Nigeria Sports Arena

Johannesburg – After the much-awaited clash between the Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, the focus switched to the bright lights of Sandton where the African Football Alliance (AFA) bestowed recognition awards upon Governor Simon Bako Lalong of Plateau State who earlier led the Nigerian delegation to the match at the FNB Stadium. Awards were also handed out to NFF President, Amaju Pinnick and NFF 1st Vice- President, Seyi Akinwunmi. Governor Lalong received the much-coveted African Football Development Excellence Award for his long-standing and continued support to the beautiful game, not only in his State but also across the whole of Nigeria. Lalong in his acceptance speech of the award indicated that the recent success of the Super Eagles is testimony to the fact that if Nigerian people have one common vision, anything is possible both on and off the field of play. The Governor also recommitted himself and the State to continue focusing and prioritising

Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr rues the injuries and suspension that has robbed him of four of his regulars for Saturday’s crucial 2019 AFCON qualifier against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, but is comforted that the situation has presented opportunities for some other performers to step onto the runway. First choice goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, wing back Abdullahi Shehu and forward Odion Ighalo – top goalscorer in the 2019 AFCON qualifying race with six goals – are not in South Africa as a resut of injury, while lion –hearted midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is suspended after cards against Seychelles and Libya. “Yes, we have a number of injuries and one suspension. But we cannot continue to talk about that. We must look at the personnel with us now and see the situation as opportunity for them to step up and prove what they can do. “I am happy we have a young team determined to achieve. Everyone here is good enough to represent Nigeria and they will go in there and do

Three –time African champions Nigeria flew into Johannesburg in the early hours of Friday with a commitment to picking all three points in Saturday’s Group E top-of-the-table clash with South Africa at the FNB Stadium. Stand –in Captain Ahmed Musa, who is the last Nigerian player to score against South Africa at senior level, when both teams finished a friendly match 1-1 in Nelspruit in March 2015, told  thenff.com  that the Super Eagles are not thinking of simply gaining a point from the encounter. “Our determination is to win and pick our ticket to the AFCON ahead of the final matchday next year. South Africa came to Nigeria to beat us and we are here to return the compliment. “We will not be playing for a draw. We won in Seychelles and against Libya in Tunisia and we are here to win as well.” The chartered MAX Air plane that flew the Nigeria delegation, led by NFF 1 st  Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, landed at the Oliver R. Tambo Internat

President of Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, Amaju Melvin Pinnick led other executive members of the federation as well as other top shots in Nigerian football to Ihima, Okehi LGA of Kogi State on Sunday to grace a soccer talent hunt organized by the Natasha Akpoti Foundation (NAF), to promote grassroot soccer talents in Kogi State. The final of the talent hunt program organized in conjunction with the Soccer for Peace Foundation and Webster Group was held at the Ihima Township Stadium. The unprecedented youth emancipation program was the first project of Amaju Pinnick since his re-election as president of the NFF. The NFF supremo was glad to used the moments to relieve his long time desire to give Soccer opportunities to children at the grassroots. He also appreciated the good people of the North Central Part of Nigeria for their massive support during his re-election and promised a greater attention towards the region. "This event gives me relief to achieve

Kano Pillars, A list status in the domestic league will be put to test as they begin their Gold Cup Tourney title defence against 'giant-killers' Phoenix ASC when the pre-season event kicks off on November 15th in Ado Ekiti. This is a second Group A tie billed for the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium with a kickoff time of 4pm. In the first game of the Group, Kwara United and Rivers United who faced each other three times last season in the league and Group phase of the Aiteo Cup in Lagos will lock horns by 10. am. R emo Stars who hope put their Ilorin poor form behind them are drawn bye. The Sky Blue Stars will aim for their first three point in the 10 days football fiesta when they host new boys, Phoenix ASC on Friday, 16th November. Meanwhile, the opening fixtures of Group B will see CAF Champions League side and 2016 Gold Cup Champions, Lobi Stars open its campaign against FC Ebedei. Coach Kabir Dogo who will be making his debut in the Gold Cup Tourney, will be lea