Globacom Premier League: Kano Pillars take over from Bayelsa Utd
KANO Pillars are back to the top of the Globacom Premier League table after today's 1-0 win over Akwa United at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.
Rabiu Ali's 55th minute goal in the rescheduled Week 23 match gave the homers cause to rejoice and total of 51 points to push Bayelsa United to the second spot with 49 points.
It was Ali's 11th goal of the season.
Technical Adviser of Pillars, Mohammed Babaganaru was on cloud nine after the match saying the 'Sai Maisugida' exponents are on course of retaining the title which they won last year.
"We have our set target and that is to retain the league title, and we have been working towards that. I am happy that we are back on top now and we are there to stay," said the former El-Kanemi Warriors tactician.
Meanwhile, Pillars will be away to Nasarawa United in one of the week 30 fixtures scheduled to hold on Sunday as the World Cup qualifier between Nigeria's Super Eagles and the Flames of Malawi takes the centre stage on Saturday at UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.
..............
Globacom Premier League Table, Week 29
Pts- Mp Gd
1- Kano Pillars 51--29--+6
2-Bayelsa Utd 49--29--+4
3- Elkanemi 47--29---9
4- Enyimba 46--29--+9
5- Kwara Utd 44--29--+8
6- Gombe Utd 43--29---6
7- Warri Wolves 42--29--+9
8- Rangers 42--29--+5
9- Heartland 40--29--+8
10- Dolphins 40--29---1
11- Akwa Utd 40--29---2
12- Sharks 39--29---4
13- Sunshine 38--29--+1
14- Kaduna Utd 38--29---8
15 Lobi 38--29---8
16- Nembe City 38--29---10
17- 3SC 37--29--+1
18- ABS 37--29---8
19- Wikki 36--29---5
20- Nasarawa 36--29---8
............
Globacom Premier League Week 30 fixtures
1. Sunshine Stars vs 3SC
2. Sharks vs Akwa United
3. Heartland vs Bayelsa Utd
4. Rangers vs Wikki Tourists
5. Nasarawa Utd vs Kano Pillars
6. Enyimba vs Lobi Stars
7. Nembe City Dolphins
8. Warri Wolves vs Gombe United
9. Kaduna Utd vs Kwara Utd
10. ABS vs El-Kanemi Warriors
Caption: Rabiu Ali of Kano Pillars
Wednesday, 4 September 2013
Tuesday, 3 September 2013
W/Cup qualifier: Ogu arrives in Nigeria Wednesday for Malawi
AFTER flight hitches in Portugal John Ogu is due to arrive in Lagos today ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Malawi this weekend in Calabar.
Ogu, who plays for Academica of Portugal, was initially due to arrive in Lagos on Monday, but for the flight hitches in the connecting flight from Portugal to Madrid.
The midfielder would now touch down in Lagos Wednesday night to connect Calabar on Thursday morning.
"It’s very painful. It hurts because I planned everything properly but for this problem," Ogu said.
Meanwhile, the camp of the Super Eagles is increasing by the day with the presence of James Okwuosa, Nosa Igiebor, Efe Ambrose, Obinna Nsofor and Nnamdi Oduamadi at the time of this report.
Wolves reject Mba's slavery Bastia deal
NIGERIA international Sunday Mba could have signed himself into modern slavery in France with his celebrated deal with CA Bastia but for the quick intervention of his club in Nigeria, Warri Wolves.
The deal which was aborted at the last minute according to a top shot in Delta State running Warri Wolves, Chief Amaju Pinnick when it was discovered that Mba will be at the mercy of the club in case of any eventuality.
“The deal is not favourable to Mba at all because it stipulated that should he be injured for four months, the deal will be terminated. His annual salary according to the contract is 100,000 euros which is not up to what he earns at Warri Wolves.
"There is also a terrible clause in the contract that states that should the club be relegated, the contract will also be terminated. Is Mba a magician? So, if he is playing alongside 10 bad players and the team go down, should he take the responsibility for the dismal performance when he is not the coach of the team,?” Pinnick who is the Chairman of Delta State Sports Commission queried.
