Organized by the Supporters Club of Plateau United Football Club of Jos, the competition which is tagged Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu Football Tournament will feature sixteen teams from Jos and environs.

Chairman, Supporters Club of Plateau , Umar Shehu said the essence of the competition is to honour Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu for his hard work, dedication and commitment to duty which propelled the team to finished second in the Nigeria Professional Football League and pick a continental ticket in the process.

He explained that the Supporters Club are motivated to organize the competition in his name after turning the fortunes of the team around in his first season at the club and for carrying them along in the scheme of things especially his support to its indigent members, something that never happened in the history of the club.

“We are really happy with him because he has been supporting us morally and financially since he assumed work here last year and we felt we appreciate him by naming this tournament after him.

An elated Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu who expressed gratitude to the Supporters Club for the honour done to him, Commended the Supporters Club for their passion and commitment to the cause of the club noting that the team would not have achieved this much in his very first season in the club.

Ilechukwu who is on the verge of finishing second on the league table and picking a continental ticket at the process , commended the Club’s General Manager, Pius Henwan and the Technical Director, Ahmed Ibrahim for their unflinching support and described the duo as the best in the NPFL.

He assured that he will continue to support the competition which will also serve as an avenue to discover young budding talents, appealed to the participating teams to play according to the rules.

The competition kicks-off Thursday 14th July, 2022 by 3:30pm at the Rwang Pam Stadium Jos and three other designated centres in the city of Jos.

General Manager of the Club, Pius Henwan and Technical Director , Ahmed Ibrahim aka Coach Bros are among dignitaries that are expected to grace the opening ceremony.

Signed:

Albert Dakup.

Media Officer,

Plateau United Football Club of Jos.

The match was characterised by limited opportunities, fierce battle in the middle of the park and breathtaking defending.
Within ten minutes, the home side piled the pressure on the opposing defence line with an intent of drawing first blood. Inemesit Sunday had a clear chance at goal but his shot was slightly off target, while Ekerette Udom missed a free header which should have put the home side in front. 
Ekerette who joined from Vandrezzer in mid-season redeemed himself in the second half, sealing the game for the home side with a header, sixteen minutes into the second half. 
The visitors had a chance to get a goal in the encounter as Peter Eneji had his curler punched away by goalkeeper Thomas Omokhudu, with that being the only clear chance they had in the game. 
Plateau United handler, Fidelis Illechukwu commended his players after the game saying both sides put in thier best. 
“We played well and lost but we’ll look at the areas we need to work on and make corrections”, he said. 
He expressed optimism with his side’s chances despite the result and promising that Plateau United will give a strong fight till the end of the campaign. 
For Coach Umar Danlami, whose side are currently 14th on the log after 26 games, the visitors stretched his team, but praised his lads for being resolute. 
“It was a tough game and as expected, Plateau United is a good team to reckon with in the league and their position on the log confirms that. I’m happy my boys went through it victorious “, he said.
Dakkada hopes to keep their place on the log, but could be leapfrogged by Abia Warriors or Katsina United if the duo win their respective fixtures against Heartland and Akwa United. 
The gap between Rivers United and Plateau United could further be widened depending on the outcome of the fixture involving the former and Kwara United in Ilorin on Sunday. 

The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has approved the recommendation of its Technical and Development Sub-Committee for the appointment of Salisu Yusuf as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles B (otherwise known as CHAN team) as well as the U23 (Olympics) team.

Yusuf, who was Head Coach of the Super Eagles B when the team emerged runner-up of the African Nations Championship in Morocco in 2018, will work with Kennedy Boboye (Assistant Coach); Fatai Osho (Assistant Coach); Abubakar Bala Mohammed (Assistant Coach); Fidelis Ikechukwu (Assistant Coach); Eboboritse Uwejamomere (Match Analyst) and Ike Shorounmu (Goalkeepers’ Trainer) and Suleiman Shuaibu (Goalkeepers’ Trainer 2).

In other appointments, Ladan Bosso retains his position as Head Coach of the U20 Boys. He will work with former U17 Head Coach, Fatai Amao (Assistant Coach); Oladuni Oyekale (Assistant Coach); Jolomi Atune Alli (Assistant Coach) and; Baruwa Olatunji Abideen (Goalkeepers’ Trainer).

For the U17 Boys, Golden Eaglets, Nduka Ugbade was named Head Coach. He will work with Ahmad Lawal Dankoli (Assistant Coach); Omoniyi Haruna Ilerika (Assistant Coach); Yemi Daniel (Assistant Coach) and; Mohammed Nasiru Isah (Goalkeepers’ Trainer). Ugbade captained Nigeria’s first cadet team that won the FIFA U16 World Cup in China in 1985.

