Nigeria Women Premier League Week Nine Wrap

Nigeria Women Premier League Week Nine Wrap

By Unknown → Friday 30 June 2017

Confluence Queens suffered their first home defeat of the season, succumbing to Delta Queens in Lokoja.


Rivers Angels were simply too strong for Heartland Queens as the Nigeria Women Premier League (NWPL) entered week nine.


Week nine of the NWPL came up across six centres in the country recording a total of nine goals.


Pelican Stars and Delta Queens were the only away winners.


Rivers Angels 2-0 Heartland Queens


Rivers Angels remained perfect at their fortress with a 2-0 win over Heartland Queens in a Group A tie.


Things were relatively calm in the first half that saw Amarachi Orjinma miss a spot kick that was taken twice.


Few minutes into the second stanza, Heartland Queens' Best Osuji was sent off for receiving her second yellow card.


The Jewel of Rivers capitalised on the numerical advantage and went in front. Substitute Chioma Wogu headed past the busy Maryann Akingbade in the 62nd minute.


Nigerian youth international Cynthia Aku made the game safe with her third goal of the season following an intelligent pass from Glory Iroka.


Ibom Angels 1-1 Sunshine Queens


Peter Udoakobong continued to grow her fast expanding reputation by scoring a crucial goal for Ibom Angels as the homers forced Sunshine Queens to a 1-1 draw.


Tina Oyatelemhi silenced the home fans with a 44th minute opener.


Udoakobong grabbed the leveller with a well-timed finish in the dying minutes to snatch a draw against the Owena Mermaids.

FC Robo Queens 0-0 Abia Angels


FC Robo Queens and Abia Angels struggled in a 0-0 draw at the Legacy Pitch.


Monday Gift spurned no fewer than three excellent chances – half of her side's total in the first half, with close-range strikes gobbled up by impressive Abia Angels goalkeeper Monle Omini.


For their part, Abia Angels improved as the first half wore on, yet chances were at a premium for Ann Chijiene's wards.


Ndubuisi Esther did manage to find the net late on, but the assistant referee's flag had been raised and hopes of any late joy began to fade. Rasheedat Ajibade was denied twice by Omini as the clock ran down, but ultimately neither side did enough to earn a winner.

Confluence Queens 0-1 Delta Queens

Rosemary Okezie's late first-half goal moved Delta Queens into third, and ended Confluence Queens four-game unbeaten home run in the Group B of the top tier division.

The New Direction controlled the proceedings on the pitch but failed to make the most of their chances.

Okezie, guilty of missing half chances, capitalised on a rare error from Ogechi Joseph to give the Kwale based outfit the lead.

Confluence Queens rued their luck as they were denied by the central pair of Joy Jegede and Margaret Etim, who were formidable at the heart of the defence.

Saadatu Amazon 1-2 Pelican Stars

Pelican Stars reaped a hard earned 2-1 win over Saadatu Amazon as Moses Pato provided the second half decider.

The Allah Mai Iko Girls had a bright start at home as Chinaza Enuma saw her chip beat Pelican Stars goalkeeper Odunayo Adenaike for the opener with 15 minutes into the match.

As the match progressed, Pelican Stars came to the party and deservedly equalised through Aminat Waheed. The attacking midfielder latched on to Joy Nkoro's cross to score.

The Calabar side increased their efforts in the second half and netted the match winner through Pato, who rounded goalkeeper Suleiman Hajarat before turking the ball to the empty net.

With their third win of the season Pelican Stars climb from seventh to sixth place in the standings. Meanwhile, Saadatu stay at the foot of the table.

Osun Babes 1-0 Nasarawa Amazons

Laidi Bashiru's Osun Babes side grabbed another big win, beating highly fancied Nasarawa Amazons 1-0.

Kesiena Ojivwho had a simple tap-in 27 minutes into the tight contest at the Oshogbo Township Stadium.

The Amazons nearly equalized, but Amarachi Okoronkwo's free kick hit the woodwork.

The Omoluabi Queens now have 16 points after nine games and will travel to Pelican Stars next week.

