Sports
Football Stakeholders, Fans Express Joy Over NPFL Kick-Off
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.
Sports
King defeats 21 others to win RSFL ultimate skills challenge
New Dawn FC star, Emmanuel King Wednesday defeated 21 other players to emerge champion in the maiden edition of the Ultimate Skills Challenge.
The challenge was organised by the Rising Star Football League (RSFL) and held at the Bwari Township Stadium, Abuja.
King had tied on 71 points with his closest challenger, Philip Onyedika but clinched the honour with a tie-breaker.
He went home with N250,000 while Onyedika who came second got N100,000. John Godwin came third and smiled home with N50,000. All the twenty-two players received N10,000 as appearance fees.
“It was a beautiful program and I am grateful to the management for this opportunity to help the young and grassroots footballer to grow. I am glad I emerged champion after a close tie with my opponent,” he said.
Speaking with the league’s project supervisor, Ifeanyi Kama, the challenge was instituted to keep the players busy after the league had ended a few weeks back.
“It is done for the best players in the league. It is an event to keep them going, not to be idle, and encourage them after the league has ended. We are trying to keep the energy up there. We are trying to showcase these talents to the world,” he said.
He further sought more partnerships from brands as it is working with the FCT football association to develop the players.
“Basically, we are currently working with the FCT FA and affiliated with them for this program. We can’t do this alone as we need their support to promote these players,” he noted.
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