Futball Galore Media: February 2015

Saturday, 28 February 2015

CAF Picks Nigerien Referee For Eaglets, Guinea

Gommo Daouda from host nation Niger Republic has been listed by Confederation of African Football (CAF) as the referee for Sunday’s third-place match between Nigeria and Guinea.

Golden Eaglets’ Head Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, has psyched his wards to go all out for a victory in Sunday’s third-place match against Guinea as parting gift from Niger 2015 CAN U-17 Championship.

The Nigeria Football Federation has condemned, in strong terms, the attack on Premier League club, Sharks FC of Port Harcourt Head Coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, allegedly by fans of the club.

Ekiti United Football Club started their pre-season matches with back-to-back wins away from home.

On loan Olympiakos of Greece forward Michael Olaitan, scored twice to help his loan side Ergotelis draw 3-3 with OFI Crete, in a friendly game meant to keep both teams in top action following the suspension of the country's league by the government.

Coach Paul Aigbogun retained bulk of the players that defeated RCB 0-1 in the first leg in Burkina Faso.

Edward Ofere has expressed his happiness at the opportunity to join Scottish Premier League club Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Dolphins coach, Stanley Eguma has made just one change to his starting line up that played against Vegetarianos in Malabo in the first leg.

Sibi Gwar, has been released by vice - champions Enyimba after a dispute with coach Kadiri Ikhana.

Enyimba Int'l have arrived the capital city of Benin Republic, Cotonou ahead of Sunday's Champions League fixture against Buffles du Borgu.

Despite missing most of his first team players ahead of the Africa Youth Championship, Flying Eagles coach, Manu Garba says he has chosen only the best players at his disposal.

Warri Wolves have made up their made to devour Bobo Dioulasso of Burkina Faso in today’s Caf Confederation Cup match at the Warri City Stadium.

Olarenwaju Kehinde put behind what was a difficult week for him scoring a brace for Hapoel Afula in their 2-0 win over Hapoel Kfar Saba in the second division of Israel League.

Kwara State Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has called for strategies toward transforming football into a business enterprise in the country.

Beach Soccer team coach Audu Adamu has said his team will be out to win the Power Horse Championship scheduled for Durban, South Africa.

Nigeria international Anthony Ujah found the back of the net as FC Cologne crashed 4-1 to Bayern Munich on Friday night at the Allianz Arena.

Balogun Now Ready For Flying Eagles

Barcelona midfielder Boluwatife Balogun has thrown his weight behind Nigeria's Under 20 national team, and has tipped the Manu Garba led side, to qualify for this summer's World Cup.

Olympic National Team coach, Samson Siasia, is backing the Falcons to qualify for the Olympics plus the All Africa Games.

In spite of the efforts being made by the Nigeria Football Federation to woo Liverpool striker Jordan Ibe and other up and coming Nigerian players bred in Europe, England may yet beat the country to the Liverpool player as there are clear works to hold firmly to the Nigerian.

Statistically, Odion Ighalo is better than Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi and Real Madrid icon Christiano Ronaldo in 2015.

Chigozie Udoji netted twice for Dinamo Minsk in their 3 - 3 draw with Russian Premier League campaigners FC Ufa on Wednesday afternoon.

Dolphins’ new boy, Christian Pyagbara admits he is under pressure to start scoring goals.

Daniel Amokachi says in-form West Brom striker Brown Ideye deserves an international recall.

Confluence Queens Downs U13 Boys

A full-strength Confluence Queens side featuring Tosin Emmanuel, Mariam Aluko, Chioma Wogu, Ruth Sunday and Lola Philips recorded a 3-1 to a pre-season win against an U13 selected side on Thursday evening.

Nigeria Football Federation Technical Director, Emmanuel Ikpeme, has charged the Super Falcons to make sure they qualify for the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup in Canada.

Na Eric Mayo be de guyman wey score de goal wey mark bus stop for de Golden Eaglets of Naija to take alternative route enter 3rd place match of African U17 Championship instead of de final. Na dat one goal de Amajimbos of Southy use kpokpo Naija.

One –time General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation and former chairman of NFF Technical Committeee, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi has been re-elected chairman of Osun State Football Association.

