Senegal Star Mane Beats Nigerian Winger To Liverpool Goal Of The Month



Senegal international Sadio Mane scored Liverpool’s most eye-catching goal in February, the Reds supporters have decided in a poll conducted by the official website.


The beautiful goal scored by England youth international of Nigerian descent Sheyi Ojo against Tottenham Hotspur U23s had been in the running for the award.

After the votes were collated, Ojo finished in third place behind the two goals scored by Mane in the 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on February 11.


Ojo, 19, has two appearances for the first team of Liverpool in the current season, both coming in the FA Cup against Plymouth.

Sadio Mane is expected to be named in the Senegal squad that will face Nigeria in an international friendly on March 23.

Igho Kingsley

http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22299

Chelsea in talks with Nigerian prospect

[img]https://2.bp..com/-QhDexkqLumI/WMDzh6paawI/AAAAAAAADQ0/Sc82jY8ZRLAJzuloD8q9ncy6sx2b2MTygCLcB/s1600/rawimage-jpg-0-95337700-1488992325.jpg[/img]

Chelsea are reportedly in talk with Kelechi Onyewuenyi, the highly rated Texan club Houston Dynamo player who looks set to move to Europe at some point in the next 12 months.


According to All Nigeria Soccer, Chelsea, technical director, Michael Emenalo, is aware of his prowess and could offer him a chance at Stamford Bridge.


The Texas-born midfielder, who currently plays for Houston Dynamo's Under-18s, is also reportedly attracting interest from other Premier League clubs and Norwegian outfit Rosenborg.


He turns 18 on March 15 and is also eligible to represent Nigeria. Onyewuenyi is compared to Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi, the former Chelsea midfielder who spent 10 years in the club winning the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, and Europa League.

http://www.soccernet.com.ng/2017/03/chelsea-in-talks-with-nigerian-prospect.html

Ex Nigeria U-17 Ace Jack Ipalibo Scores Sublime Freekick In Villarreal Rout



Former Nigeria U-17 star midfielder Jack Ipalibo continued his fine for the U-18 of Villarreal with a well taken free kick goal in their 8-0 win over A.D.M Lorqui yesterday.


Ipalibo scored the last goal for his team in the 8-0 drubbing by striking a free kick from 30 metres out into the net of the opponent, which left their goalkepper stranded.


The 18 year old posted the video of the goal on his facebook page, and immediately became a hit on the internet with most people sharing the video on their wall.


Since joining Villarreal in the summer, the midfielder who is largely referred to as Nigeria Yaya Toure in some quarters has emerged as one of the integral team of their U-18 team.


Although he is yet to make his debut for the first team, he got a run out with the B team in their friendly game against Nigerian side Rivers United, who are coincidentally from his state of origin in Nigeria.

*Ade Santos

http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/03/09/ex-nigeria-u-17-ace-jack-ipalibo-scores-sublime-freekick-in-villarreal-rout/

Zambia book U-20 AFCON final berth



Africa U-20 Cup of Nations hosts Zambia have booked their place in the final of the tournament after defeating South Africa 1-0 after extra time on Wednesday evening.

The first semifinal at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka was hard-fought affair between the regional rivals, though the young Chipolopolo were worthy winners given the number of chances they created.


Zambia were the more forceful team through the first half, but they were unable to create any clear chances with which to test SA goalkeeper Mondli Mpoto.

Amajita also struggled to cut open their opponents’ defence, with their best moment in the opening 45 minutes coming from a free kick which saw Luther Singh fire a well-struck shot over the crossbar.


The hosts continued to boss the game in the early stages of the second half, but as the match wore on South Africa began to look more and more dangerous.

On 68 minutes a free kick effort from Teboho Mokoena almost caught out Zambia goalkeeper Mangani Banda, while Singh headed wide of goal a short while later after meeting a fine cross from the right flank.


Zambia still had plenty to offer in attack, though, and on 80 minutes they almost scored a bizarre goal when defender Notha Ngcobo’s clearance rebounded off Enock Mwepu and hit the woodwork.

The hosts’ last chance of regulation time arrived less than a minute before the final whistle, with Patson Daka sending a fine effort on target only to be denied by a fine save from Mpoto.


The young Chipolopolo continued to spurn scoring chances through extra time, while the match was also halted for a while due to some teargas drifting out on the field of play and affecting the players.

The deadlock was finally broken in the second half of extra time. Prosper Chuliya fizzed in a great ball from a free kick and Edward Chilufya’s glancing header had the beating of Mpoto to make it 1-0 to Zambia in the 110th minute.


The hosts will face either Senegal or Guinea in the final on Sunday 12 March. The West African sides will meet in the second semifinal, set for Ndola on Thursday.

South Africa 0
Zambia (0) (0) 1 (Chilufya 110’)


SA: Mpoto, Mukumela, Mthethwa, Malepe, Ngcobo, Mokoena, Meyiwa (Shopane 113’), Margeman (Mbule 101’), Mbatha, Singh, Mayo (Kodisang 54’)

Zambia: Banda, Mayembe, Nyondo, S. Sakala, Chilufa, Musonda, Mwepu, F. Sakala, Daka, Banda (Kalunga 79’)

https://mtnfootball.com/news/693629/Zambia-book-U-20-AFCON-final-berth

Chambeshi backs brave Zambia to lift Afcon title



Following their 1-0 win over South Africa in the semifinals of the 2017 U20 Africa Cup of Nations, Zambian mentor Beston Chambeshi has praised his charges.

