The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ubido

  • Ubido tags Heartland loss painful

    Ubido tags Heartland loss painful

    Recuperating Heartland vice captain and defensive midfielder, Julius Ubido has described as painful the top-flight defeat at newcomers, Mountain of Fire Miracles Ministries (MFM) FC.

    “It’s really painful and unfortunate that we lost the clash at MFM FC, we went out there to win not to lose given our poor standing on the log and here we are conceding two unreplied goals in the match.

    “However, something keeps telling me that despite the cloudiness around us at the moment we will not be  relegated at the end of the on-going top-flight. Somehow we will certainly pick a win on the road to strengthen our strong fight to escape relegation.

    “Heartland will not be  relegated not on our own tenure and time that’s our promise and vow to the supporters.  MFM FC could not have been the better side on matchday but for the injuries that ravaged our side. That’s not an excuse anyway. We will come back quickly to prepare for a winning strategy for FC IfeanyiUbah,” said the former Lobi Stars utility player to supersport.com.

     

  • Ubido begs mates to win at MFM FC

    Ubido begs mates to win at MFM FC

    Heartland vice-captain and defensive midfielder, Julius Ubido has pleaded with teammates to win for him at top-flight newcomers, Mountain of Fire Miracles Ministries (MFM) FC.

    The Nigerian playmaker cropped a knee injury in the 1-0 win top-flight matchday 26 oriental derby against neighbours and champions, Enyimba in Owerri.

    The former Lobi Stars ace did not recover well in time for the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday 27 clash at the Olukoya Boys on Sunday at the Agege Township Stadium in Lagos.

    Ubido said ruefully that he will not partake in the side crucial clash at MFM FC but insisted that his side will come clean at the end of the expected tough tie.

    “I picked a knock on my left knee in the oriental derby 1-0 win against Enyimba in Owerri on Saturday. I had looked forward to the rematch at Mountain of Fire Miracles Ministries (MFM) FC in Lagos having played a vital role in the first fixture win in Owerri.

    “Unfortunately, I was just told right now that I cannot play but rest the knee to avoid further injury.

    “I know that I will attain 100% fitness by the time the side come back for the next home match against FC IfeanyiUbah.

    “However, I had a hearty discussion with my teammates prior to their departure to Lagos where I passionately pleaded with them to win the encounter at MFM FC as a befitting get well gift for me. They actually promised to do exactly that for me and I’m quite hopeful we will come back with a decent result.

    “It’s going to be tough but beyond the promise to win for me our position on the log is too bad for us to joke with any opportunity to earn some points to improve our fortune.

    “I strongly believe that God will certainly see us through from the threat of relegation at the end of the season,” said the former Ranchers Bees star player to supersport.com.

    Heartland are only better than bottom-placed side, Ikorodu United on the top-flight log on poorly 29 points from 25 matches.

  • Ubido thanks Gbenga Ogunbote

    Ubido thanks Gbenga Ogunbote

    Heartland attacking midfielder, Julius Ubido has thanked 3SC head coach, Gbenga Ogunbote for taking time out from his busy schedule to inquire of his health.

    The Nigerian play-maker left the grudged Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match day 22 clash in Oba in the 31st minute with a bloodied eye. The Owerri outfit were beaten in the encounter 1-3 by the Oluyole Warriors.

    Though 100% recovered from the eye injury, Ubido said he was touched by Ogunbote’s personal call almost immediately after the clash to ask how he was getting on with the injury.

    “I never knew that kindhearted and humane coaches still exist in our domestic league until I received a passionate call from 3SC coach, Gbenga Ogunbote inquiring about the eye injury I sustained in the match involving his side.

    “I was really touched by his care and compassion over my health and well-being even though he was not in any way responsible for the injury. That shows he is in a different class of coaches as well as an exceptional human being, I’m deep down grateful to him,” said Ubido to supersport.com.

    Ubido said he is 100% fit for the NPFL match day 23 clash at Nasarawa United in Lafia on Sunday.

    “I have fully recovered from the eye injury and will be available for selection for the Sunday’s clash at Nasarawa United in Lafia. I do not envisage any difficulty in the match once we come out in full force to play the game.

    “I’m confident we will pick a decent result, at least, to make up for the three points we ceded to 3SC in the last match in Oba. We have managed one point from a possible nine in our last three matches and that’s not really heartwarming to the campaign to secure a ticket to the continent,” said Ubido.

    Heartland are eighth on the 20-team Nigerian top flight on 33 points eight points behind league leaders and neighbours, Enyimba.

  • Ubido, Okoro, others for fitness test

    Ubido, Okoro, others for fitness test

    •Achor Philip out of the league season

    Heartland’s Julius Ubido, Ebele Obi, Osas Okoro and Emmanuel Iwu will today face late fitness tests for the Naze Millionaires’ Glo Premier League Week 36 tie against FC Taraba at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri on Sunday.

    The trio of Ubido, Okoro and Iwu didn’t make the short trip to Umuahia for their Oriental Derby against Abia Warriors which ended 1-1 because they suffered knocks in their last home game against Warri Wolves and the tie before that.

