Nigeria Sports Arena

Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC, winger, Chigozirim Metu is out of the season after suffering a fracture on his tibia, his coach, Henry Makinwa has confirmed. Makinwa told the club Media on Friday in Ilorin, that the turbocharged winger is expected to be out for at least 12 weeks. The Tibia connects the knee with the ankle bones. Metu suffered the injury after Kano Pillars' Jamil Jamil's heavy challenge on him during match day 26 NPFL clash in Ilorin Wednesday. He said the good news is that he will not need surgery but will need POP to assist the injury to heal on time. "We are not happy with this development and I see this as a setback because the lad is an important part of our plans. "Injury is part of football and we have to cope with it, but this is one of the periods that we need Chigozirim more. "The lad is in good condition now and we will do everything to see that he recovers quickly ahead of next season. There are injuries concern for Mak

Arrangements have been concluded for the second edition of Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi Golden Cup, scheduled to kick-off on Saturday July 1, at the Oshogbo Township Stadium. Thirty-two grassroots teams in the State of Osun, registered for the tourney and the preliminary matches would commence on Saturday, with the final scheduled for August 21, to celebrate the former Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation, date-of-birth. The competition has been rebranded and aims for this year is to scout for players for under 17 that will represent the State of Osun, at the upcoming South-West U-17 tournament. Ogunjobi, who’s the Special Assistant to the State of Osun Governor on Football Matters and Chairman Osun Football Association, while speaking through his SA on Media, Tunde Shamsudeen, emphasised the need to return to the grassroots to scout for talented football players, saying some of the country's soccer heroes were discovered at the grassroots. The competition according to

Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries FC completed the double over Sunshine Stars with a 2-1 win courtesy of goals from Tchato Giscard and Stephen Odey in match day 26 fixture of the Nigeria Professional Football League match played at the Soccer Temple, Agege Stadium. It was a Southwest affair for the two teams and the derby encounter lived up to its billing as both teams entertained their avid fans with fine displays. The first 10 minutes of the match saw both teams exchanging passes with an intent to get the opener.  Benin Republic sensational midfielder Tchato Giscard received the first yellow card of the match for dissent while Alaba Adeniyi of Sunshine Stars was also booked for a rough tackle on Shola Brossa. The game continued with the Olukoya Boys dictating proceedings with brilliant display. Giscard initiated a move from the middle of the park in the 27th minute before connecting Okorom Stanley, the latter dribbled past his maker, laid the ball back to Giscard and the mi

Lobi Stars forward Kingsley Eduwo and FC Ifeanyiubah's Ghanaian head coach Yaw Preko have been named League Bloggers Awards (LBA) Player and Manager respectively for the month of May. Eduwo and Preko posted superior performances with their clubs in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in the month under review to fend off other contenders in the running for both categories of awards. It was a strong field of shortlists for the player's award as Eduwo had to square up with last season's top scorer Godwin Obaje of FC Ifeanyiubah, Enugu Rangers winger Osas Okoro and Plateau United left-back Daniel Itodo. At the end, the list was trimmed to just two players, Eduwo and Obaje. The FC Ifeanyiubah man and his Lobi counterpart were tied on three goals apiece in May. Eduwo scored in Lobi's 1-0 win at Sunshine Stars and got a double against 3SC while Obaje netted in FC Ifeanyiubah's 3-0 success at Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and then scored the

Thomas Acheneje's late goal from the spot was not enough as Kogi United lost 2-1 to FC Taraba in a rescheduled Matchday 14 of the Bet9ja Nigeria National League, NNL played in Jalingo on Thursday. The match played at the Jolly Nyame Stadium on Thursday morning could not take place the previous day due to heavy down pour. And it was early exchange of attacks in the opening half an hour as both sides went close to opening the score sheet. But it was FC Taraba who scored first in the 34th minutes from their captain Sale Kamil head in from close range after Kogi United defenders failed to react from a corner kick. The Confluence state boys reacted quickly to level up but Musa Jatau was not lucky to head home Acheneje's cross a minute later, and Eghe Osas shot wide a rebound effort after Kout Martial cleared a corner to his path in the 39th minutes. With a minute to end the first half, Ibe skied another good chance for Taraba that could have doubled their lead. Kogi United co

