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EX-INTERNATIONAL GOALKEEPER, RAYMOND KING DIES ON NEW YEAR DAY
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
At the dawn of 2018, a pall of darkness fell as Nigeria lost one of its former junior international and flamboyant goalkeeper, Raymond King. He was reportedly 52 years. The mystery about him was that some people though his name was Ramoni Oba which he reportedly anglicised as “Raymond King”.
But www.sportsvillagesquare.com gathered from an interview the deceased granted years ago when he said: I am the son of Okon Willie King in Akwa Ibom State. His adopted home was however, Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State.
He was in goal for the then IICC Shootings Stars in their march to the final of the then Africa Cup of Champions Clubs in 1984 where the club lost to Zamalek of Egypt.
He was also a goalkeeper for the now defunct Abiola Babes of Abeokuta. Www.sportsvillagesquare.com gathered that King died on New Year’s Day just as help was around the corner for the ailing ex-international who reportedly suffered from stroke.
He died of stroke and memory loss on his way to Lagos University Teaching Hospital just before adequate treatment was about to be given to him, Completesportsnigeria.com quoted his former teammate, Tajudeen Disu as saying.
According to information, the late King was receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Ijaye in Abeokuta South West Nigeria about a week ago, but his conditions did not improve.
So, he was transferred to Ikorodu General Hospital in Lagos State. According to another online publication, TheCable, his former teammate, Tajudeen Disu said: “When the commissioner for health in Lagos State heard the news, he asked that the ailing former goalkeeper be transferred to LASUTH (Lagos State University Hospital.
“It was after the scan and series of tests carried out that we were told that there was no light and bed space for him and that we should take him to LUTH (Lagos University Teaching Hospital).
“In such a serious situation, we left LASUTH for LUTH. It was during this period we noticed he started gasping till we got to LUTH.
“The rigours of the journey from LASUTH to LUTH were too much for his frail condition and he gave up in the process.
“It is painful to have lost him at this point that help came to him. But we thank God for his life.
According to information gathered, the dead former player had shown signs of mental instability for about a month before he was taken to the hospital.
According to Kayode Tijani, a sports journalist who spoke to over 20 people on the condition of the dead former player, King did not have a wife staying with him but had had two women as wives who each bore two children for him.
But the marital lives did not last. He played school football across South West Nigeria and was called into the 1979/80 class of the Flying Eagles.
He shot into limelight while featuring for Shooting Stars of Ibadan from where he moved to the mega-paying Abiola Babes of Abeokuta.
He was reported to have worked with the Pepsi Football Academy and later the Ogun State Sports Council where he was later relieved of his duties. Jobless and financially broke, he found succour in local gin popularly called ‘Paraga” which apparently compounded his state.
One of his estranged wives, a policewoman working in Ikorodu reportedly came to his rescue by taking him to the General Hospital in the town. The only known rallying point for him was Tajudeen Disu, a former teammate.
The late King played briefly abroad, featuring for Tonnere Kalala of Cameroon in 1989 before moving to Greece in 1990 to play for Aris Sportiif of Salonika.
By George Akpayen
The finish line is now in sight in this season’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), and much of the talk has centred on the title race and those at the other end of the table, which surprisingly include last season’s champions Remo Stars.
However, there is another race shaping up among the leading top scorers this season, and this could see as many as six or more players going head-to-head in the final six matchdays.
Top contenders in the race for the battle for the golden boot are Enugu Rangers’ striker, Godwin Obaje and Ikorodu City winger Joseph Arumala, who have scored 11 goals apiece.
On the tails of the top-two scoring individuals are Victor Mbaoma (Remo Stars), El-Kanemi Warriors midfielder Daddy Abdulrahman, Katsina United’s Uche Collins and Emeka Obioma of Abia Warriors, all on 10 goals each.
THE PERFORMANCE BREAKDOWN
Out of the top-six leading scorers, Obaje, Arumala and Mbaoma have more direct goal involvement. Obaje and Arumala have 11 goals and two assists each, while Mbaoma has 10 goals and assists from 23 appearances, which is the least number of matches featured in among the leading scorers. Mbaoma missed most of the early parts of the season due to bruised ribs.
El-Kanemi Warriors midfielder Abdulrahman has made the most appearances among the top-six scorers and has a 12-goal direct involvement (10 goals + two assists).
Obioma is however, the only top-six scorer who is yet to register an assist this season after 26 appearances for Abia Warriors.
