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Tag: NPFL

  • NPFL Day 1: Enyimba, Pillars win as El-Kanemi stun hosts [Full result]

    NPFL Day 1: Enyimba, Pillars win as El-Kanemi stun hosts [Full result]

    The 2018/2019 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season kicked off with little notice on Sunday, even though there was action in only six of the 12 league venues.

    In spite of the situation, three home victories, one away win and two draws were recorded in the two groups of the abridged league competition.

    Enyimba International Football Club of Aba kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 home win over MFM FC of Lagos at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.

    Nelson Ogbonnaya headed in Nasiru Sani’s long throw to hand the seven-times NPFL champions the lead after 13 minutes.

    Abdulrahman Bashir doubled the lead for the hosts when he headed in Andrew Abalogu’s free-kick in the 54th minute.

    At the Kwara Sports Stadium in Ilorin, Kwara United FC drew 1-1 at home with Sunshine Stars FC of Akure.

    Sasere Franklin put Sunshine Stars ahead four minutes into the break with a lovely lob from the edge of the box.

    But Kwara United were back on level terms through an own goal from Seun Olulayo who diverted Usman Mohammed’s cross beyond his own goalkeeper with 20 minutes to play.

    In another NPFL game, Nasarawa United beat Abia Warriors 1-0 in Lafia.

    Abdullahi Abubakar glided in Abdul Makama’s cross after 20 minutes to hand Nasarawa United all three points from the encounter.

    Akwa United who recruited 13 new players kicked off their new NPFL season on a poor note, going down 0-1 at home to El-Kanemi Warriors at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium.

    Kano Pillars also edged Heartland FC of Owerri 1-0.

    Chinedu Sunday scored the only goal of the game in the 16th minute to hand the hosts the maximum points.

    Plateau United were held to a goalless draw at home by FC IfeanyiUbah.

    NPFL Match Day 1 Full Results:

    Kwara United 1-1 Sunshine Stars

    Enyimba International 2-0 MFM FC

    Nasarawa United 1-0 Abia Warriors

    Plateau United 0-0 FC IfeanyiUbah

    Kano Pillars 1-0 Heartland

    Akwa United 0-1 El-Kanemi Warriors

    NAN

  • Supremacy of personal interests delaying kick-off of 2018/2019 NPFL season – Bosso

    Supremacy of personal interests delaying kick-off of 2018/2019 NPFL season – Bosso

    Ladan Bosso, the Chief Coach of Gombe United Football Club, on Monday said the 2018/2019 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) has not kicked off because of the supremacy of personal interests.

    Bosso told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe that divergent views resulting from administrators’ personal interests have been making it difficult for the competition’s organisers to reach a decision.

    “This is not good for the development of the game, and it is frustrating coaches, players, referees and other stakeholders.

    “When action is supposed to be taken, they find it difficult to reach a decision because of too many interests.

    “When there are too many interests here and there, it will be difficult to take decisions and that has been delaying the commencement of the league,’’ he said.

    Bosso then said the league’s organisers, the League Management Company (LMC), needed to be firm and direct in order for the game to develop.

    “If this is the case it will take no time to decide,” the coach said.

    He decried attempts by some groups to hold the football community in Nigeria to ransom.

    “Administration of football is not by relevance or ego, but a deliberate effort through purpose-driven leadership for the good of the game.

    “Some people at the helm of affairs also have to calm down, not because they are not wise but for the development of the game and the sake of players and coaches.”

    Bosso lamented the fact that coaches and players have been training in preparation for the new season without knowing when the league would begin.

    “This is frustrating for all football stakeholders.’’

    He then appealed to all those who have grouped themselves into factions to come together for an agreement on the way forward for the sake of football development in Nigeria.

    The coach said his movement to Gombe United FC was to help in uplifting the club through collective efforts involving the players and the Gombe State Government.

    He added that he would aim at building a legacy that would ensure he would be remembered after he must have left the club.

