Nigeria Sports Arena

Kogi United recorded a shocking 2-1 victory over Premier League side, Sharks FC in the continuation of Gold Cup Preseason Soccer Tournament. Abdulkareem Yekini opened the score sheet for the Kogi United fifteen minute into the game when he converted a spot kick after Destiny Ashadi was tripped in the box. Babangida Chindo doubled the lead for the Confluence state club in the 41 minutes with a well taken shot to give his side comfortable half time lead. Sharks tried to show the stuff they were made of in the restart as they kept Kogi United in their half and they were rewarded with a penalty chance. Stephen Musa lost his footing as he pulled down oncoming Sharks attacker and Abdul Ali Ganja converted the spot kick for Coach Gbenga Ogunbote led Sharks. The Port Harcourt side put all they have into Kogi United's defense to get the needed equalizer even after Yekini was sent off but keeper Shola Sheshere in goal for the Wada Boys was at his best on number of testing times for Unit

MATCH DAY 1 Kano Pillarsfc  2-0 DolphinsFC (9'S.Tswanya) (12'C.Obiozor) Enyimba 0-2 Flying Eagles                    (M.Mohammed)                    (Y. Musa) W.Wolves 1-2 Dream Team (Gift Atulewa)  (3'A.Amutu)                         (53'B.Ebiabowei) MATCH DAY 2 Enyimba 1-0 Warri Wolves (15'I.George pk.) Kano Pillars 1-2 Flying Eagles                             (2'A.Lawal)                             (M. Mohammed onw goal)                              (T.Awoniyi) Dream Team 1- 0 Dolphins (N.Doumbara) MATCH DAY 3 Flying Eagles1-0 Warri Wolves (46'M.Mohammed) Dream Team VI 1-1 K.Pillars (Y.Adamu 68')--(C.Obiozor 31') Enyimba 1-0 Dolphins (15'N. Okonkwo) MATCH DAY 4 Dream Team 1-1 Enyimba (J.Osondu 56')  (A.Abalogu 33') Kano Pillars 1-3 Warri Wolves (41'C.Obiozor) (13'34' S.Adewale)                          (53'I.Ibenegbu ) Flying Eagles 4-1 Dolphins ( T. Awoniyi 24')      (C.Pyagbara)

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) club, Nasarawa United has been tipped to be the team to beat in 2015.  The team manager of the Lafia based club, Solomon Babanjah spoke to press men at the Abuja national stadium where he came to see the LMC pre-season tournament.  Babanjah whose team, Nasarawa United gave a good challenge for the NPFL title last season said the Solid Miners will build on their 2014 performance ahead of the new season. "We have one of the best management in the country headed by Bar. Isaac Danladi and he doubles as the Chairman of the Premier League club chairmen," Solomon Babanjah stated. "Two seasons back we didn't go down well as planned but we did an evaluation of our performance and then came up with needed antidotes. We secured the services of the best coach at the time, Mohammed Babaganaru who had won the Premier League title back to back with Kano Pillars and also got former ABS coach, Kabiru Dogo to assist him. "The impa

Abia Warriors head coach  Ladan Bosso has said that he is excited over the transfer of Ulocha Chima and Peter Onyekachi to Enyimba International  Football Club of Aba and he stated that the move won't affect his team in any way. Oyekachi and Ulocha played a major role in the 2013/14 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season for Abia Warrior's success, both players were fantastic in their top flight debut for the Umuahia-based club side. Bosso told BFCNews on Wednesday in Abuja that he is overjoy over the players transfer deal to the People's Elephant and counted the move as a huge credit for himself. He however promised to discover young players who will fill the space of the duo. "As a coach you should be happy when your players get offer from better clubs after staying with them for one season, I think that should be a credit to you as a coach, so am happy for them and I pray that will mark the beginning of great things for them. "However, with or w

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side Abia Warriors head coach Ladan Bosso has stated that Nigeria referees are giving their best despite the environment they found themselves. The former Under 20 gaffer disclosed to BFCNews on Wednesday in Abuja saying that the Nigeria referees are still one of the best set of referees in the world when we compare them to other referees in other countries but he insisted that the issue of security at match venues must be given proper attention to. He says"Nigeria referees are really trying compare to other countries that is just the fact but there are still need from the organisers of the league to ensure that there is maximum security in the league venue. "The lack of security in the league venue sometime make the referee to change his mind because the home team will always go the extra mile to make sure that they win at all cost and sometimes it affect the decision of the referee. He continued "It is said that the best

