Rivers United Striker Chukwunonso Okonkwo Wary Of Ikhana’s Influence

Rivers United attacker, Chukwunonso Okonkwo says his side will “have no chance of escaping defeat” unless they play the game of their lives against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) on Saturday.

The two sides go toe to toe in a match day seven Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) fixture at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, with United searching for their first points on the road this season.

Okonkwo reckons his side will not avoid defeat unless they play the perfect game against the “Oluyole Warriors” on Saturday.

“I will be playing against my former coach (3SC head coach), Kadiri Ikhana who is a great tactician.

“He was the first coach to lead a Nigerian club to success in the Caf Champions League.

“We have to play as a team on Saturday and avoid making any mistakes if we want to get any (points) on Saturday,” Okonkwo told Rivers United Media. United’s season has been one of great contrasts following three wins at home and three defeats on the road after their first six matches.

The Port Harcourt club are yet to concede at home though and are the division’s top scorers on the road (four goals from three matches). Okonkwo believes “a complete change of attitude” is key if rich rewards are to be reaped on Saturday. “I will say we have no chance of escaping defeat in the hands of 3SC unless we play as a team.

“The players must show a complete change of attitude.

“We have a good defence but we sometimes concede unnecessary goals. “We score in all our games and I believe that if we stop conceding, we will win away sooner, rather than later. “To achieve this, we must work as a team; it’s not just the defenders,” he said.

Rivers United currently occupy eighth place on the NPFL standings while 3SC are in 14th with six points from four matches.

Rivers United’s Eguma Faces Goalkeeping “Headache”

Technical manager of Rivers United, Stanley Eguma must make a decision about his choice of goalkeeping personnel ahead of Saturday’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clash with Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in Ibadan.

Sunday Rotimi started United’s first five games this season but was overlooked for the match day six defeat to Niger Tornadoes in Lokoja.

Godwin Anyalogu, Rotimi’s replacement in Lokoja, impressed, despite conceding three goals and Eguma admits he has a decision to make as regards who starts in goal for United in Saturday’s contest against the ‘Oluyole Warriors’.

“It will be a difficult decision to make (as regards who plays against Shooting Stars) but I will wait till the last moment.

“It is a headache but a good one. Rotimi is excellent but I was also impressed with Anyalogu’s performance against Tornadoes.

“There is also (former Sharks goalkeeper) Henry Ayodele who has not played so far this season and he is one of the best goal keepers I have worked with.

Rivers United Coach Stanley Eguma

“I will decide who plays (in Ibadan) on Saturday,” Eguma told RIVERS UNITED MEDIA.

Eguma also discussed his side’s failure to come up with the goods on their travels thus far despite emerging as the NPFL’s best goals scorers on the road this season.

He admitted that ‘mistakes’ have been made in previous games but insists that those errors have been corrected ahead of Saturday’s big game.

“The game against 3SC is a big one and we know that they have been doing well this season.

“We hope we can correct our mistakes (from previous matches) as we go to Ibadan.

“We will map out our strategies as we go to Ibadan for the game and ensure that we do not return empty-handed,” he said.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper, Anyalogu is still “angry” following his side’s failure to pick up any points from the match day six fixture against Torndoes in Lokoja.

The goalkeeper who conceded three goals in the fixture says United are “too strong to be losing this many games” this season.

“I am still angry that we lost in Lokoja (to Tornadoes). It was a very complicated game.

“We were the better side in the first half and had two very good chances to score. Unfortunately, we allowed them to score with the last kick of the half.

“It’s strange that despite scoring in all our matches this season, we have not managed to get a single point away from home this season.

“We are too strong to be losing this many games and now we must correct it when we face Shooting Stars on Saturday,” he said.

Anyalogu also discussed the relationship he enjoys with the club’s other goalkeepers, revealing that the camaraderie amongst them is something to be admired.

“There is no jealousy. After matches, we all sit together to critique the performance of whoever plays.

“It’s a good thing because the atmosphere is positive,” he said.

Rivers United’s Sunday Rotimi and Henry Ayodele.

He rounded off by admitting that he would have no problems if he’s dropped to the bench for Saturday’s game.

