Welcome to Sportinglens.blogspot.com: March 2016

Thursday, 31 March 2016

LMC slams Ifeanyi Ubah 10-match ban, fined N2.5m

Following the review of new video evidence of the incident that occurred immediately after the Match Day 8 fixture in Nnewi between FC IfeanyiUbah and Heartland of Owerri, the League Management Company (LMC) has issued fresh charges against the Proprietor of FC IfeanyiUbah, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah and handed him a fine of N2, 500, 000 in addition to ten match ban from all Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) venues in a Summary Jurisdiction notice issued Thursday afternoon.

Amaju Pinnick, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), on Wednesday in Abuja said he had no regrets hiring Sunday Oliseh as the Super Eagles' Head Coach.

Pinnick told newsmen in Abuja at a news conference that Oliseh, who quit his job last month, came under high recommendation.

Nigeria will name a foreign coach to qualify the country for the 2018 World Cup in a fortnight, according to the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

On Tuesday night, the Super Eagles crashed out of AFCON 2017 under the temporary charge of Samson Siasia and NFF president Amaju Pinnick has now said he has concluded plans to appoint an expatriate, whose salaries will be footed by a private company.

Akwa Utd smash El-Kanemi at home, as Enyimba beat 3SC

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Enyimba, and Federation Cup holders, were among the big winners in rescheduled games on Wednesday as they beat Shooting Stars and El-Kanemi Warriors respectively.

In Umuahia, Enyimba defeated the Oluyole Warriors two-nil. It was not such a good return for former Enyimba gaffer, Kadiri Ikhana, to Abia State.

Following his exploits and sublime form in the month of March, 2016, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi has been voted Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club of Lagos player of the month.

Ifeanyi has been an ever present for the Olukoya Boys with top-notch performances in the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and he has also featured in every match in the 2016 Lagos State Football Association Cup.

Crown football club of Ogbomoso are through to the final of this year's Oyo State federation cup after defeating hard-fighting Tigers Football Club 5-2 in the semi final clash at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan on Wednesday.

The club's new revelation Peter Micheal opened the scoring spree in the 13 minutes to pave ways for others who got the job done. The military boys capitalised on the laxity of defence line to put a double behind Crown's goalkeeper, Raji Lateef.

Following some infractions recorded across some match centers over three match days, the League Management Company (LMC) has issued summary jurisdiction notices to clubs and individuals found culpable and imposed fines and warnings against further commission of the offences.

Bayelsa United has unveiled Festus Allen as the new technical adviser of the club ahead of the Nigeria National League (NNL) kick-off.

The former C.O.D United FC of Lagos manager signed one year contract with the former Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions.

Wolves Head Coach Kenny Jackett has confirmed that the Super Eagles goalkeeper Carl Ikeme arrived in the club early from international duty with Nigeria after suffering from a stomach bug.

Nigeria skipper Mikel Obi, Victor Moses and Kelechi Iheanacho have returned to their bases in England directly from Alexandria after the Super Eagles 1-0 loss to Egypt Tuesday night.

The management of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) club, Rivers United have announced that striker, Onyekachi Okafor has absconded from the camp of the team.

Okafor was duly registered to play for United this season having arrived from another NPFL side, Warri Wolves at the end of last season.

Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Kano state chapter has pleaded with the Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to make funds available so as to enable the state athletes to commence preparation for the 2016 National Sports Festival (NSF) slated for Calabar.

According to the body of sports writers in Kano, the era when the state put up a not too impressive performance at the Nigeria’s biggest sports fiesta should be brought to an end through early preparations, which could only be achieve through adequate and early release of funds.

The new technical adviser of Warri Wolves Ard Sluis has charged his players to welcome him officially into the team by winning their rescheduled week two of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) game against Wikki Tourists in Bauchi this afternoon.

Chairman Enugu North Local government Hon. Isaac Igwe has promised to redeem cash reward promised the players of Rangers international before their next game against Mountain of Fire Miracle Ministries (MFM) at the Agege Stadium, Lagos.

Igwe promised Rangers players two hundred thousand naira for each goal scored and five hundred thousand naira for victory over Enyimba FC of Aba in Sunday's league match at the Nnamdi Azikiwe, Enugu.

El Kanemi Warriors FC of Maiduguri defender Friday lfeanyi has declared that their Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) rescheduled week 2 match against Akwa United today is a must win.

