Desportspastor Blog

Its always interesting to see a young player do so well on the domestic league and catch the attention of the senior  national The Super Eagles.  Anayo Iwuala is a well talented player, who plays with as a left winger with Enyimba FC of Aba, a Club he joined since the start of the 2019/2020 NPFL season,  he is one who has earned admirations from his teammates, his Club, fans & even opposition fans. In an online interview with newsmen on Thursday evening, Anayo Iwuala said he  Feels ripe enough -to play for  The senior national team, The Super Eagles but will only be waiting for the Super Eagles handlers & Coaches (Especially  Coach Gernot Rhor)  Anayo Iwuala said during the interview, that he has always wanted to play football professionally but his parents objected, so he had to make them realize that Football was part of his calling. Ahead of the CAF Confederations Cup second leg playoff round against Rivers United of Port Harcourt, a game Anayo Said "it'

Kelechi Nwakali's former club ASJ Football academy of Owerri have cried foul at the attitude of Premier league club Arsenal whom they claim lied and deceived them from making a Training Compensation claim in 2016 when Nwakali joined the Gunners after winning the Golden Boot at the FIFA U17 Championship in 2015. According to Mr. Emeka Amajiriaku the General Manager of the team, after Nwakali's transfer in 2016 they approached Arsenal for training and solidarity compensation due them but Arsenal lied to them that they were not entitled to Training compensation but paid them only solidarity compensation. 'We trusted them and believed them we did not know that they were deliberately deceiving us. When we found out last year they lied to us again that they paid Diamond Football Academy 10,000 US Dollars as Training Compensation, an amount equivalent to a sum representing the years of registration that Kelechi was playing for The ASJ Academy. They then offered us a mi

36 Lion Football Club* of Lagos has appointed Nigerian/Canadian, Adewale Ajayi as the club's global media consultant and brand ambassador  In a letter dated February 17, 2021, the club said they are pleased to appoint the renowned sports journalist to help promote it's players, their values and what they represent to the world.  The recent transfer of *Quadry Liameed to Villarreal FC in Spain was followed by that of Ade Oguns and Samson Akinyoola*, two Lion, who have since settled down with Caracas FC of Venezuela. These deals, have further entrenched the brand as one of Nigeria's most vibrant and most successful in the transfer market in recent years.  Before these deals, 36 Lion football club has the reputation of moving top Nigeria football stars to other African leagues and played a key role in the recent sale of Sunusi Ibrahim to Montreal impact of Canada.    In order to further promote these values and market their players home and abroad to international

The Nationwide league one which is the third division tier in Nigeria league is one of the most important league's where grassroot and talented players are groomed.  With few weeks for the league to commences, the board has decided that the 2021 annual general meeting for the league will take a new dimension due to the ravaging COVID ’19 pandemic. Sequel to this, all delegates are adviced to comply with COVID ’19 protocols as the Congress will only entertain 30%  attendant while 70% of our members will join _VIRTUALLY VIA ZOOM._  Details of the zoom link will be  shared among the accredited delegates to be nominated by Clubs from each states of the Federation.  *The annual general meeting will hold online (virtual zoom) by 11:00am on Thursday 18th  February 2021.* It's at the course of this meeting, that the fixtures, venues and lot more about this years league will be discussed said the Chief operating officer Mr Olushola Ogunnowo.

Nigerian football fans in their ignorance took to social media few minutes into the CAF Confederation Cup play-off tie between Enyimba of Aba and Rivers United, calling for the head of the contractors incharge of the Enyimba international stadium due to the heavy downpour that left the pitch waterlogged after just 10 minutes of play. Most of these fans felt disappointed that a pitch that was laid just about three years ago, shouldn't be in such a mess, knowing the huge resources invested into putting it in it's present state.  However, the center referee for that match, Mehdi ABID CHAREF from Algeria has showered praises on the brains behind the Enyimba international stadium playing pitch, describing the turf as marvelous.  In what could be seen as the case of a prophet not being appreciated by his kinsmen, Charef said in over 15 years of officiating CAF matches on the continent, he has never seen a pitch as good as this. He said the fact that the water on the pitch

Tebo Franklin has urged Nasarawa United to build on their 2-1 win over Akwa United to put behind them a recent run of poor form. The Solid Miners bounced back to winning ways in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Sunday. Adamu Hassan and Chukwuebuka Anaekwe were on the scoresheet for Nasarawa United at the Lafia City Stadium. “This should be a turning point for us,” Tebo Franklin stated after the game. “We have shown that there is quality in Nasarawa United and the key has been the support of everyone to try and get the team to where it should be. “We understood that everything should be simpler, to play more and to drive less, to give speed and the game has been very fluid.” Nasarawa United suffered defeats to Plateau United, Enyimba and Rivers United before Sunday's week 10 fixture. Tebo Franklin feels victory over the Promise Keepers has made them stronger. “I hope that this has been our ‘match-ball’, as this game we faced reinforces much of what is h

