When Will Ikorodu United Return Home?

By Amos Joseph

We are approaching mid-season, and teams are beginning to count their fortunes in the 2015/2016 Nigerian Professional League. The League table captured the performance of all the teams involved.

After a convincing win in their week 14 encounter against Heartland FC and a slim loss to Pillars at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, fans of Ikorodu United became optimistic of a turn around in the fortunes of the club.

In their last home game, Ikorodu hosted Plateau United at Onikan Stadium in a midweek encounter with the Lagos side looking really good from kickoff, in fact it seemed like it was going to be a party for Oga boys. The pressure paid off as the home team took the lead to throw the half empty Stadium into a jubilant mood, at least for the few who made their way to the stadium to enjoy and support the team. It really looked like a party! But the visitors were unperturbed.

Unfortunately, the party was disrupted as the visitors struck and drew level to cancel Ikorodu’s lead twice and celebrated their draw at the end of the day.

Although they didn’t get a full capacity, but the few Lagos fans who took time out to see the game gave their support, shouted and cheered the team. Unfortunately, the home team were left disappointed with a 2-2 draw. Some supporters of the club murmured, “Take us to Agege Stadium, we don’t want Onikan”. The question is, are we to blame it on the stadium now?

The newly promoted side was handed an opportunity to play inside Agege Stadium against visiting Heartland on their 13th league match which ended 3-1 in their favour. Come to think of it, it was their own choice (club management) to adopt Onikan stadium as home ground upon their arrival in the top division.

As it stands, the club is rooted to the bottom of the log with just 10 points from 17 league games (2 wins, 4 draws and 11 Losses ). If nothing changes in a short while, they may return to the NNL. It is also important to mention that they had an awful outing in the Nigeria National League (NNL) Super Four, although it is sometimes difficult to judge a team based on its performance in pre-season. But could this be the case for this team as their performance sometime is questionable as to whether they had a pre-season as a team?

It is no time for blame game though, but it would be nice to examine, to review the season so far and plan towards the second half to avoid the looming relegation. The fans have clamoured to be taken to Agege Stadium to prosecute league games. Is it really an issue of the ground or how the team has fared in their outings?

On technical grounds, the team changed handlers in week 7 as Sam Okpodu took over as head coach. For a breakdown, the club’s first 10 league matches (2 home losses, 2 home draws, 5 away losses and just 1 win at home) and the next seven (2 home draws, 4 away loses, and 1 famous home win at Agege. Imagine if the club had been able to secure wins in their home games on If only they could secure home wins at least, it would have boost and helped their campaign.

Frankly speaking, this side lacks depth to grind result when it mattered. A check on the games they drew and some of the losses on home soil shows they were not just convincing enough! Can we say it is a matter of experience? May be the team management needs to consider reshuffling the squad when the window opens in mid season, and if it also deems it fit to test another ground, I think the League Management Company is ever willing to assist teams who have cogent reasons to change home grounds. Do they have one?

Culled from pageone.ng

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!

Ifeanyi Ubah FC names Amokachi as Head Coach

Photo Credit: Supportthenpfl.com

Nigeria Professional Football League side, FC Ifeanyi Ubah of Nnewi on Sunday unveiled Daniel Amokachi as their new Technical Adviser/Head Coach.

The event which took place at the Rogenny Sports Stadium Oba had in attendance President/CEO of the club, Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, Club Chairman, Chuma Ubah and many other club officials.

According to reports John Obuh will now be promoted as Technical Director and Director of Football,  Amokachi will be Technical Adviser while Ike Shorunmi joins the team as Goalkeeper Trainer.

NPFL: Pillars back on track as Enyimba maintains top spot

Nigeria Professional Football League champions, Kano Pillars, seem to have bounced to winning ways after recording their second consecutive match since the return of coach Baba Ganaru.

Pillars came from a goal down to beat Heartland 2-1 in Kano on Wednesday in a week 21 encounter.

An own goal from Babangida Hassan in the 22nd minute gifted Heartland the lead before goals from Azeez Shobowale in the 41st minute and Rabiu Ali from the spot in the 80th minute gave the champions the three points.

