Akpom who is the top scorer of the league scored his 28th goal of the season in his side's 3-1 comeback win at the Rivers Side.

The British-Nigeria player celebrated his goal by running towards the touch line while removing his shirt to give a big hug to his Coach in a passionate manner.

[caption id="attachment_735639" align="alignnone" width="300"] Akpom hugs gaffer, Michael Carrick after goal[/caption]

And the forward was asked how well his has gaffer contributed to his performance this season that prompted the wild celebration.

He replied "massively, I think he is the manager I have been dreaming of my whole career.

Honestly, it is a pleasure to work with him and I go out there and give a 100 and ten percent and I want to fight for the manager because he's showed so much trust and confidence in me and I appreciate that so I just have to dedicate that to the gaffer today." He said.

He was asked what Micheal Carrick has done differently to put him in such great form that has seen him contribute 30 goals for Boro this season.

"I mean immediately when he came in, he put me in the number 10 role and he just gave me the license to just room around. He is given me that freedom to just go out there and express myself and I appreciate that so much." Akpom stated.

Boro keeps their slim chance of automatic qualification for promotion alive after the win over Hull City.

By Uche Dozie

Ibom Angels players, Ngozi Ukwouma and Udeme Uko are upbeat of winning in their match against Abia Angels in the Nigeria Women's Football League, NWFL on Wednesday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Ladies spoke ahead of the match day 10 fixture which is the first after the league went on a break due to the General elections in the country.

[caption id="attachment_734121" align="alignnone" width="138"] Udeme Uko[/caption]

Ukwouma believes she and her teammates leave up to expectations to get the maximum points.

"I believe in my fellow teammates and I also believe that we will get a good result in the away game"

"What I'm expecting is winning because we are up to the task"

Uko on her part, says it is going to be a difficult match, but is optimistic of the team getting something from the tie.

"As we meet Abia Angels, it will be a very tough match which we are aware of"

"We are very sure that we wouldn't come back empty handed in this Wednesday's game "

The match which holds at the Umuahia Township Stadium, Abia will see two sides who are separated by four points in group B of the league standings.

Abia Angels are in fifth place with 10 points while Ibom Angels are 7th in the drop zone with 6 points.

Uche Dozie

Reigning champions, Bayelsa Queens did the double over rivals, Rivers Angels on Wednesday in the Nigeria Women's Football League, NWFL Premiership match day 9 clash at the University of Porthacourt Sport Complex, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Prosperity Girls defeated the 2021 champions for the second time this season after coming from a goal down to win two goals to one and close the gap on group A leaders, Delta Queens who do not play until next week.

Flourish Sabastine opened score as early as the eleventh minute to put the host in the lead, but Adaobi Okah header level matters for the hosts at the dead of half time.

In the second half minute Etim Edidiong who assisted the visitors opener recoverd the lead with 13 minutes left to play.

The away team held on eventually to win the game at the end of the final whistle.

Uche Dozie

Nasarawa Amazons Coach, Christopher Danjuma has expressed desire for his side to make the super six after their win over Abia Angels on Wednesday in the Nigeria Women's Football League, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Danjuma's girls defeated the angels from Abia by two goals to one at the Aba Township Stadium courtesy of goals from Dominance Odubanjo and Josephine Matthias while Nnesoma Ibe scored a consolatory goal.

The Nigeria Women U-20 coach stated that their goal is the factor pushing them to make sure they gather more points.

"The table is a very tight one so definitely we lost at home when we needed to pick a point, we needed to recover outside knowing that we have more away matches to play,” Danjuma told media.

“The antecedents before us is the factor that’s pushing us to make sure we gather more points and qualify for the Super Six. You know football have this natural tendency when somebody is two goals down and keep fighting, two goals in modern football is not clean or home all the way.

“So when they pulled one goal back, definitely you see that the surge of energy to at least let them pick a point. All what we needed to do was to become a bit more tactical and forget going upfront. We keep our heads down and our next match is Edo Queens, making sure that no matter what’s happening we are within the top two positions.”