Former Super Eagles midfielders, Seyi Olofinjana, and Mutiu Adepoju, have expressed joy and stated that they were impressed with the organization, conduct and display of the clubs participating in the second edition of Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament. Olofinjana and Adepoju, who were present for the opening games at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode lavish praises on the organiser's initiative for bringing what is obtainable in developed countries to play in Nigeria. They believed that the tournament as created a platform for the teams to make corrections and adjustment in their squad prior to the new season and affirmed that the teams are capable of triumphing in their various leagues. "This is a good initiative by the organizer of the tournament, and I need to thank Tunde Shamsudeen (General Coordinator Gold Cup), it is indeed a good pre-season tournament, such tournament is only obtainable in Europe and don't forget I was here last year for the fi

Heartland FC of Owerri on Monday unveiled Coach Erasmus Onuh Olottah as new Technical Adviser following the departure of Kelechi Emeteole who joined Rangers of Enugu at the end of last season. In a brief but colourful ceremony held at the Dan Anyiam Stadium Owerri, General Coordinator, Oscar Keke who stood in for the General Manager, Prince Okey Ibe, said after painstaking search and considerations, the ‘Naze Millionaires’ have decided to hand the mantle of leadership of the technical crew to Onuh Olottah based on the belief that he would be able to lead the team to a greater height. Keke said available records showed that Coach Onuh Olottah has been actively involved in the league in the last couple of years which gave him vast knowledge of the league and cognition with many young players all of which are ingredients needed for the team to succeed. He said Heartland were of the belief that the coach possessed the technical know-how that would enable him lead the team to a desired r

Nigeria skate coalition (NSC) FCT intend to signed by all the leader of the nation's political parties for a violence free 2015 general elections in the country, the skating also known as roller blading is planning a skate rally for creating masses oriented awareness toward a violence free and peaceful elections in the country. The professional skaters with desire to skate for the benefit of the society, under the umbrella of the coalition of inline skate clubs in the FCT has identified the need to join voices and make a bold statement alongside other NGOs demanding for peaceful 2015 elections in the country. The coordinator of the group,Olajide Taye said that we have decided to stage a violence free election displace from area 10 to Eagles square in other to roll out before the February 14th general election. Also speaking at meeting was the PRO of the group Mr. Sylvester Phadion said all hands are on deck to make sure that the event hold before the general elections. Onyeogha

The Super Six tournament got underway on Saturday with less than one thousand spectators at the 60,000-seater Abuja National Stadium. Kano Pillars, Dolphins, Enyimba International, Warri Wolves, Dream Team VI and the Flying Eagles were all in action in the match day one of the competition. The poor patronage of the tournament is not the influx of the major European leagues, but lack of adequate planning by the organizers of the event. The domestic game in Nigeria is exciting and the reason why some centres don't record huge spectators amazes me at times. I don’t think the increased interest in the English Premier League is the cause of the low patronage of our league, rather some measures need to be put in place by the League Management Company. For every problem there are solutions and antidotes.You will agree with me that hashtag in the modern world is an acceptable means of sending messages. Creation of hashtag for a big tournament like the Super Six should have made fans

Stanley Eguma says fatigue and late start to the season were responsible for their 2-0 loss to Kano Pillars on Saturday.   Samuel Tswaya scored in the 6th minute and Christian Obiozor in the 9th minute.   “I knew we would not be at our best at this tournament,” Dolphins coach, Eguma said.   “Fatigue from the journey was one factor, since we arrived just last night. We also fought hard but we missed chances.   “We had little preparations because the boys arrived late to camp but we will use the Super 4 to improve on our fitness,” Eguma said.   Okey Emordi, coach of Pillars insists the team still has some more work to do to be fully ready for their Champions League contest in February.   “It’s not because won… thank God for that. I was unimpressed with the positional game of the players and their recovery after losing the ball. I expected more from my players.   “This competition is a prelude to our continental competition. We are lucky to have won the match anyway. IF it