However, the deal was said to be turned down by Wolves as the transfer fee of 250,000 euros on Mba will be paid in instalments till 2015.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner is already in Calabar in preparation for the Super Eagles World Cup qualifier against The Flames of Malawi this weekend.
....................
Kwara SWAN congratulates Nigeria's Pillar of Sports, Ejidike
Kwara SWAN congratulates Nigeria's Pillar of Sports, Ejidike
The Kwara State Council of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has congratulated Chief Donatus Ndubuisi Agu Ejidike on his well deserved recognition by the National SWAN, with his appointment as the Pillar of Sports in Nigeria.
Kwara SWAN in a statement issued by its secretary, Jimoh Bashir said: "The appointment of Chief Donatus Ndubuisi Agu Ejidike, the Kwara State Pillar of Sports as the Pillar of Sports in Nigeria is coming at a time Nigeria is charting a new Sports development strategy, towards taking Nigeria to greater heights in sports".
Kwara SWAN states further that the appointment of Ejidike did not come as a surprise saying that "your recognition as a Pillar in the development of sports first by the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON), of St. Joseph Cathedral, Ilorin, later by Igbo Traders Football Association (ITFA), much later by Kwara SWAN, and now by National SWAN is not by accident by in appreciation of your sacrifice, commitment and determination towards sports development".
Kwara SWAN while identifying with the new Pillar of Sports in Nigeria also pledged their support for him in making his reign a memorable one saying that "we want to charge you to make full use of the opportunity to add value to sports development in Kwara state and Nigeria as a whole".
The Kwara State Council of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has congratulated Chief Donatus Ndubuisi Agu Ejidike on his well deserved recognition by the National SWAN, with his appointment as the Pillar of Sports in Nigeria.
Kwara SWAN in a statement issued by its secretary, Jimoh Bashir said: "The appointment of Chief Donatus Ndubuisi Agu Ejidike, the Kwara State Pillar of Sports as the Pillar of Sports in Nigeria is coming at a time Nigeria is charting a new Sports development strategy, towards taking Nigeria to greater heights in sports".
Kwara SWAN states further that the appointment of Ejidike did not come as a surprise saying that "your recognition as a Pillar in the development of sports first by the Catholic Youth Organisation of Nigeria (CYON), of St. Joseph Cathedral, Ilorin, later by Igbo Traders Football Association (ITFA), much later by Kwara SWAN, and now by National SWAN is not by accident by in appreciation of your sacrifice, commitment and determination towards sports development".
Kwara SWAN while identifying with the new Pillar of Sports in Nigeria also pledged their support for him in making his reign a memorable one saying that "we want to charge you to make full use of the opportunity to add value to sports development in Kwara state and Nigeria as a whole".
Fallout of Lagos International T/Tennis Classics: I'm happy losing to Otu--Offiong
NIGERIA'S Edem Offiong has said that she has no ill-feelings losing in the final of the singles' title of the just-concluded Lagos International Table Tennis Classics to fellow Nigerian, Cecilia Otu-Akpan.
Offiong last Saturday at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos had lost
9-11, 11-7, 11-6, 5-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-9 to Otu in the final also watched by governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State.
"I am happy despite losing to my compatriot (Otu) and my joy is that this title remains in Nigeria. I had wanted to win the competition but my opponent played better. I am happy over her victory because she is coming back after a long absence," said Offiong who was number three seed in Lagos Classics.
Meanwhile, Otu number four seed in the tournament has attributed her victory to determination
and sheer providence.
"I am so happy to win this competition and I give glory to God. I played every game with determination to win and I'm happy that it is a mission accomplished for me. I was out of the game for a long period and coming back in big way is a thing of delight to me.
"In fact, I am so excited that this kind of competition is being staged in Nigeria. I hope we will have more of this competition because it would help the local players a lot to improve in the game," said Otu, who defeated tournament's number one seed, Han Xing of Congo Brazzaville in the semi-final.
It will be recalled that the duo of Otu and Offiong defeated Han Xing and Onyiyechi Nwachukwu of Congo 9-11, 11-9, 11-6, 10-12, 11-7 to claim the women's doubles title of the competition.
