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Tag: Ogunjobi

  • Ogunjobi rallies support for Oliseh

    Ogunjobi rallies support for Oliseh

    Former NFA Secretary General Taiwo Ogunjobi has appealed to Nigerians to give the newly recruited Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Sunday Ogochukwu Oliseh the chance to reignite the dim fortunes of the senior national team

    The former Technical Committee Chairman of the Federation who spoke with SportingLife from London said Nigerians should not be quick to write off the former national team captain, saying that he must surely have something to offer.  “We all have to give Oliseh a chance. He has all the qualifications required to occupy the position. We cannot just write him off because he has not handled any of the national teams before, but I am sure with his experience and qualifications, he should be able to turn the Super Eagles around,” he said.

    The former Ajax and Juventus player has reached personal terms with the NFF to handle the Super Eagles, after the former Coach Stephen Keshi was fired last week. Oliseh , a technical and defensive midfielder during his days, played 54 international matches for the country and scored two goals among which is the winning goal in the group stage match against Spain in the 1998 World Cup, as Nigeria prevailed 3–2.  Oliseh ran and fired an explosive shot from 25 meters that took Spanish goalkeeper Andoni Zubizarreta completely by surprise. Despite captaining Nigeria during the 2002 African Cup of Nations, Oliseh was omitted from the 2002 World Cup squad later that year for disciplinary reasons. After missing out on World Cup selection, Oliseh retired from international football in June 2002.

    In March 2004, Oliseh was sacked by Borussia Dortmund after punching team-mate Vahid Hashemian while on loan at VfL Bochum. In January 2006, at the age of 31, Oliseh retired from professional football after playing a half season for Belgian top club K.R.C. Genk. In 2007, he was the Sporting Director of Konigliche Allgemeine Sportvereinigung (Vervietois) based in the German speaking community of Belguim. The team was relegated to the third division of the Belgian League after it failed to win a second division play off. The club presently have three Nigerian in their squad among whom are Abbo Wakili, Anthony Bassey and Jamabo George.

  • Ogunjobi urges Oshoala to return to school

    Ogunjobi urges Oshoala to return to school

    Former Secretary-General of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and erstwhile chairman of the body’s technical committee, Taiwo Ogunjobi, has urged newly crowned African Women Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, to return to high school for her to be academically equipped for the future.

    The chairman, Prime Football Club, said he was shocked to find out that the Rivers Angels goal-poacher is a Secondary School (SS2) drop-out. “I was shocked the day I heard Asisat Oshoala is a Secondary School drop-out despite her level of intelligence,” the Pillar of Sports in the State of Osun said.

    Ogunjobi, while giving Oshoala fatherly advice, said now that her ovation is loud, she should return to school and further her education.

    He said: “Education is important, football is temporary and if you don’t leave football, football will leave you one day. I played football to the highest level (Green Eagles) but education was what I fell back on after my active football career.

    “We live in a society where the ability of an individual to be successful depends largely on their education. I am using this medium to appeal to Asisat Oshoala to return to school so as to get her future properly secured.”

    Oshoala, whose dream was to become a lawyer, incurred the wrath of her parents when she dropped out of school to pursue a football career.

    Ogunjobi, a former Sole Administrator of Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan, congratulated Oshoala for emerging as the African Women Player and Young Player of the Year 2014.

  • Odegbami, Ogunjobi calm over NFF disqualification

    Odegbami, Ogunjobi calm over NFF disqualification

    Former Nigeria international, Segun Odegbami has spoken about his disqualification ahead of the upcoming elections into the board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

    Odegbami was disqualified on Wednesday for failing to meet three of the pre-election requirements.

    Chairman of the NFF’s electoral committee, Amoni Biambo, said Odegbami has been stopped from contesting the polls because he did not attach a receipt to his nomination form.

    Biambo also added that no endorsement (letter) from Odegbami’s zone was attached to the nomination form which he was also accused of handing in late. Odegbami said he was surprised at the development.

    “I can tell you that these things (Biambo said) are not true. He is lying,” Odegbami told supersport.com.

    Odegbami said the situation would become clearer in the coming days.

    “So many things are happening right now and I will speak about this more comprehensively in the coming days. Just watch and see what will happen in the next few days,” he said.

    Former NFF secretary general, Taiwo Ogunjobi, was also disqualified from running for the office of president of the football federation.

    Ogunjobi says he is not losing sleep over the development. “I won’t comment on my disqualification now but anyone who thinks I am unhappy does not know me. As long as God remains in control, we should all be happy. When anyone wakes up in the morning and he can eat, talk and go about his daily activities, he should be happy. I am always a happy man,” he said.

  • NFF bans Ogunjobi for 10 Years, Baribote bags 15

    NFF bans Ogunjobi for 10 Years, Baribote bags 15

    Nigeria Football Federation has wielded the big stick by placing a 10-year ban on a former General Secretary of the Federation and Executive Committee Member, Taiwo Ogunjobi and a 15-year ban on former Chairman, Nigerian Premier League (NPL).