Interestingly, Collins is the only top-six scorer who has netted a hat-trick this season so far.
THE CHASING PACK
There is also the chasing pack in the race for the Golden Boot. One of them is Plateau United winger Temitope Vincent Adebayo, who has scored nine goals. Sodiq Ibrahim (3SC), Enyimba striker Chidera Michael, and Igbunu Evwierhurhoma of Warri Wolves.
The variety of players in the chasing pack also makes the race intriguing as they have been consistent goal scorers in recent matchweeks. They are definitely breathing down the necks of the frontrunners.
There are also the outsiders in the race. Jonathan Mairiga of Wikki Tourists, Chidozie Iwundu (Rangers) and Bendel Insurance duo of Kayode Oke, 3SC’s Qamar Adegoke and Alex Oweilayefa – all on eight goals. On seven goals is Kano Pillars legend Rabiu Ali.
WORTHY MENTION
However, Iwundu deserves a big mention among the top scorers as he is the top-scoring defender. He has made 29 appearances for Rangers and has been booked three times and sent off once.
Iwundu’s goalscoring form from his centre-back role has also been important for his club in their title aspirations this season, and his team will hope his form can continue into the final six matchdays.
No doubt, there will be twists and turns for individual glory in a race that is still wide open. Fixture difficulty, favourable run-in, struggling defences and hunger in front of goal are surely going to be among the factors that would decide who wins this race in an unpredictable league. At this point, nothing is guaranteed as all top marksmen are odds-on to claim the top individual prize.
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A dramatic World Cup playoff clash between DR Congo and Jamaica took an unusual turn when referee Facundo Tello was forced to abandon the match late in extra time after sustaining an injury.
The incident occurred deep into the second half of extra time, when the Argentine official suddenly blew his whistle to halt play, leaving players from both sides momentarily confused. What followed was a rare and surreal scene, as players gathered around not for a foul or confrontation, but to assist the injured referee.
Tello appeared to be struggling with a calf problem and required attention on the pitch, even as some players — mindful of the ticking clock — urged for a quick resumption of play. The stoppage stretched on, drawing audible frustration from the crowd, whose boos echoed around the stadium.
After several minutes of treatment, it became clear the referee could not continue. Moving gingerly with his hand on his calf, Tello made his way to the touchline, where he was replaced by the fourth official to oversee the remainder of the encounter.
From the sidelines, the injured referee watched as the match reached its conclusion, culminating in jubilant celebrations from the DR Congo players following their hard-fought victory over Jamaica.
The unusual interruption added another layer of drama to an already intense playoff, highlighting the physical demands not only on players but also on match officials in high-stakes encounters.
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Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has named a 23-man squad for this month’s international friendly matches against the Iran national football team and the Jordan national football team, with star striker Victor Osimhen notably absent from the list.
In Osimhen’s absence, Chelle has retained a strong core led by captain Wilfred Ndidi, alongside midfield playmaker Alex Iwobi and reigning African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman.
Friendlies Moved to Turkey Amid Security Concerns
The Super Eagles will now face Iran on March 27 before taking on Jordan on March 31, with both matches scheduled to be played in Antalya, Turkey.
Originally billed for venues in Amman, including the Amman International Stadium and King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, the fixtures were relocated following the outbreak of military conflict in the Middle East.
Kick-off times are set for 4 pm local time against Iran and 8 pm local time against Jordan.
Key Players Return, New Faces Earn First Call-Ups
Chelle has also recalled several established names, including goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, and midfielder Frank Onyeka.
In attack, the coach has options in Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, and Paul Onuachu.
There are also first-time invitations for Scotland-based defender Emmanuel Oluwasegun Fernandez, Germany-based forward Philip Otele, and Belgium-based attacker Collins Yira Sor, a former youth international.
Goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye also returns to the squad.
Focus on Squad Depth
The friendlies present Chelle with an opportunity to test squad depth and integrate new players ahead of future competitive fixtures.
With Osimhen missing, attention will be on how Nigeria’s attacking unit adapts, particularly with Lookman expected to play a leading role in the forward line.
The matches against Iran and Jordan will provide crucial preparation for the Super Eagles as they continue rebuilding following their disappointment in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
23 SUPER EAGLES FOR FRIENDLIES MATCHES AGAINST IRAN & JORDAN
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Coventry FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Philip Otele (Hamburger SV, Germany); Collins Yira Sor (KRC Genk, Belgium)
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