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LIVE FROM BENIN,  EDO STATE   Ibrahim Musa Gusau has been elected as the new president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Gusau was voted into the position at the federation’s committee election held in Benin on Friday. The Zamfara-born football administrator defeated nine other contestants to emerge as the successor of Amaju Pinnick. He gathered 39 out of 40 votes in the re-run election after all the candidates had initially failed to meet the 22 votes requirements. Gusau had earlier managed 21 votes followed by Seyi Akinwunmi who got 12 and Shehu Dikko with 6 and a lone vote for Peterside Idah. Akinwunmi and Dikko, however, stepped down from the re-run election except for Idah. During the election, Felix Anyansi-Agwu, chairman of Enyimba FC, was voted in as the first vice-president of the NFF. Anyasi-Agwu, who polled 23 votes, defeated Obinna Ogba (8 votes) to replace Seyi Akinwunmi as the number two person in the glass house, while Yusuf ‘Fres...

NFF to hold Annual General Assembly and Elective Congress on Friday.  The 78th Annual General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation will hold on Friday in Benin City, capital of Edo State alongside elections of a new Executive Committee to steer the affairs of the nation’s supreme football –ruling body for the next four years.  A ruling by the Court of Appeal on Thursday morning ordered a stay-of-execution of an ex parte injunction secured by some fellows a fortnight ago to stop the elections, meaning that the coast is now clear for an interesting contest for the NFF presidency by 10 prominent individuals and dozen other notable persons jostling for seats on the Executive Committee.  More representatives of the world football-governing body, FIFA arrived in Benin City just before noon on Thursday. Solomon Mudege, FIFA’s Head of Development Programmes for Africa and Gelson Fernandes, a former Swiss international player who is FIFA’s Director for Africa we...

Top NPFL teams raided  NNL  side, Ottasolo FC as the Lagos based team lost 9 of their key players to the likes of Enyimba, Akwa United and Abia Warriors. The former CAF Champions League winner, Enyimba FC of Aba stole the show by completing the signing of energetic striker, Adebambo Ademola and Abba Tijani who was arguably the best midfielder in the  NNL  last season. Akwa United also acquired the services of two of Ottasolo most experienced players who had tasted the NPFL last season,  Nigeria  U20 defender Sholumade Boluwaji and Ifeanyi Ogba who was the Lobi Stars top scorer during his loan spell last season. Abia Warriors snapped up the duo of Peter John and Isah Seidu who were razor sharp when Ottasolo defeated Abia Warriors in the Aiteo Cup round of 32. Ottasolo FC Left wing back, Afolabi Isaac has already become fans favourite in Ibadan following his fantastic display in the ongoing Gold Cup Preseason Tournament in  Ogun State  i...

Tyson Fury  has declared he will not be fighting  Anthony Joshua  because “no contract has been signed” after his self-imposed 5pm deadline on Monday. Joshua had said on Sunday he will sign the contract to fight Fury after the WBC champion issued an ultimatum. Fury, who initially called for Joshua to sign the contract by Monday, returned to Instagram to state that Joshua had until 5pm otherwise he will walk away from the deal. But Fury later went on Instagram to say: “It’s official. D Day has come and gone. It’s gone past 5pm Monday, no contract has been signed. It’s officially over for Joshua. He’s now out in the cold with the wolfpack. Forget about it. Idiot. Coward! “I always knew you didn’t have the minerals to fight the Gypsy King. Good luck with your career, and your life.” Joshua had assured Fury on Sunday that he would sign the contract, saying: “It’s not in my hands, it’s with the legal team. That’s why you hire lawyers. You know the history of boxing...

