SPECTACULAR 9JA

A run of six straight wins for Red Bull has seen them take a firm lead in the Formula 1 standings and they will once again be the team to beat at the British Grand Prix. World champion Max Verstappen’s sixth win of the season in Montreal in the previous round saw him increase his lead at the top of the drivers’ standings to 46 points. Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez is the world champion’s nearest challenger, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc is a further three points adrift in third. Leclerc has seen his challenge fade away thanks to several mechanical mishaps but Ferrari are confident of a strong showing in England after bringing in a series of upgrades. For Red Bull and the Prancing Horse, this year’s edition offers a shot at redemption after both held the lead in last year’s race only to be thwarted by the king of Silverstone Sir Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton knows the Northamptonshire track better than any driver, recording an unprecedented eight victories in front of his hom...

Tyronne Ebuehi is set for a move to Empoli ahead of the new season according to Italian transfer guru, Gianluca Di Marzio, Spectacular 9ja  gathered. Ebuehi played at Venezia last season and struggled to get going as he suffered a spate of injuries at the club. The Dutch-born Nigerian international has joined his former club coach at Venice, Paolo Zanetti who signed for the club earlier in June. Ebuehi has struggled with injuries so far and has had a nomadic career across Europe where he’s played from his native Netherlands to Portugal and Italy. After playing at Venezia on-loan last season, he’s moving to Tuscany permanently and is favouring a new life at the club. According to report, Ebuehi had retuned to his parent club SL Benfica of Portugal and Empoli seem to have concluded negotiations with the Portuguese side for his signature. The report further suggest that former ADO Den Haag player will undergo his medical before the end of the week. Credit : Abbey...

Wimbledon lost another seed to a positive COVID-19 test on Thursday as former semi-finalist Roberto Bautista Agut pulled out of the tournament. The Spaniard, who lost in four sets to Novak Djokovic in their 2019 last-four tussle, announced his withdrawal as play got under way on day four at the All England Club. Bautista Agut wrote on Twitter: “Today I notified @Wimbledon of my withdrawal. I have tested positive for Covid-19. Fortunately, the symptoms are not very serious, but I think it is the best decision. Thank you for your support. I hope to come back soon.” Now aged 34, Bautista Agut was the 17th seed at the championships and had been due to play Colombian Daniel Elahi Galan on Court Three on Thursday afternoon. Galan receives a walkover into the third round as a result of Bautista Agut’s announcement. The loss of Bautista Agut follows the crushing blow of last year’s runner-up Matteo Berrettini having to abandon his Wimbledon mission for the same reason. Credit:Abbey...

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering postponing the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Spectacular 9ja  gathered. The competition has been scheduled to hold in Cote d’lvoire next summer. The 17 edition of the continental championship, AFCON 2023, was initially scheduled for June 23 to July 23, 2023, in Ivory Coast. But exactly a year before kickoff, major cities in Ivory Coast are experiencing heavy rains with floods. And CAF is beginning to admit that scheduling the competition in the middle of the rainy season may not necessarily be a bright idea. “We are considering it; it is one of the possibilities,” admits CAF Secretary General Veron Mosengo-Omba, interviewed by Le Monde. “We asked Ivorian meteorologists to report to us on rainfall history in Côte d’Ivoire in June and July, but also to share their projections with us.” The most likely alternative appears to be to postpone the AFCON to January-February 2024. That is similar to the previous edition, A...

Press Release Ottasolo rescinds decision to pull out of NNL. Following due consultations from football stakeholders, the management of Ottasolo have decided to rescind their decision to withdraw from the Nigeria National League. The management of the club had ealier decided to withdraw from the NNL citing loss of confidence in the league management body however, the team have now rescinded their withdrawal decision  According to the team manager, Mr. Babatunde Daniels while speaking to Ottasolo FC Media; "Yes, it's good that we made our intentions known to the league body, some of our requests have now been attended to and some renowned stakeholders have called to advise us to rescind the withdrawal decision, that is the reason we have decided to continue with the league. "Our players and officials are focused and willing to hit the ground running when we host Nnewi United this weekend. "Our ultimate goal for the season is to maintain our status in the NN...

