EMERGENCY COMMITTEE GIVES GIWA, NEMBE CONDITIONS FOR RETURNING TO LEAGUE ACTION

The Emergency Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation on Monday heard the appeals of both Giwa FC and Nembe City FC, regarding their non-registration for the 2013/2014 NPFL season, and handed out conditions for the return of both Clubs into the League.

The meeting of the Committee, which held at the NFF Secretariat, Abuja and also involved top officials of the League Management Company and representatives of the two Clubs, resolved that both teams must, within the next seven (7) days, fulfill the following conditions for re-admission into the Nigeria Professional Football League:

1) Present a letter of allegiance to the LMC in accordance with the approved format

2) Present a Stadium to be inspected and approved by the LMC

3) Provide a detailed medical profile of all players in the two teams, in line with the approved medical forms

4) Discontinue all matters and litigations in court

“Failure to fulfil these conditions automatically bars both teams from the 2013/2014 Nigeria Professional Football League season,” stated the communique.

The Emergency Committee also ruled that the two Clubs must meet with other general requirements for registration for the 2013/2014 Nigeri Professional Football League season on or before 24th June, 2014, failure of which the Clubs will be subjected to penalty of deduction of nine (9) points.

Chief Operating Officer of the LMC, Mallam Salihu Abubakar was at the meeting with Mr. Shehu Dikko and Barrister Samson Ebomhe, while Nembe City was represented by Kate Johnson, and Hon. Samson Adamu represented Giwa FC. Hon. Sunday Longbap, Chairman of the Plateau State Football Association, presented evidence that the court case instituted by business associates of Giwa FC had been discontinued as of Monday, 24th March, 2014.

The Committee also ruled that henceforth, any Club that goes to court either by themselves or by proxy shall be made to defray the total cost of the matter before their appeal can be considered. In the same vein, the Committee has categorically warned Nembe City FC to desist from further association with any banned person(s), or risk forfeiture of points or outright de-registration from the League. Association includes appearance at their match venues and taking part in football activities on their behalf.

Consequent upon meeting the four mandatory conditions, the LMC is directed to admit Giwa FC and Nembe City FC into the NPFL season commencing from their fixtures in Week Four.

Present at the meeting were Barrister Chris Green (Acting Chairman), Alhaji Muazu Suleyman (Member); Hon. Suleyman Yahaya-Kwande (Member); Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed Fresh (Member); Alhaji Ahmad Muazu Kawu (Member) and; Barrister Musa Amadu (Secretary).

Nigeria gets WTF wildcard for Youth Olympics in China

For its consistency in the last few years coupled with the performance of its athletes at most international competititions, the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) has given Nigeria wildcard to compete at the 2014 World Youth Olympics in Nanjing, China.

At the WTF qualifiers concluded at the weekend in Taipei City, 39 countries including two African nations -Egypt and Morocco secured their places at the global championship holding later in the year in China.

Despite the inability of Nigerian athletes to secure a place from the qualifiers, the world ruling taekwondo body considered Nigeria’s pedigree at global stage coupled with the performance of the Team Nigeria nine-man contingent, decided to award one of the 20 wildcards available to Nigeria in the male event of the Olympics.

Meanwhile, out of the 74 qualification places up for grabs at the two-day qualification tournament, which was held at the Taipei Arena, host – Chinese Taipei clinched five tickets, showing its supremacy in taekwondo. The taekwondo competition of the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympic Games scheduled for August 17 to 21, 2014 in China.

Five countries took home four qualification places. They are Egypt, Azerbaijan, Russia, Belgium and Mexico, while four nations won three tickets, which are Ukraine, Germany, Turkey and the Netherlands.

Eight countries grabbed two qualification tickets. They are France, Colombia, Iran, Croatia, Thailand, the Great Britain, Italy and Brazil.

A total of 21 countries took one qualification place. They are Canada, Morocco, Slovenia, Romania, Poland, Sweden, Kazakhstan, Argentina, Malaysia, Spain, Korea, Ecuador, Chile, Vietnam, Jordan, Singapore, Czech, Austria, Uzbekistan, the United States, and Puerto Rico.

Through the qualification tournament, a total of 74 qualification places, 37 for males and 37 for females, were selected. Out of a total of 100 places for the taekwondo competition at the 2014 Nanjing Youth Olympic Games, the host country of China automatically earned six places, three for men and three for women, and the remaining 20 are the universal places, better known as wildcards. The host country did not participate in the qualification tournament.

Lagos junior League, Sports City FC and Y.M.D Babes secure maximum points

Week 18 of the premier league was one of mixed feelings for the top teams, While Surulere Sport City FC and Y.M.D Babes of OJO secured the much needed maximum points in their pursuit of the title, Apapa Golden Stars and Ifako Ijaiye FC suffered presumable fatal blows to their title ambitions.

Qudus Yussuf’s 77th minute goal was what gave Surulere victory over Ifako Ijaiye at the Legacy pitch on Sunday evening.

The highly tactical, technical and emotional encounter was a joy to watch as it provided excitement and a dose of unpredictability.