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Osun State FA Chairman Tips Seyi Akinwunmi As Best Candidate For NFF Presidency Osun Football Association Chairman, Chief Rasaq Mustapha has stated that the 1st Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation, (NFF), Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi who is gunning for the apex position of the federation deserved to win the September 30 elective congress slated for Benin, the Edo state capital. In a chat with Osun Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, (SWAN), on Tuesday during the monthly stakeholder's forum of the association, the "Ajiroba Ooni" of Ile-Ife said he and many other chairmen from the South West and beyond were supporting Barr. Akinwunmi because of his wealth of experience, human relations, exposure and preparedness for the onerous task of NFF president. "We all know that the position of NFF president is not for babies due to the fact that football has become an important sector in Nigeria. Whoever should get to that position must ha...

Enyimba Football Club has added Yemi Daniel Olanrewaju to its coaching staff. More commonly referred to as Yema, the young tactician joins Enyimba to bring his wealth of football knowledge to the team. In recent years, Yema has emerged as one of the brightest coaches in Nigeria and is best known for his profound knowledge of the game and excellent work ethic. Speaking on the addition, head coach Finidi George said, “Yema is someone I have known for some time now. He is passionate about his job and has a positive mindset. He has very good qualities that will bring value to the team, so I’m very happy to have him around.” Yema joins Enyimba having previously worked at Magate FC, MFM FC and Vandrezzer. He is currently an assistant coach with Nigeria’s U17 men’s team, the Golden Eaglets.

Kwara United zoomed into next round of the CAF Confederation Cup after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Niger Republic’s AS Douanes at the Stade Seyni Kountche, Niamey on Sunday night,  Abbeylivenetwork.com  reports. The Afonja Warriors set the pace last Sunday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena by beating the Nigerien side AS Douanes 3-0. But Douanes and their supporters were not giving up easily, and moments before kick-off, some metaphysical drama took place. Two Nigerien herbalists attacked Kwara United players with goat blood and sprinkled it on them and the ground they walked on. The result means that Kwara United has qualified for the next round 3-0 on aggregate and will face defending champions RS Berkane in the next round. Credit : Abbeylivenetwork

Olanrewaju ‘Yema’ resigns from role as Vandrezzer FC coach  Yemi Olanrewaju ‘Yema’ has resigned from his position as Vandrezzer FC’s Interim Head Coach. According to a family source, the Golden Eaglets assistant coach has communicated his resignation to the management of the Nigeria National League (NNL) side. “He has communicated his decision to leave Vandrezzer FC to the club management. It was a tough decision, he loves the Vandrezzer FC project and he has been committed and professional since he joined the team. “He has to leave to focus on his future, also Vandrezzer FC can make their coaching decision. He is making the sacrifices because he wishes the club success,” the source divulged. Olanrewaju joined Vandrezzer FC in 2021 and he was part of the historical squad that won the club's first title, when they emerged as Lagos FA Cup champions last year. He was announced as the club's Interim head coach when he returned from the 2022 U17 WAFU Cup in June. He was ...

Ottasolo FC star striker, Adebambo Ademola has signed on the dotted lines on a transfer to the former NPFL Champions, Enyimba FC on a two-year deal. The former Rivers United striker has been on the radar of the People’s Elephant for more than a year and has finally gotten him. The young striker who finished the 2021/2022 football season with Lagos based  NNL  side, Ottasolo FC scored 6 goals and 3 assists. Adebambo will resume training with the rest of the team on Monday, ahead of the new season.

Remo Stars vocal captain, Nduka Junior is not taking it lightly ahead of their second-round preliminary game against ASFAR FC in the CAF Confederation Cup. It will be noteworthy to know that this is Remo Stars’ first continental appearance after finishing 3rd on 62 points last season in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) which automatically allows them to participate in the prestigious competition. Nduka is banking on their home advantage for qualification for the next round against the Morroco-based club after playing out a 1-1 draw in Rabat. He spoke exclusively to Sports247 ahead of the highly anticipated return leg, “the second leg is going to be tough, they will want to come all out.” “It’s our home ground, we know how it works, you can’t come there and want to cheat us, it’s not possible,” he bragged. “We know where to run to, how to pass the ball, every other thing, this is an opportunity for us and we have to take the advantage,” he vehemently stated. ...

