Desportspastor Blog

Chairman of Katsina state Football Association Alh. Aminu Balele Kurfi has praised the efforts of the League Management Company LMC and all the Football stakeholders across for the successful kick off of the Nigeria Domestic league the NPFL.  Alh. Balele Kurfi who was amongst the top dignitaries that witnessed the encounter between Jigawa Golden stars FC and Sunshine stars FC played at the ABS stadium Kaduna particularly showered praises on the match officials for their excellent performances. The philanthropist who is also a member of the Nigeria Football Federation NFF Technical and Development committee gave kudos to players of the two teams for their high level of discipline, maturity and good display of soccer artistry.  He thereafter presented a cash donation of one hundred and fifty thousand naira to each of the two teams even as he took a group photograph with the two clubs in display of FIFA fair play and for the good of the game. Alh. Balele Kurfi solicited for th

 Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. *Sunday Dare*  has re-affirmed that government alone can not develop sports, insisting that only public, private partnership could  off shoot  sports Development. According to Mr. *Dare* "In an Egalitarian society, sports is developed alongside private investors. Look at countries like United kingdom, Jamaica, United States, South Africa and a  host of others that have successfully  done this.  "We need to develop sports deliberately with the help of public, private partnership with Government.  We believe in a holistic sports development which is a total departure from funding sporting competitions  and waiting for the next Olympics, FIFA World Cup, Commonwealth Games or the All Africa Games.But as important as these events  are, they do not equate to sports development.But we came in clearly with the vision of developing a template that speaks to sports development and not just to infrastructures, but also the athlet

Gombe State Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Adamu Soye has revealed that the one day capacity building program for Referees and Coaches organized by the Adamu Yola Cup LOC in collaboration with the Gombe State FA is the first in over 3 decades.  While declaring the event open at Mawato Hotel, Katungo on Thursday, Mallam Soye expressed his joy with the innovation. Soye said it has been long that an event of this magnitude took place in Gombe state.  In his words, "This is the first Capacity training within the state in the modern era as the last time something like this took place was in 1986." On the coaches' side, he clarified some of the mentalities that destroys the beauty of the game.  First is the home advantage syndrome. In his words, the Chairman said there is no such thing as home advantage from the Referee.  "The only advantage you have at home is the Pitch, the fans and the weather," he explained. "Coaches, should guide their wards a

The local organizing committee of the Adamu Yola Cup converged at the Billiri Township Stadium on Wednesday. The visitation was the office of the Police area commandant Billiri, Billiri Local Government Area.  Members of the LOC were welcomed by the commandant. The secretary introduced the LOC. The LOC chairman, Promise Uwaeme explained to the commandant that the competition which is sponsored by Yakubu Adamu Yola is aimed at promoting peace and unity, discovering and promoting of young talents in football as well as to pay loyalty to the security outfit for their unflinching support towards making the competition to where it is now and as well solicit for more support towards the present and subsequent editions of the competition.  In his response, the Area Commandant, AC Naboki, applauded the efforts of the sponsor to have such a positive thought uniting the youths with the Southern Gombe which comprises of Balanga, Billiri, Kaltungo and Shongom LGA).  The com

Favourites All Stars will face Balanga United in the first semi-final game of the Adamu Yola Cup at Billiri Township Stadium on 28th December 2020.  All Stars reached the last four with a lone goal victory over Liverpool of Bambam. Balanga United won 4-3 on penalties against Awai United after playing 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes. Bare City and Pero Boys failed to find the cutting edge as they played out 0-0 in their Quarter-Final fixture. Goalkeeper Zakka Akawu was the hero as he saved three kicks in the penalty shootouts. It ended 3-1. Meanwhile, Balanga LGA fought from a goal down to edge Panwa 2-1. A brace from Agabus Anawuna cancelled out Saidu Yusuf's strike. Winners from the two semi-final games will lock horns in the finals on 30th December 2020. Semi-Final Pairings All Stars Vs Balanga United  Bare City Vs Balanga LGA