Katsina United striker Samuel Kalu has conceded that the 1-0 win over Jigawa Golden Stars has given them ‘more belief’. Kalu scored to give the Changi Boys the win, and the forward insisted that it was a well-earned victory in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Sunday. “We knew that it was going to be a difficult game, Jigawa Golden Stars are a team that fight, they maintain their pressure on you for the duration of the match,” he told reporters. “We were up to the task, we were at our level, we won and that’s the most important thing and now we have to continue working. “This result gives us a bit of more belief. We are pleased with the game and hope to do more in subsequent encounters. “Everything is the same, but it is true that we don’t need 20 passes to create a chance, sometimes we can do it with four or five touches. “We’re not changing the system, we’re adapting it. “It’s a pleasure to be in the starting team. I’m very pleased and I’ll try to take ad

Former Super Falcons striker and captain, Desire Oparanozie is not happy at her exclusion from the list of 23-woman Falcons team to Turkey to take part in the Invitational tournament starting on Monday. The former prolific goalscorer took to her Twitter account to lambast the NFF Director of Communication, Ademola Olajire for asking her to continue to work hard, maintain her consistency and push for inclusion in the team. Olajire, who was quoted to have defended the exclusion of the striker from the squad says; “Oparanozie is still part of the team’s plans and her non-inclusion has nothing to do with that protest in France because she was not the only one involved". “Selection of players is predominantly the prerogative of the coaches and not the NFF. “She remains an important member of the women’s national side. I think she will just have to keep working on her game and, if she gets the opportunity, then push for a consistent selection.” Meanwhile, Oparanozie seen the

In the fast-paced modern game, teams need to be able to transform from defence to attack and revert back like clockwork and the one player who is largely responsible for facilitating this is the defensive midfielder. On the eve of the 2020/2021 NPFL season, fans of Jigawa Golden Stars looked forward with a sense of optimism and some trepidation, as the new campaign got underway, in full anticipation of a routine impressive display of their coveted midfield warlord, Richard Christopher. An expectation that hasnt be dashed so far this season,expectedly the former bussdor fc midfielder has started all 9 matches for the dutse based outfit this season racking up series of eye-catching display in the middle of the park. The abia state born midfielder, fits in the current age where controlling possession and dictating the tempo higher up the field has become tactical trends. boasting of a 5.2ft in height it amazes football pundits how he never lost in aerial duels whenever there&#

Rivers Sports Commissioner, Boma Iyaye has showered encomiums on the founder of Go-Round Football Club and sports philanthropist, Bro Felix Obuah over his continued support to Rivers United.  According to him, Bro Obuah’s actions are testimonies of genuine love for sports development and particularly, for the State government-owned Rivers United.  Rivers United has benefitted from Obuah's financial promises after he tasked the team to win matches in the ongoing CAF Confederation Cup and get rewarded.  Iyaye gave the commendation at Omoku, Rivers State when he led a team that included the Permanent Secretary, Sir Honour Sirawoo; officials and players of Rivers United, supporters club, amongst others, on a thank you visit to Obuah. The commissioner described Obuah's gesture as unparalleled in the history of the state, stressing that outside the Rivers State Government, no other individual has done that much for the team. He seized the opportunity to laud Governor Wike

Every day, talents spring up in Africa and from other parts of the world. In Africa, there are abundant talents who need to be spotted and when they are seen, they are exceptional. This can be demonstrated with the sterling performances of two young African talents at the 2018 World Cup in Russia,  Moussa Wague (Senegal) and Francis Uzoho (Nigeria), both players were shaped by a Football Academy in Qatar.  In 2018,  Mr Ikechukwu Bestman Aaron, an ardent football lover unveiled a pragmatic platform to unearth obscure talents, on a solitary and dusty field in ohanze, obingwa LGA, Abia state. Jewels Football Academy is a highly detribalized football academy with unparalled opportunities and fierce competition amongst growing talents. The academy's programme demands intelligence and exceptional footballing ability geared towards preparing young talents to be showcased in pro clubs and enter professional football. With its intensive programme managed by Mr Chinedu Obakezie-l

Minister  of Youth and sports Development Mr *Sunday Dare* has expressed  deep shock and sadness over the demise of Former Super Eagles Defender *Yisa Sofouwe* who died on Tuesday at the Lagos State University  Teaching Hospital at the age of 54. According  to a statement  from his Media Office, Dare said" The news of *Yisa Sofoluwe's* death is quite devastating  and one that hit me like a tornado. He was a great, committed,  disciplined , humble and patriotic  player. He came ahead of his time. No wonder he was nicknamed  the Dean of Defence by ace commentator  Ernest Okonkwo.  My condolences and prayers goes to his wife, children, teammates and the football  community. He died just when help was on the way to pay for his surgery .His death is a huge loss. Rest in peace Dean of Defence", the statement concluded. Sofoluwe played for the Flying Eagles at the World Youth Championship in Mexico 1983 alongside players like Tajudeen Disu, Femi and Segun Olukanmi, D

