Sports Ambassador

Category: Football News

  • Enugu State Government honours Rangers players, Management

    Enugu State Government honours Rangers players, Management

     

    Enugu State government in Eastern Nigeria on Monday honoured players and management of Rangers International Football Club for winning the 2015/2016 National Professional Football League (NPFL) trophy.
    Rangers’ victory in October this year came after 32 years of unsuccessful attempts.
    Performing the ceremony at a capacity filled Michael Okpara Square, the State Governor, IfeanyiUgwuanyi, who handed a cheque of N41.5 million to the club, said the government would do all in her ability to ensure the sustenance of the feat.
    Apart from the cheque, Ugwuanyi announced the award of a piece of land at Rangers Estate to every member of the club, who contributed to the victory, even as he dedicated the trophy to God almighty.
    Ugwuanyi charged the players and management to continue in their quest to relaunch and reposition Enugu as a football loving state, stressing that his administration would continue to diversify resources for the greater good of the state.
    Chairman of the Management board, Mr. Steve Oruruo, said Rangers was not just a football club, but a movement as well as sign of indivisibility of Igboland.
    “Our victory is a trust and revolution. The challenge is that it is time we rise to the occasion and we promise to do better,” he stated.
    Also speaking, Chairman of Enugu State Traditional Rulers Council, Ambassador Lawrence Agubuzo, called on well meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the club in their quest for greater glory.
    He stated that Ugwuanyi had by his antecedent shown that the state could grow relying on resources from other sectors, stressing that there was abundant sporting talents yet untapped in the state.

  • Chinenye Ekeke Lauds Team Ikenegbu

    Chinenye Ekeke Lauds Team Ikenegbu

     

    Coach of Ikenegbu FC in the just completed Rochas Estate Football  Competition, Chinenye Ekeke has lauded his lads for finishing as runners-up in the maiden edition of the completion. He also stressed that his team had the pedigree and were well prepared to clinch the first prize, but luck was against them.
    In a brief speech during the presentation of prizes to the first, second and third place teams, ChinenyeEkeke praised the GMof Imo Housing Corporation, Prince Dr. Henry Okafor for thinking outside the box and orgainsing an uncommon tournament that has fully engaged youths around the state. ChinenyeEkeke said: I want to thank the orgaisers of this sporting event and for thinking it wise to reach out to the youths through a vital platform. We have never seen this kind of completion that comes with such panache and excitement. They youths of Imo state have a lot to offer thought their football talent and I am certain they will never forget this opportunity.”
    Chinenye is a licensed coach who has obtained a CAF license C in the reputable coach course. He has also served in various football capacities in the state, especially in Heartland FC as the Kit Manager. He is the convener and organizer of the annual Thanksgiving Champions League, which is held every year and has been a platform for discovering players for various premier league teams in and around the country. Players like EmekaOgbugh, Emmanuel Mathew, etc. passed through the ranks of this competition.
    However, in a chart with Sports Ambassador, Chinenye who is popularly known as Irish and also called Morinho by his admirers said he has the dream of becoming a world class coach and also contributing to the wellbeing of sportsmen both spiritually and career wise.
    “I ma very spiritual and I don’t carry any assignment without calling on God. I always like to develop my players in every aspect: physically, psychologically, mentally and spiritually. I have the belief that hard work pays,” Chinenye said.
    He is known for also organizing sporting events for groups and corporate bodies in and around Imo State.

  • Mfon Udoh Speaks on Enyimba Captaincy Role

    Mfon Udoh Speaks on Enyimba Captaincy Role

     

    There was no overtures or meeting of any sort as two-time African champions, Enyimba, nudged the armband, not in a forceful way though, to one of their best performers in recent seasons, MfonUdoh, with just about one month to the start of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season for 2017.
    The striker has told supersport.com that he knows what is expected of wearing the armband of a successful club such as Enyimba and is braced for the responsibility.
    Udoh explained that the responsibility of captaincy handed to him comes as a surprise and at the same time “means a lot” to him.
    He also took a divine route to psyche up himself for the hurdles he will have to scale as captain of the seven-time Nigerian champions.
    “(This new captaincy responsibility) comes as a surprise sort of, as I wasn’t expecting it. But honestly it means a lot because it comes with so much work and responsibilities,” Udoh told supersport.com.
    “There is no pressure for me (concerning the captaincy). It is just a new challenge which I know I will surely handle well by God’s special grace.”
    WHY ENYIMBA HAVE PICKED THE STRIKER
    Supersport.com sources revealed that the decision to hand Udoh the armband following the departure of Chinedu Udoji as well as other high-profile exit from the club was purely that of the management with little or no input from the coaching staff.
    Udoh was close to sealing a move to Sudanese club, El Merreikh, before the deal fell through and he returned to Nigeria to be named Enyimba captain, a decision that believed by the hierarchy of the Aba club to be good in stead to put more responsibilities on the shoulders of the former Akwa United man.
    It is understood that the captaincy decision was taken as a way to fire up Udoh and at the same time he has considered as one of the oldest playing personnel at the club.
    But the striker is not weighing up why he has been picked as captain but said “I will do my best to lead the team in the best way possible and will look to God to help me lead the team to success.”
    THE NEW DEPUTIES AT ENYIMBA
    However, it will not just be Udoh functioning as the leader of the team as he has centre-back Ifeanyi Anaemena as vice-captain and winger Andrew Abalogu as first vice-captain.
    Udoh since joining Enyimba in 2013 has scored 30 league goals for the club, including his historic 23 goals in the 2014 season which remains the highest number of goals scored by any individual in a single NPFL season.

