The Nation Newspaper

Tag: CAF Champions League

  • Champions League: CAF settles for one legged final, expands AWCON

     

    Indications that Thursday’s Confederation of African Football (CAF) Annual General Assembly will embrace new ways of doing business emerged on Wednesday as the Executive body announced changes in management of some competitions on the continent.

    CAF Champions league one of the topmost club competitions whose final was hitherto played on home and away basis will henceforth be a one legged affair to be played on neutral ground.

    The decision is not unconnected with the controversy that trailed this year’s CAF Champions league final between Esperance of Tunisia and Wydad Casablanca of Morocco which is yet to be resolved.

    The Second tear club competition the Confederation Cup final will equally be one legged final to be played a neutral ground.

    Egg heads of the 54 member Confederation believe this will eliminate fracas and ensure that none of the finalists have undue advantage.

    In another development, African Women Cup of Nations which hitherto had 8 teams competing will henceforth feature 12 teams thus offering opportunity for extra four countries to showcase their skills.

    Only eventual champions Nigeria, hosts Ghana, South Africa, Cameroon, Algeria, Mali, Zambia and Equatorial Guinea participated at the AWCON 2018 which will mark the last time the championship will feature 8 teams.

  • CAF CL Final: Babatunde, Okechukwu optimistic ahead of Esperance clash

    Ahead of the CAF Champions League final, Super Eagles duo players Babatunde Michael and Gabriel Okechukwu, are very optimistic of victory against Espérance de Tunis in the first leg to be played in Morocco on Friday.

    Wydad Casablanca of Morocco will be out for revenge against Esperance of Tunisia having met first in 2011 CAF Champions League final which the Tunisians won 1-0 on aggregate.

    On the roads to this year’s final, both sides secured 0-0 draws away from home in the second leg of their semi-finals. Esperance took a 1-0 lead to the Democratic Republic of Congo where TP Mazembe failed to overturn the deficit while Wydad went through against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns courtesy of a 2-1 win in Morocco.

    Read Also: Rangers crash out of CAF Confederation Cup

    “We’re not going to underrate them, they are very technical with pace,” said Okechukwu.

    “We are good to face them, we believe in hard work, we believe in ourselves and we are not going to be intimidated at all cost. The history is going to favour us at this point and we are very optimistic.”

    Babatunde, who has been a weapon of destruction for the team this season said: “We are motivated to take lead to Tunisia. Of course, we are expecting the toughest match of the season against Esperance, they have good record of the Champions League and we must be discipline enough to assure ourselves a victory, and that is what the fans want from us.”

    He added: “Hard work has taken us to this level, and we need to do more to get over the Esperance, we urge our fans for maximum supports, and with them we are going to rewrite history, it is not time to revenge, we only want to win the trophy.”

     

  • CAF Champions League: We’ve put Wydad loss behind us, says Lobi’s captain

    This might not be the best of time for Lobi Stars in the CAF Champions League after the Makurdi side fell at home to visiting Wydad Casablanca of Morocco at the weekend and Captain Cletus Itodo that the defeat is now in the past as they are looking ahead of the return leg on February 12 in Morocco.

    Itodo, who sat out the match at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, told NationSport yesterday that it was a defeat too much to bear for the team. “We are yet to believe we lost the match at home because we conceded two penalties but our goalkeeper managed to catch one of them. We also had chances but their goalkeeper stood between us and the goals.

    But we cannot continue to dwell on this defeat as we have to put it behind us and look ahead. We are not thinking about our qualification from the group as our target is to become the second Nigeria side to lift the trophy after Enyimba did it twice, Itodo said.

    Taking a cue from his captain, midfielder, Dare Ojo believes their second leg tie would serve as revenge for the loss they suffered at home against the Moroccan side.

    “It was indeed a painful loss for us but we are not going to lose hope as we are also going to pay them back with their own coin when we battle them on February 12. I am confidence that we can do the same for them and hope to gain back our place in the group with the sole aim of advancing to the last four of the lucrative continental league,” Ojo enthused.

