Category: Competitions

  • Eagles is still advancing, says Owolabi

    Eagles is still advancing, says Owolabi

    Previous International, Felix Owolabi, has portrayed the stresses by a few Nigerians, as pointless in view of the not very persuading exhibitions by the Super Eagles in their two benevolent matches a week ago.

    Nigeria vanquished Poland 1-0 in Wroclaw and endured a 0-2 misfortune to the Serbias in London. Absence of coordination described the group combined with a few insufficiencies seen Coach Gernot Rohr’s ‘assumed’ first decision goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, appeared to have hosed the expectation of many.

    Talking with The Guardian yesterday, Owolabi said the fans ought not lose trust yet, as amicable matches are tuned ups for groups toward better execution at a noteworthy competition.

    “Friendlies are run of the mill things utilized by coaches to reappraise the execution of their players especially when they are planning for significant competitions.

    “There are numerous regions that coaches should investigate while getting ready groups in order to know how far they have gone in their readiness. Sadly, here trust that we ought to dependably win them simply like the focused amusements.

    “Indeed I can comprehend the energy and enthusiasm we generally appeared for the amusement, yet that isn’t what coaches are constantly keen on. In the event that I can recall, the late Coach Stephen Keshi lost the majority of his neighborly diversions before winning the Nations Cup for the nation in 2013,” he said.

    The previous Shooting Stars of Ibadan player included: “For me, I need to state that it isn’t a major ordeal that a group loses while planning for a championship. As a matter of fact, most groups have demonstrated that losing diversions in friendlies does not imply that you won’t do well at the championship, on the grounds that when they arrive, they more likely than not gotten their beat and be start up for the competition.

    “Despite the fact that it will be an additional favorable position for a group to win while getting ready just to supports resolve of the players and furthermore that of the mentor. We are yet to get a flawless group. I need to trust that with the couple of friendlies left, the mentor will discover arrangements before the beginning of the World Cup,” he expressed.

  • Five lessons from Poland versus Nigeria

    Five lessons from Poland versus Nigeria

    Victor Moses struck a penalty to hand the Super Eagles the triumph against the Red and White of Poland at the Municipal Stadium in Wroclaw. Moses won the penalty in the 61st moment after a jinking keep running into the case where he was decreed to have been brought around Marcin Kaminski. The triumph proceeds with the noteworthy run the Super Eagles have had under Coach Gernot Rohr. Here are things we gained from the benevolent apparatus.

    Moses needs an upturn in shape

    For a player so clearly critical to the Super Eagles, Victor Moses was again and again on the edges of the game; simply lolling along as the game cruised him by. It took till the second half for Moses to rev his motors at the solidifying Municipal stadium in Wroclaw. Moses kicked it into high gear the ball, sped past two safeguards previously he was brought down in the container after another spill endeavor. He won the penalty and he scored from the spot easily. It regarded see a player with certainty issues, coming from his poor shape with his club get on the score sheet yet his consuming minute a while later was still too short. He was a long way from the charm the Super Eagles expected to conveying remarkable minutes a year ago. Rohr unquestionably will be concerned for Moses, requiring him to drive the assault and in addition reliably affect games.

    Uzoho delivers better than average execution after early butterflies

    A vast piece of the development to the game was revolved around the goalkeeping difficulties and vulnerabilities in the Super Eagles. Uzoho got approval to begin the game in front of Ikechukwu Ezenwa. At the opening phases of the game, the goalkeeper hoped to have gotten a bad case of nerves, not looking guaranteed. It had him slip into a snapshot of self-spoof where he frightfully misconstrued a cross, rushing into the a group of bodies and got off the line as the ball relatively went too far yet for Leon Balogun’s convenient freedom.

    The Deportivo La Coruna objective keeper returned more grounded in the second half and looked substantially more formed, sparing shots and summoning his region. His kicking and ball appropriation still needs work however Uzoho not too bad appearing in the second half ought to give penance for the icy feet he had in the main portion of his full introduction.

    Joel Obi offers diverse characteristics to Mikel Obi

    Joel Obi got into the agree with numerous trusting he could offer some level of quiet and balance to an oft sporadic midfield particularly in Mikel Obi’s nonattendance yet the Torino midfielder scarcely checked those containers.

    Obi was allowed 65 minutes to demonstrate his strength beginning in front of Ogenyi Onazi as a major aspect of the midfield match close by Wilfred Ndidi. While the Torino midfielder demonstrated power, drive and portability, he maybe isn’t precisely fitting in a midfield couple. There essentially was excessively ground to cover for Obi. The going from the midfielder wasn’t precisely fresh likewise, with the midfield progressing the ball inadequately.

