Nigeria Sports Arena

PHOTOGRAPH by The NFF Nigeria Football Federation  (NFF) President, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, is turning out to be the most powerful football administrator in the country going by his recent moves in anal of football politics on the African continent. "The proponents of Pinnick must continue agenda say we should leverage on his CAF lift to bring many goodies to Nigeria football. "He is definitely the most powerful football administrator living or dead. Amaju Pinnick will be first vice president of CAF anytime soon" according to a comment from a Whatsapp group named: NIGERIA SPORTS MOUTHPIECE by a highly rated Abuja-based Sports Journalist, Adewale Ajayi. He continued "Take this to the bank. In a matter of weeks from now, Pinnick will be confirmed first vice president of CAF, thereby becoming the most powerful football administrator ever in the history of Nigerian football. "Pinnick is a strong politician as shown in his CAF adventure," says Adewale.

Goals from Stephen Odey, Olatunbosun Sikiru and Onuwa Chukwuka propelled  Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries FC to second spot on the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) log after a hard earned 3-2 home win over Katsina United FC on Monday morning. The Matchday 31 encounter between MFM FC and Katsina United originally scheduled for Sunday was shifted to this Monday morning due to heavy downpour at the Soccer Temple, Agege Stadium on Sunday and the fans still came out in appreciable numbers to support their darling team. Both teams began the lively contest with determination and precision. The hosts won the first free kick of the match after 10 minutes of exchange but Olatunbosun failed to make it count. Stanley Okorom had a chance to open the score sheet for MFM FC minutes after Olatunbosun's attempt but his effort from outside the box went wide. NPFL leading scorer, Stephen Odey, scored his 18th goal of the season in the 15th minute of the match off an

Excel Stars Football Club of Ilorin, on Saturday visited and donated items to the Kwara Motherless and Orphanage home, Pipeline, Ilorin.  The President of the Club, Engr. Dare Benjamin, while speaking at the home, said the visit and donation was part of the social responsibilities of the football club.  Benjamin explained that, the club is owned by young Nigerians who are excelling in their various field of endeavours with the aim of taking young boys off the street in the future.  "This club's vision is to be listed in the Nigeria Stock Exchange in the next couple of years to come and play in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).  "We have established it to blow into a full international standard football club with a vision to take children off the street and give them life through football.  "We are young professionals from different fields you can think off and we contribute money to run the club.  "We have started today and we will make it a

The Nationwide League One (NLO) secretariat have been urged to set up a committee to investigate the incident surrounding the 3points and 3goals Green Berets FC gained in their Week 9 away game to Teslim Balogun FC of Lagos. The Lagos based team were walked over at home after they failed to show up for the tie against the visiting team. A fan, who identified himself as Shola Shodehinde alleged that the game was fixed to aid the Army team gain promotion to the second tier division, Nigeria National League (NNL). "It's sad that this kind of incident happens in our domestic league. This is a league that opt to be the foundation were young talent are groom for the Golden Eaglets, clubs in the topflight league and Flying Eagles, but match fixing is what we see. "This is a team that has honoured all its home and away games, so I wondered why they choose not to show up against Green Berets, so I suspect foul play. "For me to take the NLO serious, they must set up a com

The first National Freestyle Football Championship in Nigeria organized by Feet ‘n’ Tricks Limited takes centre stage at the Car Park of the Ikeja City Mall in Lagos on Sunday. On Friday, the Chief Executive Officer of Feet n Tricks, Odyke Nzewi, said all plans have been concluded to stage a memorable event that Lagosians would remember for a long time. Nzewi said: “The concept is new here in the country but truth is the talents are here in abundance. We want to showcase those we have picked as finalists. “Our team has been able to put in so much hard work in all areas of logistics to make the participants and fans enjoy the final on Sunday. We have some surprises too for various range of people on the day. We are excited and optimistic of a fantastic event.” The event is being sponsored by GAC Motors, a product of Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Company Limited and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). The President and Founder of the World Federation of Freestyle Football,