Before the encounter both teams were level on points but Ifako had a superior goals difference.

Ifako Ijaiye was notably the dark horse in this year’s title race but they gave a good account of themselves on the day.

Surulere’s victory puts them firmly in a good position to seal the title this season.

Apapa Golden stars slumped 2-0 to a resilient Oshodi Isolo side on Sunday morning at the Legacy pitch.

The Oshodi boys put up a spirited performance that effectively snuffed out Apapa’s threat.

The defeat cast a huge dent on Apapa’s title aspitations. On the other hand OJO Babes whitewashed Oriade FC 10-0 to seal Oriade’s fate of demotion from the prestigious premier league.

Surulere FC will face in-form Oshodi Isolo on Wednesday in their outstanding match. The encounter is scheduled for the Legacy pitch by 4pm.

Other Results

Lagos Island East 0 Eti Osa East 3

Kosofe 0 Lagos Island 3

Apapa 0 Oshodi 2

Apapa Iganmu 1 Lagos Mainland 1

Mushin 3 Imota 0

Itire Ikate 3 Odi Olowo 0

Mosan Okunola 1 Agege 1

Surulere 1 Ifako Ijaiye 0

Oriade 0 OJO 10

Ajeromi Ifelodun 0 Onigbongbo 2

Ahead 2014 World Team Table Tennis Championships: Oshonaike, Quadri allay fears over Italy, Czech Republic threats

The pair of Funke Oshonaike and Aruna Quadri believes the world rating of Italy and Czech Republic cannot intimidate Nigeria when they confront these European sides at the 2014 World Team Table Tennis Championship in Tokyo, Japan next month.

With Nigeria’s female team to be anchored by Germany-based Oshonaike has been pitched against Italy, India, Turkey, Portugal and Bulgaria, while the male team to be spearheaded by one of Africa’s most decorated table tennis player, Segun Toriola will tackle European giants like of Czech Republic and Belgium as well as Indonesia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Canada in Group E. but Oshonaike is optimistic that with quality preparation on the part of his teammates would make it easy for the team in Tokyo.

“I know that there is minnow in the game again as every country is eager to be the best in the world. For us, we managed to remain in division two after a poor outing at the last edition in Dortmund, Germany.

All the teams in our group are familiar to us because in Germany, we narrowly lose to Italy because of their experienced Chinese player, who gave us a tough time. India and Turkey are also very good. But India will surely be using the tournament to shape up for the Commonwealth Games, so we will both be looking out for each other. So I am sure that with good preparation from my teammates, we will surmount the hurdle in Japan,” she said.

The 2011 All Africa Games silver medalist, however believes the participation of Nigerian players in ITTF World Tours would surely help the team to acquaint with some of the players coming to Japan.

In his reaction, Portugal-based Quadri admitted that it was a tough challenge for the male team.

“I can say the group is very difficult and at the same time it is very good for us to prepare adequately for the Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

The group will bring out the best in us, which means to be the best we must win against the best. Canada is a familiar foe for many years and I see us winning against Canada again just like we did at the last edition in Germany. Indonesia and Bosnia-Herzegovina is not as tough as Canada but we must be at our best to win against these teams. We will not underrate any of these teams,” he said.
Continuing he said: “Czech Republic as the top seed is the most difficult according to their ranking but we will not be deceived by the ranking. With the calibre of players they have in their team and their individual ranking shows that they are the favourite but we will give our 100 per cent best and it is possible to win against them. We are as good as Belgium and I think we can win against them as I see that nothing is impossible.”

Having missed out from gaining promotion in 2012, Quadri said: “I think we have a very good chance of surviving in this group. I am confident of qualifying to the next round of the tournament. The first team qualified directly to quarterfinal and the next best teams will play in round of 16.

I think if we are not in first position we will be in second position and if we are not in second position for sure we will be in third position. For sure we will qualify from group stage.”

“Our team is good form right now and I am confident we can do better and Nigeria can gain promotion to first division if we play better than the last edition in Germany. I can say for myself, I am well prepared because in the last four months I have been playing touch matches. Also the Qatar and Kuwait experience has boosted my confidence, while my participation in the German and Spanish Opens will also be of help to me personally,” he added.

Biambo heads NFF Electoral Committee

Mr. Amoni Biambo, an accomplished professional and businessman based in Port Harcourt, was on Monday elected Chairman of the NFF Electora Committee, saddled with the responsibility of conducting elections into the NFF Executive Committee and into the Nigeria Professional Football League, Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women League and Nigeria Nationwide League, come August 2014.

Elected as Vice Chairman is Dr. Akpo Mudiaga Odje, from Delta State, as the Electoral Committee swung into action ahead of the August polls. Other members are Professor Musa Garba Yakassai, Mr. Charles Nwokocha, Mr. Pascal Patrick, Dr. Omolawon Kayode and Mr. Prince Elube. NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu, is secretary.

Also inaugurated was the NFF Electoral Appeals Committee, with Barrister Eddy Mark, Mr. Dotun Coker, Mallam Bala Garba, Mr. Victor Nwangwu and Mallam Sani Mohammed Gusau as members. The secretary is Lawrence Katken, NFF’s Assistant Director (Competitions).

