Nigerian Football
SAMUEL KALU SHINES IN DEBUT FOR FC IFEANYIUBAH
It turned out a memorable debut for Samuel Kalu as his lone strike made the difference for FC IfeanyiUbah in their MatchDay 1 fixture against new comers, Adamawa United in the at the 2019/20 season of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). Kalu scored on the 40th minute to gift his side all three points in the encounter at the Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium in Ozubulu.
Kalu, in his first outing for the Anambra Warriors made his listing count for club handler, Uche Okagbue, count when he buried a cross from Chigozie Chikwelu five minutes to the end of the first half.
Okagbue started with a relatively new team from what the Nnewi based club paraded last season with Ekene Awaziem’s return to the squad a very significant addition.
His opposite at Adamawa United, Bello Mohammed reserved his new signings and fielded the players that helped the club gain promotion to the NPFL.
The host had the first chance at goal when Ozioma Lucious sent a cross to Eric on the third minute but his effort went wide.
Hero for the visitors, Pwadadi Bulus showed early signs of his stuff when he made a point blank save of Chigozie Chikwelu’s attempt.
On the 21st minute, it was the turn of Adamawa United to ruffle their opponents when they were awarded a free-kick close to the FC Ifeanyi Ubah’s goal area. But Adam Yakubu’s jump was not enough to connect Lujan Javan’s cross.
Then came the 40th Minute strike by Kalu to calm the anxious fans as he beat Pwadadi in goal to give his side the solitary goal of the match.
Second half began with Coach Mohammed making an early substitution, taking off Johnpaul Chinedu for Sadiq Lawan and the visitors pushed for an early equalizer with Felix Kenan making an audacious attempt from Juvan’s pass. If they appear to have found their rhythm, it was coming a wit late as the hosts were resolute in defending their lead.
In search of more goals, Okagbue substituted Philip Achibong for his last season’s highest goal scorer, Chibuike Ezeh and he would go on to win his side a penalty on the 63rd minute. Pwadadi made a perfect judgment to save the kick.
FC Ifeanyi Ubah would manage to see out the game as the visitors kept pressing for an equalizer that never came.
A relieved Okagbue said it was a tough match for his team and explained that they came up against a side that has been together for a longer time.
“It was a good match. The team gave us a good fight and you know they have one advantage. The team has been together throughout last season”.
On his part, FC IfeanyIubah captain, Charles Okafor believes that the team would get better as the season progresses and boasted that they would defeat MFM FC in their next fixture.
“It was not an easy game but our experience paid off for us. You know this is the first match day and it is usually very difficult. The three points is very vital to us. We keep our head high and we continue to get better. In our next game against MFM FC, we will fight to get another three points”.
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.
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.
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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