Despite the loss, Nasarawa Amazons still maintain top spot with 16 points but have a better goal difference than second placed Osun Babes.

Full Results:

Group A

Rivers Angels 2-0 Heartland Queens

Ibom Angels 1-1 Sunshine Queens

FC Robo Queens 0-0 Abia Angels

Group B

Saadatu Amazon 1-2 Pelican Stars

Confluence Queens 0-1 Delta Queens

Osun Babes 1-0 Nasarawa Amazons

John's late strike wins it for Kogi United

John's late strike wins it for Kogi United

By Unknown → Thursday 29 June 2017

Substitute John John came off the bench to score an 88th minute's free kick to give a deserved 1-0 win for Kogi United over FC Abuja in the Matchday 15 of Bet9ja Nigeria National League, NNL encounter on Wednesday in Lokoja.

The near dominance performance for Kogi United could have earned them more goals but the boys from the seat of power had their goalkeeper Ifeanyi Nwobi to thank for his numerous goal bound saves.

The match played at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja saw the hosts in early control with strings of passes initiated by Eghe Osas and Idris Muye, but new signing Ibrahim Mustapha, Thomas Acheneje and John Jerome weren't clinical with their final touches.

Osas danced forward to joined the attack in the 15th minutes when he capitalized of spaces in front of him, he did a quick one-one with Jerome before taking aim at goal but was unlucky as Nwobi gathered twice before catching the ball.

After much of play in midfield, United would missed what looked their best chance of the half when Idris Muye skied a well timed cross from John Jerome.

There were other scoring chances created by Kogi United in the dying stages of first half but weren't lucky to convert with few of them thwarted by Nwobi.

United resumed the second stanza with more purpose and vigor and almost take the lead with just two minutes into restart but Nwobi was on hand again to parry Acheneje's close range effort to corner.

Coach Tunde Abdulrahman brought freshness into his side's attack with introduction of combative Micheal Bolaji who replaced Osas and that added to Kogi United's bite in attack.

There were appeal for penalty by Kogi United when Idris Muye was through on ball in FC Abuja's box before being upended by Amos James but Center Referee Ejim Tony from Plateau overlooked it.

 

Ibrahim Mustapha and Muye would later combined well to initiate another attack for the hosts but the former was not lucky as his effort went inches wide from target.

FC Abuja got their first and only real chance of the game at the stroke of an hour mark when they gained a lose ball in the middle and Ayamkyegh Gary moved forward with Oti-Agba Samson before laying Arigo Obus whose goal bound shot was parried to corner by Salisu Ogbe.

It became a warning for the hosts who had to remain conscious with their build ups and resort to slow attack but with positive purpose.

Kogi United make another changes with 20 minutes to end the game as John John came in for Mustapha and it was all about the hosts till the end as they created numerous scoring opportunities to get in front.

John had earlier had his first free kick ricocheted off the cross bar in the 78th minute after Nwobi earlier parried his shot wide from a nice build up from the hosts.

 And the winning goal would come for Kogi United with two minutes to end the game and this time, John John get his tactics right as his set piece from outside the box sailed in and sent the stadium into wild jubilation.

Head Coach of Kogi United, Tunde Abdulrahman who expressed delight at his boys' performance disclosed that he remained optimistic that the goal would come even with few minutes to end the game just as he appealed for calm from fans.

"I must be sincere, we didn't lose hope, as you can see we were pressing them from beginning of the game till the time we scored, it was a better performance and I'm really happy with the way the boys played.

"We will continue to build on this and take advantage of the break (Kogi United will draw bye in next Matchday) to prepare well for the next challenge, I want to appeal for our fans to keep calm and keep believing in the team," he said.