Akinwunmi, Dikko, Gusau, Kwande, Amadu, Emeruwa, 5 others cleared for presidential race   The NFF Electoral Committee 2022 has cleared a total of 11 persons to contest for the position of NFF President at the Federation’s elections scheduled for Friday, 30th September in Benin City.   Top on the list are current 1st Vice President, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi; current 2nd Vice President, Mallam Shehu Dikko; current Chairman of Chairmen, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau; current Member of Board, Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande; immediate past General Secretary, Barr. Musa Amadu and; Head of Safety and Security of the Confederation of African Football, Dr. Christian Emeruwa.   Also cleared for the exalted post, to be vacated by FIFA Council Member, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick, are former NFF 1st Vice President, Mazi Amanze Uchegbulam; Chairman of the FCT Football Association, Mallam Adam Mouktar Mohammed; former Nigeria international goalkeeper, Peterside Idah; former Chairman of Kano Pil...

Transfer Update: Mjablly Sporting Director Reveal Reasons They Sign Yusuf . Sporting Director of Swedish side AIF Mjablly Hasse Larsson has revealed the reason they signed Nigeria forward Abdulazeez Yusuf, BSNSports.com.ng reports. The Swedish side on Monday announced the acquisition of the Nigeria star on a 3-year deal. Yusuf represented Gombe United in the Nigeria Professional Football League last season and he moved to Sweden before the deadline day but his paper has just been completed. Larsson said his skills and ability on the ball endeared him to them. " Yusuf is a player we've had our eye on for a long time. He is an interesting striker with strengths in his speed, strength and finishing.  "Yusuf has impressive numbers and statistics from Nigeria despite his young age. This is a player we hope can make a difference both in the short and long term, Larsson told the club media. He made his debut in Gombe United FC back in 2019 as a 17-year-old. Credit : ...

The  president  of Otasollo International Chief Gabriel Davis has hinted the media about the upcoming Otasollo Preseason Tournament which will be held in Lagos and it will be the best ever in the history of Preseason Tournament in  Nigeria  . I’m his statement with the media at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena for the CAFCC Qualifiers  game  between Kwara United and AS Dounase of Niger Republic. In his statement, he said “Otasollo Preseason Tournament will commence very soon and all is set to make it worth while for all participating teams. “We started it last year will loads to positive to take from the Preseason Tournament. We discovered new talents that eventually played in the U20 national teams and some also played in the NPFL.” “The preseason tournament will involve the NPFL teams and the  NNL  teams which will also serve as a true test for the invited team preparation for the new season “ When asked about the renumeration for the part...

Otunba Gabriel Davies has promised a ground breaking event at the Ottasolo Support Tinubu Tournament. The sole financier of Ottasolo Pre Season Tournament made this known to reporters before the CAF Confederation Cup game between Kwara United and AS Douanes at Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Sunday. Organizers have mapped out plans to make the second edition of the competition become glamorous. “I will continue with the private preseason tourney in Nigeria but this year’s tourney is going to be will be in a new dimension. We have coined it “Ottasolo Support Tinubu Tournament”. It is going to come up very soon,” Otunba Gabriel Davies informed the Media on Sunday. “We would continue invite big clubs in the country from the NPFL, NNL and some teams from the Academies.” “We are planning to make sure the event is explosive in terms of numeration. The official press conference of the competition will hold at Eko Hotel, with Mobolaji Johnson Arena expected to be venue of the tournament,...