Dinge Flying Bees will take no further part in the  2020 Adamu Yola Cup as they have been disqualified by the Organizing Committee for fielding an ineligible player, Salatiel Saleh in the second round game against Panwa. Organizing Committee stated that Panwa will now replace Dinge Flying Bees for the Quarter-Final against Balanga LGA. "Further to the regulatory protest of Panwa, the Adamu Yola Cup Organising Committee has confirmed that Salatiel Saleh was not eligible to participate for Dinge Flying Bees in the win over Panwa on December 21st 2020,  since the player had not been registered in a regulatory manner, in accordance with Article 18 of the Regulations governing the competition. "Player Salatiel Saleh was ineligible to play with his team prior to the second round of the competition, as stipulated by the Regulations of the tournament. "Therefore and in accordance with Article 24 of the Regulations governing the competition, the Organising Committee c

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare has assured that the National Stadium pitch in Surulere, Lagos could  be ready to host Super Eagles and other  International matches by May 2021. The Minister  made this assertion during an inspection tour of  the Surulere National Stadium, Lagos which  is under going rehabilitation. According  to Dare,  "it's high time we had a familiar ground for our national teams. The  Moshood Abiola National stadium Abuja and the Surulere   National stadium, Lagos will be ready  to host matches next year  and it will be a major plus to our teams when they have a familiar ground. “This arrangement is under the adopt initiative which is a public-private model that we developed. We were able to pitch that to the private sector. we discussed  with a philanthropist and lover of sports Sir Adebutu Keshington, who was convinced about the proposal. He is  somebody that has the youth of this country at heart and has done so

It was thrills as usual as All Stars and Balanga United breezed past Liverpool and Awai United respectively to book their places in the semi-final of the 2020 Adamu Yola Cup. A 24th minute strike from Sani Ali Bage was enough as All Stars secured their semi-final berth in a nail biting quarter final game against Liverpool.  The second match of the afternoon was entertaining, as it was an end to end affair between Balanga United and Awai United.  Both sides matched each other man for man as they entertained the fans at the Billiri Township Stadium.  With the first half ending without a goal, the second half burst into life in rather bizarre manner as Balanga United scored the first goal in the 77th minute through Aliyu Garba off a well crafted cross from Abubakar Manu.  A minute later, Awai United responded instantly with some fancy footwork from Titus Adamu as he beat three players before setting up Sadiq Yakubu who gracefully fired a left footed rocket to send

By Oluwaseun Oyediji Confederation of African Football (CAF) this week confirmed that the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has cancelled the next edition of FIFA U17 and U20 Women’s World Cups. The cancellation was confirmed in a letter by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to all national associations affiliated to CAF dated December 20, 2020. The present global situation of the COVID-19 pandemic was given as the major reasons for the cancellation. “We regret to inform you that due to the worldwide situation that was strongly affected by the COVID 19 as well as the difficulties all confederations are facing to complete the qualifiers phase, FIFA decided to cancel both the U17 & U20 Women’s World Cups -2020. Consequently, the phases of all the continental qualifiers are as well canceled. All member associations affiliated to CAF are kindly requested to take note.” The letter read. India was expected to host the next edition of the FIFA U1

There was no dull moment in the last two matches of the Adamu Yola Cup second round on Monday afternoon. Dinge Flying Bees and Balanga picked the last two spots available to the Quarter-Final. Fans at Kaltungo and Billiri Township Stadium were treated to soccer spectacle by the youngsters on parade. The first match of the afternoon saw Dinge Flying Bees facing Panwa in Kaltungo. There was a quick goal rush after two minutes. Sadiq Yau showed predatory instinct to draw the first blood.   Rampaging winger Sunday Danham tapped home the equaliser in the 55th minute. In the last five minutes, there were two moments of magic from the thriller. First, Sadiq Yakubu slid home the ball in a crowded box to restore Panwa's lead on 85 minutes. But the celebration was cut short in the 90th minute when Yakubu Zakari brilliantly netted with ease. In the penalty shootouts, Flying Bees won 5-4. If the first game of the day produced much to celebrate, the second was salivating. Kilang Uni

The Minister  of Youth and Sports Development   *Mr. Sunday Dare* has said  football is 'content Stupid' insisting that  Nigerian Football Leagues canot thrive without Contents.  *Dare* made this assertion  during an inspection tour of  the Surulere National Stadium , Lagos  currently undergoing rehabilitation. According  to the  Minister,  "Our football league must be 'Content Stupid'  to develop because football is content stupid. We watch the English Premier League, we are transported to Wembley through the power of television. It is  clear that  our domestic league cannot develop without content.  "We have agreed with the  NFF and LMC that there must be content in our League. We may not be able to cover or show five or six matches,  but the content must be there. I have received an assurance from the LMC that there would be content. The content might be gradual, but there must be  some clear markers laid down, especially now that stadiums will

