The Nation Newspaper

Tag: football

Amuneke: All-African final good for football

Coach Emmanuel Amuneke has said that the Final Match of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015 between Nigeria and Mali is good advertisement for African football.

Today, the two West African sides will clash at the Estadio Sausalito in Vina del Mar in what is only the second –ever All-African final, since Nigeria and Ghana clashed in Japan 22 years ago, with the Eaglets winning 2-1.

Both Nigeria and Mali have flown the continent’s flag with pride en route to today’s final and Amuneke enthused it would be a great day for African football yet again in Vina del Mar.

“African football has developed over the years and playing against Mali in the final of Chile 2015 shows that Africa is strong at this level,” Amuneke noted at the post match conference in Concepción after Golden Eaglets’ 4-2 win over Mexico.

The Golden Eaglets had in the run-up enjoyed favourable results at Estadio Sausalito in Vina del Mar where they crushed Chile 5-1 in their second group phase match, annihilated Australia 6-0 in the second round and battered Brazil 3-0 in the quarter final.

“Today, we would give a good account of ourselves in Vina del Mar which has been a good venue for us,” the former Barcelona winger explained.”The fans all over Chile have been friendly but we have a special feeling playing in Vina del Mar where we have many fans.”

Yet, Amuneke was not oblivious of the challenges ahead, adding Mali who were crowned champions at the African U-17 Nations Cup in March are a very strong side. Incidentally, both countries did not meet in Niger Republic but the Eaglets can draw huge inspiration from their last encounters at the 2014 WAFU B Tournament in Togo where Amuneke –led Eaglets beat Mali twice with an identical 2-0 score-line.

“Yes,we met Mali in Togo but that was a long time,” recalled Eaglets attacking midfielder, Orji Okwonkwo who scored a goal each against the Malians on April 21st and 23rd, 2014. “Today’s final will be special and we pray that God bless us with victory.”

November 8, 2015
Niger to open football academy in schools

The Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has promised to promote soccer in the state-owned schools by establishing football academy. The governor made this known at the Government House in Minna while speaking to reporters on his two-week trip abroad.

According to Governor Bello, the academy would serve as a platform for grooming talents who would represent the country in major sport competitions.

He said while he was away in United Kingdom (UK), he had meeting with the Super Eagles midfielder, Mikel Obi, during which he struck an agreement with the footballer to develop an academy in the state.

The governor also assured that his administration would work round the clock to improve the lots of every citizen of the state, adding that the state-owned schools would witness establishment of soccer academy.

The state coordinator of Abulolo Support Group, Hon Mohammed Mambo, expressed the group’s readiness to support the governor’s initiative. He said the group would also continue to collaborate with all non-governmental organisations (NGO) in the state to ensure the Bello administration achieve its aims.

Mambo said: “We felt it is very important for us to receive our governor based on the tremendous contributions he has been giving to the state. We would bring all NGOs together with a common zeal towards achieving success and the interest of the common man.”

Mambo urged residents to support the government to fulfill its promises.

October 22, 2015
GCI, Methodist old Boys rekindle football rivalry

The age long football rivalry between Methodist Boys High School Expressway Ibadan and Government College Ibadan (GCI), was re-enacted last Saturday as the ‘91 sets of both schools slugged it out in a novelty match to celebrate their 25 years of leaving their alma mater.

The one hour encounter held at the hockey pitch of the host school, GCI, was one moment ‘entertaining’ and ‘serious’ the next, as it suddenly dawned on the host school they must carry willy-nilly so as not to embarrass themselves in the presence of hundred of the younger pupils of the school, who had left their hostel to watch the match.

Interestingly, the old boys many who are now ‘endowed’ with grey hairs panted and sweated like an exhausted prey, who had finally given up to its predator after an unsuccessful but tedious chase, to find an escape route. From time to time, they broke the rules and hurried off the pitch take some water; and then continued.

