The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Plateau United

  • CAF CC: Plateau United crash out

    Plateau United Football Club of Jos on Tuesday, missed out on a place in the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup following a 4-0 defeat against USM Alger in Algeria.

    The match played at the Stade 5 Juillet was the second leg of their play-off round fixture.

    The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Champions who won the first leg 2-1 lost out 5-2 on aggregate.

    Coach Kennedy Boboye’s boys stood firm against early pressure from the hosts, but went behind in the 29th minute with Kaddour Beldjlali nodding home from a corner kick.

    The home team wasted a number of chances with Plateau United goalkeeper Dele Ajiboye impressing again.

    Ajiboye was,  however, unable to prevent Oussama Darlafou who scored USM’s only goal in the first leg from scoring another header four minutes before the break.

    Darlafou got the third for the hosts and his second of the game from another header five minutes after the break.

    With the visitors resigned to fate following a disjointed performance, Mokhtar Benkhermassa added the fourth  later on.

    The three other NPFL clubs still left in the competition Enyimba FC, MFM FC and Akwa United FC will be in action on Wednesday.

    NAN

  • Transfer window: Plateau Utd, Kano Pillars get busy

     

    Strong indications abound that the current NPFL transfer window which opened on Monday, will be full of activities.

    Less than 24 hours after the window opened league defending champions Plateau United apparently bent on fortifying the squad for the challenges ahead, have grabbed the services of former U-20 ace Jesse Akila.  Akila crossed over from MFM FC.

    But the Jos side are not only in business of getting new players but have equally sent four packing.

    Leading the pack of those shown the door is Nigeria international and former Victoria Setubal and Stal Rzeszów of Poland right back Terna Suswam.

    Suswam made about 56 appearances for the Polish club between 2014 and 2016 scoring two goals,  He was called up for the Nigeria camp prior to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa by coach Lars Lagerbäck, after helping the national B-team win the 2010 WAFU Nations Cup.

    The other players sent packing alongside Suswam are Fortune Omoniwari, Abdulwahab Afolabi and Sadiq Yusuf.

    Kano Pillars on the other hand have grabbed the duo of Kalu Orji and Ikenna Hilary while former FC Ifeanyiuba star Jimoh oni is now in the payroll of Abia Warriors.

    Reacting to the new transfer window, Chairman of club owners Isaac Danladi told SCORENigeria said clubs are now expected to fortify their ranks ahead of the second stanza of the league.

    “It is good that registration of new players has begun. It is a way for teams to compliment what they have on ground ahead of this interesting NPFL season,” he said.

    “If you have followed the league closely, you cannot predict who will win it and who will drop to the second-tier league because the gap between clubs is so close that a victory can push you to the top, while two consecutive defeats can bring you to the relegation zone, that makes the league to be interesting.

    Meanwhile Plateau United will attempt to turn the table in the CAF Confederation cup tie 2nd leg play-off against

    USM Alger today in Algiers.  The Jos based side who chose to play the first leg at the ground of MFM dubbed the Temple, emerged 2-1 victors but will need to hold their own against USM Alger who are likely to fire from all angles today  with intent to turn the table.  Today’s tie will be decided at the Stade du 5 Juillet 1962 at 18.00 hours.

     

     

  • Jos stadium ready for continental matches in May – official

    The Jos ultra-modern stadium will be ready for continental matches in May, Mr Plamen Iliev, Director, BCC Tropical Nig. Ltd, handlers of the project, said on Wednesday in Jos.

    Iliev told Plateau governor Simon Lalong, who paid an unscheduled visit to the site, that materials needed to meet Confederation of African Football ( CAF ) specifications had been acquired and were being installed.

    Reigning Premier League Champions, Plateau United, one of Nigeria’s four representatives in CAF continental competitions, have been banned from playing their home matches in Jos because of the state of the stadium.

    Supporters of the Jos side have blamed the soccer outfit’s early exit from the CAF Champions League on the fact that it played its home matches in Kano, far away from home.

    Iliev, who took the governor round the stadium, said that the dressing room, the seats, the scoreboards and other requirements of CAF would be ready in May.

