Engr. Dr. John Odinaka Ekeocha, Tennis Captain of Enugu Sports Club has revealed what the organisers of the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, must do to be competitive and attract sponsors, Silvernews.com.ng reports.

Ekeocha said that for the league to rank among the best globally, the youngsters should be trained at a tender age by investing in sports education in Nigeria schools.

He called for the total elimination of corruption in the system which he said is one of the major factor mitigating the growth of the league.

“Nigeria have some adjustments to make starting from the officiating and make the football world more lucrative. If you come to England, we have kids been sponsored by companies and they get more interested in football as they progress while in Nigeria Nigerian footballers get more involved in football at a later age especially for the interest of money.

“Here in England, they start from a tender age even from schools and start teaching them footbal and importance and benefits of exercise. Corruption some times is our problem. Some matches are not competitive.

“We have to start from empowering these kids, train them on the essence of exercise and football. From there things will get better and people will be interested. Sponsoring of clubs is very important. It should not be left for the owners alone.”

Ekeocha, who is also a strong supporter of Manchester United shared his experience during the game with Liverpool in the FA Cup that he witnessed live at Old Trafford.

“If you listened attentively you would have heard so much noise from Old Trafford, the Theatre of Dreams. Manchester United and Liverpool have not been best of friends and that match was a very important one for us to retain our coach and put ourselves together.

“It was a very massive and excellent win for us to progress to the next round. We are all happy. One of the reason why I visited U.K was to watch this match live at Old Trafford. It was one of my happiest days of my life.

“Liverpool have been in form hence nobody gave Manchester United a chance. The match was so tensed. Because of the tensed situation of the match, scoring and equalising and eventually beating them from behind in a seven goal thriller match that ended 4:3. I nearly developed B.P at some point, I regained my confidence when my coach made some tactical changes that.

“At that point, I knew it was almost over by having Antony played as a left back, Maguire was further forward, Sallah was everywhere and Bruno playing Center back as well dictating it all from deep. It was joy all over and we are happy to have gone home with a win.”

Coach Chris Musa Danjuma is expectedly sanguine following his Nigeria U20 girls’ progress to the final of the women’s football event of the ongoing 13th African Games in Ghana.

The experienced tactician watched with delight as substitutes Judith Adaobi Okah and Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, off the bench, provided the goals that sent Uganda’s U20 packing and sent the defending champions to the final against hosts Ghana on Thursday night.

“We should have put away some of the chances we created in the first half, but we are happy to get two second-half goals and reach the final. It is an opportunity to retain our gold medal from the last edition in Morocco and we will do everything to win and make Nigerians happy.

“In as much as we are not thinking about revenge, we know that we have unfinished business with Ghana. Our primary objective is to retain our gold medal in the African Games and by doing that, we would have sorted out the unfinished business.”

The ‘unfinished business’ that Danjuma referred to was the WAFU B U20 Championship hosted by Ghana last year, in which the host nation edged out the Falconets in the final in Kumasi to win the regional title.

Danjuma’s girls have been imperial in Cape Coast, scoring eight goals in three matches without conceding any, and looking quite settled in several departments as they countenance this year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals in Colombia, for which they have already qualified.

The veteran gaffer made use of three different goalkeepers in the home-and-away World Cup qualifying duels against Tanzania and Burundi, but appears to have finally settled for World Cup bronze medallist Faith Omilana, who has kept goal in all matches in Cape Coast.

Shukurat Oladipo, Jumoke Alani and captain Oluchi Ohaegbulem are keeping things very tight at the back, while the experienced Yina Adoo and Chioma Olise have been boosted by Loveth Edeh and Bunmi Oladeji in the middle. In the attack, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu and Chinyere Kalu now have to contend with Olushola Shobowale and Adaobi Okah.

Thursday’s final will commence at 8pm Ghana time (9pm Nigeria time).

Former Nigeria forward Finidi George will occupy the chief’s corner in the dugout when the Super Eagles confront West African arch-rivals Ghana in an international friendly in Marrakech on Friday.

The 52-year-old former Ajax Amsterdam (The Netherlands) and Real Betis (Spain) winger, who made a scoring debut for fatherland in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Burkina Faso at the National Stadium, Lagos on 27th July 1991, has been appointed by the NFF to hold the reins in the meantime as a group of 22 players take on Ghana and Mali in this month’s international window.

