Nigerian Football
RIVERS UNITED GUN DOWN FLYING ANTELOPES
BY SAMMY WEJINYA.
A gutsy second half performance by Rivers United proved decisive in Wednesday’s 2-1 victory over Enugu Rangers as the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) entered match day four.
Bakary Bamba and Malachi Ohawume scored for United while Ibrahim Olawoyin’s consolation was sandwiched in between the hosts’ goals.
United dominated a largely one-sided first half that saw Rangers manage a single goal attempt, a 30-yard free kick by Isiaka Oladuntoye in the 39th minute, hit more in hope than expectation.
The home side should have taken the lead in the 29th minute after some inspired work by Ishaq Rafiu down the flanks but Fortune Omoniwari’s goal bound effort from eight yards was somehow kept out by the Rangers goalkeeper, Seidu Mutawakilu.
United were not deterred by that outstanding stop by the Rangers keeper and continued to step on the accelerator.
Sustained pressure unsurprisingly led to mistakes at the Rangers rear as a goal-bound Ifenyi Onyeali was brutally upended in the box in the 31st minute with the referee, Nura Abubakar quick to point to the spot.
Reliable midfielder, Bamba is a cool customer from 12 yards and he promptly stepped forward, picked his spot precisely with frightening force into the corner with Mutawakilu going the right way but finding the venom behind the strike too hot to handle.
It represented his second goal of the season, after he scored, also from the spot, against Heartland FC, at the same venue on match day two.
United should have added two more goals before the interval but Fortune Omoniwari and Cletus Emotan wasted glorious identical opportunities when it seemed more difficult to miss.
Rangers made sure United rued those missed chances as they restored parity with their first real attack of the game.
Olawoyin displayed the typical poacher’s instinct as he stabbed home from close range after United uncharacteristically failed to clear their lines from a corner.
That goal acted like a shot in the arm for Rangers who suddenly looked a side reborn, first to ever second ball and menacing on the break while United on their part looked jaded and shell shocked.
Rangers could have taken a shock 2-1 lead moments later when the usually-reliable Abiodun Akande performed an uncharacteristic howler when trying to play out from the back but his blushes were spared by the referee’s whistle for a foul on Rangers’ Chiamaka Madu.
Then came the turning point in the game, a moment of genius from the bench as the technical manager of Rivers United, Stanley Eguma threw on striker, Ohawume in the 73rd minute.
Ohawume scored with his first touch in the Rangers box, less than two minutes after coming on, a deft chip worthy to win any game.
It proved to be a moment of redemption for the attacker who had goals controversially disallowed in Kano against Pillars on match day one and against Heartland in Port Harcourt on match day two.
To their credit, Rangers never gave up as they pushed the hosts hard in the closing stages in search of the equalizer.
United however defended brilliantly while controlling the rest of the game and creating several dangerous moments of their own in a high-octane contest that will live long in the memory of all who witnessed it the Yakubu Gown Stadium, Port Harcourt.
Assistant coach of Rangers, Gabriel Ezema said the game was decided in the second half.
“The game was won and lost in the second half,” he said when quizzed, post match by the official Rivers United website, www.riversunitedfc.com.ng
“Rangers had an equalizer in the second half.
“We were in control of the game and we had an opportunity to go (2-1) up…it didn’t happen so.
“We lost concentration in the last 15 minutes and we conceded. It was so unfortunate,” he said.
On his part, Eguma said he expected a tough game from the visitors but commended his team for eventually getting their noses over the line.
“It was a tough game but I expected it especially as Rangers lost their last game at home. I knew they were coming (to Port Harcourt) play the game of their lives.
“Their equalizer did not demoralize us and we worked hard to get the winner,” he said.
Rivers United have now climbed to ninth on the log with five points from four matches while Rangers dropped to 12th on the log with four points from the same number of games.
Rivers United will now make the trip to Warri to face Wolves on Sunday as the competition enters match day five.
Rivers United have returned to winning ways after a winless streak of three matches. A 58th-minute penalty kick converted by Ndifreke Effiong saved Rivers United from a possible winless effort as they beat visiting Abia Warriors 1-0 in Port Harcourt.
The win was a big boost that was given a fillip by a corresponding loss by initial table-toppers, Remo Stars who lost 2-0 away to Katsina United.
Rivers United with 25 points thus climbed up the ladder as Remo Stars remain with 23 points as second on the log.
Remo Stars losing steam crumbled 2-0 at Katsina United. After a goalless first half, Azeez Falolu secured the opening goal for the hosts in the 50th minute with a close drive that beat stand-in captain, Kayode Bankole to the goal.
Dawi Boslam doubled the lead in the 68th minute and all efforts by the visitors to peg the score were checked by the hosts who were in firm control of the match.
Plateau United pushed neighbours, Nasarawa United down the cliff, winning 2-0. An own goal by Nasarawa United’s Shina Kumater in the 49th minute was further compounded with Olawale Doyeni’s second goal in the 81st minute.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars returned the winning ways with a lone goal win against visiting Bayelsa United at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
Anthony Okachi’s 16th-minute goal decided the encounter and lifted the Oluyole Warriors to the ninth position on the log.