    Troost-Ekong conveys strong execution in the protection

    Holding Lewandowski in line merits approvals; all things considered, the forward scored 16 objectives in the World Cup qualifiers and is viewed as one of the deadliest strikers on the planet. William Troost-Ekong adhered to the Polish forward, scarcely giving him time on the ball. Lewandowski’s development was intended to cause issues for the guarded matching of Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun however the protection stood its ground. In spite of the fact that in the eighth moment, the Bayern Munich forward nearly got an objective from a low cross into the crate, the barrier balanced as needs be following the majority of Lewandowski’s developments. Like a hound dog with a fragrance, Troost-Ekong followed Lewandowski managing him time on the ball just when he dropped profound to get a pass.

    Level assault needing tuning

    The Super Eagles offered no genuine assaulting danger against the Poles. The front four looked incoherent and the assaulting play did not have an example. Kelechi Iheanacho appeared on an alternate wavelength to his accomplice Odion Ighalo. Ighalo’s hold up play was great however he scarcely had the ball in positions where he could do some harm. Victor Moses just stirred to spill his way past two safeguards into the container to win a penalty which he smoothly dispatched. Iwobi was generally insufficient in the game playing on the left side. The assault did not have the zip and punch of past matches while basic mix goes between the assailants was nonexistent.

  • NPFL: Lobi Stars Go Top As Rangers Stop Enyimba; MFM, Wikki Win

    NPFL: Lobi Stars Go Top As Rangers Stop Enyimba; MFM, Wikki Win

    Lobi Stars moved to the summit of the Nigeria Professional Football League in the wake of defeating hard-battling Katsina United 1-0 in their match day 12 installation at the Aper Aku Stadium on Sunday, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.

    Veteran forward David Tyavkase scored the victor for Solomon Ogbeide’s men, his first of the battle, in the 69th moment of the distinctly challenged experience.

    The Makurdi club now sit at the highest point of the standings with 23 focuses.

    In Damaturu, has Yobe Desert Stars put a conclusion to Kano Pillars’ eight-amusement unbeaten run, giving the Sai Masu Gida a 2-0 overcome.

    Yobe Desert Stars are yet to yield an objective at home in the NPFL this season and the amusement denotes the second time Kano Pillars forward Junior Lokosa who is top scorer in the association with 10 objectives neglected to enlist an objective this season.

    Kano Pillars protector Joel Djondang scored a claim objective in the 24th moment, while Abdulmalik Mohammad made the focuses safe with the second objective 19 minutes from time.

    At the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium, Enugu Rangers crushed eastern opponents Enyimba 1-0 affability of a Bright Silas’ fifth moment strike.

    The hosts endured a mishap in the 31st moment when goalkeeper Femi Thomas who once spoke to Enyimba supported damage and was supplanted by Ghanaian Nana Bonsu.

    The other Oriental derby in Nnewi between FC IfeanyiUbah and Abia Warriors finished in a 1-1 draw.

    The home group began on a brilliant note when chief Patrick Ikeokwu completed off an excellent group move in the fifth moment.

    Samson Obi balanced for Abia Warriors in the 66th moment following a misunderstanding in the IfeanyiUbah resistance. Hosts IfeanyiUbah missed a late punishment that would have given them every one of the three focuses.

    Champions Plateau United went down to a 1-0 vanquish against Niger Tornadoes at the Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna.

    In another match day 12 installation, MFM whipped Heartland 3-0 at the Agege Stadium.

    Stanley Okorom, Chuka Nwaga and Tchato Gichard were all objective for the Olukoya Boys.

    Wikki Tourists recorded the joint-greatest win of the day, trouncing Rivers United 3-0 at the New Jos Stadium.

    A cap trap by Nafiu Kabuga gave the hosts the win against the Port Harcourt club.

    Kwara United and El-Kanemi fought to a 1-1 draw at the Kwara Sports Complex.

    Anthony Dasouza gave the guests the lead nine minutes previously the break, while Anayor evened out for Kwara United in the 54rd moment.

    Go Round secured a tight 1-0 win against Sunshine Stars in Omoku with Okon Otop scoring the triumphant objective in the 34th moment.

