Kaduna state beat Ogun state 3-2 (25-21, 24-26, 25-23, 17-25, 15-13) to win gold in the men’s volleyball event at the 2022 National Sports Festival in Delta State on Friday.

Kaduna state produced an outstanding performance against Ogun state who were unbeaten till the final match.

Kaduna surprisingly took the first set by 25 to 21 points in a set that saw the Ogun players struggle to get their rhythm. The second set produced a spectacular display from both sides as Ogun won by 26 to 24 points.

The young Kaduna players held Ogun state ransom in the third set 25 to 23 points before Ogun came back from behind to win the fourth set by 25-17. Kaduna finally cruised to victory in the fifth set winning by 15 to 13 points.

The Coach of Kaduna men’s team, Adamu Nitte expressed delight over the win against highly rated Ogun state.

Nitte revealed that most pundits did not give Kaduna state the chance of winning the finals adding that the Ogun team crushed all their opponents before entering into the finals.

He said 10 players out of the squad are making their debut at the National Sports Festival.

He said, “I am overwhelmed and cannot express myself because I am overfilled with joy. Kaduna was not the favourite to win the National Sports Festival but God is our strength and fortress.

“Ogun state is a very good side looking at their statistics but my boys did not respect them. 10 of my players are playing the National Sports Festival for the first time and this win will further boost their profile”.

He commended the Chairman of Kaduna State Volleyball Association, Engineer Musa Nimrod for believing in the team.

Meanwhile, Rivers State beat Kano state to win the men’s bronze at the 2022 National Sports Festival.

The sponsor of Nimrod6Nineteen Talent Hunt, Engineer Musa Nimrod has charged volleyball coaches across the country to meaningfully engage youths in their various community and spread the news of volleyball in schools.

Nimrod stated this during the closing ceremony of the Nimrod6Nineteen Talent Hunt at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium (ABS), Kaduna state on Sunday.

Nimrod who doubles as the President of Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) revealed that in the past, the country possesses tall players like Tony Oghuma, Thomas Aroko, Dennis Eleri, Emmanuel Jatto and many others but there is a huge gap yet unfilled

The North West Zonal Representative on the board of NVBF advised coaches to visit schools in their various locations in order to identify players who are above 6ft.

He said, “I am using this medium to call on Nigeria Volleyball Coaches in the country to engage our youths through volleyball. You will discover these days that most children are not interested in sporting activities due to their school calendar. The only way to bring their mind back is by going to schools and identify these talents.

“If you go to North Africa, most of their players are above 6ft and we all saw that during the U19 and U21 African Volleyball Championship Nigeria hosted. In the 80’s, 90’s and early 2000, Nigeria had tall and intimidating players but the narrative is different. This is a wake up call to coaches and stakeholders that we need to do more”.

Nimrod advised the young players of Nimrod6Nineteen Talent Hunt not to relent in their training after they get to their various destination.

He said, “The coaches that handled you during the Nimrod6Nineteen Talent Hunt are some of the best handlers in the country. Do not relent when you get to your various destination because they have given you solid background knowledge of the basics of volleyball”.

Meanwhile, the Head Coach of COAS Spikers, Elishama Elam commended the players for their commitments and dedication during the exercise.

Elam said the some players have the potentials of becoming good players if given the necessary attention at their various training centers

The coaches engaged during the Nimrod6Nineteen Talent Hunt includes; the Chairman of Nigeria Volleyball Coaches Association, Elishama Elam, the Head Coach of Nigeria Correctional Service, Adamu Nitte and the Head Coach of Kada Emeralds, Vincent Unogwu.

Nobody fancies the chances of height challenged players in aerial contests for balls, especially in seeking to score against taller defenders.
But dimunitive Wikki Tourists’ forward, Fuad Ekelojuoti believes heading balls is one of his major strengths despite his short height. He insists that he is not surprised beating opponents to high balls because they obviously under estimate his prowess in the air.
The second half substitute had headed home Wikki Tourists’ second goal against Dakkada FC in their Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Matchday 27 clash at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna, beating a taller defender to Emmanuel Charles cross. He quipped that while defenders see his shortness as a weakness, he sees it as an advantage which he has used to the fullest. 
Ridwan Adeshina opened scoring for the Wikki Tourists early in the game lashing home from top of the box few minutes after Abubakar Aliyu had hit the right hand post with goalkeeper Thomas Omokhudu stranded.
Aliyu later scoffed a chance to double the lead cuing wrongly inside the six yard box in front of an open net. Fuad, who replaced Manu Garba, doubled the scores in the 70th minute. 
According to the forward, “I’m not surprised scoring, as we have been practising goal scoring in training and this is one of the type of goals we have been practising. Scoring a header is also not a new thing to me, this happened to be what people see as a deficiency in me because of my height but I see it as an advantage. 
“I’m happy to have scored my second goal of the season for my team and I hope to score many more before the end of the season, perhaps hitting double digit. My staying power in the league has been the grace of God and a bit of hard work because I don’t play with extra training,” the veteran league player said. 
For Dakkada FC coach, Danlami Umar, the loss was not good for his team’s aspiration of beating the drop, but he is hopeful that they will escape relegation and maintain their premier league status next season. 
“We didn’t play up to our expectation, though we didn’t perform so badly. We still have hope that the team will pick up and we would get out of this mess. I don’t think it’s irredeemable, we will work harder to improve. Good result is what we are hoping for in the next match.”  

