RANGERS READY FOR NPFL BATTLE AGAINST ABIA WARRIORS

Players and Technical Crew of Rangers Int’l FC of Enugu on Tuesday, intensified training and preparations towards
the local derby against neighbours, Abia Warriors FC on Sunday at the Umuahia township Stadium.

A release by the media officer, Foster Chime says the teams Technical crew concentrated on the tactical and
physical fitness of the players by training on a natural pitch to get used with the Umuahia pitch for Sundays match.

The Team now basking in the euphoria of leading the NPFL league table with ten points from five games is concentrating on maintaining their position on the league by wining all the remaining Premier League games inoder
to qualify for the CAF Champions League this year.

Rangers Int’l FC looked to have found a rythym in the league with the lone gaol victory over Wikki Tourists on Saturday, midweek games draw against Warri Wolves and the two straight wins against Niger Tornadoes and Plateau United.

Enugu Rangers fc

The Rangers Management has reasured players and the technical crew of State Governments continued support and motivation to sustain the winning streak in the remaining matches in the league, assuring that efforts have been intensified towards encsuring that monies approved are released soonest.

General Manager of the team, Ozor Paul Chibuzor expressed gratitude to the Board Chairman, Chief Festus Onu for support of providing a Luxuous Bus to convey Rangers fans and supporters to Umuahia and back on Sunday for the Abia Warriors VS Rangers match and appeled to other philantropists in the State to emulate Chief Onu’s shinning example and magnanimity.

LMC INSPECTS UMUAHIA TOWNSHIP STADIUM

The League Management Company’s special delegation that inspected facilities at the Umuahia Township Stadium in readiness for the kick off of this season’s Nigeria Professional Football League has concluded its assignment.

Some of the facilities inspected by the delegation at the Abia Warriors Football Club home ground include the playing turf, the dressing rooms for both home and away teams, the press stand, public conveniences, referees dressing rooms, the VIP stand among others.

The two-man special delegation which included Chief Okey Kpaluku a Director of the League Management Company and veteran sports administrator Emeka Iwuagwu also inspected the media and technical facilities at the stadium.

At the end of the inspection exercise, the team said they have seen the facilities on ground, but said that there was still room for improvement.

The team however could not disclose to newsman what their feelings were, insisting that they would write their report and submit same to LMC, which according to them, have the final say.

“We have seen the facilities you have on ground but there is still room for you to upgrade. We will write our report to the LMC and they will communicate you accordingly”, Kpalukwu said.

In his reaction, the Chairman of Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia, Chief Emeka Inyama who had earlier welcomed the team to the Umuahia Township Stadium, commended them for doing a thorough job and expressed confidence that the LMC’s response to their report will be favourable to Abia Warriors.

ABIA WARRIORS INTENSIFY BUILD-UP FOR NEW SEASON

Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia have continued their build-up to the forthcoming Nigeria professional Football League season with victories in-two pre-season friendly matches.

The Warriors, who finished 10th last season, have indicated their resolve to go for the title in its third year in the Premier League and have engaged some local sides in tune-up games.

At the weekend, Abia Warriors beat LEGENDS FC of Aba 1-0 at the Umuahia Township Stadium with youngster, Michael Olaha netting the only goal through a trade mark free kick.

In another friendly, Enize Emmanuel and Agoha Chinenye scored as the Warriors defeated visiting FOOTPRINTERS Football Club of Owerri 2-0 at the same venue.

Speaking after the friendly match, Godstime Enyerenwa who took the FOOTPRINTERS to Umuahia said the outcome was harsh on them as the team deserved a better result.

Enyerenwa, who revealed that he has bankrolled the National Division Two outfit within the last five years, said the team just regrouped after the Christmas and New Year break, pointing and that they will be stronger and more cohesive before the National League kicks off.

On his own part, Abia Warriors Manager, Kennedy Boboye said he was using the friendly matches to tune-up the boys for the challenges ahead adding that he was happy at the progress made so far.

According to him, the team will soon go into closed camping to finalize strategies for the forthcoming season.

ABIA WARRIOR RESUME TRAINING…

ABIA WARRIOR RESUME TRAINING…engage in friendlies

Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia have resumed training for the new season after observing the Christmas and New Year break granted the players by the technical crew.

