My Jealousy: ''In the days of Stationery Stores''

By Amos Joseph

Okay! this is what you will find in the first paragraph on Wikipedia when you check for the words ''Stationery stores'' on google. The team Stationery Stores was founded in 1958 by Israel Adebajo, who ran the Nigeria office of the Stationery Stores Supply Company. They immediately established themselves as one of the dominant teams in the area and country, supplying the bulk of the first editions of the national team and winning a total 13 Lagos State Challenge Cups, the preliminary round for the Nigerian FA Cup.

I also learned that the team was in the top division of Nigerian football between 1973 and 1993. Within this period, the team won laurels and was loved by the Lagos fans for their entertaining style of play.

The famous Stationery stores was one of the teams that did great exploits back in the days with some rivalries to the delight of its ever-supportive and demanding fans. To mention, I heard Enugu Rangers was one of the teams’ fierce rivals.

Every time I hear the word ''in the days of Stores'', in my mind I try to imagine what exactly thrilled the entire country about this team that it still gets mentioned. From the records, the team has some members of its squad in the national team.

Personally, it was important for me to be at the stadium on Sunday 21st February, 2016 to watch Ikorodu United play host to Abia Warriors. Not because I had nothing to do on the day but because I love the game, I would report and most importantly, be a part of history.

The people of Lagos have not had a team in a while, and here come teams (including Mountain of Fire & Miracles Ministry FC) who are have promised to meet up with the expectation of the ever-demanding Lagos fans as they play in the top-tier of the country’s football league. Those who have been around or say born in the early times before the 80s often use this cliché which I sometimes get jealous of, ''in the days of Stores''.

Honestly, the most used words on day one fixture at the Onikan Water-front was, ''laye Stores'' meaning ''in the days of Stores''. This did nothing but to rekindle my jealously, again! In fact, as soon as the visitors Akwa United took the lead, the stadium went silent. You could hear and perceive the hissing, sighing, and other body or say sign language from the disappointed home fans. Ha! ''Laye stores''.

The home team, ''Oga'' as they are fondly called, didn’t come to the party in the first half, as they were dominated by the Warriors from the East. Right there and then, the news came of the exploit of the Prayer Warriors (MFM FC) who were leading by two goals to nil on away soil in Katsina Ala, the temporary home of Nassarawa United. Something to cheer about you’d say!

Talking about Oga, prior to kick-off, the Oga at the top i.e Chairman of the club Babatunde Akindele spoke to Channels Sports on Sunday afternoon, promising that the club will play good football to the delight of the fans. Right there, I began to wonder if this is the good football. Although, the confidence and some individual skills exhibited by the players showed that the team has something to offer. Apparently, no joker would make it through to the topflight league in Nigeria but I hope the team would not be pressured by the fans.

The stadium was thrown into a jubilant mood when the home side, Ikorodu United grabbed the equalizer in the second half to put the match at per. How fans can change!

Back in the days, Lagos was not all about Stores. We had clubs like Leventis, Nepa, Julius Berger, ACB, and a few others even till NPA now Warri Wolves. Today, it is Ikorodu United and MFM FC, let us throw our weight behind the teams, come out in number and support Oga and the Prayer Warriors to the heights.

Who says this generation cannot offer something better than ''the good old days''? Lagos, this is not a sponsored or paid post to drum support for any club in particular, but I can categorically say that you would never be disappointed paying N200 to watch them display their finesse and panache.  Eko o'ni baje!

Ondo House of Assembly Summons ODSFA management over Sunshine banishment

By Isaac Afolabi

The Ondo House of Assembly has summoned the management of the state's football body ODSFA and Sunshine Star FC head coach to explain the reason behind the violence which erupted during League fixture between the club and Lobi Stars.

Speaker of the House Mrs Jumoke Akindele affirmed at a plenary in the floor of the house that they are expected to report on Tuesday 24th November, 2015.

Moving the motion, Chairman House Committee on Sports, Mr Olumide George said there is need for explanation as the state is not known for such ugly display.