For the U13/15 Boys known as Future Eagles, Patrick Bassey will be Head Coach and will work with Abdullahi Tyabo Umar (Assistant Coach); Mohammed Kalli Kachalla (Assistant Coach); Ifeanyi Uba (Assistant Coach); Alh. Mohammed Kwairanga (Assistant Coach) and; Abubakar Abdullahi (Goalkeepers’ Trainer).

The NFF also stated that a new Head Coach for the Super Eagles will be announced and officially unveiled once the processes for his engagement and contract-signing are concluded.

The NFF Executive Committee has also approved the recommendation of the Technical & Development Sub-Committee for the new Head Coach to work with Coach Salisu Yusuf (whenever he is available from Super Eagles B/U23 Team duties) as 1^st Assistant. Former Nigeria international Finidi George will be 2^nd Assistant, with Usman Abdallah as 3^rd Assistant. Eboboritse Uwejamomere will be the Match Analyst and another former Nigeria international, Ike Shorounmu will be the Goalkeepers’ Trainer.     

Ikefe, who had a difficult start to the ongoing campaign due to ankle injury said the winning mentality and team believe have been a strong motivation for the second placed team.

“It’s a good thing to pick a point in Ilorin because honestly, we came here with nothing but victory in our mind, and we approached it like that but as you know they are one of the best sides in the league, so we are happy to get this point.

“What is helping us is team spirit and believe. We all have individual targets; the goalkeeper wants to keep a clean sheet, the defenders wouldn’t want to let anyone past them while the midfielders are willing to provide cover for our area and supports for attackers and strikers want to score goals. So we pull these target together as one in our team, helping out for one another and it has been good for us.

“The coach even told us as it is now, no team can stand us in the Nigeria league, and we’ve taken that mindset into all games, both home or away, and we are grateful it’s been working for us. 

Asked how it feels to be back from a career threatening injury and be an integral part of the team, the former Niger Tornadoes’ defender said “As a player, it’s never easy to be injured and be out of the game for a period of time and to tell you that from the outset we’ve really prepared for this season because if you noticed, while I was out my colleagues were doing well, and I came back to strengthen the team. Luckily ever since I returned I’ve lost just a game and I want to thank the team medical staff for support and my quick return and give God the glory for the successes so far.”

Ikefe called for more support from the fans and thanked the management for the motivation the players have been enjoying so far. 
“The support from the fans and supporters have been awesome so far, they are always behind us, both home and away because many of them follow us to away games with their massive turnouts at our home games and that has been pushing us on. We will only urge them to keep the faith and believe in us.

Kolade Adeniji proved decisive as Sunshine Stars triumphed 1-0 at home to 10-man Plateau United in a frenetic NPFL match day 20 meeting at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode on Sunday.

A display defined by willpower and resilience drove the Owena Whales to the victory that brought the Tin City boys invincible run to a halt, after 12 matches.

The starting shirts handed Ebonam Nwagboga, Azeez Ajagbe and Ejike Uzoechi by acting Head Coach, Kayode Adeyemi meant no fewer than three changes were made to the side that lost to today’s opponents in the last game of the first stanza.

Our boys edged the early battle for possesion and had the first opening at goal when Azeez Ajagbe released Samson Olasupo after five minutes, but the later’s shot was kept out by Suraj Ayeleso, while Ikenna Cooper sent his effort on the rebound high.

Mustpaha Lawal who again proved to be one of the best savers in the league dived low to tip behind from a pile driver in the 37th minute before combining with Mutiu Dauda to repel the visitors in quick succession.

We almost end the opening half with a goal but Cooper’s effort from a square ball was deflected behind, while Ajagbe rattled Ayeleso with a fierce shot from the the resulting corner kick. 

Olasupo went close to slotting home the opener just after the restart, however his effort past onrushing Ayeleso drifted wide

Sunday Anthony caused a scare at our goal with a long range free kick that sailed just wide of Lawal’s right post on the hour mark.

In the 65th minute Dauda went close with a free kick at the opponents end; his curling ball from an acute angle was stopped by the frame while the follow up on the rebound was off the mark.

Then a moment later our boys appealed for a penalty when Cooper went down under a challenge in the area, but the referee appeared unconvinced.

Onyeka Nwaiwu who put in a great shift from his holding midfield role intervened in the area with a decisive clearance that denied the Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side a real chance after 71 minutes of play.

The former champions were reduced to 10 men as Haggai Katoh was sent to the early shower for a second bookable offense.

Adeniji, like he did in the crucial 3-2 win over Plateau United last season, put us in front with a low header at the near-post, off Dauda’s cross 12 minutes from time.

Goalkeeper Lawal pulled a big save in added time by tipping over from a header at close range to ensure Sunshine Stars take home all points and moved up to sixth despite a late rally from the away side.

