AITEO Cup Round of 32 Results

AITEO Cup Round of 32 Results

By Footyalert → Thursday, 31 August 2017

WOMEN



Adamawa Queens 0-1 Edo Queens

FC Robo Queens 1-0 Delta Queens

Confluence Queens 3-0 (W/O) Invincible Queens

Beautiful Tours 3-1 Moje Queens

Rivers Angels 5-0 Delta Babes

Bayelsa Queens Feeders 4-0 Fortress Ladies

Pelican Stars 1-0 Young Talents 99



Teams In Round of 16: Ben Women FC, Ibom Angels, Jokodolu Babes, Sure Babes, Sunshine Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, Osun Babes, Abia Angels and Bayelsa Queens, Edo Queens, FC Robo Queens, Confluence Queens, Beautiful Tours, Rivers Angels, Bayelsa United Feeders, Pelican Stars.



MEN



Sunshine Stars 4-2 Nasarawa United

Akwa United Vs Yobe Desert Stars (Uyo, 6 September 4pm)

Osun United 0-0 Kwara United (4-3 penalties)

Niger Tornadoes 1-0 FC Atete

Ngwa FC 0-0 Lobi Stars (4-3 penalties)

Unicem Rovers 1-1 Rangers International (6-5 penalties)

Ekiti United 1-1 Abia Warriors (4-2 penalties)

FRSC FC 1-1 Heartland FC (4-5 penalties)

FC IfeanyiUbah Feeders 0-2 FC IfeanyiUbah

El-Kanemi Babes 1-1 Almar FC (4-2 penalties)

FC Abuja Vs Samba Kurna (Area 3, Abuja, 31 August)

Plateau United 1-0 Ede United

ABS FC 6-3 Adamawa United Feeders

Katsina United Feeders 1-1 Bayelsa United (4-3 penalties)

Akwa Starlets Vs Doma United (Uyo, 6 September 2pm)

Delta Warriors 0-2 Shooting Stars



Teams In Round of 16: Sunshine Stars, Osun United, Niger Tornadoes, Ngwa FC, Unicem Rovers, Ekiti United, Heartland FC, FC IfeanyiUbah, El-Kanemi Babes, Plateau United, ABS FC, Katsina United Feeders, Shooting Stars



*FC Abuja Vs Samba Kurna (Area 3, Abuja, 31 August)

*Akwa Starlets Vs Doma United (Uyo, 6 September 2pm)

*Akwa United Vs Yobe Desert Stars (Uyo, 6 September 4pm)

USA '94 Eagles, Shehu Dikko, others to play in Abdul Sule's wedding novelty match

USA '94 Eagles, Shehu Dikko, others to play in Abdul Sule's wedding novelty match

By Footyalert →

Former Super Eagles' utility player Abdul Sule will be getting married to his girlfriend Safiya Ummi Abdulrahman on 23rd September, 2017 in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

A novelty match has been organized between the Kaduna Selected Team and Lokoja/Abuja Selected Team to celebrate the ex-international's wedding ceremony on Friday 22nd of September at the Township Stadium, Kaduna.

Sule's former team mates in Super Eagles, top football administrators and other former team mates at club side as well as business associates are expected to feature in the ceremonial match for the chairman of Kogi United and Confluence Queens.

Member, Federal House of Representatives and Chairmam House Committee on Police Affairs, Honorable Dauda Jika, Majority Leader, Kaduna State House of Assembly, Honorable Haruna Inuwa Dogo, Vice Chairmam of Kaduna North LGA, Hon. Dan Miliki among others will form the Kaduna Selected team for the novelty match which will also includes former Nigerian internationals like Tijani babangida, Lawal Garba, Pascal Patrick, Ike Shorunmu, Etim Esin, Tajudeen Oyekanmi, Ahmed Lawal Dankoli, Emmanuel Babayaro, Celestine Babayaro, Ayo Ogunlana, Abubakar Aliyu among others.

Second Vice President of Nigerian Football Federation, NFF and Chairman of the League Management Company, LMC Mallam Shehu Dikko will play for the Lokoja/Abuja team led by versatile defender Hassan Wada.

Other Stars to represent the Lokoja/Abuja team includes Director of Football College, Abuja, Kumbi Titiloye, former board of NFF, Alhaji Shehu Adamu, SA Sports to Kogi State Governor, Comrade Adeola Eseyin, Commissioner for Transport in Kogi State, Prince Sani-Ogu Salisu and Chairmam Kogi State Football Association, Mallam Suleiman Umar Isah who will be leading ten other members of Kogi State All Stars family to the novelty match.