“Have I done enough to start on Saturday? I think that is a decision for the coach but I will have no problems if (Sunday) Rotimi starts ahead of me.

“What is important to me is for the team to get at least a point in Ibadan.

“Losing two straight games will affect our position on the table so we must do our best,” he said.

Saturday’s game between 3SC and Rivers United kicks off at 4:15pm (5:15 CAT) and is live on SuperSport.

Boboye, Obomate Win League Bloggers Awards For February

Kennedy Boboye of Abia Warriors and Frederick Obomate of Rivers United have been named winners of the Manager and Player’s awards respectively in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) by the League Bloggers Awards (LBA).

Both men emerged as top performers for the month under review after impressive team and individual outings in the top division in Nigeria.

Boboye was clearly the frontrunner in the race for the manager’s award for February after masterminding an unbeaten run for his club, Abia Warriors, from the dugout. That run without a loss included a 1-0 win on the road at Heartland in the southeast derby as well as a 1-1 draw to new boys, Ikorodu United, at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos.

He also led Abia Warriors to edge a plucky El-Kanemi Warriors 2-1 on February 24 at home to complete their unbeaten streak last month. Boboye edged a field of managers in Fidelis Ilechukwu of MFM FC, Godwin Uwua of Lobi Stars and Mohammed Baba Ganaru of Kano Pillars.

Kennedy Boboye wins LBA for February 2016

Obomate had to fend off the trio of Michael Olaha of Abia Warriors, Wasiu Jimoh of Shooting Stars, Anthony Okpotu of Lobi, who were closely challenging for the player’s award.

The Rivers United midfielder scored three goals in three games and chipped in an assist to put himself ahead of the pack in contention for the February award. He also had telling contributions in the four goals his club scored in the month under review.

Boboye and Obomate will be presented their awards as manager and player respectively for February by the LBA on a later date.

League Bloggers Awards Shortlists Eight For February Awards

The League Bloggers Awards (LBA) has named four players and four managers as its nominees for the Player and Manager in the Nigeria Professional Football League in the month of February.

In the player’s category, Rivers United attacking midfielder Frederick Obomate, Anthony Okpotu of Lobi Stars, Michael Olaha of Abia Warriors and 3SC hat-trick hero, Wasiu Jimoh, are in the running for the February edition of the LBA.

Obomate has scored three in three games for Rivers United winning them six points from nine while Jimoh’s three goals put new boys, Mountain and Fire Miracles (MFM) FC, to the sword earning 3SC their first full points of the season.

Okpotu has scored twice in three appearances in the month under review and helped his Lobi team notch up three points in their 2-1 win over Sunshine Stars.

Olaha has featured thrice for Abia Warriors this term and all three from the bench in which he scored twice against El-Kanemi Warriors and Heartland. His goals have secured six points for Warriors so far.

The quartet of Fidelis Ilechukwu of MFM FC, Kennedy Boboye of Abia Warriors, Mohammed Baba Ganaru of Kano Pillars and Godwin Uwua of Lobi Stars will tussle for the manager’s award.

Boboye has guided Warriors to top spot after they claimed seven points from nine, including three points from a 1-0 win on the road against Heartland while Baba Ganaru, Ilechukwu and Uwua have helped their teams to six points each. Unlike Baba Ganaru’s Kano Pillars, the teams of Ilechukwu and Uwua have won a game apiece on the road.

The winners of both categories will be announced later this week.

The Nominees

PLAYERS
Fred Obomate (Rivers United)
Wasiu Jimoh (3SC)
Anthony Okpotu (Lobi Stars)
Michael Olaha (Abia Warriors)

MANAGERS
Kennedy Boboye (Abia Warriors)
Godwin Uwua (Lobi Stars)
Fidelis Ilechukwu (MFM FC)
Mohammed Baba Ganaru (Kano Pillars)

FREESTAN TACKLES RANGERS, WARRI WOLVES, OTHERS IN PRE-SEASON TOURNEY- By Akeem Busari

The 3rd edition of the Tata Sports International Pre-Season Football Tournament, is slated to begin January 16th, 2016, in Delta State. The football tournament organised to test the readiness of top Nigerian premier and professional league sides for the new season, is expected to feature top sides,such as, Enugu Rangers, Delta Stars, Dolphins, 3SC, Warri
Wolves, Sunshine Stars and Freestan Sports Club.

