WARRI WOLVES’ ETU GETS SUPPORT FROM COLLEAGUES

Chairman of Warri Wolves Football Club, Moses Etu has received support ahead of his side’s crucial CAF Confederation Cup game against Praia Cruz from Cape Verde.

Members of the Nigeria Professional Football League Media Managers Forum have thrown their weight behind him to succeed as chairman of the club.

Etu, a member of the forum was appointed chairman of the Club a month ago and China Acheru, Chairman of the Media Managers Forum says it is his belief that the Warri Wolves boss will succeed at the club.

“I have known Etu since 2002 and one thing no one can fault in him is his desire to succeed,” Acheru said.

“He is very emotional about the game and expresses it in different way many may not understand but you cannot fault his commitment.

“As a member of the Media Manager’s forum before his recent appointment, we really wish him the best and believe that the zeal he showed in his time as media manager of the club to succeed will be doubled now he is chairman.

“It will also boost the chances of some of us in the Media Manager’s forum who believe they can do better jobs if given the opportunity to serve in higher offices,” Acheru said.

Warri Wolves Football Club Chairman Moses Etu
photo credit: Etu Moses

“I have spoken with members of the forum and we are united in one stance that we want Moses Etu to succeed as chairman of the club and we believe he will.”

Warri Wolves play the first leg game against Praia Cruz on Sunday, February 14 in Warri.

Nwomucha Challenges Siasia, Oliseh On Nigerian League

Warri Wolves Director of Strategy and Youth Development, Kenneth Nwomucha has challenged the Coach of the Nation’s U-23 team, Samson Siasia to look inward as he plans to build a solid team for the Olympics qualifying matches.

Nwomucha who once played for the defunct Flash Flamingoes and N.N.P.C.Football Club said in doing this, Siasia should not allow anybody to recommend players but should endeavour to go to match venues to watch the players and assess them.

Warri Wolves fc, photo credit Warri Wolves

Nwomucha frowned at a situation when top teams like Warri Wolves and Sunshine Stars clashed and there was no National Team coach of any grade in attendance especially Samson Siasia.

“Do you build a team on hear say?. I expect one of the National Team Coaches to be here today but nobody and it has always been like that. In Europe, these Coaches travel to watch league matches and assess the players but here in Nigeria, they leave the work for somebody to suggest and that is why they invite a player that is nursing injury or the one that always warms the bench.

If Coach Samson Siasia wants to make an impact, let him watch the league matches and see the players. At the end, he can pick the good ones who are hungry to make a name for themselves and will die for him on the pitch.”

Sunday Oliseh photo credit sundayoliseh.tv

Meanwhile, Nwomucha has admonished Nigerians to be patient with Super Eagles Coach, Sunday Oliseh and pray that he succeeds.

“We need to be patient with him and pray that he succeeds. He is a Nigerian and if he fails, people will mock us so the best thing is to rally round him and pray for him.” Oliseh too should come and watch our league matches and see those who can help him succeed. I am also challenging him like Coach Samson Siasia as that will help our league if the best get called up to the National teams.”

WE ARE READY FOR SUNSHINE STARS—–AIGBOGUN

The Technical Adviser of Warri Wolves , Paul Aigbogun has said the team is fully ready for Sunshine Stars on Saturday at the Warri City Stadium and assured their fans that they have nothing to fear.

Soft spoken Aigbogun who spoke after their training on Friday morning declared that what happened during the week when the players made an attempt to go on strike will not affect their performance because the players know what is at stake at this time.

“We have just finished our training and I know that the players will live up to expectation. We have talked to them and they know what is at stake at this time. We cannot allow that to affect us especially with what Sunshine did to us in the first leg in Akure”

Warri Wolves fc, photo credit Warri Wolves

“We want the fans to come out and support the boys. We need them at this time when the situation has become critical as we march on to catch up with Enyimba. We know we can do it and we are going to give our best. In Kano, what I saw really impressed me and I want Warri people and its environs to come out on Saturday to cheer the team to victory.”

Wolves Deny Selling Akpeyi

The Management of Warri Wolves has denied the sale of Goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi to a South African Club, Chippa United and declared that the news is like any other rumour which should be ignored by all stakeholders.