MFM Completes Season Double Over Sunshine Stars

MFM Completes Season Double Over Sunshine Stars

By Unknown →

Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries FC completed the double over Sunshine Stars with a 2-1 win courtesy of goals from Tchato Giscard and Stephen Odey in match day 26 fixture of the Nigeria Professional Football League match played at the Soccer Temple, Agege Stadium. It was a Southwest affair for the two teams and the derby encounter lived up to its billing as both teams entertained their avid fans with fine displays. The first 10 minutes of the match saw both teams exchanging passes with an intent to get the opener. Benin Republic sensational midfielder Tchato Giscard received the first yellow card of the match for dissent while Alaba Adeniyi of Sunshine Stars was also booked for a rough tackle on Shola Brossa. The game continued with the Olukoya Boys dictating proceedings with brilliant display. Giscard initiated a move from the middle of the park in the 27th minute before connecting Okorom Stanley, the latter dribbled past his maker, laid the ball back to Giscard and the midfielder blasted the ball in from an impossible angle. Giscard's stunner separated the two sides as MFM FC maintained a one goal half time lead. The hosts made double changes after 16 minutes of play in the second 45 minutes. Shola Brossa and Shinshinma Monday were substituted for Kenedinum Nelson and Adegboyega Adekunle. The Akure Gunners had a chance to put the game on level terms in the 67th minute but Sikiru Alimi's header from close range went off target.

Sikiru Olatunbosun raced on to a pass from petit midfielder, Onuwa Chukwuka, in the 76th minute, the winger pulled the trigger but his shot was handled by Anthony Omaka and the centre referee pointed to the spot. Stephen Odey stepped forward and sent Sunshine goalkeeper, Henry Ayodele, the wrong way. With less than four minutes to wrap up the game the visitors were awarded a penalty after MFM FC defender handled the ball inside his box and Otegbeye Ajibola reduced the deficit for his team with a well converted spot kick. The game ended in a 2-1 triumph as the Lagos-based team returned to second spot on the NPFL table with 43 points from 26 matches.

AITEO extends partnership with NFF as Federation Cup becomes AITEO Cup

AITEO extends partnership with NFF as Federation Cup becomes AITEO Cup

By Unknown → Wednesday 28 June 2017

AITEO, Nigeria’s foremost energy solution company, on Wednesday acquired the ‘Naming Right’ of the NFF Federation Cup, as an extension/addendum to the company’s sponsorship agreement with the Nigeria Football Federation. It is also part of the rights AITEO has under the original agreement.

Those rights will enable the acquisition of additional commercial assets from the NFF that are available and not encumbered, on a mutually –negotiated basis. To this end, the NFF Federation Cup, the oldest football competition in Nigeria, is henceforth to be known and addressed as "AITEO Cup"

The duration of this aspect of the sponsorship is 5 years, similar to the main agreement (signed on 26^th April 2017) on a Cost Value Arrangement and commencing from the 2017 season.  This arrangement will see AITEO underwriting the costs of the organisation of the competition which encompasses the costs of organising the competition from the Round of 64 to the men and women’s finals, solidarity support to Football Associations of the 36 States and the FCT, expenses and indemnities of match officials, support to participating Clubs, Media, Branding/Activation and Prize Money to winners.

Accordingly, for the 2017 season, the prize monies for the AITEO Cup will be N25million for the winner of the men’s competition and N10million for the winner of the women’s competition. The runner –up for the men’s competition will pocket N10million, with the runner –up for the women’s event going home with N5million. The NFF and AITEO will, in due course, unveil further details of all the benefits of the extended agreement at a press conference.

The Cost Value Arrangement of the transaction is for NFF and AITEO to, annually, decide the nature and value proposition of the AITEO Cup under the framework of the relationship, and AITEO would thus underwrite the cost as the competition’s ‘Naming Right Holder.’

The NFF team at the contract signing inside AITEO Group’s Lagos office said it was “extremely delighted” by the extended agreement, while AITEO chieftains stated “we are happy to do this for Nigeria.”

