Nigerian Football
VIDEO: Ahmad, Ikefe, Suleman Seek VAT Wonder Goal Glory
The Match Day 24 recorded a rich harvest of 27 goals, six from the penalty spot but the strikes from Ahmad Usman of Wikki Tourists, Andrew Ikefe of Niger Tornadoes and Musa Suleman of Katsina United made it through to the shortlist of three nominees for VAT Wonder Goal number five.
Ahmad Usman netted twice, ten minutes apart in the 3-1 defeat of Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi by hosts, Wikki Tourists and one his goals was near solo effort.
Operating from the left side of attack, Ahmed had picked up the pass from a teammate just after the half line, raced down the left flank beaten two markers, cut back inside the box to release a right footed whip of the ball inside a crowded box to shake the back of the net. It was a strike that the El-Kanemi goalkeeper clueless.
In that same fixture in Bauchi where Wikki Tourists ran home with a 3-1 defeat of Niger Tornadoes, it was Andrew Ikefe who got the consolation goal on the 47th minute, smashing home from the edge of the box.
Several efforts at clearing their box had failed and the ball fell to an on-rushing Ikefe who steadied his balance with the left foot to hit a low shot with the right.
El-Kanemi Warriors were humbled 3-0 in Katsina and Suleiman netted two of the three. His first coming as early as within the 60 seconds from kick-off from a simple flick the ball from close range over the raised hands of the goalkeeper. He would later score from the penalty spot.
The VAT Wonder Goal Award attracts a cash prize of N150, 000 for the winner with half of the money donated to a Charity to be nominated by the player within the state where the club is located. It is supported by the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) to promote club-community relationship and also create awareness for tax education.
Remo Stars on Saturday made it two straight wins in the Nigeria Premier League after labouring to a 1-0 defeat of Sunshine Stars of Akure to follow-up their last weekend 2-0 away win over Abia Warriors.
On Saturday, under eight minutes they shot ahead through Shuaibu Ibrahim. That was where the story ended as Sunshine Stars came up strongly and almost stalemated scores.
The win, though narrow, is enough to temporarily take Remo Stars to the top of the log after two games.
They are followed by Rivers United who beat Heartland 3-1. It is the second consecutive 3-1 loss that Heartland are getting in the two-week old season.
The situation could change on Sunday when other matches are played.
On the card are: Akwa United hosting Abia Warriors while Kano Pillars will be away to Bayelsa United.
Katsina United host Bendel Insurance and Niger Tornadoes will be home to Nasarawa United. Shooting Stars will host Plateau United.
BY KUNLE SOLAJA, who was in Arnhem, Netherlands.
Former Nigeria manager, Clemens Westerhof has recommended one of his former players, Samson Siasia as the substantial coach for the Super Eagles.
Siasia was one of his players of the famed golden generation of the Super Eagles.
“I called him last month to greet him for his birthday and also to celebrate with him for the end of his five-year ban”, Westerhof told Sports Village Square at his house in Arnhem in the Netherlands.
According to him, Siasia is just like Keshi and that he has the capacity to turn the Super Eagles around for the better. Westerhof, the author of the famed ‘Golden Generation’ of the Super Eagles made his suggestion shortly after Germany’s Bruce Labbadia turned down the Nigerian job offer.
Westerhof remarked that he was surprised about the choice of Labbadia in the first instance and that the now Mali coach, Tom Saintfiet who is his friend could have been a better choice.
Saintfiet, a Belgian, was speculated among the coaches initially short-listed for the Super Eagles’ job. But Westerhof, before the naming of Austin Eguavoen, another member of his famous 1994 squad, strongly back Siasia for the job.
He remarked that he was in touch with the former striker as well as Austin Okocha whom he met with in London recently.
To Westerhof, Siasia has the same quality like Stephen Keshi to handle the Super Eagles. “He has done it before and I think he can still do it.”
The balls hit the nets 17 times this Sunday as the Nigeria Premier League Season 2024/25 burst into life this Sunday.
The first of the goals was from Plateau United’s Olawale Doyeni who converted a 24th minute penalty kick against Katsina United in an eventual 1-0 home win.
Another star-man of the the day is Enyimba’s Clinton Jephta who has become the season’s first hat-trickster. His three goals in the 65th , 70th and 73rd minutes sank heartland 3-1 in their home match.
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