Rivers Hoopers head coach Ogoh Odaudu admitted his wards face a stern test as the third round of the 2017 Kwese Premier Basketball League gets underway on Thursday. Hoopers will face Nigeria Customs in Lagos in their opening 3rd round game on Thursday. Last season’s finalist inflicted defeat on the KingsMen in the league opener in Lagos (60-49) but the Port Harcourt club got their pound of flesh when the two sides met in Port Harcourt on May 18. Speaking in a tone not unexpected of him, Odaudu affirmed yet again that Customs will not be underestimated.              “It’s going to be a real test for us because we are playing away from home and like you know, Customs are not an easy team even though we blew them out here (Port Harcourt) 78-50. "They are one of the two teams that have beaten us this season and so we have no reason whatsoever to underestimate them,” Odaudu warned. Atlantic Conference leaders, Rivers Hoopers will face Nigeria Customs on Thursday befo

Players and match officials of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) are to turn out with black arm bands to honour a former coach of prominent NPFL clubs, Kelechi Emeteole who passed on in the early hours of Wednesday. Emeteole, nicknamed ‘Caterpillar’ in his playing days for various league clubs in the country died in India where he underwent surgery for throat cancer. Shehu Dikko, the Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC) expressed grief at the demise of the Coach who in addition to managing several league clubs also worked with national teams including the Super Eagles, the Flying Eagles, the Golden Eaglets and the Beach Soccer team, otherwise called the Super Sand Eagles. “The passing on of Coach Emeteole is a great loss to the NPFL because he was a coach that has been very prominent in the league coaching teams and raising some of the players who have made this country proud. He was a true Nigerian who played football and worked with clubs across the state

With the second stanza of the Bet9ja Nigeria National League, resuming today Osun United Football Club will face AS Racine Football Club, in one of the Week 18 fixtures at the Soccer Temple, Agege Stadium, Lagos. The Omoluabi Giants currently sit 8th on the log, having taken 24 points, while the Ibru Boys are on the relegation zone on the ladder with 19 points from possible 51 points. The last meeting between the two teams at Oshogbo Township Stadium resulted in a 3-1, Osun United win, with the goals coming from Tosin Omoyele, and Adeyemi Adeyeye, while Fimihan Gafar scored for the Ibru Boys. Osun United will be without three of their key players for the trip to Lagos, due to injuries. First choice goalkeeper, Ayo Ojo, is still recuperating from the injuries he sustained during the robbery incident a fortnight ago, Adeyemi Adeyeye, twisted his ankle in training on Tuesday morning, and the team top scorer Tosin Omoyele, is yet to return to the team after the first round break. Many

Crown football Club Ogbomoso is excited ahead of week 18 of the Bet9ja Nigeria National League against Heartland Football Club  of Owerri. The Naze Millionaires defeated Ajilete boys in the week 17 at Dan Anyiam Stadium,  Owerri 1 goal to nil but Crown is expected to take their pound of flesh today at the Soun Township Stadium‎,Ogbomoso. In readiness for the second round Crown have fortified her team with the inclusion of some tested legs for her to realize her promotion drive  at the end of the season. Crown is currently placed second on the League Log with 32points 3 adrift leader Heartland of Owerri. Ogbomoso Landlord posts 100% home records in the first round, garners 5points on the road and losses 5 games out of 8.          The Management of the Club under Mr. Rollanson Odeh recently assured the technical crew headed by Ex-International Oladuni Oyekale the readiness to make the boys smile at all cost as much as there is a result worthy of celebration from the lean financial p

A FIFA referee from Nigeria, Joseph Ogabor has emerged as the Overall Best in Match Analysis Test during the New FIFA Referees Course in Egypt June 1-5. Ogabor Joseph Odey stole the show in Egypt when CAF President gave him a Souvenir to mark the feat during the closing session of the course for the 2017 edition of new FIFA  intakes Ogabor, a PHD student in view and Lecturer with the University of Calabar, Cross River State is a member of the Cross River State Referees Council. He was among those badged in December 2016. The NRA not only congratulates Ogabor for coming out in flying colors but also becoming a worthy ambassador of the country at the international scene.