At Wednesday’s simple but colourful ceremony were NFF President Amaju Pinnick, Deputy Managing Director of AITEO, Mr. Francis Peters, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi (NFF 1^st Vice President/Chairman, Organizing Committee), Mr. Shehu Dikko (NFF 2^nd VP/LMC Chairman/Chairman, Marketing, Sponsorship and Television Advisory Committee), Mr. Andrew Onyearu (Group Executive Director/Chief Legal Counsel, AITEO), Barrister A. U. Mustapha (SAN, Vice Chairman of NFF Committee on Ethics and Fairplay), Mr. Victor Okoronkwo (Senior Vice President, Commercial and Gas, AITEO), Ms Aisha Falode (Member, NFF Executive Committee/Chairman, Nigeria Women Football League), Mr. Ademola Olajire (Director, Media and Communication of NFF) and Mr. Ndiana-Abasi Matthew (Senior Manager, Corporate Communications of AITEO).

Crystal Palace interested in Kelechi Iheanacho ahead of Frank de Boer's arrival

Crystal Palace interested in Kelechi Iheanacho ahead of Frank de Boer's arrival

By Unknown → Monday 26 June 2017

Nigeria international, Kelechi Iheanacho is on the wish list of Crystal Palace as the Eagles prepare to appoint Frank de Boer as their new manager.

According to The Mirror, Crystal Palace are planning to boost their attacking options with a move to sign the Manchester City star.

Iheanacho, 20 had four goals and created three assist for the Citizens despite very little time on the pitch last season.

The Eagles won't have the Nigerian on a cheap as Manchester City will not do a deal unless a buy-back clause is inserted in the player's contract. They will have to battle two other clubs, West Ham United and Leicester City to secure the services of Iheanacho next season.

Odumegwu stars as Rivers United compound 3SC’s woes

Odumegwu stars as Rivers United compound 3SC’s woes

By Unknown →

Rivers United went about their business of taming hard-fighting Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in brisk fashion on Saturday as they claimed a 1-0 win to continue their steady ascent on the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) log.

Odumegu needed less than 120 seconds to make his mark at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt as he fired in a brilliant effort past the 3SC goalkeeper, Charles Tambe but his furious celebrations were rudely abbreviated as the ‘goal’ was chalked off for offside.

The United team and particularly Odumegwu did not let their heads drop and due reward was to arrive 19 minutes later when the attacker bundled home from two yards out.

3SC, content with adopting the safety first approach before then, had to predictably come out of their shells as the game improved as a spectacle. 

Ajani Ibrahim should have levelled matters for the Oluyole Warriors but he saw his powerful drive from 12 yards beaten away impressively by the United goalkeeper, Femi Thomas in the 35th minute.

The second half was never going to match the first in terms of excitement and sheer drama but Bernard Ovoke, a man slowly but surely returning to form, cracked a 25 yard rocket which was flying into the top right hand corner but Tambe did well to divert the effort away for a corner with 19 minutes remaining.

Shooting Stars head coach, Fatai Amoo did not attend the post-match press conference but his assistant, Edith Agoye who did in his stead praised their conquerors for their success.

“It was a very good game and both teams gave their all. Any side could have won it as we both had chances.

“It was an open game and the chances were few but congratulations to Rivers United,” he said.

3SC threatened fleetingly but without any real conviction as the hosts saw out the game comfortably.

Eguma also addressed the media in the post-match press conference attended by Rivers United official website

It was a keenly contested game. The two teams were very strong and 3SC gave us a keenly-contested game.

I did not expect an easy game. We had a very good first half but the second half was not quite as good.

The most important thing was to get the three points but we have to improve in the area of scoring goals,” he said.

Rivers United have now moved up to 13th on the NPFL standings with 33 points from 25 matches while Shooting Stars is in 18th place with 29 points from 26 matches.

Match statistics.  

Rivers United: Femi Thomas,  Ifeanyi Nweke, Zoumana Doumbia, Emeka Atuloma, (Yusuf Jaiyeola 49') Gabriel Olalekan, Douhadji Joseph, Nzube Anaezemba (Efosa Eguakun 60') Bolaji Sakin (Godbless Asamoah 75') John Odumegwu, Ayo Saka and Bernard Ovoke.

Substitutes not used: Abiodun Akande, Ali Chiwendu,, Guy Kuemian and Ayobami Asekunuwo.   

