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Showing posts from September, 2016

LMC Prize Money For NPFL Clubs

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A sum of N200,000,000 has been earmarked by the League Management Company (LMC) board for all the participating clubs in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) 2015/16 season. Below is the breakdown of the N200,000,000 for all the 20 teams in the  NPFL. Final Teams Position: 1. N40,000,000 2. N30,000,000 3. N20,000,000 4. N10,000,000 5. N8,400,000 6. N7,800,000 7. N7,600,000 8. N7,400,00 9. N7,200,000 10. N7,000,000 11. N6,800,000 12. N6,600,000 13. N6,400,000 14. N6,000,000 15. N5,600,000 16. N5,200,000 17. N5,000,000 18. N4,800,000 19. N4,200,000 20. N4,000,000 Grand Total:             N200,000,000 Source: Mohammed Ameenu.

A triumphant finish awaits MFM FC, says Ogunye

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Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football club of Lagos forward Austine Ogunye has insisted that his side will triumph over Ifeanyi Ubah Football Club of Nnewi in the final game of the 2015/16 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season. The Lagos-based team will engage the Nnewi-based team in Sunday’s top-flight matchday 38 encounter coming up by 4pm at the Agege Township Stadium but the intelligent striker is full of optimism going into this showdown with a victorious mindset. Ogunye said in an interview with the clubs media team the that Olukoya Boys are fired up to end the ongoing season with victory knowing that gathering the three points at stake will cement their stay in the NPFL. "I don't think we need anybody to tell us how important our game against Ifeanyi Ubah is. It's a game of our life and we are ready to fight because anything less than a victory means we are relegated.  "We have been training very hard since we returned from Lokoja

'We are set for victory'

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We are set for victory, says IlechukwuHead coach of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club of Lagos Fidelis Ilechukwu has said his side is 100% ready for victory over Ifeanyi Ubah Football Club of Nnewi in their  last game of this season's Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) campaign. The Anambra Warriors will be guest of MFM FC in this weekend  match day 38 fixture of the Nigerian top league at the Agege Township Stadium.Ilechukwu and his men are aware that they have one thing to play for in this very encounter which is a remarkable win against the third placed team thus the youthful gaffer is looking forward to a glorious outing. Ilechukwu who sounded very optimistic of a resounding victory said while speaking to the clubs official website mountaintopfc.com that his wards are fully ready for the maximum points when they take on the Anambra Warriors. " Sunday's match against Ifeanyi Ubah is more than a football match for me and my players, a lot

Rivers United Foreign Imports Want CCL Ticket

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Three foreign stars at Rivers United, Godbless Asamoah, Wilson Andoh and Guy Kuemian have expressed hope that the club claims at least a Caf Champions League ticket at the end of the current Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.  United will be guaranteed a place in Africa’s elite club competition next year if they finish in the top two place in this season’s NPFL and they still retain a mathematical chance of winning the title at the end of the current campaign.  The Port Harcourt club currently trail the leaders, Enugu Rangers by three points and will be guaranteed, at least a second place finish in the league, if they win their final league game of the season, away to Akwa United.  Asamoah was the first to speak and he explained that winning the crucial game against the ‘Promise Keepers’ is vital if his side to end the season on a high.  “Since we drew that last (NPFL game at home to Abia Warriors last Sunday), the mind set amongst the players is to go to Uyo and w

NPFL Champions To Get N40m Prize Money From LMC

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Champions of the 2015/16 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season stand to win N40m from the Merit Award of the League Management Company (LMC). Rangers International of Enugu and Rivers United of Port Harcourt are the two clubs in contention for the big prize money from a total of N200m pool set aside by the LMC as reward for final position on the league table  at the end of the season on Sunday. Last season, the highest payout from the Merit Award which went to Enyimba International was N30m from a total pool of N150m and this year’s figure of N200m represents an increase of 25%. The Merit Award pool has been witnessing an annual progression from N50m in 2012/13 to N75m in 2013/14 season and now N200m. The top three Clubs on the final table usually received the chunk of the Merit Award which supports the clubs financially in their preparation for the CAF Club competitions the next season.   According to figures released by the LMC, the champions would have received a mi

