Promising Nigerian Attacker Fela Scores Against Favourite Opponents Liverpool



Promising Nigerian frontman Olufela Olomola registered his name on the scorecard as Southampton were held to a 2-2 draw by Liverpool in a Premier League 2 clash at St Mary's on Monday night.


The former Arsenal youth-teamer slammed home from inside the box on 69 minutes to double the Saints advantage, but two goals from Harry Wilson, the last coming in stoppage time, earned The Reds a share of the spoils.


Liverpool are one of Olomola's favourite opponents, as he netted two goals against the Anfield side on the opening day of the 2016-17 season, back in August.


The London native joined the Saints in 2014 and rose through the ranks before making his first-team debut against Sunderland in the League Cup two years later.


This season, Olomola has made the matchday squad for first team games four times, against Leicester and Chelsea in the Premier League, Hapoel Beer Sheva in the Europa League and Sunderland in the League Cup.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22680

NPFL U-15: Olakunle's brace fire ABS to top spot
Published on Tuesday, 11 April 2017 19:41 Hits: 386
By Tobi Samuel

ABS FC continue their impressive run in the ongoing NPFL Under-15 Promises tournament on Tuesday at the Osogbo City Stadium with an emphatic 2-0 victory over Sunshine Stars who made their debut in the championship.

Matchday 2 action in Group C produced just one victory, while MFM FC and Remo Stars boys shared the spoils in the second game that ended 1-1.

ABS FC captain Olusegun Olakunle's second half brace helped the Saraki Boys beat Sunshine Stars 2-0. Sunshine Stars got their baptism of fire in the tournament after being drawn-bye on Matchday 1 on Monday.

After a scoreless first half in the tension-soaked game which Sunshine Stars dominated, ABS captain inspired his side with his brace in the second half. He volley from 25 yards to open scoring in the 53rd minute and completed his brace in the 71st minute with a beautiful freekick from 30 yards.

ABS FC are top of the group with six points after two games. They have scored three goals and kept clean sheets in both games.

"I am excited we won, it was a bit difficult for us in the first half. I am happy for the two goals and I hope to score more goals in the tournament. We played more as a team because our coach has warned us against individual play. We are not here to impress as individuals but win as a team," Olakunle who attends Olulade Junior Secondary, Ilorin said to npfl.ng after the victory.

In the second game, MFM FC players and officials left the stadium disappointed after a dramatic 1-1 draw against Remo Stars. Both teams lost their opening games on Monday. MFM fell 0-1 to ABS while Remo Stars got spanked 0-3 by Shooting Stars.

Remo Stars got the first attempt in the encounter when Jonathan Olateju's freekick went inches wide from goal in the fifth minute. Eight minutes later, MFM goalkeeper Oladunni Habeeb saved Qudus Rasheed's freekick. MFM created the last scoring opportunity in the first half when Atoyebi Gideon let fly from distance but Remo goalkeeper Taiwo Moshood stayed alert to stop the attempt as the first half ended goalless.

The second half began with both sides chasing for the opening goal. Atoyebi failed to connect Eniayewu Hammed's cross from the left channel in the 43rd minute. Atoyebi spurned another opportunity to open scoring in the 52nd minute, as Remo Stars goalkeeper Moshood denied his attempt from 10 yards.

MFM's Chibuchi Nwaorgu finally broke the deadlock in the 61st minute to put the Olukoya Boys into the lead. Remo Stars responded immediately and levelled scores eight minutes later through second half substitute Gabriel Akiode.

The Lagos club then missed the glorious opportunity to secure their first win at the death of the game. Remo Stars defender Olumade Sodiq handled the ball inside the box in additional minute and the referee awarded a late penalty to MFM. Remo Stars goalkeeper, Moshood was the hero for his side as he stopped Ibrahim Danladi's spot kick.

Remo Stars head coach, Daniel Ogunmodede says he was impressed with his boy performance in the second half.

"I think the boys performance improved compare to yesterday game. They were also jittery in the first half today but I was impressed with their performance in the second half especially when MFM scored. Kudos to our goalkeeper for the amazing late save. We have to work on the boys' confidence ahead of the next game," Ogunmodede said to npfl.ng on Tuesday.

Matchday 3 fixtures will hold on Wednesday morning. Sunshine Stars will face MFM from 8am before ABS FC face Shooting Stars at 10am

NPFL U15: Rivers Utd off to flyer, as Jonah inspires Akwa Utd again
Published on Tuesday, 11 April 2017 21:40 Hits: 296
By Fisayo Daro

Rivers United's starlets on Tuesday opened their NPFL Under-15 Promises account with a 3-0 victory over tournament's whipping boys Abia Warriors at the Owerri centre.

Having been drawn bye on the opening day of the competition, the young boys from Port Harcourt produced a disciplined performance to outclass their opponents. Striker Kenneth Clinton scored the game's opener in the 28th minute when he latched on to a deep free kick by his captain Favour Arojameh to finish calmly beyond the goalkeeper.

Clinton got his brace with just seconds into the second half through a close range finish after Warriors goalkeeper, Kingsley Onyebuchi parried his initial effort into his path.

The baby Warriors from Umuahia had a chance to come back into the game but captain Chukwudi Igbokwe saw his penalty saved by Rivers goalkeeper Joseph Bright five minutes into the second half before Rivers sealed the game off on 68 minutes.

Clinton turned provider for his team's third when he squared for Felix Ojuah after beating his marker for pace. The midfielder graciously tapping into an empty net.

After the match, Rivers United U15 coach, Sunny Isohkwema described the result as a good one for him.

"It was a fairly comfortable victory and I'm happy we got the win due to the challenge we had in raising a team," began the former Sharks FC assistant coach.

"When you are coaching young players, you (as a coach) have to help them to play. Sometimes they are anxious and over zealous but overall, it was a good result for us." he added.