  • Odunze Soccer Unity Tourney for Orlu LGA Holds Dec 28

    Odunze Soccer Unity Tourney for Orlu LGA Holds Dec 28

    The second edition of the Odunze Unity Football Competition for all the 13 IN EC wards in Orlu Local Government Area will kick- off on Friday December 28,2016 at the Sam Okwaraji Stadium Complex, Orlu.
    The annual championship which is powered by the House member for Orlu State Constituency, Hon Marcell Odunze according to the co­ordinator, Benzico Nwosu an ex-international will not only aim at helping to fish out young football talents but also play a vital role in making the youths of the area shun social vices especially during the yuletide period as both principal actors (players) and the spectators will busy themselves with the fun and entertainment associated with football.
    Benzico who was a former captain of Spartans that later metamorphosed into the all conquering Iwuayanwu National” now Heartland FC further disclosed that this year’s edition will have added glamour and incentives to make it the best organized soccer competition in the State.
    In a chart with Sports Ambassador’s sports desk, the donor Chief Odunze said although recession has adversely affected the economy of State and the nation but that! as part of his reasonability | especially to keep his 1 constituents united, he is compelled to ensure that the competition holds this season.
    Chief Odunze also used the opportunity to assure the participating teams that the prizes for the winning teams including the individual prizes will not be affected in any form charging the youths of the area to always be of good behavior and dedicated in all endeavors. The lawmaker while assuring a continued uncommon representation sued for a peaceful contest before, during and after the tournament maintain the football remains a unifying factor hence the competition tagged Odunze Unity Cup for Orlu LGA.

  • Owerre Communities Appreciates Municipal Semi-Final Qualification in Sam Okwaraji Cup ..Promises N.1m for Each Victory

    Owerre Communities Appreciates Municipal Semi-Final Qualification in Sam Okwaraji Cup ..Promises N.1m for Each Victory

    Members of the Owerre Municipal Team participating in the on going Sam OkwarajiCompetition organized by OkeyEze have been rewarding with a sum of 100,000 naira after they defeated Nwangele in the quarter final of the tournament.
    Chief Sir Oweaya Christian AmukamAgbwadikeizu-Owerre, interim PG Owerre Communities Assembly on behalf of the Owerri Communities Assembly (OCA), presented the financial donation to the team. The cash was handed over to the team’s Team Manager, at the Chief’s office after hosting them. He equally promised that the Assembly would replicate the kind gesture in any match the team wins henceforth.
    Expressing gratitude over the cash reward, the TM, Mr. AkunnaEnyinnaya noted that this is enough motivation for the team and promised they will do their best to do well and come home with the trophy. He thanked Chief for his profound and continues support to youth development and also extended his gratitude to members of the team, OwerriCommunites Assembly (OCA) and the press who he said has been partners in progress. The Municipal team will play they semi-finals gamewhich is billed to hold on the 26th of December, 2016.

  • Rohr Speaks on Mikel’s Move to Marseille, Ndidi to Leicester City and Etebo Possible Departure

    Rohr Speaks on Mikel’s Move to Marseille, Ndidi to Leicester City and Etebo Possible Departure

     

    Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Gernot Rohr has provided update about the future of three Nigerian players, who have all been linked with possible move away from their present clubs.
    The manager first gave an update on the situation of captain John Obi Mikel who is yet to play a competitive game for Chelsea under coach Antonio Conte.
    ” I saw Obi Mikel in London”, Rohr told Europe 1. ” He is in advanced discussions with Olympique Marseille. ” He will leave Chelsea for free, this is a serious option”.
    On OghenekaroEtebo, the Franco-German coach of the Super Eagles said, it’s best for the talented 20 year old to complete the season with CD Feirense before thinking of a move in the summer.
    ” Etebo is fine where he is now. He is playing games which is very important for his development, moving in January is not ideal at least for now” Rohr, told Owngoalnigeria.com.
    He also passed a vote of confidence on Leicester City bound Wilfred Ndidi, describing him as a player who can play multiple roles on the pitch above average level.
    ” Ndidi can play anywhere across the back four and also in the midfield. He has a bright future ahead of him, from what have seen of him, he can play more than five roles with less trouble, he will do well in any club”.

