Raptors 71-54 on Monday. In spite of their good displays, Ayo Bakare, a former national team coach believes exposure is key first for

Photo credit: www.weecnigeria.org It was back-slapping galore last Friday in Port Harcourt as the South South Congress of the Nigeria Football Federation met to address pressing football issues ahead of elections into some arms of the football fraternity in the country. The meeting which was held at Aldgate Hotel, Perekule Street, GRA Phase 2 in the Garden City, had all the Chairmen and Secretaries, including other stakeholders of the South South football community in attendance. It was convened by the Rivers FA boss and Chairman of at least two NFF Sub-committees, Barrister Christopher Green. He is also an Executive Committee member of the NFF. After robust discussion of members from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and River State, the congress unanimously agreed that first rate women’s sportscaster and football administrator, Aisha Falode, be adopted as the zone’s candidate for the forthcoming Nigerian Women’s League election. The communiqué described Falode as not o

Coach Audu Adamu Ejo has confirmed the resumption of the Super Sand Eagles Squad tomorrow at the team's Badagry camp as Warri Wolves player maker captained the team. He also announced that young and upcoming beach soccer players would be part of the squad for the 2015 edition of COPA Lagos. Ejo pointed out that the team needs to be revitalized with young players so as to compete favourably with other national teams while insisting young players would be given the opportunity to showcase their ability this time in preparation for other tournaments. In his words, "Super Sand Eagles missed out of the Beach Soccer World Cup in Portugal as such; there is a dire need to energize the team to compete at the African Nations Beach Tournament and the World Beach Soccer Cup. In his response to speculations in the media that Isiaka Olawale has been dropped from the team, he disclosed that Olawale is still a member of the team though he will not be part of this year's Copa Lagos he

NFF President Amaju Pinnick has rallied the U-23 National Team ahead of the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations starting in Senegal on Saturday, saying that finishing among the top three should be their sole focus.   Nigeria’s U-23 won Africa’s first –ever Olympics football gold at the Centennial Games in Atlanta, USA 19 years ago with aplomb, and seven years ago, a group led also by Samson Siasia earned silver after losing a final battle to Lionel Messi –inspired Argentina at the majestic Bird’s Nest in Beijing.   However, the Class of 2011 faltered in the African qualifying race, losing to host Morocco and Senegal to crash out in the group phase at the inaugural Africa U-23 Championship. Failure meant the Dream Team was not at the London Olympics the following year.   “Presently, we are on a roll of good results and we are determined that those must continue. It’s been an exciting past few months during which we have won U-17 World Cup, qualified for the U-20 Women’s World Cup and reach

The maiden edition of Oba Abideen Durosinmi Junior Secondary School Cup kicked off yesterday,  Thursday in Ojo Local Council District Areas under Ojo Local Government with some interesting results. The match day 1 of the junior secondary school football event, knock out stage, witnessed 15 goals from three fixtures, Alice Opara College, Ajagbadi crushed Lagos an State Model Junior College 6-0, Community Junior High School comfortably beat Ijedodo Junior Grammar School four nill, the last match of the day was between Aganjuaka Junior Grammar School and Army Cantoment Boys Junior Secondary School ended in a 3-2 win for the latter. Match day two actions will resume on Monday. Osolu Junior High School will take on Awori Junior College, Egan Junior High School will trade tackles with Government Junior High,  the last fixture of the match day will be between ILOGBO Elegba Junior Grammar School and Iba Housing Estate Junior High School. The competition which began on the 19th of November w

By Tosin Adeniji The League Management Company (LMC) has been charged to conduct a background investigation as battle for survival among five teams goes to the wire on the last match day in the Glo Premier League 2014/15 season. According to a source, Abia Warriors are been alleged to have concluded arrangement to favour Sharks FC on Match Day 38 fixture in Umuahia this Sunday. A fan of Abia Warriors,  who gave his name as Ifeanyi Chukwujike hinted Nigeria Sports  Arena that  the two clubs might have agreed to allow result favour the visitors. Chukwujike who is fondly called,  "The Tunder", condemned the decision for a compromised. "I am a strong supporter of Warriors, this is not welcomed at all as such practice will not allow our league to grow, the aggrieved fan said. "Tunder" said they will do everything to reject such plan and call on LMC to investigate the allegation before the match. Top official of Abia Warriors, told Ni

As part of it immediate partnership’s dividend with The Different Box LLC and United Arab Emirates (Dubai Sports Council), four clubs from the Nationwide League One (NLO) have been invited to take part in a maiden edition of Gulf-African Football Tournament scheduled for early next year in Dubai. GAF is a tournament organized by a Dubai-based event management company (The Different Box) along with the permit of Dubai Sports Council. It is a two week event; starting from January 10-25, 2016 and will feature sixteen teams from both regions. The Executive Secretary of the NLO, Olushola Ogunnowo, said that the invitation was made possible following the league’s quest to collaborate with the lower league in Dubai in its effort to showcase the NLO to the globe. However, the league secretariat has written to all clubs in the NLO to prepare ahead of the tournament which would also serve as pre-season training for the clubs. “Good things are bound to happen in our league with the giant stri

Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) on Friday, 30th of October named Alexander Belinga as interim coach to replace sacked German Volker Finke as he look forward to booking a place at the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup with African Best Nominee, captain Stephane Etoundi Mbia. The German was appointed in May 2013 but his performance had come in for strong criticism after stream of poor results. Having spent close to two years under coach Volker Finke as a captain, Mbia will be looking forward to steer the Indomitable Lion to their 8th World Cup outing under Alexandre Belinga as they flag up their qualifying campaign against Niger Republic on November 15. The President of Cameroon the Fecafoot, Tombi A Roko, said that fellow Cameroonian Bonaventure Djonkep would be Belinga's assistant. Experienced Mbia won the last two edition of Europa Cup  with Sevilla of Spain, his wealth of experience of the round lethal game will go a long way in helping coach Belinga to land Cameroon their 8

Photograph by FIFA.com Brazil had looked bright in the opening stages, either finding Akpan Udoh in fine form in the Nigerian net or hitting their opportunities off target, with Rogerio and Evander two of the culprits.  A Seleção were made to rue those missed opportunities when the lethal Osimhen extended his lead at the top of the goalscoring charts. John Lazarus crossed from the Nigerian right and the Nigerian No9 headed in, via a deflection off Eder Militao. Moments later, Nigeria doubled their lead, Osimhen instrumental once more. The forward hooked a bouncing ball back over his shoulder, with Michael following in. The ball bounced up off the turf and past Juliano. The Brazilian No1 was deceived by another bounce just four minutes later, as Anumudu hit a left-footed drive from distance. The effort skipped off the turf, and past the stopper, who was visibly unhappy at not keeping the shot out. The second period saw few clear-cut opportunities, with Funsho Bamgboye and Evander g

The maiden FCT Veterans Shield Football Tournament has been commended as an avenue will further promote unity, peace and needed change for sports in the country. Acting Director General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Mr Haruna Jauro who stated this on Sunday at the opening ceremony of the competition in Abuja noted that when matured minds like veterans in sports meet, fruitful ideas would be discussed that will further change the game of football and sports in general in Nigeria. Mr Jauro, who was represented by Alh. Aminu Saleh performed the ceremony kick off of the tournament that took place at the FCT Sports Complex, Area 3 Garki, Abuja which has six veterans teams in participation. Speaking to newsmen at the competition, Alh. Saleh said "I am glad to be here today and with what I have seen on ground here, I have seen a set of young men who are very determined in changing the face of football organization and packaging in our country and I

Head Coach of the U-23 National Team, Samson Siasia has invited FC Barcelona B team defender Godwin Elohor Ekpolo and Nathan Oduwa of Glasgow Rangers to camp for the secondAfrica U-23 Nations Cup taking place in Senegal 28 November - 12 December this year.   Coach Siasia explained he is inviting both players to come and fight for jerseys in the team as he intends to build to strong team that will do the nation proud not only in Senegal but at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro next year.   "After the All Africa Games in Congo, I noticed some departments of the team that needed to be worked on, so I decided to extend my dragnet in search of players who have shown interest in playing for Nigeria in a bid to building a solid team that will be the pride of all Nigerians," Siasia said.   Siasia however appealed to Nigerians to be patient with him and his technical team as they go about building a solid U-23 squad for Nigeria.   Meanwhile, Coach Siasia has directed all clubs in

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has strongly advised the Golden Eaglets to put behindFriday's 2-1 loss to Croatia in Coquimbo and refocus their mind on greater performance at theFIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015.   Addressing the team shortly before their departure from Coquimbo to Vina del Mar on Saturday, NFF's Assistant Director (Technical), Siji Lagunju said the Golden Eaglets can be back to winning ways if they discover the same strong mental attitude that saw them to an impressive 2-0 win against USA and 5-1 win over host Chile earlier in the tournament.   "With my over 40 years experience in football as  a player and coach, I can categorically tell you that you technical crew led by Coach Emmanuel Amuneke has done remarkably well in training and preparing you for this tournament," he noted . "I commend them for being able to impact to you the spirit of hard work and discipline, but whatever you achieve at this tournament would be down to your personal a