NPFL Champions to get N40m Prize Money from LMC

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Champions of the 2015/16 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season stand to win N40m from the Merit Award of the League Management Company (LMC). Rangers International of Enugu and Rivers United of Port Harcourt are the two clubs in contention for the big prize money from a total of N200m pool set aside by the LMC as reward for final position on the league table at the end of the season on Sunday. Last season, the highest payout from the Merit Award which went to Enyimba International was N30m from a total pool of N150m and this year’s figure of N200m represents an increase of 25%. The Merit Award pool has been witnessing an annual progression from N50m in 2012/13 to N75m in 2013/14 season and now N200m. The top three Clubs on the final table usually received the chunk of the Merit Award which supports the clubs financially in their preparation for the CAF Club competitions the next season. According to figures released by the LMC, the champions would have received a min

All is not well with Ibom Angels

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All isn't well in the camp of Ibom Angels as the Nigeria Women Premier League (NWPL) team haven't been well catered for by the club management in the ongoing league season. The team is on half salary despite their good performance in the Group A of the top tier division. May, June and July salaries was paid in half. The girls are yet to receive their August renumeration as they face a bleak future. The highest paid player in Ibom Angels has a monthly salary of #55, 000. The girls are only given #1,500 daily for feeding in most cases when they travel for away games and sleep three per room in a sub-standard hotel.  Players are usually treated like slaves. The girls train like a glorified amateur side as they usually appear in foreign jersies instead of the official club training kits. There is no water system in the girls' camp. Away match bonus of #20,000 and home bonus of #10,000 hasn't been paid as at filing this report. According to a top source in Uyo,  this

Pinnick, Sanusi in Cairo for CAF Congress

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NFF President Amaju Pinnick and Secretary General Mohammed Sanusi have arrived in Cairo for Thursday’s Extraordinary General Assembly of the Confederation of African Football.   The Extraordinary General Assembly, to be addressed by CAF President, Alhaji (Dr.) Issa Hayatou, will take place at the imposing Marriott Hotel Zamalek in Cairo’s city centre.   Among items on the agenda is the election of two additional African members to the FIFA Council (formerly known as FIFA Executive Committee), as well as a proposal by the Football Federation of Djibouti for the modification of article 18.3 of CAF Statutes regarding the candidacy to the Presidency of CAF.   CAF’s two vice presidents, Suketu Patel and Almamy Kabele Camara, as well as Ghana FA president Kwesi Nyantakyi, are among those in the race for the two slots to the FIFA Council.   Article 18.3 of the CAF Statutes, which the Football Federation of Djibouti is seeking modification, reads: Only member associations are empowere

Rivers United must fight till the end, says Austin

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  Festus Austin insists Rivers United will give their all in their final Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) game against Akwa United on Sunday.   Currently second on the NPFL standings, United will fall short in their aspirations of winning the NPFL title if the leaders, Enugu Rangers claim a point at home to El Kanemi Warriors on Sunday.   Rivers United captain, Austin says getting a win in the club’s final game away to Akwa United will be crucial to the side’s chances of qualifying for the Caf Champions League next season.   “I want to appeal to the fans to still believe in us. It was disappointing that we failed to beat Abia Warriors in our last match but we just have to look ahead to our next game (Akwa United).   “I want to however assure the fans that we will go to Uyo (to get a result that will enable us to) qualify for the Caf Champions League.   “The fans must rally round the players as we will fight till the end,” he told Rivers United Media.   Rivers U

Jos Court Orders non-tampering with subject of LMC Appeal, fixes October 11 for hearing

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The Court of Appeal, Jos Division which sat on Monday has directed that there should be no attempt to tamper with the subject matter of the appeal file by the League Management Company (LMC) against the orders of Justice I.I. Kunda of the Plateau State High Court, Jos. This is even as the Inspector General of Police on Monday increased Police presence at the premises of the LMC to protect the staff and its activities.   In a related matter, the Court of Appeal also resolved the issue of who can make legal appearance for NFF. The court ruled that Barrister Maduabuchi who was appointed by Yahaya Adama, an ally if Chris Giwa , cannot claim to be representing NFF when their group is still battling in court to prove their claim at the Supreme Court.   Justice Kunda had amongst several rulings ordered the LMC to reinstate Giwa FC in the 2015/16 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and also the committal to prison of LMC Chairman, Shehu Dikko and Salihu Abubakar, the Chief Operati

