Sports

Football Stakeholders, Fans Express Joy Over NPFL Kick-Off

Published

4 years ago

December 28, 2020

Joel Ajayi

Despite the fact that many football fans watched the first leagues match on screen, after 9 months due to outbreak of COVID-19, many of them have applauded the efforts of the League Management Company LMC for the successful kick-off of the Nigeria Domestic league the NPFL.

After almost over months of non-league action, Nigeria Professional Football League started across the country on Sunday with some dramatic results.

The poor run of form of last season table topper Plateau United continued as they suffered a surprise 0-2 home defeat to last season struggler Kwara United.

At the Agege Stadium in Lagos, MFM outsmarts Warri Wolves 2-1 in a thrilling contest.

In Lafia, Promise Damala scored the opening goal in the 5th minute for the away side Wikki Tourist but host Nasarawa United responded two minutes later with a goal from Reuben Nicodemus before he completed his brace in the 52nd minute and secure maximum points for the host.

As Kano Pillars held their hosts Adamawa United to a 1-1 draw in another matchday one contest

Many of them expressed satisfaction as the Nigeria Professional Football League resumes this weekend.

The Chairman of Katsina state Football Association Alh. Aminu Balele Kurfi who was amongst the top dignitaries that witnessed the encounter between Jigawa Golden stars FC and Sunshine stars FC played at the ABS stadium Kaduna particularly showered praises on the match officials for their excellent performances.

The philanthropist who is also a member of the Nigeria Football Federation NFF Technical and Development Committee gave kudos to players of the two teams for their high level of discipline, maturity, and a good display of soccer artistry.

He thereafter presented a cash donation of one hundred and fifty thousand nairas to each of the two teams even as he took a group photograph with the two clubs in a display of FIFA fair play and for the good of the game.

Alh. Balele Kurfi solicited for the support of all the relevant Football stakeholders in Nigeria to give their full backing to the LMC to make our league great.

Speaking after successful kick-off, Busayo Olowookere said: “My joy knows no bound as what normally gives me joy came back, I am happy, we don’t want any interruption again, if Europe can be playing their game why not Nigeria? He warned.

Speaking also, a veteran of the Nigeria Professional Football League, Victor Ezeji said it was right that the league had eventually begun after a long layoff.

“I am very excited that the league has begun.

“It was no fault of anyone but because of the Coronavirus. It was not only Nigeria and as of now, but some leagues also have not even started.

“But they have to ensure that safety standards are met,” he said.

In his remarks, the former Super Eagles goalkeeper and coach Ike Shorunmu, one time player of the defunct Stationery Stores of Lagos, said it was gratifying that the NPFL was starting at long last.

Shorunmu noted that the league restarting would give the clubs in the continent a good form while playing their opponents.

“The league is overdue to start but it was not the fault of the LMC or the NFF.

“Everybody knows what the world passed through this year. It is even a pass mark for the league to start.

“But the players and officials should ensure that they maintain safety rules,” he said.

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Sports

Super Eagles Can Secure Six Points Against Benin Republic and Rwanda – Barrister Alli

Published

2 days ago

September 6, 2024

The Gleamer

Barrister Rotimi Alli, Chairman of the Ibadan Football Council, has expressed confidence in the Super Eagles’ ability to secure the maximum six points in their upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

Speaking at the September edition of the Ex-University of Ibadan Footballers Association virtual interactive session, “Guest of the Month,” Barrister Alli, popularly known as Libero, emphasized that the team’s success depends on the players’ determination and willpower.

“It’s not about the coaches; it’s all about the boys,” he stated. “With only two or three days of preparation, there’s little the coaches can do. It’s the players’ mindset that will determine the outcome. They must decide among themselves that they want to win.”

Barrister Alli believes that the caliber of players in the Super Eagles squad is more than capable of achieving success. “Considering the quality of players we have, there’s nothing stopping us from qualifying for the Nations Cup and the World Cup,” he added.

The Super Eagles will face Benin Republic and Rwanda in crucial AFCON qualifiers this weekend, and Barrister Alli’s optimism is a testament to the team’s potential. With the right mindset and determination, the Super Eagles can secure the maximum points and take a significant step towards qualifying for the major tournaments.

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