A 10-man Flying Eagles defeated Enyimba 2-0 in a Super 4 match on Saturday in Abuja, but coach Manu Garba insisted his team have to improve on their finishing after they threw away many chances. The Nigeria U20 team took the lead through a penalty converted by captain Musa Muhammed in the 62nd minute after Ifeanyi Anaemena fouled rampaging Taiwo Awoniyi inside the box.   Substitute Musa Yahaya scored the second goal to seal the victory for the Flying Eagles in the 90th minute.   However, the Flying Eagles were reduced to 10 men in the 57th minute after Prince Aggreh was sent off after a second booking.   Sweden-based striker Taiwo Awoniyi could long have killed this game for the Flying Eagles but he missed several chances.   "The game was a good test for my team because we played against a very experienced side in Enyimba," declared Manu Garba after the match. "I have seen some of the lapses especially in goal scoring. We missed a lot of scoring chances and th

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Champions Kano Pillars began their Super 4 quest with a two nill victory over 2014 Federation Cup finalists Dolphins FC of Port Harcourt this afternoon in Abuja. Samuel Tswanya of Kano Pillars put the Sai Masu Gida in front six minutes into the game with a long range effort, three minutes later, former Enugu Rangers international striker Christian Obiozor got the second goal of the day as he shoot past Sunday Rotimi. The first 45 minutes ended with a two nill advantage for Kano Pillars. Kano Pillars gave good account of themselves in the first half, they stringed passes going forward and they continued with their game plan in the second half although they failed to score the third goal. It was a disappointing moment for Dolphins, their early lost of concentration cost them the defeat. Dolphins Goalkeeper, Sunday Rotimi told newsmen in a pre-match press conference that he was disappointed with the outcome of the game. "I am actually

Skipper Musa Muhammed will lead the Flying Eagles against Enyimba in today’s Super 4 opening day clash at the Abuja National Stadium. Kick-off time is 3pm and the match will be televised live on television. Coach Manu Garba has lined up a strong team against the Nigeria league runners-up last season. Mountain of Fire FC of Lagos goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo will start behind a defence of skipper Muhammed, Mustapha Abdullahi, Prince Izu Omego and Zaharadeen Bello. The midfield has Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, Akinjide Idowu, Wasiu Jimoh and Abdullahi Alfa, while the attack will be Taiwo Awoniyi and Prince Aggrey from Sunshine Stars. Overseas professionals Musa Yahaya, Chidera Eze as well as Ifeanyi Matthew, who only rejoined the squad after trials in Europe, will thus start from the bench.   Flying Eagles starting XI vs Enyimba Joshua Enaholo – Musa Muhammed (Captain), Mustapha Abdullahi, Prince Izu Omego, Zaharadeen Bello – Ifeanyi Ifeanyi,Akinjide Idowu, Abdullahi Alfa, Wasiu Jimoh, Prince

  Day 1: January 24:     Dolphins vs Pillars 1pm Enyimba vs Flying Eagles 3pm    Warri Wolves vs Dream Team 5pm   Day 2: Monday, January 26 Enyimba vs Warri Wolves 1pm Pillars vs Flying Eagles 3pm Dolphins vs Dream Team 5pm   Day 3: Wednesday, January 28 Flying Eagles vs Warri Wolves 1pm Pillars vs Dream Team 3pm Dolphins vs Enyimba 5pm   Day 4: Friday, January 30 Dream Team vs Enyimba 1pm Kano Pillars vs Warri Wolves 3pm Flying Eagles vs Dolphins 5pm   Day 5: Sunday February 1 Warri Wolves vs Dolphins 1pm Pillars vs Enyimba 3pm Dream Team vs Flying Eagles 5pm

Nigeria U20 team, the Flying Eagles, have expressed confidence they will give a good account of themselves at the expanded Super 4 tournament, which kicks off on Saturday at the Abuja National Stadium. The Flying Eagles and the Nigeria U23 team have been handed special invitations to feature in the pre-season competition, which has drawn league champions Kano Pillars, Enyimba, Warri Wolves and Dolphins. The Nigeria U20, who arrived Abuja on Thursday from their training base in Kaduna, will play their first match on Saturday at the Abuja National Stadium against league runners-up Enyimba. Kick-off is 3pm. On Monday, they will take on Pillars, before they battle Warri Wolves on Wednesday and Dolphins on Friday. Their final match in this round-robin competition will be Sunday, February 1, against Dream Team. Match times are 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. Flying Eagles assistant coach Nduka Ugbade said he is confident the team will do well in the Super 4. “We have worked hard in Kaduna and we