Others include Ocholi Abdulrahman, Kamar Abubakar, Team Manager of Kogi United, Ameh Henry, Yahaya Ali Keller, Musa Abubakar Manaman, Sabo Okala and a lady amazon, Hajia Safiya Musa.

The novelty match which is billed for Friday 22nd of September at the Kaduna Township Stadium, will serve as curtain raiser to the main wedding program on Saturday.

The wedding Fatiha is will take place at No 34 Challawa Crescent, Barnawa, Kaduna State as Abdul Sule who is the Chairman of Nigeria National League, NNL club owners will be saying 'yes I do' to his beautiful friend Safiya Ummi Abdulrahman.

Reception will follow immediately at Abdul Sule's residence in Kaduna.

Abdul Sule played for Super Eagles between 1991 and 1993. He was part of the golden generation of the country's national team that qualified for maiden World Cup in 1994.

Ezenwa to start against Cameroon

Ezenwa to start against Cameroon

By Footyalert →

Ikechukwu Ezenwa, who captained Nigeria’s Africa Nations Championship squad that eliminated Benin Republic penultimate weekend to qualify for next year’s continental finals in Kenya, will start in goal for the Super Eagles against Cameroon in Friday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying cracker in Uyo.

This was announced at the team’s press conference held at the Ibom Meridien Hotel, Uyo on Wednesday.





South Africa –based goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, who was in goal in the November 2016 3-1 win over Algeria at the same venue, has finally been ruled out of action on Friday as a result of injury.

Former junior international Dele Ajiboye, who is number one goal –tender for Nigeria Professional Football League table –toppers Plateau United, has been called in to replace Akpeyi.


As at Wednesday afternoon, there had been no definite word from the Cameroonians to the Nigeria Football Federation as to their arrival time or mode of transport into Nigeria.


Friday’s showdown at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium will kick off by 5pm.

Can Nigeria Secure 12th win over Cameroon’s Lions?

Can Nigeria Secure 12th win over Cameroon’s Lions?

By Footyalert → Tuesday, 29 August 2017

The Super Eagles will aim to achieve a 12th triumph over the Lions of Cameroon when both teams go for each other’s jugular at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Friday.


In 19 previous encounters, Nigeria have been winners 11 times, with Cameroon winning four times and four matches drawn.


Of these games, three happened to be the Final matches of the Africa Cup of Nations (all won by Cameroon, including a nail –biting penalty shoot-out session in Lagos in February 2000), and there were two different fixtures of FIFA World Cup qualifiers (1968 and 1989) shared equally.





Nigeria eliminated Cameroon from the qualifying race for 1970 World Cup finals, winning 3-2 in Douala after a 1-1 draw in Lagos. But the Lions took their revenge in 1989, snatching the minimum win they needed in Yaounde (1-0) to kick the Eagles out of the race for Italia ’90, only two weeks after Sam Okwaraji’s death.


While Cameroonians treasure the wins in Abidjan (1984), Casablanca (1988) and Lagos (2000) that gave them three of their five African titles, Nigerians have sweet memories of a 2-0 defeat of the Lions in Ibadan (in 1989) and a gutsy 2-1 win over Cup holders Cameroon in the quarter finals of 2004 Africa Cup of Nations in the sunshine of Monastir.

When the two teams last clashed, at the Edmond Machtens Stadium in Brussels in October 2015, the Eagles ran away 3-0 winners. Efe Ambrose rose highest in the Lions’ box to nod home a Mikel John Obi free –kick, before Moses Simon rounded the goalkeeper for the second goal and Odion Ighalo headed the third after a splendid pull –out by Elderson Echiejile.


Mikel Obi, Simon, Ighalo and Echiejile are in the Nigerian squad that will seek a repeat scoreline on Friday.