Addressing the players, Coach Kennedy Boboye thanked God for the journey mercies granted them and wished them well. Boboye said everybody should brace up for the challenges ahead as Abia Warriors have a target to meet at the end of the season.

Abia Warriors Chairman, Chief Emeka Inyama, who watched the training session with members of his Board, reminded the players and their coaches of the need to work very hard in order to meet the club’s target of winning the league for the first time or at least picking a continental ticket at the end of the season.

Chief Inyama, who described Abia Warriors as one of the best managed sides in the land, revealed that management takes the welfare of the team seriously as no player, Official or staff is owed salaries, allowances or match bonuses and promised to render all the necessary assistance to enable the team excel.

He told the coaches to rely more on the already established stars in the land rather than engage in an open screening as there would be no time to accommodate that since kick off date for the new season is barely three weeks ahead.

Meanwhile, Abia Warriors crushed local rivals, New Generation Football Club 5-0 in a pre-season friendly at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

Sheriff Bashir, Kalu Nweke, Esobe Chukwudi, Elvis Okoroafor and Benenoir International, Ajayi Musa scored the goals for the Warriors.

KENNEDY BOBOYE

Coach Boboye, who expressed happiness at the scoreline while briefing newsman, said more friendlies would be arranged for the team in order to put the boys in a more competitive spirit before the beginning of the season.

The former Sunshine Stars tactician said the friendlies would also be used to properly assess the players under a match situation disclosing that the players who failed to meet his standard would be shown the way out.

BOBOYE PROMISES FAIR PLAY FOR ABIA WARRIORS

Newly appointed Manager of Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia, Kennedy Boboye has assured the players that he will not witch-haunt any of them as long as hardwork and respect to constituted authority is maintained.

Boboye, who addressed the players at the Umuahia Township Stadium shortly after conducting his first training session for the players, noted that fair play has always been his watchword, in all the clubs he has been.

“I am one coach who gives all the players equal opportunity. I will never sack any player without giving him a chance”, he told them.

The former Sunshine Stars tactician said he was happy at the turn-out of players during the session as camp re-opened as well as their dedication to duty and urged them to maintain the tempo.

He expressed happiness that majority of the boys who featured for Abia Warriors last season were still around insisting that the team would be built around them while only a few players would be introduced to strengthen some weak areas in order to make the team more competitive.

He also commended management for retaining more than 90 per cent of the coaching crew, pointing out that this would further make his work easier, describing the coaches he met on ground as some of the best the nation can boast of.

KENNEDY BOBOYE

While promising harmonious relationship with the management, coaches and players, Boboye said he has come to Umuahia to make a mark for himself and the team calling for all hands to be on deck.

Earlier the secretary of Abia Warriors Football Club Oliver Ndife had welcomed Boboye to the training ground and assured him of the club’s support to enable him succeed

Sharks Gm, Apologize To Fans After Relegation

The Management and Players of Sharks FC have apologize to the government, fans and people of Rivers State over their inability to avoid the drop to the lower league.

The General Manager of the club, Okey kpaluku stated this shortly after his teams zero-one loss to Abia Warriors at the Umuahia Township stadium yesterday.

Kpaluku who was so optimistic of staying afloat the premier League next season described the loss in Umuahia and subsequent relegation as heart breaking.

“let me apologize to our fans and the government of Rivers State led by Barr. Nyesom Wike for failing to meet their expectations”.

“Am still trying to come to terms with our relegation to the NNL because we did not bargain for it as we did everything possible to stay afloat but our best was not good enough to keep us in the premier League “. kpaluku said

Captain of the side, Odinga Odinga commenting on his teams relegation, described it as one of the saddest moments of his career because it happened at a time when they thought the team was better positioned to escape the drop.

Odinga stressed that they have themselves to to blame for failing to make the avalanche of chances they had in the match against Abia Warriors yesterday.

“We came into the game with so much expectations, had the game going for us, threw away begging chances and we got nailed for it”.

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

“Am saddened by our relegation to the lower league, I just pray that our Governor who has done so much for us in such a short period will have a place in his heart to forgive us for disappointing him”. odinga said

Odinga also seized the opportunity to thank shirt sponsors, Eunisell for identifying with the team and apologize to the chemical solution company for letting them down,.

