Just as Nigerians were trying to put behind them the rude shock of the death of former Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi, the football world woke up last Saturday morning to the news that four-time national team coach Shuaibu Amodu was dead, three days after the death of Keshi. But must the Nigeria Football Federation wait until their death to honour them?

When the immediate past Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh announced his resignation, citing contract violations, lack of support and unpaid wages, as reason for leaving many were quick to discard his claims, saying that even while he was a player, his coaches were owed and "why does he think things would change in his time."

But the death of Shuaibu Amodu has lent credence to the fact that NFF is not living up to its responsibilities. Probably, if his salaries were paid as and when due, he might be alive today.

As the federation's technical director, Amodu was reportedly on N800, 000 per month but without an office and official accommodation.

According to his brother, Akuri Afegbua, the former Eagles coach died after complaints of chest pain and his inability to get the money NFF owed him, adding that his financial status had made it difficult for him to take care of himself and his immediate family.

"I think he died of frustration due to his financial status. He was not paid. He was complaining of not being paid and had no money to maintain himself and his immediate family," the cousin said.

NFF general secretary Muhammed Sanusi said the football authority would forever be grateful to Amodu for his amazing service to Nigerian and African football.

"He lived for his family and football, Amodu gave his heart and soul to Nigerian football and we can never thank him enough," Sanusi told BBC Sport.

The late NFF technical director first took charge of Nigeria at the age of 36, coached the Super Eagles on four different occasions.

He helped the country to qualify for the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea and led them to a third-place finish in the 2002 Nations Cup.

Under his stewardship, Nigeria qualified for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa but Amodu was sacked despite the team's third-place finish at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.

Rivers State Governor, Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, has approved the immediate payment of sign on fees for the 2013/2014 owed players and officials of the defunct Sharks FC and Dolphins by the previous administration. The two teams owned by the state were collapsed into the new Rivers United FC.

Wike’s magnanimity is in recognition of the recent brilliant performances of Rivers United FC in the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), especially its recent away win against Warri Wolves in Warri, Delta State.

The state’s Commissioner for Sports, Boma Iyaye, who confirmed monday the governor’s approval charged the players and officials of Rivers United FC to gun for this season’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title.

United has been in impressive form in recent weeks, dispatching the log leaders, Enugu Rangers 3-1 in Port Harcourt on May 1 before following it up with a 1-0 away victory over Warri Wolves last Sunday.

“The governor has shown he is a man of action and a man of his words by ensuring that their priority is placed at the top burner.

“I am urging you all to reciprocate this commendable gesture by ensuring that you go all out to win this season’s NPFL title.

“If this feat is achieved, it will go a long way in putting smiles on the faces of all Rivers people and also justify the huge investment in the club,” Iyaye noted.

Rivers United currently occupies sixth spot in the NPFL standings with 25 points from 15 matches, three points adrift of the leaders, Enugu Rangers.

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)

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It will be an oriental clash between first and second placed teams in the Nigeria Professional Football League when FC IfeanyiUbah and Rangers clash at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium, Enugu on Saturday.

Rangers toppled their Oriental rivals in the table midweek following a 2-0 home win against Plateau United.

The Nnewi- based outfit have amassed 19 points, while Rangers who were held to a 1-1 draw by MFM FC at the Agege Stadium on Wednesday are on 18 points.

Third placed Abia Warriors, the only side yet to taste defeat in the league this season have a chance to extend that run when they confront Lobi Stars at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

Kennedy Boboye's led side are sweating on the fitness of top striker, Chisom Chikatara who missed the midweek 2-1 win at Akwa United due to injury.

Former champions, Kano Pillars will hope to return to winning ways when they host Nasarawa United at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

The Sai Masu Gida's six- games winning streak was halted by Giwa FC in the midweek.

Ikorodu United and Sunshine Stars will clash in the South West derby, while Jos rivals, Plateau United and Giwa will battle for supremacy at the Rwang Pam Stadium.

Read Also: Obaroakpo: Abia Warriors Want To Stay Unbeaten, Win NPFL Title

Shooting Stars who are yet to pick a point on their travels this season will be guests to El-kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri.

In Owerri, Heartland and Rivers United will do battle in what is expected to be a highly entertaining affair.

The visitors are without defeat in their last three games.

Struggling Warri Wolves will keep a date with high flying MFM FC at the Warri City Stadium.