    NAN reports that Bosso, who was unveiled as Gombe United FC’s Chief Coach on Dec. 24, had earlier coached at Enyimba International, Kano Pillars, Niger Tornadoes, Abia Warriors and FC IfeanyiUbah.

    LMC had on Oct. 31 proposed a Dec. 1 date for the resumption of the 2018/2019 NPFL season.

    NAN

  • NFF orders 2018/2019 NPFL season must begin Jan. 13

    NFF orders 2018/2019 NPFL season must begin Jan. 13

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says it has advised the League Management Company (LMC) to ensure the commencement of 2018/2019 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season not later than Jan. 13.

    Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications, in a statement on Friday said the NFF Emergency Committee took the decision in reaction to letters received from clubs.

    “Clubs which qualified for the Super 8 Tournament of the Nigeria National League (NNL) say their teams were depleted and therefore they do not have enough personnel to prosecute the competition as earlier scheduled.

    “This would have enabled the NPFL to commence on Dec. 30,’’ he said.

    The NFF official said the three clubs which showed up in Aba as directed would each receive a compensation in the sum of N2 million each.

    Olajire added that the matter of the five clubs which failed to show up for the Super 8 would meanwhile be referred to the relevant NFF committee to deal with.

    He said the five clubs would be given a two-week period of grace to recruit players to beef up their playing personnel before going on to play in the NNL Super 8.

    “The NNL has thus been directed therefore to pick new dates not later than Jan. 3 for the tournament,’’ Olajire said.

     

  • Akwa United drop 9 players, name new coach

    Akwa United drop 9 players, name new coach

    Ahead of the start of the 2018/19 Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) season, Uyo-based side, Akwa United have dropped nine players from the squad of last season and will, on Monday, unveil a new head coach.

    Disclosing this during a media briefing, chairman of the side, Elder Paul Bassey, hinted that the decision to drop the players was based on appraisal of their performance and needs assessment of the club, stressing that the club will not renew contract of the affected players.

    “We are starting another season. I believe we are prepared. We have dropped nine players. We are resuming on Sunday and will resume training on Monday,” he said.

    The players released are Isamila Shagari, Ayobami Asekunowo, Kelly Kester, Katoh Haggai, Adeshina Gata, Aminu Nuhu, Franklin Ekong, Edem Akakatang and Boniface Matthew.

    Bassey also revealed that the club will unveil their new head coach on Monday, after negotiation is completed.

    Akwa United have been without a head coach following the departure of Abdu Maikaba to Plateau United at the expiration of his two-year deal, but Bassey admitted finding a suitable replacement for Maikaba has been tasking.

    “Finding a coach in Nigeria could be difficult. Nearly every coach in this country want to coach Akwa United, even within the state (Akwa Ibom). We received many applications. But as a team, we have already decided that we will not sign a coach that has duty with any national team, because we can’t afford to stay weeks without him, especially in an abridged league season,” he added.

    Bassey’s reaction, when asked of choice of coach for the team, suggested the club have settled for a foreign technical adviser, a position he probably confirmed during the briefing.

    “We have until Friday to get a coach, and we will unveil him on Monday. It’s a new terrain for him,” Bassey hinted.

    Feelers from sources close to club, informed that the ‘Promise Keepers’ may have settled for a top name in the Ghanian Premier League.

     

  • Kwara United begin camping in Abuja

    Kwara United begin camping in Abuja

    Kwara United FC is to commence their preparations for the next Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season with a closed camping in Abuja on Nov. 5.

    The Coach of the club, Abubakar Bala, made the disclosure while speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Ilorin.

    He said that invitation to the camping was be based on fitness, tactics and demonstration of team work among the players.

    Bala said that the camping would give room for integration of newly recruited players to play for the club next season.

    The coach said that the team would lock horns with some Abuja-based clubs as part of their preparation for the new season.

    After the closed camping, United will leave Abuja for Ekiti, where they will participate in the sixth edition of the Gold Cup Championship, a pre-season tournament.