Foremost journalist and former chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, Mr. Frank Ilaboya is the new chairman of Edo State Football Association. Ilaboya, who had served as vice chairman in the past four years, replaces Chief Abel Ehigie.

Former Secretary General of Nigeria Football Federation, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, has retained his seat as the chairman of Osun State Football Association unopposed in a 'yes or no' vote.

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick has made a passionate appeal to sections of the Nigeria media to stop heating up the football polity in the name of sensationalism.

Inuwa Retains Kano FA Seat

Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa has been re-elected as chairman of the Kano State Football Association.

This year’s Men and Women Federation Cup competitions will kick off with the State preliminaries on Saturday, March 7, according to NFF’s Head of Federation Cup Unit, Ruth David.

All three Nigerian clubs hosting continental club matches this weekend will play their games on Saturday.

Enugu Rangers squared off against Okagbue Academy in a friendly held at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Tuesday.

Daniel Chima, the new signing of Shanghai Shenxin will don the number 27 jersey for the Chinese Super League club.

Keshi: I Have The Technical Skills To Lead Burkina Faso To The World Cup

Stephen Keshi has said he could lead Burkina Faso to the World Cup just as he has done with Togo and Nigeria.

Eaglets Ambush Amajimbos

At the Stade Général S. K., Niamey, the Golden Eaglets will file out against their South African counterparts, the Amajimbos in the first semi final of the CAF U-17 championships.

Nigeria topped Group A with seven points, while South Africa finished runners-up from Group B with five points. Their last meeting at this level was in 2005 when it ended 2-2.

Although both teams have secured their tickets to the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup billed for Chile later in the year, the battle for the continental title would definitely be the motivation for today’s duel beginning 4pm, Nigerian time.

The weight of Nigeria’s ambition will be squarely placed on the tiny shoulders of a teenage sensation, Kelechi Nwakali. He is captain of the U-17 national team, the Golden Eaglets and has piloted their dream in Niger to a near perfect run, so far. His exploits in Niger have been quite outstanding that coach Emmanuel Amuneke described him as “a gift from God to Nigeria.”

The Eaglets skipper Nwakali Kelechi is joint leading scorer so far with three goals, and has bagged two man-of-the-match awards out of three matches the Eaglets have featured in. He is expected to remain pivotal with his solid midfield displays.

Nwakali who has attracted scouts from all over Europe would not talk much on today’s encounter but simply said, “let the ball do the talking. We want to win because we want the trophy.”

He comes up against the enterprising skills of Amajimbos captain Nelson Maluleke whose excellent foot-work and knack for goals has been influential for a South African side that started slowly but has grown in stature and confidence as the games unfolded.

Nwakali will not be alone in Nigeria’s quest for glory in Niamey. Gangling Eaglets striker Victor Osimhen James who is also a joint top scorer in the tournament with three goals has vowed not to rest until the trophy is brought home to Abuja. He told reporters in Niamey that it will be a total waste should he emerge highest goal scorer without winning the trophy.

Coach Emmanuel Amuneke has already assured that the Eaglets will not take their opponents for granted. “We will not treat them with kid gloves. The South Africans play as a team that likes to fight back when they are down. They also have some top quality players.”

“But we have to find a way to contain. If we can play our own game, it would become much easier for us and it is our hope that our boys would be in the right frame of mind and be able to carry out the task.”

Kanu: Eaglets Have What It Takes to Perform

Former Super Eagles captain, Nwankwo Kanu has tipped the national under-17 team doing battle at the CAF Under-17 championships in Niger Republic to win the trophy and also do well at the FIFA world cup later in the year in Chile.

FCT SWAN Congratulates Ngwaogu On His FA Election Victory

Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), FCT chapter, has congratulated one of its members Mr. Patrick Ngwaogu who on Monday emerged the First Vice Chairman, of the FCT Football Association in an election conducted in Abuja.

The chairman SWAN FCT chapter, Kayode Adeniyi while speaking after results of the elections were announced, urged Ngwaogu to work with the newly elected FCT FA board members to engineer improvement in the game around the Federal Capital Territory.

“I’m happy we were able to have a sports writer on the board of the FCT FA, it is a good development for the game not only in the FCT but to Nigeria in total, because it will afford the general public further opportunity to know what the FA is doing at every particular time.