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has again reiterated its commitment towards ensuring Golden Eaglets' impressive showing at next month's U-17 African Championship to be hosted in Niger. This much was said by Mr. Seyi Akinwunmi, NFF's Vice-president, during a whistle-stop at the team's NFF/FIFA Goal Project camp late Wednesday. He commended officials for working assiduously over the festive period, adding that that NFF would offer its usual maximum support to the team at the forthcoming continental cadet championship. "I want to commend you for the good job you have been doing and we have been following all your activities even during the holiday period," said Akinwunmi, NFF's Acting President in the absence of Mr. Amaju Pinnick who is on official duty for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) at the on-going 2015 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Equatorial Guinea. "On our part, we would do everything possible to support you for a good

  Though feeling the pang of the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for and participate to defend their continental crown at the 30th Africa Cup of Nations finals on-going in Equatorial Guinea, President of Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick has been soaring high in his role as Match Commissioner at the tournament.   There are a number of prominent Nigeria football administrators working at the tournament, including Etubom Paul Bassey (General Coordinator), High Chief Emeka Inyama, Chairman of the NFF Marketing, Sponsorship and Television Advisory Committee (who is working as a Media Officer); Ms Aisha Falode (also working as Media Officer) and Samson Adamu (Assistant General Coordinator).   However, the NFF President has been shining brightly, after he was appointed Match Commissioner for the Group D match between Cameroon and Mali, immediately he finished playing the same role in the earlier match between Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea in Malabo on Tuesday.   The C

  The second batch of Nigerian referees to go for capacity enhancing programme in the United Kingdom, since the advent of the Amaju Pinnick –led NFF Board, will depart the country on Monday.   All the 20 referees have been issued entry visas into the United Kingdom, and they will be accompanied by Chairman of the NFF Referees Committee, Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed Fresh and the Chairman of Nigeria Referees Association, Alhaji Ahmed Maude.   Three women are among the 20 arbiters who will undergo a similar exercise to that taken by a team of 10 Nigerian elite referees in a first run of the programme in December 2014. This second batch will return to the country on February 4.   The referees heading out for this second exercise, sponsored by Sienna Marine Limited, are Hadiza Musa, Paul Umuago, Jelili Ogunmuyiwa, Ibrahim Umar Fagge, Jeremiah Akure, Francis Agbaegbu, Mohammed Ahmed Rufai, Bosede Momoh, Ishiaku Ibrahim, Iheanacho Chukwuemeka, Dele Atoun, Abdulrahman Suleiman Jimeta, Uloma Nwog

The Flying Eagles stepped up their build-up for this weekend’s Super 4 in Abuja with a confidence-boosting 6-0 win over NDC Warriors at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna on Tuesday. Sunshine Stars striker Prince Aggrey opened scoring for the Nigeria U20s after 13 minutes and 10 minutes later skipper Taiwo Awoniyi won a penalty, which was put away by Ifeanyi Ifeanyi. Wasiu Jimoh then saw his goal-bound effort crash against the post on 33 minutes. The Flying Eagles extended their lead in the 68th minute when Usman Hassan headed home off a free kick delivered by Jimoh. A minute later, Prince Aggrey coolly grabbed his brace as he was put through by Abdullahi Alfa. Ifeanyi Ifeanyi then scored again from the penalty spot after substitute Obinna Nwobodo was brought down inside the box on his way to goal. Substitute Gabriel completed the rout in stoppage time.   Flying Eagles starting XI: Joshua Enaholo – Zaharadeen Bello, Mustapha Abdullahi, Akinjide Idowu, Abdullahi Alfa, Bernard B

