The Sports Minister Sunday Dare has congratulated 3SC of Ibadan for winning the NPFL pre season tournament dubbed the Dozy Mmobuosi Cup.

3SC defeated Enyimba FC of Aba 3- 2 to emerge winners of the Super Four Competition on Friday inside the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

According to the Minister, “I want to first congratulate the organisers for putting up a quality pre season tournament, where the winner is taking home N100 million, 2nd placed team N75 million and the 3rd place winners N50 million, that’s quite remarkable and commendable. I’m glad that we are beginning to get it right as far as the league is concerned.

“This Super Four signifies what is expected in the league. I want to charge the Interim Management Committee(IMC)to do more, so that we can have a better league in terms of TV coverage and competition among the clubs,” the Minister said.

By Fisayo Dairo

It was a result that extracted contrasting reactions from Coaches on both sides of the bench in the fixture between Enyimba International and Nasarawa United at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.

While Assistant Coach of Enyimba, Deniran Ortega celebrated his side’s win in the five goals thriller as a deserving birthday gift, the Head Coach of Nasarawa United, Bala Nikyu cut the figure of a subdued fighter.

Nkiyu may have been stunned by the outcome, he was philosophical in his response to www.npfl.ng submitting that there would always be a winner and a loser in the game.

“The game has been played and concluded and the result is there. It’s not everyone that will win in football so I think it was okay.

“I won’t talk about my players but anyone that is here today can testify that they did what is expected of a team so I don’t make comments about players,” said Nikyu.

Enyimba assistant coach Deniran Ortega was satisfied with the win on his birthday but was left worried about his defence.

“The game played out very well. My boys did well and I must congratulate Nasarawa as well because they did well too,” Ortega told www.npfl.ng after the game.

“It was an interesting game and I thought as much so we prepared the players for it, to score more goals.

“It’s my birthday today so it’s a double win for me,” added the former Warri Wolves coach.

Former champions Enyimba had dug deep to see off a resolute Nasarawa United side 3-2 in the interesting NPFL MatchDay 30 encounter.

The People’s Elephant, playing in the absence of their head coach Finidi George who is away on national team duties were made to work hard for their money by Nikyu’s wards who twice pegged their hosts back in the game. 

After a cagey opening, Enyimba got their noses in front in the 44th minute when Samuel Stone Onukwube poked home a rebound before Nasarawa United equalised four minutes after the break through Sunday Okereke who finished off a King Osanga free kick.

Enyimba restored their lead three minutes later when Emeka Obioma rounded off a team move with a side-footed finish to Sadiq Abubakar’s cross but the visitors once again pulled level, this time from the penalty spot through Michael Tochukwu after Abdullahi Aliyu was upended.

The 2019 league champions would then miss a spot kick after captain Austin Oladapo saw his take saved by goalkeeper Godwin Ameh but the points were claimed three minutes from time when Ghanaian midfielder Farouk Mohammed converted another spot kick after Obioma was upended.

Match Day 31 action comes up in midweek with Enyimba staying at home once again to welcome Sunshine Stars while Nasarawa United will host Abia Warriors in Jos.

Match Lineups

Enyimba XI

21. Sabirou Bassa-Djeri 32. Bilal Yakubu

3. Daniel Darkwah 16. Philip Ozor

18. Pascal Eze 6. Nabil Yarou 14. Samuel Kalu 20. Cyril Olisema 9. Emeka Obioma

8. Samuel Stone Onukwube 13. Sadiq Abubakar

Subs

 1. John Noble 7. Christian Ekong 17. Chigozie Obasi 19. Orok Gabriel Ibitham

26. Austin Oladapo 27. Farouk Mohammed 28. Abel James 36. Abdulwasiu Mahmud 38. Godwin Emmanuel

Nasarawa United XI

34. Godwin Ameh 2. Afeez Bankole

33. Ini Edem 37. Joshua Ogbole

14. Victor Collins 16. Manga Mohammed

13. King Osanga 30. Michael Tochukwu

18. Adamu Hassan 31. Sunday Okereke

23. Aliyu Abdullahi

SUBS:

40. Danjuma Mustapha 6. Abubakar Abdullahi 5. Bello Abdullahi 17. Ifeanyi Ejeh 10. Dauda Maigishiri 20. Ikenna Offor 9. Chinedu Ohanachom 8. Shammasu Mohammed

19. Charles Eguavon

Nigeria Professional Football League title holders Akwa United received a major boost following the return to fitness of two of their key players; goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka and defender Samson Gbadebo ahead of their match-day 27 tie against Enyimba on Sunday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka missed his team’s last two games (1-0 win against Lobi Stars and a 1-0 loss against Katsina United) following an injury.