POST MATCH REACTION 

Acting Head Coach, Adeyemi faced the media at the end of the NPFL classic and his words were transcribed below by Sunshjne Stars media.

“I am very, very happy, although I know what my boys can do and we didn’t change from the philosophy that is on ground. Even when we traveled to Jos we played them very well, but that is their own home.

“I give the boys kudos for what they have done. Now our target is to get a point off Wikki in our next match.”

Sunshine XI | Lawal; James (Ozor 62′), Anioke, Uzoechi, Dauda; Nwaiwu, Cooper, Ajagbe (Awosanmi 62′); Adeniji (Olalusi 89′), Nwogbaga (Jimoh 54′), Olasupo (Hadi 54′)

Unused Subs | Ariyo; Abe, Chilekwu, Pius Ojo 

Caution | 79′

Chris Okunnuwa 
Media Head; SSFC 
IG, FB & Twitter: @SunshineFCAkure  

Coming into this game off the back of a narrow 1-0 defeat to Wikki Tourist FC, Stanley Eguma shuffled his back four in an effort to change the fortunes of his side.

Kazie Enyinnaya, Konan Ruffin and Ifeanyi Anaemena were recalled to the back four while Lookman Binuyo reclaimed his defensive midfield position

Cletus Emotan was in for another NPFL start of the season and instantly caught the eye with the way he took up space between the lines, while Stephen Gopey was his usual ball of industry and energy.

Rivers United made a strong start and, with six minutes on the clock, Bamba Bakari surged forward and pinged a cross into Heartland’s box which fell for Cletus Emotan whose effort was deflected for a corner.

Fortune Omoniwari scuffed a volley just wide on eight minutes as the “Pride of Rivers” went in search of an early goal.

Rivers United kept coming forward, and were soon awarded a penalty when Pascal Eze handled the ball in the area – and Godwin Aguda made no mistake from the spot.

Heartland soon grew into the game and came close themselves when Shedrack Oghali capitilazed on a losse ball but saw his right-footed effort saved by Abiodun Akande in goal for Rivers United.

The Stanley Eguma team showed real heart and no little attacking spark, and could have extended their lead when Godwin Aguda was left in a world of his own but his strike was saved by Ikechukwu Ezenwa to end the half with United in the lead.

As expected, Heartland came flying out of the blocks at the start of the second half but, after soaking up some early pressure, Rivers United extended their lead as Kazie Enyinnaya nicely controlled and finished in style a stunning lofty pass from Konan Ruffin. It was no more than Rivers United deserved

Heartland FC reduced the deficit in the 77th minutes when Shedrack Oghali low driven shot off a quickly taken free kick by Samuel Nnoshiri beat Akande in goal for United.

In almost similar fashion, Malachi Ohawume struck the match winner from a quickly taken free kick by Bobby Clement late on to secure all three points in the bag and the fourth win out of five matches in the league this season.

WHAT THE COACHES HAD TO SAY

Stanley Eguma (Rivers United T.A)
“I thank my players, the put up a good effort, I thank God almighty the most important thing and I thank the management too. We were able to win today. We actually prepared for this match very well knowing fully well that Heartland is a strong team especially their most recent game when the played Enyimba. We knew we were going to have a very big fight because it’s a local derby. We expected a very tough game like this and by the grace of God we were able to win.”

“We had to work extra hard to get this three points today. It was a hard earned one. The way Heartland came fighting from all corners and at the end of the day, we rose up to the occasion and pick the three points.”

“It’s a good one for us at least it will also bring back confidence into the team. And especially now that we are going back to the continent to play a continental game, this match is going to raise the moral of the players for us to continue to be in a winning streak, that winning mentality that we return back to play the South African team.”

Christian Obi ( Head Coach Heartland FC)
“Every coach will always be optimistic of victory, so we didn’t bargain it but it came. Well I will attribute it to lack of concentration towards the dieing minutes of the game.”

WHAT IT MEANS
Rivers United remain top it the NPFL table with 12 points from 5 matches

WHAT’S NEXT
Rivers United will return to CAF Confederation Cup action as they travel to Port Novo, Benin Republic to confront Bloemfontein Celtic on Saturday 23rd November 2021 by 4pm local time (3pm Nigeria time)

Mayuku Charles
Media Officer
Rivers United FC

Fidelis Ilechukwu has spent six years in the Apex league of Nigeria, since gaining promotion with Olukoya Boys and he has carved a niche for himself with his style of coaching and cordial relationship with his players.

Ilechukwu, jovial and dogged, always play the fatherly role for all his players and ready to take their challenges upon his shoulders, one of the key factor that make his players always ready to put their life achieving success for him and would always have a brilliant start every season, but different is the case this season with the Naze Millionaire’s they have lost two games back-to-back and they have another crucial game with Plateau United on Match day three.

