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.

N13.8m up for grabs at 14th Gov's Tennis Cup

THE 14th Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship serves off on Monday, November 17 at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan with N13.8 million (about $84,000) at stake as total prize money.

Vice chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Engineer Afolabi Salami, at a media briefing in Lagos, disclosed this adding that logistics have been put in place to ensure a hitch-free tournament.

Salami, who represented the LOC chairman, Chief Pius Akinyelure, said the total prize money for the competition remains awesome despite the reduction in the number of days of the event this time.

"Whereas our regular two-week Futures tournament has a total prize money of $80,000, added hospitality which includes accommodation and breakfast at the Eko Hotel and Suites for our foreign invited players and a N10,000 daily subsidy in lieu of accommodation for Nigerian players for the period they remain in the championship," he said.

He stated that 32 top class Futures players- for the men and women's singles and 32 each (16 pairs) for the men and women's doubles have been invited by the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) to feature in the invitational tournament.

Salami added that a clinic will be organised for the kids to be drawn mostly from various schools in the state between the ages four and 16 years on the last day of the week-long tourney.

The final of the highest money spinning circuit on the continent is fixed for Saturday, November 22.

It will be recalled that Croatian Borna Coric and compatriot Ante Pavic won the 2013 edition of the Futures I and II men’s singles titles respectively, while Tadeja Majeric of Slovenia and Italian Gioia Barbieri claimed the Futures I and II women's singles titles respectively.

Nigeria will be led to the 14th Governor's Cup by the reigning Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) men's and women's singles champions, Abdulmumuni Babalola.

The full list of players invited for the tournament on the home fronts: Adegoke Sarah, Samuel Blessing, Agugbom Christy, Akingbade Ronke, Pam Elizabeth, Kienka Loila, Aiyegbusi Aanu, Donatus Loveth, Airhunwunde Osariemen, Olowu Bukola, Ebijimi Pauline, Ibrahim Omotayo Osewa,Quadri Aminat, Anuna Blessing Dirisu Ngozi and Esorae Nosakhaire.

Nigerian male players

1.      Enosoregbe Clifford
2.      Babalola Abdulmumin
3.      Atseye Henry
4.      Shehu Lawal
5.      Otu John
6.      Otu Thomas
7.      Madueke Nonso
8.      Omoile Samuel
9.   Micheal Moses
10.  Imeh Joseph
11.  Balami Umaru
12.  Paul Christian
13.  Emmanuel Sylvester
14.  Adamu Sani
15.  Alade Kehinde
16.  Idoko Emmanuel

           Foreign players (female)

1.         Scheepers Channelle (RSA)
2.         Jabeur Ons (Tunisia)
3.         Simmond Chanel (RSA)
4.         Le-Roux Madrie (RSA)
5.         Fouroclas Natasha (RSA)
6.         Razafinmhtratra  Zarah (Madagascar)
7.         Abou Zekry Ola (Egypt)
8.         Sherif Mayar (Egypt)
9.         Hattingh Ilze (RSA)
10.       Sammons Michelle (RSA)
11.       Grandin Natalie (RSA)
12.       Ibbou Ines (Algeria)
13.       Atit Rita (Morocco)
14.       Hanza Yasmine (Egypt)
15.       Qostal Lina (Morocco)
16.       Andria Marosoa Sandra (Madagascar)

Foreign players (male)
1.         Safwat Mohammed (Egypt)
2.         Sabry Sherif (Egypt)
3.         Garanganga Takanyi (Zimbabwe)
4.         Mark Fynn (Zimbabwe)
5.         Hossam Karim (Egypt)
6.         Kiegou Alexis (Benin)
7.         Roelofse Ruan (RSA)
8.         Gooch Damon (RSA)
9.         Janse Van Rensbury Benjamin (RSA)
10.       El-Amram Reda (Morocco)
11.       Saidu Diallo (Mali)
12.       Tunde Segodo (Benin)
13.       Theophile Segodo (Benin)
14.       Hassan NdaYishmiye (Brundi)
15.       Mamoun Kaim Mohammed (Egypt)
16.       Ira Dunkwda GlynOrly (Burundi)

Caption: Henry Atseye, one of Nigeria's players to be on parade.

AFCON snub: No grudge against Keshi--Moses

NIGERIA international and Stoke City forward, Victor Moses says he doesn't bear a grudge against the head coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi for excluding him from the list of invited players for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Republic of the Congo and South Africa.

The reigning African champions will this weekend in Point Noir face the Red Devils of Congo in a must win game with only four points to show on the table in group A, being dominated by Bafana Bafana of South Africa with seven points.
 
Nigeria's last AFCON qualifier holds on November 19 at the newly-commissioned Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo, which could be a formality clash if the Eagles lose to Congo already with six points on the log.
 
Moses who is on loan from Chelsea told Stoke Sentinel that he was pleased with the decision of Keshi, who he said will never do anything that will jeopardise his career.
 
"There's a reason I'm not in it (the Super Eagles squad) and the manager (Keshi) has said I'm just getting back from injury and he didn't want to take the risk with me,"  Moses with seven goals since his debut in the Super Eagles in 2012 said.
 
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner who scored his first English Premier League (EPL) goal for the Potters during a 2-2 draw with West Ham United, said he derives positives after all from the development - to be in top shape to be able to play for Nigeria blessed with a lot of talented players.
 
"I think he (Keshi) was right to do that. I'm the sort of player who always wants to represent Nigeria, but I just need to make sure I get myself back to full fitness," said Moses who featured in Stoke's 2-1 away win over Tottenham Hotspurs last Sunday. 
 