Former Nasarawa United hitman and 2020/21 Nigeria Professional Football League joint-highest goal scorer, Silas Nwankwo, salvaged a point for his team, Mjallby AIF during their home game against visiting IFK Norrkoeping in the Swedish Allsvengan top division league on Sunday. The home side were trailing 0-1 at the 67th minute courtesy of Daniel Eid’s strike, but Silas Nwankwo muscled his way through the traffic to cancel the scoreline with a powerful header off a teasing ball from Rasmus Wiedeshei eleven minutes later. Mjallby are currently 7th on the log with sixteen points from eleven games, and will travel for their next match against AIK on Saturday, 2nd July, 2022. It was the attacker’s third goal of the campaign since joining the team from last season’s Aiteo Federation’s Cup runners-up, Nasarawa United FC. Silas Nwankwo was awarded the Best Men’s Player of the Year Based in Nigeria by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, in conjunction with Aiteo Group, official spo...

The management of Ottasolo FC wishes to announce to the general Public of our team (Ottasolo International Football Club) withdrawal from the Nigeria National League (NNL) due to loss of confidence in the management of the League Body. As a private club, we feel our interests and rights have been abused by the so called Executive Members of the league body, especially, Mr. Emmanuel Adesanya who is running the league as if it is his personal business. According to the general manager of the team, Mr. John Marley who spoke with Ottasolo FC media, “We have done our best to ensure that we continue with the league but the Nigeria National League (NNL) body has disappointed us in so many ways and they didn’t show any sign that they will improve, that is the reason we have decided to pull out of the league. “The latest of their disappointment is to turn our 'Force Majeure Letter’ down. Despite our early notification to the league body on Saturday 25th June, 2022, when our vehi...

Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets on Friday evening defeated Burkina Faso 2-1 to win the 2022 West Africa Football Union Zone B U-17 Championship in Cape Coast Sports Stadium, Spectacular 9ja  reports. The Golden Eaglets went ahead in the 22nd minute through Abubakar Abdullahi who headed home from an Emmanuel Michael’s pinpoint cross. The Burkinabes restored parity when they capitalized on a defensive mix-up to make it 1-1 four minutes before the break. The second period was a slight deviation from the first as both teams gave the game their all and played for pride and power. The Nigerians controlled in key areas of the pitch and defended resolutely for large periods but Burkina Faso pushed better than they did in the first half. Abdullahi missed a gilt-edged chance to grab his hat-trick nine minutes into the second half. In the 67th minute, Ebube Okeke rocked the crossbar from 25 yards, but there were to be no more goals and Nigeria collected a second regional diadem at youth ...

Abba, Bambo Star as Ottasolo beat MFM FC to zoom to Lagos State FA Cup Final. Ottasolo FC defeated MFM 4-2 on penlty after both teams could not find the breakthrough as the fascinating and tension soaked Lagos State FA Cup semifinal encounter ended 1-1 stalemate at the Legacy Pitch. Former Rivers United star striker Adebambo Ademola drew the first blood to give Ottasolo the lead in the early minute of the second half but the Olukoya Boys fought back and got their deserved equaliser to restore parity ten minutes later. The NNL side had a busy week as they played three competitive games in five days; two league games and one State FA Cup match. Despite having a dwindling campaign in the Nigeria National League, 'The Solo Boys' have proved beyond reasonable doubt that they are a team to beat as their performance in the ongoing Lagos State FA Cup have been superb, they have won four in four games thus far. The mouthwatering game which was tagged 'final-before-final...

Super Eagles winger, Moses Simon is in the sights of Premier League club, Brighton & Hove Albion, Spectacular 9ja  reports. The Seagulls, according to butfootball.fr, are looking to bolster their attack next season and have identified Simon as a viable option. The 26-year-old forward impressed for Nigeria at the last AFCON edition in Cameroon, and was already subject to an initial offer from the Premier League club, but FC Nantes are looking for €20m for the player transfer value. In 34 league games for Nantes last year, the former KAA Gent player had six goals and eight assists. Newcastle United and Leeds United also made an attempt to sign the quick winger in January/February. Moses has a deal with the Canaries that runs through June 2024. Credit : Abbeylivenetwork 

Enyimba FC forward Victor Mbaoma has completed a two years transfer move to Algerian club Mouloudia Club Oranais on free transfer, spectacular 9ja  reports. It was gathered that the second joint top scorer in the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL current season also had offers from two other Algerian sides, MC Oran, MC Alger as well as Egyptian giants Zamalek for months now before deciding to join MC Oran. Mbaoma is currently the second joint top scorer in the Nigeria Professional Football League with16 goals. “It feels great (joining MC Oran). I feel this is the best chance for me to express the quality in me. It is a dream move and it came at the right time. I will use this opportunity to get to the next height of my career. Joining this great club, their style of play will actually help me grow.” “This is a great opportunity for me and I can’t wait to compete in front of the fans in MC Oran, Mbaoma stated.” However, Mbaoma has previously had stint with Remo ...