Minister  of Youth and sports Development Mr. *Sunday Dare* has come to the rescue  of ailing former Super Eagles defender  *Yisa Sofoluwe* who is reportedly down with a brain ailment.  The Minister  over the weekend  sent money through  another ex international  to support the medical bill of the ace defender. In addition,  the Minister  has promised to speak to a state Governor to pick  the medical bill of the surgery.  The Minister's  response  is coming on the heels of appeal by Former International  *Waidi Akanni* for public  spirited  Nigerians to come to the aid of the ex player. The Minister  had last year offered financial  lifeline to mothers of late internationals *Rashidi Yekini*,  *Samuel Okwaraji*, *Ali Jeje Ibrahim* and  quater miler  *Sunday Bada*. *Sofoluwe*, nicknamed  Dean of Defence by legendary  radio commentator  *Ernest Okonkwo* for his defence prowess won 40 caps for the Super Eagles  and scored one goal .He held away in the right back position 

Players of Kogi United on Thursday launched a peaceful protest at the Kogi State Government House to press home the demand for their unpaid sign-on-fees for two years. The players who were dressed in their club colours marched to the State government house to lodge their complaint to Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello. They blocked the entrance of the Government House, threatened to continue the protest until all their entitlements were paid. The angry players have also threatened to adopt other options, which includes boycotting of their 2020/21 Nigeria National League matches. "We want to be paid our two years sign-on-fees as we have people that looks up to us for survival," said one of the angry players. "They promised to pay our entitlements but it did not happen." "We are tired of empty promises from Kogi State Government. We don't think playing league games will be a good option for us." The players also claimed that increment in salaries, w

 The revival of  the Principal's  Cup   which had lots of glamour in the 80s and 90s  would bring about the discovery of fresh talents. Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare  reiterated that  the Ministry  revived the  Principal's cup in order to discover  and nurture new talents .  According  to the Minister  " The National Principals Cup is back, one of the bedrock of grassroots sports development. The likes of Segun Odegbami,  Henry  Nwosu, Late Stephen Keshi, Daniel Amokachi, Victor Ikpeba , Joseph Dosu,  Tajudeen Disu, Ganiyu Ajide ,  among others were all products of  the Principal's cup and they all  donned the green white green  national jersey.  The fact that we can discover young talents from  secondary schools and nurture them to stardom made us  focus on reviving the competition ”.. the Minister affirmed. He further said “The Principal's cup is kicking off  soon across the Federation because talents  abound  everywhere.  T

  No fewer than 30 football coaches in Anambra State are to benefit from the good gesture of Mr Patrick Okeke, the President of Aspire Football Club and Academy following his decision to attract the moving train of Berackiah/Abigol Football Coaching Clinic to the State. According to the CEO Berackiah International, Wonders N. Nwigwe, the Aspire Chief decision to identify with the programme and sponsor 30 coaches was inspired as a result of what he described as shared resolve of developing the capacity of Nigerian coaches as one of the way to achieve a sustainable growth in football development. Recall the clinic which is currently making wave at the moment, had a successful outing in South-West Zone of the country with it’s train currently in Asaba, capital city of Delta State for South South and South East Zones. In his own remarks, the Aspire FC boss said hi decision to sponsor the coaches was motivated by his club age long commitment at developing football from the grass

The Afternoon Church, one of the fastest growing churches in Aba, the Enyimba City, on Sunday offered scholarships to indigent secondary and university students in the state. Pastor Akachi Nwoke, Lead Pastor of the Church, said that the scholarships were for the students till they finish their education in Benin Republic and that the beneficiaries were selected from less privileged families in the city. “We had a crying service as parents of our International Scholarship Students came around to receive admission letters alongside their children. One of the beneficiaries had graduated from secondary school for nine years without admission. Another of the beneficiaries has given up on going to school as none in their family had been to a university.” He said. Speaking further, the vibrant young Pastor says “The Lord asked us to sponsor their education abroad from now till they graduate including their accommodation. We are sending them as missionaries. They

Nasarawa United centre-back Tebo Franklin recognizes that Wednesday's Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) match against Enyimba will be tricky, but believes that his side will come out on top. The defender has proven to be a crucial component of Bala Nikyu's Nasarawa United team this season. Speaking to Newsmen, Tebo Franklin expressed his elation with Nasarawa United's form this season but stressed that Enyimba will be difficult competition. “Top three is very good, but now we must just concentrate on a game against Enyimba that will be one of the most difficult we’ve had so far in NPFL,” he began. “We play well at home, but we will try to win as always.” Tebo Franklin's efforts in the centre of defence have paid off: in the seven NPFL matches he's started, the Solid Miners have conceded a mere five goals. The defender is modest enough to not accept all the credit, however. “The defence's success is due to the sacrifice of all,” he said. Ask