Following the incidence, Sunshine Stars were banished to Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos for the remainder of their league matches and were also fined the sum of five million naira.

However, the head coach Kennedy Boboye quit the club after leading the team to a sixth place finish.

Oliseh invites Mikel, Echiejile, 22 other for Congo and Cameroun friendlies

Ahead of the friendly matches against Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroun, Super Eagles head coach Sunday Oliseh has invited 24 players to to prosecute the games.

Source: thenff.com

Among the invitees are Captain Vincent Enyeama, John Obi Mikel, Elderson Echiejile, Godfrey Oboabona and a host of others.

Former junior international defender Abdullahi Shehu gets his first opportunity at senior level, and Moses Simon, who scored against Niger Republic, is also considered, alongside home boys Chima Akas, Austin Oboroakpo, Paul Onobi and Prince Aggrey. There is also room for Watford FC of England striker Odion Ighalo.

THE FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France); Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars); Femi Thomas (Enyimba FC)

Defenders: Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Abdullahi Shehu (Uniao da Madeira, Portugal); Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France); Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey); William Troost Ekong (FK Haugesund, Norway); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa SK, Turkey); Austin Oboroakpo (Abia Warriors)

Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Paul Onobi (Sunshine Stars); Obiora Nwankwo (Coimbra FC, Portugal); John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Rabiu Ibrahim (AS Trencin, Slovakia)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emmanuel Emenike (Al Ain, UAE); Sylvester Igbonu (FC UFA, Russia); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Moses (West Ham United, England); Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England); Prince Aggrey (Sunshine Stars)

The Eagles take on Congo on October 8 and Cameroun three days later.

Bring Super Eagles matches to Lagos, Oliseh advises NFF

Ex-Super Eagles midfielder, Sunday Oliseh has advised that the nations senior national team will perform better playing inside the National Stadium Lagos.

Oliseh in an interview with Brila FM noted that the pressure from Lagos fans would suffice to spur the Eagles to giving their best in any match.

He further stated that it was more difficult during his days to represent the country that present time.

“It’s a lot easier now to play for Nigeria and I guess that is one of the reasons we are not doing so well now. In those days, you go to the National Stadium, Lagos in front 100, 000 fans. After 20 minutes, you have not scored, the fans go crazy and your family lives in Lagos; that is pressure. When you go to the Africa Cup of Nations or the World Cup and you know that second
is not enough; that is pressure. When you have to play and the future of your family is at stake; that is pressure.

“I’m overtly telling them that if we want to go back to the top; we need to bring the Super Eagles back to Lagos.

"If England have an important match to play, they play you at Wembley because that is where they have the greatest number of fans and that is where it becomes emotional for the players. The National Stadium is our own Wembley. I played for Nigeria for 10 years and we never lost at the National Stadium. That shows you how mythical it was to play there. The players need that kind of atmosphere to perform.”

Steven Gerrard reveals the best moment of his career in a letter to Liverpool fans

Having spent over 17 years at Anfield, Liverpool Captain Steven Gerrard would be saying his good-bye soon but he writes to the club supporter as he makes that move to the MLS this summer.

The letter reads: 

To all my fans,

Saying goodbye hasn't been easy.

Liverpool Football Club has been such a massive part of my life since I was eight years old and I know how much I'm going to miss it.

It's been an emotional time for my family and I with my final game at Anfield against Crystal Palace and then my last appearance away to Stoke City.

But I've been blown away by the send-off I've been given by the supporters and I'd like to thank every one of you. It's been very humbling and it's something I'll cherish for the rest of my life.

It's been an absolute privilege to represent this football club for so long.

When I was a kid, kicking a ball around in Ironside Road in Huyton, all I ever wanted to do was play for Liverpool. I dreamed of pulling that shirt on just once.

I never thought I'd get close to achieving that so to be able to look back on a first-team career of 710 appearances spanning 17 years I'm immensely proud.

I've loved every minute of playing for the best supporters in the world.

It's been an amazing journey. There have been some glorious highs and some crushing lows, but throughout you have given me fantastic support and I'll never forget that.

