Nigerian Football
Rivers United’s ‘Messi’ set to ignite NPFL
BY SAMMY WEJINYA.
Best Deemua is one of the hottest, albeit unheralded prospects in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Little known outside his immediate surroundings, the Rivers United starlet is highly rated by teammates, coaches and fans of the Port Harcourt club.
He made his debut in United’s 4-0 win over Kaduna United in the Federation Cup (Nigeria’s oldest football competition) last season and shone like a million stars.
The then 17-year-old slotted into the trequarista role saddled upon him by technical manager, Stanley Eguma with aplomb and dictated play in midfield with the guile of a veteran.
He provided the assist for a stupendous goal by Chinonso Okonkwo and was overwhelming choice for the man of the match (MOTM) award as United won at a canter at the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi.
Best was arguably United’s best performer in pre-season this year as head turning performances consistently characterized his appearances for last season’s NPFL runners up.
The 18-year-old finally got his chance in the big time on Sunday as he was given the nod to start Rivers United’s match day 17 NPFL game away to Gombe United.
It wasn’t exactly a debut to set the pulses racing as a psychologically-brittle Rivers United side struggled for fluidity and cohesion early on at the Pantami Stadium.
In the midst of all the chaos however, Deemua did show some sparks of magic and the consensus amongst many who saw the contest was that big things are to be expected from the ‘little man’ in the coming days.
He spoke to the official Rivers United website on his season’s debut and the difficult situation currently experienced by the club.
“I felt great playing my first game for Rivers United this season. We lost the game but I learnt a lot. We played very well but we failed to win.
“Now, we have to plan for our next game at home (against ABS FC),” he was quoted as saying to www.riversunitedfc.com.ng.
United is in dire straits with wins recorded in recent weeks at a premium. Deemua acknowledges that circumstances could have been happier and is calling on fans of the club to stand by the players.
“All hopes are not lost for now so I want to plead with the fans to continue supporting us. It is only with the support of the fans that we can (overcome this difficult period),” he said.
Rivers United is currently in 19th place in the 20-team NPFL standings with 15 points from their first 14 matches.
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.
-
Nigerian Football1 week ago
I prefer a foreign coach for the Super Eagles, says Amaju
-
Olympics5 days ago
Brazilian women train in Zidane’s birthplace ahead of Nigeria Super Falcons clash
-
Premier League1 week ago
Nigerian-born Man United’s new striker promises creativity and unpredictability to fans
-
Nigerian Football1 week ago
Osimhen’s outburst was a moment of madness, says Amaju
-
Olympics6 days ago
Teams plan for lack of toilets on Paris opening ceremony barges
-
Olympics9 hours ago
This is my story: Odegbami on how he is stranded in London
-
OBITUARY1 day ago
BREAKING! Former Heartland FC owner, Iwuanyanwu, dies at 81
-
Olympics4 days ago
Super Falcons’ opponent, Brazil’s Marta and 3 Africans listed among 10 footballers to watch at Paris 2024