In Tuesday's other game, Akwa United maintained top spot in Group A after a hard fought 1-0 win over Enyimba.

Young striker Elisha Jonah scored the only goal of the game ten minutes from time when he headed home Archibong Archibong's free kick. Jonah thus took his goals tally to four in two games as the Baby Elephants from Aba suffer a second straight loss in the tournament.

Enyimba Under-15 captain Samuel Francis has still not given up hopes of his side's qualification from the group Owerri centre.

"I believe we still have a good chance to progress. We just have to defend better and attack well so we can score goals. I believe we can still qualify," said Francise whose idol is former Enyimba captain Chinedu Udoji.

The young centre back also thanked the organizers for the opportunity that the NPFL U15 Promises avails them of.

"I am very happy to be playing in this competition. I must say thank you to the LMC for this future Promises tournament. You can see it is the first time most of us are playing this tournament so we say thank you to them." added the SS1 student of Heritage International School, Osusu-amukwa Aba.

Promises: Clinton, Bussa star in Rivers Utd, FC Ifeanyiubah wins

Published on Wednesday, 12 April 2017 18:12 Hits: 51
By Fisayo Dairo

Kenneth Clinton scored a brace for a second successive day as Rivers United moved top of Group A at the Owerri centre of the NPFL U15 Promises tournament on Wednesday.

Clinton whose brace propelled United to a 3-0 victory over Abia Warriors on Tuesday proved pivotal once again as he netted twice in a 3-1 win over hitherto table toppers, Akwa United.

Playing in front if Rivers United's general manager Okey Kpalukwu, Clinton broke the resistance of Akwa United two minutes into the second half when he latched on to a long clearance by defender Bassey Paul to give his team the lead.

The Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri student added a second on 66 minutes when he tapped home after some neat work by winger Nathan Collins. Midfielder Felix Ojuah made sure of victory when he rifled home from inside the box before Akwa United got a consolation in stoppage time through Archibong Archibong's free kick.

"We were scared when we watched Akwa on Monday (when they beat Abia Warriors 5-0) but we prayed to God to help us and we are happy," Clinton said after the game.

"We are happy for the victory and I am 100% sure we will top our group by the end of the tournament," added the striker who is now competition's joint top scorer with Akwa's Elisha Jonah with four goals apiece.

In Wednesday's second game, FC Ifeanyiubah came from a goal down to beat Abia Warriors 2-1 and make it two wins out of two in the group.

After observing yesterday as their off day in the competition, Ifeanyiubah went behind after just seven minutes when Baby Warriors captain, Chukwudi Igbokwe scored after the ball fell kindly for him inside the box.

Ifeanyiubah captain Nansel Bussa then took matters into his own hand and replied through a sumptuous free kick four minutes to the end of the first half. Bussa then scored what turned out to be the winner on 55 minutes when he controlled a half-hearted clearance at the edge of the box before curling into the left bottom corner.

Bussa, an SS1 student of Nnewi High School told www.npfl.ng after the game that he knew he would score from the free kick that led to the equalizer.

"When it comes to free kick, I believe in myself. When the free kick came, I knew I would score it because it is a very close range," said the Plateau-born diminutive playmaker.

Bussa who said he has watched all FC Ifeanyiubah's league games at home admitted his love for Ivorian attacker Pascal Seka and hopes to play alongside him in the first team in the coming seasons.

In Thursday's action, table-toppers Rivers United will face Enyimba at 2pm before the winner-takes-all encounter between FC Ifeanyiubah and Akwa United at 4pm.

Exclusive + Photo Confirmation – FC Porto Snap Up “Nigerian Pogba” Mustapha Buba After Impressive Performance During Trials



Portuguese giants FC Porto have opened contract negotiations with Nigerian trialist Mustapha Buba following his impressive showing during trainings with the U-18s of the team, Owngoalnigeria.com can exclusively reveal.


18 year old Buba is a midfielder in the mould of French midfielder Paul Pogba, a trait which earned him the nickname Paul Pogba by friends and close associates in Nigeria, where he was scouted by scouts of FC Porto for trials.


Pictures of the FC Heart product getting set for training with the Porto U-18 team was picked up by Owngoalnigeria.com editor, who also has close ties with an agent close to the nursery team of the talented attacking midfielder.


” Talks on a contract started today with Buba, although there are interest elsewhere for now FC Porto are in the driving seat but an agreement is far. Some issues still need to be sorted out before it becomes official”, he told Owngoalnigeria.com


If talks progressed as expected Buba will join six other Nigerians on the books of the club in Moses John, Chidera Ezeh, Musa Yahaya, Fidelis Irhene, Mikel Agu and Chidozie Awaziem who is the only player presently registered with the first team.



Osas Mahawi

owngoalnigeria.com/2017/04/12/exclusive-photo-confirmation-fc-porto-snap-up-nigerian-pogba-mustapha-buba-after-impressive-performance-during-trials/

Rivers U15s make special plans for Elisha

[img]http://images.supersport.com/2017/4/Elisha%20John%20(Akwa)%20heart%20trick%20hero-1.jpg[/img]
Elisha Jonah © LMC Media

Technical manager of Rivers United’s Under-15 side, Sunny Iseokweimah says he has made special plans to stop Akwa United hitman, Elisha Jonah in Wednesday’s 2017 NPFL U-15 Promises cracker.


Rivers United and Akwa United go toe-to-toe in the top-of-the-table fixture following wins recorded by both clubs in all their previous games.


Iseokweimah says his side will be asking for trouble if Elisha, who has scored four goals in two games so far is not paid special attention.


“We have watched him (Elisha) and studied his game. The plan is to detail a marker on him constantly,” Iseokweimah told supersport.com.


“Another important thing will be to cut off supply to him.


“This is because it is impossible to keep a good player like him out of the game for all 90 minutes,” he said.