Ex-international Duke Udi, Monday afternoon resigned from his position as head coach of Osun United Football Club. The fans and players of the Omoluabi Giants, are in a state of shock following Udi's resignation. The news comes like a bolt of lightning on a sunny day for the Nigeria National League side. “I have decided to resign from my position as head coach of Osun United Football Club,” Udi said.  “I deeply appreciate my time with the team and I want to thank all the fantastic people who make Oshogbo a fantastic place to work for me.” Osun United Management Committee led by Engineer Jimoh Olayemi, held an emergency meeting after receiving Udi's resignation letter, wished him the very best in his future endeavours and will name a substantive head coach that will fill the vacuum created soon.

Following the ban placed on Enugu-based Female Journalist, Janefrances Nweze Onyinye after Nigeria Professional Football League  (NPFL) side, Enugu Rangers International FC tagged her a threat to State Security. The Solid FM Sport Presnter was at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium, the home of Enugu Rangers during the Matchday 20 of the Nigerian top league encounter between Gombe United and the home team. The game ended 2-1 and the Flying Antelopes claimed the available three points. The said game witnessed moment of controversy and Jane carried out her duty with all fairness and balanced reportage, hence she was banned from the Stadium for being objective with her reports. Responding to the ban, the NPFL reigning champions Team Manager Amobi Ezeaku said "Yes it is true she was barred and the reason is simple. He further added "Our fans see her as security threat, they have threatened to burn down the club house and stop us from playing our home games. "We cannot guarantee h

ATTENTION MR HONOUR SIRAWO Sir, Are you aware that the Nigeria sports journalists now wear a new tag, are you aware that we are now a threat to the people we promote, are you also aware that the management of Rangers international football club of Enugu has listed a sports journalist in the state, a threat to STATE SECURITY?          Now is the time to investigate and act. SWAN cannot be ridiculed for doing their job yet we sit tight as if all is well. I am aware that Jane is a card carrying SWAN member, therefore i expect that you properly investigate this threat and do a letter to the governor of the state because the security of one of our kind is seriously under threat.            We cannot fold our hands and watch some persons take the life of a member all in the name of football. Mr president act now! Signed Adewale Ajayi For NSM

Rivers Angels gaffer Edwin Edem Okon tinkered his wards to six games without defeat in the first stanza of the 2016/17 season, the only coach yet to be defeated so far. Bayelsa Queens playmaker, Tessy Biawho became the first midfielder to bag a brace in the 2016/17 NWPL season. The former Flamingoes dazzler scored twice in the 2-2 draw her club played against Sunshine Queens at the Akure Township Stadium. Sunshine Queens winger, Innocent Patricia scored the match winner as the Owena Mermaids edged Ibom Angels 2-1 on March 25. The strike was her only shot on target in the matchday 1 fixture. Confluence Queens skipper Tobi Olanrewaju found the back of the net from a free kick as the New Direction Queens walloped Osun Babes 3-0 in Lokoja. A last-gasp strike from Reuben Charity ensured that Ibom Angels shared the spoils with Rivers Angels in the matchday 2 of the 2016/17 NWPL season. The game ended 1-1 in Uyo. Sunshine Queens duo, Akudo Ogbonna and Onyebuchi Goodness Ihuoma played eve

Our striker Guy Keumian has returned to action after spending two weeks on the side lines.  The attacker suffered a contusion of his right foot on 22 days ago during our Caf Confederation Cup game against Moroccan club FUS Rabat in Port Harcourt.  He has now resumed full training with ‘The Pride of Rivers’ and is available for the selection for our club’s domestic and continental matches.  Dr Chukwuemeka Agi, the head of our medical department, explained that initial scans conducted on the forward showed no extensive damage to his right foot.  “We had a scan and an X-ray on the affected area and saw that it was nothing more than a contusion of the right foot.  “The initial fear was that he had suffered a fracture as he had been unable to continue participating in the game and had to be stretchered off in the first half.  “He was out for 10 days and after initially using ice to stop the bleeding, and performing gentle physiotherapy on him, he has now returned to full action,” Agi