Interestingly too, some of the prominent boys known for their skills during their heydays, attempted to reignite the fire. No thanks to age! The sparks could only last once or twice and the next moment “referee, I’m tired, I want to rest’ said some after spending less than 10 minutes on the pitch.

The popular Kunle Asulegan a.k.a Stopyra of Methodist School, once popular for his enigmatic dribble and header, had boasted to pump one of two goals into GCI net ahead of the encounter, could only last less than 15 minutes into the match before he slumped. For minutes, Stopyra lay there on the field and the referee had to put the match on hold. Thank God it was not a serious injury, only a muscle pull and Stopyra was immediately attended to on the sideline. But that was the end! He could not return to the pitch to make good his boast.

A strike professionally taken by Bimbo Oladunjoye a.k.a Abim, following a pass from Taiwo Kareem (Chicken) about 10 minutes into the match, put Methoe Boys on the lead.’ It was a goal’ everybody chorused! The ‘elderly supporters club’ on the sidelines, poured on the pitch to congratulate their colleagues; tummies bobbling up and down as they jubilated. Abim too, with is grey hairs, which also extended to his sprouting goatee, could hardly believe he could pull such stunt.

What an undeserved foul at Methoe box 18 seven minutes afterwards! The referee had blown for a penalty in favour of GCI. A subtle protest by the Metho boys. The penalty was taken by Ariyo Legele. The ball zoomed straight into the net. Another thunderous ‘goooooooal’ by the host school.

Too bad! A rather poor catch by Methoe goalkeeper, Wole Dopemu, just a minute after, finally put the GCI boys ahead as providence also caught up with Ariyo Legelege, who put the shot to Dopemu’s left in an easiest finishing. It’s a goal in GCI favour again.

But much as Methoe Boys tried in the second half, they could not equalize; nor could GCI succeed in making their visitors’ net a basked of goals as they earlier pontificated. The match ended 2.1 in favour of the host.

But aside the popular ‘Item Seven’, that followed the match, the event was an opportunity for the two sets to thank God for surviving over the last 25 years on one hand; and to rekindle the love and affection, which the schools once shared, said GCI Principal, Mr Simon Olusola Oladele.

Speaking ahead of the match at the school chapel, Oladele who read from the Holy Bible: Galatians 6:1-10, enjoined the two sets to always keep in touch, extend love to the less privileged among them.

“It is not by your own power that you are alive today. Many of your colleagues with whom you passed out 25 years ago had either died. You are here because you shared in one another’s pain, so let that love continue.”

“You student of the GCI always claim your school is the best in Africa; but I say Methodist Boys High School is the best in the world,” added Oladele himself an alumnus of Methodist Boys (‘69 set).

“As a Federal Government-owned school, you enjoyed more funding, but in Methoe, we all ahd to struggle and hustle and that paid off for us. Ii wasn’t trained as a hustler; it would have been difficult for a person like me to be your principal.”

The highpoint of the event was the presentation of award of appreciation by the visitor, as well as the official commissioning of the refurbished Corpers’ Lodge by the Chiarman of GCI ‘91 set Mr Folarin Familusin.

October 15, 2015
WE MUST DEVELOP GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL – SALISU YUSUF

•Eagles coach hails organisers of Diamond Cup, 2015

Super Eagles’ coach, Salisu Yusuf has pointed out that emphasis on youth development and grassroots football would go a long way in guaranteeing the future of Nigerian football.

Speaking during the just concluded Diamond Cup 2015 in Umuahia, Yusuf told SportingLife that the quality of matches on display in the competition and the personalities that graced the competition showed that the organisers , spearheaded by Prince Martin Apugo did a good job during the preparation leading to it.

He said the presence of Manchester City scout, Joe Shields from the beginning to the end of the competition showed that some of the players spotted during the Diamond Cup 2015 would be well guarded towards actualising their dreams of becoming professional footballers.

Abia Warriors Feeders won the three day competition after they pipped Diamond U-17 christened Manchester City in the final 4-3 on penalties after regulation time ended 1-1.

