Police Dares Cowrie Rugby Club

The Police Rugby Football Club currently sitting in second position on the on-going “Friends of Rugby” Lagos Rugby Union League table will on Saturday 23 June 2012 try to upturn the table against defending champions Cowrie Rugby Football Club & puncture their unbeaten run in the League when they square up against each other in the opener & star match of the day at 12 noon in the main bowl of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Police Rugby Football Club who have won all of their three matches played so far in the 2012 Lagos Rugby Union League with 15 points and sitting behind Cowrie Rugby Football Club who have also won all its matches so far with 17 points will be daring the champions who are just two points adrift of each other on the table. The match will certainly be a crunchy encounter & a must watch local derby for all rugby lovers.

The second match of the day will feature Lagos Rugby Football Club trading tackles with new comers & giant killers Ilorin Rugby Football Club at 2pm. Lagos Rugby Football Club will want to return to winning ways after suffering two straight defeats in a raw!

The last match of the day will be another exciting encounter between bottom teams Young Lions Rugby Football Club & the AJ City boys – Gosar Rugby Football Club at 4pm. Both teams will be trying each other for size to secure their first win of the season or a possible draw!

RUGBY LEAGUE TABLE

At the end of the third League matches played over a fortnight ago, defending champions Cowrie Rugby Football Club are still topping the table with 17 points, closely followed by Police Rugby Club with 12 points. New comers Ilorin Rugby Football Club climbed to the 3^rd position on the table with 12 points displacing Lagos Rugby Football club who are now 4^th on the table with 7 points. Gosar Rugby FC & Young Lions Rugby FC are in 5^th & 6^th position & with no points yet. This weekend certainly promises to give either teams some points on the table.

·               TABLE

·               TEAMS       P      W     D    L   PF   PA   PD    PTS

·               COWRIE     3       3      -    -    105    21   84      17

·               POLICE      3       3      -    -     68     10   58      15

·               ILORIN        3      2      -    -     70     19   51      12 

·               LAGOS       3       1      -    -    37      29   08        7

·               GOSAR      3       -       -    -     12     87   (-75)     -

·               Y. LIONS    3       -       -    -      0      97   (-97)     -  

HIGHEST POINTS SCORER

A total of 104 points was scored in the third matches of the ongoing 2012 Lagos Rugby Union League program played a fortnight ago, being 4 more points from the ^2nd weeks encounter.

HIGHEST POINT SCORER

The highest points table in the on going Lagos Rugby Union League have changed after the third week league matches with Ilorin Rugby Football Club Ibitaye Ifeoluwa toping the scorers chart with 29 points. He is followed by John Sylvanus & Azezz Ladipo of Cowrie RFC with 15 & 14 points respectively.  Policeman Sulymon Oyebola is now in 5^th position with 13 points, while 8 other players have 10 points each.

Meanwhile a total of 34 players have scored some points in the first three matches of the ongoing 2012 Lagos Rugby Union League as listed below.