Speaking on the preparedness of his side,the General Manager of Freestan Sports Club ,Kingsley Utuedor,disclosed that the Lagos based non-league side,appreciates the importance of such tournaments, as it affords his young players to test their skills against top players in Nigerian professional teams. Utuedor said:

“Freestan Sports Club, is a team committed and dedicated to the discovery, encouragement and promotion of young and fresh soccer talents in the country,” the young and resourceful football administrator, explained.

General Manager Freestan Sports Club, Kingsley Utuedor

He continued, “Our participation in this year’s edition of the pre-season tournament, is to consolidate on our impressive showing at last year’s edition in Ibadan. It would also help to expose our young talents to top class football, as well as, provide a window for clubs and scouts, to tap into our vast pool of talented young players,” he added.

Allen And Igbinoba Emerge Winners Of September League Bloggers Awards

The League Bloggers Awards (LBA) has announced Festus Allen of Sharks and Esosa Igbinoba of Nasarawa United as winners of the Manager and Player awards respectively for September in the Glo Premier League.

Allen and Esosa played active roles in their team’s run in the month under review to edge other contenders for the awards.

Sharks manager, Allen saw his team begin the month of September deep in relegation and two places away from safety. They were also two points below the drop zone.

However, the Blue Angels under Allen succeeded in turning around their poor run by battling out of the drop zone with wins over champions Kano Pillars, FC Ifeanyiubah and fellow relegation-threatened rivals, Dolphins.

At the end of September, Allen ensured Sharks finished two points adrift the drop zone.

The Sharks gaffer edged Kabiru Dogo of Nasarawa United, Abdu Maikaba of Wikki Tourists and Gbenga Ogunbote of 3SC to the manager’s award though the like of Kadiri Ikhana of Enyimba and Imama Amapakabo of Enugu Rangers also came close in the race.

Igbinoba clearly made himself a visible figure in the scheme of things for Nasarawa United in the month of September from his midfield position. The attacking midfielder scored four times including twice at title contenders, Sunshine Stars, to inflict a 3-2 defeat on the Akure club. The Nasarawa United man’s other goals came against Rangers and Warri Wolves.

The trio of Bayelsa United striker Bernard Ovoke, Tope Orelope of 3SC and Sharks defender Gabriel Olalekan were pipped to the player’s award by Igbinoba.

Allen and Igbinoba will receive their awards for manager and player respectively later this month.

Kabiru Dogo wins League Bloggers Award

LBA winners this season

March 2015
Player: Ebere Odiche (Heartland)
Manager: Tony Ogharanduku (FC Taraba)

April 2015
Player: Ibrahim Shuaibu (Giwa FC)
Manager: Tony Bulus (Giwa FC)

April winners of League Bloggers Award. Giwa FC duo of manager Tony Bulus and striker Ibrahim Shuaibu

May 2015
Player: Tunde Adeniji (Sunshine Stars)
Manager: Kennedy Boboye (Sunshine Stars)

June 2015
Player: Ocheme Edoh (Giwa FC)
Manager: Abdu Maikaba (Wikki Tourists)

July 2015
Player: Ndifreke Effiong (Abia Warriors)
Manager: Paul Aigbogun (Warri Wolves)

August 2015
Player: Anthony Okpotu (Lobi Stars)
Manager: Kabiru Dogo (Nasarawa United)

League Bloggers Awards Announces Nominees For September

The League Bloggers Awards (LBA) has named eight actors in the Glo Premier League as the men in contention for the Player and Manager gongs for the month of September.

Four managers, Abdu Maikaba of Wikki, Gbenga Ogunbote of 3SC, Festus Allen of Sharks and Kabiru Dogo of Nasarawa United have been nominated.

