The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Gold Cup

  • Gold Cup organisers seal partnership with MIAS

    Gold Cup organisers seal partnership with MIAS

    Pan-African tech-driven media firm and sports data analytics, news, and content creation specialist, Made In Africa Sports (MIAS) has sealed a partnership deal with the Optima Energy Gold Cup Pre-season Tournament. 

    The 12th  edition of the nation’s premier pre-season tourney for football clubs in the three-tiers of the league kicks off at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne and FC Ebedei Stadium, Sagamu on Thursday, August 15, with the finals scheduled for Saturday, August 24, 2024.

    Made In Africa Sports Executive Director Enitan Obadina explained the importance of the partnership in a chat with the Media Channel of the nation’s most sought-after pre-season tourney. 

    “The Optima Energy Gold Cup is the most consistent preseason football tournament, and we know they stand for excellence. 

    Read Also: Paris 2024: Meet the Ghanaian sisters leading Japan in Basketball

    “This is why the partnership is exciting for us at Made in Africa Sport as we look forward to sharing our expertise and home-grown solutions to how fans and football clubs enjoy football through data. 

    “Made In Africa Sports data solutions give insight to teams and a different experience for fans who watch the game.”

    The tournament’s General Coordinator Tunde Shamsudeen said:”We are delighted to have Made In Africa Sports as one of our partners. 

    “This is not the first time we’re having a sports data firm as a partner, but that of MIAS is unique, as their specialty is of essence to the clubs taking part in the pre-season tournament, as they will be using data to help players and teams perform better. 

    “It’s a new approach that takes the guesswork out of coaching, giving clear insights that help improve training and tactics going into the new football season.”

  • Gold Cup: Sunshine Stars set up Kwara Utd final tie

    Sunshine Stars will battle Kwara United in the final of the 2018 edition of Gold Cup Preseason Tourney at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure on Saturday.
    Goalkeeper Ayo Ojo stole the evening after he stopped two penalties as the Owena Waves beat Remo Stars 3-2 on penalties after they played 1-1 in regulation time in the semi final clash on Thursday.

    Read also: Gold Cup: Kwara Utd beats Cynosure to secure final ticket

    Midfielder Omaka Anthony gave the Kabiru Dogo side the lead in the 9th minute with a fabulous free kick from 25yards.
    Remo Stars responded well after the goal, dominating with impressive counter play.
    Their efforts were then rewarded eleven minutes later as Edoka Owochio scored from a goal mouth scramble in the 20th minute to equalize for his team.
    The game was then forced to penalties after the game ended 1-1.
    Ayo Ojo proved why Dogo introduced him in added time as he saved the first and forth penalty kick taken by Remo Stars.

  • Gold Cup: Kwara Utd beats Cynosure to secure final ticket

    Kwara United of Ilorin have qualified for the final of the Gold Cup Tourney as they beat Cynosure FC of Abakaliki 4-2 on penalties at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure.
    The encounter had ended 1-1 on regulation time, as Kwara United got to the finals going unbeaten after five matches.
    Odeyemi Ebenezer of Kwara United who was unmarked in Cynosure box, scored the first goal of the game in the 61st minute with a diving header.
    As the game near the last quarter of an hour, Cynosure FC got a lifeline as they were awarded a penalty after Ogar David was hacked down in the Kwara United box.
    Anyanwu Dabarachi made no mistake as he converted from the spot to put result at 1-1.
    Cynosure FC should have won the game late but Ogar nod from a cross went inches away from the goal post.
    In the shoot out, the team from Abakaliki will rue the evening after two of their players missed theirs.
    The Harmony Boys will lock horns against the winner from Thursday’s semi-final tie between Sunshine and Remo Stars.