Iseokweimah then revealed that he does not have the luxury of choice in the tournament.


“I have just 13 players available to me and one of them, Collins Nathan, is an injury doubt.


“This gives Akwa United an advantage because we cannot surprise them with new players they have not watched previously.


“Akwa are top of the table but the worst result we want in this game is a win to be at par with them; nobody here is even thinking of a draw.


“They are very physical but too fantastic as a ball-playing side.


“As always, we have noticed weaknesses which we will be looking to exploit to gain the upperhand.


“I believe in my players; I have seen zeal from them and they all want to make a name for themselves,” he said.


The game between Rivers United and Akwa United will kick off at 10am local time on Wednesday at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

www.supersport.com/football/article.aspx?Id=3954534

Emeka Inyama REWARDS TEENAGE PROSPECT WITH CASH GIFT

Chairman of NPFL side Abia Warriors, High Chief Emeka Inyama was a surprise guest at the Owerri centre of the ongoing NPFLU15Promises Tournament on Tuesday.
Inyama who we learnt supervised the screening exercise of his team back in Umuahia to ensure only players under the age grade were picked was impressed with the lads' output despite going down 0-3 to Rivers United U15, a day after they lost 5-0 to Akwa United U15.
One of the stars of the show, Abia Warriors' No. 10, Henry Udezuka who thrilled spectators with some lovely footballing skills however had cause to smile after the game when Inyama, the former NNL Chairman rewarded him with a cash prize of #10,000.
Udezuka who was shocked and delighted by the gesture immediately sent #8,000 to his mum through one of his coaches while he shared the remaining #2,000 with his teammate.
Inyama stated that it was his own way of encouraging the young lads who he believes have a great future ahead of them in the game regardless of what results they post in this year's tournament.
The youngster while speaking after the game thanked the club Chairman and stated that the skills he used are natural gifts from God. He also added that Emeka Isaac in the senior team is a player he likes and wants to surpass in his career. So, keep that name: Henry Udezuka

Exclusive: (Photo Confirmation) Nigeria U17 Star Yahaya Flirts With Atletico Madrid



As exclusively reported bya llnigeriasoccer.commore than two weeks ago, Nigeria U17 international Nazifi Yahaya is attracting interest from clubs based in Spain, Turkey and Belgium.


The striker's bonafide representative has released pictures of his client being approached by officials of La Liga side Atletico Madrid at the recently concluded Guateng Future Champions Tournament that took place in South Africa.


Though Yahaya is still a minor, Los Rojiblancos should act fast if they are interested in his signature when he attains the age of majority as they face serious competition.


This website can exclusively report that the Dabo Babes star may travel to Europe in the next two weeks or so for tests with one of his suitors and be shown around the club's facilities.


Nazifi Yahaya represented the Nigerian U15 team before making the step up to the Golden Eaglets.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22697

Arsenal Nigerian Defender Opens Goal Account For The Season Against Man City



Promising Nigerian defender Tolaji Bola opened his goalscoring account for the 2016-17 season as Arsenal came from behind to beat Manchester City 4-3 in Merit Group A of the U18 Premier League on Wednesday afternoon.


Bola and another highly-rated youngster Joseph Olowu started for the young Gunners, while Tom Dele-Bashiru started for the Citizens at London Colney.


Both teams went into the break tied at 2-2, but Bola restored Arsenal's one goal advantage in the 59th minute after he was fed by Malen.


Prior to today's game, the 18-year-old had played 19 times in the league for the U18s and U23s teams without finding the back of the net.


London-born Tolaji Bola has represented England at U16 level, and penned his first professional contract with Arsenal in January 2016.

Igho Kingsley

www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22695

NPFL U-15: Rivers United Clinton Hits Four Goals in Two Games

Kenneth Clinton scored a brace for a second successive day as Rivers United moved top of Group A at the Owerri centre of the NPFL U15 Promises tournament wednesday.


Clinton whose brace propelled United to a 3-0 victory over Abia Warriors on Tuesday proved pivotal once again as he netted twice in a 3-1 win over hitherto table toppers, Akwa United.


Playing in front if Rivers United’s General Manager Okey Kpalukwu, Clinton broke the resistance of Akwa United two minutes into the second half when he latched on to a long clearance by defender Bassey Paul to give his team the lead.


The Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Borokiri student added a second on 66 minutes when he tapped home after some neat work by winger Nathan Collins. Midfielder Felix Ojuah made sure of victory when he rifled home from inside the box before Akwa United got a consolation in stoppage time through Archibong Archibong’s free kick.


“We were scared when we watched Akwa on Monday (when they beat Abia Warriors 5-0) but we prayed to God to help us and we are happy,” Clinton said after the game.


“We are happy for the victory and I am 100% sure we will top our group by the end of the tournament,” added the striker who is now competition’s joint top scorer with Akwa’s Elisha Jonah with four goals apiece.


In yesterday’s second game, FC Ifeanyiubah came from a goal down to beat Abia Warriors 2-1 and make it two wins out of two in the group.


After observing yesterday as their off day in the competition, Ifeanyiubah went behind after just seven minutes when Baby Warriors captain, Chukwudi Igbokwe scored after the ball fell kindly for him inside the box.


Ifeanyiubah captain Nansel Bussa then took matters into his own hand and replied through a sumptuous free kick four minutes to the end of the first half. Bussa then scored what turned out to be the winner on 55 minutes when he controlled a half-hearted clearance at the edge of the box before curling into the left bottom corner.


Bussa, an SS1 student of Nnewi High School told www.npfl.ng after the game that he knew he would score from the free kick that led to the equalizer.


“When it comes to free kick, I believe in myself. When the free kick came, I knew I would score it because it is a very close range,” said the Plateau-born diminutive playmaker.


Bussa who said he has watched all FC Ifeanyiubah’s league games at home admitted his love for Ivorian attacker Pascal Seka and hopes to play alongside him in the first team in the coming seasons.