Esosa Igbinoba of Nasarawa, Bayelsa United striker Bernard Ovoke, 3SC’s Tope Orelope and Sharks defender Gabriel Orelope are in the running for the player’s award.

Gbenga Ogunbote, Coach 3SC

The eight men have been picked after due consideration and sifting of all 80 matches played in the month under review in the Nigerian top flight.

The quartet of Allen, Dogo, Maikaba and Ogunbote were the top performing coaches having taken charge of four matches apiece – all losing one each.

In the players’ category, Ovoke made a stake with a hat-trick performance while Igbinoba’s goalscoring form ensured he got in the mix of the nominees for September.

Surprise nominees are the duo of Orelope and Olalekan. Orelope’s drive and guile in midfield was one of the major reasons for 3SC’s strong show in September.

Olalekan played in all of Sharks’ four matches and put in a massive shift in defence which saw them finish the month of September as the best defensive side.

Winners for the September award will be announced on Monday.

Maikaba, LBA Winner June

LBA September Nominees

Managers
Abdu Maikaba
Gbenga Ogunbote
Festus Allen
Kabiru Dogo

Players
Bernard Ovoke
Esosa Igbinoba
Gabriel Olalekan
Tope Orelope

Dogo, Okpotu Claim League Bloggers Awards For August

Kabiru Dogo of Nasarawa United and Anthony Okpotu of Lobi Stars have been named the Manager and Player for August in the Glo Premier League by the League Bloggers Awards (LBA).

In the month under review, Dogo and Okpotu clearly underscored their performance in the top flight with the former leading Nasarawa United to eye-catching displays and impressive outcomes while the latter’s goals were pivotal in their push out of the drop zone.

For the manager’s category, Dogo stood out among the other three nominees, Kadiri Ikhana (Enyimba), Gbenga Ogunbote (3SC) and Stanley Eguma (Dolphins).

Though the shortlisted managers for the August award was whittled down to Dogo and Ikhana based on similarities in points amassed by their teams being 13 apiece, the Nasarawa United trainer edged his Enyimba counterparts on two fronts.

Dogo ensured that his team held a superior goal difference than Ikhana’s Enyimba in August. Only Sunshine Stars, whose manager, Kennedy Boboye, was not in the running, had the best goal different in the month under review.

The Nasarawa United man also guided his team to claim the most points on the road, being four, including a 2-1 away win at Kano Pillars to bring to a halt a 12-year-old unbeaten home record held by the champions.

Okpotu was one of the nominees in the month of July for the LBA player’s gong but missed out to the impressive Abia Warriors attacking midfielder, Ndifreke Effiong.

But this time, the Lobi Stars striker, who has earned himself the moniker ‘The Panther,’ for exhibiting aggressiveness, pace, intelligence and strength which are qualities found in the evasive predator, racked up enough reasons to shake off the close challenge of Sunshine Stars and Super Eagles winger, Prince Aggreh as well as the duo of Aniekpeno Udoh of Akwa United and Stephen Adah of FC Taraba for the prize.

Aggreh and Okpotu scored six goals apiece in August and their goals also helped their teams to three wins each last month. But Okpotu shaded Aggreh to the LBA gong by netting two goals on the road at difficult venues against Enyimba and Kano Pillars while the Sunshine Stars man got all of his six in home matches.

Dogo and Okpotu will be presented their awards in a later date in September by the LBA.

LBA winners this season

March 2015
Player: Ebere Odiche (Heartland)
Manager: Tony Ogharanduku (FC Taraba)

April 2015
Player: Ibrahim Shuaibu (Giwa FC)
Manager: Tony Bulus (Giwa FC)

May 2015
Player: Tunde Adeniji (Sunshine Stars)
Manager: Kennedy Boboye (Sunshine Stars)

June 2015
Player: Ocheme Edoh (Giwa FC)
Manager: Abdu Maikaba (Wikki Tourists)

July 2015
Player: Ndifreke Effiong (Abia Warriors)
Manager: Paul Aigbogun (Warri Wolves)

August Nominees for League Bloggers Awards Emerge

The League Bloggers Awards (LBA) has named eight actors in the Glo Premier League as frontrunners for the Manager and Player’s awards for the month of August.