BY ISAIAH BENJAMIN

18 football clubs within Kaduna metropolis will be participating in the maiden edition of the Kada Football Championship scheduled to kick off on the 12th May, 2022 at the township stadium, Kaduna.

The Director of Sports Ministry of Sports Development, Yakubu Ibrahim who is the Chairman of the organizing committee made the disclosure at the unveiling of the trophy for the championship.

According to him, the participating teams are; Gamji Football Academy, NDC Academy, Kakuri Academy, GBS Academy, Ikhana Babes, Tudun Wada Youth and Alausa Babes.

The rest teams are Rigachikun Academy, Albatex Academy, ASG Academy, Fulfill Academy, Rimi Youth Academy, Stallions Football Club, Dosa Youth, Charis Football Club, Kaduna United Feeders, Unity Academy and Kawo United.

He said, all the matches will be played at the Kaduna Township Stadium on Thursdays through Sundays only.

The Chairman informed that there are mouthwatering prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd placed clubs including highest goal scorer, most valuable player, best goalkeeper and best Coach.

He also disclosed that the main sponsor of the championship is Kaura Motors while Sadja Tech, Kaduna Norht Local Government, Asaa Pyramid Hotel, Edi – Jen Petroleum are partners.

Stakeholders for the championship include, Ministry of Sports Development, Avantgarde Ultimate Solution. (As the lead Stakeholder) Kaduna Football Association, YOCA, YSFON, SWAN Kaduna State Chapter and Kaduna Referees Society.

Abdulrazak Aliyu who represented the MD of Kaura Motors promised to also identify with the Kada Football Championship in subsequent editions

Faisal Abdullahi who is the Vice Chairman of the organizing committee and Mohammed Dodo both disclosed that the championship will be on a round robbing basis with talented players selected and made available for scouts.

Earlier in his address, Kaduna State Commissioner, Ministry of Sports Development, Idris Samaila Nyam assured that the championship is expected to growing to a bigger competition with more participation across the entire 23 local government area of the state

He commended the main sponsor partners and stakeholders, assuring that the ministry is readily available for any support that will make the championship a success.

ENDS

The Search for a first victory of the ongoing 2021/2022 Nigeria National League season for Kogi United football Club of Lokoja will have to continue after posting a 5-Star performance against Nigeria Army Side, Green Beret Football Club of Zaria on Wednesday 9th March 2022 at the Dogarawa Township Stadium along Kano expressway in Zaria,a Performance that earned the Confluence state team a deserved point.

Coach Folabi Ojekunle made few changes to the squad that played out a 2-2 draw against DMD fc last weekend in Lokoja bringing in Salisu Ogbe to start in goal ahead of regular Mudasir Nurudeen.Femi Adewumi also started ahead of Omooloyi Opeyemi while Moses Opitoke was also favoured in the starting line up.

The Boys didn’t disappoint as they took the game to their host immediately the referee signalled the commencement of hostilities with Mohammed Mohammed and Umoru Omajagwu becoming tormentors-in-chief in the Green Beret defence.Omajagwu would have open score early enough but for some quick defensive intervention while he was trying to get balance before taking a shot,he was dispossessed and thereafter, Nothing serious took place.

The host who knew the importance of getting maximum points at home also surged deep into the Kogi United half but the combine defensive prowess of Moses Kayode and Atoe Emmanuel denied them entreaties towards Salisu Ogbe who himself was in another world with fine and fantastic saves consistently.

The visitors got some appreciable percentage of chances to make the difference through frontman Mohammed Mohammed who got a delivery from Abdulwahab Jibril in the 22nd minute and would have scored but his shot was directed into corner by Odoh Kingsley.

