ACTS OF HARASSMENT: NNL WARNS FRSC, GO-ROUND

Determined to nip hooliganism at match venues in the bud, the Nigeria National League (NNL) has written strongly worded letters to the management of two league clubs to desist from the acts of intimidations and harassment of opponents or face severe sanctions.

The two culprits are the Abuja-based Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Football Club and Go-Round Fc of Omoku, Rivers State. They were found guilty of acts which tend to bring the game to disrepute.

In a letter signed by the NNL General Secretary, Lawrence Katken, the officials and supporters of both clubs were accused of acts which are in breach to the Rules and Regulations of the league.

According to the NNL scribe, match officials’ reports indicated that FRSC supporters encroached into the pitch and also harassed the officials during their game against visiting Niger Tornadoes FC, a situation which led to the game to be halted for eight minutes in contravention of Article 4.3 (1) of the Rules of the competition.

In the same manner, Go-Round FC Team Manger, Sunny Uboh and other officials of the club were accused of deliberate infractions during their league match in Omoku against Ikorodu United FC.

Therefore, both clubs have been seriously warned by NNL to behave themselves or face the ugly consequences of their actions or inactions during their home games.

Go Round Fc draw at home

Go Round FC drew at home, 0-0 against Ikorodu United FC in Match Day 3 of the Nigeria National League.

The game, played at the Kris Dera Hotel Stadium at the Oil rich town of Omoku had a dull first half before it came to life in the second period.

Even with the return of their former captain, Nyima Nwangwa who attempted a failed move to Shooting Stars Sports Club, Go Round FC could not find a goal.

After the game, coach of the home side, Ngozi Elechi called it a bad day at the office.

“Honestly my boys did not do well today. I’m surprised but we did not deserve to win by our performance today.

“However, football being what it is, I am sure we will make amends against Abia Comets at Umuahia next weekend,” Elechi said.

Maurice Cooreman of Ikorodu hailed Go Round FC as a strong team and said he was happy with the point.

“It was a very difficult match because Go Round is a strong team.

“I am very happy with the point I got,” Cooreman said.

Go Round now have four points from two matches which includes a 1-0 win against Bussdor United FC in Match Day 1.

Their Match Day 2 game in Ekiti did not hold last week

Go Round FC Win League Opener

Nigeria National League side, Go Round FC managed a 1-0 win over Bussdor United FCon match day 1 on Friday in Omoku.

An Uche Nwosu strike in the 36th minute was the difference between both sides in the very entertaining game at the Kris Dera Hotel Stadium in the Oil rich town.

Go Round went on to miss countless chances in the course of the game and would eventually take the slim win.

Chukwu Igwe, coach of the losing side simply blamed the referee for everything that happened in the game.

“It was a good game but the problem was the referee. He was just blowing against us and for no reason too,” Igwe said

Go Round FC coach, on his part blamed anxiety of the first game for the inability of his players to score goals.

“We will get better in subsequent matches so I have no fears,” Ngozi Elechi said.

Go Round FC will next play on the road to Ekiti United

LMC Explains Nembe City’s Return To Omoku

The League Management Company (LMC) has clarified that Nembe City were returned to play their home games at the Krisdera Stadium, Omoku to allow their appeal against the banishment to Benin to be heard by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Organising and Disciplinary Committee.

Chief Operating Officer of the LMC, Salihu Abubakar issued this clarification and noted that decisions of the League body on disciplinary matters are never final but subject to the ruling of the relevant organ of the NFF.

He also disclosed a second consideration which arose from concerns raised by the Edo State Football Association over the logistics challenges of hosting the match. He noted that given the timing of the Edo State response, it was not possible to move the match to any other venue with the away team already on their way for Match Day 29 fixtures.

“We have consistently stated that our decisions are preliminary rulings that are subject to that of the NFF Committee, specifically, the Organising and Disciplinary Committee, remarked Abubakar, adding, “this explains why we always state that our rulings are without prejudice to whatever decision the NFF may arrive at on disciplinary matters”.

The COO continued, “We were also informed by the Edo FA that they lacked the logistics to host another guest club in addition to Bayelsa United that are already playing their home games in Benin. At this point, it was not going to be workable to contact another state FA and still have weekend match played as proposed especially with the away team already on the road”.

The LMC affirmed that it remains committed to applying the rules firmly at all times within the ambit of its powers as stipulated in the NFF Statutes

Nembe City Fined, Banished To Benin

The League Management Company (LMC) on Thursday ruled that Nembe City will play their next three home matches in Benin.

These decisions and others including a financial fine on Nembe City were reached in the aftermath of the inconclusive Match Day 26 fixture between Nembe City and Lobi Stars at the Krisdera Stadium, Omoku, Rivers State.

The LMC found that the match was discontinued as a result of fans invading the pitch in protest of extra time penalty awarded by the center Referee against Nembe City. It noted that it was the action of the fans and not the protest of Nembe City players, who though initially protested the penalty award that caused the pitch invasion and inhibited the continuation of play.

