NPFL25 Season: See Nasarawa United FC first Eleven line up against Shooting Stars in Lafia
The full starting Eleven Squad list and substitutes of Nasarawa United FC
NPFL25 Season: See Nasarawa United FC first Eleven line up against Shooting Stars in Lafia
Nasarawa Ministry Of Youth, Sports Development mourns passage of Karate Coach Enyie
Nasarawa Ministry Of Youth, Sports Development mourns passage of Karate Coach Enyie
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Kingsley Chigozie Enyie, beloved Coach of the Nasarawa State Karate Sport, who departed this life today(Sunday), 8th September, 2024, after a courageous battle with illness.
A few days ago, he was preparing Team Nasarawa Karate Athletes for the forthcoming 8th National Youth Games scheduled for 9th September, 2024, in Asaba, Delta State, before his demise today.
The late Coach Kingsley who hailed from Imo State, was a dedicated and passionate mentor who inspired countless athletes from Nasarawa State and Nigeria throughout his illustrious coaching career spanning over fifteen years, winning coveted laurels multiple times.
His tireless devotion, expertise, endurance and kindness touched the lives of all he encountered, producing some of the most successful Karate athletes Nasarawa State, Nigeria and Africa have ever witnessed in recent times.
Survived by his wife and two children, Coach Kingsley will be deeply missed by his loved ones, colleagues, the Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Nasarawa State Government, and the entire Karate community.
We send our deepest condolences to his immediate family and the Karate fraternity, praying that God grant them the fortitude to accommodate this devastating occurrence.
Eche Amos PRO, Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development in a the addition to the statement released from the Nasarawa State Ministry of Youths and Sports Development also prayed God to grant his soul eternity in Heaven.
Rest in peace, Coach! Your legacy will live on in our hearts and on the Karate mats.
Issele-Uku Celebrates Ine Festival As Obi Nduka Harps On Cultural Innovation
Issele-Uku Celebrates Ine Festival As Obi Nduka Harps On Cultural Innovation
*Commends Subjects for Peace, Unity and love for one another
By Patrick Ochei
The amiable, cerebral and people’s delight monarch of Issele-Uku Kingdom, HRM Agbogidi Obi Nduka JP (MNSE) was impressed that the traditional new year festivals of the community keep getting better, maintaining that the impressive advancement is as a result of cultural innovation, peaceful coexistence and enormous support of the people.
Obi Nduka stated this while granting interview to journalists after the first *ime uje* and *Inaka* with the Onotu chiefs at the Palace ground on Saturday 7th September, 2024.
He went further to appreciate his subjects for understanding that peace, unity and love for one another are critical elements for human and community development, affirming that the manifestation is so enormous in the transformation agenda for Issele-Uku.
Agbogidi Nduka said, Issele-Uku is synonymous to self help, commending his people for their efforts in building Issele-Uku to an enviable cosmopolitan town.
He admonished them not to get tired irrespective of the fact that the local government area now has a Council Chairman with the compassion of leadership to work in a way that pleases the people.
According to him, “I am pleased at the development that is coming into Issele-Uku and the rest of Aniocha North Local Government Area. Never in history have we witnessed such grassroots development like we are seeing of Aniocha North Local Government Area today, not even when it is believed that local government is the closest government to the people.
“Aside that, Issele-Uku is a blessed community – blessed with quality human resources that have continued to see community development as a task that must always be given attention. At all levels, our people have seen the need for the transformation of our community through self help projects and they have continued to key in, especially those in the Diaspora.
“I also want to specially and specifically appreciate our son who is representing us in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Emeka Nwaobi for what he is doing as a lawmaker. He is a pride to Issele-Uku and we are proud of the progress he is making in terms of lawmaking and representation of the people through projects that are of direct impact bearing on the people.
“Let me say that it has been a wonderful, peaceful and bountiful year for us in Issele-Uku. We commenced our traditional new year festival known as Ine Aho Festival a while ago; it’s a combination of different festive activities and of course, the new yam (Iwaji) is one of such. In days to come, I will personally eat the new yam after every other person has eaten, from children to non titled men and titled men.
“The Ine festival is the climax of the annual new year festival where we showcase our rich cultural and traditional heritage in style. The new yam festival (Iwaji) is part of the annual festival calendar. The original name is *Ine Onyimi* which means festival of joy. Of course, you can see that we are celebrating in funfair, the people are happy and sharing whatever they have in love. We are unique and special as far as our culture is concerned, because we have continued to uphold this heritage which has been in custody of our forebears for centuries, and handed down to us from time to time.
