Nigerian Football

Remo Stars emerge winner of MTN/NPFL/La Liga U-15 Tournament

Published

2 years ago

May 17, 2022

Remo Stars of Ikenne is fast emerging as the model football club in Nigeria as the youth side of the outfit emerged the winners of the MTN/NPL/La Liga U-15 championship.

In what could be likened a ‘Star War’, Remo Stars cadet team beat their Sunshine Stars counterparts 2-0 to become Nigeria’s Number on youth side.

They are following the footsteps of the senior side which despite having a season in the Nigerian elite league after their last season’s promotion from the second-tier league, they are already one of the trio contesting for the Nigerian championship.

A worse case scenario may see the pet project of their silent proprietor going continental next season either in the CAF Champions League or the Confederation Cup.

Showing good structure and building an ideal football resort in the hitherto sleepy town of Ikenne, the U15 side is already pointing to the future of the club after brushing aside the other 14 teams to emerge winners of the fourth edition of the MTN-NPFL-La Liga powered championship.

In beating Sunshine Stars, Remo Stars took the lead in the 15^th minute through Arierhi Kparobo who was in superlative form throughout the tournament .

The second half saw some breathtaking saves from both keepers as the shots kept increasing. Ultimately, Kparobo got his brace after a well struck shot inside the box leading his team to victory.

Speaking after the final, Senior Manager, Sponsorship and Promotion, MTN Nigeria Limited, Osaze Ebueku, praised the tournament for showcasing and advancing grassroots football.

“We saw the talents that came through, we saw how passionate the players were and this is the future of our football. Grassroots football is where we are looking forward to getting stars into the Super Eagles.

“I am highly impressed with what the players displayed since the commencement of the tournament and at the finals. The tournament has really improved and I am proud of the players that participated. What this means is that the future of our football is very bright and we are proud. He added

In the third-place match which took place earlier in the day, Katsina United edged out Kano Pillars 5-4 on penalties after the two sides played out a nail biting 2-2 draw.

Recall that in September last year, the Telco giant signed a partnership with the Nigerian Football Federation to become the Official Communications sponsor of the Super Eagles and other national teams.

This partnership sees MTN execute several exciting activities around Nigerian football, allowing football lovers to enjoy the sport uniquely.

Nigerian Football

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

Published

5 days 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

1 week 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.”

Nigerian Football

Plateau United’s Doyeni is first scorer of Season 2024/25

Published

2 weeks ago

September 8, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Olawale Doyeni braces up for the NPFL's first goal of the season via penalty kick

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 65^th , 70^th and 73^rd minutes sank heartland 3-1 in their home match.