The Media Manager of the Club, Moses Etu who reacted on the issue on Thursday morning said African Clubs are yet to learn and master the way the business is done in Europe and disclosed that some time ago, Akpeyi who is presently with the Super Eagles in Kaduna for the match against Chad this weekend, took permission to travel to South Africa for a trial which was granted.

Daniel Akpeyi Warri Wolves Goalkeeper Photo credit Etu Moses

Etu further said since he came back, the South African Club has not opened any line of discussion with the Warri based Club and suddenly, the rumour is everywhere that Akpeyi has signed for Chippa United.

Etu revealed that in as much as the Club will not stand on the way of any player seeking for greener pastures, the buyer should behave like others in Europe and contact the right people.

Etu therefore appealed to all fans of the Warri based Club to ignore the said news and assured all that the Club will duly inform them if there is any concrete offer for any of their player.

Uduaghan Bails Warri Wolves Out Again

The Managing Director of Warri Wolves, Davidson Owumi has praised the sports loving Governor of Delta State for coming to the teams rescue by bailing them out after providing funds for the team to travel to Congo.

Apart from making available fund for the trip to Congo, the Governor equally released money to offset part of the salary being owned the players and that really gladdened the heart of the players who have vowed to play their hearts out in Congo on Friday as they confront Entancheite in the second leg which ended 2-1 in their favour two weeks ago in Warri.

According to Owumi, the Governor deserves kudos for coming to bail the team out at this time otherwise, the story would have been different.

“We are very grateful to the Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan for bailing us out by given us fund for the trip and he also made available money to pay part of the salarys. This has gone a long way to motivate the boys and one can see the way they are behaving now. I pray that we qualify so we can dedicate the victory to the Governor once again.” said Owumi.

Gov Uduaghan addressing Warri Wolves players before the match vs MK Etancheite. photo credit Moses Etu Media Manager Warri Wolves

It would be recalled that before the first leg in Warri, the Governor visited the team and motivated them and promised to pay whatever that is accruing to the players this week.

Meanwhile, the team which left Nigeria on Wednesday afternoon via Asky Airline through Lome arrived Kinshasha around 8pm and have since settled down.

MK Etancheite Football Club of Congo Arrives Warri For CAF Confederation Cup Clash

A 27 man team of MK Etancheite Football Club of D.R Congo, Warri Wolves opponent in the CAF Confederation Cup, 2nd round, 1st leg on Saturday, arrived Warri on Tuesday afternoon aboard Arik Airline, beaming with smiles.
The team which landed at the Murtala Mohammed Airport at 11am was received by officials of Warri Wolves and air lifted immediately to Warri where they hope to spend a whole five days before the cracker which comes up at the Warri City Stadium on Saturday.

There was a mild drama at the airport as we refused to cater for 2 of them because CAF rules put it clearly that the host team can only cater for 25 but it was resolved amicably.

Meanwhile, the Match Commissioner from Ghana and Match Officials from Sychelles will arrive Warri on Friday for the match which promises to be explosive.

“The Congo team actually arrived Lagos at 11am and we took them straight to Warri on Tuesday. They came with a 27 man team but we told them we can only airlift 25 based on the CAF rules but it was sorted out at the airport. We know that they mean business by coming five clear days before the match but we are equal to the task.” said Etu Moses, Media Manager of Warri Wolves.

Among the players that Warri Wolves need to focus on are Captain Kabangu, Losiyo Bofumbo, Mombo Lusala and Kabangu Ndima.

Warri Wolves team before their match against Racing De Bobo FC photo credit Moses Etu

In a related development, Gbolahan Salami whose birthday comes up on Wednesday, 15th, April has urged his team mates to brace up for the challenge and give him a befitting birthday gift which is victory over MC MK from D.R Congo.

” Wednesday is my birthday and I want my team mates to brace up for the game and use the victory as a gift. I will cherish it if we win by a wide margin.”

Egwuekwe Rallies Wolves For Dedebit fc

Warri Wolves Captain and Super Eagles defender, Azubuike Egwuekwe has warned his team mates that the match against Dedebit SC of Ethiopia on Saturday in the CAF Confederation Cup second round, first leg will be tough and urged the fans to come out in thousands to cheer them to victory.