“A lot works in our favour because of our ancestry which is Benin, and of course the cosmopolitan nature of Issele-Uku. Over the years, we have been able to unite and effectively administer all the people that make up our community.
“Let me advise that we should continue to thread on the path of peace, unity and love even as we mark the end of this season and begin another. My prayer is that God will continue to endow us with strength for the planting season and good production in harvest season. It shall continue to be well with Issele-Uku”, Obi Nduka prayed.
This year 2024 edition of Ine festival was awesome. The Committee that did the wonders was headed by Chief (Dr) John Ochei who incidentally led other Olinzeles to perform the Inaka, as Iyase and Oza were unavoidably absent this period.
Chief Ochei who was full of praises to God for the clemency of the weather before the *Ishu Onicha* , ascribed the uniqueness of Ine Ahor Festival to the understanding of who we are as the people of Issele-Uku, our unalloyed reverence to the king and our cooperation and support towards community efforts.
He therefore called on all Issele-Uku sons and daughters to never relent in ensuring that we continue to showcase the identity of who we are to the world through our impeccable culture.
However, one of Issele-Uku illustrious sons, Hon. Engr. Emeka Emmanuel Nwaobi who has continued to feature in most Ine Ahor Festivals in his adult age, was present with his children, friends and aides to pay homage to the king and play his part as a true and bonafide Issele-Uku son.
In his comment, he congratulated the Obi and the people of Issele-Uku as they celebrate their true identity through culture, describing this year’s Ine festival as massively entertaining and peacefully showcased.
As member representing Aniocha North Constituency and Majority Leader of Delta State House of Assembly, he assured that the projects meant for Issele-Uku as the local government headquarters, including that of other communities must be vigorously pursued through lobbying until they become reality.
According to him, several projects are going on simultaneously now in Aniocha North, but in particular reference is the water project in Issele-Uku which has reached an advanced stage of being connected to individual houses.
“I am optimistic that in no distant time, we are going to experience unprecedented development to the glory of God through the MORE Agenda”, he added.
Afriskaut NLO Cup Gets October Kick-Off Date
Afriskaut NLO Cup Gets October Kick-Off Date
The 2024 edition of the NLO Cup, sponsored by Afriskaut, will kick off in October, with the Bwari Stadium and Dipo Dina Stadium hosting the championship.
In a correspondence dated 7th September to affiliate clubs that excelled in the just concluded NLO regular league season, informed of the date.
The NLO CUP, a tournament designed by the Board of the Nationwide League One will enable the Champion clubs to compete among themselves and also use the event as a platform for the NLO to showcase the best talents in Nigeria’s Grassroots League.
NAEMO Sports, which is one of NLO’s partners, will use one of its affiliate brands (Afriskaut) to sponsor the event, which will commence on 5th October 2024 and run until the final on Sunday 20th.
The Bwari Stadium in the Federal Capital Territory will host the Northern Conference while the Dipo Dina Stadium Ijebu-Ode will host the Southern Conference.
The event, according to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the NLO, Olushola Ogunnowo, will enable Afriskaut to use their AI-driven technology data collection to assist the clubs in exposing their players to the world while the clubs go into an agreement on a full-time basis to further the relationship of players’ data collection, which is the key in promoting and chatting a pathway for the grassroots football clubs players to the world.
The NLO Secretariat will contact the qualified clubs individually for enrollment to enable the league body to have a perfect tournament.
Sunshine Stars unveil 21 new players for 2024/25 NPFL season
Sunshine Stars unveil 21 new players for 2024/25 NPFL season
Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure have added 21 players to their squad ahead of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
Leading the pack of the newly signed players are Seth Mayi, goalkeeper Emmanuel Ofori, Achi Nnaemeka who reunited with the team after spending two seasons with Remo Stars, Lucky Vandy (Gombe United), goalkeeper Obiosor David (Bendel Insurance), Seidu Salisu (Plateau United) and Stephen Chukwude who also returned from Heartland FC.
Other are Peace Dewan (Gombe United), Yusuf Olowoshile (Bendel Insurance), Adamu Umar (Doma United) Dozie Nnwana
(Gombe United)), Arunta Elmer (Enugu Rangers), Benjamin Iluyomade (Abia Comet), Segun Owoade (Inter Lagos) and Ismail Ayodele (Osun United).