Rivers United’s technical manager, Stanley Eguma says he his worried by his side’s failure to win away from home, in all competitions, this season. United have played five games in this year’s Caf Confederation Cup, 23 in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and four in the CAF Champions League. In these 32 fixtures navigated across three competitions, the ‘Pride of Rivers’ have yet to win on the road and the situation, predictably, have not gone down well with Eguma who is eager to buck the trend this week. “The first thing is to apologize to the fans because (failing to win away so far) is unfortunate. “We will do our best. I think we need to sit up and win our next game (against Lobi Stars). “Every game is important whether it is at home or away; what we need to do now is to correct our mistakes and come out stronger in the next game. “It is important for us to do that,” Eguma told the club’s official website, www.riversunitedfc.com.ng. The experienced trainer conc

With seven days to the commencement of the second round of the Nigeria Women Premier League (NWPL), head coach of defending champions, Rivers Angels, Edwin Okon says he’s leaving no stone unturned to make sure they retain their crown. After six matches in the first stanza, the Jewel of Rivers recorded three wins and three draws to finish top of Group A with 12 points. Despite not winning any game on the road in the first round, Okon says he was satisfied with the performance of his girls. “If you check all the teams in the first round you can see that almost everyone lost one or two matches but we didn’t,” he said. “We tried as much as we could to get points on the road and we nearly won away as teams had to force us to draws at their own backyard. “The matches we drew were games we could have as well won but didn't. I'm happy with the way the girls played in the first round,” Okon added. No doubt a huge task awaits the ‘Jewels of Rivers’ in the second round of the NWPL a

Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries FC claimed their first Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) triumph over Shooting Stars Sport Club (3SC), courtesy of a strike from Shinshinma Monday. The Matchday 24 of the NPFL tagged the Southwest derby played at the Soccer Temple, Agege Stadium on Sunday lived up to expectation for the fans of both teams but the hosts who were more determined outclassed the Oluyole Warriors and claimed their first-ever derby victory against their rivals. Shooting Stars started the encounter on a high and controlled the game for few minutes. Abu Azeez tested MFM FC's Folarin Abayomi with a shot but the goalkeeper punched the ball to corner. Wasiu Jimoh won a free kick for the visitors in the 9th minute of the match but his effort went off target. NPFL leading scorer, Stephen Odey, had a chance to open the scoring for MFM FC in the 14th minute of the exchange but his effort was deflected for a corner. The Olukoya Boys continued with their fine d

State of Osun Governor, Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, has appointed former Secretary General of Nigeria Football Federation, Chief Taiwo Joseph Ogunjobi, as his Special Assistant on Football Matters. Aregbesola noted that Ogunjobi's appointment was based on merit and the conviction that his wealth of experience and contributions would add value to the efforts of his administration to impact positively on the lives of the people of the state through football. Ogunjobi, who’s the Pillar of Sports in the state, Chairman Osun Football Association and the immediate past Chairman of Osun United Football Club, collected his letter of appointment from the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti. “I am pleased to inform you that the Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola has approved your appointment as Special Assistant to the Governor on Football Matters. “While congratulating you on this well deserved appointment, the State Government counts much o

Bayelsa Queens finished outside the top two in the Premier League for the first time since 2013/14 (3rd under Moses Aduku). Ayo Omosuyi created 10 goalscoring chances in Robo Queens' win over Sunshine Queens. This is a record by a single player in a Premier League match since the 2011/12 season.  The latest goal scored in the Premier League this season was netted by Emueje Oghiagbevha for Delta Queens against Saadatu Amazon on 12th April, 2017 (95:14). Bayelsa Queens won more penalties (3) than any other Premier League team, scoring all.  Rivers Angels goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi made 19 saves in the Premier League game against Ibom Angels in Uyo, the most for any goal minder in a single game. Osun Babes picked seven of their 10 points in Osogbo.  Pelican Stars had the second-worst home record (4 points) in the Premier League. Only Saadatu picked up fewer point at home. Rivers Angels are the only side yet to be beaten in the Premier League (Three wins and three draws). Adam

