OWOSPORTS

The Local Football Council Chairmen in Ekiti State have agreed to put all unresolved issues behind them to advance the frontiers of football in the state. Board members of the association led by the Vice Chairman and other LFC heads made this known after rising from an emergency meeting that sought to clarify some grey areas between the state football association chairman and board members after several intervention efforts had failed. The emergency meeting is the first in several months since the board was formed owing to the FA chairman's disingenuous plans not to carry board members along in fundamental activities. It was gathered during the meeting that the state rather than progress in it's sports activities like other states was back peddling due to the lack of attention and proper planning. *One of the board members, Mr Oloworemo Oluwole expressed disgust at a situation where the slot that will allow an Ekiti man to be a committee member  in NFF was given awa...

Benue State Government has declared it's interest to host the 2018 edition of the Gold Cup Pre-Season Tourney. The iconic Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi is expected to host matches of the Nigeria's most prestigious domestic club event, the Gold Cup Pre-season Tournament. General Coordinator of the tourney, Tunde Shamsudeen, disclosed to Gold Cup Media Team after Kano Pillars were crowned champions of the 5th edition with 1-0 triumph over defending champion Lobi Stars FC  to claim their second Gold Cup trophy in three years courtesy of a 33rd minute strike from Rabiu Ali.   "The next edition of the Gold Cup could be moved out of Ilorin, Kwara State, capital. We are delighted to announce that the Food Basket State have signified its intentions to host the next edition of the Gold Cup. "Reason been that, we want to spread it to other Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) fans state. You would agree with me that there's a good followe...

The General Coordinator of glamorous Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament, Tunde Shamsudeen, has appreciated the distinguish Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Oyo North Senatorial District, Dr. Buhari Abdul-Fatai, for his maximum support all through the tournament. "I want to appreciate Senator Buhari, for his maximum support from the commencement of the tournament to the tail end. He has been a major pillar to ensure the tournament was successful." Shamsudeen also went further to appreciate Nigeria Football Federation Executive Committee Member, Alhaji  Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, foremost betting company, Bet9ja, for their huge and massive support for the competition. He also heaped praises on the teams that participated in the 5th edition of the Nigeria's first Pre-Season Tournament. "I really appreciate teams such as newly crowned champions, Kano Pillars, Lobi Stars, MFM FC, Kastina United, Remo Stars...

Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia Manager,  Rafael Everton has called on the club's teeming supporters worldwide to exercise patience as the team is still  work  in progress. Speaking to sportswriters at the Umuahia Township Stadium shortly after a high profile pre-season friendly against El-Kanemi Warriors from Maiduguri, Everton noted that his team is undergoing some tactical metamorphosis adding that he was happy at the rate the boys have adopted to his philosophy so far. "The friendly matches we've played have given me the idea about the players to feature in particular games and we'll still play more top flight matches in order to get the team ready for the new season", Everton said. On the 0-1 loss to the Warriors from Maiduguri courtesy of a first half strike from Ocheme Edoh, the Brazilian tactician noted that the match has opened his eyes to some areas which need to be strengthened and assured that the team will definitely improve in subsequ...

Kano Pillars beat Lobi Stars 1-0 in the final of the 5th edition of the Gold Cup Preseason Tournament to claim their second Gold Cup trophy in three years courtesy of a 33rd minute strike from Rabiu Ali.  The interesting game produced some breathtaking moment for both teams avid fans in Ilorin. Kano Pillars created the first chance of the game after four minutes of play when Nyima Nwagua failed to connect Ifeanyi Nweke's well delivered cross.   Nwagua had another opportunity to score the first goal of the pulsating encounter after receiving a pass from Nzube Anaezemba but his shot went inches wide. The defending Champions were awarded a free kick in the 8th minute of the match when Salau Ibrahim was brought down in the final third by Chris Madaki but Moses Bunde poor delivery from the free kick was cleared by Chinedu Udoji. Evans Ogenyi's men were denied an opportunity to net the opener in the 28th minute through Ibrahim Salau b...

Kano Pillars beat Niger Tornadoes 3-2 on penaties in the second semi final of the ongoing Gold Cup Preseason Tournament on Friday after a goalless draw in a pusulating encounter played at the Kwara Township Stadium, Ilorin. Both sides went into the game with hopes of facing already qualified Lobi Stars FC in the final of the 5th edition of the Gold Cup Preseason Tournament. Niger Tornadoes had the first glaring chance to score the first goal of the game, following a long throw in from Reuben Ogbonnaya but Shamsudeen's header went unattended to. Terkaa Melaai denied another close effort from Adamu Hassan after Nweke Ifeanyi delivered a wonderful cross into the final half. Kano Pillars continued to mount pressure on Ikon Allah Boys in the second half, Abbah Hamza had a clear chance to score but Terkaa Melaai pulled a  beautiful save. Minutes later, Niger Tornadoes got an attempt to punish the Sai Masu Gida Boys but Uche Ohusanya wasted a glorious opportunity to bury in...

