Nigeria Sports Arena

Nigeria wonder kid Kelechi Iheanacho goal in the second half inspired Manchester City Elite Development Squad (EDS) to a thrilling 3-2 extra-time semi-final win over Leicester on Thursday in an International Premier League (IPL) Cup to book a date with FC Porto in the final. After making an impressive goalscoring comeback in the FA Youth Cup final loss to Chelsea last weekend, Kelechi Iheanacho hit the target once again for City EDS at the club Academy stadium yesterday against Leicester City as he scored his second goal in four days. City EDS came from a goal down to record the thrilling victory after a below average performance in the first 45 minutes, thanks to Kelechi Iheanacho who came in as a super substitute and changed the fortune of the game for City with a 57 minutes equaliser. The visitors retake the lead with Panayiotou scoring his second goal in the game six minutes after Inheanacho’s cancelled out his first goal. However,Jose Angel Pozo who was a torn in the flesh fo

The Nigeria National League (NNL)  which is to kick off this weekend may be postponed for the third time according to a top source who pleaded to be anonymous. The second tier league in Nigeria is scheduled to get underway this weekend but the situation on ground may force the league organisers to shift the resumption date by  due to late registration of some teams.  The league has witnessed postponement on two occasions might be postponed for at least a week in other to enable participating  teams finish up their registration.  According to the source who wants to remain anonymous, disclosed that the league might see a new date once again.  "As I speak to you now the league might be postponed cause we still have like 10 teams who are yet to complete their registration by one reason or the other and we cant start the league without the teams completing their registration. So its looking like we give them a grace of one week and after that we start the league.  "We just

Chairman of Confluence Queens Football Club, Mallam Abdul Sule has expressed optimism on the chances of his girls ahead of this weekend Nigeria Women Premier League opener against Delta Queens in Oleh. Confluence Queens have been handed the toughest draw of the NWPL group A week 1 fixtures with an away match against Delta Queens tipped as one of the contenders for the group.Sule has affirmed that the Wada Queens are up to the task even as he praised the Delta Queens as one of the top side in the league.  “For Confluence Queens, we are up to the challenge against Delta Queens, I know they are a good side but with the qualities in our team, I'm optimist we remain the best Queens in the league. Asked if playing away in the week 1 fixture is a problem, the former Super Eagles star replied, “We can play anywhere, be it at home or away from home, it doesn't matter. What is most important is for the players to put in their best and compliment our efforts. “Last season, we played o

Christiana Issac, the IGP Queens guard continued her hot shooting form to set a Nigerian Female Basketball league record of 71 points in two nights as she nailed 35 points and 5 assists as the Inspector General of Police Queens powered to an impressive 83-23points win over GT2000 to record their 2nd victory in 4 games at the 2015 Zenith Bank basketball league holding at the National Stadium, Abuja. The Police girls dominated all through taking a 48 points lead into the half time break (50-12), and then outscoring their opponents in the 2nd 36-11 to coast to victory. Nancy Jonathan also added 12 points and 4 assists for the IGP Queens as they get set to observe their break tomorrow. In other results from Tuesday, former 4 times champions, First Deepwater held on to a 3 points victory after a fierce fight back from Benue Princess to win 40-37. While experienced Delta Force powered by Uchechi Agbotan's 22 points and Esther Igben's double double -17 points and 12 rebounds ensured

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) was among the 24 leading Professional League organisations from across the world of football that met in London on Tuesday, April 28 for the first ever Global Leagues Forum. This historic meeting brought together Presidents, Chairmen, Chief Executives and General Secretaries from Professional Leagues that represent over 1100 of the world’s top Clubs. Professional Leagues from Bolivia, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, England, France, Germany,Honduras, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland, UAE, USA, as well as the European Professional Football Leagues Association, were represented. Players of clubs in these leagues provided just under 90 per cent of the players who took part in the FIFA World Cup 2014. In the NPFL delegation including Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC), Shehu Dikko and Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Nduka Irabor, made a strong case for the redistr

The League Management Company (LMC) has announced Referee Ishaku Ibrahim from Kogi State as the Glo Premier League Match Day 6 Referee of the Week. Ishaku officiated in the match between Sunshine Stars and Wikki Tourists in Akure for which he was praised for his firmness, fairness and correct calls. "We commend Mr. Ishaku Ibrahim for his sterling display which our Match Delegate and the away team officials acknowledged. The LMC will continue to reward excellence to encourage others to raise their game", Salihu Abubakar, the LMC Chief Operating Officer said. Sunshine Stars came from behind twice to defeat Wikki Tourists in the highly contested encounter. Photo: LMC

Nigerian striker Uchechi Sunday Lopez continued her rich vein of form as she grabbed a brace in Minsk's 2-0 win at Bobruichanka on Sunday. The 20-year-old opened the scoring in the 24h minute before she doubled the lead two minutes before the hour mark. Uchechi has now netted five goals in two matches in the 2015 Belarus Women Premier League season. She is the top-scorer of the BWPL. Other Nigerians on the payroll of Minsk are Onome Ebi, Gift Otuwe, Esther Sunday and Ishola Tawa.