    The decision to suspend the duo was taken at the Executive Committee meeting of the Federation held in Addis Ababa on Saturday, October 12, 2013.

    According to the statement issued on Monday, the Executive Committee sanctioned the ban sequel to the report of an investigative committees chaired by Chris Green on Ogunjobi’s case and the one headed by Emeka Inyama on Baribotes’s matter.

    Also, the NFF resolved to constitute a four-man committee to probe bribery allegation against the chairman of the Organizing and disciplinary Committee (O&D), Olalyeye Adepoju as well as Chidi Ofor Okenwa, chairman of Enugu State Football association.

    The 11-point communiqué issued by Emeka Inyama, chairman Communiqué Drafting Committee reads in full:

    “The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation met at the Saro-Maria Hotel in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia on Saturday, 12th October, 2013 to discuss pertinent issues in Nigeria football and decided as follows:

    “The Executive Committee praised the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR for finding time out of a very heavy schedule during the African Union summit in Ethiopia, to attend training session of the Super Eagles on Saturday, 12th October, 2013 which hugely inspired the players to defeat Ethiopia in a 2014 FIFA World Cup final elimination fixture, first leg in Addis Ababa on

    Sunday, 13th October, 2013.

    “The Committee, based on the report of an investigative committee headed by Barrister Chris Green, approved a 10-year ban from all football-related activities on one-time NFF General Secretary and former NFF Executive Committee member, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi.

    “Similarly, the Committee, based on the report of an investigative committee headed by Chief Emeka Inyama, approved a 15-year ban from all football-related activities on former NPL Chairman, Chief Rumson Victor Baribote. These decisions by the Executive Committee are

    subject to ratification of the Congress of Nigeria football at the next Annual General Assembly, as contained in the NFF Statutes.

     

     

     

    “Also, the NFF resolved to constitute a four-man committee to probe bribery allegation against the chairman of the Organissiang and disciplinary Committee (O&D), Olalyeye Adepoju as well as Chidi Ofor Okenwa, chairman of Enugu State Football association.

    “The Executive Committee resolved to set up a four-man committee to investigate an allegation of bribery against a member of the Executive Committee, Barrister Olaleye Adepoju. Barrister Chris Green is chairman and members are Chief Inyama, Hon. Shehu Adamu, Alhaji Muazu

    Kawu and Brigadier-General Emma Okaro (rtd), with Alizor Chuks as Secretary. In the meantime, Barrister Adepoju is suspended from Chairmanship of the Organising and Disciplinary Committee of the Federation.

    “Committee resolved to set up a four-man committee to investigate a petition against Mr. Chidi Ofor Okenwa, Chairman of the Enugu State Football Association. Vice President, Chief Umeh is chairman, with Chief Inyama, Alhaji Yusuf Fresh and Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande as

    members, with Danlami Alanana as secretary. The committee has two weeks to submit its report.

    “Executive Committee ordered the Nigeria National League to deduct three points and three goals from Gabros International FC’s campaign in this year’s competition, as a direct result of the club’s failure to pay CHF2,000 being cost of arbitration in a case against Hertha BSC

    Berlin FC of Germany.

    “The Committee expressed confidence in the ability of the U-17 National Team, also known as Golden Eaglets, to do Nigeria proud at the FIFA U-17 World Cup finals taking place in the United Arab Emrates between 17th October – 8th November, 2013.

    “Executive Committee approved the appointment of a retired FIFA-graded referee, Mr. Sani Zubairu, as Consultant to the NFF Referees Unit.

    “Committee approved confirmation of the appointment of Management Staff of the Federation, with a four-year contract spanning March 2011 – March 2015.

    “The Executive Committee approved the promotion and confirmation of Members of Staff based on results of the last promotion/confirmation examinations.

    “The Committee approved Thursday, 28th November as date for the 2013 Annual General Assembly of Nigeria football, with Warri, Delta State as venue.

     

    In attendance: Aminu Maigari (President); Mike Umeh (Vice President);

    Emeka Inyama (Member); Dilichukwu Onyedinma (Member); Ahmad Muazu Kawu

    (Member); Effiong Johnson (Member); Christopher Green (Member); Muazu

    Suleyman (Member); Ayodeji Tinubu (Member); Shehu Adamu (Member);

    Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande (Member); Yusuf Ahmed Fresh (Member); Musa

    Amadu (Secretary). Absent With Apology: Olaleye Adepoju (Member); Felix Anyansi-Agwu (Member)

     

  • Ogunjobi congratulates Kayode on clearance

    Ogunjobi congratulates Kayode on clearance

    Ex-NFF top shot Taiwo Ogunjobi has congratulated Olanrewaju Kayode over a FIFA verdict that frees him to resume his career.

    “I am happy for Kayode and congratulate him that he can now continue with his career after FIFA ordered NFF to issue a provisional clearance to him for Heartland,” Ogunjobi told MTNFootball.com.

    “I say congratulations to Kayode once again, he should face his career and never allow people to use him against his fellow human beings especially someone who helped him. I wish him well.”

    He maintained that the FIFA decision has cleared him.

    “I also thank God that I have been vindicated at the end of it all,” he said.

