Sports Stat Moment

FlFA President, Secretary General arrive Nigeria By NFF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT President of world football –governing body, Mr. Gianni Infantino and the Secretary General, Ms Fatma Samoura arrived in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, on Sunday. They were accompanied by executive assistants Mattias Grafstrom and Veron Mosengo-Omba. The world football governors were received on arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by NFF President Amaju Pinnick and General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, vice presidents Seyi Akinwunmi and Shehu Dikko, and other members of the NFF Executive Committee and Management. A 10 –year old girl handed the 46 –year old multi –lingual Infantino a bouquet of flowers as the train emerged from the arrival hall, and a cultural troupe entertained in the foreground as Infantino and Samoura walked on the red carpet to waiting cars.  At the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Pinnick accompanied Infantino to the presidential suite, and meetings...

BREAKING NEWS: FAN LOST WIFE IN A BET OVER RANGERS FED CUP EXIT.... by Olushola Betting in Nigeria took a different dimension on tuesday as a die hard Rangers international fc fan (Chinedu Ani) used his wife as a part of a bet and vowed that his team can never lose their round of 16 encounter with Crown fc but at the end of the match, Rangers lost by a goal to two and thus crashed out of the federation. The fan has since hand over the bet details to the beneficiaries and hand over formalities are being perfected as at press time. In a chat with TALK ABOUT NPFL,NNL WHATSAPP GROUP, the fan expresses no regrets over his action "Rangers lost the FA cup so that they can concentrate on the league so I lost my fiancee so I can concentrate on capturing a female football star" he submitted after our reporter querried the rationale behind his action. Meanwhile Rangers team manager said that "Rangers' loss is not a do or die affair" and assured their fans of a better...

 FEDERATIONS CUP MEN’S ROUND OF 16 AND WOMEN'S Q/FINALS FIXTURES MEN’S ROUND OF 16 Akwa United Vs Sunshine Stars         - Makurdi    - 6/7/16       - 4pm Rivers United Vs Shooting Stars         - Kaduna     - 6/7/16       - 4pm Wikki Tourists Vs Plateau United       - Akure       - 6/7/16       - 4pm Katsina United Vs FC IfeanyiUbah      - Ilorin        - 6/7/16       - 4pm Prime FC Vs Warri Wolves               - Makurdi    - 7/7/16       - 4pm Dynamite FC Vs Nasarawa United      - Lokoja      - 7/7/16       - 4pm Crown FC Vs Enugu Rangers            - Kaduna     - 7/7/16       - 4pm J. Atete Vs Enyimba FC/El-Kanemi Warr...

LMC SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH LA LIGA FOR SELECTED #NPFL SIDE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE LA-LIGA WORLD TOUR TOURNAMENT. The recent declaration of the partnership between the Spanish La-Liga and the Nigerian Professional Football league is beginning to gather momentum as a Selected NPFL side will participate in the La-Liga World Tour Tournament in Spain coming up in August 2016. The chairman of the League Management Company (LMC) Shehu Dikko disclosed this in a chat with TALK ABOUT NPFL,NNL,NWPL whatsApp group. He said "La-Liga representatives were in Abuja on Friday June 24, 2016 where all the details and logistics were sorted such as delegations number, date of travel, the fixtures and trainings etc and we are good to go" He also disclosed the dates of the fixtures to TALK ABOUT NPFL,NNL,NWPL WhatsApp group as thus; "August 10th vs Valencia August 12th vs Malaga In the laliga world tour trophy August 13th vs Malaga in the final of the Laliga world tour trophy...

Reps affirm Pinnick’s position, as Giwa and others face arrest, prosecution From NFF Communications Dept. Nigeria’s House of Representatives has ordered Chris Giwa and his band to put a stop to their parade and allow Nigeria football to be administered in peace. At an executive session inside the Green Chamber on Wednesday, Nigeria’s Parliament considered the report of its Sports Committee and approved the following recommendations: 1)   That the Minister of Youth and Sports Development and the Federal Government of Nigeria shall continue to recognize, work and support the NFF under Mr. Amaju Pinnick’s Presidency. 2)   That the Inspector-General of Police and other Security Agencies shall give full security protection to the NFF under the presidency of Mr. Amaju Pinnick. 3)   That both the Federal Government and the security operatives shall call Mr. Chris Giwa and his group to order to ensure that Nigeria football does not continue to suffer and or incu...