MATCH PREVIEW: Niger Tornadoes FC Vs. MFM FC

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With just two league matches to end the 2015/16 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club of Lagos and Niger Tornadoes Football Club of Minna will go neck to neck this Sunday in one the Match Day 37 ties which will be decided at the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja, Kogi State. For the second time in a row, the Lagos-based team would play their second away match of the season after pulling a crucial point in their last away encounter in Week 36 against NPFL giants, Enyimba International Football Club of Aba. The match is a make or mar for the two newcomers who are fighting to beat the drop. The visitors need at least a point in this duel while the home team needs the maximum points at stake to keep their NPFL status intact irrespective of their last league match result hence an herculean task awaits the Olukoya Boys. MFM FC claimed a 2-0 win over the hosts in the reverse fixture played at the Agege Township Stadium in Lag

Ilechukwu's squad for Tornadoes duel

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Head coach of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club of Lagos, Fidelis Ilechukwu has released his 18-man squad that will face fellow Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) newcomers, Niger Tornadoes of Minna in Match Day 37 encounter scheduled to take place this Sunday at the Confluence Stadium Lokoja, Kogi State MFM FC forced NPFL reigning champions Enyimba International Football Club of Aba to a goalless draw in their last league match in Port Harcourt at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium to brighten their chances of remaining in the top league. Coach Ilechukwu has decided to stick with 80 percent of the squad that muscled out the crucial point against Enyimba Int'l FC. Newman Musa who sustained an injury in his team's last league match, former Nembe City goalkeeper, Egbe Ospino and Julius Emiloju are the players that didn't make the trip for this Sunday tie. Below is the 18-man list. 1. Folarin Abayomi 2. Nasamu Emmanuel 3. Opara Austine 4. Nwaga Chuka

Oshobe targets win against Tornadoes

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Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club of Lagos midfielder, Oladele Oshobe has assured  his team's faithful that the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) newcomers will keep their status at the end of the season with a good result on Sunday against Niger Tornadoes of Minna in Lokoja. The Olukoya Boys will complete their back to back away fixtures this weekend when they face Niger Tornadoes Football Club of Minna in match day 37 of the NPFL at the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja, Kogi State. Oshobe who has been in fine form for the Lagos-based team in recent times from his defensive midfield position toldmountaintopfc.com that his team will not be relegated at the end of the 2015/16 topflight season. He began "The race for survival in the league continues as we face Niger Tornadoes this Sunday in Lokoja, we are prepared to give them a good fight which I believe will yield dividend at the end of the day. "I strongly believe the team will not go down

MATCH PREVIEW: Wikki Tourists Vs Rivers Utd

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Not many Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matches come bigger than Wikki Tourists versus Rivers United as far as the eventual result on the implication of the overall destination of the title is concerned. Five points and three places separate the two clubs on the league standings with a win for either side certain to boost their chances of winning the title for the very first time. The Tourists have not lost at home all season while United have failed to score away from home in the second round of the campaign. The permutations point to a straightforward win for Wikki but technical manager of United, Stanley Eguma insists that nothing is etched in stone. “I cannot predict the outcome of matches before they are played. I rather work towards (getting a positive result from) the game. “I recall that when (United) we got our first away win of the season (against Warri Wolves in Warri on May 8), no one expected it. “I can’t predict what will happen in Bauchi. “I agree tha

