Keshi Explains Comments On IK Uche…I Did Not Shut Him Out’…

Keshi Explains Comments On IK Uche…I Did Not Shut Him Out’…Eagles Bubble Into Khartoum

Super Eagles Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi was livid with rage when he read reports credited to him to the effect that he has shut the Super Eagles permanently against Villareal of Spain striker, Ikechukwu Uche.

Clarifying what he said at Wednesday’s media parley in Abuja, Keshi said for the umpteenth time what he said was that he will not beg Uche to play for Nigeria, especially when there are other players who are willing and ready at all times to play for the Super Eagles.

“I don’t know where they got that portion of their reports from, but I never said Uche won’t play as long as I remain coach of the team. In the near future if he changes his mind and indicates interest to play he will be considered on merit”.

He urged the media not to sensationalise the Ike Uche issue as it will not help resolve anything. “We have to help all our players grow so that we can all build a strong national team and the media is a partner in this regard. He said he does not have anything personal against the Villareal striker but will not force to play for Nigeria against his will.

The Super Eagles arrived Khartoum, the Sudanese capital early morning on Friday, at about 6am local time and 4am in Nigeria aboard Sudan Airways for the crucial Nations Cup qualifier game against the Sudanese national team. Reception from the Sudan Immigration was smooth while a handful of Nigerians were outside cheering the team. After airport formalities, the team was driven to nearby Grand Holiday Inn, where it will stay for two nights.

NFF Vice President, Barr Seyi Akinwunmi led the team to Sudan, with NFF Director, Technical , Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme and other secretariat staff intow.

Also visible on the entourage is the President General of the Nigeria and Other Sports Supporters Club, Dr Rauf Ladipo. He came as usual with his team to cheer the Eagles to victory and he started doing that right from the airport.

Tomorrow’s match is scheduled for 8pm local time that’s 6pm Nigeria time and the Eagles are scheduled to have a feel of the Khartoum Stadium, same time today.

Full House In Super Eagles Nest…,Babatunde Ruled Out Of Sudan Match

Super Eagles second training session on Tuesday at the Abuja National Stadium, photo credit Ben Alaiya

Again, the Super Eagles have shown that they will leave no stone unturned as they seek a qualification ticket for the Maroc 2015 Nations Cup, with all the invited 24 players training Tuesday evening at the Mainbowl of the Abuja National Stadium.

Before then, there had been an early morning training at the Atro Turf of the Abuja National Stadium, that had 17 players in attendance with all the others sending words to Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, that it will be a full house by the evening training session and it was. The session even had the luxury of having newly elected President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr Pinnick Amaju Melvin in attendance and what a session it was for the players.

Head Coach Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, said after the evening session that he has ruled out Ukraine based midfielder Babatunde Michael from the encounter because he picked up a knock on the knee while playing for his club. “We have good cover for him and we pray that he bounces back before the return leg against Sudan in Nigeria”, he declared.

Michael himself was emphatic when he spoke about his injury. “I really want to play this game against Sudan but fate says I will not but by the return leg in Nigeria I should be back. The doctors have assured me that I will be fit between four and five days time”. Apart from that blot the team is perfect in health with travel plans being made for Thursday by the NFF. The team continues it preparation for the must win game against Sudan on Wednesday morning at the Goal Project site of the Abuja National Stadium.

Amaju Says Eagles Must Win In Sudan…,’No Shaking’ , Declares Enyeama

Newly elected President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Melvin Amaju Pinnick, on Tuesday stormed the training session of the national team, who are preparing for a game against Sudan on Saturday, declaring that he will bring the much desired changes to Nigerian football.

Addressing the players during the evening session after a hectic two hours training, Amaju, said he was intune with most of the players, assuring them that trust will be the hallmark of his administration, even as declared that the game against Sudan should be the take off point for his administration.

“The last NFF regime has been wonderful in terms of achievement and we want to continue from there. That is why I must say the Sudan game is a must win for us, because it’s the first competitive game under this dispensation. On our part we are determined to continue to support the team and soon you will see what we would do through Corporate Nigeria and the rest of the game’s supporters and sponsors”, he declared.

He said all rumours regarding pronouncements allegedly made by him should be disregarded, assuring that he was starting on a clean slate to build on the immense achievements of his predeccessors. He was accompanied to the training session by NFF Vice President, Mr Seyi Akinwunmi, Executive Committee member, Chief Felix Anyansi Agwu, who both promised to keep a close tab on the workings of the national team. There were also NFF, Director of Technical, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme and Dr Mohammed Sanusi, who is the Director of Competitions at the Football.