A goal in the extra time ensured the hosts are through to the final of the junior tournament as the Junior Chipolopolo remain favourites.

Chambeshi said that Zambia will play to win in the final and has no preference with regards to an opponent as he could face Senegal or Guinea.

The second semifinal clash is set to be staged on Thursday to decide the opponents in the final slated for Sunday.


“Congratulations to them but I also say bravo to my players who did not give up and wanted to score to qualify before penalties,” Chambeshi said to reporters.

“It was a very good match and either team could have won.

“For the final, we have no preference whatever the opponent we will play to win it.”

As they await to know their opponent, the coach also praised Amajita for the gutsy performance in Wednesday's clash.

“South Africa caused us a lot of problems. They had a very good defensive organization that prevented us from developing our attacks,” adds the coach.

The final will be staged at National Heroes Stadium on Sunday at 17:30.

https://mtnfootball.com/news/693798/Chambeshi-backs-brave-Zambia-to-lift-Afcon-title

Breaking – Chidera “Nigerian Iniesta” Ejike Joins Valerenga




Highly rated Nigerian teen forward Chidera Ejike popularly referred to as Nigerian Iniesta has penned a three year deal with Norwegian side Valerenga. 18 year old Ejike impressed the handlers of the team during a three weeks trial period, where he played in over five test games for the Norwegian side.


Known for his quick feet, pace, tricks and near perfect passes, he has featured for the Nigeria U-17 and 20 teams in the past, and spent two weeks on trials with Liverpool.


The Gee-Lec Academy of Jos prospect last represented Gombe United before the start of his trials with Valerenga three weeks ago.Shortly after sealing the deal, the Kaduna born forward told Owngoalnigeria.com in a chat that he is ready to finally deliver on the promises that make him one of the most coveted teen in Nigerian football.” I want to thank my agent and everybody who have played a role in my move to Valerenga. I ameternally grateful to the coaches of the team as well”, he told Owngoalnigeria.com.


” To the fans of Valerenga, hopefully we will have a lot to celebrate in the coming season as I promise to give my best for the team, which is primary to me ahead of any personal ambition of mine”.

*Daniel Martins

http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/03/10/breaking-chidera-nigerian-iniesta-ejike-joins-valerenga/

Exclusive – Legia Warsaw Beat Genk To Signing Of Nigeria U19 Captain Igoh Ogbu



Vice-captain of the Nigeria U-19 team Igoh Ogbu will join Polish giants Legia Warsaw on a three year deal once he clocks 18 in February next year, Owngoalnigeria.com can exclusively reveal.


Belgian side Genk made a late move to snatch the highly rated 17 year old central defender, who can also play as a defensive midfielder or full back but were told an agreement has been reached with Legia Warsaw.” I got wind of Genk’s interest in his services, as they are searching for a young centre back to replace Wilfred Ndidi, but his agent Babawo Mohammed told me he has already agreed a deal with Legia Warsaw”, an intermediary told owngoalnigeria.com on the conditions of anonymity.


Confirming the leaks gathered by our editorial staff, Jos based Babawo confirmed to our correspondent from his residence in Kaduna, that Igho is heading to Legia Warsaw next year.” He will by the grace of God join Legia Warsaw next year, and to answer your question correctly there was a late push by Genk but we are known to be men who honour agreements. We told them he is off the market”, he told Owngoalnigeria.com.

*Daniel Martins

http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/03/11/exclusive-legia-warsaw-beat-genk-to-signing-of-nigeria-u19-captain-igoh-ogbu/

Eguavoen leads NPFL U-17 All-Star to Guateng Future Champions Tournament
Thursday, 16 March 2017 11:17


A select team of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) U-17 would leave for Johannesburg, South Africa this weekend to participate in a 7-day football tournament organised by "The Future Champions."

The team is made up of 20 players selected by the coaching crew led by former Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen who is being by a former U-13 national team coach Danladi Nasidi with Emeka Amadi as the goalkeepers’ trainer.

The players were selected after a screening exercise conducted for players invited from youth teams of NPFL clubs.

Those selected are players registered for the 2016/17 season by NPFL Clubs and who are under the age of 17. Clubs whose players made the cut include Wikki Tourists, FC IfeanyiUbah, Remo Stars and Kano Pillars. Others are Nasarawa United, Gombe United and Shooting Stars.

The League Management Company ( LMC) said in compliance with the rules of the tournament, the selected players also passed further age eligibility tests with only players born in the year 2000 and after, being eligible.

Speaking to www.npfl.ng, Coach Eguavoen expressed delight that a Nigerian cadet team has been invited to play in the tournament and said it will be of benefit to the country in the future.

"I must commend the LMC for this vision and also the organisers of the Future Champions group. This will benefit the league in the future but it's disappointing that top teams like Enyimba, Rangers, Rivers United don't have young players in their rosters. The idea behind this is to force these teams to have youth teams."

"From what we've seen so far in the trainings we've had, it's clear to us that we have a talented team and the future for these players is bright. The main objective is to expose these boys and help project their careers," Eguavoen remarked.