The Zonal Coordinators’ Forum was also inaugurated at the same occasion. While Barrister Chris Green is coordinator for the South
South region, Sir. Ephraim Chukwuemeka will coordinate the South East and Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi will coordinate the South West.

Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed Fresh is in charge of the North Central, Alhaji Hussaini Modibbo takes charge of the North East and Alhaji Ibrahim
Musa Gusau holds fort in the North West. The secretary is Tunde Aderibigbe.

While inaugurating the zonal coordinators’ forum , NFF President Aminu Maigari, who was represented by Alhaji Muazu Suleyman, a Member of the NFF Executive Committee and CAF Match Commissioner, said: “Zonal coordinators are persons of timbre and calibre, who abide totally by the dictates of the NFF and FIFA Statutes for fairness and thoroughness, while eschewing favouritism, parochialism, nepotism and other negative tendencies.

“It is impossible for the NFF President, or the other Members of the Executive Committee, to be everywhere at the same time. Zonal
coordinators do a lot of work to bring to the attention of the NFF Executive Committee, the urgent needs and requirements of the
different geo-political zones, in a harmonised and coherent manner.”

Inaugurating the Electoral Committee and the Electoral Appeals Committee, Maigari stated: “I must state here that all the members of
the two Committees come highly recommended. That goes without saying, having been elected at the highest forum of Nigeria football – the NFF Annual General Assembly, which took place in Warri, Delta State on Thursday, 28th November, 2013.

“I am convinced that the persons in the Electoral Committee are condemned to do a great job, going by their pedigree and personal
accomplishments in the game. Elections are all about fairness and credibility. Without these guiding principles, an election becomes a
farce, and all manner of unwarranted distractions come along.”

Costa Rica 2014: Flamingoes goes spiritual for Spain

Flamingoes winger Aminat Yakubu has stated that she and her teammates will be banking on God to record huge success at the on-going FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.

Nigeria wrapped up their impressive start in the group stage at the 4th U17 Women’s World Cup with an emphatic 3-0 win over Mexico on Monday morning to complete three wins out of three matches in La Sabana stadium, San Jose.

Yakubu commended her teammates for their performance against Mexico and dedicated her award and goal to God.

Bearing in mind Nigeria is yet to progress past the quarter-final and will be hoping to make a difference, she said, “We know God is behind us and going to do more grat things for us at this tournament. With God everything is going to be possible against Spain.”

“It’s a good performance from my colleagues. I am happy with my teammates’ assistance and grateful to God for my award and goal,” Yakubu admitted.

She dedicated the victory against Mexico to God, noting that the North Americans underrated them going into the final group game on Monday morning.

“Mexico thought they are going to beat us in today’s game, but with God and determination, we conquered them.”

Speaking on what Nigerians should be expect in term of goals from the Flamingoes against Spain, the Rivers Angels attacker promised that she and her teammates will put in their best to advance to the semi-finals.

“We are going to step up our game in the quarter-final to see the semi-final.”

The Bala Nikyu’s ladies after recording a 100 percent start to U17 Women’s World Cup campaign has been rewarded with quarterfinal clash with European powerhouse, Spain by 3am on Friday morning (Nigeria) in Liberia, Costa Rica.

NBBF/DSTV PBL and Zenith Bank Women Basketball League Updates

NBBF/DSTV PBL: WEEK-3 RESULTS

ATLANTIC CONFERENCE

UNION BANK 72 – 58 POLICE BATON

OLUYOLE WARRIORS 91 – 86 DODAN WARRIORS

KWARA FALCONS 58 – 53 CUSTOMS

ISLANDERS 62 – 45 ROYAL HOOPERS

SAVANNAH CONFERENCE

KANO PILLARS 119 – 55 BAUCHI NETS

KADA STARS 68 – 39 NIGER POTTERS

PLATEAU PEAKS 45 – 54 MARK MENTORS

GOMBE BULLS 72 – 43 IMMIGRATION

Zenith Bank Women Basketball League Update

Group A
(Day 1)
Sunshine Angels 45-41 Delta Force.

Day 2 (SAT)
First D.Water 71-14 Taraba Hurricane
IGP Queens 53-30 GT 2000
Oluyole Babes 25-42 Immigration

Day 3 (SUN)
Oluyole Babes 47-65 Taraba Hurricane
Immigration 36-58 IGP Queens
GT200 36-58 Sunahine Angels
Delta Force 35-63 First Deep Water

Group B
(Day 1) FRI
FCT Angels 51-31 AHIP Queens

Day 2 (SAT)
Dolphins 78-43 Coal city
Customs 32-35 Plateau Rocks
First Bank 66-20 Benue Princess

Day 3 (SUN)
First Bank 97-18 Coal city
Benue Queens 42-53 Customs
Plateau Rocks 45-60 FCT Angels
AHIP Queens 30-71 Dolphins

FEMI ADEFESO

PHOTOS COURTESY AKINKUNMI FARINTO