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Nigerian Football

MY INJURY HELL IS OVER, SAYS DELE OLORUNDARE

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BY TOBI ADEPOJU.

 

Former Sunshine Stars forward, Dele Olorundare has declared he would soon be back on the pitch and scoring goals after finally finding a lasting solution to his persistent injury.

Olorundare, who once led Sunshine Stars to third place in the Nigeria Professional Football League and led the line as Sunshine Stars played on the continent for the first time has battled consistent knee problems for the past two years and his career has stalled as a result of the injury.

Olorundare, with 42 goals in 69 appearances, is arguably Sunshine Stars record scorer. His superb season form earned him a call-up to the home-based Super Eagles under late Stephen Keshi in 2013.

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However, it appears he is certain the lingering problem has now being solved and is gearing up for a return to the league.

“It started two years ago when I felt something in my knee. I continued playing with it because I wanted to help my club but apparently, it was getting worse. When I fully broke down, I started looking for medical solutions to resolve it and that was where my problems began,” he says.

“One solution led to another but I wasn’t feeling any better and losing hope till I heard about Kasi Healthcare. Dr Salami and Dr Dayo Osholowu assured me they could finally resolve the issue and I decided to go with them as they seemed to know what they were talking about and I saw the technology they had.

“It has turned out to be the best decision I have made in my career. My knee is healing fast now and I will resume training very soon. I cannot wait to be back”, said Olorundare.

Speaking on player’s injury, Dr Salami, the Chief Surgeon at Kasi Healthcare said making the right diagnosis and confirming same with modern technology is fundamental to identify and plan for treatment of delicate sports injuries and ensuring that players make the best of their short careers.

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“It is sad many players lose out on the best years of their careers because of inadequate care.

“Our team has extensive clinical experience managing sports injuries. Nigerian athletes can now gain access to diagnostic ultrasound and MRI scans reported by specialist sports medicine specialists and l radiologists, either same day or within 48 hours of their initial appointment.

“We offer a world class but local solution for injured Nigerian athletes. We have consolidated all our skills, expertise, and made the investment in the modern technology to create a world class sports medicine service here in Lagos Nigeria. That is our mission here at Kasi. I am happy for Olorundare; he deserves to be back on the pitch. He has been through a lot.

Salami is a Fellow in Arthroscopy at the Sancheti Institute of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Pune, India.

He is also a fellow of the West African College of Surgeons and member International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee surgery and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine (ISAKOS); European Society for Sports Traumatology.

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Also speaking on the issue is Head of the Kasi Healthcare Interventional Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation service Dr Dayo Osholowu who is a Diplomat of the FIFA Football Medicine Centre of Excellence Johannesburg and member of the South Africa 2010 FIFA World Cup Medical team and Former Team Doctor of Nigerian Dodan Warriors Basketball team said that the NPFL players, other Nigeria athletes all need fast diagnosis and full recovery.

“They want to return to their achieved levels of fitness and performance as soon as possible with minimal disruption.

“For even the most severe sports injuries such as a torn ACL (knee ligament) we offer advance keyhole and micro surgery including Laser treatments for Sports Injuries.

“We also offer Physiotherapy and individualized rehabilitation programmes to ensure full recovery from sports injuries and orthopaedic surgery.

“Our team is 100% Nigerian and trained at top Sports Medicine centres in Europe, USA, South Africa and India.

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“We are here to provide the best quality specialist healthcare to this category of Nigerians. It is sad that in the past many have never fully recovered from these injuries which are completely treatable.

“We are happy, we are giving athletes and Nigerians hope by helping them recover from injuries.

“This year we have treated Terry Envoh, a former Nigerian international and he is on his way to fully recovering.

“Another Nigerian international, Segun Oduduwa who also got injured playing for the National U23 team has had his surgery and is strictly following our recovery plan.

“Segun will make a full and complete recovery and he will be back on the pitch soon. That’s what gives us pride, helping our people return to sports or any other endeavour and leading active, productive lives.”

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Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

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Nigerian Football

What a day as Southwest Stars see stars!

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Remo Stars were beaten by a two-goal margin as they lost 3-1 to Plateau United. The same fate befell their western neighbours, Shooting Stars who lost 2-0 to Rivers United in Port Harcourt.

Both results meant that the leadership of the league is captured by Rivers United, pushing Remo Stars to the second position after seven matches.

 For Remo Stars destiny was shaped by the rampaging Franklin Anthony whose hattrick gave Plateau United their victory.

 Plateau United struck early in the match, shooting ahead in the fifth minute and completed the rout in the second half through goals in the 64th and 70th minutes.

Remo Stars only stalled the tide through Jabbar Malik in the 83rd minute.

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In Port Harcourt, Rivers United prevailed over Shooting Stars with a 2-0 win. After a goalless first half, Aniekeme Okon put the home side in the lead in the 50th minute and Ndifreke Effiong Udo doubled the lead in the 65th minute.

