Nigerian Football

MFON UDOH RESCUES A POINT FOR AKWA UNITED IN WARRI

Published

5 years ago

November 3, 2019

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) record goal scorer, Mfon Udoh saved his side, Akwa United, the blushed when his equaliser secured a point for the Uyo side at the Warri City Stadium on Sunday against returnees, Warri Wolves on the opening day of the NPFL 2019/20 season.

The Seasiders, who have just returned to the topflight after spending
three seasons in the second tier showed hunger from the get-go as they looked to upset their star-studded opponents.

And it was Samuel Amadi who set the ball rolling with his quick-fire goal on the 2nd minute of the encounter. But Udoh whose 23 goals in 2014/15 is yet to be equalled restored parity 26 minutes later to ensure that both sides shared the spoils. Udoh had also ended last season as joint top scorer with Ibrahim Sunusi of Nasarawa United.

In September, Akwa United had began pre-season preparations with a 1-0 win over Warri Wolves at the Krisdera Hotel Stadium in Omoku.

Although the draw means Warri Wolves are now unbeaten in their six NPFL meetings against Akwa United, the latter will be more appreciative of the away point secured. May 7, 2014 was the last time the Promise Keepers tasted victory against the Seasiders in the NPFL, with the game ending 2-0 in Uyo.

Subsequently they had to settle for two home draws and three away defeats before Warri Wolves suffered relegation in 2016. Their last NPFL meeting on July 24, 2016 was a come-from-behind 3-1 home win for the Seasiders.

Riding on the wave of this piece of history, the home side took advantage of a confused Akwa United defence to take the lead inside two minutes, with Amadi, who is playing his first ever game in the NPFL, scoring the first goal of the season off a pass from Victory
Omadiegbe.

Soon after, Amadi was on the hunt for a second. But after a fine run down the right flank, his effort could only force Akwa United goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka to a finger-tip save.

Of the 15 new players Akwa United unveiled last Monday, seven featured in the draw
against Warri Wolves, including Adeyinka, who was signed from Gombe United.

When the visitors began to settle in their strides, Udoh rattled the crossbar with a shot from 25 yards out in the 10th minute while Samuel Mathias’ freekick was tipped over the bar by Ocheayi Francis, who stood in between the sticks for the home side.

Then a fantastic team build-up by Coach John Obuh’s side culminated in
Udoh tapping in Paul Obata’s cross for the equalizer on the 28^th minute. The first half of the encounter ended 1-1.

A minute into the second period, substitute Charles Atshimene, who was Warri Wolves’ top scorer in the Nigeria National League (NNL) last season with eight goals found himself in a great position to restore his side’s lead, but he blasted his shot way over the bar.

Subsequently, chances in the game were few and far between as injuries became the order of the evening. For five minutes, Obata, who had been one of the key players for Akwa United, was being attended to by medics on the sidelines. He was eventually replaced by Christian Ekong.

Then Warri Wolves’ goalscorer Amadi, who twisted his ankle while trying to take a corner kick in the 64th minute, had to give way for Ridwan Agbarinka in the 72nd minute. The latter stage of the encounter presented a late rush for a winner by both teams but to no avail.

Warri Wolves will travel to Akure for a date with Sunshine Stars on Matchday 2, while Akwa United take on Abia Warriors.

Nigerian Football

What a day as Southwest Stars see stars!

Published

1 day ago

October 17, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Remo Stars were beaten by a two-goal margin as they lost 3-1 to Plateau United. The same fate befell their western neighbours, Shooting Stars who lost 2-0 to Rivers United in Port Harcourt.

Both results meant that the leadership of the league is captured by Rivers United, pushing Remo Stars to the second position after seven matches.

For Remo Stars destiny was shaped by the rampaging Franklin Anthony whose hattrick gave Plateau United their victory.

Plateau United struck early in the match, shooting ahead in the fifth minute and completed the rout in the second half through goals in the 64^th and 70^th minutes.

Remo Stars only stalled the tide through Jabbar Malik in the 83rd minute.

In Port Harcourt, Rivers United prevailed over Shooting Stars with a 2-0 win. After a goalless first half, Aniekeme Okon put the home side in the lead in the 50^th minute and Ndifreke Effiong Udo doubled the lead in the 65^th minute.

The result lifted the side into the top spot with 17 points and a better goal difference of eight which is the highest by any team in the ongoing season.

In Benin, Bendel Insurance bounced back from Ikorodu City’s defeat last weekend in Lagos and recorded a resounding 3-0 win against visiting Bayelsa United in the early kick-off tie.

