Nigerian Football
Nigeria’s sports cheerleader, Ladipo deserves national award, says supporters’ club
As the conferment of national awards holds next week, members of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC) has issued a press statement asking that its grand leader, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo is deserving of recognition.
In their release, the club states: “Our attention has been drawn to a list of 437 Nigerians who will be presented with National Honours by His Excellency, Alh. Muhammad Buhari, the President, the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the 11th of this month in Abuja.
“The list of names which is 437 in all contains names of notable Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in serving Nigeria in different fields of life, and also making significant contributions towards the development of Nigeria.
“However, while we agree totally with the names of individuals on the list, the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, (NFSC) as a body feels that the name of Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, her President-General is conspicuously missing from the list.
“For record purposes, Dr Rafiu Ladipo has selflessly served this country in the last four decades, mobilizing support for our national teams in every part of the world where our national teams go to play football.
“Furthermore, former President of Nigeria, late Shehu Musa Yar ‘Adua recommended him for the award, but he was not given as he returned from Korea then.
“In addition, former Sports Minister Ndanusa also recommended him, but it was set aside.
“No doubt, Dr Rafiu Ladipo has paid his dues, under the sun and in the rain and without sentiment, piloting the affairs of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club which also led to Nigeria winning several international tournaments both from FIFA and CAF.
“Recall that in 2003, former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo after seeing the accomplishment which he had achieved with the Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC) hosted the club in Aso Rock, Abuja, where the club officially conferred on him with the title of Grand Patron of the club.
“Against this backdrop, we feel that Dr. Rafiu Ladipo has put in so much in the Nigeria project as a patriot and deserves to be honoured as Nigeria celebrates her 62nd independence under the able democratic leadership of a good leader like President Muhammadu Buhari.”
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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