Nigerian Football

Newman’s Goal Moves Akwa Utd to Third Spot

Published

7 years ago

July 3, 2017

BY MFON PATRICK.

Akwa United’s dream of going continental next season is still on curse as the team cruised to third place on the Nigeria Professional Football League table following a 1-0 victory over Enyimba at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Sunday.

In-form striker, Musa Newman, was the hero as he scored the only goal of the crucial encounter in the 15th minute tucking in Ubong Friday’s excellent cross.

It was his fourth goal in four matches and his seventh. The goal was enough to secure the three precious points for the Promise Keepers who have now gone unbeaten in 14 matches at the Nest of Champions.

A blistering start by both teams witnessed lots of attacking play but defenders at both ends of the field were in their right element to deny all forms of early penetrations.

Akwa United players and the coaching crew were highly motivated going into the game following the presentation of Award of Excellence to Coach Abdul Maikaba and midfielder Alhassan Ibrahim as manager and player of the month of April by the League Bloggers shortly before the start of the epic encounter.

Persistent attacking football by Coach Maikaba’s boys backed up by vocal supporters paid off nicely in the 15th minute after some brilliant exchange of passes in the midfield orchestrated by Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, Cyril Olisema and Alhassan Ibrahim, picked out Friday on the left wing. The winger delivered a clever cross inside the six yard box for Newman to score the all important goal.

After the early goal, the Promise Keepers pushed hard to double their lead but their efforts yielded no dividends just as the visitors’ attempts to equalise were constantly checked by the water-tight defence marshalled by Captain Otobong Effiong, Ariwachukwu Emmanuel, Godspower Igudia and Kodjovi Dadzie.

Despite both teams throwing everything forward and making three substitutions each in the second half, the score line remained unchanged as the 2015 Federation Cup champions held on to record their 12th victory of the season.

The win moved Akwa United to third position on the log with 43 points from 26 matches with one match still outstanding. The Uyo based side will next engage league leaders Plateau United this weekend in Jos.

Nigerian Football

Nigeria Football Federation Congress backs Pinnick for FIFA post

Published

14 hours ago

October 4, 2024

Kunle Solaja

One of the high points of the Congress of the Nigeria Football Federation on Friday in Asaba is the endorsement of the body’s immediate past president, Amaju Pinnick to retain his position as a FIFA Council member.

Pinnick was elected into FIFA Council at the CAF Congress in Rabat, Morocco on 21 March 2021. He seeks re-election next year and has already secured the backing of the Nigerian president.

Nigerian Football

NFF budget surpasses Nigeria’s spending at Paris 2024

Published

15 hours ago

October 4, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Super Eagles’ Coaching Job Now An All-comers Affair As NFF Throws The Gates Open -

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has budgeted N17.6 billion for next year. The body’s Congress approved the budget, which sat in Asaba on Friday.

By the current exchange rate, the approved budget is $10,591,610. The figure is higher than the N12 billion that Nigeria budgeted for the Paris 2024 Olympics where no medal was won.

Next year, The NFF programme includes the six remaining qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations which will be held in December if the Super Eagles qualify.

Nigerian Football

NFF launches monthly Football Awards

Published

3 days ago

October 2, 2024

Kunle Solaja

NFF spokesman, Dr. Ademola Olajire

As football leagues across the globe resumed fully last month, the Nigeria Football Federation has announced the launch of NFF Monthly Awards, a celebration of the outstanding performances of Nigerian football players across various Football Leagues including Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

With the football calendar in full swing, the NFF Monthly Awards aim to honour the brilliance, dedication and passion that Nigerian football players bring to the game, recognizing the top players who have left their mark on the pitch.

Award Categories:

Player of the Month (Male & Female)
Goal of the Month
Discovery of the Month

Nomination Process

According to the NFF, the nomination process for the awards is scientific, ensuring a fair and accurate selection of nominees. An independent organization will collect and analyse players’ statistics throughout the month, ensuring that the best performances are highlighted.

“This unbiased, data-driven approach guarantees that the nominations reflect the top-performing players based on their contribution to their teams”, an NFF statement signed by its director of communication, Dr Ademola Olajire disclosed.

Nominations for the first round of awards will be announced on Thursday. From there, voting will be opened to fans and journalists alike, making this a truly inclusive and engaging event for the Nigerian football community.

Voting Process

Fans and journalists will have the chance to vote for their favourite players via the official NFF voting portal on the website www.thenff.com.

The voting period will run for one week following the announcement of the nominations.

Fan Votes will account for 40% of the final decision, enabling supporters to have their voices heard and directly influence the outcome of these prestigious awards.

The remaining 60% will be determined by journalists and industry professionals, ensuring a balanced and well-rounded selection process.

Speaking on the launch of the awards, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said:
“The NFF Monthly Awards are a key part of our efforts to further elevate Nigeria football, not only by recognizing outstanding talent but by engaging with fans and the media in a way that brings the football community closer together. We believe that this initiative will encourage excellence on the field and foster a deeper connection between players and their supporters.

“The NFF Monthly Awards are a step forward in celebrating the rich and growing talent pool, and we look forward to the excitement that the awards will bring to fans, players and the media.”

Key Dates: Nominations Announcement: 3^rd October, 2024; Voting: 3^rd October – Midnight of 7^th October 2024.