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has strongly advised the Golden Eaglets to put behindFriday's 2-1 loss to Croatia in Coquimbo and refocus their mind on greater performance at theFIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015.   Addressing the team shortly before their departure from Coquimbo to Vina del Mar on Saturday, NFF's Assistant Director (Technical), Siji Lagunju said the Golden Eaglets can be back to winning ways if they discover the same strong mental attitude that saw them to an impressive 2-0 win against USA and 5-1 win over host Chile earlier in the tournament.   "With my over 40 years experience in football as  a player and coach, I can categorically tell you that you technical crew led by Coach Emmanuel Amuneke has done remarkably well in training and preparing you for this tournament," he noted . "I commend them for being able to impact to you the spirit of hard work and discipline, but whatever you achieve at this tournament would be down to your personal a

The maiden edition of the FCT Veterans Shield Football Tournament organized by Jotini Sports Services and endorsed by FCT Football Association and FCT Coaches Association is set to kick off next weekend at the FCT Sports Complex, Area 3, Garki, Abuja. Six out of the eight teams have passed the Age Verification Screening conducted by the Local Organizing Committee to ensure that only players who has attained or will attain the age of 40years on or before 31st December, 2015 participate in the tournament. “We will rather play the six teams instead of compromising the set rules and regulations of the tournament,” LOC Chairman, Umar Giwa Platini explains. "Some of the teams have only 18 players passing the screening and they have to make use of that. We have a very good understanding with the leadership of FCT Referees Council, and by the grace of God, teams will enjoy quality officiating.” The beauty of the tournament is that goal scoring has been encouraged as teams will get addi

The League board  of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (N.B.B.F) on Saturday released the date for the 2015 Division I and Division II Championships, the feeder leagues for the DStv Premier Basketball League. The Division I championship which is the 2nd tier of club basketball in Nigeria, annually produces the 2 teams that replaces the 2 relegated teams from the DStv Premier League every year. The  tournament is set to hold from the 27th November  to  6th December, 2015, while the Division II championship will take place a few days before the Div-1 battle from jumps off, from the 15th -22nd of November,2015.        The league board who are yet to name host of both championships are still considering bids for the Division I championship by cities Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and Port Harcourt, while Enugu and the FC T, Abuja have also shown interest in hosting the Division II championship.   Last season, FCT Rocks and Delta Force gained promotion from Division I  having emerged

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF Appeal Committee has set Monday, 12th of October, 2015 as the date to decide on the stalemated Week 12 NNL encounter between Kogi United and Adamawa United. The ruling which is expected to take place at the NFF Headquarters in Abuja by 10am is expected to give a final on the match. It will be recall that the match was abruptly stopped as at 38th minute after Adamawa United abandoned without concrete claim. Centre Mohammed Yelwa from Niger State also disallowed two goals scored by the Confluence State club in that encounter. The NNL board had earlier gave an interim order for the match to replayed in Lokoja from where it was stopped before the Organizing and Disciplinary Committee of the football ruling body in the country awarded the match points and goals to Adamawa United, a decision which Kogi United later appealed. The Wada Boys are however hopeful that the verdict of the Barrister Ibrahim Eddy Mark led Appeal Committee would be favorable

  Nigerian women referees will take charge of a 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying match between Burkina Faso and Ethiopia, which has been rescheduled for this weekend by the Confederation of African Football. The match was earlier set to be played last weekend.   The rescheduling was as a result of a recent putsch in Burkina Faso, but normalcy has since returned to the country. CAF’s confirmation of this weekend for the match in Ouagadougou also means that the 2016 African Nations Championship final qualifier between the Super Eagles and the Etalons, set for Ouagadougou on October 25, remains unaffected.   Uloma Nwogu will be the referee, with Hulda Nwokocha as first assistant and Mimisen Iyorhe as second assistant. Another Nigerian, Folusho Ajayi will be the reserve referee.   The match is the third round, first leg of the race to the 2016 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Papua New Guinea. The winner of the fixture between Burkina Faso and Ethiopia will clash with the winne

It is Naira rain for players and officials of Prime Football Club as they received five months salary arrears from the backlog owed the club.  The players and officials of the 2012 Federation Cup Giant Killers played the 2014/2015 season on empty stomach but sustained with home and away feeding allowances.  Prime missed promotion to the Premier League by whisker to end the just concluded season fourth on the table log. However, the management of the Omoluabi Giants has commended Governor Rauf Aregbesola, for paying part of the months salary arrears owed the club.  Prime FC chairman, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, who confirmed payment of the five months salary arrears to newsmen yesterday in Oshogbo said that the governor had kept to his promise by paying salary backlogs.  Ogunjobi, who spoke through the club Media Officer, Tunde Shamsudeen, said the salary arrears paid to the team is a true reflection of the fact that Governor Aregbesola is a man of his words.  Ogunjobi, explained that t