The hard working left full back was in action for 90th minute when the Borno Armies secured a vital away draw against Giwa FC in Jos. He was also put up an excellent performance on Sunday when the team defeated hard fighting Nasarawa United 3-0.

Nigeria crash out of AFCON 2017

Nigeria’s hope of participating in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nation in Gabon has been dashed after losing by a lone goal to Egypt in a return leg of the qualifier in their Group G match on Tuesday in Alexandria.

It will be the second time in two years that the Super Eagles have failed to qualify for the Nations Cup.

Super Eagles captain and Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has issued an ultimatum on his future.

The Nigeria international is demanding first team football and says he'll leave this summer if it's not promised to him.

Nigeria’s delegation to Tuesday’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt has arrived in Alexandria, venue of the match. The delegation flew aboard an ARIK Air aircraft and landed at the Borg El-Arab Airport, Alexandria at 6.35pm Egypt time on Monday (5.35pm Nigeria time).

Egypt international left-back Sabry Rahil has been ruled out of Nigeria clash in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Tuesday.

Al Ahly left-back failed to finish the national team’s training session on Monday after complaining of dizziness.

Head coach of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) Football Club of Lagos, Fidelis Ilechukwu has said Plateau United Football club were better than his wards after his side's one all draw in match day 9 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) encounter in Jos.

Osadiaye rues derby defeat

Joseph Osadiaye has expressed disappointment over Enyimba's Matchday 9 defeat to Rangers in Enugu.

The midfielder who scored the game's first goal in the 14th minute with a well taken curler saw his effort cancelled seven minutes later by Godwin Aguda before Chisom Egbuchulam's 37th minute volley gave Rangers the lead and ultimately, victory.

Sunshine Stars Media Officer, Wahab Bankole has described his team’s 2-1 win over Shooting Stars Sports club (3SC) of Ibadan on Sunday as a morale booster to the team.

The Owena Waves heaved a sigh of relief after securing its first victory of the season in the clash against Oluyole Warriors in a week nine of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) at the Akure Stadium on Sunday.

Kano Pillars star, Mohammed Shagari has commended the fans for their support adding that they contributed immensely to the success of the club.

Shagari was adjudged as Man of the Match in his team’s 2-0 home win over FC Ifeanyi Ubah in a week nine of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) played on Sunday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.

Kano Pillars spank FC Ifeanyi Ubah 2-0

Kano Pillars secured a well deserved 2-0 victory over visiting FC Ifeanyi Ubah with a goal in each half to keep alive their ambition of a fifth Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title.

El-Kanemi Warriors of Maidugiri stretched their unbeaten run to three with a 3-0 bashing of Nasarawa United in a Match Day 9 fixture of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) decided at the Karkanda Sports Complex in Katsina.

Abia Warriors returned to winning ways with a hard fought 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes of Minna in one of the week nine Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) games decided at the Umuahia.

The Warriors last tasted victory against Oriental brothers, Heartland FC in Owerri last month and drew their last four matches including three at home.

Chad have withdrawn from the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Group G, which comprises Egypt, Nigeria and Tanzania.

The African minnows cited financial difficulties for their surprise decision to pull out of the qualifications, leaving Group G with only three teams.

Super Eagles and Wolverhampton Wanderers of England shot –stopper Carl Ikeme is out of Tuesday's 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt in Alexandria.

Ikeme is feeling unwell and the coaches have decided not to risk him in goal on Tuesday during the all -important encounter against the Pharaohs.

Kano Pillars have released its team line up for today’s week 9 Nigeria Professional football League against Ifeanyi Ubah at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

Kano Pillars star Tijjani Adamu will be out of action for two weeks due to groin injury.

Adamu picked up a groin injury during his side’s week 8 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) game against Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) Football Club of Lagos at the Agege stadium on Wednesday.

No fewer than six first team players are unavailable for Rivers United as they prepare for today’s match day nine Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clash with Ikorodu United at the Onikan Stadium in Lagos.

El Kanemi Warriors technical adviser Ladan Bosso believes Super Eagles can spring up a surprise against Egypt in the return leg of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nation qualifier at the Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria on Tuesday.

Nigeria battle Egypt 6pm Tuesday in Alexandria

The reverse 2017 Africa Cup of nation (AFCON) clash between Nigeria and Egypt will kick off at 6pm Nigerian time on Tuesday inside the Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria.

The Nigerian national women U-17 team, Flamingoes, have qualified for the 5th FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after defeating hosts Bantwana of South Africa 1-0 at the Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa on Saturday.

