League Bloggers Award 2012: Ex-Internationals confirm attendance

 
Former Super Eagles' stars, Jonathan Akpoborie and Daniel Amokachi have confirmed they will grace the 2012 League Bloggers Awards (LBA) in Lagos this Sunday.
Both former Nigerian internationals assured of their presence at the first edition of the end-of-season LBA this week.

And Akpoborie believes that the reward system put in place by the League Bloggers will help the "confidence" of players in the Nigerian top flight.

He commended the LBA for coming up with such an event to recognise the actors, especially players, in the league.

"The players need something like this to boost their confidence and spur them on to do more. It's a good move by the organise to recognise the players after all they've done in the league," said Akpoborie.

Twelve categories will be competed for in the 2012 LBA including the prestigious Player of the Season, which will round off the ceremony.


Over the years, footballers have been neglected in terms of recognitions off the pitch, some sports journalists and sport lovers are not conversant with the players of The Nigeria Premier League and this has raised a huge concern in the heart of the organisers of the maiden edition of the League Bloggers Award.
The award will avail both the journalists and sport lovers the opportunity to meet and interact with players and administrators of our local league.

This year's award will feature key categories in the round leather game.

1. Rookie of the Year

•Solomon Jabason (Akwa United)

•Austin Amutu (Warri Wolves)

•Andrew Abalogu (ABS)

•Bright Esieme (ABS)


2. Best Goalkeeper

•Femi Thomas (Akwa United)

•Moses Ocheje (Sunshine Stars)

•Theophilus Afelokhai (Kano Pillars)

•Chigozie Agbim (Warri Wolves)


3. Best Foreigner

•Ousmane Pape Sane (Sharks/Senegal)

•Tamen Medrano (Sunshine Stars/Cameroon)

•Pierre Coly (Sharks/Senegal)

•Adama Coulibaly (Warri Wolves/Mali)

•Owusu Addae (Dolphins/Ghana)


4. Club of the Year

•Kano Pillars

•ABS

•Lobi Stars

•Enugu Rangers


5. Best Designed Club Jersey

•3SC (OWU)

•Warri Wolves (NOMIS)

•Kano Pillars (Cone)


6. Highest Goal Scorer Award

•Sibi Gwar - 16 goals


7. Manager of the Year (NPL)

•Okey Emordi (Enugu Rangers)

•Dominic Iorfa (Lobi Stars)

•Baba Ganaru (Kano Pillars)


8. Manager of the Year (Africa)

•Maurice Cooreman (Warri Wolves)

•Gbenga Ogunbote (Sunshine Stars)

•Lodewijk de Kruif (Heartland)

•Stanley Eguma (Dolphins)


9. Best National Team Player

•Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu Rangers)

•Chigozie Agbim (Warri Wolves)

•Reuben Gabriel (Kano Pillars)

•Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves)


10. Player of The Year

•Reuben Gabriel (Kano Pillars)

•David Tyavkase (Lobi Stars)

•Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars)

•Sibi Gwar (Niger Tornadoes)


11. Best Referee

•Benjamin Odey

•Gabriel Adigwe

•Jelili Ogunmuyiwa

•Mohammed Sani


12. Club Administrator of the Year

•Dominic Iorfa (Lobi Stars)

•Abba Galadima (Kano Pillars)

•Amaju Pinnick (Warri Wolves)

I have my list of winners and i can always put my money on them and hopefully they win and make me a proud Nigerian and in the words of Mozez Praiz "The Nigerian Premier League - Na our own"

See you on Sunday.

AWC 2012: Ikhana offload more Falcons

Super Falcons head coach, Kadiri Ikhana, has dropped three more players from camp ahead of the African Women’s Championship (AWC).

Affected players include Ineh Queens’ defender Chidiebere Maraihe, and Sherifat Saheed, an attacker of Sunshine Queens of Akure

Also dropped was attacker Shola Oyewusi (Sunshine) who was part of Ikhana’s team during the AWC qualifiers, as well as the two-legged friendly games with Banyana Banyana of South Africa.

