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FG Sends Forth Super Eagles As President Buhari Urges Team to Soar in Cameroon

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, on Tuesday night sent forth the Super Eagles to the AFCON 2021 tournament in Cameroon with a dinner gala the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.

The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare in his address to the team, read by Prince Clem Agba, said the Super Eagles are being sent forth as Nigerian ambassadors and worthy representatives to Cameroon as the AFCON 2021 tournament kicks off in a few days.

“Mr. President believes this Super Eagles squad has the skills and talents to excel at the AFCON in Cameroon and over 200 million Nigerians are fully behind you. Three times we have been Champions of Africa by winning the AFCON and many other times we have ended as losing finalists and bronze medalists but this time around we want you to strike gold in Cameroon on the 6th of February, 2022 when the tournament’s final match will be played.” – Sunday Dare.

“These are players who left their clubs in the midst of Covid19 to represent their Fatherland, that shows patriotism. There is no better way to charge them to victory in Cameroon, than hosting the team and have a common ground ahead of the Nations Cup. I will not only watch the matches but will be present in Cameroon to support the Super Eagles of Nigeria and also wish them luck for their hard-work,” he added.

Dare also wished the injured players of the team who could not make the trip to Cameroon, a quick recovery and also urged the players to have self-belief and trust in the coaching crew led by Augustine Eguavoen.

“As you carry the hopes and aspirations of millions of Nigerians, be assured of the support of the Federal Government. Be patriotic, defend the green and white of Nigeria, fight for her pride and honour like the true soldiers and warriors that you are and this nation will celebrate you further upon your return,” The Minister concluded.

Nigeria will kick-off its campaign against Egypt in Cameroon on the 11th of January, 2022 in Garoua.

FIFA clears Leicester City defender, Ashleigh Plumptre allegiance switch to Nigeria

Ashleigh Plumptre has decided to switch her international allegiance to Nigeria having previously represented England at youth level.

The 23-year-old had previously represented the country of her birth at U15, U17, U19 and U23 level.

The Leicester City defender has now been cleared by world football’s governing body FIFA and is eligible for Nigeria’s 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) play-off against Cote d’Ivoire in February.

The British born has once been called up to Falcons’ camp as she was part of the Nigerian team that camped in Austria ahead of the Aisha Buhari Cup that took place in Lagos in September.

Ashleigh Plumptre has decided to switch her international allegiance to Nigeria having previously represented England at youth level.

The 23-year-old had previously represented the country of her birth at U15, U17, U19 and U23 level.

The British born has once been called up to Falcons’ camp as she was part of the Nigerian team that camped in Austria ahead of the Aisha Buhari Cup that took place in Lagos in September.

She made unofficial debut on 23 July 2021, starting in a 1–0 friendly win over Slovenian outfit SŽNL club Olimpija Ljubljana.

With this development, Plumptre joins the likes of Michelle Alozie, Patricia George, The Payne sisters – Nicole and Toni, who all opted to represent the nine-time African champions.

FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Qualifier: Flamingos to face DR Congo as Rwanda withdraws

CAF has received correspondence from the Rwanda Football Federation indicating the withdrawal of the Rwandan U17 Girls’ from the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup which will take place in India from 11-30 October 2022.

The team was scheduled to face Democratic Republic of Congo in the first qualifying round later this month.

DR Congo have now qualified automatically for the next round and will face the Flamingos of Nigeria, with the first leg slated on the weekend of March 3-5 in DR Congo and return leg scheduled for Lagos on the weekend of March 17-19.

Only three teams will represent the continent at this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, India 2022.

Shooting Stars victorious in front record crowd, Gombe United earns first win as Kwara United holds Abia Warriors

In Monday’s delayed matchday 4 fixture, two newly-promoted teams in the Nigeria Professional Football League (Gombe United and Shooting Stars) recorded their respective first victories of the season, while Kwara United held Abia Warriors.

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, on Sunday, secured their first victory of the 2021/22 NPFL season thanks to a 1-0 victory over Katsina United.

3SC who just returned to the NPFL after years in the lower division, are leading teams with record attendance for home games, as fans of the Oluyole Warriors from within and outside Ibadan, thronged the arena to cheer their darling team to victory at the renovated Lekan Salami Stadium.

Photo credit: MikeThePundit
Shooting Stars Sports Club fans trooping in to cheer their team.

