One of the fastest growing football club in Kogi State, Igala United have set their eyes on claiming more glories and honors in football after their making impressive debut in Nigerian league.

The club which was formed about five months ago by the president, Dr Victor Alewo Adoji with the aim of empowering youths in the Igala extraction of Kogi State has become an household among football families in Nigeria.

Igala United participated in the just concluded Nationwide League One, NLO Division 3 at Akure, Ondo State and finished second behind Victory Police of Osun who picked the sole ticket to the NLO 2.

The club went through their pre- tournament games unbeaten and they also emerged the highest scoring team at the playoffs in Akure with six goals in four matches.

According to the Chairman and Technical Director of the club, Abubakar Kamar, the NLO participation was an eye opener for the young team which he believed has given them more experience to build on.

Coach Kamar expressed delight in the team for their performance being their first time of playing in any competition or league proper.

He thanked the club president, Dr Adoji for his immense support, encouragement and motivation to the team just as he promised that the team will always make him proud.

“I’m really impressed with what we have done at the playoffs and give kudos to the entire team, it’s their first time in the league yet they were able to make this mark, its quite commendable.

“The team was formed five months ago played unbeaten from all our friendly matches to the league proper and ended up as highest scoring side is a reflection of how committed and good we are, I think we are starting on a good note and we will surely get better.

“All these could not be achieved without the support and motivation from our President, Dr Victor Alewo Adoji and we will always be grateful to him for believing in the team will never let him down.

“I equally want to appreciate the coaching crew and the officials of the team for good job and team work starting from Coach Zhokwor Jeremiah, Coach Aromeh Kolofu, Coach Tairu Ibrahim, Coach Faruk Ojomakpene Yahaya, Amos John, the Physiotherapist, Dr Ojih Sule, the Club Doctor, Sani Siaka, Team Coordinator and Nuhu M. Alhassan who is the Club Secretary.

Salifu ‘Evra’ Abdullahi of Igala United was the highest goal scorer at the NLO playoffs with three goals and the young player is being wanted by NPFL side, Sunshine Stars among two others players from Igala United, an indication of qualify abound in the team according to Coach Kamar.

The club has promised to work hard and come back stronger for next season which Kamar believed will be much better for Igala United.

The atmosphere in Osogbo is greeted with chants and tension as ‘Ooni Adimula’ lads arrived with burning desires to run away as group leader who would set up a Promotion Playoff clash with Ogbomoso Utd.

A decisive game for that matter which would be played simultaneously in which Ojaja hopes MAO FC capitalised on Fehinty’s scalp in the other venue for them to emerge at the top. Both Ojaja II FC and Fehinty FC tied with 12 points on the log making it a dicy duel going into last encounter.

‘Omo Mummy Boys’ didn’t struggle much before they imposed their physique and presence on the pitch as the score line changed at half hour mark when Olaoluwa Pelumi placed a fantastic header to register his third goal of the season.

Ojaja defender had earlier cleared away what could have been Yomi’s opener but Olansile FA were still ahead from the resultant corner kick.

The second half would witness three more goals after some laborious moments in first half. Eight minutes after restart, Yomi Fakunle had an impressive run from byline only to set up Ajayi Martins who dispatched his second goal in the season brilliantly.

Few minutes later, Ojaja responded having capitalised on sloppy defensive work from Shile lads at the back. Confidence immediately returns for Shina Afolabi tutored side as the much needed equalizer came at the death. Rasheed Okotore once again came to party, he would later dived at full length to tip out a creeping setpiece from vintage position.

At the flip, Fehinty FC walloped MAO FC by 3-1 thereby amassed 15points from 6 games making the tension soaked duel in Osogbo Centre a mere dead rubber game. Olansile FA occupies 3rd on the log having finished with 11points and followed Ojaja II FC who finished behind Fehinty with 13 points.

Beauty to behold were Shile Boys sensation forwards Olaoluwa Pelumi and Abayomi Fakunle who enjoyed freedom at the flanks wrecking series of havoc and became markers nightmare in their debut season.

The ambitious Osogbo based Nationwide League One youth side Olansile FA yesterday returned to winning ways after scoring twice to nail Ijesha United at the ongoing 2020/2021 league season in Ode-Omu centre.

Having held 1-1 by Ijesha Golden Warriors in the previous encounter, Omo Mummy Boys as they are fondly called put up a five-star performance to dislodge their opponent from Ilesha.