We expect Ngwaogu, who is a seasoned sports journalist, having worked with different media houses covering sports for over 20 years to bring his experience to bear in the elected board,” said Adeniyi.

The elections into the Board of the FCT Football Association which was conducted in Abuja on Monday 23rd February, 2015, saw two sports journalists based in the capital city contest for positions.

While Mr. Ngwaogu contested for the position of First Vice Chairman, which he won, Tolu Oguntimehin also a seasoned sports journalist in the FCT vied for board membership representing the Nigeria National League clubs in FCT and lost by a single vote.

Meanwhile, Alhaji Musa Sa’eed Talle was returned unopposed as the Chairman, FCT Football Association Board.

Ishola Returns As Kwara FA Chairman

The Chairman and Vice Chairman of Kwara Football Association, Alhaji Busari Ishola and Salman Fowomola were on Tuesday re-elected unopposed in an election held at the state stadium complex.

Plenty Clubs For Europe Don Dey Ontop Nwakali Mata O

Kelechi Nwakali wey dey for Golden Eaglets team and wey be Chidiebere Nwakali junior broad don cos gbege wey dey sweet Naija pipu belle for Europe as hin agent take yarn all man say plenty clubs for Europe don dey fight gidigbo ontop say dem wan sign de small pikin sabi player.

Kogi FA Elections to Go On as Scheduled

Elections into the state executives of Kogi State Football Association has been fixed to go as scheduled on Saturday 28th.

Amunike Admits Tough Test Against Amajimbos

Speaking ahead of Wednesday's semi-final clash against the Amajimbos of South Africa, Golden Eaglets' Head Coach Emmanuel Amuneke admitted in an interview with the Team Media Officer (TMO), Morakinyo Abodunrin, that it would be a keen contest but insisted his boys would grind another win and qualify for a consecutive African U-17 Championship Final Match.

Morakinyo: At some point during the preparation for this championship, you
predicted that Nigeria would most likely meet South Africa, are you happy now that you are both meeting in the semi-finals?

Amunike: We are okay and first, we are grateful to God that we are privileged
to be in the semi-final. If you remember we were to play them in a friendly match in Kaduna but unfortunately, it did not take place. Now we are going to play them in the semi final and we are optimistic. We have worked very hard to reach this stage and we just have to remain focused; and in the field of play, we have to do our job. Let us see how it goes but our dream is to win the semi final (against South Africa) and proceed to the final. Like I kept on saying, only God knows because our journey is not in any man's hand but in the hands of the Lord. As human beings, we only have to do our job and leave the rest to God to pilot the journey.

Morakinyo: Nigeria has not lost to South Africa in a competitive match, how are you going to keep this record at the U-17 level?

Amunike: We are not trying to keep any record but what we would be trying to do
is to win our game (on Wednesday). But we should not forget that the South Africans are good to be among the last four teams at this
competition and would be representing the African continent at the World Cup (in Chile). If you look at their game, you will know that it is a well-structured team regardless of the fact that they might not be scoring lot of goals. It a team that it is a well disciplined side; and they are patient about what they are playing and they stick to their ideas and concepts. So, it is left to us to come up with an idea and formula to play them so that they would know that we are a very good side too. This is a total different scenario and we are not interested in saying we have not lost to them or we have lost to them
before. What is most important for us is that God's willing today; we are able to secure our journey to the final.

Morakinyo: The South Africans are here for the first time, are you impressed with what they have been able to do here?

Amunike: Yes, we must give both their coaches and players credit. I was privileged to watch two of their games; they were leading Cote d'Ivoire but unfortunately, the game ended 2-2 and in the other game, they were losing and they fought back to finish at 2-2. So it shows the depth and strength of the team; it a team that likes to play; look for solution and they have some quality players particularly their top striker who can shield the ball very well. But we have to find a way to contain them and make sure that in the middle, we struggle the up balls with them. If we can play our own game, it would become much easier for us and t is our hope that our boys would be in the right frame of mind and be able to carry out the task.

Morakinyo: Before the game against Zambia, you identified a particular player who could give the Golden Eaglets lot of worries and you provided an antidote for him; have you also indentified players in the South African team that could give your boys lot of worries?

