The Nation Newspaper

Tag: relegation

  • Kwara players united against relegation

    Kwara players united against relegation

    Kwara United returned to winning ways after three straight defeats and the players are bubbling with zeal to perhaps seek a win on the road and are fancying their chances in Makurdi against Lobi Stars on Match Day 33.

    Dare Ojo fluffed a chance to extend the margin of their lead against Akwa United last Sunday and he is still hunted by that miss which he admitted to be a source of regrets. But Ojo is happy they won that class 2-1 and is emboldened to assert that he will make it up for their fans by contributing to the upstaging of Lobi Stars in the away game.

    “I am not happy losing the penalty, the goalkeeper read me well and saved the kick but that is gone now and the best way for us and myself in particular is to go to Makurdi and beat Lobi Stars in front of their home crowd.

    “We can do it because we are determined to play to retain our position in the league so that people will not be counting Kwara United as journey men in Nigeria premier league,” Ojo said.

    Also speaking ahead of the fixture, Segun Alebiosu said the team is heading to Makurdi with one mind set which is to beat the host and pick the maximum points at stake.

    Alebiosu, who was pivotal to his team success against Akwa United, noted that he is happy that the team spirit in the camp is high and this will go a long way to push them to excel in their subsequent matches.

    According to the duo, the players have resolved to battle the relegation war with all the deserved commitment despite some challenges they may be encountering.

    They expressed the players’ gratitude to the club’s fans and supporters for the belief in their ability to take the club out of the troubled waters of relegation and promised not to let them down.

  • Relegation migraine for Aluko

    Relegation migraine for Aluko

    These are not happy times for Nigeria international Sone Aluko.  The former Rangers and Aberdeen forward who joined Hull City in July 2012 thus successfully crossing over from the Scottish league to the premier league, failed in his bid to rescue the club from relegation.

    Aluko had come in as late substitute for Senegal international Dame Ndioye in the 71st minute against Manchester United in the last match of the season that ended goalless on Sunday.

    Aluko and his teammates managed to hold on to 40% possession as visiting United dominated proceedings but failed to leave Kingston Communications Stadium (Hull) with the maximum three points at stake. Aluko had signed a new two and a half year contract with Hull on January 3, 2014 describing the extension as a good step even as he expressed hope that his sojourn at Hull will take his career to greater heights. “I am happy to be extending my stay here,” he had said.

    Saturday’s eventual relegation of Hull is no doubt a big blow for Aluko who scored his first goals for Nigeria against South Africa in a 2-2 draw on November 19, 2014 in the qualifying round for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. The 24-year-old, who has also played for Birmingham City and Blackpool respectively will no doubt gear up for another struggle, that of getting back to the elite division, a task which is not likely to come on a platter.

  • ICC Africa Under 19: Nigeria finishes fifth, escapes relegation

    The Nigerian team to the ICC Africa Under 19 Championship in Dar-es- Salaam, Tanzania escaped relegation after finishing fifth in the six-team event, winning two out of the five games it played.

    According to Tanzaniacricket.com, the Nigerian team lost the first and second game by seven wickets and 164 runs to Kenya and Namibia respectively before beating Uganda in the third game by 23 runs. In the fourth game, the Nigerian team lost by three wickets to host Tanzania, but dispatched Botswana by nine runs in the final game.

    In the final standing released by the host, Namibia finished first with four wins, one defeat and eight points, Uganda finished second with three victories, two losses and six points, Kenya had the same number of victories as Uganda, but had fewer runs. Tanzania and Nigeria ended with same number of wins, but Tanzania edged Nigeria to fifth place with fewer runs. Botswana finished last with one victory from five games

    Coach of the team, Tamuno John told SportingLife after arriving in the country that the players did their best, but lacked the necessary experience at exposure to do well at a championship of that magnitude. He said 12 of the players were tasting international competition for the first time and the tour of Dubai, which was cancelled, could have given the players a taste of what to expect in Tanzania.

    “I believe most of the players that we paraded did not have the experience and exposure to compete with the best because they were playing international cricket for the first time. We also played on turf as against the hard surface we play on in Nigeria. However, I must praise them for giving their best and hopefully they will become better players in future,” John added.

    John noted that the country needed to start an elite development camp programme aimed at training cricketers to the top level. “Some of the players we came up against are in various academies in their country where they get quality training unlike here, where training for one month for major championships, which is very inadequate.”

    He expressed delight that the country escaped relegation and promised a better outing at the next edition.

  • Alaafin decries alleged relegation of Yoruba

    Alaafin decries alleged relegation of Yoruba

    •Grand Finale of Oranyan Festival holds in Oyo Town 

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, has decried what he described as “relegation of Yoruba to the background in the country’s scheme of things.”

    The paramount ruler spoke at the “Grand Finale of Oranyan Festival” at the weekend in Oyo town.

    He said there was no doubt that the Yoruba nation today, was “in dire need of empire builders in the mould and character of the legendary Oranyan.”

    The monarch noted that despite the tribe’s heroic contributions to the nation, it was almost relegated to the background in the scheme of things.