The NPFL U-17 All Star team have played two friendly games, winning 6-0 against Dante Stars FC of Abuja on Tuesday, and 8-0 against Royal Academy on Wednesday. They will play one more game before departing for Johannesburg on Saturday 18th March, 2017.

Teams expected to participate at the Future Champions football tourney include FC Barcelona, Manchester United, Everton FC, Shanghai Shenhua, Paris St. Germain, defending champions Atletico Madrid amongst others..

The tourney is expected to hold between March 20-27 in Gauteng, South Africa.

Exclusive: Belgian, Spanish, Turkish Clubs In Talks With Nigeria U17 Sensation Yahaya





Nigeria U17 international Nazifi Yahaya is attracting interest from clubs overseas, according to his adviser, Muzammil Dalhatu Yola, the coordinator of Dabo Babes Academy.

The 16-year-old put himself in the shop window at the recently concluded Guateng Future Champions Tournament that took place in South Africa.


“We have been getting a lot of calls and emails since the tournament ended. So many agents have been following him since he represented the U15s team in Botswana, ” Yola told allnigeriasoccer.com .


“Representatives of Belgian, Turkish and Spanish clubs have contacted us, and clubs from South Africa too.

“It is better for Nazifi to start in one of the leagues for him to develop before we start talking about English Premier League. ”


Nazifi Yahaya was a big fish in a small pond at Dabo Babes, so the Academy decided to attach him to Nigerian Professional Football League powerhouse Kano Pillars for this season.


***Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit : npfl.ng



Source: http://allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22532

Alhassan Ibrahim – Failed Arsenal Target,Once Rated Ahead Of Iheanacho Turning Heads In NPFL



The story of Akwa United free scoring midfileder Alhassan Ibrahim popularly referred to as Mu’azam won’t be complete without visiting the issues that stifled his growth.


Back in 2012 when Nigeria U-17 coach Manu Garba finished screening for the next badge of cadet players for Nigeria, the one player whose name was on everybody’s lips was Ibrahim Alhassan.


The midfielder who loves to play just behind the main striker was a beauty to behold during the qualifiers for the African U-17 Youth Championship which was hosted by Morocco in 2013.


Mu’azam missed out on the tournament after falling short of the mandatory MRI Scan, but English Premier League giants have seen enough in the two qualifiers against Niger Republic and Guinea Conakry, hence they slapped in a bid for his services.


His agent (names withheld) killed the deal, when he insisted on taking control of negotiations instead of working in tandem with the intermediary who brought the interest from the English Premier League giants.


He subsequently tried out with some clubs in Europe but an ankle injury stopped him from joining any of the teams despite his performance, and his lack of club football subsequently cost him a spot in the 2015 Nigeria U-20 team for the World Youth Championship.


That exclusion happened to be the kick he needed to get his career back on track, as he joined Wikki Tourist last year and played a role inGodwin Obaje emerging as the highest goal scorer in the league.


He moved to Akwa United before the start of thisseason, and his form has once again gone back to 2012 where he was the big hit in a Nigeria team ahead of the likes of Manchester City Kelechi Iheanacho and Watford’s Isacc Success.


So far he has found the back of the net seven times as a pseudo striker, a strike rate that has made him one of the feared forwards in the Nigeria Professional Football League, and a show of why Arsenal pulled the stop to sign him in 2012.

* Ade Emmanuel

http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/04/03/alhassan-ibrahim-failed-arsenal-target-once-rated-ahead-of-iheanacho-turning-heads-in-npfl/

Manchester City Nigerian Wonderkid Dele-Bashiru In Contention To Face Stoke City



Manchester City attacking midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru is in line to return to the starting line-up when his team trade tackles with Stoke City in the second leg of the semi-final of the FA Youth Cup on Monday night.


Despite playing an important role for the Citizens in the earlier rounds of the competition, manager Lee Carsley started him on the bench against the Potters in the first leg at City Academy Stadium.


Previewing the tie, City wrote on their official website : “Tom Dele-Bashiru was the unlucky one in the first leg. Having played a key role in earlier rounds, the midfielder was reduced to a substitutes’ berth as City opted for the pace of Luke Bolton and the striking power of Nmecha with Diaz operating in Dele-Bashiru’s central role.


“Will Carsley go with the side that clearly worked so well in the first leg or will he have some more surprises up his sleeve?” Manchester City have one foot in the final of the FA Youth Cup after thrashing the opponents 6-0 in the first leg on March 10.


The 17-year-old Tom Dele-Bashiru started against Liverpool, Aston Villa and Southampton, while he came off the bench in games with Reading and Stoke City.

Igho Kingsley

http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22591

Rivers United Messi Set To Take The NPFL By Storm



Best Deemua is one of the hottest, albeit unheralded prospects, in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).


Little known outside his immediate surroundings, the Rivers United starlet is highly rated by teammates, coaches and fans of the Port Harcourt club.


He made his debut in United’s 4-0 win over Kaduna United in the Federation Cup (Nigeria’s oldest football competition) last season and shone like a million stars.


The then 17-year-old slotted into the trequarista role saddled upon him by technical manager, Stanley Eguma with aplomb and dictated play in midfield with the guile of a veteran.


He provided the assist for a stupendous goal by Chinonso Okonkwo and was overwhelming choice for the man of the match (MOTM) award as United won at a canter at the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi.