On his debut in 1991, George, who also featured for Calabar Rovers and Sharks FC in the domestic scene before heading to Europe, scored one and made four assists for legendary ‘goalsfather’ Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory), and also assisted the latter to score Nigeria’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal against Bulgaria in Dallas, USA on 19th June 1994.

Actually, George scored the goal that took Nigeria to her first FIFA World Cup finals, when he put Nigeria ahead against hosts Algeria in a crucial qualifier in Algiers on 8th October 1993. The match eventually ended 1-1 and earned Nigeria a ticket to the finals in America.

On Friday, George, from a family of football stars (elder brother Alari and younger brother Igeniwari of blessed memory were established players), will bellow instructions from the touchline, 21 months after he began to understudy Portuguese José Santos Peseiro, who led the Eagles to runner-up position at the 34th Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire earlier in the year.

As at Tuesday lunchtime, 12 of the 22 players expected had arrived in Morocco’s fourth-largest city, with defenders Gabriel Osho and Tyronne Ebuehi, and forwards Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi having been knocked out by injury.

At the team’s Adam Park Hotel in Marrakech are goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Olorunleke Ojo, defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Jamilu Collins, Bruno Onyemaechi and Benjamin Tanimo, midfielders Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika and Alhassan Yusuf, and forwards Moses Simon, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Sadiq Umar and Ademola Lookman.

Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, defender Chidozie Awaziem, midfielders Frank Onyeka and Wilfred Ndidi, and forward Kelechi Iheanacho were being expected in Marrakech by Tuesday. Only Turkey-based defender Bright Osayi-Samuel is being expected on Wednesday.

The African vice champions will also take on the Les Aigles of Mali at the same Grand Stade de Marrakech on Tuesday, 26th March.

The players of Rivers Angels have been talking tough that they would do all they can to ensure they get a positive result in Benin City during their Match Week 10 encounter against the Edo Queens.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s game, Rivers Angels defender Sarah Iloduba and attacker Deborah Kehinde expressed their readiness.

Sarah Iloduba stated that they are fully prepared for the task ahead of them and would give a hundred percent.
She also stated that they’re aware their opponent must have done their homework on them having lost the first first leg in Port Harcourt, but they are focused and ready to give their all.

“We are well prepared, we have been training extensively, so we would just go and give our best. I think football is a game of 90 minutes , they must have done their homework considering the loss they had in Port Harcourt but we are going there to give our hundred percent, we have to focus on ourselves alone and that’s what we are going to do.

Also, Rivers Angels attacker, Deborah Kehinde confessed that it won’t be an easy match but they would put on their best performance.

“We have been preparing very well, we don’t expect the match to be simple but God will surely help us to play to our expectation”

“For me, we are going to do well because we have been training very hard”.

The reverse fixture ended 3 – 1 in Port Harcourt. Motunrayo Ezekiel ( brace) and Chiamaka Okwuchukwu were the goal scorers.

Ahead of Match Day 10 of the Nigeria Women Football League Premiership encounter against Edo Queens on Wednesday, Rivers Angels head coach, Whyte Ogbonda has revealed that it’s a must-win for his side so that they can seal their qualification for this season’s Super 6.

Ogbonda made this known after the team’s last training session in Port Harcourt on Monday morning. He also stated that the team has one mission in Benin City which is to win and the players are aware of the mission.

According to coach Ogbonda, they can’t afford to drop points in Benin irrespective of the opinion of his opponent, who has also declared the match a must win.

“Well, everybody have their mouth, Edo Queens can say whatever they want to say. We have rounded up our training, and come Wednesday just as they’re planning, we are also planning.

“The match against Edo Queens is our qualification ticket to Super Six. Just as I have told the players, if we get the three points from Edo Queens, we have qualified for the Super Six.

Furthermore, Whyte Ogbonda added that the reason why his opponent declared the match a must win battle is because they know that a loss will dim their chances of qualifying for Super Six, but his team is not ready to lay low for Edo Queens because the group is tight.