The highs have been all the sweeter because they have been achieved with my boyhood club. We have shared those special moments together.

Of course the pinnacle of my career arrived in Istanbul 10 years ago. That was the best night of my life. When I lifted the European Cup, there was no prouder man on the planet.

It meant so much to me to deliver that trophy for you. The supporters played such a big part in helping to inspire that famous comeback against AC Milan. I'll never forget how they helped to lift our chins off the floor after that nightmare first half.

People have often asked me about the pressure on my shoulders to deliver for Liverpool but I've never seen that as a burden. There's been huge responsibility on me but I've always loved and embraced that.

It's been a massive honour to be captain of this club for so long. I've always given my best and tried to lead by example.

I've been very fortunate to play alongside some incredible players and for managers who have all helped me to improve and develop. I'm proud of what I've given back - the sacrifices, the dedication and the loyalty over the years.

But more than anything I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to play in front of these fans for so long.

Liverpool is my home and I love this city. But I believe the time is right to open a new chapter as I prepare to move to America.

I want to keep playing every week in the final few years of my career and I'm looking forward to embarking on a new challenge with Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS.

I'll be away for the next couple of years but this isn't the end of my long association with Liverpool FC. I've been a supporter all my life and that will continue.

I hope to get the opportunity to come back and serve the club again one day. I feel that I can make a contribution in some role in the future.

But today is all about looking back and saying thank-you to the fans for the magnificent support you have given me over the past two decades. You have helped me to fulfil my dreams over and over again and given me memories I wouldn't swap for anything.

Thank you.

Steven Gerrard

Source: Liverpoolfc.com

David Luiz vows to abstain from sex as he gets baptized

PSG defender, David Luiz has vowed to abstain from sex following his recent ''water baptism''.

According to report on daily Express, the former Chelsea player was baptized in the swimming pool of club team-mate Maxwell, and is now a member of the Pentecostal Hillsong Church.

Luiz said he vowed to abstain from sex with his girlfriend Sara Madeira until they are married.

The Brazil international posted on his Instagram account, stating that he has ''chosen to wait'', followed by a Bible verse.

''I have chosen to wait,'' the 28-year-old Brazilian said.

Luiz on his Instagram added that he has devoted his life to God.

''Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV),'' Luiz wrote.

''How wonderful to live with you Lord, thank You for loving me so much

and taking care of me!

''My life is yours, and I am your servant! You’re always in the center

of all my decisions! I love my God! Amen''

In this light, Luiz is following the footsteps of fellow Brazilian and former Real Madrid star, Kaka previously who also claimed that he was a virgin until marriage.

Friendly: Nigeria Super Eagles to play Ivory Coast and Mali

The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that the Senior national team will take on Ivory coast and Mali during the FIFA free days next year.

Google Image: Nigeria vs Cote d'voire

According to report on Vanguard, the NFF General Secretary said the Eagles will also be engages during the period despite not qualifying for AFCON.

 

''We are working round the clock to make sure that the Super Eagles will have opponents for all the FIFA windows available in year 2015, and we are happy that the two games with the Ivorians and the Malians are sealed.

 

''The Elephants and the Les Aiglons are on their way to the 30th Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea, so they are sure to give our team good games.''

 

Already, Assistant Coach Daniel Amokachi has drawn a list of 24 players who will do battle for shirts for the two matches.

Nigeria retains 42nd position in FIFA ranking

Despite not qualifying for Afcon 2015, Nigeria did not surge nor slum in the latest FIFA ranking released by world football governing body FIFA for the month of November as Nigeria remains on the 42nd position attained.

The Eagles defeated Congo 2-0 away and played out a 2-2 draw in Uyo against South Africa but was not enough to see the team through to Equatorial Guinea 2015.

My Take: You envisaged a slum didn't you?

Wenger ''angry and disappointed'', says Arsenal defended poorly

Manager of Arsenal has aired his view on the three goals his side lost to Anderlecht in the Champions League return leg on Tuesday night saying they were poor defensively.

