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  • NFF Hastens Preparations For Algeria Friendly

    NFF Hastens Preparations For Algeria Friendly

    The NFF has  concluded arrangements for  next week’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Algeria in Constantine.

     Although Nigeria has already picked the only ticket from group B of the African qualifying series, following the defeat of Zambia in Uyo on 7thOctober, the country’s football –ruling organ says it is taking the match as a serious matter.

     

    “The temptation is there to rest on oars because we have already qualified. But we would not do that. I am happy the technical crew led by the Technical Adviser has already made it known they would be fielding Nigeria’s best squad on the day.

     

    “The Secretariat must quickly finalise all arrangements. The match in Constantine must be seen as a FIFA World Cup preparation match, just like the one against Argentina in Russia four days later. We will go with our best and give our best, to get in the FIFA World Cup mood,” NFF President Amaju Pinnick told thenff.com.

     

    World football –ruling body, FIFA has appointed Gabonese referee, Eric Arnaud Otogo Castane as the referee for the match in Constantine, to be assisted by Aboubacar Doumbouya (Guinea, assistant referee 1), Seydou Tiama (Burkina Faso, assistant referee 2) and Juste Ephrem Zio (Burkina Faso, fourth official).

     

    Rene Daniel Louzaya from Congo will be referee assessor while Omer Kouame Dehoule from Cote d’Ivoire as match commissioner.

     

    The match at the Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui will kick off at 8.30pm Algeria time.

  • NFF directs Committee to submit road map for Russia 2018 World Cup

    NFF directs Committee to submit road map for Russia 2018 World Cup

    The  Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has directed its technical Committee to draw up a road map for Russia 2018 World Cup within 3 weeks.

    Hon. Suleiman Kwande  told  Sportinglife that the NFF hopes   the Super Eagles can  go beyond the group stage and if possible to the semi-final of the World Cup.

    He said: “The NFF  is focused and we intend to do more especially for  the players and the technical crew. We want to make sure that the players allowances and bonuses  are packaged before the kick off of the tournament  to avoid distraction from any quarter.”. Kwande said.

  • Hubris setting in on NFF?

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), under Amaju Pinnick, has set a record in Nigeria’s FIFA World Cup quest.  Unlike in the past when the last round of qualifying matches equated severe heartaches, and even grimmer permutation in the anxiety-gripped Nigerian mind, this season is easy does it.

    Nigeria has already landed in Russia.  Whatever happens in November in Algeria — win, lose or draw — is absolutely of no significance.  Nigeria could go in for the highest possible qualification haul; with it hoping to land an easier opening group at the Mundial.  Algeria too might want to save some national pride.  But beyond these, absolutely no issue.

    Which might be why, it would appear, Christopher Greene, NFF Technical Committee chairman,  is talking like a greenhorn, flexing muscles over nothing when he ought to focus his minds on the substance, and creating what may yet become a useless controversy over Vincent Enyeama.  According to  Sporting Life (the sports paper in The Nation stable),  Mr. Greene threatened Gernot Rohr with sack, should he continue with his come-back talk with Enyeama, former Eagles skipper and number 1 goalkeeper, before he retired — or more accurately, forced into retirement — by former manager, Sunday Oliseh.

    To be sure, Oliseh was a lethal weapon of mass destruction, the way he in no time destroyed the team the late Stephen Keshi left behind, forcing many senior team members to quit (Enyeama’s case was particularly instructive, for it came from disputes over permission or not to attend to a domestic issue and demotion as captain), en route to running the team aground.

    Perhaps struck by the gargoyle he had created, Oliseh himself fled, leaving the team in the lurch, on the virtual eve of crucial World Cup and AFCON qualifying matches.  But thank God: Rohr came and, with his team of near-rookies, he walked through the virtual shadows of death unscathed —  and qualified in style.

    Which makes Greene’s threat of we-sack-you-should-you-again- talk-to-Enyeama as rather amusing, if not outright ludicrous, in more senses than one.

    For starters, who so easily dismisses a coach that would appear on the way to building a formidable team out of almost nothing?

    Then, who sacks a coach, not because he didn’t deliver on his contractual mandate but because of the pettiness of talking or not talking to a player he may be convinced is crucial to the success of his assignment — and in a milieu where the same NFF blares “giving Rohr a free hand” as some newfound NFF national anthem?

    Greene and co — if he has any sympathizer in house — should stop playing God.  Rohr has been diligent in his work.  Yes, Rohr wouldn’t have been possible but for the astuteness of the NFF Board.  That is  marvellous — even then, that is a management function, which should stay at the NFF Boardroom.

    But it was also a saving grace — the same NFF board that invited Oliseh to rout the team has brilliantly made thing good with Rohr.