“We are going there to get a win knowing fully well that we are in a tight group, so we are not going to loose guard. I think the major reason they’re talking tough is that they’re at the relegation zone, what I mean is that they’re not sure of qualifying for Super Six ”

“So if anything happens in that match and we beat them, their qualification for Super Six is gone. We also want to get the three points knowing fully well if we get it, it will make our qualification for Super Six very easy”.

” We want to qualify for Super Six before we play our last league match against Ekiti Queens”.

The Rivers Angels coach expressed confidence despite having three of his key players in Ghana with the Falconets for African Games and that the players avaliable will execute the job in Benin City. Motunrayo Ezekiel , Chiamaka Okwuchukwu and Blessing Okpe are the players with the Falconets

“Despite the fact that I have three of my key players at the African games, I think the players I have now can execute the game”.

The reverse fixture ended 3 – 1in Port Harcourt, Motunrayo Ezekiel ( brace) and Chiamaka Okwuchukwu were the goal scorers.

Rivers State Commissioner For Sports and Youth Development, Barrister Christopher Green has revealed that the top stars that represented Rivers United at the NPFL U-17 Youth League will be promoted into the main team, Silvernews.com.ng reports.

Green promised to integrate the Most Valuable Player at the just concluded playoffs in Benin City, Ozornwafor Oscar and three other players of the title wining team to the main team of Rivers United.

Speaking in his office, Green said he is determined to see that the players get the best mentorship and engage in programmes that will enhance their career growth.

He said that arrangement is in top gear for the title wining Rivers United Youth team to be received by the number one citizen of the state. Governor Siminalayi Fubara

Silvernews recall that the Youth team of Rivers United defeated Kastina United by 4-2 to win the maiden edition of the NPFL U-17 Youth League in Benin City, Edo State capital.

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh lauded the Daniel Igali-led Nigerian Wrestling Federation following the exceptional performance of Nigerian athletes at the African Senior Wrestling Championship taking place in Alexandria, Egypt. The wrestlers have continued to showcase talents and determination, after securing a plethora of medals to continue their stellar form displayed at the African Games in Accra.

In a statement, Senator Enoh expressed profound admiration for the leadership of the Federation, as well as the exemplary dedication of the athletes and officials currently competing for honours in Egypt. He hailed their achievements as awe-inspiring and emphasized their significance in the annals of Nigerian sports history.

After six gold medals and a number of silver and bronze medals at the African Games in Ghana, the good run has not stopped. Christianah Ogunsanya exhibited sheer dominance, overpowering chahrazed Ayachi of Tunisia with a superiority score of 10-0 to claim the gold medal in the 53KG category. Odunayo Adekuoroye, a force to be reckoned with, secured her 8th African title in the 57kg class by pinning chaimaa Aouissi of Egypt. Kolawale Esther showcased her prowess by overwhelming Farah Hussein of Egypt with a commanding 11-0 victory, clinching her second African senior title in the 62kg category. Blessing Oborududu, an icon in the sport, triumphed over Osman Badran of Egypt with a resounding 12-2 superiority decision, earning her 14th African crown in the 68kg division. Despite a gallant effort, Hannah Reuben secured the silver medal in the 76kg category after a hard-fought battle with Zainab Sghair.

Senator Enoh was full of praise for the team led by coach Purity Akuh, as well as the Federation’s leadership.

“In dominating two continental events in two weeks, the Nigerian Wrestling team has demonstrated extraordinary dedication and unmatched abilities. Their remarkable achievements not only bring pride to our nation but also serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country.

“The Nigerian Wrestling Federation continues to shine as a beacon of excellence, and their triumphs on the continental stage make us all proud as Nigerians.”

Enoh emphasized the pivotal role of the Federation in showcasing Nigeria’s sporting prowess on the international stage, highlighting their contribution to the nation’s sporting legacy.

He extended his best wishes to the Nigerian wrestling team as they partake in other categories at the Championship.

The Chief Executive Officer of Bayern Global Consultants, James Adebayo has revealed the reasons behind their scouting programme for young talents in Port Harcourt, Silvernews.com.ng reports.

The renowned Sports Management Company is currently holding its scouting event to discover emerging talents in football.

Speaking exclusively to Silvernews.com.ng, the CEO said the Sports Management Company is ready to scout, prepare and assemble the youngsters for summer transfers to Europe.