Kogi United had Salisu Ogbe to thank for doing a fantastic job keeping the likes of Ali Jandi Sani ,Abdulganiyu Adamu and Timothy Bello at bay especially towards the end of the first half.Captain Eghe Osas also came close in the 40th minute from a freekick he got at the edge of the opponent’s box after he was pulled down violently.

The second half saw both side struggling to outwit one another with the host getting a larger chunk of possession with occasional incursion into United’s danger zone but Adewumi Femi and Salihu Abdullahi Alfa made sure Moses Kayode and Atoe Emmanuel are well fortified on the defensive flanks with Salisu Ogbe Complementing his defenders effort with fantastic saves.

Haruna Isah and Captain Eghe Osas both held the centre pack solidly with flurry of long passes upfront.
Abdulwahab Jibril would have put Kogi United ahead in the 82nd minute after he was tipped off with a good pass from behind and just needed to take a blast which he did but fails to send the ball the right direction. Mohammed Mohammed also got similar opportunity in quick succession and would have scored a screamer but his effort went few metres off the bar.

Kogi United would have been gifted a goal from Haruna Isah’s right foot in the extra added minutes from a Mohammed Mohammed ‘s pass but his shot also went above the bar.

POST MATCH REACTION

Techical Adviser of Kogi United said he is satisfied with the performance of the boys and commended them for fighting to the end

” A point away from home is not a bad one especially in a difficult and competitive league like the Nigeria National League. All we need to do now is to make sure that we keep pushing for victory in our subsequent Matches starting with this weekend’s home game against Jigawa golden stars “

” We will give our best against Jigawa to cart home all maximum points come Saturday. This draw here this evening is a booster and an energizer for my boys ahead of the weekend clash at home “

Kogi United will look to pick its first 3 points of the Season when it welcomes Northern side Jigawa Golden Star to the confluence stadium on Saturday 12th March 2022.

CAUTION

Eghe Osas (38)
Agee Nasiru (89)

UNUSED SUB

Mudasir Nurudeen,Omooloyi Opeyemi,Abdulsalam Abdulhameed

GODWIN WAMBEBE
MEDIA OFFICER
KOGI UNITED FC

9TH MARCH 2022

Team Kada emerged champions in the U18 Girls, U19 Boys and men’s senior at the just concluded 2021 President Beach Volleyball Cup in Kaduna.

Kada Emeralds beat Pro Spikers of Lokoja 2-0 (21-14, 21-19) to win gold in the U18 Girls event while Goldening Spikers of Anambra zoomed pass Sokoto 2-0 (21-15, 21-13) to win bronze medal.

Kada Kings shocked Pro Spikers of Lokoja as they came back from a game down to win gold medal in the U19 Boys category. Kada Kings won the game 2-1 (19-21, 21-8, 15-10) in front of their home fans while Zamfara placed third position beating Borno 2-0 (21-12, 21-12).

Kada Kings beat NSCDC 2-1 (21-19, 21-23, 15-13) to emerge new champions in the men’s category.

The duo of Jasper Peter and Austin Uche (Kada Kings) proved to be the better side against highly rated Godwin Shekerau and Andrew Sunday of NSCDC.

Kada Kings won the first set by 21-19 after giving NSCDC a good fight but lost the second set by 21-23 due to continuous errors. NSCDC took the lead in the third set but Kada Kings came from behind to win the third set by 15-13.

An elated Jasper Peter of Kada Kings told newsmen that winning the President Cup is a major boost for younger players in the country.

Peter thanked the Chairman Caretaker Committee of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod for believing in the ability of the team.

Nigeria Immigration Service beat Nigeria Customs Service 2-0 (21-14, 21-17) to finish third place in the men’s category.

In the women’s senior category, Nigeria Customs Service retained their title after breezing pass Hasso Queens 2-0 (21-14, 21-17) in front of over 500 spectators. The second team of Nigeria Customs Service defeated NSCDC 2-0 (21-16, 21-12) to win third position.

The much talked about Abdul Sule Football Academy has been launched in the football loving city of Kaduna State with the aim of getting players exposed to best practices and nurtured them for greatness.

The launching ceremony which was held at the football pitch of Adeyemo College in Kaduna on Saturday had in attendance former Nigeria internationals and top government officials.

The brain behind the academy, Abdul Sule told newsmen at the event that the idea was to encourage upcoming players and also exposed them to much opportunities abound in football business.

Sule, who played for Nigeria Super Eagles between 1991 and 1993 said the academy will be in two cadres which includes Under 13/14 categories where young footballers will have the opportunities of getting standard and basic training in football from top class coaches.