Relief came to the camp of Ibom Youths FC of Uyo when their darling team defeated George Turnah FC of Bayelsa  2-0 to pick up their first win of the season in a thrilling encounter of Matchday 5 of the Pipul TV Nationwide League game at the Uyo Township Stadium on Thursday, courtesy of a brace from Kuyak Ime John. Ibom Youth FC started the game with the full intention to win as they piled pressure on the defense of George Turnah FC , but could not find the early goal despite all the chances they created and on the side of the visitors, they resulted into fast counter attacks which really caused some anxious moments for Ibom Youths FC, but the agility of David Essien in goal for Ibom Youth FC saved the day for the home team. Meanwhile, Ibom Youth FC did not relent as they continued to pile pressures on the defense of George Turnah FC from the wings where enterprising Kuyak John Ime operated from switching from the right to the left as he tormented the defenders of George Turnah FC, bu

President general of Nigeria football and other sports, supporters club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, has told the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Amaju Pinnick, that the association is bigger than him following the temporary ban placed on his members. The Guardian newspaper on Thursday, June 8, 2017, reported that the Nigeria football and other sports supporters club should stay away from the 2019 AFCON qualifying match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa which comes up this weekend in Uyo due to a lingering crisis rocking the body The report reads :The Nigeria football federation through its president Amaju Pinnick on Wednesday in Lagos asked the two warring factional leaders Vincent Okumagba and Rev. Samuel Ikpea to step down and pave way for a new election. “I have made it clear that the Supporters Club should not come to Uyo for this match on Saturday. I have also told Ladipo to resign and conduct a fresh election. The two warring leaders

This was revealed at the Media Centre of the Teslim Balogun stadium which played host to the media conference of the tournament. This is the tournaments 19th edition and all hands are on deck to make it a success as it has always been. The preliminary rounds began in May; during which the states competitions where held and completed, and ended on June 3rd. And to avoid 3rd Term examination, Knockout rounds and finals have been scheduled to run from June 15 - June 29 in Ijebu-Ode. To expose the players to latest training techniques, Coaching clinics will also be held by Feyenoord Rotterdam's Youth Academy, for the four semifinalist between June 24 - June 26. The school coaches won't be left out too. As there'll also be  coaching sessions for the game masters and coaches from the champions of the 36 state and FCT to ensure that skills acquired are spread across the country. In an address by Mr Igo Weli, General Manager External Relations, The Shell Petroluem Development C

By- OLUSOLA ADEBAYO Few weeks ago, the coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Gernot Rohr, extended an invitation to two players, Stephen Odey and Olatunbosun Sikiru of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club of Lagos for two international friendly matches, against the Senior National Teams of Corsica and Togo respectively, before the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa in Uyo coming up on Saturday. The duo who played in the two friendly matches couldn't make the final squad for the qualifier game against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa. They returned home on Friday and were part of the  squad that played against FC IfeanyiUbah in Matchday 22 of the Nigeria Professional Football League  (NPFL) decided at the Soccer Temple, Agege Stadium on Sunday. Sola Adebayo is one the highly rated sport pundits in Lagos, he's popularly known as Sports Pedal. He was at the Soccer Temple when the NPFL leading scorer, Odey and league leading assist provi

Ubong Friday’s long range strike for Akwa United against ABS on Matchday 21 was the toast of voters in the VAT Wonder Goal poll conducted from Thursday, June 1 to Sunday, June 4. The Akwa United forward's goal shook off a stiff competition from that of Godwin Obaje of FC Ifeanyiubah, the popular choice for voters on the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Twitter poll.   While 47 percent of the voters on the Twitter platform preferred Obaje’s goal in FC Ifeanyiubah’s defeat of Kano Pillars, Ubong secured 41 percent of the votes cast and Wilfred Ammeh of Niger Tornadoes had the remaining 12 percent. However, a whopping 81.1 percent of the voters on the NPFL website (www.npfl.ng) favoured Ubong’s goal, Obaje had 12.4 percent of the voters while Ammeh had 6.5 percent. A total of 337 voters participated through the NPFL Twitter handle while 635 voted on the website poll. The three goals were shortlisted from a total of 23 scored on the matchday. Obaje was the league’s lea

