The Nation Newspaper

Tag: El-Kanemi

  • Clubs scramble for Enyimba coach Yusuf

    Several top clubs including El Kanemi and newly promoted FC Taraba are hot on the chase of Enyimba coach Salisu Yusuf.

    He has also remained a long-term target of Sunshine Stars, who have not renewed the contract of coach Fatai Amoo.

    Yusuf featured for El Kanemi as a player and has impressed this past season by leading Enyimba to win the Federation Cup and finish as runners-up in the league.

    FC Taraba have therefore moved to have Yusuf back as coach after he handled them two seasons ago.

    “We’re interested in Yusuf again. He has proved himself at Enyimba and we are willing to open discussions for his return,” a top official informed MTNFootball.com.

    He was on a sign-on fee of eight million Naira and a monthly salary of 500,000 Naira in his first spell with the ambitious FC Taraba.

    It is now believed that the former Kano Pillars handler will most likely go to the highest bidder especially as Enyimba struggled financially this past season.

  • El-kanemi ace undergoes successful surgery

    El-kanemi ace undergoes successful surgery

    El-kanemi Warriors midfield dynamo Simon Shehu has gone under surgeon knives at the orthopedic hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State.

    In an operation that lasted for two hours, Dr. Zaptana, a consultant surgeon, stated that the surgery on Shehu the ‘ghost dribbler’ was a success and that the ex-Gombe United and Niger Tornadoes creative man would be on Plaster of Paris (P.O.P) for up to 6 weeks.

    Recall Shehu sustained the injury in Warriors game against now relegated Kwara United of Ilorin.

  • El Kanemi want LMC to monitor key fixtures Rangers: El Kanemi will fall

    From Tunde Liadi,Owerri

    El Kanemi Warriors boss, Alhaji Mala Zannah and Technical Adviser, Zachary Baraje have called on the League Management Company(LMC) to beckon on the match officials detailed for their blockbuster Matchday 38 Glo Premier League clash against Enugu Rangers today to give them a level playing ground.

    The Maiduguri side will win the league if they beat the Flying Antelopes and Lobi Stars and Gombe United stun Kano Pillars and Bayelsa United in Katsina Ala and Gombe respectively.

    Speaking in separate chats with SportingLife on telephone both top officials stated that a good officiating would be augur well for the league than previous seasons.

    “We do not only crave for good officiating, we also pray the LMC to properly monitor the game in case of any underhand tactics. The LMC must also keep a close tab on all the high profile matches and should enforce stiffer sanctions against clubs that err,” Alhaji Zannah told SportingLife.

    Meanwhile, Enugu Rangers’ spokesman, Foster Chime has stated that El Kanemi would be beaten in spite of their threat because the Flying Antelopes’ players have been well motivated ahead of the game.

    El Kanemi are third on the log with 60 points while Rangers are fifth with 55 points from 37 matches.

  • Pillars, Bayelsa United, El-Kanemi are favourites •Glo Premier League ends in photo finish

    Pillars, Bayelsa United, El-Kanemi are favourites •Glo Premier League ends in photo finish

    After 370 games in 37 match days in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) with 750 goals scored averaging two goals per game, the title race is now down to just three teams – champions Kano Pillars, Bayelsa United and El-Kanemi Warriors.

    When the season began, Enyimba,Kano Pillars and Enugu Rangers started like title contenders but along the line, Enyimba experienced tremendous resurgence but the quest of the Aba club for a record seventh title only lasted for 37 match days.

    Today, one of Kano Pillars, Bayelsa United and El-Kanemi Warriors will be crowned champions of Nigeria for the 2012/13 season. But Pillars look more likely to retain the title since they already have 63 points and are also playing away against Lobi like the two other contenders.

     

    Lobi Stars vs Kano Pillars (Emmanuel Atongo Stadium)

    Kano Pillars have not taken a point in their last nine away games. The last time the champions earned a point on the road was on June 8 at Dolphins.

    Lobi will take no chances in seeing off Pillars in this as they are in a race for survival. In the last two seasons, the Kano club have lost by identical scorelines of 0-1 in this corresponding fixture.

    Prediction: 2-0

     

    Enugu Rangers vs El-Kanemi Warriors (Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium)

    El-Kanemi remain the surprise team of the season irrespective of what followers of the league say about their home form. They’ve also put up a decent run on the road too. But this is where the fairy tale run ends for the Warriors. El-Kanemi do not have a good record in Enugu as they’ve lost in their last three previous without scoring a goal. Though Rangers are playing for pride, I don’t think they’ll show El-Kanemi any favour.

