I don't expect Keshi to accept Eagles' job again--Aigbovo

FORMER goalkeeper of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, David Aigbovo has joined the legion of ex-footballers who believe Stephen Keshi should not accept a fresh contract from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as the Super Eagles' handler.

A number of coaches including Shaibu Amodu, Kashimawo Laloko, chief Adegboye Onigbinde, as well as 2010 World Cup star Taiye Taiwo, had in the wake of Nigeria's failure to pick the ticket to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) under Keshi advised the former Togo coach to bow out honourably, a decision also supported by Aigbovo.

"If I were in his shoes, I will resign honourably. As brothers, we have told Keshi on the need to toe the path of honour and resign honourbly. You quit when the ovation is loudest.

"You cannot say because the presidency brought you back in the first place and you want to continue even when it was obvious that the Super Eagles have failed this time under your guidance by not getting the AFCON ticket.

"He (Keshi) needs to see the writing on the wall that it is time to go. Keshi has tried his best for Nigerian football and we have to give him kudos for what he has achieved since he took over the team.

"So there is no basis for him to continue as the Eagles' coach. He too must appreciate the feelings of Nigerians that the team will be absent at AFCON 2015 and forget about the Eagles job for now," said Aigbovo who is an officer of the Association of Professional Footballers of Nigeria (APFON).

The former Bendel Insurance FC and Sharks of Port Harcourt goalkeeper however, said the football authorities should forget about hiring a foreign coach for the Super Eagles, given the presence of experienced trainers that the nation could still boast of at the moment.

"We don't need a foreign coach, we have a lot of high profile coaches in this country who can handle the Super Eagles very well if given the chance. We have somebody like coach Adegboye Onigbinde.

"We keep talking of hiring a foreign coach I think because of the situation we are now, but if the authorities can send some of our experienced coaches abroad to update their knowledge on the game, they will come back better with something to offer our national team," said Aigbovo who won the rested CAF Cup with Shooting Stars in 1992.

Meanwhile, there are indications that the NFF board is considering offering Keshi a fresh contract in the new year, as the choice of going for a foreign trainer has been discarded based on the stand of the presidency.

Sources indicate that the NFF may have reached out to Keshi who is holidaying with his family in the United States of America (USA), for discussion on a new contract.

Some top shots at the Glass House however, are not favourably disposed to the return of the former coach of Mali on the premise that the coach is as good as his last result.

It will be recalled that Keshi coached Nigeria to the win 2013 AFCON in South Africa while he also led the Super Eagles to the second round at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the first time after 16 years.

Caption: Keshi on duty at the 2013 AFCON in South Africa.
...........

Dauda Azeez  claims 6th Governor's belt

Dauda Azeez of Lagos State on a Boxing Day claimed the sixth Governor’s Belt, at the 59th Monthly Saturday Boxing Show organised by the Lagos Boxing Hall of Fame (LBHF).
 
Azeez had outpunched Suleman Tetteh of Ghana in a 49kg bout, while his heroics earned him the prize for the best boxer of the day at the Molade Okoya-Thomas indoor sports hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
 
In another international bout, National Sports Festival reigning lightweight champion, Otto Joseph triumphed over Musah Ramon Lawson also of Ghana in their 64kg (light welterweight) challenge.
 
Sensational Nike Salami made it a treble for Nigeria following her victory over another Ghanaian opponent Abigial Quartey in a 54kg contest which was the second female bout of the day, after Yetunde Odunuga of Lagos had defeated Evelyn Adebayo of Ogun State in their 60kg challenge.
 
Home boy Taiwo Abiodun defeated Soliu Akinbode of Ogun State in a 52kg contest, as Samuel Ebohen defeated Rasheed Kazeem also of Ogun State in their 81kg bout.
 
In the last bout of the day, Lukman Lawal, who replaced Isaac Yusuf triumphed over Gabriel Francis in a split decision in a heavyweight clash.
 
Speaking at the event, Chairman of LBHF, Mr Olawale Edun disclosed that henceforth, the Champion of Champions Belt, known as the Governor's Belt will now be named after the outgoing 
Lagos State governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola for his contributions to the development of sports in the state.  

"I thank governor Fashola for his support. Since the introduction of the Governor's Belt he had made sure he's always here with us," Edun said.
 
Meanwhile, an elated Fashola who was also at the ring side said he will raise fund for the project saying he was impressed with the standard of the monthly competition.
 
"We have sustained this competition over the years and I will also constitute an endowment fund raising committee for the next five years. I will be making a personal donation of N10 million to this course.

"We are going to sponsor our amateur boxers who about to turn professional because I consider this as a good development," Fashola said.
.......
Dauda Azeez (fourth left) after being decorated with the Governor's Belt by governor Fashola.

CAF award: Enyeama makes final cut

NIGERIAN international Vincent Enyeama, has made the final three for the 2014 African Footballer of the Year award.

The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF), announced on its official website on Thursday.
 
Enyeama became the first goalkeeper to make the final three of the award which was introduced by Afrique football in 1971, while Moroccan Badou Zaki became the last goalkeeper who claimed the award in 1986.

The Lille of France goaltender who had a superb outing at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil last summer, is set to battle with the title holder Ivorian Yaya Toure of Manchester City, while the Borussia Dortmund and Gabonese international, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang completes the list.

The winners will be announced at the Glo-Caf Awards Gala scheduled for Thursday, January 8, 2015 in Lagos.

"Gabonese midfielder Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and Ivorian
midfielder Yaya Toure have made the final top three for the 2014 African Player of the Year.

"The trio made the cut following votes from Head Coaches or Technical Director of the National Associations," CAF states on its website.

Another Nigerian international Ahmed Musa made the final five cut as well as the captain of Ghana's Black Stars Asamoah Gyan.

Nigeria is also listed for the National Team of the Year award with Algeria and Libya.

it will be recalled that Toure beat Nigerian John Mikel Obi to the award last January in Lagos.

Caption: Enyeama in a world of his own.

Oshoala, Oparanozie battle for CAF Women's award

REIGNING FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Most Valuable Player and highest goal scorer, Asisat Oshoala is on the verge of becoming the 2014 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women's
Footballer of the Year.

Oshoala whose sterling performance aided Nigeria's Falconets to a silver finish at Canada 2014 U-20 World Cup was also instrumental in the victory of the senior national team the Super Falcons at the ninth African Women's Championship (AWC) in Equatorial Guinea.

The Lagos State-born goal merchant who also assisted Rivers Angels to win the doubles this year, the Federation Cup and the league titles will however, battle with compatriot in Desire Oparanozie as well as Cameroonian Annette Ngo Ndom.

Interestingly, Oshoala is also gunning for the Youth Player of the Year award, as she has been nominated alongside her team-mate, Uchechi Sunday as Cameroonian Fabrice Ondoa who plays for FC Barcelona completes the list.

Guingamp of France player Oparanozie on her aided the Super Falcons to win the AWC title aside from her successful stint with the French side this season.

Also, Nigeria's senior team has the brightest chance of winning Women’s National Team of the Year award with Cameroon's senior national team and Nigeria's U-20 team the Falconets also on the list.

Caption: Oshoala with the FIFA MVP award at Canada 2014.

Fele 2014 tennis tournament final holds today

THE final of the 2014 Fele Tennis Tournament in Ibadan, sponsored by Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde, Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Oyo State chapter holds today at the tennis courts of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan.
 
In the men's singles final, Mr Kunle Yusuf will battle with Barrister Leye Olubajo in what
promises to be a thriller given the exploits of both players in the competition organised by the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium Tennis Club, Ibadan.

Yusuf had defeated Father Martin Olowoyeye 6-1, 6-1, while Olubajo in a great come back defeated Olatunde oladimeji 3-6, 6-0, 6-1 in the second semi-final decided on Friday.

