Category: NNL

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Local News NNL

Joy Cometh Goalkeeper Urges Organizations to Sponsor NNL

Olawale Adam

The Goalkeeper of Nigeria National League(NNL) Side, Joy Cometh FC, Akingbade Samson Adebayo has urged organizations and individuals to Support Nigeria’s second-tier Football Division.

Akingbade in a chat with NAIRASPORTS also revealed that football wasn’t the career he wanted to choose from the beginning of his life and stressed that the NNL can only work if there are sponsors on ground

“Sponsors need to come to support the NNL to help the growth of the teams participating and the players too, I believe with time, NNL will get better”.

“Football wasn’t the career I wanted to choose, I started football training just because most of my friends back then in school played football, things began to change and i made a name at the local level then I started thinking of taking football as a career, A lot of motivation came from people around me too, he told NAIRASPORTS”

The Former FC Barcelona academy player also revealed the challenges he has been facing in NNL and how’s he has been coping with the suspensions of the league for some months

He said “Well, it’s a tough league I must confess, with time I would be able to adapt to the pressure and get a stronger foot at the NNL “

“A lot of disappointments which I am not ready to disclose now, but later in future I will, Its just part of the history we are to tell the world when we are successful in this field”

He added: “It been very hard for me though, but I need to Adapt to the situation, work hard to keep the shape and be ready for the resumption “

He also spoke about how he balanced Education and career as a young Goalie without distractions he said “Football has not been anyway a distraction for me, well, i have not been opportune to further my education after my SSCE, but I am sure with the help of football I will get there”

Akingbade also revealed his dream of representing Nigeria National team in his career.

“ 100 percent sure, I see myself representing this country, I know it’s not going to be easy but with God’s help and hard work I will represent this country, “ He said

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Local News NNL

Tiamiyu Kazeem’s Death: Court Remands Alleged Murder in Abeokuta 

An Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court sitting in Isabo on Friday ordered the remand of Ogunsoro Niyi, 43, in police custody for allegedly causing the death of a footballer, Tiamiyu Kazeem.

The Magistrate, Mrs I.O. Abudu noted that in view of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, the court could not order the remand of the defendant in the Correctional centre.

Abudu ordered that the defendant, former police personnel, be remanded in the police custody pending legal advice from office of the state Director of Public prosecution (DPP).

She, however, adjourned the case until July 24 for mention.

The defendant is facing a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and murder.

Earlier, the Prosecution Officer, Adekunle Opayemi, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Feb. 22, at Owodimu Village on Sagamu/Abeokuta expressway.

Opayemi said that the defendant conspired, with another officer, to murder one Tiamiyu Kazeem, 26, popularly called “Kaka”, who was a footballer with the Remo Stars football Club in Ikenne.

“According to him, the deceased was driving in his Lexus car on Sagamu Abeokuta express road, which later developed a mechanical fault, while looking for solution, the defendant and other officer accosted him.

“The officer alleged that the deceased would be arrested based on some information they got, that he was a cultist and some other allegations.

“The deceased was arrested by the defendant, on their way to the Zonal intervention Squad Obada-Oko, the deceased was questioning the officers where they were taking him to, which led to arguments in the vehicle.

“The deceased was later pushed out from the vehicle with force and he ran into an unknown vehicle coming from behind, which knocked him down and ran away.

The deceased was rushed to the Owode-Egbe Hospital, where he was confirmed dead,” Opayemi said.

The prosecutor said the offense contravened Section 324, and 319 (1) of the Criminal Code, Vol. 1, Laws of Ogun 2006.


NAN

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News NNL

NNL set to return – official

Olawale Adam

The Nigeria National League (NNL) set to return immediately after the Government gives directive to start football activities in the country.

NAIRASPORTS reports that Nigeria’s most important league went on break in December and never return before the Pandemic breaks.

The Chairman of Nigeria’s Second league tier Mohammed Alkali has stated that is completed, the board of the Nationwide league will thereafter wait to meet up with the Calendar to ensure that next season also gets underway in good time.

Alkali said “ the machinery is in motion already together with the plan on the new format for the Nationwide league which will be concluded within 7-8 weeks of commencement.” he told brila.net

“We have already set our machinery on ground and we are waiting for the directive from the Government and as a  league, we want to use the new format and ensure we finish the league within 7-8 weeks to meet up with the Calendar so that we will be able to end the season and then wait for the next season.” He concluded

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Africa Grass Root International Local News NNL NNLO NPFL

COVID 19: Football is not Resuming Soon – NFF

The General -Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation Dr. Sanusi Mohammed has disclosed that football activities will not restart soon in the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NAIRA SPORTS reports that football was suspended in the country as part of the preventive measures to prevent COVID 19.