Shooting stars: Tambe Charles, Ebiaku Promise, Omololu Waheed,  Moses James, Samuelson Owono, Osawe Alaba, Ayobami Junior, Ajani Ibrahim, Bode Daniel (Sunday Falaye 60'), Wasiu Jimoh (Adebogun Tayo 72') and Adebayo Ayobami ( Adebayo Ibrahim 82').

Substitutes not Used: Adamu Abubakar, Shittu Taiwo, Suraj Sadiq and Najeem Ololukun.   

Yellow card: Rivers United: Femi Thomas (37'), Emeka Atuloma (47'), Ayo Saka (70'), and Gabriel Olalekan (72').  

Shooting stars: Moses James (40').   

Red cards: Nil

Goal: John Odumegwu (21').

Nigeria Women Premier League Week 8 Wrap: Rivers Angels Taste First Defeat, Delta Overcome Nasarawa, Adamawa Finally End Victory Drought

Nigeria Women Premier League Week 8 Wrap: Rivers Angels Taste First Defeat, Delta Overcome Nasarawa, Adamawa Finally End Victory Drought

By Unknown → Friday 23 June 2017

Defending champions Rivers Angels had their six-match unbeaten run halted in the Nigeria Women Premier League (NWPL) week eight by Bayelsa Queens in the South-South Derby while Delta Queens accounted for the scalp of Nasarawa Amazons.

Adamawa Queens finally ended their winless streak as they pipped Confluence Queens 1-0 in Fufore.

Week eight brought about a whole lot of excitement with 16 goals scored in total.

Bayelsa Queens 2-1 Rivers Angels 

At the Nembe City Stadium, Bayelsa Queens recorded a 2-1 victory Rivers Angels to earn bragging rights in the South-South Derby.

Joy Bokiri and Osarenoma Igbinovia gave Bayelsa Queens a two-goal advantage, but Cecilia Nku caused a nervous finish with a superb free kick late in the second half.

Sunshine Queens 1-0 FC Robo Queens 

The Akure Township Stadium took centre stage in the week eight action of the NWPL as Sunshine Queens and FC Robo Queens clashed. 

In the end, it was the home side, Owena Mermaids who ended up smiling after recording a 1-0 win through a Winifred Eyebhoria penalty strike. 

Heartland Queens 2-1 Ibom Angels

Heartland Queens produced a spirited display to beat Ibom Angels 2-1.

Uche Eucharia’s side broke the deadlock following Best Osuji’s well dispatched spot kick in the 5th minute of action.

Ibom Angels responded strongly to that setback and levelled on 26 minutes when Charity Reuben saw her shot curl beyond Maryann Akingbade and into the corner.

After the break, Chinenye Maduerosi found room inside the box to rifle home from close range and there was no way back for Ibom Angels.

Osun Babes 4-1 Saadatu Amazon

A brace from Mary Anjor was the flavour needed to sweeten Osun Babes’ 4-1 thumping of relegation battlers Saadatu Amazons.

Kemi Abiodun and Edewor Precious also found the back of the net for the Omoluabi Queens. Alvin Dahz was on song for the Allah Mai Iko Girls. 

Delta Queens 2-1 Nasarawa Amazons 

Delta Queens put up a great shift to seal a vital 2-1 win over Nasarawa Amazons in a Group B encounter at the Kwale Township Stadium.

Striker Rosemary Okezie gave Delta a 1-0 lead before Remilekun Omamuli added another after the break to put them in total control of the tie.

The homers were made to endure a nervous wait in the final minutes of the match when Anam Imo scored a consolation for the visitors.

The result left Delta in fifth place and Nasarawa in first spot. 

Pelican Stars 1-0 Edo Queens 

Pelican Stars held-on to record a well deserved 1-0 result against Edo Queens.

Wing-back Blessing Edoho struck the solitary strike when she turned home Moses Pato’s cross. 

Adamawa Queens 1-0 Confluence Queens 

Adamawa Queens ended a run of four games without victory with a 1-0 win over Confluence Queens.