In today’s action, table toppers Rivers United will face Enyimba at 2pm before the winner-takes-all encounter between FC Ifeanyiubah and Akwa United at 4pm.


www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2017/04/13/npfl-u-15-rivers-united-clinton-hits-four-goals-in-two-games/

CLUB NEWS

NPFL U-15 Promises: Rivers Utd thump Enyimba to reach quarters



By Fisayo Dairo Rivers United booked a place in the quarterfinals of the NPFL Under-15 Promises tournament after an emphatic 3-0 drubbing of Enyimba at the Owerri centre on Thursday.


United were without their four-goal hero Kenneth Clinton but winger Nathan Collins rose for the team, grabbing an impressive hattrick to lead his team en route to success. After a cagey start to the game, Collins scored twice in three minutes to take his team out of sight of the Baby Elephants from Aba.


He got his first on 16 minutes when he followed up his initial effort clumsily handled by Enyimba goalkeeper Chimezie Ndukwe before adding a second two minutes later after some lethargic defending by the young Enyimba defence.


Enyimba tried in vain to reduce the deficit in the first half and were dealt a further blow six minutes into the second when Collins completed his hattrick by heading home an in swinging corner kick by full back Joseph Wakama.


Collins' treble was the second to be recorded at the Owerri centre (after Elisha Jonah's opening day hattrick) and the Nembe, Bayelsa born player was grateful for helping his team with the goals.


"I am very happy for the goals and I give thanks to the Almighty because it is not by my power," Collins spiritually declared.


"I am happy to give my team the goals as you can see our Number 9 (Clinton) was not dear today," added the right footed left-winger whose footballing idol is Barcelona super-star Neymar.


Having all but sealed qualification for the quarter finals, the Junior Secondary School 3 student of Entorial High School, Borokiri, Port Harcourt told www.npfl.ng that his team will not fail the region at the finals.


"I am sure we will do well in Lagos. I have good understanding with my teammates and that will help us against any team we face," concluded Collins who has the immediate ambition of playing for former African champions Enyimba.


The centre's other big game between Akwa United and FC Ifeanyiubah was called off with eight minutes of regulation time left to be played and Ifeanyiubah leading 2-1 due to poor visibility occasioned by bad weather.


Midfielder Japhet Bilya beat a badly set offside trap to put Ifeanyiubah in the lead on 26 minutes but the effervescent Uwana Akpan equalized for United five minutes after the restart.


The tempo of the game dramatically rose in the second half as both teams went for the kill and it was Bilya that scored again after some brilliant work by captain Nansel Bussa.


The goal came on 72 minutes and it became evident the visibility of players, officials and fans have been affected by the weather, prompting the match officials to call the game off. The remaining eight minutes will be played on Friday at 8am.


Friday's schedule in the tournament will still go ahead in the afternoon when Abia Warriors and Enyimba jostle for their first points in the competition in what is expected to be a cracking Abia Classico at 2pm before Owerri centre comes to a grandstand finale when Rivers United takeon FC Ifeanyiubah.


http://npfl.ng/index.php/news-features/club-news/2167-npfl-u-15-promises-rivers-utd-thump-enyimba-to-reach-quarters

CLUB NEWS
NPFL U-15 Promises: Shooting Star's book quarter-final spot, Remo, ABS fight for place




By Tobi Samuel On Day 4 of the NPFL U-15 Promises tournament, Shooting Stars retained their lead on the log despite a draw with MFM but it was Remo Stars that made a big mark winning their very first game of the tournament. The winning has positioned the Sagamu side to fight for the remaining quarter-finals spot with second placed ABS FC in a winner takes all fixture. Remo are now on four points while ABS are ahead on six points and victory for either sides would guarantee the winner progression to the last eight of the tournament.


Remo Stars struggled in their previous two fixtures, losing to group leaders, Shooting Stars and drawing 1-1 with MFM. But against the junior Akure Gunners, Dayo Awotoye struck a brilliant brace to help Remo Stars banish the voodoo of not winning at the Osogbo City Stadium.


It was the first fixture of the day and Remo Stars was returning from a break having observed the day off on Wednesday.


A student of Ikenne Community High School, Awotoye raised hopes for his side barely one minute after the break when he breached the defensive block of Sunshine Stars that resisted all efforts at goal in the first 45 minutes. He benefitted from a defensive mix-up to bury the ball in the net for the opener.


He would complete his brace seven minutes after the first goal from the spot. Sunshine defender Amoo Dauda handled the ball inside his own box and Awotoye converted brilliantly and confirmed his team victory."We are happy we won and the two goals I scored excites me. We fought as a team and we are happy to be back into contention to progress after failing to win our previous two games. We'll face the most difficult task against ABS tomorrow (Friday) but we have to fight to the end," said Awotoye to Npfl.ng.


In the second game at Osogbo centre, table toppers Shooting Stars let slip an opportunity to maintain 100 percent success when they let go a goal lead to play out a draw with MFM FC. The Lagos church side could have won the encounter but for profligacy in front of goal after creating many chances.


Olubode Hassan put the Shooting Stars in front from the spot on the 12th minute after he was upended inside the box of MFM and the referee awarded a penalty. Hassan calmly converted from the spot for his fourth goal of the tournament.


An impressive performance from MFM quartet of Eniayewu Hassan, Ibrahim Danladi, Atoyebi Gideon and the team captain Lawal Sulaimon ensured they dominated the encounter and created lots of scary moments for Shooting Stars.


Hammed leveled scores for MFM on the 60th minute; heading home a cross from close range for his third goal of the competition. The goal bolstered their confidence with Atoyebi coming close four minutes after the equalizer but his shot hit the crossbar.