The rest are Olaoluwa Okiki(Soccer talent Academy), Adeolu Gabriel (Solution FC), Manuwa Kayode and (Agbo Boys Academy).
Shettima Mongulo, Oluwole Kehinde, Ismail Amid and Precious Olowojesiku joined from the Sunshine Stars youth team.
Speaking at the event, President of Sunshine Stars, Bamidele Ologunloluwa appreciated the players for making the Akure-based side their first choice in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
Ologunloluwa assured the players of a better welfare package and charged them to give their best to be part of positive history.
“Our target as far as the 2024/25 NPFL programme is concerned is to compete for the top spot and play in CAF organized competition.
“I wish you all the best as we begin the journey of nine months together.”
Chairman of Sunshine Stars and Sunshine Queens supporters club, Tunde Adeboboye urged the players to show more commitment and play with their hearts.
“Sunshine Stars are a big team in Nigeria Premier Football League, I advise that you give your best to showcase your talents.”
Speaking on behalf of the players Sunshine Stars Captain, David Ariyo, thanked the management of the team for their support saying their coaches have prepared well for the task ahead.
“We understand that we are playing in our adopted home, Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode, we know what it means but we are condemned to win and we will win.”
“Our fans are expecting much from us and we promised them that we will do our best for the team.”
Media Manager, Sunshine Stars, Femi Atolagbe notes that the Akure based team will begin the 2024/25 NPFL season against Bayelsa United in Ijebu – Ode.
Oriental Battle: The Naze Millionaires hunt for Elephants in Owerri
Oriental Battle: The Naze Millionaires hunt for Elephants in Owerri
Five time Champions Heartland FC of Owerri begin the new season this weekend with a feisty frenetic and kinetic Oriental derby against Enyimba international at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
Heartland FC and Enyimba, Sons of the same father -Sir Jerry Enyeazu surely understand the magnitude of this weekends fixture.
For about 8 years Heartland FC were imperious ,unbeaten in this fixture but all that came to an end last Season when Heartland’s biggest export Kanu Nwankwo took over as Chairman of Enyimba .
The Naze Millionaires are basking in the euphoria of a new wave engineered by Former African Footballer of the year who produced the current African Footballer of the year,Olympic Gold medalist , Nations cup winner World cup winning Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke.
Heartland fans are once again positive that the club is on the right path to glory and that the Owerri side would start the journey well with a home win against their feisty neighbours.
Many players have walked through the doors of both Clubs in the past
The likes of current Heartland Skipper Nnaemeka Anyanwu has played for both sides alongside
Chibuzor Ozurumba , Mangut Mbwas , Ndidi Anumunu,
Bob Usim , Victor Ezeji, Ike Thankgod, Emeka Nwanna, Uche Okechukwu , Emeka Ifejiagwa , Kalu Uche , Chibuike Okeke , Ikechukwu Ibenegbu , Onyekachi Okoye , Vincent Enyeama , Micheal Ochei , Romanus Orjinta ,Nonso Agbo Chijioke Mbaoma, Chijioke Ejiogu, Chijioke Nwankpa Chijioke Munonye , Alex Ekwerike , Obinna Obiaka, Christian Ezuma, Benbela Onwuchuruba , Chibuike Nwaiwu , Pascal Eze and so many others who had the privilege of tasting both divides.
Heartland Media pointed out that the Dan Anyiam Stadium will experience another explosive battle as Heartland engage Enyimba in Owerri for her first game of the 2024/25 season.
A must watch movie
Don’t be told about it.
Abia Warriors Thanks Governor Otti, fans others for support
Abia Warriors Thanks Governor Otti, fans others for support
It has been an amazing one year for Umu-Chineke team, Abia Warriors Football Club and its growing fans and followers. The emergence of Governor Alex Chioma Otti OFR has indeed become a blessing for the club.
The sports loving number one citizen of the State has not only responded to the yearnings of the club, he also extended a helping hand to all the clubs in Abia State and the Sports Council. And this is the first time in the history of Abia State that such level of support is witnessed.
Governor Alex Otti Unity Games for all the Secondary Schools in the 17 Local Government Areas of the State took place this year. Games ranging from football competition, athletic events and other sports events were featured. Interestingly, all the athletes from the 17 Local Government Areas of the State were camped in the capital city of Umuahia venue of the Games. It has never happened before in Abia State.