    Prediction: 2-0

    Gombe United vs Bayelsa United (Pantami Stadium)

    Bayelsa United go into this game needing an outright win to stand any chance of edging Kano Pillars for the title. But the town of Gombe has not been a fruitful centre for the Restoration Boys who have lost in all four previous trips.The Bayelsa club are always capable of pulling off surprises but this time that may not happen as they will have to contend with the impressive Gombe United trio of Babangida Ibrahim, Habibu Inusa and Sani Mohammed.

    Prediction: 2-0

     

    Enyimba vs Sharks (Enyimba Stadium; live on SS9)

    Six-time champions Enyimba will be disappointed that they blew their chance of winning the double this season after their shambolic display in Akure against Sunshine Stars in mid-week. But they’ve got the chance to finish in second place and win a CAF Champions League spot and at the same time protect their run of not conceding at home this season.

    Gbenga Ogunbote has proven that he is a miracle worker after securing top flight football for Sharks against all odds. But can the Blue Angels breach the steely back line of Enyimba in Aba on the final day? I would say ‘NO.’

    Prediction: 1-0

     

    Nasarawa United vs Heartland (Lafia Township Stadium)

    Heartland will again keep their top flight status for more than three decades as they head to Lafia to face the Solid Miners who are in dire need of the full points to escape the drop to the lower division.

    Nasarawa United last defeated Heartland in a league match in February 2008 and that same year lost three-nil to the Owerri club in this corresponding fixture. But that may not count this time as League’s top scorer Victor Namo, Habu Mohammed, Solomon Babatunde, Malachy Ilo and company are expected to cause Heartland problems on the day.

    Prediction: 3-0

     

    Nembe City vs Sunshine Stars (Samson Siasia Stadium)

    Nembe City have a huge task to turn around their very inferior goal difference to escape the drop in spite of playing hosts to Sunshine Stars today. After their 1-6 drubbing in the hands of ABS in mid-week, Nembe City will surely return to winning ways against Sunshine Stars who have managed to take just three points on the road this season.

    But its doubtful if the win for City can save them from the fall though and that will depend on the outcome of other results involving eight other clubs in the battle for survival.

    Prediction: 2-0

     

    Warri Wolves vs ABS (Warri City Stadium)

    The Seasiders have lost their last three league games to 3SC, Akwa United and Bayelsa United and it’s possible for them to end the season with four straight losses.ABS players know what is at stake in this game as a loss could signal an end to their time in the NPFL.

    ABS have not beaten Wolves since a 1-0 win in January 2011. Kabiru Dogo’s men will up their game to avoid losing twice to Wolves this season after a two-nil loss in the reverse fixture.

    Prediction: 0-1

     

    Kaduna United vs 3SC (Kaduna United)

    What is left of 3SC’s season is a mathematical chance of survival if Kwara United, Wikki Tourists, Nasarawa United, Lobi Stars and Nembe City, all on 49 points, fail to win or draw and they defeat Kaduna United.

    Realistically 3SC’s season looks over especially with Kaduna United sitting in 14th spot and just a point above the drop zone.The Crocodiles would do everything to avoid dropping points in this game as keeping their top flight place will be paramount to them. Sadly 3SC will be relegated.

    Prediction: 3-1

     

    Kwara United vs Akwa United (Confluence Stadium)

    It might sound strange but this game could be the pick of the match day as both teams battle it out in this dogfight at the foot of Mount Patti in Lokoja. The losers of this clash could find themselves relegated to the Nigeria National League (NNL).

    It’s amazing that Kwara United find themselves battling for survival after putting up eye-catching outings especially in the first round of this season.This game would quite a contest but Kwara United will edge Akwa United for the full points.

    Prediction: 2-1

     

    Dolphins vs Wikki Tourists (Liberation Stadium)

    As poor as Dolphins have been this season it won’t be a surprise if they win this encounter.

    Wikki are confirmed for the drop though they hold a three-game unbeaten run going to this clash.

    PREDICTION: 1-0

  • El-Kanemi chairman condoles with Adamawa on death of FA Chairman

    El-Kanemi chairman condoles with Adamawa on death of FA Chairman

    The chairman of El-Kanemi Warriors Zannah Mohammed Mala (kakaje) has commiserated with members of Adamawa State Football Association over the death of the state’s FA Chairman, Alhaji Audu Attah.