In the Manager category are Enyimba’s Kadiri Ikhana, Kabiru Dogo of Nasarawa United, Gbenga Ogunbote of 3SC and Stanley Eguma of Dolphins.

Prince Aggreh of Sunshine Stars, Stephen Adah of FC Taraba, Aniekpeno Udoh of Akwa United and Lobi Stars striker, Tony Okpotu are in the running for the player’s award for the month under review.

The winners for both categories will be announced on Thursday.

How nominees emerged for Manager’s category

Enyimba Coach Kadiri Ikhana

Kadiri Ikhana: The Enyimba gaffer produced an almost flawless performance performance with his team‎, winning three matches and drawing four in the match under review without losing. His team finished August with 13 points.

Kabiru Dogo: August will be a month to remember for the Nasarawa United manager. His team started August losing 3-1 at Dolphins but clawed back into reckoning with four wins including a historic 2-1 win at Kano Pillars to finish last month on 13 points.

Gbenga Ogunbote: His team, 3SC, won four matches and lost three in August including a 3-1 win at Heartland. Ogunbote and his men took 12 points out of 21 available.

Dolphins Coach: Stanley Eguma

Stanley Eguma: I am sure this will come as a surprise. His team, Dolphins, topped the like of Wolves, Wikki, FC Ifeanyiubah, Abia Warriors and Giwa FC who they amassed same number of points (11) with. His team won three, drew two and lost two matches.

How nominees emerged for Player’s category

Tony Okpotu: The Lobi striker scored six goals in seven games including two on the road at Kano Pillars and Enyimba. His goals was pivotal in Lobi moving out of the drop zone.

Prince Aggreh: The Sunshine Stars winger also scored‎ six goals (all at home) including a hat-trick. But failed to net on the road.

Aniekpeno Udoh: The Akwa United man scored four goals in August including a brace against Sharks. One of his goals came in the 1-1 at Bayelsa United.

Stephen Adah: Another of my surprise inclusion. The FC Taraba man scored three goals including the winners against Sunshine Stars and ‎Kano Pillars. Though he netted on the road at Lobi Stars, it was insufficient as FC Taraba lost 1-2.

LMC Sanctions Warri Wolves, Team Manager and Player

LMC Sanctions Warri Wolves, Team Manager and Player…,Delta FA Reprimanded for security breaches

Nigeria Football Professional League governing body has reprimanded the Delta State Football Association for not ensuring adequate and proper security at the Warri Township Stadium during the Match Day 17 Glo Premier League match between Warri Wolves and Enyimba International. Warri Wolves FC, its Team Manager and player were also subjected to disciplinary measures for various breaches of the Rules and Framework during their rescheduled Match Day 7 fixture in Ibadan against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC).

The sanctions are part of the latest measures by the League Management Company (LMC) to enforce compliance to the league rules by all participating clubs and their players.

These decisions were conveyed to the various parties through letters signed by Salihu Abubakar, the Chief Operating Officer of the LMC. He said the LMC has a duty to call every individual and club to order to serve as deterrent to others who may find themselves in similar situations.

In these latest disciplinary measures carried out in exercise of Summary Jurisdiction, a fine of N250, 000 has been imposed on Warri Wolves for the encroachment on to the field of play by its officials and substitute players. The Club’s Team Manager, Gordon Ogbe was also fined N50, 000 and suspended from one match for exhibiting several acts of misconduct and “failing to set positive example for others and showing disrespect to the Match Officials by leading a confrontation that delayed the Match Officials from gaining access to the changing room”

Midfielder, Ikechukwu Ibenegbu was also handed an additional one match ban to the automatic ban arising from his expulsion in the match against 3SC and fined N50, 000 for “several acts of misconduct including showing disregard for the authority and decision of the Referee by refusing to leave the field after being issued a red car and violently pushing his fingers into the eye of the Referee”. The LMC held that the action of the player was not in the best interest of the game and “failed to comply with the principles of fair play, sportsmanship, the rules and regulations governing the league and acting in a manner capable of bringing the league to disrepute”.

