Tag: General Sports

Nigeria’s top rated Stand-up Comedian, Bowoto Jephthah Tanimola, popularly known as Akpororo on stage, has hailed the quality of the NLO Cup and top notch organization of the tournament by the Nationwide League One.

It was a hitch-free tourney as eight grassroot teams displayed the best of NLO brand of football to the delight of fans who trooped to the Uyo Township Stadium to catch a daily glimpse of the football moments in the NLO Cup, sponsored by telecommunications giant MTN and FirstCentral Credit Bureau.

At the end, a total of 35 goals were scored during the group phase in Uyo, with Palm Syrup qualifying to the final.

Akpororo, who owns and captains his team, Roro FC in the Nigerian 3rd division, couldn’t spur his club beyond the Group phase of the NLO Cup, as they were knocked out of the competition at the Uyo Centre.

He led his team to a win, draws and loss. But despite the victory over Palm Syrup FC in their final group game, Roro FC failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the competition at the Uyo Centre.

Akpororo told NLO Media Channel after the victory over Palm Syrup, who are in the final after going past Kun Kalifah FC 6-5 in a nail biting penalty shootout.

“The NLO Cup has been cool tourney and another learning curve for RORO FC but I know with time, we will get to the level we have set for ourselves.

“Most importantly, I give credit to the NLO Secretariat for the initiative behind the NLO Cup, has we had some of the best teams in division in Kano and Uyo.

“I want to commend the NLO for the energy they have put in so far managing the nation’s third-tier league, and making it a good brand that has attracted top sponsors. Surely, if the NLO continues with this kind of energy level, they will surpass their targets.

“For me (Akpororo), I love the beautiful game football, and since I didn’t have the chance to play, I chose to have a team -RORO FC and I play for my team.

“I played all our matches in the grassroot to get this far, NLO and my ultimate dream for my club is to feature in the Nigerian Premier Football League.

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Former Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia has revealed why Nigeria cannot win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] tournament in Ivory Coast.

The former Nigerian international shared his thoughts via interview on Channels TV.

With less than two months to the commencement of the competition, Siasia says the Super Eagles of Nigeria team is disorganised and cannot become the best in Africa.

Samson Siasia

“Like the majority of Nigerians, I am worried about the Eagles’ lackluster performances so far. Struggling against countries like Lesotho and Zimbabwe is not a good sign of a team ready to win the Africa Cup of Nations as well as qualify for the 2026 World Cup,” the former striker stated in an interview with Channels TV.

“Let us not deceive ourselves, we cannot be the best in Africa with this disorganised team. Our players must be made to understand what it means to wear the green and white jersey of the nation while the coach also needs to improve on the tactical approach.”

The Super eagles of Nigeria have been drawn in group A alongside hosts, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau.

Siasia, a 51-cap Nigeria international was part of the team that participated in the 1994 FIFA World Cup and won the 1994 African Nations Cup [AFCON].

He was also a member of the Nigerian team that won bronze at 1992 African Nations Cup in Senegal.

As a coach, Siasia has managed the Super Eagles and is one of the respected indigeneous coaches in Nigeria.

The 56-year old is into the final months of a FIFA ban.

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The action-packed last-8 matches of the 2023 Akwa Ibom State Governor’s Cup will take place on Wednesday November 29 and Thursday 30 in Uyo.

Fans and football stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State are looking forward to thrilling games between the best eight who have come through from the preliminary round and super-12 playoff.

In the quater-finals games on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, Uyo will do battle vs Ibiono Ibom at the Uyo Township Stadium by 8am in the morning.

Both teams had earlier met in the preliminary round in a match that ended in a draw.

This time, a winner must emerge to reach the last-4.

By 4pm on Wednesday, Onna and Ikot Abasi will faceoff in the second quater-final.

Onna emerged victorious when they clashed in the preliminary round at the Eket Stadium on October 24, 2023.

The last-8 fixture will however be a new challenge at a different venue – this time at the Uyo Township Stadium.

On Thursday, November 30th, Essien Udim vs Obot Akara will play by 8am.

Their preliminary round meeting on October 12, 2023 ended 0-0 and so both teams will attempt to not just reach the semi-final but claim bragging rights as the best in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District.

The last 2023 Akwa Ibom State Governor’s Cup quater-final fixture will pitch Ibeno vs Urue Offong Oruko by 4pm on November 30.

