The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)

  • NPFL: Wikki Tourists beat Kano Pillars 2-0

    NPFL: Wikki Tourists beat Kano Pillars 2-0

    Hosts Wikki Tourists Football Club of Bauchi on Sunday at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium defeated Kano Pillars FC of Kano 2-0 in a 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) fixture.

    Wikki Tourists scored the opening goal of the Match Day 28 fixture eight minutes into the game through Alhmed Usman after he wriggled past the visiting defenceline.

    They scored their second goal 48 minutes into the match through Chinedu Aneibor when he made good use of a deflection by right winger Ambrose Peter.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wikki Tourists were with a more purposeful and coordinated approach, but poor finishing by their strikers robbed them of scoring many goals.

    Kano Pillars, on their part, dominated the game in the second half, only to find their rhythm affected by three yellow cards received by Rabiu Ali, Chinedu Udoji and Ibrahim Alassan.

    Bala Nikyu, Chief Coach of Wikki Tourists, later described the match’s officiating as fantastic.

    “In our last three matches, the officiating especially in Ibadan was fantastic. In this one too, the officiating was good.’’

    He attributed the successes he had recorded since he assumed leadership of the team to the cordial relationship between him and the players.

    Ibrahim Musa, the Chief Coach of Kano Pillars, on his part described Wikki Tourists as “a good team’’.

    “But my boys too played very well, in spite of the little mistakes.

    “When we go back to Kano, we will see how we can correct such mistakes before our next match,” the coach said.

  • Mighty Jets FC sacks 27 players, recruits ten

    The management of Mighty Jets Football Club of Jos on Wednesday said it had sacked 27 players for performing below the club’s expectations.

    Benedict Akwuegbu, the club’s Sporting Director, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos that the club management had in the wake of this gone on to recruit 10 others.

    He said the move became necessary in order “to create space’’ and strengthen the team to fight for promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

    The former Super Eagles forward blamed the recent suspension of the club’s head coach, Adams Usman, before the end of the first stanza of the league for the club’s poor performance.

    “But we are now optimistic of the club’s chances of gaining promotion to the NPFL at the end of the season.

    “The new players will uplift the team spirit as well as hunger for success, two ingredients which were lacking in the team in the first stanza.’’

    Akwuegbu said all departments of the team were considered in the club’s recruitment of players in order to give the team a balance.

    “Two goalkeepers, one central defender, three midfielders and four attackers were recruited,’’ he said.

    NAN reports that Mighty Jets will on Thursday host Adamawa United FC of Yola in a 2016/2017 Nigeria National League (NNL) Week 16 fixture at the Rwang Pam Stadium in Jos.

  • I have a game plan to beat Katsina United – Tornadoes Coach

    I have a game plan to beat Katsina United – Tornadoes Coach

    Coach Abubakar Bala of Niger Tornadoes FC, Minna on Tuesday said that the club would win their match against Katsina United on Wednesday, if his players adhere to instructions.

    Bala, who made this known to newsmen in Minna, said he  was confident that the club would get a good result in the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in Katsina.

    He told reporters “”I have a game plan to win the match if my players stick to what I told them.’’

    The Coach urged his players to put behind their goalless draw against Rangers International of Enugu at the Confluence Stadium Lokoja on June 18.

    “I told my players to remain focused, as Rangers match has come and gone. We need to concentrate and get something out of our match with Katsina United.

    “We are not in Katsina for revenge mission, it ended 1-1 in the  first stanza of the league in Lokoja but we are here to play football and I know that is exactly what we are going to do.

    “It is going to be a tough and good match, my players know this and we are not going to take the match lightly.

    “We know what is involved. So we are doing all that it will take for us to return to winning ways,’’ he said.

    He, however, said that the team was not under any  pressure to get a continental ticket, but if the opportunity comes they would gladly grab it.

    Bala advised his boys not to put themselves under  an unnecessary pressure of getting continental ticket, saying that they should enjoy every game as they may end with a continental slot after the league.

    The Coach further said that he has developed a three-year plan for Niger Tornadoes if the coaching crew was given the opportunity to continue after this season.

    He explained that the current season was for stability, second season to create a philosophy of play and the third season was to win the league and get a continental ticket.

    “For now I know that some of my players are really working hard to make it to the top.

    “I like their courage and spirit, but I want them to be calm all opportunities they seek for will come their way,’’ he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) further reports that Tornadoes occupies the 10th position on the current leagle table  with 37 points in 25 matches, while Katsina United is 15th with 32 point from same number of matches.

  • NPFL: Rangers Manager hails players dedication

    NPFL: Rangers Manager hails players dedication

    Rangers International FC of Enugu Team Manager, Amaobi Ezeaku, has hailed the players dedication for the goalless draw with Niger Tornadoes FC of Minna in Lokoja.

    Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Sunday, Ezeaku expressed joy over the result saying that it was the reward for hard work.
    Ezeaku said the match was a wonderful one noting that the players came into the match with much optimism.
    “Knowing the position we occupied currently, we applied caution and even when the referee gave Tornadoes a penalty in the 3rd minute, we weren’t bothered.
    “In my assessment of the game, I will say it is a wonderful game, good officiating and beautiful display by both teams.
    “I am giving kudos to my players because they made us proud, getting a draw in away match in Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) is not easy,” he said.
    He said that in football, resurgence is always difficult but in our case, it just came up and I will say that it is the Lords doing.
    “We went to Maiduguri and played out 1-1 draw against El-Kanemi Warriors and in Lokoja; we draw 0-0, so I feel excited.
    “It is a wonderful thing that all sports lovers in Enugu are now beginning to get relief that Rangers are getting back to where they belong in Nigerian League,” he said.
    Ezeaku urged the NPFL to assess   improvements on players performance and officiating.
    He also urged Rangers players to keep the flag flying saying that the state government, the management and the technical crew are solidly behind them.
    He expressed confidence that the players are gradually coming  back, compared to the period the result was not coming their way.
    “Though, we are still looking forward to grab an away victory, but with the current two results in our away matches, I believe, it is not far from us.
    “Gradually, we will get there, but all attention is now turned to FC Ifeanyi Uba who is our next opponent in Enugu.
    “Remember, that they beat us 1-0 in the first leg and a resounding victory in Enugu in the forthcoming second leg will be so amazing,” he said.
    NAN reports that Rangers moved   to the 13th position in the league table after the draw in Lokoja with 32 points from 25 matches.

  • Win against FC Ifeanyi Uba big relief-MFM Player

    Win against FC Ifeanyi Uba big relief-MFM Player

    Lagos-based MFM fringe midfielder, Waheed Akanni, has described the narrow win over FC Ifeanyi Uba in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Match Day 22 as a big relief.

    Akanni, who scored the only goal of the match, said after the game on Sunday at Agege Township Stadium that “it is a heavy load put off the back of our team’’.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akanni had put MFM in front with a sublime kick in the 19 minute of the game after an assist by Monsuru Bashiru.

    He was also a thorn in the flesh of the visitors with his accurate passes.

    On the match Akanni said that the visitors made them to sweat for the win.

    “The most important thing is the three points either we are made to sweat or not, it does not matter.

    “The win is a big relief and we appreciate our efforts at winning this game. It was a heavy load put off our back.

    “We are condemned to win the match, so the approach is different,” he said.

    MFM had started the match in their usual passing style which made FC Ifeanyi Uba’s goalie to make a double save from Stephen Odey’s strike in the 7th minutes.

    Adebayo Waheed also launched an attack in the 11th minute with fine low cross but FC Ifeanyi Uba goalkeeper intercepted it for a corner.

    FC Ifeanyi Uba had a first shot at goal in the 13th minute with a free kick in the vital position with King Osanga’s intelligent kick only for MFM FC’s goalkeeper Abayomi Folarin to punch it to safety.

    MFM golden boy Sikiru Okormunbosun also won a free kick in the 17th minute only for Okorm Stanley’s low drive to hit Ifeanyi Uba’s defence line.

    The Olukoya Boys however dominated the entire encounter with great display in the last minutes of the first half.

    The scorer of the only goal Waheed, however, picked up an injury in the 36th minute after which he was substituted with Akinyemi Nojeem in the 40th minute.

    The Olukoya Boys seriously searched for the second goal with Olatunbosun and Odey threatening the visitors defence throughout the encounter.

    MFM chance came in the 84th minute when Odey beat his marker after a nice turning with a chance to double the lead but his effort went over the cross bar.

    He was later substituted in the 85th minute for Tchato Giscard.

     

  • Nwangwa’s brace lifts Kano Pillars over Lobi Stars

    Nwangwa’s brace lifts Kano Pillars over Lobi Stars

    Nyima Nwangwa scored a brace on Sunday for Kano Pillars to beat visiting Lobi Stars of Makurdi 2-1 in a 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) fixture.

    Goals in the 29th and 49th minutes of the Match Day 22 fixture played at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano gave Pillars victory.‎

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Uchenna Eze’s 85th minute equaliser was not enough to give the visiting Makurdi-based side any reprieve.

    Kano Pillars’ coach Ibrahim Musa told newsmen after the match that his team’s performance was good.‎

    Musa expressed satisfaction with the game’s outcome, saying he was happy that his boys played according to instructions.