The late Olubadan was accorded a minute silence before action was underway as the hosts put on black armbands to mourn the demise of the Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, who recently passed days ago.

A tactical substitution of duo Ebenezer Odeyemi and Alalade Wasiu opened the defence of Katsina in the 62nd minute, with Alalade coming off the bench to score the lone goal barely 60 seconds into the game.

With five points from four games, 3SC moved to the 12th on log and will next face Enyimba FC of Aba.

Gombe United vs Lobi Stars

In Gombe, Gombe United thrashed Lobi Stars of Makurdi with a second half 3-0 win at the Pantami Stadium.

Abdulazeez Yusuf broke the deadlock in the 51st minute with a reflexive rebound from Ibrahim Jimoh’s corner.

Six minutes later, Endurance Ebedebiri found his own net to doubled the visitors lead, before AbdulAzeez’s second goal in the 71st minutes sealed the first victory of the season for ‘The Scorpions’.

With this victory, Gombe United now has five points from four games and moved to the 10th position on goal difference.

Abia Warriors vs Kwara United

Abia Warriors were denied victory as they conceded a late equaliser against Kwara United. It was a game of an early and a late goal as Abia Warriors first minute goal by Godwin Obaje was cancelled out in the 87th minute by Adebambo Ademola.

FIFA Club World Cup: Al Ahly sets world record before kickoff

Al Ahly will become the team with most appearances in the FIFA Club World Cup when they play Mexico’s Monterrey on February 5, after Auckland City’s withdrawal from the tournament slated for 3rd to 12th of February 2022.

Both Auckland City and Al Ahly are currently equal in the number of matches played with 15 games but the New Zealand side have been forced to withdraw due to COVID-19 issues.

The FIFA Club World Cup tournament will see the participation of multiple football giants from all over the world, such as UEFA Champions League winners Chelsea and CAF Champions League title-holders Al Ahly.

Hosts UAE’s Al Jazira and New Zealand’s Auckland City, OFC representatives were initially billed to open the tournament, however, OFC has declared Tahiti’s AS Pirae as replacement for Auckland City.

This development mean Al Ahly will become the team with the most appearances in the tournament once they kick the ball against Mexico’s Monterrey on February 5.

“Al Ahly breaking our record is a great honor for us, they are great team that have won many domestic and African trophies.” – says Auckland City Media Officer.

Abu Dhabi is set to host the tournament for fifth time, with the postponed 2021 edition to be held from February 3-12. The UAE previously held the Club World Cup in 2009, 2010, 2017 and 2018.

All matches will take place in two stadiums in the capital – Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium and Al Nahyan Stadium.

Sadio Mané and Édouard Mendy depart for AFCON after League clash

Edouard Mendy and Sadio Mane caught a private jet together to head to the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Senegal pair, both 29, flew out of London on Sunday night after going toe-to-toe in a keenly contested encounter at Stamford Bridge, to link up with their national team for the delayed continental tournament staged in Cameroon.

Mané was at the centre of controversy in the afternoon when he escaped a red card just six seconds into the game, after the forward caught Blues defender Cesar Azpilicueta with a leading elbow as they challenged for a long ball.

However, he was given a yellow card by referee Anthony Taylor.

Mendy is however of the opinion that his countryman Sadio Mane should have received a red card.

“Sadio is my brother, my compatriot. But he should not have stayed on the pitch after one minute.” The Senegalese shot stopper said.

U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifier: Danjuma invites 26 players for Cameroon clash

Coach Christopher Danjuma has stated that the Falconets will gather in good time as he called up 26 players ahead of the fourth round of the FIFA Women’s U20 World Cup ties against Cameroon in January and February 2022.

The two-time finalists are in the penultimate round for this year’s tournament that will take place in Costa Rica, after a 15-goal haul journey.

The Falconets will travel to Douala for the first leg of the qualifier in the middle of the AFCON on the 23rd of January before returning home for the reverse fixture at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

The winner over the two legs will then slug it out with the winner between Senegal and Morocco to book a slot at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, Costa Rica 2022.

All invited players are to resume camp on Wednesday 5th of January at the Serob Legacy Hotel, Abuja with their COVID-19 vaccination report.