Best was arguably United’s best performer in pre-season this year as head turning performances consistently characterized his appearances for last season’s NPFL runners up.


The 18-year-old finally got his chance in the big time on Sunday as he was given the nod to start Rivers United’s match day 17 NPFL game away to Gombe United.


It wasn’t exactly a debut to set the pulses racing as a psychologically-brittle Rivers United side struggled for fluidity and cohesion early on at the Pantami Stadium.


In the midst of all the chaos however, Deemua did show some sparks of magic and the consensus amongst many who saw the contest was that big things are to be expected from the ‘little man’ in the coming days.

Igho Kingsley

http://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22589

Good to see you again Our Apostle of Youth Football.......
Sir Blackalbino6......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9R8dQVZJWh4

Youth Football in Lagos Nigeria-4th Bridge Academy Produce talented players for the future.

Exclusive + Picture: Torino Running The Rule On Nigerian Duo Okwara & Nwafor




Serie A side Torino are presently running the rule on two talented Nigerian teen spotted by scouts of the team during the recently concluded Viareggio Tournament in Italy.

The duo of Ikechukwu Nwafor and Charles Okwara were spotted by scouts of the club while turning out for their Nigerian side Garden City Panthers of Port Hacourt.


Already they have started training with the Primavera side of the Serie A side, that presently has former Super Eagles ace Joel Obi on their books.


They are both offensive midfielders with lots of potentials, especially when it comes to making use of the ball and covering grounds.


Torino will offer the duo professional contracts, if they impressed the handlers of the team during a trial that is suppose to last at least one month.


* Daniel Martins

Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/04/06/exclusive-picture-torino-running-the-rule-on-nigerian-duo-okwara-nwafor-2/

Chelsea Nigerian Teen Sensation Takes Tally To 20 Goals With Brace Vs Sunderland



Chelsea U23s have climbed to fourth on the Premier League 2 (Division 1) table following their 3-0 rout of Sunderland U23s at Stamford Bridge on Friday night.

On 38 minutes, English-born Nigerian wonderkid Ike Ugbo doubled The Blues advantage with a diving header that found the back of the net.

Five minutes after the intermission, the England youth-teamer increased his tally this season to 20 goals across all competitions, firing home a rebound after his teammate had been denied by the Black Cats goalkeeper.


A half-time switch that saw Super Eagles invitee for the London training camp, Josh Maja, replace Sweden U21 international of Nigerian descent Joel Asoro did not pay dividends for Sunderland, as the striker fired blanks.


Eight of Ugbo’s goals came in the FA Youth Cup, he has also amassed eight goals in Premier League 2, and tallied two goals each in the U18 Premier League and EFL Trophy.


Source: http://allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22650

TheSuperNerd:
Good to see you again Our Apostle of Youth Football.......

Sir Blackalbino6......

Thank you Boss

Manchester City Superkid Dele-Bashiru Scores Ndidi-Like Goal Against Chelsea





Nigerian whizkid Tom Dele-Bashiru was on target in Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Chelsea in the U18 Premier League on Saturday afternoon at the Academy Stadium.


The 17-year-old scored a brilliant goal for the Citizens in the 17th minute, firing low into the bottom corner from 25 yards out.


In their search for the equalizer, Chelsea’s England U18 star of Nigerian descent Tariq Uwakwe was brought on as a substitute before the start of the second half.


In the final fifteen minutes, Dele-Bashiru had a chance to put the game to bed but saw his effort saved by goalkeeper Jared Thompson, before City got their second goal in injury time.


Ex-England U15 skipper Nathaniel Ogbeta came off the bench for Manchester City U18s after 88 minutes.



**Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : mancity.com


Source: http://allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22655

LMC introduces NPFL U-15 Youth League
On December 28, 2016

•declares financial surplus of N483m for 2016

NigeriaProfessional Football League (NPFL) clubs will from the coming season raise youth teams for players aged 15 years and below to compete in the new NPFL Youth League. This is even as the League Management Company (LMC) declared a surplus/savings of N483 million in its operations for the 2015/16 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.


This was contained in the financial report submitted by the Chairman of the LMC, Shehu Dikko and accepted with commendations at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the LMC held in Enugu on Sunday, December 11.


Other high points of the AGM resolution include the approval of the LMC proposal for a Youth League tournament in partnership with LaLiga that all clubs will participate in, the endorsement of a new bonus/incentives structure as proposed by the LMC, approval of the club merchandising proposal by the LMC to deploy part of the clubs’ revenue from source for payment of clubs’ jersey replicas and the election of clubs’ representatives to serve on the LMC Board.


In one of its 22 points resolutions, the AGM made up of the 20 NPFL Clubs, the Nigeria Football Federation and LMC Independent Directors, noted that it received a detailed presentation of the LMC income and expenditure report from the 2015/16 season which was approved at the 2nd AGM in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State in February, 2016.


It went further to state, “the outline of expenditure report shows actual income receipts for 2016 of N2.831 million as against the N2.112 million expected guaranteed revenues and N4.817 million projected gross revenue while actual expenditure budget for year 2016 stood at N2.347 million as against budgeted expenditure of N3.260 million for the season.


The financials for 2016 season therefore show a surplus/savings of N483million which has been carried over to form part of the revenues for the 2016/17 to facilitate early commencement of the season”.