Azubuike spoke when reminded that Dedebit who play their matches in Bahir Dar Stadium, about 700km, North of Addis Ababa has about 42 thousand fans in attendance in their last match, disclosed that they have to finish the work in Warri, otherwise, they will have themselves to blame.

“We are aware of the herculean task ahead because Dedebit is not a small team. About 42,000 fans were present in their last match so we want our fans to come out in thousands to cheer us to victory. They parade national team players, about seven, so we just have to work hard to see that we do well in the first leg because the second leg would be difficult.” said Azubuike.

Azu as he is fondly called by friends has however assured all stakeholders that they are ready to shed their blood to win the first leg by scoring many goals.

Meanwhile, as at Wednesday morning, no word has come from the visiting team as to the time of their arrival and they seem to be playing hide and seek game in the match which comes up on Saturday at the Warri City Stadium.

Salami Rejoins Warri Wolves

Super Eagles fringe player, Gbolahan Salami who has just returned to the Country after a botched trip to Serbian Club, Red Star Belgrade has been given the green light to resume with Warri Wolves where he had a glorious outing before the move at the end of last season.

In a short statement released to journalist on Wednesday by the Media Manager of the Club, Etu Moses, Salami has been cleared by the Management to return and the beautiful aspect of the whole thing is that the Club registered him for the CAF Confederation Cup assignment.

According to Etu, Salami will be in Warri this weekend to fight for his shirt as the situation is no longer the same before he left.

Etu said the Club in anticipation that the former Shooting Stars player would leave, recruited some young attackers and Salami will have to battle them for the No 9 shirt.

Etu also stated that Coach Aigbogun no longer builds his team around a single scorer, rather, we now have a situation where anybody can score as witnessed in the Continental Matches where we had different scorers for the four goals.

Etu however disclosed that the condition under which Salami will operate has not been determined but said it would be resolved as soon as he arrives because he played for the club on loan last season.

CAF Confederations Cup: Warri Wolves Trash Racing Bobo Dioulasso In Warri

Warri Wolves On Saturday Evening Confirmed Their Readiness To Make To Make An Impact In The Caf Confederation Cup When They Thrashed Visiting Racing Bobo Dioulasso By Three Goals To Nothing.

National U-23 Player Oghenekaro Etebo Opened The Flood Gate of Goals In The 31St Minute And The First Half Ended On That Note.

Warri Wolves team before their first leg match against Racing De Bobo FC photo credit Moses Etu

Osadiaye Joseph Increased The Tally In The 62nd Minute With A Beatiful Goal While Omoforman Freedom Netted The Third Goal In The 71St Minute In The Match Watched By Coach Samson Siasia And Newly appointed Delta State Football Chairman Austin Jay Jay Okocha Who Sat With Nff President, Amaju Pinnick.

Wolves had earlier won the first leg away from home when Abu Azeez scored in the 84th minute to give the Nigerian side a vital away victory.

Warri Wolves Will Now Meet The Winner of the match Between Cote’dor Of Seychelles And Dedebit Of Ethiopia.

FRIENDS OF OKOWA MATCH: KESHI, OKALA TO HANDLE EX-INTERNATIONALS

Super Eagles out of contract Coach, Stephen Keshi has opted to be in charge of the Delta/ Edo Ex-internationals against the rest of the Country in the clash between both sides on Sunday, 1st of February at the Warri City Stadium in a match put together by friends of Okowa to showcase the Peoples Gubernatorial Candidate, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa while veteran Goalkeeper, Emmanuel Okala will take over as Coach of the rest of Nigeria.

In a release made available by the Chairman, Publicity Committee, Moses Etu, Keshi has made his intention known to handle Delta/ Edo players made up Harry Blackson, Mobosa Brodericks, Duke Udi, Samson Ozogula, Sam Okpodu, Edema Fuludu, Prince Afejukwu, Sam Sodje, Humphery Jebba and Davidson Owumi.

Others in the Delta/ Edo side include Austin Popo, Tosan Blackson, Kenneth Nwomucha, Lucky Sunday, Joshua Kator, Sam Otis, Joseph Cole and Sebastine Okoh.

