Nigerian Football
NPFL PLAYOFF: MFON UDOH SAYS THERE’S NO PRESSURE FOR GOALS
The former Giwa FC of Jos defender concluded by saying that his utmost desire would be to win the league with Enyimba at the end of the Playoff.
Mfon Udoh, the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) all time highest goal scorer with record 23 goals, finished top on the scorers chart this season with ten goals but dismissed suggestions that he maybe under increased pressure to score more during the NPFL Championship Playoff.
The playoff kicks off June 4 in Lagos with Udoh’s Akwa United competing with five others to determine the 2019 Champions after teams played in two groups of 12 teams. The top three in each group qualified for the playoff.
The others are FC IfeanyiUbah, Enyimba International, Rangers International, Kano Pillars and Lobi Stars.
“I think I have the capabilities to score goals, which I am used to “, Udoh told www.npfl.ng and added, “I will score in the playoff by God grace but it is not like I am under any pressure to do so.
“If at all there should be any pressure, it should be to win the playoff and become champions of NPFL with Akwa United, knowing fully well my team is yet to win the league before. So, this is an opportunity to do that in grand style”, he declared.
Nigerian Football
Away two-goal specialists, Remo Stars win in Kano to stay atop
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 60th 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 17th 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
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
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.”
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