The League Management Company (LMC) has confirmed December 27 as the commencement date for the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) 2020/2021 season. The league organiser said the commencement date was arrived at after consultations with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the participating football clubs of the NPFL and Redstrike Media Group UK, the NPFL commercial rights holders and strategic commercial partners of the LMC.   The Federal Government through the Federal Minister of Youth and Sports Development was also  briefed in this regard which included steps to be taken to ensure full compliance with the mandatory COVID-19 Protocols. LMC said that the absolute need to ensure appropriate compliance with the clubs licensing regulations among other regulatory requirements resulted in the delay in commencing the league as envisaged.  However, the LMC Chairman, Shehu Dikko said huge progress has been made especially in the areas of the infrastructure upgrade, noti

Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford was recognised at the ceremony with a Fifa Foundation award for his work trying to end child poverty in the UK . Rashford said: "I'd like to say thank you because I know people from other countries want to get involved and learn about it. It will have a knock on effect and things will start to happen in other countries too. "It is brilliant, it is why I started it because I wanted to make change and give people a better chance at life."

Three of Liverpool's Premier League title winners were named in the men's world XI - goalkeeper Alisson and defenders Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil Van Dijk. The Reds' summer signing from Bayern Munich, Thiago Alcantara, was also named in the team along with Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne. Best men's player winner Lewandowski was joined by Messi and Ronaldo in attack. Goalkeeper:  Alisson (Liverpool) Defenders:  Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich). Midfielders:  Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City), Thiago (Liverpool). Forwards:  Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich), Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus).

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was recognised for leading Liverpool to their first Premier League title and first league win in 30 years by being named the best men's coach for the second successive year. The German tactician won the award in 2019 after lifting the Champions League with Liverpool and beat Bayern Munich Hansi Flick and Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa to the top gong this year. "I am [shocked]," said Klopp. "I have so many people to thank and most of all my coaches. If I had known we'd won it my coaches would be here with me. What we did in the last year is all about these boys. "We didn't dream 30 years but we dream already for a few years. It was absolutely exceptional and we all had a special year in an unfortunately not so positive way but for Liverpool fans at least we could make some highlights in a tricky period. I had no idea how it would feel and it felt absolutely overwhelming."

Bayern Munich's Polish Striker Robert Lewandowski won the best men's player at the Best Fifa Football Awards in Zurich, beating last year's winner Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to the top prize. The Polish International scored 55 goals in just 47 games last season as he helped German giants Bayern Munich to a treble. Lewandowski, 32, finished as the top scorer in the German Bundesliga, the DFB Pokal and Uefa  Champions League. The winners were decided by nominations from national team captains and head coaches, an online ballot of fans and 200 media representatives. This is the first time Lewandowski has won the award, with Barcelona forward Messi or Juventus' Ronaldo usually triumphing. This season, Lewandowski has picked up from where he stooped with 16 goals in 14 games for Bayern. "If you win such an award and share that title with Messi and Ronaldo, that is unbelievable and it means so much to me," Lewandowski said. "A long time ago,

Despite fulfilling all requirements to obtain visa, the South African Embassy in Nigeria has continued to frustrate every effort of Rivers United.  Rivers United is due to play Celtic Football Club in the first leg, first round of CAF Confederation Cup in Bloemfontein, South Africa on Wednesday, December 23, 2020. The only available flight to South Africa is on Friday 18th December, 2020. Unfolding events point to the fact that Rivers United may not make the trip, owing to combined issues of non-issuance of visa and availability of flight later than Friday. Officials of Rivers United have frequented the South African embassy in Abuja, pleading and begging for visas to be issued urgently.  Every condition laid before Rivers United officials have been met with cogent and verifiable documents, necessary for a such trip.  An official of the team has been in Abuja since December 7, a day after Rivers United's clash with Futuro Kings of Equatorial Guinea in the preliminary ro

Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL, campaigners, Warri Wolves, will clash with former league and CAF Champions, Enyimba International of Aba, in a blockbuster Pre Season friendly game at the Delta State Polytechnic Stadium in Ozoro on Friday, December 18, 2020. This is contained in a club statement signed by the club's Chief Executive Officer, Etu Moses. The statement says the Seasiders will use the warm up encounter to finetune some of the gains recorded in the club's preparations for the 2020/2021 NPFL season. It describes Enyimba - the Peoples' Elephants - as a traditional and quality side in domestic football in Nigeria, noting their recent exploits across the two-legged match against Rahimo FC of Burkina Faso in the CAF Champions' League. The oil city club were recently involved heavily in the 2020 Governor Dapo Abiodun Pre Season Soccer Tournament in Ijebu-Ode. Kickoff time for the friendly is 3pm.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored two penalties to earn a Serie A victory for Juventus at struggling Genoa BSNsports.com.ng reports. With the tally level, Ronaldo scored after a foul on Juan Cuadrado then made certain of the points after Alvaro Morata was brought down. Paulo Dybala had given Juventus the lead, only for Stefano Sturaro to equalise for the home side. Juventus sit fourth in the table, four points behind leaders AC Milan who were held to a 2-2 draw by Parma why Genoa are 19th, a point ahead of bottom side Crotone. AC Milan once again battled from two goals down at home to rescue a thrilling 2-2 draw against Parma at San Siro on Sunday night. Despite having the vast majority of the chances and possession, the away side found themselves a goal up at half-time through Hernani’s strike. It was 2-0 in the second half against the run of play again as Kurtic arrived to head home from the penalty spot, but then the Theo Hernandez show ensued. The result extends Milan’s lead ato

The Football Club Owners Association of Nigeria (Club Owners) have  sent a goodwill message to the Chairman of Enyimba international FC chief Felix Anyansi Agwu as he bags THE SUN SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR AWARD. The Association said the award was timely coming exactly 17 years after Anyansi Agwu who is proudly the best Football Administrator in Nigeria led Enyimba to win the first CAF champions League trophy for Nigeria.  Club Owners in a statement jointly signed by its chairman Barr. Isaac Danladi and the Executive Secretary Alloy Chukwuemeka  described the award as well deserved and meritorious.  The Association charged Anyansi Agwu to see the recognition as a propeller to continue to use his wealth of experience to add more value to Football development in Nigeria and Africa at large. The Enyimba boss who is an Executive committee member of the Nigeria Football Federation NFF is also a frontline member of the club Owners Association of Nigeria.  Meanwhile the Assoc

Unified world heavyweight champion Anthony Oluwafemi Joshua mixed power and patience as he knocked out Kubrat Pulev to raise hopes that a historic fight against Tyson Fury could soon be realized.  Anthony Joshua smashed home a hard right hand in round three that forced his Pulev who was a mandatory challenger to face a count and then sent him to the canvas with an uppercut seconds later. Joshua, perhaps tired by the chaos, stepped off the gas and allowed Pulev to at least offer some mild threat, but a barrage of uppercuts in the ninth dropped the Bulgarian and a straight right hand wiped him out. Moments after this fine blend of poise and heavy punching, the 1,000 fans granted access to Wembley Arena roared at the prospect of the IBF, WBA and WBO champion facing WBC title-holder Fury next. "Whoever has the belts I want to compete with. If that is Tyson Fury, let it be Tyson Fury," said Joshua,  Fellow Briton Tyson Fury immediately posted on social media: "I w

‌ Veteran Brazil international striker Robinho on Thursday had a nine-year sentence for the rape of a young woman upheld by a court in Italy. Judges of the Milan Court of Appeal confirmed the sentence for both Robinho and one of his friends for group sexual violence dating back to January 2013. Robinho was playing for AC Milan at the time of the attack and was tried in absentia in November 2017. The pair were among a group of six men accused of taking part in the gang rape of a 22-year-old Albanian woman in a Milan nightclub. They were both ordered to jointly pay the woman damages of 60,000 euros ($ 73,000). The case against the four other accused has been suspended. Robinho, 36, who has denied the charges, has the right to again appeal the sentence within 90 days. Robinho was forced to pull out of a move back to his first club Santos last October amid pressure brought to bear on the Brazilian club by sponsors. Television channel Globo Sports released excerpts of a recordin