According to the director, tennis academy of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium Tennis Club, coach Adepeju Faboyinde, the  final of the women's singles as well as the exhibition matches among the players from the tennis academy will precede the men's singles final slated for 3.pm.

Expected to grace the final are the sponsor of the competition, Alhaji Oyerinde 'Fele' and the
chief host, Dr Steve Olarinoye, Zonal Coordinator, National Sports Commission (NSC) Zone One, Ibadan, among others.

I warned Keshi before disgrace--Onigbinde

Former coach of the Super Eagles, chief Adegboye Onigbinde has revealed that he warned coach Stephen Keshi not to accept the recall to the senior national team by the presidency, after the initial decision of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), to ease him out.

The Modakeke high chief said in an interview that his advice to Keshi was well documented thus, will not want to flog a dead horse.

This came on the heels of the submissions by a number of tacticians including Shaibu Amodu, Christian Chukwu, Kasimawo Laloko, that Keshi had no business in the Super Eagles again given the prevailing circumstances.

“The truth of the matter is that on the day the presidency asked him to return to his job I sent him a text message that he (Keshi) should politely thank Mr president for the offer, but bow out honourably.

“He (Keshi) respectfully replied the text message and thanked me and that was it. He later went ahead with the two remaining 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Congo and South Africa, I’m sure the rest is history," said the man who coached Nigeria to the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan.

The former General Manager of Shooting Stars Sports club (3SC) of Ibadan, stated that his piece of advice to Keshi was borne out of his vast knowledge of Nigeria and football politics.

“I gave the advice to Keshi because I understand that he won’t work with the presidency which recalled him to his post as the Super Eagles manager, but a different set of people as well as an entirely different environment.

“So, I have said it two months ago and there is no point talking about the issue so that it won’t be as if I have interest in the whole matter. It was not a case of pressure, I’ve passed my view directly to him and so, I don’t need to pressure him further on the same issue," said the man who coached Nigeria to win silver at the 1984 AFCON in Abidjan.

It will be recalled that a former Nigeria coach, Amodu, among others said that there was no point for the former manager of Mali and Togo to continue with the Super Eagles' plum job.

"If he (Keshi) has a reputation, he should walk out of the job, but if he doesn’t, he should stay. But the situation as it is today, if I were him, does not permit that I continue on the job. I would just say ‘thank you Nigerians, sorry I failed, I can try another time but for now let another man try," said the former handler of Orlando Pirates of South Africa.

The Super Eagles under Keshi only last month failed to pick up a ticket to the 2015 AFCON following a 2-2 draw with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

Keshi won the last AFCON held in South Africa in 2013.

Caption: Keshi.

Fele 2014 tennis tournament: Yusuf lands in semi-final

ENGINEER Kunle Yusuf on Monday qualified for the semi-final of the ongoing 2014 Fele Tennis Tournament in Ibadan, sponsored by Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde, Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Oyo State chapter.
 
Yusuf dismissed Okofu Collin in two straight sets 6-0, 6-0 in one of the quarter-finals games decided at the tennis courts of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan.
 
Tribunesport man Ganiyu Salman who had stopped Oyeleye Olasupo in the early round by 7-6, 6-1, this time could not contain the fire power of Father Martin Olowoyeye as the game ended
6-1, 6-0 in favour of the latter.
 
Olowoyeye will on Wednesday face Innocent Agucha in a quarter-final pairing billed to hold at 4.pm at the same venue.
 
Barrister Leye Adepoju, chairman of Oyo Football Association (FA), who defeated Innocent Igboekwe 7-5, 6-2, will on Tuesday face Olatunde Oladimeji in another quarter-final fixture; while the Faboyinde brothers, Femi and Tosin will take on Adekola Adebayo and John Fadumiye in the U-15 boys category.
 
Ademiluyi Kola after his 6-1, 6-2 victory over Emmanuel Oluwafemi will on Wednesday confront Femi Ojomo in a round of 16 pairing, while the winner will face Barrister Leye Olubajo in the quarter-final.
 
The final of the competition is scheduled to hold on Saturday, December 20 from 3.pm.

Caption: Femi Ojomo in action during the elimination game against Niyi Adekola.

Copa Lagos: Super Sand Eagles suffer first defeat, lose 5-4 to Ivory Coast

NIGERIA on Saturday at the ongoing fourth edition of Copa Lagos Beach Soccer Championship lost its match in the history of the competition, following a 5-4 loss to the Ivory Coast in a grudge match at the Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Super Sand Eagles, it will be recalled, on Friday in the opening game defeated the Black Sharks of Ghana 7-5 for their 10th win at the annual competition being organised by Kinetic Sports.

The team coached by Audu Adamu 'Ejo' got a warning signal as they conceded two quick goals to finish the first quarter 2-0, but the homers reduced the tally on resumption through the spot kick taken by Abu Azeez.

The visitors rose to the occasion as they scored twice again to restore their two-goal lead, while Daniel compounded the woes of the Super Sand Eagles when he scored again to make it 4-1.

Azeez later reduced the deficit to two with a superb header, but as the Nigerians were still struggling to get their act together, Daniel's rocket extended the Elephants' lead again.


Skipper Olawale Isiaka revived the hope of his team mates as he scored to make it 5-3. Musa Najare who came on as a substitute gave the Eagles some respite with a goal, but the much-anticipated leveller could not come as the Ivorians held onto the one goal lead till the final whistle.

Nigeria, it will be recalled, had lost to the Ivory Coast in the final group match of the 2013 African Beach Soccer Championship in Morocco by the same margin.

Meanwhile, the Black Sharks for the second time in the competition also lost 5-2 to their counterparts from Senegal. It was Senegal's first victory in the competition having lost 6-2 to the Ivory Coast on Friday in the opener.

Caption: The Super Sand Eagles.

 

Fele 2014 tennis tournament hots up in Ibadan

THE round of 16 of the 2014 Fele Tennis Tournament sponsored by Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde, Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Oyo State chapter, began on Sunday at the tennis courts of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan.

In some of the preliminary games played on Saturday, Tribunesport man Ganiyu Salman defeated Oyeleye Olasupo 7-6, 6-1 which turned out to be the toughest game of the day.

Ademiluyi Kola also recorded a two straight sets win 6-1, 6-2 over Emmanuel Oluwafemi, as Okofu Collins dumped Obinna Odigwe 6-2, 6-4, while Femi Ojomo defeated Niyi Adekola 6-4, 6-2 to advance in the competition.

Also through to the next round are Adekola Adebayo who defeated John Fadumiye 6-3, 6-4 and Olatunde Oladimeji who recorded 6-1, 6-2 victory over Wale Osho in another interesting match which kept spectators on the edge of their seats.

Christopher Amadi on Sunday also advanced to the next round of the competition with his hard fought win, 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 over Michael Ayobami.

Meanwhile,  Barrister Leye Adepoju, chairman of Oyo Football Association (FA) became the first player to land in the quarter-final of the competition following his two straight sets win of 7-5, 6-2 over hard fighting Innocent Igboekwe.

Tribunesport man, Salman faces Martin Olowoyeye on Monday evening for a ticket into the quarter-final as Kunle Yusuf battles with Amadi.



Zonal Coordinator, National Sports Commission (NSC) South West Zone One, Dr Steve Olarinoye says he is impressed with standard of play exhibited by the players saying: "this is quite impressive and I am convinced that the standard will definitely be better when the competition gets to the crucial stage".

The competition which is being organised by the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium Tennis Club will end on Saturday, December 20, where Nigeria's number one Sarah Adegoke is expected to feature in an exhibition game against ex-international, coach Adepeju Faboyinde, who is also the Director of Tennis Academy.

