Nigerian Football

Nigeria’s Sports minister consoles Doma United FC over auto crash

Published

1 week ago

June 10, 2024

Nigeria’s sports minister, John Owan Enoh, has extended his heartfelt wishes for a swift recovery to the players and officials of Doma United FC, following a road accident on Monday morning.

The incident occurred along the Makurdi-Lafia Expressway as the team was returning to their base in Gombe from Imo State. While there were no fatalities, several players sustained injuries of varying severity and are currently receiving medical treatment.

“I am deeply saddened to hear about the accident involving Doma United FC,” said Senator Enoh. “I extend my prayers and best wishes for a quick and full recovery to all those affected. We are grateful that no lives were lost, but the well-being of our players remains a top priority.”

In light of this incident, Senator Enoh urged all football clubs to actively pursue partnerships with airlines to facilitate safer travel for long-distance journeys. “I understand the cost implications, but we must prioritize the welfare of our players. Collaborating with airlines for air travel can significantly reduce the risks associated with long road journeys.”

Additionally, the Minister reiterated the need for strict adherence to club licensing regulations from the start of next season. “This unfortunate event underscores the importance of strict club licensing and ensuring that all clubs meet the required standards for player safety and welfare,” he emphasized.

Senator Enoh concluded by calling on the entire football community to come together in support of Doma United FC during this challenging time. “Let us all unite in our support for Doma United FC. Our thoughts are with the injured players and their families, and we wish them a speedy recovery.”

The poor form of the Nigeria Super Eagles continues as they were beaten 2-1 by Benin Republic in match day four duel of the World Cup qualifying series. Thus, the Super Eagles have played four matches without a win. It is the first time ever that has happened in 64 years of featuring in World Cup qualifying.

From coaching to players’ performances, everything went awry for Super Eagle.

It was a big win for Benin Republic who are now temporarily the table toppers. They have a massive seven point while Nigeria with pitiable three are languishing fifth in a six team group.

While the possibility of Super Eagles winning the group is very remote, picking a second place to go into a tortuous play-off series that will involve four best second placed teams among nine.

The four will go into a play-off while the winner will further go into an inter-continental play-off to get to the World Cup.

Nigerian Football

A three-horse race for two continental ticket is set up after Enugu Rangers league win

Published

1 day ago

June 17, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Enugu Rangers have broken loose from the pack as title contenders – Remo Stars, Enyimba and Shooting Stars all blew their chances in the penultimate match days as all lost with identical scorelines of 2-1 in their respective away games.

The title is gone, now resting in Enugu who are having their second league celebrations in over 30 years. They win the jackpot N150 million prize for their title.

But the battle is not over for the initial aspiring trio. At best they have the second CAF Champions League ticket to battle for. One of the three will win that on the last match day. The second placed team gets the CAF Champions League slot while the third gets the Confederation Cup ticket.

Another

Coincidentally, the trio will be at their familiar home ground. As it is, second placed Remo Stars are at advantage to pick a ticket if they can pick a point from their home game with Katsina United. It will be their third consecutive adventure in the continent.

The fierce battle will therefore be between third placed Enyimba and fourth placed Shooting Stars. Both badly need a win to get either the Champions League ticket or that of the Confederation Cup.

However, Plateau United are lurking and an away win by the Jos team in Aba will not only upset Enyimba, it could land the Plateau United a continental ticket should Shooting Stars lose or draw with Sporting Lagos.

On the other side of the divide, the battle to escape the drop has taken a dramatic twist. As the Sunday matches were on, Sporting Lagos initially thought they had escaped the drop.

But a turnaround by Bayelsa United who came from behind to beat Shooting Stars change the weather condition for the worst for the Lagos sides.

They now face an herculean task next weekend in their duel with continental ticket chasing Shooting Stars. The confirmed teams for relegation are Gombe United and Heartland.

Nigerian Football

Enugu Rangers are Nigerian champions!

Published

2 days ago

June 16, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Enugu Rangers re-enacted their glorious old days and now the new Nigerian champions after defeating Bendel Insurance 2-0 and Remo Stars losing 2-1 to Sunshine Stars.

The trio of Remo Stars, Shooting Stars and Enyimba who were on the heels of Enugu Rangers all lost their away games with 2-1 scorelines.

With the result, Enugu Rangers attained an unassailable lead with just one match day to end the Nigerian league season. Despite their pedigree in Nigerian football, this is just their second title since the Nigerian top league changed status to professionalism in 1990.

Rangers, who are the only Nigerian club never to be relegated since the Nigerian national league began in 1972 won their only professional league title in 2016.

In the pre-professional football era, they were Nigerian champions in 1974, 1975, 1977, 1981 and 1982.

This time, Remo Stars who who have delayed Enugu Rangers’ coronation lost in a western derby, but retained their second position when Shooting Stars conceded late goals to Bayelsa United and lost 2-1 after leading 1-0 for the greater part of the match. They dropped to the fourth position giving Enyimba a respite.

Shooting Stars who got rejuvenated midway in the season can still hold on to their continental ambition when they host relegation-escapee, Sporting Lagos on the last match day.

Rangers have a dead rubber away duel to Gombe United whose visa to the lower NNL has been issue. They possibly hold the record for the worst goal difference in the Nigerian league as they have a deficit of 56 goals.

Results

Sunshine Stars 2-1 Remo Stars

Sporting Lagos 2-1 Enyimba

Bayelsa United 2-1 Shooting Stars

Enugu Rangers 2-0 Bendel Insurance

Abia Warriors 2-0 Akwa United

Nigerian Football

Behold, Finidi George’s resignation letter and why he quit the job

Published

2 days ago

June 16, 2024

Kunle Solaja

The decision of the Nigeria Football Federation to engage a foreign technical adviser is the main reason why Finidi George resigned from his appointment as the head coach of the Super Eagles.

This is contained in the letter of resignation which copy Sports Village Square has. In the letter dated June 14, 2024 and addressed to the NFF President, Finidi wrote:

“I am writing to inform you of my decision to step down as the head coach of the Super Eagles, Nigeria’s men senior team. This decision is in light of recent decision to effect changes in the team’s rechnical crew.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you, the entire leadership of the federation, the sports ministry and the people of Nigeria for the opportunity to serve as the head coach of the Super Eagles.

“Although, our recent results in the qualifying matches were not as desired, I remained committed to getting our World Cup qualification campaign back on track.

“However, with the recent changes to the technical crew, I believe it is time to vacate my position.

“Please be assured of my continued support for the team, and I wish us all the best for the future.”