Defender Samson Gbadebo has not been in action since match-day 18 after sustaining a domestic injury, but the duo who were instrumental to the Promise Keepers on their title winning campaign last season have been confirmed fit and were part of coach Ayodeji Ayeni’s training programmes throughout the week, and may likely return to action on Sunday.

Speaking ahead of his team’s crucial game against Enyimba, coach Ayodeji Ayeni in an exclusive interview with the club’s official website www.akwaunitedfc.com said his team is in good shape to go all out for victory.

“We are delighted to see all our players. back to training after some injury concerns. We got positive news from the medical department when we came back from Katsina and with that there has been lots of competitions among the players because they all want to play.

“We are particularly happy to have Adewale and Gbadebo back in the team. Their return to fitness is a big boost to all of us.

“As a team, we are committed and determined to ensure we make the best we can out of this season. From what we have done in our training programmes, I can boldly say that we are in top shape and fully prepared for any challenge.

“Our match against Enyimba is a key match for us and we have to give it our all to ensure we get a positive result. I have passed the message to my players and they are aware of the importance of this game so we won’t leave anything to chance”.

Akwa United 6th on the log with 39 points have recorded ten wins, nine draws and seven loses after 27 rounds of matches. The champions will be aiming for their 11th victory of the season on Sunday when they engage 7th placed Enyimba who are one place and one point behind them.

The Peoples Elephants won the first leg 1-0 in Aba but they have lost all three of their previous visits to Uyo.

Coach Ayodeji Ayeni who was voted NPFL Best coach in the month of April after guiding Akwa United to three wins and three draws in the month under review, will be aiming for his fourth win in eight games since joining the club in mid-season.

The game is billed to kickoff at four O’clock (4pm) in the afternoon.

Plateau United 1-0 Remo Stars 
The Tin City Boys kept the chase on leaders Rivers United close following a hard earned 1-0 win over Remo Stars in Jos, thanks to second half header from Ibrahim Buhari.
The hosts could have taken the lead within the opening five minutes but Jesse Akila’s goal was chalked off for offside after the referee had spotted an infringement in the build up to the goal.
Plateau United dominated for most part of the first half but met a strong Remo Stars rear line with calculative goalkeeper in Kayode Bankole who thwarted their efforts. 
Whatever Fidelis Ilechukwu told his boys in the dugout worked for them as they used it to raid Remo’s defence to earn the lone goal in the 55th minute. Free scoring defender, Ibrahim Buhari rose highest to prod home from Akila Jesse’s cross for his fourth goal of the season.
Remo rallied late in the game with moments of dominance but the host held on to secure the match points. 
Plateau are still within distance to Rivers with 51 points from 25 games. 

Shooting Stars 2-0 Enyimba Int’l 
The Oluyole Warriors outsmarted the wobbling Elephants of Aba in Ibadan with a convincing 2-0 win to push up on the log. 
Enterprising midfielder Moses Omoduemeke combined well with Lucky Moses to give Shooting Stars the lead in the 14th minute.
The goalscorer would then become the provider for the second goal with five minutes to end the first half when he fed Emmanuel Lucky who made a simple tap in to send the home fans into frenzy. 
The second period was more of an exchange in control with Enyimba making series of incursions to stage a comeback but it was too late for the Finidi George boys as Shooting protected their first half goals.

Wikki Tourists 0-0 Heartland FC 
The last match on the card for Monday ended scoreless between Wikki Tourists and Heartland FC in Kaduna. 
The hosts were seeking to consolidate on their last away win at MFM but found their visitors unyielding and would remaine 10th on the log. 
Heartland have moved a step up on the log but still in the red zone. 
Matches continue on Tuesday through Thursday before the conclusion of the MatchDay 25.

The successes can not only be explained by the passion that Monimichelle have for football, but also by the fact that some states have managed to set up sport infrastructures that are not different from those built in the other parts of Nigeria.

Below is a list of the 6 finest football stadiums built or refurbished by Monimichelle in Nigeria – a list chosen taking into account the capacity, attractiveness, comfort, and ability to host sporting events.

1. Enyimba International Stadium (Aba)

Located in Aba, Abia State, Enyimba International Stadium has a capacity of 16,000 seats. It hosts matches involving Enyimba FC.

The stadium has been used for continental and Nigeria Professional Football League games.

2. Onikan Stadium (Lagos)

Located on the southeastern corner of Lagos Island near Tafewa Balewa Square, the Onikan Stadium is asports complex. It has a capacity of 5,000.

The Stadium was given face lift by Monimichelle, with the turf and arena simply world class.

3. Samson Siasia Stadium (Yenagoa)

The edifice is located in Yenagoa. It is equipped with parking, and park & ride facilities for spectators.