Having defeated Wazobia FC of Abuja at home 1-0 at the Area 3 field in Abuja  , Stephen Mogah , the Chief Coach of Aklosendi Int'l of Lafia has said that Wazobia FC are not pushovers despite losing all their 3 games so far in the Pipul TV Nationwide League One this season. To this effect, Mogah said that his team will not take the reverse fixture against Wazobia FC lightly , as he noted that the Abuja club side  was a difficult nut to crack by his players and the result would have gone either side if Wazobia FC had equally converted the chances they created in the game. " Despite beating Wazobia FC at home last weekend 1-0, I know that the team is not a pushover and they have good players that can wreck any team . We will not underrate them in whatever form" Mogah said. Mogah , who captained Nasarawa United during his playing days in the Nigeria Premier League informed that the aim of Aklosendi Int'l FC is to secure top spot in the group and get promotion to the Ni

After thrashing Nasarawa United Feeders' team 4-0 in the week 4 encounter of the Pipul TV Nationwide League one , Moses Ugbede , the captain of Abuja United has said that the team is getting better and the team will not fall to NAF Rockets when they trade tackles this weekend in Abuja. Ugbede revealed that their victory over Nasarawa United Feeders' team has given the players confidence as they play NAF Rockets in an Abuja derby clash. " We are very happy to secure the maximum points against Nasarawa United Feeders' team by beating them 4-0 and this victory is a morale booster to us and our confidence is very high and we are eager to play NAF Rockets at the Area 3 field , which is a no man's land in the Abuja derby" Ugbede said . Ugbede further praised the NLO for the good organisation of the league this season ,while also revealing that the management of Abuja United are treating the players well in terms of welfare. " We are happy with the NLO . The

As part of his election manifesto, Engineer Musa Kida has re-stated the need to unite the divided house of Basketball in Nigeria under one umbrella for effective coordination and development. Speaking at the weekend in Lagos, Kida revealed that the crisis which has troubled the sports in recent years has left so much to be desired and has really affected its development. The front runner for the vacant presidential seat of the Nigeria Basketball Federation said progress will remain elusive without all stakeholders being on the same page and contributing their quota. “There is no way you can make progress in sports if it is not all-inclusive. Basketball by definition is a team game and some of us have played it, so we know what team work is all about.” The present Chairman of the Rivers State Basketball Association assured that NBBF under his leadership will embrace division of labour with everybody playing their part according to their abilities. “The president is just the first a

Players and officials of Bet9ja Nigeria National League side, Osun United Football Club were attacked by men of the underworld on Tuesday night at the Ore/Ondo/Akure Expressway. The team driver was mostly brutalized in the incidence as he is at the emergency unit of the General Hospital in Ondo-town. Most of the players are nursing varying degree of injuries among who are goalkeeper Ayo Ojo, Olabisi Olagunju, as they were butchered by the robbers. The Omoluabi Giants in a 32-seater coaster bus which had 28 people including 18 players alongside technical crew led by Duke Udi, were returning to Oshogbo from Calabar where they lost 2-0 to Unicem Rovers in a rescheduled Week 14 contest played on Monday at U.J Esuene Stadium, Calabar. We gathered that the team bus developed clutch problem on their way having left Calabar early. Coach Udi, while confirming the incident, said the unknown gunmen attacked the team bus with three (3) kilometres to Ondo-town and all their money and phones we