  After the 2-0 loss to Akwa United in Uyo on Sunday, Dolphins coach, Stanley Eguma has promised that he and his team will work harder.   Eguma described it as a good game but adds that he will not blame his players for the penalty they conceded in the first half but adds that they lost concentration.   “The loss of concentration cost is the game but I have to exonerate them for the penalty.   “They fought hard but couldn’t control that penalty they conceded. I think it wasn’t a bad game. We have lost today but we must go back and work harder for subsequent games,” Eguma said   Zachary Baraje of Akwa United said he will only agree that things are even when they go away from home to get a point or three.   “Today’s victory will certainly help in building the confidence my boys are losing, but by the time we pick a point away, I think I will have a better team,” Baraje said.   Dolphins next play Lobi Stars in Port Harcourt on Sunday, May 3, 2015.

Nigeria Rugby Football Federation vice-president, Olatunji Fasimoye has stated that the body in conjunction with ‘Friends of Rugby’ have put in the necessary modalities for a smooth take off of the second-round phase of the South-West League kicking off this weekend inside the mainbowl of the Lagos National Stadium. Speaking during the media chat held at the media center situated inside the National stadium, Fasimoye assured all clubs of fairness and new innovations in the second half of the season as he revealed that all grievances and complaints have been reviewed with a view of improving the standard of the league. Fasimoye who stood in for the President, Sir Edward Fom Pam stated that all the south-west rugby clubs including Royal Stallions of Ilorin have all indicated their readiness to continue in their quest to upstage Cowrie RFC from the top spot. In the interactive session, Fasimoye outlined the games schedules of the upcoming league stanza with each team expected to play

Chairman of Confluence Queens FC, Mallam Abdul Sule has emplored the Wada Queens to put in more efforts and remain focused ahead of the 2014/15 Nigeria Women Premier League season with draws fixed for Wednesday 22nd May 2015 at the FIFA Goal Project Centre in Abuja. Speaking through the club spokesperson Ojo Tosin, Sule made the call while addressing the players after their training session at the Lokoja Confluence Stadium on Monday. “Our target this season is to finish among the best clubs in the NWPL. I know we have the quality. The motivation to perform is there but everyone must play significant roles, it's very important.'' Abdul Sule who replaced Mallam Abdul Adama as the club chairman is fully aware of the task ahead. “We have set targets for this season. And we must remain focused, and work as a team to achieve our aims. Success don't come easy. To be at the top, you must work hard for it.” Last season, Confluence Queens finished fifth last season behind t

Nigerian Referee Jelili Ogunmuyiwa was full of praises for NFF President, Amaju Melvin Pinnick after making history on Sunday as the first Nigerian in decent memory to take charge of a CAF Championship final. Ogunmuyiwa, 36, was selected by the Confederation of African Football to take charge of the final match of the 2015 African Beach Soccer Championship, between Madagascar and Senegal in Victoria, Seychelles. An international referee since 2008, Ogunmuyiwa almost missed the tournament as Immigration officials moved to stop him from boarding the flight to Seychelles in Lagos, because he did not have an entry visa into the Indian Ocean Island, venue of the competition. “I am so, so happy to officiate the final match in Seychelles. It is a dream come true for me. But it would have remained just a dream if not for the intervention of the NFF President, Mr. Amaju Pinnick. He personally intervened with the Immigration people to allow me board the flight to Seychelles, explaining to the

  A controversial goal in added time by Prince Aggrey gave Sunshine Stars a 2-1 win over Dolphins in the league on Sunday evening at the Akure Township stadium.   It was a game Dolphins drew last season and when Chiwendu Ali put the Pride of Rivers ahead after 37 minutes it seemed like another day in the office for the 2011 league winners.   Ayo Saka turned round his marker in midfield and passed to Victor Alegbe who in turn freed Ifeanyi Egwim on the left.   Egwim’s cross who struck in ferociously by Chiwendu in only his second game for Dolphins after joining from National Division One side, Go Round FC.   Two minutes later, referee, John Charles called a penalty for Sunshine after a Dolphins defender was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box, but Tunji Adeniyi shot the kick wide.   At half time, Sunshine Stars coach, Kennedy Boboye brought in Dele Olorundare and he made his impact felt two minutes later.   Joseph Douhadji failed to head clear a cross into the Dol