    Mala described Attah’s death as a big loss not only to the people of Adamawa but the nation.

    He said Adamawa State was one of the best FA’s in the north during Attah’s reign as chairman.

    “We will miss him. On behalf of the managenment of El-kanemi we sympathised with members of Adamawa FA and his family.”

    Also, the chairman of Bayelsa State Football Association,Lucky Gospel Ewa has condoled with people of Adamawa State over the death of the State FA Chairman late Audullahi Atta.

    Ewa, who could not hide his tears, said Atta will be remembered by all FA chairmen as a loving person and his good work.

    “I was shocked when I got the news of his demise. Atta is one of the best FA chairmen who has changed and developed the game of football in Adamawa State. We will miss him. On behalf of myself and the board of Bayelsa State FA we commiserate with the members of Adamawa and his immidiate family. May his soul rest in peace,” Ewa said.

  • 3SC Vs EL KANEMI El-Kanemi targeting more away wins, says Baraje

    3SC Vs EL KANEMI El-Kanemi targeting more away wins, says Baraje

    El Kanemi Warriors’ Head Coach, Zachary Baraje has revealed that he is working on his side’s not-too-impressive results away from home to balance it up with their commendable performances in Maiduguri.

    El Kanemi have won 12 matches at home and drawn only twice (to Nasarawa United and Bayelsa United in their first two home games) but have only won once away(against Nasarawa United 1-0) and drawn thrice on the road.

    But Baraje, who joined El Kanemi at the beginning of the season, said a couple of wins on the road would give a fitting testimony to the fantastic display of his boys in the Glo Premier League this season.

    He affirmed that the convincing way his wards devoured their opponents at Maiduguri this season was a result of his hard work on the team at the beginning of the season.

    Baraje said that the club might be forced to change their target for the league season – which was initially to stay in the elite division – to being one of the contenders for the league shield if they do not tire out.

    “We have been excellent in our home games and it showed in the results we have been churning out at Maiduguri. We have been very impressive at home. We want to add a couple of wins away from home too to confirm that our home successes were never in doubt.

    “The motivation from the state government is fantastic. The other day (Sunday), he (the governor?) tripled players’ win bonuses and also promised to release for payment the balance of the signing-on fees on Monday.

    “If he does that, Borno will be the first state to settle the signing-on fees of its players.

    “We are happy and the only way to show appreciation is to continue winning wherever the game is played.

    “We had it in mind to only escape relegation at the start of the season but with our current form, laying our hands on the league title is not a tall order. Getting a continental ticket will not be a bad idea either,” Baraje told SportingLife.

    El Kanemi are third on the log with 44 points from 27 matches and they face 3SC at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan today in a matchday 28 clash.

     

  • EL-Kanemi’s defeat pushed us against Wolves —Nembe

    EL-Kanemi’s defeat pushed us against Wolves —Nembe

    • Thrill with Maiduguri fans

    Nembe City media officer, Anthony Obaseki says his side’s 1-0 victory over Warri Wolves in a week 26 Globacom Premier League was as a result of the bashing received in the hand of El-Kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri.

    Tunde Adeboye’s 40th minute goal was all Nembe City needed to get three points in the game against Warri Wolves.

    Obaseki told SportingLife that the team was not happy with the 3-0 defeat to El-Kanemi in a week 25 match, resolving their determination to go for total victory against Wolves.

    “We are happy for our win over Warri Wolves. All the pains we went through from our trip to Maiduguri are over with the victory over Warri Wolves.

    “We did not bargain for that total bashing against El-Kanemi but the victory is now a source of relief for us now. We took the pain of our loss against El-Kanemi to play Warri Wolves. Wolves are a good side but we thank God we got our three points in the match and our focus now is our next away game with Kaduna United in Kaduna,” Obaseki said.

    The club’s spokesman also expressed joy over the large turn-out of supporters at the Maiduguri stadium.

    “We thank the Maiduguri State Football Association and the management of El-Kanemi for their support to us during our visit to Maiduguri. The club chairman Zannah Mohammed Mala made our stay a pleasant one.

    “El-Kanemi Stadium in Maiduguri is back to full action. The fans in Maiduguri love football, infact, you will not believe the large turnout at the stadium.

