OWOSPORTS

Basking in the euphoria of the recent feat attained by 'Akure Gunners', in the just concluded Gold Cup Preseason Tournament, the assistant coach of Sunshine Stars FC, Kamal Folarin (Lama) has hinted that, the success would further spur the club for more silverwares in the forthcoming NPFL season. Recall that, long time academy graduate, Adedipe Kehinde blasted the 'Owena Waves' in front in the sixty fifth (65) minute of the tension soaked duel and Harmony Boys couldn't restore the parity before the regulation time thereby making Sunshine Stars Gold Cup Champions second time in six years. "The club regrouped three days before the start of the tourney, you know there were new technical appointments in the club. " We honored the invitation in good faith to test couples of new arrivals and to see how they can cope in big games. I want to inform you that we didn't have much time to train as a unit having lost a lot of our top notch prolifi...

Kwara United winning a silverware at the end of the 2018/19 season, is a top priority for me and my assistants, says Coach Abubakar Bala.

... Kwara Utd maintain unbeaten run  Sunshine Stars played out a 1-1 draw against CAF Champions League side, Lobi Stars in their  Matchday3 tie of the Gold Cup Tourney on Saturday in Akure.

Super Eagles of Nigeria for the first time since 2013 are through to African Cup of Nations to be played in Cameroon next year. Nigeria senior team topped group D after they played out a 1-1 draw in Soweto against Bafana Bafana of South Africa. Gernot Rohr tutors side benefitted from Samuel Kalu cross which was deflected in by Mkhwanazi to give Super Eagles the lead. With today's results, it is now glaring that Nigeria will finish either on the first or second spot of the table with a match at hand against Seychelles to be played in uyo, Nigeria. Mothiba Lebo tapped in  Percy Tau pass after the talented striker dribbles past two Eagles defenders to level the game and keep the hope of South Africans alive Two Super Eagles  of Nigeria's goals were wrongfully disallowed by the Assistant Referee which many believed could give the away team the edge of securing the maximum three points on the road. In another encounter, Libya defeated Seychelles heavily away from ...

Impressed by Gold Cup standard and quality, Ekiti State is set to hijack the nation's prestigious pre-season tournament hosting right from Benue State. The General Manager of Phoenix Athletic Sports Club, Bayo Olanlege, disclosed to Newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, that he has been given the mandate by Ekiti State to woo the organisers of the foremost Nigerian pre-season tourney.  "This is one pre-season football Tournament I follow with keen interest when you look at the clubs that has taken part in it. Any state that really love and knows the important of hosting a football event of this magnitude will bid for the hosting of the event. He continued "I there say that the Gold Cup have helped clubs to become champions or gained CAF Champions League or Confederation Cup ticket. "I can use the likes of Lobi Stars and Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM FC) as a reference. Be mindful that Remo Stars who are on the verge of returning to the NPFL have featur...

Yeni Amasyaspor forward Sani Gideon says he's looking forward to helping his team get better and gain promotion to the Second division of the Turkish League. The goal poacher who joined the team in 2014 netted 8 goals in 15 appearances before injury struck him, which in turn made him leave the team. He returned to the team in 2017 after a long time on the sideline and became even more efficient and banged goals. The former Akhisarspor player, who featured in 29 games for his Turkish side last season scored 14 goals and had 7 assists, which played a major part In the team's second place finish last season. “My aim of joining the team is to help the team get promotion and that's why I've come here to work hard and get the results right", he said. Sani Gideon stated his readiness for the new season as he believes the team are ready to go “We have started training hard gradually and I think we are getting ready for the new season.  And I pray God help m...

Team Manager of Black Haus FC, Prince Adedeji Olusanya has called on the fans of the team to support the team, morally and financially ahead of their first league appearance in the 2018 Ikeja League which kicks off later this month. Speaking to newsmen after the draw was made on Monday, Prince Adedeji shared the aim of the club owned by Seun Kuti and what they intend doing in the next few years to come. "Black haus FC is a grassroot club and our aim is to get youth on the street out of social vices. The Club was founded four years ago, and owned by Popular Musician Seun Kuti, who is also the main sponsor of the team. We are taking the bold step to start with the Ikeja League which kicks off later this month and gradually we will find our way up there". "We urge the fans of the club and Seun Kuti, to support us morally and financially, because we still have some challenges with our training". He concluded. Coach of Black Haus FC, Olatoye Olawale also disc...