Reigning African champion and tournament's number one seed, Omar Assar of Egypt defeated six-time Olympian, Segun Toriola 4-3 to claim the men's singles title.
Caption: Offiong Edem in action during the just-concluded Lagos International Table Tennis Classics.
Monday, 2 September 2013
Sturridge propelled me to join Liverpool--Moses
Sturridge propelled me to join Liverpool--Moses
NIGERIAN international Victor Moses has said that the encouragement received from Daniel Sturridge inspired him to sign for Liverpool on loan.
Moses told 'liverpoolfc.tv' that the loan move from Chelsea is the best thing to have happened to his career.
"Yes, I spoke to Studge and he wanted me to come here. He said I'd love it here, but he didn't need to say much. The next morning, I had a word with my agent and told him it could be the right move for me. As I've said, it's a massive club with great history. The club is doing well, so I wanted to come here and enjoy my football. It's been great - I've been here since yesterday and everyone has been looking after me," Moses said.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner with the Super Eagles stated that helping Liverpool to grab one of the UEFA Champions League ticket at the end of the season.
"The most important thing is for me to be professional about it and I'm here to do a job for the club. The target is to get into the top four and for the club to compete in the Champions League - and I'm delighted to be here.
"It's definitely the right move - this is a massive club with all the history. The club has come a long way and it's great to be here and to be playing for Liverpool. I'm delighted to be here and I just want to enjoy my football," said the Nigeria forward.
It will be recalled that manager Jose Mourinho left Moses out of the Chelsea squad which lost the UEFA Super Cup last Friday to Bayern Munich via penalties.
....................................
Caption: Victor Moses at Anfield
Globacom Premier League Table, Week 29
Pts- Mp Gd
1-Bayelsa Utd 49--28--+4
2- Kano Pillars 48--27--+5
3- Elkanemi 47--28---9
4- Enyimba 46--28--+9
5- Kwara Utd 44--28--+8
6- Gombe Utd 43--28---6
7- Warri Wolves 42--28--+9
8- Rangers 42--28--+5
9- Heartland 40--28--+8
10- Dolphins 40--28---1
11- Akwa Utd 40--27---3
12- Sharks 39--28---4
13- Sunshine 38--28--+1
14- Kaduna Utd 38--28---8
15 Lobi 38--28---8
16- Nembe City 38--28---10
17- 3SC 37--28--+1
18- ABS 37--28---8
19- Wikki 36--28---5
20- Nasarawa Utd 36--28---8
Abia Warriors' promotion excites lady boxer, Okebugwu
Lightweight boxer, Flora Okebugwu is excited by the promotion of Abia Warriors to the Nigeria professional Professional League (NPFL).
Abia Warriors at the weekend defeated Akwa Starlets 4-0 to finish first on the log of the Nigeria Nationwide League (NNL) ahead of Crown FC of Ogbomoso which finished with 44 points after a 1-0 win in the last game against Fountain FC of Ekiti.
Okebugwu who won a silver medal for Abia State at the last 18th National Sports Festival, Eko 2012 said the state capital would soon witness a transformation.
"Abia Warrior FC victory would turn Umuahia into a sports tourism State. Bravo," declared Okebugwu, who is also a kick-boxer.
Meanwhile, Giwa FC and FC Taraba also grabbed promotion tickets in group A of the just-
concluded NNL season.
FC Taraba Giwa on the final day defeated Jos-based Giwa FC 1-0 but the result ensured both sides landed in the Globacom Premier League next season.
NIGERIAN international Victor Moses has said that the encouragement received from Daniel Sturridge inspired him to sign for Liverpool on loan.
Moses told 'liverpoolfc.tv' that the loan move from Chelsea is the best thing to have happened to his career.
"Yes, I spoke to Studge and he wanted me to come here. He said I'd love it here, but he didn't need to say much. The next morning, I had a word with my agent and told him it could be the right move for me. As I've said, it's a massive club with great history. The club is doing well, so I wanted to come here and enjoy my football. It's been great - I've been here since yesterday and everyone has been looking after me," Moses said.
The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner with the Super Eagles stated that helping Liverpool to grab one of the UEFA Champions League ticket at the end of the season.
