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.