Tag: NNL

For Glo Premier League debutant in Heartland’s shirt, Clement Bobby, it was a fairytale start that was only blighted by their eventual defeat to hosts Lobi Stars in Katsina Ala on Match Day 20.

Recently recruited from Nigeria National League (NNL) side, the forward made his appearance count when he fired the Naze millionaires into a first half lead that they sustained until the home boys battled back to claim all three points with two second half goals.

But despite the defeat for his new club, Bobby expressed a sense of fulfillment in justifying not just his mid-season transfer but also being on the starting list. He showed poise and confidence that stood him out as though he had all along been in the elite ranks.

“It was not good that we lost but there is a personal fulfillment for me that I scored and as a forward, that is simply what you are fielded to do, said Bobby.

“Yes, this is my first game in the Premier League but it is the same football and I have always had the confidence that I can play in any league. It is an inner ability to succeed that pushes me”, he continued.

Bobby insisted he was not tensed even though the initial thoughts of travelling to play against a big club like Lobi Stars in his first elite league game made him a bit nervous.

“I feel great scoring on my debut because it is not easy playing first league game and scoring. It is not easy featuring in the premiership for the first time and doing well at the same time; I feel great and give all glory to God. I was not tensed because I came from Pro 1 (Shooting Stars of Ibadan). I was a little bit tensed initially but had to overcome it believing that I can do it. I knew what was in the inside of me and had to encourage myself to bring it out”, Bobby told www.lmc-ng.org.

For Bobby the Glo Premier League is only a stepping stone to his ultimate goal in football. One day he says, he would want to lace his boots for a top European club-preferably FC Barcelona of Spain.

“I am looking forward to scoring more goals in the Premier League; this goal is not a flip in the pack, I am looking forward to greater things in my career because I want to move forward. My aspiration is to play for FC Barcelona some day. My ultimate dream is to play in Europe after doing my best in the Nigerian league”, declared Heartland’s rave of the moment.

• Charges mates against Lobi Stars

• Ajilete Boys relocate to Ibadan

Crown FC forward Bode Daniel has warned that any club in the Glo Premier League that underrates his side does so at their peril.

Daniel, who was the highest goal scorer last term in the Nigerian National League (NNL), said Crown have all it takes to compete in the top-flight this season having participated in the 2010/2011 Glo League season.

He said that the club have got over the psychological effect of their 2010/2011 relegation to the NNL, same year they gained promoted to the Glo Premier League.

“We are set for greater exploits. My teammates and I have resolved to put in everything for this hostility having been properly motivated by the new chairman Tony Rafua, who has assured us of our welfare,” Bode said.

Daniel has, however, charged his teammates to be resilient when they face Lobi Stars in the League opener this weekend at the Emmanuel Atongo Stadium Katsina-Ala, Benue State.

Meanwhile, the club’s media officer, Kunle Oyeleye told SportingLife that the club checked in at a hotel in Ibadan for a few days to perfect concentration on tactical training and finishing touches on the squad ahead of their game against Lobi Stars.

Crown will play her home matches at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasigba, Ibadan, due to renovation work at the Soun Ogbomoso Stadium and Oyeleye said the team will move to Ibadan to familiarise themselves with the turf.

“Coach Lawrence Akpokona said he has to ensure the lads get familiar with the Ibadan turf ahead of the week two tie at home and informed Ibadan spectators and fans about their plans before moving to Katsina-Ala on Friday,” Oyeleye said.

Ahead of the match day three game of the Nigeria National League (NNL) scheduled for Wednesday, Head Coach of Supreme Court FC, Henry Haggai has disclosed that his side’s confidence has been tremendously boosted after achieving a convincing 2-0 victory against visiting Sokoto United in its first home debut decided in Abuja.

With maximum three points at hand, Supreme Court FC of Abuja otherwise known as the Apex Boys will on Tuesday depart the nation’s capital en route Bauchi where they are expected to confront Wikki Tourist in one of the midweek organised matches across various centres.

So far, Supreme Court FC have become the only team among other Abuja-based clubs to have recorded outright victory after playing two matches.

Despite posting an impressive performance in the last home encounter against Sokoto United, Coach Haggai said he will work assiduously with other members of the technical crew to correct noticeable lapses adding “My immediate concern is how to enhance the midfield which I believe will eventually reduce pressure on the defense and create chances for better finishing. Thank God for helping us to win our first home game. The victory will no doubt spur the players to push on.”