Table-toppers Enyimba on maintained their lead with a 2-2 draw against Akwa United in Uyo.

The Peoples Elephants had to come back twice to level in a match which was a battle of former players of the home side.

Shooting Stars came from behind to beat Wikki Tourists 2-1 from a Tope Orelope brace. Lobi Stars beat Bayelsa United 3-0, Kwara United beat Dolphins 2-1 and Rangers beat FC Taraba 1-0.

However Sunshine Stars will host Sharks FC in Akure in a tricky affair which may see the Akure Gunners justle for top spot.

NPFL: Enyimba go top despite 1-1 draw against Rangers

Enyimba FC of Aba moved into the summit of the Glo Premier League (Nigeria Professional Football League) for the first time this season after forcing southeast neighbours, Rangers, to a 1-1 draw on Sunday.

Pre-match analysis favoured Enyimba to complete the double on Rangers due to their impressive run in the top division this season so far, and the fact that they had made stellar additions to their intimidating squad.

Enyimba coach, Kadiri Ikhana, gave mid-season signing, Musa Najere, his debut in the blue colours of the club while record league goalscorer, Mfon Udoh, returned to the match day squad for the first time since May.

Coach of Rangers, Imama Amapakabo, also surprisingly gave out-of-favour Super Eagles goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim the nod ahead of Itodo Akor in the startlist.

Rangers made the first impression as Onoriode Odah should have given them the lead but Enyimba keeper Femi Thomas went down well to make a one-handed save from a one-on-one situation.

But Odah made amends for his earlier miss by scooping a header over Thomas for the opening goal just nine minutes after kick-off. It was 1-0 to Rangers with Enyimba faithful stunned into silence.

It took the Peoples Elephant 28 minutes to restore parity. A well-planned move by Enyimba around the box freed Markson Ojobo on the right, who squared into the near post for Najere to convert unmarked past Agbim to put the score at 1-1.

That was the much the game produced in terms of goals as the two teams shared the points. Enyimba have now opened a point lead at the top of the league table having earned 37 points while Rangers stay rooted in 10th place with 28 points.

Leaders before match day 20, Sunshine Stars, dropped to second place after suffering a shock one-nil defeat at FC Taraba. Stephen Adah scored from a rebound just before half time after Ibrahim Sanusi's penalty kick struck the woodwork and bounced into play for the striker to tap home.

Another team in the top-four, Wikki, also failed to win by playing out a goalless draw with Heartland. Wikki are now third while Heartland remain in fifth place.

Giwa FC eased past Kwara United by a lone goal in Jos through Charles Henlong's second half goal. The win takes the Jos-based club to fourth position with 34 points.

League defending champions, Kano Pillars, edged Lobi Stars 2-1 to give their new coach, Mohammed Baba Ganaru a welcome win. Rabiu Ali and Shehu Shagari scored for Pillars in the opening 35 minutes before Tony Okpotu netted Lobi's goal three minutes into the second half. Pillars have climbed into seventh place but Lobi have now dropped into the bottom-four.

Shooting Stars held out well at El-Kanemi for 65 minutes before succumbing to Abraham Audu's goal that proved to be the winner for the Maiduguri club.

Two other matches ended in score draws of 1-1. FC Ifeanyiubah held Abia Warriors in a derby while Akwa United had to wait until added time to see Aniekpeno Udoh's goal cancel Bayelsa United's lead.

Source: npfl.ng

Nigeria Football League body names highest Goal-scorer's award after Rasheed Yekini

Nigeria Professional Football League body LMC, has named the Highest Goal Scorer trophy in honour of Super Eagles legend Rashidi Yekini.

The League Management company Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, said in a statement that the decision to name the trophy after the late striker was made by the board in order to immortalise the player who scored a total of 37 goals in 58 appearances for Nigeria.

“There is a broad plan to institute awards and honour outstanding players, officials, key stakeholders and fans in the league at the end of every season. There are a number of factors that led us to reach the decision to name one of these awards, that of the highest goal scorer, after the late Rashidi Yekini. The awards is part of strategic plans of the LMC to create commercial value and additional revenues out of the assets inherent in the league property,” Dikko said in a statement on the league’s website.