He appealed to the Rivers State government, fans and Eunisell to keep faith with the team for a quick return to the premier league

TONY OKEMMIRI SHINES AGAIN, DESPITE WARRIORS LOSS TO ENYIMBA

Abia Warriors petit mid-fielder, Anthony Okemmiri shone like a million stars and was voted the man-of-the-match by sports writers who covered the week 36 Glo Premier League encounter between Abia Warriors Football Club and Enyimba International of Aba at the Umuahia township Stadium at the weekend which Enyimba won 1-0.

The Uzuakoli, in Abia State – born former Dolphins of Port Harcourt and Kwara United Utility player, who joined the Umuahia based Warriors this season, also won the maiden edition of the award in Abia Warriors’ last home match against Lobi Stars of Makurdi a fortnight ago also in Umuahia.

Tony beat his closest rival, Mfon Udoh of Enyimba who scored the only goal in the Abia derby to cart home the award instituted by the Abia Warriors management to encourage the players put up their best during home games.

Receiving the award from a business mogul Chief Obioma Okorie, Tony expressed gratitude to the management of Abia Warriors for initiating the award, adding that he was humbled and honoured to win it back-to-back and particularly against a star- studded Enyimba side promising that he will continue to do his best to lift Abia Warriors to greater heights.

Earlier, Chief Obioma Okorie, who was the guest of honour at the match, described Tony as a highly skilful footballer, predicting that he would go places if he keeps his head low.

The much publicized Abia “el-Classico”, lived up to expectations as the two sides kept it tight. Enyimba was awarded a penalty in the first half but captain, Chinedu Udoji shot tamely into the waiting hands of Chinedu Anozie, in goal for the Warriors.

As the game wore on, the capacity crowd which included the State Governor Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, thought it could end goalless until substitute, Mfon Udoh broke lose from the left side and dragged the ball beyond Bassey Akpan.

The Warriors attack, led by Super Eagles striker, Chisom Chikatara, bombarded the Enyimba defence ceaselessly but could not find the equalizer.

DEFENDING CHAMPIONS RIVERS ANGELS CRUISE TO FINALS

Rivers Angels Football club of Port Harcourt cruised into the finals of the Nigeria Women Football League Super Six competition today.

A first half goal from Ayila Loveth ensured the Edwin Okon led side wrapped up the group stage of the competition with 6 points to await the eventual winners of group B in Thursday’s finals.

And Coach Okon is a happy man

“I said it yesterday that we’re the defending champions but I want to thank the state government for hosting the competition”

“I was a happy man yesterday and I am a happy man today because we’ve qualified for the finals of the tournament and we’re looking forward to going back with the cup” said Okon.

Meanwhile Bayelsa Queens trashed Confluence Queens 4-1 later in the day to go top of group B with 4 points

Tomorrow Confluence will take on Delta Queens by 2pm while Sunshine Queens will tackle Nasarawa Amazons by 4pm

RIVERS ANGELS ON COURSE FOR WOMEN FOOTBALL LEAGUE TITLE DEFENCE

Defending champions Rivers Angels began their Nigeria Women Football League Super Six campaign with 1-0 win over Nasarawa Amazons.

The game which was played at the Umuahia Township stadium in Abia state had lots of dignitaries present including the first lady of the state, Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu who set the competition rolling with the kick off.

The match between the NWFL champions and Amazons was a keenly contested one however Mercy Amanze’s solitary strike made the difference as the Port Harcourt side was able to pick all three points in the game.

Amazons came close to getting an equalizer just before half time when Winifred Eyebhoria struck the woodwork but Angels defender, Ugo Njoku was quick to clear

Few minutes into the second half, Eyebhoria’s sublime free kick was parried away by goalie, Charity John.

In the 55th minute, Ayila Loveth scored what would have been a second goal for the 2014 league champions from an Njoku’s upright hit but assistant referee ruled it off.

After the game, head coach of Rivers Angels, Edwin Okon said the game was a tough one for his side

Rivers Angels

“I think it’s a good one because it was a very difficult game, winning one’s first match serves as a morale booster to the team and am happy we picked all three points”

“Both teams played well but I think Rivers Angels was the better side today” coach Okon.

