Nigerian Football
AITEO CUP FINAL IS A MATCH TO MAKE US LANDLORDS IN UYO, SAYS IFEANYI IFEANYI
BY KINGSLEY OYERO.
Akwa United midfielder, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi, is bubbling with enthusiasm ahead of Sunday’s AITEO Cup final. The match at the Agege Stadium is like home-coming for him having in the past played for MFM, the landlords of Agege.
He told Sports Village Square that he was prepared for the AITEO Cup final against Niger Tornadoes, but labels Abubakar Bala’s men as “cheats”, having defeated his teams in the past.
Ifeanyi is buoyed by the fact that his solitary goal this season for Akwa United is the one that qualified the club for the cup final. It was the winning goal of the 3-2 aggregate score line against Sunshine Stars in the semi-finals.
“I felt very good, as that was my first goal of the season. I was so happy that my goal qualified my team to the final.
“We know that this is a match for us to be a landlord in Uyo. So we are really motivated to win the game.
“After winning the trophy, a lot of goodies will come with it”, remarked Ifeanyi who felt that Niger Tornadoes had cheated him twice in matches he featured against the Minna side.
“When I was with MFM, we defeated them when they came to the Agege Stadium, but they defeated us the same way they cheat away playing clubs.
“At Akwa United, we went there and they defeated us the same way but we beat them in Uyo.
“Have played against them and I know them too well and am prepared for them.”
The former MFM captain is also looking forward to returning to his former hunting ground – the Agege Stadium.
“I feel very happy playing in front of them once more. It’s been a while they saw me play. Am glad I will get to see the supporters and hear them cheering me up the same way they use to.
“The Agege stadium is still our home. Have played there and I know how to manoeuvre my way on the pitch. It’s a dream come through.
“Am not the only Akwa United player that have played there. About five of us have been playing on that pitch. We also have Godspower Igudia, Aremu Afeez, Musa Newman and Okechukwu Gabriel. It will really help us.
On his contract renewal, the WAFU Cup silver medallist said: “My contract ends after this game. I might renew the contract or may not depending on my discussion with the chairman.”
Ifeanyi made the standby list as Nigeria beat Zambia to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
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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