In Nigeria, we could count only but few coaches who have contributed greatly to football development and succeeded just like Coach FELIX NWOSU have done. The young and vibrant energetic coach who is been rated among the best 1st-10 coaches in Nigeria is under Myron Sports Agency led by Mr EDDIE iseri Ogbumudia; dotted the lines with RIGHT2WIN a year ago and led the NLO side to almost settling for promotion after finishing second.  With his success at Right2win, the highly rated Coach abacha as he is fondly called,  transformed the team and discovered numerous talents who ply their woods in Europe of which Bolu Pascal, OKEZIE Ebenezer, etc were not left out. The former Heegan FC coach who have attained a greater height in Somalia premier league playing 14matches with 9wins ,3wins and 2loss said I have to look forward for a better challenge and is Open to new opportunities and better offers.  The former Talanta and Dream Stars Coach posses a CAF C licence , KNVB license and T

The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu has described the new January 3rd to 17th date for the National Sports festival as 'insensitive'. Speaking to the newsmen recently at Benin, Shuiabu,who is also the chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the 20th Sports festival argued that new date as suggested by the Presidential Task Force(PTF) on Covid-19  is not realistic giving the fact the  decision was made without proper consultations. "The PTF are not sensitive to the feelings of our people and I think the council of sports is the highest decision making as far as a competition like this is concerned" He further stated that the council even after meeting will also need to inform the host state to be part of the new arrangements that they are fixing giving the cultural approach. Noting that the new date fall within the yuletide season, Shuiabu added that it could jeaopardise adequate preparation of athletes towards the multi-sports even

Cristiano Ronaldo scored two penalties to take his Champions League goal tally to 134 as Juventus beat a "scared" Barcelona to seal top spot in Group G.  Ronaldo sent Marc-Andre ter Stegen the wrong way after being fouled by Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo. Juve doubled their lead through Weston McKennie's bicycle kick before Ronaldo added his second from the spot after Clement Lenglet handled. "We weren't aggressive," said Barca boss Ronald Koeman. "It looked as if we'd come out looking not to lose, as opposed to trying to control the game. We weren't good, not even positionally. "We looked scared." It is Barcelona's first defeat in a group game since 2016. They started the day with a three-point cushion over Juve but finish second and will be unseeded in Monday's last-16 draw. Barcelona forward Lionel Messi and Ronaldo, regarded as the two greatest players of their generation, were facing one another for the first

Super Eagles’ coach, Gernot Rohr says the Real Madrid Academy in Port Harcourt can be compared to any of the best academies across the world.   This is just as the Special Adviser to Rivers State Governor on Real Madrid Academy, Barrister Christopher Green, says the state government remains fully resolute in their quest of making the project the best ever in Africa.   Rohr, who showered encomiums on the structures, intentions, and executions made so far on the prestigious academy, stated this at the weekend when he was shown around the facility by Green.   After a comprehensive tour around the four different blocks of the Academy situated in the same surroundings as the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt, Rohr could not hold back his admiration for the project and the facilitator, Governor Nyesom Wike.   In Rohr's company for the tour were Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Director Austin Eguavoen and Super Eagles' Team Secretary Dayo Enebi Acho

Juliet Emereole has been appointed as DreamStar FC Ladies new captain ahead of the 2020/2021 NWFL Premiership Season. The Lagos-based club announced in a statement that Juliet will lead the Galactica in the new season. Juliet Emereole is an  highy-rated central defender, who is regarded as one of the best in the position. Juliet's strong point is her impeccable leadership qualities and the ability to bring out the best in her teammates. Anuoluwapo Salisu is the assistant captain, while the Camp Commander is Oladipupo Olayemi. Juliet expressed her excitement after she was named the captain of the Pride of Lagos. "I am thrilled and overwhelmed to be found worthy of such a great position.  "I didn't see it coming and i thank God Almighty for the opportunity. "I am privileged to lead a team filled with supportive, outstanding and excellent players and the best of coaches. Juliet told DreamStar FC Media  "My aim is to lead the team to a greater height

