The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)

  • NPFL: Enyimba suspend Obiozor

    NPFL: Enyimba suspend Obiozor

    Nigeria Professional Football League ( NPFL ) side Enyimba International Football Club have suspended striker Christian Obiozor indefinitely and without pay until further notice.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the notice of suspension was contained in a statement on the Aba-based club’s official website on Tuesday.

    “The decision to suspend the player is in light of his gross indiscipline and violation of the club’s code of conduct, which has seen him fail to report to the team’s pre-season camp in Ado-Ekiti.

    “The suspension takes effect immediately,” the statement said.

    It also said that a notice of the suspension has been submitted to the League Management Company (LMC).

    NAN also reports that the 2017/2018 NPFL season has been slated to kick off on Jan. 14 and end on Sept. 30.

    Read Also:  NPFL Champions, Plateau United sacks 11 players

     

     

  • WAFU: Nigeria beat Ghana 2-0, progress to semi-finals

    WAFU: Nigeria beat Ghana 2-0, progress to semi-finals

    Nigeria home-based Super Eagles on Monday defeated the Black Stars of Ghana 2-0 in their last group game to progress to the semi-finals of the West Africa Football Union ( WAFU ) Cup of Nations.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles B team bounced back to winning ways after two successive draws against Mali and Guinea, beating bitter rivals and host Ghana at the Cape Coast Stadium.

    Super Eagles Chief coach Salisu Yusuf made six changes to the line-up.

    Ikechukwu Ezenwa returned in goal and led the team as captain, Kingsley Eduwo was rested for Tony Okpotu, while Stephen Eze, Rabiu Ali, Peter Eneji and Ubong Friday all started.

    Nigeria needed a win against the  already qualified Black Stars and the Nigeria Professional Football League ( NPFL ) stars put up a brilliant performance.

    The first half ended goalless with the Super Eagles home-based team dominating the half.

    Ghana goalkeeper Addo Joseph was the star man in the first half has he denied Okpotu, Friday and Eneji on several occasions.

    However, the goals started pouring nine minutes into the second half for Nigeria. NPFL top scorer Okpotu finally broke Nigeria’s goal drought in the tournament with a brilliant finish in the 54th minute.

    Three minutes later, Plateau United’s Eneji doubled the lead after the Ghanaian defence switched off and were caught napping.

    Eneji was voted the Man of the Match at the blast of the referee’s full-time whistle.

    Victory for Nigeria meant Ghana and Nigeria advanced to the semi-final of the tournament from Group A.

    Ghana finished as group leaders with six points while Nigeria finished second with five points.

    Both teams will wait for the results from Group B on Tuesday to determine their semi final opponents.

    In the other game in Group A played simultaneously on Monday, Guinea and Mali cancelled out each other in a 1-1 draw at the Nduom Sports Complex to finish on two points each.

  • Imminent massive shake-up in Rangers FC – Official

    Imminent massive shake-up in Rangers FC – Official

    There will be massive shake up in Rangers FC of Enugu ahead of the 2017/2018 Nigeria Professional Football League ( NPFL ) season, spokesman of the club, Foster Chime, said on Tuesday.

    Chime told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu that the club would lay-off a number of management staff, technical crew and players before the commencement of the season in November.

    He however denied that the Rangers FC General Manager, Christian Chukwu, had already sacked the entire management, technical crew and players.

    “The management has decided in a meeting yesterday to reposition the club ahead of the new league season.

    “The shake-up might be unprecedented in the history of the club as it will be all encompassing,’’ he said.

    Chime said that the whole exercise was to reposition the club for greatness in the new season as well as cut all unnecessary encumbrances within the club.

    “All that the General Manager of the club, Christian Chukwu, wants to do is to herald a new beginning for the club in order to enshrine optimal productivity by all involved with the club,’’ he said.

    NAN reports that Rangers fought hard to escape relegation, finishing 13th on the 2016/2017 NPFL log after securing 53 points from 38 matches.

    Football pundits are still surprised over Rangers poor performance in the league after winning the 2015/2016 edition of the NPFL.