On the Youth League, the AGM resolution noted, “The meeting approved LMC proposal to start a Youth League Competition for U-15 among NPFL participating clubs in association with LaLiga in furtherance of the partnership agreement between the two leagues.


The league would be fashioned after the ‘LaLiga Promisas’ with Laliga serving as technical partners”

www.vanguardngr.com/2016/12/lmc-introduces-npfl-u-15-youth-league/

Nigeria Professional Football League News

HOW THE NPFL U-15 LEAGUE WILL WORK- SHEHU DIKKO



The U15 Youth League as you know we are working with LaLiga to put it together and the overall objective is to get the clubs to jumpstart their Youth Programs.


Indeed, we have taking note of the School calendar and thus the project is PRELIMINARY planned subject to further amendments to take place on this format.


1. The 20 clubs have been devided into 4 groups.

2. Each club would be required to form an U15 team principally comprising of kids within their catchments area.


3. Each team would be required to appoint an U15 coaches by Jan/Feb 2017. Our advise here is for clubs to appoint much younger coaches to head this department for obvious reasons so we can also use this to build a new generation of coaches.


4. LaLiga would send in experts by Feb/march 2017 to train this U15 coaches on specific of youth players coaching, scouting and Management. You know this is also a speciality field.


5. By march 2017 clubs would have had their teams set up with trained coaches managing them and indeed having their trainings and preparations.


6. By April 2017, when the schools would have been on holidays, the league competition will take place with each of the 4 groups of the clubs converging at a neutral venue to play a round robin league and the top two from each group goes to the quarter final, then we play the semi finals and the finals to have winners.

We can all actualized this within one month. We can also structure the quarter finals, semi finals and finals to be opening matches for some of the top league matches and some might be on TV.


7. During the tournament LaLiga would send out scouts to Look at the boys and also assist the club coaches technically. We believe also our U17 coaches and also the clubs scouts would be looking.


8. At the end an Allstar Team of the U15 will be selected across all the clubs and would LIKELY in the summer be taking to Spain to play in the LaLiga PROMISAS tournament comprising the U15 teams of all the top clubs in Spain among other clubs invited globally.


9. With this done and the possibilities we would be jumpstarting our NPFL youth league and by next season we would see how to increase the number of games and there would be incentive for each club player selected to the U15 Allstar and also for each player that made his club main team within say 2 years.


10. BUT NOTE this structure is the preliminary structure being envisaged and is subject to further amendments based in exigencies of of the situation. So any suggestions can be welcome


11. We have already approached some corporates that are engaging in organizing youth football tournaments to see if they can redirects and situate their sponsorships within this NPFL Youth League structure.

Credit: Taye Adigun

mobile.facebook.com/NPFLNews/posts/370727013289892:0?_rdc=1&_rdr&refsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fm

Oshogbo, Abuja, Two Other Centres To Host 2017 NPFL/LALIGA U-15 Promises Championship


By Olayinka Olawole

. Young NPFL ALL-Star players in training

Oshogbo, Owerri, Kaduna and Abuja (four major centres) will play host to the 2017 edition of the NPFL/LALIGA U-15 Promises Championship, which starts on Monday 10th of April 2017, SR Sports can confirm.


The U-15 teams of Remo Stars, Sunshine Stars, Shooting Stars, ABS FC and MFM FC will be slogging it out at the Oshogbo City Stadium, starting from Monday.


While the U-15 teams of FC Ifeanyi Ubah, Rivers United, Enyimba FC, Abia Warriors and Akwa United will be exhibiting their talents at the Dan Ayiam Stadium Owerri.


According to the organizers, The Goal Project pitch Abuja will host teams from the North Central, including Rangers U-15 team, others are Plateau United U-15, Nassarawa United U-15, Niger Tornadoes U-15, Lobi Stars U-15.


Meanwhile the North-East teams will be hosted in Kaduna where teams like the Katsina United U-15, Gombe United U-15, Kano Pillars U-15, Elkanemi Warriors U-15 and Wikki Tourist U-15 team will all be in battle.


The media and communication coordinator of the NPFL/LALIGA partnership Gbenro Ayodeji toldSR Sportsthat the games will be played in a round robin format and the top two teams in each centres will qualify automatically for the quarter-finals that will be hosted by Lagos state. He also added that thorough screening will be carried out on each team to avoid age cheating and other football irregularities.


“We are making sure that everything goes the way it is suppose to. The competition will kick-start on Monday, but screening begins on Sunday and all teams must assembly at their centres at least a day before the kick off.


” Players must still be in secondary school or better still be registered in a accredited football academy. All Players must also pass the mandatory medical and physical screening before they can be certified to play in the championship.”

saharareporterssport.com/oshogbo-abuja-two-other-centres-to-host-2017-npfllaliga-u-15-promise-championship/

Enugu Rangers prepare for NPFL/LaLiga U15 tournament

Feb 14, 2017 12:02:41

The Flying Antelopes are looking to enter a competitive side with the aim of winning the U15 tournament, which is scheduled to get underway in April
Enugu Rangers have started plans to raise a formidable U-15 team ahead of the NPFL/Laliga Promises tournament scheduled to start in April 2017.


The 20 NPFL teams have been divided into four groups of five teams each to participate in the NPFL/LaLiga Promises tournament.


