Nigerian Football

MY MISSION AT SUPER FALCONS’ CAMP – MAUREEN MMADU

Published

6 years ago

January 14, 2019

BY BIBIAN ONWUGBOLU.

Maureen Nkeiruka Mmadu is a Nigerian football coach and former midfielder of the Super Falcons. As a player she most recently represented Avaldsnes IL, a First Division team based on Norway’s west coast.

She played for several other teams in Norway’s Toppserien as well for Linköpings FC and QBIK in the Swedish Damallsvenskan. She bares her mind on she intend to achieve her dream with her current job in the National team.

How do you feel been part of the Super Falcons’ technical crew and working under Coach Thomas Dennerby?

I feel very happy been part of the new Super Falcons’ technical crew under Thomas. It is good honour to me because it is a dream come through. Although it would have come earlier than now but my work abroad did not allow it but I thank God it finally happened.

How did your appointment emerge?

I was invited by the Nigeria Football Federation Technical committee for interview for the job of an assistant coach with other four male coaches who are based here in Nigeria. I became the lucky one to secure the job at the end.

Been part of the during the AWC in Ghana, how best can you access the Super Falcons performance?

(Laugh) Well I must say a big kudos to the Super Falcons because they really played and fought like lionesses. The players did very well. They never lost hope after losing their first match against Bayana Bayana. They went ahead to win every other game to be the champions again. The fighting spirit was high and still high as we are in camp preparing for other tournaments ahead.

The World Cup is fast approaching, how prepared is the team?

We are on the process of the presentation as you can see the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has registered the team for the four-nation tournament scheduled for China from January 17 to 25. We are not just going in China for a jamboree, but to also use it as part of our preparation for the World Cup in France this year. This is to show you that NFF really want to change the face of female football in the country and this is one step too many for us and I must say I am impressed with the development.

Don’t forget Chinese Football is fast developing and I strongly believe Nigeria will benefit if they tap from it. We want to test every regional style of soccer to improve our girls for the task ahead of them.

African teams must register their names in the forth coming world Cup starting with the Falcons. Days are gone when the trophy or first three goes to European countries but this year will make a different because it is going to be battle when the tournament kicks off in June.

Any hope for domestic players to make it to France World Cup ?

Right now the camp is open for every Nigerian both domestic and the players abroad. According to the Head Coach Dennerby, he want to pick the best that can give everything in the field of play to represent Nigeria any where in the World. Don’t forget we have few in camp with us now.

Don’t forget we still have over 10 friendly matches lined for us by NFF before the World Cup. So we will gradually picking players till we get the best. After the four-nation tournament in China which we strictly invited players, we are going to have an open camp early enough to do few selections before we move into close camping.

NFF has lined over 10 friendly matches for the girls. Do you think it will be enough to prepare the team before the World Cup?

(Smile) I have to thank NFF for this kind of surprise because this is the first time they are giving us these huge games to prepare us for the world cup. All my life as a player in the Super Falcons till retire, we have never had this kind of friendly matches. I must say a very big thank you to Amaju Pinnick and the current board for their effort in bring light into female national team, kudos to them.

Thomas Dennerby is not in camp here in Nigeria with the team, leaving you with a big responsibility, how are you handling the girls as the assistant?

The most important thing here is that we follow and work with every of his programs to bring out good result at the end. Dennerby understands African system of football together with few of us in the team and that alone gave him the victory in Ghana.

Dennerby is a nice and very good coach. He is like a father to all the players. He wants the best for the player and the nation too. He really wants us to always give our best in everything we do. I have learnt a lot from him, though I have work with other white coaches abroad, but he is exceptional, very ambition, very workaholic, he wants us to be on our toes every time, to make things work.

Again the players are happy with you, success is sure and here in camp they player unity and understanding is massive and unshakeable. They give their best in training knowing that there is no automatic shirt for anyone.

What is your biggest challenge so far since you joined the Super Falcons?

There must be challenges when you are in a new environment. The most important thing is how to handle those challenges. My biggest challenge so far is in selection of players because Nigeria has a lot of talented players that one gets confused in picking the best for a particular competition.

But I must say I am adapting, we have quality technical crew that works together as a team to make sure we get the best.

Who are the new invited players in the team?

There are two invited players in camp – Alice Ogebe and Ugochi Emanayo. Apart from the ones that went with us to Ghana but we hope to look at more players when we return from China for other games we will play.

How can you rate the Super Falcons in Africa, in terms of discipline, tactical, skills?

The current squad in the Super Falcons are good. The legacy we left long before now is still there despite what we went through during my time in the national team and now.

I think these current players are enjoying the fruit of our labour. We lay the foundation for them in the World especially African football. Super Falcons are respected anywhere in the world today. Many countries in Africa are scared of them because of the foundation we lay in the past.