Remo Stars 17-year-old midfielder, Keneth Chisom, has expressed happiness after featuring in his side's 1-1 draw against Shooting Stars Sporting Club (3SC) in Match Day 30 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). Kenneth is pleased to make his debut for Remo Stars Football Club (RSFC) in Wednesday's Southwest derby clash at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu. The young and vibrant midfielder was part of the NPFL U17 All Stars that featured in this year's Gauteng Future Champions Football tournament held in South Africa and he claims he was delighted he was able to contribute to his side’s display at home against 3SC. He also participated for Nigeria when the Golden Eaglets played against the Baby Menas in Naimey for the U17 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers and currently participating in the ongoing Nationwide League One competition for Remo Stars Feeders. “It is amazing, a great feeling,” Kenneth told Remo Stars Media “I’m delighted to have been able

Rangers International FC and the club Secretary, Elder Joseph Onwukwe has been charged with infractions of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Rules and Framework in the course of mediation proceedings in the dispute between the club and its former coach, Imama Amapakabo.   The League Management Company (LMC) has subsequently levied sanctions on the club and the official with Rangers fined N5m and Onwukwe banned from all NPFL activities for a period of one year.   The LMC also directed Rangers to pay the sacked Coach various sums including N14,560,000 representing his salaries for April to October 2017 and compensation for wrongful termination, N1,600,000 representing his  salary for November and December 2016, N600,000 which represents arrears of allowances and bonuses and $725 which is international travel allowance owed Amapakabo.   Onwukwe was charged for breaches of Appendix E1.5, Appendix E1.4 (Code of Conduct for Club Officials), C28 and C1 of the Framework and

A former Super Eagles skipper Nwankwo Kanu, is among the three judges to officiate the final of the first ever National Freestyle Football Championship in Nigeria slated for July 23 at the Car park of the Ikeja City Mall. The event being staged by Feet ‘n’ Tricks International Limited has GAC Motors, a product of Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Company Limited and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as major sponsors. He was an active member of the Super Eagles from 1994 to 2010, and eventually went on to captain the Senior National team of Nigeria. He has since retired from playing football. Kanu was a member of the Nigeria’s team that won gold at the Atlanta Olympic Games. In 1993, after a notable performance at the U-17 World Championships, he was signed by Dutch Eredivisie AFC Ajax. He made his debut a year after and scored 25 goals in 54 appearances. A former European Champion, Daniel Mikolaj, who has consistently positioned himself as one of the Top 8 freestyle footba

All is now set for the final of first ever National Freestyle Football Championship in Nigeria to be hosted by Feet ‘n’ Tricks International Limited. It is billed to take place in Lagos on July 23. The event is being sponsored by GAC Motors, a product of Guangzhou Automobile Group Motor Company Limited and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). The CEO of Feet n Tricks, O’dyke Nzewi, at the weekend stated that over 1,000 entries were received via the designated registration platform where participants uploaded a 30 seconds video of themselves in freestyling.  These video entries were subjected to a screening process by professional judges after which 16 male and eight female freestyle footballers have emerged for the July 23 finals. Nzewi noted that the entries received were overwhelming especially because the event is in its first edition. He said: “The talents are all over the place and we never expected such a huge response. All the same we are battle ready for the finals a

Now this worries me.  You have a ready made host,  a man willing to drop his cash and host, yet you are out there toasting and begging the Kano state governor who has shown no willingness to host.  We heard from a very reliable source,  that the letter from the NFF is yet to get to the governor who has been out of town for sometime now. We hear too that the Kaduna Stadium is undergoing renovation and suddenly,  someone is suggesting Katsina. Why are we like this? The whole reason behind getting a state governor to host is understandable, yes we know the booties that are there to share but when are we going to change?  Why must we as a Nation allow our personal interest destroy our National objectives?  The truth is,  the signs are not too good. The team selection bleeds of sentiments,  the selection of a venue, too smells of sentiments and you begin to wonder why all this is happening. We have lost our football, we have lost those men who do things in the past for National interest