The Samson Siasia Stadium, truly embodies the architectural innovation of Bayelsa.

It is the first environmentally friendly astro turf pitch in Africa, the coconut fiber infills on its lead free artificial grass and shock pad gave it a unique closeness to natural turf. The friendly astro turf pitch was built by Monimichelle Sports Facility Construction Ltd.

4. Muhammadu Dikko Stadium (Katsina)

The Muhammadu Dikko Stadium is located in Katsina. It is dedicated to football games with a capacity of 35,000 seats. This stadium remains one of the most beautiful sportive monuments in Northern region.

It officially opened in 2013.

5. Remo Stars Stadium (Ikenne)

The Remo Stars Stadium is located in Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria, and it is the home of Remo Stars. This attractive infrastructure was designed by Monimichelle.

6. Aper Aku Stadium (Makurdi)

Located in Makurdi, Aper Aku Stadium, as its name indicates, is a beautiful building with 15,000 seats. The stadium which is located at the heart of Makurdi is the home ground of Lobi Stars.

The 100% Natural Geo Technology Pitch was constructed by Monimichelle Sports.

The Solid Miners are currently third on the ladder after 27 matches.

United meet Enyimba on Sunday and occupy the final continental place.

“It has been a great season for us at Nasarawa United,” he told reporters.

“We’ve played to a high level and we are very happy.

“We’ll be confronting Enyimba as though it’s a final. Three points are up for grabs but it’s special because it’s against a tough side who beat us in Lafia. We won’t allow them do a double.

“How can we beat them? By scoring more goals than they do.”

On the subject of the Enyimba game, Tebo insisted it was no more important than any other game in the final part of the season.

“Now every game is a final for us,” he argued.

“The tie in Aba is an important League match since we’re third but nothing will be finished. We’ve prepared very well for this game.”

Present Team:
Plateau United-
Rejoined January 2021 in the ongoing season.
Played 11 Games, Scored 8 Goals & 3 Goals assist.

Previous Teams:
Karamone FC 2008-2013

Elkanemi WARRIORS FC 2013-2016… 67 Games, 33 goals, 20 Goal assist.

Enyimba FC 2016-2019… 52 Games, 19 Goals, 17 goals assist.

2019/20 Plateau United FC, Nigeria.
(Week 25, Played 21 Games, Scored 11 Goals, Assist 7 Goals).

2020/21 DIBBA AL HISN, UAE(6 Games, 3 Goals and 4 Goals Assist with Games & Week MVP award).
4-months loan(Oct2020 to Jan2021)

Tracking Records.
(1) Nigeria Super Eagles- 10 Caps

(2) Won Nigeria Premier League 2018/19 season with Enyimba FC

(3) 2 consecutive seasons Nigeria Premier League Runner-up with Enyimba FC.

(4) Caf Champions League Experience- 2016/17 with Enyimba FC

(5) CAF Confederation Cup 2017/18 & semi finalist in 2018/19. with Enyimba FC.

(6) 2019/20 best Striker with highest individual and best goals in Nigeria Premier League with MVP best Player of the month and best player of 6 weeks and November/December MVP award in this on going season.

(7) Present runner up(second position) on most goal assist with 7 Goals assist. Totally involved in 25 goals in semi assist, assist and goals scored in 2020 Nigeria Premier League.

(8) Reliable goal creator/scorer in 2019-2020-2021 Nigeria Premier League

(9) Best and Highest Jump Power Master in Nigeria Premier League.

(10) Strike long shot with both left and right foot.

(11) 2017/18 season Runner up with Enyimba FC, 2018/19 league champion and present 2019/20 League leader to be champion.

(12) Played with Nigeria Super Eagles Silver medal winner(runner up) at CAF CHAN 2018 In Morocco.

(13) Present 2019/20 Nigeria Premier League leader with Plateau United FC and possibly Champion as the league be stopped.

(14) First Player in Nigeria League history to sign into UAE professional team without European exposure and without training test. And he justified with fantastic statistics with 6 Games, 3 Goals and 4 Assist

Foot/Feet– He uses both left and right as he score goals and dribble with both feet.

Transfer Market Profile: https://www.transfermarkt.com/ibrahim-mustapha/profil/spieler/688768

Kindly watch his video to confirm this.
2019 Video: with Enyimba FC https://vimeo.com/425788398

2019/20 Video: with Plateau United FC https://youtu.be/Zs4t5F8Uj-I

2020/21- DIBBA AL HISN UAE Video
https://youtu.be/JjPSyQMKGs4

2021- PLATEAU UNITED FC on going season. https://youtu.be/H0QCJB6poPk

Enyimba FC had to wait till injury time before breaking Orlando Pirates with a strike from Cyril Olisema to qualify for the quarter-final of CAF Confederation Cup.

