Nigerian Football

NIGERIA PITCH AWARDS ORGANIZERS SET FOR 6TH EDITION

Published

6 years ago

February 26, 2019

Organizers of the prestigious Nigeria Pitch Awards have announced that elaborate and innovative plans have been put in place to stage a glamorous and historic 6th edition of the awards in May 2019. Shina Philips, the President of the Nigeria Pitch Awards stated this while speaking in Lagos over the weekend.

‘The 6th edition is historic because we are adding two key pre-award events which will further help define the character of the awards. For the second time, there will be a Nomination Dinner in March 2019 which will attract football stars, music stars and Nollywood celebrities,’ Philips said

‘There will also be an award lecture on ‘The Role of the Media and Security in Football Development.’ The lecture will be attended by stakeholders and sponsors of Nigerian football, top sports journalists, security personnel and members of the football community.’ Philips further stated.

Shina Philips stated organizers will continue to complement the efforts of the Federation to ‘make our football more competitive in order to get the best out of players and officials’.

‘This is why we introduced the Football Journalist of the Year (Online Media) and the Sportsmanship Awards which was introduced to identify and honour any Nigerian public official or personality who has exhibited the spirit of sportsmanship in the conduct of his/her business or duties,’ Philips said.

The first edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards was held in Calabar, Cross Rivers State capital in November 2013. Since the inaugural edition, the organizers have continued to reinforce the quality of the award process, which many have described as credible and transparent.

Each year, winners are picked by a team of over 100 sports journalists spread across the 36 states of the country. These set of highly experienced and professional journalist vote online. The voting process is coordinated by SIAO Partners, one of Nigeria’s top indigenous accounting and auditing firm.

Nigerian Football

Away two-goal specialists, Remo Stars win in Kano to stay atop

Published

22 hours ago

September 22, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Remo Stars continued their good form in the Nigeria domestic league as they snatched another 2-0 away win against one of the traditional strong sides, Kano Pillars on Sunday.

They had earlier had another 2-0 away win when they defeated Abia Warriors in Umuahia two weeks ago. With Sunday’s win, they remain on top of the log with their nine points and five goals.

They are yet to concede any goal this season. On Sunday, Sodiq Ismail put Remo Stars in front after 26 minutes. Togolese import, Franck Mawuena doubled the lead in the 60^th minute.

In another encounter, Niger Tornadoes pulled a major upset, winning 2-1 away from home as they beat former Nigerian champions, Plateau United. Ifeanyi Okechukwu put the visitors ahead in the 17^th minute. They doubled theit lead in the fourth minute of added time of the second half through Kufre Ebong.

A minute later, Pam Samuel scored a consolatory goal for Plateau United. Hearrtland of Owerri continued their winless run as they played a goalless draw at home with visiting Katsina United.

Sunshine Stars also played 0-0 with Abia Warriors.

Nigerian Football

Remo Stars win Star War against Sunshine Stars to take temporary NPFL lead

Published

1 week ago

September 14, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Remo Stars on Saturday made it two straight wins in the Nigeria Premier League after labouring to a 1-0 defeat of Sunshine Stars of Akure to follow-up their last weekend 2-0 away win over Abia Warriors.

On Saturday, under eight minutes they shot ahead through Shuaibu Ibrahim. That was where the story ended as Sunshine Stars came up strongly and almost stalemated scores.

The win, though narrow, is enough to temporarily take Remo Stars to the top of the log after two games.

They are followed by Rivers United who beat Heartland 3-1. It is the second consecutive 3-1 loss that Heartland are getting in the two-week old season.

The situation could change on Sunday when other matches are played.

On the card are: Akwa United hosting Abia Warriors while Kano Pillars will be away to Bayelsa United.

Katsina United host Bendel Insurance and Niger Tornadoes will be home to Nasarawa United. Shooting Stars will host Plateau United.

Nigerian Football

Westerhof recommends Siasia for Super Eagles’ job

Published

2 weeks ago

September 11, 2024

Kunle Solaja

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.

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.”