Author: Akojede Olanrewaju

Adepoju calls for glamorous president federation cup finals

Glamour

By Olanrewaju Akojede

Lagos, June 30, 2024 (NAN) Ex-international,  Mutiu Adepoju  has called for a more glamorous President Federation Cup, a replica of the 70’s, 80’s and early 90’s.

Adepoju made call  in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the 2024 President Federation Cup final  at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.

NAN reports that El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri emerged  winner  defeating Abia Warriors 2-0 courtesy a brace from Salihu Nasiru.

Adepoju said that there has been some dynamics in the game.

“Certainly FA Cup is always glamorous as all clubs do look forward to it because it involves all clubsides irrespective of their grade.

“We have clubsides from all cadre of play from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) even non League sides do have same opportunity to compete.

“We also have those that have won the cup and those aspiring to  compete,  and this makes the competition more interesting and glamorous.

“In comparison with the old times of the FA Cup it is more glamorous then than what we have now, but there are other indices,” he said.

“Many things have evolved between now and then, we have seen some great quality players during the cup games.

“Now, there are other things, we have suprise teams and players for example Abia Warriors who are debutants in the 2024 final.

“FA Cup competition is  always great because it’s full of surprises because it’s not a regular league.

“In the past we have seen a team like Leventis United that have done well in the FA Cup, even when they are in the Division 2 then before they won the cup when they moved to the Division 1,” he added.

The former IICC Shooting Stars midfielder, said he was looking forward to the time when his former team,  now Shooting Stars SC would return to their glory days.

“Shooting Stars performed well this season but missed the Continental slot just by a point.

“The performance is what we have been expecting for a long time, we are waiting to see Shooting Stars play at the highest level.

“ I am looking forward to seeing them qualify to play continental football next season,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

Cup

By Olanrewaju Akojede

Lagos, June 30, 2024 (NAN) Abia Warriors Coach, Bethel Orji, said his team’s 0-2 loss to El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri in Saturday’s finals of the President Federation Cup was due to fatigue.

Orji said this in an interview on the sidelines of their defeat in the finals of the oldest Cup competition in Nigeria, played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-time winners of the old FA Cup, Desert Warriors, defeated the Aba Landlords courtesy of a Nasiru Salihu’s brace.

Salihu scored in the 32nd minute of the first half and in the 69th minute of the action-packed finals played in front of boisterous football fans.

Orji, however, said that fatigue and loss of possession were largely responsible for their loss in the encounter.

“The final was game of the Warriors in which one must emerge as champion. We were unfortunate that things did not go our way especially in the first half.

“Our footings were wrong and so was our possession, so we paid dearly for that. We had a rather bad game not because El-Kanemi watched our clips, we did not get it right.

“It may be because the players were carried away with the atmosphere of playing in the finals, but also we did not play to our optimum,” he said.

On the preparations towards the finals, Orji also said that his players did not have enough rest before Saturday’s finals.

“In the past one month, we have been on the road playing our league matches and trying to survive relegation, and also playing the FA Cup.

“Thank God that we survived relegation to the 10th position to face the FA Cup, but towards the final we had a terrible journey around the country.

“We traveled to Gombe to honour our last league match then traveled to Abuja thinking that the finals will be played there.

“We were shocked to be told that the finals would now be played in Lagos; so, we had to travel to Lagos on Wednesday night.

“Truly fatigue had set in because for the past four weeks it has been terrible and unfortunate and today we didn’t get a goal,” he said.

Also, the coach of El-Kanemi Warriors, Ali Zubair, said that the youthfulness of his team played a determining role in winning the match.

“I demanded for a group of young talents, ready for success to make a name for themselves.

“My intentions of gathering younger players to prosecute the season turned out to be positive.

“Because the team is young, the players have more perseverance and resilience to keep pushing no matter the odds.

“Although it was not easy, I knew that because of their age advantage they will do well,” he said.

NAN reports that Abia Warriors had defeated Ilaji FC from Oyo 4-2 in the Round of 64 of the competition.