Warri Wolves photo credit Moses Etu

In a related development, FC Taraba and its Welfare Officer, Fada Dennis have opted to appear the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Disciplinary Committee to defend themselves on the charge of assault on Match Referee in their Match Day 14 fixture against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC). The Club was fined N500, 000 while Dennis was suspended from participating in the league activities for the rest of the season.

LMC Suspends FC Taraba Official For Rest Of Season Fines 3SC, Ikhana And Cautions Enyimba

Three Clubs, a Coach and a Welfare Officer have been sanctioned by the League Management Company (LMC) for varying violations of the Rules and Framework in recently concluded games of the 2014/15 season.

An official of FC Taraba, Fada Dennis who serves as the Welfare Officer has been suspended from all Glo Premier League activities for the remaining games of the season. The club officer was cited for assaulting Referee Bala Mohammed in Makurdi after the Match Day 14 fixture against Shooting Stars.

Enyimba Coach Kadiri Ikhana

The LMC charged also FC Taraba with failure to provide adequate security on Match Day 14 after their match against Shooting Stars which allowed unauthorized persons to gain access to restricted area and which led to the attack on Referee Bala Mohammed.

The sanctions on the club includes playing one home game behind closed doors, fine of N500, 000 and payment of N250, 000 compensation to Referee Mohammed.

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) was fined N500, 000 for not providing proper security which led to access for unauthorized persons into restricted area, leading to the assault on Enyimba International Coach, Khadiri Ikhana on Match Day 13.

Enyimba International got a caution for fans unruly conduct after the Match Day 16 fixture against Abia Warriors at the Enyimba International Stadium. Supporters of Enyimba were charged for “failing to show due regard to the authority and decisions of Match Officials and engaged in unruly conduct after the match which is capable of bringing the game into disrepute”.

Enyimba fc

The Club was therefore cautioned to guard against a recurrence as the stadium would be banned should such unruly conduct of their supporters occur again within the remaining games of the season.
Coach Ikhana of Enyimba also had a fine of N100, 000 imposed on him for failing to act in ethical and professional manner during the Match Day 16 fixture against Abia Warriors.

Ikhana was charged with “going beyond his technical area and unto the pitch in the bid to confront match officials” before being restrained by security officials.

The clubs were in accordance with the rules also offered options of accepting the decisions or stating in writing within 48 hours the option of appearing before a commission.

3SC LINE UP. Glo NPFL photo credit LMC Media

GLO NPFL: Dokubo Savors Derby Against Dolphins

Interim head coach of Sharks football club of Port Harcourt Ere Dokubo is already savoring the build up to the local derby involving his team and Dolphins Fc when the Glo Nigeria premier league resumes this weekend.

Dokubo who will be leading a premier league side for the first time in his coaching career to a local derby says the tie against Dolphins means a lot to him because he was once a member of Dolphins technical crew when they won the doubles in two thousand four.

“The derby means a lot to me as head coach of Sharks because It is my first outing against a club that I was once involved in as a coach when they won both the league and F.A Cup in 2004”.Dokubo said

“Local derby has not been easy but we are use to it haven played against them severally, so we are going for victory and by the grace of God we will get it”.

Andrew Abalaogu of Enyimba against Odinga Odinga and Yusuf Jaiyeola of Sharks photo credit LMC Media

The calabari born soccer tactician says there will and can never be room for compromise when the two teams file out for action contrary to the thought of soccer enthusiasts each time both sides square up against each other.

“There is no compromise in a game like this, they are not comfortable on the log and we are not as well and nobody knows how the league will end that is why any point you can grab now you have to take it”.

Dokubo who was coach Gbenga Ogunbote’s right hand man in the dug out when he was with the team said Ogunbote will surely be missed describing the relationship between him and his former boss who left Sharks football Club about two weeks for Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan as beyond friendship.

“Definitely i will say yes because there are people God will bring your way when they are out of the system you will miss them”.Dokubo added

“Gbenga is like a brother, our relationship is beyond that of friendship, haven worked together in Dolphins few years ago and now in Sharks for two years and today his exit has created a vacuum for me to occupy”. Dokubo said