Aiteo Cup Fallout: Kogi United apologize for crowd trouble

Aiteo Cup Fallout: Kogi United apologize for crowd trouble

By Footyalert → Friday, 18 August 2017

The Management of Kogi United FC have tender an unreserved apology to the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF and other stakeholders of football for the unfortunate incident that occurred during the club's Aiteo Cup First Round clash against Rangers Int'l on Wednesday in Lokoja.

The club have strongly condemned the “shameful” behaviour of some supporters after crowd trouble erupted following a controversial penalty awarded to Rangers in the 77th minutes with Kogi United leading 2-1 in the grueling encounter at the Confluence Stadium.

The NFF fumed at the avoidable situation, blaming the Kogi United, Kogi State Football Association for the crisis and ruled that the match points be awarded to Rangers which has seen them qualified to the next round of the oldest football competition in the country.

Kogi United were also fined #1.5m for series of offenses, suspended from participating in the next two editions of the Cup competition and its Chairmam, Abdul Sule was also suspended from Aiteo Cup till the end of the competition.

The club's supporters chairman Maikudi Kanin-Bala was also suspended from any football related competitions for two years for his untoward behavior during the match.

In a statement signed by the club's chairman, Abdul Sule, it regretted the incident which could have been averted just as he reiterated that Kogi United will continue to promote peace and spirit of sportsmanship.

While calling on relevant stakeholders to join hands in campaign against hooliganism in football, it added that the club would organize a sensitization program for supporters, fans and spectators on how to forestall future occurrence of the crisis.

"On behalf of Kogi United and the entire football families in Kogi State, we want to apologize for the incident that occurred in our last Aiteo Cup First Round match against Rangers Int'l.

"We want to state clear that Kogi United and its family is a peaceful club, law abiding and will continue to promote spirit of sportsmanship in all our games.

"We have a track record of discipline in our matches in Lokoja and that has made other clubs using the Confluence Stadium as their home grounds.

“It’s imperative that we all work together to try and salvage what is left of our reputation.

"We accept the decision of the football ruling body and we will continue to promote peace among the Football family in the state," the statement read.

Wow! What a blast by Beer Sheva's Anthony Nwakaeme against Maribo

Wow! What a blast by Beer Sheva's Anthony Nwakaeme against Maribo

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Sheyi Ojo's Best Moments

Sheyi Ojo's Best Moments

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Eagles conclude tour of Morocco

Eagles conclude tour of Morocco

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Nigeria’s U15 boys have rounded off a tour of the Kingdom of Morocco and are expected back in the country on Friday morning.


The team coached by Atune Jolomi alongside assistant coaches Tyabo Abubakar and Olowookere Bankole and goalkeeper trainer Ernest Salolome lost their first game against the Morocco U15 squad 0-1 on Wednesday before pulling a 1-1 draw in the second match on Thursday.


Both matches were played at the National Football Centre, one of the several facilities available to the Federation Royal Marocaine de Football and situated close to the FRMF offices in Rabat. The Nigerian squad arrived in Rabat on Sunday.


“I am excited at the positives we have taken away from this tour. Yes, we lost one game and drew the other, but the important thing is the spirit of the players and the way they approached the entire tour.


“The NFF has taken a lot of positives from this trip. As for the players, the exposure was huge for them and they will surely be better players going forward,” NFF 1st Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, who is also Chairman of the NFF Youth Development Committee and led the delegation to Morocco, told thenff.com.

Nigeria go up against Morocco

Nigeria go up against Morocco

By Footyalert → Tuesday, 15 August 2017

The U15 National Team of Nigeria, known as Future Eagles, will on Wednesday and Thursday play two international friendly matches against their Moroccan counterparts in Rabat, Morocco.


Both teams will slug it out at the National Football Centre, Rabat starting from 4pm on Wednesday, and again clash at the same venue on Thursday from mid-day.


The U15 squad and their officials arrived in Rabat on Sunday, and have had three training sessions at the National Football Centre ahead of the friendly games.


Before flying to Morocco, the team visited the corporate headquarters of Zenith International Bank, NFF’s major sponsor on youth football, where they met with the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Peter Amangbo and members of his Management team.

The players were selected from the pool that emerged from the inaugural edition of the NFF/Zenith Bank Future Eagles Championship held in Ijebu-Ode, Lagos and Abuja in the last quarter of 2016.


