Nigerian Football
Enugu Rangers Ends Akwa Utd’s Unbeaten Run
BY MFON PATRICK.
Akwa United’s five matches unbeaten run came to an end in Enugu when a 12th minute goal by Bright Silas helped champions Enugu Rangers to a 1-0 win at the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium on match day 24 of the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL on Sunday.
A swift linkup play by Chiemaka Madu and Godwin Aguda put Bright Silas through on goal and the midfielder slide the ball beyond Ojo Olorunleke into the back of the net to give the champions an early lead.
The match which was played behind closed doors was Rangers’ first win in four matches and Akwa United’s first defeat in six matches.
The host were motivated by their early lead and followed it up with series of attacking moves in quick succession but they were constantly frustrated by Akwa United’s defence.
The Promise Keepers had three excellent goal scoring chances in the first half but Harmony Ikande, Ubong Friday and Cyril Olisema all failed to effectively utilize the opportunities as the host ended the first half with a 1-0 lead.
The second half resumed with both teams engaging each other in a midfield battle. However, it was Akwa United that settled in quickly with series of attacking moves which were well checked by Okey Odita and Pape Ousmane in Rangers defence.
Coach Abdu Maikaba introduced Moses Ebiye, Gabriel Okechukwu and Edem Akakatang into the game in search of an equaliser but it was debutant Akakatang that troubled Seidu Mutawakilu in Rangers’ goal with three excellent attempts in the space of 12 minutes.
Akwa United’s pressure nearly paid off when Aremu Afeez blasted a thunderous shot from 25 yards but his effort was saved by Rangers goalkeeper as the champions held on to the narrow win.
The defeat leaves Akwa United on 33 points from 22 matches. The Uyo based side with two outstanding matches will next face Wikki Tourists of Bauchi in one of the rescheduled games on Wednesday in Uyo.
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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