MFM FC have completed their fixtures in the tournament finishing on 5 points from 4 matches while Shooting Stars will play the whipping boys of the group, Sunshine Stars that have lost all three matches in the competition.

http://npfl.ng/index.php/news-features/club-news/2166-npfl-u-15-promises-shooting-stars-book-quarter-final-spot-remo-abs-fight-for-place

Players of Kano Pillars and Katsina United. Courtesy: LMC Media

Lobi, Pillars U15s battered
by George Akpayen



Lobi were overran 3-0 by Nasarawa United at the Fifa Goal Project pitch in Abuja and Kano Pillars also suffered same margin of defeat to Katsina United in Kaduna.


Moses Odeh, Hosea Bitrus and Shedrack Festus scored for Nasarawa United under-15s despite inventive play from Lobi's trio of Moses Ochai, Gabriel Agbe and Kelvin Aondorsor.


Pillars, on the other hand, played out a 0-0 first 40 minutes with Katsina United before crumbling in a blitz of 16 minutes in the restart.


Abdulkadir Yahaya opened scoring for Katsina United in the 62nd minute before Yahaya Ahmed doubled their lead 14 minutes later.


With two minutes left in the contest, Suleiman Shehu popped up to score a third to end the game as a contest.


Two other games played on Monday ended in draws. El-Kanemi Warriors were held to a 1-1 draw by Gombe United who should have won but for a missed spot kick.


Mohammed Bulama put El-Kanemi ahead in the tie three minutes after the restart but on the hour mark, Usman Mohammed equalised from the spot after Isiyaku Bello had missed a penalty six minutes earlier.


Niger Tornadoes and Plateau United served up a four-goal contest as the latter fought their way back from trailing by two goals.


Daniel Momoh and Abubakar Tahir scored for Plateau United to cancel out Sadiq Khalid's brace of goals for Tornadoes.
The NPFL Under-15 Promises continues on Tueday with four matches.


Wikki Tourists will play their first game against El-Kanemi and Gombe United square up against Kano Pillars in Group B.
Group D's fixtures for Tuesday pit Enugu Rangers against Lobi Stars before Nasarawa United face Tornadoes.


ABS FC, FC Ifeanyiubah, 3SC and Rivers United have already qualified for the quarterfinals of the tournament expected to round off at the end of this month.



Source: http://www.supersport.com/football/nigeria/news/170418/Lobi_Pillars_U15s_battered

Talented youngsters light up NPFL U-15 Promises



By Fisayo Dairo

The NPFL Clubs Under-15 tournament which got underway last Monday has so far lived up to its billing of helping to chart a new developmental cause for football in Nigeria.


In what is an unprecedented move in the history of the round leather game in Nigeria, players not more than age 15 selected by the twenty top flight clubs are given the opportunity of competing under the same facility that the established league professionals strut their stuffs week in, week out in the Nigeria Professional Football League.


The first week of the NPFL Under 15 Promises tournament saw breathtaking football action from teens at the Owerrri and Osogbo centres in Groups A and C. While Groups B and D will follow in Kaduna and Abuja in the third week of April, few of the enormous future stars on parade made this writer's team of the tournament for those at the Owerri centre of the competition.


It was indeed a bunch of kids with expected lovely football nicknames such as Messi, Hazard, Ronaldo, Kante et al and some of those with such names showed something similar - if still very raw - to what the superstars they are called after repeatedly showcase at the global stage.

Having watched all the 10 games at the Owerri centre, here is my team of the tournament:


1. Ezekiel Vincent (Akwa United): This JSS 2 student was a calm and assured figure in goal for the Baby Promise Keepers. His idol is Vincent Enyeama and apart from being a namesake of the Lille stopper, he captained his team in two of the games and was instrumental to his team's two victories at the tournament. A shame they failed to progress but Vincent did just enough to beat Rivers United's Bright Joseph for my goalkeeping slot.


2. Babatunde Bello (FCIU): This energetic lad exhibited what many players at this level always have - versatility. He could have easily been my chosen right winger or left winger but I have to settle for the right back position where he played twice to devastating effect. The Lagos-born lad scored on the final day of completion against Rivers United and was definitely one of the stand out performers of the championship.


3. Joseph Wakama (Rivers United): A very assured player full if life going forward and discipline while defending. He is also versatile as he switched to central midfield position in his team's penultimate game against Enyimba. He is also very dangerous in set-pieces especially corner kicks. Surely one to look out for very soon.


4. Japhet Bilya (FCIU): Nicknamed Kante, this midfield star never allowed any ball to pass him. He was a shield in front of the FCIU defence and also very good on the ball. His movement up the pitch seldom lands him in scoring positions and he showed his dexterity in front of goal in their crucial game against Akwa United where he netted both goals in his team's 2-1 win.


5. Wisdom Nwazaigbe (FCIU): Full of wisdom and power. This defender of average height for his age was a rock in the FCIU backline and a starting point for many of their attacks. He combines good anticipation with impressive discipline in the way he smothers opponents' attack. Future Rio Ferdinand maybe?


6. Bassey Paul Paul (Rivers United): United's dependable centre back who played every minute of their four games. Strong in the air and decisive on the ground. He is one of the reasons why goalkeeper Bright Joseph conceded just one goal from open play throughout the group stage.


7. Ebenezer Samuel (Rivers United): One of the many players nicknamed Messi at the Championship. Full of trickery. His dribbles, nutmegs and mazy runs continually had spectators on their feet during the games and his presence was felt when the Ogoni-born lad missed the last game due to a thigh complaint.


8. Archibong Archibong (Akwa United): A big fan of Ifeanyi Ifeanyi of the senior team. Archibong is a set-piece specialist and apart from scoring directly from a free kick against Rivers United, he created assist from one for Elisha Jonah against Enyimba and was a torment all through the week from dead ball situations. That gave him a spot in my selection.