“We considered the aspiration factor, which seeks to let the players know that they too can become national heroes if they achieve excellence and make a success of their career. It says to them that they too can become legends of the game and the society will honour them as we have sought to honour the late Yekini.”

The LMC Chairman disclosed that a monetary incentive and other social benefits will be attached to the awards.

He said, “We have received a request from the Rashidi Yekini Foundation to provide additional cash support to the winner and we are studying their proposal. There are already plans to officially unveil the special trophy for this award at one of the league games.”

NPFL: Rangers International bounce back with victory over Lobi Stars

By Busayo Olowookere

Courtesy: Busayo Olowookere

It was celebration for fans inside the Nnamdi Azikwe stadium as Rangers Intlernational defeated Lobi Stars 3-1 in the week 17 encounter of Nigeria Professional Football League.

Rangers who lost their last game to Akwa United 0-2 away needed to put smiles on the faces of their home fans who matched into the stadium in their thousands on Sunday.

Lobi stars looked bright from the start with flashes of good attacking as they tried to hold on to play with Rangers int'l looking for the ball but Itodo Akor in goal for the home side made a crucial save while two solid goal line clearance by the defenders of Lobi Stars kept the results at goalless.It was celebration mood for Enugu fans inside the Nnamdi Azikwe stadium as Rangers Intl defeated Lobi Stars 3-1 in the week 17 encounter of Nigeria Professional Football League.

Rangers who lost their last game to Akwa United 0-2 away needed to put smiles on the faces of their home fans who matched into the stadium in their thousands on Sunday.

Lobi stars looked bright from the start with flashes of good attacking as they tried to hold on to play with Rangers int'l looking for the ball but Itodo Akor in goal for the home side made a crucial save while two solid goal line clearance by the defenders of Lobi Stars kept the results at goalless.

The Antelopes were forced to make use of the bench even before the first 45mins elapsed as Rasaq Adegbite had to leave the field with a slight injury after chasing a ball down the line.

On resumption of the second half, the Antelopes came out flying as Christian Madu's corner kick met Etim Matthew inside the box, who beat his opponent before shooting under the arm of goalkeeper Maliea Tekar to send the nervous fans into jubilation.

As the visitors searched for an equalizer,  it was Rangers intl who got of better of their attack as Etim Matthew's through ball met Godwin Aguda who only job was to round the goalkeeper before sloting into the empty net to make it two goals for Rangers.

Things got worst for the visiting side as lack of communication between Melia Tekar and Bunde Moses let  Rangers left back Alex Emenike floated across was headed home into his own net by Bunde Moses with the goalkeeper in no man's land to get the ball.

With time seeming to be off, Lobi stars finally got a consolation goal from a well pieces of ball work combination as Obaino shot pass Itodo Akor.

Speaking after the game, Lobi Stars coach Tenger expressed his disappointment, stating that no coach will accept the defeat and that loss of concentration.

Meanwhile coach Imama Amakapabo of Rangers intl opened up that he knew Lobi stars will play a compact team and he told his boys to calm down, send the ball on errand and it paid of.

'I am not a magician' - Coach John Obuh

Busayo Olowookere

Newly appointed head coach of Ifeanyi Ubah FC John Obuh has declared that He is not a magician after getting a win in his first official game for the club against Shooting stars of Ibadan in the week 16 fixture of the on-going Nigeria Professional Football League.

Obuh's team earned the maximum points which saw them bounce back after two straight defeats to Wikki Tourist and Heartland football club.

Speaking after the game, Obuh maintained the victory over their visitors was as a result of the efforts put in by the players and that they did better than the past few games they gave lost.

Furthermore speaking on the reactions of his players , John Obuh pointed out that the team have great players but they have a slow attitude and they are working on their attitude and psychology and give them confidence that they can do it.

Reacting to the absence of Sani Kaita from the game, John Obuh pointed out that after the game between Heartland, they were to moved immediately back to Nnewi but kaita stayed back and since them he has not reported to camp and the club might be forced to report to the League body if he fails to show up.