Akwa United who lost 2-1 against Abia Warriors at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Wednesday have another chance to make amend for that defeat when they slug it out with Niger Tornadoes at the same venue.

MATCH DAY -11 FIXTURES

Ikorodu United V Sunshine Stars

El-kanemi W. V Shooting Stars

Heartland V Rivers United

Kano Pillars V Nasarawa United

Plateau United V Giwa FC

Rangers V FC IfeanyiUbah

Warri Wolves V MFM FC

Abia Warriors V Lobi Stars

Akwa United V Niger Tornadoes

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.

Sharks, Bayelsa United, FC Taraba and Kwara United were all relegated from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Sunday.

It was a battle between Sharks and city rival, Dolphins to stay in the top flight, with Sharks needing a straight win against Abia Warriors. Instead, they lost 1-0, while Dolphins drew 2-2 with Shooting Stars in Ibadan.

Akwa United survived on the last day of the league, after recording a 1-0 victory over Lobi Stars at the Nest of Champions in Uyo, with Abdulafeez scoring the all-important goal.

Rangers also beat Bayelsa United 3-1.

Meanwhile, Enyimba won their seventh league title last week, drawing 0-0 with Warri Wolves. They also recorded another goalless outing against Sunshine Stars on the last day.

Though the champion for the 2014/15 Nigeria Premier League season, Enyimba, has already emerged, the season nonetheless is set for a thrilling climax this Sunday as the battle to escape relegation will be headlining the final day of action.

Aside the fierce contest to stay up in the elite cadre, the fight for available continental tickets is also bound to add some glamour to the final day of action of the domestic League.

CONTINENTAL TICKETS

As champions, Enyimba have secured one of the tickets for next year’s CAF Champions League and Warri Wolves are in good stead to snatch the other ticket once they get the needed victory over already relegated Taraba United.

Having narrowly missed out on winning the League, Wolves are expected to grab the chance of Champions League football next season by nailing Taraba United on Sunday in Warri.

In that regard, the battle is now to know who will finish in third spot to snatch the CAF Confederation Cup ticket.

Mathematically, the quartets of Giwa FC, Sunshine Stars, Nasarawa United and Wikki in that order all have the chance to claim the last spot – a place in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Of the lot however, giant killers Giwa FC seem to have the best chance as they have their destiny in their hands.

The ambitious privately owned Jos-based club need a point in their away game to Nasarawa United to be sure of rubbing shoulders with other African teams in the second-tier CAF Confederations Cup next season.

The needed point sure won’t come easy as Nasarawa United on their part need an outright win over Giwa FC. If that happens, Giwa will hope that the champions, Enyimba, do them a favour by defeating Sunshine Stars at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos.

On the other hand, Sunshine Stars like Nasarawa United also need an outright win and will hope that Nasarawa United do them the favour of defeating Giwa FC since they have one of the three best goal difference among the top-six sides going into the final match day.

For the last team in contention for the third spot, Wikki, the permutation is different and somewhat harder.

The Bauchi club can only qualify for Africa’s second tier club competition on the back of losses by Giwa FC and Sunshine Stars provided Nasarawa United’s victory over Giwa FC is not beyond a goal margin. Aside seeing their rivals lose, Wikki will still need to beat outgoing champions Kano Pillars by at least a four-goal margin to gate crash into the continent next season.

RELEGATION BATTLE

Away from the battle for continental tickets, next stop is the fierce contest for survival. Already, three teams, Kwara United, Taraba United and Bayelsa United, are heading to down to the Nigeria National League next season but one more team will be joining the trio after Sunday’s games are concluded.

Lobi Stars, Enugu Rangers, Sharks, Dolphins and Akwa United are all in danger of dropping to the second tier on the final day depending on how results pan out.

The Port Harcourt clubs, Dolphins and Sharks, both have their work well cut as only away wins against Shooting Stars and Abia Warriors respectively is their best bet to avoid the drop.

For Rangers, keeping their enviable record of never relegated from the top-flight before looks within reach as the Flying Antelopes only require a home win over Bayelsa to be sure they stay up.

After going six matches without a win, Rangers will sure want to end the season on a high.

The last relegation dogfight pitches Federation Cup finalists, Akwa United, against Lobi Stars.