9. Elisha Jonah (Akwa United): Joint top scorer in the Owerri group stage with four goals, the Ikot-Ekpene born lad was a thorn in the flesh of defenders. His technique belies his fragile frame and his aerial prowess also goes beyond his average height. He made an instant mark on the opening day, second half hattrick and then headed home the late winner against Enyimba. Ubong Friday of the senior team is the mentor of this boy that excelled considerably in a team that created very little for him.


10. Nansel Bussa (FCIU): This Plateau-born left-footed player was the leader of the FC Ifeanyiubah team. He hardly gives the ball away and has an excellent vision with which he picks his teammates from afar. He is also a brilliant dribbler and can play either as a Number 10 or as a winger. He loves Seka Pascal and hopes to be ready to replace him in the first team very soon.


11. Nathan Collins (Rivers United): After taking up the role of unsung hero for the team in their opening games, creating a pair of assists for Kenneth Clinton, Collins hit the spotlight by himself with a hattrick performance in their penultimate game against Enyimba. He took up a central role on the second half of the final game against Ifeanyiubah and did considerably well to occupy the FCIU defence as they got a late equalizer.


Other Mentions: It was a very tough task to arrive at this Selection because so many of the youngsters distinguished themselves in peculiar ways. Some of those that came close are the likes of Rivers United goalkeeper Bright Jospeh who showed great reflex and maturity, Akwa United centre back Idongesit Bassey, Enyimba captain Samuel Francis, a defender of the Chinedu Udoji school of thought, Enyimba's effervescent midfielder Ifeanyi Ugochukwu - their own Kante - and Rivers United's Felix Ojuah Okechukwu, a brilliant midfielder who narrowly missed out to Archibong Archibong.


In the attack, Abia Warriors' duo of Henry Udezuka and captain Chukwudi Igbokwe made their while not forgetting Enyimba's duo of Godswill Anyanwu and set-piece specialist Chinonso Romanus. FCIU's Arinze Nwafuru wraps up the list of the notable mentions and really, it could have been more. Easy to monitor the names from now.

http://npfl.ng/index.php/npfl-u15/news-update/2172-talented-youngsters-light-up-npfl-u-15-promises

Highly-Rated Chelsea Nigerian Prospect Anjorin Appointed England Captain



Chelsea wonderkid Faustino Anjorin was handed extra responsibilities by England U16s head coach Dan Micciche at the ongoing Montaigu Tournament in France.


The midfielder was appointed captain of the Young Lions for their final Group B fixture against Portugal on April 13.

This is not the first time Anjorin has skippered an England youth team. On February 17, 2016, he was the captain of the U15s against the United States squad in a friendly at St. George’s Park.


Manchester City's Tosin Adarabioyo, West Ham's Ajibola Alese, Queens Park Rangers' Nedum Onuoha and Chelsea defender Ola Aina have captained England youth teams in the past.

Faustino Anjorin has qualities to succeed as a footballer and it is envisaged that he'll break into Chelsea U18 squad sometime next season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

http://allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22732

Sunderland Coach Reserves Praise For Nigerian Whizz-Kid After Golden Boy Nomination



Sunderland U23 coach Elliott Dickman believes Sweden U21 international of Nigerian descent Joel Asoro can still improve after he was nominated for the prestigious European Golden Boy award.


Asoro is in contention for the award alongside 13 other Premier League wonderkids, including Dominic Solanke (Chelsea) and Tosin Adarabioyo (Manchester City).


“What Joel has got is natural pace,” Dickman said to Sunderland official website.


“He’s good at controlling the ball and the fact that he’s 17 and he’s in the U23’s squad says that the Swedish coach thinks very highly of him, so that’s a great achievement for him.


“But Joel still has a lot to develop and finishing would be one of those areas. He knows that and is working on it.”


The 17-year-old Asoro made his Premier League bow against Middlesbrough and was involved in Cup games against Shrewsbury Town, Queens Park Rangers and Burnley.

Igho Kingsley

allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22768

Scouts From Heerenveen, Standard Liege & FC Nordsjaelland Pick Nine Players After Lagos Tournament




A five days tournament in Lagos which featured 8 football teams in Nigeria has ended with scouts from Holland, Belgium, Denmark and Finland in attendance .


The scouts were from Dutch top flight side Heerenveen , Belgium top league side Standard Liege and Danish emerging power house FC Nordsjaelland.

Diamond Sports Management, a player management outfit based in the United Kingdom organised the tournament, which was meant to select talented players who will be heading to the aforementioned clubs soon.


Dante Academy of Abuja won the tournament by defeating 36 Lions 3-2 after extra time to lift the trophy which was put up for grabs by the organisers of the five day soccer event.


”Nine players got selected and we will be working on their papers as soon as possible for them to travel out” Cem Sagar of Diamond Sports Management told Owngoalnigeria.com.

”We will be arranging another tournament around September and invite four different scouts. This edition was very successful, and we will like to thank everyone for making it possible and successfull”.



**Daniel Martins


Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/04/26/scouts-from-heerenveen-standard-liege-fc-nordsjaelland-pick-nine-players-after-lagos-tournament/

NPFL U-15 Promises: ABS FC, Katsina Utd meet in final






ABS FC and Katsina United made it to the final of the maiden Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Under-15 Promises tournament after emerging tops in their respective groups in the second stage.

Ilorin club ABS played in a group comprising Rangers International, El-Kanemi Warriors and Rivers United while Katsina United, FC Ifeanyiubah, Niger Tornadoes and Shooting Stars made up the second group.

The eight teams had qualified for this last group stage in Lagos after making it through the preliminary group stage in four centres in Owerri, Oshogbo, Kaduna and Abuja where all the 20 NPFL clubs participated on a zonal cluster of five clubs.

For ABS, it was a continuation of their impressive performance at the tournament following a convincing 2-0 win over Rivers United on Thursday.

Goals from playmaker Olakunle Olusegun and attacker Olasoju Jamiu did the job.