The Ibadan team now has 18 points, just seven below the table-toppers, Rivers United.
On Saturday, embattled Insurance of Benin may have commenced their resurgence following a 3-1 win at home against Kwara United of Ilorin.
Two goals from Nazir Mohammed in the 18th and 29th minute had put the host in the lead after Emmanuel Ogbole had an equaliser in the 23rd minute and Austin Ogunye put the tie beyond the visitors with third goal in the 84th minute.
The win however still left the Insurance in the relegation zone with 12 points and languishing in the 19th position.
El Kanemi Warriors were a lone goal better than visiting Akwa United. The lone goal was scored Ibrahim Mustapha who converted a penalty in the 17th minute.
The win pushed El Kanemi into third position while Akwa United are with 12 points and in the 18th position on the log.
Coach Emmanuel Amuneke continues his cruise with Heartland FC with a draw at home against defending champions, Enugu Rangers. The result dropped the Red Antelopes into fifth position with 20 points while the Naze Warriors maintained their 11th position but now with 17 points.
Lobi stars and Kano Pillars shared the spoils in an entertaining 2-2 scoreline.
The host had shot into the lead in the 7th minute through Ahmad Liman and Martin Ossy made it two in the 14th minute but veteran Kano Pillars defender, Rabiu Ali pegged the score line in the 76th minute while Umar Shehu scored the equaliser in the 77th minute.
In Minna, Ikorodu City also continued their impressive run after a poor start as they forced host, Niger Tornadoes to a goalless draw.
RESULTS
Rivers Utd 1-0 Abia Warriors
Katsina Utd 2-0 Remo Stars
Plateau United 2-0 Nasarawa Utd
El Kanemi 1-0 Akwa Utd
Shooting Stars 1-0 Bayelsa Utd
Insurance 3-1 Kwara Utd
Heartland 0-0 Rangers
Lobi Stars 2-2 Kano Pillars
Tornadoes 0-0 Ikorodu City
Nigerian Football
Ashleigh Plumptre makes Super Falcons return as Madugu unveils his list for France friendly match
Head Coach Justine Madugu has called up CAF Awards nominee, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Osinachi Ohale and Ashleigh Plumptre, midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini, and forwards Gift Monday and Rinsola Babajide among a list of 20 players for Saturday’s international friendly match against the Les Bleues of France.
US-based defender Michelle Alozie, Turkey-based Oluwatosin Demehin, midfielder Adoo Yina and forwards Mercy Omokwo and Ifeoma Onumonu are also invited to the encounter scheduled for the Stade Raymond Kopa in the city of Angers, with kick-off set for 9.30pm France time.
Midfield lubricator Toni Payne, now with Everton Ladies in England, as well as Rofiat Imuran and Shukurat Oladipo – who both starred for the Falconets at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia in September – will also fly to France for the big match.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who is also a CAF Awards nominee, is out as a result of injury.
While the Bleues are happy to take the game as part of their preparations for the League of Nations in the spring and the 2025 UEFA Euro Women Championship in Switzerland in the summer, the Falcons will welcome the encounter as part of the process for blooding a new squad, as well as another test ahead of the 2025 Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next summer.
Already pitched with Tunisia, Algeria and Botswana in Group B of the Africa Cup final tournament, Madugu will be grateful for the stern test that the Les Bleues will provide for his nine-time African champions in Angers.
All the invited players will fly directly to France for the match, to be joined by the coaching crew and backroom staff.
SUPER FALCONS FOR LES BLEUES CHALLENGE:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia); Rofiat Imuran (London City Lioness, England); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey)
Midfielders: Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Josephine Mathias (Nasarawa Amazons); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); Adoo Yina (Nasarawa Amazons)
Forwards: Blessing Nkor (Pyramids FC, Egypt); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Mercy Omokwo (Bayelsa Queens) Head Coach Justine Madugu has called up CAF Awards nominee, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Osinachi Ohale and Ashleigh Plumptre, midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini, and forwards Gift Monday and Rinsola Babajide among a list of 20 players for Saturday’s international friendly match against the Les Bleues of France.
US-based defender Michelle Alozie, Turkey-based Oluwatosin Demehin, midfielder Adoo Yina and forwards Mercy Omokwo and Ifeoma Onumonu are also invited to the encounter scheduled for the Stade Raymond Kopa in the city of Angers, with kick-off set for 9.30pm France time.
Midfield lubricator Toni Payne, now with Everton Ladies in England, as well as Rofiat Imuran and Shukurat Oladipo – who both starred for the Falconets at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia in September – will also fly to France for the big match.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who is also a CAF Awards nominee, is out as a result of injury.
