Desportspastor Blog

The Nigerian  Rowing Canoe   Sailing Federation  has been  given a marching under to win at least two gold medals  at the Tokyo  Olympics, even as Admiral  Festus Porbeni received  commendation for his sacrifices  and commitment over the years.  Speaking at  the 2021 Annual  Admiral *Porbeni*  Boat Race at the Jabi Lake, Abuja over the weekend,  the Minister  of Youth and  Sports Development Mr *Sunday Dare* said  " I  commend  Admiral Porbeni for his commitment to  this annual race  and for making Boat Race popular in the last couple of years. With  what  I have seen, we can now compete  with  the best in the world.His efforts  has not only  improved our ratings as the number one country in Africa, it has ensured that we qualified  for the Olympics and Paralympics in Para, Canoeing  and Para Rowing. Be rest assured of the Ministry's commitment  and  support to actualize  the dreams of our athletes  to win laurels  for our fatherland. I have already marked Boat rac

The leadership of Nigeria Basketball Federation has officially confirmed that coach Mfon Udofia will be saddled with the responsibility of leading D’Tigers to the 2021 Afrobasket qualifiers in Tunisia. Mfon who joined the senior men’s national team technical crew just before the 2019 FIBA World Cup will fill in for Head Coach, Mike Brown, currently tied down by Golden State Warriors. On the other hand, Coach Alex Nwora who remains a vital part of the D’Tigers’ crew will also be missing due to family and personal reasons. Making the announcement, NBBF President, Engr Musa Kida said, “Mike Brown is doing his primary job and occupied at this time as the assistant coach with Golden State Warriors”. “Coach Alex is staying back for very personal and intimate reasons which we understand. Our head coach to Tunisia will be Mfon Udofia.” He expressed utmost confidence that the absence of the two coaches will in no way affect the team’s outing as he described Udofia who tried out with

  Nasarawa United defender Tebo Franklin has described his side's 1-0 defeat to Plateau United in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) week seven on Friday as "disappointing" and "frustrating". NPFL leaders Nasarawa United were regarded as the favourites to win Friday's match, but the Solid Miners slumped to their first defeat of the season at the Jos International Stadium. First-half goal from Mohamed Zulkifilu ultimately proved to be the difference as the Abdu Maikaba managed team picked up victory, but Tebo Franklin also known as NPFL Sergio Ramos was eager to quickly turn his focus to the future and insists that there is still plenty of time to make up for the result. "Really disappointing. To concede the goal like we did is very frustrating. We came in at half time a bit deflated. We picked ourselves up and played a better second half but it was frustrating," Tebo Franklin said. "It is the first loss of the season.

One-man Umuahia South have won the maiden edition of the Abia Governor's Cup in a keenly contested final at the Umuahia Township Stadium The final was watched by the Governor and the Deputy Governor along with other dignitaries.  The match was a cagey encounter from the blast of the whistle as both teams battled for supremacy in midfield Aba South got the first real chance of the game in the 20th minute when Chimaobi Nnaji floated the ball into the box but Emeka Nwokocha made a timely tackle to save Umuahia South as Aba South pressed for a goal Promise Ifeanyi denied Umuahia North a goal in the 31st minute with a reflexive save to deny Umuahia North a goal Both sides did all they could to get a goal but they lacked precision in the final third. Wisdom Okechukwu got a red card in the 56th minute as Umuahia South were reduced to 10 men. The game went into penalties and Umuahia South won 5-4 Chinaza Felix of Umuahia North won the Best Midfielder and Most Valuable Player Award. Promise

Water FC of Abuja graduate Okechukwu Gabriel has completed a four year deal with Consadole Sapporo who are one of the campaignersin the J1 League in Japan. The Super Eagles striker who featured in CAF Champions League alongside Babatunde Micheal for Wydad Casablanca of Morocco have sealed a lucrative deal with the Japanese outfit.  Okechukwu Gabriel will now play in the Japanese League until 2025 haven completed a four years deal. The 25 years old striker has been unveiled by his new club in Japan and he's expected to start training with the team haven completed his medical routine. Gabriel Okechukwu was the saviour of the CHAN Super Eagles and Silver medalist at the  African Nations Champions 2018 in Morocco under the tutelage of Coach Salisu Yusuf where he scored a goal in the Quarter final against Angola and against Sudan in the Semi Final of the tournament. Gabriel was invited to the Super Eagles by late Stephen Keshi.