El-Kanemi Warriors FC will soon return home to Maiduguri for the rest of their Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) home matches this season, according to the team’s media manager Anthony Obaseki.

The Borno Armies have been playing their home matches at the adopted home ground in Karkanda Stadium, Katsina due to insecurity in Borno State.

Newly appointed Warri Wolves technical adviser Ard Sluis is promising ‘total football' for the Seasiders after he was unveiled on Friday at the Royal Nibo Hotel, in Warri.

At his unveiling on Friday, Sluis said his tactics would based on total football as he paid tribute to late Johan Cruyff who was referred to as father of modern day football.

Goalkeeper, James Aiyeyemi has predicted a good outing for Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football of Lagos this weekend in Jos against Plateau United football club in Match Day 9 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) tie.

Smarting from his team's one all draw with four times league champions, Kano Pillars in Lagos on Wednesday where he was nominated Man Of The Match, the former Abubakar Bukola Saraki Football Club of Ilorin goakeeper believes his team will give the hosts a run for the three points at stake on Sunday.

Nigeria stayed in 37th spot after gathering a total of 1602 points in the latest FIFA rankings for women released by FIFA on Friday.

Despite this motionless position, the Super Falcons remain the best team in Africa and are closely followed by Chinese Taipei who are ranked 38th with 1590 points.

Erstwhile technical director of Ondo State Football Agency, Henry Abiodun, has warned the chairman of the Agency, John Ola Mafo, against tarnishing his image.

The USA-trained coach said he was yet to receive a letter to indicate he had been relieved of his post as the technical director of the team.

Lobi Stars midfielder Victor Makalala is confident that he and his teammates can shock Warri Wolves in a week nine of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) at the Warri Township Stadium on Sunday.

The 22-year-old star who can play as a defensive and attacking midfielder admitted that the Makurdi-based side need to be at their best to get a worthy result in the game.

Siasia blames players for late Egypt draw

Nigeria coach Samson Siasia has blamed his players for their "lack of concentration" in the dying minutes, allowing Egypt to force a 1-1 draw in Kaduna on Friday in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon suffered a massive setback Friday when they failed to beat Egypt in a must-win game in Kaduna.

The Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by Egypt, who thus stays on top of group G with seven points and host Nigeria in a reverse fixture in Alexandria on Tuesday.

Nigeria have five points with Tanzania on four points.

The management of Warri Wolves has presented Ard Sluis to the club’s fans as the new technical adviser.

The unveiling was conducted today at the Royal Nibo Hotel, in Warri.

It is understood that Kaduna State Government has paid for all the tickets for today’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Pharaohs of Egypt slated for Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.

The management of Warri Wolves has appointed Ard Sluis as the technical adviser of the team.

According to our source, Sluis signed his contact on Thursday in Asaba and he will be unveiled at a ceremony today by 6pm in Warri.

Ubong Ekpai’s 3rd minute goal against Brazil, stunned the Estádio Kléber Andrade home section as Nigeria earned a 1-0 win over the South American powerhouse in an international friendly, Friday.

El-Hadary ruled out of Nigeria clash through injury

Legendary Egypt goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary has been ruled out of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying game against Nigeria through injury.

The 42-year-old suffered an gastrocnemius muscle injury in the Pharaohs’ first training session in Kaduna today, which will keep him out from the clash tomorrow against the Super Eagles.

John Obi Mikel is convinced that Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi and his Manchester City contemporary Kelechi Iheanacho can ensure Nigeria have a bright future ahead of them.

Both have shone in their first full Premier League seasons, with Iwobi finding himself at the centre of a tug of war between England and Nigeria over his international future.

Nasarawa United FC of Lafia on Thursday defeated visiting Ikorodu United FC of Lagos 2-0 to claim its first win of the 2025/16 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

Two first half goals by Ishaya Anyu in the 21st minute and Abdulrahman Bashir in the 42nd minute gave the Solid Miners all three points at stake in the match, even if the performance was not as bright as the scoreline showed.

Chelsea star Mikel Obi is the new Nigeria captain after Ahmed Musa relinquished the position at a press briefing in Kaduna Thursday, saying this is to “right the wrong” previously done.

Thursday, 31 March 2016

Wednesday, 30 March 2016

Tuesday, 29 March 2016

Monday, 28 March 2016

Sunday, 27 March 2016

Saturday, 26 March 2016

Friday, 25 March 2016

Thursday, 24 March 2016