The management of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries FC led by Emmanuel Adeyemi has dedicated the team’s 1-0 victory over Wikki Tourists FC to the General Overseer of the church, Dr Daniel Olukoya and his wife Shade Olukoya who became year older yesterday. The Olukoya Boys beat the Bauchi-based side 1-0 in a Matchday 29 game of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) played on Sunday evening at the Soccer Temple, Agege Stadium courtesy of Stephen Odey’s 17th league goal. The lively encounter saw both teams entertaining their fans with beautiful passing skills and glorious display. The hosts produced the first meaningful impact of the game when Adegboyega Adekunle forced Emeka Nwabulu of Wikki Tourists to save after three minutes of play. The home team dominated the proceedings surging forward in search of goals but Wikki defenders stood their ground with great defending. Okorom Stanley set Onuwa Chukwuka up with a low pass in the 40th minute of the match, the creative

Nigeria's foremost sports kitting company Cone Sportswear has entered into partnership agreement with the organisers of Gold Cup Pre-season Tourney as official kit sponsor ahead of the 5th edition of the most prestigious domestic league pre-season tournament. The partnership deal was sealed on Friday in Kaduna after the Chief Executive Officer of Cone Sportswear, Cletus Okojie CEO, Adamu Alhassan (Cone Chief Operating Officer) and General Coordinator of nation's prestigious tournament for clubs, Tunde Shamsudeen concluded talks. Cone Sportwear announced it will kit the finalists, ball boys and match officials as from next edition.   According to Shamsudeen: "It's another feather in the cap for the tourney as it has come into partnership agreement with top sportswear brand, Cone. “We are excited with the Cone partnership. Cone's presence is an indication that the tourney has a bright future." Okojie said his firm entered into partnership with the organize

Ten-man Akwa United suffered a 3-0 defeat to league leaders Plateau United at the Rwang Pam Stadium in Jos on Sunday in one of matchday 28 games of the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL Ariwachukwu Emmanuel's clearance inside the box bounced off Ifeanyi Ifeanyi but referee Jonathan Zakariya adjudged it to be a hand ball and awarded a penalty to the home team in the 20th minute which was converted by Emmanuel James. Moments after the restart, Musa Newman was harshly tackled from behind, but it was Ubong Friday that got involved in an argument with Ogene Elijah. The incident fetched Friday a yellow card but further argument with the referee resulted in the winger being sent off in the 24th minute. In a tactical move to contend the home team, Coach Abdu Maikaba replaced Cyril Olisema with Christopher Lolo in the 36th minute. Despite the poor pitch, the midfielder was able to combined with Ifeanyi and Aremu to supply Musa Newman and Gabriel Okechukwu with some decent passes

Kogi United secured a hard fought 1-0 win over Adamawa United in the Matchday 17 of Bet9ja Nigeria National League, NNL clash in Lokoja on Saturday. The Northern Conference encounter played at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja had the hosts getting the full points courtesy of 88th minutes' penalty converted by Abubakar Tenimu after substitute John John was upended in the box by Yahaya Ismail. Kogi United who dominated the proceedings from inception failed to convert their numerous begging chances as Adamawa's crowded defense and impressive goalkeeper Bulus Pwadadi denied them the from scoring. The boys from Yola employed a sit back tactics for the entire proceedings frustrating their hosts to enjoy the game. Kogi United came close to get the goal in the first half but Idris Muye wasn't lucky to head home a cross from Ibrahim Mustapha and Pwadadi denied him another glorious chance before the first half comes to an end. Coach Tunde Abdulrahman effected a quick changes on re

The dream of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the Asaba 2018 CAA African Senior Athletics Championships to organize a championship where the host city, Asaba, and Delta State Government will not have to bear hundred percent of the costs has started yielding fruits. GAC Motors, one of China’s largest automakers, has backed the championships with a sponsorship deal worth N800 million. In a statement signed by Olukayode Thomas, Head Media and Publicity of the LOC Asaba 2018 CAA African Senior Athletics Championships, the deal was brokered by Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited.  The company is the championships’ Official Consultant and Marketer. Hon. Olopade, who is also a member of the LOC, revealed that GAC Motors is the first sponsor to back the Asaba CAA African Senior Championships slated for next summer. Said Olopade, “Once the management of GAC Motors realized that the main beneficiary of the championships will be youths