"The most important thing is for me to be professional about it and I'm here to do a job for the club. The target is to get into the top four and for the club to compete in the Champions League - and I'm delighted to be here.
"It's definitely the right move - this is a massive club with all the history. The club has come a long way and it's great to be here and to be playing for Liverpool. I'm delighted to be here and I just want to enjoy my football," said the Nigeria forward.
It will be recalled that manager Jose Mourinho left Moses out of the Chelsea squad which lost the UEFA Super Cup last Friday to Bayern Munich via penalties.
....................................
Caption: Victor Moses at Anfield
Globacom Premier League Table, Week 29
Pts- Mp Gd
1-Bayelsa Utd 49--28--+4
2- Kano Pillars 48--27--+5
3- Elkanemi 47--28---9
4- Enyimba 46--28--+9
5- Kwara Utd 44--28--+8
6- Gombe Utd 43--28---6
7- Warri Wolves 42--28--+9
8- Rangers 42--28--+5
9- Heartland 40--28--+8
10- Dolphins 40--28---1
11- Akwa Utd 40--27---3
12- Sharks 39--28---4
13- Sunshine 38--28--+1
14- Kaduna Utd 38--28---8
15 Lobi 38--28---8
16- Nembe City 38--28---10
17- 3SC 37--28--+1
18- ABS 37--28---8
19- Wikki 36--28---5
20- Nasarawa Utd 36--28---8
Abia Warriors' promotion excites lady boxer, Okebugwu
Lightweight boxer, Flora Okebugwu is excited by the promotion of Abia Warriors to the Nigeria professional Professional League (NPFL).
Abia Warriors at the weekend defeated Akwa Starlets 4-0 to finish first on the log of the Nigeria Nationwide League (NNL) ahead of Crown FC of Ogbomoso which finished with 44 points after a 1-0 win in the last game against Fountain FC of Ekiti.
Okebugwu who won a silver medal for Abia State at the last 18th National Sports Festival, Eko 2012 said the state capital would soon witness a transformation.
"Abia Warrior FC victory would turn Umuahia into a sports tourism State. Bravo," declared Okebugwu, who is also a kick-boxer.
Meanwhile, Giwa FC and FC Taraba also grabbed promotion tickets in group A of the just-
concluded NNL season.
FC Taraba Giwa on the final day defeated Jos-based Giwa FC 1-0 but the result ensured both sides landed in the Globacom Premier League next season.
Sunday, 1 September 2013
ABS mgt commends players for 3SC draw
Players and officials of ABS FC have been commended for raising their game to pick a point against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in Sunday's Globacom Premier League Week 29 game in Ibadan which ended in a 1-1 draw.
Team Manager of the Ilorin-based side, Alloy Chukwuemeka said after the match in Ibadan that the players and officials showed enough commitment, having picked four points from the last three matches against Bayelsa United, Akwa United and 3SC.
"The team showed improvement and enough commitment especially following the management's decision to sanction the team. With that, we have reversed our decisipon to slash players salaries by half. The coaches too have been left off the hook of the three match-ultimatum given to them," Chukwuemeka said.
He however charged the players and the technical crew to sustain the performance as the team
is still struggling to survive relegation.
Meanwhile, 3SC led at half time through the 17th minute penalty converted by veteran defender, Mutiu Adegoke before the Kabiru Dogo-piloted side drew parity through Muftau Saliu's 75th minute strike to run away with a point against all odds.
At Katsina Ala, Lekan Agunloye's 76th minute goal against visiting Nasarawa United ensured maximum points for the relegation-haunted Lobi Stars.
Glo Premier League Week 29 Results
Shooting Stars 1 ABS 1
Akwa Utd 4 Sunshine 0
Bayelsa Utd 1 Sharks 0
Wikki 0 Heartland 1
Gombe 1 Nembe 0
Lobi 1 Nasarawa 0
Pillars 2 Rangers 1
Dolphins 0 Enyimba 0
Elkanemi 1 Kaduna 0
Kwara utd 0 Wolves 0(Abandoned)
Caption of the picture above: Bashir Abdurahman of ABS shields the ball away from an opponent during the Globacom Premier League Week 29 game in Ibadan.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)