Tag: Ikhana

  • …Club set to unveil Ikhana as new technical adviser

    …Club set to unveil Ikhana as new technical adviser

    The management of Kano Pillars of Kano is set to unveil Coach Kadiri Ikhana as its new technical adviser.

    Sportinglife gathered from a source in the team, that the former international would be unveiled in the next few weeks. Quoting the source who is a top official of the team, ‘I think we are more familiar with Kadiri Ikhana. He has worked with us in the past, and he has good records to show for it, so we would be more comfortable with him. This is not taking anything away from Coach Okey Emordi who is also good in his own pedigree, but it is only one of them that we need to hire’ he said.

    When Sportinglife contacted the Chairman of the club, Abba Yola, on this, he was not forthcoming, but said ‘one thing that we are sure now is that it is either Kadiri Ikhana or Okey Emordi we would engage. We have made our recommendations to the government, and we are waiting for their approval. One thing you should know is that we would announce our Coach very soon. There is no cause for alarm,we are very much on course’ he concluded.

  • Kano Pillars undecided on Emordi, Ikhana

    Kano Pillars undecided on Emordi, Ikhana

    Nigerian champions, Kano Pillars are undecided on which of the duo of Kadiri Ikhana and Okey Emordi to lead their team for the 2013/14 Glo Premier League season.

    Already the Pyramid City side have contracted three undisclosed Italians to work with the yet to be named coach.

    The duo have been shortlisted for the plum job but the Pillars management is yet to agree on whom to hand over the mantle of leadership.

    An official of Kano Pillars, Idris Malikawa said the board is still assessing the two coaches and will very soon name one of them to lead the side in their Africa and domestic league campaigns.

    “The government has mandated the board to go ahead and name a coach for the side. The board’s searchlight has been narrowed down to Kadiri Ikhana and Okey Emordi. They have been interviewed by the technical committee specially set up for the purpose.

    “The board is still assessing the two coaches and once they are satisfied one of them will be named the head coach to work with the Italians already contracted. The board is mindful of the expectations of Nigerians and is asking for their patience and prayer too to assist the board to do what is right.

    “Kano Pillars want to go to the continent to contest for the title not to make up the numbers and that’s why we’re taking time to ensure we give Nigerians the best representation by naming the best coach for the side,” Malikawa said to supersport.com.

    Malikawa said the side will approach the test game against the domestic Super Eagles on Monday in Abuja like they will against the CAF Champions League opponents, AS Vita of DR Congo.

    “We want to take the friendly tie against the domestic Eagles on Monday as seriously as we would approach the first game against the DR Congo side, AS Vita in the CAF Champions League tie.

    “Victory is on our minds, nothing short of outright victory will be acceptable to us. The technical crew has recalled selected players from the break for the crucial encounter, that’s to tell you we’re not taking the test game lightly.

    “It’s a must win game for us and opportunity for us to test our players as well as let Nigerians into what we’ve in stock for them in the coming season,” Malikawa said.

    The build-up clash will be the Eagles’ last practice game before they head off to South Africa for the third African Nations Championship (CHAN) where they are pitched in Group A with the hosts, South Africa, Mali and Mozambique.

  • Ikhana beats Emordi to Pillars post

    Ikhana beats Emordi to Pillars post

    Kadiri Ikhana is set for a sensational return to Nigeria champions Kano Pillars ahead of Okey Emordi, MTNFootball.com has learnt.

    MTNFootball.com has specially gathered that both coaches were interviewed in Kaduna on Wednesday by the technical committee of Pillars led by Rabiu Mohammed.

    “Ikhana is the popular choice to replace Baba Ganaru as Pillars coach. He already has the backing of the club’s influential fans, who remember he was the one who led them to win their first league title in 2008,” a top source disclosed.

    Last season, ex-Super Falcons coach Ikhana piloted Nasarawa United to safety and thereafter vowed he was through with club coaching. It will be the second time he would make such a declaration as he did same after his time with Kwara United two seasons ago.

    Both Ikhana and Emordi guided Enyimba to win the CAF Champions League in 2003 and 2004, respectively. And Pillars aim to become only the second Nigerian club to win the Champions League next year after they reached the semi-finals in 2009.

  • No change of heart for Ikhana

    No change of heart for Ikhana

    Nasarawa United coach, Kadiri Ikhana has said there is no going back on his decision to quit active coaching job for the rest his ilfe.

    The former Kwara United coach guided the Lafia-based side to a 13th place finish on 52 points at the just concluded 2012/2013 Glo Premier League season.

    The former Super Falcons coach hinted shortly after his side secured a point at Akwa United in the Glo Premier League Matchday 33 tie in Uyo that he was done with coaching once his tenure at Nasarawa United ended.

    Ikhana said he had left the coaching job stage for the upcoming coaches as he could only accept technical director position from any club side.