The glamorous Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament final is set as expected as arrangements have been concluded ahead of what would be the most exciting pre-season tourney in Nigeria. Gold Cup final will be decided on Friday evening at the Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin with Lobi Stars Football Club battling the winner of the second semifinal match between Kano Pillars and Niger Tornadoes. Distinguished Senator Dr. Buhari Abdul-Fatai (BAF), together with prominent football administrators, coaches, club owners and top journalist will grace the finals among who are NFF Executive Member/NFF technical committee chairman Alhaji Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, former NFF Secretary General Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, Chairman Kwara Football Association, Busari Ishola, Barrister Churchill Oliseh, Mike Idoko, and General Manager of ABS FC Alloy Chukwuemeka.  Others include former chairman Crown FC Alhaji Noah Bello, Phoenix ASC boss Bayo Olanlege, former NPL board member...

    Former Sunshine Stars forward, Dele Olorundare has declared he would soon be back on the pitch and scoring goals after finally finding a lasting solution to his persistent injury.     Olorundare, who once led Sunshine Stars to third place in the NPFL and led the line as Sunshine Stars played on the continent for the first time has battled consistent knee problems for the past two years and his career has stalled as a result of the injury.   Olorundare is arguably Sunshine Stars record scorer with 42 goals from 69 appearances. His superb season form earned him a call-up to the Home-based Super Eagles under late Stephen Keshi in 2013.     However, it appears he is certain the lingering problem has now being solved and is gearing up for a return to the league.     “It started two years ago when I felt something in my knee. I continued playing with it because I wanted to help my club but apparently, it wa...

Things have fallen apart among the rank and file of members and officials of Ekiti State Football Association, as prolonged crisis has stalled activities of the body, with fingers of accusation pointing in the direction of the body’s chairman, Ayo Alabi. Information on offer from the state capital, Ado Ekiti indicates that stakeholders and board members of the association have blamed the poor state of football in the state on the crisis currently rocking the FA. Some members of the board described the status of football in the FA as a state of comatose, which they attributed to the administrative system of Alabi, who is also commissioner of local government and chieftaincy affairs in the state. However, while Alabi says there is no crisis, top members of the board, including the vice chairman, Otunba Ariyo Yomi and spokesman, Joseph Fatukasi, insist he is to blame for their woes. They went on to accuse the chairman of several offences, including arbitrariness in decision mak...

Ayo Saka's 19th solo effort helped Lobi Stars advanced to the final of the 2017 Gold Cup Preseason Tournament on Tuesday in Ilorin after defeating Katsina United 1-0 in the first semi final fixture played at the Kwara State Stadium. Both sides started the encounter on a high with Thomas Adeshina of Lobi Stars had a chance to score the first goal but his effort went inches wide.  Minutes after, Adeshina had another chance from Anthony Okputu but he was unlucky to hand his team the lead. Ayo Saka later put the Markurdi-based club ahead in the 19th minute with a solo effort after connecting a beautiful pass from Cletus Itodo. The 23rd minute of the pulsating match presented an opportunity  to Kastina United to level up but Agboola Joshua failed to bury his chance from a goal mouth scramble. Coach Biffo tutored side continued to mount pressure on the Stars but John Lawrence did a yeoman's job pulling series of great saves to keep t...

Last year's finalist, MFM FC have been knocked out of 2017 Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament after recording a disappointing 1-1 draw against Katsina United in their final group game on Monday. The Olukoya Boys could not build on their last game's performance after beating ABS FC 2-1 on Sunday as they failed to even their last season's position at the tourney. Stanley Okorom forcefully redirected a Tasiu Lawal's cross to his own net to give Katsina United the lead in the 24th minute. Chinedu Ajanah brought down Olatunbosun Sikiru in the box and Okorom made amend for his earlier own goal to level the scoreline for MFM FC from the spot with two minutes to end the fist half. MFM had a chance to get the winning goal after Katsina United captain, Timothy Danladi was sent off for elbowing Sikiru but goalkeeper Dami Paul parried wide Victor Mbaoma's free kick from close range. Meanwhile, Kano Pillars completed the four semi finalists of th...

Lobi Stars and Niger Tornadoes have booked the semifinal tickets of the ongoing Nigeria most elaborate Preseason Tournament, Gold Cup after their respective victories over Remo Stars FC and ABS FC in Ilorin, on Monday. The Markurdi outfit advanced to next round of the Gold Cup tourney after claiming a 1-0 win over Remo Stars in one of the games played Monday morning at the Kwara State Stadium. Ubale Manir scored the only goal of that game in the 23rd minute of the exchange. Solomon Ogbedei's men emerged as the first team to qualify to the semifinal of the competition with eight (8) points from four (4) matches. Niger Tornadoes made it to the next stage of the competition after Mubarak Umar, Ifeanyi Okoye and John Kim netted a goal each to hand their team their first ever Gold Cup semifinal ticket with a 3-1 victory over the Saraki Boys. Chindo Babangida got ABS FC's consolation goal from the penalty spot in the 54th minute of the explo...