Andra Ibelezim of Diamond U17 emerged as the Most Valuable Player(MVP) of the competition while Ugo Osuagwu of Abia Warriors Feeders was the highest goal scorer with four goals.

Diamond Academy Goalkeeper, Bright Lucky was adjudged the Best Goalkeeper.

Ibelezim, who doubles as the captain of Diamond Academy team, was awarded a home theatre while Lucky also of Diamond went home with a phone.

The President of the Diamond Football Academy, Prince Martin Apugo told SportingLife that he would ensure that the competition is sustained.

September 19, 2015
Photo: Training for 2017 Africa cup of nations qualifier

FROM LEFT: SUPER EAGLES DEFENDER, GODFREY OBOABONA; FORWARD, EMMANUEL
EMENIKE; MIDFIELDER, LUKMAN HARUNA AND TEAM MATES, AT THEIR TRAINING FOR THE 2017 AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS QUALIFIER AGAINST TANZANIA IN ABUJA ON WEDNESDAY

FROM LEFT: SUPER EAGLES FORWARD MOSES SIMON; DEFENDER KENNETH OMERUO; GOALKEEPER CARL IKEME; MIDFIELDER OBIORA NWANKWO AND DEFENDER LEON BALOGUN, AFTER THEIR TRAINING FOR THE 2017 AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS QUALIFIER AGAINST TANZANIA IN ABUJA ON WEDNESDAY

SUPER EAGLES HEAD COACH, SUNDAY OLISEH AND HIS ASSISTANTS (L), AT THE TEAM’S TRAINING FOR THE 2017 AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS QUALIFIER AGAINST TANZANIA IN ABUJA ON WEDNESDAY

September 2, 2015
Ikpeba, Nwosu, others for GTB Football Camp

Former Super Eagles star, Victor Ikpeba, Henry Nwosu, Mutiu Adepoju, Yisa Sofoluwe, and Waidi Akanni as well as Ex-Super Falcons goalie, Anne Chiejinne will handle proceedings for the annual football development programme sponsored by Guaranty Trust Bank plc tagged Camp GTB which begins today in Ibadan.

The clinic is scheduled to hold between August 31 to September 7 and as a residential camp, it is designed to train and develop outstanding footballing talents discovered from GTBank sponsored youth football leagues; Principals’ and Masters Cups.

This year’s camp will hold at The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan, with 40 participants selected from the GTBank-Lagos State Principals Cup, GTBank-Ogun State Principals Cup and GTBank Masters Cup competitions.

The ultimate goal of this programme is to sharpen and cultivate the football skills of identified outstanding talents drawing on the experience of top football coaches. The lead coaches for this year’s Camp GTBank are Victor Ikpeba and Henry Nwosu.

These two outstanding coaches will be supported by four distinguished ex-internationals and football coaches, including Mutiu Adepoju, Yisa Sofoluwe, Anne Chiejinne, and Waidi Akanni.

The 40 individuals selected will be taken through extensive training sessions on strategy, tactics and conditioning. They will also be given the opportunity to interact with coaches and mentors on and off the pitch. It is expected that their completion of the session will help fine-tune their skills and make them more attractive to clubs and academies as the camp will be open to scouts and coaches searching for young talents.

According to Segun Agbaje, the Managing Director/CEO of GTBank, “the Bank remains a big supporter of sports, as a vehicle to mentor students and develop their talents. He also reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to the promotion of youth sports development and said that this year’s competition will again provide the students a platform to showcase their skills and further bolster the rekindled faith of Nigerians in home grown talents.”

August 31, 2015
Photographers celebrate day with football

The World Photography Day Nigeria holds today at the Freedom Park in Lagos. Last Saturday, photographers played a friendly match to kick-start the celebration. EVELYN OSAGIE reports.

AS the world commemorates the World Photography Day today, Nigerian photographers will be joining their counterparts to celebrate at the Freedom Park in Lagos.