  • NPLF: Plateau United worthy champions, says MFM Coach

    NPLF: Plateau United worthy champions, says MFM Coach

    With the crowing of Plateau United as the 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions on the last day of the competition, Lagos-Based MFM FC Coach, Fidelis Illechukwu, says the Jos-based team players are worthy champions.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that that a last gap win for the Kennedy Boboye-tutored side against Rangers International of Enugu at the Rwang Pam Stadium gave them the much sort after NPFL trophy.

    The Peace Boys from Jos, first time winners of the NPFL, were able to beat the incumbent champions Enugu Rangers 2-0 on Saturday with goals from Emeka Umeh and Benjamin Turba.

    The Jos team needed the win so as to keep off the trailing MFM who are leading by only one point and any slip would have gifted the Olukoya Boys the trophy.

    However, MFM on the other hand were handed a 1-2 defeat by Laddan Bosso-tutored El Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri in the Match Day 38 encounter.

    MFM gaffer Illechukwu, in an interview with the NAN said that the Kennedy Boys were worthy champions of the league.

    “They are worthy champions and we congratulate them for their feat, they worked for the crown and it is theirs.

    “We also have the same ambition but it was for now, maybe next time we will try,” he said.

    Also, MFM Spokesman, Olawale Quadri, described the 2016/2017 season as great, adding that the team had accomplished its target.

    “For us it is a great season because nobody gave us the chance and at the end of the day we are able to secure a continental ticket.

    “We are excited getting the ticket and we promise Lagos fans a lot of surprises. For the continental ticket, we will ensure that we do well to please our fans.

    “The management has promised to recruit more experienced players to prosecute the continental campaign and challenge well, I believe we will be good representatives in the continental campaign next season.

    “Ultimately, recruitment of new players will be the major task ahead of the team management for now,” he said.

    NAN reports that Plateau United wrapped up the last day match with a win which earned them the NPFL trophy with 66 points, while MFM came second are with 62 points. (NAN)

  • Hard work, dedication, key to Rangers success – Okpala

    Hard work, dedication, key to Rangers success – Okpala

    Sylvanus Okpala, Rangers International FC  of Enugu coach, says the secret to the team’s success in the Nigeria Professional  Football League (NPFL)  matches are hard work, dedication, and God’s grace.

    Rangers are currently placed 8th on the table with 52 points after 36 matches in the league.

    Okpala, a former assistant coach of the Super Eagles, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone that the team was determined to end the league on a good note.

    “We are still on and we are not leaving any stone unturned, we are going on to the end of the season.

    “We are determined to finish the league on a good note. We have two games to play,” he said.

    Okpala, also an ex-Rangers midfielder, said the team would give desired attention to the Aieto Federation Cup while playing the remaining league matches.

    “As we play the league, we will give equal attention to the Federation Cup. We will not underrate any team,” he said.

    He said some of the players had injuries while four travelled abroad for trials.

    “We are trying our best with what we have because some of our regular players are down with injuries while four travelled abroad for trials. It has not been easy, but we are doing well with what we have,” the coach said.

    Okpala assured fans and supporters of the club that they will not disappoint them.

    Emeka Akabueze, an ex-Rangers winger, commended Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state for assisting the team to achieve good results.

    “ I thank the governor for assisting the team, especially in the appointment of Sylvanus Okpala as the coach and Christian Chukwu as the General Manager.

    “ The team will not disappoint and I want all fans and supporters to continue to believe in Rangers,” he said.

  • Three Fans Remanded in Prison for Attacking Referee in Bauchi

    Three Fans Remanded in Prison for Attacking Referee in Bauchi

    Justice L Yakubu of the Upper Sharia Court No 1 on Tuesday remanded in prison three suspects linked to the attack of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)  match officials in Bauchi state.

    The centre referee and his assistant were attacked during and after the matchday 33 fixture between Wikki Tourist and Rangers International at the Abubakar Tafawa Balwa Stadium lastweek.

    The suspects were Mohammed Isa, Hamisu Mohammed and Yola Ishaya alias Chara but they pleaded not guiltyat the court.