Flying Eagles to play Sudan in U-20 final round By NFF Media Department Nigeria’s U-20 squad reached the final round of qualifying for next year’s CAF U-20 Cup of Nations after edging Burundi’s Young Swallows 2-1 in Calabar on Saturday. Before kick –off, a minute’s silence was observed in honour of Nigeria and African coaching legends Stephen Keshi and Shuaibu Amodu, who died on Wednesday and Saturday respectively. The Nigerian players also wore black armbands. Forward Victor Osimhen and captain Kelechi Nwakali scored second half goals to seal the Flying Eagles’ passage, never thought to be in doubt after they won the first leg 1-0 in Bujumbura three weeks ago. It was, however, a hard –fought encounter, as the Swallows gave a better account of their abilities on the turf of the UJ Esuene Stadium than they did on home ground in Bujumbura. Nigeria created several chances, mostly from Kingsley Michael’s mazy runs, and the lanky midfielder himself could have opened scores af...

FORMER SUPER EAGLES COACH STEPHEN KESHI (THE BIG BOSS)  DEAD BY THE CABLE Nigerian football icon Stephen Okechukwu Keshi died suddenly in the early hours of Wednesday in Benin City, Edo state, TheCable understands. The former international football player and coach had lost his wife of 33 years, Kate, last year after a prolonged battle with cancer. TheCable confirmed his death from a member of his family as well as one of his close associates. “He was not ill at all, never showed any signs of  illness, but we suspect he never got over the death of his wife,” a friend said. He is survived by four children and his mother. Nigerian football icon Stephen Okechukwu Keshi died suddenly in the early hours of Wednesday in Benin City, Edo state, TheCable understands. The former international football player and coach had lost his wife of 33 years, Kate, last year after a prolonged battle with cancer. TheCable confirmed his death from a member of his family as well as one...

Green excited as Eagles thrash Luxembourg 3-1 By NFF Media Department Chairman of the NFF Technical and Development Committee, Barrister Chris Green was happy with the Super Eagles’ 3-1 win over Red Lions of Luxembourg in an international friendly at the Stade Josy Barthel on Tuesday. After Arsenal FC’s Alex Iwobi fluffed a one-on-one chance with goalkeeper Anthony Morris in the 11th minute and Brown Ideye fumbled with an opportunity eight minutes later, Ideye himself opened the scoring nine minutes from half time when he tucked home after Morris dropped a scorching Ogenyi Onazi shot from the edge of the box. Manchester City starlet Kelechi Iheanacho, who scored the only goal in the defeat of Mali in Rouen, France on Friday, was a constant threat throughout, and had a shot blocked in the 24th minute before Morris was lucky to get a hand to his screamer on the dot of half time. After a ding dong stretch in the opening period of the second half, Iheanacho tucked home Nigeria’...

FIRST STANZA REVIEW OF RIVERS UNITED FC By Sammy Wejinya Media Officer Rivers United FC Very few saw this coming but Rivers United are the champions of the 2015/16 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season-at the half way stage. It has been an intense, bruising, exhilarating and sometimes, dramatic first half of the campaign from our perspective. Rivers United Media now x-rays the first 19 matches of our season and how we were crowned champions at the half way stage. We started the season with an important fixture at home to the champions, Enyimba International. Many questioned our temperament for the big game but we got it right on the day. MD 1 Rivers United 1-0 Enyimba (Yakubu Gowon Stadium. Sunday, February 21) The champions, Enyimba arrived in Port Harcourt in all their glory seeking maximum points at a ground where they had claimed much joy in previous seasons. It was a well-fought contest which the People’s Elephants dominated for long stretches e...

NFF appeals against re-listing of Giwa case. From NFF Communications Department The Nigeria Football Federation on Thursday appealed against the decision of the Jos High Court to re-list a case brought against the Federation by Obinna Ogba and Yahaya Adama. Chairman of the NFF Technical and Development Committee, Chris Green, a lawyer, said the NFF decided to appeal against the re-listing of the case for hearing because the matter was out of time and the plaintiffs voluntarily discontinued the case in the first place. “We went to court simply to appeal against the re-listing of the case. The case was struck out after the plaintiff voluntarily withdrew. What we are challenging is the re-listing of the case, and not any order that the court has made by the Honourable Judge. The Honourable Judge made it clear that he only restored the Order striking out the case. “There is no order that we need to appeal against. We are only appealing against the re-listing of the case for ...