    Still, to come into the open and threaten the manager on such inanity, which reeks with pettiness?  Absolute balderdash!

    Let Rohr be free to talk to and pick any player he feels is central to his plans.  He will stand or fall by his choice of players.  It would appear reassuring though that the NFF secretary-general has disowned the Greene comment, saying the NFF didn’t know about it.

    That is the direction to go.  We can’t because of the hubris of a few create a distraction that could plague the team in Russia.

  • 2018 W/Cup: NFF eyes quarter finals for Super Eagles

    2018 W/Cup: NFF eyes quarter finals for Super Eagles

  • Nigeria Can Win 2018 World Cup in Russia – Pinnick

    Nigeria Can Win 2018 World Cup in Russia – Pinnick

    President of Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, says Nigeria can lift the 2018 World Cup in Russia in the light of the preparations the association is putting in place.

    Pinnick expressed the optimism during the official opening of the Federation’s Annual General Assembly in Jos on Thursday.

    The NFF president said that the country was well positioned now after it had overcome the challenges that bedeviled the nation’s football, particularly the previous year.

    “Our highest achievement is the qualification for the World Cup. Secondly, the preparations for world cup have commenced in earnest as compared to the previous years.

    “With the kind of preparations we are putting in place, I think we can win the World Cup,” he said.

    On the financial aspect, Pinnick said that NFF had been given a clean bill of health, according to the report he received the previous night.

    The federation’s president commended the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Solomon Dalung, for his unflinching support to the football house.

    According to him, the minister makes sure that the federation meets all its needs during the Super Eagles’ qualification for the world cup.

    He said Dalung’s support also made the nation’s early qualification possible, with the Algeria’s match being a mere formality.

    Declaring the Assembly open, Gov. Simon Lalong of Plateau thanked NFF for choosing the state for the event in spite the recent violent incidents caused by unidentified gunmen.

    Lalong, who was represented by the state Commissioner of Sports, Mr. Danladi Mann, commended the football house’s efforts at improving the administration of the nation’s football.

    The governor expressed the hope that Plateau United, the reigning champion of Nigeria Professional Football League, would win the CAF Champions League in its first participation in the tournament.

    In his remarks, Mr. Shehu Dikko, 2nd Vice-President of NFF said that sponsorship for the nation’s football had improved remarkably.

    He said that more sponsors were willing to partner with NFF and traced the development to what he said the body was doing in the football administration.

    Read Also:World Cup to Gulp 50% of NFF’s Budget for 2018?

  • Best Football Awards: FIFA extends invitation to AITECO CEO

    Best Football Awards: FIFA extends invitation to AITECO CEO

     President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick has described as ‘well –deserved’ FIFA’s invitation of Mr. Francis Peters, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of AITEO Group to next week’s FIFA Best Football Awards in London.

     “The invitation is a recognition of AITEO’s excellent support for Nigerian Football, which continues to expand, and this is an indication of the several possibilities derivable from supporting the game of football. Other corporate organizations should take a cue.

     “AITEO Group takes the cake for the way they came in big to back the NFF and Nigerian Football, and our partnership is one that is guaranteed to last for a long time and be mutually beneficial,” Pinnick said on Thursday.

     After sealing a partnership agreement for sponsorship of salaries of Coaches of the various National Teams, the leading energy solution company then annexed the country’s oldest and most glamorous football championship, the old FA Cup, with a multi –million naira sponsorship that has given a new life to the competition, which first edition was successfully concluded with the women’s finale in Jos on Wednesday.

     Pinnick insists Peters’ invitation to London is in recognition of AITEO’s groundbreaking partnership agreements with the Nigeria Football Federation that have energized the Nigerian game and set it on firm course to a brighter and better future.

     The letter of invitation dated 27 September 2017 and addressed to Mr. Francis Ikena Peters, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of AITEO Group, read, inter alia: “It is our pleasure to invite you to celebrate The Best of the football season in London.

     “The second edition of The Best FIFA Football Awards will take the game’s official annual celebration to even greater heights. Players, coaches and fans from around the world are already voting, and on 23 October, the greatest names in football will gather for the award show that crowns the top performers of the season.”

     The 2nd edition of The Best FIFA Football Awards will take place at the London Palladium, on Argyll Street, Soho, London on the night of Monday, 23rdOctober 2017.

  • Mabo charges CAF to encourage female football

    Mabo charges CAF to encourage female football

     Former Super Falcon Coach Ismalia Mabo, has decried the low pace of female football development in Africa and charged,. the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF)  to introduce more competitions  for women such as Champions League and Confederation Cup.
  • World Cup to Gulp 50% of NFF’s Budget for 2018?