Caption: Tribunesport man Ganiyu Salman during the elimination game against Oyeleye Olasupo.

National para-athletics open championship begins in Lagos

THE Nigeria Para-Athletics Federation has concluded plans to stage the national open para-athletics Championship from Wednesday, December 10 to Friday, December 12 at the National Stadium and Teslim Balogun stadium, both in Lagos.

President of the Nigeria Para-Athletics Federation, Dr Frank Thorpe said in Lagos that the championship which is for men and women athletes with physical, visual and intellectual impaired challenge is open to athletes in 20, 30, 40 and 50 categories.

He added that the competition will be used to select the athletes who will represent Nigeria at the forthcoming world Para-Athletics Grand Prix in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates in February 2015; the 2015 All Africa Games in Congo as well the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games in Brazil.

Cash awards will be given to the first three winners in each category at the Championship which is being sponsored by the Paralympic Committee Nigeria inconjunction with the president of the Nigeria Para-Athletics Federation.

With the classification event already in progress, athletes who are interested in the three- day championship have been directed to forward their entries to the secretariat of the Federation by December 10, according to Thorpe who is also the secretary General of the Paralympic Committee Nigeria.

Caption: A Nigerian physically-challenged athlete, Yakubu Adesokan at a recent international championship.

Canada 2015: Super Falcons need grade A friendlies--Pinnick

PRESIDENT of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr Amaju Pinnick has said the Super Falcons need top friendlies to be able to live up to expectations at the seventh FIFA Women's World Cup scheduled to hold in Canada next year.

Pinnick stated this while reacting to the Canada 2015 draw held last Saturday, which pitched Nigeria in 'the group of 'death' alongside the number one ranked team in the world, the United States of America, Sweden and Australia.

He pointed out that the reigning African champions could spring surprises at Canada 2015 if things work out as planned.
 
"I believe we have the players who can stand up to the best in the universe, as shown by our U-20 team, the Falconets at the last FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup also in Canada.
 
"What the Super Falcons need now are friendly matches against some of the best teams in the world ahead of the World Cup. They also need exposure to the best tactical and training programme available.
 
"They will go to a suitable environment for their final camping programme and engage in quality friendlies before the World Cup. We are going to ensure that this team gets all the necessary support to meet the challenges ahead,” said the Delta State-born football administrator.

On the chances of the Super Falcons in Canada, Pinnick said it is high time Nigeria extended her dominance to the global stage saying that the team needs to surpass its quarter-final record at the women's mundial.
 
"It is a tough group and even the Americans too are calling it the most difficult group in the
competition. We have been dominating Africa in women football and it is high time we began to dominate the world. So, it's important that we exceed our quarter-final best performance since 1999 this time," said Pinnick.
 
The African champions under the tutelage of Edwin Okon will begin their Canada 2015 campaign
against fifth-ranked Sweden on June 8 at the Winnipeg Stadium, Canada.

Caption: The Super Falcons after winning the African Women's Championship (AWC) title
for the seventh time this year in Equatorial Guinea.

Monarch rates FIFA as most corrupt under Blatter

THE Elerin of Erin-Ile in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba AbdulGaniyu Ajibola Ibrahim Olusookun II (MFR) has rated the world football-governing body, FIFA, under the leadership of Joseph Sepp Blatter as the most corrupt in history.

The monarch made the remark While addressing sports writers who paid him a courtesy visit in his palace.

"The issue of corruption is more pronounced under the Blatter administration. Blatter has been serving as FIFA president since 1998 and he was a former Secretary-General. He has stayed too long on the stage, and he is not adding value to football development any longer," the traditional ruler said adding that the process leading to the award of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup hosting rights was fraught with malpractices.

It will be recalled that Blatter recently stunned many football stakeholders across the globe, when he declared his interest in seeking re-election as football's top executive for the fifth term.

Meanwhile, the monarch believes Nigeria has the wherewithal to rule the world in football, but noted that the major problem with Nigerian football is maladministration.

He stated that once football administrators can provide an enabling environment, Nigeria is blessed with many talented footballers who can win the World Cup some day adding that: "We need to change our style of administering football in Nigeria, and shun favouritism when it comes to the issue of team selection".

Caption: FIFA boss, Blatter.

Canada 2015: Super Falcons in group of death

AFRICA'S reigning champions, the Super Falcons have been drawn in group D dubbed 'the group of death' in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup scheduled to hold from June 6 to July 5 in Canada,

At the draw held on Saturday at Canada's capital city, Ottawa, the Nigerian team in one of the group games will face the number one team in the world, the United States of America which won the World Cup in 1991 and 1999.

Nigeria who has featured in all the World Cup finals since its introduction in 1991 and currently ranked 35th in the world will also confront Australia and Sweden in the preliminary round of the competition.

Sweden ranked fifth in the world lost in the final of the 2003 World Cup, while Australia which reached the quarter-finals of the 2007 and 2011 World Cup finals is ranked 10th in the world.

Nigeria only played in the quarter-final of the Women's World Cup in 1999, where it lost 4-3 to the Samba Girls of Brazil via a golden goal. .

The draw was attended by the Super Falcons head coach Edwin Okon alongside the team's secretary
Ruth David and media officer Gracious Akujobi.

Okon while speaking after the draw for Canada 2015 said no group is easy at the global stage after all.

"There is no group that is simple. Every group is tough. Every team is good. We will set a target for ourselves. We will need to work hard to get to the level we want at this tournament," said the Rivers Angels' tactician.

Also, a women soccer analyst, Oba Suleiman expressed optimism that the Super Falcons would spring surprises in Canada.

"I believe Nigeria will come out of the group given the youthfulness of the team we have at the moment. We have a crop of young players this time who are at their peak and have gained experience through the U-17 amd U-20 World Cup finals.

"So, with luck, we can go as far as the semi-final if our players can maintain their current form and play to their potential in Canada, the Falcons are not going to Canada to make up the numbers, that I'm sure of," said Oloo as he is fondly called.

The seventh World Cup in Canada next year will be staged in six cities Edmonton, Moncton, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa and Winnipeg.

The groupings:
Group A: Canada, China, New Zealand, The Netherlands.
Group B: Germany, the Ivory Coast, Norway, Thailand.
Group C: Japan, Switzerland, Cameroon, Ecuador.
Group D: United States, Nigeria, Sweden, Australia.
Group E: Brazil, South Korea, Spain, Costa Rica.
Group F: France, England, Mexico, Colombia.

Caption: Reigning FIFA U-20 Most Valuable Player and highest goal scorer at the last U-20 World Cup, Asisat Oshoala celebrates after scoring at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada this year. She is among the players expected to make debut at the senior World Cup in Canada next year.

Ex-Eagles' star, Oruma regains sanity after losing N1.2bn to fraudsters

FORMER international Wilson Oruma has regained sanity two years after he was swindled of N1.2 billion by fraudsters introduced to him by a pastor based in Lagos.

Oruma hit the limelight in 1993 when he captained Nigeria to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Japan and also emerged the tournament's highest goal scorer with six goals, 

The genesis of the Atlanta '96 Olympic gold medallist's ordeal began in 2012 when he was said to have acceded to the request of his pastor, to be involved in oil business with some investors who he met at the second meeting.

Oruma, later withdrew money from his various investments overseas and erroneously paid N.1.2 billion within six months into the specified account, without carrying neither his confidant nor his lawyer along believing that there will be no foul play at the end of the day with the involvement of his pastor from the outset.

The France '98 World Cup hero who was shocked when his pastor said he only introduced the phoney business investors out of trust, was said to have lost bearing until he got a clean bill of health a few days ago.

One of his younger brothers, Dominic confirmed that the state of being of the former Olympique Marseille FC of France player has given the entire family some respite. 

