Nigerian Football
THE DWINDLING FORTUNES OF ELITE CLUBS IN AITEO CUP
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
One after the other, the big clubs tumbled as the Nigeria’s national football competition; the Aiteo Cup enters the quarterfinal stage. Only three Nigeria Professional Football League clubs remain at the quarterfinal stage.
Even then, at least one of them is doomed for elimination as Lobi Stars and Rivers United meet in Ijebu Ode.
Barring upset, Kano Pillars could be the only top flight club that may have been assured of a semi final qualification.
But in an age where the football fields are littered with the carcases of big clubs devoured by lesser-known teams, that qualification may not be automatic.
Among the elite clubs that did not make it to the finals stage are cup holders, Rangers International, Wikki Tourists, Akwa United, Katsina United, Sunshine Stars and Delta Force.
Others are Abia Warriors, Plateau United, and Nasarawa United.
AITEO CUP MEN’S QUARTER FINAL FIXTURES
Lobi Stars Vs Rivers United (Ijebu-Ode, 28 June, 3pm)
Niger Tornadoes Vs Smart City (Ilorin, 28 June, 3pm)
Insurance FC Vs Calabar Rovers (Enugu, 28 June, 3pm)
Kano Pillars Vs Aklosendi FC (Kaduna, 28 June, 3pm)
AITEO CUP WOMEN’S QUARTER FINAL FIXTURES
Rivers Angels Vs Sunshine Queens
Delta Queens Vs Bayelsa Queens
Nasarawa Amazons Vs Edo Queens/Olori Babes
Confluence Queens Vs Ibom Angels
AITEO CUP MEN’S ROUND OF 16 RESULTS
Cynosure FC 2 Niger Tornadoes 2 (Tornadoes win 5-3 after penalties)
Warri Wolves 0 Rivers United 2
Lobi Stars 3 Abia Warriors 1
Smart City 1 Shooting Stars 1 (Smart City win 5-4 after penalties)
Insurance FC 1 El-Kanemi Warriors 1 (Insurance win 6-5 after penalties)
EFCC FC 0 Aklosendi FC 1
Plateau United 0 Calabar Rovers 0 (Calabar Rovers win 5-4 after penalties)
Kano Pillars 0 Kwara United 0 (Kano Pillars win 4-2 after penalties)
Nigerian Football
Nigerian women coaches conclude first module of CAF C-License course
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
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
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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