At a time that Nigeria is facing an assumed crisis in the areas of goalkeeping especially in the senior national, Coach Suleiman Shaibu is emerging to support in bringing solutions to that critical area in the senior national team.

Shaibu who was recently appointed as the second assistant goalkeeper coach with the U.23 National team and the home based Super Eagles team, is not new in the National teams nor Nigeria football. He still hold the record of the oldest goalkeeper that had ever played in the Nigeria League. He kept for various clubs from 1981 to 2007.

Young Suleiman Shaibu started his journey as a goalkeeper with a non League club in Kano Fagge Pele Football Club of Kano in 1981. He spent only one season in the club before he was scouted by the handlers of Raccah Rovers of Kano, where he played until 1986, before the then city rivals Wreca FC signed him. In 1987 he went to the then Nasco jets before returning to Bank of North FC of Kano until 1991 when he teamed up with ITF of Jos. He played only one season with the Training Fund team before Dantata United came for his signatures in 1994

Katsina United was his next stop in 1995. Wikki Tourists came calling in 1996, a club he played with till 2003 when he moved over to Jigawa Golden stars and retired as a Coach player in 2007. Same year he was honoured by the Nigeria Professional League as the oldest goalkeeper that played in the league.

Goalkeeper Suleiman Shaibu who was born on 1 July 1967, won various honors with teams he played for. He was a member of the Kano state Academical team that won Gold, Silver and Bronze medals at the Manuwa Adebanjo cup in 1985, 1984, and 1983 respectively. He was a member of the all the conquering National U.20 team (Flying Eagles)that won the African Youth Championship in 1985. He helped in promoting Katsina United in 1995, Wikki Tourists in 1997, and Jigawa Golden stars in 2007. He also have several medals from the Federation cup for the clubs he kept for.

After 27 years between the sticks in the league, Suleiman Shaibu who hails from Kwara state, but born and bred in Kano state, attended the National Institute For Sports in 2005, where he obtained the Basic Certificate in Football Coaching, he is CAF C and B licensed coach. He has also attended the FIFA MA goalkeeping course among others.

He was a goalkeeper trainer of the National U-17 team (2008-2009), National U-20 team(2010-2012; 2018-2022). He has just been appointed into the U.23 National team and CHAN Eagles.

Shaibu worked with various Premiership clubs like Jigawa Golden star of Dutse (2006-2010); Enyimba International of Aba (2010-2014); Rangers International of Enugu(2015-2017); El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri (2017-2018) and presently Abia Warriors of Umuahia (2020- Date).

No doubt, with the coming of Suleiman Shaibu to the senior cadre of the national team, the dreams of having great goalkeepers for the senior national National team may now be a reality.

What does this mean?
Enugu Rangers reclaimed the third spot with 45 points from 27 games. Following the defeat, Heartland remain 18th on the log with 28 points from 27 games. They could slide further if 19th placed Kano Pillars win at home to Kwara United on Sunday.

What’s next?
Enugu Rangers head to Ikenne as guests of Remo Stars while Heartland FC will attempt to grab a third straight home win when they confront league leaders, Rivers United next weekend in Owerri.

It was a rain of goals and display of natural talent and soccer artistry as Remo Stars FC U-15 side put Abia Warriors FC U-15 to the sword, in Day 3 of the ongoing NPFL Laliga U-15 Premises Youth League.

The Junior Sky Blues raced into an early lead with two quick goals from Arierhi Kparoboa and Adejimi Peter, while entertaining the fans with their individual skills and team cohesion at the same time.

They put the game beyond the reach of the young Warriors with three second half goals from Promise Meliga, Peter Adejimi and Oreoluwa Agbenla.

Remo stars coach, Tiago Conde, while giving his post match reaction said; “The early goals we got in the match actually paved the way for us to do far better in the second half.

“Although after the first two goals, the boys lost focus for a while and then, the second half was far better and they got three goals, but above all, team work, consistency, determination and commitment is key; if we have all these in our team at any point in time during this competition, I am sure we would go far.”