Chimaobi Nnaji's 95th minute stunning freekick was enough for Aba South to book a spot in a what promises to be an epic final Aba South came into this game with pedigree while Ukwa East came with the tournament's top scorer.  Aba South scored the fastest goal of the tournament in the first minute when Chukwunyere Chibuike rose highest to nod past Joshua Nwanosike after a mixup in the box. Aba South took control of the game thereafter and had another chance in the 6th minute but Okorie Samuel's shot narrowly missed the target Chukwunyere Chibuike came close to getting a second goal in the 12th minute when he was missed a one-on-one chance.  Ukwa East got back into the game in the 22nd minute when Ifeanyi Friday found space just at the edge of the Aba South box and let a ferocious shot fly past Promise Ifeanyi.  Aba South continue from where they stopped  missing chances when Samuel Okorie's shot from a close range came off the woodwork in the 40th minute to c

Umuahia South are through to the final of the Abia Governor's with a 2-1 victory over neighbors, Umuahia North.  The game with began with intensity and had the flair of a derby. The first chance of the game fell to Umuahia North's Felix Chinaza who found Chinonso running ahead into the box and released a long pass to him. The striker got the ball well and failed to beat the goalkeeper .  Umuahia South's Wisdom Chukwujekwu dribbled into the box in the 17th minute and shot over the bar from a tight angle There were chances for both teams as they battled for an opener. Umuahia South got the opener in the 39th minute when Fred Jesome scored from the spot after Obinna Isaac was fouled in the box by the goalkeeper The second half began with Umuahia North pressing for an equalizer and that goal finally came in the 63rd minute when Felix Chinaza converted a penalty Umuahia South got the winner in the 83rd minute when goalkeeper, Onuoha Nwakwukwu mishandled the ball and

by Diegwu Nwankwor Without question, Fouzi Lekjaa is one of the finest football administrators in the continent! A strategic visionary, ruthless executor, passionate about the game and armed with vast knowledge. These are qualities which are alien to African football administrators. But Lekjaa, the man at the helm of Morocco’s on the rise game, cut his football administrative teeth at RS Berkane, located in the north-eastern part of the Kingdom. When the 50-year-old administrator started out at RS Berkane in 2009, they were a mere third division side and no one dreamt of witnessing them lift a continental club title. But the far-sighted Lekjaa knew anything was possible. He, however, understood nothing would happen overnight. In his sharp-witted mind, he had a three-pronged ‘line of attack’ that could easily set the club on the pedestal. He had to ensure the club had excellent infrastructure, an efficient governance system and financial stability. And so, he set out on this

By Bassey Ibiatisuho “I swore for them in the NFA or NFF when we came back from Mali 2002 African Nations Cup. They treated all of us: Shuaibu Amodu, Stephen Keshi and myself just anyhow. What basically happened was that, I was very angry at the time. So I went back home, stripped naked and put a curse on Nigeria football and they will know no peace until I am paid my money.” Those were the words of Joseph Bassey Eric, popularly called Joe Erico or Jogo Bonito after being a part of the Super Eagles technical crew as a goalkeeper trainer to Mali 2002 Nations Cup and the qualification to the World Cup in Korea/Japan. An indigene of Odukpani local government area in Cross River State, Erico was one of the best Green Eagles goalkeepers who represented Nigeria at many international matches and won several records.  Worthy of note is the fact that the Akwa-Cross region has produced great goalkeeping talents and emptied them into the national treasury, the likes of Eyo Essien, Mos

Super Eagles striker, Junior Lokosa has made a move to Tanzanian club, Simba FC in a short term deal. The Tanzanian club announced the player's transfer on Monday.  The former Kano Pillars striker joins the Tanzanian club from Esperance of Tunisia after a short time with the club.  Lokosa scored 14 goals in 15 matches for Kano Pillars in 2018 and was in Nigeria's provisional squad to the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He went for trials at Ludogorets of Bulgaria and at Brann, a Norwegian club.  Lokosa was the winner of the Eunisell Boot Award after scoring 19 goals and he got N3.8million as reward Lokosa played for First Bank of Lagos from 2013-2018 and scored 92 goals in 128 appearances and 26 goals in 35 games for Kano Pillars Lokosa made his debut for the Super Eagles in a match against DR Congo

Nasarawa United central defender Tebo Franklin has said that reports claiming he is looking to leave The Solid Miners are false. Rumours had been circulating that the player was keen elsewhere in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). Tebo has been one of the shinning lights of Nasarawa United as they zoomed to the top of the NPFL table with 14 points, making six starts so far.  Such an important role has led to speculation that he might be looking at opportunities elsewhere. However the player who models his game around Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, has pledged his loyalty to the club for the foreseeable future: "I just want to deny what has been in the press about my transfer. It isn't true at all. I am always committed to Nasarawa United."

The Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) which was expected to kick off by feb 10th has been shifted to a new date not yet confirmed.  Speaking with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the NLO, Mr. Olushola Ogunnowo who said "we have over 306 clubs vying for honours to gain promotions to their different higher leagues and we want to make sure things are put in order."   Mr. Olushola Ogunnowo adding that eight teams will gain promotion to NNL at the end of the league while eight teams will be relegated to NLO2. He disclosed that the teams will play at eight centres Ogun, Imo, Ekiti, Gombe, kwara, plateau , Kaduna, and Cross-River.  He pointed out that the Annual Congress which will be virtually conducted will be preceded by a Coaching Clinic as directed by the parent body, the Nigeria Football Federation NFF which is the major reason behind the shift for the resumption to early March.   Ogunnowo explained that the Clinic will be handled by eminent football coaches

  Nigerian football was again thrown into mourning on Thursday after news broke of the death of former Nigeria senior team goalkeeper and one-time assistant coach of the Super Eagles, Joe Erico. Family sources said the flamboyant trainer of trainers and respected nurturer of talents complained of body pain and was treated for malaria, only to be found dead in his bed at dawn on Thursday.   Born Joseph Bassey Eric in the Odukpani local government area in what is today known as Cross River State, Erico belonged to the cast of the very best goalkeepers in the history of Nigeria’s senior team, and served at the same period as the revered Emmanuel Okala and Eyo Essien.   He made his debut for then Green Eagles in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Zambia in Lagos in July 1973 (which Nigeria won 3-2), and then kept goal in all of Nigeria’s six matches at the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations in Ethiopia, where the Eagles finished third – the first time Nigeria would win a

Ebuka Nwokorie's 88th freekick gave Aba South a hard fought 1-0 victory over Isiukwuato in a thrilling quarterfinal fixture at the Umuahia Stadium. Both sides came into the game after dramatic comebacks in the round of 16.  Aba South had set the tone for this exciting encounter after coming from two goals down to win 3-2 in their last game.  Both sides started the game with finesse but it was Isiukwuato who got the first chance of the game. Ebuka Isaac pounced on a lose ball in the Aba South box but his first touch let him down as goalkeeper, Ifeanyi Phillip came out to save. One minute later, Ebuka Isaac raced into the Aba South box and let fly a shot but it narrowly missed its target Both sides came close many times but missed chances to go ahead in the game.  Aba South's Ebuka Nwokorie got a pass from Chidiebere Diamond in the 57th minute but he failed to slot past Mike Azuogu who was quick to gather the lose ball.  Aba South came close to getting a goal in the 6

The much talked about Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL Match Day 4 tie between Adamawa United FC finally ended in a barren draw and defender, Uchenna Tebo Franklin has expressed mixed feelings over the result.  In a chat with newsmen on arrival from Gombe, the no nonsense centre back said: "It wasn't the result we wanted, but all hope wasn't lost as we came out with one point.  "We had resolved and worked hard for all three points, but in football you win but some give you unexpected results. "We also had chances if wrapping up the game, but mother luck didn't smile on us, as we threw away a penalty.  The solid Miners sit 4th on the NPFL table with 8 points after four rounds of matches, picking an away win and a draw, and the former FC Vitosha Bistritsa loanee believes the Lafia based side can challenge for honours this term. "I strongly believe we can have a successful campaign in the league this season, we've got a good team an

The Golden Eaglets of Nigeria who are  five-time world champions qualified to  the final of the WAFU U17 Cup Tournament in Lome, Togo on Friday, after grabbing a 1-0 victory over Group A winners Burkina Faso at the Stade Kegue. Victory means the Golden Eaglets are now not only eligible to battle for the tournament’s diadem on Wednesday, but have also joined the teams that have qualified for the 2021 U17 Africa Cup of Nations holding in Morocco 13th – 31st March. Michael Emmanuel Papo gave Nigeria, who also won the African championship in 2001 and 2007, the crucial win with his 77th minute goal, with the Burkinabes unable to respond until the final whistle. Fatai Amoo’s boys didn't start quite well in the competition after losing by a lone goal to Cote d’Ivoire, but then were held to a 1-1 draw by Ghana in their second game in the three-team Group B. They looked to be on their way home until Cote d’Ivoire defeated Ghana 3-1 to allow the Eaglets qualify to the last f

Umuahia North today joined Umuahia South in the last 4 of the ongoing Governor's Cup with a 2-1 win over hard fighting Umunneochi. An own goal from Kelechi Moses of Umunneochi at the start of the second half cancelled an earlier strike from Umuahia North.  The game looked destined for a draw until the Umuahia based team struck late on in the 81st minute through the boots of Chiwaza Felix to claim a hard fought victory that saw them through to the semis, leaving an inspiring Umunneochi Team heartbroken. The win sets up an intriguing semi final bout against their neighbors- Umuahia South who yesterday beat Isialangwa North to make the last 4. The tournament takes a break this weekend and  resumes on Monday with a potential explosive Quarter final tie between Ohafia and Ukwa East. The winner progresses to the semifinals and will take on the winner of the last Quarter final tie between Aba South and Isikwuato which is billed for Tuesday, Jan 19, 2021.