    “I can direct but never to sit on the bench as coach; that practice is over for me. I’ve decided to leave the stage for the younger coaches. Active coaching job is not good for my health as one is no longer getting younger. I can only take up a job as technical director or consultant where I can offer my expert and technical advices to the coaches,” said the former Nigerian defender to supersport.com.

    Ikhana declined the probing if he would continue as consultant at Nasarawa United if asked by the management of the side.

    “I’m done with the job at Nasarawa United and we did very well given the circumstances under which we found ourselves. At least, we secured the side Premier League position. Not only Nasarawa United but the entire state are making overtures at me to continue in that capacity at the side in the upcoming season but I’m yet to give any commitment, rather I want things to take their natural circle,” Ikhana said.

  • Kadiri Ikhana submits technical report

    Kadiri Ikhana submits technical report

    • Nasarawa Utd go on two-week break 

    The management of Nasarawa United has received end-of-the-season technical reports from the team’s head coach, Kadiri Ikhana. The club’s chairman, Isaac Danladi disclosed this on his return from a Kenya trip, adding that the management will study the reports with a keen interest to make an adjustment where it is necessary.

    “We’ve received a technical report from the coaching crew headed by Kadiri Ikhana. We are going to give it all the necessary attention it requires. We will prepare well for the next season in ensuring that we don’t find ourselves in this kind of situation again,” Danladi said.

    The chairman of the Club Owners’ Association also added that the players and technical crew have embarked on a two-week break. He said that the team will resume on November 10. Danladi, who was full of joy, thanked players and the technical crew for saving the club from relegation when no one gave the team a chance of survival.

    “We met with the players and the technical crew to thank them and show our appreciation for what they’ve done for the team. It was the hard work of players, technical crew, management and the support from the state government that saved the club from relegation because nobody gave us a chance,” he said.

    “I thank our fans and those that supported us during our trying period. We’ve learnt our lessons and our experience during the struggle has helped us to know who our friends really are. The 2012/2013 season was too tight and the margins between the league winners and the relegated teams are very slim.

    “I remain eternally grateful to the Special Adviser to the state governor on Sport, Hon. Silas Agara for giving us an enabling environment to operate. We thank him sincerely and we want him to do more for us next season. We will ensure that the club put up an excellent performance next season.”

  • Ikhana quits coaching again

    Ikhana quits coaching again

    Nasarawa United coach, Kadiri Ikhana has said he is done with coaching once his tenure at the Lafia-based side is completed at the end of the season.

    The former Kwara United manager guided his side to pick a point at Akwa United in the Glo Premier League Matchday 33 encounter at the Uyo Township Stadium on Sunday.

    Striker Victor Namo scored from the penalty spot to level score for his side in the 42nd minute after the home side took the lead in the 33rd minute through top scorer, Mfon Udoh.

    Ikhana, who said he is almost at the verge of guaranteeing the side a place in the Premier League next season, said he will not take up any coaching job from any side in the future.

    “I won’t be coaching any other club side in future, I think the younger coaches can take it up from where I stopped.

    “Right now I’m not even coaching Nasarawa United but offering consultancy service to the side which runs out at the end of the season, so I won’t be available for any club next season.

    “I told Nasarawa people that their darling club won’t go on relegation but remain in the Premier League and five matches to go I think we’re almost there guaranteeing the side a spot in the elite league.

    “The team not only played very well today (Sunday) to deserve a point but they’re steadily improving with each game which is heartwarming to me right now.

    “They ably deserved the point they picked at Akwa United, I think the point will serve as morale booster in the side next home game against 3SC,” said the former Enyimba coach to supersport.com.

    The point at Akwa United has upped Nasarawa United total earning to 43 from a possible 99.

  • Ikhana: Nasarawa United is  well  motivated

    Ikhana: Nasarawa United is well motivated

    Nasarawa United Technical Adviser, Kadiri Ikhana has told

    SportingLife that his boys are well motived ahead of Sunday’s local derby Globacom Premier League clash against Lobi Stars at the Emmanuel Atongo Stadium, Katsina-Ala.

    The former Kano Pillars manager recorded his first win for the Solid Miners with a 4-0 thrashing of Dolphins FC in a matchday 28 clash at the Lafia Township Stadium on Wednesday. The former Kwara United coach suffered a 2-0 defeat to Gombe United in his first game in charge of the team.

    Ikhana told SportingLife that his mission at the moment is to get the team out of the relegation zone.

    “My mission at the moment now is to get the club out of the relegation zone. Judging by the two matches we have played so far, we are improving match after match,” Ikahna told SportingLife.

    Lobi Stars went away with a point in the first leg encounter in Lafia but the former Sharks FC of Port-Harcourt gaffer added that the victory against Dolphins on Wednesday will inspire his wards against the Markurdi-based side.