The 26 Players Invited:

Goalkeepers:
Chidinma Nkiruka – Edo Queens
Nelly Eke – Sunshine Queens
Inyene Etim – Abia Angels
Omini Monle – Bayelsa Queens

Defenders:
Rofiat Imuran – Rivers Angels
Jumoke Alani – Edo Queens
Motunrayo Ezekiel – Naija Ratels
Oluwatosin Demehin – Rivers Angels
Omowunmi Oshobukola – Edo Queens
Oluwabunmi Oladeji – Naija Ratels
Oluchi Ohaegbulem – Confluence Queens
Chidinma Ogbuchi – FC Robo Queens

Midfielders:
Basirat Amoo – Nasarawa Amazons
Esther Onyenezide – FC Robo Queens
Yina Adoo – Nasarawa Amazons
Aanuoluwapo Yusuf – Bayelsa Queens
Chinyere Kalu – Nasarawa Amazons
Deborah Abiodun – Rivers Angels

Attackers:
Joy Jerry – Bayelsa Queens
Mercy Idoko – Nasarawa Amazons
Flourish Sebastine – Edo Queens
Taiwo Lawal – FC Robo Queens
Precious Vincent – Bayelsa Queens
Blessing Okpe – Rivers Angels
Chiamaka Okwuchukwu – Royal Queens
Amarachi Onyenekwe – Nasarawa Amazons

NWFL Premiership Player And Manager Of The Month for December Nominees Revealed

The Organisers of the Naija Women Football League (NWFL) Awards have revealed nominees for the Player and Manager of the month for December.

Three players namely Abigail Sunday of Nasarawa Amazons, Olamide Adugbe of Naija Ratels and Mercy Omokwo of Confluence Queens made the shortlist for the prestigious monthly awards.

Mercy Omokwo played all three games for Confluence Queens in the month of December, scoring four goals, including the first hat-trick of the season against Pelican Stars on Matchday one. She also went on to score the only goal of the match against Osun Babes, to give her side successive victory in the new campaign. Her team is placed second in group A with two wins and a draw.

Olamide Adugbe of Naija Ratels is the only player in the league to have scored in all the three games played in December. In all the games, she came in as a substitute, scoring one against Osun Babes on Matchday one, leveled up in Benin against Edo Queens in the 89th minute through a wonderful free-kick and scored two against Adamawa Queens in matchday three. Her team is placed 1st on the log in Group A, with two wins and an away draw.

Abigail Sunday joined the ‘Solid babes’ from Sunshine Queens during the summer and has quickly adapted to their style of play. She scored a brace in the game against Osun Babes to earn her side a 4-0 victory over the Omoluabi Queens. Nasarawa Amazons are third in group A, her team recorded two victories in two games.

In the Managers Category, Naija Ratels Bankole Olowookeere, Nasarawa Amazons Christopher Danjuma and Confluence Queens Liadi Bashiru all made the final shortlist for December Manager Of the month.

Bankole Olowookeere, whose side is new in the league won two of their home games and drew away to Edo Queens in Benin.

The ‘One day At A Time’ Ladies recorded convincing 2-0 and 5-2 wins against more experienced sides Osun Babes and Adamawa Queens at the Area 10 Sports Complex, while on Matchday 2, they succeeded in picking a precious draw at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin.

Christopher Danjuma’s side won big in the two games played in the month of December. The ‘Solid Babes’ started with a comprehensive 3-0 away victory in Calabar against Pelican Stars and recorded a 4-0 victory in Lafia against Osun Babes.

Liadi Bashiru of Confluence Queens got off to a 4-0 victory at home to Pelican Stars, won Osun Babes 1-0 at the home ground in his second game, but was held by Edo Queens in his third game at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja.

The names of nominees was shortlisted by a panel of NWFL Premiership experts, who will also decide the winners on Tuesday, 4th of January 2022.

NPFL Matchday 4 Round-up: Enyimba suffers another defeat as Kano Pillars earns first win

The Nigeria Professional Football League witnessed its matchday four with matches across seven centers on Sunday, January 2nd.

Enyimba suffered a back-to-back defeat under Finidi George, while Remo Stars held Dakkada at home to maintained top spot. Rangers leapfrog to the third position, while Akwa United stands on fourth position with same points, as Sunshine rocks bottom log.

Kano Pillars vs Enyimba

Winless Kano Pillars welcomed high-flying Enyimba FC to the Tafawa Balewa Stadium to a 2-0 home victory. Rabiu Ali opened the scoring for Sai Masu Gida from the spot kick in the 45th minute before Kokoete Udo doubled the lead in the 60th minute to earned Kano Pillars its first win and Enyimba its second defeat.