10-man Umuahia South have booked a place in the quarterfinals of the Abia Governor’s Cup. The Umuahia South LGA team rose above challenges to emerge victorious in the exciting quarterfinal duel Before the game, some of Umuahia South’s first team players were screened out but the Umuahia side rose to the occasion. Tochukwu Johnprince gave Isialangwa the lead from the spot in the 6th minute after Chinaza John was brought down in the box. Five minutes later, Nzubechi Otuonye brought Umuahia South level through a penalty after Fred Gerald was fouled in the box The equalizer invigorated Umuahia South as they pushed to go ahead in the game. Umuahia South took the lead in the 44th minute through a beautiful strike from Chukwujekwu. The dazzling midfielder received a pass from Fred Gerald and he beat his marker and then unleashed a powerful left-footed volley past Fredrick Bright Umuahia South were reduced to 10 men in the 68th minute when Tochukwu Anosike was shown a red card Toch

The Management of Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia has given the Technical Crew the mandate to win their next three games or be ready to face the music.  The ultimatum came after Management held an emergency meeting with the coaches at the Club’s Secretariat in Umuahia following the dismal performance of the team in the on-going Nigeria Professional Football League where Abia Warriors have lost their first four league games. The Management reiterated that the team has no reason not to do well considering the caliber of players in the team pointing out that technical crew, led by Imama Amapakabo has enjoyed the greatest support and cooperation ever given to any crew in the Club’s history. 

With just few days to the Nigerian National League kick off date, delta force has not been found lacking as they acquire the services of former heegan fc coach. Delta force fc officially announced to the media the appointment of former Right2win and dream stars coach as the assistant coach of the team for the season. The widely traveled and experience coach _abacha_ as he is fondly called was the former  head coach of Right2win,Dream stars,Ambassador fc,& heegan fc of somalia and he will be assisting Coach Austin Chinwendu(FUJI) in pursuing promotion back to the Nigerian Premier professional league.  Delta force fc will be competing at the second tier of the Nigerian National league this season.

          Nigeria reached the semi finals of the WAFU U17 Cup Tournament ongoing in Lome, Togo on Tuesday evening after Group B pacesetters Cote d’Ivoire hammered the Black Starlets of Ghana 3-1 at the city’s Stade Municipal. Five-time world champions Nigeria, who lost by the odd goal to the Ivorians on the opening day of the competition and were forced to a 1-1 draw by the Starlets at the weekend, needed a favour from the Ivorians to progress to the knockout stage. And the Ivorians obliged. The Baby Elephants raced into the lead after only nine minutes and consolidated at 2-0 as the match wore on. But the Starlets, themselves two-time champions of the world, pegged back their neighbours to leave Nigeria’s chances on the wire. The Eaglets and their Ghanaian counterparts had both scored through penalty kicks on Saturday. It was the time for the Ivorians to benefit, as they netted from six yards with 20 minutes to go to make it a commanding 3-1 win. Nigeria will now take on B

Nasarawa United FC center back, and man of the match award winner in the Match Day 3 duel of the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL, against Kano Pillars FC, Tebo Franklin has sent a message of hope to the fans of his side, that the team maintains absolute focus as they visit Adamawa United FC in their next fixture in Gombe.  The fearless energetic defender who spoke to news men on his team's arrival in Gombe, stated that they are in Gombe State for a mission against Adamawa United FC, hence the need to stay focused and determined, adding that this particular fixture last season was a bitter pill to his side. "We're in Gombe for a mission, so we're staying focused and determined, said Franklin, who recorded his first NPFL assist in his side's away win at Heartland on Match Day 2. "We left Gombe empty handed last season when we met with Adamawa United FC, but this time we're ready to prove a point.  The Solid Miners are currently enjoying