With their first away win in the bag which meant a double over Abia Angels this season, Nasarawa Amazons will head to the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium to see if they could replicate such feat against Edo Queens in their next game.

By Uche Dozie

Nasarawa Amazons earned a vital win over Abia Angels on Wednesday which saw them move top temporarily in group B in the Nigeria Women's Football League, NWFL Premiership, Nigeriasoccernet.com report.

First and second half goals from Dominance Odubanjo and Josephine Mathias and a later consolation by Nmesoma Ibe earned the Amazons a 2-1 win.

Odubanjo had broken the deadlock for the visitors at the Enyimba International Stadium in the 35th minute of the game.

The first match ended one nil in favour of Nasarawa as the home team struggled to get themselves back into the game.

The Amazons consolidated their lead twenty minutes into the second phase as Mathias doubled the lead for the visitors.

However, it was a little too late as Ibe pulled one back for the host in the 80th minute, but the game ended that way for Nasarawa to emerge winners.

With the result, Nasarawa Amazons go top with a point ahead of Edo Queens who have a game in hand with 13 points while Edo Queens drop to 5th with 10 points same as Confluence and Robo Queens who occupy 4th and 3rd positions of group B.

By Uche Dozie

Delta Queens have added a player to their squad as they prepare ahead of 2022/2023 Nigeria Women Football (NWFL) Premiership season.

The team from Delta State have secured the signing of experienced defender Sandra Johnosi from former league champions Rivers Angels.

Report according to kick442.com shows the player penned down a year deal with the club for undisclosed fee.

The former Adamawa Queens defender will be expected to bring to bear her wealth of experience as Delta Queens pursue a better league campaign in the 2022/2023 season.

The Management of Bayelsa Queens Football Club have confirmed Coach Domo Okara (who has been on acting capacity), as the substantive Technical Adviser of the team.

According to the Chairman, Pastor Robin Angonimi Apreala, coach Domo Okara has proven that he is capable of leading the team to an enviable position.

Apreala said overtime, Coach Domo Okara has shown his prowess handling the team and proved his worth in conquering West Africa Zone B, hence Management decided to confirm his appointment as the substantive Technical Adviser of the Prosperity Girls.

Technical Adviser Domo Okara, in his speech promised to do his best and not to let the people of Bayelsa State and the Country down as the team is going to Morocco for the CAF Women Champions League and thanked Management for the confidence reposed in him and that he will work in synergy with management.

Nigeria Women's Football League player Precious Onyiyechi is the latest acquisition by Tanzania women's side, Young Africans.

Onyinyechi joined the Tanzania powerhouse on Monday from Nasarawa Amazons for an unannounced fee.

'"Precious Onyinyechi Christopher has joined Tanzanian football powerhouse Young Africans Women Team (Yanga). She was previously on the books of Nigeria Women Football League side Nassarawa Amazons FC" The Nigeria women's football club announced via a tweet.

The Yanga Princess had brought in a couple of Nigerians into their ranks some days ago after signing Chioma Wogu, Blessing Nkor and Saiki Mary Atinuke.

Former Minsk FK, Chioma Wohu joined from Edo Queens FC while Blessing Nkor moved from Sunshine Queens.

The club is gradually becoming the new home of Nigerian players, making the new Serengeti Lite Women League one to relish.

Nigeria"s representative at the CAF Women's Champion League, Bayelsa Queens will know who their opponents are as the draws for the CAF Women’s Champions League 2022 will take place Friday in Rabat Morocco.

The Nigeria Women's Football League (NWFL) champions triumphed at the WAFU Zone B qualifier stage to be in the competition.

The Prosperity Girls after toping the group B of the qualifiers following two wins and a draw, defeated Espior Ladies 6-0 in the Semi finals and Ampem Ladies 3-0 in the finals to win the title and qualify.