Rivers Angels will take on Sunshine Queens of Akure in their second group game tomorrow by 2pm while in group B, Bayelsa Queens will play Confluence Queens by 4pm

ABIA WARRIORS INTRODUCES “FAMILY PACK”, OTHER GOODIES TO SPECTATORS

Chairman of Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia, Chief Emeka Inyama says the club will introduce more innovations that will ensure a full house whenever Abia Warriors are playing at home.

In the team’s last home game at the Umuahia Township Stadium against Enugu Rangers International, various music artistes entertained the fans before, during half time and after the game while spectators were also rewarded with the club’s mementos a like FIFA approved footballs, club’s replica jerseys and team bags among others during a raffle-draw.

Parents, who made it to the stadium with their children were also rewarded with the “Family Pack” which contained various items for the children’s’ delight.

Most of the winners of the items expressed happiness at the gesture by Abia Warriors and pledged that they will not fail to attend any of the team’s remaining home matches.

Chairman of Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia, Chief Emeka Inyama

Abia Warriors chairman, Chief Inyama told the club’s website that this is just the beginning of the goodies that await spectators during the club’s home matches, insisting that it is simply a way of saying “thank you” for their support and commitment all season.

ABIA WARRIORS STRIKER LOSES MUM

Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia top striker this season, Chisom Chikatara has described the passing away of his mother as very painful.

While the marksman was busy on the pitch defending the Warriors flag against top flight Warri Wolves in a week 30 Glo Premier League encounter at the Umuahia Township Stadium last Sunday, news filtered in that Madam Ifeyinwa Chikatara, who has been hospitalised for about one week, had passed on, although the story was kept away from the 20-year-old until after the game which the Umuahia based side won-2-1.

Speaking to Abia Warriors website in Umuahia, Chisom, who was discovered on the street while playing for his local side, New Generation FC, said he was very close to his mother even though he is the third child in a family of six and hoped God will receive her in His bosom.

He lamented that the mother died when she should enjoy the fruits of her labour, describing her as a woman of substance who cared for others more than herself.

While promising that they will live according to their mother’s tenets and wise counsel, Chisom, who is one of the top scorers in the League this season with ten goals, said he will continue to do his best on the field of play as a way of projecting the Chikatara family image.

Meanwhile, Abia Warriors management has commiserated with Chisom on the demise of his mother, Madam Ifeyinwa Chikatara.

In a telephone chat with the player, the chairman, Abia Warriors Football Club, Chief Emeka Inyama described the incident as pathetic and urged Chisom to bear the loss with fortitude.

Chief Inyama, who promised that Abia Warriors will stand by him at this trying period, urged him never to mourn like someone without hope, as God will always be his anchor.

Igwe Onuoha

LMC Grants Provisional Approval To Six Suspended Stadiums

Six clubs whose grounds were decertified from hosting Glo Premier League matches have been granted provisional approval by the League Management Company (LMC) to return to their grounds while further inspection would be carried out to ascertain the appropriateness of repairs done.

In a circular to the Clubs, the LMC listed the clubs that have been granted provisional approval to return to their home grounds as Giwa FC (Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos), Nasarawa United, (Lafiya Township Stadium), FC Taraba (Jolly Nyame Stadium, Jalingo), Heartland (Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri), FC IfeanyiUbah (Gabros Stadium, Nnewi) and Arabia Warriors (Umuahia Township Stadium).

The clubs had their grounds decertified from Match Day11 after they were inspected and adjudged not fit to host Glo Premier League matches. The clubs were directed to repair the observed defects and notify the LMC for further inspection.

The LMC in the circular said it has received and reviewed the preliminary reports from field inspections which shows that there has been appreciable level of improvement towards meeting the required standard required for top level league football. It further said, “consequently, the following Clubs are hereby given the provisional approval and option to use their home venues for a trial period in the next four matches”.

The circular signed by the LMC Chief Operating Officer, Salihu Abubakar informed the affected clubs that final inspection will be carried out on each stadium during match days to determine the correctness of the repairs on the pitches and compliance to continue to host matches.

“Those we find to have met requirements for certification will be approved to continue hosting matches for the rest of the season while any venue found not to have complied to standard will be decertified indefinitely and the club will return to the alternative venue from Match Day 24”, the LMC declared in the circular.

It further stated that the listed clubs can exercise the option of continuing playing their home games at their adopted grounds if they so desire but must confirm such decision in writing to the LMC before close of business on Friday, July 31.