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 able to stabilize the team and retained their NNL status.

The former Crown FC and Kwara United midfielder has previously worked at MFM FC and Magate FC.

“The U17 and U20 girls have qualified for their FIFA World Cup competitions with aplomb and the U17 and U20 boys have won regional tournaments in emphatic manner, with promises of what we can look forward to at their African championships next year.
 
“Our hard focus on grassroots development in all sports will continue. I congratulate the players and their coaches of the Golden Eaglets for winning so convincingly in Ghana and I want to charge you to remain focused for the continental championship in order to get the ticket to the World Cup. For you players, you must stay humble, hardworking and obedient to your coaches.”
 
On his part, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar warned the players against allowing distractions from all manner of agents and player-managers, and rather be dedicated to improving their craft with temperance, endurance and a level head.

Abubakar also announced a cash reward of N2m(Two Million Naira)for the team owing to their exemplary performance at the tournament.

NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi introduced each player and team official for special handshake with the Honourable Minister, stating that Head Coach Nduka Ugbade was the captain of the first Nigeria team to win the FIFA Cadet World Cup, and was also assistant coach to Manu Garba when Nigeria triumphed in the United Arab Emirates in 2013. “He is also a global consultant on football science.”
 
Ugbade hailed the event as “a special occasion” and said the team is encouraged to do its utmost to continue to bring honour to the nation, first by putting up a stellar outing at the U20 AFCON in Algeria and then going on to hold its own at the FIFA World Cup finals in Peru.

Also at the occasion were President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engineer Habu Ahmed Gumel; Director of Federations and Elite Athletes Department, Dr Simon Ebhojiaye; NFF’s Director of Communications, Mr Ademola Olajire; Director of Facilities in the Ministry, Mr Olatunji Okedairo and; special assistants to the Honourable Minister, Ms Mary Onyali and Messrs Toyin Ibitoye and Kola Adeyanju.

By: Abdulquadir Adedapo

Golden Eaglet vice-captain Yahaya Lawal has been rewarded for his brilliant performance at the just concluded WAFU U-17 Zone B tournament in Ghana after he was named in the team of the tournament by the organizers.

The skillful right back was one of the shining lights for the coach Nduka Ugbade as Nigeria once again proved to be a dominant force in the sub-region having captured both the U-20 and U-17 titles.

The Mahanaim FC right-back featured in all four games for the Golden Eaglets and contributed 3 assists to help Nigeria win the trophy and also reach the AFCON U-17 proper next year in Algeria.

Popularly called Lawali by the commentators in Ghana, the rise of the non-league player comes as no surprise to many who have watched him grow with ace journalist Tobi Adepoju describing the player as one for the future.

Lawali was one of 5 Nigerian players with goalkeeper Richard Odoh, free kicks specialist Michel Emmanuel, defender Jeremiah Olaleke and finalist hero Abubakar Abdullahi also named on the list.

Few weeks after claiming the WAFU B U20 Championship, Nigeria again underscored her undoubted strength in youth football when she swept to the U17 title in the region, as five-time world champions Golden Eaglets edged the Young Stallions of Burkina Faso 2-1 in Saturday’s final at the Cape Coast Stadium in Ghana.

Forward Abubakar Abdullahi had threatened the Burkinabe rear as early as the 8^th minute when his low drive streamed away from goal, but in the 22^nd minute, he rose highest in the box to powerfully nod Emmanuel Michael’s perfect delivery into the net for Nigeria’s first goal.

In the 34^th minute, Abdullahi missed a golden opportunity to make it two for himself and for Nigeria, but he flulled his lines, allowing the Stallions a respite. The miss would knock hard seven minutes later, when Abdulramane Ouedraogo, also with a header, equalized for Burkina Faso.

Two minutes into the second half, Abdullahi got his second and Nigeria’s second, taking the Golden Eaglets to a 2-1 lead. However, 12 minutes later, he should have made it a hat-trick and Nigeria’s third but he lost the opportunity.

That loss could once more have proved costly, as the Stallions broke forward, only to see Nigeria goalkeeper Richard Odoh come up with a magnificent save.

In the 67^th 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 level five weeks after the U20 boys defeated neighbours Benin Republic in the final to win the WAFU B competition in Niger Republic.

Nigeria goalkeeper Richard Odoh was selected the Man-of-the-Match. His compatriot Emmanuel Michael won the prize in all three previous matches against Ghana, Togo and Cote d’Ivoire. 