    He said it was as if the Federal Government had decided to relegate Yorubaland in the allocation of resources and political power sharing.

    He added that the situation of the Yoruba within the context of the Nigerian state was disturbing, bearing in mind the Yoruba’s resources used to build the Nigerian nation.

    Oba Adeyemi, however, noted that the life and political career of the legendary founder, Oranyan, would provide a template for effective political system or statecraft, empire building and mass political participation.

    “Oranyan was an astute political leader, who in spite of all odds, created a most enduring political system in sub-Saharan Africa. The archetypal monarchy embroidered with central authority was a product of the wizardry of Oranyan, who left the cradle of Yoruba consciousness to create a system of government whose effectiveness, creativity, relevance, suitability and appropriateness is not in doubt even in contemporary Nigeria.

    “The time is just right for a new Yoruba genius to emerge and provide leadership for the Yoruba nation. Let our aspiring politicians approach the foundation of knowledge, and every pretentions, arrogance and selfishness to embrace the ideals of Oranyan in politics,” he said.

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who was represented by his deputy, Moses Adeyemo, praised the monarch for initiating a move to unite the Yoruba nation through the Oranyan festival.

    “Oyo remains the Pacesetter State. Therefore, the Oyo State government will always play its role in promoting unity among the Yorubas. As such, it is ready to provide the necessary support towards the achievement of this aim and objective.”

    The former Oyo State governor, Chief Omololu Olunloyo, told the guests the significance of reviving old culture, values and tradition inherent in the ancient city of Oyo.

    “Oyo has remained the meeting-point in Yoruba history. There’s no way you can talk about Yoruba history without making adequate reference to Oyo, and Alaafin has, since a very long time, remained a force to reckon with,” he said.

    Other speakers at the event hailed Oranyan as a brave warrior and leader.

    They called on all Yorubas to join the Alaafin in his quest to ensure unity among the tribe and bring back the values and cultural heritage of the race. The festival started with a carnival after some royal blessing from the Alaafin to all the participants.

    The guests at the event included the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Monsurat Sunmonu and the National Coordinator of Oodu’a Peoples’ Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams, monarchs from Oke-Ogun areas, Lagos, Osun states, Republic of Benin and Togo.

  • ESCAPE FROM RELEGATION: Mba banks on first Bastia goal

    ESCAPE FROM RELEGATION: Mba banks on first Bastia goal

    Nigeria’s Sunday Mba is eager to help CA Bastia avoid relegation after scoring his first goal for French Ligue 2 campaigners in their French Cup.

    The former Warri Wolves ace is confident the win will help the Corsican club avoid the drop.

    “The victory will help us. It will also motivate us to give our best to make sure that we escape relegation at the end of the season,” the former Enugu Rangers player told CA Bastia’s official website.

    Interestingly, it was Mba’s goal that equaled the score and pushed the game into extra time before the team won on penalties.

    Bastia are currently 7 points behind a safe place in Ligue 2 table.

  • Igiebor in danger of being relegated

    Igiebor in danger of being relegated

    Out of action Super Eagles midfielder,Nosa Igiebor,may find himself playing in the second division of the Spanish League next season.

    This is because Juan Carlos Garrido, the new manager of the Sevilla side, has acknowledged that he is ‘concerned’ for Real Betis after they lost 1-0 to Almeria.

    Another Nigerian, Ramon Azeez’s fourth minute goal was enough to give the promoted side all three points on Saturday and the Verdiblancos boss has conceded that his men are in a precarious situation at the foot of the table.

    “I’m as concerned as any fan, but I am also strengthened to see all the supporters behind us, he said after the game.

    “I thought we played a good game overall and deserved to win.We need 30 points now in the second half of the season.That means winning 10 games.”

    Igiebor is out injured and is not expected back in action till next year.

  • Kwara FA apologises to fans over Kwara United’s relegation

    Kwara FA apologises to fans over Kwara United’s relegation

    The Kwara Football Association has apologised to football fans in the state for the ugly incident which led to Kwara United FC being ordered to Lokoja during the 2012/2013 season.

    The apology was contained in the communique of its stakeholders’ meeting of Wednesday, issued on Thursday in Ilorin. The Ilorin-based Kwara United were ordered to Lokoja after C. I. D. Durunna, the second assistant referee in their Week 29 fixture against Warri Wolves, was beaten up by fans. The match was played at the Kwara Stadium in Ilorin on Aug. 31.

    The communique, signed by Isaac Oloruntoba, the meeting’s Communique Drafting Committee Chairman, said the apology was on behalf of the management and players of Kwara United.

    It thanked Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara and Sen. Bukola Saraki, a former governor of the state, for their commitment to football development in the state. The communique described the relegation of Kwara United and ABS FC of Ilorin, which is owned by Saraki, as unfortunate.

    “We urge stakeholders to seek ways to address the issues which led to the relegation. There is also the need to bring the culprits to book,’’ it said.