    Counsel for the three accused, Barrister MH Lawan had made a bail application but it was opposed. The Prosecutor, Sgt. Lano Salihu urged the court to dismiss the application on three grounds including the possibility that they may commit similar offence.

    He also said that the Police were still awaiting the First Information Report from the victims who are based in Abuja on the nature of their injuries.

    In his ruling, Justice L Yakubu agreed with the prayers of the prosecutor and directed that the three accused be kept in prison. He adjourned the case to August 31st.

  • Ogunbote hails MFM after draw, Plateau maintain NPFL lead

    Ogunbote hails MFM after draw, Plateau maintain NPFL lead

    Coach of Enyimba Football Club, Gbenga Ogunbote has praised the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Football Club (MFM FC) for being a strong and disciplined side.

    He however expressed delight that his side left the fixture with a point.

    He spoke  after the People’s Elephant drew 0-0 against the Lagos side at the Soccer Temple, Agege Stadium.

    “What do you expect from a side that has been together for years? I salute their resilience and courage,” Ogunbote said.

    Speaking on Enyimba’s chances of playing continental football, Ogunbote said “I can assure you that we will finish the season at an appreciable position.”

    With the draw MFM held on to second position with 56 points, while Enyimba are fourth on 51 points on the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) table.

    MFM FC striker, Sikiru Olatunbosun said his side has accepted the result in good faith, and will work hard to win the next match against Plateau United.

    Shooting Stars gave their fight against relegation a big boost following their 2-1 comeback win against Gombe United, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.

    Musa Usman gave Gombe the lead on 55 minutes before Seun Akinyemi equalised from the penalty spot on 72 minutes.

    Najeem Olukokun scored the winner on 79 minutes, to get  a win that takes Shooting Stars to 43 points and 14th on the log.

    Plateau United maintained their strong hold at the top of the table following their impressive 1-1 away draw against Kano Pillars in Kano. Ibeh Johnson gave the visitors a surprise 1-0 lead when he scored in the 17th minute.

    But Pillars were back on level terms in the 52nd minute through Hamza Abba Tiya as both teams shared the spoils.

     

    NPFL Matchday 33 Results

    Wikki Tourist 1-1 Enugu Rangers

    ABS 2-0 Remo Stars

    Kano Pillars 1-1 Plateau United

    Shooting Stars 2-1 Gombe United

    Lobi Stars 2-4 Abia Warriors

    FC IfeanyiUbah 1-0 Nasarawa United

    Nigeria Tornadoes 1-0 El-Kanemi

    Sunshine Stars 1-0 Akwa United

    MFM FC 0-0 Enyimba

  • NPFL: Rangers defeats Rivers United 2-1 in match day 32

    NPFL: Rangers defeats Rivers United 2-1 in match day 32

    Rangers International of Enugu defeated Rivers United of Port Harcourt 2-1 in a rescheduled week 32 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match.

    The match, disrupted by rain in the 2oth minute on Sunday, was completed on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

    Rangers are placed 13th on the league table with 42 points.

    Ifeanyi George gave Rangers the lead in the 29th minute from Tope Olusesi’s assist.

    George made it 2-0 from the spot kick for Rangers after United`s  defender, Ifeanyi Nweke was adjudged by the center referee to have handled the ball inside the 18 yards box.

    Emeka Ogbugh pulled one back for the visitors in the 72nd minute.

    Okey Odita, Rangers captain, said the team was happy to get the three points.

    “I must tell you that, I am happy because the three points means a lot for us and we thank God for crowning our effort with a victory this morning.

    “I know that the visiting team will come out in the second half to play as they are two goals down.

    “They want to equalize because they are also trying to finish the season safe from relegation.

    “We were reminded by our coach on what to expect from Rivers Utd in the second half,’ Odita said.

    He assured the state government and the supporters that the players would not let them down in their fight to  survive.