The Ikeja Divisional Football Association has registered 10 clubs for this year’s edition of the Ikeja Divisional League, slated to kick off on June 30th. Ikeja Divisional League has been at the forefront of fostering grassroots football development. Over the past 4 years, the Football Association has produce talents by  identifying, nurturing and grooming young football talents and inculcating  them in values of excellence and fair play. The expectation is high and questions are been asked on how sensitivity the League will be to clubs that will participate in it and how well it will entertain fans. The Chairman of Ikeja DFA, Evangelist Taiwo Kolapo disclosed that the League has so much to offer. “The league will equally play a valuable role in helping the players maintain their competitive edge, stay in peak physical condition, foster better relationships between the fans of the respective teams, provide a synergy for football development programmes, that wi...

This year have seen the Nigeria National League (NNL) getting more competitive than the usual form, with most of the old founded clubs like Shooting Stars of Ibadan, Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC of Ilorin, Remo Stars, Bendel Insurance, Bayelsa United amongst all fighting for the final four spot for promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League. After seven round of games, a certain newly found Kada City FC is dominating her group with couple of games needed to seal NNL promotion playoffs which will come in form of Super 8 at the end of regular season. Kada City was formed and unveiled in February this year. The team which is sponsored by Hon Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, and being headed by Mr Ekene Abubakar Adams as CEO. A team formed Six months ago, is currently leading a group in the NNL, that sound interesting, right?. They started their NNL campaign with a local Derby against Kaduna United but lost narrowly 1-0, before beating ABS FC 1-0 in the second week. The ...

The Nigeria Nationwide League One Match Day Three (NLO) will witness an iconic encounter scheduled to go down  tomorrow by 2pm at the Legacy Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere, between Magate Football Club of Lagos and Ogun based side Juvenile Football Club. The host who suffered a 2-3 home defeat in the hands of FC Nilayo  in Week One, are hoping to amass maximum points in other to bounce back from their defeat. Coach Olofu has ordered his players to approach the game with the sole aim of emerging victorious at the end of 90 minutes. Magate FC tactician Sam Olofu disclosed that tomorrow match is a must-win game for his side, because we can’t afford to drop points in that particular game, we are going all out for the victory. “The three points are very important to our quest of doing well in the league. You know we lost our first home match against FC Nilayo , we can’t afford to loose two games at home. I believe the three points will be ours tomorrow” former Bol...

Knights Football Club of Ile-Ife, has stated their readiness for the 2018 Nationwide League One Division Two season as the technical crew named its final 30-man squad. In a statement signed by the club’s President, Seeni Falonipe, the head coach of the Odua Boys, Babalola Olabode, expressed confidence in the players listed. Seenesco as the sole financier of the club is fondly called stated that the quality of players at the team disposal will help the club to achieve its dream of securing promotion to the NLO Division One. The recruited players include Adefowope Adeogun, Azeez Odemuyiwa, Bolaji Akintaro, Christian Jones, Dauda Adeosun, Dotun Awosode, Emmanuel Ajayi, Emmanuel Kolawole, Hammed Oyewale, and Henry Augustine. Others are Ojo Adebisi, Olasunkanmi Ayoade, Opeyemi Adeyemi, Ridwan Olagboye, Taiwo Adefioye, Tolulope Amola, and Wasiu Eyinade. The old players who were named by Ejalo, as Coach Babalola is fondly called, include captain Dauda Adekanmi, Abolaji Awo...

The Super Eagles are heading to the FIFA World Cup finals in Russia this summer, but the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation and the team itself have not forgotten one man who toiled for the squad in the early rounds of the qualifying campaign but is now sidelined by illness. Carl Ikeme became the Super Eagles’ number one man between the pipes months before the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup preliminary fixture against Swaziland and the first match of the group phase against Zambia in Ndola. He kept goal in those three matches. But nine months ago, he was diagnosed with acute leukemia after returning “abnormal blood tests” during pre-season testing at English club Wolverhampton Wanderers and had to undergo chemotherapy. On Monday, 26th March 2018, as the Super Eagles got into their paces ahead of Tuesday’s pre-Russia 2018 World Cup friendly against Serbia in London, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick led a delegation of NFF chieftai...