    Kwara United have been drawn in Group A in the competition, where they will face Cynosure FC, Kano Pillars, Phoenix and Remo Stars.

    Meanwhile, no fewer than eight NPFL players are currently on trial at Kwara United.

    Among them are Solomon Owello from Niger Tornadoes, Yusuf Mohamed from Kano Pillars, Sunday Emmanuel from Sunshine Stars and Buhari Jafar from Nasarawa United.

     

  • NPFL postponed indefinitely due to administrative NFF crisis

    NPFL postponed indefinitely due to administrative NFF crisis

    Nigeria’s ongoing football crisis has taken another twist as the League Management Committee have suspended the Nigeria Professional Football League, which had been due to resume on July 18 following a one-month break.

    The league went into recess after the 24th round of matches in June ahead of the World Cup, with Lobi Stars atop the table and enjoying a two-point lead over Akwa United.

    However, just two days before the resumption of matches, a letter signed by the LMC’s Chief Operating Officer Salihu Abubakar to all participating 20 clubs, cited the current administrative challenges as a reason for the setback.

    Two weeks ago, Chris Giwa – with the backing of Sports Minister Solomon Dalung – seized control of the Nigeria Football Federation headquarters, with the former still battling to have his election to the post of NFF President recognised in the courts.

    “Kindly be informed that the League Management Company (LMC) has reached a decision to postpone the resumption of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) indefinitely,” read Abubakar’s statement, as published on the league’s official website.

    “The decision is based on the current adverse circumstances in the administration of football in the country as a result of which sponsors, partners and service providers have expressed strong concerns and are reviewing their involvement in the league

    “There is therefore the need to engage them further in this regard in order to mitigate against any possible adverse outcome.

    “Furthermore, organizing matches of the NPFL under the current circumstances might cause irreversible damage to the League brand,” the statement noted.

    Unfortunately, with Nigeria facing the real possibility of a FIFA ban if the impasse continues. the prospect of domestic-based players securing moves abroad could be affected, while the league’s postponed return may yet be a sign of things to come.

  • Sunshine Stars Alimi clinches VAT Wonder Goal Award

    In what could be described as one of the closest contests in the history of the three seasons of VAT Wonder Goal Award, has Sunshine Stars’ Sikiru Alimi emerged winner of the Match Day 16 edition.

    Alimi in the contest emerged the last man standing, shaking off tough challenge from Chijioke Alakwe of FC IfeanyiUbah and Kano Pillars, Alassan Ibrahim.

    The duo took to the polls their rivalry on the pitch on the match day where both netted for their clubs in their respective Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) fixtures.

    Harry Iwuala, the Media Officer of NPFL, said on Thursday that Alimi got the votes from its website and twitter account with a combined total of 863 votes from a total 1,745.

    “Alimi, who has scored in successive games for his relegation dogged club, led the polls both on the NPFL website and twitter account with a combined total of 863 votes from a total 1,745.

    “Alakwe’s strong showing on the website polls was undone by a comparatively poor showing on the twitter polls where Alimi coasted with 50 per cent of the 513 votes.

    “The vote thus leaves Alakwe and Kano Pillars Alassan Ibrahim with 108 votes each.

    “Overall, Alakwe polled 700 votes, while Ibrahim trailed in third place with 125 votes and Stephen Alfred of Kwara United finished fourth with 57 votes,’’ Iwuala said in a statement.

    Iwuala added: “The goal by Alimi was the only goal in Sunshine Stars 3-1 loss to FC IfeanyiUbah.

    “The goal which saw the striker reaching a pass after outpacing his marker, and then did a cut back to set up a right footed shot from the edge of the box.

    “The player will receive the prize money of N150,000 half of which will be donated to a charity to be nominated by him from the state where the club is domiciled.

    “The VAT Wonder Goal Award is an initiative of the League Management Company (LMC) and supported by the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS).

    “The award is to deepen club community engagement and promote the campaign on the benefits of tax payment by citizens.

    “Rivers United Emeka Ogbugh won the award for Match Day 15 and also emerged the first player to win the VAT Wonder Goal award in three seasons.