Ikhana had previously dropped three players, bringing the total number of decamped players to six. 

The first three dropped include striker Fausat Olayiwola and Ineh Queens’ duo of Ijeome Emenike and Chiudo Ehiudo.

Ikhana was quick to encourage the players saying: “These players have done very well which is why I invited them to camp. They must keep working hard and improving on their talents because they definitely have that

“They all have a future with the Super Falcons and I want them to remember that. The door is not closed and they must be ready when that opportunity comes again.”

The absence of goalkeeper Chiudo Ehiudo means that four goalkeepers, Precious Dede, Tochukwu Oluehi, Ebubeleye Whyte and Dikachi Uzor, will now fight for places in Ikhana’s final squad for Africa’s biggest tournament for women.

According to Ikhana, competition for spots keeps players on their toes as they realize that the team will be picked on form.

“It is important that we have competition in all departments. This will keep everyone on her toes. There is no room for complacency.

“We have four good goalkeepers in the squad including captain [Precious] Dede. This is good for us because that position is a very key one – our last defender. It is great to see them pushing each other in training. That was the aim and we are getting the results.”

The 2012 African Women’s Championship is billed for Equatorial Guinea and will hold from the 28th of October to the 11th on November.

Courtesy: Chisom Mbonu

Media Officer, Super Falcons

A Tale of 2 Brands: LBA, Search & Groom enter partnership

The League Bloggers Awards (LBA) and Search & Groom have agreed to partner in helping youth development through football for the next two years.

The partnership is purely based on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The teams of LBA and Search & Groom met in Lagos last week to identify common interest areas in the game - both in the league and at the

grassroots level.

Executive Director of Search & Groom, Yomi Kuku explained that his

organisation hopes to promote an educational programme, 'Read 4 Stardom,' in collaboration with Fifa's CSR platform, Football for Hope (FFH) and in cooperation with the winners of the 2012 LBA and other league stars.

“This synergy is a positive turning point for our work in Nigeria, a

reflection of our commitment to young people in Nigeria, creating a path towards sustainable recognition and alliance with the mainstream football participants and stakeholders.

"The award organisers are well-known to Search & Groom in their

professional capacities and we are most delighted to work with them.

The 'Read 4 Stardom' project will be promoted by an 11-man team to include a Nigeria Premier League (NPL) star," Kuku said.

CEO of LBA, Ojeikere Aikhoje, added that the benefit of partnering to promote the 'Read 4 Stardom' educational programme is to expose children in schools to the top flight in Nigeria.

"The partnership with Search & Groom is an exciting one because it will help promote the 'Read 4 Stardom' among pupils and students. At the same time, we intend to use it to help promote the Nigerian league by letting the kids follow the game and also write about it in order to allow them embrace the league as part of their culture as they grow up. It is in this area that the LBA Ambassador, Victor Ezeji and other league stars will play huge roles," said Aikhoje.

During the 2012 League Bloggers Awards in Lagos on October 28, a 15-minute celebration of development through football will be a major highlight.

The 2012 LBA is the maiden edition of the end-of-season award to honour the best players and coaches in the last Nigeria Premier League (NPL) season won by Kano Pillars.

Courtesy: George Akpayen

'The Headmaster" quits as General Manager of 3SC

Mutiu Afepoju has resigned his position as General Manager of 3SC with immediate effect. Adepoju fondly called ‘Headmaster’ because of his knack of scoring with his head submitted his letter of resignation on Tuesday at the club’s office in Ibadan.

He however told Goal.com that he is travelling to Spain on Thursday to attend a two-week UEFA Pro Licence course which according to him is to re-validate the licence whose renewal is every three years.

“Firstly I want to thank the Executive Governor of Oyo State, the Honourable Commissioner of Sports, the Management board of Shooting Stars and most especially the lovely Ibadan darling fans for supporting me and the club for the past five years,” Adepoju told Goal.com.

I pray that the club continues to wax stronger but I have to quit now for some reasons best known to me and I honestly wish the club well in all its endeavours.