The much anticipated open screening of talented into the DeGenius Talents Football Academy will takes place between 27th and 29th of March,2018 at the prestigious Royal city sports complex ota. The academy hopes to provide free tution and accommodation to successful trialists as part of the ways to support indigent but talented youngsters to achieving their dream of becoming professional footballer according to the Olusola Adebayo,the Director of the Academy. 'I noticed a trend in our society that the real football talents don't usually come from rich homes and they need some form of support in order to achieve their aim of becoming a professional footballer. Hence we are calling on youngsters out there to take advantage of this opportunity to come and show the talents in them and enjoy as much as 100% scholarship scheme which include free tuition and accommodation in the academy. ' Players between the Ages of 15 and 20 years old are expected to come with their kit...

Folabi Ojekunle, a former player of defunct Nitel FC of Lagos, shared with us how he started his coaching career after his playing days, the growth of the Nigeria Professional Football League, and the NFF Eleven which was recently done in Lagos few days back. Can you introduce yourself Folabi Ojekunle : My name is Folabi Ojekunle, a former player of Nitel football Club of Lagos and currently a manager at Aquinas Football Club Belfast Northern Ireland, and also a Scouting Coach at Tottenham Hotspur London, United Kingdom How did you kick-start your coaching career? Folabi Ojekunle: I started my coaching career in 1993 while I was still playing for Nitel Football Club Of Lagos, I also play for Nigerian Railway Co - Operation before moving to Nitel in 1993 and my first coaching course was at National Institute For Sport Surulere Lagos Nigeria in 1996 - 1997 but I thank God today I have now acquire many certificates including level 1 coaching certificates with Licensed number 322...

MALAM Farouk Yarma, executive chairman of FC Yarmalight, a privately owned domestic football division team in Gombe State has expressed his condolences to the family, management of Kano Pillars and League Management Company (LMC) on the death of Chinedu Udoji. Udoji, a former captain of seven times Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Enyimba FC of Aba lost his life on Sunday night in Kano, after his car was involved in a fatal auto crash. The Pillars defender who played all ninety minutes in the 1-1 stalemate against Enyimba in a MatchDay 9 fixture at the Sani Abacha Stadium, was said to have gone visiting his former Aba Elephant mates at their hotel. "I'm saddened about the news of Chinedu Udoji's death. It's shocking, as this was a lad that was full of life in the game between Pillars versus Enyimba, then hours later, the sad story broke," Yarma said. "His death is a loss to our domestic football as he was an experience de...

The team bus of Nigeria Professional Football League side, Mountain of Fire Football Club of Lagos was on Sunday evening involved in a road accident. The accident happened at about 4.40pm along Akungba, Ondo State on their way to Lagos from Jos where they honoured Week five (5) away game against Plateau United. The game ended in a 1-0 victory for the League Champions. We gathered from an eye witness that no life was lost from the accident but few individuals were injured including the coach of the team, Ilechukwu Fidelis who just recovered from illness. The accident we gathered happened due to brake failure.

By Owolabi Alesh Nasarawa United Football Club management led by Barr. Isaac Danladi has debunked the rumours going round and which was even published by One of Nigeria National daily that the playing staff and officials of the team were  kicked out of an hotel in Lafia over unpaid bills. The chairman of the club Barr. Isaac Danaladi disclosed to Owosports.blogspot.com that the management in their wisdom were the one that informed their players and officials to vacate the hotel and relocate back to the club's camp which is also in the city of Lafia in other not accumulate debt. The chairman begins by explaining why they kept their players in an hotel, "It's practice of the club right before I took over as the Chairman, if we invited players for Pre-Season we do take care of their feeding and accommodations,but those that came on their own ,if there is vacancy in the club camp we put them in the camp and they take care of their feeding, but where there's no vaca...

Malam Farouk Yarma, Commissioner Youth Empowerment Gombe State has expressed his sadness after the news broke of the death of Deji Tinubu. Late Deji Tinubu was Special Assistant on Sports to Lagos State Governor, His Excellency Akinwunmi Ambode and former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board member. A statement issued by the media department of the Gombe Youth Empowerment Ministry read: "The news of Deji Tinubu's death is shocking, as he was full of life. "Late Deji was a fine gentleman, full of ideas and an advocate of grassroot sports. He was my friend and critic when I was the pioneer Executive boss of Gombe State Sports Commission (GSSC). "He's a big loss to Lagos sports, the football family, sports journalism and his numerous admires as he was a role model," said Yarma. "On behalf of my family and grassroot team FC Yarmalight, my prayers and condolences are to his immidate family, Lagos State government and Nigeria Football Federa...