Gabreil Ezema, who is in charge of the Flying Antelopes junior teams, revealed that a formal training will start on February 17 at the Rangers training pitch at Liberty estate.


"We have been scouting for talented youngsters within the age range at different secondary schools in Enugu and a whole lot of amazing kids have been picked to start training as 22 players will make the final list," Ezema told Goal.


"We are looking at training thrice a week (Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays) at the Rangers training pitch at Liberty estate since school is still in session. We hope that this opportunity will excite and motivate these youngsters.


"It's our responsibility to give these kids an orientation of what they represent when they come in and understand what the club, Enugu Rangers stands for.


"This tournament is happening at a time the club just won the NPFL trophy and we have to make them feel team work and oneness the club stands for.


"We shall let them know the history of the club, the players and a lot more. Get them to see the players as their role model," he concluded.

www.goal.com/en-ng/news/4111/npfl/2017/02/14/32662032/enugu-rangers-prepare-for-npfllaliga-u15-tournament

Tottenham's Nigerian talent Moroyin Omolabi wins praise after switching to centre-back

Dan Coombs
@hitcdancoombs

Tottenham's under-18s won this weekend.

White Hart Lane
Teenage striker Reo Griffiths bagged a hat-trick this weekend as Tottenham Hotspur's under-18s won 3-2 over Norwich.


Griffiths, 16, has had an impressive season in the club's academy and he continues to mark his card as a big talent to watch for the future, having represented England at youth level.


Another less well touted prospect is Nigerian youngster Moroyin Omolabi, who joined Tottenham's academy as a central midfielder.


After the weekend's game he was picked out for praise having switched positions, featuring in central defence.


Tottenham head of development John McDermott told the club's website: "Moroyin Omolabi, playing at centre-half, stood out against their front players who were very good.


"There were a lot of positives today and I was very proud of the way we played."


Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino with head of coaching and development John McDermott during training


It was the third match Tottenham's under-18s had played in eight days, and made it back to back wins in the league.


Tottenham's team sit top of their table, in the second phase of the campaign, with four games remaining, and can end the season on a high.


Griffiths' hat-trick was his first at under-18 level, and with Tottenham's youngsters supplementing the first team's success in recent seasons, it seems their academy is showing no sign of slowing down it's production of young talent.

www.hitc.com/en-gb/2017/04/09/tottenhams-nigerian-talent-moroyin-omolabi-wins-praise-after-swi/

Another Hattrick King is Unearthed...

CLUB NEWS
NPFL U-15: Akwa Utd, FC Ifeanyiubah serve notice to rivals



By Fisayo Dairo

A 13-minute hattrick by Akwa United's Elisha Aniefiok Jonah was the opening day highlight at the Nigeria Professional Football League Under-15 Promises tournament at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri on Monday.


Owerri, one of the two centres playing hosts to the best of Under-15 talents across NPFL clubs this week is also having former African champions, Enyimba, FC Ifeanyiubah, Rivers United and Abia Warriors as the other teams that will showcase their budding talents for five consecutive days.


It was Akwa United that blazed the trail on Monday when they outclassed Abia Warriors 5-0 in the centre's opening match. The only team that had its club chairman in attendance on opening day, the young guns from Uyo - who were buoyed by Paul Bassey's quick return from Kano, venue of the senior team's historic away win on Sunday - dominated play from start to finish.


It took Elisha Jonah just four minutes to invite some deserved attention to himself when he struck Warriors' crossbar with a dipping volley from 20 yards. His team went ahead though on 16 minutes through Uwana Akpan's deflected effort before Archibong Archibong's free kick went all the way into the net.


Jonah owned the second half and scored the first of his treble on 56 minutes before adding another with a finish from the outside of his boot six minutes later. He completed his hattrick from the penalty spot in the 69th minute after Warriors' Bobson Samuel handled inside the box.


After the game, hattrick hero Jonah told www.npfl.ng he hopes to break into the Akwa United senior team in the next four years.


"I thank God for my performance because it is the first time I will score a hattrick in a tournament like this," begun Jonah.


"I always watch the senior team when I have (the) chance and I believe I can play for them in the next four years," added the youngster whose role model in the Akwa United team is Ubong Friday.


In Owerri's other game on Monday, two first half goals from captain Samuel Salau and striker Adam Azeez lifted FC Ifeanyiubah to a 2-0 win over Enyimba.


Salau scored on 17 minutes when the Enyimba defence failed to clear their lines before Azeez finished off a pass from Babatunde Bello in the 30th minute to seal victory for his side.


Coach of the losing side, Chidozie Agu attributed his team's loss to his players' inability to quickly settle into the game.


"Of course you know they are kids and they are just experiencing this for the first time," he said.


"You see they came back better in the second half but it was a little late. I am sure they will do well in their next game," added Agu.


In Tuesday's action, Rivers United will face Abia Warriors at 2pm before the marauding teens from Uyo, Akwa United face Enyimba at 4pm.

npfl.ng/index.php/news-features/club-news/2158-npfl-u-15-akwa-utd-fc-ifeanyiubah-serve-notice-to-rivals

CLUB NEWS
NPFL U-15: Shooting Stars, ABS in good start in Osogbo



By Tobi Samuel

Amazing results were recorded on Matchday 1 of the maiden edition of the NPFL U-15 Promises tournament which served off early hours of Monday at the Osogbo City Stadium for teams in Group C.