  Dolphins left full back, Jonathan Zikiye says he needed to get back to training quickly, hence early arrival in camp.   Zikiye was the first player to report to camp at Dolphins and saw himself alone in the building for a couple of days before the likes of Chigozie Ihunda, Daniel Israel and Sunday Rotimi joined him.   Zikiye explained that after the FA Cup final against Enyimba on November 23, 2014, he needed to start training early for the task ahead.   “I cannot tell why my colleagues did not turn up early because we all got the information at the same time that the camp had opened.   “For me, I felt the need to train since I had rested for over a month.   “I didn’t want to relax too much because of the task ahead. We have the CAF Confederation Cup and then the league so I thought it was time to get back to training,” Zikiye said.   After joining Dolphins from Nembe City last season, Jonathan Zikiye deputized for first choice full back, Chidiebere Okolie.   He got h

  Dolphins head coach, Stanley Eguma has explained why his team resumed one week behind schedule for the 2014/15 football season.   Dolphins officially opened camp on Sunday, January 11, 2015 but did not get a full house of players until one week later and Eguma explains that.   “It’s very unfortunate that we are starting very late but a lot of things attributed to it.   “We first had to register our team for the continent, then sort out logistics to get players in camp and we are happy all that is behind us now,” Eguma said.   “We hope we can achieve a little before the tournament in Abuja, as they say, it is better late than never.”   Eguma added that Dolphins will not be in Abuja to win the Super 4 tournament but to prepare the team for the CAF Confederation Cup nest month.   “The idea is to prepare the CAF Confederation Cup next month and we will use the Super 4 to build ourselves.” Eguma said.   Only Emeka Atuloma was not in camp by the time the team trained on Mon

  Dolphins playing and coaching personnel have moved their training sessions to Omagwa, a town outside Port Harcourt to perfect their strategies.   The team that eventually got a full house on Sunday are now at a hotel in Omagwa, close to the International airport and held Monday morning training session at the practice pitch of the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.   All but one of the expected players turned up for the session with midfielder, Emeka Atuloma being the only absentee.   “We have a full camp now,” Sunday Rotimi, captain of the side said.   “Only Atuloma has not come but from his last conversation with us, we expect him in today (Monday).”   All coaches were part of the training session, including head coach, Stanley Eguma who oversaw proceedings.   The team will train at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium until Thursday when they move to Abuja to take part in the Super 6 against Kano Pillars, Enyimba, Warri Wolves, the U23 and U20 national teams.  

  Onyekachi Bartholomew Akakem will no longer play for Khaleej Sirte SC as he has put pen on paper to play for Dolphins this year.   The defence strong man who is comfortable in central defense and defensive midfield has also been registered to play for the team in the CAF Confederation Cup that starts next month.   Onyekachi Akakem is good with both feet, a good man marker and is a combative defender. He is calm and comfortable on the ball and prefers the short pass from defence to build up play, rather than boot the ball out. He is good in the air and is technically sound.   He had preciously had stint with Ajiya Babes, Ocean Boys, Heartland, Rangers and most recently Khaleej Sirte SC in Libya.   He reported to the team camp today (Monday) and is ready and rearing to go.   In the Dolphins team, he will have the likes of Victor Ezuruike, Joseph Douhadji and Ayobami Asekunowo to contend with for a starting place in the Dolphins team this season.

  Manu Garba, the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup-winning coach, believes the Niger 2015-bound Golden Eaglets being managed by Coach Emmanuel Amuneke can go all the way at the 11th African cadet championship. Watching the new lads for the first time during Saturday's 2-0 win over Nigeria National League side, Sokoto United at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna, Garba drew out some positives, advising Nigerians to rally behind the team's quest for glory in Niger. He said he has already hinted his predecessor on some technical tips, saying he was confident that the Amuneke-led team is also on the threshold of history with good preparations for their upcoming competitions. "It would be wrong to start comparing this present team with the one that won the World Cup," began Garba now tinkering with Flying Eagles. "I was particularly impressed by the two well planned goals. The team will surely qualify for the world Cup and with inclusion of other good players

Musa Yahaya and Chidera Eze are set to join up with the rest of the Flying Eagles squad in training camp in Kaduna, just as several other players have confirmed their own arrivals. According to Flying Eagles secretary Aliyu Auwal Ibrahim, Musa Yahaya from Tottenham Hotspur youth academy and Chidera Eze of FC Porto have confirmed they will join the Nigeria U20 team on Sunday. Defender Wilfred Ndidi, who last week signed a professional deal with Belgian club Genk, as well as skipper Musa Muhammed and Ifeanyi Matthew, who are away in Europe, have informed the team they will join up not later than Tuesday. “We will soon have a full house in camp,” disclosed Aliyu Auwal. “Alhassan Ibrahim ‘Muazam’ has already rejoined the team, so too Sulaiman Abdullahi. Both players have been away in Europe on trials. “And Kingsley Sokari has also promised to join up this week after he featured for the Eagles in friendly matches in the United Arab Emirates.” The Flying Eagles will feature in a Super

