Nigerian Football
Covenant University @ 20: Team CUALA finishes third at alumni novelty football tournament
Team CUALA narrowly missed out of the final to finish third as Bells University emerged champions of the Alumni Novelty Football tournament to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State.
The event which took place at the Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos was organized by the Covenant University Alumni Association (CUALA) had six university alumni teams namely; Afe Babalola University, Bells University, Covenant University (host), Landmark University, Redeemers University and University of Ibadan.
The event kicked off with three knock-out rounds. In the first knock-out match between Redeemers University and Afe Babalola University, Redeemers won 2-1 to advance.
The second knock-out match between Landmark University and the University of Ibadan ended in a 1-1 draw at full-time. UI won the penalty shoot-out 3-2.
In the local derby, a clash to determine who rules Ota, Covenant University took on Bells University of Technology. also ended in a penalty round after a 1-1 draw. Fifteen minutes into the game, Bells opened scoring from open play and took the lead into the break.
When second half action resumed, Team CUALA pumped up the heat. Their efforts paid off when Leroy Datuowei scored with a fantastic header.
After regulation time, the result stayed 1-1. Unfortunately, Bishop David Oyedepo boys lost 4-3 in the penalty shootout.
Both teams met again in the semis and the result didn’t change. Bells University beat Covenant University 1– 0 to reach the final.
In the second semi-final match, University of Ibadan beat Redeemers University 3-2 via penalties to book a final place after they played 1-1 at full time.
In the third place match, Covenant University beat Redeemers University 1 – 0 courtesy of another fine goal by Leroy Datuowei. Bells University took their fine form into the final to beat the University of Ibadan 2-1.
President of the Covenant University Alumni Association (CUALA), Kemi Onabanjo-Joseph said the novelty match has produced the right mood to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the institution.
“In commemorating the 20th anniversary of our beloved alma mater, Covenant University, we thought it would be important to extend the celebration to the broader society, including other alumni communities.
“Football is a unifying game, despite how competitive it can get, and we decided to leverage the novelty tournament as a platform to bring communities together for value exchange.
“The event turned out even better than we expected. All the teams brought their A-games, new friendships were formed and we are sure that the connections made yesterday will be value-adding.
“We are grateful to the alumni associations that accepted our invitation and look forward to an expanded tournament next year and beyond,” she concluded.
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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