Bayelsa Queens will be part of the eight teams that will jostle for the title when the tournament begins from 31 October to 13 November in Morocco.

Estranged Super Eagles attacking midfielder, Sunday Mba saw red, as Yeni Malatyaspor lost 3-1 to Boluspor in the Turkish 1st Lig clash on Friday.

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hero bagged the first red card of the season in the home defeat. Hasan Hatipoglu scored first for Boluspor in the 27th minute; Tevfik Kose increased the tally by scoring a brace in the 40th and 83rd minutes respectively.

Sadik Ciftpinar reduced the score-line for Malatyaspor in the 89th minute, as the game ended 3-1 at full time. The 27-year-old Nigerian midfielder bagged a straight red in the 80th minute, following a rough tackle on Boluspor player. Mba has scored six goals in his 27 appearances so far in the Turkish lower division this season.

The FIFA Council today appointed Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura of Senegal as FIFA Secretary General (SG). Ms Samoura is a 21-year veteran of United Nations programmes who is currently the UN’s Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria. The announcement was made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the 66th FIFA Congress in Mexico City.

“Fatma is a woman with international experience and vision who has worked on some of the most challenging issues of our time,” President Infantino said. “She has a proven ability to build and lead teams, and improve the way organisations perform. Importantly for FIFA, she also understands that transparency and accountability are at the heart of any well-run and responsible organisation.”

As required under FIFA statutes, Ms Samoura will undergo an eligibility check administered by the independent Review Committee, per Article 37 of the FIFA Statutes. Ms Samoura will assume the role of FIFA Secretary General before mid-June.

President Infantino praised Ms Samoura’s integrity, and said the Council was particularly impressed with her operational experience, as well as her expertise in governance and working in multi-cultural environments. He said her expertise will complement the long-standing and deep knowledge of world football within the FIFA leadership team and administration.

“It is essential for FIFA to incorporate fresh perspectives – from outside the traditional pool of football executives – as we continue to restore and rebuild our organisation," President Infantino said. "No one exemplifies what we need more than Fatma does, and we are thrilled that she has joined our team.”

Since starting her UN career as a senior logistics officer with the World Food Programme in Rome in 1995, Ms Samoura has served as country representative or director in six countries: Republic of Djibouti, Cameroon, Chad, Guinea, Madagascar and Nigeria. She speaks French (her mother tongue), English, Spanish and Italian.

“Today is a wonderful day for me, and I am honoured to take on the role of FIFA’s Secretary General,” Ms Samoura said. “I believe this role is a perfect fit for my skills and experience – strategic, high impact team building in international settings – which I will use to help grow the game of football all over the world.

"I also look forward to bringing my experience in governance and compliance to bear on the important reform work that is already underway at FIFA. FIFA is taking a fresh approach to its work – and I am eager to play a role in making that approach as effective and lasting as possible.”

In her current UN role in Nigeria, Ms Samoura has wide-ranging responsibilities including budgeting, human resources, and procurement, among others. She coordinates the activities of approximately 2,000 staff members, and monitors and evaluates the security, political and socio-economic situation and trends in Africa’s most populous country.

Prior to joining the UN, Ms Samoura spent eight years in the private sector, working in the fertiliser trading sector for Senchim, a subsidiary of Industries Chimiques du Senegal. Her areas of responsibility included product export and import programmes, tenders, and the establishment of a national distribution network.

Ms Samoura earned her Masters Degree in English and Spanish at the University of Lyon; and a Post-Masters Degree in international relations/international trade from the Institut d’Etudes Supérieures Spécialisées (IECS)- Strasbourg-France.

Nigeria International, Odion Ighalo is on his way out of Watford FC according to reports in England as the club isunderstood to be lining up a £10m bid for Burundi-born Saido Berahino.

Ighalo’s form slumped in 2016 having racked up an impressive 14 goals in the first half of the current seasonand now it appears Quique Flores has given his approvalfor the club to cash in on the former Granada C.F. striker.