During my time in the national team most parents don’t allow their daughters to engage in football but today every family want her female child to play soccer.

Super Falcons remain the best in Africa following their record. They only need more confident and also to be more professional, do your job 150 per cent and give the best every time no matter what, because you don’t know who is watching you on the side lines.

I see them as one of the team that will shock the World in France come June. If there will be an African team to reach the top three or four, it will be the Super Falcons because the spirit and zeal are high towards it.

Nigerian Football

Remo Stars are Nigeria’s 21st League Champions

Published

4 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Kunle Solaja

BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

By beating Niger Tornadoes 1-0 to win the Nigeria Premier Football League on Sunday, Remo Stars have become the 21st club to win the title since the league at national level was introduced in 1972.

But if professional football is the consideration, they become the 17th champions since 1990.

Most titles have been won by Enyimba, who won their 9th title in the 2022/23 season.

Yet, it was not a bed of roses for the club that is arguably Nigeria’s most successful club.

They were relegated in 1991 after finishing 15th in a 16-team league.

They returned to the elite division in 1994 after topping the lower division in 1993.

The next most successful club is Enugu Rangers, who have eight titles. But the bulk is in the amateur era when they were the dominant force in Nigerian football.

Since the professional period, Enugu Rangers have won just two titles in 2016 and 2024.

They are followed up by their age-long rivals, Shooting Stars, who have five titles, the last of which was won 27 years ago.

Heartland also have five titles, all won when the club was Iwuanyanwu Nationale.

Next are Kano Pillars, who are the second club from Kano to win the league. Before their four victories in 2008 and from 2012 to 2014, the now-defunct Raccah Rovers were Nigeria’s champions in 1978.

The NPFL winning team of 2021/22, Rivers United, can lay claim to four titles following the victory of Eagle Cement in 1997 and that of succeeding Dolphins in 2004 and 2011. Rivers United is a fusion of the older Sharks FC and Dolphins (previously Eagle Cement) in 2016.

Bendel Insurance have two titles won in 1973 and 1979 before the advent of professional football in Nigeria.

Also winning twice are the defunct Julius Berger of Lagos, who were champions in 1991 and 1999.

Other past winners who are no longer in the topflight of Nigerian football include Mighty Jets, the inaugural winners of 1972; Raccah Rovers of Kano (1978); New Nigerian Bank (1985); Leventis United (1986); Stationary Stores (1992); Udoji United (1996); and Ocean Boys (2006).

Others with single titles are Plateau United (2017) and Akwa United (2021).

Champions by season

1972 – Mighty Jets
1973 – Bendel Insurance
1974 – Enugu Rangers
1975 – Enugu Rangers
1976 – Shooting Stars
1977 – Enugu Rangers
1978 – Raccah Rovers, Kano
1979 – Bendel Insurance
1980 – Shooting Stars
1981- Enugu Rangers
1982 – Enugu Rangers
1983 – Shooting Stars
1984 – Enugu Rangers
1985 – New Nigeria Bank
1986 – Leventis United, Ibadan
1987 – Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland)
1988 – Iwuanyanwu Nationale
1989 – Iwuanyanwu Nationale
1990- Iwuanyanwu Nationale
1991 – Julius Berger
1992 – Stationery Stores
1993 – Iwuanyanwu Nationale
1994 – BCC Lions
1995 – Shooting Stars
1996 – Udoji United
1997 -Dolphins
1998 – Shooting Stars
1999 – Lobi Stars
2000 – Julius Berger
2001 – Enyimba
2002 – Enyimba
2003 – Enyimba
2004 – Dolphins
2005 – Enyimba
2006 – Ocean Boys
2007 – Enyimba
2008 – Kano Pillars
2009 – Bayelsa United
2010 – Enyimba
2011 – Dolphin
2012 – Kano Pillars
2013 – Kano Pillars
2014 – Kano Pillars
2015 – Enyimba
2016 – Enugu Rangers
2017 – Plateau United
2018 – Cancelled
2019 – Enyimba
2020 – Cancelled Owing to COVID-19
2021- Akwa United
2022 – Rivers United
2023 – Enyimba
2024 – Enugu Rangers

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Nigerian Football

AMAC Crowned Inaugural Champions of FCT FA Women’s Inter-Area Councils Football Tournament

Published

5 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Kunle Solaja

The AMAC Area Council have been crowned champions of the maiden edition of the FCT FA Women’s Inter-Area Councils Football Tournament, following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Gwagwalada Area Council on Sunday.

A first-half solitary strike from Ruth Torsue handed Atandex Taiwo’s side the historic triumph in the final held at the FIFA Goal Project Pitch, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Sunday, April 27, 2025.

In the earlier third-place playoff, Kwali edged Kuje 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time to secure the bronze medal.

As reward for their historic achievement, AMAC were presented with a cash prize of ₦250,000, while runners-up Gwagwalada and third-placed Kwali received ₦150,000 and ₦100,000 respectively.