Amunike: They have about four or five players that are very good in that team; apart from the striker (Loph Willy Gohore) that can protect the ball very well; their strength is in the midfield with the captain (Nelson Malueke); No.5 ( Athenkosi Dlala) who is very defensive but generally, they like to circulate the ball in the midfield. Against Zambia, we identified some players and our boys were able to listen and carried out our instructions. Likewise (against South
Africa); we would plan and play as a team.

Morakinyo: What is joker for South Africa?

Amunike: My joker is for us to win (laughter)

Morakinyo: One of your key defenders, Lukman Halilu, has been ruled out of this
encounter, is it going to have a reflection on the game and are you going to miss him?

Amunike: Yes, if we have our way, we would have loved to have all our players' available going into this match. But we must be ready for all the inconveniences that the game brings. This is one of those inconveniences when one of our key players is not going to play the next game. Hopefully, we would find the solution and find other players who can also do the same job.

Morakinyo: Have you gotten a replacement for him (Halilu)?

Amunike: For the moment, we are evaluating and observing all the players; and after our last training today (Tuesday) we would look at the team deeply and be able to come out with a plan against South Africa.

Morakinyo: This game is just hours away, what is your prediction?

Amunike: I don't like to predict but I'm optimistic; or make noise about any game but I'm optimistic that we are going to win. But for us to win, we have to work very hard because hard work is the key to success. We
have worked and pushed ourselves; we have gotten angry with ourselves; encouraged we and we would continue to inspire ourselves. Hopefully, God will lead us to what he has planned already planned for us.

Eguma prepares for life without Eduok

Dolphins head coach, Stanley Eguma is already prepared for life without Emem Eduok in the coming football season.

Manu Garba To Name Flying Eagles African Youth Championship Team On Thursday

The coaching crew of the Flying Eagles have to submit a final 21-man list for the 2015 African Youth Championship to the Confederation Of African Football by Thursday 26th February.

NWFL Boss Onyedinma Hails Amazing Eaglets

Chief-Mrs. Dilichukwu Onyedinma, a board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has once again heaped plaudits on the technical crew of the Golden Eaglets after watching them at close quarter at the on-going Niger 2015.

Speaking after the Golden Eaglets' impressive 3-1 victory over the Junior Chipolopolo of Zambia on Saturday, the chair of Nigeria Women's League, said matter-of-factly that the Emmanuel Amuneke-led side deserves a huge pat on the back.

"I enjoyed myself; it was a fantastic match," Onyedinma said. "These boys are promising and I really thank God for their lives; they are committed and very prayerful.

"I want to use this opportunity to thank the coach and his crew because this is the hardest part of coaching since they are bringing up these boys from the grassroots,"

Onyedinma said all things being equal; the coaching crew at this level, deserves better remuneration for their diligence in nurturing young talents to stardom.

She said: "If I have my way, the technical crew here would earn more than any other national teams because this is the most difficult aspect. All the players you people groomed to win the World Cup in 2013 in Abu Dhabi have been taken away. I want to really commend you for a job well done."

NFF Clears Air On Iwobi

The Nigeria Football Federation has cleared the air on why it took Arsenal's Alex Iwobi to Gabon for Saturday’s 11th All-Africa Games qualifier. According to NFF’s Director of Technical, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, the NFF decided to take the striker along as part of the new administration’s policy of encouraging Nigerians in the diaspora to identify with the national teams and make up their mind to play for the team.

Eaglets return to training

No respite for the Golden Eaglets until the 11th African Under-17 Championship comes to an end as the team returned to training Sunday morning at the Stade Municipal in Niamey.

Juvenile Boss Wins Ekiti FA election

The President Juvenile Football Club, Alabi Ayodeji Desmond, has emerged the winner of the Ekiti State Football Association chairmanship election held on Sunday February 22, 2015.

Nigerian Ronaldo Shoots Gent To Victory

Moses Simon is proving to be a shrewd bargain for Belgium side Gent, as he scored their first goal in their 2-1 win over league leaders Club Brugge.

Brace Delight For Fatai

Kehinde Fatai showed the fans of Astra Giurgiu what they have been missing in his absence, as his brace helped them draw 2-2 with Concordia Chiajna.