Nigeria National League side, Ottasolo FC defeated Nigeria Professional Football League side, MFM FC 5-4 on penalties to book a place in this year's Winners Golden Bet Lagos State FA Cup, spectacular 9ja report. The game played by both sides at the Legacy Pitch Surulere Lagos ended 1-1 after the regulation time as Ottasolo FC went on to win the penalty shootout 5-4. In the first semifinal of the day, Dannaz FC continued their cinderella run in the WGB Lagos FA Cup as they beat Smart City FC 4-2. Dannaz FC is the surprise team in the tournament this year as they've gone against all odds to pick a final ticket. Speaking to Spectacular 9ja after the victory, coach of Dannaz FC Fatai Bashir expressed delight with the victory and commended his boys for the job well done. “It was a tough match for us but let me thank my boys for their resilience and doggedness showed throughout the encounter. The victory was well deserved and I am looking forward to win the cup,” he said....

The die is cast as premier league side,MFM confront NNL side Ottasolo Football Club in the semi final of the ongoing Lagos State FA Cup. MFM on Monday afternoon defeated Ikorodu City 3-1 in the quarter final, while Ottasolo humbled BYT Academicals 3-0 to set up a semi final game against MFM. In the other quarter final matches played at the FIFA legacy pitch of National stadium, Dannaz beat Smart City feeders 2-0 as Sporting FC lost 0-1 to Smart City FC. Smart City would now play against Dannaz promises to be another cracker. The two semi final matches would hold on Thursday at the FIFA legacy pitch of national stadium. Some football fans who watched the game were impressed with the standard of the game saying that all the teams deserved to play in the quarter final stage. Credit : sport247 

African soccer governing body ( CAF) has announced the date and venue for the 2022 CAF Awards, Spectacular 9ja  reports. The football body announced July 21st 2022 as the date for the award ceremony, billed to take place in North African nation Rabat, Morocco. “The event also coincides with the second anniversary of the launch of CAF’s women’s football strategy,” the Confederation said in a statement. We also learn that a new category has been introduced following the launch of the CAF Women’s Champions League last November. This is the “Interclubs Player of the Year”. In addition to the coveted traditional Player and Player of the Year awards, there are also Interclub Player of the Year, Youth Player of the Year, National Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, Club of the year and goal of the year. The panel of voters are the captains and coaches of the member associations, the CAF technical study group, the selected journalists, and the Legends of African football. The ...

Daniel Adamu joins Ottasolo FC on a season loan. Former Maryland United FC attacking midfielder Daniel Adamu has completed his loan move to Ottasolo FC till the end of the 2021/2022 NNL season. The midfield trojan is expected to bring his wealth of experience to the young Ottasolo team and help to maintain their status in the most important league in the country.  Daniel who was at Gouna FC of Egypt on trials at the end of 2020/2021 season is expected to complete a fresh move to Europe at the end of the ongoing season. Daniel's major asset is his ability to wriggle past opposition defenders and unleash fierce shot.

Ahead of the the home based competition “2023 Championship of African Nations qualifiers” African Football governing body Confederation of African Football( CAF) has released a list of approved stadium for qualifiers, spectacular 9ja  reports. The football ruling body on Friday released the list of the approved venues and two Nigeria stadiums featured prominently on the list. However, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja which recently staged many games involving various national teams, alongside the Nest Of Champion (Goodswill Akpabio Stadium) in Uyo were listed by CAF. Moshood Abiola National Stadium hosted all-important Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifying playoffs match involving the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Black Stars of Ghana, ongoing AFCON 2023 qualifiers, and FIFA U-17 Women World Cup qualifiers . However, the final of the 2022 CAF Confederation Cup between Orlando Pirates and RS Berkane was also staged at the Goodswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. The qualifier...