NIGERIA & CAMEROON AT SENIOR LEVEL



8 Dec 1962: Nigeria 3 Cameroon 1 – Lagos (Nkrumah Cup)

1 Jan 1963: Cameroon 1 Nigeria 2 – Yaounde (Nkrumah Cup)

7 Dec 1968: Nigeria 1 Cameroon 1 – Lagos (World Cup Qualifier)

22 Dec 1968: Cameroon 2 Nigeria 3 – Douala (World Cup Qualifier)

13 Feb 1972: Cameroon 1 Nigeria 2 – Yaounde (Friendly)

22 Jan 1975: Nigeria 1 Cameroon 0 – Lagos (Friendly)

17 July 1978: Cameroon 0 Nigeria 0 – Algiers (All-Africa Games)

2 Feb 1980: Nigeria 0 Cameroon 0 – Ibadan – (Friendly)

18 Mar 1984: Cameroon 3 Nigeria 1 – Abidjan (ACN Final)

17 Mar 1988: Cameroon 1 Nigeria 1 – Rabat (ACN – group phase)

27 Mar 1988: Cameroon 1 Nigeria 0 – Casablanca (ACN Final)

10 Jun 1989: Nigeria 2 Cameroon 0 – Ibadan (World Cup Qualifier)

27 Aug 1989: Cameroon 1 Nigeria 0 – Yaounde (World Cup Qualifier)

25 Jan 1992: Cameroon 1 Nigeria 2 – Dakar (ACN – Bronze medal game)

7 Aug 1997: Cameroon 0 Nigeria 1 – Tunis (LG Cup)

13 Feb 2000: Nigeria 2 Cameroon 2 (3-4 penalties) – Lagos (ACN Final)

1 Jun 2003: Nigeria 3 Cameroon 0 – Lagos (LG Cup)

8 Feb 2004: Cameroon 1 Nigeria 2 – Monastir (ACN – group phase)

11 Oct 2015: Nigeria 3 Cameroon 0 – Brussels (Friendly)

Upbeat Eagles plot Cameroon’s fall in Uyo

Upbeat Eagles plot Cameroon’s fall in Uyo

By Footyalert →

Table –toppers Nigeria are confident of overhauling Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions when both teams clash in perhaps the biggest match of Africa’s Group B of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying race on Friday.



Reigning African champions Cameroon come to town at a time the Eagles are fully committed to establishing an unassailable lead in the pool, and on the back of Nigeria having won the last three encounters between both nations at senior level.



Cameroon won the African title in Gabon early in the year – a championship for which Nigeria failed to qualify – and then tucked three big games under their belt at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Russia in the summer. Yet, they have a mountain to climb against a Nigerian side ready to rise to the occasion in front of a partisan home crowd at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.



The Lions will derive little comfort from glancing at the Group B table, on which they lag behind Nigeria with as many as four points, and also realize they have never beaten Nigeria in a World Cup qualifying match played in Nigeria.



Team captain Mikel John Obi is at the head of 22 players who were as at Tuesday morning in the Akwa Ibom State capital for the big encounter, with only Cyprus –based Abdullahi Shehu and Russia –based Aaron Samuel still expected at the Ibom Meridien Hotel.



Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, told thenff.com on Tuesday that his wards are fully focused on what pundits have referred to as Nigeria’s biggest match of the year.



“It is a big match and we are fully focused and committed. The players know what it means; they need little or no reminding of how important this match is. I am happy we have almost the full house now and can concentrate on our tactics for the game.”



Tuesday’s arrivals were Moses Simon, Uche Agbo, Leon Balogun, John Ogu, Anthony Nwakaeme and Victor Moses, joining up with Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, Oghenekaro Etebo, Kelechi Iheanacho, William Ekong, Ahmed Musa, Chidozie Awaziem, Ola Aina, Daniel Akpeyi, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Mikel Agu, Odion Ighalo, Wilfred Ndidi, Dele Alampasu, Elderson Echiejile and Tyronne Ebuehi who made it to Uyo on Monday.



Nigeria, on six maximum points from their first two matches, will all but seal a place in Russia if they snap up the three points on offer on Friday evening. Zambia and Algeria, the other two teams in the group, have one point each and clash at the Heroes National Stadium in Lusaka on Saturday.

Jigawa Golden Stars shine over Kogi United

Jigawa Golden Stars shine over Kogi United

By Footyalert → Monday, 28 August 2017

Two goals in the spate of 12 minutes gave Jigawa Golden Stars a 2-0 win over Kogi United in the Matchday 23 of Bet9ja Nigeria National League, NNL in Hadejia on Saturday.

Jigawa took the lead inside second minute into the game when Deekor Abraham snatched the ball from John John before feeding Adamu Rahaqqu who shoots past United's keeper Ogundare Detan.