     It was Mohamed Nahiri’s 20th-minute penalty that gave Wydad Casablanca the victory at the weekend and as it is Lobi Stars will be hoping to turn the tide when they visit Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium for the return leg tie on February 12.

    Lobi Stars are third in Group A with three points from three games behind Wydad and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns who have six points each from same number of matches while Asec Mimosa of Cote d’ivoire has same number of points with Lobi Stars but the Ivorien side had conceded more goals than Lobi Stars.

  • CAF Champions League: Lobi Stars in smooth take-off

    Lobi stars began their CAF Champions League group stage campaign on a victorious note Friday, handing visiting Mmelodi sundowns of South Africa a 2-1 defeat at the Cathedral in Enugu.

    The Makurdi side suffered an initial scare when the visitors shot into the lead in the 38th minute of the match through their Liberian import Anthony Laffor.

    Laffor had enjoyed a timely assist from Uruguan Leandro Gastón Sirino and made no mistake in making mincemeat of the opportunity.

    The visitors were looking good to end the first half leading the pack but a penalty to Lobi just before the end of first half was converted by Yaya Kone to leave score line at 1-1 at half time.

    On resumption of hostilities in the second half Lobi went in search of the needed winner which eventually came in the 52nd minute of the match thanks to Mathias Martins sometimes called MSM by his close friends who desire to dish out his name in full Mathias Samuel Martins.

    Coach of the side Solomon Ogbeide introduced Otakho Aghahowa and Super Eagles defender Kwambe Solomon all aimed at consolidating at the back while pushing up front, but the visitors held their own refusing to allow any room for any further damage.

    Centre referee Ghead Grisha however dished out four yellow cards in the course of the match with three going to Lobi Stars and one to the Mamelodi. Lobi are group A which also has Wydad Casablanca and Asec Mimosas of Cote d Ivoire were also billed to clash same day at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat, Morocco

  • Lokosa is LBA’s NPFL Player of the Season

    Kano Pillars forward, Junior Lokosa, once again got recognition for his efforts in the league as the League Bloggers Awards (LBA) awarded him 2017/18 Player of the Season.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Masu Gida, goal poacher, is the 2017/2018 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) highest goal scorer.

    He is also a recipient of the inaugural Eunisell Boot Award as the highest goal scorer.

    Lokosa, for his efforts got N3.8 million, which represents N200, 000 for each of the 19 goals he scored during the 2017/2018 NPFL season.

    George Akpayen, the Media Officer of LBA, told News Agency of Nigeria that Lokosa would be adding another gong to his blistering career as the player of the season.

    Akpayen said that although the season came to an end abruptly and log leaders, Lobi Stars, were named representatives of Nigeria in the 2018/19 CAF Champions League, Lokosa scored the highest goals.

    “Lokosa scored 19 goals to finish as top scorer when the league was declared concluded after Match Day 24.

    Read Also: Lokosa tipped to shine at Kano Pillars

    “Interestingly, he scored all 19 goals in 21 matches as he missed three matches. The LBA took its decision based on statistics available as at Match Day 24.

    “Lokosa had a fantastic campaign right from the first round when he entered the history books as the first player to score 14 goals after 19 Matches in the top division in Nigeria.

    “Overall, he made significant contributions to the performance of his team and was clearly the poster boy,’’ he said.

    kpayen said Lokosa’s feat attracted the attention of the Super Eagles Head Coach, Gernot Rohr, who listed the Kano Pillars forward in his provisional
    squad for the Russia 2018 World Cup.

    “Lokosa eventually made his international debut against DR Congo, but failed to make the final list to the mundial.

    “Lokosa is no stranger to records as he became the first player to win back-to-back LBA Player of the month award for January and February 2018 last season.

    “The LBA will present both awards to Lokosa on a date to be announced,’’ he said.