In the second match of the day, goals from Kolawole Olalekan, Mahmud Balogun and Olatunji Yusuf ensure that Gombe United U-15 side fell to the fire power of Kwara United U-15. However, the North Eastern team didn’t go down without a fight, as a consolatory goal from Miko Dalhat saw the scoreline at 3-1 after the final whistle.

In his post match reaction, the coach of Kwara United, Mukaila Ayala maintained that his side has greatly improved compared to how they played in the last edition in Enugu.

“I am happy with the way we played; the team has improved tremendously compared to how we played in the last edition. We created a lot of chances but we couldn’t utilize anyone of them, but this time around, it is a different ball game, as we were able to utilize three of our chances in the first half.”

The final match of the day saw team Rangers Int’l beat Sunshine Stars 2-1, with goals from Salami Taiwo and Sunday Oreoluwa, while Adeyemi Ola got the only goal for the young Gunners of Akure.

Rangers stayed in 3rd after they were forced to a 0-0 draw by visiting Sunshine Stars at the Awka City Stadium while Remo Stars also stayed one point adrift of the Flying Antelopes in 4th after a 1-1 draw against Nasarawa United in Jos.

Remo went in front in the 49th minute when club’s top scorer, Andy Okpe finished a fine pass by Qudus Akanni but Nasarawa United replied five minutes later when former junior international King Osanga’s free kick took a deflection before nestling inside the net.
In Kaduna, Kwara United earned their own away point after holding hosts Wikki Tourists to a 1-1 draw. Former CHAN Eagles star Abubakar Aliyu gave Wikki the lead in the 13th minute through a well executed volley. Kwara United however drew level ten minutes from time through Abdulsalam Abdulsalam as Abdullahi Biffo’s men stayed in 5th.
Reigning champions Akwa United continued their unbeaten start to new coach Deji Ayeni’s reign after a creditable 1-1 draw at Gombe United. Adam Yakubu gave Akwa United the lead in the 16th minute but Abdulazeez Yusuf restored parity for the hosts in the 36th minute when he converted from the penalty spot. Neither side could find a winner in the second half.
In a result that mattered for relegation ramification, Abia Warriors played out a 1-1 draw against ten-man Niger Tornadoes in Okigwe. Warriors took the lead through winger Paul Samson whose 20-yard effort beat Tornadoes goalkeeper Lucky Abdullahi but young defender Augustine Njoku inadvertently put Idris Munir’s ball into his own goal. Tornadoes played the last six minute with ten men after left back Gabriel Wassa was dismissed for two bookable offences. Only Dakkada FC and Shooting Stars secured wins on Saturday, the latter giving themselves a huge lift in the relegation battle after a 2-1 win over basement side Heartland in Uyo. Israel Emmanuel gave Dakkada the lead in the 28th minute when he connected Emmanuel Ayaosi’s brilliant cross before captain Aniekan Ekpe doubled their lead with his fourth penalty goal of the season in the 53rd minute. Heartland pulled one back in the 64th minute through Monday Yakubu but could not find a leveller.
In Ibadan, 3SC recorded their biggest win of the season so far after two quick fire goals by striker Emmanuel Lukcy gave them a needed 3-0 win over Lobi Stars in Ibadan. Lucky first pounced on some slothful defending to a set-piece to give his side the lead in the 3rd minute before getting his brace in the 18th minute while heading home another free kick. Substitute Ayo Adejubu then provided gloss to the scoreline ten minutes from time, netting after a solo effort.

Saturday’s results
Gombe United 1-1 Akwa United
3SC 3-0 Lobi StarsKano Pillars 0-0 Katsina United (TBC)Rangers 0-0 Sunshine StarsAbia Warriors 1-1 TornadoesWikki Tourists 1-1 Kwara UnitedDakkada FC 2-1 HeartlandNasarawa United 1-1 Remo Stars
Sunday
Plateau United vs MFM FC
MondayRivers United vs Enyimba

The indelible mark left by the late General Manager of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Rasheed Balogun, has continued to attract honours for the late football administrator.

Latest in the roll call of honours for the former Julius Berger, Dolphins and Sunshine Stars bigwig,, who passed on in January, was a posthumous award, given to him by the organisers of the Evolution Cup.