ABS FC went through to the final of the competition after topping Pool A with 7 points from 3 games.

Meanwhile, Niger Tornadoes bounced back to winning ways after defeating FC Ifeanyiubah 1-0 courtesy of a goal by Mohammed Umar.

It was a disappointing game for the Junior Anambra Warriors, who were unable to build on their 1-0 win against Shooting Stars on Wednesday.

Rangers walked over El-Kanemi Warriors while Katsina United secured their spot in the final of the competition with a hard fought 1-0 victory over Shooting Stars who needed a draw to advance to final.

Katsina United will now face ABS FC in the final of the competition while Niger Tornadoes face Enugu Rangers in the third place game slated for Saturday 29th April.


Source: http://npfl.ng/index.php/npfl-u15/news-update/2181-npfl-u-15-promises-abs-fc-katsina-utd-meet-in-final

From a report on April 25..... Koma's Class
..........................................................................................................


Koma puts on show in Rangers, ABS thriller
By Fred Edoreh




It was a contest that ended with no victor, no vanquished between Rangers International and ABS FC in the second group stage of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Under-15 Promises at the Agege Stadium, Lagos but Million Koma wowed the handful of spectators as the game ended 3-3.
Koma netted a hat-trick for Rangers to take his total goals in the tournament to 11, five more than other players.

Proceedings commenced with ABS in early attack to earn a free kick by the edge of the box on seven minutes but it was cleared.

Shortly after, Jamiu Olasoju broke into Rangers territory but pushed the ball way too much and was shielded off before he could pull the trigger just as Bello Sufian held on to the ball for too long but won a corner kick.


Oni Williams also powered a rebound in the 17th minute but it sailed slightly over bar but the ABS forward line kept probing until Olusegun Olakunle attempt from a Sufian pass gave the Ilorin club the lead.

Koma whose header in the ninth minute narrowly missed target however responded with a superb individual goal. He took the ball ran at the defence of ABS, dribbling past four players in sight before powering home, left-footed, to draw Rangers even in the 26th minute to send both teams level-pegging at the break.


Rangers returned from the break with a quick substitution which saw Olisa Chidiebere give way for Zakari Farouk to add zip to their attack but ABS responded well as Bello Sufian raised the bar by scoring within five minutes of the resumption to make it 2-1.

Koma again seized the moment, getting close twice but was intercepted on the first attempt while he shot over in front of goal on the second occasion.

His moment came in the 47th minute as he curled in a free kick to draw Rangers even at 2-2. He further gave Rangers a 3-2 lead which was his hat-trick shortly after, as he brilliantly tucked in from the penalty box after he had been wrestled down goalbound.

It victory looked like Rangers were heading for a win with little time left to play but ABS pulled all stops till the nick of time when Jamiu Olasoju pounced on a pass on the counter and hit hard to draw level.

Man-of-the-match Koma, an SS2 student of National Grammar School, Nike, Enugu, says the hat-trick is a possibility of making a great career in football.

Selected into the Rangers Feeder team from an open screening two months ago, he was at The Cathedral on the final matchday of last season when Rangers defeated El-Kanemi to lift the league trophy after 32 years.

A fan of Rangers International in the NPFL, Koma revealed that Rangers striker, Bobby Clement is his soccer hero.


Source: http://npfl.ng/index.php/news-features/club-news/2179-koma-puts-on-show-in-rangers-abs-thriller

Top Five Nigerian Youngsters In Premier League Youth Teams




The English Premier League is about the most watched league in Nigeria. Chelsea who are the most widely supported Premier League club in Nigeria are the bookies favorites to win the Premier league this season and rightly so as they lead Tottenham by four points with just 5 games to go.


Although with some very dicey games coming up for both Tottenham and Chelsea, the title can still go to any of the two London clubs. Punters can take advantage of free betting bonuses such as ” Betvictor free bet ” to make some cash betting on the most widely watched league in the world.

Established Super Eagles stars like Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Isaac Success and Kelechi Iheanacho are currently the Eagles stars starring for teams in the top division.


However, Nigerian players are scattered around the youth team set up of most Premier League, and in this piece Owngoalnigeria.com London based reporter Michael James picks his top five.



Ike Ugbo (Chelsea)
Widely regarded as the next big thing waiting to progress through the ranks at Stamford Bridge. The 18 year old drew a reaction from first team coach Antonio Conte when he scored an acrobatic goal in one of the youth games watched by the manager.

Last season he scored 26 goals in 33 appearances, a tally which he surpassed this season in fewer games. Already there are talks of the youngster getting involved in some of the pre season games of the first team in the summer.



Tunji Akinola (West Ham)

Real name Olatunji Akinola, the promising defender made his U18s debut for West Ham as a 15 year old schoolboy.

A defender who has added goals to his games off late. He was named captain of the U18s of West Ham before the start of this season. His fine reading of play has seen him go two seasons without a booking. A trait which has earned him the nickname the new “Rio Ferdinand” due to similarities in his style with that of the ex West Ham youth team graduate.


Joseph Olowu (Arsenal)

Spotted by Arsenal at the age of 13, the 17 year old has impressed a lot of Arsenal youth team followers with his defensive awareness and aerial strength, which is not a surprise considering he presently stands at six foot and one inch.

Still some way away from the first team, but his stock has risen so high that he was granted a full page interview in Arsenal’s official matchday programme in November last year.


Josh Maja (Sunderland)

Joshua Erowoli Orisunmihare Oluwaseun Maja popularly known as Josh Maja has already trained with the senior national team of Nigeria, during their camping exercise in London last month.

The 18 year old moved to Sunderland from Fulham two years ago, and has already made his first team debut in the 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup in September last year, four months after signing a three year professional deal with the club.


Olufela Olomola ( Southampton)

Released by Arsenal three years ago, the 19 year old has grown in leaps and bounds since joining Southampton same year he was released at Arsenal.