    In a brief remark, Lalong said that government had desired to meet all the conditions before the commencement of the Nigeria Professional Football League ( NPFL ) and CAF competitions, but was frustrated by the paucity of funds.

    He expressed optimism that Plateau United will play the remaining continental matches in the new stadium.

    “We are also optimistic that the stadium will be among the projects we will inaugurate in May,” he added.

    NAN

  • Itodo set to return against Enyimba after illness

    Itodo set to return against Enyimba after illness

     

    Plateau United defender Daniel Itodo is happy to return to active football again after a brief illness he suffered at the just concluded Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) in Morocco.

    Itodo fell sick during one of the Super Eagles training sessions in Morocco just before the final group game. He was then stopped from playing any part in Eagles games by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) due to the incident.   CAF carried out regular medical tests on Itodo throughout the competition.

    In a chat with The Nation, an elated Itodo revealed that he has been given a clean bill of health to play against Enyimba in a rescheduled Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) tie on Wednesday.

    “I have started training since I came back from Morocco. I was even expected to play at the weekend but I was told to rest. I will travel with the team for the game against Enyimba and I should play in the game. I am okay now and I give glory to God for everything,” Itodo he said

    Speaking about the match, Itodo added: “This is football and anything can happen within 90 minutes. It is going to be a great game but we will give everything to get something from the game.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • MFM FC bus accident: We are safe and sound – Media Officer

    MFM FC bus accident: We are safe and sound – Media Officer

    The Media Officer of MFM FC, Olawale Quadri said on Sunday that the team was safe and sound after they were involved in an accident at Akungba, Ondo State.

    Reports say that the Lagos bound MFM FC players and official were returning from Jos after the Match Day 5 fixtures of the Nigeria Professional Football League ( NPFL ).

    The Olukoya Boys, however, lost to the incumbent league winners Plateau United by a lone goal courtesy of a second-minute strike by Tosin Omolyele.

    Quadri said though the bus conveying the team was badly damaged,  most of the players escaped unscathed.

    Read also: MFM FC do the double over Sunshine Stars

    “The accident was unfortunate, but we thank God that no one sustained serious injury. I have read some reports that our coach was injured, nothing of such happened.

    “We are safe and sound; we are presently in a hotel in Akure so that we can take off from there after some time so that the players can also have some rest.

    “Some of the players that sustained minor injuries are being taken care of and they will join the rest of the team; we thank God for his protection.

    “We hope to resume the journey as soon as possible and we also thank our fans too for their support and prayers, he said.

    NAN

  • Plateau FA Chairman calls for committee to help Plateau United

    Plateau FA Chairman calls for committee to help Plateau United

    Plateau Football Association (PFA) Chairman, Sunday Longbap, has called for an immediate constitution of a committee to help Plateau United Football Club successfully play in the 2018 CAF Champions League.

    Longbap said this on Tuesday in Jos that the committee was imperative for the club to succeed.

    “Playing continental football is different from playing in the country’s league.

    “On the continent, apart from a quality team, you need a vibrant committee to help the team achieve its target.

    “And, for Plateau United who are debutants in continental football, the need for the committee becomes even more imperative,” he said.

    The chairman said the committee must be composed of all critical stakeholders in the football circle in the state.

    He said there was need for adequate preparation because, this time around, Plateau United would be going beyond the state level to represent the entire country as a continental showpiece.

    “Representing the country brings about the need for adequate and timely preparations,’’ Longbap said.

    The Plateau FA Chairman, who said winning the 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title by Plateau United was the Association board’s happiest moment commended the state governor, Simon Lalong.

    “His unwavering support for the club ensured their emergence as NPFL champions,’’ he said.

    Longbap also commended Lalong for the resumption of work at the ultra-modern new Zaria Road Stadium in fulfillment of his promise.

    “The governor promised the team that they will play their continental matches in the new stadium if they win the league and work has since resumed in the stadium.

    “We believe that the stadium will be ready in February when the 2018 CAF Champions League will start,” he said.

    Longbap assured the team and the state government that the PFA would do all that was needed of it in ensuring that Plateau United gave its best on the continent.