    The communique urged the two Ilorin-based Kwara United and ABS as well as other clubs to eschew unhealthy rivalry and see themselves as one in the spirit of sportsmanship.

    The communique also appealed to the Kwara Government and Saraki, who are the proprietors of the two clubs respectively, to continue to support them and football development generally. It called for the constant education of spectators and club supporters on the need for peaceful conduct before, during and after matches.

    The communique further urged the state government and football institutions in the state to engage professionals in the management of the game.

    It congratulated Taiwo Awoniyi, a member of the victorious Golden Eaglets at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), who is an indigene of the state. The communique appealed to the government to honour him.

  • Onigbinde, Ogunjobi, others react to 3SC’s relegation

    Onigbinde, Ogunjobi, others react to 3SC’s relegation

    A former coach of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, Adegboye Onigbinde on Wednesday expressed disappointment at the relegation of the Ibadan side from the Glo Premier League.

    Onigbinde, who coached the then IICC Shooting Stars in the mid 80s, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the club was like his “baby’’. He said he was not, therefore, in the best position to advice on steps that could be taken to reposition the club, but added that the management was in a better position to do so.

    It would be recalled that this would be the second time that the club would be relegated in the last seven years. 3SC first got relegated in 2006 and eventually gained promotion back to the premier league in 2009.

    “Well, as a lover of the team, the team is like a baby to me. I’m not happy that the team is going on relegation. As for what to do to resuscitate the team, let the technical people and the administrators meet and think of what to do to change the fortunes of the club,’’ Onigbinde said.

    In the same vein, Taiwo Ogunjobi, a former 3SC defence stalwart, also expressed sadness at the club’s relegation to the lower division.

    Ogunjobi, who was also a former General Manager of the club, urged the Oyo State football authorities to ensure that only knowledgeable individuals were appointed to revive the club.

    “The 3SC story is a sad one and it’s a concern to all of us from that area. It is so sad that they are relegated. But I think they must have learnt one or two things and there is need for us to put our house in order. Then we can start thinking about getting it out of the messy situation next season, I believe that the right people should be in the right places so that the club can redeem itself,’’ Ogunjobi added.

    In his own reaction Mutiu Adepoju, the immediate-past General Manager of the Ibadan side, urged the management to look inwards and put their acts together.

    “Its very sad to see Shooting Stars in this situation. I don’t know what went wrong, I believe the management of the team and the players are not happy about this. I’m sure that with their cooperation, they will weather the storm,’’ Adepoju said.

    Felix Owolabi, a former player and board member of the club, told NAN that the once iconic club that held the nation spellbound with its exploits, had lost its pride of place.

    “Shooting Stars had an identity and was a brand of the Yoruba race, when I was playing. The club, as far as I know today has lost its pride of place,’’ Owolabi said.

    Meanwhile, Fatai Amoo, a former coach of the Ibadan side, declined to comment when contacted by NAN. Amoo said he still had some outstanding issues to resolve with the club, hence his refusal to speak.

    NAN reports that this would be the second time in seven years that the team would be relegated to the lower division. 3SC first got relegated in 2006 and eventually gained promotion to the premier league in 2009.

    The famed “Oluyole Warriors’’ finished in the 20th position on the league standings, with 46 points from 38 matches played.

    NAN reports that the 3SC management on Tuesday sacked coach Busari Hakeem and his assistant, Tunde Odubola as part of measures to reposition the club for life in the lower tier of the national league.

  • Lobi now battle relegation

    Lobi Stars centre-back, Anthony Agbaji has said his side have redirected their attention towards doing well in the ongoing 2012/13 Glo Premier League season.

    The Makurdi-based side were on Wednesday dumped 0-1 by Enyimba in the semi-final of the 2013 Federation Cup at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

    Super Eagles striker, Ifeanyi Ede’s lone strike was enough to cement Enyimba’s place in the final of the annual football fiesta coming up in Lagos on September 15. Lobi Stars questioned the goal by Enyimba claiming the referee made bad calls and refused them several penalty appeals.

    Agbaji said after his side’s elimination in the Federation Cup in the hands of Enyimba that they have no choice than to fight hard to overcome the poor fortune that has befallen Lobi Stars in the league where they are placed bottom of the standings.

    “Of course, we never asked for the questionable officiating that characterised our Federation Cup semifinal defeat in the hands of Enyimba. We had a great dream of going ahead to play in the final and make amends for the lapses that cheated us from winning the encounter against Heartland in 2012.

    “Unfortunately, everything has ended a mere dream but life must go on as we have the league to fall back on and see what we can salvage from the precarious position we see ourselves at the moment.

    “Ordinarily, the incident that saw us off from the Federation Cup is enough to kill every appetite in us to raise a hand of defence, but we just realised that under no circumstance should Lobi Stars go down relegated.

    “It’s a vow we’ve taken upon ourselves and we’re bound to work harder to put behind us the ugly memory of our ouster from the Federation Cup. Our position in the league table is a misrepresentation of the strength of the side and we must work hard to reposition the side and claim our rightful place,” said the Lobi Stars strongman to supersport.com.