Substitute Stella Nwadike scored the only goal of the match in the second half.

NPFL match day 26 preview: Rivers United versus Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC)

NPFL match day 26 preview: Rivers United versus Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC)

By Unknown →

On February 5, 2017 Rivers United played probably their worst game in the NPFL this season and the opposition on the day was 3SC.

United lost 1-2 that day but that result, more than anything else, flattered the boys from Port Harcourt as only a shocking display of profligacy by the 3SC forwards, good fortune and some extraordinary goalkeeping performance right out of the top drawer by Femi Thomas kept the score line respectable.

3SC arrive in Port Harcourt on Saturday with the hopes of going for an encore but meet a Rivers United side high on confidence after recently putting their Caf Confederation Cup campaign back on track with a crucial win against KCCA on Tuesday.

A win for United will see them climb four places to 13th on the NPFL log while 3SC, currently mired in relegation trouble will leave the drop zone if they become the first side to inflict defeat on the ‘Pride of Rivers’ at their stately patch.

Head coach of 3SC, Fatai Amoo is full of respect for the opposition and does not expect any display of complacency from the hosts.

“I don’t think they (Rivers United) will be distracted as a result of their participation in the Caf Confederation Cup,” Amoo told our official website, www.riversunitedfc.com.ng. 

“You don’t just stumble on (qualification to play) on the continent. 

“There were four Nigerian clubs on the continent but today, only Rivers United is left so it means they have all it takes (to play at that level). 

“It is an advantage for them but it will also motivate us. 

“We respect them,” he said.

Lukman Mohammed scored for Rivers United in the reverse fixture at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan just over four months ago and he also spoke to us ahead of Saturday’s contest.

“The fans cannot write the team off for now; we ask for their support as it is still possible for us to have a good season,” he said on fans’ discontent over United’s underwhelming displays in the NPFL this term.

 

Saturday’s contest will be a compelling one with both sides desperate for points that will guarantee gradual, if not steady progress, towards the top half of the table.

Overview Game: Rivers United versus Shooting Stars

Competition: Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)  

Current positions of respective clubs on the NPFL log: Rivers United (16th); Shooting Stars (18th)  

Date: Saturday, June 24, 2017  

Venue: Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt 

Time: 4pm 

Live coverage: There will be robust coverage of this game by our media team (that will include videos and photos from the venue) simultaneously via out official Twitter account (@RiversUnitedFC) and official Whatsaap channel from 3:55pm on match day.  

Form guide (last five NPFL matches)   

Rivers United (LWLLW)    

Rivers United 1-0 Nasarawa United (Home)   

Rivers United 1-2 El-Kanemi Warriors (Away)   

Rivers United 0-1 Niger Tornadoes (Away)   

Rivers United 2-1 FCIU (Home)  

Rivers United 0-1 Lobi Stars (A)

Shooting Stars (WLDWL)

Shooting Stars 0-3 Lobi Stars (A)

Shooting Stars 1-0 Sunshine Stars (H)

Shooting Stars 0-0 Kano Pillars (H)

Shooting Stars 0-1 MFM (A)

Shooting Stars 2-0 ABS (H)

Previous meetings in competitive matches 

(Head-to-head)   

Matches: Four (4)   

Rivers United wins: Two (2)   

Shooting Stars wins: Two (2)   

Draws; Nil (0)  

Details (Specific breakdown)  

Game one: Shooting Stars 1-0 Rivers United (NPFL; Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan on March 19, 2016).   

Game two: Rivers United 2-0 Shooting Stars (NPFL; Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt on July 17, 2016)  

Game three: Rivers United 0-0 (3-2 PSO) Shooting Stars (Federation Cup; July 13, 2016, at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna)

Game four: Shooting Stars 2-1 Rivers United (NPFL; Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan on February 5, 2017).   

Eduwo, Preko emerge LBA winners for May

Eduwo, Preko emerge LBA winners for May

By Unknown → Thursday 22 June 2017

Lobi Stars forward Kingsley Eduwo and FC Ifeanyiubah's Ghanaian head coach Yaw Preko have been named League Bloggers Awards (LBA) Player and Manager respectively for the month of May.

