Nigerian Football

NPFL PLAYOFF: LOBI STARS ANUMUDU PREDICTS TOUGH CONTEST

Published

5 years ago

May 31, 2019

Ugochukwu Anumudu of Lobi Stars is predicting a tough contest for all clubs participating in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Championships Playoff saying the tournament would be an interesting spectacle.

The former U-17 World Cup winner, joined Lobi stars of Markudi at the start of the season from El-Kanemi Warriors where he also spent one season.

Speaking with www.npfl.ng, com, Anumudu who is also in the National U-23 squad campaigning for a place in the Japan 2020 Olympics, explained that all six teams in the playoff have quality players that are good enough to win the championship.

‘It’s going to be a very tough one considering the teams assembled for the playoff. Majority of the teams have quality players, so it’s going to be very tough and interesting”.

Anumudu, who plays from the left back position is yet to score this season but is remembered by Nigerians for his brilliant strike against Brazil with Emmanuel Amunike’s World Cup in 2013. He is with the rest of Lobi Stars squad in camp in Ijebu Ofe ahead of the tournament and are expected to leave this weekend for Lagos.

Looking at the fixtures, he noted that their opening match would be against FC IfeanyiUbah, a team they would be meeting for the first time this season having featured in different groups during the regular season.

“We are meeting them for the first time this season as we were not in same group in the marathon league, but we will see how they operate. By God’s grace we want to win the first match and that can give us the confidence ahead of the second match against Rangers International.

Anumudu has had lots of national team experience having also been part of the Flying Eagles squad that failed to reach the World Cup but he’s also enjoying his outings in the domestic league.

“This is my second season in the NPFL and it has been
a good one for me, hopefully soonest i want to play outside the shores of the country”, he dropped jocularly.

Nigerian Football

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

Published

2 days 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.”