Nigeria Sports Arena

Nigeria and England will be thrown into the ring for another long but interesting battle over Viv Efosa Solomon-Otabor following the player’s decision to play for his country of birth, Nigeria. The London-born Nigerian winger has roots to former Super Eagles player Thompson Oliha, who is his uncle. Solomon-Otabor, 23, was born in London to parents originally from Edo state, Nigeria. Victor-Banks Otabor, his father, played for Bendel Insurance, NNPC, and Eagle Oil before moving abroad. Currently on the books of CSKA Sofia in the Bulgarian Professional Football League, the energetic winger has played for Birmingham City, Bolton Wanderers, Blackpool and Oxford City in the past. In 2018 he was offered a chance to play for the England U-21 team. Aidy Boothroyd called him up for the 2019 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers against Andorra and Scotland but declined the opportunity. He is a right footed forward who can operate as a central striker or on either of the w

Nigerian International Stephen Odey has opened his goal account in Belgium for KRC Genk as they a claimed a 3-0 win over KSK Ronse  on Tuesday evening in the round of 16 of the Belgian Cup. The Nigerian Olympic Eagles forward was handed his first start in a competitive game since he joined the Genkies in a £3.5million move from FC Zurich after making three appearances as a substitute in the Belgian PRO League. Odey got his team’s first goal in the 58th of the encounter and set the pace for Felice Mazzu’s men. Bryne Heynan doubled the lead for the reigning Belgian Cup winner from the spot in the 71st minute while Super Eagles forward Paul Onuachu added the third in the 82nd minute. Odey said via a tweet on his  official Twitter handle that he’s been waiting to bang his first goal for Genk. “Been waiting for this time to come and I'm happy to score my first goal in Belgium in my first start for the team in a Belgian Cup against KSK Ronse alongside 🇳🇬 Paul Ebere who g

Nigerian International Stephen Odey will be making his UEFA Champions League debut later tonight as Red Bull Salzburg set to host KRC Genk in their opening Group E encounter at the Stadion Salzburg. The former FC Zurich forward who was named in the Genkies 2019/20 Champions League 32-man squad alongside Super Eagles forward Paul Onuachu few weeks ago was included in Felice Mazzu's squad to face Salzburg. Odey, 21, will be playing in his first Champions League after he made his Europe competition debut last season in the Europa League where he scored two goals in the group stage against Bayern Leverkusen and Ludogorets. The 2018/19 Belgian League champions are in Group E of the competition alongside 2019 Champions League winners Liverpool, Napoli and Salzburg.

The Gov Okowa Pre Season Tourney produced one goal on Day 1, with Kwara United and Remo Stars playing to a goalless draw at the Stephen Keshi Stadium. Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) 1st Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi graced day one of the prestigious tourney. In the opening fixture, Rivers United pipped 10-man Abia Warriors 1-0. It was certainly a physical duel as defensive midfielder Fatai Abdulahi was sent off for dissent. Ivorian import Bakari Bamba made the difference with an 81st minute match winner. Kwara United and Remo Stars shared the spoils in a 0-0 draw. The tournament is part of a commitment to development through football, and it includes a life skills seminar that highlights and offers insight into how to cope with some of the challenges footballers are likely to encounter during their transition. "We are in for a thrilling tournament," Tournament Coordinator Badawiy Bashir said. "For the opening day, the public turnout was

Adams Jesse Odoba-Yacham Olympic Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has disclosed that young winger Ibrahim Sunusi is a great talent who needs to continue to work hard in other to achieve great things in football. Nigeria will defend their Africa U23 Cup of Nations title in Egypt in November after the Olympic Eagles secured a robust 5-0 win over their Sudanese counterpart in the final qualifying leg at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on Tuesday evening. A brace by Ndifreke Effiong and one each by Taiwo Awoniyi, Sunday Faleye and Sunusi Ibrahim ensured a 5-1 aggregate win for the 1996 Olympic champions. Awoniyi praised the performance of the Nasarawa United winger in an interview shortly after the game. "For me Sunusi Ibrahim is a great guy and if I am not mistaken he made the most runs and took the most shots at goal today,  for him to play at this stage as a player so good and so well shows the type of talent he has in him" "I will just encourage him to pr