Eduwo and Preko posted superior performances with their clubs in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in the month under review to fend off other contenders in the running for both categories of awards.

It was a strong field of shortlists for the player's award as Eduwo had to square up with last season's top scorer Godwin Obaje of FC Ifeanyiubah, Enugu Rangers winger Osas Okoro and Plateau United left-back Daniel Itodo.

At the end, the list was trimmed to just two players, Eduwo and Obaje. The FC Ifeanyiubah man and his Lobi counterpart were tied on three goals apiece in May.

Eduwo scored in Lobi's 1-0 win at Sunshine Stars and got a double against 3SC while Obaje netted in FC Ifeanyiubah's 3-0 success at Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and then scored the two goals that saw off four-time champions Kano Pillars in Nnewi.

However, Eduwo topped Obaje with an assist in their three-nil victory over 3SC at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi on 28 May when he provided

Abdu Maikaba of Akwa United, Solomon Ogbeide of Lobi Stars and Chukwuma Agbo of Rangers were all in line for the manager's award alongside Preko.

Preko, Maikaba and Ogbeide led their teams to unbeaten streaks in May. FC Ifeanyiubah under Preko in May were ruthless - defeating 3SC in Ibadan 3-0 and cruising past Kano Pillars 2-0 in Nnewi - to finish the month as the most impressive side with no goal conceded and best superior goal difference.

Lobi's Ogbeide was right on Preko's tail but lost out by virtue of his club's inferior goal difference (of +4) compared to that of FC Ifeanyiubah (+5) despite winning their two matches as well in Akure against Sunshine Stars and against MFM FC in Makurdi.

The next edition of LBA will be for manager and player for the month of June.

PAST WINNERS THIS SEASON
APRIL 2017

Player: Alhassan Ibrahim (Akwa United)
Manager: Abdu Maikaba (Akwa United)

MARCH 2017

Player: Stephen Odey (MFM FC)
Manager: Fidelis Ilechukwu (MFM FC)

FEBRUARY 2017

Player: Sunday Adetunji (Abia Warriors)
Manager: Ladan Bosso (El-Kanemi Warriors)

JANUARY 2017

Player: Stephen Odey (MFM FC)
Manager: Kennedy Boboye (Plateau Utd)

VAT Wonder Goal: Ahmad, Ikefe, Suleman seek Glory

VAT Wonder Goal: Ahmad, Ikefe, Suleman seek Glory

By Unknown →

Phote credit: @LMCNPFL

Match Day 24 recorded a rich harvest of 27 goals, six from the penalty spot but the strikes from Ahmad Usman of Wikki Tourists, Andrew Ikefe of Niger Tornadoes and Musa Suleman of Katsina United made it through to the shortlist of three nominees for VAT Wonder Goal number 5.

Ahmad Usman netted twice, ten minutes apart in the 3-1 defeat of Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi by hosts, Wikki Tourists and one his goals was near solo effort.

Operating from the left side of attack, Ahmed had picked up the pass from a teammate just after the half line, raced down the left flank beaten two markers, cut back inside the box to release a right footed whip of the ball inside a crowded box to shake the back of the net. It was a strike that the El-Kanemi goalkeeper clueless.

In that same fixture in Bauchi where Wikki Tourists ran home with a 3-1 defeat of Niger Tornadoes, it was Andrew Ikefe who got the consolation goal on the 47^th minute, smashing home from the edge of the box. Several efforts at clearing their box had failed and the ball fell to an on-rushing Ikefe who steadied his balance with the left foot to hit a low shot with the right. 

El-Kanemi Warriors were humbled 3-0 in Katsina and Suleiman netted two of the three. His first coming as early as within the 60 seconds from kick-off from a simple flick the ball from close range over the raised hands of the goalkeeper. He would later score from the penalty spot.