The Aba Landlords also defeated Sporting Supreme of Abuja 1-0 in the Round of 32 and Kwara United FC 4-3 on penalties after the match had ended 1-1 in regulation time.

The team also defeated Sokoto United 5-4 on penalties, after their match ended one goal apiece in regulation time en route the finals.

The semi-finals of the 2024 President Federation Cup between Kano Pillars and Abia Warriors was also decided through penalties.

Abia Warriors won 4-3 after the match ended without a goal in the regulation time.

The three-time winners, El-Kanemi Warriors, also defeated Adamimogo FC from Ondo State 2-0 in the Round of 64.

In the Round of 32, the Desert Warriors walked over Gombe United FC, who failed to honour the match, while they defeated hard fighting Shooting Stars of Ibadan 1-0 in the Round of 16.

In the quarter-finals, the Ali Zubair tutored team beat NNL side, Inter Lagos FC, 2-1 and then wrapped up their semi- finals by beating Kano Pillars 4-3 on penalties. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

Salihu’s brace earns El-Kanemi Warriors 2024 President Federation Cup win

Win

By Olanrewaju Akojede

Lagos, June 29, 2024 (NAN) A brace by Nasiru Salihu on Saturday earned resilient El-kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri a win against Abia Warriors in the finals of the 2024 President Federation Cup.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the win was the third in the finals of the oldest cup competition in Nigeria for the Maiduguri-based team.

Salihu scored in the 32nd minute of the first half and completed his brace in the 69th minute of the action-packed finals played at the iconic Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

The final match, tagged ‘homecoming’ by the organisers, attracted important dignitaries in the sports industry.

The dignitaries at the finals included the deputy governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur, Minister of Sports Development, John Owan-Enoh and former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Chairman, Amaju Pinnick.

The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) Chairman, Lekan Fatodu and Lagos State Football Association Chairman (LSFA) Liameed Gafaar, were also among other dignitaries who watched the final match.

The encounter, also tagged “Battle of the Warriors”, had the Desert Warriors in the driver’s seat, as Salihu’s brace got the better of Abia Warriors, when he coolly finished off his his brace in the 69th minute.

The El-kanemi goal poacher, who had been terrorising the Abia Warriors defense, had barely completed his brace when some pitch invaders escaped the barricade to celebrate the second goal.

They were, however, whisked away by the security personnel at the Arena.

The match winner, Salihu, in an interview after the match, said that the team did their home work before Saturday’s encounter in Lagos.

“We relied on our own strategy because, on paper Abia Warriors seems to be ahead of us, but that is not our worry at all.

“We kept our cool and worked on the strategy to beat them, not minding their status as Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side,” he said.

NAN reports that El-kanemi Warriors won the cup in 1991 and 1992.

The Desert Warriors had defeated their northern clubside Kano Pillars 3-2 in 1991 to take home the cup for the first time.

They also defended the cup with a 2-0 win over Stationery Stores in 1992 and won with the same scoreline against Abia Warriors 32 years after in 2024. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

Jinx

By Olanrewaju Akojede

Lagos, June 29, 2024 (NAN) Coach Whyte Ogbonda of Rivers Angels says winning the the 2024 President Federation Cup on Saturday has finally broken the jinx about him as a ‘trophiless’ manager.

Ogbonda, who was excited with the win, made this known in an interview on the sidelines of his side, Rivers Angels, winning the oldest cup competition played at the iconic Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Rivers Angels were crowned 2024 President Federation Cup winners after a slim 1-0 win over Naija Ratels.

The lone goal was scored by Rivers Angels’ Blessing Okpe through a spot kick just before half-time when a Naija Ratels defender was penalised for handling the ball inside the box.

Heading to the 2024 finals, Rivers Angels FC coach, Ogbonda has appeared in two previous FA Cup finals in 2017 and 2018.

Ogbonda said that by winning the 2024 edition after missing the two previous finals, he was proud to be counted among the cup-winning managers in Nigeria.

“This is my third appearance at the finals of the women’s category of the FA Cup. First was in 2017 when I was the coach of Ibom Angels when I lost to same team I am coaching today, Rivers Angels in Jos.

