Nigerian Football
NFF Marks Augustine Eguavoen’s 60th Birthday with Celebration in Abuja
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday joined family, friends, and admirers of Augustine Eguavoen in celebrating the former Super Eagles captain and coach, who clocked 60.
General Secretary of the NFF, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, led the Management and Staff of the Federation in hosting a modest but colourful ceremony in honour of Eguavoen at the NFF/FIFA Technical Centre, Abuja.
Eguavoen, fondly known as “Cerezo” during his playing days, is one of Nigeria’s most decorated football figures.
He featured prominently in the Super Eagles’ golden era of the 1990s, including winning the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia in 1994 and playing at the country’s first-ever FIFA World Cup the same year.
At the 1994 Afcon, he was the on-field captain, as Stephen Keshi was often on the bench.
Beyond his exploits on the pitch, Eguavoen has had multiple stints as head coach of the Super Eagles, guiding the team to a third-place finish at the 2006 AFCON in Egypt.
He currently serves as the NFF’s Technical Director, a role in which he oversees the technical development of Nigerian football at all levels.
Dr Sanusi praised Eguavoen for his lifelong service to Nigerian football, both as a player and administrator.
“Austin Eguavoen has given his best to Nigeria on and off the pitch. Today, as he turns 60, we celebrate a man whose contributions remain indelible in our football history,” Sanusi said.
The event at the Federation’s headquarters drew staff and associates who joined in applauding Eguavoen’s commitment and longevity in service to the game
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By KUNLE SOLAJA.
Remo Stars have confirmed the departure of five regulars from their squad, including home-based Super Eagles striker Sikiru Alimi and goalkeeper Kayode Bankole.
Also leaving the Ikenne-based side are Beninoise midfielder Frank Mawuena and defender Seun Ogunribide.
Unofficial sources also add that Fabian Nworie may have also left.
Bankole, who has been the club’s longest-serving goalkeeper, is set to continue his career abroad, while Alimi is reported to have agreed a deal with Rivers United. The forward featured for Nigeria at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Despite the exits, Remo Stars have strengthened their ranks with the arrivals of Victor Mbaoma, Adama Goita, Chaka Coulibaly, and Mark Gibson.
The Sky Blue Stars, who finished as runners-up in last season’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), began their new campaign with a 1-1 draw against Rivers United last Friday.
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The 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season burst into life on Sunday with a mix of stalemates, shock victories and decisive strikes as nine matches were played across the country.
But it is the newcomers into the NPFL that shone the most, as none of them lost, and some had famous wins. Returnee, Wikki Tourists had a home win over Plateau United. Others like Barau and Kun-Khalifat, held to a goalless draw, the traditional strongholds of Enyimba and Enugu Rangers.
But the biggest upset was by Warri Wolves getting an away win over Katsina United. Another upset was in Ibadan where Shooting Stars fell 1-0 at home to Bayelsa United. The highlights of the matches:
Barau 0-0 Enyimba (Umuahia)
Debutants Barau held their ground against record champions Enyimba International in Umuahia, securing a goalless draw that will feel like a victory for the newcomers. Enyimba dominated possession but could not break down the resilient hosts.
Wikki Tourists 1-0 Plateau United (Bauchi)
In Bauchi, Luis Dadong struck from the penalty spot in the 44th minute to hand Wikki Tourists a narrow but deserved victory over their North-Central rivals Plateau United.
Katsina United 0-1 Warri Wolves (Katsina)
Returning side Warri Wolves announced their NPFL comeback in style, claiming all three points away in Katsina thanks to Isaiah Evwierhurhoma’s clinical 76th-minute finish.
Abia Warriors 1-0 Kano Pillars (Umuahia)
At the Umuahia Township Stadium, Paul Samson’s 35th-minute goal proved decisive as Abia Warriors stunned the legendary Kano Pillars. It was a disappointing first league outing for Ahmed Musa in his new role as Pillars’ General Manager.
Rangers Int’l 0-0 Kun-Khalifat (Enugu)
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Rangers International were frustrated to a goalless draw by NPFL newcomers Kun-Khalifat, who impressed in their maiden top-flight appearance.
Kwara United 0-0 Ikorodu City (Ilorin)
In Ilorin, Ikorodu City picked up a valuable point on their NPFL debut, holding Kwara United to a goalless encounter in a tight midfield battle.
El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0 Bendel Insurance (Maiduguri)
El-Kanemi Warriors turned on the style in Maiduguri, defeating Bendel Insurance 2-0. Umar Al Amin opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 48th minute before D. Abdulrahman sealed the win with a fine strike midway through the second half.
Shooting Stars 0-1 Bayelsa United (Ibadan)
In Ibadan, Bayelsa United silenced the home crowd as Kehinde Lawal netted the only goal of the game in the 30th minute, giving the visitors a famous win over Shooting Stars.
Results
- Barau 0-0 Enyimba (Umuahia)
- Wikki Tourists 1-0 Plateau United (Bauchi)
- Katsina United 0-1 Warri Wolves (Katsina)
- Abia Warriors 1-0 Kano Pillars (Umuahia)
- Rangers Int’l 0-0 Kun-Khalifat (Enugu)
- Kwara United 0-0 Ikorodu City (Ilorin)
- El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0 Bendel Insurance (Maiduguri)
- Shooting Stars 0-1 Bayelsa United (Ibadan)
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Ruben Amorim said his Manchester United players abandoned their attacking principles after taking the lead against Fulham, claiming their defensive mentality cost them victory in Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw at Craven Cottage.
United scored through an own goal off Rodrigo Muniz’s back, but surrendered their advantage when Fulham substitute Emile Smith Rowe struck 93 seconds after entering the fray.
The result leaves the visitors with a solitary point from their opening two Premier League matches.
“We scored the goal and then we forgot about how we play. We want to win so badly and that is a good feeling, that we scored a goal and everyone on the pitch was thinking, ‘Let’s hold onto the advantage and try to win the game’,” Amorim told the BBC.
“For me that is the moment that we have to enjoy more and push the opponent. We tried to press the opponent super high and left a lot of space.
“We have to grow up a lot as a team. For me the most important thing is that during the week they were working really hard. Today we worked really hard and we are going to improve. The moment that changed the game was our goal.”
A pivotal moment in the first half saw United skipper Bruno Fernandes miss a penalty that was awarded after a VAR check, with the playmaker sending it high over the bar.
It marked the fifth time he has missed a penalty since his Premier League debut in 2020.
“I think he is not used to missing penalties. He knows the importance, that this moment can have a huge impact on the team,” Amorim told Sky Sports.
“During the game he was not happy because he was not involved and he has so much responsibility and I think he thought missing the penalty was huge for us.”
Despite already trailing league leaders Arsenal by five points early in the campaign, Amorim remained bullish about United’s prospects in the league.
“We just want to win games. The players know they are playing in a club where they need to be better,” he said.
-Reuters
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