Ibrahim Matiti’s two goals in the second half condemned 36 Lion Football Club to defeat as Ottasolo thrashed their opponents 3-0 in the round of 16 of the WGB Lagos State FA Cup. The much-anticipated tie was held this morning at the FIFA legacy pitch of the National Stadium, Surulere. The match started on a brighter note for the 36 Lion as Lion players missed a lot of scoring chances in the first half. The encounter ended goalless draw in the first half but the second half was a different ball game as Ottasolo striker, Matiti scored a brace before Tijani Abba scored the third goal to confirm their supremacy over the opponents. Ottasolo assistant coach, Seyi Abidemi expressed gratitude to God for the victory saying that his players were determined and tactically disciplined which earned them victory. “It was a tough match for us but what really worked for us was the changes we made and turned things around for us. I congratulate my boys for the job well done and ...

Leeds United have stepped up their interest in Torino defender, Ola Aina according to reports in Italy, Spectacular9ja  gathered. The report has claimed that Leeds have made their move to sign Aina from Torino through international intermediaries. The versatile defender has failed to reclaim his place in the Torino team since returning from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in February. In our view, Ola Aina could flourish at Leeds United, and the wing-back could be tempted to return to the Premier League and show Chelsea his progress and development since his departure from Stamford Bridge. Aina, who had a loan spell at Fulham from Torino in 2020-21, could feel that he has unfinished business at Leeds. The Nigerian is 25 now, so a move back to England and play for a big club such as Leeds could be very tempting to him. Aina made 17 starts and four substitute appearances in Serie A for Torino this past season. Chelsea sold Aina to Torino for £8.67 million. The enterprising...

The Super Eagles depart for Morocco ahead of their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matchday two encounter against the Falcons of Sao Tome and Principe, Spectacular 9ja reports. The Players and officials of the team, top football chiefs and journalists depart for Morocco via the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 12:44am (Sunday morning). Three time African Champions will slug it out away from home against Sao Tome and Príncipe on Monday, June 13, at their Moroccan makeshift home in Marrakech by 2pm Nigeria time. The Eagles got their 2023 AFCON qualifying campaign off to a positive note after beating Sierra Leone 2-1 on Thursday. Despite falling behind following an early strike by Jonathan Morsay, the Eagles fought back thanks to goals from Alex Iwobi and Victor Osimhen. For São Tomé and Principe, it was not the best of starts in the qualifiers as they were hammered 5-1 by Guinea-Bissau. However, this is the first time ever the Eagles and São To...

AFCON 2023 bottom placed team in Group A, São Tomé and Príncipe have announced their squad that will attempt to rescue points from the Super Eagles when they meet in the match day 2 fixtures scheduled for Morocco on Monday, Spectacular 9ja  reports. According to local publications in the island nation, “there is no lack of optimism” in the heart of the squad which on Thursday crumbled miserably to Guinea Bissau, despite scoring first. The lost 5-1. The team is littered with many debutants who were fielded against Guinea Bissau. The team is also hampered by the absence of two key players, goalkeeper Primo and central defender, Vavá Pequeno. The players annouced by Coach Adriano Eusébio for the team nicknamed “Falcão e Papagaio” are: GOALKEEPERS Anastácio Bragança (BU Caixão Grande -São Tomé and Príncipe) Feher Mendes – (Amadora Est. – Portugal) Pedro Mateus – (Olympias Lympion – Cyprus) DEFENDERS Nilton Pequeno (Bragança – Portugal) Ivonaldo Mendes (Praia Cruz – São Tomé...

President Samuel Eto'o is NOT happy, and has spoken: "I am not happy. I don't care who you play against; you represent Cameroon. I am not happy at all. In my time, I missed the World Cup because I knew what problems I had. Those problems won't repeat themselves while I'm president.  Places in this team will be earned. Nobody, I repeat, nobody has a place guaranteed in this team. You must do your job. Whoever comes here to wear this shirt must do the job, else he goes and I will be happy to have the children play.  I sat where you are years ago. I know some of you are thinking 'he is st*pid', but I tell you I was the best. I know why I failed. I will give you everything even my life, so that you be in the best condition. I fight with everyone to put you in the best condition. You sit here and have no idea about the battles I fight for you. When we come here, it's about Cameroon, guys. There's nothing more beautiful than Cameroon for me. I...

