CCSF Takes Taekwondo Programme To Zamfara, As NTF Lauds Initiative

The Chika Chukwumerije Sports Foundation (CCSF) kick-started its 2015 programme when it launched its “Inspire the Zones” initiative in Gusau, Zamfara.

The one-day inspirational programme, which saw 65 participants from Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna and Zamfara is the first of a six-leg journey that involves all the six geopolitical zones in the country, and is being done in partnership the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation via the Board Members resident in the Zone.

According to CCSF Founder and three-time Olympian, Chika Chukwumerije, the aim of the workshop is simply to inspire young minds.

“I have always insisted that Inspiration always wins medals, if you give it time. You sow that seed now in that mind, and watch it positively grow over the years”.

Some Participants during the Workshop

Pointing out a real-life example of the philosphy in the person of Borno-State born Abubakar Isah Adamu, the 17-year old Commonwealth Gold Medallist who came along with the CCSF Team, the CCSF Boss noted the effect of Adamu’s presence on his age mates in the region.

“Adamu was just 13 years old when we saw him. He was born and lives in Maiduguri, Borno State. At the time, he could barely speak English. Four years later, he speaks English, has won a couple of National Tournaments, has won a Gold at the Commonwealth Games and is one of the brightest Taekwondo prospects for Nigeria Taekwondo. The athletes here have been inspired just watching him today”

NTF Board Member of the region and State Host, Alhaji Mohammed Garba, agreed with the CCSF Boss

CCSF Founder poses with NTF Board Members in the region [L-R: Chika Chukwumerije, Alhaji Mohammed Garba [NTF North-West Representative], Mr Abdullahi Saidu [NTF Sponsor Representative], Mr Ado Garko Umar [NTF North East Representative]

“I am so excited by this wonderful program. Most of these athletes have never seen all these equipment that CCSF brought to Zamfara, or done the exercises they did together. They have trained with a 3-time Olympian they see only on TV, and a Commonwealth Gold Medallist. There is a rejuvenation amongst the athletes in this region”.

Another Board Member, Mr Abdullahi Saidu, who sponsored the athletes from Sokoto and Kebbi to the program was equally excited by the outcome of the program.

“That Chika could bring his Foundation to Zamfara has really inspired and galvanized all of us. A lot of times, good programs like this are held in Kano or Kaduna, but CCSF came all the way with their team and shared high quality information with upcoming and state athletes, free of charge. CCSF has certainly shown us that we have no excuse not to organize more regional inter-state programmes”

A participant, 24-year Alice Dumiya, from Kaduna proudly holds up her new Taekwondo Uniform

A Director of Admin with the Zamfara State Civil Service, Alhaji Mohammed Haidara, who was guest at the program commended the initiative and noted that, “the program is very interesting. More programs like this would help our youths to be doing something, instead of roaming about and engaging in unproductive activities”

In addition to the program, free equipment in form of imported Taekwondo Uniform, Kicking Pads and exercise books were given to some of the participants.

One of the participants, 23-year old Bilhatu Adamu of Zamfara, who makes colourful hand-made bags caught the attention of CCSF, and was given a free ticket to the 2015 CCSF Taekwondo Opens being held in Abuja on 23-24 October 2015, to showcase and merchandize her product.

Participants pose in a group photo during the one-day inspirational CCSF workshop

Speaking on the free ticket awarded to her, Miss Bilhatu could not hide her excitement,

“Not only did I enjoy the workshop, I have also been given an opportunity to come and showcase my bags to Nigerians and West Africans that would come to watch the event. I am very grateful to CCSF for given me this economic opportunity, at no cost.”

The next leg of the initiative would be held in the North Central Zone in Benue State on 7th March 2015.

Impressive Golden Eaglets Beat Fasbir Academy 4-1

Nigeria’s U-17 team, Golden Eaglets, rounded off their preparation towards Niger 2015 with an impressive 4-1 win against Fasbir Integrated Football Academy at the Giginya Memorial Stadium in Sokoto on Wednesday.

Golden Eaglets scored twice through Victor Osimhen and Suleiman Abdullahi via penalty in the first half with additional two goals by substitutes Christian Charles and Samuel Chukwueze while Fasbir’s was also a first half penalty goal by goalkeeper Yusuf Yusha’u who was adjudged the man-of-the match.

