Super Eagles forward, Sadiq Umar scored an important goal for Almeria in their 2-2 SmartBank LaLiga II final day clash at Leganes to secured his side’s league title.

The result has also helped Almeria gained promotion back to the Spanish top flight after missing out last season in the playoff.

The match played at the Estadio de Municipal De Burtaque was explosive from the get go as both sides find back of the next inside opening 15 minutes.

Borja Carces gave Leganes the lead with just nine minutes into the game before Almeria equalized via Rodrygo Ely six minutes after.

Umar’s team mate in the Super Eagles, Kenneth Omeruo restored Leganes’ lead with from a goal mouth melee with three minutes to end the first half.

But Almeria who remained resolute with what they intend to achieve even the score with eighth minutes into restart from Sadiq Umar’ sublime finish.

Almeria held on to ward off late pressure from their hosts to secure the point which was enough to win the second division league title and returned to LaLiga after went down in 2014.

Umar will be among the notable names to be remembered for the historic feat as his 18 goals and nine assists helped Almeria win the SmartBank league.

The quarter-final showdown of what could be termed Yhellow Football Fiesta (NPFL Laliga U-15 Promises Youth League), went down today at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, and the first match of the day was between Kano Pillars FC and Gombe United FC.

The end of the Ramadan fast ensured both teams played physical football unlike how they approached their previous games in the competition.

Pillars drew the first blood in the 20th minute through Imran Musa, who showed class with his pace and dribbling skills by taking on Gombe United centre backs to bury the ball in the net.

Idris Khamis doubled the lead for Kano Pillars U-15 side shortly after the restart having being located by a pass from Aliyu Auwal, after a few midfield interchanges.

The Gombe United U-15 side finally threw caution to the wind and went all out in a quest for a comeback but matters only got worse as the Kano lads took advantage of a fast break and increased the tally to three via a long range shot from Imran Musa.

Their relentless effort soon paid off, but it was a little too late as Abdullahi Bello’s 52nd minute strike and Miko Dalha stoppage time penalty only served as consolation.

In his post-match reaction, the coach of Kano Pillars U-15 side, Suleiman Aliyu said: “I am a little accomplished that the boys gave out their all in today’s game and I believe they would come all out to play in our next match because the Ramadan fast is over.

“I am sure the boys will consolidate on this victory in our next match; we will have a full complement of our team in all areas.”

The MFM FC vs Remo Stars game became the match of the day, as it stole the shine off the first match.

Both teams expressed themselves in all ramifications, especially in the midfield and the spectators who came never regretted they did, as the young lads entertained the crowd beyond expectations.

Peter Adejimi of Remo Stars fired his side into the lead in the 10th minute from a Promise Meliga’s assist, while Stanley Ohaemesi doubled the lead 8 minutes later via a goal mouth scramble.

Francis Ajibola of MFM FC pulled one back from the spot after being fouled in the penalty area by Nse Believe, but that wasn’t enough to bring them at par before the final whistle.

Remo Stars Director of Youth football, Tiago Conde, in his post match reaction stated that: “We came into the game with the right mentality and the boys gave a good account of themselves.

“We decided to infuse a few players into the game in the second half to correct a few mistakes, but it didn’t work out as planned.

Day two of the quarter-final parents will see katsina United playing against Wikki Tourists FC, while Sunshine Stars FC will square up against Shooting Stars Sports Club.

Sadiq Umar expressing himself after the team Almeria could not promote to Lal Liga at the end of the season had said its painful that they couldn’t get the promotion but he’s still grateful to God for it all.

“To me the goals do not really count but the promotion is the main target of the club as it should have been a collective responsibility to promote the team to Elite league. The team have invested so much and we should have paid back the club owners with promotions to the Elite league”

He further stated that:
“We tried our best but our best was not good enough in the play off, we should have obviously done better but it’s a thing of the past now which makes me feel bad as human. It’s one of the things you cannot change so you should not get too worried about it and that’s my present position as I speak to you”.

Talking about joining another club, he opened up that it’s not what he wants to talk about;
“Regarding me joining another club, I don’t want to discuss it, I just want to remain cool and enjoy the break while my manager takes care of that.”

While concluding, he said.
“There is better days ahead for me . My goals I scored in this season is 28 goals 6 with my former club before I joined Almeria I scored 2 goals in cup games and 20 goals lin the league , I would have been happier if my goals can assist my team to promote to la liga.”

The encounter had ended 0-0 at regulation time, as Katsina United got to the finals.

MFM FC striker Lucky Akinleminu was wasteful in front goal as he missed six chances. But credits should go to goalkeeper Abubakar Anas who was brilliant behind the sticks.

In the shootout, the team from Lagos rued their afternoon after two of their players missed from the penalty spot.

In the other semi final between Warri Wolves and Akwa United, the Seasiders won 1-0.

A 20th minute solo effort from Okiki Oghenewvegba was enough to set the high flying Junior Wolves against Katsina United in the final.

Okiki picked up the ball from the edge of the arc and skipped past four Akwa United players before finding the back of the net to deliver a golden moment for the young Seasiders’ team, who have been one of the best sides in the competition.

Wolves will face Katsina United in the final on Sunday.

A solitary strike from the impressive Samuel Effiong helped Akwa United claim a 1-0 win in their 2021 NPFL/La Liga U15 Promises opener against Abia Warriors at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Thursday.

Abia Warriors had the better of the play, but could not turn their dominance into three points.

