Nigerian Football

RIVERS UNITED GOALKEEPER, AKANDE BACK IN ACTION AFTER HORRIFIC LEG INJURY

Published

6 years ago

November 8, 2018

BY SAMMY WEJINYA

On Sunday, July 23, 2017, Rivers United goalkeeper, Abiodun Akande woke up with one thought at the back of his mind – inspire the ‘Pride of Rivers’ to a resounding victory over Wikki Tourists in the Nigeria Professional Football League, later that day.

Akande’s wish was granted as United won that game, 3-1 (the club’s biggest home win in the league in 11 months) against the Tourists but that win was soured by a shocking incident of monumental proportions.

Late in the second half, a freak incident involving a Wikki Tourists attacker and Akande culminated in a collision that left the latter with a multiple fracture of the right leg.

“The pain I felt at that moment was unbelievably excruciating,” Akande recounted in an exclusive chat with the official Rivers United FC website, www.riversunitedfc.com.ng.

“I thought my career was over at that instant. I recall that the Rivers State Commissioner (Boma Iyaye) ran towards me, with several other officials assuring me, while I was in tears, that the sponsors of the club would not abandon me.

“He assured me that I would get the best possible care and that my financial entitlements would still be paid for as long I was sidelined.

“Psychologically that was a big boost and it aided my complete recovery,” he said.

Akande fractured/broke the bones (tibia and fibula) of his right leg and had to undergo a special procedure to correct the damage.

It was a slow and painstaking process but there was light at the end of the tunnel with the club doctor, Chukwuemeka Agi confirming that the player has now been medically certified fit to return to competitive action.

“Akande was operated on by a foremost orthopedic surgeon in Rivers State, Dr. Bob Yellowe and metals (implants) were inserted in his leg,” Dr Agi said.

“It took quite a while to rehabilitate him and bring him back to his previous level (before he sustained the injury) after the metals were removed from his leg.

“The sponsors of the club, the Rivers State Government must be commended for the role they played in helping this young Man return to full fitness,” Dr Agi concluded.

Akande made his return to action for Rivers United on Wednesday, November 8, 2018 (16 months after his initial injury) in a 0-1 reverse to Cynosure FC at the ongoing South East/South South pre-season football tournament in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

He played all 90 minutes of the encounter and was outstanding between the sticks.

The goalkeeper was understandably pleased to return to action.

“I want to thank the Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike for his help in making this a reality and also a big thank you must be said to the Commissioner of Sports in Rivers State, Boma Iyaye.

“I thank everyone involved with Rivers United for helping me return to football.

“Without their support, my career would have been over,” he said.

Nigerian Football

Nigerian women coaches conclude first module of CAF C-License course

Published

5 days ago

July 22, 2024

Kunle Solaja

NFF President Gusau and GS Sanusi with NFF Management and the coach educators and participants at the commencement of the course on Monday last week.

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 12^th – 20^th August, after which they will go on another two-week internship, 23^rd August – 4^th September. The third module, which comes with examinations for the participants, will take place 9^th – 19^th 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

Published

1 week ago

July 17, 2024

Kunle Solaja

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

Published

1 week ago

July 17, 2024

Kunle Solaja

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.