Futball Galore

 Newly appointed Rangers International head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu believes he already has all the necessary ingredients in place to make his time at the Cathedral a success. Addressing Let's Gist Naija Football during an interview session on Sunday, the former MFM FC, Heartland and Plateau United boss explained what attracted him to the Flying Antelopes, the legacy left by his predecessor Abdu Maikaba and what he hopes to achieve at the club. Q: Historically, Rangers International is one of the biggest teams as far as Nigerian football is concerned, but the club has underachieved in recent times with their recent league success being the title in 2016. What are you plans to bring back the glory days of the Flying Antelopes?  Ilechukwu: Rangers International is one of the biggest teams in Nigeria. We would take things one at a time, it's very important to start the foundation gradually.  Q: What attracted you to the seven-time NPFL champions? How do you hope to improve o...

 If Tosin Omoyele had a collection of journals, they would make for a fascinating read. At a tender age, he was the face of COD United - conceivably the most gifted soccer player to have come out of the defunct club. Tosin Omoyele is a name that strikes fear to defenders in the Nigerian League. In stints at Osun United, Plateau United, Enyimba and Katsina United he became the reliable target man and scored lots of goals. His adventure abroad has seen him play for Nogoom and now USM Khenchela. In an exclusive interview with Naija Footballers Forum, the 26-year-old forward reveals his thoughts on life in Algeria, talks about his journey so far as a Footballer and casts an eye towards the future. Q: Just a few years ago you were playing in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Now you're in the Algeria Ligue 1 rubbing shoulders with some of the best in Africa. What has it been like as an experience? Omoyele Tosin: Algerian teams do perform well on the continent. USM Algiers won ...

Organizers of the 2023 AMAPRO Bet9ja Football Championship have expressed their sincere thanks to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman, Kwara State Sports Commission, Bet9ja, Honorable Kunle Soname, Kwara Football Academy, partners, media and participating clubs following the successes recorded in the 8th edition of the tournament. Abraysports won the 2023 edition after beating KFA 1-0 in a colorful final played on Sunday. The boys of Coach Sarafa Usman held on to an 11th minute penalty converted by Olabode Sholabi to win the coveted title they missed in 2021 when they lost on penalties to NNL All Stars.  According to BrainBehind of AMAPRO, Shogo Shodunnke, the championship was able to meet its target of hastening the gap between amateur and professional players with the support of all and sundry, especially Bet9ja through their Super Agent in Kwara State, Alhaji Alameen 'Water' Lukman. Shodunnke noted that the championship has also given hope to...

 Abraysports FC have emerged champions of the 2023 AMAPROBet9ja Football Championship following their 1-0 victory over Kwara Football Academy (KFA) in the final on Sunday in Ilorin. Olabode Solabi was the hero of the day as his 11th minute penalty handed his side their first ever AMAPRO title after losing the final to NNL All Stars in 2021. The game lived up to expectations with both sides coming at each other in the early minutes but the first chance fell to Abraysports when Adebayo Suraj sent in a well measured cross to find Onatola Ayobami, but Kolo Samson the goalkeeper for KFA produced an outstanding moment to put it out. Samson was penalized in the 8th minute following a foul on Solabi inside the area as the centre referee wasted no time pointing to the spot. Solabi took the responsibility upon himself as he converted from 12 yards to put Abraysports FC on the driving seat in the 11th minute. KFA came close to getting a timely equalizer three minutes after but Quadri Ahmed sk...

 Hon Uwemedimo Asuquo has praised Akwa United for starting their Naija Super 8 campaign on a winning note. The Promise Keepers edged Yobe Desert Stars 2-1 in their opening game in Group B at Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Saturday. And Hon Asuquo, Chairman House Committee on youths and sport in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly commended the club for the achievement, noting that success came through hard work and effort. He also declared the sum of Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000) for every goal scored from their next game at the tournament. "I am very pleased to congratulate Akwa United for their first win of the Naija Super 8," he mused during a chat with Newsmen on Saturday. “This is, without a doubt, the result of effort and hard work and all involved can be proud of this great achievement. I would be grateful if you continue to keep the fire burning. "I encourage team to continue working with determination and motivation. "I hereby declare the sum of Fifty Thousand Na...

 Abraysports Football Club will be taking on Kwara Football Academy (KFA) in the final of 2023 AMAPRO Bet9ja Football Championship billed for Sunday in Ilorin.  The final will be Abraysports' second in three years having been a losing in 2021 against NNL All Stars.  The team led by former NPFL icon, Sarafa Usman defeated SGFC Athletics by a lone goal in the first semi-final played at the Pitch A of KFA.  Sholabi Bode headed home a good corner from Adebayo Suraj just nine minutes into the match.  SGFC had themselves to blame for the defeat having missed number of chances created with Samuel Bamigboye the major culprit.  The second semifinal saw KFA recorded the same scoreline against HMK FC from Osogbo courtesy of Mukhtar Habeeb's brilliant finish as he capitalized on a lose ball in HMK defense.  Sunday Samuel went close to doubling the lead for KFA in the second half but was denied by HMK goalkeeper. The Coach Ladi Ojokojo boys will be playing in their...