Photograph by Modo Victor Adams Jesse Odoba-Yacham The name Sunusi Ibrahim is not new to Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) followers as he alongside Mfon Udoh won the 2019 Eunisell Golden boot. 10 goals with 6 assists from 19 games, the Nasarawa United winger announced himself to the world as he was quickly drafted into the Nigeria team for the U23 Afcon billed to be hosted by Egypt in November this year. Sunusi impressed when he climbed off the bench in the first leg against the Sudanese in Omdurman as Nigeria lost by 1-0. In a swift reaction, Coach Imama Amapakabo drafted the winger into the starting line up as he scored a goal with an assist as the Olympic team ran riot over their Sudanese counterparts. Speaking after the game, Sunusi Ibrahim gave thanks to God for putting up such performance in his first start. The forward believes he has what it takes to continue to produce such performances when the opportunity presents itself, as he is never under any

Olympic Eagles striker Stephen Odey has been named in KRC Genk 2019/20 UEFA Champions League 32-man squad alongside Super Eagles forward Paul Onuachu. The Nigerian International will be playing in his  first Champions League after he made his Europe competition debut last season in the Europa League where he scored two goals in the group stage against Bayern Leverkusen and Ludogorets. The 2018/19 Belgian League champions are in Group E of the competition alongside 2019 Champions League winners Liverpool, Napoli and Salzburg. Felice Mazzu and his charges will begin their quest in the 2019/20 Champions League away to Salzburg on September 17, 2019.

Niger Tornadoes are champions of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup Tourney after they defeated last year winners Sunshine Stars 2-1 at the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin. It was a game of two halves as the Ikoh Allah Boys came from behind to hand the Owena Whales the blues in the second stanza of the game as last edition top scorer, Segun Alebiosu stole the evening after he bagged a brace. Waheed Adebayo puts Sunshine Stars ahead at the quarter hour mark, making the most of Tornadoes defensive mix-up in the box. Tornadoes then got the lifeline in the 56th minutes Segun Alebiosu jabs home the equalizing goal from a low corner kick. Inspiring Alebiosu then put the icing on the cake for the Ikon Allah Boys as he completed his brace via header off a set piece in the 72nd minute.

The President of Abia Comets Football Club, Victor Nwakanma, has sent an 'Save Our Soul' message to Abia State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu over the perennial flooding that keeps staff of the Club in a state of fear each time it rains.                             Nwakanma made the call in the club's office in Umuahia when the staff and some management members were trapped in the club office as a result the heavy downpour on Thursday evening which caused serious flooding that submerged the offices thereby distroying valuable documents and property of the club.           The President of the Abia based Nigeria National League side said the rate of flooding in the area every year is life-threatening.       According to him, the flooding is caused by blocked drainage systems and other blockades by some business activities around St. Fimbers road end, behind Umuahia Township stadium.     He said that Abia Comets management through

Nigeria National League side, Abia Comets Football Club have made it clear that they have not released exciting player Ibrahim Olawoyin, to any club. Abia Warriors signed the 18-year-old gifted player on loan at the start of the 2018/19 season and scored three goals against Yobe Desert Stars, FC Ifeanyiubah and Heartland FC for the Umuahia Warriors. He did not score in the first round, but eventually emerged as one of the most consistent performers for Abia Warriors last term in his first ever season in the topflight. From the reign of Henry Makinwa to the return of Emmanuel Deutsch, the Osun state-born sensation started all but one of Abia Warriors’ 22 matches. The winger was recently spotted training at Enugu Rangers camp and has scored some goals for them in pre season games. Abia Comets President Victor Nwakama said that his team loaned Ibrahim Olawoyin to Abia Warriors and was told to return after the completion of his loan. Nwakama h