The People’s Elephants left it late in a match they needed nothing short of an outright victory to qualify for the quartet finals thereby boosting their chances of winning the African second tier club title.

Enyimba was without their suspended captain and leading scorer Augustine Oladapo and his absence was hugely felt in the middle of the pack for the Aba giants.

The hosts were more dominant against an unbeaten Bucs who came into the game with nothing to lose.

Chances were created in both halves by the hosts but the likes of Anayo Iwuala, Victor Mbaoma and Samuel Orok couldn’t found the needed target until the fifth minute of added when Olisema find himself at best place at right time to bury past the Pirates’ keeper.

The Fatai Osho led side however finished the group with same points (9) as leaders pushing Orlando Pirates to second based on head to head rules.

Both teams will have to till Friday to determine who their quarterfinal opponents will be during the draws.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the former Governor of Abia State has left door of staking aims as one of shareholders of Arsenal FC.

Senator Orji Kalu made this known on Wednesday while fielding questions from journalists on Nigeria Sports Mouthpiece, NSM Rebranded a popular WhatsApp sports platform in Nigeria.

I put a Bid up for Arsenal that Was rejected – Senator Kalu

It has been rumored that the North London club will be put up for sale by the largest share holders, Stan Kroenke with Spotify owner, Daniel Ek showing strong interest to buy, the development Arsenal has denied.

Meanwhile, the former Abia Governor who is a successful businessman in Nigeria disclosed that he had collaborated with an American based bank to help persuade Kroenke to sell Arsenal and help return the club known as pride of London by it’s supporters to the elite level which the America businesses mogul refused.

He however not rule out plans to submitting a new bid to convince the owner to sell.

“Honestly I’m not an Arsenal fan, I only wanted to use Arsenal to make money as a businessman.

“I put a bid before and I wanted them to sell the club but they were not serious in selling, I pray they will listen to the voice of nature, we were serious (to buy) and we backed up by one of the biggest banks in America, we put a bid forward through mail but they said we will come back.

Senator Orji Kalu is known for turning around fortunes of Enyimba FC while as Governor of Abia State as his passion for football helped Enyimba to win back to back CAF Champions League (2003 and 2004).

Arsenal have been struggling to be among the strong contenders in English and European football.

Former Abia State Governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has expressed displeasure over the current status of state owned club, Enyimba Int’l calling on the Abia government to give the team a needed attention.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu stated this on Wednesday when he was a guest on a popular sports platform on WhatsApp called Nigeria Sports Mouthpiece, NSM Rebranded.

The former two term governor of God’s Own State who under his administration led Enyimba to their historic back to back CAF Champions League glories noted with dismay what once loved by all club has turned to.

Senator Kalu disclosed that the club’s present dip in form was as a result of neglect by the present Abia state government which has made the team fell short of glories and motivation to record successes.

He recalled how motivated the team to record laurels and glories during his reign as Governor and called on the present government to give the club more attention which would make it returned to being admired by many as it were.

“Enyimba is an international club and its sad to see that a club I loved so much is not doing well as its used to, Enyimba was the pride of Aba people and Nigeria, they worship the club after God, but I’m not very happy with what is happening with the club right now, I believe they’ve reigned and they will continue to reign.

“Enyimba are in their worst part now since I left them, they have not done well and I don’t see them well because you cannot owe players, you can’t keep coaches happy you cannot motivates the coaches, and even the media that are promoting the team. If you don’t do this, its absolutely very difficult for a club to do very well.

“I used to travel from Umuahia to Aba to go and train with Enyimba and I used to follow Enyimba almost everywhere they go and those are parts of the motivation.

“I believe (they will improve) but they are struggling, may be tomorrow something will change, time will tell, so they will come back one day,” he said.

Senator Orji Kalu who is representing Abia North at the upper chamber of the National Assembly revealed how he planned to commercialized the People’s Elephants during his reign but the plan was jettisoned by his successor, Governor Theodore Orji who also changed his privately formed club, OUK FC to the state owned now called Abia Warriors.

“Before I left, we wanted to commercialized Enyimba and make it to go public working on it till I left and I briefed the Governor coming after me thinking he would follow suit but he failed to do that because Enyimba was really the love of our people and it was everything.

‘You know I created two teams back then, the other one was in Umuahia, I named them Orji Uzor Kalu (OUK FC) but they changed the name to Abia Warriors, I believe they will come back one day and I will be taking the club (Abia Warriors) back just that time isn’t right now.”

Founded in 1976, Enyimba have won a record eight Nigerian League titles and also won four FA Cup glories.