The 26-year-old was subject of several transfer speculation in the January transfer window – with Arsenal and Man United reportedly scouting him – including a massive offer from the far east.

It is also believed that the Hornets want to bring in Nigerian young player, Isaac Success from La Liga outfit, Granada C.F.

Flying Eagles continued their preparations for the upcoming African U20 Cup of Nations qualifiers against Burundi on Monday morning with another training session.

Ahead of the first leg tie against the East Africans, there are no injury worries in camp, with the likes of skipper Kelechi Nwakali, Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen all taking part in today’s workout.

Coach Emmanuel Amuneke and his lieutenants will be hoping to pinpoint the gray areas in the team after their next friendly against Nigeria National League team Kaduna United on Wednesday at the Fifa Goal Project in Abuja.

The Flying Eagles defeated Katsina United 3-1 in their last friendly on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Shehu Dikko, LMC Chairman, led its management while La Liga President Javier Tebas, led the Spanish delegation to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Dikko said that the partnership would see Nigerian coaches and clubs embark on capacity building tour of Spain and also see the La Liga establish a liaison office in Nigeria.

“We are excited with what happened today because it will help in our quest to change the face of football in Nigeria, using the international best practices.

“We are privileged to lead the reform that is expected to take Nigerian league to the next level.

“La Liga is one of the richest leagues in the world. So, we want to tap from them to make our league better.

“We are working with them on technical issues of developing the league. But, most importantly, they will develop our coaches and players as well as commercial activity.

“The next thing is to get Nigerians to put money into the league because this is our biggest challenge; however, the partnership will also involve marketing.

“Major leagues in the world want to associate with the NPFL and in no distant time, the result will begin to manifest,’’ Dikko said.

On his part, Tebas said the benefits of the partnership deal signed with the LMC would depend how better the NPFL becomes in future.

In a remark, Spain’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Alfonso Barnuevo Sebastián de Erice, said his country is Nigeria’s third best client on the economic front and would want the relationship replicated in sports.

“Spain and Nigeria have strong relations which are strategic and our political relationships are based on friendship, trust and good understanding.

“Regarding the economic relations, we are the third best client of Nigeria with4.5 billion Euros of oil and gas bought by Spain.

“The MoU signed today will make our sports on mutual relations also strategic; La Liga is one of the most important companies in Spain and its presence in Nigeria is very important,’’ de Erice said.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, who witnessed the signing, said a page had been opened in the history of football in Nigeria.

Dalung said that the partnership would open up opportunities for exchange of ideas and experiences which is expected to transcend into football and other international relationships.

`The coming of La Liga into Nigerian football is a mark of trust Spain has for Nigeria’s football,’’ Dalung said.

NAN reports that Fernando Sanz, La Liga’s Director for International Projects, Melcior Soler, the Director of Audiovisual Affairs and Antonio Barradas, the La Liga Africa Continent Manager are among the delegation from Spain. (NAN)

The former Sunshine Stars midfielder recently penned a year and half deal with the finnish top division side, but has yet to feature for the club  due to the non issuance of the work permit.

A reliable source close to the player informed nigerias0ccernet.com that the work permit issue  has been resolved and the player will make his debut for the club anytime soon.

"Paul has been cleared to play for KUPS. He has been issued his work permit and he will make his debut in Finland very soon," the source revealed tonigeriasoccernet.com.

"He is eager to start playing  and get into the national team once again."

Onobi is the third Nigerian who recently joined KUPS following the capture of Azubuike Egwuekwe and Gbolahan Salami.

In an exclusive chat with nigeriasoccernet.com, Siasia hinged his submission on the current form of the duo which has seen them change the fortunes of their respective clubs since the New Year with Chelsea and West Ham moving up to 10th and fifth positions on the Premier League log.

“I am really impressed with Mikel’s attitude towards this important game; he has called in to confirm his readiness for the clash" Siasia told nigeriasoccernet.com

“Victor Moses has pledged to return too and this is quite encouraging at a time we need our top players against Egypt.