The State has also hosted regional and national events such as the Southeast Basketball tournament, handball tournament, and most recently, the Teqball World Cup qualifiers.
It has been an amazing experience for the sports clubs in the State, all thanks to Governor Alex Otti.
For Abia Warriors, it has been a wonderful one year starting with the appointment of Coach John Obuh as the Chairman of the club. The latter’s appeals to the Governor in line with his vision to reposition the club did not fall on deaf ears. They were given favourable consideration.
Adequate funds to finance the club’s activities has been a major limitation. Luckily, the club now has a God-sent in the person of the Executive Governor of Abia State come to its aid.
Governor Otti gave unprecedented attention to Abia Warriors alias Umu-Chineke so much so that situations that would have been insurmountable for the club were addressed seamlessly. This included making funds available to re-grass the Umuahia Township Stadium turf, upgrade the VIP parking lot of the stadium, renovate the dressing room, and upgrade the Under-19 camp inside the stadium.
Another challenge that seriously affected Abia Warriors last season was a sound vehicle to convey playing staff and officials to match venues. This problem has been mitigated with the donation of a brand new 32-seater coaster bus to the Warriors by Governor Otti, and a promise to get a Sienna van for the board members, a Hummer bus for the coaches and a Hilux pickup for the Chairman.
Abia Warriors Football Club reached the final of the 2024 President Federation Cup for the first time in its history all due to the support of the number one citizen of the State.
During a reception ceremony he organised for the first runners-up of the competition, the Governor pledged a sumptuous amount of money to the team. Thankfully, he has redeemed his pledged.
This money has been put to good use, beginning with presenting cash gifts to the players (that partcipated in the President Federation Cup), those that left for other clubs this season inclusive. The club officials were not left out in this largesse.
More so, the cash gifts were also extended to Abia Warriors’ recently established fan base in Lagos, Lafia, Gombe and Benin for their various operations via their Co-ordinators.
The monetary gift from the Governor has also enabled the club to recruit quality players for the current football season campaign, and also get a camp for its youth and senior teams.
Also, it has enabled the club to make good preparations for the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League Season.
More importantly, the Governor has also pledged increased support for Abia Warriors Football Club, which indeed is a motivation of its own. It can only get better for the Warriors.
As Abia Warriors’ football season gets underway, we say a big thank you to Governor Alex Chioma Otti OFR for inspiring us to dream.
Edo Unity Forum showers encomiums on Okpebholo, says PDP has lost its direction
Edo Unity Forum showers encomiums on Okpebholo, says PDP has lost its direction
The Edo Unity Forum (EUF) on Friday showered encomiums on the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, describing him as a great asset to the state.
‘’Out of those jostling for the Edo State governor’s seat, it is doubtful if any of them is more focused, committed and level-headed like the APC candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo’’
The group in a statement in Auchi said that APC will convincingly coast home to victory in the September 21 governorship election.
‘’The PDP is suffering from factional divisions, problematic shallowness and lack of meaningful engagement with ordinary citizens. The party has lost its direction. The APC is solid in Edo State. The party’s candidate has heavyweights and traditional institution on his side and will coast to electoral victory’’
Signed by EUF National Chairman, Deacon Solomon Izevbigie, the group made up of business bigwigs, political leaders, senior civil servants, academics and members of civil society from Edo State denounced the PDP government for the breakdown of infrastructure in the state.
‘’We want honest, transparent and accountable leadership in Edo State. We want a governor we can trust. We want a governor with energy, vision for the rapid development of the state and dynamism to tackle challenges. Senator Monday Okpebholo wants to drive Edo State in the direction of economic growth, rehabilitate moribund industries and alleviate the suffering of the people’’
The statement underscored Opebholo’s deep love for Edo State, his excellent dedication to duty and sincerity of purpose.
‘’Senator Monday Okpebholo is an embodiment of sincerity, a lover of the downtrodden and a very compassionate gentleman’’
On the expectations of Edo people at home and abroad, the group said Okpebholo would pursue appropriate policies, create jobs, fight corruption, uphold the virtues of human rights, improve manpower development and our health care delivery system, guarantee equal opportunities and rekindle in the citizenry a faith in their fatherland’’.
The statement also emphasized Okpebholo’s pedigree in politics, administration and management of resources.
“Senator Monday Okpebholo will devote attention to the welfare of senior citizens, comply with the Beijing Manifesto and give consideration to the spread of development projects”, the group said.