Kayode Oke Solomon opened the score for the home side in the 17^th minute and Nnamdi Anthony doubled the lead in the 78^th minute before Micheal Enaruna scored the third goal in added time.

In Owerri, coach Emmanuel Amuneke of Heartland FC had to work harder and salvaged a point at home against resurgent Ikorodu City who scored first in the 5^th minute via Salaudeen Taiwo but Chukwuma Agor secured parity for the home side in a 1-1 scoreline in the 66^th minute.

Katsina United pipped Akwa United by a lone goal scored by Azeez Falolu in the 27^th minute.

Action resumes this weekend as leaders, River United will play away ay at Niger Tornadoes while Remo Stars will host Bendel Insurance in Ikenne just as Shooting welcomes Katsina United and Ikorodu City will host Lobi Stars.

El-Kanemi Warriors will continue their season’s unbeaten run as they host Enyimba while Bayelsa United will host Heartland of Owerri and Akwa United will welcome Enugu Rangers in Uyo.

Ahmed Musa’s Kano Pillars will hope to continue their winning streak as the host Kwara United and Sunshine Stars will host Nasarawa United and Abia Warriors will host Plateau United in Abakaliki.

Nigerian Football

The rise and rise of Nigeria Premier Football League

Published

2 days ago

October 17, 2024

Kunle Solaja

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is on the rise and has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, largely thanks to the unwavering commitment of strategic partners to the NPFL, GTI Group. By laying down robust structures for transparency and accountability, GTI Group has significantly helped to improve the integrity and reputation of the elite league, ensuring that every dime from sponsors and investors of The Nigeria Football Fund (TNFF) are meticulously utilised and accounted for.

GTI’s initiative to enhance transparency in the NPFL goes beyond mere intentions; it involves concrete actions that laid the groundwork for accountability. This commitment not only bolsters the league’s financial health but also promotes confidence among stakeholders, including fans, sponsors and players.

One of the critical challenges that faced the NPFL before the coming of GTI Group in the 2022/2023 season was crowd violence. However, the financial investment firm and the NPFL Board led by Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye have worked harmoniously and tackled this issue head-on by implementing measures to curb this menace at match venues.

The placement of trained security personnel, implementation of zero tolerance to crowd violence and the issuance of fines against erring clubs cum their fans have fostered a safer environment for lovers of the beautiful game in the country. As a result, match attendance has astronomically increased, allowing for a more vibrant and supportive atmosphere.

The enhanced transparency in match operations by NPFL has also sparked renewed hope and a sense of friendly competition among clubs. With the increase in fair play and adherence to regulations, fans and players alike are experiencing a new wave of excitement. This was exemplified on Match Day 3 of the ongoing 2024/2025 season, where the league witnessed an impressive display of five-star performance: five away wins, three draws, and two home wins. This feat has never happened in the history of the elite league and reflects the blossoming football economy of Africa’s most populous nation.

GTI Group and NPFL’s relentless effort has laid the foundation for a prosperous league that attracts local and international talents from neighboring countries in the round-leather game. By focusing on transparency, infrastructural development and security, GTI and NPFL are not just transforming the league but creating a sustainable environment where football can thrive.

As we celebrate these positive changes, it is essential to acknowledge the role of every stakeholder in this journey. The NPFL is no longer just a platform for entertainment; it is a thriving business-oriented industry with the potential to inspire future generations.

The transformation of the NPFL, championed by GTI Group, reflects a brighter future for Nigerian football. With the ongoing commitment and collaboration, the NPFL will continue to flourish, bringing glory to clubs and excitement to fans across the world.

Nigerian Football

Enugu Rangers crumble at home in seven-goal thriller with Kano Pillars

Published

3 days ago

October 16, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Nigerian champions, Enugu Rangers have been beaten 4-3 by visiting Kano Pillars in the Match Day 7 of the Nigeria Premier Football League.

The visitors went into the lead in 15th minute when Rabiu Ali converted a penalty kick. They doubled the lead in the 28th minute through Zulkifilu Rabiu before Rabiu Ali extended the lead to 3-0 in the 37th minute after converting another penalty kick.

The game turned into a nightmare for Rangers as Ahmed Musa made it 4-0 in the first minute of the added time.

Rangers began a fight back in the opening minutes of the second half as Isaac Saviour pulled a goal back in the 47th minute. Twelve minute later he scored a second goal to reduce the tally to 4-2. Emmanuel Silas Nenrot made the score line a more respectable for Rangers when he scored a third goal in the added time.