Despite seeing his side drop two points from a game they could easily have picked all three, Fatai will be pleased to be back among the goals in his first start in 2015.

In a game settled by a brace apiece for Kayode and Wellington Carlos of Concordia it was the Nigerian who drew first blood in the 39th minute.

Wellington restored parity for Conccordia with 15 minutes left to play but Fatai thought he won the game for his team with a goal in the first minute of time added on.

However, Wellington ensured Concordia got a well deserved point, as he struck in the final minute of time added on.

Fatai's last goal was in the Europa League against Lyon on 21 August 2014 in a shock 2-1 win away at the home of the French giants.

In the Romania league he now has five goals from the eight games he has played so far, no thanks to injuries that has kept him out since the ending of last year.

Source: sl10.ng

Sunday, 22 February 2015

Ofoedu Hand Samsunspor Win In Turkey

Chikeluba Ofoedu scored the opening goal in Samsunspor’s 2-0 win over Kayserispor in a Turkish Division One game played at the 19 Mayıs Stadyumu on Saturday.

The former Enugu Rangers forward opened the scoring for Samsunspor in the 41st minute to register his 3rd league goal in 4 appearances for his club.

The 22-year-old joined Samsunspor in January 2015 as a free agent after he terminated his contract at Karsiyaka.

Samsunspor are fifth on the league table; ten points behind leaders Kayserispor with thirteen matches remaining.

Adeloye Bangs Winner For Stoke

More overseas-born Nigerian players continue to shine for their respective clubs, with Stoke City’s Tomi Adeloye the latest.

Avalon FC Upsets Kwara United

Kwara United's impressive build up to Nigeria National League Super 4 competition suffered a huge setback as they lost 1-0 in a final friendly match against Nationwide League side Avalon FC of Offa.

FCT FA Election To Hold On Monday

Elections into the Board of the FCT Football Association will hold in Abuja on Monday 24th February 2015.

Eagles Star Moses Spoils Sherwood's Villa Bow

Super Eagles forward Victor Moses grabbed the winner as Stoke City came from behind to earn a 2-1 Premier League win and spoil Tim Sherwood's first match in charge of Aston Villa.

Ideye Fires Blank In Stalemate

Rejuvenated Nigeria international Brown Ideye failed to find the back of the net for West Brom who drew 0-0 with Sunderland draw at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

African U17 Championship: Nigeria, Guinea Books Semi-Finals Tickets

Nigeria and Guinea stormed the semi-finals of the CAF Under-17 championships in Niger after finishing first and second respectively as Group 'A' play was concluded on Saturday.

Modibbo, Saidu, Adamu, Ayi Retain Seats

A number of incumbents retained their seats as elections into the boards of the Football Associations of the 36 States and the FCT continued around the Federation on Saturday.

In Jalingo, at elections supervised by Member of the NFF Executive Committee and Chairman of the States Elections Monitoring Committee, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, incumbent chairman of NFF Executive Committee member, Hussaini Modibbo retained his seat.

Hon. Essien Ayi, Member of Parliament, retained his seat as he was unopposed as chairman of the Cross River State Football Association, at elections conducted in Calabar and supervised by Member of NFF Executive Committee, Alhaji Babagana Kalli.

There was contest in Bauchi State, where incumbent Yahuza Adamu won 17 of 26 votes to retain his seat, against Kabiru Ahmed who won nine votes. Former Nigeria international, Pascal Patrick (MON) was elected as 1st vice chairman of Bauchi State FA.

In Gombe, incumbent Auwalu Musa retained his seat but vice chairman Manzo Mohammed failed in his bid to return.

Alhaji Mohammed Nasir Saidu was re-elected in Sokoto State after sweeping all 23 votes despite not being opposed, in what the secretary of the States Elections Monitoring Committee, Tunde Aderibigbe declared as transparent and credible.

The elections in Sokoto held despite moves by some powerful forces on Friday to scuttle the polls.

In Keffi, a tough battle raged as Haliru Ibrahim battled incumbent Mohammed Alkali hard.

Both men polled nine votes each in the first round, but in the second ballot, Alkali prevailed with 10 votes against eight for Ibrahim. Haladu Akwasiki was elected vice chairman.

