Nigerian Football
Remo Stars continue perfect run with their fourth double of the season
Remo Stars of Ikenne continue their grip on the Nigeria Premier Football League after a 2-1 defeat of Kano Pillars on Saturday. It is their fourth consecutive double since the competition entered its second stanza last month.
Remo Stars had in September won the first leg 2-0 and completed their dominance with another win as they had done to Akwa United, Abia Warriors and Sunshine Stars.
Should they win again against Enugu Rangers in Enugu next week Sunday, their double take will be extended to five having won the corresponding duel 2-1in Ikenne last September.
Remo Stars are having one of their best season so far having been at the top of the table for more than five matches now.
Their win over Kano Pillars has taken their points to 45, eight more than their immediate counterparts, Shooting Stars who after their 1-0 win over Bendel Insurance have taken their total to 40. But they still have an outstanding away duel with Kwara United which could still help to narrow the gap.
Remo Stars immediately launched themselves on a victory path in their duel against Kano Pillars as Sikiru Alimi connected into the net from Segun Ogunribide’s cross. They doubled the lead when Ibrahim Abubakar pounced on a rebound in the 40th minute.
Abba Adam reduced the tally and made the scoreline a more respectable one for Kano Pillars when he connected an Abdulllahi’s cross in the eighth minute of the added time in the first half. It was Adam’s fifth league goal of the season.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars battled to a 1-0 win to edge Bendel Insurance back into shouting distance of the relegation zone. Bendel Insurance with 25 points are 15th and are just two points better than 17th-placed Sunshine Stars.
In Maiduguri, El-kanemi Warriors defeated Nasarawa United 1-0 with Umar Al Amin scoring in the 33rd minute.
RESULTS
- Remo Stars 2-1 Kano Pillars
- Shooting Stars 1-0 Bendel Insurance
- El Kanemi 1-0 Nasarawa United
SUNDAY’S MATCHES
- Niger Tornadoes v Plateau United
- Abia Warriors v Sunshine Stars
- Akwa United v Enyimba
- Bayelsa United v Enugu Rangers
- Rivers United v Lobi Stars
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BY BOLAJI AKANJI
Sparta Praha goal poacher, Victor Olatunji has revealed readiness to feature for the Super Eagles if given a chance by newly employed coach, Eric Chelle.
Olatunji who recently emerged cynosure of all eyes after opening his UEFA Champions League goal account against Salzburg, revealed this in an interview he granted from his base in the Czech Republic.
Having emerged as his club’s current highest goal scorer in the ongoing season, the lanky forward hinted he won’t relent in his quest to showcase his worth to soccer enthusiasts who have been monitoring his success in Europe.
Speaking further about his availability for the Super Eagles, the striker disclosed it will be a dream come through should he get a call-up from the Nigeria Football Federation ahead of next month’s crucial 2025 World Cup qualifying outing away to Rwanda.
“ I’ve got what it takes to showcase my talent in the Super Eagles jersey. I’m not forcing myself into the team. I only think I’m in good shape to inspire Super Eagles to greater heights. I believe the coach has a plan and if opportune to make his squad, I’ll make Nigerians proud.
“ I think I’ve been drilled by Czech league champion, Sparta Praha. Having helped my team to league and cup title, I can boldly say I’m good for Super Eagles. I also think my UEFA Champions League exposure will go a long way in giving my fans what they love to see.
“ It’s obvious Eagles is blessed with lots of talented forwards but I think my addition will further power Chelle boys to glory,” he emphasized.
Olatunji, this season has netted four goals including two assists for the Czech league defending champion who are currently topping the league table.
He was well known following his iconic UEFA Champions League goal celebration which saw him flaunt a customized shirt captioned “I’m a chosen, who are you.”
Should he be considered for a call-up, the striker will be tasked to rescue the fumbling Super Eagles who are currently struggling on the World Cup qualifying log.
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Gbenga Elegbeleye, the Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), will be delivering a presentation at an event that seeks to strengthen the integration of football and education in the country.
Ibrahim Gusau, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is also billed to attend the event as the special guest of honour.
In attendance also will be the Ambassador of Hungary to Nigeria, László Szabó.
Organised by Hungary-based V Agency, the event will hold in Abuja on Monday, February 11 at Abuja Continental Hotel, Wazobia Hall.
In the invitation letter to Elegbeleye, the Chief Executive Officer of V Agency, Alexandra Végh, noted that “the purpose of this event is to strengthen the integration of football and education in Nigeria, with a particular focus on scouting advancements.
“We aim to highlight the transformative role of technology in scouting, including the use of advanced scouting software, video editing techniques, AI, and analytics courses”, Végh added.
The event, she went on, will explore how these tools, alongside the assessment of players’ physical attributes, can redefine professional scouting.
The event will also showcase V Agency’s contributions to fostering sports and educational partnerships in Nigeria while creating opportunities for collaboration with key stakeholders, including football clubs, academies, schools, and industry professionals.
Some of such stakeholders include officials and clubs of the Nigeria National League (NNL), Nationwide League One (NLO), football academies, and educational institutions.
During the event, Végh will offer insights into V Agency’s project in Nigeria. The event will provide opportunities for network with key figures in the football and education sectors.
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Shooting Stars of Ibadan had their winning streak terminated after being forced to a 1-1 draw by Plateau United in Jos.
But they still maintained their seven-match unbeaten streak in the Nigeria Premier League this season.
They were almost going for a win when Kabiru Tijani shot them ahead with a blistering long-range shot in the 76th minute.
The lead was short-lived as Albert Hilary scored the equaliser from the right side of the goalkeeper just a minute later.
Shooting Stars maintained their second position as Rivers United which could have altered the standings had their flow diverted following a 2-0 loss to Heartland in Owerri.
There now exists a 10-point gap between Rivers United and Remo Stars.
Action resumes on Monday as Lobi Stars welcome Enyimba and Bendel Insurance will be at home against Kastina United while Enugu Rangers will host Ikorodu City and Kwara United will host El Kanemi Warriors in Ilorin.
RESULTS
- Plateau Utd 1-1 Shooting Stars
- Heartland 2-0 Rivers Utd
- Kano Pillars 0-0 Bayelsa Utd
- Abia Warriors 2-0 Akwa Utd
Nasarawa Utd 2-0 Tornadoes
Monday’s Fixtures
- Lobi Stars Vs Enyimba
- Insurance Vs Katsina Utd
- Rangers Vs Ikorodu City
- Kwara Utd Vs El Kanemi
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