Tormentor-in-chief in the midfield against Sokoto United, Endurance Osaghai whose combination with Ifeanyi Edochie produced positive result for their side pleaded for balanced and fair officiating as the season progresses.

“All I want to plead with the organisers is to provide an atmosphere of tranquility no matter where any club is playing. With fair play, I know that with the qualities our players are made of, we will gain promotion to play in the premier league.”

His plea was collaborated by Supreme Court FC fans that have always shouted “give us fair play, no more win at all cost syndrome in any match.

Ekiti United Football Club Chief Coach, Adewumi Moses and Team Manager, Ayo Owosheni have expressed satifaction with their side’s first game in the Nigeria National League (NNL) against Akwa Starlets on Sunday.

Despite losing their first match 1-0 to Akwa Starlets at the Uyo township Stadium on Saturday, the duo commended officiating of the game by centre referee Dr. Okeke from Rivers State.

Ekiti United, who were highly motivated by their Chairman, Tony Adeniyi, took off on an attacking note, trying to outsmart their hosts but Akwa Starlets showed class and dominated the match with their deft touches.

Goalkeeper Clement Anthony put up a fantastic performance, denying the hosts several scoring opportunities and nearly kept a clean slate for United until Philips Johnson scored the decisive goal for Akwa Starlets in the 83rd minute of the match.

Deji Olowolafe, who spoke on behalf of the team, said: “Our players played well and gave their best in Uyo, but Akwa Starlets played better and deserved to win. Having said that, we believe referee Okeke gave both teams a level playing field and was firm with all the decisions he took.”

Dennis Nya, who played for Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Club in the UAE, was outstanding for the Ekiti side, while his teammate Oladipupo Oladotun was selected as ‘Man of the Match’ for doing a yeoman’s job in Uyo.

Meanwhile, Coach Moses expects United to bounce back when they host Unicem FC of Calabar at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti this weekend.

• Ready for Wikki’s challenge

By Julius Okorie

Tornadoes’ Team Manager Usman Garba has predicted smooth sailing for his team in the Nigerian National League (NNL) which got underway at the weekend.

Basking in the euphoria of the Minna Landlord’s 3-0 demolition of Supreme Court of Abuja at the Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium, Minna, Saturday, Usman said his players pulled a surprise considering that it was the first competitive match some of them would be playing together.

A super blend, according to him, is expected to take centre stage as the players progress in the league, adding that the possibility of getting back into the elite division cannot be ruled out.

“I am happy with the blend among players and I belive if we continue this way, getting a promotion is assured,” he enthused.

He, however, urged the club’s fans, most of whom have described the 3-0 opener as a good omen, to be steadfast in support of the team.

“If the supporters continue to remain committed and patient at all times the team will surely go places,” he added.

Tornadoes’ next encounter and first away tie in the new season will be against Wikki Tourists of Bauchi.

The likes of Bolaji Adeyemo, Yakubu Alfa and Lukman Mohammed, who shone like a million stars in the home opener, will be hoping to take their games to the next level with intent to maintain a winning streak.

Mighty Jets coach, Bernard Ogbe has said his side will kick off the 2013/14 Nigeria National League (NNL) season’s promotion campaign on a winning note.

The Tin City side will host NNL Division A opponents, Spotlight FC in Saturday’s Match day 1 fixture at the Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos.

Ogbe said his side are mentally and psychologically prepared for the challenges of the upcoming league season.

“We’ve done our best technically and tactically for the commencement of the league, the players, too, are ready and determined to give the league their very best shot.

“We’re set for the league and God willing, we’ll start on a winning note against Spotlight FC on Saturday in Jos.

“We retained the bulk of the players that did it for the side last season, we only added just nine players to the squad and they’re well fitted and blended with the entire team.

“We’re going to enjoy the dividend of continuity when the season starts properly on Saturday,” said the former Gombe United coach to supersport.com.

Ogbe pleaded for even playing ground for every team so that the best side will emerge champions at the end of the season.

“We’re praying for a level playing ground for everybody that’s the only way a true champion will emerge at the end of the day.

“The unfortunate incident of last season is too fresh in our memories and everything must be done to avoid a repeat this time round,” said the former Akwa United coach.

Ogbe said his side will be counted among the promotion sides when the curtain will fall on the league.

“We want to compete for promotion tickets and not merely participate. Of course, we’ve tightened our loins to ensure nothing changes our focus from gaining promotion to the Premier League at the end of the season,” Ogbe said.