Nigeria's  FIFA Referees Set For WAFU 17 Tournament in Ghana The ranking of international referees of Nigeria's extraction has continued to soar above expectations with two more captured by CAF for the WAFU U-17 Tournament in Ghana.  Aside the Golden Eaglets showing appearance for the sub regional competition, Nigeria is represented in the refereeing category but  two worthy  ambassadors; Kassim Abdusalam and Hope Igho of Zamfara and Lagos State councils respectively. Newcomer to the FIFA list, Abdusalam, a referee and experienced Igho, an  assistant referee have successfully passed their medical and  fitness test in Ghana  to be set for the tournament.  Aside from being Abdusalam's baptism of fire at international level in terms of tournament, Igho has witnessed top flight actions at the continental stage to be one of the lines men CAF will watch out for.  Igho has a diploma as a certified fitness instructor in 2015 before obtain...

Consultation meeting was held yesterday at the LMC office in Abuja on Wednesday, between LMC officials; Chairman - Shehu Dikko, CEO - Davison Owunmi, and COO - Salihu Abubakar.  NFF Referees Committee Chairman - Ahlan Inuwa.  NRA President - Tade Azeez. NFF Referees Committee Member - Sani Zubaru.  NFF Match Commissioner Committee Chairman - Babagana Kalli.  The meeting discussed several challenges and proffered solutions.  The target is to finish the NPFL season on a high with less controversy.

Meet one of the best and reliable right full back player in the NPFL.  Very good, talented with good defensive minded  and strong :  Name : IKENNA STEPHEN  Position : RIGJT FULL BACK previous club : HEARTLAND FC Current club : ABIA WARRIORS

Nigeria U17 girls, Flamingos have qualified for the 2022 FIFA U17 World Cup in India. Nigeria won the first leg 1-0 at Ethiopia but played a goalless draw in Abuja this evening. Six qualifying games, scored 15 goals & kept clean sheets in all. Congratulations girls!!!  Nigeria U20 Girls - Qualified for FIFA U20 World Cup. Nigeria U17 Girls - Qualified for FIFA U17 World Cup. Nigeria U20 Boys - Won the WAFU U20 & qualified for the 2023 U20 AFCON. This Month; U17 WAFU Cup in Nigeria. Golden Eaglets are rounding up their preparation in Abuja. Super Falcons - Qualified for the 2022 Women's AFCON (2023 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers). There is also 2023 CHAN qualifiers and U23 AFCON qualifiers this year. Football in Nigeria should not be about Super Eagles alone. 

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Lagos Chapter has demanded an unreserved apology from the management of  Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) following brutal attack on her members at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan on Wednesday.  Our independent findings revealed that  three journalists, Mr Adepoju Tobi Samuel , Mr Ayo Animasaun and Miss Atinuke Esan were assaulted after the 3SC and Remo Stars' NPFL game.  However, Lagos SWAN Chairman, Debo Oshundun, in a statement wants the Ibadan-based club to write an apology letter and  also replace damaged items of the victims in the next 48-hours.  Oshundun frowned at the act of subjecting journalists to such traumatizing situation while carrying out their professional duties.  "We are partners in progress with sports development bodies in Nigeria but we have zero tolerance towards our members being brutalized.  "The management of 3SC as matter of fact should apologize to victims i...

Katsina united football club Central midfielder Anthony Omaka who joined the katsina state based team during the last window transfer from Enyimba football club of Aba after 2 seasons with the club is highly confident of better days with his present club katsina united, " I joined this club  with alot of positive feelings in my heart to foster my career and since I arrived here I am really working hard to achieve my aim and the environment is encouraging to make me work harder". The 26 years old Ebonyi state born midfielder had stints with Gateway fc of Abeokuta, Sunshine stars and Enyimba fc of Aba is a strong and physical player who brings tenacity into everything he does in the pitch with a good height 1, 79m also have the ability to do well during aerial duels. Anthony Omaka also spoke about the present position of his team to avoid relegation, " I joined this team basically to make sure I and my teammates  push the team out of the relegation zone and so ...