    MATCHDAY 12 RESULTS

    Lobi 1-0 Katsina United

    Wikki 3-0 Rivers United

    FCIU 1-1 Abia Warriors

    Kwara United 1-1 El-Kanemi

    Tornadoes 1-0 Plateau United

    Yobe Stars 2-0 Kano Pillars

    Go Round 1-0 Sunshine Stars

    Officers 1-0 Enyimba

    MFM 3-0 Heartland

  • Mourinho Reveals Reason Why Ref Pawson Didn’t Send Jurgen Klopp Off In 2-1 Win

    Mourinho Reveals Reason Why Ref Pawson Didn’t Send Jurgen Klopp Off In 2-1 Win

    As yet lounging in the elation of his side’s 2-1 prevail upon intense adversaries Liverpool in last Saturday’s noon Premier League commence, Manchester United supervisor Jose Mourinho has commended ref Craig Pawson’s choice not to send restricting mentor Jurgen Klopp to the stands after the Liverpool administrator smoldered at safeguard Dejan Lovren.

    Klopp had run after the Old Trafford touch line to upbraid Lovren late in the amusement however ref Pawson chose not to make a move, a choice Mourinho has commended the ref for.

    “Most likely you are not expecting my answer – I’m content with the choice,” Mourinho revealed to UK daily papers.

    “Since he [Klopp] was not talking against the arbitrator. He was angry with a player and the same transpired against Crystal Palace, where I was annoyed with my player and in this manner they [the officials] comprehended that as well.

    “I think [fourth official] Martin Atkinson, after such huge numbers of years of this, settled on the correct choice. I saw it. He [Klopp] was exceptionally angry with his player and not at the arbitrator.

    “On the off chance that you leave the specialized region by two or three meters – or for this situation, 20 meters – however to address your own particular player and not to gripe about the arbitrator’s choice, they settled on the correct choice.”

    The outcome saw United open up a four-point lead in second on the table, while Liverpool tumbled to fourth behind Tottenham in the fight for top – four complete as the Premier League enters the homestretch with eight recreations to go.

  • Lewandowski snatches cap trap as Bayern defeat Hamburg

    Lewandowski snatches cap trap as Bayern defeat Hamburg

    Robert Lewandowski snatched a cap trap as Bayern Munich frolicked to a 6-0 triumph over emergency stricken Hamburg in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

    The triumph keeps Bayern on course to wrap up another Bundesliga title — their 6th in succession — before the finish of March, and piles hopelessness on Hamburg, who are presently without a win in 13 amusements.

    “We played exceptionally well today. The execution and result were critical for us,” said Bayern mentor Jupp Heynckes, whose side go to Besiktas for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie in midweek, driving 5-0 from the principal leg.

    With eight diversions left, Bayern are an enormous 20 focuses clear of second-put Schalke, who won 1-0 at Mainz on Friday.

    “It doesn’t make a difference on the off chance that we are 10, 15 or 20 focuses ahead, we have to continue going in the Bundesliga,” said Arjen Robben. “We can’t simply center around the Champions League.”

    Bayern have made a propensity for recording enormous home wins over Hamburg at the Allianz Arena lately and it took them under eight minutes to lead the pack this time.

    Franck Ribery split away on the left before adjusting goalkeeper Christian Mathenia to space in the opener.

    Only four minutes after the fact, Lewandowski headed in a Joshua Kimmich cross to twofold the lead for Bayern. The Polish universal struck again in the nineteenth moment, after a pinpoint long ball from Jerome Boateng had opened up the Hamburg resistance.

    Robben let go in Bayern’s fourth on 55 minutes, and Ribery made it five with a mazy solo keep running in the 80th moment.

    Lewandowski shot one punishment over the bar on 85 minutes, before changing over a moment spot-kick at the passing to finish his cap trap.

    His most recent endeavors before objective mean he has now scored 100 Bundesliga objectives for Bayern and is the club’s unequaled driving outside objective scorer with 142 from 182 diversions in all rivalries.

    He overwhelms the Brazilian Giovane Elber, who played for the club from 1997 to 2003.

    Then, Hamburg stay seven focuses hapless of wellbeing as they look to keep away from a first transfer in their history.

    “The diversion was over following 18 minutes,” Hamburg mentor Bernd Hollerbach told Sky. “There is no disgrace in losing in Munich, however I am not content with the way we lost.”

    Somewhere else, previous Hamburg player Michael Gregoritsch scored a prop to move Augsburg to a 3-1 away prevail upon Hanover 96.

    Gregoritsch let go Augsburg in front on 26 minutes, heading in a profound cross from Caiuby at the far post.

    Salif Sane leveled the scores with a splendid volley 10 minutes after the fact, yet Gojko Kacar headed Augsburg back in front on the stroke of half-time.