A major highlight of the day was the conferment of a Meritorious Award on the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and First Vice President of WAFU Zone B, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to football development in Nigeria and beyond.

Speaking after receiving the award, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, who had just returned from the CAF African Schools Football Championship finals in Ghana, praised the FCT Football Association and tournament sponsor Pat Ajuma Ayegba for their unwavering commitment to grassroots football.

“I am fulfilled being part of this huge success. Championships like this are the real platforms for talent discovery, and I must commend the organizers for their vision and execution,” Gusau said.

“I made a vow to be here and am proud to identify with initiatives like this. It aligns perfectly with my agenda of promoting grassroots development since coming into office and taking the sport to every corner of the country. I am truly proud of the investment and dedication shown by Pat Ajuma Ayegba, and I fully support initiatives of this nature.”

Tournament initiator and sponsor, Pat Ajuma Ayegba, expressed immense satisfaction with the successful delivery of the competition.

“This is a dream come true. I congratulate all the participating teams, especially the champions AMAC, for their outstanding performance,” Ayegba stated.

“I sincerely thank the NFF President for the incredible honour of his presence and the fond memories offered to these young, ambitious female footballers. I also deeply appreciate the support of the Minister of Women’s Affairs and the humongous backing of the FCT FA leadership.”

FCT FA Chairman Muktar Adam Mohammed, represented by First Vice Chairman Alhaji Salihu Kolo, also hailed the tournament’s success and applauded Pat Ajuma Ayegba’s landmark achievement.

“We are extremely proud of the successful maiden edition of this championship. The attendance of the NFF President and the dedication shown by Pat Ajuma Ayegba have given this tournament a strong foundation for future growth,” Kolo remarked.

In a similar vein, the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by her Special Assistant, Alkali Suleiman, commended the organisers for their transformative vision.

“This initiative is highly commendable, creating a platform that takes young girls off the streets and engages them positively through sports,” Suleiman stated.

“On behalf of the Honourable Minister, I pledge our Ministry’s continued support to sustain and grow this laudable project as it aligns with our agenda.”

In recognition of outstanding performances, Jimoh Kairat of Gwagwalada was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, while the Best Goalkeeper award went to AMAC’s impressive shotstopper, Duru Blessing. Saratu Danladi also shone brightly, emerging as the tournament’s Highest Goal Scorer.

The well-attended final also attracted several high-profile dignitaries, including former FCT FA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National League (NNL), Emmanuel Attah; General Manager of NTA Sports, Kayode Adeniyi; Corps Command Daniel Asanya; former Chairman of FCT Coaches Association, Godwin Bamigboye; as well as FCT FA Board Members Femi Ajilore, Patrick Bassey, and FCT FA Secretary, Haruna Ilerika.

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Nigerian Football

This is their best moment; Remo Stars are Nigeria champion-elect!

Published

11 hours ago

April 27, 2025

Kunle Solaja

BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

They have been knocking since Season 2021-2022 when they finished third on the log.

In the following season, they were just a goal short of becoming the Nigerian champions.

Last season, they finished second again. But now, the door has finally opened, and on the club owner’s birthday!

Remo Stars have emerged as the Nigeria Premier Football League champions, even with three matches to spare! After a hard fought battle, they beat Niger Tornadoes 1-0 to attain an unassailable 10-point lead which confer the Nigerian championship to them.

The trailing team, Rivers United can only close the gap with nine points if they win all the remaining three matches and if Remo Stars fail to win theirs.

What a turnaround for a team that had twice been relegated in the past eight years. Perseverance, good planning and good structure have seen them taste the good wine.

What a feat! They become the first Nigerian champion to have come from a small town, the previously sleepy urban village of Ikenne.

Tension all the way!

And so, records come tumbling down. Ikenne is not just known for the production of eminent politicians and jurists, it is staking a claim to be the new destination of not just football, but sports generally.

A large proportion of the events of the 22nd National Sports Festival will be held in the ‘little’ town, which has become the smallest town to produce a Nigerian champion.

Roll out the drums in the 33 towns and settlements that make up Remo. Let the voices sing all over Ogun State, which is producing its first Nigeria League winners since the state was created on February 3, 1976.

Let the celebration start all over the federation as a model club with proper structure has finally emerged as Nigeria’s champions!

History still beckons to them. With nine more points obtainable from their remaining three matches, Remo Stars can still exceed the 77-point mark established by the current worthy runners-up, Rivers United, who in the 2021-22 season set a record of 77 points in a season since the 20-team format was institutionalised 21 years ago.

Remo Stars still have more records to assail. Their 1-0 defeat of Niger Tornadoes is their 21st win this season. They need two more wins to equal the 23 established by Port Harcourt sides, Dolphins in 2009/2010 and Rivers United in the 2021/22 season.

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