Abia Warriors Unveil Everton As New Manager

Abia Warriors Unveil Everton As New Manager

By Footyalert → Wednesday, 25 October 2017

Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia has formally unveiled Brazilian
Coach, Rafael Everton Lira as its new Manager.

At the short but impressive ceremony which took place at the Warriors home ground in Umuahia, Club Chairman, Chief Emeka Inyama disclosed that the former Fluminense FC of Brazil playmaker, has signed a two-year contract.

Chief Inyama said in signing Everton, Abia Warriors has given him the mandate to restructure and re-organise the playing architecture of the club in order to achieve the required results.

In an answer to a question, the Abia Warriors Chairman said the club, having sojourned in the elite division of the Nigerian league for four seasons, now has a bigger ambition and has therefore given Everton the mandate be part of the big contenders for the league at the end of the season as well as groom marketable players for the business of the game.

He assured the coach of management’s support at all times and wished him the best in his new assignment.

Responding, Everton said he has come to Umuahia with the intention of making the club one of the best in the land adding that he was happy with what he has seen on the ground.

Everton, who also played for Sport Club Do Recife before he hung his boots as a player, said he recognizes the challenges before him as the new Abia Warriors Chief tactician and hoped he would help the club realize its ambition of at least getting one of the continental slots at the end of the season.

11th Media Global Concept partner Gold Cup Tourney

11th Media Global Concept partner Gold Cup Tourney

By Footyalert → Thursday, 19 October 2017

11th Media Global Concept has signed a partnership agreement with Nigeria's most elaborate Pre-Season tournament, Gold Cup.



11th Media Global Concept is a full entertainment outfit that deal in Soccer players scouting, photography, video coverage, movie production, event packaging/planning, MC, PR, magazine production and printing.


“Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament is a laudable project that has come a long way. It is a great platform for Nigeria clubs to prepare ahead of new season and get to scout for new players.


"I applaud the organisers of this great tournament, they deserves all support and encouragement from sports lovers to keep moving," says Olusola Alao, the founder and CEO of 11th Media Global Concept.


The 5th edition of the tourney which will get underway on Wednesday November 15, in Ilorin, Kwara State will see defending champions Lobi Stars lock horns with Nigeria Professional Football League newcomers, Kwara United.


The tournament is sponsored by distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic, Dr. Buhari Abdul-Fatai (BAF), Nigeria Football Federation Executive Committee Member, Alhaji  Ahmed Yusuf Fresh, foremost betting company, Bet9ja, Nigeria leading sportswear firm, 'Cone', Naija League Magazine, Tribeca Code, Phoenix ASC, Matchroom, Sportspro, Bovina View Hotel, Stadium Hotel, New-Bell Global Investment and 11th Media Global Concept.

LBA announces nominees for end-of-season ceremony

LBA announces nominees for end-of-season ceremony

By Footyalert → Tuesday, 10 October 2017

Photo credit @LMCNPFL

The League Bloggers Awards (LBA) on Sunday revealed its shortlists for this year's end-of-the-season ceremony to cover the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), the Nigeria National League (NNL)
and the Nigeria Women Premier League (NWPL).

The award is billed to hold at the Sheraton Hotels and Towers in Lagos on Tuesday, 31 October.

Nominees, including players, coaches and clubs, will compete for recognition in 13 categories in this year's edition of the award.

For the first time the LBA is venturing into honouring actors in the second tier and in the women's championship.

The LBA will honour the best players in the NNL and NWPL for this season.

The full list of nominees below.

NOMINEES FOR CATEGORIES

1. BEST NEW PLAYER
*Chinedu Udechukwu (Katsina United)
*Destiny Ashadi (Katsina United)
*Peter Eneji (Plateau United)
*Oche Salefu (Remo Stars)
*Wasiu Alalade (ABS FC)

2. BEST FOREIGNER
*Giscard Tchatto (MFM FC)
*Kodjovi Dadzie (Akwa United)
* Fatau Dauda (Enyimba)
*Idrissa Bamba (FC Ifeanyiubah)

3. BEST GOALKEEPER
*Aliko Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)
*Olorunleke Ojo (Sunshine Stars/Akwa United)
*Dele Ajiboye (Plateau Utd)
*Suraj Ayeleso (Nasarawa Utd)

4. BEST DEFENDER
*Emmanuel Ariwachukwu (Akwa United)
*Daniel Itodo (Plateau United)
*Elisha Golbe (Plateau United)
*Okorom Stanley (MFM FC)

5. BEST MIDFIELDER
*Ifeanyi Ifeanyi (Akwa United)
*Afeez Aremu (Akwa United)
*Onuwa Chukwuka (MFM FC)
*Batholomew Ibenegbu (Enyimba)
*Samuel Matthias (Gombe United)

6. CLUB OF THE YEAR
*Plateau United
*MFM FC
*Enyimba
*Akwa United

7. COACH OF THE YEAR
*Kennedy Boboye (Plateau Utd)
*Abdu Maikaba (Akwa Utd)
*Duke Udi (Sunshine Stars)
*Fidelis Ilechukwu (MFM FC)