Two goals in each half from John Jerome assisted Kogi United claim an important 2-1 win over Jigawa Golden Stars in the last game of the Nigeria National League, NNL season on Sunday. The match played at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja on Sunday saw the visiting Jigawa Stars coming out with a game of a spoiler knowing that Kogi United needs the three match points to keep their status in the league. And they displayed that as they almost took the lead midway through the first half when Rahaku Adamu snatched a weak headed back pass from Tenimu Abubakar in front of goal but goalkeeper Ogundare Detan rushed out to deny him the glaring chance to score. The Confluence State club sensed the danger posed from that and stepped up their game which resulted to their first goal in the 21st minutes. Mayaki Ismail collected a loose ball down the left flank, laid a good pass to John Jerome who wasted no time in placing the ball in the net far from Jigawa's keeper Savior Atoba's reach. All

Heartland FC has been granted approval to register Victor Ezeji for the remaining games of the Glo Premier League 2014/15 season, a development that will see the player reach an iconic 20th uninterrupted season as a professional player in the league.  Ezeji, a graduate of Accounting from the University of Port Harcourt started his professional career with Sharks of Port Harcourt before he left to join Dolphins and later Enyimba International. He also had stints at Kano Pillars and Sunshine Stars where he last played. Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC), Shehu Dikko said the approval was granted on the discretion of the LMC in line with relevant provisions of the NPFL Framework and Rules which empowers the LMC to grant waivers to applications for registration of a player outside the transfer window in special circumstances like this and for qualified players under the Elite Players' Scheme or Youth Development Scheme. Dikko also said consideration for the approval wa

Kogi United FC have rejected in its entirety, the decision of Nigeria Football Federation Organizing and Disciplinary Committee on its stalemated Week 12 of the Nigeria National League, NNL match against Adamawa United. The NNL had earlier ruled that the match be replayed from where it was paused which both sides protested. Surprisingly, the O and D on Wednesday awarded the three points and three goals to Adamawa United. In a statement signed by the Team Manager of the Confluence State club, Ameh Henry, Kogi United expressed disappointment on the rulings which was taken to favor its opponent (Adamawa) and will be appealing the decision. "We are rejecting the decision in totality, the O and D didn't employ the evidence tendered by us and that played out in their ruling which we are going to appeal, begins the statement. This was like a preempted decision by the O and D, the whole evidences we submitted were turned over to favor Adamawa United. It's like justice standi

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side Sunshine Stars of Akure players have been penalised by the League Management Company (LMC) for unsporting behaviour displayed by the duo in Match Day 28 fixture in Ibadan against Shooting Stars. The LMC on Sunday released a statement on their official Facebook page which revealed "Sunshine Stars player Dayo Ojo has also been fined N50,000 for shoving a ball boy during the match at Shooting Stars. "Sunshine Stars player, Sunday Abe, is banned for 6 matches for headbutting and kicking the referee Joseph Ogabor during the South West derby.Both Sunshine Stars players, Dayo Ojo & Sunday Abe, have within 48 hours to appeal or accept the decisions. "Both Sunshine Stars players, Dayo Ojo and  Sunday Abe, have within 48 hours to appeal or accept the decisions".

Nigeria claimed the first win of Sunday Oliseh's tenure on Tuesday as they saw off Niger in a 2-0 friendly victory at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. Former Nigeria international Oliseh took charge as Super Eagles boss in July and saw his spell at the helm get off to a disappointing start with a goalless draw against Tanzania on Saturday. Ahmed Musa carried Nigeria's main threat early on, testing Daouda Kassaly with a shot from distance before Anthony Ujah caused the visitors' defence more serious problems, earning a penalty 10 minutes into the game. That was duly dispatched by Musa, but Nigeria struggled to consolidate their advantage until seven minutes from time when substitute Simon put the game to bed. Having replaced Musa shortly after the hour, Simon latched onto a sloppy clearance to beat Kassaly with a fierce drive from inside the area, opening his international account in the process. After seeing the game on a popular TV station in Nigeria, Coach Samson Unua

The Week 12 encounter of the Nigeria National League, NNL between Kogi United and Adamawa United in Lokoja on Wednesday was not concluded as a result of foul play and politics employed by the away side. The match played at the Confluence Stadium witnessed a strong power play and twists in the rules by the officiating officials. According to a statement from Kogi United media officer, Wale Mustapha, Adamawa United - one of the contenders for the promotion to the Premier League - came with a game plan of claiming a victory against Kogi United but didn't possess the team to do so. Nelson Ukwa scored the first goal that was disallowed by Centre Referee Mohammed Issa Rilwan from Niger in the 24th minute.  The Players and fans of Kogi United were left frustrated again after referee Mohammed Rilwan ruled out another goal for the home side, when Adamawa goalkeeper, Inyakson Andeika, failed to grab John Jerome's bullet shot in 38th minute as he slipped away from his grab before Maya