It is quite tricky for Akwa United as victory for the Promise Keepers could still count for nothing should Dolphins, Rangers and Sharks all win. The only scenario which guarantees Akwa United staying up is if they go on a goal scoring spree; winning with a four-goal margin and that will mean Lobi drop to the second tier. Lobi just need a point to be safe.

In all, fans are expected to be at the edge of their seats at different match venues on Sunday as the curtain drops on the 2014/15 League season in Nigeria.

FINAL DAY FIXTURES

Heartland v El-Kanemi

Shooting Stars v Dolphins

Kwara Utd v FC Ifeanyiubah

Abia Warriors v Sharks

Wolves v FC Taraba

Sunshine Stars v Enyimba

Rangers v Bayelsa Utd

Akwa Utd v Lobi Stars

Wikki. v Kano Pillars

Nasarawa Utd v Giwa FC

Sharks FC of Port Harcourt abandoned their Match against hosts Nasarawa United FC  on Sunday in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) after a penalty was awarded against them in the 66th minute of their Day 36 fixture in the 2014/2015.

Referee Abubakar Ago made the penalty call after Afeez Aremu of Sharks FC seemed to have committed a foul against Ugochukwu Leonard of Nasarawa United in the penalty box in the 66th minute, even though the game was thrilling at that point, a decision which led to a second caution to Afeez Aremu leading to his dismissal.

This prompted the players and officials of Sharks to disrupt the game leaving the penalty area refusing to continue play.

This continued till the match was blown off by Ago who had waited for 15 minutes for Sharks players to return for the match to continue.

In an interview later on, Okey Kpareku, Sharks’ General Manager, said he was disappointed with the match’s officiating.

He expressed wonder if the NPFL had really improved in terms of organisation.

“I feel so bad about the way we have our games organised and officiated. The League management should do its best to put in officials, put in a lot of human resources into the system.

“It is just for us to appreciate what they have done and give a good outing, an outing that is commendable. Instead of us (clubs) to do that, we use our hands to spoil the system which is very bad.

“It is as if we don’t appreciate the LMC who are doing their best,” he said.

On Sharks’ next line of action, Kpareku said his team would wait for a final decision from the League Management Company (LMC).

“Sharks players were on the pitch till after the centre referee blew the final whistle.

“My players saw what happened and it is too obvious. We know the referee has the final say. They were there on the pitch and they were there until the 15th minute then the referee called off the game.

“So, we will wait for the LMC and look forward to whatever they will say and, probably, what the authorities concerned will do. We will now begin to move from there,’’ he said.

Festus Allen, Sharks’ Head Coach, said the way referee Ago awarded the penalty kick and issued a red card to Aremu prompted his team to abandon the match.

“I cannot say much because I am short of words. You saw what led to the protest and the way we were given red card,’’ he said.

The match’s first goal was scored in the third minute from the penalty kick spot by Segun Sogbeso of Nasarawa United after a foul on Anyu Ishaya.

In the 27th minute, Nasarawa United made it 2-0 through Ugochukwu Leonard who received a pass from Ishaya to score from close range.

In spite of the two goals, Sharks FC did not relent and reduced the tally in the 33rd minute via a penalty kick by Aremu after a foul on Christian Pyagbara.

After the break, Sharks drew level, scoring in the 58th minute through Aremu who capitalised on poor defending to blast home from close range.

Bechem United will depart for the United Arab Emirates on Friday for a 11-day training tour.

The Ghanaian side will use the period to expose their players all in a bid to prepare for the 2015/16 Ghana Premier League season.

The Bechem-based side will play series of friendly matches during their stay in the gulf.

“After surviving the drop, we are confident that our boys need the exposure to even tougher competition out there, starting with Dubai,” club president Kingsley Owusu-Achau told the media

“Bechem United is going to rebuild its global presence by undertaking at least three foreign trips a year juts to expose our lads to international football.”

United escape relegation by a whisker on the final day of the season.

Ghana FA Executive member Wilfred Osei Kwaku has kicked against the potential appointment of Ashford Tetteh Oku as the new Premier League board chairman, citing his previous affiliation with Hearts as his chief reason.

The Tema Youth president nicknamed ‘Palmer’, claims his long association with the Ghanaian giants raises questions about his neutrality.

The search of a new boss of the Premier League Board has intensified after long-standing Welbeck Abra-Appiah decided to step down after holding the position for 10-years.

A number of individuals have started lobbying for the position with Tetteh Oku hugely mooted as the new man due to rich experienced in football administration.