Austin Ezeani's goal in the 62nd minute ensured Mountain of Fire Miracles and Ministries  FC claimed their first win against ABS FC in Day 5 of the Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament played at Kwara State Stadium on Sunday. MFM FC began the thrilling match like a wounded lion and scored their first goal in the 4th minute of the encounter through Adebayo Waheed curling effort. The Olukoya Boys went further with a long throw in from Zikiye Jonathan straight to Waheed Adebayo who connected awkwardly. Saraki Boys got a deserved equaliser through Abubakar Yusuf after he perfectly placed his classy freekick that beat MFM FC's Olawale Oremade. The Olukoya Boys came back firing in the second half but ABS FC was lucky after Soliu Dogo had a beautiful moment rushing out to clear out a dangerous pass directed towards Adebayo Waheed. Substitute Austin Ezeani revived MFM FC hopes after he carefully put the ball beyond on rushing Soliu Dogo after been poked by W...

Anthony Okpotu and Cletus ItoUnido's brilliant strikes helped seal a win for Lobi Stars as they defeated their fellow Nigeria Professional Football League counterpart in the first game of Matchday five (5), played inside the main bowl of Kwara Stadium llorin on Sunday. The match started with all the intensity and fire you would expect from two NPFL bigwigs as the Pride of Benue harried and hounded the Pride of  Rivers for the most part of the game and Anthony Okpotu announced his arrival in the tournament as he curled in a low drive from tight angle which beat Sunday Rotimi in goal for Rivers United, his second goal of the tournament. Kanoute Abdulaye ought to have levelled the scores before the end of first stanza after being poked by Emeka Atuloma  but his last strike was not convincing before Ebube Duru provided the needed clearance. Lobi Stars' silky display deep into second half is orchestrated by the vibrant Cletus Itodo who mesmerized and masterminded ...

Niger Tornadoes Football Club recorded their first victory in the ongoing Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament with a 1-0 win over FC Ebedei courtesy of Mubarak Umar's goal. The goal, jabbed in by former Wikki Tourists' forward was also the club's first goal at the tournament. Ebedei's keeper, Dauda Tosin make a quick brilliant save from Owusanya Uche's corner. Tosin was also called to action in the 25th minute as Tornadoes attacked initiated by Solomon Owello. Ebedei got a chance to get ahead of the game when Awotoye fed Oluwatosin Adegbite but the forward's tamed effort gathered twice by Tornadoes' keeper Melai Terkaa. Okereke Maduabuchi was gifted with another chance to score for Tornadoes but his effort went just wide after a good cross from Reuben Ogbonnaya. Just a minute to end the first stanza, Ebedei keeper, Dauda Tosin did a brilliant goalkeeping as he denied Owello from getting a goal for Tornadoes. Daniel Bartholomew ha...

A goal in each half of the game ensured the supremacy of Katsina United as they climbed  and top Group B in style after a cracking, pulsating, and breath-taking encounter at the end of MatchDay Four of the tournament played on Saturday at the Mainbowl of Kwara State Stadium Complex llorin. FC Ebedei managed not to have conceded inside ten (10) minute of play as Chanji Boys perpetually dominating the proceeding in the executing zone. Ebenezer Odeyemi's constant pace and agility proved too much for Oliseh Boys to curtail. Deep into the first stanza, Isah could have opened the account after Destiny Ashadi's pace rattled FC Ebedei's defence but his threading  effort was clawed excellently by Tosin Dauda in goal for FC Ebedei. Ebenezer Odeyemi broke the dead lock in the 35th minute, burying a low drive past the keeper after receiving a humble pass from Garba Yushau. Oliseh Boys started on front foot after the restart with Effiong Stephen, Ayinde Gben...

A goal mouth scrambled effort by Anthony Okpotu ensured defending champions Lobi Stars salvaged a point in grueling matchday 3 of the ongoing Gold Cup Preseason Tournament in Ilorin on Friday. Victor Denis had earlier shoot Pillars ahead in the 25th minute as his overhead kicked crossed the line before Kano Pillars' keeper, Lawrence John could pick. Pillars' Ibrahim Alhassan tried a distance shot on target Lawrence John held firmly on the line. Ebube Duru raced past his marker to take a shot for Lobi Stars in the sixth minute but his attempt went inches wide. Kano Pillars thought they had taken the lead two minutes later when Rabiu Ali gets a through pass from Nwagua's low pass but John denied him as he parried to corner. Lobi responded with a renewed vigor as Ojo Tolulope run down the right flank to locate Okputu but Pillars' defenders combined well to clear their line. Kano Pillars' goal arrived in the 25th mi...