Sanusi said further that NFF will meet with Various league bodies to review their activities before the air can be clear for resumption

“Also, NFF must meet with various league boards and review their fixtures if cleared by the government to restart the season but with the daily increase of the pandemic report from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), I am afraid we will not restart anytime soon.”

“Football is a contact sport and there is no social distancing in the field of play, so adequate measures must be put in place to protect the players, fans, and officials. There is also the option of playing the remaining league matches under the close door but the suggestion must come from the organizers of the various leagues,” he said

He added that the CAF and FIFA have been receiving COVID 19 updates from Nigeria the

“I know that some countries have given dates for their leagues and football activities to restart but not without the approval of their governments, We are also watching developments and making consultations with relevant authorities on a daily basis on the best way to restart the league and other football activities in the country,” he added

NAIRASPORTS reports that Germany Bundesliga will resume activities this weekend

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Africa International News NNL NPFL

Nigerian League is used to develop Talents, Remo Stars Striker Reveals

The Nigeria National League Side, Remo stars Striker, Yusuf Ibrahim has revealed that the Nigerian league is a stepping stone for the young players to discover their talents.

Ibrahim Speaking in a live chat on Instagram said that the league shapes and brand how the round leather game is being played

NAIRASPORTS can report that the Nigeria League had produced Several players both in the male and female categories that have to represent Nigeria, they include Vincent Enyeama, Rashidi Yekini, Ahmed Musa, oghenekaro Etebo, Asisat Oshoala, Rashidat AJibade, among others.

According to the sagamu based club striker, “Nigerian Scene is a stepping stone for young players because it shapes your football and showcases you to the world”

The Nigerian Leagues include the Nigeria Professional Football League, the Nigeria National League, the Nigeria Nations wide league and the Nigeria Women’s league.

Some players produced by Nigeria League

Vincent Enyeama, Started his career with Ibom Stars in 1999 and later joined Enyimba International in 2001 where he won CAF champions league back to back with a noteworthy performance in the team. After his performance with the Aba side, he joined Iwuanyanwu Nationale now known as Heartland before moving to Isreal. His performance speaks allowed him to have over 100 appearances for the Super Eagles. Enyeama won the CAF Champions league player of the year in 2003, 2004 and several individuals and team awards.

Rashidi Yekini celebrating Nigeria’s first FIFA World Cup goal in 1994

Rashidi Yekini started his football journey in the Nigerian league with shootings Stars of Ibadan (3SC) in the early 1980s and later joined Abiola Babes of Abeokuta before moving to Côte d’Ivoire. He scored 37 goals as a Nigerian international and represented Nigeria in two World Cups where he became the First player to score Nigeria’s first-ever world cup goal, He was also named the African Footballer of the Year in 1993.

Ahmed Musa celebrating his second goal against Iceland at 2018 FIFA World Cup

Also, Ahmed Musa is a product of Nigeria League, he started with Judith FC before moving to Kano Pillars and since then he has made the country proud. He is the first Nigerian to brace (two goals) in a FIFA World Cup match and became the first Nigerian to score in two FIFA World Cup competitions.

The league doesn’t produce great stars in the male category, the women league is also producing talents. Asisat Oshoala is one of the most celebrated female football stars in Africa and the world today, She kicked her football career with Robo Fc of Lagos before joining Rivers Angels and moved to Europe.

She played for Liverpool ladies after been named best player 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and was the highest goal scorer in the tournament. She was named African Women’s Footballer of the Year on four occasions.

Nigeria leagues have produced different talents but only few can be listed here

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Africa Local News NNL

Remo Stars FC Player faced Untimely Death in the Hands of SARS Officers

Remo Stars Football Club (RSFC) Assistant Captain and Defender, Tiyamu Kazeem (Kaka) has been killed by a policeman from the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) from the Ogun State Command.

The incident occurred this afternoon (Saturday) in Sagamu while he was driving along Sagamu area of Ogun State with one of his teammates, Sanni Abubakar.

According to an eyewitness, he claimed that the SARS officer stopped the footballer to label him a Yahoo Boy and they insisted on taking him to the nearby police station.

“The SARS officer stopped Tiyamiyu Kazeem insisting that he was a Yahoo Boy, he brought out his identity (ID) card to identify himself as a player of Remo Stars FC but the officer insisted on taking him to the nearest police station in Sagamu.”

“Tiyamiyu and Sanni obliged, followed the SARS officers, only for them to notice that they were driving towards Sagamu-Abeokuta Expressway, then the guys questioned to know were the SARS officers were taking them to, but this prompted them to stop the car and push him (Tiyamiyu) out of the car, whereby an unknowing vehicle knocked him down.”

He was immediately rushed to Fakoya Hospital in Sagamu, where it was confirmed that Tiyamiyu Kazeem was no more.

Until his death, he was a humble and reliable defender for Remo Stars FC in the ongoing 2019/2020 Nigeria National League (NNL).