NFF 1st Vice President and Chairman of the NFF Youth Development Committee, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, who is head of delegation in Morocco, told thenff.com that he is delighted with the composure and discipline of the players.


“I have been with the boys for a couple of days and I am happy with their general attitude. I can see discipline, dedication and humility, and I can also see ambition.


“These matches are just friendly sessions but I believe the boys will gain tremendously from the experience.”

TV Pflugfelden's Hadedeji focused on his big dream

TV Pflugfelden's Hadedeji focused on his big dream

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TV Pflugfelden FC forward, Mayungbe Prince Hadedeji has revealed he learnt a lot when his team played against German top-flight team, VfB Stuttgart.

Hadedeji who moved to Oulun Palloseura FC in Helsinki, Finland from Sunshine stars of Akure in 2012 believes he'll some day play in Europe's top-flight leagues.


How long have you been in Germany and how is life over there? 

Well, I have been in Germany for about five years now and I can say that it has been good all along. Life here is quite organised, it is a society that allows and enable you to become what you want to be provided you have your papers as a foreigner and you understand the language.

Can you mention the clubs you have played for in Germany? 

Since I arrived here, I have been opportune to play for a number of Professional amateur clubs while I still chase the top dream. I have played for T.KS.Z LUDWISBURG,FC MARBACH, and TV PFLUGFELDEN which is my present club.

Where is your preferred position? 

I play outside right or outside left position. I can also play from the attacking midfield role.

Have you always been a forward?

I think I will say I am more comfortable in the outside right or left the position. In the club's I played, I've always maintained the role so I enjoy playing from the sides.

Where do you see yourself in the next coming years?

It is the dream of every footballer to attain top Professional level, the ultimate for me is to one day play in any premier Division in Europe. I know this dream will come true very soon, it's just a matter of time.

How competitive will you say the league you currently play is? 

The professional Amateur league here I'll say is far above other European countries in my opinion. The level of organisation is topnotch, the team want to win and win well. You just have to be the best here to qualify to the next level without favoritism.

What will you say is the difference between Nigerian football and German football?

There are a lot of differences. In Nigeria, football is more physical, and the facilities are not always available. Look at the pitches in Nigeria, they do not encourage good football. But here in Germany, I can say that you will learn good movement, tactics and you are exposed to sound coaching. The playing turf is also football friendly and the other equipment you need to develop are available.

Which match will you describe as the most difficult so far?

Without thinking too much, I will say the match my team played against Stuttgart. As you know the Stuttgart side is a top division team, so playing against them was quite tough. Although we lost but I will say I learnt alot from that match.

Have you had any trial recently in any part of Europe?

Yes, I was in France some months back for a trial at AS Pagny. All things being equal there is a move in the pipeline that will happen soon, once it is all clear it will be made public.

Any dream of playing in the national team of Nigeria?

Of course yes. It is the dream of every player to see himself in the Green and White colours representing Nigeria. I once had the opportunity when I got called for the up in the junior cadre but then I didn't make it, but I know my time shall come. So if I get an invite, I'll jump at it.

Who is your role model or which sports icon has influenced you the most? 

Is that your favourite sports personality? Without thinking twice, my role model is Thierry Henry. I love the way he used to play in his days, I still watch some of his clips to learn and improve daily in my game. And for my the person who has influenced my life the most, I'll say my dad. He has always been there to encourage and support me in any step I take toward my career.

If you were not playing football, what would you have been doing?

 There something I love too much which is being a DJ. I like music so much and I still try my hands on it whenever I have the time to.

Which team do you support?

 Arsenal FC has always been my favourite football club because of the kind of football they play. I will also say love good football, so any club that delivers that, I like such club.

Do you have a nick name?

Some of my team mates here call me Prince Boateng.

2017 AITEO Cup First Round Matches And Venues

2017 AITEO Cup First Round Matches And Venues

By Footyalert → Monday, 14 August 2017

Date: Wednesday, 16th August 2017

NGWA FC (Ebonyi) VS FC GALADIMA (Kebbi) – Abakaliki Township Stadium (4pm)



HEARTLAND FC (Imo) VS INSURANCE FC (Edo) – Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri (4pm)



LOBI STARS (Benue) VS KATSINA UNITED (Katsina) – Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi (4pm)



KATSINA UNITED FEEDERS (Katsina) VS AKLOSENDI FC (Nasarawa) – Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina (4pm)