“Wilson is recovering fast, he now recognises members of his family and he has returned to his house at the Victoria Garden City, Lagos,  under the care of his wife. We are very happy about this. It was not easy seeing him suffer so much in the last two years after he lost a whopping sum of money to fraudsters.

"We give God the glory for the gift of healing. He (Wilson) has told us not to press charges against the pastor who brought fraudsters to dupe him, as he said the incident is now a thing of the past. Another good thing is that all his properties are intact and most of his major investments are doing fine,” said Dominic, a former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles goalkeeper.  

Oruma, a former player of Samsunspor of Turkey player, it will be recalled also featured for the Super Eagles in the 2002 and 2006 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals where Nigeria finished with bronze.

Caption: Wilson Oruma.

Ranchers Bees, Kwara Utd to replay in Abuja

THE abandoned Week 30 Nigeria National League, NNL game between Ranchers Bees and Kwara United will now be replayed on Tuesday, December 9 at the FIFA Goal project Pitch, Abuja.
 
The Organising and Disciplinary committee (O&D) of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), gave the ruling on Wednesday, after it deliberated on the protest filed by Kwara United and ascertained the circumstances leading to the abandoned match played in Kaduna. The scoreline stood at 2-2 when the game was halted in the 75th minute. 
It will be recalled that the visitors were leading 2-0 at half time.

General Manager of the Ilorin-based side, Haruna Maigidansanma had alleged that his team was subjected to intimidation during the game by home fans.
 
Meanwhile, chairman of the Bees, Abdulaziz Mohammed is not pleased with the ruling of NFF's O&D saying that it will seek redress through the appeals committee.
 
"The decision of the NFF Oganising and Disciplinary committee which ordered a replay is a serious miscarriage of justice and we will appeal against the decision.
 
"There is room for appeal against the decision so, we will approach the Appeals Committee for redress. We're not the one that decided to discontinue with the match rather it was Kwara United that
walked away so why would we be the one to be punished?
"Right now I want to limit my reaction to the fact that we're appealing against the decision,"
Abdulaziz said.

Meanwhile, Ranchers Bees with 51 points need a draw to pick the second promotion ticket in  group A, while Kwara United with 49 points need victory to come second behind Wikki Tourists which have already grabbed one of the tickets from the group with 53 points.

In group B, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and Gabros International finished tops to gain promotion to the Globacom Premier League come 2015.

FIFA rankings: Nigeria maintains 42nd spot

Nigeria has maintained its 42nd position in the latest world rankings released on Thursday by the world soccer-governing body, FIFA.

This came on the heels of the Super Eagles' inability to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be staged in Equatorial Guinea.

Nigeria had in the October rankings moved to the 42nd best team in the world which it maintains in the latest rankings. 

The 2-0 victory of the Super Eagles in Point Noire over the Red Devils of Congo in the just-ended 2015 AFCON qualifying series, may have helped Nigeria to remain unmoved in the FIFA rankings albeit backward despite the 2-2 draw with South Africa in Uyo in the last AFCON qualifier.

Nigeria is now ranked ninth on the continent.

Algeria leads Africa with 948 points to occupy the 18th position in the world, while Tunisia  follows as second best on the continent and 22nd in the world,

Cote d’Ivoire places third in Africa with 842 points to occupy the 24th position in the world.

Germany, Argentina and Colombia occupy the first, second and third position respectively in the world as Brazil retains its sixth spot in the world.

GOtv will soon revive professional boxing in Nigeria--Joe Lasisi

FORMER African light heavyweight champion Joe Lasisi has described the introduction of GOtv Boxing Night as the best thing to have happened to professional boxing in Nigeria.

Lasisi, who was among the boxing legends honoured by GOtv last Sunday at the indoor sport hall of the National Stadium, Lagos, during the show tagged the biggest fights of the year, said that the glamour which was synonymous with professional boxing during his time will soon return.

"I am happy to be considered worthy of this honour. In fact, I believe that GOtv will soon change the face of professional boxing in Nigeria. This is a plus for Nigerian boxing and I'm happy that these boxers are provided this great platform to expose themselves to the outside world.

"You can imagine the number of countries where this show is being watched live. Even it is a source of pride to every boxer here that he is featuring in the competition that is beamed beyond the shores of Nigeria.

"Some of my colleagues can no longer produce one of the tapes of their fights today and this is why I'm happy for these boxers. So, this is a form of motivation to these young boxers coupled with the monetary aspect which is equally encouraging," said the Kwara State-born retired Customs officer.

The former WBC and IBF contender who lost the WBA title to American Virgil Hill in 1989 stated that with adequate motivation, Nigeria will continue to lead the continent in boxing.

"We have so many world-class boxers who are yet to be discovered and once these boxers are beginning to get good pay, more future world-class boxers would come out of Nigeria. Most of our professional boxers are also engaged in one form of vocation or another to make ends meet and that always affect their performances at big stage.

"I was lucky during my time that my employers, the Nigeria Customs and Excise gave me enough time to face my boxing career, while I was also getting promotion regularly for doing the establishment and the nation proud.

"So, we will see a turnaround in Nigerian professional boxing with adequate sponsorship whereby every boxer will be able to have up to three or four fights in a year with good pay," said the Smoking Joe as he is fondly called by his admirers.

Meanwhile, Lasisi was honoured by GOtv alongside the former WBC light heavyweight title contender Obisia Nwankpa; former Commonwealth super flyweight champion Ray Amao; former Commonwealth bantamweight champion, Hogan Jimoh, former Commonwealth lightweight champion Dele Jonathan and ex-Olympian, Jerry Okorodudu, as well as the president of NBB of C, Dr Gowdin Kanu.

Current Commonwealth super middleweight and WBO Africa Super Middleweight champion, Isaac 'Grenade' Ekpo, was also recognised during the show as he proudly displayed his belts while he was also asked to pick 10 of the lucky winners of the GOtv decoders through the raffle.

14th Gov's Tennis Cup: No regrets losing in the final--Adegoke

NIGERIA'S number one Sarah Adegoke who lost in the women's singles final of the 14th Governor's Cup Lagos Tennis Championship to Zarah Razafinmahatratra of Madagascar says the defeat will not give her a setback in her career.
 
Adegoke, who was overwhelmed by her opponent in the final decided last weekend at the centre court of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan, 6-0, 6-1 said she lost because she couldn't play to her potential on the final day. 
 
"Well, I don't know what really went wrong, I just discovered that I was not getting it right against my opponent. I wasn't under pressure at all. Everything did not work out for me, but I'm not disappointed. I have to take in good faith and forge ahead in my career.  I know her (Razafinmahatratra) style of play because we won the doubles event together in this competition, but I didn't believe the final could go this way. Everything was practically wrong, but I did my best.

" So, there is no regrets losing in the final. My dream is to be the first Nigerian to feature in the grand slam." said Adegoke, who became the second Nigerian woman to play in the final of the competition after Osaro Amadin, who claimed the title at the inaugural edition in 2000.  
 
Meanwhile, Moses Michael became the second Nigerian to win the men's singles title of the championship with his great comeback to defeat Duncan Mugabe of Uganda in the epic final watched by governor Babatunde Fashola.
 
Michael after losing 4-6 came back stronger to win the last two games 6-1, 6-2 and equalled the record of Sule Ladipo who won the title in 2001.
 
An elated Michael later dedicated the victory to his coach (Abbey), who he said greatly motivated him to attain thus far in his career.
 
Fashola in his remark expressed joy at the feat achieved by Michael in the International Tennis Federation-sanctioned tournament.
 