Musa Yahaya and Chidera Eze are set to join up with the rest of the Flying Eagles squad in training camp in Kaduna, just as several other players have confirmed their own arrivals. According to Flying Eagles secretary Aliyu Auwal Ibrahim, Musa Yahaya from Tottenham Hotspur youth academy and Chidera Eze of FC Porto have confirmed they will join the Nigeria U20 team on Sunday. Defender Wilfred Ndidi, who last week signed a professional deal with Belgian club Genk, as well as skipper Musa Muhammed and Ifeanyi Matthew, who are away in Europe, have informed the team they will join up not later than Tuesday. “We will soon have a full house in camp,” disclosed Aliyu Auwal. “Alhassan Ibrahim ‘Muazam’ has already rejoined the team, so too Sulaiman Abdullahi. Both players have been away in Europe on trials. “And Kingsley Sokari has also promised to join up this week after he featured for the Eagles in friendly matches in the United Arab Emirates.” The Flying Eagles will feature in a Super

Nigeria's U-17 team, Golden Eaglets on Saturday beat Sokoto United 2-0 at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna. Kaduna's home boy Suleiman Abdullahi and languid striker, Victor Osimhen scored twice in the second stanza to break the resolve of their more experienced opponents who fought like Trojans throughout. In fact, it took some gallantry display on the part of Sokoto United's goalkeeper Masud Isah for keeping the score line at a respectable margin against the Nigeria National League side. Golden Eaglets soon took over the match moments after Sokoto United took the kick off following signal by referee Patrick Ishaya. Victor Osimhen got Eaglets' first real chance in the seventh minute but saw his shot going over the bar. He also saw goalkeeper Isah held firmly to his well-directed header following a cross by Etiboy Akpan in the 22nd minute. Five minutes later, Isah again foiled the Golden Eaglets when he tipped over the bar Suleiman Abdullahi's goal-bound heade

By- Adedeji Oluseyi Sbj Malawi Newly appointed Chief coach of Gateway United Olabode Awakan has set a personal target of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) spot. Nigeria National League (NNL) side Gateway United appointed Awakan for the new National League season which is billed to kick off by first week in March this year, after he helped Remo Stars escaped relegation last season. The former C.O.D United coach told newsmen that he his ready to make history with his team by picking one of the NPFL tickets. "Gateway is a Premier League team and I'm here to make history positively with club by getting them back to where they rightly belonged" said former Akwa Starlet coach. Abeokuta indigene soccer tactician confirmed the Ogun State powered team's management did not mandate him for any target but believed it's achievable with proper focus, determination from the playing personnel. "The team must put into proper shape before new season and player

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side Giwa FC and Nigeria National U20 team goalkeeper, Ojo Olorunleke has set his target to make the final squad of the Flying Eagles to the 2015 African Youth Championship slated for Senegal in March. Having kept seven test games for the National team who are currently camping in Kaduna, Ojo believes he will definitely be among the final squad with hard work. Before the Christmas break, Ojo was in goal in three games, on resumption, he kept four straight games, saved three spot kicks and conceded a goal against Spotlight FC on Wednesday. "It is my dream to make the final sqaud to the AYC, but I knew such dream can only be accomplish with hard work. "Every player are working hard, the technical crew are building a team that will make the Nation proud. "I have been working hard in training and my mates are giving me a good challenge. "No player here is guarantee a place in the final squad, you have to work hard to sec

