Nigerian Football
NIGERIA’S SPORTS MINISTER LEADS TRIBUTES TO LATE ‘DEAN OF DEFENCE’ SOFOLUWE
Help came too late for Nigeria’s former international footballer, Yisa Sofoluwe who died Tuesday night, hours after Nigeria’s Sports Minister, Sunday Dare offered financial assistance to treat his ailment.
Sofoluwe, whose smallish frame belied his skill died at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital in Ikeja. He was initially believed to be battling ‘brain ailments’ but later information has it that it was covid-19. He was aged 54.
According to a press statement by the media team of the sports minister, Sunday Dare has expressed deep shock and sadness over the demise of the former footballer.
“The news of Yisa Sofoluwe’s death is quite devastating and one that hit me like a tornado. He was a great, committed, disciplined, humble and patriotic player. He came ahead of his time.
“My condolences and prayers goes to his wife, children, teammates and the football community. He died just when help was on the way to pay for his surgery .His death is a huge loss. Rest in peace Dean of Defence, the minister’s statement concluded.
Nicknamed as ‘Dean of Defence’ by the inimitable sports commentator, Ernest Okonkwo, Sofoluwe as a member of the 1983 class of Flying Eagles was saddled with the task of marking the Dutch legendary footballer, Marco Van Basten at Mexico World Youth Championship.
Capped 40 times for the then Green Eagles, Sofoluwe made his international debut on 28 August 1983 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match with Morocco at the then Ogbe Stadium in Benin.
His death has come just two days to the second anniversary of the death of Taiwo Ogunjobi who also played against Morocco on 11 February 1984.
Sports Village Square recalls that in his 40 appearances for Nigeria, Sofoluwe scored a goal which was in the 3-1 defeat of Kenya in a World Cup qualifier against Kenya in Lagos.
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.
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.”
The balls hit the nets 17 times this Sunday as the Nigeria Premier League Season 2024/25 burst into life this Sunday.
The first of the goals was from Plateau United’s Olawale Doyeni who converted a 24th minute penalty kick against Katsina United in an eventual 1-0 home win.
Another star-man of the the day is Enyimba’s Clinton Jephta who has become the season’s first hat-trickster. His three goals in the 65th , 70th and 73rd minutes sank heartland 3-1 in their home match.
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