Ifeanyi Ifeanyi lead MFM FC’s 18-man squad to face Enyimba

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Head coach of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club of Lagos, Fidelis Ilechukwu has released his 18-man squad that will face reigning Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Enyimba International Football Club of Aba in Match Day 36 encounter billed to take place at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt this Sunday. MFM FC bounced back to winning ways in their last league match in Lagos at the Agege Township Stadium after securing a 3-1 triumph over Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi with striker Newman Musa bagging his first brace of the season  to hand his team the much needed victory. The NPFL newcomers will face the seven-time league champions on Sunday with the former Nigerian under 20 midfielder, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi leading the 18-man squad for the big match as they continue to push for survival in the top league. Coach Ilechukwu's squad for tomorrow’s game will feature three experienced players namely; Newman Musa and Isah Akor alongside

Newman tags Enyimba tie huge task

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Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club of Lagos forward, Newman Musa admits an herculean task awaits the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) newcomers in Match Day 36 clash against Enyimba International Football Club of Aba. The NPFL reigning Champions will host the Lagos-based team in one of this weekend's fixtures at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers state on Sunday. Newman told mountaintopfc.com that he forsees a difficult game against the seven-time champions but he believes the Olukoya Boys will claim their share of the maximum points at stake after 90 minutes on Sunday. “We have a huge task against Enyimba this Sunday, it’s a game we must win but it’s not going to be easy for us. “The win against Lobi Stars is a major boost for us as we go into the weekend match. Enyimba struggled in their last home game against Wikki Tourists. We need to build on our last game as we aim for the maximum points. “A positive result in the match whic

Newman's brace powers MFM FC to winning track

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Sikiru Olatunbosun's cool finish and a  brace from Newman Musa gave  Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club of Lagos their first win in eight matches as they outclassed Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi with a 3-1 victory in match day 35 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) played at the Agege Township Stadium on Sunday morning. The first 45 minutes of the encounter saw the Lagos-based team showing its  superiority with magnificent passing  skills and good movement on and of the ball as they created three chances under 15 minutes of play. Olatunbosun had a chance to put the hosts in front in the 7th minute of the game when he raced on to a lovely pass from Chukwuka Onuwa but his effort went inches wide. MFM FC had another chance to register the opener three minutes after Olatunbosun's attempt went off target through defender Stanley Okorom who failed to make his shot count for the homers. The duo of Joseph Nathaniel and Anthony Agbaji of Lobi

Match Preview: Niger Tornadoes v Enyimba

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The heat, the rocky and rugged topography, Welcome to Lokoja! Two months after Enyimba left this historic city with a Federation Cup Quarter finals ticket, the People's Elephant is back in the Confluence. Delta side, J.Atete was the opposition that day but this weekend, the League defending Champions are up against Niger Tornadoes, Minna based side that has made Lokoja their home ground this season. Having gained promotion from the Nigeria National League last season, our hosts this weekend have kept head above water and have banished earlier indications of a relegation fight. They sit mid-table in 13th with 42 points, 7 points less than we have even though they have played a game more than the People's Elephant. Nzube Anaezemba and defender Ikeh Thankgod connived and ensured a 2-1 win for Enyimba against Tornadoes in the reverse fixture back in May. It was a game fans would not forget in a hurry seeing the duo had performed the same trick in Kano only a few days earlier. H

MATCH PREVIEW : MFM FC Vs. Lobi Stars

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A make or mar tie awaits Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club of Lagos in match day 35 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) coming up this Saturday at the Agege Township Stadium against Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi. The Lagos-based team began their quest for the first time in their history in the Nigerian top league on high but lost the magic wand in the second stanza of the league after claiming a top ten finish during the first round. Having struggled to record a win in their last seven league matches coach Fidelis Ilechukwu and his wards are looking for a way to put an end to the winless streak starting from this weekend. Lobi Stars FC claimed a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture in match day 15 at the Aper Aku Stadium after MFM FC's defender, Monsuru Bashiru was adjudged to have netted  an own goal. MFM FC have played 32 matches so far this season, they won 10, drew 8 and lost 14. They sit on the 16th position on the log with 38 point