STEPHEN KESHI

Those who will feature for Coach Emmanuel Okala and who have confirmed their participation are Peter Rufai, Mutiu Adepoju, Jay Jay Okocha, Victor Ikpeba, Taribo West, Emmanuel Amunike, Uche Okechukwu, Nduka Ugbade, Friday Ekpo and Emeka Ezeugo.

Others include Ifeanyi Udeze, Bright Omokaro, Kingsley Obiekwu, Alloy Agu, Clement Temile, Etim Esim, Mobi Okparaku, Austin Eguavon and Kanu Nwankwo.

“Stephen Keshi has sent words that he would like to handle the Delta/ Edo side of Ex-Internationals and with that, the onus to Coach the rest of the Country fell on Emmanuel Okala. The players will arrive Warri on Saturday where accommodation has been reserved for them and the match will start by 2pm .

Meanwhile, Warri Wolves feeder team will lock horns with Mowoe Babes before the Ex-Internationals showcase why they have become household names in the Country and fans who will not cough out a kobo to watch the match will not regret coming.

Warri Wolves Deny Crown Match Fixing Allegation

The attention of Management of Warri Wolves has been drawn to a report in a Daily Sports paper alleging that three players of Crown FC have been suspended for throwing their last mid week game against Warri Wolves which ended 7-1 in the favour of the Warri based team.

According to the Media Manager of Warri Wolves, Moses Etu, it is unfortunate that the Management of Crown will be chasing shadows when they have not done their work in terms of motivation.

Etu therefore advised all to ignore such reports and he stated categorically that Warri Wolves will never indulge in such acts as the club has got capable players to prosecute the league.

“The truth is that the two teams are not in the same class as we met a team of boys who are not well fed and there is nothing they can do to stop a rampaging Warri Wolves who are well motivated in all ramifications”

“It is on record that players of Warri Wolves have been paid salaries up to date and have also done well in payment of bonuses and other entitlements unlike Crown which have not been paid a dime if news from their camp is anything to go by. It is therefore wrong for anybody to insinuate that Crown players traded with the match”

We don’t belong to the same class if you compare the calibre of players paraded by Warri Wolves and Crown and you cannot even compare the status of the staff of the Warri based team. One is not trying to write them off but we don’t belong in the same class”

Speaking on the League, Etu said they are not desperate as some other teams and advised teams already on the relegation train to play to protect their image.

“It is worrisome the way these teams who are relegation bound play even before their fans from the result we got especially last weekend where home teams who are hitherto strong before lose to opponents to pave way for the league title.

They should play to maintain their image even though they are going on relegation. To me, they should bow out with their heads high and market themselves.”

WARRI WOLVES REACT TO KANO PILLARS ALLEGATION

Management of Warri Wolves has reacted sharply to the statement credited to the Media Officer of Kano Pillars, Idris Malikawa urging NFF to watch the video tape of the match which his team lost by 2-1 in Warri and in the process trying to lay the blame for that loss on the referees.

According to the Media Manager of Warri Wolves, there would have been no need to react to the statement which appeared in a daily Sports paper on Monday but for the fact that one needs to put Kano Pillars where they belong and to set the record straight.

According to Etu, Kano Pillars still enmeshed in Match Fixing controversy over some papers which leaked out some weeks ago has no moral right to raise any eye brow over the goals which were adjudged to be good by all.

Etu further said Warri Wolves believe in playing good football and good goals unlike Kano Pillars which manufactured two penalties when both sides met in Kano.

“We have read the reaction of Kano Pillars in a sports daily and we are surprised that they could open their mouth when they are still enmeshed in match fixing scandal as contained in the papers which leaked out from them. When we played them in Kano, they manufactured two penalties to beat us. they know that we can handle them any day, any time.

We beat them by three goals to nothing in Ilorin last year in an FA Cup, and also thrashed them by two goals to nothing in Abuja late last year in the Super four.

They should keep quiet as we are not desperate to win the way they do over the years where no team has won any match in Kano. We all know the truth about them which is an open secret.” Etu said.

Warri Wolves Fc