  • Why John Obi Mikel must stay in Europe …As FIFA Won’t Let Nigeria Captain Leave Chelsea On Loan In January, Unless…..

    Why John Obi Mikel must stay in Europe …As FIFA Won’t Let Nigeria Captain Leave Chelsea On Loan In January, Unless…..

     

    After over a decade and multiple managers, John Obi Mikel’s time at Chelsea is gradually drawing to a close.
    There has been no shortage of suitors for him, with interest ranging from England to cash-rich China. His team are tight-lipped about his next destination although sources within the camp have told ESPN FC they are considering all the options. While the China offer looks good from a financial point of view, it may not be the right move at this time.
    Here are three reasons why Mikel must stay in Europe …
    1. The quality of football
    Mikel may not be the best paid player in the Premier League, and could earn a boatload of money taking his skills to China. In fact, dizzying figures of around £170,000-a-week have been mentioned with respect to a potential China move. That is not quite in the same range as the £400,000-a-week figure some players earn in the same league, but is still a mighty big pull for any player.
    However, at 29, Mikel still has more than a few good years of top level football left in him, and a move to China would signal a final winding down of his career.
    2. Nigeria need their captain in Europe
    It has been less than a year since Mikel was named Nigeria captain. In that time, he has shown exemplary leadership qualities, leading the team to Olympic bronze and guiding them to the top of a very difficult World Cup qualifying group that includes Algeria and Cameroon.
    His off-field leadership aside, his on-pitch role is critical to Nigeria. Despite not playing for Chelsea, his performances with his country have been phenomenal and the major driving force behind the Super Eagles’ good results.
    That role could be compromised by the long distance flying time from China and back. Mikel at less than hundred percent when he shows up for Nigeria could prove detrimental to their 2018 World Cup qualification hopes.
    3. Family
    What the last year has shown is that Mikel is committed to family and that also appears to have helped his game, at least based on what he has shown with Nigeria.
    He has recently become a father to twin children and it is hard to see him uprooting his young family to China.
    Sources have told ESPN FC that will be a priority consideration in any potential move, which makes such a significant change highly improbable.
    Mikel is Chelsea’s current second longest serving player and he won’t be leaving Chelsea on loan this January.
    The Nigerian has been frozen out of the first team set up at Chelsea by coach Antonio Conte, but even though he will most definitely leave the team in January, a loan move won’t be the case.
    Per FIFA regulations a player in the final six months of his deal can’t leave on loan to another team, and Mikel is in the final six months of his contact at Chelsea after 11 years at the club.
    Mikel can only leave on a permanent transfer which best explains the reason why the Super Eagles captain is weighing up offers properly before committing to any of the clubs interested in his services.
    Inter-Milan, Marseille and three teams in China namely Shanghai SIPG, Hebei Fortune and Shanghai Shenhua have all enquire about his availability this winter, when the transfer window opens.
    It is however believed that Mikel wants to remain in Europe, due to family reasons instead of a move to China where he will definitely earn more.

  • Imo FA Re-absorbs Mbaitoli into Okey Eze’s Tourney …As Oweaya Advises Municipal Team On Discipline Ahead Quarter-Final Tie

    Imo FA Re-absorbs Mbaitoli into Okey Eze’s Tourney …As Oweaya Advises Municipal Team On Discipline Ahead Quarter-Final Tie

    Following the decision by the local organizing committee of Sam Okwaraji Football Competition to disqualify Mbailoti on the ground of ineligibility of players as petitioned by Owerri Municipal, the Imo State Football Association (IMO FA), which is the highest decision making body in Imo State has over ruled the decision.
    The FA said the LOC did not apply extent rules and failed in the proper application technicalities and processes before arriving at the decision to disqualify Mbaitoli. It therefore rules that the result of the match between Owerri Municipal and Mbaitoli stands. This decision was communicated to members of LOC recently.
    Owing to this, Owerri Municipal and Mbaitoli qualify for the quarter finals. The first quarter final match will be played between Mbaitoli and Ahiazu at Ehime Mbano Stadium by 2pm on 17th December while Owerri municipal will play Nwangele at same venue on same date by 4pm.
    Ehime will slog it out with Isu at Dan Anyiam Stadium on Sunday 18th December by 2pm while Oguta will play Orlu at same venue and date by 4pm.
    Sam Okwaraji Football Competition is being sponsored by Mr. Okey Eze and it involves all the local government in the state.
    In a press release made available to newsmen, the sponsor of the competition Mr. Okey Ezeh disclosed that FIFA licensed agents will be around to pick player who will have the opportunities to play in the Nigeria league and other football clubs abroad.
    He challenged Imo Youths to take advantage of the opportunity and make a living for themselves.
    Mr Ezeh insisted that the Sam Okwaraji Memorial Soccer tournament will be an annual event as lapses observed during maiden edition will be corrected subsequently.