MATCH PREVIEW: Rivers United Vs Warri Wolves

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Rivers United will look to put their title ambitions back on track when they face Warri Wolves on Saturday as the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). Wolves are currently one point off the drop zone and are in dire need of points. United, on the other hand know a win would boost their chances of an unlikely league triumph as well as raise confidence levels. The ‘Pride of Rivers’ won the reverse fixture 1-0 in Warri on May 8 with Bernard Ovoke netting the game’s only goal. They will be keen to ‘do the double’ against the visitors at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt. Technical manager of Rivers United, Stanley Eguma says a win on Saturday is extremely important and is tipping his wards to get the job done. “It is important to win against Wolves and I am sure we will accomplish that objective because the boys have worked very hard this week. “Wolves are in a precarious position (on the log) and that makes them extremely dangerous. “There will be no talk of underrat

MATCH PREVIEW: FCIU Vs Akwa United FC

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FC Ifeanyi Ubah will be looking to extend its unbeaten NPFL run to 5 when it takes on Akwa United on Saturday at the Dr Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah Intl Stadium Nnewi in a matchday 35 fixture. The Anambra Warriors who are 4th on the standing, four points behind league leaders Enugu Rangers will also be looking to maintain their unbeaten home run and also close the gap at the top of the table. FC Ifeanyi Ubah will be relying heavily on their home form which has seen the Anambra Warriors win 14 matches and drawing 3 at the Ifeanyi Ubah Intl Stadium this season and Head Coach Rafael Everton feels so too. ‘Tomorrow is going to be a tough match, we have had a difficult week having played only two days ago on a very difficult pitch, so I think we would need enough support from our amazing fans to push us to victory’ When asked on whether his team has had enough time to recover from their last game, Everton said that his team will be fully ready for Saturday’s clash. ‘Our boys are professional

Odey sends warning note to Lobi Stars

Ahead of Saturday's Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club of Lagos striker, Stephen Odey has warned Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi not to expect a point from the tie. The Makurdi outfit are guests of the Olukoya Boys in one of tomorrow's Nigerian top-flight matchday 35 fixtures which will be decided at the Agege Township Stadium. Lobi Stars in recent times have drawn two key matches away from home. The first was against title-chasing Enugu Rangers International Football Club in match day 28 before forcing Wikki Tourists Football Club of Bauchi to another 1-1 draw but Stephen believes that his team will overpower the visitors after 90 minutes on Saturday. "Lobi Stars have pulled suprising results away from home in recent time this season. Nobody believed they could force Enugu Rangers to a draw and they did, they also recorded another draw against Wikki Tourists in Bauchi. " Tomorrow's gam

Abia Warriors condemn fans unruly behaviour after Ifeanyi Ubah draw

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Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Abia warriors Football Club of Umuahia, have condemned in strong terms, the minor skirmishes that followed the club’s 1-1 draw with visiting oriental brothers, FC Ifeanyi Ubah at the Umuahia Township Stadium and accused the opposing fans of engineering the violence. In a statement issued in Umuahia after the club’s emergency management meeting, Abia Warriors recalled that the Umuahia Township Stadium has remained the most peaceful venue in the country as no violence had ever been recorded at the arena in the history of Nigerian Football before, during or after any match no matter the result recorded. The club noted that FC Ifeanyi Ubah had come to Umuahia with thousands of their fans and were the ones that started a fight even at half time when their goalkeeper beat up a ball boy for an inexplicable reason and after the game in order to indict Abia Warriors Football Club. “We have lost some games and drawn others at the Umuahia To

'Lobi Stars tie key to NPFL survival'

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Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club of Lagos defender, Julius Emiloju has said victory against Lobi Stars of Makurdi will boost his teams hope of survival in the 2015/16 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), reports mountaintopfc.com. The Lagos-based team will host the Benue Army on Saturday at the Agege Township Stadium in one of the match day 35 ties of the NPFL scheduled to hold across Nigeria this weekend. Lobi Stars FC claimed a 1-0 victory over the hosts in the reverse fixture in match day 15 at the Aper Aku Stadium after MFM FC's Monsuru Bashiru was adjudged to have scored an own goal. Emiloju said his sides objective going into the match is to ensure that they emerge victorious in other to keep alive the hope of their NPFL status intact. "We have only one objective as we head into Saturday’s NPFL match against Lobi Stars and it is to win the game because this period is not a time to drop points again. "A win for us will change a lot