Nigerian Football
Star War in Ibadan
The South West derby in the Nigerian Premier League this weekend may have little to offer as far as title aspiration is concerned. But the Saturday encounter of Shooting Stars and Remo Stars at Ibadan has peculiarities which give the match some flavours.
It is a duel of ‘Stars’ as implied in the names of the two clubs. It is also an encounter of two of the three struggling South West teams – the third being Sunshine Stars of Akure.
Both Shooting Stars and Remo Stars wear different shades of blue colour.
Shooting Stars traditionally put on dark blue shirts while their Remo counterparts wear the sky blue that is akin to that of Manchester City in the English Premiership.
Both Shooting Stars and Remo Stars draw shirt sponsorship from the same business line – sports betting. Shooting Stars are backed by Naira Bet while Bet Naija endorses Remo Stars.
The similarity does not end there. Both coaches bear Fatai as first name. Shooting Stars’ coach is former international, Fatai Amoo while Fatai Osho, the coach of Remo Stars was an immediate replacement for Nduka Ugbade.
Beyond that, there is a sort of exchange of players by the two sides. As the media officer of Shooting Stars, Jubril Arowolo, pointed out, a few players from both teams have switched colours from either teams since last season.
Nonso Ogbonna was an integral part of Shooting Stars just last season but he will, this time, be in Ibadan as an opponent, playing against Bode Daniel and Talabi Olumakinde. The former was signed at the beginning of the season while the latter played on loan for the Remo Stars. Both players were instrumental to the team’s promotion slot to the NPFL.
On current forms, they are both in the bottom rung on the ladder with the homers having a slight edge over the visitors. Eight points from eight games, (with Rangers’ outstanding) in 18th position are what the Shooting Stars have on the card against Remo Stars’ seven points in eight games and deep in the bottom!
Nigerian Football
Nigerian women coaches conclude first module of CAF C-License course
![](https://www.sportsvillagesquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/women-coaches.png)
A total of 30 women coaches have concluded the first of a three-module CAF C-License program in the Federal Capital, Abuja and are expected to commence a two-week internship with different teams in a few days.
Peopled largely by former Nigerian internationals and other serving coaches, the group was taken through a full week of rigorous classroom and practical sessions by a team of coach educators and resource persons, in a baptism of what the next two modules are likely to entail,
NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen, told thenff.com that the first module has shown that the women coaches are actually desirous of learning.
“I am very much impressed with their attitude, mannerisms and conduct through the first module. They impressed everyone, and the coach educators also told me they were impressed, and are looking forward to having them back for the second and concluding modules.
“We are grateful for the leadership of the NFF for the support and encouragement for coach-education programmes all the time.”
The participants will return to Abuja for the second module that is scheduled for 12th – 20th August, after which they will go on another two-week internship, 23rd August – 4th September. The third module, which comes with examinations for the participants, will take place 9th – 19th September.
Dr. Terry Babatunde Eguaoje, NFF’s Head of Education, is among the coach educators’ team, which also includes Coaches Isah Ladan Bosso, Wemimo Olanrewaju and Lanrence Ndaks.
Among the 30 participants are former Super Falcons’ stars Precious Dede, Joy Jegede, Esther Michael, Maureen Eke, Otas Ogbonmwan, Vera Okolo, Cecilia Nku, Taiwo Ajobiewe, Gloria Ofoegbu and Amenze Aighewi. There are also Barr. Victoria Nlemigbo and retired FIFA referee Folusho Ajayi.
Nigerian Football
Osimhen’s outburst was a moment of madness, says Amaju
![](https://www.sportsvillagesquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/finidi-and-osimhen.png)
Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President and a FIFA Council member, Amaju Pinnick has expressed shock at last month’s outburst by Super Eagles’ striker, Victor Osimhen against Finidi George.
“It is very unfortunate”, Amaju Pinnick remarked on an Arise Television programme. The former NFF president said he had put a call to Osimhen who was very remorseful while the telephone conversation lasted.
“I told him he has to apologise, and I am sure he will if he has not yet done so.” Amaju remarked that he could not comprehend what went wrong as Osimhen was the most cool-headed player in the national team.
He went on to remark that Finidi George was not a personality to be disregarded like that. He has won virtually every honour available during his playing days and was a member of the Super Eagles at their peak when Nigeria ranked fifth in the world.
“I believe players should learn to respect their coaches”, said the former NFF boss.
Nigerian Football
I prefer a foreign coach for the Super Eagles, says Amaju
![](https://www.sportsvillagesquare.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/amaju-pinnick-1.png)
Nigeria’s FIFA Council member, Amaju Pinnick has told the world that he has always been an advocate of foreign coaches for the Super Eagles. He spoke on Arise Television while fielding questions with Reuben Abati, Rufai Oseni and Ayo Mairo-Ese.
His reason for being averse to indigenous coaches stemmed from lack of respect for them by the players.
“Yes, the Nigerian coaches have the requisite knowledge and the technical ability, but modern football is beyond that in managing players.
“Will the national team players respect the coach? The sad thing is that they don’t”, said Amaju Pinnick.
He however revealed that he supported the appointment of Finidi George owing to the circumstances that the NFF found itself after the exit of Jose Peseiro.
The NFF, he revealed, had no money to hire a foreign coach. The body therefore went for the most available option, Finidi to ensure a smooth transition.
“Finidi was part of the coaching crew of Peseiro and it was therefore logical to ask him to continue.
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