“Egypt will be coming with their best players and I strongly feel Mikel and Moses’ wealth of experience will come in handy if we are to pick three points against Egypt in Kaduna.

“These two guys are highly experienced and are in top shape right now, I believe they will play a major role if we are to beat Egypt.

Akwa United recently sent out of the CAF Confederation Cup in a penalty shootout with a Congolese side began brightly in Kano, taking the lead after 10 minutes through Michael Ibe Okoro but the lead was short-lived as Rabiu Ali waited just four minutes to erase the lead and for the first of what would be an eventual hat trick.

Super Eagles interim coach, Samson Siasia has urged Nigerians to stop worrying about the 2017 Afcon double header between Nigeria and the Pharaohs of Egypt later this month because his wards have assured him of victory over the North Africans.

Siasia Speaking in Abuja ahead of the resumption of camp today, an optimistic Siasia said, “I have spoken to the likes of Mikel, Moses, Odion, Iheanacho and others; they are all ready to play.               They said: “Coach, we are coming to do it and play for you,” which is a good assurance. So, we want to go out there with a positive mind to make sure that we put smiles on the faces of Nigerians.” On his part, the coach has assured that the double header was a top priority.                                                                                                         He Said , “I am going to give over a 100 per cent of my time to make sure that we win those two games. I am full of confidence and, as long as the boys play to instruction, we do not have anything to worry about.” Egypt presently sits atop the group with maximum six points, two ahead of Nigeria after two rounds of matches.               But Siasia believes playing the first leg at home is an advantage to the Eagles. “We are playing at home and we must make sure that we win at home, no matter what it takes us.                                          Egypt can’t beat us, I assure you that. So, there is no need for panic,” he insisted. His belief has been strengthened by the availability of video tapes of the Pharaohs and he said the technical crew will seat with the players and study the tapes closely.                 “ The first leg encounter will hold in Kaduna on March 25, while the return leg is scheduled for Alexandria on March 29.

Since this statement was credited to Pinnick barely a week ago, very many football followers have expressed great concern about the ‘colonial mentality’ in the Glasshouse and how such retrogressive disposition would further impede the growth of our football.

One of them, Aloy Amamchukwu, had a particularly illuminating take on the subject: “At times like these when Nigeria is looking inwards the NFF is looking outwards. They always claim to be broke and can’t adequately finance the national team even with a low wage local coach, now they are talking about employing a foreign coach to…waste hard earned dollars that we all know is scarce these days. Maybe Nigerian government should get foreigners also to run the NFF since we don’t believe in ourselves.”

Some others even expressed disappointment with me for not weighing in on the matter with what they felt were my “usually compelling views.                                                                                     But, what really can I say that I have not said a thousand, no, ten thousand times before. No doubt, nothing about our football will be new for a long time to come. And that is so regrettable.

The official jersey sponsors of the Sharks FC, Eunisell Limited has declared that despite the demotion of the sponsored Port Harcourt based side to the Nigerian National League, it won’t stop helping the league from achieving its full potential.

The petro-chemical products company penned a deal with the league side in July - a move which heralded a new era in the franchise of the Port Harcourt based team.

In a statement by the Group Managing Director of Eunisell, Mr. Chika Ikenga, the company won’t call off the contracts with the Blue Sharks despite being relegated from the Nigeria topflight.

“We will not abandon the league; neither will we abandon Sharks FC because of the relegation. Though they will be playing in the second tire league, we won’t terminate our contract with them. We will rather encourage them to improve on their game and hopefully come back to play in the NPFL," Ikenga said.

“We know our league can create jobs and reach its highest potential if well supported. That is why we got involved in the first place and we won’t withdraw our support in a bid to help the county achieve its full potential in this regard.” he concluded.

He also assured that the company remains optimistic about the opportunities the domestic league offers in reducing economical challenges faced in the country.

Sharks finished in 17th position with a total of 45 points after an away loss to Abia Warriors on the final day.