It took the goal sensation Abayomi Fakunle less than fifteen minutes after the opening whistle to score his second goal of the season having dribbled and cuts in from the flank only to breeze past the helpless keeper in his habitat in a brilliant version.

Ijesha Utd draws level three minutes later after making judicious use of a set piece in a vintage position, David Julius popped up on-time to nod past Okotore who was in goal for Olansile FA.

Eight minutes from first stanza, Olansile pint-sized diminutive midfielder Matthew Ogunrinola works his way from the middle, he unleashed a fierce low drive which beats Ijesha Utd shot stopper and the two goals are enough to claim the maximum points. Although Ijesha Utd., are somehow wasteful in their efforts to restore the parity.

The results shoots Olansile FA to 4th on the log having amassed 7pts from four games. Karamba FC who are still waiting for their first victory are next in line for ‘Shile Lads’ to contend with.

Aftermath of the 2020/2021 Nigeria Nationwide League One season in which Lee-Bombers debuted in a brilliant fashion, the managements on behalf of the technical crew and players have acknowledged the contribution of football stakeholders in the state and beyond to the club.

Barely two months after its formation, Lee-Bombers as they are fondly called took the bull by the horn in fulfilling all righteousness by satisfying NLO requirements which include but not limited to; affiliation with state FA, registration with Corporate Affairs Commission, payment of necessary fees to NLO secretariat.

In its bid to ensure optimum efficiency, the club hit the ground running with formidable recruitments in all its departments.

The procurement of player’s van saved the club from unnecessary match day drama and ensured timely arrival at match venues.

In its debut season, the club performed above expectations having won 2 games, drew 2 and lost its only game against the centre leader, Seat Of God who made it to promotion playoff before eventually losing to Ottasolo FC.

The proficient club General Manager Coach Abdul Rasheed Adeleke while briefing media this morning hailed impacts of football stakeholders for Club’s achievements thus far;

“We are glad for everything we have been able garner under two months of club’s birth.

“Our outing in the league this season isn’t bad because we paraded fresh legs who just played the league for the first time. We are happy for the exposures as we are assuring our people to build on what is on ground.

“We are on a temporary break since returning from llorin, the break is needed for boys to recover from injuries and knocks following a successive games played under intense atmosphere.

“We shall therefore resume for football activities tomorrow Wednesday 24th March 2021. We are greatful to the CEO Muhydeen Odeyemi for providing platforms and necessary supports. We equally extend our appreciation to state FA, sports writers and supporters for believing in what we are doing,” he concluded.

As the state Challenge Cup tagged ‘Ooni FA Cup’ is set to take a center stage, the club would participate and hope to vie for the sole trophy.

A superb flick into the top corner of goal with the head by Seun Adepoju in the 58th minute, was all Magate FC needed to draw 1️⃣-1️⃣ with log leaders Destiny Boys in a sixth game of the Nationwide League One (NLO) season played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.

Magate who beat Zenith Emperor 72 hours earlier, took the game to the group favourite with positive counter-attacking play.

The Coach Farouk side who finished the game with 10-man received a blow below the belt as the team lost it’s ‘Captain Fantastic’ Adeniyi Aliu in the 25th minute to injury after he had a cut below his left eye as he was elbowed by Destiny Boys defender during the run of play.

The Magate bench, were left in awe as the offender walked away without been cautioned, as neither the centre referee nor his first assistant saw the infringement.

Less than five minutes after Aliu was replaced, Destiny Boys scored the first goal of the game via Qosim Abdulrahim.

Magate had the chance to level scores in the 36th minute but Philips effort on goal hit the side netting for a goal kick to Destiny FC.

The away side went into the break with their one goal lead even as the Coach Farouk side pressed for an equalising goal.

The second 45 minutes was a soaked tensed as Magate scored an equalizing goal and ended the game with a player out.

Seun Adepoju was a torn in the flesh of Destiny Boys defenders with his pace. His effort was rewarded in the 53rd minute as he nodded a cross from Philips assist into the net to make scores even.

Magate were hard done in the 76th minute after it’s centre-back Oluwaseun Babatunde was shown his marching orders after scooping up a second yellow card.

The Coach Farouk side did show character and kept their focus after the unfortunate incident, as they kept Destiny Boys defenders at bay, defending well till the blast of full time.