All roads will lead to the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos on Wednesday as the Executive Board of the Lagos State Football Association presents its scorecard of the past six football seasons.   Tagged ‘Public Presentation of Ekofootball Review’, the event has been scheduled to kick off at the Muson Centre at 11am, after the annual congress of the Lagos State Football Association that will hold at the FA’s office at the Onikan Stadium.   “It is the account of our stewardship. We feel a responsibility to avail stakeholders of the game in Lagos State the full account of what we have been doing over the past six seasons, and to take on board criticisms and suggestions. We have also invited a number of Nigerian Football stakeholders from outside Lagos to come and witness what we are doing,” Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association and NFF 1stVice President, told thenff.com.   Akinwunmi said further: “We would like to share this assessment with all of our

One of the fast rising blogger in the country, Suleiman Adebayo, and a member of the New Media Journalists, at the weekend won the GoalFest2017 Football Influencer of the Year award. Adebayo beats BBC Shina Okeleji and Kiibati Bankole of Brila FM to the award which was in his second edition. Speaking after the award, the CEO of Pooja Media communications dedicated the award to God for giving him live and gift. “It was a great moment in my young career and this has given me cause to work harder,” he said. “Winning this award shows that hard work pays and I am going to continue working so hard to maintain the standard and also improve on it. “To other nominees, I want to say we are all winners for the work we have put in the year under review. I learn from you guys every day and I respect your brands. “To all well-wishers,readers, followers and fans. I have one thing to say; without you, there is no me or the Pooja brand.” Reacting to the award, the spokesman of the group, Tobi Ad

Adebayo Waheed's sublime finish ended FC Ifeanyiubah's eight-game unbeaten streak as Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries FC edged the visitors 1-0 in one of Matchday 22 fixtures of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) played at the Soccer Temple, Agege Stadium. The Olukoya Boys bounced back to winning ways after an inspiring performance as they outclassed the Anambra Warriors to end their three-game without a victory. MFM FC began the encounter on bright note as Stephen Odey and Adebayo Waheed forced FC Ifeanyiubah goalkeeper, Bamba Drissa, to an early save. The hosts continued with their sleek display as Onuwa Chukwuka, Oshobe Oladele and Shola Brossa asserted their authority in the midfield. Captain, Opara Austine and his partners in defence; Okorom Stanley, Emiloju Julius and Monsuru Bashiru gave good account of themselves with smart defensive performances. MFM take the lead through Adebayo in the 19th minute of the game when he connected a long pass from

For the second time in as many games, the South Western derby between Shooting Stars and Sunshine Stars was devoid of crowd troubles. The first leg in Akure was the birth of the new era which extended to the end Week 22 of the NPFL between the two teams on Sunday. The game started on a high tempo with homers condemned to win going by their recent indecent results. Fatai Amoo paraded a crack team spearheaded by Sunday Faleye, supported by Ajani Ibrahim and Tayo Adebogun;  with equally experienced reserves of debutants Abu Azeez and Wasiu Jimoh. Also, Sunshine Stars started the match with three of our old players Tope Orelope, Ebitimi Agogu and Adesina Thomas as expected. The game began with a Sunshine Stars kick off albeit it was all Shooting Stars affairs for the first 10 minutes leaving fans excited by the crisp displays of Tayo Adebogun and Sunday Faleye. As such, Ajani Ibrahim capped it up with a goal in sixth minute via a grounder  to beat Sunshine goalie Ariyo. Ayobami Junior

BY - ADEWALE AJAYI  His emergence into Nigeria football was greeted with pump and pageantry. He had been a member of the Anambra state football Association for many years but not much was heard of this billionaire whose inroads into the oil business, took many by storm. His sudden rise from grass to grace endeared him to many and within a little time, he has risen to become one of the biggest stakeholders in Nigeria and Africa football. No wonder, when FIFA president Gianni Infantino came calling, Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah virtually took over the shine. From leading a strong delegation to the Nnamdi Azikwe Airport in Abuja, to hosting the FIFA boss to a lavish reception at the Transcorp hotel and suites in Abuja, the football promoter was visibly present in action and magnanimous in spending.                    He made that occasion a memorable one for all present and left his footprint in the sands of time. ....How did it all started? In 2013, after the Golden Eaglets won the FIFA U