The match was watched by an enthusiastic crowd including Mallam Muhammed Nasiru Saidu, Chairman of Sokoto Football Association; Coach Siji Lagunju of the NFF amongst others. But the stadium did not come alive until the 20th minute when Suleiman Muhammed waltzed his way into the box and flicked the ball on the path of Victor Osimhen whose twice-taken shot was stopped by agile goalkeeper Yusha’u.

Six minutes later, Suleiman Abdullahi who wore the captain’s band broke free from the right flank but was brought down in his stride inside the box; Osimhen converted the resultant penalty kick to give the Golden Eaglets the lead.

But four minutes later, the Golden Eaglets conceded a penalty after the ball bounced off the hand of a defender following a corner kick and Goalkeeper Yusha’u stepped forward to fire the penalty behind Goalkeeper Amos Benjamin.

Eaglets took the lead towards the end of the first half courtesy of another penalty in the 44th after Osimhen was brought down with only the goalkeeper to beat and Suleiman smartly dispatched the ball behind Yusha’u yet again.

The Golden Eaglets virtually took control of the match on resumption of the second half following the introduction of Kelechi Nwakali, Samuel Chukwueze and Orji Okonkwo but Yusha’u foiled their attacking initiatives time and again. But with ten minutes to spare, the Golden Eaglets added two quick goals courtesy of Christian Charles at the end of a triangular pass involving Abdullahi and Ayodeji Bamidele in the 80th minutes. Two minutes later, Chukwueze slotted the last goal during a goalmouth melee.

The traditional pre match greetings by the two teams

Golden Eaglets Vs. Fasbir: A.Benjamin(A.Udoh 56)- A.Saddam(L.John); L. Halilu(A.Bamidele 77); C.Kanu;A.Usman;A. Ukoh(K.Nwakali); K.
Michael;S. Abdullahi; E.Osinachi(O.Okonwo 45); V. Osimhen(C.Charles
74); S.Muhammed(S.Chukwueze 45).

Amuneke salutes Sokoto fans, Fasbir Academy Golden Eaglets’ Head Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke was full of praise for the passionate Sokoto football fans as well as Fasbir Integrated Football Academy despite losing 4-1 to the Nigeria’s Under-17 team at the Giginya Memorial Stadium in Sokoto on Wednesday.

The former African Footballer of the Year said here that he was impressed with the large turnout of the fans at the match as well as the spirited play of the fledging academy owned by Mallam Muhammed Nasiru Saidu, the chairman of Sokoto Football Association and the Assistant Director, Legislative Budget at the National Assembly.

“First and foremost, we want to thank the people of Sokoto for their hospitality and support to us since the first day we arrived here,” Amuneke stated. “Our appreciations also go to the Sultan, the government and ordinary fans who are wishing us well as we travel to Niger for the African Under-17 championship.”

Speaking further, Amuneke said the youngsters from Fasbir have nothing to be ashamed because they put up a brave performance against the Niamey-bound Golden Eaglets.

Golden Eaglets line up against Gabon

“Personally, I’m taking some positives from this match since it allowed us to see how much we have adapted to the weather in Sokoto which is almost the same we are going to meet in Niamey,” he noted. “I must also commend Fasbir because this is about the best academy we have played; I don’t want to single out a particular player but collectively, I like them because this is what a model academy should be.”

Meanwhile, the Golden Eaglets made of 21 players and 10 officials would depart Sokoto for Niamey on Thursday to seek glory at the 11th African U-17 Championship slated to hold between February 15 and March 1.

Pinnick Sends Goodwill Message To Golden Eaglets

The President of Nigeria Football Federation(NFF), Mr. Amaju Pinnick, has told the Golden Eaglets to be fearless in their quest to conquer the continent at the 11th African Under-17 Championship which kick-off on Sunday in Niamey.

The Nigeria’s Under-17 team last won the trophy in 2007 and nearly went all the way in Morocco the last time in 2013 only to lose to Junior Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire via 5-4 penalty shoot-out after 1-1 draw.

In a goodwill message delivered to the team yesterday by Chairman of Chairmen, Alhaji Musa Ibrahim Gusau, on behalf of the board and management of the NFF, Mr. Pinnick was quoted as saying that the present team is on the threshold of history if they can conquer the continent again.

” You have a big task ahead of you because you are the team to beat in Niger because as the defending champions of the Under-17 World Cup, no team would take it easy with you ” Gusau told players and officials of the team after watching their training at the Giginya Memorial Stadium.” The President asked me to come and let you know that we are solidly behind you; and we are confident that you would do well at the championship in Niger.”