  Dolphins will play the opening match of the Super 6 tournament against Kano Pillars on Saturday, January 24, 2015.   The tournament, scheduled to hold at the Abuja National Stadium from January 24 to February 4, 2014 will be between Dolphins, Kano Pillars, Warri Wolves, Enyimba, the National U23 and National U20 sides.   According to fixtures released by the League Management Company, Dolphins start against Pillars, then play against the U23’s on Match day 2 before taking on Enyimba on Match Day 3.   On Match Day 4, Dolphins will be up against the Nigerian U20s before finishing against Warri Wolves on Match day 6.   Meanwhile, Dolphins have formally been invited by the LMC to play in the season opening tournament that starts in Abuja on Saturday, January 24, 2015 and lasts until the 1st of February.   Thirty five players and ten officials of Dolphins will be accredited for the tournament that will involve Kano Pillars, Warri Wolves, Enyimba, the Flying Eagles (Nigeria’s U

Defender Lukman Halilu rose from the bench on Wednesday to score Golden Eaglets' record 100th goal after 33 friendly and official matches as Nigeria's U-17 team cruised to an 8-1 win against Giodano Football Academy of Kano at the NFF/FIFA Goal Project in Abuja. Ebere Osinachi also got a rare hat-trick and a brace for Ndu Iheakam; there were also goals for Captain Kelechi Nwakali as well as Suleiman Abdullahi while Ahmad Sabo got Giodiano's lone goal. "We have never been thoroughly beaten like this before," confessed Giodano's Coach Ismail Ismail."We have always thought we were the best especially in Kano but today, we have seen that we still need to learn new things." After  earlier misses , Golden Eaglets went in front in the 29th minute when Giodano's Hamza Abdullahi brought down rampaging Abass Ibrahim in the box and Nwakali converted the resultant penalty kick as he sent goalkeeper Rabiu Adamu the other way. Four minutes later, Nwakal

  President of Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Pinnick flew into Malabo, capital of Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday as the African football fraternity got into the mood for the 30th Africa Cup of Nations kicking off on Saturday.   The NFF supremo will commission two matches in the group phase at the championship with opportunities for more in the knock –out rounds.   However, the Confederation of African Football has once more rued the absence of 2013 champions Nigeria, who failed to reach the finals after finishing behind South Africa and Congo in Group A of the qualifying campaign.   Before jetting out of the country, Pinnick transmitted a letter to Members of the NFF Executive Committee notifying them that the 1st Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi will act in his stead.   “I will be away to the Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea from 16th January – 9th February, 2015 on the invitation of CAF and in official capacity.   “The First Vice President, Mr.

English Premier League champions Manchester City have informed Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) they will not release Kelechi Iheanacho and Chidiebere Nwakali for the 2015 African Youth Championship in March in Senegal. Both players were among nine foreign-based pros called up by the Flying Eagles for the AYC. They were given a Thursday deadline to join up with the country's U20s in their training camp in Kaduna. But in a mail signed by City scouting and recruitment operations manager, Fergal Harkin, the EPL side said Iheanacho is injured and may not be fit till mid-March, while Nwakali is about to be loaned out to a club in Europe. “With regards Kelechi Iheanacho, he is currently injured. We believe he will be fit around the middle of March but can keep in contract regarding his recovery,” read Tuesday’s mail in part.   “For Chidiebere Nwakali, we are currently in the process of agreeing his loan deal to Europe and he will not be available to meet up with the national team

The Flying Eagles will take on Nigeria National League (NNL) side Spotlight of Katsina in another test game on Wednesday. The match will be played at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna and it will kick-off by 11am. Spotlight, who have defender Mustapha Abdullahi with the Nigeria U20 side, are gearing up for promotion to the Nigeria top flight in the forthcoming season. The Katsina club, who placed 10th on the Nigeria National League Division A table, have made several top signings to match their ambitions. Spotlight have been on a pre-season training tour of Kaduna and have so far won three and drawn three of their matches. Their own loss thus far was to Jamba Aacdemy, who beat them 2-1. The Flying Eagles, who are getting set for the 2015 African Youth Championship in Senegal in March, are also likely to battle league champions Kano Pillars by the weekend also in Kaduna. The Nigeria U20s are also slated for an expanded Super 4 tournament in Abuja, which will begin on Thursday, J