Dream Team Hammer Gabon

The U-23 National Team, nicknamed Dream Team, threw a firm leg into the final qualifying round for the Men’s Football Tournament of the 11th All-Africa Games after hammering Gabon 4-1 in Libreville on Saturday.

Junior Ajayi scored in the very first minute before Warri Wolves FC striker Etebo Oghenekaro increased the tally from the penalty spot two minutes to half time.

Ajayi maintained his knack for quick starts with another goal in the 47th minute, but Gabon pulled one back through Axel Meye midway into the second half, but Nigeria ensured a handsome advantage going into the second leg when Enyimba forward Peter Onyekachi made it 4-1 in added time.

Members of the Nigerian community in Gabon made a good presence and cheered the Dream Team loudly at the Stade Augustin Monedan a Sibang.

The return leg will take place at the National Stadium, Abuja on Saturday, March 7.

Ehiosun Sublime In Qabala's 3-1 Win

Nigeria striker Ekigho Ehiosun got his 3rd goal of the season for FK Qabala on Thursday when he scored in their 3-1 win over Khazar Lenkoran in the Azerbaijan Premyer Liqa.

Edo FA Election Postponed

News filtering in indicates that election into the Edo state football association board has been postponed.

BFA Set to Unveil Players

Bravo Football Academy will tomorrow join the race of standard and modern Academies in the country by unveiling her players on Saturday 21st February at the Conference Room of the Kwara State Stadium.

Amuneke: No Margin For Errors Against Zambia

Head coach of Golden Eaglets, Emmanuel Amuneke, would be the happiest man on Saturday should his wards put up a spirited performance to ensure qualification for a ticket to the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Chile later this year.

Siasia Gingers Dream Team Ahead Of Gabon Clash

Head Coach of the Dream Team, Samson Siasia, has charged his wards to go all out for victory against their Gabonese counterparts in the first leg of the 11th All-Africa Games qualifying game to be played at the Stade Augustin Monedan a Sibang, Libreville on Saturday.

Okocha Mounts Saddle In Delta FA

Former Super Eagles captain, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has been elected chairman of the Delta State Football Association.

At the elections conducted in Asaba on Friday, and supervised by Member of the NFF Executive Committee, Alhaji Babagana Kalli, Okocha polled 26 out of the 27 votes cast.

One of only two Nigerian footballers to play at three FIFA World Cup finals, Jay-Jay Okocha’s club career took him through Germany, France, England and Turkey, and he is presently Head of the NFF Technical Study Group.

Okocha, who had served as vice chairman before the elevation, replaces Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, who announced his intention to relinquish the post on the very day he was elected President of Nigeria Football Federation, September 30, 2014.

FA Election Shifted In Kogi

The elective congress for fresh polls into the executive board of the Kogi State Football Association earlier fixed for February 26 have been shifted by one day to Friday, February 27, the secretariat has revealed.

Osun FA To Inaugurate Local Football Council

State of Osun Football Association, will Friday morning inaugurate the state Local Football Councils at the Oshogbo Township Stadium.

Brace Hero Ibiyomi On The Verge Of Signing Contract At RoPS

Adeniyi Michael Ibiyomi scored a pair of goals for Finnish club RoPS in their 2-2 draw with FC KTP in the League Cup on Thursday evening.

Olanrewaju Edging Closer To Exit After Missing Training

Kehinde Olanrewaju missed training on Thursday, and there are reports that he has left Israel without the permission of his present employer Hapoel Afula.

Uche Lifts Villarreal In UEL Match

Nigeria striker Ikechukwu Uche scored the opener in Villarreal's 2-1 win over Salzburg in their UEFA Europa League round 32 first leg tie on Thursday night.

Ibe Set For New Liverpool Contract

Liverpool are set to reward Jordon Ibe's first-team progress at Anfield with a new long-term contract, sources have claimed.

Ibe, 19, has featured in all four of the Reds' Premier League matches since he was recalled early from a season-long loan at Championship side Derby.

Manager Brendan Rodgers cut short that loan because he felt that Ibe was ready to play a significant part at Liverpool and the club now want to extend his contract, which currently runs until 2017, in order to secure his long-term future.