It further observed that play could not have resumed even if Nembe City players returned within five to twenty five minutes as stipulated by the Rules when the fans refused to vacate the pitch and accordingly fined the club N500, 000 for the unruly conduct of its players, officials and fans.

The LMC therefore ordered that the botched match will be concluded at a neutral venue on a date preceding the 2014 Federation Cup finals. The match will be re-started from the time it was halted and with the same result that prevailed at the time of the disruption.

The LMC said these immediate actions are without prejudice to the Organizing and Disciplinary Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)

Go Round FC Step Over Shooting Stars

Nigeria National League side, Go Round FC on Saturday at the Kris Dera Hotel Stadium, in Omoku beat table toppers, Shooting Stars 2-1.

Captain, Nyime Nwangwa tormented the Shooting defence all game long and though he didn’t score, the attention on him created room for Eso Nelson to get a brace, one in each half.

Being two goals up early in the second half, fans of the home side started their partying early and with defensive midfielder, Chile Azu launching throw ins into the Shooting Stars box as though they were ferociously taken free kicks, there were always moments of palpable tension in the box
of the away side, Shooting Stars.

However, in a rare attacking move, with about ten minute left on the clock, Shooting Stars pulled one back through Demola Raphael with less than ten minutes on the clock left, it seemed like it would be a long day for Go Round FC.

The home side were however, able to hold on to their lead until the final whistle sounded.

Coach of Go Round FC, Ngozi Elechi said after the game that he was prepared for the game and glad he won.

“We are confident that we can push ahead. We prepared well for the game and I’m happy with the points we got,” Elechi said.

Head coach of Shooting Stars, Franklin Howard gave credit to the home side for their relentless effort to win the game.

“We knew it would be tough especially after we heard they lost their last match. They were even difficult for us to play in Ibadan even though we eventually won that game.

“It was a good game, we gave a good fight and the loss does not in any way change our expectations for the league,” Howard said.

Go Round FC next play Mountain of Fire and Miracles FC in Lagos in seven days.

Sharks FC-Management To Transports Supporters To Omoku

The management of Sharks Football Club of Port Harcourt has promised to provide vehicles to convey fans and supporters of the club to Omoku on Wednesday for the week ten game against Nembe city.

General Manager of the club, Okey Kpaluku said the gesture is to appreciate the fans for their unflinching support towards the team.

He stressed that the management is also working towards providing vehicles to convey them (supporters) to the club’s matches taking place at nearby states in subsequent games.

“We are grateful to the fans and supporters for the strength they have been lending to the team and to encourage them to do more we have decided to provide vehicles to convey them to our match with Nembe City on Wednesday taking place in Omoku”Kpaluku said

“And not just that, we also intend to extend the gesture to matches taking place in nearby states as our finances improve”

Kpaluku also implored the supporters to continue in their relentless support and cheer the players to more victory.

“I also want to urge our fans and supporters to continue their good work, we’ve come this far because of you, but we still need your support to win the ultimate goal this season, which is a continental ticket.” Kpaluku said

The will buses will be stationed at the Sharks FC stadium as early as 8am for onward journey to Omoku at exactly 10am

GLO NPL ! AIGBOGUN CRAVES FOR GOOD OFFICIATING

The Technical Adivser of Warri Wolves, Paul Aigbogun has advised the League Management Company to pay more attention to officiating if they want football to grow in the country.

Aigbogun who is not used to complaints said he has to speak out in view of the level of officiating in the game between Sunshine Stars and Warri Wolves at the Akure Township Stadium on Sunday which ended in favour of the Akure team.

According to Aigbogun, LMC said people should not condemn the league but with this type of officiating, one will be forced to speak out because Nigerian football will be worse for it.

The former Enyimba gaffer made reference to the red card given to Michael Egbeta who was only carrying out an instruction from the centre referee to wait for a change to be made before taken the corner kick, only for the referee to give him the marching order for time wasting.

Apart from that, the first assistant referee ignored the rules and was basically the 12th player, aiding and did everything possible to help the Akure outfit.

” Those who know me can attest to it that I don’t complain when my team loses but it has got to that stage when we need to cry out. If LMC says we should not talk, then, they have to do something because we cannot continue like this. How can players put in everything in a game and will have nothing to show for it. Our football will be worse for it because of what we are seeing now.

This is pure rubbish and the Akure team knows that the referee assisted them to win. We played better, scored first and they equalised, scored the second goal and another which hit the inside net was ignored before he allowed two offside goals. All stakeholders should rise up and condemn this type of officiating . ” said Aigbogun.

Meanwhile, Warri Wolves will on Wednesday lock horns with Nembe city at Omoku in a re-rescheduled match and Aigbogun has urged his boys to work hard and put the defeat in Akure behind them.