  Players of Dolphins returned to Port Harcourt over the past weekend as they begin preparations for 2014/15 football season.   Dolphins will attack football in all fronts- the CAF Confederation Cup, Nigeria Professional Football League and Nigeria Federation Cup.   The team currently has four weeks to its opening match in the CAF Confederation Cup, a road trip to Leonas Vegetarianos of Equatorial Guinea and hope to be ready enough for that game.   “Three weeks of training plus five games in the League Management Company organized pre-season tournament next week may not be enough preparation but is above average considering the circumstance,” Media Officer of the club, China Acheru said.   “The old players of the club have returned and we expect the newly signed on players to be in camp by today (Monday) or tomorrow (Tuesday) so the coaches can start their fitness exercise then begin to impose their philosophy on the team.”   Players like Chizoba Amaefule, Jonathan Zikiye,

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) at the weekend confirmed that the Ahmadu Bello Stadium (ABS) in Kaduna would on January 17 host the proposed friendly match between the Golden Eaglets and Amajimbos of South Africa. Both countries will be using the match to test the readiness of their youngsters for next month's 11th African Under-17 Championship in Niger where they have been drawn in separate preliminary groups. While the Golden Eaglets drew Niger, Guinea and Zambia in Group A, the Amajimbos who are coached by Molefi Ntseki, are in Group B alongside defending champions, Cote d'Ivoire, Mali and Cameroon. Officials believe the friendly would also afford both teams the chance of playing against a team outside their sub regions. Incidentally, the trip to Kaduna would be Golden Eaglets' second time under coach Emmanuel Amuneke after they recorded a 3-2 and 3-1 win against their colleagues from Egypt last May. Yet the forthcoming match promises to be even more exciting a

The Nigeria Football Federation has announced that the new board of the League Management Company will be inaugurated before the commencement of the Professional Football League season in March.   Speaking at the end of the NFF Executive Committee meeting in Lagos on Thursday, Chairman of the NFF Media and Publicity Committee, Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande clarified that there is no affirmation or ratification yet on who are the members of the new LMC Board.   “In line with the decision of the Congress at the General Assembly held in Lagos on November 23, 2014, the Selection Committee has met and come up with a list.   “However, it is important to make it clear that the list has not been ratified. We will finalize on the list very soon and I can assure, on behalf of the NFF Executive Committee, that the Board of League Management Company will be inaugurated before the commencement of the new season, which has been set for March 7.”  

The Golden Eaglets in the meantime, beat Abuja-based Virgin Kids Academy 3-1 at the NFF/ FIFA Goal Project in Abuja on Saturday in continuation of their build up towards Niger 2015. Kehinde Ayinde and Victor Osimhen scored three goals between themselves to cancel Virgin Kids' opening goal by Samson Ekemezie. Coach Emmanuel Amuneke started with a possible line up pairing the duo of Chidera Akachukwu and Kanu Chibueze in the central defensive positions in only their first match for the national U-17 team. Virgin Kids started the game fast and furious and defended in numbers to keep the adventurous Eaglets' attacking duo of Samuel Chukwueze and Ayinde at bay. The Eaglets would later concede a corner kick on the other end and Ekemezie wasted no time in volleying the ball behind goalkeeper Udoh Akpan in the 24th minute. But 10 minutes later, Ayinde who was snapped  from Kwara Football Academy, gave the Golden Eaglets the needed  equaliser when he sneaked behind the opposing line

The Nigeria Football Federation will on Thursday in Lagos present badges to Nigeria’s FIFA Referees for the year 2015. The list includes six men Referees, three women Referees, seven men Assistant Referees, four women Assistant Referees, four Futsal Referees and four Beach Soccer Referees.     NFF President Amaju Pinnick will badge the referees at the Eko Hotel & Suites just before the 2014 Glo-Caf Awards ceremony inside the same edifice.   The men referees are Amao Joshua Opeyemi, Udoh Anietie Ferdinand, A. Abubakar, Shuaibu Abdullahi, Odey Benjamin Ekabatiem and Ogunyamodi Henry Shina, while women referees are Nwogu Uloma Nneka, Musa Hadiza and Foluso Adewuyi Ajayi.   Men assistant referees are Edibi Peter Elgam, Baba Abel, Pwadutakam Samuel, Usman Isah, Orowole Tope, Igudia Efosa Celestine and Ogwu Peter Eigege, and women assistant referees are Momoh Bosede Adijat, Iyorhe Mimisen Agatha, Nkwocha Hulda Uba and Aliu Felicia Obile.   Futsal referees are Musa Dung Davou, Uka