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Tag: Ikhana

  • Ikhana,  Adiki  credit poor system for  Rivers United’s setback in continental cup

    Ikhana,  Adiki  credit poor system for  Rivers United’s setback in continental cup

    Former CAF Champions League winner and ex-Super Falcons coach Kadiri Ikhana has delivered a blunt assessment of the state of Nigerian football, describing the ongoing decline as “a bad period caused by years of neglect and lack of organisation.”

    Speaking in a radio programme after Rivers United’s disappointing CAF Champions League performance, Ikhana said he was “not surprised” by the result and insisted that the problem extends far beyond a single club.

    “We have been talking about our football for quite some time now. It is not about Rivers United alone,” Ikhana said.

    “It happened to Remo Stars, Kwara United and Abia Warriors, and could happen to any team in Nigeria. We are not ready to reorganise ourselves.”

    The veteran coach added that Nigerian clubs “do not prepare adequately for CAF competitions,” noting that failure has now become a recurring trend.

    Read Also: Cristian Ebere seals historic title for Nacional with last-minute goal

    Ikhana’s comments echo sentiments shared by football analysts across Africa.

    SuperSport pundits recently criticised Nigerian clubs for “poor preseason planning” and “inconsistent technical structures,” while CAF technical reports over the past three seasons have highlighted tactical disorganisation and weak physical conditioning as recurring weaknesses for NPFL clubs.

    Former Julius Berger midfielder Hilary Adiki also weighed in, saying the outcome of the match was “expected” based on historical patterns.

    “Whenever Nigerian teams face North or Southern African clubs, we struggle,” Adiki said.

    “Our league is far behind theirs, so we usually play second fiddle. At least it wasn’t a scandalous score line like Remo Stars suffered against Sundowns.”

    Analysts from The Athletic Africa and BBC Africa Sport have likewise argued that Nigerian football’s structural issues — inadequate investment, inconsistent league calendars, stadium problems, and lack of youth development — continue to widen the gap between NPFL clubs and their North African counterparts.

    Ikhana concluded with a call for urgent reform :“We need to recall experienced coaches and rebuild properly if we want the good days to return.”

  • Ex-International Ikhana stable, requires further treatment

    Ex-International Ikhana stable, requires further treatment

    Renowned former international and veteran football coach, Kadiri Ikhana, is now in stable condition after a recent health scare that saw him admitted to Irrua Specialist Hospital in Edo State. 

    Prince Harrison Jalla, from Auchi, Edo State, who shared the update, informed he was temporarily discharged by 2:00 pm yesterday under close medical observation.

    Ikhana’s current progress is the result of a strong and unified response from family, friends, and well-meaning Nigerians. 

    His three sons, along with his sister and Hon. Austin Braimoh, have been at the forefront of his care, ensuring he receives the necessary attention. 

    Their efforts have been complemented by the tireless support of football legend Chief Segun Odegbami (MON), who has consistently kept the public informed about Ikhana’s condition, as well as Chief Adokie Amiesimaka (MON), another ex-international who has shown unwavering concern.

    While his condition has stabilised, Coach Ikhana still requires further medical attention to ensure full recovery. Updates regarding the next steps for his continued care will be communicated to the relevant authorities in due course.

  • ‘Ikhana knows how to push Pillars’

    ‘Ikhana knows how to push Pillars’

    Kano Pillars goalkeeper Danladi Isa has hailed the contributions of coach Kadiri Ikhana in their 2-0 triumph against Gombe United at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

    Substitute Musa Najare netted twice in the second half to help the Sai Masu Gida side silenced Manu Garba’s men in a pulsating Week 14 encounter in Kano.

    The former Plateau United player pledged they will maintain their good form when they face Abia Warriors at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Sunday.

    “We played goalless in the first half and scored two goals in the second half to win the match,” Isa told Goal.

    “A lot is improving at Kano Pillars with the kind of quality players we have in the team and the technical adviser, who I must confess is a great man.

    “He [Kadiri Ikhana] knows how to push his team up. A lot happened in the dressing room after the first half. He gave us a lot of motivational words after we couldn’t score in the first half.