The Confederation of African Football, (CAF) has granted the Enyimba Stadium an exceptional approval to host next weekend's Champions League fixture against Al Hilal. The decision by Africa's football governing body was conveyed in a letter signed by its deputy general secretary, football and development, and addressed to the general secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi. The decision means that Enyimba, who are currently Nigeria's only representatives in the Champions League, will enjoy the full presence of their supporters when they host the Sudanese in the second preliminary round first leg match on Sunday September 15. Aggregate winners of the tie will proceed to the group stage of Africa's premier club competition, while the losers will drop to the Confederation Cup.

Coach Kabir Dogo is optimistic that Sunshine Stars will beat Niger Tornadoes in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup Tourney final. The 7th edition of the nation's prestigious pre-season tourney comes to its climax today (Saturday) at the Kwara State Stadium Complex, with 3pm as kick off time. Speaking after the Owena Whales emerged victorious against Kwara Utd via a 4-2 penalties after their semi-final tie ended 1-1. "Let me be modest, all the team that has come this far in the tourney can win the final. Tornadoes or Coach Abubakar Bala are not new to me, as I feel we are up against Kwara United again. "For me I saw one or two loop holes in Tornadoes during their semis against Remo Stars, so be rest assured that we'll profit from it on the final." On his team's readiness as they have only managed less than five goals in the tourney. "I don't have a perfect team but I have players that can make the difference as what has ke

Abubakar Bala says his Niger Tornadoes squad has all it takes to win the 2019 edition of Ogunjobi Gold Cup on Saturday as Sunshine Stars don't scare his team. The Ikon Allah got to the final of the seventh edition after they trounce Remo Stars 3-1 on Thursday. "I expect a tough game from them as they are defending champions and would want to win the title again. "But we have one thing that has kept us going as we are improving from game to games. Mind you, this is not Akure as Ilorin is a neutral ground, we'll definitely give a good account of ourselves once we get a fair officiating. "We have achieved part of what we came to do at the Ogunjobi Gold Cup Tourney as we have known the quality of players that make up the new look Tornadoes. "Qualifying to the final with almost same set of players that lost the 2018 edition in Akure to Sunshine Stars is a plus to my team, as it has boosted their psyche going into the new season

Olympic Eagles forward Stephen Odey has expressed his optimism for success ahead of  Thursday’s Under 23 African Cup of Nations final round qualifying, first leg battle against Sudan at the Al Merriekh Stadium in Omdurman. Odey was named in Coach Imama Amakapabo's 18-man squad that will face the Sudanese and battle for a place in the third edition of Africa's U23 football event scheduled to take place in Egypt later this year. The ex-MFM FC striker revealed in a chat with nigeriasportsarena.blogspot.com that he is looking forward to a remarkable victory over the Sudanese as he makes his debut with the Nigerian U23 Football team. “ I’m excited to have made the team that will play against Sudan but I will be more excited if we defeat them tomorrow to mark my debut with this team. “This will be the first time I will be having an opportunity to play for the national U23 after I featured for the Super Eagles team against Corsica and  CHAN team in Kano against Benin. “

Olympic Eagles exciting winger Olabiran Blessing Muyiwa has disclosed that the Imama Amapakabo charges will soar when they face Sudan in tomorrow’s (Thursday) Under 23 African Cup of Nations qualifying match. The Nigerian team will lock horns with the Sudanese on Thursday in the first leg of the final round of U23 AFCON qualifier at the Al Merriekh Stadium in Omdurman. Olabiran who was among the 18-man squad that will trade tackles with Sudan for a place in the next edition of U23 AFCON, says that the Imama led team will finish the job in Omdurman with a victory over their hosts. “ I’m glad to be invited once again, this is the time to continue from where we stopped against Libya and finish the job in Sudan. “ Anything is possible in football but we are very positive as a team and we are going for a victory so as not to put ourselves and our fans back home under any form of pressure,” the FC Tambov  of Russia forward told nigeriasportsarena.blogspot.com Olabiran ma