It is not clear yet how long any new deal would run for, although reports have suggested that it would commit Ibe to staying on Merseyside until around 2020.

Pulis Undecided On Ideye

West Brom boss Tony Pulis claims he has "not even thought" about the possibility in-form striker Brown Ideye could still leave the club this summer.

Ibe Impressive In Liverpool Slim UEL Win Against Besiktas

Fast rising winger Jordon Ibe was in fantastic form for Liverpool who needed a late penalty from Mario Balotelli to seal a slim 1-0 win over Besiktas in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League last-32 tie.

Ejide On The Radar Of Maccabi Tel Aviv

Nigeria international Austin Ejide is yet to decide on his future at Hapoel Beer Sheva.

Baraje: Akwa United Will Upset Enyimba

New coach of Akwa United and former coach of Enyimba FC, Zackary Baraje says he doesn’t have any personal vendetta after his side were drawn against the People’s Elephants in the opening day of the 2015 Nigeria Premier league season Wednesday night.

Baraje who was sacked as coach of Enyimba after a shaky start to the out gone 2013/2014 season disclosed that he definitely wants to record a win against his former side but noted that there is nothing personal about that ambition.

“I will go there with an attempt to win; I will prepare my team and I will build the confidence in my boys to go there to win. The only thing I see is that they look more prepared than my team because they have been in camp longer than we have which is just one week now but I will still make sure that we go there to win,” he said.

“Knowing the team, I don’t think so much has changes and I think that I can come out with an upset in the game.”

Obiazor Vows To Frustrate Pillars

Heartland newly signed goalkeeper, David Obiazor has vowed to keep a clean sheet against champions, Kano Pillars.

Fifa To Decide If Alex Iwobi Can Represent Nigeria Without Paperwork

http://www.sl10.ng/news/articles/categories/nigeria-players-abroad/fifa-to-decide-if-alex-iwobi-can-represent-nigeria-without-paperwork/201533

Flying Eagles Ace Saleh Suffers Minor Injury

Flying Eagles youngster Usman Hassan Saleh was injured when the VIP Marcopolo bus crashed into the main gate of the Tema Sports Stadium on Wednesday after the friendly between Nigeria U20 and Ghana U20.

Head coach of the Nigeria U20 side, Manu Garba has tipped the Black Satellites of Ghana to make a lasting impression in the upcoming African Youth Championship in Senegal.

Michael Olaitan scored his first goal in the Greece Super League since a year ago in the 2 - 2 draw between Ergotelis and Panionios on Wednesday evening.

Confluence Queens coach Baba Anini has finally broken his silence over the issue of the exclusion of some his players from the recently released provisional World Cup squad by Super Falcons gaffer Edwin Okon.

Elections into the Football Associations of five States will take place on Thursday.

Fixtures for the 2014/15 Nigeria Professional Football league season has been released by the League Management Company (LMC).

NFF President Amaju Pinnick held what was generally described as an “extremely positive and encouraging” meeting with the Manager of English Premiership side, Arsenal FC, Mr. Arsene Wenger on Tuesday.

The crisis rocking the football administration in Ogun state has taken a new dimension on Wednesday when the state government removed the secretary of the football association, Leo Kehinde Oyenekan from office.

Esperance snatched all three points with 12 minutes to go against JS Kairouanaise thanks to a solitary goal from their Nigerian forward Emem Eduok.

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Melvin Pinnick has held a meeting with parents of Nigerian footballers based in the United Kingdom, assuring them of their sons’ safety and progress should they choose to wear the colours of Nigeria.

2014/15 Nigeria Professional Football League - Week I Fixtures

Heartland FC Vs Kano Pillars
Wikki Tourist Vs Shooting Stars

FIFA President, Mr. Sepp Blatter on Wednesday held an official meeting with top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation at the Home of FIFA in Zurich, Switzerland.

Head coach of the Golden Eaglets, Emmanuel Amuneke has described the team's first half performance in the pulsating 1-1 draw against Guinea at the 11th African U-17 Championship as the worst since he took over the reins of the team almost a year ago.

Flying Eagles of Nigeria played a spirited game to beat their arch rivals, Black Satellites of Ghana 2-0 in a friendly soccer match at the Tema Sports Stadium on Wednesday evening.