”My second appearance was in 2018 in the finals in Yenagoa when I lost to the same team.

”What happened then is that we have lots of inexperienced players in the team, but who are ready to give their best.

”What changed between the previous team and this is that Rivers United have the blend of experience players and gifted players; these qualities earned us the trophy.

”We are happy with the win regardless, the penalty call was right and it is there in the public space because, Naija Ratels player handled the ball in the box,” he said.

Ogbonda also said that the President Federation Cup win would have atoned for their Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) loss in Bayelsa.

”I want to say a big thank you to the press because we have been tipped to win the cup before the match was played and this put us under more pressure.

”We need to impress and not disappoint Nigerians who have been rooting for us. The match against Naija Ratels was not an easy one, because we started with 32 teams.

”I wasn’t expecting an easy match at all, but we needed to get our hands on one trophy this season having lost the NWFL by one point in Yenagoa. So we are more determined.

”We thank the Governor of River State for his support, he told us before the finals that we should go ahead to win the cup that will change our lives.

”We have won the cup and I know that my life has changed,” he said.

The Captain of Rivers Angels, Okpe, who also won the `Most Valuable Player’ award, told NAN that the team were more concerned to win the FA Cup.

”We are more pressed to win this trophy because back home the expectations are high.

”We went to the finals with the mind not to underrate our opponent, as the coach told us that any team that survived 32 others will be tough.

”We approached the match as if we are playing against the FC Barcelona Femene; and there was tension and adrenaline before we eventually won the match,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

My dream is to make impact at Paris Olympics, Bello says

Olympics

By Olanrewaju Akojede

Lagos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Olympics debutant, Fatima Bello on Wednesday, said that her dream is to make an appreciable impact at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics,

Bello, a 2023 African Games silver medalist gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos while speaking on her preparations for the games.

NAN reports that Bello secured a ticket to represent the country in the table tennis event of theat the African qualifiers held in Rwanda.

The 26-year-old achieved the feat after defeating Algeria’s Lynda Loughrabi 4-2 in the final round of qualifiers at BK Arena in Kigali.

Bello during the qualifiers picked the first three sets against the Algerian, but slipped as her opponent recovered on time to claim the fourth and fifth sets.

The power forehand specialist, Bello then produced a hand on serve to win the sixth set and the seventh round of the best-of-seven match.

Bello said that her journey to stardom in table tennis was made possible by her father and siblings.

“Special thanks to my dad and my brother for pushing me hard to be what I am in table tennis today.

“At first, I was not much into table tennis but they and other players encouraged me to play in which I did.

“My first experience at the African Cup 2022 was a great one, though I had to train hard to make a mark at the tournament which to me was not an easy one.

“To be honest, I didn’t expect that I will go that far because the competition was my first major one,” she said.

Bello said that it was her time to make impact at the Olympics.

“I am aware of the task ahead at the Olympics where there are more Stars competing, and I am not ready to go there because of numbers but to make impact.

“Many of the senior players have been talking to me and advising me and I am grateful for their support.

“ I am more familiar with the terrain now because I took a longer route to qualify for the Olympics.

“I thank my coach for the support in my journey to qualify and other teammates. For the Olympics I need to train more so as to get to where I dream.

“I need to give myself enough rest to make sure that I am in top shape ahead of the Olympics, because I want to make my country proud at the Olympics,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

Commendation

By Olanrewaju Akojede

Lagos, July 18, 2024 (NAN) Will Stevens, Charge d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy, has commended the impact of Nigerians living in the U.S. on the U.S. economy and sports.

Stevens gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the National Football League (NFL) Africa Camp in Lagos on Tuesday.

NAN reports that the NFL, the biggest sport in the U.S., has opened a scouting programme tagged: “Africa Camp”, which is ongoing at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos Island.

The scouting programme is aimed at discovering  young Nigerian talents who are interested in pursuing a career in NFL as a sport.

The programme has top NFL players from the U.S. and other countries assembled in Nigeria to also encourage young Nigerians to join the World’s highest grossing sports in the world.

Stevens, however, said that many NFL players of Nigerian descent were doing well in the sport, hence the need to get more and give them the opportunity.