    World Cup to Gulp 50% of NFF’s Budget for 2018?

    The governing body of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will on Thursday presents the federation’s buget for 2018 at the 2017 Annual General Assembly that will hold in Jos..

    As gathered over 50% of the drafted budget revolved the national football team which will be showcasing the country’s flag at the 2018 FIFA World cup in Russia. The value of the 50% will be gotten Thursday when NFF is expected to present the budget at the assembly.

    At the all stakeholders general assembly, Amaju Pinnick led NFF Executive Committe will be seeking the approval of the 2018 budget. According to an impeacable source close to the glasshouse who shared optimism that the NFF Executives have made roumbos budget for the 2018 World Cup year said financial statement is among other core matter arising that will be deliberated at the forum. .

    He said “I don’t know if 50% of the Budget is for the World Cup. But what i know is that there are plans upon approval will cater for the Super eagles and other national competitions for the propose year.”

    Meanwhile, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, confirmed to thenff.com on Tuesday that all arrangements have been concluded for a hitch –free and memorable day for all members of the NFF Congress, invited dignitaries and other stakeholders.

    He said, those expected to be in attendance at the assembly include; Chairmen and Secretaries of the Football Associations of all 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory, Chairmen and Secretaries of the various Leagues, Referees Association, Coaches Association and the Players’ Union, the members of the NFF Executive Committee and Management, and stakeholders of the game invited for the purpose.

    According to sanusi, Items on the agenda for Thursday’s session also include presentation of the Consolidated and Revised Balance Sheet and Profit-and-Loss Statement, presentation of the Financial Statement for approval, presentation of the 2018 Budget for approval, votes on proposals for amendments to the Statutes, the regulations governing the application of the Statutes and the standing orders of the General Assembly, as well as discussion of any further items proposed by the Members or by the Executive Committee.

    The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Barr. Simon Bako Lalong will declare the General Assembly open, and Youth and Sports Minister Solomon Dalung has also been invited to the opening ceremony.

    During the business of the assembly proper, NFF President Amaju Pinnick will present his address, encapsulating activities within the football sector since the last assembly and the Federation’s plans for the year 2018, while General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi will also present the activity report.

  • AITEO Cup win- ‘Our resilience to play continental football’

    AITEO Cup win- ‘Our resilience to play continental football’

    Akwa United goalkeeper, Olorunleke Ojo, on Tuesday said that the team’s drive to win AITEO Cup on Sunday was a result of their resilience to play continental football next season.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akwa United won the maiden edition of the AITEO Cup on Sunday at the Agege Township Stadium on Sunday 3-2 against Niger Tornadoes.

    The team played under the watchful eyes of their number one supporter, Gov. Emmanuel Udom, who led other members of Akwa Ibom cabinet and his Lagos State counterpart, Akinwunmi Ambode.

    Other VIPs that graced the epic final were the CAF President, Ahmad Ahmad, with some CAF top hierarchy, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), President, Amaju Pinnick and the Vice-President, Seyi Akinwunmi.

    Ojo was, however, hero of the match at his last gap penalty save earned his team a 3-2 win over hard fighting Niger Tornadoes.

    The lanky goalkeeper adjudged the best goalkeeper of the tournament, told NAN on the sidelines of the match that the failure to clinch the last ticket in the just-concluded league propelled their victory.

    “Our last experience in the Nigeria Professional League (NPFL) where we lost the chance to secure the last spot of the continental ticket is a drive. We wanted to play in the continent.

    “We are a team with immense confidence and experience, so we are motivated to play in the continent with the backing of the state government.

    Read: 1st AITEO/CAF Award Holds January 4 In Accra

    “It is a collective effort, everybody is on the same page; we work for it, or let me say that we earn it through hard work on the part of the coach and players.

    “We have the facility, our stadium is one of the best in Africa, so we are super confident of a good representation in the CAF Confederation Cup,’’ he said.

    The Coach, Abdul Makaiba, said that he had a target of qualifying the team for the continental football.

    “First, the mandate is to try and win the NPFL, then, that failed; we thought another mission to qualify for the continental competition through the available spot which did not also materialise.

    “I almost see it as a failure, and then another opportunity came through this championship which I know will be a good opportunity to clinch the last ticket.

    “We played this tournament with all passion and determination because we know what we wanted to make something out of it.

    “I am grateful to the Akwa Ibom FA for believing in this project and also the state governor who is our number one supporter, it is great to have this kind of support from him,’’ he said.

  • AITEO Cup: Angels on parade in Jos

    AITEO Cup: Angels on parade in Jos

     The women’s finale of the 2017 AITEO Cup competition will hold at the Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos on Wednesday, 18th October 2017.