AITEL FC (Taraba) VS UNICEM ROVERS (Cross River) – Jalingo Township Stadium (4pm)



MIGHTY JETS FC (Plateau) VS SUNSHINE STARS (Ondo) – Rwang Pam Stadium (4pm)



BAYELSA UNITED (Bayelsa) VS FC ZAMFARA (Zamfara) – Nembe Stadium (4pm)



ADAMAWA UNITED (Adamawa) VS CYNOSURE FC (Rivers) – Fufure Township Stadium (4pm)



EDE UNITED (Osun) VS SAKABA UNITED FC (Kebbi) – Oshogbo Township Stadium (2pm)



FC IFEANYI UBAH FEEDERS (Anambra) VS JIGAWA GOLDEN STARS (Jigawa) – FC IfeanyiUbah Stadium, Nnewi-Ozubulu (4pm)



SAMBA KURNA (Kano) VS WIKKI TOURISTS FEEDERS (Bauchi) – Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano (4pm)



EKITI UNITED (Ekiti) VS DOLPHINS FC (Kaduna) – Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti (4pm)



NIGER TORNADOES (Niger) VS EL-KANEMI WARRIORS (Borno) – Confluence Stadium, Lokoja (4pm on Thursday, 17th August)



RIVERS UNITED (Rivers) VS FC ATETE (Delta) – Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt (4pm)



DELTA WARRIORS (Delta) VS AYADE BABES (Cross River) – Warri City Stadium (4pm)



FC YARMA LIGHT (Gombe) VS FC IFEANYIUBAH (Anambra) – Patami Stadium, Gombe (4pm)



HALFA FC (Jigawa) VS AKWA UNITED FC (Akwa Ibom) – Hadejia Township Stadium (4pm on Thursday, 17th August)



SHOOTING STARS (Oyo) VS DYNAMITE FC (Edo) – Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan (4pm)



KOGI UNITED (Kogi) VS RANGERS INTERNATIONAL (Enugu) – Confluence Stadium, Lokoja (4pm)



NASARAWA UNITED (Nasarawa) VS MFM FC (Lagos) – Lafia City Stadium (4pm)



NIGER TORNADOES FEEDERS (Niger) VS FC ABUJA (FCT) – Confluence Stadium, Lokoja (2pm on Thursday, 17th August)



DOMA UNITED (Gombe) VS ADAMAWA UNITED (Adamawa) – Patami Stadium, Gombe (2pm)



OSUN UNITED (Osun) VS COAL CITY YOUTHS (Enugu) – Oshogbo Township Stadium (4pm)



FC LOKOJA (Kogi) VS EL-KANEMI BABES (Borno) – Confluence Stadium, Lokoja (2pm)



KWARA UNITED (Kwara) VS SOKOTO UNITED (Sokoto) – Kwara Sports Stadium (2pm)



WIKKI TOURISTS (Bauchi) VS PLATEAU UNITED (Plateau) – Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi (4pm)



ABS FC (Kwara) VS ENYIMBA FC (Abia) – Kwara Sports Stadium (4pm)



YOBE DESERT STARS (Yobe) VS KANO PILLARS (Kano) – Damaturu Township Stadium (4pm on Thursday, 24th August)



ABIA WARRIORS FC (Abia) VS CROWN FC (Oyo) – Umuahia Township Stadium (4pm)



FRSC FC (FCT) VS POTISKUM ACADEMY (Yobe) – Area 3 Stadium, Abuja (2pm)



ALMAR (Ogun) VS SPARTAN FC (Lagos) – Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode (4pm)



MOYERO FC (Ondo) VS AKWA STARLETS (Akwa Ibom) – Akure Township Stadium (4pm)

NWFL confirm draw date for Super 4

NWFL confirm draw date for Super 4

By Footyalert →

The draw for the 2017 Nigeria Women Premier League (NWPL) Super 4
Tournament will take place on Wednesday 15th August at the famed Protea Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.

The tournament which is organized by the Nigeria Women Football League
(NWFL), will feature four teams.

"The draw for the Super 4 tourney will take place on Wednesday at the
Protea Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos," NWFL chairperson Aisha Falode told Nwfl.com.ng

Defending champions Rivers Angels qualified for the competition alongside
Bayelsa Queens, Delta Queens and Nasarawa Amazons.

The draw will be under the supervision of NWFL Chief Operating Officer Ayo
Abdulrahman and other members of the league board.

One bowl/pot containing four balls will be used and there will be no  seeding.