  • Kwara amateur football club donates to orphanage

    Kwara amateur football club donates to orphanage

    The President of Excel Stars FC of Ilorin, an amateur side, Dare Benjamin, has said the target of the club is to play in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

    Benjamin made the assertion when he led other members of the club to donate items to the Kwara Motherless and Orphanage Home, Pipeline, Ilorin on Sunday.

    He said the donation of the items, including noodles, toys, snacks, clothes, bedding and beverages was part of the club’s social responsibilities to the society.

    Benjamin explained that the club was owned by young Nigerians who are excelling in their various field of endeavours with the aim of taking young boys off the street.

    “This club’s vision is to be listed in the Nigerian Stock Exchange in the next couple of years and play in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

    “We have established it to grow into a full international standard football club with a vision to take children off the street and give them life through football.

    “We are young professionals from different fields you can think of and we contribute money to run the club.

    “We have started today and we will make it a regular routine to reach out to this home at all times so that we can help to alleviate the challenges it faces in our own little way,’’ Benjamin said.

    The president promised that he would arrange a meeting with members that were medical practitioners to come do health check for the children to know if any is in need of any urgent medical attention.

    He directed the home to forward to his office its urgent needs so that the club could attend to whichever it could handle without delay.

    Responding, Olufunke Ajayi, thanked members of the club for the gesture, noting that there were categories of children that the home was taking care of.

    Ajayi said that the home was owned and managed by the Kwara Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

    “We have different categories of children here, from abandoned to ones taking from lunatics on the street.

    “Some of our children are grown, I can even confirm to you that one of them is writing WAEC this year,’’ Ajayi said.

    On the visit were the club’s former President, Malam Yinka Omar, Captain, Wale Shittu and other executive members.

  • FG to amend NBC Code to promote local leagues – Lai Mohammed

    FG to amend NBC Code to promote local leagues – Lai Mohammed

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed,  says the Federal Government will amend the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Code to compel brands to sponsor Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

    The Minister made the assertion at the close of the “Two-Day Creative Industry Financing Conference’’, sponsored by the ministry in conjunction with “Think Tank Media and Advertising’’ which closed on Tuesday in Lagos.

    “We will amend the NBC code to ensure that our Premier League improves.

    “We will make sure that in the Code, if you spend one million dollars to support a foreign football club like Manchester United in Nigeria, you will not be allowed to air that programme unless you spend 30 per cent of that money to promote Nigeria’s league.

    “Some beverage companies in Nigeria support Manchester United (Man U), Arsenal and others and spend about six million dollars a year,’’ he said.

    “I then asked the question, how much of their products are being consumed over there?

    “I was also told that a particular brand of Nigeria Beer is supporting several premier league teams to the tune of seven million dollars a year.

    “We can imagine if they give us just 30 per cent of that, we will fix our stadia.

    “I know they are going to attack me on this but I am not made a minister to sustain the economy of other countries.’’

    He said the government could no longer tolerate the situation where people continue to develop the economy of other parts of the world from the sweat of Nigerians and at the expense of Nigerian economy.

    The minister also clarified an earlier statement credited to him on the amendment to NBC Code to discourage production of Nigerian movies and music abroad.

    “At that meeting, I said that I will work to amend the NBC code to ensure that if a product is designated a Nigerian product; it must be produced in Nigeria.

    “I didn’t say that henceforth, all music and films will be produced in Nigeria.

    “All I said was that if a programme is designated as a Nigerian content programme, we will amend the code to ensure that it is produced in Nigeria,’’ he said.

    He added that if the law says that a programme shall have 60 per cent Nigerian content, the producer could not go ahead to shoot such outside the country for Nigerian viewers.

    “Of course, they will come and say that you do not have infrastructure and that is why they went outside to shoot.

    “I asked if it is not the same programme you went to shoot outside Nigeria because we have epileptic power that you will bring back to show to us in Nigeria.

    “Then, with which power are you showing the programme?

    “I promised Nigerians that I am going to create one million jobs in three years and I can’t do that if they start exporting jobs to other countries,’’ he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants at the forum, mainly stakeholders in the creative industry, welcomed the clarification by the minister and the position of government.