Nwani Morgan was a yard off before receiving Abdulkadir Danburram's pass and run to the edge of the box, his delivery met Abba Umar a yard off before volleying the ball in to double the lead for the hosts.

Kogi United responded with quick attack and had few scoring chances before the end of first half, John John had his shot blocked to corner, shoots wide with his second effort and Micheal Bolaji's long range couldn't go on target.

The boys of coach Tunde Abdulrahman gave their hosts a torrid moments through second half as Kogi United gave their all to stage a remarkable come back, but weren't lucky to get clear cut chances.

Coach Abdulrahman who described the defeat as disappointing for Kogi United noted that his wards lost concentration in the early stages just as he questioned the officials' call to allow Jigawa's second goal.

The United's gaffer praised his wards for their second half resolve adding that the club would continue to push till the end.

"Yes it's painful and disappointing because this was not what we expected, we couldn't cope well in the early stages and we let in the first goal, I didn't know why the second goal was allowed as it was twice offside, who knows, may be at one nil we would have get back and claimed it.

"Our second half was superb and I'm impressed with my players' response and push but it wasn't enough for us to claim anything from the match.

"Well the season isn't over we will continue to push and get better results in our remaining games for us to end the season on a high.

Assistant Coach of Jigawa Golden Stars, Abdulazeez Adeiza who was elated to survive a "tactically gifted' Kogi United's second half onslaught noted that the win had put them in good stead to gain promotion.

"I'm really happy with the win but it wasn't easy as you can see Kogi United are a tactically gifted side, the quick goals rally assisted us to settle well.

"It was a tough game, especially in the second half but we managed to end it, the victory is good for us in our challenge for promotion," Adeiza said.

Kogi United are to draw bye in next fixture (expected to be against Giwa FC) but will return forthright with another away game at FRSC in Abuja.

Kenneth Omeruo heads back to Turkey

Kenneth Omeruo heads back to Turkey

By Footyalert → Friday, 25 August 2017

Nigeria international, Keneth Omeruo has signed a new contract at Chelsea till 2020 but left for Turkey.

Chelsea FC announced that defender, Omeruo signed a new contract until 2020 on Friday August 25 and joined Turkish side Kasimpasa on a season-long loan.






The former junior international who helped Nigeria lift the 2013 African Cup of Nations spent the 2015/16 campaign at the Istanbul-based club where he made 26 appearances. He spent last season on loan at fellow Turkish side Alanyaspor.

Austria Wien confirm Alhassan signing

Austria Wien confirm Alhassan signing

By Footyalert →

FK Austria Wien have confirmed the signing of Nigerian international, Ibrahim Alhassan.

Alhassan,20,completed a loan move till the end of the season to the Bundesliga side with an option seal a permanent deal.

The former Akwa United midfielder may feature in the 2017 UEFA Europa League as Die Veilchen  have made it to the group stage of the competition.

"I am delighted to be part of Austria from now on. I can not wait to get to know the team and work hard together to make even more success with it, "says Abdullahi told the club's official website

Austria Wein's Sport Director, Franz Wohlfahrt is convinced that Alhassan's arrival will add more to the team

"Ibrahim Alhassan Abdullahi is a player with great potential. He is a teamplayer who has speed and good ball handling. We are convinced that this transfer is one with a great perspective," Wohlfahrt stated

We must support Bamigbelu, he must not die, Ilechukwu pleads

We must support Bamigbelu, he must not die, Ilechukwu pleads

By Footyalert →

Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries FC head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu is calling on Nigerians to support award-winning photojournalist, Bamigbelu Ademola Origa, who is in dire need of N5 million for a hip replacement/Osteomyelitis surgery.


The Lagos-based team gaffer who has donated a token to this cause believes Bamigbelu Ademola Origa will overcome the challenges if Nigerians will come to his aid by supporting him with their donations. He said "Bamigbelu is a talented photojournalist, he is arguably the best photojournalist we have in Nigeria as far as sport is concerned and and I believe he will survive this predicament.


"I am using this opportunity to call on Nigerians to support this cause by giving our widow's mite in order for Bamigbelu to have a successful surgery. This is the best time to rally round the young man.


"For me this is a fight against death and I believe we all as individuals can fight this battle with anything we have. We can save the world by showing love to the next man and love is best expressed through giving.