    NAN

  • NPFL Champions, Plateau United sacks 11 players

    NPFL Champions, Plateau United sacks 11 players

    The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Champions, Plateau United FC of Jos has sacked 11 of its players as they intensify preparations ahead of the new season.

    A statement by Albert Dakup, the club’s Media Officer, disclosed that the players were sacked for low productivity, age and indiscipline.

    The statement gave the names of the players as Chima Ndukwu, Okoro Obasi, Daddy Francis, Daddy Morris, Stanley Okoro, Ayo Segun, Anayo Ogbonna, Umar Umara, John Kim, Longji Obadiah and Olowo Emmanuel.

    “The decision to drop the players was necessitated by the fact that the team will be competing on three fronts next season, including the CAF Champions League.

    “As such serious-minded players with international exposure will be engaged to fortify the team,” the statement said.

    It explained that some players such as Musa Adamu and Myep Bulus-Ghai who could not really feature for the team last season due to injury and illness were given a second chance.

    The statement added that reserve team players who distinguished themselves were also upgraded into the main team.

    According to the statement, the management of the club has negotiated with six new players and efforts were on to engage more to boost the team.

    “Following the abysmal outing of Nigerian clubs in the continent, Plateau United will acquire the services of experienced, committed and dedicated players in order to put up a decent outing,” it added. (NAN)

  • 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)

  • Plateau United win 2016/2017 NPFL

    Plateau United win 2016/2017 NPFL

    Plateau United FC of Jos has won the 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), their first-ever win, after amassing 66 points from 38 matches.

    The team defeated Rangers International of Enugu 2-0 at the Jos Township Stadium.

    Details later…

    NAN

  • NPLF: Plateau pip MFM, as Akwa close gap with win

    NPLF: Plateau pip MFM, as Akwa close gap with win

    With four rounds of matches in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) to go, Plateau United on Saturday emerged victorious in the top-of-the-table clash, pipping the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Football Club (MFM FC) 1-0 at the Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos.

     Ibe Johnson got the solitary goal of the match at third minute a win, which makes the Jos-based side unbeaten in 36 home matches.

     Plateau United were without goalkeeper Dele Ajiboye while the Olukoya Boys missed top strikers Stephen Odey and Sikiru Olatunbosun, as all players were away to represent the Home-Based Eagles at the CHAN Qualifiers.

     Enyimba claimed all three points against the Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) at the UJ Eusene Stadium, Calabar to reach 54 points and joint third with Akwa United.

    Stanley Dimgba headed in an Ikechukwu Ibenegbu free-kick in the 16th minute, as Eric Frimpong and Ibrahim Mustapha’s goals ensured it ended 3-0 for the Aba Elephants.

     In Umuahia, Abia Warriors defeated Shooting Stars of Ibadan 2-0 with Ndifreke Effiong scoring in 13 minutes, from close range, and Alabe Osawe unluckily turned in Ndifreke’s shot into his own net at the 42nd minute.

     Akwa United closed down the gap behind MFM FC with a massive 3-0 thrashing of Niger Tornadoes. Cyril Olisema put Akwa United ahead against Niger Tornadoes in the 27th minute with a free kick at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium and Gabriel Okechukwu added a second eight minutes before the break. Edem Akakatang made it 3-0 for Akwa United.

     In Sagamu, Remo’s relegation bell rang loud as they went behind in the 15th minute against Rivers United when Bernard Ovoke struck a free kick. Emeka Ogbuh grabbed the second for the Port Harcourt side nineteen minutes after the opener. Esosa Igbinoba turned in the third of the evening for The Pride of Rivers just over the hour mark. Safewi Ochowechi scored a consolatory goal for Remo with two minutes left on the clock

     NPFL MatchDay 34 Result

    Enyimba 3-0 ABS

    Katsina United 2-0 Wikki Tourist

    Enugu Rangers 1-0  Sunshine Stars

    Plateau United 1-0   MFM FC

    Abia Warriors 2-0 Shooting Stars

    Akwa United 3-0  Niger Tornadoes

    Gombe United 1-0 Kano Pillars

    Remo Stars 1-3 Rivers United

    Nasarawa United 1-0 Lobi Stars