"I'm most delighted that we were able to hold this championship after the postponement which was caused by Ebola and thank God we were able to contain it. I am happy also that a Nigerian has won the championship this time which obviously is the valedictory edition for me as governor of Lagos State.    

 
"We have proved that nothing can be bigger than our resolve to make our people happy by ensuring that this annual championship holds again this year after the Ebola issue," Fashola said

Caption: Moses Michael, second Nigerian to win the Governor's Lagos Tennis men's singles title.

Thrills and spills of 2014 Federation Cup finals

Eguma tastes defeat

ENYIMBA on Sunday at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, lifted the 2014 Federation Cup with a 2-1 victory over Dolphins FC.

Interestingly, the two leading scorers at the just-ended Globacom Premier League season, Mfom Udoh and Emem Eduok were on target for their respective teams.

Udoh who finished the season with all-time goal record, 23 goals, scored first for Enyimba while Eduok, who had 20 goals in the league scored Dolphins' only goal after the People's Elephant were two goals up. Enyimba's Chinosom Okonkwo holds the record of scoring his team's winning goal in the match.
It was the first time Dolphins had lost in the final of the Federation Cup having won all its previous finals in 2001, 2004, 2006 and 2007.

Technical Adviser of Enyimba, Kadiri Ikhana (MON) could not show up when the stars on parade
filed out at half time during the men's final of the Federation Cup. Reason: the former international went straight to the dressing room to give pep talks to his players. Business before pleasure you will say.

It was also the first time Ikhana had lifted the Federation Cup as a coach. While the former international won the trophy with Enyimba, Dolphins' coach Stanley Eguma also lost in the final of the Federation Cup for the first time in his coaching career.

Former Nigeria goalkeeper Peter Fregene was among the stars on parade by the Lagos State government during the final of the men's Federation Cup. Fregene who featured in the 1968Olympics is however, confined to the wheel chair as a result of protracted illness.

A player of Rivers Angels created a mild drama during the final of the women's Federation Cup against Sunshine Queens of Akure which ended in 2-0 in favour of the Garden City ladies.
The player who spotted No. 19 shirt helped the centre referee to book a player of Sunshine Queens. At the time the (women) referee had dipped hand into her back pocket to pick up a yellow card, she discovered that it was missing, while the Rivers Angels' player who picked it up flashed the card before she handed it over to the referee, a scene which thrilled a handful of spectators at the stadium then. The centre referee completed the booking in her record as she retrieved the yellow card from the player who came on as a substitute.

Reigning FIFA U-20 World Cup Most Valuable Player (MVP) and highest goal scorer AsisatOshoala scored the first goal for Rivers Angels in the 2-0 win over Sunshine Queens while veteran Super Falcons' winger Stella Mbachu was also on target. Both goals were scored in the 66th and 86th minute respectively.
Rivers Angels coached by the Super Falcons' tactician Edwin Okon lifted the trophy for the fourth year in a row.

Oshoala also went home with the MVP award of the Women's Federation Cup while Emem Eduok of Dolphins who also finished the competition with five goals clinched the men's MVP award.

Ebere Orji also of Rivers Angels emerged the goal queen of the tournament with three goals which she scored in the 6-1 win over City of David Babes in a round of 16 game, while a player of Nembe City won the men's version having finished with six goals.

Caption: Stanley Eguma.

GOtv set to honour Joe Lasisi, Obisia, Okorodudu, others at Boxing Night

FORMER Africa and Commonwealth lightheavyweight champion, Joe Lasisi and four other Nigerian boxing legends will be honoured on Sunday at the GOtv Boxing Night, scheduled to hold at the Indoor Sports of the National Stadium, Lagos.

The professional boxing contest tagged the GOtv Boxing Night has been sanctioned by the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), with the national featherweight title clash between Dare 'Fighting Machine' Oyewole and Waidi 'Scoro' Usman serving as the main bout of the night

Lasisi, who also lost the WBA belt to American Virgil Hill in 1989 will be honoured on the night alongside the former WBC light heavyweight title contender and former Commonwealth champion, Obisia Nwankpa; former Commonwealth super flyweight champion Ray Amao; former Commonwealth bantamweight champion, Hogan Jimoh and ex-Olympian, Jerry Okorodudu.

Listed for the undercards are the national heavyweight champion Adewale 'Tiger' Abbey versus Tope 'Young' Ogunshakin; David ‘Lucky Boy’ Ekpeyong versus Muhammed 'Fearless' Tijani (in the featherweight category); Chijioke 'Painless' Nigige versus Sunday 'Capo' Olalekan (middleweight category); Stanley 'Edo Boy' Johnson versus Saheed 'Happy Boy' Olayiwola (light Welterweight) and Dele 'Lagelu' Adeleke versus Rasheed 'Afonja Warrior' Abolaji in the light middleweight division.

The event, which is being sponsored by GOtv, Custodian Life Assurance Plc, Paragonis Multimedia Productions and Zetaweb, is aimed at reviving professional boxing in the country.

According to the General Manager Sales and Marketing of Multichoice, subscriber services providers for Gotv said that more Nigerian boxing greats will be honoured at future editions of the Gotv boxing night.
The six-bout thriller will also witness the first live telecast of Nigerian boxing recent memory.

Caption: Joe Lasisi (left) with the 2004 Olympian Issac Ekpo.

History favours Dolphins to lift 2014 Federation Cup

As Ikhana aims to break jinx with Enyimba

THE Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos comes alive on Sunday as Enyimba attempts to retain the Federation Cup when it takes on Dolphins of Port Harcourt which has never lost in the final of the competition before.

What is today known as the Federation Cup started in 1942 as War Memorial Challenge Cup before it was changed to the Governor's Cup in 1945 and in 1964 to the FA Cup which reigned till 1960 when it became  the Challenge Cup,  The competition became the Coca Cola FA Cup in 1999 before it got a new name the Federation Cup in 2009.

Enyimba clinched the trophy last year at the same venue with 5-4 scoreline via penalties, after they came from behind on two occasions to settle for a 2-2 draw with Warri Wolves at regulation time.

The People's Elephant is gunning for its fourth title following its victories also in 2005 and 2009 as attempts to win in 2010 and 2011 ended in futility.

Interestingly, Coach Kadiri Ikhana will be aiming at winning the Federation Cup title for the first time as a coach, and this he has made the Aba millionaires to realise.

Having lost the Globacom Premier League title to Kano Pillars, Ikhana has set his sight on the oldest trophy in the land moreso to pacify the hard fans of Enyimba.

“Our consolation after losing the league title to Pillars is that we have a CAF Champions League ticket in the kityy, but I have told my players that we can’t afford to lose the Federation Cup and they have all promised to beat Dolphins in Lagos,” the man who coached Enyimba to win the Champions League for Nigeria for the first time in 2003 declared.

However, coach Stanley Eguma will bank on tradition to dislodge Enyimba on Sunday as his team has never lost in the final of the Federation Cup before.

Dolphins formerly Eagles Cement FC first won the Cup in 2001 and thereafter emerged champions
in 2004, 2006 and 2007 thus, will be gunning for its fifth title in the city known as the Centre of Excellence on Sunday.

The final will also see the highest goal scorer of the just-concluded Globacom Premier League season, Mfom Udoh with 23 goals take on his counterpart from Dolphins Emem Eduok who finished with 20 goals.

The final of the Women's version of the Federation Cup between Sunshine Quuens and Rivers Angels will precede the Enyimba/Dolphins showdown billed for 4pm.

The winner of the men's Federation Cup will represent the country in next year's CAF Confederation Cup.

Caption:  Kadiri Ikhana, can he break the jinx on Sunday?

Past winners of the competition since 1999.