Remo Stars, Shooting Stars, MFM FC, ABS FC and Sunshine Stars made up Group C in Osun State at the end of which two will qualify for the quarter-final stage.


Okoromi David scored the lone goal for ABS FC to pip MFM in the opening game, while Shooting Stars spanked Remo Stars 3-0 to put the championship underway.


But it was MFM that got the better chances in the early minutes of the game. Hammed Saheed’s free kick went inches wide on the third minute and two minutes later Atoyebi Gideon shot directly at ABS goalkeeper, Kolawole Sheriff.


MFM defence collapsed under sustained pressure from ABS in the 7th minute when Okoromi picked the final pass and beat his marker before he chipped the ball over MFM goalkeeper, Oladunni Habeeb.


MFM FC Under-15 head coach, Isiekwene Christian would admit his lads learnt their lessons the hard way.


"We conceded early in the game but we were able to create some good moments and shake off the goal. We could have got something positive from the game but we have learnt a hard lesson that would guide us better in the tournament," said Isiekwene to npfl.ng after the game.


Olubode Hassan’s hat-trick propelled Shooting Stars to a 3-0 roll over Remo Stars in the second Group C game of Matchday 1.


The young star scored the first of his three goals late in the first half in the tough encounter and he followed up with a brace in the second half to complete the first hat-trick of the championship.


An elated Shooting Stars Under-15 coach, Monday Ozeibe was quick to rate his boys as favourites to win the group.


Ozeibe said: "I wasn't impressed with the first half performance of my boys but we got a late goal in the first half which was the tonic for us. The boys have done better during pre-season matches. The victory has placed us as the favourites to win the group and I believe we are capable of finishing top of the group."


Matchday two continues on Tuesday morning with Sunshine Stars making their tournament debut against ABS FC while Remo Stars and MFM FC battle for their first win of the tournament.

npfl.ng/index.php/news-features/club-news/2157-npfl-u-15-shooting-stars-abs-in-good-start-in-osogbo

BlackAlbino6:
Nigeria Professional Football League News

HOW THE NPFL U-15 LEAGUE WILL WORK- SHEHU DIKKO



The U15 Youth League as you know we are working with LaLiga to put it together and the overall objective is to get the clubs to jumpstart their Youth Programs.


Indeed, we have taking note of the School calendar and thus the project is PRELIMINARY planned subject to further amendments to take place on this format.


1. The 20 clubs have been devided into 4 groups.

2. Each club would be required to form an U15 team principally comprising of kids within their catchments area.


3. Each team would be required to appoint an U15 coaches by Jan/Feb 2017. Our advise here is for clubs to appoint much younger coaches to head this department for obvious reasons so we can also use this to build a new generation of coaches.


4. LaLiga would send in experts by Feb/march 2017 to train this U15 coaches on specific of youth players coaching, scouting and Management. You know this is also a speciality field.


5. By march 2017 clubs would have had their teams set up with trained coaches managing them and indeed having their trainings and preparations.


6. By April 2017, when the schools would have been on holidays, the league competition will take place with each of the 4 groups of the clubs converging at a neutral venue to play a round robin league and the top two from each group goes to the quarter final, then we play the semi finals and the finals to have winners.

We can all actualized this within one month. We can also structure the quarter finals, semi finals and finals to be opening matches for some of the top league matches and some might be on TV.


7. During the tournament LaLiga would send out scouts to Look at the boys and also assist the club coaches technically. We believe also our U17 coaches and also the clubs scouts would be looking.


8. At the end an Allstar Team of the U15 will be selected across all the clubs and would LIKELY in the summer be taking to Spain to play in the LaLiga PROMISAS tournament comprising the U15 teams of all the top clubs in Spain among other clubs invited globally.


9. With this done and the possibilities we would be jumpstarting our NPFL youth league and by next season we would see how to increase the number of games and there would be incentive for each club player selected to the U15 Allstar and also for each player that made his club main team within say 2 years.


10. BUT NOTE this structure is the preliminary structure being envisaged and is subject to further amendments based in exigencies of of the situation. So any suggestions can be welcome


11. We have already approached some corporates that are engaging in organizing youth football tournaments to see if they can redirects and situate their sponsorships within this NPFL Youth League structure.

Credit: Taye Adigun

mobile.facebook.com/NPFLNews/posts/370727013289892:0?_rdc=1&_rdr&refsrc=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fm

How can we stop age cheating from this competition?

Icon4s:


How can we stop age cheating from this competition?

Good question. However, I wish to restructure your question to "How do we control age cheating in this Country"?

It's achievable if we are determined to do it.

First, the The National Population Commission can work hand in hand with Hospitals/Clinics/Health Centres especially where children are given birth, to check age cheating across the Country.

National Population Commission of Nigeria in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education (Primary/Secondary Education Institutions) and other relevant institutions can create national data for (e-based) all births all across the nation.

It should be made compulsory for all Health Centres in the Country.

An e-based and analogue profiles should be maintained. Such data bank can be used to verify ages of people with questionable and conflicting records.

Cc; tbaba1234, Komekn, ...

*modified*

NPFL U-15: Akwa Utd, FC Ifeanyiubah serve notice to rivals
Published on Monday, 10 April 2017 19:28 Hits: 422
By Fisayo Dairo

A 13-minute hattrick by Akwa United's Elisha Aniefiok Jonah was the opening day highlight at the Nigeria Professional Football League Under-15 Promises tournament at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri on Monday.