On the ouster of the Flying Eagles at the African Games in Ghana, he called on the Nigeria Football Federation to do more of performance analysis and introduce a league to prepare the kids early.

“The reason why we came down here is that we heard a lot about Port Harcourt and their young talents. The main goal is for us to spot the top talents and market them to the European markets.

“What we do is that we scout them, assemble them, and prepare them for summer transfer. That is the reason we are coming down to scout. We have a base already in Lagos and we have everything in Lagos to prepare them for the challenge ahead.

“The teams that are playing at the moment, you will notice that we have young talents among them. Those are the people we are focusing on. We are focusing on talents that are young. They have the potential to play at the topmost part of their career.

“To be honest with you, we all know that the U-20 is more like the heart of our football because once you get it right at that age, you will see our players playing in the topmost part of football.

“But once we didn’t get it right at that point, that’s where the issue comes in. My advice to those in charge is for them to do more of performance analysis on scouting. We can have a reserve league that can prepare all these kids in order for them to be identified easily instead of proposing players to the coaches.

“I believe it’s the job of the technical crew. That’s why in teams, we have coaches, scouts, performance analysis and different kind of people that are working in order to make a better team. If things are not in place, we always have issues in selecting players.”

The attention of the management of Rivers United FC has been drawn to the news that the club’s midfielder, Joseph Onoja has absconded from the team’s camp and has illegally joined Vietnamese club,
Becamex Binh Duong.

Onoja’s last official appearance for Rivers United was the Match Day 10 Nigeria Premier Football League game against Plateau United on January 10, 2024 in Jos where he was an unused substitute.

Since then, Onoja has played in three games for Becamex Binh Duong against Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh (February 28), Hồ Chí Minh City (March 3) and Song Lam Nghe An (March 9).

The management of Rivers United wants to state categorically that Onoja, who is still under contract, was not properly or officially cleared by the club to join Becamex Binh Duong.

We also wish to state that we do not believe Onoja acted alone in this heinous act which depicts the highest levels of unprofessionalism and criminality.

We don’t believe Onoja acted alone as there’s no way he would have received his International Transfer certificate (ITC) without the knowledge of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

How this happened without Rivers United receiving any form of official correspondence to this effect only underlines our belief that Onoja certainly received assistance in this regard and an accomplice/accomplices from the NFF, a situation we find totally distasteful.

Till date, there has been no action taken on the matter of Onoja’s illegal clearance by the NFF which further heightens our suspicions of complicity by the Federation.

We (Rivers United FC) have since written, officially to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) but have yet to receive any formal response.

After the embarrassing 4-0 defeat at Bendel Insurance last weekend, the Chairman of Doma United placed the coaching crew on a three-game ultimatum to turn the tide of the team.

Doma United’s amazing form in the first half of the season has been followed up with no wins in their last 9 games which has seen them drop from table toppers to relegation fighters.

The 3 games are against Gombe United (H), Akwa United (A) & Plateau United (A)

The statement reads: “In a stern warning to his team, the Chairman of Doma United Football Club, Alhaji Suleiman Umar, has delivered a three-match ultimatum to the club’s technical crew and players, threatening decisive action if performance does not improve.

Following a demoralizing 4-0 defeat against Bendel Insurance, Chairman Umar convened a meeting with the team, expressing his deep concern over their recent form.

He stated, “We did an amazing work in the first half of the season and we were up there fighting for the title but we have now become relegation contenders. And most of our performances have been awful and nothing to write home about.”

“The upcoming matches against Gombe United, Akwa United, and Plateau United have been highlighted as pivotal by the Chairman.

“With Doma United languishing in 13th place on the NPFL log, securing points in these fixtures is imperative for the club’s survival in the league.

“These three matches are very crucial for us, and we have no excuse whatsoever not to pick up at least six points,” emphasized Chairman Umar. “I want you to know that I will do everything I can to support you as I have always done, but these three matches are the most important matches of your lives, both the technical crew and players.”

“With only one point amassed from seven games in the second stanza, Doma United faces an uphill battle to salvage their season. The pressure is mounting on the team to deliver results and reverse their downward trajectory before it’s too late.”