                                                 Coca Cola FA Cup

• 1999 : Plateau United (Jos) 1-0 Iwuanyanwu Nationale (Owerri)
• 2000 : Niger Tornadoes (Minna) 1-0 Enugu Rangers
• 2001 : Dolphin FC (Port Harcourt) 2-0 El-Kanemi Warriors (Maiduguri)
• 2002 : Julius Berger FC (Lagos) 3-0 Yobe Stars (Damaturu)
• 2003 : Lobi Stars (Makurdi) 2-0 Sharks FC (Port Harcourt)
• 2004 : Dolphin FC (Port Harcourt) 1-0 Enugu Rangers
• 2005 : Enyimba FC (Aba) 1-1 Lobi Stars (Makurdi) (aet, 6-5 pen)
• 2006 : Dolphin FC (Port Harcourt) 2-2 Bendel Insurance (aet, 5-3 pen)
• 2007 : Dolphin FC (Port Harcourt) 1-1 Enugu Rangers (aet, 3-2 pen)
• 2008 : Ocean Boys FC (Brass) 2-2 Gombe United FC (aet, 7-6 pen)

                                                     Federation Cup

• 2009 : Enyimba FC (Aba) 1-0 Sharks FC (Port Harcourt)
• 2010 : Kaduna United F.C. 3-3 Enyimba FC (Aba) (aet, 3-2 pen)
• 2011 : Heartland F.C. 1-0 Enyimba FC (Aba)
• 2012 : Heartland F.C. 2-1 Lobi Stars
• 2013 : Enyimba F.C. 2-2 Warri Wolves (aet, 5-4 pen)
• 2014:  Enyimba           ?  Dolphins ?

We deserve to beat Super Eagles--Mashaba

Head coach of Bafana Bafana of South Africa, Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba is not pleased with the late minute's equaliser by the Super Eagles which earned both sides a 2-2 draw, on Wednesday night at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo, in a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) last group qualifier.

Second half substitute Sone Aluko's brace denied the Rainbow Nation its first win over Nigeria in a competitive game, after Bournemouth striker Tokelo Rantie had scored in the 42nd and 49th minute respectively.

The 64-year-old tactician said his wards deserved to run away with three points and break the jinx of beating Nigeria for the first time in a competitive game.

“Nigeria is a dangerous side with a lot of world-class players and so, we did well in that match. Our two goals actually frustrated the Super Eagles and prevented them from playing their normal game and I think luck was just against us. We should have run away with victory.

“This is still a good result because we have proved that the players, who are mostly domestic lads, can compete with any side.

“I’m quite confident that South Africa won’t add to the numbers in Equatorial Guinea (AFCON
2015) but will compete for the title," said Mashaba, a former coach of Swaziland.

He stated that the 1996 AFCON winners will ensure adequate preparation for the bi-ennial showpiece saying that: “We will prepare well for the championship after we would have organised two or three friendlies".

Meanwhile South Africa topped the group A of the AFCON qualifying series with 12 points ahead
of the Republic of the Congo with 10 points, while Nigeria finished with eight points leaving
Sudan at the rear.

Caption: Shakes Mashaba.

AFCON disappointment: Aluko savours meeting Tiwa Savage, Dr SID in Uyo

UNKNOWN to many, Nigerian international Sone Aluko is excited by meeting two of Nigerian top artistes Tiwa Savage and Dr SID in Uyo, after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
 
The reigning African champions on Wednesday night forced Bafana Bafana of South Africa to a 2-2 draw, in the last group AFCON qualifier at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo.
 
The Hull City forward who scored both goals in the ill-fated match said he was sad despite his heroics to save Nigeria from another home defeat in the AFCON qualifying series.
 
Aluko who featured for Nigeria at the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt, via social media however, said meeting top Nigerian singers gave him some respite after a disappointing outing by the Eagles.
 
"Not the victory celebration we wanted but still amazing to see live performances and meet @TiwaSavage & @IamDrSID," the player in his twitter handle, Sone Aluko ‏@sonealuko wrote.
 
The former Birmingham City player who came on as a substitute for Raheem Lawal in the second half, further acknowledged the support of soccer-loving Nigerians, but lamented that he was unable to celebrate his brace as it should be owing to the misfortune of the Eagles.
 
"Thanks for the support/love on here and in Uyo! As for the two goals. Wow, realisation of a dream. Wish I could enjoy them properly!
 
"Super Eagles have been through worse. I know because I was a fan before player. I get the
frustration. We'll be back 100 per cent.

 
"So disappointed about the result + no AFCON. Either You win or you learn. Our team & Nigerian football will learn from this and be stronger!" Aluko who represented England at U-16, U-17 and U-18 levels stated.
 
Meanwhile, coach Stephen Keshi was short of words after the match.
"Maybe we took South Africa for granted and we paid dearly for this," said the man who coached Nigeria to win the AFCON title in 2013.
 
A brace from AFC Bournemouth striker Tokelo Rantie ensured South Africa topped the group with 12 points as the Red Devils of Congo picked the second ticket to the 2015 AFCON with 10 points following their 1-0 away win over the Jediane Falcons of Sudan.
 
Nigeria which last missed the AFCON in 2012 under coach Samson Siasia this time finished
third on the table with eight points.

Caption: Aluko with Tiwa Savage (left) and Dr SID.

AFCON qualifier: Nigeria/South Africa match shifted to 6pm

THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has confirmed that the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between the Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, billed for Wednesday at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo will now kick off at 6pm, an hour behind the earlier scheduled time.

NFF's head of international department, Bola Oyeyode, disclosed this on Monday adding that: “We got information that the match will now kick off at 6pm, and not 5pm as earlier slated”.

Already, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has named Mauritanian Rajindraparsad Seechurn as the centre referee for the game. He will be assisted by compatriots, Belkrishna Bootun as assistant referee one, Vivian Vally as assistant referee two and Parmendra Nunkoo as reserve referee, while Ghanaian Laryea
Louis serves as the match commissioner.

Both sides settled for a barren draw during the first meeting in Cape Town, but the reigning African champions are condemned to win this time to be able to defend the title they won last year in South Africa.

Nigeria with goals from Ikechukwu Uche and Aaron Samuel shamed the Red Devils of the Republic of the Congo before their teeming fans in Point Noire, 2-0 to brighten its hope of playing in 2015 AFCON with seven points in the group being led by South Africa with 11 points.

Caption: Aaron Samuel, was on target last weekend against the Red Devils.

NNL abandoned match: Kwara Utd demands 3 points against Ranchers

THE management of Kwara United has urged the Nigeria National League to award three points and three goals to the team following the harassment meted out to its players and officials by fans of Ranchers Bees during the week 30 NNL game played last Saturday in Kaduna.

The match was abandoned in the second half with scores at 2-2 while the Ilorin-based side claimed it deserves board room victory, as the laid down rules guiding the competition had been breached by the home team.

Alhaji Haruna Maigidansanma, the General Manager of the Ilorin-based side, accused the management of Ranchers Bees of instigating their fans against Kwara United players and officials during the game to round off the season.

Maigidansanma said in a statement that the harassment of officials led to the beating of the team's cameraman and the Special Assistant to the Kwara Governor on Sport Matters.

He claimed that due to harassment, the match officials allowed Ranchers to go violent on the visitors alleging that his goalkeeper was held down before they (Ranchers) scored their first goal.

"The fans forcefully took the ball boys uniforms after half time and our officials were beaten. They threw objects at our bench and on the pitch making our players to lose concentration which led to their second goal.

"The fans beat up our cameramen and denied them the opportunity to film where the match officials were being beaten up," Maigidansanma claimed in the statement.

It further stated that it took the match officials more than 20 minutes before they came out for the second half.

The management of Afonja Warriors also condemned the alleged action of Ranchers Bees' boss
Abdulazeez Muhammed who he claimed verbally attacked the match officials at half time and also asked home fans to attack some of the team's (Kwara United) officials.