    Cup holders Rivers Angels trade tackles with Ibom Angels in what promises to be a fascinating encounter in the Tin City.

    A 4-0 win over six-time finalists Bayelsa Queens in the second half of the second leg of their semi final fixture ensured Edwin Okon’s ladies stand on the brink of claiming the title for the seventh time since 2010.

    Apart from the determination to claim the mouth –watering sum of N10 million winner’s prize money, the Port Harcourt side will look to claim the first crown under the new AITEO sponsorship.

    Ibom Angels, who edged Abia Angels 3-2 on aggregate in the semi finals, will no doubt be inspired by the victory of their men’s team, Akwa United in Sunday’s final, with the Promise Keepers running away 3-2 winners after penalty shoot out following a 0-0 draw with Niger Tornadoes in regulation time.

    Interestingly, the Uyo side coached by Whyte Ogbonda (previously Edwin Okon’s assistant) was the only team that secured a draw in Port Harcourt during the just –ended Nigeria Women Premier League regular season.

    AITEO CUP 2017 (WOMEN’S COMPETITION)

     

    ROUND OF 32

    Adamawa Queens 0-1 Edo Queens

    FC Robo Queens 1-0 Delta Queens

    Confluence Queens 3-0 (W/O) Invincible Queens

    Beautiful Tours 3-1 Moje Queens

    Rivers Angels 5-0 Delta Babes

    Bayelsa Queens Feeders 4-0 Fortress Ladies

    Pelican Stars 1-0 Young Talents 99

    * Ben Women FC, Ibom Angels, Jokodolu Babes, Sure Babes, Sunshine Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, Osun Babes, Abia Angels and Bayelsa Queens were drawn bye into the Round of 16.

    ROUND OF 16

    Pelican Stars 1-1 FC Robo Queens

    Confluence Queens 3-0 Sure Babes

    Bayelsa Queens Feeders 1-3 Edo Queens

    Rivers Angels 9-0 Ben Women FC

    Sunshine Queens 0-0 Bayelsa Queens

    Beautiful Tours 0-10 Nasarawa Amazons

    Jokodolu Babes 0-0 Abia Angels

    Osun Babes 1-1 Ibom Angels

    Round of 16 Replays

    FC Robo Queens 2-2 Pelican Stars (3-4 penalties)

    Bayelsa Queens 5-1 Sunshine Queens

    Abia Angels 3-0 (W/O) Jokodolu Babes

    Ibom Angels 1-0 Osun Babes

    QUARTER FINALS (1ST LEG MATCHES)

    Bayelsa Queens 1-0 Nasarawa Amazons

    Ibom Angels 1-0 Pelican Stars

    Rivers Angels 0-0 Edo Queens

    Abia Angels 1-0 Confluence Queens

    QUARTER FINALS (2ND LEG MATCHES)

    Nasarawa Amazons 1-0 Bayelsa Queens (Aggregate 1-1; 2-4 penalties)

    Pelican Stars 0-0 Ibom Angels (Aggregate 0-1)

    Edo Queens 0-0 Rivers Angels (Aggregate 0-0; 0-3 penalties)

    Confluence Queens 2-2 Abia Angels (Aggregate 2-3)

     

    SEMI FINALS (1ST LEG MATCHES)

    Bayelsa Queens 2-2 Rivers Angels

    Ibom Angels 2-0 Abia Angels

    SEMI FINALS (2ND LEG MATCHES)

    Rivers Angels 4-0 Bayelsa Queens (Aggregate 6-2)

    Abia Angels 2-1 Ibom Angels (Aggregate 2-3)

    PAST WINNERS 

    1992: Ufuoma Babes (Warri)

    1993: Ufuoma Babes (Warri)

    1994: Ufuoma Babes (Warri)

    1995: Pelican Stars (Calabar)

    1996: Ufuoma Babes (Warri)

    1997: Pelican Stars (Calabar)

    1998: Pelican Stars (Calabar)

    1999: Pelican Stars (Calabar)

    2000: FCT Queens (Abuja)

    2001: Pelican Stars (Calabar)

    2002: Pelican Stars (Calabar)

    2003: NO COMPETITION

    2004: Delta Queens (Asaba)

    2005: Nassarawa Amazons (Lafia)

    2006: Delta Queens (Asaba)

    2008: Delta Queens (Asaba)

    2009: Delta Queens (Asaba)

    2010: Rivers Angels (Port Harcourt)

    2011: Rivers Angels (Port Harcourt)

    2012: Rivers Angels (Port Harcourt)

    2013: Rivers Angels (Port Harcourt)

    2014: Rivers Angels (Port Harcourt)

    2015: Sunshine Queens (Akure)

    2016: Rivers Angels (Port Harcourt