Coach Daniel Ogunmodede of Remo Stars, has fired warning shots at Ogunjobi Gold Cup Tourney favourites, Niger Tornadoes ahead Thursday's semi-final at the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin.  "It's going to be tough against Tornadoes but them underestimating my young team will be at their peril. "No doubt, we respect Tornadoes but I think my team have the quality to match them on the field of play as we play as a unit and high pressing football as my players are full of energy and pace." Asked if he thought his team lacked the firepower upfront having managed two goals in the tourney. "I don't think my players are wasteful at goal with the number of chances created and goals scored so far in the tourney. "Its normal in football, but it would have been a problem if they're not creating any. Not taking anything away from my lads, they are young and maturing."

Technical Adviser Niger Tornadoes, Abubakar Bala Mohammed has described the ongoing Ogunjobi Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament as the best in the country. He made this known at the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin shortly after his team  hammered Mountain Of Fire and Miracles Ministry MFM Lagos to advance to the last four of the 7th edition of the annual prestigious soccer tournament. Bala said the tournament has provided an ample opportunity for his technical crew to test the already recruited players and also establish the teams way of play.  "It is an opportunity for us to assess the players individually and how they can fit into the new system collectively. Most of them have improved tremendously and adapting to new playing mates, environment and system of play". Commending the Organizers of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup Tourney for the wonderful initiative, Bala said; "The tournament brings together teams from NPFL, NNL and NLO to enable them compete favorab

Basketball lovers are in for another exciting round of amazing basketball action as the second phase of the 2019 Zenith Bank Women’s League comes alive in 4 different venues  on Saturday September 7, 2019 . The apex women’s basketball league which uniquely has been divided into four conferences will see 27 teams battling for a place in the Conference finals. In the North Central Conference, unbeaten Nigerian Customs women with 7 wins so far this season will hope to surmount the onslaught of Air Warriors and Plateau Rocks who are second and third on the table with 6 and 5 wins respectively. In the South East Conference, table toppers MFM Women’s team under Aderemi Adewunmi  will hope to stay strong and pick one of the available tickets before Sunshine Queens,  IGP Queens, Coal City Queens, Delta Force and First Deep Waters. 8 teams will be competing in the North West Conference holding at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Olympic Eagles captain Azubuike Okechukwu will lead, forwards Stephen Odey, Olabiran Blessing Muyiwa, Sunday Faleye and 14 other players to Omdurman for the  U23 AFCON final round qualifying, first leg battle against Sudan  coming up this Thursday. The delegation of 18 players and 12 officials departed the shores of Nigeria from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja aboard an Ethiopian Airline flight on Tuesday afternoon. Africa’s first –ever winners of the Olympic men’s football gold, the Olympic Eagles are scheduled to play their first leg of the final round of the U23 AFCON qualifiers against the Sudanese on Thursday at the Al Merriekh Stadium in Omdurman. Amapakabo and his lieutenants have been taking the team through training sessions and general build –up programme for several weeks at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The return leg is billed for the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba on Tuesday next week. The Confederation of African Football has pic

Super Eagles’ captain, Ahmed Musa has charged the U23 National Team, Olympic Eagles, to go all out and make the nation proud as the team intensified preparations for the final round of this year’s U23 AFCON qualifiers against Sudan. Musa made the call when he showed up at the team’s training session at the FIFA Goal Project in Abuja on Sunday evening. The Eagles’ skipper added that with hard work and dedication, the team can beat Sudan in Omdurman to stand a bright chance to qualify for the forthcoming U23 AFCON in Egypt. “I am here to encourage and pledge my support to you due to the importance of the game ahead of you.   I have played for the U23 before making my debut for the Super Eagles in 2010, and with dedication, hard work and grace of God, today I’m the Super Eagles captain.      “Nigeria is blessed with a lot talented footballers. I am the captain of the Super Eagles not because I am better than most of the players but due to dedication and hard work.