    “The win against Dolphins is a motivating thing to the team. It is a local derby which will make the game very interesting. Lobi got a draw here and there is nothing stoping us from getting something there too. That is football for you. I hope at the end of the day there will be light at the end of the tunnel for the team,” he said.

    Nasarawa United Chairman, Isaac Danladi also expressed confidence of the club’s ability to beat Lobi.

    He said:”The boys have raised their game. And with the current form of our players we expect nothing less than victory against Lobi Stars. The current form and determination of the technical crew headed by new technical adviser Khadiri Ikhana, the team will come back to Lafia with victory. We can beat Lobi Stars,” Danladi said.

  • Ikhana records first win with Nasarawa United

    Ikhana records first win with Nasarawa United

    RELEGATION BATTLE:

    • Lafia team spanks Dolphins 4-0
    • Victor Namo bags hat-trick

    MR fix it’, Coach Kadiri Ikhana, recorded his first win with Nasarawa Utd who spanked Dolphins FC of Port-Harcourt 4-0 in the Globacom Premier League match day 28 game decided at the Lafia Township Stadium.

    Ikhana, who marked his return to the topflight with a defeat to Gombe Utd on match day 27, after he left Sharks last season, was all smiles as Victor Namo bagged a hat-trick in Nasarawa Utd biggest win this season.

    The Lafia team wrapped up their 10th victory of the season within the first half, as Victor Namo got the game going for the bottom placed with a 3rd minute goal

    Namo then doubled the lead in 24th while Habu Mohammed ensured that his team was home and dry when he added the third goal in the 44th minute to the delight of the home fans.

    Former Kano Pillars ace, Namo then got his second for the evening as he put the icing on the cake in the 80th minute with a penalty to put the game beyond the reach of the Garden City team.

    Reacting after the victory, the media officer to the Lafia side, Musa Elayo said: “This is the first major win for us this season.

    “Ikhana has brought more bite into the team. The players were more determined than before. This will go a long way to change the status of the team.”

    For Dolphins Chief Coach, Hassan Abubakar, the score line he said was magic to him.

    “I can’t believe the score line, it’s just like magic.

    “We had a good game plan as we began the game but along the line we conceded an early goal and from there, things got from bad to worse.

    “On the officiating, I can’t be complaining, as it’s not all the time one does that as football is not always about winning.

    “We just have to go back and prepare hard for Enyimba.”

  • Nasarawa: Ikhana can do magic

    Nasarawa: Ikhana can do magic

    Troubled Nasarawa United have appointed experienced coach Kadiri Ikhana to lead them out of relegation, saying he has the magic wand.

    Ikhana replaces Alphonsus Dike, who was axed after a spate of poor results which has seen nasarawa languish at second from bottom of the table with 33 points from 26 matches.

    Club chairman Isaac Danladi told MTNFootball.com the decision was taken on Wednesday after considering all the options they had.

    “We have appointed Kadiri Ikhana to lead our team on a short-term deal.

    “We needed someone with the magic wand to lead the team out of relegation and after considering our options, we choose Ikhana, he is highly experienced and has all it takes to lead the team. We trust him.

    “He will be in charge for our remaining matches this season,” Danladi disclosed.

    The ex-Falcons coach has handled El Kanemi, BCC Lions, Kwara United, Sunshine Stars, Sharks, Enyimba and Kano Pillars. He also had a stint with Mohammedan Sporting Club of Bangladesh in 1996.

    It is a surprise return for the former solder, who had declared he was through with club football after he quit Kwara United.

  • Ikhana eyes win against Ivory Coast

    Ikhana eyes win against Ivory Coast

    •Kick-off 5.30pm 

    SUPER FALCONS’ manager, Kadiri Ikhana said his wards will emerge leaders of Group B at the ongoing AWC in Equatorial Guinea.

    The Nigerians will tackle Cote d’Ivoire today at the Estadio de Malabo in the group’s last game. The Cup holders lead the pack on six points against their opponents’ three points same as Cameroon.

    The Falcons need a point against the Ivoirens to emerge group winners.

    Ikhana said his wards will go for an outright victory against their West African foes even with their foot rooted in the semifinals.

    “The Super Falcons want to finish as group winners. A draw will give us the top spot but we’re going all out for an emphatic win. We want a 100% record, that’s what is on our minds right now.

    “The Ivoriens are an aggressive side especially in the attack. They’re a strong opposition and we have to be on top of our game to defeat them,” he said.

    Both sides have arrived Malabo for the final Group B clash today.

    The Nigerians were greeted on arrival at Malabo Airport aboard Ceiba flight by appreciating Nigerian fans bearing their national flag. The fans assisted with the team’s luggage en route to their abode, Hotel Tropicana.

    The encounter comes up by 5.30pm Nigerian time.