Mixed Reactions In Maiduguri following Aliyu Zubairu’s Flying Eagles Appointment
Mixed Reactions In Maiduguri following Aliyu Zubairu’s Flying Eagles Appointment.
The executive committee of the Nigeria football federation (NFF) has approved the appointment of coach Aliyu Zubairu as the head coach of the Nigerian Flying Eagles following the recommendation of it’s Technical and development sub- Committee.
Aliyu’s appointment came after the tactician has exhibited sterling qualities last season, where he convincingly won the final of the president Federation cup by 2-0 against Abia warriors in addition to wining premiership ticket for Elkanemi warriors Fc in a span of one season thus making his performance an outstanding one.
Football fans in Maiduguri and most of the supporters received the news in good faith,but felt dejected because of the assumption that Elkanemi warriors will not have his full services for the remaining NPFL matches which kick started last weekend.
One of the supporters of Elkanemi warriors Mallam Batex received the news with mixed feelings.
“It is a welcome development, he will go and serve our country, it is a difficult move, a national assignment but we must accept it in good faith. May Allah crown his efforts with more successes. He has already fine tune the team on the right track, his assistants can easily continue with his programs”. Batex concluded.
Another Abuja based supporter of Elkanemi warriors who was in Maiduguri at the time of writing this opinionated article, Mr Sunday Dankwai said “He deserved this appointment.He has worked with young people and he is going to be a good coach for the young lads. If you look at his performance last season most of his players were young and unknown on the national stage, but he exposed them up to continental stage.
With his appointment, if they will give him good backing, he will assemble one of the best flying eagles team we will all be proud of”.
On his presence “I have a different opinion on how he is going to render his services to Elkanemi warriors on one hand and the flying eagles on the other. He has good assistants who know his programs and one good thing about national team is that it is not a permanent job, anytime he is free he will have the liberty to come back and attend to his team fully. His assistants will follow his programs such that you will not miss him so much. Although we will sometimes feel his absence. But just like Finidi George did in Enyinba it will be smoothly done here”.
Tahiru Bala Media officer Elkanemi Warriors FC reports that a cross section of fans and supporters in Maiduguri hailed the NFF for appointing Zubairu as the Head coach of the Flying Eagles.
Politicians High Jack Upcoming DFA Elections- Ex International, Jalla alleges
Politicians High Jack Upcoming DFA Elections- Ex International, Jalla alleges
**Says Governor Oborevwori under Pressure to Appoint Brother As DSC Chairman
**Threatens legal action if …….
The upcoming Delta state football Association elections is now mired in high wired politics as politicians have already hijacked the electoral process.
The out going Board like the previous one is a model structure in the history of Nigeria football with a composition of 100% Ex-Internationals and retired footballers like former African footballer of the year Victor Ikpeba, Austin Jayjay Okocha, Edema Fuludu and other Ex- footballers of repute.
According to Harrison Jalla an Ex Nigerian International the current Delta state football Association Board under the leadership of Hon. Ken Nwomucha, is under intense pressure to concede leadership to politicians of the State Ruling Party. Same politicians are mounting undue pressure on high flying Governor of Delta state His Excellency Rt Hon .Sheriff Oborevwori to maintain what he described as “the dubious legacy of making delta state sports commission a dumping ground for politicians” by appointing his brother as chairman of the Delta state sports commission.
A trend fraught with impunity, corruption and looting in the last 16 years which started with Ex-governor Emmanuel Uduaghan who appointed his brother inlaw followed by the immediate past governor Ifeanyi Okowa. Delta sports stakeholders are however hopeful that his Excellency governor Sheriff Oborevwori would not fall for this retrogressive cheap deceit and would appoint a technocrat or an Ex-International of repute as chairman of the Delta state commission.
The Delta state football Association is an independent affiliate of the Nigeria football federation governed and administered by its own statute, its not an all comers affair and there is no place for politicians or their cronies in Delta state and indeed any state in the federation those sponsored by politicians through the back door to buy forms for election should look for something else to do the Delta state football Association election is an ex-footballers affairs.The Delta state football stakeholders are watching with keen interest and with the confidence that it has the capacity to challenge any perceive manipulation of the electoral process that falls short of the current model and structure of the Delta state football Association Board. Delta state sports and indeed sports in Nigeria have no place for party politics. (“we siddon kampe dey look una”)