The day, which dates back to 1839, is marked yearly on August 19 by photographers and photo ethusiasts across the world. Their Nigerian counterparts have gone a step further to indigenise the celebration, tagging it World Photography Day Nigeria last Saturday.

To kick-start this year’s World Photography Day Nigeria, which is in its third edition, the organisers held a football-friendly.

The match, which is a pre-event initiative, was between press photographers and commercial photographers.

The sport initiative, a new addition to the yearly event, was to bring together various stakeholders in the industry, according to the Project Founder/Coordinator, Mr Yemi Royal.

“The press photographers and those in the commercial world rarely meet, so we have added sports to this year’s occasion to create this platform to create room for networking. It is also meant to create awareness on the World Photography Day, which is to be commemorated on Wednesday, August 19, 2015.”

The two teams slogged it out on the pitch of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Lagos. The event was chaired by NIJ Provost, Mr Gbemiga Ogunleye, who was represented by NIJ Deputy Provost, Mr Jide Johnson.

Also the event were Mr Boye Ola of NIJ; former Chairman of Photo-Journalists Association of Nigeria (PJAN), Mr Ashamu Adegbola; Chairman of PJAN, Mr Ademola Akinlaja; members of PJAN and commercial photographers.

While the press photographers wore white jerseys with a touch of yellow, the commercial photographers were decked in yellow jerseys with a touch of blue. The referee for the match was a celebrity photographer, T-Briggs.

Both teams had eight players each. PJAN Vice Chairman, Mr Femi Kuti, was the captain for the press team; while Mr Femi Agbonyin. The teams were interesting to watch. Particularly glaring was the commitment with which both played.

The saves of Answer, the goalkeeper for the commercial photographers, was particularly impressive. His excellent saves gave his team an edge during the first half of the game.

Even though there was no medal given to the winner. The two teams played with the passion of people looking forward to a gold-plated trophy as reward. It was almost as if their winning the game would be a prove of their place in the industry.

In subsequent editions, Mr Royal said the winning team would be presented with a trophy, adding that the sport initiative would be one of the many side attractions in future celebrations.

The commercial photographers were in the lead in the first half with two goals to nothing; their opponents equalised in the second half, scoring two goals simultaneously.

The two goals in the first half were scored by Micheal Owoyele and Mr Agbonyin. The commercial photographers scored another goal, but the photo-journalists were not ready to accept defeat as they equalised before the final whistle was blown. The 40-minute match ended in a draw.

For Mr Royal, photography is a highly accessible art form appreciated by millions. According to him, the World Photography Day Nigeria initiative is a non-commercial venture that seeks to bring together “photographers from across the country of various classes (professionals, amateurs and enthusiasts) yearly to share and celebrate photography”. With Creating a Viable and Unified Photography Industry as theme for this year’s edition, Royal said, the initiative focused on growing the love of photography.

“Our mission is to engage, educate, empower and stimulate the photography community in Nigeria,” he said.

Meanwhile, wile registration is expected to begin at 9:15am, the one-day event is opening with an exhibition tagged: The untitled.

Like the previous year, there would be a Photo Walk, followed by talks/discussion sessions on the theme of event.

He added: “This theme would be anchored by selected industry professionals, but individuals attending are also encouraged to prepare to proffer suggestions to the challenges facing the photography industry).”

Royal disclosed that they would give out gift voucher worth N10,000 for photography books to the first 150 photographers to register at the venue, adding that the event is powered by Indigo.

Other sponsors of the World Photography Day Nigeria include Papilo Studios and Chiza Eventte Creative Solutions.

August 19, 2015
Siasia picks 18 to battle Congo

Head Coach of the U-23 National Team, Samson Siasia has selected 18 players for Sunday’s African U-23 Championship final round, first leg qualifier against Congo, in Port Harcourt.