    “Like, we should go into the second half putting the first half behind us and forge ahead.

    “We should put it at the back of our mind that we must come out with nothing less than victory. And that’s what happened.

    “It is a good one for us and generally rewarding for our collective efforts as a team. The form the team is on now is what we’ve been longing to get. This is the right time to keep it. Everyone is pushing to see the team succeed.

    “Well, we want to go to Umuahia and see that we can get from the game against Abia Warriors. We are already getting prepared for the match.”

     

  • Ikhana echoes Kano Pillars title push

    Ikhana echoes Kano Pillars title push

    Kano Pillars technical adviser Kadiri Ikhana has reiterated Sai masu Gida’s title ambition following a 1-1 draw with Remo Stars in a week eleven Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) encounter at the Shagamu Stadium in Ogun State on Wednesday.

    Victor Mbaoma opened scoring for Remo Stars in the 36th minute before Rabiu Ali equalised for the visitors with a powerful strike in the 86th minute to earn a vital away draw for the Pyramid City outfit.

    Ikhana believes that with the calibre of players in the team and support of Kano State Government his target to win the league this season will be achieved.

    “Getting a point against Rivers United in Port Harcourt and here in Shagamu against Remo Stars indicates that my boys now understand themselves better and gradually they are now becoming a team everybody is proud of. We will continue to work harder and push for the title,” Ikhana said to SportingLife.

    The Chairman Kano Sports commission who accompanied the team to Shagamu commended Sai Masu Gida for getting the vital point, charging them to be focused in the challenges ahead of them.

    He assured that Kano State Government would not relent in its efforts in giving priority to their welfare.

    Pillars will host Wikki Tourists on Sunday at the Sani Abacha Stadium in a rescheduled week 8 match.

  • Away draw is a motivating factor – Ikhana

    Away draw is a motivating factor – Ikhana

    Kano Pillars’ head coach, Kadiri Ikhana has said that his side’s away draw against Rivers United in a rescheduled Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Wednesday is a morale booster to his team.

    Amos Gyang scored a stunning header in the second half to hand Kano Pillars a share of the spoils against Rivers United after Godbless Asamoah had given United the lead in first half stoppage time with a supreme finish but the hosts were pegged back after the break as Pillars fought back to claim its first away point of the season.

    Ikhana also claimed that Sai Masu Gida were lucky to avoid defeat in Port Harcourt.

    He advised Rivers United head Coach Stanley Eguma to be focused in their CAF matches and try to win away match in order to go far in the competition.

    “The point is a great one and it would be a motivating factor to the team in the next matches, particularly away games. The game was good because the two teams played very well and it is not easy to get a point here considering the form of Rivers United who is playing in the CAF Champions League,” Ikhana said.

    Pillars will host Katsina United on Sunday in a match day 10 encounter at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.

  • Pillars are under pressure, Ikhana admits

    Pillars are under pressure, Ikhana admits

     

    Kano Pillars FC Technical , Kadiri Ikhana (MON) has said the players, technical crew, management and fans of the club are under pressure to succeed.
    Ikhana said the Sai Masu Gida family are worried because of the club’s unimpressive performances so far in the on going season.
    He expressed concern on how his boys are finding it difficault to convert their chances while playing league matches unlike during the pre-season which he said they are now working hard to save the situation.
    “The government and people of Kano as well as all fans have high expectation from the club but I am assuring them that they would not be disappointed,” Kadiri stated.
    The former Kano Pillars manager said the two outstanding matches against Rivers United and Wikki Tourists FC are very difficult, stressing that the team is intensifying training and friendly matches to keep his boys fit for the encounters.
    He explained that his players and technical crew are aware of the task ahead of them, urging fans to be patient that all things would be okey very soon.
    He praised the Kano State government and management of the club for their financial support to the team and described the club as one of the best in the country in term of discipline.
    Pillars FC will visit Rivers United for the rescheduled match day 8 fixture in Port Harcourt on February 22.