Fela like he loves to be called captained the U-18s last season before moving a step up to the U21s where he has since progressed to the first team, coming on as a substitute for Jay Rodriguez in their 1-0 win over Sunderland in the EFL Cup in October.

Source: http://owngoalnigeria.com/2017/04/28/top-five-nigerian-youngsters-in-premier-league-youth-teams/

Promising Nigerian Striker Korede Adedoyin Tipped To Make The Grade At Everton




Promising Nigerian striker Korede Adedoyin has been tipped to make the grade at Everton on the back of his consistent performances for the U18 squad this season.

The 16-year-old has not looked back since he was promoted to the Toffees U18 setup in January 2017.

On his first appearance of the season for the U18s, Adedoyin came off the bench to net the game-winner in the 85th minute as Everton beat Middlesbrough 3-2.

The young attacker continued to impress in subsequent matches, scoring against West Brom and Wolverhampton Wanderers to take his tally to three goals from his five matches in the U18 Premier League.

England international of Nigerian ancestry Ross Barkley is now a key figure at Everton, having come through the youth ranks, and Adedoyin may follow in his footsteps.


**Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit : evertonfc.com


Source: http://allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22891

TheSuperNerd:
Promising Nigerian Striker Korede Adedoyin Tipped To Make The Grade At Everton




Promising Nigerian striker Korede Adedoyin has been tipped to make the grade at Everton on the back of his consistent performances for the U18 squad this season.

The 16-year-old has not looked back since he was promoted to the Toffees U18 setup in January 2017.

On his first appearance of the season for the U18s, Adedoyin came off the bench to net the game-winner in the 85th minute as Everton beat Middlesbrough 3-2.

The young attacker continued to impress in subsequent matches, scoring against West Brom and Wolverhampton Wanderers to take his tally to three goals from his five matches in the U18 Premier League.

England international of Nigerian ancestry Ross Barkley is now a key figure at Everton, having come through the youth ranks, and Adedoyin may follow in his footsteps.


**Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit : evertonfc.com


Source: http://allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22891

hello, please which football academy is the best where scouts go often to pick good players in Nigeria. Thanks

Manchester City Scout Arsenal, Manchester United, Ajax Nigerian Wonderkids




A representative from Manchester City watched the Netherlands U15 squad take on Republic of Ireland in an international friendly back in February, it has come to light.
Top Man City talent hunter Sebastian Arnesen and representatives from Stellar Group were among the onlookers at DVS’33 Ermelo when the Dutch and Irish met in a double-header.


Four very promising players of Nigerian descent were in action : Niyi Scholten (Ajax Amsterdam), Armstrong Okoflex (Arsenal), Ayodeji Sodona (Manchester United ) and Timi Sobowale (Villa).
Niyi played for the Netherlands for an hour, while the remaining players represented Ireland during the friendlies.

According to Scouts in Attendance, Man City and Manchester United scouts watched the Dutch U15s beat Germany 2-1 on Thursday, but Niyi was not in action on the field of WHC in Wezep.



**Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Photo Credit : ajaxshowtime.com


Source: http://allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=22937

Hi Sir WillJoe.... sorry for the late reply.


Well, a couple of soccer academies come to mind as regards where scouts from Europe and all go to pick raw talents....

Golden Boots Soccer Academy (GBS) in Jos...

College of Football, Abuja in Abuja....

Mutunchi Academy in Kaduna.....

And a couple of more..... if you follow the news posts here... you will see that several of these players come through the listed academies I just gave you but you can still make more searches and enquiries....

Are you a young football player or you have someone who is and wanna give him good exposure? Well, whatever the case... all the best...

willjoe:
hello, please which football academy is the best where scouts go often to pick good players in Nigeria. Thanks

TheSuperNerd:
Hi Sir WillJoe.... sorry for the late reply.


Well, a couple of soccer academies come to mind as regards where scouts from Europe and all go to pick raw talents....

Golden Boots Soccer Academy (GBS) in Jos...

College of Football, Abuja in Abuja....

Mutunchi Academy in Kaduna.....

And a couple of more..... if you follow the news posts here... you will see that several of these players come through the listed academies I just gave you but you can still make more searches and enquiries....

Are you a young football player or you have someone who is and wanna give him good exposure? Well, whatever the case... all the best...

thanks boss. Im a young footballer

Two NPFL U15 participants land scholarship awards





The Kwara Football Academy (KFA) has announced scholarship awards to two products of the football school who were in the squad that played and won the inaugural NPFL Under-15 Promises with Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC U-15 team.

The two players are William Oni and Christopher Omomeji.
The Kwara State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Kale Ayo, announced the scholarship on Tuesday during a reception organised by the academy for the players.

Ayo said the state governor Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, was happy with the performance of the team, hence the reason he approved the award of the scholarship and described them as worthy ambassadors of the academy.

The commissioner who advised the beneficiaries to continue to combine sports with education, pledged that the state government will continue to give priority to grassroots sports development.

The permanent secretary of the ministry, Elder Ayobola Samuel, said the government has realised the potential of the academy, hence it has returned it to the ministry and disclosed that the ministry has resolved to turn around the fortunes of the academy and return it to its old glory days.

The administrator of the academy, Kunle Ayantola, in his welcome address, said he has always had confidence that students of the school will bring home glory whenever they go out to compete.

He explained that the two boys had been awarded full scholarships throughout their secondary education.
Ayantola advised them to continue to take their education serious as it is very important to combine both sports and education.

He assured the parents that the academy will continue to develop their children to an enviable position.

One of the parents of the awardees, Mr Shola Oni, who spoke on behalf of the parents, thanked the institution for the opportunity offered their children.

He said the parents will forever be grateful for the gesture by the state government.



Source: http://npfl.ng/index.php/news-features/club-news/2226-two-npfl-u15-participants-land-scholarship-awards