Indeed Oku has received the backing of the out-going PLB boss, who has hailed his impressive work ethics, making him the leading contender in the race.

But Ghana FA Executive member Wilfred Osei Kwaku has kicked against the campaign, insisting the new PLB boss should have no club affiliation.

“The next person should not be identified with any club. You have to take a critical look at the decision. Ashford Tettey Oku in terms of experience is impeccable and he is well qualified but he has had something to do with Hearts of Oak," he told Happy FM.

"Once a Phobian is always a Phobian. Ashford can serve in different capacities like the General Secretary, but not Chairman.

"If I am Ashford I will never accept the appointment when i'm given the opportunity because I have a football club and I know I can't be neutral when it comes to matters involving Tema Youth."

Ghana’s top-flight leagues will played simultaneously across eight centres as the season winds up on Sunday.

The Premier League Board has altered the time as the battle to avoid relegation will be decided this weekend.

The live telecast between champions-elect Ashantigold and Great Olympics is not exempted from the new directive.

The Ghana FA has warned anybody whose actions or inactions leads to the delay of kick off at any match venue will be severely punished.

As many as eight teams including champions Kotoko are in danger of being relegated.

A feisty clash will ensued between Heart of Lions and New Edubiase as defeat for either side could prove disastrous.

Great Olympics are almost set to be relegated even with a win against champions-elect Ashantigold.

GHANAsoccernet.com’s Tophic Abdul-Kadir Sienu picks Team- of -the -Week in the penultimate Premier League games over the weekend.

In a weekly poll based on consistency and contribution, Hasaacas goalkeeper George Owu picks the number one spot with Liberty Professionals’ Fuseini Mutawakilu grabbing the right back position.

Asante Kotoko hero Eric Donkoh is picked for the left-back role following his match-winner against Hasaacas in the crucial penultimate game at the Sekondi stadium in Essipong.

Hearts captain Robin Ggane and Patrick Opoku of relegated Bechem United form the central defensive pair while Theophilus Nyame (Hasaacas) operate from the heart of the park.

There are also places for Ashantigold’s duo of Emmanuel Osei and Eric Opoku, Kofi Owusu (Chelsea), Prince Acquah (Heart of Lions) and Emmanuel Ocran (Wa All Stars.)

Ghana FA Executive member George Afriyie has rubbished allegations of match-fixing as the battle to avoid relegation hottens up in the local top-flight.

With two games to end the season, mounting claims of match-fixing continues to dominate the major talking points in the media.

Local giants Hearts of Oak find themselves in the trap net and must grind out positive result against nemesis Berekum Chelsea and WAFA to avoid an embarrassing demotion to the country’s second-tier league.

As many s eight teams are in contention for the relegation slot with big clubs including Medeama, All Stars, Great Olympics, New Edubiase, Heart of Lions and Hasaacas all in the lurk.

Talks of matches being thrown away are just refusing to wash away but Ghana FA Executive member George Afriyie has debunked the claims in the local media.

“It’s normal to hear all kinds of stories at this stage of the league. I don’t think any team can throw matches away. I don’t believe it, “he said

“Look even in the EPL (English Premier League League), these stories emerges when the season reaches this stage. You hear of various permutations and so it’s normal.

“No one is fixing matches. It’s just mere speculations and these things are to be expected.”

Bechem United brightened their survival chances  after cruising to a narrow 1-0 victory over Wa All Stars at the Gyeabour Park in Bechem United in the Ghana Premier League on Sunday. 

Ghana U23 forward Noah Martey brilliant converted a 62nd minute penalty to seal a vital victory for Malik Jabir's side.

Martey has now netted 10 times in the Ghana Premier League and is now eight goals short of leading scorer Nathaniel Asamoah.

Bechem went into the match knowing they had to get the maximum points if they are to protect their status in the Ghanaian top-flight.

But All Stars frustrated their game plan and held them to goalless stalemate until the hosts incessant pressure in the early minutes of the second-half forced them to concede a penalty.

Ghana legend Abedi Ayew Pele has painted a gloomy picture of the domestic league, claiming it’s in shambles and fears the growth of the game could choke in the country.

In a killer blow to several strides being made to enhance the growth of the game in the West African country, the three-time African footballer of the year, painted a dire consequence for the growth of the sport and asks for remedial steps to be taken to restore hope.