The encounter coming up at the Adokiye Amiesieamaka Stadium, Port Harcourt will see the team parading old reliables like goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel, Oghenekaro Etebor, Taiwo Awoniyi, Azubuike Okechukwu, Erhun Obanor and Godwin Saviour, with new faces Umar Aminu and Musa Yahaya making the list.

Addressing the players, Siasia urged those who did not make the 18 -man list not to feel bad, but to see it as a challenge to up their game and make future lists.

He told those who were selected to see their selection as a privilege and should show to the world that they were selected on merit.

“I want to charge those of you selected to see this as a rare privilege knowing that millions of Nigerians are banking on you to put smiles on their faces come Sunday.

” I have the confidence that you guys can beat Congo, but all that will depend on you guys showing that on the field of play.

“The Nigeria Football Federation and the Rivers State government have done so much for us to make us win, so it’s now left for us to let them know that we are true ambassadors of our country.”

The final list is made up of two goalkeepers, six defenders, three midfielders and seven strikers:

Daniel Emmanuel
Chukwuebuka Iroha
Stanley Amuzie
Azubuike Okechukwu
Segun Oduduwa
Obanor Erhun
Godwin Saviour
Etebor Oghenekaro
Junior Ajayi
Usman Mohammed
Etor Daniel
Yusuf Mohammed
Sadiq Atanda
Chima Akas
Austin Oladapo
Taiwo Awoniyi
Aminu Umar
Musa Yahaya

July 18, 2015
Breaking News: NFF sacks Keshi

The Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF) has terminated the appointment of Stephen Keshi as Head Coach of the Senior National Football Team, Super Eagles.

A statement by the NFF Executive Committee on Saturday said the decision was made, “having thoroughly reviewed the reports/findings of the NFF Disciplinary Committee and NFF Technical and Development Committee, as well as having reviewed the actions and inactions of Mr. Stephen Keshi, in the performance of his duties as Super Eagles’ Head Coach.”

The Federation said Keshi was found to ” lack the required commitment to achieve the Federation’s objectives as set out in the Coach’s employment contract.”

” To this end and pursuant to the provisions of Clause 4.3 of the Employment Contract between Mr. Stephen Keshi and the NFF (The Contract) and the various clauses therein, the Nigeria Football Federation has decided to exercise its option to summarily terminate the employment contract of Mr. Stephen Keshi with the Federation with immediate effect.”

It added that the termination was “without prejudice to the settlement of any existing and due financial obligations between the NFF and Mr. Keshi.”

NFF 1st Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, speaking on behalf of the entire Executive Committee of NFF, assured Nigerians that the decision was not taken lightly or with any prejudice, but in the ultimate interest of Nigeria football. He thanked Mr. Keshi for his services to the country and wished him the very best in his future endeavours.

“In the interim, the Super Eagles’ team affairs will be jointly managed by Assistant Coach, Salisu Yusuf and the Technical Directorate of the NFF headed by Coach Shuaibu Amodu, until the Federation names in due course a new Head Coach, who, along with the NFF will chart a new direction for the Super Eagles to ensure credible participation in international competitions and assist in building a sustainable football culture for the country,” said Akinwunmi.

July 4, 2015
Tapping economic potential of Nollywood football

His first attempt at business was a company to help people’s access to reading materials, but entrepreneur Chike Maduegbuna soon realised the reading culture in his country was low.

Instead, he spotted an opportunity to help brands reach people beyond traditional media. So he established Fans Connect Online, a digital marketing, social media and mobile app development company which has worked for blue-chip companies including MTN, Cadbury, Friesland Campina, WAMCO and Samsung.

Successes include building the largest football-based social networking website in Nigeria and developing a mobile application called Afrinolly that enables people to watch short films via their mobile phones. Maduegbuna talks to Dinfin Mulupi about Nigeria’s film and football industries, and the opportunities they provide for technology companies.

You built the largest football-based social networking website in Nigeria. Describe the football culture in Nigeria and the gaps you filled.