Owerri, one of the two centres playing hosts to the best of Under-15 talents across NPFL clubs this week is also having former African champions, Enyimba, FC Ifeanyiubah, Rivers United and Abia Warriors as the other teams that will showcase their budding talents for five consecutive days.

It was Akwa United that blazed the trail on Monday when they outclassed Abia Warriors 5-0 in the centre's opening match. The only team that had its club chairman in attendance on opening day, the young guns from Uyo - who were buoyed by Paul Bassey's quick return from Kano, venue of the senior team's historic away win on Sunday - dominated play from start to finish.

It took Elisha Jonah just four minutes to invite some deserved attention to himself when he struck Warriors' crossbar with a dipping volley from 20 yards. His team went ahead though on 16 minutes through Uwana Akpan's deflected effort before Archibong Archibong's free kick went all the way into the net.

Jonah owned the second half and scored the first of his treble on 56 minutes before adding another with a finish from the outside of his boot six minutes later. He completed his hattrick from the penalty spot in the 69th minute after Warriors' Bobson Samuel handled inside the box.

After the game, hattrick hero Jonah told www.npfl.ng he hopes to break into the Akwa United senior team in the next four years.

"I thank God for my performance because it is the first time I will score a hattrick in a tournament like this," begun Jonah.

"I always watch the senior team when I have (the) chance and I believe I can play for them in the next four years," added the youngster whose role model in the Akwa United team is Ubong Friday.

In Owerri's other game on Monday, two first half goals from captain Samuel Salau and striker Adam Azeez lifted FC Ifeanyiubah to a 2-0 win over Enyimba.

Salau scored on 17 minutes when the Enyimba defence failed to clear their lines before Azeez finished off a pass from Babatunde Bello in the 30th minute to seal victory for his side.

Coach of the losing side, Chidozie Agu attributed his team's loss to his players' inability to quickly settle into the game.

"Of course you know they are kids and they are just experiencing this for the first time," he said.

"You see they came back better in the second half but it was a little late. I am sure they will do well in their next game," added Agu.

In Tuesday's action, Rivers United will face Abia Warriors at 2pm before the marauding teens from Uyo, Akwa United face Enyimba at 4pm

NPFL U-15: Shooting Stars, ABS in good start in Osogbo
Published on Monday, 10 April 2017 18:31 Hits: 280
By Tobi Samuel

Amazing results were recorded on Matchday 1 of the maiden edition of the NPFL U-15 Promises tournament which served off early hours of Monday at the Osogbo City Stadium for teams in Group C.

Remo Stars, Shooting Stars, MFM FC, ABS FC and Sunshine Stars made up Group C in Osun State at the end of which two will qualify for the quarter-final stage.

Okoromi David scored the lone goal for ABS FC to pip MFM in the opening game, while Shooting Stars spanked Remo Stars 3-0 to put the championship underway.

But it was MFM that got the better chances in the early minutes of the game. Hammed Saheed’s free kick went inches wide on the third minute and two minutes later Atoyebi Gideon shot directly at ABS goalkeeper, Kolawole Sheriff.

MFM defence collapsed under sustained pressure from ABS in the 7th minute when Okoromi picked the final pass and beat his marker before he chipped the ball over MFM goalkeeper, Oladunni Habeeb.

MFM FC Under-15 head coach, Isiekwene Christian would admit his lads learnt their lessons the hard way.

"We conceded early in the game but we were able to create some good moments and shake off the goal. We could have got something positive from the game but we have learnt a hard lesson that would guide us better in the tournament," said Isiekwene to npfl.ng after the game.

Olubode Hassan’s hat-trick propelled Shooting Stars to a 3-0 roll over Remo Stars in the second Group C game of Matchday 1.

The young star scored the first of his three goals late in the first half in the tough encounter and he followed up with a brace in the second half to complete the first hat-trick of the championship.

An elated Shooting Stars Under-15 coach, Monday Ozeibe was quick to rate his boys as favourites to win the group.

Ozeibe said: "I wasn't impressed with the first half performance of my boys but we got a late goal in the first half which was the tonic for us. The boys have done better during pre-season matches. The victory has placed us as the favourites to win the group and I believe we are capable of finishing top of the group."

Matchday two continues on Tuesday morning with Sunshine Stars making their tournament debut against ABS FC while Remo Stars and MFM FC battle for their first win of the tournament.

Rohr : Odey Has To Be Better Than Man City Striker Iheanacho Before Super Eagles Call-Up



Gernot Rohr has explained why Mountain of Fire FC striker Stephen Odey cannot be integrated into the Super Eagles squad for now, ahead of the national team's first competitive fixture of 2017.


The 19-year-old Odey is making good progress and his recent strike versus El-Kanemi was his 14th of the season, but he's not up to the quality of Kelechi Iheanacho, according to the German.


''I hope that Stephen Odey can get better because I have a Manchester City striker (Iheanacho) in my team, '' Rohr was quoted as saying by Brila FM.


''Nigeria needs more academies, less synthetic pitches. Nigeria is the biggest football nation in Africa, given the passion''.


Based on the recent pronouncement of Rohr, there's little probability of Odey being called up for the African Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22679