    ‎Solomon Ogbede, coach of Lobi Stars, also commended his team for their fighting spirit.

    “Although we lost the match today against Kano Pillars, but I can say that my boys played well,” he said.

  • NPFL: Enyimba FC beat Plateau United 1-0

    NPFL: Enyimba FC beat Plateau United 1-0

    Enyimba International Football Club on Sunday at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar defeated Plateau United FC of Jos 1-0 in the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

    Andrew Abalogu scored the lone goal of the Match Day 22 fixture in the 69th minute of the game for the Aba-based side to earn three points.

    In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after the match, the Head Coach of Enyimba, Gbenga Ogunbote, said his team deserved the three points because they played well.

    “Calabar stadium has been our winning ground and we will continue to play hard in order to get our normal three points at home,’’ he said.

    The Head Coach of Plateau United, Kennedy Boboye, on his part also praised his team.

    He told NAN that his team played well even as they failed to utilise the goal scoring chances they had in the first half of the match.

  • ABS FC to sign a five-year sponsorship deal with Puma

    ABS FC to sign a five-year sponsorship deal with Puma

    Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubside ABS FC of Ilorin will on Thursday sign a five-year sponsorship deal with global sports branding outfit Puma.

    The club’s Director of Football, Alloy Chukwuemeka, disclosed in a statement on Monday in Ilorin that the signing ceremony would also see the official launching of the club’s new kit.

    “The deal is part of Puma’s commitment to the growth and development of sports in Nigeria.

    “Puma, through its official franchisee in Nigeria, Persianas Retail Ltd, will be partnering with ABS FC to kit and sponsor the team for a period of five years,’’ he said.

    Chukwuemeka said the deal was the first of its kind and represents the biggest football kit sponsorship in the history of the Nigerian football league.

    “The partnership will see ABS FC and Puma working together to expand the profile of Nigerian football over the course of this partnership,’’ the ABS FC official said.

    He further said the signing ceremony which is scheduled for the Palms Mall in Ilorin would be graced by the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick.

    “Also, the Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC), Shehu Dikko, will join him as Special Guest of Honour,’’ Chukwuemeka said.

  • ‘My administration motivated Plateau athletes into winning 143 medals in two years’

    ‘My administration motivated Plateau athletes into winning 143 medals in two years’

    Gov Simon Lalong of Plateau says it was a credit to his administration that the state’s athletes won 143 medals in the two years he has been in charge.

    Lalong told newsmen on Monday in Jos as part of activities to mark the 2017 Democracy Day that the feat was possible because of his unflinching support for sports.

    He said his administration had strived a lot to ensure the participation of the state athletes in many sports activities within the period.

    “Plateau won a total of 143 medals, made up of 56 gold, 37 silver and 50 bronze, in the various sports our athletes took part in.

    “Plateau athletes have participated in virtually all the sports events within and outside the country,” the governor said.

    He said he was also determined to ensure that Plateau United Football Club of Jos play their continental club competition matches at the new Zaria Road Stadium if they qualified.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Plateau United FC are currently leading the 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

    If they finished within the top three bracket or win the Federation Cup competition, they would represent Nigeria in one of the two available continental club competitions.

    Speaking on sports facilities, Lalong assured that he would do everything possible to complete the multi-billion Naira stadium.

    “I will do all I can to make sure that they (Plateau United) play their continental matches in the new stadium, instead of the Rwang Pam Stadium were they are currently playing.

    “There were complaints that the turf at the new stadium was not FIFA standard but we immediately approached the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports and they certified it fit for international matches.

    “But if there are fresh concerns of the state of the turf we will immediately address it,” he said.

  • NPFL: Nasarawa United defeat Wikki Tourists 2-0

    NPFL: Nasarawa United defeat Wikki Tourists 2-0

    Nasarawa United Football Club on Sunday defeated visiting Wikki Tourists FC 2-0 in a week 21 match of the 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) at the Lafia Township Stadium.

    A foul by Peter Ambrose on Mohammed Shamasu earned the hosts a penalty kick converted by Seun Segbeso for Nasarawa United in the 36th minute of the first half.

    The second goal was scored by Adamu Hassan in the 43rd minute of the first half.

    Speaking after the match, Kabiru Dogo, the coach of Nasarawa United, described the win as a morale-booster for them to struggle to the top of the league.

    He therefore promised to work harder to ensure that the team achieved their target of winning the league this season.

    On his part, Mangut Mbwas, Assistant Coach of Wikki Tourists, described the penalty kick which led to the first goal as complicated and had left him wondering.

    He however attributed his team’s low performances to the changes being witnessed at the top echelon of the club’s management.

    The coach expressed the hope that they would overcome the challenges as a better team.