Ibeno were 2-1 victors when both sides clashed in the preliminary round.

All the quater-finaal matches will take place at the Uyo Township Stadium.

JOURNEY TO THE LAST-8

For those who have not closely followed the 2023 Akwa Ibom State Governor’s Cup, here is a summary of the journey to the last-8.

31 Local government teams in Akwa Ibom State participated in the preliminary round of the competition which began on September 21 through to October 21.

The top four teams from each Senatorial District qualified to participate in the Super-12 playoff and were drawn in two groups of six for super-12 group stage matches, eight teams have emerged for the quater-final.

In group A, Uyo Local government area took top spot with eleven points while Essien Udim followed in second place with ten points. Urue Offong Oruko took third place with seven points while Ikot Abasi occupied the fourth and final qualification spot from the group.

Group B was led by Onna who topped the section with nine points with Ibeno taking second spot with eight points. Obot Akara finished third with seven points while Ibiono Ibom completed the section with seven points.

Ikot Ekpene, Ikono, Uruan and defending champions Nsit Ubuim fell short in the super-12 round and so have bid farewell to the 2023 Akwa Ibom State Governor’s Cup competition.

As released by the Akwa Ibom State Football Association Normalization Committee , here are fixtures for the 2023 Governor’s Cup quater-final.

Uyo Vs Ibiono Ibom

Onna Vs Ikot Abasi

Essien Udim Vs Obot Akara

Ibeno Vs Urue Offong Oruko

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Abia Warriors Fc and rangers FC have received varying sanctions over the poor conduct of some of their clubs officials in a Nigeria Premier league week ten fixture at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

As announced by the league board, Abia Warriors FC and Rangers FC have been charged for breaching NPFL framework and rules following the poor conduct of some of their officials in the course of their match on Sunday, November 26, 2023.

Some Abia Warriors officials, in an aggressive manner, prevented the away team (Rangers) from gaining access to the pitch before the match, thereby leading to violent scenes capable of bringing the game to disrepute.

Abia Warriors failed to provide adequate security to the away team before the match, resulting in a physical falling-out committed by some of their officials.

An Abia Warriors official prevented #NPFL24 official broadcast partner from recording a pre-match content, harassed the official broadcast partner’s media crew & ceased the mobile device of StarTimes regional manager.

Abia Warriors have been ordered to identify & produce the official involved in the act of misconduct for additional sanctions.

A fine of N1 million has been imposed on Abia Warriors for misconduct capable of bringing the game to disrepute.

Abia Warriors have also been fined N1 million for failure to provide adequate and effective security.

A further fine of N2 million has been slammed on Abia Warriors for restraining #NPFL24 broadcast partners from recording.

Abia Warriors have been issued a warning against preventing visiting teams from accessing the field of play before any subsequent match.

Abia Warriors have been warned of facing heavier sanctions if similar act of misconduct recurs.

Abia Warriors have 48 hours from the date of notice to appeal the sanctions.

For Rangers FC, their officials brought the game to disrepute following their violent reaction to provocation from the home team (Abia Warriors), which is an act of misconduct under NPFL rules.

A fine of N1 million has been imposed on Rangers for misconduct capable of bringing the game to disrepute.

The Enugu club have been warned that a recurrence of same act of misconduct will result in severe sanctions.

Rangers have also been ordered to identify & produce the officials involved in the act of misconduct for further sanctions.

Rangers have 48 hours from the date of notice to appeal or accept the sanctions.

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Two-time UEFA Champions League winners, Chelsea FC have reportedly identified Italy -based Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen as solution to the teams attack.

According to the Telegraph and multiple news outlets in Italy, Chelsea FC is prepared to make a January bid for Osimhen.

The sum, according to reports will dwarf the 106-pounds paid for the transfer of Enzo Fernandez .

The Blues are also boosted by reports that the Nigerian striker is not happy at Napoli.

As per CalcioNews24, Osimhen has handed a transfer request at Napoli and will push for a move away from the club, a situation the Blues will exploit to sign the 2022/2023 Italian Serie A top-scorer.

Last-season, the Nigerian striker scored 26-goals to help Napoli win their first Scudetto since 1990.

His profile and workrate interests Chelsea big-wigs who believes he will improve the teams frontline.

Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja, are the clubs current center forward options but have failed to fire the club into at-least the English Premier League big-six this season.