May his soul rest in perfect peace and may the Lord help the family to bear the irreparable loss, this is a great loss to Remo Stars Family and the entire football fraternity.

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Local NNL

Go Round End Gateway Utd Winning Run in Omoku

Gateway United suffered their first defeat in the 2019/2020 Nigeria National League, NNL season after 0-1 loss to Go Round FC at Krisdera Hotel Stadium Omoku, Rivers State.

After two consecutive home wins, the visitors’ control of the game almost yielded the expected result in the 20th minute when Michael Okolo’s pass found unmarked Chimezie Kelechi at the edge of the but his effort at goal went inches wide.

Four minutes after, Go Round FC responded as Maduka Junior’s low header was well saved by Araromi Ibukun who dived to the right to parry the ball out of danger.

Another goal bound effort came from Chimezie Kelechi having received a through pass from Stephen Adodo,  however, the ball ricocheted off target.

The second half saw a much physical hosts with numerous fouls. Two minutes into the game, Sanni Jamiu stung the palm of Go Round goalie with thunderous shot at the tip of the box.

A moment of scare occurred in the 68th minute as Go Round jostled for an aerial ball in Gateway United box, it took the over head clearance of Egrigba Nicholas to avert the danger.

With ten minutes to go, Go Round took the lead via a free kick at the very dangerous edge of the box converted by Chile Azu who stepped up and smashed the ball to the left hand corner of goal.

Gateway United committed bodies forward, resulting to an array of attacks while the hosts took cover with physical and defensive tactical play to protect the slim lead.

Gateway United will now welcome Abia Comets on Matchday 5 on the 21st Dec., 2019.

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Africa Football Grass Root Local News NNL NPFL

Gov Okowa Cup: Remo stars, Kwara united share spoils as Rivers united defeat Abia on opening day

Remo Stars and kwara United share spoils on opening day at the maiden edition of Gov Okowa Pre Season Tourney at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.

Earlier, Rivers United picked the first win of the tournament after defeating 10-man Abia Warriors a goal to nil.

Reacting to the Tournament, the Coordinator Badawiy Bashir said that the tournament is part of a commitment to development through football, and it includes a life skills seminar that highlights and offers insight into how to cope with some of the challenges footballers are likely to encounter during their transition.

“We are in for a thrilling tournament, For the opening day, the public turnout was very encouraging, and we expect to see many more filling Stadium over the next seven days to enjoy the best footballers in the country showcasing their talent.” He said

On day two, Lobi Stars looking to lay ambush to Cynosure FC, Delta Force will make their bow in the tournament with a super clash against MFM FC, Bendel Insurance and Remo Stars will take to the battle ground at 4pm.

Meanwhile, the 1st vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi was present at the opening ceremony.

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Africa Football Local NNL NPFL

NNL playoffs, Aiteo cup final gets date, Venue

The management of the Nigeria National league has fixed date for the promotional playoff to the Nigeria Professional football league.

The league body has fixed July 24 for the playoff at four different centers.

Meanwhile, NFF has fixed July 24 for the final of the old competition in Nigeria, Aiteo Cup between Niger Tornadoes and Kano pillars. Ahmed Bello stadium, Kaduna will host the encounter.

Full fixtures and venue of NNL Play off and Aiteo cup

NNL Promotion
NAF FC vs Jigawa Golden Stars – Jos

FRSC FC vs Adamawa Utd – Makurdi

Shooting Stars vs Akwa Starlets – Asaba

Dynamite FC vs Warri Wolves – Enugu

Aiteo Cup
Niger Tornadoes Vs Kano Pillars
Venue: Ahmadu Bello Stadium Kaduna.

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Local News NNL

Gateway Utd Appreciate Ogun State Govt., Fans, Stakeholders As NNL Season Comes To An End

The management of Gateway United FC have acknowledged the Ogun State government, football stakeholders, supporters and the good people of the state in general for their unalloyed support during the just concluded 2018/2019 NNL campaign.

The acting General Manager Mr Niyi Soleye on behalf of the club appreciated the state government for its financial backing, advice and tutelage aimed at repositioning the club.

He further thanked the huge fan base of the club for standing solidly behind the club even in difficult times.

“We particularly express our profound gratitude to the current administration led by Prince Dr. Dapo Abiodun MFR for the timely support. We had a bad patch in the first stanza of the league, but through the support of the state government, football stakeholders, fans and supporters, we were able to beat the drop and even fought for playoff which we eventually missed by a whisker”

“We will now go back to the board room to painstakingly assess the just concluded NNL campaign. Then we will kick start preparation for 2019/2020 season while our players go on break”, he concluded.

He also called for all hands to be on deck in order to actualize the long-standing dream of topflight league ticket which can only be fought for next season.

Gateway United FC finished second in group B3 southern conference of the 2018/2019 NNL season with 11 points.