8. BEST NPFL NATIONAL TEAM PLAYER
*Ikechukwu Ezenwa (FC Ifeanyiubah)
*Osas Okoro (Rangers)
*Ifeanyi Ifeanyi (Akwa Utd)
*Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars)
*Afeez Aremu (Akwa United)

9. GOAL OF THE SEASON
*Sikiri Olatunbosun (MFM v Rangers)
*Shedrack Asiegbu (Abia Warriors v Plateau United)
*Victor Chidume (Lobi Stars v Remo Stars)

10. BEST NWPL PLAYER
*Amarachi Okonkwo (Nasarawa Amazons)
*Patience Kalu (Rivers Angels)
*Rasheedat Ajibade (FC Robo)
*Charity Reuben (Ibom Angels)

11. BEST NNL PLAYER
*Ebere Obi (Heartland)
*Michael Ohanu (Kwara United)
*Mohammed Rabiu (Yobe Desert Stars)
*Kelly Lubo (Bayelsa United)

12 HIGHEST GOAL SCORER
*Anthony Okpotu (Lobi Stars)  19 Goals

13. PLAYER OF THE SEASON
* Alhassan Ibrahim (Akwa Utd)
*Anthony Okpotu (Lobi Stars)
*Daniel Itodo (Plateau United)
*Stephen Odey (MFM FC)

Fatokun scores brace for Osun Utd in 2-0 win

Fatokun scores brace for Osun Utd in 2-0 win

By Footyalert → Sunday, 10 September 2017

Osun United Football Club enterprising midfielder, Fatokun Olajide, scored a brace on Saturday evening to beat Gateway United Football Club 2-0 at the Oshogbo Township Stadium.



The Omoluabi Giants saw off their opponent in a Bet9ja Week 28 contest and were more comfortable in possession, made the better attacking forays and made sure their rock-solid defence was not punctured.


In the first half that ended goalless, Gateway United put up a big fight and were unlucky not to get on the score sheet from John Chukwudi, Adelani Adeseun and Chukwudi Esobe efforts forcing goalkeeper Ayo Ojo, to make brilliant saves.


Fatokun showed his predatory skills with double strike in the second half to help the 'Believe and Achieve' side with a comfortable win.


The former Gray's International FC of Ede, midfielder bundled in the opener in the 48th minute having connected a low cross from Chigozie Obasi, and his carefully weighted shot found the back of the net.

Osun United continued to dominate after taking the lead and could have gone further ahead, with Yusuf Aderemi, Omoyele Tosin Alabi, Holalere Hakeem and Victor Okeji threatening.


Fatokun's second goal to seal all the three points for his side came in the 89th minute, with a stunning sumptuous strike from 25-yards that cut Gateway goalkeeper Salamu Wassiou napping.


The Omoluabi Giants are seventh on the log having garnered 42 points from twenty-eight matches and will be guest to Nnewi United next weekend at the Rojenny Stadium, Oba, Anambra State.

MFM FC bring continental football to Lagos after 13 years

MFM FC bring continental football to Lagos after 13 years

By Footyalert → Monday, 4 September 2017

After 13 years of no continental club football action in Lagos State, modest Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries FC defeated Nasarawa United 2-0 courtesy of goals from Okorom Stanley and Tchato Giscard to claim a deserved spot in the next edition of CAF Champions League.


The Olukoya Boys beat the imagination of many to do the unthinkable following their victory over the Solid Miners in one of NPFL Matchday 37 fixtures played on Sunday at the Soccer Temple, Agege Stadium.


Nasarawa United started the exciting encounter guns blazing with series of sleek passes but they later surrendered to the resilient of the Lagos-based team after the first five minutes of exchange.

The man of the match, Okorom was the first to make a statement for MFM FC two minutes after the visitors surrendered their dominance when he tested Suraj Ayeleso with a right-footed shot but the Nasarawa United goalkeeper saved his effort.

Olatunbosun Sikiru was brought down near the edge of the visitors' box and the referee signalled for a free kick in the 12th minute. Okorom scored from the free kick spot following a superb strike that left Nasarawa United defenders in dismay.

The right-back capped his man-of-the-match performance with an assist when he delivered a well tailored cross to Tchato Giscard to head home the second goal in the first minute of the added time. The second half ended with MFM FC maintaining a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Kabiru Dogo and his wards picked up in the second 45 minutes and created few goal scoring chances.


Abdulrahman Bashir was close to causing danger in MFM FC's box when he grabbed a deflected effort in the 55th minute but he wasted the opportunity. Douglas Achiv set up Abdulbasit in the 70th minute of the match but the latter's shot went far off the upright.

MFM FC stood their ground and defended their two-goal lead with Olatunbosun Sikiru, Onuwa Chukwuka, Tchato Giscard forcing the Solid Miners to their own half while Opara Austine, Abisoye Olawale and Jonathan Zikiye did their jobs at the back superbly. It ended 2-0. the Olukoya Boys booked a continental ticket after a successful  two-year campaign in the Nigerian top flight.

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.

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

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

By Footyalert → Friday, 25 August 2017

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