Ghana’s domestic top-flight has come under criticism with constant claims of its downward spiral decent successes chalked at the international level.

The former Marseille talisman has painted a devastating picture of the local league and claims it will take a decade to fix the situation.

"I have mixed feeling… mixed feeling in the sense that as well as we have played well in the World Cup and in the African cup and we've not being able to bring any trophy home makes me a little bit worried for the future", Pele told Citi FM

"If you look at our league..it's in shambles, I mean the league we're not bringing out developing players and we're not bringing players from the premiership to even the national level so there is a danger.

"The future is not bright at all and I'm very very worried.

"Today you can look around yourself and ask how many of our players do we have who are playing in the top leagues and when you answer that question you see that the danger is still ahead of us.

"And that is why I don't want to speak, I'm just quiet watching but I'm seeing the danger coming.

The iconic Ghanaian figure added: "Very soon we will have a serious problem and we will be seeing the situation crumbling gradually and then we will start blaming people,”

"When (Ghana Football) is already damaged what can you do....it will take you another five years or ten years to repair and it will be too late because our countrymen and our football lovers cannot wait for that kind of time for football to be come back to its level.

Ghana Premier League board chief Welbeck Abra-Appiah has announced he quit his post at the end of the season.

The experienced banker has been at the helm of the PLB for the past ten years but has decided to move on after distinguishing himself.

Abra-Appiah has been largely credited with the transformation of the current format of the top-flight league despite been rocked with problems.

He has confirmed he will not be seeking a renewal of his mandate at the end of the current campaign.

“Yes, I will step down at the end of the season. It’s been ten-years and I think it’s time for me to allow someone to continue from where we have left off,” he told Accra-based Atinka FM

“So I guess anyone interested should start lobbying for the position.

“It’s not been all gloomy as others want us to believe, we have chalked some successes and at the appropriate time, we’ll make the necessary disclosure.”

The highly-respected businessman decided against resigning in 2011 after he criticized a disciplinary ruling between Ashantigold and Mighty Jets.

Ex-Hearts board member Isaac Tetteh has criticized goalkeeper Abdoulaye Soulama for his ‘senseless’ yellow card in the side’s 1-0 win over Bechem United.

The 35-year-old, who returned from a four-game ban, attracted a yellow card for delay during the vital win over the Bechem-based side.

The action of the Burkinabe international has attracted criticism from the club’s former board member who lashed out at the player for his conduct.

“I think he (Soulama Abdoulaye) has not learnt any lesson. You just returned from a four-game ban and look at his conduct,” he said

“He missed the game against Kotoko due to his conduct and he is repeating the same thing.

“This yellow card that he received is senseless. Absolutely needless and uncalled for. He needs to understand that he cannot pick unnecessary cards which in the end affect the club.

“If I was in a position, he should be made to pay. But in the end Hearts will pay a fine for the card.”

Accra Hearts of Oak put their survival hopes in their own hands after sneaking past Bechem United 1-0 in the Ghana Premier League on Sunday.

Young forward Kenneth Okoro won the tie for the Phobians with a clinical header in the 25th minute vanquished Bechem United swapped places with the rainbow-jerseyed side in the drop zone.

Hearts knew they needed nothing but the maximum points from the game to forge ahead on their survival campaign while Bechem also had to improve their poor run at the Accra Sports Stadium to better their chances of staying afloat.

Stop-gap Hearts coach Eddie Ansah named Abdoulaye Soulama in post as the Burkina Faso goalkeeper made a return from suspension to replace the injured Tetteh Luggard. While Kenneth Okoro was rewarded for his performance at Liberty by earning a spot upfront to partner Togolese forward Foovi Aguidi and Thomas Abbey.

Bechem United coach Malik Jabir named Cofie Bekoe in his side to face his former club and partnered him with Noal Martey who has notched 9 goals in the current campaign.

But the attacking threats posed by the duo was well contained by Inusah Musah and captain Robin Gnagne.

Hearts created several scoring chances and should have ended the game by a bigger margin but Okoro and Foovi all missed glorious chances.

Full-back Isaac Oduro seemed to have doubled the lead for Hearts with a brilliant free-kick but his effort was diverted into the side-netting.

Hearts have now moved out of the relegation zone to occupy 12th spot with 35 points but must win against Medeama SC in Tarkwa to seal their fate.