We launched the football platform early 2010 because football is a huge passion point among young people in Nigeria. We created a platform where they can connect, interact, brag and also be rewarded for just being fans. Tagged “where passion meets reward” the platform allows football fans to win rewards daily, weekly and quarterly as they participate in the different games on the platform. Football is a business where the football associations, clubs, managers, players and others in the delivery line are rewarded, but the only people not rewarded are the fans – the very engine that keeps the game relevant. There was no platform before ours which rewarded fans online the way we did, and it grew rapidly, attracting brands such as Cadbury and Peak Milk who wanted to reach this demographic online for the 2010 World Cup.

What motivated you to build Afrinolly?

Afrinolly is a mobile application that gives fans of African content access to movies, trailers, short films and music videos produced in the African movie markets, most especially Nollywood. Users also get access to comedy skits, series, news, gossip, music and Bollywood movies right on their smart phones.

The app is available worldwide for free download and used in several African countries plus Europe, America and the Middle East. We now have over 4 million downloads and have remained at the forefront of maximising technology and mobile options for distributing African content.

Tell us about the economic potential of Nollywood. Has it been fully utilised digitally?

Nollywood has huge economic potential. Nigeria alone has over 130 million active mobile phone subscribers and over 15 per cent of them can spend as much as $10 monthly to view Nollywood movies on their smart phones and tablets. And there are double this number viewing Nollywood movies elsewhere in Africa, not to mention potential viewers in the diaspora. In my opinion this potential has not been fully utilised because of inefficient content distribution systems which continue to erode profitability and discourage reinvestment in the industry. The limited number of cinemas and lack of effective piracy-free distribution systems have been the limiting factors. This is why we have gone mobile first at Afrinolly and are working with telecommunication companies across Africa to get content to users in a way that will benefit all parties, most especially the film makers.

What are your thoughts on the technology start-up space in Nigeria?

Technology has evolved a lot within the last 10 years and it has been embraced in Nigeria like in so many other countries. This has given rise to start-ups aiming to solve peculiar problems using technology. The technology start-up space in Nigeria is growing rapidly, funded at various levels by VCs both locally and internationally. We could soon be seeing start-ups being bought by technology companies trying to enter the African market. That, I believe, is the next level for tech start-ups here as companies become profitable, and the need to expand grows. Mobile technology in Africa is a fast-growing market and nowhere is the effect more dramatic than in Nigeria with 130 million subscribers. This has encouraged the development of several mobile applications targeting various sectors of the economy. Mobile technology has increased access in every way imaginable.

Describe some of the challenges you face running your business.

Businesses here face challenges brought about by low infrastructure, or in some cases no infrastructure at all. Power generation and distribution is still a major problem. We run generators most of the day and you can only imagine the cost for a technology company running 24/7 operations. The availability of reliable and relatively affordable broadband internet is still a challenge we face in Nigeria. It has improved over the years, but there is still much room for improvements.

What are some of the lessons you have learnt in your entrepreneurship journey?

Truth is nothing fully prepares you for the challenges faced as an entrepreneur; you learn and re-learn as challenges are thrown-up. I spent my time in paid employment working in consulting and helping companies/organisations understand how they can improve on what they do by focusing on what really works. This knowledge has been invaluable in running a fast-paced, innovative technology company like ours.

And your future plans for your company and Afrinolly?

We are focusing more now on expanding the technological possibilities of Afrinolly. We just moved into Afrinolly Space, a creative hub where film practitioners can learn, collaborate and create. It was opened for the provision of creative platforms and economic opportunities for established and emerging film makers, mobile technology developers, innovative voices, animators, private screenings, industry trainings and events. We want to contribute technological solutions to the development of quality film/video content from Nigeria and the rest of Africa. Our current project is a studio facility which we are setting up in Nigeria to facilitate the production of shows, TV series, music videos and lots more in a controlled environment. Within the next five years we want Afrinolly to be the largest database of African film practitioners in the world, and also a multi-million dollar digital distribution company.

•Culled from

http:/www.howwemadeitinafrica.com

June 3, 2015