Nigerian Football
PRESIDENT GEORGE WEAH TO FEATURE IN AMBODE TESTIMONIAL MATCH AT AGEGE STADIUM
The Akinwunmi Ambode Testimonial game to send off the outgoing Governor of Lagos State has now been moved from the construction site of the remodelled Onikan Stadium to Agege Stadium. The match holds on May 18.
.
The change of venue was confirmed by the General Coordinator of the event, Waidi Akanni a former Super Eagles’ player who is also a former chairman of the Lagos FA. He made the clarification on Tuesday saying that the construction work at Onikan Stadium may not be fully completed by the date.
A major attraction for the match will be George Weah, the only man to have won the World Footballer of the Year, The European Footballer of the Year and African Footballer of the Year in one season.
He achieved the feat in 1996, becoming the only African to have ever won the title in Europe and also that of the world. He is currently the president of Liberia as the highest profiled footballer to hold a political office.
Other former footballers expected include Samson Siasia, Mutiu Adepoju, Daniel Amokachi, Nwankwo Kanu, Emmanuel Amuneke and Victor Ikpeba – all members of the famed Class of ’94 Super Eagles.
The invited foreign former footballers include Ghana’s Michael Essien, Samuel Eto’o, Abubarkar Titi Camara, El- Hadji Diouf, Didier Zokora and Yaya Toure
According to a media release, the trio of Waidi Akanni, Siasia and Adepoju noted that, the VIP tickets will go on sale on Sunday at various outlets to be announced soon.
The team of African legends will play against ex-Super Eagles stars. A three-man coaching crew for the Nigerian legends comprises: Augustine Eguavoen, Joe Erico and Henry Nwosu.
The Match, which is a fusion of sports and entertainment, will witness first class performances by popular Nigerian artists. Spectators at the event, according to the organisers will win jerseys, soccer balls and other gifts at the raffle draws at half time.
The General Coordinator, Waidi Akanni, disclosed that part of the proceeds of the event will go to charity and scholarships for underprivileged kids in Lagos State.
Already, over 1000 kids have benefited from the Ambode Testimonial Soccer Clinic held a month ago at the Campos Square, Lagos.
These kids will be brought back to meet with the African legends hours before the kick off of ‘The Match’ on May 18.
The Governor Ambode Testimonial Match is obviously going to be the biggest gathering of former African football stars on the planet in Lagos.
Nigerian Football
Away two-goal specialists, Remo Stars win in Kano to stay atop
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 60th 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 17th 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
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
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.”
-
Boxing3 days ago
BREAKING! Dubois destroys Anthony Joshua!
-
AFCON7 days ago
Libya sacks coach ahead of AFCON qualifying back-to-back matches with Nigeria
-
CAF Confederation Cup2 days ago
‘Nzogbu Nzogbu’ Enyimba enyi as Enyimba limp into Confederation Cup Group stage!
-
Governing Bodies1 week ago
Storm in CAF over proposed statutes amendments
-
World Cup5 days ago
Many fans risk missing 2026 World Cup as Visa window for visitors is closing
-
OBITUARY6 days ago
Italian World Cup striker Schillaci dies aged 59
-
CHAN1 week ago
CAF Executive Committee approves CHAN 2024 Dates
-
UEFA Champions League5 days ago
Nigeria’s Victor Olatunji becomes third African scoring debutant in Uefa Champions League