While the Bleues are happy to take the game as part of their preparations for the League of Nations in the spring and the 2025 UEFA Euro Women Championship in Switzerland in the summer, the Falcons will welcome the encounter as part of the process for blooding a new squad, as well as another test ahead of the 2025 Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next summer.
Already pitched with Tunisia, Algeria and Botswana in Group B of the Africa Cup final tournament, Madugu will be grateful for the stern test that the Les Bleues will provide for his nine-time African champions in Angers.
All the invited players will fly directly to France for the match, to be joined by the coaching crew and backroom staff.
SUPER FALCONS FOR LES BLEUES CHALLENGE:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia); Rofiat Imuran (London City Lioness, England); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey)
Midfielders: Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Josephine Mathias (Nasarawa Amazons); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); Adoo Yina (Nasarawa Amazons)
Forwards: Blessing Nkor (Pyramids FC, Egypt); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Mercy Omokwo (Bayelsa Queens) Head Coach Justine Madugu has called up CAF Awards nominee, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Osinachi Ohale and Ashleigh Plumptre, midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini, and forwards Gift Monday and Rinsola Babajide among a list of 20 players for Saturday’s international friendly match against the Les Bleues of France.
US-based defender Michelle Alozie, Turkey-based Oluwatosin Demehin, midfielder Adoo Yina and forwards Mercy Omokwo and Ifeoma Onumonu are also invited to the encounter scheduled for the Stade Raymond Kopa in the city of Angers, with kick-off set for 9.30pm France time.
Midfield lubricator Toni Payne, now with Everton Ladies in England, as well as Rofiat Imuran and Shukurat Oladipo – who both starred for the Falconets at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia in September – will also fly to France for the big match.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who is also a CAF Awards nominee, is out as a result of injury.
While the Bleues are happy to take the game as part of their preparations for the League of Nations in the spring and the 2025 UEFA Euro Women Championship in Switzerland in the summer, the Falcons will welcome the encounter as part of the process for blooding a new squad, as well as another test ahead of the 2025 Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next summer.
Already pitched with Tunisia, Algeria and Botswana in Group B of the Africa Cup final tournament, Madugu will be grateful for the stern test that the Les Bleues will provide for his nine-time African champions in Angers.
All the invited players will fly directly to France for the match, to be joined by the coaching crew and backroom staff.
SUPER FALCONS FOR LES BLEUES CHALLENGE:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia); Rofiat Imuran (London City Lioness, England); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey)
Midfielders: Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Josephine Mathias (Nasarawa Amazons); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); Adoo Yina (Nasarawa Amazons)
Forwards: Blessing Nkor (Pyramids FC, Egypt); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Mercy Omokwo (Bayelsa Queens)
Nigerian Football
Amazing! Two Nigerian legendary left-wingers, Owolabi and Adokie share the same birthday
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Nigeria’s legendary left winger, Felix Owolabi Akinloye celebrates his 70th birthday this Sunday 24 November 2024 the same day another legend of the same generation, Adokiye Amiesimaka clocks 68.
The duo don’t only share birthday dates, there are other striking similarities. They were left-wingers in the national team.
They attended the same institution, the University of Lagos, making them good examples of sportsmen who also combined their prowess with academic excellence. Both made their debut in matches involving the Republic of Benin.
Amiesimaka debuted against Benin on 14 February 1977. Owolabi made his first international match against Benin on 14 January 1978. Nigeria won both matches by 7-0.
Amiesimaka was a successor to fast-playing Kunle Awesu, another November birthday celebrant who incidentally attended CMS Grammar School, Bariga in Lagos.
Both later became lawyers. Amiesimaka may not have been as fast as Awesu who is now deceased, he was more mesmerising on the left wing.
That often delighted the crowd. For his skills, Amiesimaka was aptly nicknamed ‘Chief Justice’ by the inimitable radio commentator, Ernest Okonkwo.
His switching of positions on the field and long throw-ins were amazing.
Rivers flow to the top
Leicester City Sacks Ndidi’s Coach, Cooper after winless run
Ashleigh Plumptre makes Super Falcons return as Madugu unveils his list for France friendly match
Breaking! Uzoho suspended from Super Eagles’ next match with Sierra Leone
No longer Super League as CAF changes name of its new clubs competition
AIU releases its report on Tobi Amusan
-
AFCON3 days agoLibyans accuse Super Eagles of match-fixing
-
CAF Women's Leage6 days agoHistory-chasing Edo Queens produce two of Africa’s best 11
-
AFCON1 week agoBREAKING! Ghana Black Stars out of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
-
OBITUARY5 days agoEgyptian footballer Mohamed Shawky dies after collapsing on pitch
-
AFCON6 days agoAnother load of rubbish by the Super Eagles!
-
Nigerian Football3 days agoNigeria football legend, Owolabi begins 70th birthday celebration
-
AFCON1 week agoSuper Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali bereaved
-
CAF Women’s Champions League: Reigning champions aiming at record third title5 days agoEncore! Edo Queens face FC Masar again as AS FAR and Mazembe meet once more