  • Gold Cup: Cynosure FC no fluke, says Coach Ayeni

    Cynosure Football Club Head Coach, Deji Ayeni says his team’s success in the ongoing 2018 Gold Cup preseason Tourney in Akure is no fluke.
    Cynosure became the first book a semi-final spot after going three games unbeaten in it group.
    “Victories recorded here in the Gold Cup Tourney in Akure is no fluke as our play tactics is unique. We play as a unit, attacking and defending together.
    “We’re also a disciplined side. We don’t like to give away ball possession easily and our defending have been fantastic as we have kept three clean sheets and scored five goals.
    “This match stat is good for my team’s psyche as it will boost their confidence level.
    “Mental fitness is really a problem for many players in domestics leagues as they easily give when the challenge is tough.
    “This was the most important thing I did after I took the Cynosure job, as I changed the orientation of my players. Today is of good benefit to us all.
    “Going further in the tourney; mean tough challenge awaits my team, my players are mentally ready for the hurdle.”
    The Abakaliki based side who have 9 points will on Tuesday host Sunshine Stars, who have 7 points in a last game that will determine who goes to top of the group.

  • Gold Cup: Kwara Utd, Remo Stars win, Lobi Stars lose

    Nigeria’s representative in the CAF Champions League, Lobi Stars of Makurdi recorded its first defeat at the ongoing Gold Cup Tourney by losing  1-0 to ‘Giant-killers’ Cynosure FC at the Ondo State Sports Complex in Akure on Friday.
    Lobi Stars who had defeated FC Ebedei 1-0 in its opening game on Thursday, bowed to Cynosure, no thanks to a 20 yard superb strike by Saviour Francis in the 55th minute.
    A brace by Segun Alebiosu and a goal by Ebenezer Odeyemi ensured that Kwara United began their campaign on a winning note by beating Almar FC 2-1 in the other encounter earlier in the game.

    Alebiosu opened his goal account in the 12th minute of the encounter. The potent striker had connected well with Owoansaya’s assist, rounded the goalkeeper and buried the ball in back of the net.

    Odeyemi then doubled the lead eight minutes later after being set up by Alebiosu. Valentine Nwabili pulled one back for Almar FC in the 43rd minute before Alebiosu made it three with a powerful strike after receiving a lovely pass from

    Samsudeen Hashimu.

    Remo Stars defeated Phoenix ACF with two first half goals scored by Kingsley Akemini and Adebogun Omotayo.
    It took The Sky Blues Stars 16 minutes to record the first goal of the game after Akemini received a brilliant pass from Bolaji Michael to put the ball past Phoenix ACF goalkeeper.
    MFM FC were however held to a goalless draw by FC Ebedei in the last game of the day.

  • Gold Cup: Pillars begin title defence against Phoenix ASC

    Kano Pillars’ A list status in the domestic league will be put to test as they begin their Gold Cup Tourney title defence against ‘giant-killers’ Phoenix ASC when the pre-season event kicks off on November 15, 2018 in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State.
    This is a second Group A tie billed for the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium with a kickoff time of 4pm.
    In the first game of the Group, Kwara United and Rivers United who faced each other three times last season in the league and Group phase of the Aiteo Cup in Lagos will lock horns by 10. am. Remo Stars who hope put their Ilorin poor form behind them are drawn bye.
    The Sky Blue Stars will aim for their first three point in the 10 days football fiesta when they host new boys, Phoenix ASC on Friday, 16th November.
    Meanwhile, the opening fixtures of Group B will see CAF Champions League side and 2016 Gold Cup Champions, Lobi Stars open its campaign against FC Ebedei.
    Coach Kabir Dogo who will be making his debut in the Gold Cup Tourney, will be leading his new look Sunshine Stars against debutant Cynosure FC of Abakaliki. Both matches will be played on Thursday, 15th November.
    Fidelis Ilechukwu and his Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries FC lads will be resting ahead their first game against FC Ebedei on Friday, 16th November.
    The top two teams from  two Groups in the mini-league will qualify automatically for the semis.
    Leader of Group A and B will host runner-up of Group B and A respectively on 21st and 22nd of November by 4pm local time.
    Winners from the two semi-final games will then lock horns for the ultimate prize in the epic final at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium on November 24.
    The Gold Cup Pre-season Tournament is sponsored by distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic, Dr. Buhari Abdul-Fatai (BAF), and proudly supported by Nigeria Football Federation Executive Committee Member, Alhaji  Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, foremost betting company, Bet9ja, Nigeria leading sportswear firm, ‘Owu’, Play Sportswear, Ekiti State Football Association, Naija League Magazine, Seyi Akinwunmi Foundation, Phoenix ASC, Sportspro, New-Bell Global Investment, 11th Media Global Concept, Phreestyle Sports and Vomoz Mobile.
  • Lobi Stars, Kwara Utd clash in 5th Gold Cup opener