Super Eagles skipper, Vincent Enyeama, who responded on behalf of the players and officials, assured that the team will not let the nation down in the course of qualifying for Maroc 2015 Nations Cup. “Mr President, no shaking. But we must congratulate you on your election and assure Nigerians that with God all things are possible”, he declared.

FULL LIST OF CANDIDATES CLEARED FOR THE NFF EXECUTIVE COMMITTTEE ELECTIONS 2014

CANDIDATES CLEARED FOR THE NFF EXECUTIVE COMMITTTEE ELECTIONS 2014
The NFF Electoral Committee pursuant to its mandate from the NFF General Assembly has concluded the screening of candidates for the NFF Executive Committee Elections, 2014 and cleared the following persons to contest in the elections:
PRESIDENT
• Ogunjobi Taiwo Joseph (Osun State)
• Yola Abba Abdullahi (Kano State)
• Chief Mike Umeh – (Anambra State)
• Pinnick Amaju Melvin (Delta State)
• Iorfa Mtem Dominic (Benue State)
• Dikko Shehu (Kaduna State)
• Amanze U. Uchegbulam (Imo State)

1ST VICE PRESIDENT
• Inyama Emeka (Abia state)
• Adamu Shehu (Kaduna State)
• Seyi Akinwunmi (Lagos State)
• Suleyman Muazu (Sokoto State)

CHAIRMAN OF CHAIRMEN
• Musa Gusau Ibrahim (Zamfara State)

ORDINARY MEMBERS

North Central Zone
• Agara Silas (Nasarawa State)
• Hon. Suleiman Yahaya Kwande (Plateau State)
• Ahmed Yusuf (Fresh) (Niger State)
• Bewarang Bitrus Yigol (Plateau State)

North East Zone

• Yahuza Adamu Haruna (Bauchi State)
• Abiso Alhaji Bashir (Bornu State)
• Modibbo Hussaini A. (Taraba State)
• Kachalla Baba Gana Kalli (Bornu State)
• Zira Emmanuel Stephen (Adamawa State)

North West Zone

• Sharu Rabiu Inuwa (Kano State)
• Balele Aminu (Katsina State)
• Babangida M. Tukur – (Kano State)

South East Zone

• Agwu Felix Anyasi (Abia State)
• Obikwelu Jude Benjamin Chukwudi (Anambra State)
• Okenwa Chidi Ofo (Enugu State)
• Igbokwe Leonard Ikechukwu (Anambra State)

South-South Zone

• Tenebe Jarrett Celestine (Edo State)
• Green Christopher Tam-Abinye (Rivers State)
• Oswald Atuake (Cross River State)
• Chief Abel Ehigie (Edo State)
• Gospel Ewa (Bayelsa State)

South West Zone

• Adepoju Emmanuel Olaleye (Oyo State)
• Tinubu B. Ayodeji (Lagos State)
• Otunba Sunday Dele Ajayi (Ondo State)
• Majekodunmi G.A. Adesina (Ogun State)

Interested Previously Cleared Candidates

The underlisted candidates were previously cleared to contest in the elections before the re-constitution of the NFF Electoral Committee. In accordance with the further guidelines for the elections these candidates are eligible to participate in the elections on the basis of their previous clearance having fulfilled the condition that they write to indicate their willingness to contest in the elections scheduled for 30th September 2014. They are:

• Ogunjobi Taiwo Joseph
• Chief Mike Umeh
• Amanze U. Uchegbulam
• Inyama Emeka
• Seyi Akinwunmi
• Ahmed Yusuf (Fresh)
• Tinubu B. Ayodeji
• Agwu Felix Anyansi
• Hon. Suleiman Yahaya Kwande
• Adamu Shehu
• Igbokwe Leonard Ikechukwu
• Atuake Oswald
• Kachalla Babagana Kalli
• Sharu Rabiu Inuwa
• Babangida M. Tukur
• Otunba Sunday Dele Ajayi
• Majekodunmi G.A. Adesina
• Chief Abel Ehigie
• Gospel Ewa
• Suleyman Muazu

Disinterested Previously Cleared Candidates

The following persons were previously cleared to participate in the elections but have failed to write to the NFF Electoral Committee to express their willingness to participate in the elections based on their previous clearance and contest for the positions set against their respective names. They are:

• Giwa Christopher Musa – North Central Zone (Plateau State) – President
• Yahaya Adama – North Central (Kogi State) – Ordinary member
• Farouk Yarma Adamu – North East Zone (Gombe State) – Ordinary member
• Shema Mohammed Sani – North East Zone (Yobe State) – Ordinary member
• Chief Obinna J. Ogba – South East Zone (Ebonyi State) – 1st Vice president
• Chief Johnson Etim Effiong – South-South Zone (Akwa Ibom State) – Chairman of Chairmen
• Chief Obuah Felix Amaechi – South-South Zone (Rivers State) – Ordinary member
• Segun Odegbami – South West Zone (Ogun State) – President

NFF Electoral Committee

Eko Talent Hunt 2 – Hots Up With More Matches Scheduled for Today

The season 2 of the Eko Talent Hunt Programme of the office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on football matters kicked off yesterday with the under-15 tournament holding at the Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos.

In the first match of the day Eko Football team were beaten by their counterparts Cowbell Football Academy by a lone goal.

In the Second game, Fame Football club beat Greater Tomorrow Academy by three goals to one to pick their first three points in the tournament that has coaches and scouts from around the world, taking note of the outstanding players in the tournament.

Farmers football Academy also lost to Poshey football Academy 2-1, while BRF Academy Worked Over Pepsi Academy in the last match of the day.

Meanwhile the 2 days coaching clinic also put together as part of the season 2 Programme ended yesterday with the coaches applauding the organisers for putting the clinic together.

One of the speakers at the 2 day Clinic is Renowned Sports Journalist and Lawyer Mr. Godwin Dudu – Orumen, Who presented an Insightful paper on “Protecting the RIGHTS of children”

Coach of BRF Academy, coach Tunde thanked organizers for their foresight in packaging the coaching clinic.

“This clinic is an eye opener and I believe most of my colleagues here have gained a lot just as I have also gained a lot from the resource persons that conducted the clinic.

Also in attendance were Ex internationals like Gbenga Okunowo, Mike Onyemachara, Teslim Fatusi and Wahid Akanni.

However the event continues today with matches in the tournament holding at the same venue of Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos. From 10:00am – 3:00pm daily, while the Finals comes up on the 12th of May at The Onikan Stadium in Lagos.

2013/2014 Lagos FA Cup…Goals Galore In Lagos FA Cup Rookies Games.

The 2013/2014 Lagos FA Cup kicked off on Saturday with the Rookie Matches at the Agege Stadium, With strikers on rampage over 14 goals were scored in the day 1 and 2 of the championship.

Samvic football club open the day with victory over Kush football club beating them by 4goals to one.

Star of the day was Kelechi Promise who grab the first hat-trick of the 2013/2014 championship.

Kelechi Promise scored in the 17, 55 and 75 minutes of the match while Chigozie Obasi also scored in the 70th minute to make it 4goals for his team, Ejimofe Sunday scored his side only goal in the 9th minute.

Obidiaso Chukwudi of Ambek football club also got up to a flying start by scoring the second hat-trick of the championship with his side beating their Future Stars Academy counterparts by 5goals to nothing.

Ikechukwu Oseneka scored the other two goals to make it five.

Kelechi Promise played down his performance of the day, saying their victory is a team victory, and he was lucky to score the goals.
“It a very promising start for us, hopefully we can get better as the championship progresses, on my own part I will keep working harder, with God I will get better”. He said.

Meanwhile the Lagos State Football Association has revealed that both players that scored hat-tricks will be presented with match balls when next their clubs play.

Chairman of the Lagos State FA, Seyi Akinwunmi expressed satisfaction with the smooth kick-off of the championship powered by Winners Golden Bet.com

“To God be the glory the matches started on schedule hence our readiness to make this year’s edition of the FA Cup one of the best organized in recent time, thanks to our sponsors, Winners Golden Bet.com”. He stated.

LAGOS FA CUP ROOKY MATCHES RESULTS

MATCH 1

KUSH FC 1, SAMVIC FC 4

MATCH 2

AMBEK FC 5 FUTURE STARS FC 0

MATCH 3

TEAM 360 FC 0 AL-AMIN FC 2

MATCH 4

SAM JASEN FC 0 DE REAL VICTORIOUS FC 2

MATCH 5
SUNDAY
SUPER GOLD FC 2 INFINITY FC 1

MATCH 6

MARYLAND UNITED FC 1(2) MAGATE FC 1(5)

MATCH 7

CHRIST AMBASSADORS 3 GLORY FC 0

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.”