    In the 83rd moment, an Augsburg counter-assault saw Gregoritsch secure triumph for the away side.

    Freiburg held Hertha Berlin to a 0-0 draw, while Bruno Labbadia is still without a win as Wolfsburg mentor in the wake of watching his side lose 3-0 to Hoffenheim.

    Nico Schulz gave Hoffenheim the lead on 19 minutes, sliding home a free ball toward the finish of a shrewd passing move.

    The home side kept on ruling and were remunerated with two objectives one after another 10 minutes from time.A very much calculated strike from Serge Gnabry made it 2-0 on 77 minutes, before a cataclysmic Joshua Guilavogui own-goal secured victory.

  • Municipal, Ehime-Mbano Zoom Into Sam Okwaraji Cup Final

    Municipal, Ehime-Mbano Zoom Into Sam Okwaraji Cup Final

     

    The finalists for the Sam Okwaraji football Competition in Imo State have finally emerged after the Semi-final games were concluded on Monday and Tuesday at the Dan Anyiam Stadium.
    Owerri- Municipal Council completed the bet when they edged out their counterparts from Oguta LGA by 2 goals to nothing on Tuesday to join Ehime-Mbano in the final that on Monday defeated Ahiazu Mbaise LGA in the first Semi-final encounter also at the Dam Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
    Meanwhile, the final of the tournament ably powered by Chief Okey Eze for all the 27 LGAS in the State originally slated for Thursday December, 29, 2016 have been shifted, Sports Ambassador reliably gathered.
    A source close to the Local Organization Committee, LOC member of the tourney designed to Immortalize Legendary Samuel Sochukwuma Okararji (late) who died in active service for Nigeria disclosed that the new date for the final will be communicated to the finalists and the general public.

  • Nigeria: Extra Funding, Dedication  Will Make Table Tennis Players Excel   – Oshodi …As Nigerian table tennis  player urges Chinese strategy for growth

    Nigeria: Extra Funding, Dedication Will Make Table Tennis Players Excel – Oshodi …As Nigerian table tennis player urges Chinese strategy for growth

     

    President of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), Wahid Oshodi, has said that the nation’s table tennis players have the capacity to excel globally if extra funding were added to the top-level commitment they put into their careers.
    Presenting the NTTF scorecard in the last one year, Oshodi said the year 2016 has been a memorable one, particularly the exploits of the nation’s table tennis team at the Rio Olympic Games in Brazil.
    According to him, more grassroots competitions, workshops and coaching clinics would be organised next year to enable the federation discover more players around the country.
    “These plans will give our coaches the opportunity to further develop their knowledge so that they can better harness the skills of our young players and finding the resources to expose our best players to life on the professional tour at both junior and senior levels, funding is key to all these. We started the year with five of our players taking part in the Hungary Open, the first pro-tour of the event of the year. It is difficult financially but we continue to try our best,” Oshodi said.

    meanwhile, Africa’s top table tennis player — SegunToriola believes country’s there, could learn from the Chinese model for prosperity. The Nigerian, discussed that with CCTV’s SaddiqueShaban, as well his goal to reach an eighth Olympic Games.
    At forty two, SegunToriola looks younger and athletic than most players his age. Undisputable African champion since 2009, the Nigeria international downplays his dominance strategy.
    “It is a lot of sacrifice. When you want to be on top of you have to make a lot of sacrifice. Your lifestyle is going to change. You need to work very hard, very hard training and you need to program yourself,” Toriola said.
    The multiple African gold medalist has appeared at every games since Barcelona 1992
    “For me , it is wonderful to play seven Olympics and not only for me, but for African players and especially in Nigeria . All the young players are happy about it and for me to participate in seven Olympics for young players in Nigeria, it boosts their spirits and their morale, you know, and they want to work harder to be like me,” Toriola said.
    During his 21 year table tennis career, Toriola says his biggest inspiration has been Chinese players. Having competed at the 2008 Olympics, the Nigerian says Africa could learn a lot from their success story.
    He may not have won any medals at the Olympic Games, but the two-time commonwealth games gold medalist became just the third table tennis player in history to compete at seven Olympic games.
    The most decorated player in Africa is just warming up for his biggest challenge yet. A veteran of seven summer Olympic Games, SegunToriola is eyeing his final shot- at the 2020 games in Japan.