Sixteen teams, including the exciting youthful side, Nath Boys FC of Lagos, AA Stars of Sokoto and Kukuruku FC from Edo State are poised for the play-off round of this year’s Federation Cup competition, which comes up on Tuesday, 21st April. The play-off round brings together the rookie teams among those that reached the finals in the States. After the play-off, the winners proceed to the Draws for the National competition, which this year has been set for April 30. Black Cats of Cross River State, Mgbo Ambassadors of Ebonyi and Kwara Football Academy will also be involved in the matches spread across the federation. FIXTURES AA Stars (Sokoto) Vs Kurmi Market (Kano) - Katsina A.B.U FC (Kaduna) Vs Mighty Junior (Benue) - Abuja Inter FC (Enugu) Vs Black Cats (Cross River) - Abakaliki Mgbo Ambassadors (Ebonyi) Vs Pilo FC (Imo) - Aba Kukuruku FC (Edo) Vs God’s Time (Delta) - Lokoja Kwara Academy (Kwara) Vs Maracana FC (Ekiti) – Ibadan Peacemaker FC (Ondo) Vs Nath Boys (Lagos) -

Chairman of Kogi United FC, Abdul Sule has heaped praises on the board of the Nigeria National League, NNL for openness and commitment to develop the second tier league in the country adding that Kogi United will make good use of it to promote. Sule who stated this at the Congress/Draws for the league in Abuja on Wednesday noted that the Chief Emeka Inyama led NNL board has shown interest to raise the bar in making the league attractive to sponsors just as he expect them to put policies and plans raise into actions. While admitting that the Wada Boys are grouped in a strong pool, the former Super Eagles utility player expressed optimism that his side will give its all to gain the ticket to the Premier League. "The congress and draws were good, the fixtures were ok, there is transparency and openness in it, they (NNL) are trying to do it more better this time, to make the league good for sponsors and I think we have strong opponents, but its not a threat for us, by God's gra

Pix by Shengolpixs Heartland's Ebere Odiche and Tony Ogharanduku of FC Taraba have emerged the League Bloggers Awards [LBA] Player and Manager for the month of March. The outstanding performances of the two men in the month under review in the Glo Premier League put them ahead of other nominees in the two categories. Odiche racked up his biggest shift in the top flight in his career by scoring twice, both from free kicks, to play a pivotal role in Heartland's superb start to the season. The former Warri Wolves man apart from his free kick goals against Shooting Stars Sports Club [3SC] and Nasarawa United proved to be a central figure in the attacking play of Heartland in March which saw them score seven goals in just two matches after their opening game with champions Kano Pillars was called off. The Heartland player has beaten the quartet of Sikiru Adewale [Warri Wolves], Segun Alebiosu [Kwara United], Evans Iyoro [Kwara United] and Enyimba's Idris Aloma. Ogharanduk

By Oluwafemi Adefeso Having successfully qualified to defend her All African Games title in Congo Brazzaville, and also an opportunity to vie for a place at the 2016 Rio Olympics by qualifying for the 2015 FIBA Africa Championship in Tunisia come August. The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has received thumbs up from National Sports commission (NSC) for her recent accomplishments following a meeting between the hierarchy of the Basketball Federation and the Director General of the National Sports commission, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye. President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Mr Tijjani Umar, disclosed after the meeting which was held in Abuja that the impressed NSC DG immediately requested the Nigerian Basketball Federation to submit her national programmes to the Sports commission to ensure Basketball receives optimum support to succeed in the various competitions leading to the Olympics.  “We’ve set a huge precedence in qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympics. We qualif

By Oluwafemi Adefeso Having successfully qualified to defend her All African Games title in Congo Brazzaville, and also an opportunity to vie for a place at the 2016 Rio Olympics by qualifying for the 2015 FIBA Africa Championship in Tunisia come August. The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has received thumbs up from National Sports commission (NSC) for her recent accomplishments following a meeting between the hierarchy of the Basketball Federation and the Director General of the National Sports commission, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye. President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Mr Tijjani Umar, disclosed after the meeting which was held in Abuja that the impressed NSC DG immediately requested the Nigerian Basketball Federation to submit her national programmes to the Sports commission to ensure Basketball receives optimum support to succeed in the various competitions leading to the Olympics.  “We’ve set a huge precedence in qualification for the 2016 Rio Olympics. We qualifi