Enyimba FC of Aba battled to a 1-1 draw with Rahimo FC in the second leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary game in Aba. Enyimba walked a tight rope but held on to win 2-1 on aggregate. Enyimba started the game well and pressed for an opener but failed to find a breakthrough. Enyimba had their first chance in the first minute when Anayo moved past his marker into the box and crossed to Omoyele who missed to connect to the pass. In the 4th minute, Sadiq Abubakar's cross met Omoyele but he collided with Traore in goal for Rahimo.  Omoyele once got another opportunity to put Enyimba ahead in the 11th minute but he shot straight at a player. There were series of misses for Enyimba Enyimba continued to miss chances in the first half and pressed for an opener, with goalkeeper, Olufemi Kayode not tested in the first half Rahimo got their first real chance of the game but Komi shot wide from outside the box when he pounced on a lose ball Victor Mboama came on for Omoyele a

The WBC world heavyweight champion was confirmed among a list of six nominees for the annual BBC award, which also includes Formula 1 icon Lewis Hamilton, world snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan and jockey Hollie Doyle. The Gypsy King says he doesn’t need verification from the BBC. Fury, though, is not interested in possessing any further accolades and insists he is more than content being the ‘people’s champion’. “Hi, this is Tyson Fury the Gypsy King,” he said on Instagram. “And this is a message for the BBC on their SPOTY award. “Please take me off your list as I am the people’s champion and have no need for verification or any awards. “I know who I am and what I have done in sport. The love of the people is worth more to me than all the awards in the world. Fury is the WBC heavyweight champion and was due to defend his title on December 5 Fury is the WBC heavyweight champion and was due to defend his title on December 5 “So to all of my supporters, please don’t vote fo

Villarreal have completed the signing of Nigerian teenager Quadri Liameed on a one year loan from 36 Lion. As reported by Futbalgalore.com.ng, an agreement has been reached between the two clubs which will see the 18-year-old spend the next one year in Spain. Speaking about the move, the Nigeria U20 international told Our source: “I am happy to be with Villarreal now. The club is known for relying on young players and making them better. “I want to learn a lot at the club, play a lot and help the team to be successful. I hope that we will have many happy moments together.” Primarily a deep-lying midfielder, the 18-year-old is physically not the most dominating of players. However, standing at 1.80m, he is taller than some central defenders. The youngster doesn’t rely on his height, though, and instead bases his game around intelligence and technique. In possession, Quadri is a subtle but penetrative influence from the base of midfield. He likes to drop deep between the cent

The government and people of Nasarawa state have showered encomiums on the chairman of Nasarawa United Barrister Isaac Danladi for his timely intervention that has helped restore the pride of the Solid Miners as one of the dominant forces in the Nigeria professional football league, NPFL.  It was a day when men came forward to give account of their stewardship in a year blighted by the outbreak of the corona virus which has affected every spheres of human endeavors, including sports.  At some point last season, Nasarawa United was sinking down the relegation waters before sanity finally prevailed as governor Sule listened to the cry of the supporters who came out in their numbers singing, 'All we are saying, bring back Danladi!  Aware of his track records and convinced of his pedigree, governor Abdullahi Sule bowed to pressure, as he told his namesake, Abdullahi Osanga to step aside for the return of the pride of Lafia, Isaac Danladi A transformer of talents, an administrat

In the just concluded Gov Okezie IKPEAZU Pre Season tournament, A&A academy showed  class in the outing by fielding young lads who were willing to show case talents.  All through out the tournament, ISREAL EMMANUEL fondly called Ronaldo wasn't left out as he saw the back of the net seven times with four assists to prove to the world that he is a clinical finisher ahead of other strikers.  Abia Warriors who saw the future behind this young lad, never hesitated to make him theirs by signing him on a two years contract.  Ronaldo who joined ABIA Warriors from A&A academy, said his passion is to score more goals to help his new team within the next two seasons.

A 45 man contingent  of Plateau United Football Club of Jos has left  for Dar Es Salaam to face Simba Sports Club of Tanzania in the return of the first round preliminary fixtures of the CAF Champions League. The contingent which include 20 players , technical crew, management and other major stakeholders is headed by the Plateau State  commissioner for  Youth and Sports , Victor Lapang as leader of delegation  The team is expected to  their journey from  Abuja where they are expected to board a  flight to Lagos from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport before taking another flight  to Tanzania through Addis Ababa on an Ethiopian airline.  Plateau United who lost the first leg tie   one-nil in Jos will have an uphill task in overturning the deficit against a Simba side who are the Tanzanian premier league Champions. Notable among the players that made the trip is captain , Golbe Elisha who did not feature in the first match and Akila Jesse in addition to seventeen playe