HIGHEST POINTS SCORER TABLE

NAMES -                                   CLUB -             POINTS

1. IBITAYE IFEOLUWA         -  ILORIN     = 29 POINTS

2. JOHN SILVERNUS           – COWRIE   = 15 POINTS

3. HABIB I.                            – POLICE    = 15 POINTS

4. AZEEZ LADIPO                -  COWRIE   = 14 POINTS

5. SULAIMON OYEBOLA      - POLICE    = 13 POINTS

6. COKER MORAKINYO       – LAGOS    =  10 POINTS

7. TUNJI ODUTAN                -  COWRIE  =  10 POINTS

8. JOHN OLAWALE              - COWRIE   = 10 POINTS

9. WASIU AYANGBEMI       –  COWRIE   = 10 POINTS

10. ABUBAKAR TAHIRU        - POLICE     = 10 POINTS

11. SIMON JOSEPH               – COWRIE    = 10 POINTS

12. STEPHEN ADEYEMI        – ILORIN       = 10 POINTS

13. TUNJI FASIMOYE             - COWRIE    =  10 POINTS

14. CLEMENT DENIS              - COWRIE    =   8 POINTS

15. AKPAM                              – LAGOS     =   7 POINTS

16. MUYIDEEN MUBARAQ     - ILORIN      =   7 POINTS

17. LANRE FAMIMI                  - ILORIN      =  6 POINTS

18.OLA MUYIWA                      - POLICE     = 5 POINTS

19.JOJO JAFAR                       - COWRIE   =  5 POINTS

20. ADEBOMBO ADEREMI   – COWRIE    =  5 POINTS

21. FRANK ADEDEJI              - COWRIE    =  5 POINTS 

22. AKIN BIODUN                   – LAGOS     =  5 POINTS

23. TALEEB ADEYEMI           – LAGOS      =  5 POINTS

24. STEVEN AKPANWA         - POLICE     =  5 POINTS

25. ADETUNJI DANIEL            - ILORIN     =  5 POINTS

26. HABEEB ISSIAKA              - ILORIN    =  5 POINTS

27. EMMANUEL AYEWE         -  PLOICE   = 5 POINTS

28. JOHN KURA                      -  LAGOS    = 5 POINTS

29. EMEKA AJONYE                - GOSAR   = 5 POINTS

30. OLAWALE DIPO                 - COWRIE  = 5 POINTS

31. CHRISTIAN OKOJI              -ILORIN    =  5 POINTS

32. FELIX SALAMI                    - GOSAR   =  5 POINTS

33. ADEBAYO T.                      –POLICE    = 5 POINTS

34. PATRICK MBAMARA        - GOSAR     = 2 POINTS

Issued by

Ntiense O. Williams

Rugby Football Union Guest Donate Rugby Kits

The Rugby community in Nigeria experienced some excitement with the visit to the country of two Rugby Football Union guest on personal capacity to help out in the development of the game in the country.

Rugby Football Union Committee member Andrew Sarek & Brian William White who were both part of the British Development Team touring Uganda & Kenya in the last two weeks decided to pass through Nigeria on their way back to offer some assistance to the development of the game in the country of his birth.

Andrew Sarek was born in Ibadan.  He & his son James Sarek who opted to play for Nigeria’s Under 18 National Team had visited the country some eight years ago, and help coach the team for two weeks that was preparing for the Confederation of African Rugby Under 18 Tournament in Ivory Coast in 2004.

Since then, they have kept in touch with the progress & development of Nigeria Rugby. They were however not too pleased with recent development as regards the ban by the International Rugby Board due to concession of the Rugby Federation, which have since being lifted after the intervention & elections into the board of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation by the Nigeria Olympics Committee & The Nigeria Sports Commission.

According to Andrew, “the report we got from IRB was worrying & troubling, that we decided to see what assistance we can render from our end which should help out directly with the development of the game in the country”.

Said he, “We got in touch with our friend Ntiense Williams, popularly called “Mr. Rugby” in Nigeria who extended an invitation to us. He asked that we help out by imparting our knowledge & experience with a talk on professionalism of the game with the players, also to help the journalist have a better understanding of the game & its reportage, and to share our experiences as referees with the match officials under the Lagos Rugby Referees Society.  We thought it was a great idea. So whilst in Uganda with the British Lions Development side, we decided to come through Lagos for a week on our way back to London. “

“We have being able to meet the wonderful people of Nigeria once again, we had a very interesting session with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria Lagos Chapter & rugby players in the beautiful SWAN Center at the National Stadium, after we had met with the Secretary General of the Rugby Federation who got us to meet a wonderful and cheerful Liaison Officer of the National Sports Commission Mrs. Tayo Orewenme. We had a wonderful experience with match officials during the Lagos Rugby Referees Society meeting which was rescheduled to Thursday evening to accommodate our visit. Brian & I who are senior referees sincerely think that they are on the right path with the basic knowledge of officiating. We will love to return to see their progress. But whilst away we will continue to monitor their progress & link them on with other people who we know will be of immense assistance to them”.

“We also used the opportunity to meet with the board members of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation through the President Dr. Richard Ajayi.  What we observed here is that all the people want to get Nigerian Rugby up on the map of the Rugby World, but through deferent means. I will definitely love to bring the British Development side, like the one that visit Uganda & Kenya recently to play in Nigeria with the Nigerian National Team made up of predominately domestic players & a few of the foreign based players. That in my opinion will be a true reflection of positive development of the game in the country. We will also keep an eye on the Nigerian Side going for the International engagement in Morocco later in the year. “

“Ntiense had earlier requested that we help out with some Rugby kits. We swung into action and collected some kits from local rugby clubs in London, which could still be used by the local Rugby clubs in Nigeria for training purposes & even matches. We also brought in some balls & law books for the referees. We will continue to see how we can help in any way with the growth & development of the sports in the Country!”

Courtesy

Ntiense Williams

Juwon: I’m hungry for European football

Nigeria international full-back Osaniwa Juwon, saya he cannot wait to play in Europe as he is closed to finalizing a “big move” in the summer transfer window. The Sharks of Port-Harcourt left back made no secrets of his intentions joining an European league side:

"I am having good offers from Europe, my going to the Super Eagles camp for over a month, the offers were put on hold and i am yet to take my decision but will go to consider those offers and see the one that will be good for me."

He added that: 

“I’m not attracted to playing in top clubs but in a club where I will get more playing time and the talent in me can be quickly noticed.”