    “That is what I have been saying all along that Ogunjobi cannot issue clearance for him or discuss his clearance but the clubs involved.

    “I have a copy of the FIFA Single Judge five-page document which was sent to me by Asec Mimosas.I have the document and nowhere on the five-page document was Ogunjobi mentioned.

    “FIFA stated there that Asec don’t want to hold on to Kayode as I said earlier, the provisional clearance was ordered to be issued and compensation for Asec will be worked out.”

    Ogunjobi further said: “NFF just want to rope me in which is political because of my ambition,but I have been vindicated.

    “I will release the document to Nigeria journalists on Monday to see the fact and what was in the Single Judge verdict.”

  • ‘Prime not under pressure’

    ‘Prime not under pressure’

    The media officer of Nigeria National League side, Prime Football Club of Oshogbo, Tunde Shamsudeen, says his team has no cause to fear, maintaining that they would remain in the National League despite their present position on the table.

    Speaking with journalists after pulling a vital point away from home last weekend against Fountain, Shamsudeen noted: “It was a fantastic display from our boys. It was just painful as we lost lots of scoring chances, because we would have won the game. But with this point, I am very optimistic that Prime won’t get relegated.”

    The former Anambra United spokesman dispelled insinuations that the team is feeling the heat. “We are not under pressure. We will continue to play our normal game and stay focused on the club’s objectives.”

    He attributed the team’s low standing on the table and shoddy performance in the league to late preparation and Apa United’s withdrawal from the league because of which four points were deducted from their accumulated points.

    “We did not start preparation for the on-going season on time, and the points deducted from our points due to Apa Utd’s withdrawal from the league also affected us. But we are doing our best at the moment to make sure we keep our status safe and to also end the season on a promising note. I am sure next season will be a better one for us.”

    As to how the support from the sole financier of the club has been, he said: “The State of Osun Government has been solidly behind the team through the management led by Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, as the players and officials get paid as at when due.”

    “Our fans should keep faith with the team, we will do everything possible to keep our National League status and return with a bang next season,” Shamsudeen said.

    Prime FC needs a victory against Unicem Rovers at home to keep their league hopes alive.

  • Ogunjobi heads Prime FC mgt board

    Ogunjobi heads Prime FC mgt board

    The much awaited management board of Nigeria National League side, Prime Football Club of Oshogbo, has been announced and sworn in by the State of Osun Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Special Needs, Barrister Stephen Kola Balogun, at his office.

    According to a release made available to newsmen by the club media officer, Tunde Shamsudeen, stated that the commissioner urged the 9-man management board led by Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi to run the club professionally and ensure they work hard to bring lots of laurels to the state.

    The commissioner promised the state government will always make available financial and moral support to the management, players and officials of the club.

    Director of Sports at the state Ministry of Youths, Sports, and Specia Needs, Layi Adeshiyan, was appointed secretary of the management board and Acting General Manager of the state Sports Council, Akin Adio, was sworn in as one of the club board members.

    Others appointed into the board are Engineer Kehinde Aina, Engineer Jimoh Olayemi, Otunba Rasaq Mustapha Ajiroba, Prince Abimbola Bamidele, Coach Alex Owopetu and Afolabi Kamaldeen completes the 9-man management board.

    The management board expressed excitement with their new duty post and promised to work hard to ensure the club records a remarkable feat in the ongoing league season.

    The players and officials of the team would be introduced to the newly constituted management board today at the training ground at the Sports Complex of Fountain University, Oke-Osun, Oshogbo.

  • NPFL: Ogunjobi tasks match officials

    NPFL: Ogunjobi tasks match officials

    Taiwo Ogunjobi, Chairman, Osun Football Agency (OFA), has urged referees officiating in the Nigeria Professional Football League’s 2012/2013 season to be dedicated, to ensure a credible league.

    Ogunjobi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos, that he expects the best from the league, in spite of its logistic challenges.

    “I am expecting a hitch-free season this time around, and less hiccups, which I am sure the NPFL is capable of delivering, so we should expect the best this season. And I hope our referees and officials will live up to expectation, because in football or any other sports at that, officiating can make or mar a competition. And I hope the players will give us something to cheer about this season. They should make the long wait worth it,” Ogunjobi said.

    NAN reports that 2012/2013 NPFL season finally kicked off Saturday, after several postponements.

    On the level of football development in Osun, and when it would have a club in the NPFL, Ogunjobi told NAN that things were beginning to take shape in the state.

    “We are more concerned about our grassroots development; we are not in a hurry, we will get there, I am sure that very soon we will be called up into the NPFL,” he added.

    On the level of logistics support from the Osun government, the chairman told NAN that Gov. Rauf Aregbesola had supported the FA immensely.

    Ogunjobi, who was a former Secretary of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), added that the OFA would need the support of corporate bodies and well meaning individuals.

    “We need more support from the private sector, nothing much is being done from that angle; I want to believe that they are waiting for the right time to partner with us.

    “With the amount of support our governor has put into sports, we hope to make more impact with additional support from the private sector,” the former NFA secretary added.