“I hope to travel to Spain on Thursday to attend a two-week Uefa Pro-3 coaching course to re-validate my coaching licence after which I will know what next to do.”

Though Goal.com, reliably gathered that the former member of Super Eagles at the 1994 Africa Nations Cup winner was irked by the treatment meted to him by the Club Board who asked him to apply for a new contract after the expiration of the existing one.

The former Eagles star is not happy with the fact that he was not appreciated by the new Executive Board of the club led by former Oyo State Sports Council Chairman, Toyin Akintunde after putting in five years of selfless service to the club.

Adepoju, Goal.com scooped, believed that it was a way of showing him that his services was not needed again since he has to queue with other new applicants to get the job back. He said as a Yoruba man, he knows when to call it quit instead of being ridiculed by anybody. He also thanked the Almighty God for seeing him through his five years of handling the club affairs which included bringing the club back from relegation to the Premier League status.

“I am most grateful to Almighty Allah for using me as a weapon to bring 3SC back from relegation to the division one to the Premier League, a status the club has been enjoying for the past three years now,” he added.

COPA LAGOS RETURNS FOR DECEMBER 2012

A special year of sports is set to get even better as Kinetic Sports organisers of Copa Lagos, have announced the 2nd edition of the Beach Soccer Tournament which will be take place on the 14th – 16th of December 2012 at Eko Atlantic Mega City site.

The success story of the maiden edition was crowned with The Sand Eagles of Nigeria emerging tournament winners after overcoming the former World Champions, the Brazilian national team. The round robin format beach soccer tournament featured 4 teams in total, Brazil, England, Nigeria and South Africa. The first year saw 3 major sponsors; Capital Oil, FCMB and Pepsi and partnered with major media houses such as; SuperSports, AIT, and Soundcity.

While the soccer tournament stays as the main feature of the 3-day event, Kinetic Sports committed to bringing the first ever lifestyle event to Nigeria with Copa Lagos including music, fashion and fanfare in the event. The event boasted of daily concerts featuring top Nigerian musicians (WizKid, Naeto C, Davido, Sound sultan to mention a few) as well as upcoming acts. Last years competition also featured a variety of activities including the renowned International cheerleading squad, Scottish Rockets and a celebrity all-star match in which the audience was treated to the skills of Jay JayOkocha, Victor Ikpeba, Ali baba, SegunArinze and others. 

On the final day Copa Lagos brought Nigerian fashion to the forefront, teaming up with the highly acclaimed Temple Muse for a fashion show, which showcased both top international and local brands - Sunny Rose, Eki Orleans, Grey and Tebazile.

Distinguished guests that graced the event included David Dein (Former Arsenal Chairman), Mr. BabatundeRajiFashola (SAN), Juan Cusco (Vice President of Beach Soccer World Wide) and Chief Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah (MD/CEO of Capital Oil).

“The rapid rise of Copa Lagos shows the true potential of Beach Soccer in Nigeria and the entire African Continent…” This was said at the end of the event by Juan Cusco; who went on to say “… Copa Lagos 2011 was one of the best Beach Soccer competitions in the world and it’s just the first year! We are definitely looking forward to coming back in 2012.” 

Now the question on everyone’s lips is who will be competing this year? Speculation is rife, with organisers keeping it a closely guarded secret. Whichever team plays Copa Lagos promises to build on last year success as the Sand Eagles look to defend their crown. Indeed Copa Lagos is much more than football, it’s a lifestyle.

FACT SHEET FOR COPA 2011 

- 58 goals scored 

- 45 Journalist Accredited 

- Partnership with the United Nations Office on Sports for Development and Peace 

- $1.3 million USD of direct added value into Nigerian Economy 

- 700 temporary jobs in Nigeria 

- Massive TV Coverage - Reaching an estimate of 250 million households / 21 

International TV Channels 

- Massive Print and Web Media Coverage - More than 50 newspaper articles and 200 

Web pages 

- 1, 500 Twitter and Facebook followers 

- 40 000 page views from 112 different countries on copalagos.com 

- State-of-the-art stadium - 2008 seats 

- More than 5000 visitors during the 3 days of the event 

- Top Nigerian Artists- WizKid, Ikechuku, Neato C, Davido, Sauce Kid, 

Skales, Eva, Karma, Ms. Chief, J Berg, Black Magic and much more. 