    “The stadium was full to capacity to show that peace has returned to the city of Maiduguri. The fans are friendly; they love good football but their support is for El-Kanemi. Any team going to Maiduguri is safe before, during and after the match.”

     

  • El Kanemi dedicate draw to Shettima

    El Kanemi dedicate draw to Shettima

    El Kanemi Warriors have dedicated their hard-fought 1-1 draw away to Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima for his unflinching support to the club.

    The Maiduguri-based club are fifth with 41 points from 26 matches and El Kanemi chairman, Zanna Mala has praised the governor for standing by the team when some people never did.

    The modest club administrator, however, said that El Kanemi would be content with remaining in the Premier League for now, despite the club’s current impressive display.

    “We dedicate this draw to our governor, Honourable Kassim Shettima for his supportive role from our days in the National League now to the Premier League.

    “We owe our achievements to him and this draw is solely for him. We will continue to be modest with our ambition of maintaining our top flight status but if anything in form of a continental ticket adds to it, we shall consider it a bonus,” Zanna explained.

    He said the club remain grateful to their other supporters and that they would remain focused, without giving in to any pressure as the season continues.

    Ezekiel Mba put Akwa United ahead as early as the 8th minute before Raphael Boumsong levelled for El Kanemi in the 29th minute.

  • Akwa United seeks redemption against El-Kanemi

    Akwa United seeks redemption against El-Kanemi

    Akwa United defender Hamza Onwuemenyi says they have put Wednesday’s disappointing 1-4 loss away to Bayelsa United behind them and are focused on Sunday’s game against El-Kanemi Warriors.

    United lost by a wide margin despite scoring first and thereby lost an opportunity to move closer to the top half of the premiership log.

    Onwuemenyi has urged his colleagues to make up for the defeat by putting El-Kanemi to the sword in Uyo, as any other outcome may jeopardise their dreams of winning of a continental ticket through the league.

    “We are not happy with our loss to Bayelsa United and have to redeem our image by defeating El-Kanemi,” he told supersport.com.

    “We scored first in Yenagoa and later lost concentration and we have learned our lessons.

    “We need to respond immediately by getting the maximum points against El-Kanemi, as we are still hopeful of qualifying for Africa through the league.

    “El-Kanemi are doing very well and we will not underrate them. However, we need the points badly and will go all out for victory.”

    Onwuemenyi told supersport.com that they have not neglected their objectives in the league to focus on their eagerly awaited Federation Cup semifinal against Warri Wolves.

    “We want to do well in the league and Federation Cup because we have a talented squad that can cope with the rigours of playing in both competitions.

    “We went for a win in Yenagoa, but unfortunately we lost, so the battle has shifted to Uyo and El-Kanemi must fall.

    “As for the Federation Cup, we look forward to beating Warri Wolves again because we are better than them,” he said.

    Akwa United are 13th in the premier league with 33 points, while El-Kanemi Warriors are in fourth place with 40 points. Both teams have played 25 matches.

  • Baraje wants focused El Kanemi at Bayelsa

    El Kanemi Warriors’ head coach, Zachary Baraje has warned his players not to allow their recent rise on the Globacom Premier League table to get into their heads as they battle Bayelsa United in Yenagoa on Sunday in a match day 24 clash.

    The Maiduguri-based side defeated Enyimba 2-0 in the last game and subsequently rose to their best position in the league this season – 3rd with 37 points from 23 matches.

    But Baraje, a veteran coach in the Nigerian league, told SportingLife that a focused, determined and non-complacent team could improve even better on the log with a top notch performance against Bayelsa United.

    The former Dolphins of Port Harcourt coach said the race to beat the drop as well as that for the league title remains very keen and that any loss of concentration could nail an unwary club at the end of the season.

    “We are happy with our performance. It is no magic that we have gone this far. I knew it would take my boys some time to come together and play as a team.

    “But I know that immediately this is overcome, my boys will be unstoppable. We have proved that with wins over Nasarawa United, Wikki and Enyimba but we have another difficult tie away at Bayelsa United. We don’t need to be carried away just yet.

    “We are third right now. Who says we can’t top the table with a win here in Yenagoa and another in our home game?” Baraje asked

    El Kanemi are going into the Yenagoa clash at the back of a three-match unbeaten run which included an away win in Bauchi and two home wins against Nasarawa United and Enyimba.