    Lobi Stars, Kwara Utd clash in 5th Gold Cup opener

    • Gold Cup
  • Gold Cup Tourney: Wikkki Tourists pull out

    Gold Cup Tourney: Wikkki Tourists pull out

    Wikki Tourists of Bauchi have pulled out of the 4th edition of Gold Cup pre-season tournament a day before the kick-off of the competition.

    The tournament is scheduled to take place at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State from Friday November 25 to Saturday December 3, 2016.

    The club’s media officer Abdullahi Nasiru Kobi informed Sportinglife that the club withdrew because they have other two parallel pre-season tournaments.

    Kobi said the chairman of the club Isa Matori regretted club’s inability to attend the competition while hoping that the development will not affect the relationship between Wikki Tourists and the organizers.

    “We are not going to participate in the Gold Cup tournament in Ijebu-Ode. The reasons are; we have committed to another pre- season invitation tournament and it is also close to Super Four tournament. The arrangement is too close and we don’t want to exhaust our players before the Super Four tournament,” Kobi disclosed to SportingLife.

    He added: “The chairman expressed his regret over club’s inability to attend the Ijebu-Ode pre-season tournament. He hopes the development will not affect the relationship between our club and the organizers of the tournament.”

    Meanwhile, former Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Kano Pillars FC and Crown FC of Ogbomoso have arrived in Ijebu Ode, for the Tournament.

    The Pyramid City side who recently named ex-Shooting Stars Sports Club ( 3SC) of Ibadan coach, Kadiri Ikhana will begin their quest in the country’s most prestigious pre-season event on Saturday afternoon (4pm) against Nationwide League One (NLO) side FC Ebedei.

    Crown coach, Osho Fatai, will be leading the Ajilete Warriors against newly promoted Remo Stars FC in one of the Group B contest scheduled for Saturday evening.

  • Tornadoes Itchy to win Gold Cup *tackle FC Ebiede Friday

     
    Tornadoes coach Abubakar Bala has declared that winning the Gold cup tournament especially as new comers will be a major boost ahead of the new Premier league season in December.
    Bala who has reduced his team to 30 players after serious screening admitted that it was not an easy decisions as virtually all the players look good noting however that there was no way he could take everybody.
    “Winning the Gold cup will no doubt be a major boost for us especially considering that we are new comers, but we intend to do our very best,” he said.
    The level of competition witnessed last season according to him is an indication that the new season will be full of fireworks. “Preparation for next season has to be thorough and we are taking it seriously, we have reduced the team to 30 man squad to remain here with us for the Gold Cup.
    “It was a tough decision for us, but as professionals the technical crew ensured that we select the best,”, he said adding that the Gold Cup will provide ample opportunity to watch the new additions in real match situations.
    “I am happy that the boys showed high level of maturity after I named the 30-man squad. Those that could not make the team are even wished the club well as they move on with their lives.
    Tornadoes will kick off the Gold Cup on Friday against FC Ebiede in Ijebu Ode. The Minna based side had earlier played some friendly matches against New Generation Academy of Lagos, Lobi Stars and Rangers respectively.