Speaking with Sportflames Communications, “The Working One” disclosed that their slow start to the season is not the fault of his boys, they have really giving their best so far in the two games and will continue to improve in every games till the end of the season.”

In his words, ” I can not blame my players for the home loss against Nasarawa United, we have top class players and among the best in the league, they are not just happy with the situation on ground due to internal crisis we would not like to talk about, so we can avoid any distractions and we are really sorry for the loss because we know that our passionate fans are not happy also with what is happening to the team at the moment.

” We don’t want to give our opponents advantage to penetrate us and capitalise on our weakness, in few days to come we shall overcome this challenges and get back to our feet to fight back for those lost points to defend our image and family, no tension and nothing much to worry about, as we would make the state proud at the end of the season.

He further stated, ” Our focus now is the next game against Plateau United, that game surely will be a cracker, considering the fact that they lost at home to Kwara United in the league opener, we are determined, disciplined and stay positive for a decent result in Jos to avoid loosing three games in a row, that will not be a better way starting the season for a big club like Heartland FC.

In the first semi finals slated for today in this maiden edition, Jazzy Stars Football Academy will confront Victory Football Club by 3:30pm, while the second semi final will see Corinthians fc against FC Izam.
According to the chief organizer, Endurance Victory Emmanuel, “The semi finals will be in a league format to give Coach Ilechukwu that believes in young players, opportunity of seeing these players in more than two games in order to access them very well and the successful ones will fulfil their dreams of playing professional football at the highest level in Nigeria.”

Here are the results of group matches played before the coronavirus halted everything:
In Group A: El kanemi 3 Highland Stars 0,
Jazzy Stars FA 2 FC Izam 1, Highland Stars 0 FC Izam 3(W/O), Jazzy Stars 3 Highland Stars 0(W/O), FC Izam 3 Elkanemi Junior 0, Jazzy Stars 2 Elkanemi 1.
Group A Standing:
Jazzy Stars 3 9pts
FC Izam 3 6pts
Elkanemi 3 3pts
Highland 3 0pt.
In group B:
Corinthians fc 4 Ajester fc 3, Ajester 2 Victory Academy 5, Corinthians 2 Victory 1, Future Stars 0 Corinthians 4, Ajester 2 Future Stars 0, Victory 3 Future Stars 1.
Group B Standing:
Corinthians fc 3 9pts
Victory fc 3 6pts
Ajester fc 3 3pts
Future Stars 3 0pt.

Hence, Jazzy Stars FA and FC Izam qualify from group A, while Corinthians fc and Victory fc qualify from group B to a semi final that will be played in a league format.

While some coaches more of theoretical and with less practice others will choose the other ways.

For Fidelis Ilechukwu, Technical Adviser of Heartland FC and Assistant Coach of Nigeria’s U23 team, his best way to explain training details and get the best of his boys is through Music.

Ikechukwu disclosed this in an interview monitored on Lets Gist Naija Football WhatsApp platform on Sunday.

He noted that music calms nerves and use it as platform to relate with his players.

The former MFM tactician is usually seen singing and rapping for his players while traveling for matches or before and during training sessions.

“I always like to sing and rap for our players to inspire them.

I didn’t start this at Heartland FC, I’ve been doing that since my days at MFM.

I decided to do that to make my players feel free with me. 

When a player can not be free to talk to you and discuss certain things with you then you’re not a complete coach and its going to be very difficult for you to succeed as a coach. 

I always make them to see me as I’m with them at same level. I gave them that platform to use it and interact with me.

I don’t want to be a coach which my players will be afraid to talk to me.

Even my training is entertaining but I cannot take away the business part of it.

Some times if I want to discuss something important, I used to make it more entertaining and practical.

Especially whenever I want to give hard training, you must have to make them relax before it, they shouldn’t be seen harden their faces on such training, but when they are happy then you’ll start bringing all those tough trainings and you’ll see that they will not complain and will be doing it with happiness.

“Anything you do without being happy is hardly bring out good results. Its all about passion. When you’re passionate about what you’re doing, you will achieve something at the end of the day,” he said.

Asked what he could have become had he not ended up as a football coach, ‘Camara’ as Ilechukwu is fondly called said he could have ended up as a comedian or musician.

“I could have been a musician because I love music so much. Music is part of me.

Because I’m relaxing its music, if I’m eating its music, I’m sleeping its music, even after training its music. Anytime I’m bored and I’m in the hotel, I will enter my car, connect my phone with car speaker and listen to music. 

“Sometimes music with good meaning brings inspiration and I feel relax doing it. 

“Another thing I could have been doing is comedy because I love entertaining people. Sometimes I talk funny things and want people to contribute to make them happy and enjoy ourselves,” Ilechukwu said.