Nigerian Football

LMC BOSS, DIKKO CREATING NEW REWARD VALUE SYSTEM WITH NPFL/LA LIGA U-15 TOURNEY

Published

5 years ago

April 28, 2019

Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC), Shehu Dikko has ruled out the presentation prize money or any other cash rewards for winners of the on-going NPFL/Laliga U-15 Promises Tournament in Nigeria.

He made this known at a recent press conference while fielding questions on the impact of the partnership between the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and the Spanish League (Laliga).

“The winners of this competition will not be going home with prize money, or any form of cash rewards; it exposes them at this level, to some hazards and deprives them of focus in their career”, remarked the LMC boss.

He explained that honouring such winners which brings some recognition is the best way to reward youths of this category, as it would spur them to pursue their career with great focus and diligence.

“When they get honoured and recognized, they are highly motivated and focused, and the hunger for more glory would naturally set in”, Dikko posited.

It would be recalled that Governments at various levels in the past have given cash rewards and landed property to under aged who won at international championships, a reward system Dikko disagrees with but supports investment in bonds and award of scholarship as a profound character and career building instrument at this level of their career.

“Making investments through bonds and scholarship would greatly benefit them later in life, than giving cash rewards for winning championships”, Dikko argued.

The final of the 2019 edition of the NPFL/ Laliga U-15 Promises Tournament comes up on Sunday 28th April, between Kwara United FC and Katsina United FC. It will however be preceded by a third place play-off between Delta Force FC and Sunshine Stars FC. Both matches will be played at 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm respectively, at the FIFA Goal Project, Package ‘B’ area of the Abuja National Stadium

Nigerian Football

Away two-goal specialists, Remo Stars win in Kano to stay atop

Published

2 days ago

September 22, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Remo Stars continued their good form in the Nigeria domestic league as they snatched another 2-0 away win against one of the traditional strong sides, Kano Pillars on Sunday.

They had earlier had another 2-0 away win when they defeated Abia Warriors in Umuahia two weeks ago. With Sunday’s win, they remain on top of the log with their nine points and five goals.

They are yet to concede any goal this season. On Sunday, Sodiq Ismail put Remo Stars in front after 26 minutes. Togolese import, Franck Mawuena doubled the lead in the 60^th minute.

In another encounter, Niger Tornadoes pulled a major upset, winning 2-1 away from home as they beat former Nigerian champions, Plateau United. Ifeanyi Okechukwu put the visitors ahead in the 17^th minute. They doubled theit lead in the fourth minute of added time of the second half through Kufre Ebong.

A minute later, Pam Samuel scored a consolatory goal for Plateau United. Hearrtland of Owerri continued their winless run as they played a goalless draw at home with visiting Katsina United.

Sunshine Stars also played 0-0 with Abia Warriors.

Nigerian Football

Remo Stars win Star War against Sunshine Stars to take temporary NPFL lead

Published

1 week ago

September 14, 2024

Kunle Solaja

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.

Nigerian Football

Westerhof recommends Siasia for Super Eagles’ job

Published

2 weeks ago

September 11, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Clemens Westerhof and Samson Siasia in London

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.”