*Ohafia LGA* earlier today put up a five star performance to progress to the *Quarter finals* of the ongoing Abia Governor's Cup. A first half brace in the 17th and 22nd minute from *Ogbo Obasi* was enough to see the Abia North team progress at the expense of a disjointed *Ugwunagbo* team, who lacked cutting edge in the final third. In the other game of the day,  *Emmanuel Nnadede*  of *Ukwa East LGA* notched in the tournament's first Hat trick to send his to the last 8. It was a classy performance from the Ukwa Boys who took total charge of the game from the outset. The goals were scored in the 17th, 21st and 81st minutes of the encounter. Chinedu Okoro scored the consolation goal for Arochukwu in the 30th minute. Tournament continues tomorrow with *Aba South* taking on *Ukwa West* at 10 am, while *Isikwuato LGA* will lock horns with *Obingwa LGA* at 12pm. All matches take place at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

On Friday, the fixtures of the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu Cup were released to the press by the Secretary of the Organising Committee in charge of the Governor’s Cup, Mr Jude Ochang. According to the fixtures, there will be two games on Monday and Tuesday before the quarterfinals which starts on Thursday January 15, 2021 while the semi-final will be on January 25 and 26, 2021 The final will be on January 29, 2021 while the third placed game will be on the same day The games will be at the Umuahia Township Stadium Here are the fixtures in full: Monday January 11, 2021 Ohafia v Ugwunagbo Ukwa East v Arochukwu Tuesday January 12, 2021 Aba South v Ukwa West Isikwuato v Obingwa Wednesday January 13- Break Quarter Finals Thursday January 14, 2021 Q1. Umuahia South v Isialangwa North Friday January 15, 2021 Q2. Umuahia North v Umunneochi Monday January 18, 2021 Q3. Ohafia/Ugwunagbo v Ukwa East/Arochukwu Tuesday Janua

Super Eagles of Nigeria captain, Ahmed Musa, has supported the maiden edition of the Plateau North Senatorial district grassroots football tournament with a whopping six million naira for the eventual champions, second and third placed teams. Ahmed Musa, who was so impressed with the main purpose of staging the tournament aimed at promoting peace, unity and reconciliation in Plateau North senatorial zone by Senator I. D. Gyang, decried the fact that people are no longer free in their movement and relationship, unlike when he  was growing up in the said senatorial zone. According to him, "Its so sad that people don't freely relate well with one another, unlike those days when we were kids going from house to house to celebrate and feast during Christmas and Sallah! Its strange that this fun-filled moment we used to look forward to are nearly not in existence again. Am giving my own little contribution to this project because it will go a long way in uniting people i

Foremost Abia philanthropist, Ncheta Emerekpe has lauded the sporting drive of the Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu. Emerekpe made this assertion when the Governor's Cup committee paid him a courtesy visit at his country home in Isialangwa North LGA of Abia State on Sunday  He said he was pleased with the project being put up by the Ikpeazu administration to help in keeping young and vibrant Abia youths engaged positively. Emerekpe who is known for his huge humanitarian disposition, called on well meaning Abians to join hands and develop the state. Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Governor's Cup committee, Hon PC Mba said the committee was at the country home of Emerekpe to thank him for the huge impact he has had on the people of the state, while urging him to continue doing more as only God could reward him for his philanthropy. He thanked Governor Ikpeazu for investing in Abia Youths as the tournament has been able to spot some amazing talents

The Minister of youth and sports Development Mr. *Sunday Dare* has reassured that the February  14th 2021 kick off date for the National  Sports Festival  remains Sacrosanct. According to the Minister,  "After the  National Sports Festival in February this year, we will move to the National Youth Games and  continue the build up to the Olympic Games ". Building quality facilities and engaging good coaches, which are keys to producing World- class athletes, require heavy investment.  "We have asked for  25 percent of the Lottery Fund to come to sports. Jamaica and England give between 31 to 38 Percent of their Lottery Funds to sports, but right now we are getting nothing from the fund. We hope to get the approval for the Lottery Fund money in the first quarter of  the year." On the adopt-an-athlete initiative, which was  introduced to cater for athletes' welfare, *Dare* said it has been  successful so far, assuring that this year,  it would  accommoda

General Manager of Rivers United FC, Chief Dr. Okey Kpalukwu (Eze-Udo) has on behalf of management wished the entire members of Rivers United family a prosperous 2021, urging them to use the New Year to consolidate the achievements of 2020. In a New Year message, Chief Dr. Kpalukwu to members praised all stakeholders of the club for the respective parts they played in 2020. He however added that more still needs to be done in 2021. He said though the outgoing year had several challenges, Rivers United family should march into 2021 with renewed hope for greater accomplishments. "First, I want to wish everyone associated with Rivers United FC a very happy New Year as we step into 2021. “I also want to specially thank the sponsors of the club, the Rivers State Government, under the able guidance of the Governor, His Excellency, Chief, Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON, GSSRS, POS for the continued massive support to the team. “The Rivers State Ministry of Sports, led by the C