  • NPFL: Our tears have been washed away – Ortom

    Governor Samuel Ortom said with the victory of Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi in the Nigeria Professional Football League trophy the tears of Benue people have been wash away.

    Ortom who received management and players of Lobi stars who had been declared winner of the NPFL said with the league trophy Benue shall arise for bigger victory in development.

    The Governor who almost shed tears when he was informed by the chairman and vice chairman of the club that the Makurdi premier league side had been declared champion commended both the deputy governor, Engineer Benson Abouno, Mike Idoko, Solomon Ogbeide and his players for the feat.

    Vice chairman of Lobi stars in his remark commended Governor Ortom for his support to the club which made the victory possible.

    Read Also: Ortom condemns impunity against journalists

    Mike Idoko like Oliver twist called for more assistant to the club in the area  of logistics and payment of match bonuses pending .

    He assured the governor that Lobi stars would go all out to bring the CAF Champions League  trophy to Nigeria .

    Deputy Governor who is the chairman of Lobi stars described Solomon Ogbeide as a good coach and good manager of coaches and players.

    The deputy governor stated that since Ogbeide resumed as a Technical Adviser, Lobi stars has remained on top league table.

    Former Lobi stars Vice chairman Dominic Iorfa and members of the Benue state Executive councils join Lobi players in Government House Makurdi to savour in the victory celebration.

  • CAF Champions League: MFM FC beat AS Bamako to reach 2nd round

    CAF Champions League: MFM FC beat AS Bamako to reach 2nd round

    MFM FC of Lagos on Wednesday booked their way to the second round of the CAF Champions League with a 1-0 win over AS Bamako of Mali in Lagos.

    The Olukoya boys got the needed point after securing the win and going through with a 2-1 aggregate.

    The Fidelis Ilechukwu-tutored team had played 1-1 away at Bamako giving them the needed edge for the second leg at the newly refurbished Soccer Temple, Agege Stadium.

    A flick header by Akuneto Chijioke after a sublime pass from the new wnderkid, 16-year-old Lawal Abayomi settled the score in the second half after a resolute defensive tactics of the Scorpions from Mali.

    Speaking after the match, Ilechukwu commended his young side, adding that he missed the services of four of his regulars who were unavailable for the match due to registration hitches.

    The regulars who were not available are Sikiru Olatunbosun, Akila Jesse, Shola Brossa and Waheed Akanni.

    Ilechukwu said that he would continue to push harder to make the team formidable for the opposition in the next round of the tournament.

    “The boys have proved themselves beyond reasonable doubt that they are up to the task. I am happy for the team playing at their capacity.

    “The team can only get better and by God’s grace we will not let our fans down and the loving government of Lagos State led by Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode.

    “I am also impressed with the leader of the team’s attitude and good command of the game, he always speaks my mind as a player.

    “The introduction of Abayomi is key to the team because he approached me with confidence and promised to give a good account of himself and he did not disappoint,’’ he said.

    NAN

  • Champions league: MFM, Plateau Utd into next round

    Champions league: MFM, Plateau Utd into next round

     

    It was fruitful Wednesday as two Nigerian club sides flying the nation’s flag in the CAF Champions league booked their places to the next round after riding on the back of their hard fighting opponents.

    MFM playing in front of their vociferous fans at the Agege Township Stadium otherwise called the Temple, made a clean job their assignment grabbing an 85th minute goal against visiting Real Bamako to advance.

    The Lagos based side had triggered off their success story, when they held their opponents to a 1-1 draw away.  It was all thanks to Akuneto Chijioke who made mince meat of a perfect cross from Abayomi Lawal.

    League leaders Plateau United on the other hand earned a lone goal victory away against Editing Sport of Cameroon. Plateau United had in the first leg posted an impressive 3-0 victory over the Cameroonian side heading into the return leg with a 3-0 advantage. All they needed to do in the second leg was to play their game and finish what they have started and that was exactly what they did.