Video clips of the goals are now up on the website of the Nigeria Professional Football League, www.npfl.ng and the twitter handle @lmcnpfl for fans to vote their preferred goal from Wednesday, June 21 to midnight of Saturday, June 24.

The VAT Wonder Goal Award attracts a cash prize of N150, 000 for the winner with half of the money donated to a Charity to be nominated by the player within the state where the club is located. It is supported by the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) to promote club-community relationship and also create awareness for tax education.  

Ahmad Usman of Wikki Tourists

https://youtu.be/ch9Cbv7Mj1M

Andrew Ikefe of Niger Tornadoes

https://youtu.be/BbmKasbBgkI

Musa Suleman of Katsina United

https://youtu.be/u0mCwgkWPiA

NWPL Week Eight Full Time Scores

NWPL Week Eight Full Time Scores

By Unknown → Wednesday 21 June 2017

Group A



Heartland Queens 2-1 Ibom Angels



Sunshine Queens 1-0 FC Robo Queens


Bayelsa Queens Vs Rivers Angels 22/06/17



Group B



Delta Queens 2-1 Nasarawa Amazons



Osun Babes 4-1 Saadatu Amazon



Pelican Stars 1-0 Edo Queens


Adamawa Queens Vs Confluence Queens 22/06/17

NWPL MatchDay 8 Preview: League resumes with battle of titans

NWPL MatchDay 8 Preview: League resumes with battle of titans

By Unknown →

The Nigeria Women Premier League (NWPL) resumes this midweek with tantalising fixtures to kick off the second round after a six-week break.

The second stanza is traditionally more exciting, as it is the round which will seal the fate of those battling for the Super Four, as well as those fighting to beat the drop into the Pro League.

The first round which ended on May 10 saw Rivers Angels and Nasarawa Amazons occupying top spot in the two groups. At the bottom are Abia Angels and Saadatu Amazon. 

There is going to be a reversal of the week seven fixtures when the second round resumes.

Notable among the fixtures are Bayelsa Queens vs Rivers Angels, Delta Queens vs Nasarawa Amazons, Sunshine Queens vs FC Robo Queens and Pelican Stars vs Edo Queens.

The spotlight will be on the likes of Bayelsa Queens, Rivers Angels, Delta Queens and Nasarawa Amazons.

Rivers Angels have been reveling in their hold of the top spot in Group A following their good run in the first round. Six more matches are set to test their resolve - that they know too well – which makes the South-South derby at Bayelsa Queens as important if they hope to get off to a good start.

Sunshine Queens who finished the first round in the bottom three are bent on climbing significantly following an overhaul of the playing personnel. They have FC Robo Queens to battle with at the Akure Township Stadium.

Fourth-placed Ibom Angels sit only three points adrift of Rivers Angels. The Uyo side will be hoping to overcome Heartland Queens to put themselves in a good position on the standings.

Nasarawa Amazons are gradually pulling away from the chasing park in the Group B on the back of their undefeated run in their last five games. The Amazons have set their sights on victory in their away clash with rivals Delta Queens.

Having disappointed their fans with a 1-1 home draw against Adamawa Queens on matchday seven, second-placed Confluence Queens should be hoping to make amends in the return encounter at the Fufore Township Stadium.

Saadatu Amazon will still wish the first round never happened. In arguably their worst ever run, the Allah Mai Ikoh Girls failed to register a win in seven matches. The team will hope to begin a revival in their away encounter with Osun Babes.

Like Saadatu, Pelican Stars have been below average so far, and will similarly hope to turn fortunes around, obviously starting with their welcome of Edo Queens.

Below are fixtures for matchday eight:

Group A

Heartland Queens Vs Ibom Angels 21/06/17

Sunshine Queens Vs FC Robo Queens 21/06/17

Bayelsa Queens Vs Rivers Angels 22/06/17

Group B

Delta Queens Vs Nasarawa Amazons 21/06/17

Osun Babes Vs Saadatu Amazon 21/06/17

Adamawa Queens Vs Confluence Queens 21/06/17

Pelican Stars Vs Edo Queens 21/06/17