The 2022/23 UEFA Europa League opening match day produced some shocking results the king of them all being the 1-0 win of Sadiq Umar's Real Sociedad over Manchester United at Old Trafford. Iyayi Believe   Atiemwen  and  Rasheed Akanbi  scored a goal each as FC Sheriff defeated  Francis Uzoho's  Omonia Nicosia 3-0 away from home. Akanbi scored the game's first goal in the 2nd minutes of kickoff with Fabiano in goal for Omonia. Credit : Nigeriasoccernet

Chelsea have appointed Graham Potter as our new head coach, replacing Thomas Tuchel who was sacked yesterday (Wednesday) morning. Chelsea concluded talks in short order with Potter, selling him on the vision of a long-term project at the club, and getting him to agree terms for a five-year(!) deal. That’s the longest contract we’ve given a manager since a five-year deal for José Mourinho in 2005 (he made it two and change). Potter’s contract with Brighton & Hove Albion had a variable release clause, reportedly around £16m, which Chelsea activated. At least three members of his backroom staff are expected to join alongside him, including long-time assistants Billy Reid and Björn Hamberg, and “recruitment specialist” Kyle Macaulay, and maybe a couple others, too (goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts and first-team coach Bruno also left the team with him), bringing Brighton’s total compensation to north of £20m. We’re certainly making a big bet here. A j...

Jonathan Woodgate disclosed that Arsenal summer target Victor Osimhen looks destined for the Premier League following his display against Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday. The Nigeria international was a handful against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League game staged at Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Wednesday night, though he also got injured in the match. The 23-year-old started the match on a high, hitting a post inside 45 seconds, winning a penalty that Alisson Becker saved and was unfortunate not to get an assist after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia failed to convert from close range after the Super Eagle had done the hard work. However, after 41 minutes, the striker was forced out. Meanwhile, Osimhen performance will have caught the eye of several sides. Reports in June claimed that Arsenal had made a £51 million bid for the 23-year-old. Meanwhile, there has also been interest from Newcastle in recent times. Both clubs ultimately signed a marquee s...

The anticipated Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua boxing bout is set to take place before the end of 2022 and the Gypsy King has presented a number of venues to host the fight including Manchester United’s ground. Tyson Fury has claimed to have booked Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground for a fight with Anthony Joshua in November. It’s the latest claim from the Gypsy King who is looking to make a fight with Joshua happen this year after talks between the two camps have ramped up in the last 48 hours. It emerged earlier on Wednesday that Joshua has reportedly accepted Fury’s offer for a fight with the WBC and Linear heavyweight titles on the line before the end of 2022. Fury revealed on Tuesday that he has offered Joshua a 60:40 split  for their proposed ‘Battle of Britain’ fight – a bout which is long overdue with the two going back and forth for the better part of six years. Meanwhile, Joshua lost both of his fights against Oleksandr Usyk and he has now been o...

Brighton & Hove Albion boss Graham Potter has agreed to take charge of Chelsea.  The 47-year-old opened talks with Chelsea on Wednesday following the sacking of Thomas Tuchel. Things went well and he was offered the chance to replace the German at Stamford Bridge.  It is believed that Potter verbally agreed to take charge and shook hands on the deal, with paperwork now being drawn up.  Chelsea want the deal completed on Thursday (Today) so barring any issues, Potter will take charge ahead of this weekend’s derby clash with Fulham.  As confirmed on Wednesday, Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly had been leading the search and work started some weeks ago when issues with Tuchel first emerged.   Potter was always first choice for Chelesa, and such has been the impression he has made on Boehly and the rest of the club’s hierarchy following their first meeting, they knew they had their man. Boehly always wanted a swift appoint and that is how things have wor...

Serie A club Napoli have revealed that Victor Osimhen suffered a muscle injury in their 4-1 win over Liverpool on Wednesday night. The 23-year-old sustained the same injury in Napoli’s previous game against Monza. The forward trained separately from the team on Monday and Tuesday before he was passed fit to face the Reds on Wednesday night. At 42nd minutes of the second half, Osimhen collapses to the ground and takes off his mask: he touches his right thigh, making a sign that refers to a very specific injury. The stretching. Rescued by the blue medical staff, Osimhen asked for the change, necessary at that point: in an official statement issued following the knockout, Napoli spoke of “muscle strain in the right thigh”. The Naples-based side have since confirmed Osimhen -who has scored two goals and provided an assist in five Serie A matches, had “a muscle strain in the right thigh and he will not be available to play Spezia” this coming weekend. Credit : Abbeylive...