The Nigeria Basketball Federation has announced April 23rd as the jumpball for the first phase of the Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League season. The new date is sequel to the conclusion of the general elections which necessitated the postponement of the Women’s League in the first place. The championship traditional first phase which will take place at the indoor sports hall of  the National Stadium Package ‘B’ Abuja will see the likes of Customs, FCT Queens, Benue Princess,  Plateau Rocks, Delta Force, AHIP Queens, Coal City Queens, Oluyole Babes, GT-2000, Immigration, IGP Queens and Taraba Hurricanes wrestle power houses Sunshine Angels, First Deepwater, Dolphins and defending champions First Bank for the 2015 title. The teams are expected to arrive Abuja on Thursday, 23rd, ahead of the technical meeting on the 24th of April as action is set to resume on  Saturday, 25th April till May 4th.

Ferencvárosi Torna Club striker Ebere Orji struck twice as her side thrashed Dorogi Diofa 6-1 in the match day 1 of the Hungarian Női Nemzeti Bajnokság Championship play off on Saturday.   Orji tormented the defence line of Diofa and accounted for their woes.   Three minutes into the match Viktoria Szaba open scoring for Ferencvárosi, before Orji doubled the lead in the 11th minute.   Nineteen minutes later Evelin Mosdoczi hit the target for Ferencvárosi’s third goal and Jelena Cankovic still had the time to score her side's 4th goal of the match. Second half recorded three goals with the away side scoring one. At first Orji obtained the ball inside the visitor’s area to hit a brace.   Monica Benko then reduced the deficit 17 minutes from time, but Boglarka Horvath scored with four minutes remaining to end the game 6-1.    Orji's team will next be away to Astra Hungary on 19th April.

The League Bloggers Awards (LBA) has shortlisted nine actors in the Glo Premier League as nominees for the March Player and Manager awards. There are five shortlisted in the player's category and four in the manager's award. In the running for the LBA Player for March are Ebere Odiche [Heartland], Evans Iyoro [Kwara United], Idris Aloma [Enyimba], Sikiru Adewale [Warri Wolves] and Segun Alebiosu [Kwara United] while the quartet of Erasmus Onuh [Heartland], Tunde Abdulrahman [Kwara United],Tony Ogharanduku [FC Taraba] and Mitko Dobrev [Gabros FC] have been picked for the manager's category. The shortlisted actors in the Glo Premier League for March have put in decent shift for their clubs after three match days this season. Odiche has been solid for Heartland so far scoring twice from free kicks against 3SC and Nasarawa United. He helped mastermind the demolition of Nasarawa United 5-2 on match day three. Kwara United winger, Iyoro, has shown he has a sweet left fo

Former Super Eagles defender, Abdul Sule has been appointed as the new chairman of Kogi State football clubs, Confluence Queens and Kogi United. Sule, who was until his new appointment the Technical Adviser of Kogi United. At the official unveiling at Confluence Stadium, Lokoja on Wednesday, Governor Idris Ichalla Wada said Sule's appointment was to improve on the effort of his predecessor, Abdul Adama. Represented by his Personal Assistance, Sule Unekwojo, Governor Wada noted that his administration would continue to give total support to the state clubs adding that the club will witness more success this season. "We want continuity of success and progress in our state football clubs, the government is committed to encouraging both clubs to do well, Abdul Sule's track records speaks volume and we are confident he will continue to add more values to the teams," he said. Speaking on behalf of the management, Ameh Henry thanked the state government for the quick re

People have asked several questions on the secret of the success of recently crowned Kogi State FA Cup champions Idah United. There are many factors that aids the successful run of a champion - ranging from motivation to the playing personnel of the team. For Idah United, at the beginning of the journey they wouldn't have thought of winning the tournament. Behind the achievement of an organisation, there is the silent planner who maps out strategies. An official of Idah United who pleaded to anonymity told us the massive impact Hon Abdul Adama played in the giant killing run of his team.  ''I must confess the man is generous, he is a team player and doesn't joke with the welfare of people around him.'' We are grateful to him for supporting us right from day 1 of the tournament,'' the official said. We scooped from a reliable source that Hon Adama motivated Idah United with cash before the final against FMC FC and rewarded them with another huge su

Nigeria international Adule Charity found the back of the net for BIIK Kazygurt as they defeated Kariak FC 3-2 in a Cup Game on Monday. Adule set up a goal and then plundered one for herself in the five-goal thriller for the Kazakhstani women's football league champions. Last season the 21-year-old struck 36 times in all competitions for the three-time League champions. The invitational cup competition serves as pre season tournament for Adule's club. The 2015 league season is expected to get underway by 30th April.