Keshi while defending the exclusion of Moses from the squad to Congo said: "I left (Moses) out because he’s just coming back from injury and we don’t want to take any risks".
 
The former coach of Togo added that: "Everyone knows what I think of Victor. He’s a good kid and very talented footballer but at this point, for the upcoming games, we don’t want to take any risks".
 
Meanwhile, the former England junior international celebrated Stoke's second away victory of
the season after Manchester City demolition at Etihad Stadium, through the social media.
 
The former Wigan Athletic player in his twitter account @Victor Moses said: “Great win at a tough ground the boys were superb! Appreciate all of your support as always”.

Caption: Victor Moses

Eduok turns first goal scorer at Akwa Ibom International Stadium

ONE of the leading scorers in the Nigeria Premier League, Emem Eduok on Friday night became the first player to score at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo, which was commissioned by Goodluck Jonathan a few minutes earlier before the encounter in a colourful ceremony.

Eduok's strike came in the 35th minute in the international friendly between the home-based  Super Eagles and Ghana's Black Meteors and the effort was good enough to earn Nigeria the Transformation Cup initiated by the Akwa Ibom State governor Chief Godswill Akpabio.

The Dolphins player with 20 goals in the domestic league connected Solomon Kwambe's cross past badly positioned goalkeeper Richard Ofori for the only goal of the game.
Also on hand to grace the commissioning of the 30,000 capacity stadium were presidents of Ghana John Dramane Mahama and that of the Ivory Coast, Allasane Ouattara.  

The Nigerian team handled by ex-international Daniel Amokachi was a delight to watch while the match lasted as the Ghanaians rekindled the healthy rivalry between both countries in the game handled by FIFA-graded referee, Ferdinand Udoh who incidentally hails from Akwa Ibom State.

The home-based Super Eagles paraded Chigozie Agbim, Solomon Kwambe, Azubuike Egwuekwe,
Gbolahan Salami, Ighodaro Osagona, Christian Obiozor, Rabiu Ali, Kingsley Zokari, Bright Esieme, Umar Zongo, Emem Eduok, Mfom Udoh, Stanley Dimgba, Christian Pyagbara and Tony Edjomariegwe, among others in the grudge match.

The first player to be issued a red card at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium turned out to be Richard Yamoah of Ghana. He was sent off in the 89th minute following his offensive clash with Edjomariegwe in an attempt to stop the latter from advancing with the ball. 

Kingsley Sokari would have made it 2-0 for Nigeria in the 93rd minute but his effort was cleared off the goalline by defender Emmanuel Nti Mensah after goalkeeper Ofori had been displaced.

President Ouattara after the match decorated the Ghanaians with silver medals as President Mahama decorated the Eagles with gold medals while President Jonathan presented the gold-plated Transformation Cup to goalkeeper Agbim, who captained Nigerian on the night.

The newly-commissioned stadium known as the Nest of Champions will on November 15 play host to the Super Eagles as they tackle the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
It will be recalled that Yakubu Mambo scored the first goal at the National Stadium, Lagos when it was commissioned on December 4, 1972 where Nigeria dumped Mali 3-0.
......
Caption: Emem Eduok, the match hero.

  

NNL postpones Week 30 matches

THE Nigeria National League (NNL) has postponed the Week 30 matches in both groups A and B scheduled to hold across the country on Saturday, November 8.
The games according to the secretary of NNL, Lawrence Katken will now hold on Saturday, November 15, saying that the postponement is to enable the outstanding protests to be decided before final round of matches.
Also, the Week 38 of the Globacom Premier League signalling the end of the season will hold on Sunday, November 16.
Kano Pillars with a game left against have claimed the league title for the third year running after amassing 65 points, as a loss to Enyimba in Aba on November 16 will only make the Aba-side to finish second on the log with 64 points.

Globacom Premier League Week 37 and NNL Week 29 results

Globacom Premier League

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

NNL Week 29 results

Division A
Supreme Court 0 Ranchers Bees  1

Division B
First Bank       2    Ekiti Utd      0
ABS              1   Shooting Stars 0
Gabros          2   MFM, Lagos     1
Remo Stars    1   Prime          0
S/Stores         1  Go-Round       1
Akwa Starlets 3 Gateway Utd    0

..............
NNL Division B table

1) First Bank---------29-----+7------48pts

2) Akwa Starlets-----29---- +5------48pts

3) Shooting Stars----29----+15--------47pts

4) Gabros FC---------29-----+7-----47pts

5) ABS FC--------------29---- -3-----43pts

6) MFM FC------------29-----+10----42pts

7) Bendel Ins---------29-----+1-----42pts

8) Remo Stars-------29------0-------41pts

9) Gateway--------29------- -5------40pts

10) Go-Round----29------- 0--------39pts

11)Unicem R-----29------- -2--------39pts

12) Abia Comets--29------ -5--------39pts

13) Prime FC-----29------ -3---------38pts

14) Ekiti Utd-------29------- -6-------38pts

15) COD Utd------29------- -10-------35pts

16) S/Stores----- --29------- -8-------31pts

NNL Week 29 results

Division A

FRSC                0    Jigawa Stars        0
Nigeria Prisons  0   Niger Tornadoes 1
Mighty Jets        1   Wikki Tourists    0
Kogi Utd            1     Plateau Utd        0
Kwara Utd         0     TEAP                 2 (abandoned)
Sokoto Utd        2      Spotlight            0


Division B

COD United           0    Bendel Insurance   0
UNICEM Rovers   3   Abia Comets         0
Akwa Starlets         3   Gateway United     0    (abandoned)