According to Abia Warriors coach, Emenike Ezeugo, his boys weren’t lucky in the game.

“The boys tried and played very well. This is the first match and I can’t judge the boys. In our second match, we should hopefully pick it up from there,” he said.

“It was just hardluck, it is not easy to create chances. When you create chances and don’t convert them, then the luck isn’t there.”

“The target is to qualify from the group stage. From there, I will think about the next level.”

Coach Edward Edemekong who tutored the Young Promise Keepers felt relieved with the win.

“I give kudos to the players for their resilience. They were magnificent and got a good result.”

“I think Abia Warriors have a good team. The last time we met, it was 4-1 in our favour. I think they have really improved. I give them a lot of credit.”

Kwara United and Jigawa Golden Stars settled for a 0-0 draw at the Cathedral.

The Harmony Boys pressed for the lead before halftime, but the teams went into the break level.

It was more of the same after the break as Kwara United continued to make all of the running. It was goalless at full time.

The last game of the day saw Enyimba forcing Dakkada FC to a 1-1 draw.

Emmanuel Edem stunned the Aba boys with a sizzling effort but Chidiuto Emelda helped Enyimba level matters.

Enyimba continued to push forward in the closing stages and had a number of chances to grab a winner, but couldn’t find a way past the disciplined Dakkada FC side.

The 2021 NPFL/La Liga U15 Promises action continues on Friday with three matches scheduled to hold at the Cathedral.

Kano Pillars and Lobi Stars will face off in what is an intriguing clash. Both teams will believe they should make the next round, and so victory in this one would be a giant step towards achieving that.

The second match is between Adamawa United and Heartland.

Defending champions, Katsina United will have their hands full against Rivers United.

THURSDAY’S RESULTS

Abia Warriors 0-1 Akwa United

Jigawa Golden Stars 0-0 Kwara United

Dakkada FC 1-1 Enyimba FC

FRIDAY’S FIXTURES

Kano Pillars Vs Lobi Stars

Adamawa United Vs Heartland

Katsina United Vs Rivers United

GOALSCORERS

1 goal

Samuel Effiong (Akwa United)

Emmanuel Edem (Dakkada FC)

Chidiuto Emelda (Enyimba FC)

It’s a fight to finish between Kenneth omeruo and Sadiq Umar in la Liga Smartbank as Leganes play host to Almeria in the battle of 3rd and 5th position in the Spanish second tier league.

Sadiq Umar set to hit double digits in the second League.

The rave of the moment as far as the second tier football of the Spanish league is concern, Sadiq Umar, Olympic bronze medalist winner 2016 under the watchful eyes of coach Samson Siasia is no doubt a shining star in the second tier league.

Sadiq Umar bagged a Hat-trick to take his tally to 9 goals, in 19 league appearances. He’s set to increase his goal tally this weekend when Almeria travel to Leganes in a battle of supremacy . Jololo as he’s fondly called by admirers becomes a nightmare to defenders in the the Segunda B.

Umar who is gradually making name for himself and as well calving a nitch to ensure Almeria return to the Spanish Elite League.

The Kaduna born striker is presently Cynosure of all eyes as plethora of clubs are jostling for his signature ahead of next season.

According to the striker, who spoke all the way from his base in Spain,

“I really don’t want to talk about how many goals I will score before the end of the season, I just want to remain focus, and be a team player and assist the team to return back to the Elite League.

“I think team performance is more important than individual performance. I’m not thinking about the highest goal scorer, I’m thinking about how Almeria can return to the Elite League, but if evetually i win the highest goal scorer, glory be to God but my first target is how the team could return to the Elite League, Umar concluded.

The tall lanky striker is the Nigeria U23 top scorer with four goals in the last Olympic in Brazil

Lionel Messi is recapturing his best form for Barcelona, according to Ronald Koeman after the Catalan side claimed a 2-3 win at San Mames.

Barcelona coach Ronald Koeman believes Lionel Messi is slowly getting back to his best after a brace against Athletic Club.

Messi scored twice, to go with Pedri’s goal, at San Mames on Wednesday as Barca recorded a 3-2 victory.

The star has been involved in 10 goals in his past 10 games in all competitions, netting eight and assisting two.

And Koeman feels Messi, who has netted 12 times in 20 appearances this season, is improving.

“Since the first day that I arrived at the club I think Lionel Messi has given everything,” he told a news conference.

“I haven’t been surprised by his quality because he’s obviously been showing how good he is for years. It’s possibly true that he’s been less effective than normal which is why there could have been doubts but he’s doing a lot better now, he feels comfortable at the moment and he feels up for the challenge.

“That’s how I feel. But I think Messi is the one who can answer that best.”

Pedri cancelled out Inaki Williams’ opener before Messi’s double, and Barça moved into third in LaLiga despite Iker Muniain’s late goal.

Koeman also praised Ousmane Dembele, who along with Pedri and Antoine Griezmann had a game-high three key passes.

“I think everything starts with the player himself. If the player feels comfortable and feels physically fit he can play well,” he said.

“I don’t think there’s ever been any question about his quality, at least in my opinion, but there have been doubts about his ability to stay fit. At the moment he seems fully fit and I have to think about the programme of games ahead and when we can give him a rest because he hasn’t played regularly for quite some time.

“He has to learn how to manage his game time as well. But in terms of the football he can play we know what he can give to the team. He’s very good going forward, he attacks with the ball and those are good qualities for us.”

Barcelona, who are seven points behind league leaders Atletico Madrid and have played two more games, visit Granada on Saturday.