Nigerian Football

ROHR WORRIED OVER NFF CRISIS AND POTENTIAL PLAYERS’ INJURY

Published

6 years ago

May 1, 2018

BY BOLAJI OKUNOLA.

As the clock ticks down to the kick-off of Russia 2018, Nigeria’s national team coach seems enveloped in major concerns. According to his chief scout, Victor Agali, the legal noose around his employers have become a major concern just as injuries sustained by some players also give him worries.

The Super Eagles will play for the first time on home soil since picking the World Cup ticket last October. Yet, the trial match with DR Congo, which also serves as World Cup farewell game may largely be prosecuted by fringe players as the bulk of the Super Eagles will need to rest after hectic seasons in Europe and Asia and would also like to conserve their energies for the more prestigious friendly duel with England early next month.

Reportedly on the injury list are Leicester City defensive midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, Torino of Italy play maker, Joel Obi, Arsenal forward, Alex Iwobi and Leon Balogun. The unfolding legal tangle is also a matter of concern as it is feared that it may cause diversion for those expected to plan a possible good outing for the Super Eagles at the World Cup and also prepare for the September matches of the qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria had missed two editions in a row and stand the risk of missing a third one. “There is no doubt, Rohr is not happy with all these recent happenings. We just have few weeks left for the FIFA World Cup in Russia”, Agali remarked to www.sportsvillagesquare.com.

“This is not the right time for all these. We have injury problems with some of our key players and Rohr’s employers are entangled in legal issues.

“I met Rohr some days ago and he was looking worried. We just hope some of our injured players regain their fitness.

“All qualified teams are busy preparing hard, including our group rivals. I am also busy scouting for new faces who can bring more positive impact to the team.

“I am very sure things will get organized before our next warm-up game against DR Congo. I have advised Rohr to keep calm about the recent happenings”.

Nigerian Football

Rivers flow to the top!

Published

2 days ago

October 6, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Rivers United have launched themselves to the top of the log at the end of the match day 5 of the Nigeria Premier League. The Port Harcourt side beat Akwa United 2-1 to go afloat after initial leaders, Remo Stars crumbled to a 1-0 defeat at Kwara United in Ilorin on Sunday.

It was Remo Stars’ first defeat in the season. Rivers United are now with 13 points. Stephen Mayo put Rivers United ahead after 31 minutes. But it turned a temporary lead as Akwa United bounced back almost at the blast of the referee’s whistle for the second half.

Friday Apollos levelled up for Akwa United before Ndifreke Effiong Udo scored the winner in the 85^th minute.

Sunday Results

Kwara United 1-0 Remo Stars
Rangers International 1-0 Abia Warriors
Heartland FC 2-0 Niger Tornadoes
Kano Pillars 2-0 Sunshine Stars
Plateau United 1-0 Ikorodu City
Rivers United 2-1 Akwa United
Enyimba 3-0 Katsina United* Suspended
Nasarawa 0-0 Bayelsa United

Nigerian Football

Enyimba’s duel with Katsina United plunges into darkness

Published

2 days ago

October 6, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Former Nigerian champions, Enyimba were coasting to a comfortable 3-0 lead before the game got enveloped by darkness.

The game could not be completed after 75 minutes when the floodlights of the arena suddenly went off.

According to a post on Enymba x-handle, the match will resume at 8.00 am on Monday “ as agreed by both teams and the match officials.”

Sunday Results

Kwara United 1-0 Remo Stars
Rangers International 1-0 Abia Warriors
Heartland FC 2-0 Niger Tornadoes
Kano Pillars 2-0 Sunshine Stars
Plateau United 1-0 Ikorodu City
Rivers United 1-1 Akwa United
Enyimba 3-0 Katsina United* Suspended
Nasarawa 0-0 Bayelsa United

Nigerian Football

Amuneke’s Heartland secures first win this season

Published

2 days ago

October 6, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Heartland finally got into winning ways on Sunday after the Owerri side secured a 2-0 win over Niger Tornadoes.

The club, under former Super Eagles’ assistant coach, Emmanuel Amuneke had gone four matches without a win, finding themselves swimming in the murky waters of relegation.

A brace by Michael Ogu has lifted the club which climbed up to the 16^th position. They had begun the season badly losing at home to Enyimba and failing to win any of the subsequent three matches.

Sunday Results