The statement also said Kwara United was denied opportunity of going to the dressing room at half time as a result of harassment, just as it decried the action of the security personnel at the arena as shameful, as they watched when the team's cameraman and officials were being beaten.

Meanwhile, both Ranchers Bees and Kwara United are in contention for promotion to the Globacom Premier League with Ranchers Bees having 51 points, while Kwara United had 49 points. Wikki Tourists for now remains the only team in group A to have secured promotion having finished with 53 points.


Caption: Segun Alebiosu, Kwara United's leading scorer.

 Division A table at Week 30:


1. Wikki Tourists                   30 17 2 11 53
2. Ranchers Bees                  29 17 0 12  51
3. Niger Tornadoes               30 16 2 12 50
4. Kwara United                    29 15 4 10 49
5. Plateau United                  30 15 4 11 49
6. Mighty Jets                      30 15 2 13 47
7. Kogi United                      30 15 1 14 46
8. Adamawa United             30 14 4 12 46
9. Spotlight FC                     30 14 3 13 45
10. Sokoto United                30 14 2 14 44
11. Jigawa Stars                  30 13 4 13 43
12. Supreme Court              30 13 3 14 42
13. FRSC FC                       30 09 11 10 38
14. DSS FC                          30 12 02 16 38
15. TEAP FC                       30 09 04 17 31
16. Ngr Prisons                   30 04 06 20 18

Crown spanks Akwa Utd 3-0, ends in relegation zone

CROWN FC of Ogbomoso on Sunday rounded off its campaign in the 2014 Globacom Premier League with a 3-0 drubbing of Akwa United at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, but the result could
not save them from going on relegation.

It was the first victory recorded by the Ajilete Boys under coach Hakeem Busari since he took over from veteran coach Lawrence Akpokona, who was relieved of his job despite the team's 1-0 win in Ibadan over El-Kanemi Warriors.

Onyekachi Okafor opened the scoring for Crown backed by a handful of its faithful at the terraces, in the 40th minute when he sent the ball to the roof of the net during a goal mouth scramble.

Bode Daniel doubled the lead before half time as he pounced on a loose ball to beat goalkeeper Iboro Akpakpan already badly positioned.

Okafor in the 65th minute recorded a brace when his glancing header beat Akpakpan off Tare Oke's cross for his 10th goal of the season.
The Oyo State-owned side finished with 38 points and will now feature in the Nigeria National League (NNL) next season as stipulated in the rules guiding the Nigeria Premier League.

The three other teams which finished in the relegation zone are Gombe United with 50 points,
Kaduna United (39 points) and Nembe City, 28 points.

It will be recalled that this is the first time Gombe United will be demoted to the lower
league in the history of the Nigerian league.

Udoh turns Globacom Premier League goal king with 23 strikes

Enyimba striker Mfom Udoh on Sunday added a chapter to the history of the Nigerian league when he finished the 2014 Globacom Premier League season with 23 goals. 

Udoh achieved the feat when he netted twice on Sunday in Aba in the 3-1 win over league champions, Kano Pillars in a week 38 fixture.
 
The former Akwa United striker surpassed the all-time record of 20 goals goals set by Jude
Aneke three seasons ago.
 
Udoh opened the scoring for Enyimba which finished second on the log behind Pillars with 64 points, in the 18th minute while he doubled the lead before the stoppage time when he cashed in on the defensive blunder to beat goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai again.
 
He joined the hotshot race when he became the first player to score six goals (in his side's 6-0 win over Nembe City) in a single match in the Nigerian league.
 

It will be recalled the forward last season scored 15 goals for Akwa United before his move to the People's Elephant.
 
Former international and coach of Akwa United, Patrick Udoh was elated at the feat achieved by the striker saying: "Udoh has been a fantastic player all along and I congratulate him on this achievement. He is a player with a bright future".
 
Meanwhile, Enyimba following the victory equally bagged a CAF Champions League ticket with Pillars which retained the league title with 65 points, as Warri Wolves finished third with 61 points to bag the Confederation Cup ticket after a surprise 2-2 away draw with Nasarawa United at the Lafia Township Stadium.
 
Dolphins' Emem Eduok finished with 20 goals.
 
Caption: Mfom Udoh

Globacom Premier League Week 38 results:

Nasarawa Utd 2 Warri Wolves  2
Sharks             0 Taraba             1
Kaduna Utd   1 Rangers           2
Gombe Utd    4 Abia Warriors  1
Lobi Stars      1 Dolphins          0
Crown FC     3 Akwa Utd          0
El-Kanemi     3 Sunshine          0
Heartland      1 Bayelsa Utd     2
Enyimba         3 Kano Pillars    1
Nembe City   0 Giwa                 4

How they finished
 
1• Kano Pillars                    38 +16  65 
2• Enyimba                          38 +23  64
3• Warri Wolves                  38 +11  61
4• Giwa FC                          38 +10  60
5• Nasarawa United           38 +06   59
6• Lobi Stars                       38 -06   59
7• Abia Warriors                38 +11   58
8• Rangers                         38 +08   58
9• Dolphins                         38 +11  55
10• Heartland                     38 +09   55
11• Sunshine Stars             38 +04   54
12• FC Taraba                    38 -06   53
13• Sharks                          38 +03   52
14• El-Kanemi Warriors    38 +08   51
15• Bayelsa United            38 -04   51
16• Akwa United                38 -07   51

          Relegation zone

17• Gombe United              38  +1 50
18• Kaduna United             38 -26 39
19• Crown FC                     38 -22 38
20• Nembe City                  38 -50 28

3SC, Wikki Tourists gain promotion back to premier league

SHOOTING Stars Sports Club (3SC) on Saturday at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan secured a 1-0 win over Akwa Starlets in the Nigeria National League last match of the season to seal their return to the Globacom Premier League in grand style.
 

It was the 15th consecutive home win by the Oluyole soccer lords this season as they topped group B table with 50 points and plus 16-goal advantage after 30 round of matches, ahead of Gabros International which equally finished with 50 points, but with plus six-goal advantage following its sensational 2-0 away win over Ekiti United.
 
The match hero in Ibadan turned out to be veteran defender Sylvester Ebiaku who converted the spot kick awarded 3SC barely two minutes into the game.
Akwa Starlets wasted what would have been an equaliser in the 20th minute as the spot kick awarded the side which was taken twice was ballooned, after the kicker had initially got it right.
 
The first kick converted was cancelled by the centre referee as one of his team-mates surged into the penalty box as the kick was being taken.
 
Wikki Tourists also returned to the Globacom Premier League after a season in the lower league as they topped group A with 53 points. The Tourists bagged three points and three goals without kicking the ball following the failure of the Nigeria Prisons FC to show up in Bauchi for the game.
 
However, the winner of the second ticket in the group is yet to be ascertained as the game between Ranch Bees and Kwara United at the Ranch Bees Stadium, Kaduna, was abandoned in the second half with scores at 2-2.
 
The visitors led 2-0 at half time before the Bees drew parity on resumption for the last half.
Niger Tornadoes finished the season with 50 points following their 2-1 victory over FRSC of Abuja at the Bako Kontagora memorial Stadium, Minna, but the result was not good enough to see them return to the elite league for now as the race is between Ranch Bees and Kwara United.
 
At the time of filing this report, the secretary of the NNL could not be reached on the abandoned match.   
Ranch Bees before the game had 50 points thus needed a draw to seal the promotion ticket, while the Afonja Warriors with 49 points needed outright win to scale through.
 