Magate FC now has 8 points from six games while Destiny Boys kept their number one spot on the log after it garnered 17 points from seven games.

Coach Yusuf Farouk has revealed that his Magate FC side has no special plans for Destiny FC, as both teams lock horns in the sixth fixture of the Nationwide League One (NLO) Division One season on Saturday at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

Margate who ended Zenith Emperor’s four matches unbeaten run with on 3-1 win on Thursday, now has seven points from five games.

Farouk in a pre-match chat after his team’s last training session on Friday evening said:
“No special plans for Destiny FC, rather I have told my players to go into game to show character and play them with the same zeal they exhibited against Zenith Emperor.

“You recall that Zenith Emperor were tagged one of the favourite in the group, so getting three points from them was a thing of excitement for me and my lads but it didn’t come easy.

“The victory meant a lot to the team as it was the right tonic we needed going forward.

“Destiny FC are a tough team no doubt but my team has all it takes to checkmate them on field of play.”

In the last game against Zenith Emperor, the trio of Akinropo Akeem, Adeolu Adelakun and Adekunle Adedimeji were on the goals scorer’s sheet as they scored their first goal of the season.

Zenith Emperor got an early penalty owning to an hand ball in the box but was missed by Okunola Lekan.

On the dot if 12th minute, Magate’s Akeem then punished Zenith Emperor for their penalty miss, slotting the ball into the net from a rebound save by goalkeeper Yusuf Rasheed.

Seven minutes later Adelakun took advantage of a lose ball as doubled the lead with an easy chip over the onrushing Zenith Emperor’s goalie inside the box.

In the 31st minutes, Lekan pulled one back for Zenith scoring his fifth goal of the season after he deflected low drive beat Destiny who was in goal for Magate.

In the 52nd minute Adedimeji put the icing on the cake for Magate as he scored to make it 3-1.

The game termed Osun derby really lived up to its hype.

Hoppers tutored side imposed their presence in no time at the blast of the whistle. It’s a mixed fierce battle as Oodua Boys would need to redeem their image and come back to live after loosing narrowly to their opponent in their first contest with Seat of God FC.

Hammola FC who enjoyed a perfect start in the group wanted to consolidate and extend their winning streak following the inclusion of Alabi Adetunji and Ibrahim Ismail into the starting line up.

Tunji’s inclusion would have been paid off instantly if he had calmly pounced on a loose ball inside the opening minutes but he anxiously blasted away the first chance that came his way aimlessly.

Twelve minutes later, he opened the scoring after being fed by the wing back Ganiyu Maruf who surges forward from byline, the well framed goal poacher employed his chests as he beats his marker before slotting a fierce curler directly into bottom corner as goalkeeper Adeboyejo had no answer to it.

The Lee Bombers preserved the lead and ensured the scoreline remain unchanged until six minutes past hour mark when Gbotemi hurriedly cleared away a set piece that closely whisks off Ayo Olajuba’s hand unconsciously inside his own dangerous yard as centre referee aimed at the spot instantly. The pint size forward Tosin Dabiri buried it brilliantly to restore the parity.

Hammola’s effort to increase the tally in the 88th minutes was fruitless as new entrant Habeeb Olanrewaju wasted the most glorious chance of the tension soaked duel, he had his diagonally planted header sails inches over the bar while facing an empty net to the dismay of the scantily seated fans.

The results means Coach Abdul Rasaq Abdul Azeez effort to make a winning statement against his erstwhile employer was foiled. The game is indeed a fierce rivalry to behold.

“I want to salute the efforts of my boys for grinding out something from this encounter. It’s a case of a known foe. We want to win so also our opponent. The arena is a bit locked up but that not to say we won’t adapt going forward. We will review the proceedings and make corrections before next game,” Hoppers told the pressmen after the game.

What it means.

The group is widely open with Seat Of God, Olukismet and now Hammola FC all tied on 4 points after 2 games. Hammola FC would now take on Kaduna Utd on Saturday by 4pm.

Abraysport FC secure their first win of the NLO season following a 1-0 victory over Olisa FC.

After a goalless first half, Ahmed Ahmed tap-in a cut-back pass from Omolaoye Abiodun to secure the victory.

Omolaoye Abiodun had a chance inside the box but could not get the right contact to put the ball at the back of the net.