Nigeria’s Osimhen is considered the perfect fit and a central figure in attack like club legend, Didier Drogba who flourished as the clubs lead-striker.

Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen marked his return from injury with a match-winning assist as Napoli SSC defeated Atalanta 1-2 at the Gewiss Stadium on Saturday, November 25.

The Nigerian striker was introduced in the 64th minute and was able to set-up Elijf Elymas to score the winning goal in the 78th minute of the match.

New Napoli manager, Walter Mazzarri was taking charge of his first game and had first glimpse of Osimhen in matchday action.

In his bid to rescue the clubs floundering start to the 2023/2024 season, Mazzarri will have task of convincing Osimhen to stay on in Naples, after what has been a turbulent past few months off the field of play.

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Nigerian club, Rivers United FC began their 2023/2024 CAF Confederation Cup group stage journey with a 3-0 win over Academica do Lobito. The ATHETICNG reports.

In the matchday one fixture played on Sunday, November 26, 2023, Rivers United FC spared no time to strike their visitors in search of maximum points.

Samuel Antwi scored the opening goal after three minutes with Paul Odeh providing the assist.

Paul Odeh scored the second goal, two minutes after the break as Stanley Eguma’s men flourished against the visting Academica do Lobito.

The hosts put the game beyond the visitors in the 60th minute through Shedrack Asiegbu whose well taken effort struck the net.

In the other Group C game, Club Africain of Tunisia defeated Ghana’s Dreams FC 2-0.

Rivers United occupy top spot in the group on goal difference.

The Port Harcourt club will face Dreams FC in their next game at the Cape Coast Stadium next week Sunday.

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After two matchday’s in group 2 of the 2023 Nigeria Nationwide League, Palm Syrup FC became the first team to qualify for the NLO Cup semifinals while FC Chimooski are eliminated with a game to spare.

The Akwa Ibom state based, Palm Syrup FC defeated Krane FC on matchday one before a 2-0 bashing of Jaguar FC in a second Group 2 fixture at the Uyo Township Stadium on Sunday sealed their spot in the last-4 on a day teams at the Kano Center were not in action.

Palm Syrup FC Vs Jaguar FC was an explosive game between two teams that won on day one of the championship. 

Palm Syrup took the game to Jaguar FC scoring first after Solomon Akpan made the most of an exciting pass from Abraham David for 1-0 in the 25th minute.

Abraham David who assisted the first goal then got his goal for a job well done in the 37th minute, after twisting and turning away from his marker at the edge of the box before curling in a superb strike for 2-0.

It was an interesting second half that saw two penalty saves from both goalkeepers.

Palm Syrup won a spot kick in the 72nd minute after a foul on Solomon Akpan. Ukoette Anaibong then took the spot kick but was denied by Jaguar FC shot-stopper Uko Essen, to keep the scoreline at 2-0.

With 10 minutes to end the game, Jaguar FC could have started a comeback when they were awarded a penalty, but a magnificent sharp reflex reaction from Palm Syrup goalkeeper Nsisiong Ekpo, saw him deny Anyaegbunam Pacian from the spot kick.

Meanwhile, it was not too. good for FC Chimoski as they have been eliminated from the competition after suffering a second defeat, losing by a lone goal to Olegacy FC. Recall they fell 4-1 to Kun Khalifa FC on Matchday One.

In the other results from Uyo, it was spoils sharing as the game between Krane FC versus RORO FC and Vandrezzer JNR versus Kun Khalifa FC ended respectively at one all-draw.

However, matches continue at the Uyo Township Stadium on Monday morning with MatchDay 3 fixtures, while the Kano Centre resumes with MatchDay 2 existing fixtures at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.

Uyo Centre MatchDay 3 Fixtures

FC Chimoski vs Vandrezzer JNR – 10am
Jaguar FC vs Krane FC – 12pm
Palm Syrup FC vs RORO FC – 2pm
Kun Khalifa FC vs Olegacy – 4pm

Kano Centre MatchDay 2 Fixtures

Tudun Wada FC vs Like Minds – 10am
Kwankwasiyya FC vs Green Lock FC – 12pm
Zeal Minds FC vs Barau/Murtala FC – 2pm
NA Royals vs FC Sheika – 4pm

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Nigerian goalkeeper, Daniel Akpeyi has expressed readiness ahead of his reunion with former club Kaizer Chiefs FC when they face his current emplyers, Moroka Swallows.