The presentation of the award took place during the half time of the Oluyole Warriors’ midweek cracker against Rangers International, played at the Lekan Salami Stadium.

While presenting the award to the acting General Manager of the club, Dimeji Lawal, coordinator of Evolution Cup, Olatoye Olawale (Sportflames), said the gesture was in appreciation of the contribution of the late Balogun, fondly called “Ekulekule”, to the round leather game in the country.

While receiving the award on behalf of his late boss, Lawal, fondly called Kabongo, who was close to tears, expressed appreciation to the organisers of the Evolution Cup for bestowing the honour on the late astute football administrator.

The acting 3SC GM, was also decorated with a medal, a honour besowed on him by Evolution Cup in recognition of his contributions to the development of football in Nigeria.

The match which took place inside the main bowl of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu gave both sides a glimpse of how to prepare for their upcoming games in their various leagues.

Ever reliable attacking sensation, Kelvin Itoya who came on as a substitute took only a minute of stepping onto the pitch to break the resistance of the coach Nduka Ugbade tutored side on 38 minutes as he connected well with the head, a Tope Olusesi’ inch perfect cross.

Fifteen minutes into the second half, Israel Abia increased the tally as he beat his marker to slot home an inviting cross from Osas Okoro while Ifeanyi Okoro reacted well on the stroke of full time to blast past the opponent’ goalkeeper an inviting cross from former Super Eagles attacking midfielder, Onyedika Ogbuke.

New attacking sensation, Elijah Ani, Kenechukwu Agu, Daniel Vandaga, Ugwuoke Ugochukwu and Israel Abia all came close to having their names on the score sheet but superlative goalkeeping from the NNL side’ shot stopper ensured only three goals was recorded in the match.

Captain of the ‘Flying Antelopes’, Tope Olusesi said after the friendly encounter, “It was a good game against a great side that proved difficult to break down but thankfully, we stuck to our game plan and got the result we desired. We hope to continue our preparations for the second round and believe we shall achieve our set target at the end of the season.”

Recall that Rangers is expected to trade tackles with eastern neighbors, Enyimba International F.C in a match day 20 fixture in Aba as the season is expected to resume this weekend while the date for the match day 19 fixture is yet to be fixed by organizers of the league, L.M.C

The ‘Flying Antelopes’, Rangers International F.C, Sunday inside the main bowl of Ahmadu Bello stadium, Kaduna continued its fine form in the ongoing season as hosts, Kano Pillars forced the Enugu side to a 1-1 draw in a match day 14, NPFL 2021 fixture.

Defender, Ernest Governor was the unlikely hero of the day as his connecting header from an Esor Achibong’ inch perfect free kick on 10 minutes sent the few travelling officials from Enugu into wild jubilations while the host were literally in shock.

Coach Salisu Yusuf made three changes to the match day 13 starters due largely to injuries as Osas Okoro and Esor Achibong found their way back to the starting team while Timothy Simon had his first start of the season.

Godspower Aniefiok was at his imperious best for the time he lasted in the match combining well with Chiamaka Madu and Achibong while Nwobodo Chidiebere and Nnaji Christian were second best in their outputs.

Nyima Nwagwu, Ebuka David, Bright Silas and ageless Rabiu Ali were always a threat to any defense line but the duo of Ernest Governor and Uche John did well to provide the needed cover for Ghanaian shot stopper, Nana Bonsu.

Ali Auwal Malam’ cracking free kick from the edge of the box on 39 minutes drew the host level after the referee had spotted what looked like a handball situation.

Rangers had a man advantage for the last twenty minutes of the encounter after Yusuf Magoro got the referee’ marching order on 70 minutes for wrestling down a goal bound Esor Achibong.

Efforts to get the winning goal did not materialize for either sides till the final blast of the referee’s whistle to end the encounter as the ‘Sai Masu Gida’ side conceded its first goal at their adopted home in Kaduna.

Coach Salisu Yusuf said after the match, “It was a very good game against a very technical side but showed more hunger to win but could not achieve what we wanted in Kaduna. We continue to push and work hard towards getting our targets for the season. I will say that when the host were reduced by one man, we pushed for a possible winner but it was not to be so, we give God all the glory for the point we are taking back to Enugu.”