In the second half, Adesina Mayowa fires in a free-kick but Ayanda Toluwase could not tap-in the rebound.

Toluwase was presented with a chance at the edge of the box but his curled shot was saved by the goalkeeper.

With seven minutes to the end of the game, Omolaoye Abiodun cut-back a pass which Ahmed Ahmed tap-in for the breakthrough.

The lads held-on to the victory and secure the first three points of the season.

After the game, coach Gbolade Ezekiel Zico hailed the player’s character and attitude towards picking the three points.

According to him, the boys played to instruction but were unlucky with the chances missed.

“They played with a lot of desire and deserve the credit for the victory today.”

“We asked them to press high to force mistakes from the opponent in dangerous positions on the pitch.”

“We could have scored more but the ball refused to end at the back of the net, and the opponent’s goalkeeper had a great game.”

Lineup

Alase Suleiman, Mathias Oladosu, Adetoro Mikail, Atteh Victor, Adesina Mayowa, Eze Sunday (Abdulhakeem Baki 77′), Abdulmumini Kabir (Abdullahi Hadi 77′) Omolaoye Abiodun, Solabi Olabode (Olorunfemi Adebayo 77′), Ayanda Toluwase (Bello Kazeem 82′), Ahmed Ahmed.

Coach – Gbolade Ezekiel Zico

Goalscorer – Ahmed Ahmed 83′

Yellow Card – (Eberechi Eze 58′, Adetoro Mikail 73′)

A brilliant debut for Ido-Osun based outfit Hammola FC at the ongoing Nationwide League One 2020/2021 season played on the turf of Kwara Football Academy.

Babatunde Sodiq finished off a stunning move to open the scoring after some laborious inputs and Nurudeen Ganiyu’s drive deflected off the woodwork as Hammola FC pip their opponent from Jos to remain on course at the centre.

Lee Bombers had earlier struggled to impose themselves on the contest, as Mighty Jets Feeders fired up from the blast of the whistle only to have their efforts flew across goal in the second minute.

Hoppers tutored side gradually grew into the game, in the second half as they enjoyed much of the possession. Arthur and Sodiq were on rampage for the most of the time as possession keep swinging intermittently.

Adewale Saheed was also called to duty oftentimes as he forces some saves in the critical stages of the contest. Gbotemi Abdulahi was so gallant at the back as he curtailed some dangerous moves by Jets forward Sulaimon Haruna.

The wasteful Jets had themselves to blame for agonizingly missing what could have been a leveller at the death.

Speaking to Journalists after the heated duel, Coach Abdul Azeez Abdul Rasaq believes his wards could offer more as he rained encomium on his charges for putting up the superlative performances.

“My boys are aware how difficult is it to win the first game. I want to specially appreciate their character and confidence as we grind the needed points.

“Going forward we are aware our group is filled with ambitious sides and we won’t leave anything to chance.

“We will have a time to review and prepare for the next task as we would be taking it one after the other. We want to imprint our own trademark in this season being a debut season and l believe we can go all the way to create a necessary spark,” revealed one time Knights FC gaffer.

Hoppers as he’s fondly called would be looking forward to outclass his former employer who lost to their rival from Ekiti. The two sides would square up on Thursday at the turf of Kwara Football Academy in the second game of the group.

Ahead of the new NLO season, Hammola International Football Club of Ido-Osun has landed in llorin with very high expectations after a rigorous preseason activities.

As teams gear up and arrive for new NLO season, the Lee Bombers as they are fondly called gleefully touched down in high spirit. One could notice how players and officials calmly set their attention immediately on the warranted impetus.

Having unveiled its personnel and iconic kits few days back, with the addition of newly acquired bus and necessary equipments for optimum effectiveness, the club is poised for a big statement when the league finally underway on Monday.

The club under the able leadership of Coach cum Football Administrator AbdulRasheed Adeniran has fulfilled all righteousness required by organizers. Having affiliated with state of Osun FA, registered with Corporate Affairs Commission, completed players license on-time, with participation fee also paid, Lee Bombers are battle ready and gear up for the big task.

Again, the club’s camp boobles today after being given clean bill of health as samples of players and officials taken for mandatory Covid-19 test returned negative.

All eye would be on KFA centre later today as teams converge for draws and prematch activities. Hammola FC are having the ambition of picking the sole ticket in the centre.