The Gunners took a 3 goal lead before the Belgian side rallied back to ensure the match ended in a stalemate.

''You have to give them [Anderlecht] credit because the fought until the end and we had a poor defensive performance from the first to the last minute today. - said Wenger in a post-match press conference. (Quoting from club website)

''We never felt comfortable and somewhere we got punished because of bad luck. 

''The first goal was offside but defensively our performance was not good enough to do it. 

 ''It's very disappointing but overall over the two games we got four points.''

UCL: Rogers set to bench Gerrard against Real Madrid

Liverpool manager has dropped a hint that Captain Steven Gerrard may sit out in their Champions league date with Champions Real Madrid at the Bernabau on Tuesday night.

The Reds manager said in a press conference on Monday that the he might just be giving weekend's game against Chelsea in the Premier League more priority.

''I don’t see it as a gamble. This week and these games against the likes of Real Madrid I see as a great opportunity for the squad – you put them out there and you put your trust in them to perform,'' he insisted.

''In Steven’s case, if he is playing on Saturday I have to look at what is the priority for him and us. If he played against Newcastle and didn’t play tomorrow night you could say that was the priority.

''Him and I have spoken about that. Three big games, Newcastle, Madrid and then Chelsea. I need to look at a number of players to look at the games we want them to play in.

''But I have also got to look at (the fact) we brought in other players. And there is responsibility. But there is no doubt that our priorities are the Premier League and the Champions League, and always in that order.''

Nigeria Coach Peter Debevbo shortlisted for FIFA Award

Nigeria U-20 Women's Coach Peter Dedevbo has been listed among the nominees for FIFA Coach of the Year for Women.

Coach Dedebvo was in-charge of the Nigeria Women’s U-20 Silver Medal team at the recently concluded World Cup this year but were beaten by Germany in the final.

FIFA’s Committee for Women’s Football and a group of experts from France Football drew up the 10-man list, which will be cut down to three by December 1.

Here's a full list of the nominees for the award 

1. Philippe Bergeroo (France/France national team)

2. Peter Dedevbo (Nigeria/Nigeria U-20 national team)

3. Laura Harvey (England/Seattle Reign FC)

4. Ralf Kellermann (Germany/VfL Wolfsburg)

5. Maren Meinert (Germany/Germany U-20 national team)

6. Norio Sasaki (Japan/Japan national team)

7. Pia Sundhage (Sweden/Sweden national team)

8. Asako Takemoto Takakura (Japan/Japan U-17 national team)

9. Jorge Vilda (Spain/Spain U-17 national team and U-19 national team)

10. Martina Voss-Tecklenburg (Germany/Switzerland national team)

Football Analyst Oma Akatugba welcomes first child with German girlfriend

Seasoned football analyst Oma Akatugba and his German girlfriend (Marina Sanhoelz) have announced the arrival of their baby girl.

 

The Nigerian made this public via the social media over the weekend.

 

''I have been directed to announce to you all the safe delivery of my daughter, Tega Helena Akatugba.

 

''This is the happiest day of my Life, September 14-2014.Thank you Lord.''

 

 

Congratulations and welcome to parenthood.

 

Thank You: Imoh Ezekiel drops farewell message after completing his £5m to Qatar

Nigerian striker Imoh Ezekiel has finally completed a move to Qatari Club Al- Arabi in a deal worth €5million.

While appreciating Standard Liege, the Belgian club he joined from 36 Lions of Lagos since 2012, he dropped his farewell message on his Official Instagram account which reads

"So life can be this fast! Too bad am leaving Standard this way but am leaving you guys for good, but my heart still remains with Standard, I wanna say a very big thank you to Standard, for everything they have done for me and for my life because without Standard is I will be nobody.

"For that I will remain a Standardman for life.

"A very big thank you to the coaches, players and fans for the love you guys showed me. You guys are just one in a million and I'm gonna miss you so much.

For the beautiful stadium of Standard and the fans, once again thank you for the love and I hope to see you guys in the future. I love you all.