  • Toriola Begins T’tennis Training  Camp in Nairobi

    Toriola Begins T’tennis Training Camp in Nairobi

     

    Nigeria’s table tennis legend, SegunToriola, has started the much awaited training camp in Nairobi urging Kenyans to invest heavily on junior programmes.
    Segun, the most decorated African table tennis player with seven Olympic appearances, is in Nairobi to run an end-of-year clinic to educate Kenyan coaches, national team players and top juniors.
    Speaking at Oshwal Sports Centre in Nairobi, Toriola said that development of the junior category was key for any nation aspiring to play table tennis at the highest level.
    “Discipline and attitude go hand in hand and should be Kenya’s area of focus when preparing young players for the future; but I believe the sky’s the limit.”
    The crack Nigerian who secured his Rio Olympics ticket in Khartoum last February sounded quite enthusiastic of the training camp adding that it will empower Kenyan with the requisite tennis experience.
    Since 1995 Toriola has been ranked as the best Nigerian player. He has been amongst the top table tennis players in Africa since the mid-1990s. Ranked Number 1 in Africa from 1998 to June 2008, when Egyptian Eli Saleh Ahmed became the leading African table tennis player.
    However, since 2009, Toriola has again become the Number 1 in Africa.
    Renowned for his unusual style of forehand play, which makes him an awkward opponent for many, Toriola has an excellent topspin, which has allowed him to pull off many upsets with top world players.

  • Orlu Agog For Odunze Football Fiesta

    Orlu Agog For Odunze Football Fiesta

     

    All roads today leads to the Iconic Sam Okwaraji Sports Complex in Orlu venue for the opening ceremony of Hon Maxcel Odunze Unity Football Competition for all the 13 INEC Wards in Orlu State Constituency.
    The annual football Tournament which is designed to discover talents in the area is powered by the member representing Orlu L G A in the Imo State House of Assembly, the event will attract dignitaries from all works of life around the area.
    At the opening ceremony Ohaekele Ward will engage Ohafor in the first encounter, a report of last year opener that ended one goal apiece.
    Sports Ambassador gathered that the donor of the championship, Hon Maxcel Odunze has promised the participating teams to continue towards improving the organization of the tournament while aiming at creating a better and conducive environment for the youths of the area which will help them access a brighter future.
    He however advised them to always shun any activity that may endanger their lives urging them to always embrace peace and good will in their entire chosen endeavor.
    The co-ordinator of the competition, Mr. Benzico Nwosu also informed Sports Ambassador that the fixtures of the Tournament has been distributed to the participating teams as every Logistics for a smooth and hitch free Competition has been made.

  • Obibi -Uratta In Festive Mood Over Eze Uwalekes’s Unity Cup

    Obibi -Uratta In Festive Mood Over Eze Uwalekes’s Unity Cup

     

    The  Obibi- Uratta Ancient  Kingdom in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State is current engrossed with festive Mood as the  Four Towns of the area engaged themselves  in a football Competition for the prestigious Eze Uwaleke Unity football Competition.
    The Tournament which is powered by one of the illustrious Son’s of Obibi ancient Kingdom, Mr Bethel Amuzie (South Africa) is designed to help fish out some talented players in the area who will later be sponsored to South Africa and other parts of Europe to further their playing careers.
    In chart with His Royal Majesty Eze Prof Amaobi Uwaleke, Eze Udo IV of Obiliubi -Uratta, Sports Ambassador gathered that the edition is the first after 13 years of no football activity in the area.
    HRH Eze Uwaleke informed that the competition apart from the fun it brings acts as a Catalyst for peace and Unity among his people stating that the games was also initiated to help curb the  social vices  the Youths of the area may indulge in especially  before, during and after yuletide period.
    He further stated that as part of his efforts to maintain law and other in his Kingdom he and his cabinate Chiefs issued a law against Cultism, Smooking /Selling of Indian Hemp and other hard weeds in the area adding that those caught in the act will be handed over to the law enforcement agents.
    While explaining the peace that now exists in the Kingdom, Eze Uwaleke pointed out that Obibi-Uratta apart from being the Mother of all Owere activities has been an autonomous entity long before the creation of autonomous Community law by General Olusegun Obasanjo in 1977.
    The four Towns, Umuahim (most Senior), Umuori, Umuoba and Okwu are all from same Mother and Father.
    Umuori is the ancient root of Owere-nshi-ise and that’s why they come here to take “Opete” meaning freedom for the celebration of their new yam festival every year, Eze Uwaleke said.
    The Competition which is slated to end on January 3, 2017 will see the wining team take home the sum of #200,000 just as the runners up gets #100,000 and the 3rd and 4th placed team earns #50,000 each as Consolation prizes.