The result lifted the side into the top spot with 17 points and a better goal difference of eight which is the highest by any team in the ongoing season.

In Benin, Bendel Insurance bounced back from Ikorodu City’s defeat last weekend in Lagos and recorded a resounding 3-0 win against visiting Bayelsa United in the early kick-off tie.

Kayode Oke Solomon opened the score for the home side in the 17th minute and Nnamdi Anthony doubled the lead in the 78th minute before Micheal Enaruna scored the third goal in added time.

In Owerri, coach Emmanuel Amuneke of Heartland FC had to work harder and salvaged a point at home against resurgent Ikorodu City who scored first in the 5th minute via Salaudeen Taiwo but Chukwuma Agor secured parity for the home side in a 1-1 scoreline in the 66th minute.

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Katsina United pipped Akwa United by a lone goal scored by Azeez Falolu in the 27th minute.

Action resumes this weekend as leaders, River United will play away ay at Niger Tornadoes while Remo Stars will host Bendel Insurance in Ikenne just as Shooting welcomes Katsina United and Ikorodu City will host Lobi Stars.

El-Kanemi Warriors will continue their season’s unbeaten run as they host Enyimba while Bayelsa United will host Heartland of Owerri and Akwa United will welcome Enugu Rangers in Uyo.

Ahmed Musa’s Kano Pillars will hope to continue their winning streak as the host Kwara United and Sunshine Stars will host Nasarawa United and Abia Warriors will host Plateau United in Abakaliki.

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Nigerian Football

The rise and rise of Nigeria Premier Football League

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The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is on the rise and has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, largely thanks to the unwavering commitment of strategic partners to the NPFL, GTI Group. By laying down robust structures for transparency and accountability, GTI Group has significantly helped to improve the integrity and reputation of the elite league, ensuring that every dime from sponsors and investors of The Nigeria Football Fund (TNFF) are meticulously utilised and accounted for.

GTI’s initiative to enhance transparency in the NPFL goes beyond mere intentions; it involves concrete actions that laid the groundwork for accountability. This commitment not only bolsters the league’s financial health but also promotes confidence among stakeholders, including fans, sponsors and players.

One of the critical challenges that faced the NPFL before the coming of GTI Group in the 2022/2023 season was crowd violence. However, the financial investment firm and the NPFL Board led by Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye have worked harmoniously and tackled this issue head-on by implementing measures to curb this menace at match venues.

The placement of trained security personnel, implementation of zero tolerance to crowd violence and the issuance of fines against erring clubs cum their fans have fostered a safer environment for lovers of the beautiful game in the country. As a result, match attendance has astronomically increased, allowing for a more vibrant and supportive atmosphere.

The enhanced transparency in match operations by NPFL has also sparked renewed hope and a sense of friendly competition among clubs. With the increase in fair play and adherence to regulations, fans and players alike are experiencing a new wave of excitement. This was exemplified on Match Day 3 of the ongoing 2024/2025 season, where the league witnessed an impressive display of five-star performance: five away wins, three draws, and two home wins. This feat has never happened in the history of the elite league and reflects the blossoming football economy of Africa’s most populous nation. 

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GTI Group and NPFL’s relentless effort has laid the foundation for a prosperous league that attracts local and international talents from neighboring countries in the round-leather game. By focusing on transparency, infrastructural development and security, GTI and NPFL are not just transforming the league but creating a sustainable environment where football can thrive.

As we celebrate these positive changes, it is essential to acknowledge the role of every stakeholder in this journey. The NPFL is no longer just a platform for entertainment; it is a thriving business-oriented industry with the potential to inspire future generations.

The transformation of the NPFL, championed by GTI Group, reflects a brighter future for Nigerian football. With the ongoing commitment and collaboration, the NPFL will continue to flourish, bringing glory to clubs and excitement to fans across the world.

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Nigerian Football

Enugu Rangers crumble at home in seven-goal thriller with Kano Pillars

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Nigerian champions, Enugu Rangers have been beaten 4-3 by visiting Kano Pillars in the Match Day 7 of the Nigeria Premier Football League.

The visitors went into the lead in 15th minute when Rabiu Ali converted a penalty kick. They doubled the lead in the 28th minute through Zulkifilu Rabiu before Rabiu Ali extended the lead to 3-0 in the 37th minute after converting another penalty kick.

The game turned into a nightmare for Rangers as Ahmed Musa made it 4-0 in the first minute of the added time.

Rangers began a fight back in the opening minutes of the second half as Isaac Saviour pulled a goal back in the 47th minute. Twelve minute later he scored a second goal to reduce the tally to 4-2. Emmanuel Silas Nenrot made the score line a more respectable for Rangers when he scored a third goal in the added time.

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