“Nigerians are impactful in the U.S.;  we have over 750,000 Nigerian Americans, many of whom are the most educated and have high income receiving members than any diaspora group in the U.S.

“The ties between the diaspora and the U.S., in the economy, will build more economic and cultural relationships that thrive between both countries- the U.S. and Nigeria.

“One of the good things is that the NFL is targeting Africa for talents. We have done this in Ghana, South Africa and now, Nigeria.

“There are over 140 NFL players from African descent, either they are born in Africa or their parents are Africans,” he said.

Stevens also stated that the U.S. Consulate in Nigeria was happy to be part of the talents discovery in Nigeria, of  which would have great benefits including  scholarships to study in the best American universities.

“It’s so great to have the NFL from the U.S., to have what the call African Camp here in Lagos. We have amazing talents across Nigeria that can fit in the challenge.

“It is an amazing opportunity for the NFL to get and discover some of the very best players in Africa and in Nigeria to play in the NFL.

“NFL happens to be the largest sports in the world in terms of revenue more than the Premier and European League. The NFL revenue generation is massive.

“There are over 50 players in each team or 32, so each team has lots of athletes in each position,” he said.

According to Stevens,  aside the economic benefits for the NPL Players, they can also have scholarships to study in U.S. universities.

“Most of the NFL players play in the college, while many are also on the scholarships to get free university degrees and play for four years in the college before they move to NFL.

“This gives them lots of opportunities as African students can come and study in the U.S., and get the degree. We have athletes that are studying in the best universities in the U.S.

“They are enjoying the scholarships made possible by the NFL because it provides the unique opportunity,” he said.

NAN reports that the African Camp, taking place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, is open to potential athletes, whereby Nigerians and other Africans are taught the rudiments of the NFL.

Some of the drilling includes Broad Jump, Vertical Jump, 40-Yard Dash, Three Cones among others

The instructors include Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Bobby Okereke and Prince Tega Wanogho, who are of Nigerian descent, among others. (NAN)

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Rehabilitation

By Olanrewaju Akojede

Lagos, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The management of Lagos Lawn Tennis Club says it will support the rehabilitation of ace tennis star, Tanya Okpala, as part of its commitment to the welfare of outstanding players.

The management of the foremost Lawn Tennis Club in Nigeria made this known on Friday in a statement by its President, Temitope Abere.

Abere said that the club had decided to support the tennis star, currently undergoing rehabilitation in Anambra.

Abere revealed that the club which is the pioneer recreational club in Africa, has a track record of impacting positively on the lives of distinguished sports personalities, particularly tennis players who made the nation proud.

“As you well know, our club was founded in the year 1895 as a foremost recreational club in the country.

“We have an enviable record for excellence and we are very much committed to creating a conducive atmosphere for the discovery and nurturing of talented players who fly the nation’s flag in international tourneys,” he said.

Abere further revealed that Tanya Okpala’s father was a member of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club which provided a solid platform to stardom.

“When we read that Tanya had fallen on hard times we felt it is part of our corporate responsibility to reach out to the family and support her in the little way we can.

“Our prayer is that Tanya will continue to get good care so that she recovers in good time and continues to do what she loves to do best; play lawn tennis,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tanya Okpala came into the national limelight as a teenage tennis star in the 90s.

She was a regular feature of several grassroots lawn tennis tournaments in the country.

She performed excellently well before traveling out of the country for professional exploits before her recent dilemma.

The low-keyed charity event will take place at Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Lord Rumens Court, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos on June 9. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

WABC Final Four dunks off in Lagos

Finals

By Olanrewaju Akojede

Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The first edition of the West Africa Basketball Classics (WABC) Final Four have dunked off in Lagos with teams from Nigeria, Benin Republic and Togo in contention for the grand prize.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the final four holds at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere.

The first and second phases of the WABC was held in Lome, Togo and Cotonou, Benin Republic, with elimination of two teams while the final four holds from June 5 to 7.

The last four teams for the final round are: Gidi Giants, Nigeria; ASPAC, Benin Republic; Kwara Falcons, Nigeria; and Swallows of Togo.

