Nigerian Football
On the march to NPFL, Gateway amass seven-match unbeaten run –
In the unpredictable realm of football, fortunes can change as swiftly as the wind. Such is the narrative of Gateway United, a stalwart of the Nigerian National League (NNL) whose journey through the league has been akin to a rollercoaster ride.
For the past 12 years, Gateway United, owned by Ogun State Government, are akin to a patron lingering too long in a barbershop and inevitably getting their hair done. Yet, despite the near misses and tumultuous seasons, the team, under the stewardship of Samson Omiponle, has displayed resilience, epitomized by their 7 games unbeaten run.
However, the current season didn’t commence with the desired vigor for Gateway United. Hindered by registration issues leading to delayed start, the team faced early setbacks.
However, the Gateway boys have mounted a formidable resurgence in the latter half of the season. A commendable seven-game unbeaten streak has bolstered their campaign, albeit with the ultimate goal remaining promotion to the topflight league.
While Osun United presently leads the pack, their position appears precarious, akin to an elephant perched precariously on a tree branch, destined to adhere to the law of gravity. Meanwhile, Ikorodu City, the second-placed team, grapples with a squad riddled with injury woes.
Amidst this resurgence, three unsung heroes have emerged within Gateway United’s ranks: Sulaimon Ogunleye, Segun Simon, and Jamiu Hamzat. Ogunleye, a diminutive yet dynamic right-back, has blossomed into a linchpin since joining in 2020, showcasing proficiency in pace, precision passing, tenacious tackling, and composure under pressure.
Likewise, Jamiu Amzat, a formidable left-back akin to Marcelo, dazzles with his dribbling prowess, complementing Ogunleye’s defensive solidity.
Completing this defensive trident is Segun Simon, a cerebral central defender adept at marshaling the backline, orchestrating play from deep, and launching incisive passes to ignite attacking forays. Segun Simon, former Water FC player was an integral player in the Sporting Lagos squad that ensured their promotion last season.
As Gateway United’s resurgence gathers momentum, propelled by the contributions of these unsung heroes, the prospect of, at least, NNL playoff beckons tantalizingly, marking a potential watershed moment in the club’s storied history.
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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