- Nigerian and World-renowned fashion designers - Grey, Eki Orleans, and Sunny Rose 

- Top political and football personalities - Lagos State Governor, NFF President, Lagos 

State Commissioner for Sports, Jay JayOkocha, Taribo West, Victor Ikpeba

- Cleaning the Beach Campaign and Beach Soccer Clinic


Courtesy: Kayode Tijani
Veteran Sports Journalist

Pitch Awards Good for Nigeria Football – Keshi

Head Coach of the Senior National Team, Super Eagles, Mr. Stephen Keshi has lent a strong backing to the institution of a Nigeria Football Awards superintended by the Nigeria Football Federation.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Keshi, Nigeria Senior Team’s longest-serving Captain, said awards serve motivational purposes and help to trigger better performances from the actors and actresses in any particular industry.

His comments came against the backdrop of plans by the Nigeria Football Federation, through Matchmakers Consult International, to organize the inaugural Nigeria Pitch Awards in December 2012.

“It is a very good initiative and we must commend the Nigeria Football Federation and Matchmakers Consult International. The institution of a Nigeria Football Awards, for every area of the football pitch, will bring out the very best in everyone, be they players, coaches, referees, sponsors, administrators or fans.

“For decades, our football has craved such an Awards programme but even the few that reared their heads did not last. I believe this one has protection and high chances of survival because it is backed by the football-governing body in the country,” said Keshi.

Coach Keshi leads out the Super Eagles in a must-win 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifying match against Liberia in Calabar on Sunday next week, and insisted that thoughts of possible rewards at an elaborate ceremony such as an Awards help to ginger players to put in their best.

“Surely, when you know that there is a credible Awards out there at the end of the year, it helps your performance. I believe the organizers of the Nigeria Pitch Awards will do everything to make the process of selection transparent and credible.”

Courtesy: Kayode Tijani

Veteran Sports Journalist

Love for the Game: Guinness Reiterates National Team Commitment

Sponsors of the Nigeria National Teams, Guinness Nigeria PLC, on Thursday affirmed commitment to continued support for all categories of the National Teams and the general development of Nigerian football.

During a brief meeting with the Management of the Nigeria Football Federation, at the Glass House, Abuja, the company’s Marketing Manager, Dr. Obinna Anyalebechi said Guinness is delighted with the recent performances of the National Teams and will always be there to lend support for the teams to do even better.

“We are committed to making matches of the Super Eagles, and indeed other National Teams, more experiential, more memorable for the fans. We also want to be able to show greater visibility at matches involving the National Teams,” said Dr. Anyalebechi.

Receiving the Guinness team, which also included Brand Manager, Guinness, Mr. Uche Onwudiwe, NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu, said the company remained “one of NFF’s strongest partners in the area of the development of the game”.

Guinness also used the forum to pledge total commitment to supporting the Super Eagles at next weekend’s 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Lone Star of Liberia at the U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar.

Also at the meeting were NFF’s Director of Technical, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, Director of Marketing, Mr. Idris Adama, Chief Media Officer, Mr. Ademola Olajire, Principal Legal Officer, Barrister Okey Obi, Senior Marketing Manager, Mr. Alizor Chuks and Senior Sports Officer, Dr. Christian Emeruwa.

Courtesy: Ademola Olajire

Chief Media Officer

Nigeria Football Federation

NIFEX 2012: 3 years in a roll and still counting.

ORGANISERS of the 3rd Nigeria International Football Expo (NIFEX 2012) have revealed that the Third edition of the event, with the theme: Nigeria football and the future of sponsorship,’ will hold at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos, on December 6.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of NIFEX, Justin Ofor, the event, a meeting point of football knowledge, ideas and commerce, which has become the biggest football business gathering in Nigeria, presents a great and exceptional opportunity for interested stakeholders to learn about the business of the game.

