Nigerian Football

AKWA UNITED’S BRAZILIAN COACH, DREAMS NIGERIAN LEAGUE TITLE

Published

5 years ago

June 8, 2019

Brazilian Rafael Everton believes that his Akwa United’s hard won victory against FC IfeanyiUbah represents a turning point that has re-positioned the club as possible title winner.

Everton had seen his side come from behind to beat FC IfeanyiUbah, his first club as a coach in Nigeria, 2-1 in a game the opponents ran his squad ragged but failed to convert their chances.

The Brazilian would admit afterwards that though they had a match plan of containing the younger players from Nnewi, scoring first against his side stunned him to rethink the plan.

“We have seen other results and now Akwa United are fully incontention with a win and a draw from the two games played so far.

“That is four points and we have to see other results”, Everton said at the post match briefing before Rangers saw off Lobi Stars 2-1 and Pillars defeated Enyimba 2-0.

He said FC IfeanyiUbah players stretched his players to their limits taken advantage of their relative younger age but insisted that their tactics worked.

“It was a very tactical match in which I had to replace my captain, Mfon Udoh and the other striker before halftime.

“We needed players who can contain the very fast and younger players on the other side. We allowed them to run but also tried to keep the ball”

“FC IfeanyiUbah are a very good side, it was never going to be easy playing such bunch of young players.

“So, we are happy with the three points and though it was my former club, there are no sentiments, the three points was very important to me”, the Brazilian who also had a brief stint at Abia Warriors ended on a jocular note.

Akwa United plays Rangers International in their next fixture at 7pm Saturday night in the last game of MatchDay 3. The Uyo club are joint tops with Kano Pillars on four points.

In other games, FC IfeanyiUbah will play Kano Pillars while Enyimba and Lobi Stars meet in the second fixture of the day. Both teams aew on three points with Rangers while FC IfeanyiUbah are yet to pick a point.

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.”