Nigerian Football
IKPEBA MUTES CHARITY MATCH TO HELP DISTRESSED ORUMA
BY BOLAJI OKUNOLA.
Former Super Eagles’ forward, Victor Ikpeba has told www.sportsvillagesquare.com of plans by some past national team players to organize a charity match to assist the emotionally distressed Wilson Oruma into recovery path.
Oruma, who captained the Golden Eaglets to their second world title victory in 1993, has been undergoing emotional distress following reported duping of investments valued at N1.2billion six years ago.
His situation has attracted attention by many football followers who wish the situation does not get to the level that cost Rashidi Yekini his life.
Victor Ikpeba who played alongside Oruma in the France ’98 class of Super Eagles told www.sportsvillagesquare that “plans are going on to make sure Oruma regain his lost property. No one will be happy to a see a friend or fellow legend that has done much for Nigeria football to keep facing tough challenges of life.
“We, his former team mates hope to organise a fund raising match next month. The likes of Nwankwo Kanu, Austin Okocha, Emmanuel Amuneke, Taribo West and host of others will feature. I am sure the Lagos F.A and Delta F.A where Oruma originated from will also drum support”, said Ikpeba who was African Footballer of the year 1997.
He also stated his group plans an orientation program which will be made to reshape the thinking of Nigerian footballers to spend wisely.
“We are also going to make sure the novelty match attracts an orientation programme, which will help footballers on how to invest and spend their income wisely. I feel for some ex footballers who have been duped.
“Scammers are everywhere and anybody can run into their trap. I just urge Nigeria footballers to be watchful and I hope the novelty match yield a positive result for him.”
Remo Stars on Saturday made it two straight wins in the Nigeria Premier League after labouring to a 1-0 defeat of Sunshine Stars of Akure to follow-up their last weekend 2-0 away win over Abia Warriors.
On Saturday, under eight minutes they shot ahead through Shuaibu Ibrahim. That was where the story ended as Sunshine Stars came up strongly and almost stalemated scores.
The win, though narrow, is enough to temporarily take Remo Stars to the top of the log after two games.
They are followed by Rivers United who beat Heartland 3-1. It is the second consecutive 3-1 loss that Heartland are getting in the two-week old season.
The situation could change on Sunday when other matches are played.
On the card are: Akwa United hosting Abia Warriors while Kano Pillars will be away to Bayelsa United.
Katsina United host Bendel Insurance and Niger Tornadoes will be home to Nasarawa United. Shooting Stars will host Plateau United.
BY KUNLE SOLAJA, who was in Arnhem, Netherlands.
Former Nigeria manager, Clemens Westerhof has recommended one of his former players, Samson Siasia as the substantial coach for the Super Eagles.
Siasia was one of his players of the famed golden generation of the Super Eagles.
“I called him last month to greet him for his birthday and also to celebrate with him for the end of his five-year ban”, Westerhof told Sports Village Square at his house in Arnhem in the Netherlands.
According to him, Siasia is just like Keshi and that he has the capacity to turn the Super Eagles around for the better. Westerhof, the author of the famed ‘Golden Generation’ of the Super Eagles made his suggestion shortly after Germany’s Bruce Labbadia turned down the Nigerian job offer.
Westerhof remarked that he was surprised about the choice of Labbadia in the first instance and that the now Mali coach, Tom Saintfiet who is his friend could have been a better choice.
Saintfiet, a Belgian, was speculated among the coaches initially short-listed for the Super Eagles’ job. But Westerhof, before the naming of Austin Eguavoen, another member of his famous 1994 squad, strongly back Siasia for the job.
He remarked that he was in touch with the former striker as well as Austin Okocha whom he met with in London recently.
To Westerhof, Siasia has the same quality like Stephen Keshi to handle the Super Eagles. “He has done it before and I think he can still do it.”
The balls hit the nets 17 times this Sunday as the Nigeria Premier League Season 2024/25 burst into life this Sunday.
The first of the goals was from Plateau United’s Olawale Doyeni who converted a 24th minute penalty kick against Katsina United in an eventual 1-0 home win.
Another star-man of the the day is Enyimba’s Clinton Jephta who has become the season’s first hat-trickster. His three goals in the 65th , 70th and 73rd minutes sank heartland 3-1 in their home match.
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