By Owolabi ALESH As 2017/2018 Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL season enter matchday three today, FC IfeanyiUbah will play host to newly promoted side Kwara United. Kwara United gaffer John Sam Obuh has said they are in Nnewi for the three maximum points at stake against FC IfeanyiUbah. In a chat with owosports.blogspot.com, coach Obuh noted that it is painful losing their first game of the season at home (against Niger Tornadoes) but expressed confidence that the Harmony Boys would come good as the season progresses. "Defeat is part of the games, it's unfortunate that we are operating in the league where home wins is very important because you wouldn't know what is going to happen to you in away games. "that was why the home lost was very painful and we thought we going to make it up in Lagos (against MFM FC) by getting at least a point, despite our effort we lost. "We will continue to fight, am very sure we will come over it soon, ...

A 67th minutes goal by new Guy Kuemian was all what the home side Rivers United  needed to goes past hard fighting El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri in the match day one of 2017/2018 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL),played on Sunday at Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt. Guy Kuemian wasted no time to latched home  powerful shot to goes pass El-Kanemi Warriors goalkeeper George Michael in post, assisted by new signing Oche Salefu. The pride of Rivers will be thanking their stars for not conceding a goal from early minute of the game as Mattias Samuel shot went wide after Sulley Mohammed locate him with through pass. On the 8th minutes Rivers chance falls to Akinbinu who volleys wide from Oche Salefu pass. Rivers United next game will be against the league defending Champions Plateau United in Jos on Wednesday while El Kanemi Warriors will be at home in Maiduguri to host ABIA Warriors who defeated MFM FC 2-0 in Umuahia.

Niger Tornadoes of Minna utility player Reuben Ogbonnaya Reubi believes his side can secure the three maximum points or get a point when they face newly promoted Kwara United on Sunday in their first game of the season away at Kwara State Sports complex, ILORIN. The former Kano Pillars players in a chat with Owosports.blogspot.com "We're preparing very well, everyone is ready to go , we are ready to show what we are capable of doing. We are working towards getting victory in Ilorin or at least a draw." "we have a team that can stand the test of time in the league, we are ready to face any team not just Kwara United, but we have to cross the huddle of this game first, because securing a point in away ground might be pretty difficult." He continue by saying the former manager has done well to assemble quality team, which the new manager don't have much problem working with. "Many people thinks change of Coach will affect the team. But they forgo...

The Nigeria Football Federation on Friday inaugurated its newly –composed Referees Appointment Committee, even as the committee held its inaugural meeting at the NFF Secretariat, Abuja the same day. NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, who represented NFF President Amaju Pinnick and the Executive Committee, congratulated the new team and reminded them that they have an onerous task at hand. “You see, several other persons along the lines of match organization can make mistakes, but the referee is not allowed to make mistakes. That means that your task is onerous, because everything concerning the performance of a referee in a match within the shores of this country will reverberate back to this committee. Nevertheless, I want to say that your appointment is based on merit and we believe that you will discharge your responsibilities with honesty, sincerity and total dedication. “Your responsibilities of training, grading and appointing of referees are quite enormo...

Ahead of the 2017/18 season in the Nationwide League One (NLO), Shola Ogunnowo, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the NLO has said that the board has directed that all the clubs in Nationwide league must register a minimum of 15 players that are within the age of  19 category. According to Ogunnowo, the league body is determined to ensure that the Nationwide league will continue to be the cradle where players are nurtuted and developed into greatness and having a minimum of 15 Under 19 players in every club in the league will help to develop these players, as he noted that the league is a platform to showcase young football talents in Nigeria. “In the last season we limited the number to 10 Under 19 players , but this season, the board directed that minimum of 15 Under 19 players should be registered by the clubs before the commencent of the league. The league secretariat will ensure that the clubs present the birth certificates of these players, primary school leav...