    “He polled over 48 percent of the votes cast,.’’

  • Match Day 16 results in 2017/2018 NPFL

    Following are the results of Match Day 16 fixtures in the 2017/2018 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), played on Sunday:

    Katsina United 2-1 Rivers United

    Heartland FC 0-0 Abia Warriors

    Lobi Stars 1-0 El-Kanemi Warriors

    Wikki Tourists 1-1 Kano Pillars

    FC IfeanyiUbah 3-1 Sunshine Stars

    Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Rangers International

    Yobe Desert Stars 1-0 Go Round FC

    NAN

  • NPFL top scorer, Lokosa focuses on league title with Kano Pillars

    Junior Lokosa, current 2017/2018 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) leading scorer, says his focus is to lift the league trophy with his club Kano Pillars FC.

    Lokosa, who is leading with 12 goals as at the NPFL Match day 14, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday that hardwork had kept him ‘in form’.

    The player, who joined the team the previous season, said that he is not focused on being the top scorer of the season but to help the club, which is currently third on the table, to finish first place.

    “My focus at the moment is to help my team win the title. If I emerge as top scorer at the end of the season, I will be very happy but for now the title is important.

    “So far, hardwork and God has kept me going and in good form. I hope I don’t disappoint but give my best to the team always,” he says.

    Lokosa’s 12th league goal of the season against Kwara United could not save the Kano boys as they lost 1-2 in Ilorin on Sunday.

    The team on 21 points will host FC IfeanyiUbah in the Matchday 15 fixture on April 4.

    The match was earlier scheduled for April 1 but the League Management Company (LMC) moved all Sunday matches to Wednesday.

  • Plateau United defeat Rangers to top NPFL table

    Plateau United FC of Jos on Wednesday defeated visiting Rangers International of Enugu 1-0 in a rescheduled Matchday 9 match of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

    With the victory, the NPFL reigning champions climbed to the top of the NPFL table with 18 points.

    Chizoba Amafule, new signing from Abia Warriors, gave Plateau United the lead in the 83rd minute, when he headed in after a lob by Ingbede. Rangers keeper, Thomas was beaten to the far right for the lone goal that took the champions to the top of the table.

    The first half was marked by the injury sustained in the 35th minute by Rangers forward Aguda, after a bad challenge from Plateau’s Golbe.

    Aguda was taken out of the field.

    Four minutes after, Plateau goalie Okiemute Odah stretched his full length to keep out Bright Silas’ attempt for Rangers, an effort that would have given the visitors the lead.

    The first half of the match ended goalless as both sides failed to undo each other.

    In the second half, the hosts mounted pressure on the visitors, such that the latter were made to seat deep in their own half of the field as they conceded free kick after free kick.

    In the 65th minute, Plateau made two tactical substitutions, introducing Peter Eneji to replace Osanga, and Abdulwaheed replacing Omoniwari. To pile more pressure on the visitors, Ibe Johnson also replaced Ambrose in the 75th minute.

    Two minutes after, the substitutions drew the result expected as Chizoba Amaefule headed the champions in front.

    Rangers made their own substitutions later on, but they were not so effective.

    After the match, Rangers Chief Coach, Gbenga Ogunbote said that his side was unlucky to go home without at least a point.

    “We did all we could to get at least a point but lost it at the last minute. It is unfortunate but it is one of those things in football.

    “We will take the positives from the game and make amends where necessary,”he said.

    Kennedy Boboye, Plateau United Chief Coach, said that his side played against a very technical team and was happy that they got the three points.

    Boboye said the three points were very important points to his side and would boost their morale as they travel to play on Tuesday in CAF Champions league.

    Amafule the scorer of the goal that gave United the victory, thanked God for giving them the three points in the match.

    He said the team was tired after the long journey from Cameroon, where they beat Eding Sports in CAF Champions League

    He said the team would do their best when they travelled to Tunisia for another CAF Champions League match against Etoile du Sahel.