    Ebele Obi – the elder brother of Chelsea of England midfielder, John Mikel Obi – was billed to man the post against Abia Warriors but he sustained an injury in the warm up to the tie and was replaced by another goalkeeper, Chinedu Udeh who had the best game of his Heartland career against the Umuahia side, according to reports.

    Heartland’s Media Officer, Cajetan Nkwopara told SportingLife that the players’ fitness would be tested today before they would be passed fit or otherwise ahead of the league game against FC Taraba on Sunday.

    Heartland are on 51 points from 35 games and they are up against the Jalingo Boys who are on 46 points from 35 games.

    Nkwopara also disclosed that Heartland players and officials are wishing their injured goalkeeper, Emmanuel Philip Achor who underwent a hip surgery speedy recovery.

    The goaltender suffered the injury in the club’s final training session against Enyimba at Aba in Week 29 and has been ruled out of the season.

  • Heartland’s Ubido eyes continental ticket

    Heartland’s Ubido eyes continental ticket

    Heartland midfielder, Julius Ubido, said the Owerri side has shifted its attention towards winning one of the CAF Champions League tickets in the ongoing Glo Premier League season.
    The two-time Federation Cup winners exited this year’s Cup competition with a round of 32 defeat to Sharks on Friday, supersport.com reports.
    Ubido said the players will devote 100 per cent attention to the second stanza of the season to ensure they get enough points that will guarantee them a continental ticket.
    “I think we were unlucky to have lost the encounter against Sharks, we did the playing but Sharks turned out to be the greatest gainers of our hard luck.
    “Sharks were simply lucky as we could have comfortably won the encounter as many as three unanswered goals.
    “However, that’s history right now as we’ve promptly decided to give the league 100 per cent undivided attention.
    “Our ouster from the Federation Cup could turn out to be a blessing in disguise if we eventually earn a Champions League ticket for ourselves at the end of the season.
    “Right now we’ve no inhibition whatsoever but to give everything in us towards achieving the lofty dream of returning to the continent.
    “I’m positive the dream won’t be too tough to realise given the quality of players at our disposal to prosecute the league matches, Ubido told supersport.com.

  • Ali, Ubido back in The Predictor’s XI

    Ali, Ubido back in The Predictor’s XI

    Kano Pillars playmaker, Rabiu Ali and Heartland midfielder, Julius Ubido played their way into my team of the week for Match Day 13 of the Glo Premier League.

    The two midfielders had previously made my team once apiece. While Ubido made my team of the week on Match Day 11 got his first appearance on Match Day 2.

    Ali was in the heart of everything going forward for the champions, Kano Pillars as they defeated Gombe United 3-1 at the Pantami Stadium. The skilful midfielder also scored the goal that ensured Kano Pillars cancelled out Gombe United’s one goal lead before they went on to claim their first full points on the road.

    Ubido was full of energy and he put in a massive shift that helped Heartland defeat Enugu Rangers in the Oriental Derby. First, his free kick was turned in by Rangers defender, Ousmane Pape Sane and he later nodded away the insurance goal that secured a two-nil win for Heartland.

    Giwa FC left-back, Chris Madaki, is the other player who is making his second appearance in my team this season. He was in my Match Day 7 team. However eight new players are in my team of the week for the match day under review.

    They include Dolphins goalkeeper, Sunday Rotimi, Christian Ibeh (Crown FC), Kelvin Njoku (FC Taraba), Obinna Nwokolo (FC Taraba), Osas Idehen (Abia Warriors), Ajani Ibrahim (Sharks), Ifeanyi Onyeali (Abia Warriors) are Abdul Haruna (Kano Pillars).

    For the second time this season, I’m naming Ladan Bosso my coach of the week. He engineered Abia Warriors’ second away win of the season and in style too as they defeated his former club, Bayelsa United 3-1.

    The Predictor’s

    XI – Match Day 13

    Sunday Rotimi (Dolphins) – Christian Ibeh (Crown FC), Kelvin Njoku (FC Taraba), Obinna Nwokolo (FC Taraba), Chris Madaki (Giwa FC) – Julius Ubido (Heartland) – Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars), Osas Idehen (Abia Warriors), Ajani Ibrahim (Sharks) – Ifeanyi Onyeali (Abia Warriors), Abdul Haruna (Kano Pillars).

    Coach:

    Ladan Bosso (Abia Warriors)

  • Heartland are battle-ready, says Ubido

    Heartland are battle-ready, says Ubido

    DESPITE fears that Heartland’s recent string of defeats will haunt them again today against visiting Kano Pillars, Julius Ubido, says the Naze Millionaires are fully prepared and ready to cliam the three points at stake.

    The side, according to him, have since put aside the disappointsments of defeats and forged ahead, adding that preparation ahead of the tie has been impressive.

    “Our preparation has been good and we are looking forward to the clash,” he said.

    Heartland, who failed in their bid to defend their Federation Cup title, have suffered three home defeats to the disappointment of their fans. After losing to Nembe, Kwara United and Enyimba at home, the Owerri Landlords insist the time has come to turn the tables beginning with the Pillars game today.

    “We have had our challenges but we are set to get back to winning ways,” he added.

    He also called on the team’s fans to come out in their numbers to support the team at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.

    A win for the Naze Millionaires will see the side shoot their points to 37 points and a possible push up the ladder where they are currently occupying a disappointing 17th position