Technical adviser to seven-time Nigeria league champions, Rangers International F.C, Coach Salisu Yusuf, has said that even while his target for the season is to emerge champions of the league again, he nonetheless, respects every team in the NPFL. Coach Salisu who recently penned down a two-year deal with the ‘Flying Antelopes’ said in an exclusive chat that all the teams should be respected so as not to be given a surprise treat. “For me, my philosophy in looking at other teams, I always respect all the teams in the NPFL because that is why they are in the premier league. Any team in the premiership deserves some respect then you can be able to work hard and beat them. When you don’t show them respect, you will be in for some surprises,” stated the vastly experienced gaffer. He stated further, “So, all the teams in the top league, I respect them and I believe they have what it takes to be in the premiership. Every team we play, we take as a cup final. We also know that ma

Edinson Cavani came off the bench to inspire a stunning Manchester United comeback as they turned around a two-goal deficit to secure a superb victory at Southampton. T he 33-year-old Uruguayan striker was a half-time replacement for out-of-sorts Mason Greenwood with Saints two goals up and in control of a fluctuating encounter at St. Mary's - the veteran turning the tide with a virtuoso display and a brilliant headed double. United had not played particularly badly before Cavani's introduction, they had simply failed to take opportunities that had come their way - Greenwood shooting into the side of an empty net and McCarthy performing heroics within seconds to save from the young striker before recovering brilliantly to block Fernandes. Once Cavani came on, he was a constant threat and put the previously confident and combative Southampton side on the back foot. Cavani set up Fernandes to give United a lifeline just before the hour mark, allowing them to play on South

Tottenham returned to the summit of the Premier League despite being held by Chelsea in a highly-competitive yet goalless stalemate.in the London Derby.  The eagerly-anticipated fixture between two teams in excellent form failed to produce a goal as both sides cancelled each other out at Stamford Bridge. Edouard Mendy kept out Serge Aurier's ferocious strike while Steven Bergwijn had another Spurs chance sailing over the bar. Chelsea were looking to celebrate Roman Abramovich's 1,000th game as club owner with victory over a Tottenham Hotspur team managed by their former boss Jose Mourinho. The Blues struggled to produce clear-cut chances although Hugo Lloris produced a great late save to deny Mason Mount. Tottenham, replaced at the top by Liverpool on Saturday, returned to the summit, level on 21 points with the Reds but with a superior goal difference. Chelsea are two points behind Spurs in third spot.

Enyimba FC got their CAF Champions League campaign off to a flying start with 1-0 victory against Rahimo FC in Burkina Faso.  Enyimba carried the hopes of Nigerian fans into the game as other three Nigerian teams on the continent lost their games. The Aba Landlords went into the game confident of victory and started attacking the Burkina Faso side early on in the game. The first 20 minutes was exciting as both sides battled for supremacy and with Enyimba player Dare Olatunji getting a yellow card for a foul on Adama.  Enyimba kept it tight at the back to defend against a rampaging Rahimo attack.  Enyimba defeated and knocked out the Burkina Faso side in last season's champions league and they played against them with confidence New signing, Tosin Omoyele set up Sadiq Abubakar in the 52nd minute but the forward shot wide. Coach Osho Fatai made a change in attack as Victor Mbaoma came on for Tosin Omoyele.  The People's Elephant took the lead in the 76th m

The President, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Sir Honour Sirawoo has commended the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for the release of the FIFA Covid-19 Relief Fund. The NFF had released the sum of N11,400,000 (eleven million, four hundred thousand Naira) only as part of the Covid-19 Relief Fund from FIFA to SWAN Sirawoo lauded the Amaju Pinnick-led NFF for the transparent way and manner it has disbursed the funds in accordance with the earlier breakdown and FIFA guidelines. According to him, “FIFA and the NFF must be commended for this transparent process. It has been done in such a manner that is open for all to see. “FIFA must also be commended for such a gesture despite a challenging period of coronavirus pandemic across the world. It is a sign of a responsive and responsible football governing body." He assured that the funds allocated to SWAN would be utilized transparently in accordance with the stated guidelines. "Let me state clearl