Industry specialists will be on hand to discuss relevant topics bordering on the vast business opportunities in the sector. He revealed that the expo would include a business conference, which is expected to open a wide range of opportunities through an exhibition, a charity football carnival between an all-star selected side against a Corporate Nigeria team to help create awareness of the plight of the less-privileged in the society.

Also speaking on the event, NIFEX Director, Brand and Marketing, Roy Osuji, said that the project was meant to continue to give government, stakeholders, administrators, clubs, coaches, players, fans, and sponsors in the football industry or related businesses from all over the world an opportunity to come together to talk football, learn football and do business with football in Nigeria

Delegates are beginning to confirm participation for the 3rd Nigeria international football expo 2012.

They include, Honourable sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi, DG NSC Pat Ekeji, , NFF Chairman Aminu Maigari, NPL Chairman Rumson Baribote, NNL Chairman Emeka Enyama, Kanu Nwankwo, Stephen Keshi and host of top sports marketing executives.

Ofor also said that the project was meant to continue to give government, stakeholders, administrators, clubs, coaches, players, fans, and sponsors in the football industry or related businesses from all over the world an opportunity to come together to talk football, learn football and do business with football in Nigeria.

Keshi: Eagles don't need Dollars to beat Liberia.

Super Eagles boss, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi has reacted swiftly to news making the rounds that Liberian President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, has promised the Lone Star huge dollar rain if they can upset the form books by defeating Nigeria in Calabar, in the final round qualifier for the Nations Cup 2013.

Speaking in Abuja, during the weekly media parley, Keshi said it was good motivation for the Liberians, but declared that the Super Eagles are already motivated enough to win by the NFF, the Nigerian government and people and that will be seen when they file out on October 13 against Liberia.

“We sure need money for the players and officials but that is not the motivation now, the need to return to the Nations Cup is the driving force and the players are angry that they missed out the last time and want to prove that they have returned to be among Africa’s best. Money will surely come later”, he said.

He also said the team will be delighted to see President Goodluck Jonathan in Calabar for the game and that in itself will boost the team spirit against the Lone Star. Keshi used the opportunity of the media chat to plead for support from the media, government and the Nigerian people generally as that will help team composure.

“In Calabar, even when we don’t score early they keep cheering, believing that the goals will come, same thing happens in Kaduna, we must tell Nigerians particularly the media to spread the news that we want that type of spirit not only to qualify but to do well at the Nations Cup. The Super Eagles Sweat merchant also revealed that some players based in Europe have pleaded with him to arrive the country on Tuesday and he has granted their request and they did arrive.

Zimbabwe beat Nigeria to qualify for RWC Sevens

Zimbabwe's men celebrate winning Africa's qualifying event for RWC Sevens 2013. Zimbabwe won the CAR African men's qualifying tournament for Rugby World Cup Sevens 2013 to book their place at the Moscow showpiece along with runners-up, Tunisia.

In the all-important semi finals, the Cheetahs beat Nigeria 19-14 and the Tunisians also endured a tough encounter, beating Madagascar 7-0. 

With both sides qualified for Moscow as a result of those matches, the final was a less tense affair with the Zimbabweans cutting loose to win 33-12 in impressive fashion.

Nigeria showcased their potential by beating Madagascar 19-12 in the Plate final, Namibia beat Ivory Coast 24-7 to capture the Bowl and hosts Morocco finished on a high by beating Zambia 14-5 to finish in seventh place. 

There are now 20 men's sides confirmed for RWC Sevens, leaving only four places to fill through the Asian and South American qualifying tournaments.

Eight teams qualified directly from RWC Sevens 2009 in Dubai - champions Wales, runners-up Argentina, losing semi-finalists Kenya and Samoa and losing quarter-finalists England, New Zealand, Fiji and South Africa - along with 2013 hosts Russia.