Okechukwu, four others beat Siasia’s deadline From NFF communications Department The camp of the U-23 National Team, Dream Team, came alive on Wednesday with the arrival of five of the invited foreign based players hitting camp to beat the Wednesday deadline handed down by Head Coach Samson Siasia. First to arrive the Serob Legacy Hotel camp of the Dream Team was captain Azubuike Okechukwu who was looking fit and ready as he wasted no time in joining the team's morning training session. Next was Portugal based defender Stanley Amuzie who came in around 2pm thereby being part of the team's evening training session, and the number was increased when the team was having dinner with the arrival of the trio of Godwin Saviour, Taiwo Awoniyi and Usman Mohammed, with back slapping and hugging from their team mates and officials. On Thursday afternoon, the camp was further boosted when England based Nathan Oduwa arrived. Speaking to thenff.com, Captain Okechukwu expressed d...

Confident Eagles confront Mali in Rouen From NFF Communications Department The Super Eagles are good to go for victory against their Malian counterparts in Friday’s international friendly match at the Stade Robert Diochon in Rouen, France, according to interim Head Coach, Salisu Yusuf. Yusuf, who is assisted by Imama Amapakabo and Kennedy Boboye, have worked with a relatively young team in three training sessions but says there is belief in the squad going into the clash with the fellow West Africans. “Yes, we have had only three training sessions. But they were very good sessions and the team has bonded very well. We expect to go all out even though it is a friendly match. “We are working with players who have self –belief and there is excellent team spirit.” Only two players, namely Turkey –based defender Kenneth Omeruo and Belgium –based midfielder Wilfred Ndidi were being expected as at Thursday afternoon. In camp are Odion Ighalo, Ogenyi Onazi, Brown Ideye, Carl ...

FC Ifeanyi Ubah defeats Ebonyi Utd 1-0, qualify for round of 32 of the Federation Cup. By Diegwu Nwankwo Media Officer, FC Ifeanyi Ubah FC Ifeanyi Ubah defeated Ebonyi United by a goal to nil, courtesy of a stoppage-time goal scored by Bello Koformata. The Anambra Warriors who came into the game as favourites were given a tough resistance by their opponents who were fearless throughout the game. The match which was played on a very poor Dan Anyiam pitch, had little clear cut chances in the 1st half with the first real chance coming at the 15th minute when Oluchukwu Nwosu's well-whipped cross was headed wide by Nico Dao. This was followed by a couple of half chances by the Anambra Warriors while enjoying plenty of possession. However, the possession didn’t count in the 1st half as it ended goalless at half time. The second half saw the introduction of three players within the 1st ten minutes, Seka Pascal, Bello Koformata, and Madabuchi Okereke. The trio made their...

FC Ifeanyi Ubah will on Wednesday take on Ebonyi United at the Dan Anyam Stadium Owerri, in the Round of 64 of the Federation Cup. By Diegwu Nwankwo Media Officer, FC Ifeanyi Ubah Ahead of the match, Technical Adviser of the team, Mitko Dobrev, has disclosed that the team will approach the tournament with every serious and will field a strong side, as they would love to win the trophy in other to pick up a continental ticket. “ Our objective is to pick up a continental ticket, and so we will take this tournament seriously as the winner qualifies for the continental ticket. We would play each game as a final, and so we can say we are 5 wins away from a  continental ticket” Team News: Meanwhile the ‘Anambra Warriors will be without Bright Onyedikachi who is away on international duty with the National U23 team  and Cameroonian midfielder Tamen Medrano who is away on personal reasons. However, center back Adeleye Olaminkan is back into the team after missing the l...

#CAFCL: ENYIMBAFC IN THE GROUP OF DEATH By Agu Uchenna Kingsley mrkckingsley@gmail.com The group stage of the 2016 CAF Champions League held on Tuesday 24th of May, 2016. It was one that saw the final 8 teams left in the competition drawn into 2 groups A and B. Group A has Zesco UFC of Zambia, 8 times Champions Al Ahly of Egypt, Asec Mimosa of Ivory Coast and Wydad AC of Morroco. Group B, tagged the "group of death" houses Enyimba FC of Nigeria the NPFL defending champions, Zamalek of Egypt the Egyptian Premier League defending Champions, ES Setif of Algeria and Mamelodi Sundows of South Africa. This will be the third time Enyimba FC will be grouped with a South African team in the CAF Champions League and they failed to qualify from the 2 previous groupings in 2005 (when they were grouped with Ajax Capetown) and 2006 (when they were grouped with Orlando Pirates). Against Egyptian teams, Enyimba has not fared any better as they have lost 6 times, won 3 times and...