The trio of SGFC Athletics, Abraysports and HMK FC, all from the Nationwide League One (NLO) have been joined by Kwara Football Academy (KFA) in the semi-final of 2023 AMAPRO Bet9ja Football Championship taking place in Ilorin. The Quarter-final matches that were decided on Friday produced enthralling encounters. Opening match of the quarter-final was between SGFC Athletics and Nigeria National League (NNL) All Stars which ended 1-0 in favor of the latter. Samuel Bamigboye scored the lone goal of the match in the 73rd minute after both sides had fluffed numerous begging chances. Abraysports got the better of Jazzy Stars FA from Jos with 3-0 victory in the second quarterfinal engagement.  Two quick first half goals from Onatola Ayobami and Quadri Hammed put the NLO side in the driving seat.  Jazzy Stars tried to stage rally in the second half but met a more resolute Abraysporty side. Subomi Olatunji put the icing on the cake with third goal to seal the last four spot. The encou...

 NPFL All Stars dispatched Gateway 2-0 to seal their place in the quarter final of 2023 Amapro Bet9ja Football Championship  Owolabi Aremu got the curtain with a strike inside the area after meeting a perfect cross from Ibrahim Muhammad.  Winger Al Ameen Al Ameen increased the advantage with a brilliant free kick late in the game.  Jos based Jazzy Stars FA got their first win of the tournament after humbling Pro Leagues 2-0 in an entertaining encounter.  Jazzy scored the opener early in the second half, after Prince Gobum slid in a perfect cross. Joel Ali soon increased the lead with a stunning from outside the area to seal Jazzy Stars FA’s passage to the next round.  It wasilling encounter between Abraysports FC and Dickalo FA, with the later winning 3-2. Kolawole Daniel banged the opening goal in the first minute before Solabi Bode restored parity in the third minute. Just before the break, Kolawole Daniel put Dickalo FA ahead once again, a goal which was...

In a keenly contested final, 36 Lion defeated Prince Kazeem Eletu FC 1-0 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. At the end of the four-day intensive scouting featuring over 200 youngsters, 22 players were selected by the Barcelona and Athletic Sant Just scouts. It was a clash of Philosophies as Prince Kazeem Eletu FC faced off against 36 Lion in the final of the Lagos City Cup. The Lions set up in a deep block and hit Prince Kazeem Eletu FC on the counter and it was this approach that led to the early goal.  Prince Kazeem Eletu FC got a lifeline when referee pointed to the spot following a hand ball in the Lion's box. The late penalty kick was missed. 36 Lion heaved a sigh of relief after winning another title in 2023, following the success of Lagos Supremacy Cup.

 NNL All Stars continued to struggle after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Amapro Selected SA on Matchday two of the ongoing Amapro Bet9ja Football Championship in Ilorin.  Bolaji Olawuyi scored on the 60th minute to cancel out Seun Ogunlana's early opener as the defending champions were held to a disappointing draw. NPFL All Stars bounced back from their disappointing opening day defeat to Laycon FA as they beat SGFC Athletics 2-1 to record their first win in the competition. Abayomi Junior took advantage of a mistake from SGFC Athletics goalkeeper Godwin Friday to tap in the opener for last year’s finalists. Samuel Bamigboye restored parity for the NLO side with just minutes before the break. Issa Gata, who came on as a substitute scored very early in the second half to hand NPFL All-stars their first win in this year’s tournament. The Jos boys have failed to win in their second game of the tournament as they settled for a stalemate against Le Pass SSA, who won their first g...

2023 Amapro Bet9ja Football Championship kicked off in style on Monday at the Kwara Football Academy Pitch. Day One provided with some interesting encounters and upsets. Kwara United duo of Godwin Oshagbemi and Abubakar Garba powered Kwara Football Academy (KFA) to a 2-1 comeback win over Defending Champions, NNL All Stars. Olasoju Jamiu put the reigning champions into the lead. Oshagbemi headed home on 29 minutes to restore parity. Garba powered in the winner five minutes after the hour mark. Amapro Selected SA and Da Faria SC settled for a goalless draw. Both sides had good chances to grab a win in their first game but it was only going to end in a stalemate.  2021 finalists, Abraysports FC came from a goal down to beat Ajaokuta FA 2-1 in their opening game.  Hyacinth Lazarus put Ajaokuta FA ahead early in the first half with a screamer from outside the area. Molaoye Abiodun leveled scoring with a fine header from a good Suraj Adebayo’s cross.  Abraysports FC went ahead...

The 2022 Champions of AMAPRO Bet9ja Football Championship, NNL All-Stars have been handed a tough draw in the 2023 edition, which is scheduled to kickoff on Monday in Ilorin.  NNL All-stars, who defeated NPFL All-stars 3-2 on penalties in last year's final have been placed in Group B alongside, Kwara Football Academy (KFA), Da Faria FC and AMAPRO SSA.  Last year’s finalists, NPFL All-stars will compete in Group A against Nationwide League One, NLO side, SGFC Athletics, Laycon FA and Gateway FA.  In Group C, 2021 Finalists, Abraysports FC will compete against Teworh Sports Club, Dickalo FA and Ajaokuta FA.  The Pro-leaguers will battle the boys from jos, Jazzy Stars FA, HMK FC from Osogbo and Le Pass SA in Group D of the championship that is sponsored by the leading getting platform in Nigeria, Bet9ja.  The 8th edition of the tournament kick starts on Monday, July 3rd while the final will be decided on Sunday 9th of July, 2023.  Group A 1. NPFL All-stars 2. ...