John obuh and his team now turn their attention to the Federation Cup game on Wednesday when they will trade tackle with Bayelsa united in the round of 32.

Sunshine Stars slip, promises Akwa tough time as Wikki stuns Ifeanyi Ubah

Sunshine Stars of Akure have dropped to second spot after they were pipped 1-0 by Rangers International in Enugu in Sundays league fixture at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium.

The host proved the better side in the first 45' and did not hesitate when the opportunity came calling as Alex Emenike's goal separated by both sides before the half which also proved to be the match decider.

Having lost to a better side on the day, the Akure Gunners conceded defeat and praised the Referee for fair officiating saying that the Antelopes deserved the victory.

Shortly after the match, the club shared via twitter, "Bad day in the office for our boys. The two injuries enforced the substitution, also limited our chances. Rangers deserved their win, the statement reads.

"We will bounce back against Akwa on Wednesday in Akure."

Interestingly, Ifeanyi Ubah lost at home for the first time since joining the Premier league to visiting Wikki Tourists by a lone goal scored by Chukwudi Samue in the 77th minutes.

The victory catapults Wikki to the summit as they now have 27points from 14 league matches, leading Sunshine Stars and Enyimba who also won 2-0 at home by a point.

In other results, last season champions Kano Pillars were held to a 2-2 draw by Dolphins FC who came from behind to put the match at per. Lobi Stars beat Abia Warriors 2-0, Bayelsa 2-0 Kwara United, Giwa FC 3-1 El-kanemi, Sharks 1-1 Heartland, Akwa United 1-1 Warri Wolves.

Meanwhile the only Saturday fixture saw Shooting Stars grab one point away after securing a 1-1 draw against FC Taraba.

Rangers pip Abia Warriors in dying minutes

By Busayo Oloowokere (Enugu)

It was a wild jubilation from the fans of Rangers international at the Nmamdi Azikwe stadium when Chisom Egbuchulam scored the winner with what could be last kick of the game.

With about 3,000 fans inside the stadium, the Flying Antelope needed to put smiles on the faces of their darling supporters who were disappointed in their last game in Ilorin losing 3-1 to the Harmony boys.

Both teams opened up the game in the early minutes with Rangers making a touching line clearance to deny Abia Warriors the lead. Rasak Adegbite also came closed but could not find the target before Marshall Odah blasting over the bar with only the goalkeeper of Abia Warriors to beat heating up frustration to end the first 45 mins at goalless.

On Resumption of the second half, both team geared up to find a goal with Abia Warrior's Ndifreke Effiong testing Itodo Akor in the 63rd mins to get a corner kick, while Osas Okoro who got a one on one with Chinedu Anozie blasted over the bar in the 76th mins.

With 4mins added time to be played, two one touch played from Rasak Adegbite and Osas Okoro drop the ball for Chisom Egbuchulam to fire in a shot into the back of the net to erupt a wild jubilation from the fans.

Speaking after the game, Abia Warriors Coach Ladan Bosso praised his boys for playing hard with determination and focus but expresses his dissatisfaction with the 4th official whom he claimed wasted time before showing of the added time. 

Nigeria Premier League Club Rangers FC has Branded Bottled Water?

Facebook: Felix Ifeanyi Abacha Nwosu

Facebook: Felix Ifeanyi Abacha Nwosu

If this is for real, it's not a bad idea as we understand the bottled water goes for N100 each at the stadium.

NPFL: Sunshine stars to travel by air for league opener against Sharks FC

Sunshine stars will make their trip to Port Harcourt by air on Friday from Lagos Airport as they confront Sharks Football Club at the weekend in their first game of the season.

The Media Officer of the Akure Gunners Wahab Bankole told Brila FM that the team will move from their preseason base in Abeokuta to Lagos where they will connect a flight to Port Harcourt.

He also mentioned that the team is used to making their long trips by air as they have done in the past season.

Meanwhile other matches will go as schedule except for the game s between Heartland and Kano Pillars that has been postponed indefinitely due to the robbery incident encountered by the league champions on Thursday on their way to Owerri.