Federations Cup (Men) Fixtures Kwara United Vs Galadima Best – Abuja – 26/05/16 – 4pm Sunshine Stars Vs Giwa FC – Lokoja – 25/05/16 – 4pm Abia Comets Vs Nembe City – Owerri – 26/05/16 – 4pm Damaturu FC Vs Dynamite FC – Abuja – 26/05/16 – 2pm Rovers FC Vs Flash Flamingoes – Lokoja – 25/05/16 – 2pm Nasarawa United Vs FC Abuja – Kaduna – 26/05/16 – 4pm Go Round Vs Yobe Stars – Makurdi – 25/05/16 – 2pm Rivers United Vs Papilo FC – Umuahia – 25/05/16 – 4pm Kaduna FC Vs Bridge Boys – Lokoja – 26/05/16 – 4pm 3SC FC Vs Wikki Feeders – Enugu – 25/05/16 – 4pm FC Zamfara Vs Almar FC – Lokoja – 26/05/16 – 2pm Heartland FC Vs Top World – Oleh – 25/05/16 – 4pm J. Atete Vs Akwa Starlets – Owerri – 25/05/16 – 4pm El-Kanemi Vs Katsina Feeders – Bauchi – 26/05/16 – 4pm Sokoto United Vs Crown FC – Abuja – 25/05/16 – 2pm Fasbir FC Vs Niger Tornadoes – Zaria – 25/05/16 – 2pm ABS FC Vs Yenegoa City – Ijebu-Ode – 25/05/16 – 4pm Akure City Vs Enugu Rangers – Jos – 25/05/...

CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GROUP STAGE DRAWS FOR 24TH MAY, 2016 By Agu Uchenna Kingsley, mrkckingsley@gmail.com The draw for the group stage will be held on 24th of May 2016. The eight teams will be drawn into two groups of four. The teams in each group will play each other in thesame group in a home-and-away round-robin basis. The winners and runners-up of each group advance to the semi-finals . Nigerian Professional Football League 2014/2015 defending champions Enyimba International  popularly known as the Peoples' Elephant are still in the race to win the Championship for the third time and their top striker Mfon Udoh is still leading the CAF Champions League top scorers chat with 7 goals. The eight (8) teams in the DRAWS are - ES Sétif of Algeria (North Africa) - AS Vita Club of Congo DR (East Africa) - Al-Ahly of Egypt( North Africa) - Zamalek of Egypt (North Africa) - ASEC Mimosas of Ivory Coast (West Africa) - Wydad Casablanca of Morocco (North Africa) - ...

NPFL: SUNSHINE PLAYERS THANK CLUB MANAGEMENT, PROMISED MORE COMMITMENT.... By Wahab Bankole Media Manager, Sunshine Stars fc The players of Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure have expressed joy over their welfare packages which have continued to receive attention from the club's management. Speaking on behalf of the players after receiving cash rewards from the club President, Prince John Ola Mafo, for recording victory over Wikki Tourists,  team captain, Abe Sunday said the monetary rewards will go a long way in boosting their morale ahead of the match against Abia Warriors this weekend in Umuahia. "We want to sincerely thank and appreciate the club management led by the president, Prince John Ola Mafo for the special motivation and encouragement". " We also say a big thank you to Mr Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko for providing all our needs. We promised to always work hard to achieve the set targets this season". The club President who is al...

Sunday, March 27th Week 9 Results Abia Warriors 1 - 0 Niger Tornadoes El Kanemi Warriors 3 - 0 Nasarawa United Enugu Rangers 2 - 1 Enyimba Heartland Owerri 2 - 0 Giwa FC Ikorodu United 2 - 3 Rivers United FC Kano Pillars 2 - 0 Ifeanyi Ubah United Plateau United 1 - 1 MFM FC Sunshine Stars 2 - 1 Shooting Stars Warri Wolves FC 0 - 0 Lobi Stars Wikki Tourist 0 - 0 Akwa United Wednesday, March 30th Rescheduled Matches Results El Kanemi Warriors 1 - 3 Akwa United Enyimba 2 - 0 Shooting Stars Ifeanyi Ubah United 1 - 0 Nasarawa United Wikki Tourist 4 - 0 Warri Wolves FC

Wednesday, 23rd March Abia Warriors 0 - 0 Wikki Tourist Akwa United 0 - 0 Warri Wolves  Giwa FC 1 - 1 El Kanemi Warriors Ifeanyi Ubah United 1 - 0 Heartland Owerri Lobi Stars 3 - 1 Enugu Rangers Niger Tornadoes 2 - 1 Shooting Stars Rivers United FC 0 - 0 Sunshine Stars MFM FC 1 - 1 Kano Pillars Thursday, 24th March Enyimba 1 - 0 Plateau United Nasarawa United 2 - 0 Ikorodu United