It will be recalled that Shooting Stars Sports Club, Wikki Tourists and Kwara United were relegated from the premier league last season.
NNL Week 30 results:
Division One A
 
Ranch Bees         2  Kwara Utd   2 (abandoned)
TEAP                 5  Sokoto Utd   1
Spotlight             1  Kogi Utd       0
Adamawa Utd    1  Mighty Jets    0
Wikki Tourists    3  Nigeria Prisons    0 (W/O)
Tornadoes          2  FRSC Abuja  1
Jigawa Stars       1  S/Court          0
Plateau Utd       3  DSS, Kaduna  0

Division B

Shooting Stars     1 Akwa Starlets  0
Ekiti Utd             0 Gabros             2
MFM                 2 ABS                 2
Prime                  3 COD Utd         0
B/Insurance         2 S/Stores           0
Go-Round          1 FirstBank           0
Gateway Utd     3 UNICEM Rovers 0 (WO)
Abia Comets     2 Remo Stars          0 

Caption: Sylvester Ebiaku, scores Shooting Stars' historic goal against Akwa Starlets.

AFCON 2015: Super Eagles keep hope alive, win 2-0 in Congo

THE Super Eagles on Saturday at the Stade Municipal, Pointe-Noire kept Nigeria's dream of qualifying for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alive with a 2-0 defeat of the Red Devils of the Republic of the Congo.
 
The result puts Nigeria in the second position in group A with seven points as Bafana Bafana of South Africa maintains lead now with 10 points following their 2-1 victory over Sudan also on Saturday.
 
It was a sweet revenge for the Eagles which had earlier in the first round lost 2-3 to the Red Devils in Calabar, while the match hero in Point-Noire turned out to be goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama with his heroic performance.
 
After a barren situation in the first half, returnee Ikechukwu Uche who last played for Nigeria 19 months ago shot the Eagles into the lead in the 59th minute with a spot-kick, after goal-bound Emmanuel Emenike, was brought down in the box by the onrushing goalkeeper Chancel Massa.
 
The embattled Congolese lost what would have given an equaliser and some respite in the 64th minute as Enyeama saved the penalty kick taken by Thievy Bifouma, after Godfrey Oboabona was believed to have palmed the shot taken by Prince Oniangue.

 
The save gave the Eagles more elixir to complete the Miracle of Point-Noire, as China-based Aaron Samuel in the 89th minute out of sheer brilliance beat Massa with a left-footed curled drive to seal the victory for the reigning African champions.
 
It was Samuel's second goal for Nigeria in two appearances having scored against Sudan in Abuja.
Disappointed home fans brought the game to a standstill as they began to throw missiles onto the pitch before sanity was later restored.

The Super Eagles however, need victory over Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Wednesday, November 19 at the newly-commissioned Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo, to seal their passage to AFCON 2015 now to be staged by Equatorial Guinea with 10 points.
 
The Red Devils of Congo are however, still in the race as they need to beat Sudan on Wednesday in Khartoum to finish on 10 points and pray the match between Nigeria and South Africa end in a draw.

Caption: Ik Uche scores the opening goal in Congo.

NNL Week 30 fixtures, Nov. 15

Saturday, November 15, 2014
Division A

Ranch Bees              vs      Kwara Utd
TEAP                      vs      Sokoto Utd
Spotlight                  vs       Kogi Utd
Plateau Utd             vs       DSS, Kaduna
Adamawa Utd         vs     Mighty Jets
Wikki Tourists         vs     Nigeria Prisons
Niger Tornadoes     vs     FRSC, Abuja
Jigawa Stars           vs      Supreme Court
Division B

Ekiti Utd                   vs Gabros
MFM, Lagos           vs  ABS, Ilorin
3SC                        vs  Akwa Starlets
Gateway Utd           vs  UNICEM Rovers
Abia Comets           vs  Remo Stars
Prime                       vs  COD Utd, 
Bendel Insurance      vs Stationery Stores
Go-Round                vs   FirstBank
.

2015 AFCON: Super Eagles in make or mar clash with Red Devils

. We will win in Congo-Keshi
. Enyeama goes for 98th cap
. Ik Uche returns

 
Nigeria's possible campaign in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), will apparently be ascertained on Saturday, as the Super Eagles confront the Diables Rouges of the Republic of the Congo in a qualifier billed for the Stade Municipal, Pointe-Noire.
 
A draw by the reigning African champions automatically rules Nigeria out of the bi-ennial championship now to be hosted by Equatorial Guinea, according to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Nigeria is third on the table with four points in the group dominated by South Africa with eight points while Congo follows on seven points.
 
Interestingly, the Red Devils in the first round proved many bookmakers wrong with a 3-2 victory over the star-studded Eagles at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar, where Thiery Bifouma bagged a brace and the first strike by Prince Oniangue.
 
Thus Saturday's game serves as an avenue for the Super Eagles to redeem Nigeria's image and also brighten its hope of featuring in 2015 AFCON with a home game left against Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama who missed the Calabar game is expected to be on duty for the Eagles this time. Nigerians will surely pray for the CSKA Moscow player Ahmed Musa to be in his best element this time, alongside returnee Ikechuckwu Uche, who last played for Nigeria in February 2013. The Villareal of Spain forward, Uche, has been in a terrific form in recent times which makes Nigerians to call for his inclusion amid his perceived face-off with coach Stephen Keshi.
 
His recall has already boosted the camp of the Eagles as Enyeama said: "this is a good move for the team and I'm happy to have him back". 
 
Nigeria will also bank on John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Godfrey Oboabona, Emmanuel Emenike, Raheem Lawal to produce another miracle in Point-Noire on Saturday.
 
The reinstatement of Keshi as the team's chief tactician by the presidency after his initial disengagement by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), is hailed by many soccer-loving Nigerians as a welcome development, as the former international is believed to still possess the magic wand that can take the Eagles back on track after a sloppy start.

Keshi while speaking before the team's departure expressed optimism about the Eagles' ability
to win in Point-Noire against all odds.

“I am sure we will win, We have done everything on our part. Now we just have to urge Nigerians to pray for us. We know what to expect in Congo. It’s never going to be an easy game but we have the players who are ready to play with their hearts and make Nigeria proud," said the former coach of Mali.

Meanwhile, Enyeama will be making his 98th international appearance in Congo since his debut in 2002, as the technical crew has certified him fit for the make or mar game amid the rumour that shoulder injury may stop him. The match holds at 3.30pm Nigeria time.

Caption: Vincent Enyeama gunning for the 98th cap against Congo.

Equatorial Guinea to host 2015 AFCON

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has named Equatorial Guinea as host of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
 
This follows the withdrawal of Morocco who hinged her decision on the outbreak of Ebola Virus in some parts of the continent. 

CAF rejected that request and subsequently stripped Morocco of the tournament's hosting
right. It also exiled the Atlas Lions of Morocco from the 2015 showpiece.
 
The CAF in a statement on Friday said: "The Head of State and President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, received the President of CAF Issa Hayatou this Friday, November 14 concerning the possibility of Equatorial Guinea hosting the Africa Cup of Nations 2015.

 "Following friendly and fruitful discussions, the Head of State of Equatorial Guinea has agreed to host the tournament from January 17 to February 8, 2015. The Executive Committee of CAF President Issa Hayatou would like to take this opportunity to express their sincere thanks and deep appreciation to the people of Equatorial Guinea, to their government, and particularly to the Head of State and President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo."

Meanwhile, the draw for the tournament will hold on Wednesday, December 3 in Malabo with other venues for the 2015 AFCON as Bata, Mongomo and Ebebiyin.

Equatorial Guinea, it will be recalled, co-hosted the 2012 AFCON with Gabon, while the country was disqualified by CAF from the ongoing AFCON qualifying series for fielding an ineligible player, Thierry Tazemeta (of Cameroonian origin) during the play-off against Mauritania.