He said that the U16 and U17 cadres will be mainly players who are going to thrown into big market in football business.

The former Chairman of Kogi United and Confluence Queens added that the academy was already attracting partnership with national and international partners.

Among those who graced the official launching of the academy were Daniel Amokachi, Garba Lawal who were former team mates of Abdul Sule at national team and club levels and they also commended the founder for the initiative which they believed would further help to take boys off the street and give them life.

Others include Alhaji Musa Kalli who is the Special Adviser on Projects to the Minister of Niger Delta, Majority Leader of Kaduna State House of Assembly, Hon Haruna Inuwa Dogo and other top government officials including the Speaker, Kaduna State House of Assembly who was represented as well as football scouts from within and outside Nigeria.

President of Naija Ratels, Barrister Paul Edeh was among dignitaries who made cash and kits donations to the academy.

Chairman of Remo Stars football Club of Ogun state, Kunle Soname has sent two of his most trusted coaches to Kaduna to monitor the ongoing NSM/Walin Kakuri football competition taking place at the Government College, Kakuri, football pitch.

The Chairman, CEO of Bet9ja, one of the sponsors of this event, said but for his very tight schedule, he had wanted to watch the final of this competition but that he has sent two of his trusted coaches to Kaduna to watch the matches and recommend possible players that could be snapped up by the club for the ongoing NNL campaign.

Chairman and owner of 36Lion Football Club, Hajj Gafar has already planned his trip to Kaduna next week as he hopes to watch the semi final and final matches of the competition.

So far, Kaduna fans have been treated to top class football action with over five matches played in a competition that is getting lots of plaudits from key stakeholders.

Earlier on Sunday, YMCA FC and FC Porto drew goalless after extra time with Porto winning on penalties by four goals to three.

The competition continues on Monday with some mouthwatering fixtures on the card.

Kaduna state, in Northern Nigeria will be on fire from this weekend as the annual Walin Kakuri Ramadan football tournament takes center stage.

This year’s event which is being organised in conjunction with the award winning Nigeria sports mouthpiece (NSM), promises lots of exciting football action and some fantastic goals.

The opening ceremony of this competition took place Friday with top football stakeholders, football scouts and agents present. Organizer of the event and top aspirant for the soon to be vacant Kaduna state football Association chairmanship position, Sani Abdullahi is happy to invite chairman 36 Lion FC Hajj Gafar and the chairman/CEO Bet9ja, Kunle Soname to Kaduna as supporters of this year’s event.

He says he is offering them a platform to watch and possibly sign some of the best young footballers in Northern Nigeria. He is also using this platform to invite NPFL club owners to come and enjoy the best of football during this Ramadan break, assuring that they will never regret the decision.

The organisers of NLO Berackiah/Abigol football coaching clinic has been urged to sustain the initiative in order to place coaching education system in the country on an enduring path.

Nazir Muhammed, the class representative of the participants of the programme made the remarks on Friday in Kaduna at the closing ceremony of the 5-days clinic which was aimed at enhancing and improving the capacity of grassroots coaches.

While describing the clinic as a welcome development, he noted that the participants were really fortunate and have enjoyed a rare opportunity and privilege by attending the programme.

“This is a welcome development and we are privileged and fortunate to be part of this project which I believe will enhance our performances.

“I thank the facilitators of this project and I want to urge them to continue, because what we lack in this country is continuity” Nazir said.

In his own remarks, the President of Nigeria Football Coaches Association (NFCA) Ladan Bosso charged the participants to replicate the teachings when they get back to their respective clubs.

He admonished them to exhibit positive difference in their delivery as a way of bringing about the needed wave in football development.

Honourable Sheriff Alkazeem, the Kaduna State Football Association Chairman lauded the organizers for bringing the programme to Kaduna.

“This is historical for me and my board members because it is the first coaching clinic that will be happening under our administration. I am definitely going to add this to my achievements card at the end of the year.

He however appealed to the NFCA President to create opportunity for grassroots coaches as a way of eliminating weapons without purpose system.

Other guests at the event were Coach Mathew Olorunleke, a Nigerian-Italian who is also a resource person, Gian Marco Diuna, an Italian goalkeeper trainer and host of others.

A total number of 44 coaches participated in the clinic in Kaduna as the second phase of the clinic in the North West part of the country after similar programme had been done in Kano in the previous week.

The clinic having covered five geo-political zones in the country will now head to the North East in Bauchi State and run from Monday, March 1st – 5th of March.