  • Ikhana gets continental ticket target

    Ikhana gets continental ticket target

    • Pillars retain Baleria as chief
    coach, sack two coaches
    • Drop Yaro Yaro to
    junior team

    The management of Kano Pillars has set a continental target for its new technical adviser, Kadiri Ikhana.

    The former African coach of the year was appointed on Sunday on a one-year contract to replace former manager, Mohammed BabaGanaru who has since joined Wikki Tourists.

    The club’s chairman, Tukur Babangida disclosed to SportingLife that Ikhana was appointed because of his experience on the job.

    “Ikhana is a disciplined coach and we need discipline in our team. He is an experienced coach and I believe we will gain a lot from him. He is on a year contract with a target of getting us a continental ticket. I believe it is achievable,” Babangida told SportingLife.

    It was learnt that Sai Masu Gida retained Kabiru Baleria as chief coach while two assistant coaches Abdulsalam Abubakar and Hassan Abdullah’s contracts were terminated while the head coach of junior team, Ibrahim Musa was moved to the senior team.

    Also, Ahmed Garba Yaro Yaro from the senior team moved to the junior team as head coach to be assisted by Nasiru Rasha and Garzali Muhammad while Rabiu Baita is to serve as team manager.

    “The two coaches were dropped based on the contract they signed with the club during the mid-season transfer window. Yaro Yaro has been charged to develop the youth team so that we can have enough quality that can be useful to the senior team,” Babangida said.

  • Ikhana to return to 3SC dug out against Warri Wolves

    Ikhana to return to 3SC dug out against Warri Wolves

    Recuperated 3SC head coach, Kadiri Ikhana will return to his duty post on Wednesday to ditch out instructions from the dug out when the Oluyole Warriors face Warri Wolves in a tough NPFL Match Day 16 tie in Ibadan after recovering from stress.

    Ikhana was not on the technical bench during the club’s last two matches against Plateau United and Enugu Rangers but has been offering technical instructions and support to ensure that the Ibadan side recover from their agonising 6-0 away loss to Kano Pillars.

    The Media Officer of the club, Jubril Arowolo told SportingLife that they were relieved to secure their first away point of the season and that they are more so delighted that their head coach, Kadiri Ikhana would be present after recovering from stress.

    3SC are 17th on the log with 17 points from 15 games.

  • Ikhana begs Ajimobi over 3SC players’ 5-month unpaid salaries

    Ikhana begs Ajimobi over 3SC players’ 5-month unpaid salaries

    Coach Kadiri Ikhana of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan on Saturday appealed to the Oyo State Government to pay the club’s players their outstanding five-month salaries.

    Ikhana said his players had been honouring their league matches discontented, hungry and unhappy, adding that they could only play well if they ate well.

    “It has been tough for the team recently, especially when we have to play eight matches in 16 days. Now we are going on a long journey to play against

    Nasarawa United and Kano Pillars. The players have been going out there to play matches on empty stomachs and I am appealing to the government to do more on the unpaid salaries,’’ he said.

    Ikhana told newsmen in Ibadan, after his team defeated visiting Heartland Football Club of Owerri 2-1, that his players’ morale was down as a result of the situation.

    Meanwhile, coach Alphonsus Dike of Heartland FC has described his team’s loss to 3SC as unfortunate, adding that they lost it in their defence. He however alleged that there was a general distraction for his team in the game from the spectators, which he said “was unruly and uncalled for’’.

    Dike said his team would now have to return to base and strategise on how to win their remaining matches.

  • Ikhana claims 13 3SC players injured

    Ikhana claims 13 3SC players injured

    Shooting Stars coach, Kadiri Ikhana has disclosed that the injury to as many as 13 players has been the reason the Ibadan club are not firing.

    Shooting Stars have now moved to the top half of the table after a 2-0 home win over struggling Ikorodu United.

    However, they lost the Oyo State Federation Cup to local rival Crown FC.

    Veteran coach Ikhana said 3SC registered 31 players and with this long list of injured players, they have struggled well enough.

    “We don’t have a team yet! We have 31 players, 13 are injured, only 18 players are available for selection who we have been using, we played a bit better against Ikorodu United because of the little rest we had after our FA Cup game,” lamented Ikhana.