By - Al Barney Anambra State as the Light of the Nation, long before now been lacked the right motivation for sporting development at elite and grassroots level. Prior to the institution of FCIfeanyiUbah by Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, most sports lovers football fantasies, was watching tv highlights or follow updates online or on dailies. The state had a little known clubs with limited ambitions until a bigger brand which is the Anambra Warriors took over and revolutionized the game by bringing back our fans to status quo (The Stadium). It takes a passion and enthusiasm to institute such massive structure in a year, within a two and a half years of top flight football, achieved accolades that some older clubs wished for on their cabinet. In that short period of time, Nnewi and Anambra have had more visitors than ever before, the revolution have taken the City and State to a forefront in Nigeria's Sports industry as well as the Global map. A quick outline why the FC IfeanyiUbah Int

Confederation of African Football  (CAF) has appointed FIFA badged referee Ferdinand Udoh has been appointed for Champions league match between Al Alhy of Egypt and Coton  Sport of Cameroon in Cairo, Egypt. The crucial CAF Champions League qualifier between the two top African sides which will  hold on 8-7-2017 has enterprising, Ferdinand as the center referee, and will be assisted on the lines by a perfect and experienced Abel Baba as Assistant Referee 1. A recent WAFU cup final medallist,  Sani Usman and Basheer Salisu all from Nigeria will serve as Assistant Referee 2 and Fourth Official respectively. Elated by the development, President of referees in Nigeria, Tade Azeez, said that the members of the Nigeria Referees Association, NRA are in cloud 9 with the new dawn of the  heartwarming fortunes at the international level adding that the appointed officials should showcase class and perfection to sustain the tempo and attract more patronage from the Confederation of African Foot

Akwa United striker Musa Newman, Shedrack Asiegbu of Abia Warriors and the NPFL leading scorer and MFM FC striker Stephen Odey have emerged as the men in the running for the VAT Wonder Goal 6. The three goals were among 18 scored on Matchday 25. Newman's goal was Akwa United's second in a 2-0 win over Katsina United while Asiegbu's strike was the first of his brace in a tight contest with league leaders Plateau United which his club Abia Warriors triumphed 2-1. The goal scored by Odey for MFM against Kano Pillars temporarily put the game at 1-1 and later represented scant consolation as Pillars ran out 3-1 winners. The build-up to Asiegbu's goal began with a throw-in on the right channel of Abia Warriors' attack. Yakub Hammed threw the ball to Sunday Adetunji who shielded it nicely at the edge of Plateau United's box before cushioning it to Uche Ihuarulam whose intended cross took a deflection off the back of Plateau United's Jimmy Ambrose. The ball the

The leadership of Nigeria Football Federation, led by the President, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick on Monday lauded the performance of Referee Joseph Ogabor in Sunday’s Nigeria Professional Football League Matchday 27 clash between Lobi Stars of Makurdi and Rangers International of Enugu. NFF 2nd Vice President/LMC chairman, Shehu Dikko, had disclosed at the opening ceremony of the FIFA MA Elite Course that he received heartwarming phone calls from the management of visiting team, Rangers FC (who lost 1-3) to the effect that Ogabor had an excellent outing in the game played at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi. All dignitaries in the hall, from NFF President Pinnick to the NFF Executive Committee members and NRA executives, devoted minutes to praising the Ogabor, who also emerged tops at a recent Confederation of African Football referee course in Cairo, Egypt. “We need more of Ogabors in Nigerian Football: Young referees who care for nothing other than to achieve excellence, through

Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries FC claimed a 2-1 win over Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC to close the gap on Nigeria Professional Football League League (NPFL) leaders, Plateau United on Sunday at the Soccer Temple, Agege Stadium. The Matchday 27 fixture of the Nigerian top league between the Olukoya Boys and the visitors lived up to expectations as both teams entertained their fans with sleek style of football. MFM FC began the lively encounter on a high. Teenage midfielder Akanni Elijah made the first meaningful impact of the game in the 12th minute of when he latched on to a pass from Tchato Giscard but his effort went a bit high. Three minutes after his first attempt on goal, Akanni set Ogunye Austine up with a pass after a well worked counter but the latter’s goal was ruled for offside. The 17th minute of the exchange witnessed a defining moment for the home team. NPFL leading scorer, Stephen Odey was brought down inside the visitors' box and the centre referee h