Kwara united FC unveils, six strikers, five mid fielders, three defenders, two attackers and one Goalkeeper  as new signings for 2017/2018 season. Topping the list of the newly recruited players in to the harmony boys camp is former Enyimba of Aba point man Ismailia Gatta and former under twenty national team player Andrew Igado. Others are Abdul Aziz Babatunde a striker who formerly plies his trade with Yobe stars. Full List Abdul Aziz Babatunde striker from yobe stars Abdul Lateef Ishola Goalkeeper from Lubcon FC Andrew Igado midfielder in attached Babangida Ibrahim Attacker from Nassarawa united China ULuocha midfielder from Abia united Chinedu Sunday  Defender from Abia comets Ejike Bright  Striker from Remo stars Agboola Kayode striker from Shooting stars Malachy Iloegbuna attacker from  Niger Tornadoes Mudashir Olamide Defender from Kwara united feeders Musa Abdul Hafeez  striker from  Adamawa United Shuaib olarewaju defender from ...

Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has again reassured the people of the state of his continued drive towards youth and sports development. Comrade Sanni Ogu Salisu, the newly appointed Commissioner for Youth and Sports in the state disclosed this on Thursday while receiving the management, players and officials of Kogi United, Confluence Queens and Kogi United Feeders in a courtesy visit to his office in Lokoja. Honorable Salisu said sports have been a major cardinal points of his excellency' blueprints to develop the youths in the state just as he promised that the sector would witness a tremendous turn around during his time in the ministry. While commending the state clubs for making the state proud in their various league campaigns, Honorable Salisu charged them to their efforts in the coming football season to bring home trophies to the state. 'His Excellency has always shown interests in sports development and will continue to do so, he...

Gateway United Beats Soccer Talent 3-0 In Pre-Season Friendly In a build up game for the 2017/2018 Season, Gateway United of Ogun State defeated Soccer Talent of Agbado  3-0 today (Thursday 11/01/2018) in a friendly match played at MKO ABIOLA Stadium, Abeokuta United first goal was scored by Yusuff Usman converted from spot to put United in front in the 45minutes. Five minutes into the second half Gateway was awarded second penalty of the game which Seyi Oke stepped up to slot home and second half substitute Tonero after 76minutes of play netted the 3rd goal from goal mouth scramble. Coach Hakeem Busari in his reaction after the game says his side (Gateway United) is still work in progress as they are preparing for the coming season. The experience gaffer also shower encomium on coach Ismaeel Olofin's tutored side for playing good football and give their side a run for their money. Gateway United resumed on Monday after festive break and  will be playing anothe...

Sunshine Stars FC on Friday arrived  Iloko-Ijesha to formally begin the final lap of preparations for the fast approaching 2017/18 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season in a closed camp. The Akure Landlords arrived Iloko around 4:40pm and are putting up at a serene and magnificent hospitality centre in town. The team will make use of the Oloshere International School's well-grassed field for its nine-day camping programmes with the first training session taking place on Friday's morning. Meanwhile, Sunshine Stars head coach, Duke Udi has applauded the team's management over the impressive arrangements for its closed camping. Upon settling in at Iloko, a delighted Udi stated in an interview with Sunshine Stars FC Media: _"We want to thank the management of our team and the Ondo State government for providing this good place for us for our camping. It's a nice place.  "The arrangements for our camping is nice and we hope to reciprocate...

Head Coach Salisu Yusuf on Tuesday released his final squad of the Super Eagles B for the 5th African Nations Championship starting in Morocco next week, with goalkeeper and skipper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, midfield Trojan Rabiu Ali and marksman Anthony Okpotu listed. Ezenwa is joined for the goalkeeping duties by Oladele Ajiboye and Theophilus Afelokhai, and defensive stalwarts Osas Okoro, Stephen Eze and Kalu Orji Okogbue also made the list, as midfielders Ifeanyi Ifeanyi and Ekundayo Ojo and forwards Sunday Faleye and Emeka Atuloma. The team of 23 players and their officials are expected to fly out of the country in a few days, to continue preparations in Morocco ahead of Nigeria’s first match of the campaign against Rwanda in Tangier on Monday, 15th January. The 2014 bronze medallists will also play 2014 champions Libya at the same Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier on Friday, 19th January, before travelling to Agadir to tackle Equatorial Guinea on Tuesday, 23rd January. ...

Sunshine Stars FC communicates that the player Ekundayo Ojo will continue to defend the Orange and Blue colour after signing a new deal with the Club._ Ojo and the Club formalised the new and improved one year deal in the days leading up to the New Year following protracted negotiations._ The already deposited contract has a renewal clause subject to agreed variables between both parties before the end of the deal in December 2018._ With the new deal, Sunshine Stars FC, Ojo and his family hoped all the rumours about the player's future will be laid to rest for once.