Two goals by deadball expert Emmanuel Michael and a glancing header by Abubakar Idris Abdullahi condemned the U17 boys of Cote d’Ivoire to a 1-3 defeat in the first semi final of the ongoing WAFU B U17 Championship in Cape Coast, Ghana.

Yet, the Eaglets uncharacteristically conceded first when Yan Diomande scored from the penalty spot in the very first minute after a foul in the Nigerian box.

The Nigerian boys launched onslaught after onslaught and were rewarded on the half-hour mark when Emmanuel Michael, who scored a spectacular goal from a 22-yard free-kick in the opening match against hosts Ghana, found the range off another free-kick from the right wing.

Thirteen minutes later, Nigeria were ahead for the first time in the encounter when Michael, again from a free kick at the edge of the box, blindsided goalkeeper Mohamed Cisse with an intelligent attempt that swept past the static wall.

The Ivorians came into the second half determined to browbeat the Eaglets with their size and stoutness, but they were pegged further back on the hour mark when Abubakar Idris Abdullahi found the net with a glancing header.

Four minutes later, the Ivorians were down to 10 men after Makhete Moustapha N’diaye was shown the red card.

Another free-kick by Emmanuel Michael in the 77^th minute missed target narrowly, and Precious Tonye Williams came very close with four minutes left after a brilliant team move set him up with a clear chance.

In Friday’s final, the Eaglets will take on the winner of the second semi final between hosts Ghana and Burkina Faso. However, victory over the Ivorians means they will be one of the eight participating teams at next year’s Africa U17 Cup of Nations in Algeria.

Defender and deadball prodigy Emmanuel Michael was presented with the Man-of-the-Match award, for the third consecutive match.     

Photo Credit: Black @ 442 Back Image

The Tripple 44 team who are preparing for a european tour of Germany and Sweden have been on a run of 30 games without a defeat before facing the Eaglets, who sent their record tumbling.

In a keenly-contested battle, the Nigerian cadet team showed grit, flair and solidity to stop their opponents from extending their unbeaten run to 31. The technical crew started with tested players and also went on to introduce competing substitutes from the bench.

While it’s still early days, sources within the team alluded that the win was a confidence-booster for the team, as they get set to storm Ghana next week.

The Ugbade-led side will play against the Black starlets of Ghana and Junior Hawks of Togo in a jostle for ticket to the U-17 African Cup of Nations.

As part of their preparation for the upcoming WAFU Cup championship, Thomas Adewumi Academy will be taking on Nigeria’s Under 17 national team, the Golden Eaglets in a friendly match on Thursday in Abuja

The match is billed for 2pm at the FIFA Goal Project Pitch, Package B of National Stadium, Abuja.

Head Coach of TAICO Hameed Olalekan said his side would give the Nduka Ugbade led boys a good match that will prepare them well for the main tournament.

The Golden Eaglets have been paired in Group A along side Ghana and Togo for the WAFU B Cup tourney that will take place in Cape Coast, Ghana.

Vandrezzer FC first assistant coach, Yemi Olanrewaju has been appointed as assistant coach of the Under 17 Boys, Golden Eaglets by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

In a release made available by the media department of the NFF, the Osun State born coach will assist Nduka Ugbade who is the Head Coach.

It will be recalled, Coach Yema just returned from Europe where he recently finished his coaching course and is now a UEFA C license holder equivalent to CAF B.

Coach Yema started his career with Nationwide League side Magate FC before joining Nigeria Professional Football League side (NPFL), MFM as first assistant coach under Coach Tony Bolus.

Having seen the qualities of coach Yema, he was captured by Nigeria National League side Vandrezzer FC and has since won the 2021 Lagos State FA Cup.

His humility, eyes for raw talents will indeed be of help to Nduka Ugbade as the most successful team in the world, U-17 will hope to return to glory.

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.     

As the five time U17 World cup champions, Golden eaglets of Nigeria prepare to battle other African countries for the U17 AFCON title and a place at the global cadet championship later in the year.

The attention of the entire country will be on the young, promising and bright prospects assembled by Coach Fatai Amoo.

Kogi born Benjamin Mustapha who was part of the Fatai Amoo led team that executed the WAFU B tournament in Lome, Togo has made the final list to Morocco.

The young promising prospect from Igalaland, eastern senatorial zone of Kogi state, a product of the popular Kamar Football Academy, Idah will be on the plane with other future Nigerian stars to the North African nation aiming to rewrite Nigeria’s name in the history books of football.

The U17 AFCON slated for Morocco will take centre stage between 13th to 31st March and the five time world champions will kick start their campaign against Tanzania.