In the first semi-final game ASPAC of Benin Republic defeated Kwara Falcons by 65-63, while Gidi Giants defeated ASPAL 61-43 in the second match of the day.

The President of the WABC, Olumide Oyedeji, in an interview with NAN said that the success recorded at the tournament has been a landmark.

“WABC is a great tournament, we started with six then to five and now, we are at the final four.

“It”s great seeing the young players display their talents and do what they love to do best.

“I am excited with the level and standard of performances so far, it’s a masterpiece.

“The short run of this target of this tournament is to have the competition spread to other West African countries, while the long target is to play in the Basketball Africa League (BAL),”he said.

Oyedeji also congratulate the Rivers Hoopers for their success winning the bronze at the just-concluded BAL in Kigali.

Ahmed Olusoji, Point guard for the victorious Gidi Giant however told NAN that he and his teammates were poised to win the maiden edition.

“I feel happy winning our first game, but we have to prepare well for the next match which is the final game.

“Before the final game, we will work on our defense and coordination because our target is to win the competition,” he said.

NAN reports that the final of the WABC will be played on June 7 at the Indoor Hall of the National Stadium Surulere. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

2026 W/C Qualifiers: Supporters Club rallies support for Super Eagles

Support

By Olanrewaju Akojede

Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Sam Ikpea,  president of Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC), has called for support from the Super Eagles Coach, Finidi George and the Super Eagles in their  quest to qualify for 2026 World Cup.

Ikpea made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

NAN reports that the Super Eagles will confront the Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday at 8 p.m.

“Our expectations are high as we approach the World Cup qualifiers between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana of South Africa because it is a crucial game, a must win for us.

“We have defeated them (Bafana Bafana) last time we met during the AFCON and we expect to defeat them again.

“The only thing new is that we have a new coach in the person of Finidi George, so far, he is managing the Super Eagles in his first competitive match.

“We want to appeal to every Nigerian to rally round George and give him the best of support before, during and after the match against South Africa,” he said.

Ikpea said that George has started well with his policy of inclusion of the home based players in the team.

“The good thing is that the new coach extended an invitation to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) players in the national team, this is well commendable.

“The home based players in the team will want to fight for a place in the national team and also impress the football loving Nigerians, which will make it more competitive.

“The NPFL players in the team will also want to give their best, because they are hungry for a place in the national team.

“For us, we will make sure that the team does not lack support going to the game and after, this is what we are known for and what we will continue to do,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

KOJE/DEB/JPE

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

Stranded Super Eagles players now in Uyo – Olajire

Eagles

By Olanrewaju Akojede

Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Ademola Olajire, Director of Communications, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), on Tuesday confirmed that the stranded Super Eagles players in Lagos and Abuja had arrived Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the Super Eagles players were said to have challenges joining the rest of the team in camp, as a result of the joint NLC/TUC strike.

The striking unions had shutdown the country’s airports on Monday, thus preventing  some Super Eagles players, who were  supposed to connect flights to Uyo from Lagos and Abuja from flying.

It was also reported by the NFF that only 15 players out of the 23 players trained in Uyo on Monday and returned to their camp at Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort.

NFF said in a statement; “A total of 15 players trained on Monday morning in Uyo.

“Head Coach Finidi George told the players afterwards that the three points at stake in Friday’s encounter must end up in Nigeria’s kitty.”

The statement also said that the quintet of defenders Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey, midfielder Frank Onyeka and forward Paul Onuachu were already in the country.

“They are trying to make their way to Uyo to join the 15 other players already on ground for the Super Eagles’ preparations for Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match.”

However, a check by NAN with Olajire in a text message, said that the stranded players had arrived in Uyo.

“They just landed in Uyo,” he said.

Olajire, however, confirmed that Defenders Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey, alongside Midfielder Frank Onyeka and Forward Paul Onuachu, had landed at the Victor Attah International Airport.

“They landed in Uyo just after noon, aboard a private jet arranged by the NFF,  and were driven to Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, to meet up with their team mates for lunch,” he said. (NAN)

KOJE/BEN/IFY

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Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Ifeyinwa Omowole