Rabiu Ali’s goal against Enyimba FC is his 105th in the NPFL, marking the 14th consecutive season in a row he’s scored in the top flight.

Dakkada vs Remo Stars

League leaders, Remo Stars maintained top spot following a 1-1 draw against Dakkada in Uyo on Sunday. Oriyomi Lawal put Dakkada ahead in the 12th minute, while Samuel Anakwe equalised for the visitors four minutes before the break.

Nasarawa United vs Akwa United

Defending Champions Akwa United went down to a 2-0 defeat against Nasarawa United at the Lafia Township Stadium, as Nasarawa United earned its first win of the season. The hosts took the lead through Tochukwu Udeh in the 53rd minute, before Silas Nwankwo added the second six minutes from time.

Enugu Rangers vs Niger Tornadoes

Enugu, Rangers recorded the biggest win of the day at home at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium after beating Niger Tornadoes 4-0. Kenechukwu Agu scored twice coupled with a goal each from Shedrack Asiegbu and Christian Nnaji as the Flying Antelopes moved to third position on the log.

Wikki Tourists vs MFM

Wikki Tourists handed MFC its third defeat of the season with a 3-0 home win, thanks to goals from Nelson Abiam, Isah Usman and Ibrahim Emmanuel Sale at the Pantami Stadium, Gombe.

Plateau United vs Heartland FC

In Jos, goals from Jesse Akila, Izuchukwu Chimezie and Zulkifilu Rabiu gifted Plateau United maximum points against Heartland FC of Owerri.

Rivers United vs Sunshine Stars

Rivers United retained second position after a 0-0 draw against Sunshine Stars at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.

NPFL Matchday 4 Preview: Kano Pillars welcome Enyimba in blockbuster fixture

The battle for points in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) 2021/2022 season continues today across match centres in the country.

Sunshine Stars and Kano Pillars are the only two sides yet to score a goal in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) this season, as we enter match day four of the season.

Kano Pillars vs Enyimba FC

Struggling Kano Pillars will take on the high-flying ‘Elephants Of Aba’ Enyimba FC today in a blockbuster match day four fixture at the Sani Abacha Stadium, while unbeaten Rivers United faces Sunshine Stars.

Kano Pillars have now spent two consecutive match days in the relegation zone of the NPFL table for the first time since the 2019/20 season. They are 20th on the table for the first time since opta started collating NPFL data in 2015.

Kano Pillars kept just one clean sheet in their last nine NPFL matches against Enyimba FC. However, in their last five meetings both Pillars and Enyimba have two wins each and a draw.

Abia Warriors vs Kwara United

Abia Warriors return to Umuahia after playing a 1-1 draw away with Niger Tornadoes, while Kwara United edged out Wikki tourist by a lone goal in Matchweek3. Throughout history, Abia Warriors have always won comfortably at home turf and it may not be different.

Rivers United vs Sunshine Stars

After the midweek victory against Enyimba of Aba, the unbeaten Rivers United’s Goalie Victor Sochima will hope to continue his superb performance when they take on Sunshine Stars of Akure at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.

Gombe United vs Lobi Stars

The newly-promoted Gombe United who are yet to pick maximum points this season will welcome Lobi stars who are yet to lose this season picking up two draws and a win in their last outing.

Dakkada vs Reno Stars

After dropping points for the first time this season against Nasarawa United, Remo Stars Football Club (RSFC) will be looking to pick another maximum points on the road as they travel to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo to face Dakkada FC. With Dakkada losing two away games and winning one at home, they may need to pick maximum points against the table-toppers.

Nassarawa United vs Akwa United

The defending champions, Akwa United travel to face Nassarawa United; a team that have drawn all three matches so far this season.

Enugu Rangers vs Niger Tornadoes

Both teams have similar record this season winning one from their respective three matches with a draw and a loss (1W, 1D, 1L) so far this season. The past five meetings of these two teams have ended with goals. Therefore goals are expected to be scored by the two sides. Rangers were held to a barren draw against Sunshine Stars.

Wikki Tourist vs MFM

The Olukoya Boys finally earned their first win of the season thanks to a 1-0 victory against Plateau United, and will be looking to pick another maximum points on the road as they travel to Tafewa Balewa Stadium to face Wikki Tourist who were edged out 1-0 by Kwara United.