    Meanwhile, The Interim President general of Owere Communities Assemblies OCA, Chief Sir Christian Oweaya Anukam, Agbawodike-izu,Owere has charged the players of Owerri Municipal team in the ongoing Sam Okwaraji Memorial Football Tournament to always maintain a high level of discipline before, during  and after their matches.
    Speaking to Sports Ambassador in his office on Wetheral road Owerri, Chief Anukam who expressed confidence on the Municipal team to come out victorious in their quarter –final encounter against Nwangele LGA at the Chief Onwuka Township stadium in Ehime Mbano LGA today, urging the team and their officials to demonstrate and protect the rich Football skill Owerri nchi-ise people are known for and go ahead to reach the final and lift the Trophy.
    The OCA Interim boss while advising the local organizing committee members to continue the good work they have been doing since the commencement of the competition, he also praised the effort of the donor, Chief Okey Eze for using the medium,Samuel Okwaraji the Immortalize the name of the, late Nigeria Heroe who sacrificed  his life in active service for Nigeria as well as to ensure that youths in the State at a life line to actualize their dream with their God’s given talent.

  • Nduka Ugbade Proves He Is Better Than Nigeria U19 Coach Manu Garba

    Nduka Ugbade Proves He Is Better Than Nigeria U19 Coach Manu Garba

     

    The Technical Adviser of Nigeria Professional League (NPFL) side, Remo Stars has expressed delight with his lads after defeating host state, Gombe United in the 3rd place match of the Nigeria National League (NNL) Super4 tournament.
    He appreciated the fact that both teams played the same way in the game, putting pressure on each other and eventually giving the neutrals a good game.
    “One thing I am quite impressed of is that we both played the same way and we put pressure on each other but as a boss, his side put more pressure on my team ten minutes to go and at the end of the game, we won by penalties.”
    Ugbade expressed how lucky he was to defeat Manu Garba tutored boys in the competition. “I was lucky at least to be able to beat my boss. ” He concluded.
    The Sky Blue Stars defeated Gombe United to finish third in the just concluded Nigeria National League (NNL) Super4.

  • How Enyimba signed Ghanaian First Choice Goalkeeper …Also seek Asante Kotoko captain Amos Frimpong … As Ogunbote names Mfom Udoh captain

    How Enyimba signed Ghanaian First Choice Goalkeeper …Also seek Asante Kotoko captain Amos Frimpong … As Ogunbote names Mfom Udoh captain

     

    Nigeria Professional Football League side, (NPFL) Enyimba have signed Ghanaian goalkeeper, FatauDauda on a two-year deal.
    The 31-year old linked up with the People’s Elephant from Ghana Premier League side, Ashanti Gold.
    “Dauda has signed for us and the deal is for two years,” a top official of the Aba giants who pleaded anonymity informed.
    “He is an experienced goalkeeper and one who will surely make our squad stronger.”
    Dauda was first choice goalkeeper for Ghana at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
    He has been capped 25-times by the Black Stars.
    This is the second time Dauda is taking his club career outside Ghana. He featured for Orlando Pirates and Chippa United in the South Africa top flight.
    In the same vein, Enyimba FC have written to Asante Kotoko to inquire about the availability of captain Amos Frimpong, ghanasoccernet.com understands.
    Frimpong’s versatility (centre back-cum-full back) and knack for scoring goals have made him hot on the transfer market.
    The People’s Elephant want to strengthen their squad ahead of the new Nigerian season after failing to defend the league title.
    They also flopped in the 2016 CAF Champions League.
    Frimpong flourished last season in the Ghana Premier League where he scored eight goals.
    He has been nominated for defender of the season award.
    Meanwhile, record holding highest goal scorer in the NPFL, MfomUdoh has been nominated as the captain of the Aba giants. The prolific forward who had a botched deal with Sudanese side returned to Nigeria and is ready continue with Enyimba in the new Nigerian Professional Football League season.