Juwon, who originates from Kogi State, Yagba-East Local Government, from Isanlu to be precise, but raised in Kaduna State expressed delights playing in the Super Eagles:

“I’ve got to be happy because it’s an opportunity millions of Nigerians in Nigeria, Europe are waiting for and am hugely honoured to play in the Super Eagles.”

The sterling left-back who has been involved all the Super Eagles’ June matches has been convincing in backup for absent AC Milan left-full back Taiye Taiwo.

Excited-Europe-predestined Juwon told Savidnews.com that his adventurous trip trade to Europe will in no way hamper his role in the Super Eagles if eventually move to Europe in the summer as he can always combine the national assignment with his club career, so far there are still some Europe based players in the team.

 

I’m solidly behind you, Keshi – Maigari

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari has in strong terms deal out a promise to the Super Eagles head coach Stephen Okechukwu Keshi saying he is behind him as he continues in his implemetations of his building plans for the national team.

Maigari has expressed satisfaction with the leadership exploits of Super Eagles handler, assessing the performance of the team in matches even when been faced with double task of team-building and meeting demands for anticipated results in crucial competitions.

At the end of watching the players in expressed delight in the attitude and seriousness of the players which has heightened their chances of qualification for the 2013 AFCON in South Africa.

Maigari implore Nigerians to throw its weight behind the former mali and Togo national team coach, Stephen Keshi, adding that his effort looks promising in the rebuilding of a strong Super Eagles and restoration of our wanted lost glory.

Meanwhile, Maigari said the Nigeria Football Federation will give its best to ensure the team regain it lost respect from Nigerians and the football World- with understanding the pressure from Nigerians in the failure to qualify the country to the 2012 African Cup of Nations.

"No one prays for the worst but the bad history created last year with the country’s non-qualification for the 2012 African Cup of nation which still aches may have been heightened if we had failed to reach the second round of 2013 African Nations Cup qualifiers for South Africa".

Nigeria’s victory over Rwanda on Saturday sees them secure a place in the second of thirty and get them seeded in pot 1 for the second round draw with first and second legs to be played on 7- 9 September and 10-12 October, 2012 respectively.

 

courtesy: Samuel Ahmadu,

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As long Nigeria keeps winning, am fine - Moses

Wigan Athletic licensed attacker, Victor Moses says he is not disturbed after not included in the Super Eagles starting role against Rwanda but satisfied should Nigeria continues to win its matches.

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi dropped the duo of Victor Moses and John Utaka despite refuting suggestions of dropping the duo from his starting eleven for the game against Rwanda on Saturday in Calabar.

Moses, the former Crystal Palace striker reavealed to Savidnews.com that:

“I’m happy playing for the Super Eagles, delighted playing under coach Stephen Keshi and satisfied should the team continues to win it games- my happiness is to see Nigeria is in South Africa next year and at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.”

The sterling three-capped Nigeria international expressed high hopes in the progress of the Super Eagles to the finals of the 2013 African Cup of Nation in South Africa and 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Meanwhile, the want-away Wigan forward who is persistently linked away from DW Stadium told Savidnews.com: 

“I’m happy with Wigan, love the people at Wigan- the great opportunity i had under the coach (Martinez), cannot denied been linked to some big clubs but still remain a Wigan player at the moment.”

Moses, 21-year-old who expressed delight at meeting with a Wigan fan (Samuel Ahmadu) in Nigeria revealed to Savidnews.com:

 

“I’m hugely surprised and overwhelmed meeting a Nigerian-Wigan supporter, I promise to inform the club about it and seek to bring the fan close to the club,” 

The question is how long will Moses remain at DW stadium?

Stories by Samuel Ahmadu

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LION devour young EAGLES

Lokoja based Nigeria National League 36 LION tumbled the John Obuh led Nigeria U-20 National team 2:1 over the weekend in a friendly encounter at the Abuja National Stadium training pitch.

The thrilling-condensed-entertaining encounter failed to record a goal in the first half after both sides didn’t take the catalog of chances they had.

Ifenyi Onyeuche brought the match alive in the second half to grab the lead.

The Nigeria U-20 side levelled up fifteen minutes later but the seemingly formidable League side recovered their lead on the brink of full time whistle to snatch a victory.

The loss heaps pressure on the Nigeria U-20 head coach John Obuh after failing to impress at the Cape Town Eight Nations Tourney International Challenge as they suffered three successive defeats against Ghana, Argentina and hosts South Africa despite being the defending champions of the international competition.

John Obuh has made great success with team in recent years but the falls of late raise questions over his capabilities and suggest his loss of grip over the Nigeria national side, Flying Eagles.

Samuel Ahmadu,
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My Take: "Mr. John" watch your back...