Recall that Daniel Akpeyi was a Kaizer Chiefs player for two-and-a-half seasons before he was released at the end of the 2021/22 campaign following the expiration of his contract at the South African Club.

The 37-year-old Nigeria National team goalkeeper was without a a club for months, before opportunity arrived to  join Moroka Swallows in January.

The Soweto derby takes place on Sunday, November 26, 2023 at the Dobsinville Stadium by 2;30pm.

“It’s just a regular feeling when you have to play any PSL team because your first goal is for you to grab a three points and stay on top of the league, like where we are at the moment,” Akpeyi told the media ahead of the match.

“It’s gonna be a bit emotional because you’re playing against a team that put you on top of the ladder. I think it’s gonna be all about it.

“The most important thing is the three points.”

This season, Akpeyi has made 10 appearances in the DStv Premiership , keeping four clean sheets, while conceding just six goals.

Moroka Swallows occupy 5th place with 18-points from 10-matches.

Kaizer Chief’s are placed 11th.

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Head coach of FC ONE Rocket, Ndubisi Ndah (MON) is confident his team can get the job done when they face Giant Brillars in a matchday two contest of the ongoing Nigeria National League (NNL) campaign on Sunday, November 26, 2023.

The tie, which will be the first ever meeting between both sides, holds at the Eket Stadium by 3pm, and Ndah says his boys are ready for the challenge.

“It’s our first home game of the season. We have prepared very well and the fans should expect great football from our team like we always do.

“We have never played them before…the information I have gotten is that they are a tough nut to crack, but we have the firepower that can break down. We promise the fans victory.”

On his team’s amazing run to the NNL Super 8 last season, Ndah is optimistic this season presents another opportunity to aim for the top.

“We know that by God’s grace, we can do better than we did last season…we were almost promoted but we lost it at the Super 8. This time we will go all out to make sure that we do better than last season, acquire every point necessary, and I believe that the fans will smile again and be happy.”

The Indomitables were handed a 2-1 defeat by Crown FC in Ogbomoso on match-day one, and hope to bag their first three points of the season in Sunday’s clash.

FC ONE ROCKET TEAM NEWS

Ndah will have majority of the players who featured on matchday one available for selection, but will be without defender, Solomon Boyo, who was sent off against Crown FC last week, as well as experienced shot stopper, Lordful Philip, who is out injured.

Scorer of the team’s only goal so far, Onotu Emmanuel, fellow forwards, Mendos Rickson, Augustine Columba and Peter Obinna are also in the mix for potential starting berths; while defenders, James Sunday, Charles Etim and new signing, Regan Igwebuike look ready to go.

Two trusted lads from last season: defender, Bidemi Obodu and midfielder, Ambrose Ochigbo are back to full training and provide a boost for FC ONE Rocket ahead of the game.

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Ahead of the CAF Confederation Cup group stage matchday one clash between Rivers United FC and Academica de Lobito of Angola, the Akwa Ibom State Football Association has charged fans in Uyo to come out and support the Nigerian club.

Rivers United FC are Nigeria’s lone representatives club left in CAF club competition this season and will be playing their Confederation Cup group stage matches at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo after their natural home-ground In Port Harcourt fell short of required standard.

According to the AKFA spokesperson, the Akwa Ibom State FA has called on football fans in the state to turn out in large number and support Rivers United in their CAF Confederation Cup clash against Angolan side Academica do Lobito on Sunday, November 26, 2023 in Uyo.

The Chairman of the State FA, Prince Bonny Nyong stated this when he led members of his committee to officially welcome the team to Uyo during their first training session at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

He congratulated Rivers United for qualifying to the group stage of the competition and charged them to give a good account of themselves as the lone representative of Nigeria at the continent, adding that Akwa Ibom will mobilise support to ensure victory for the team on Sunday.

While assuring that the football association will put everything in place for the successful hosting of the match on Sunday, Nyong also prayed for the team to get victory against their opponent.

Responding on behalf of the team, Rivers United FC captain Nyima Nwagua thanked the Akwa Ibom State FA for the surprise visit and their support so far. He also thanked the Akwa Ibom state government for approving the stadium for the match, assuring that the team will go for victory on Sunday.

The Group C matchday one contest is slated for the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Sunday and will kick-off at 5pm Nigeria time.

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