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Nigerian Football

Belgium’s  K.V.C. Westerlo signs Nigeria’s Ogonna Hyacinth 

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Nigerian youngster Ogonna Hyacinth has signed for Belgian Pro League side K.V.C. Westerlo.  The midfielder signed a three-year contract with an option for an additional year.

Hyacinth’s move marks the conclusion of a successful period at Dino Sporting Club in Abeokuta, South West Nigeria  where he has been a key player since joining as a young prospect.

Ogonna has consistently demonstrated a remarkable work ethic and adaptability across various roles on the pitch.

Last season, Ogonna’s impact extended beyond domestic competitions, as he played a significant part in guiding the team to the quarter-finals of the prestigious Vierragio Cup in Italy.

“Coaching Ogonna Hyacinth has been a privilege. From the moment he stepped onto the pitch as a young talent, it was clear he had something special. His drive, dedication, and commitment to improving every day have made him not just a stand out player, but also a leader within our young squad.

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Ogonna’s versatility, intelligence on the ball, and relentless work ethic have been instrumental in our successes over the years. He has always been willing to learn, adapt, and take on challenges, which is why he has grown into the exceptional player he is today.” Coach Godwin Gibson said.

Club Chairman Samuel Columbus expressed his gratitude and best wishes for Ogonna’s future, stating: “Ogonna has been a pleasure to work with from the moment he joined Dino Sporting Club.

“His attitude and commitment have been exemplary, which is reflected in his development and success on the field.

“The goals he scored and the trophies he helped us win speak volumes about his winning mentality. We are proud of the player he has become and look forward to seeing him continue to flourish in his career.”

“He arrived at the club as a young talent, and we are proud of the progress he has made with us. He is undoubtedly one of the brightest talents in the game today.”

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Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

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Nigerian Football

Westerhof recommends Siasia for Super Eagles’ job

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Clemens Westerhof and Samson Siasia in London

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.

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 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.”

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Nigerian Football

Plateau United’s  Doyeni is first scorer of  Season 2024/25

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Olawale Doyeni braces up for the NPFL's first goal of the season via penalty kick

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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Nigerian Football

Three away wins mark the opening phase of Nigeria’s Season 2024/25

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The Nigerian Premier Football League burst into life this Sunday with eight matches on the card and contrasting results. Three of the eight matches resulted in away wins signalling level playing field of the league.

It is a sharp departure from the past seasons when it is almost predictable that home teams would win. Remo Stars, Enyimba and Niger Tornadoes have away wins and with scoring multiple goals.

Remo Stars won against Abia Warriors by 2-0. Enyimba came from a goal down to win 3-1 against Heartland while Niger Tornadoes beat Kwara United 2-1 away from home.

  • Kwara United 1-2 Niger Tornadoes
  • Sunshine 3-0 Bayelsa: Saidu Salisu
  • Bendel Insurance 0-0 Rivers United
  • Heartland 1-3 Enyimba
  • Abia Warriors 0-2 Remo Stars 
  • Plateau United 1-0 Katsina United
  • Kano Pillars 3-0 Ikorodu City  
  • Nasarawa United 1-1 Shooting Stars
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