"I have done my part and I will continue to donate to this cause till we win the battle and I believe club administrators, coaches and players in the Nigerian league will follow suit because most of us in the league have benefited from this man's work and I think it's necessary we support him at this critical moment," Ilechukwu pleaded.


The award-winning photojournalist who has been battling with health challenge since 2015 is currently going through excruciating pains day by day. He has been able to raise N960,000 from friends and well wishers.

Giodano's Usaini Sale Prepared For The Big Task

Giodano's Usaini Sale Prepared For The Big Task

By Footyalert →

Nationwide League One outfit, Giodano FC have continued to celebrate  their promotion to the Nigeria National League (second level league) as they focus on the big dream of playing in Nigeria' top-flight league some day.

The coach of the Kano-base team, Usaini 'Zola' Sale who joined the team in 2015 has stated that his team is gradually seeing what used to be a dream become reality.

"First, I'll like to thank God for seeing us through the tough times and giving us the wisdom to push through," Sale told Footyalert

"Dreaming big is an important factor in life if one is ready to work hard at it. When I joined Giodano FC in 2015, the target was to secure promotion through the leagues. Now, we are so close to playing in the Premier League.

"We as a team expect that the challenge in the Nigeria National League will be much more than what we may have faced before now but we are prepared and passionately propelled by our dream and desire to succeed.

 "You will agree with me that dreams do come true. We were playing in the amateur local division some seasons back and now we shall rob shoulders with teams in the National League. We won't stop working hard.

Giodano FC alongside seven other teams secured promotion to the NNL; Aklosendi FC,Kastina United Feeders,NAF FC,Dynamite FC,Delta Stars FC, J Atete FC and Spartans FC

FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup: Danjuma invites 30 Falconets

FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup: Danjuma invites 30 Falconets

By Footyalert →

Newly –installed Head Coach of Nigeria U20 Women National Team, Falconets, Chris Danjuma on Tuesday rolled out a list of 30 players who have been invited to the team camp in Abuja ahead of next month’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture against Tanzania.



Two –time FIFA World Cup runners –up Falconets will entertain their Tanzanian counterparts in Nigeria on 16th September, with both teams to conclude the first round fixture on 30th September in Dar es Salaam.



Midfield stalwarts Joy Bokiri and Cynthia Aku, and star forward Rasheedat Ajibade are among the players who have been instructed to report at the Serob Legacy Hotel, Wuye, Abuja on Wednesday, 23rd August 2017 with their training kits, original birth certificates and international passports.



FULL LIST OF INVITED PLAYERS



Monle Omini (Abia Angels); Tola Adeniyi (Sunshine Queens); Chioma Okoye (Sa’adatu Amazons);

Chiamaka Nnadozie (Rivers Angels); Nelly Ekeh (Pelican Stars); Blessing Ezekiel (Rivers Angels);

Margaret Etim (Delta Queens); Oluwakemi Famuditi (Confluence Queens); Gloria Ogbonna (Ibom Angels); Joy Duru (Nasarawa Amazons); Feyintola Mabokanje (FC Robo Queens); Florence Alexander (Sunshine Queens); Juliet Iorliam (Nasarawa Amazons); Kikelomo Odueke (Edo Queens);

Joy Bokiri (Bayelsa Queens); Bola Oladiti (Confluence Queens); Josephine Queens (Nasarawa Amazons); Lilian Tule (Bayelsa Queens); Christy Uchebe (Nasarawa Amazons); Blessing Onoriose (Bayelsa Queens); Adebisi Saheed (Delta Queens); Helen Ugar (Pelican Stars); Uche Udefo (Edo Queens); Rasheedat Ajibade (FC Robo Queens); Charity Reuben (Ibom Angels); Chinyere Igbomalu (Nasarawa Queens); Doosima Tarnum (Adamawa Queens); Cynthia Aku (Rivers Angels); Mariam Abdulrasheed (Confluence Queens); Anam Imo (Nasarawa Amazons) 

Supersport United confirm Egwuekwe signing

Supersport United confirm Egwuekwe signing

By Footyalert → Thursday, 24 August 2017

Photo credit: @Supersportfc

South African outfit, Supersport United have confirmed the signing of Nigerian defender, Azubuike Egwuekwe.

.@SuperSportFC can confirm the signing of 28-year old Nigerian central defender, Azubuike Egwuekwe on a three-year deal #SkeemaMatsatsantsa

— SuperSport United FC (@SuperSportFC) August 24, 2017

The defender who represented Nigeria at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and 2014 World Cup joined the Matsatsantsa on a three-year deal from Finnish club, KuPs.

