Nigerian Football
Dayo Ojo Returns Home from Al Merriekh
BY CHRIS OKUNNUWA
One of the Al Merriekh three Nigerian players that changed the course of flow of Rivers United in the continent, Dayo Ojo has returned home to his former club, the struggling Sunshine Stars.
Dayo Ojo’s Al Merriekh bundled Rivers United out of the CAF Champions League as the Nigerian club now seek glory in the second tier continental league, the CAF Confederation Cup.
Sunshine Stars formally announced his return and the signing of some new players ahead of the league’s second stanza that begins on Sunday.
New players that will solidify Sunshine Stars are: Durand Thuram Gerald, Seun Olulayo, Michael Okoyoh, Ike ThankGod and Isaac Helehele.
Others are Jolly Osas, Ezekiel Thompson and Ebitimi Agogo.
Durand Thuram Gerald is a defender from Republic of Benin and had played for Mauritanian outfit, Curepipe Starlight SC.
Seun Olulayo rejoins the club, alongside Michael Okoyoh from Abia Warriors. Cameroonian defender, Isaac Helehele returned to Akure from El Kanemi Warriors for a second spell. Ike ThankGod (defender) completed his switch from Enyimba FC.
Winger, Jolly Osas joins from NPFL Champions, Enugu Rangers; Ezekiel Thompson (attacker) comes from Wikki Tourists and winger, Ebitimi Agogo is signed from Shooting Stars.
Meanwhile, Ojo Olorunleke (Akwa United), Ayo Saka (Rivers United), Samad Quadri (Lobi Stars) and Yahuza Bala officially departed Sunshine Stars FC during the 2016/17 NPFL midseason break while Toyin Abegunde, Yakubu Adam, Folayemi Michael, Akintola Olusoga and Olotu Akinyemi have been drafted to the feeders team, Rising Stars FC.
Nigerian Football
Nigerian women coaches conclude first module of CAF C-License course
![](https://sportsvillagesquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/women-coaches.png)
A total of 30 women coaches have concluded the first of a three-module CAF C-License program in the Federal Capital, Abuja and are expected to commence a two-week internship with different teams in a few days.
Peopled largely by former Nigerian internationals and other serving coaches, the group was taken through a full week of rigorous classroom and practical sessions by a team of coach educators and resource persons, in a baptism of what the next two modules are likely to entail,
NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen, told thenff.com that the first module has shown that the women coaches are actually desirous of learning.
“I am very much impressed with their attitude, mannerisms and conduct through the first module. They impressed everyone, and the coach educators also told me they were impressed, and are looking forward to having them back for the second and concluding modules.
“We are grateful for the leadership of the NFF for the support and encouragement for coach-education programmes all the time.”
The participants will return to Abuja for the second module that is scheduled for 12th – 20th August, after which they will go on another two-week internship, 23rd August – 4th September. The third module, which comes with examinations for the participants, will take place 9th – 19th September.
Dr. Terry Babatunde Eguaoje, NFF’s Head of Education, is among the coach educators’ team, which also includes Coaches Isah Ladan Bosso, Wemimo Olanrewaju and Lanrence Ndaks.
Among the 30 participants are former Super Falcons’ stars Precious Dede, Joy Jegede, Esther Michael, Maureen Eke, Otas Ogbonmwan, Vera Okolo, Cecilia Nku, Taiwo Ajobiewe, Gloria Ofoegbu and Amenze Aighewi. There are also Barr. Victoria Nlemigbo and retired FIFA referee Folusho Ajayi.
Nigerian Football
Osimhen’s outburst was a moment of madness, says Amaju
![](https://sportsvillagesquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/finidi-and-osimhen.png)
Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President and a FIFA Council member, Amaju Pinnick has expressed shock at last month’s outburst by Super Eagles’ striker, Victor Osimhen against Finidi George.
“It is very unfortunate”, Amaju Pinnick remarked on an Arise Television programme. The former NFF president said he had put a call to Osimhen who was very remorseful while the telephone conversation lasted.
“I told him he has to apologise, and I am sure he will if he has not yet done so.” Amaju remarked that he could not comprehend what went wrong as Osimhen was the most cool-headed player in the national team.
He went on to remark that Finidi George was not a personality to be disregarded like that. He has won virtually every honour available during his playing days and was a member of the Super Eagles at their peak when Nigeria ranked fifth in the world.
“I believe players should learn to respect their coaches”, said the former NFF boss.
Nigerian Football
I prefer a foreign coach for the Super Eagles, says Amaju
![](https://sportsvillagesquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/amaju-pinnick-1.png)
Nigeria’s FIFA Council member, Amaju Pinnick has told the world that he has always been an advocate of foreign coaches for the Super Eagles. He spoke on Arise Television while fielding questions with Reuben Abati, Rufai Oseni and Ayo Mairo-Ese.
His reason for being averse to indigenous coaches stemmed from lack of respect for them by the players.
“Yes, the Nigerian coaches have the requisite knowledge and the technical ability, but modern football is beyond that in managing players.
“Will the national team players respect the coach? The sad thing is that they don’t”, said Amaju Pinnick.
He however revealed that he supported the appointment of Finidi George owing to the circumstances that the NFF found itself after the exit of Jose Peseiro.
The NFF, he revealed, had no money to hire a foreign coach. The body therefore went for the most available option, Finidi to ensure a smooth transition.
“Finidi was part of the coaching crew of Peseiro and it was therefore logical to ask him to continue.
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