Eleven teams have now joined them through the regional qualifiers in North America, Europe, Oceania and Africa. 

There was double delight for Tunisia when the country's women also booked their place in Moscow by beating Kenya to claim Africa's one remaining place in the women's competition. 

CAR Men's Sevens results

Knockout matches - 30 September
23 - Bowl SF: Zambia 10-22 Namibia
24 - Bowl SF: Ivory Coast 12-7 Morocco
27 - Cup SF: Madagascar 0-7 Tunisia
28 - Cup SF: Zimbabwe 19-14 Nigeria
29 - Seventh place play-off: Zambia 5-14 Morocco
31 - Bowl Final: Namibia 24-7 Ivory Coast
33 - Plate Final: Madagascar 12-19 Nigeria
35 - Cup Final: Tunisia 12-33 Zimbabwe

Pool matches - 29 SeptemberMorocco 0-10 Zambia
Zimbabwe 26-7 Ivory Coast
Madagascar 15-12 Nigeria
Tunisia 17-0 Namibia
Madagascar 45-12 Zambia
Tunisia 38-0 Ivory Coast
Morocco 7-19 Nigeria
Zimbabwe 26-7Namibia
Nigeria 17-5 Zambia
Namibia 10-19 Ivory Coast
Morocco 10-14 Madagascar
Zimbabwe 10-0 Tunisia

Straight from Super Eagles Camp

Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, has insisted that there will be no partiality between home-based stars and those based abroad in the selection of the final team that will face Liberia, October 13 in Calabar.

“I know that 15 players are coming from Europe but we already have 21 of you here, what we expect is that you go out there and prove yourself during training and leave the rest to me. No matter how fantastic players are in Europe and in their clubsides, they have to come here to prove that they are good enough to start and if those of you that are here show that you are better you will start against Liberia”, Keshi told the players at the resumed training of the team in Abuja on Monday.

He warned that those who fail to measure up will be immediately dropped because of the seriousness of the game at hand but assured the players that there will be no sentiments in the selection of players. “Prove here on the pitch that you want to play and you will be there on October 13”, he assured.

As if heeding Keshi’s call, newcomers, Bassey Ezekiel and Brendon Ogbu shone like a million star in Monday’s opening training. Central defender Kingsley Udoh, was also in his elements same for Ohanduku Ogbu, but it was Ezekiel that was the star of the opening day that was superintended by Keshi and his four assistants.

The team continues training on Tuesday with two sessions at the Training Pitch of the Abuja National Stadium.

It was good and the not too good news on Monday morning when the national team; Super Eagles resumed training for the October 13 duel against the Lone Star of Liberia in Calabar.

As expected all the players invited save for the Sunshine Stars duo of Izu Azuka and Solomon Kwambe, beat the Sunday evening deadline and were part of the training session at the training pitch of the Abuja National Stadium. “They have special permission to stay away for now”, declared Head Coach, StephenKeshi of the Sunshine Stars duo, who are preparing to host Egyptian giants, Al Ahly Nationale this weekend in the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League.

The not too good news however is that midfield ace, Gabriel Reuben and his Kano Pillars teammate, Papa Idris, have yet to recover well enough to be part of the team that will confront Liberia on October 13. 

Reuben suffered a groin injury during the finals of the Federations Cup in Lagos, while Idris has been battling a nagging knee injury, which has slowed down the usually pacy central defender.

After Monday morning’s training, Keshi and his crew had a lengthy meeting after which it was decided that the two players should be excused, going by the crucial nature of the game at hand. 

They have since left camp and would be replaced by Heartland’s Kalu Orji and Stanley Okoronkwo of Sharks FC of Port Harcourt. “It was a painful decision to let the two players go, but we have to look at the future of the players and the fact that we will need the two of them at the South Africa 2013 Nations Cup, that is why we have said we should give them more time to go and get themselves healed. After the game against Liberia, they should be back in the team”. Head Coach Stephen Keshi explained.

Courtesy: Ben Alaiya

MEDIA OFFICER

Super Eagles of Nigeria