VAT Wonder Goal 14: Eduwo, Tornadoe’s Adeyemo and Gombe’s Usman Listed

VAT Wonder Goal 14: Eduwo, Tornadoe’s Adeyemo and Gombe’s Usman Listed

By Footyalert →

Photo credIt: @LMCNPFL

Niger Tornadoes’ Bolaji Adeyemo , Gombe United’s Musa Usman and ingsley Eduwo of Lobi Stars made the shortlist for VAT Wonder Goal 14.

The trio was picked from the total of 20 goals scored on Match Day 33 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) to vie for popular votes from fans for the N150,000 prize money.

Eduwo netted twice in the fixture against Abia Warriors which Lobi Stars eventually lost 4-2 to the Umuahia side. Eduwo who led the CHAN Eagles attack in Kano last Saturday had sprang an off-side trap to calmly hook the ball over the head of Abia Warriors goalkeeper before slamming the ball with left footed shot into the empty net.

“I like the goal because of Eduwo’s reading of the opponent’s backline. His run was timely and there was the confidence he showed by first controlling with his laps and hooking over the goalkeeper. It was brilliant”, commented George Akpayen, a writer with supersport.com




On the 58th minute of the match against Shooting Stars in Ibadan, Musa Usman had received a through pass few yards away from the half line and made two quick steps with the ball with two ball watching Shooting Stars players on either side of him before he released a half rising shot that the goalkeeper mistimed. It gave Gombe United the lead before Seun Akinyemi and Nojeem Olukokun responded for the Oluyole Warriors to end the match 2-1.

The third pick is a daring goal by Adeyemo which gifted all three points to Niger Tornadoes in Lokoja against El-Kanemi Warriors. The encounter was heading to a stalemate and with just 13 minutes to end of regulation time when Tornadoes attacked from the right corner flank releasing a cross which Adeyemo met with a low flying header that flew into the net.

“The hallmark of his goal was the fearlessness he displayed to execute that flying header amongst the sea of legs and the onrushing goalkeeper. He just took the game by the scruff of the neck “, remarked Tola Badekale, a producer with Supersport.

The video of the three goals have been uploaded on the league’s website; www.npfl.ng and on the twitter handle @lmcnpfl for voting which will end at 11.59pm on Sunday, August 27

The VAT Wonder Goal Award is a social investment initiative of the League Management Company (LMC) to build stronger ties between NPFL Clubs and the community and is supported by the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) which seeks to spread its tax education program through football.

Rohr names Mikel, Nwakaeme 21 others to face Cameroon

Rohr names Mikel, Nwakaeme 21 others to face Cameroon

By Footyalert → Tuesday, 22 August 2017

Team captain Mikel John Obi and forward Odion Ighalo are back, and Israel –based marksman Anthony Nwakaeme gets a first call as Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, on Tuesday released his list of players for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying duels with Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions.


Germany –based defender Leon Balogun returns after missing the World Cup qualifier against Algeria and the Africa Cup qualifier against South Africa, while Chelsea of England’s wing back Victor Moses is also back after sitting out the duel with the Bafana Bafana in June due to injury.

Rohr has largely kept faith with his regular army, including goalkeepers Daniel Akpeyi, Ikechukwu Ezenwa and Dele Alampasu, defenders William Ekong, Elderson Echiejile and Abdullahi Shehu, midfielders Ogenyi Onazi, John Ogu, Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo, and forwards Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho.

Nigeria welcome the reigning African champions to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Friday, 1st September, before flying to Yaounde for a quickfire return session on Monday, 4th September.

The Super Eagles are top of Africa’s 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Group B with six points, after wins over Zambia and Algeria in their first two matches, while the Lions lie second with only two points following 1-1 draws with Algeria and Zambia.

Seven other players have been placed on standby, but any of them would be contacted to move to camp only in the case there is any issue with any player on the list of 23.