Ernest Governor said, “I am very happy we were able to get a good result against Kano Pillars and I am even more happier that I scored as that was what I promised some of my friends before the game.”

RANGERS TEAM: Nana Bonsu, Osas Okoro, Timothy Simon, Tony Shimaga, Uche John (Ebuka Anthony -58^th Min.), Ernest Governor, Chiamaka Madu (Ugochukwu Ugwuoke – 75^th Min.), Chidiebere Nwobodo (Christian Madu – 68^th Min.), Godspower Aniefiok (Ifeanyi Okoro -58^thMin.), Esor Achibong, Christian Nnaji (Dauda Madaki -75^th Min.). SUBS NOT USED: Seidu Mutawakilu, Tony Eliagwu.

Goal: Ernest Governor – 10^th Minute

The very fine form that has seen seven-time Nigeria league champions, Rangers International F.C of Enugu chalk up ten of the available twelve points at stake over four match days of the NPFL 2020/2021 season was halted as resolute defending from visiting Lobi Stars ensured that the spoils was shared at the end of proceedings in Enugu.

Coach Salisu Yusuf of Rangers made three changes to his match day 5 squad that were forced to a 1-1 draw by MFM in Lagos with Shedrack Asiegbu, Osas Okoro and Israel Abia making the cut for a starting place and it was wave after wave of attacks by the ‘Flying Antelopes’ but the visitors were resolute in their defending.

As early as the second minute, Christian Nnaji had an opportunity to put the host in front after he was set up by an Osas Okoro’ inviting cross but despite looping the ball over onrushing Moses Ocheje, the ball did not find its way into the yawning net as the visitors’ defenders reacted well to clear the danger.

Dauda Madaki had a wonderful game as his pace and dribbling skills was a handful for Lazarus John at the right-back but his crosses left much to be desired as Ocheje was always alert to make easy catches.

The visitors’ backline of Alex Aghahowa, Moses Tsehuan, Ebube Duru and Duke Osimaga did a good job of their duties in ensuring supplies did not get to Rangers front men and the few times that they were breached, Ocheje was at hand to foil the danger.

Despite early substitutions that saw the duo of Shedrack Asiegbu and Christian Nnaji make way for Kenechukwu Agu and Femi Ajayi at the half hour mark, the visitors failed to bulge to all that was thrown at it.

Not even the referee’ marching order given to Ossy Martins with twelve minutes left on the clock could tilt the game in the host’ favor as the further introduction of Ifegwu Ojukwu, Godspower Aniefiok and Chidiebere Nwobodo could not break down the visitor’s defense.

Goalkeeper Nana Bonsu of Rangers, who in spite of his mother’ death on the morning of the game in faraway Kumasi, Ghana, was at his best to keep his side in the game on two occasions when Chinonso Okonkwo and Ossy Martins were clear on goal.

Rangers gaffer, coach Salisu Yusuf said after the match, “It was a good game. In the game of football you don’t win all the time even when Lobi Stars gave us a very good fight to earn a draw. There were some lapses from us on the field of play and we deviated from our style of play, became jittery and could not find their rhythm which made it difficult for us to score. However, we focus for the next game.”

RANGERS TEAM: Nana Bonsu, Osas Okoro, Nweke Ifeanyi, Tony Shimaga, Uche John, Ernest Governor, Ugochukwu Ugwuoke (Ifegwu Ojukwu -73rd Min.), Christian Nnaji (Femi Ajayi -27th Min.), Israel Abia (Godspower Aniefiok -73rd Min.), Shedrack Asiegbu (Kenechukwu Agu -27th Min.), Dauda Madaki (Chidiebere Nwobodo -61th Min.). SUBS NOT USED: Femi Thomas, Isaac Loute, Franklin Ebuka, Chinonso Eziekwe .

REFEREE: Jelili Ogunmuyiwa – Lagos.