The Nigerian senior male national basketball team, the D'Tigers have been pitted against former champions and host Tunisia in Group A at the draws for the 2015 FIBA Africa Basketball Championship which took place at the Carthage Acropolium in Tunis on Saturday.  The D'Tigers who are now the 3rd ranked team in Africa( 24th on the FIBA World rankings) will be hoping to roar past  no 4 ranked Tunisia, who last won the competition in 2011. Also seeded in the group is a little known Uganda who are making their debut  at the continental showpiece and the 1st of 3 wild card teams which will be announced at the end of April by FIBA Africa.  The tournament which will be held from 19-30 August in the Tunisian cities of Nabeul and Tunis will serve as a qualifying event for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. In Group B, defending champions Angola who will be gunning for their 12th title under the tutelage of new but experienced coach Moncho Lopez , will battle against Mozambique, Morocco and

Remo Stars FC defeated Gateway United 4-3 via penalties after it ended1-1 to be crowned champions of Ogun State on Sunday. The Sky Blue Stars took an early lead through Ekene Awazie in the 8th minute and were holding on to the lead before Gateway United leveled things up in the second half and the encounter had to be decided by penalty shout out. Speaking through the club's Press Officer, Michael Onikute, On Wining the first silverware for the club in his first attempt and the clubs third, Uche Okagbue was full of praise for his wards who showed character and played against all odds. "It is a relief and a happiness because, of course, we needed to make a statement with a win today," Okagbue said, "and we started well but Gateway rallied round and got back into the game. "We started strong and you could see we were hesitant, and then we made a demonstration of how we waited a long time for that by eventually winning via penalties even when we lost the first k

Atlantic Conference Oluyole Warriors 78-70 Kwara Falcons Union Bank 54-59 Lagos Islanders Customs 60-55 Delta Force Dodan Warriors 61-42 Police Batons Savannah Conference Bauchi Nets 45-77 M.Mentors Kano Pillars 70-64 Gombe Bulls Peaks 60-52 Immigration Kada Stars vs FCT Rocks Postponed. (Force Majeure)

Upcoming defender Tobore Isaac has moved to Nigeria National League club Plateau United. The Jos based club have confirmed that they have signed the 2012 National Sports Festival product. "We can confirm that Tobore has completed his move to our club," a club official told Nigerian League reporter Ademetan Abayomi on Thursday night. Plateau United are seeking promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League in the new NNL season due to get underway on 18th April. "I have acquired enough experience to be able to succeed here and I will use this experience to help Plateau United return to where they belong," Tobore said. The young defender helped Dynamites Force to a 4th round run in the 2014 Federation Cup.

Remo Stars Football Club will take on Gateway United in the Ogun State FA CUP final at the MKO Abiola Abeokuta on Sunday and Technical adviser Uche Okagbue has expressed  optimism about his lads making a statement this time around. The Sky Blue Stars qualified for the State Cup final and Federation cup (Nationals) after they defeated WUSU FC 4-0 in the semi-final to setup a blockbuster final with Gateway United for the third consecutive season. History hasn't been on the side of the Ikenne Remo based side in state cup final having lost two finals to Gateway United. Okagbue isnt fazed by the Club's history in the state cup final and has express satisfactory over his ward upseting Gateway United in the first clash of both sides this season. "Am not worried by the record, here is an opportunity to rewrite such records. "This is just another game with Gateway United which will be my first final with Remo Stars FC and creating history is what I want to do with this F

Chairman of Kogi State Football Clubs, Kogi United FC and Confluence Queens, Mallam Abdul Adama has tendered his resignation to manage the clubs. Mallam Adama who was appointed the sole administrator of both clubs September, 2013 was saddled with responsible of restructuring and repositioning both clubs in their respective leagues. Adama said the decision to leave the clubsides, which are close to his heart, was difficult as he enjoyed a good working condition throughout his stay adding that he would remain grateful for the chance to serve and contribute to the development of sports in Kogi State. The former Chairman of Bukola Babes (now ABS FC) said “This has been a very difficult decision to make as I enjoyed a good and progressive working condition throughout my appointment as chairman of Kogi United and Confluence Queens,” begins Adama. “I remain grateful to Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State for the opportunity to serve and contribute my quota to the development of sports in ou