THE FULL LIST



Goalkeepers: Daniel Akpeyi (Chippa United, South Africa); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (FC IfeanyiUbah); Dele Alampasu (Cesarense FC, Portugal)


Defenders: William Ekong (Bursaspor FC, Turkey); Abdullahi Shehu (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus); Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Tyronne Ebuehi (ADO Den Haag, The Netherlands); Elderson Echiejile (Sivasspor FC, Turkey); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes FC, France); Ola Aina (Hull City, England)

Midfielders: Mikel John Obi (Tianjin Teda, China); Ogenyi Onazi (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Oghenekaro Etebo (CD Feirense, Portugal); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Mikel Agu (Bursaspor FC, Turkey)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (Leicester City, England); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Alex Iwobi (Arsenal FC, England); Odion Ighalo (Chang Chun-Yatai, China); Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England); Anthony Nwakaeme (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)

STANDBY: Uche Agbo (Standard Liege, Belgium); Henry Onyekuru (Anderlecht FC, Belgium); Kenneth Omeruo (Chelsea FC, England); Aaron Samuel (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Alhassan Ibrahim (Akwa United); Stephen Eze (FC IfeanyiUbah); Ifeanyi Ifeanyi (Akwa United)

Irabor: NPFL Needs cooperate Nigeria to be more Attractive

Irabor: NPFL Needs cooperate Nigeria to be more Attractive

By Footyalert → Monday, 21 August 2017

The chief Executive officer of the League management company (LMC) Honorable Nduka Irabor has declare that the Nigeria Professional Football League,NPFL needs the investment from cooperate Nigeria to be more attractive and reach the standards we will all be proud of.



This is coming on the trails of huge cooperate Nigeria investments in foreign sporting activities. He made this assertion at the symposium organised by the Lagos state chapter of the Sports writer Association of Nigeria ,Lagos SWAN, to mark this year Lagos SWAN week.



Irabor Affirmed that over 100 billion naira leaves the shores of the country on yearly basis from the purse of cooperate Nigeria sponsoring foreign sporting activities especially football.



"From our study with the central bank of Nigeria 100 billion naira goes out to sponsor foreign sporting activities especially football on yearly basis from cooperate Nigeria" .

But how can we make NPFL attractive to the "foreign investing" cooperate Nigeria? The astute administrator believe the  NPFL is sufficiently attractive enough to attract investors and have a good return for their money but asked for their sense of pride in investing in a thing 'of own 'and then they can only invest in the league to make it more attractive and not abandoning it for foreign sporting activities.



"There are two ways to look at it,it's ours .
First of all , the sense of pride has to reign to make it more attractive we need the money.

As it is right now it's attractive enough. The days you say they don't come to see match is over.

We ve seen on a match day people thronging the stadium ,things have changed but we need to draw attention to it."

The journalist turned administrator also defined the role the media should play in other to make the league more attractive.

"what's important is that the media should let people see what is going on as it is ,don't exaggerate,inflate or blow up minor issues.

Some things are trivial that we tend to concentrate on,is it poor officiating? This things are not new to football it happen even at world cup stage sometimes they are human errors that we in the media makes it to look as if it determine the league itself, don't put people off,sure you have a role to play.



Finally,Irabor  proposes the need for community ownership of clubs as this will get the people involved and also make the league more attractive



"I am not saying that the administrators should not look for a proper way to project their game but let this game into the community whereby if the people are involved, or are part of the club entity they will want to come out and see what they are doing" he concludes

MFM FC claim vital win over Gombe United

MFM FC claim vital win over Gombe United

By Footyalert →

Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries FC claimed a vital 1-0 win over struggling Gombe United in Matchday 35 clash of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) played at the Soccer Temple, Agege Stadium courtesy of a header from Monsuru Bashiru.


MFM FC began the lively contest with determination and precision as they go forward searching for an early goal with sporadic counter-attacking displays but the away team were resolute with their defending and kept the likes of Adebayo Waheed, Abara Ifeanyi and Akuneto Chijioke silent for the first 10 minutes of the match.

Adebayo Waheed and Akuneto Chijioke won two free kicks for the hosts under four minutes. Stanley Okorom took the first in the 11th minute and Gombe United goalkeeper Danjuma Hussaini denied him a scoring opportunity pulling off a fine save while Akuneto's 14th minute fierce shot from the second free kick went inches wide.

The hosts scored the only goal of the game in the 21st minute of the match through Monsuru Bashir's great header off a well delivered cross from creative midfielder Onuwa Chukwuka. The first half ended with the Lagos-based team maintaining a one-goal lead.

Gombe United came out stronger and more determined in the second half and got couple of chances but they failed to make their attempts on goal count.

