Nigerian Football
LAGOS SPORTS JOURNALISTS CELEBRATE END OF COVID-19 YEAR
Like most people who looked forward to see the end a year that was ravaged by virus never before, sports journalists in Lagos Nigeria last Wednesday, 30th of December, 2020 took time off their ever busy schedules to unwind and mark their end of year and awards celebration.
The colorful event which entered its second edition presented another rare opportunity for key stakeholders to meet and network as they head into a new year.
The annual event which held at LASCOFIS in Lagos had in attendance over 50 sports writers cutting across the print, electronic and New media within Lagos and its environ.
Speaking at the event, convener of Sports Journalists Forum (SJF), Godwin Enakhena said it was imperative for journalists to take time off, celebrate themselves and also informally learn from each other.
“No matter what we do, it is important that we take a step back, take stock and let off some steam after a difficult year saddled with its ups and downs.
“We started this award and end of the year party in 2019 and we are excited how the event has continued to grow. We are grateful to all those who made this possible financially as well as those who turned up.”
Enakhena enjoined sports journalists to stay dedicated to their craft as he described them as key stakeholders in the emerging sports industry in Nigeria.
He thanked the Group Administrators, Andrew Randa, Kingsley Oyero and Molade Oketoki for steering the WhatsApp Group in the right direction.
Mr Enakhena also thanked his colleagues for their moral support and financial contributions that made the event a huge success.
Recall that eight members bagged awards in different categories of the 2020 edition of SJF Awards which came with certificates, recharge cards and replica jerseys of Nigeria professional football (NPFL) clubs of their choice.
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.”
Nigerian Football
Plateau United’s Doyeni is first scorer of Season 2024/25
The balls hit the nets 17 times this Sunday as the Nigeria Premier League Season 2024/25 burst into life this Sunday.
The first of the goals was from Plateau United’s Olawale Doyeni who converted a 24th minute penalty kick against Katsina United in an eventual 1-0 home win.
Another star-man of the the day is Enyimba’s Clinton Jephta who has become the season’s first hat-trickster. His three goals in the 65th , 70th and 73rd minutes sank heartland 3-1 in their home match.
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