NFF President, Amaju Pinnick

He informed that Mr. Pinnick was unavoidably absent to see the team in Sokoto due to other engagements but has promised to be in Niamey in the later stages of the competition.

“We believe in you and though the president cannot come here to watch your trainings, he is confident that you would go far in Niger and by the grace of God, he would be with you later to give his support,” he explained.

Gusau further advised the players on total commitment to the task and also encouraged them to listen to the instructions of their coaches following their selection after a long and difficult process.

In his response, Coach Emmanuel Amuneke thanked the NFF under the leadership of Mr. Pinnick, saying his wards are rearing to go all the way at Niger 2015 : ” We are not going to make many promises but on behalf of this team, Insha Allah (by the grace of God), we shall bring smiles to the faces of Nigerians.”

Golden Eaglets pay rapt attention

..Team to stay at Royal Palace Hotel

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has revealed that the Golden Eaglets would be accommodated at Royal Palace Hotel during their campaign at the 11th African U-17 Championship in Niger.

The newly-built is reportedly a four-star facility and the NFF has already secured rooms for the team after thorough inspection by Director of Competitions, Dr. Muhammed Sanusi.

According to him, the Royal Palace Hotel is tidy and within close proximity to the Stade Général Seyni Kountché (SGSK) multi-purpose stadium where Golden Eaglets will play their first two matches against host Niger and Guinea on February 15 and 18 respectively.

“The NFF is doing the best to ensure there won’t be any hitch when you travel to Niamey and we have secured your accommodation at the Royal Palace Hotel,” informed Sanusi.” In fact, we are very lucky since you are going to be the only team to be accommodated there after the ballot for hotels were made in Equatorial Guinea by CAF.

“I’m confident you won’t to have much difficulty even with the weather since coming to Sokoto has provided you the opportunity to acclimatise before going to Niamey,” added Sanusi.

Meanwhile, the Local Organising committee of Niger 2015 has appointed Haruna as the Team Liaison officer (TLO) to the Golden Eaglets. Haruna reportedly has close affinity with Nigerians after playing for Lobi Stars and Kano Pillars in the past.

“Go And Bring The CAN Under-17 Trophy” Sultan Of Sokoto Charges Golden Eaglets

His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar IV, the Sultan of
Sokoto, has charged the Golden Eaglets to go and bring the African Under-17 Championship trophy’ as he prayed for the team’s successful outing at Niger 2015 holding in Niger between February 15 and March 1.

The national U-17 team who are in Sokoto to finalise their preparation for the tournament, paid a courtesy call on the titular ruler of Sokoto in his palace on Monday at the behest of Kogunan Sakwatto, Mallam Danladi Nasir Bako – the Sokoto’s state commissioner for information.

In the presence of some of his high-ranking palace chiefs, the Sultan who is a keen follower of soccer, advised the youngsters to be disciplined and focus on the assignment at hand in Niger in order to bring honour to the country.

GOLDEN EAGLETS’STARTING LINE UP AGAINST SUPER LION

“I’m very happy to receive on behalf of the hospitable people of Sokoto and I want to believe this is the first time some of you are coming to the palace,” the Sultan told his guest led by Coach Emmanuel Amuneke. “In fact, this is the first time we are hosting a national team here at the palace and I’m particularly delighted to formally welcome all of you to the palace as this would afford you the opportunity to know that the Sultan is a human being like you.”

The Amirul Mumineen said he was thrilled that the team dimmed it fit to pay him a courtesy call and seek blessings before embarking on the trip to Niger and counselled they remained good ambassadors of the country. He further counselled officials to continue to play fatherly roles to the players who he warned ‘to obey without question.’

He said further: “We want you to be good ambassadors of this country when you go to Niger and personally, I want you to go and bring the trophy again to Nigeria. But even as you do this, you must be disciplined and listen to your coaches because without discipline you cannot achieve much even as a footballer.”

Golden Eaglets

The former military officer further counselled the players never to neglect their education and never to be carried away with the stardom of being footballers.

Both Coach Amuneke and Captain Kelechi Nwakali took turn to thank the Sultan and the palace chiefs for finding time out of their busy schedule to host and offered prayers on behalf of the team, promising to do everything humanly possible and in the true spirit of sportsmanship, to conquer the continent in Niger