MFM FC made the first substitution of the match in the 61st minute and Akinyemi Nojeem was introduced for Akuneto Chijioke. The substitute added bite to the attack when he tested Danjuma Hussaini of Gombe United few minutes after his introduction.

Onuwa Chukwuka and Abara Ifeanyi were substituted with Adekunle Adegboyega and Atu Irumekhai Paul. The substitutes justified their inclusion with brilliant displays. The contest ended in a 1-0 triumph for the Olukoya Boys.

With the three points in their kitty, MFM FC still maintain the second position on the Nigerian top league table with 59 points from 35 NPFL matches.

Preview: Rivers United versus Enyimba

Preview: Rivers United versus Enyimba

By Footyalert → Saturday, 19 August 2017

Rivers United versus Enyimba is always a special date on the domestic football calendar in Nigeria for varying reasons.

Sunday’s confrontation between the two sides comes with a special twist as the two sides will be desperate to amass the points in their respective quests to achieve set objectives.

United, branded as title favourites before the start of the season by many bookmakers, have underperformed spectacularly on all fronts so far this season with the nadir coming in the shape of an unceremonious ouster from the Aiteo Cup following a shocking reverse to unheralded Julius Atete FC in midweek.

The Port Harcourt club is still danger of suffering the ignominy of relegation from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and must win on Sunday at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium to calm frayed nerves of the home faithful.

United’s technical manager, Stanley Eguma knows beating the record NPFL winners, Enyimba in Port Harcourt on Sunday will be no walk in the Park.

“Playing against Enyimba is a big game any day, any time and we expect a tough game against them,” Eguma said to riversunitedfc.com.ng.

“It will especially tough as Enyimba is still (in the running) to be league champions this season.

“We will do everything possible, technically to see that we win the game because at this point in time, we cannot afford to drop points at home,” he said.

Eguma’s sentiments about Enyimba’s strengths do not appear misplaced or blown out of proportion.

The ‘Peoples’ Elephant’ represent formidable opposition.

Fatau Dauda and Joel Theophilus Afelokhai are two of the division’s top goal keepers while forward, Chinonso Okonkwo returns to his old stomping ground with a point to prove.

Kelly Kester and Ikechukwu Ibenegbu could cause problems for the ‘Pride of Rivers’ in Port Harcourt while attacker, Stephen Chukwude possesses unadulterated quality to hurt any side on a given day.

Enyimba’s head coach, Gbenga Ogunbote also spoke about the big game.

“Rivers versus Enyimba will be viewed as a derby.

“That the two teams are handled by men who know Port Harcourt very well also makes this fixture more interesting.

“Rivers United have some of the best players in the NPFL but sometimes, things don’t exactly go according to script,” he said.

There will be little margin for error on Sunday as these two giants go toe to toe on Sunday at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt.

Overview    
Game: Rivers United versus Enyimba
Competition: Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)
Match day: 35
Current positions of respective clubs on the NPFL log: Rivers United (14th); Enyimba (4th)
Date: Sunday, August 20, 2017      
Venue: Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt
Time: 4 pm


Form guide (last five NPFL matches)
Rivers United (WDLLD)
Rivers United 1-1 Akwa United (H)
Rivers United 1-2 Enugu Rangers (A)
Rivers United 0-2 Kano Pillars (A)
Rivers United 1-1 Katsina United (H)
Rivers United 3-1 Remo Stars (A)

Enyimba (WDWLW)
Enyimba 2-1 Lobi Stars (H)
Enyimba 0-1 Shooting Stars (A)
Enyimba 1-0 Kano Pillars (H)
Enyimba 0-0 MFM (A)
Enyimba 3-0 ABS (H)


Previous meetings in competitive matches
(Head-to-head)  
Matches: Four (4)  
Rivers United wins: One (1)  
Enyimba wins: Two (2)
Draws; One (1)  
Goals for: Rivers United: One (1); Enyimba: Two (2)
Goals against: Rivers United: (2); Enyimba (1)
Points accumulated: Rivers United: Four (4) Enyimba: Four (4)

Details (Specific breakdown)  
Game one: Rivers United 1-0 Enyimba (NPFL. Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt on February 21, 2016)

Game two: Enyimba 0-0 Rivers United (NPFL. Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt on June 9, 2016).

Game three: Enyimba 1-0 Rivers United (Federation Cup. Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan on July 28, 2016).

Game four: Enyimba 1-0 Rivers United (NPFL. UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar on March 26, 2017)