Sports development helps the community - Olumoroti

A former Kogi State Governorship aspirant under the umbrella of the ACN, Engineer George Olumoroti has donated a whopping cash of N5million to KABU Football Club.
The sport enthusiast also donated some kits and customised jerseys to the Kabba/Bunu based non-league football club after becoming the defending champions of the 2012 Kogi State Federation Cup.
The frontline academician and politician has told Savidnews.com that he was not politically motivated but driven to donate the token to the team (KABU FC) out of his delight for "merit" giving to his believe at encouraging people with merit not mediocre.
Olomoroti further disclosed that the achievement of the team thrilled him after been informed of their strings of triumphs made at recent championships' with the latest Kogi State Federation Cup win derserves to be encouraged as to spur them to do more.
The Kabba born Lagos based politician who delved into politics in 2009 told Savidnews.com that:


"My decision to venture into politics was with high intentions of being responsible to my community, to show them taht good governance is hinged in youth development, human capacity building and community development."

The latest act of the young, dynamic and vibrant Kogi born Engineer Olomoroti has put him in the lips of everyone in Kabba/Bunu LGA and beyond as such contributions to sports development can never go unnoticed.
Delighted KABU FC head coach, Shina Akande told Savidnews.com:

" I overwhelmed with joy and suprise at the philanthropic act of Engineer Olomoroti, who has been a responsible son of Kabba home and abroad, onbehalf of the players, LGA sport council and team officials appreciate his kind gesture and youth developmental driving force."

Long-time KABU FC serving coach Shina as many calls, further described the action of Hon Olomoroti as simply stunning, unprecedented as it will remain as statue in the eye of the team and people of Kabba.
Coach Shina also promised that the team will continue to bring home more trophies and promote the image of the headquarters of the former Kabba Province at the national and international.

Nigeria pulls out of Adidas U-15 Youth Tourney

Nigeria has officially withdrew from the Adidas U-15 Youth Championship billed for Mexico.

The President, Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari has told Savidnews.com that the country withdrew its invitation for the eight-nation tournament with no thanks to logistic reasons.

“I have directed a letter be written to the authorities of the tournament that some logistic problem, for that we have to cancel the invitation.

“It’s our intention to help develop of young talents but will are not ruling out chances of playing in subsequent tournaments in the future,” said the Gombe born sport Administrator.

The latest development will come as a blow to the Danladi Nasidi led national team side with over four weeks in camp, earlier in Abuja for two weeks and later in Lokoja for over two weeks.

Though uninformed of the development, Nigeria U-15 team head coach Danladi Nasidi told Savidnews.com that it’s a sad news for him and the players in camp after devoting their all  for the tournament.

“I’m not informed about the development yet but quite sad for the players who have spent much time in camp training ahead of this competition but hopes the NFF motivate the players,” Nasidi.

Meanwhile, the head coach, Nasidi has urged the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation led by President Aminu Maigari to motivate the players by sourcing for other tournaments for the team to enable absorb depression to be suffered after confirmed missing out on the Mexico tourney.

It will be recalled that the team was expected to depart the country for Mexico on Thursday June 14^th to ensure their early arrival four days to the start of the tourney.

The Nigeria side would have battled with the likes of Spain, Argentina, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark and host Mexico in the 10-day competition sponsored by Adidas.

Courtesy Samuel Ahmadu,

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My Take: Another sad tale.

Calabar fans are fantastic, others must imitate – Maigari

Delighted Nigeria Football Federation’s President, Alhaji Aminu Magari has described Calabar fans as been polished and educated, urges other part of the country to emulate them.

Maigari enjoyed all the Nigerians soccer fans to emulate the Calabar fans in patience and understanding as the Super Eagles are on a building process.

The Gombe state born football administrator reiterated his plans to bring more national and international matches to Calabar after extolling the hospitality shown and peaceful atmosphere enjoyed during the team’s stay in Cross River State.

The gentle and collected top-notch officer of the country’s football governing body has wished Nigeria soccer lovers joy, peace and more victories ahead of subsequent matches which may be heavily envied by other part of the country, notably Lagos though hosting the national women team, Super Falcons.

The tolerant attitude of the Calabar fans must have delighted the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation following the manner of composure and maturity displayed during the June 3^rd 2014 World Cup Brazil qualifiers against Namibia despite the team failed to win the match early.

The Calabar fans were spectacular again as they cheered the Super Eagles to a 2:0 comprehensive victory over the Wasps of Rwanda in Calabar on Saturday- A victory that sees Nigeria progress into the final round of the qualifiers for 2013 AFCON in South Africa.

Story Courtesy

Samuel Ahmadu,

www.facebook.com/sam4wigan
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My Take: If Super Eagles had lost, we would have known the true fans…

Abuja too was calm until they realized Nigeria will not be at AFCON 2012 and the real fans came out.