NORBERT OKOLIE
Media/Communication Officer
Rangers International F.C, Enugu.
Facebook Page: Rangers International F.C of Enugu
Twitter: @RangersInt’Ifc

Instagram page: rangersinternationalfcenugu

Rangers International F.C of Enugu was at the weekend pegged back by the bravery of the ‘Olukoya Boys’, M.F.M F.C in a match day 5, NPFL 2020/2021 fixture that ended in a draw inside the ‘Soccer Temple’, Agege township stadium, Lagos.

Coach Salisu Yusuf made three changes to his match day 4 starting squad handing Dauda Madaki, Uche John and Tope Olusesi places in the match day 5 starters and it was a vantage performance that would have seen more goals but for some splendid goalkeeping from Folarin Abayomi for the host.

The sublime football trickery of the visitor’s creative midfielder, Ugochukwu Ugwuoke was a handful for the coach Tony Bulus tutored side as he teased and tossed the backline around and would have had his name on the score sheet earlier than the 24th minute when he side footed in past a bemused goalkeeper, Abayomi after Dauda Madaki had set him up with a headed effort.

However, the host reacted well to the setback just five minutes later as some slack defending allowed Balogun Muyiwa to poke home past a stranded Nana Bonsu to the relief of the host’ bench.

Ugochukwu had another crack at goal on 37 minutes after some neat interchange of passes opened up the host’ backline but his well struck shot was pushed over the bar by Abayomi.

As the game crept past the hour mark, coach Salisu made three substitutions that saw Shedrack Asiegbu, Femi Ajani and Israel Abia taking the places of tiring Christian Nnaji, Dauda Madaki and Agu Kenechukwu and the impact was felt even without any goal from the troika.

Mbwas Mangut, chief coach of Rangers, who spoke to the media after the encounter, praised the efforts of his players in the encounter stressing, “It was a good game and we should have earned all three points at stake but for some good goalkeeping from the opponents. We keep building and progressing with more matches and it is our belief that we will deliver the goods at the end of the season.”

Ugwuoke Ugochukwu said, “I am happy with the goal I scored but very disappointed that we failed to grab all the three points. We hope to do better in future matches.”

RANGERS TEAM: Nana Bonsu, Tope Olusesi (Osas Okoro -70th Min.), Ifeanyi Nweke, Tony Shimaga, Ernest Governor, Uche John, Ugochukwu Ugwuoke, Christian Nnaji (Israel Abia -66th Min.), Agu Kenechukwu (Shedrack Asiegbu -66th Min.), Chidiebere Nwobodo (Ebuka Franklin -77th Min.), Dauda Madaki (Femi Ajayi -66th Min.) SUBS NOT USED: Femi Thomas, Ojukwu Ifegwu, Chinonso Eziekwe.

Goal: Ugochukwu Ugwuoke -24th Minute.

Honorable Nzekwe gave this assurance after inspecting renovation/upgrade work carried out by internationally acclaimed, Reform Sports West Africa Ltd., who are carrying out the emergency repair work at the sports edifice.

The youthful commissioner hinted that the turf was installed in 2009 and with a guarantee of 10-15 years lifespan, and since inception of the present administration of H.E, Rt. Hon. (Dr) Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the Executive Governor in 2015 there have been a yearly routine maintenance of the turf and other Sports facilities in the stadium due to his magnanimity

“I strongly believe that this edifice would host matches of the NPFL as I am quite sure that the professionals that have been engaged to do this maintenance would do the needful for our players to exhibit their God given talents and win laurels for our darling club, Rangers and the state government who have been doing it’s sporting best to keep the stadium at its utmost best,” stated the commissioner.

Also speaking, technical Officer, Reform Sports West Africa Ltd, Ajila Peter acknowledged that the state government have been in constant contact with the company concerning the maintenance work of the pitch, promising that surface will wear a different look at the end of the exercise stressing that the impact of pitch after completion when the teams are  playing, the players will be comfortable on the pitch, while the movement of the ball would be direct and precise. 

Recall that the Nigeria league organizer, LMC had earlier held back its approval of the use of Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium to prosecute its matches involving Rangers International F.C but with the repair work taking shape, there are positive signs that the ‘Flying Antelopes’ would not be looking elsewhere to play their home fixtures.