    Akwa United who are battling against Hawks of Gambia have what some have dubbed herculean task as they attempt to move forward.

    The Uyo based side had unfortunately lost 2-1 to the visitors in the first leg, thus going into the second leg walking a tight rope. Some say turning the table in Gambia will not be a tea party while others however say luck may play a role to earn the Uyo side something to cheer about.

    More to follow

  • Continental Outing:    Sofoluwe sure of Plateau united

    Continental Outing:    Sofoluwe sure of Plateau united

     

    Former international Yisa sofuluwe has expressed hope that league champions Plateau united will rise to the occasion when CAF Champions league campaign begin. He noted that emerging champions has provided the Jos based side an opportunity to showcase their skills on the continent and further prove that they have what it takes to hold their own in the round leather game.  Being first timers he further said will no doubt ginger the Kennedy Boboye led side to leave their footsteps on the sand of history.

    “I watched a couple of their matches and I think they stand a good chance of making the nation proud at the CAF Champions league.  Emerging champions offers them an opportunity to earn more exposure at a higher level of competition,” he said in chat with The Nation Tuesday.

    The former Gateway of Abeokuta Assistant coach currently tinkering Futures Stars FC into shape, however warned the

    Nigerian flag bearers against taking rules of the game for granted as officiating at the continental level is taking very seriously.

    “It is common in our league to hear of poor officiating and unmerited points and clubs floating rules and going scot free but at the continental level a lot are at stake and you can’t afford to take anything for granted.

    So playing by the rules and maintaining discipline on and off the pitch are essential ingredients,” he added.

    Plateau United claimed the league title with just four points ahead of second place finishers MFM, earning 66 points in 38 matches.

    League defending champions Rangers international failed to re-claim the title finishing 13th on the log with 53 points in 38 matches.

  • Emeteole: Image of everything football- Christian Chukwu

    Emeteole: Image of everything football- Christian Chukwu

    Former Super Eagles Coach, Christian Chukwu, has described late Kelechi Emeteole, also a former Super Sand Eagles coach, an “an image of everything football.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Emeteole died in the early hours of Wednesday in a New Delhi hospital in India, where he was receiving treatment for throat cancer.

    Emeteole was aged 66.

    Chukwu, who spoke with NAN on Thursday in Enugu, said it was unfortunate for the former coach to depart for the great beyond when his wealth of experience was still needed.

    He added that “I am yet to recover from the shocking news of Emeteole’s death yesterday.

    “I am personally saddened with the development. Emeteole lived on and for football.

    “He was an epitome of everything football, who passionately love the game and gave his best and time to see it grow.

    “A good team player and one that understand the need for team-work, and to maintain a united team while as a player in the national team and in all the club sides he had handled.

    Chukwu and Emetole were former team mates in the then Green Eagles under the tutelage of late Yugoslavian coach, Tihomir “Tiko” Jelisavčić popularly known as “Father Tiko”

    He was also a member of the bronze winning squad at the 10th African Cup of Nations in Ethiopia in 1976.

    Emeteole won 17 caps for the national team between 1975 to 1977 and scored four goals.

    Popularly known as “Caterpillar”, Emeteole played alongside Idowu Otubusen, Samuel Ojebode, Zion Ogunfehinmi, Kunle Awesu, Muda Lawal, Joe Erico and others too numerous to mention.

    He also plied his trade with Rangers International FC of Enugu at the height of the club’s reign in Nigeria and the African continent.

    For his coaching career, Emeteole later served as an assistant coach of the Super Eagles.

    Between 2007 and 2009, he was the Head Coach of the beach soccer national team, now known as the Super Sand Eagles.

    Emetiole also had coaching stints with notable clubs like: Spartan FC later known as Iwuanyanwu Nationale of Owerri, El-Kanemi of Maiduguri, Lobi Stars of Makurdi, and International FC and Rangers International of Enugu.

    He led Iwuanyanwu Nationale to the final of CAF Champions League in 2009.