Christian, whose contract with Gombe United expired at the end of 2021/22 season, has put pen-to-paper on a one year deal with the Turkish 1.Lig club.

He becomes their 24th summer signing following the arrival of Uerdi Mara, Abdullah Aydin, Jurgen Bardhi, Erhan Kartal, Faruk Can Genc, Bekim Balaj, Rooney Eva, Mikail Okyar, Selim Gündüz, Bekir Karadeniz, Aykut Demir, Melih Inan, Rashad Muhammad, Ali Babaei, Berkan Turan, Ogün Bayrak, Taha Ayan, Bilal Budak, Musa Yüksel, Halil Ibrahim Keles, Batuhan Ulutas, Musa Yüksel and Batuhan Ulutas.

The Barrier Sports Club product will not feel home sick as he will be playing alongside Ibrahim Olawoyin at the Turkish club.

A left-footed playmaker, Christian is a fantastic dribbler who is at his best when he is taking on the opposition – and anyone else for that matter. While the level of opposition might give him the freedom and licence to express himself, his dribbling is nevertheless the biggest weapon in his artillery.

What makes Christian so difficult to defend is his unpredictability as he likes to cut inside onto his favoured left but can just as easily beat his man and go to the byline instead.

As with any creative attacking midfielder, the youngster possesses impressive passing and vision to pick the eye-of-the-needle through balls to unlock defences.

Innocent Christian’s deal to Ankara Keçiörengücü was brokered by FIFA-licenced players’ agent, Babawo Mohammed.

... Charges MFM FC to clinch NNL promotion ticket next season

Organizers of the nation’s prestigious pre-season football tourney, Ogunjobi Gold Cup have sent a congratulatory message to Remo Stars after they picked a ticket to fly Nigeria’s flag in the CAF Confederation Cup come next season.

General Coordinator of the tournament, Tunde Shamsudeen tasked the Sky Blue Stars management to set a record, by becoming the first NPFL team to win the Confederation Cup.

“Congratulations to a business mogul, biggest private investor of the beautiful game in Nigeria and a fine gentleman, who’s humility is second to none, Honorable Kunle Soname.

“He has proven to critics of the NPFL that private investors can achieve successes investing in club football, with Remo Stars as an example having secured the CAF Confederations Cup qualification after three attempts in Nigeria’s topflight division.

“CAF Confederation Cup debutant Remo Stars, crowned champions of the 9th edition of the Ogunjobi Gold Cup in Ikenne, is a huge boost to the tourney. 

“Ogunjobi Gold Cup has once again made a bold statement, as not just a pre-season tournament but a platform were champions are made.

“We are delighted to be part of Remo Stars achievements, as they have surpassed their fans expectations and truly deserved to clinch the CAF ticket.

“I want to use this medium to charge the Remo Stars not to make the numbers in the tournament but be one of the teams contending for the trophy.

“The Confederations Cup, since it was formed in 2004, only Sunshine Stars made it to the semi-finals in their first attempt in 2011. So Remo Stars surpassing the feat.

“A special thanks to Soname for bringing continental football to Ikenne, as the town will soon be agog with best of African club football and fans visiting, thus projecting the rich history of the people of Ikenne.”

Meanwhile, Shamsudeen also expressed his relief after Niger Tornadoes and Shooting Stars retained their NPFL status after a turbid season.

“Our last edition semi-finalist, Tornadoes and runners-up Shooting Stars distinguished themselves as fighters, as they fought hard till the very end of the season to secure their status in the topflight division come next season.”

As regards MFM FC, sad the Olukoya Boys got relegated to the Nigeria National League, that doesn’t mean end of the world for the club, rather a new challenge. 

Going by the words of Fetus Allen after the season ending game against Nasarawa United.

“We are confirmed relegated but that is not the end of life. I am confident that we will be back in the NPFL very soon. This is one of the pendulums of life. We just have to face it.”

This we have charged the MFM FC management, as all hands must be on deck to see they gain promotion as it’s a different ball game in the NNL.

The statement issued on Saturday and signed by Rivers United’s General Manager, Dr. Okey Kpaluku, it reads “On behalf of the management, technical crew, players, backroom staff and supporters of Rivers United, I congratulate a gentleman of intrepidity and great intelligence, an astute sports administrator and a development expert, Sir Barrister Chris Green, on the occasion of your appointment as Commissioner for Sports, Rivers State. 

This appointment is coming at a critical time in the history of our state and nation and therefore underscores the importance to the good governance and development of our state.

With your capacity and achievements gathered over the years, I have no doubt in mind that you will bring your wealth of experience garnered to bear on your new assignment.

On this auspicious occasion,  I join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for your life which has been marked by outstanding accomplishments and enduring fulfillments.

May our good Lord continue to chart your path and bless you with more wisdom in your resolve to bequeath milestones in the sports sector in Rivers State and Nigeria in general. 

Signed 

Sir Chief Dr Okey Kpalukwu (JP)

General Manager

Rivers United Football Club.

9th July, 2022

Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has boosted the morale of the star’s darling team, Kwara United Football Club, ahead of the team’s last home game of the season against MFM FC of Lagos in Ilorin.

A statement by the Club, made available by the Media Team indicated that the management has secured approval to pay all the debts owed during the cause of prosecuting it’s matches, especially in the second round of the season.

Confirming the development, the club Chairman, Kumbi Titiloye thanked the Governor for the sustained support to the team, adding that the team will reciprocate the gesture with a continental ticket at the end of the season.

“Our Governor has just approved money to clear all the debts owed in the cause of prosecuting our league matches, and we must not but be grateful, because it will help us focus on the challenges ahead.

“It’s a commendable feat by the state Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq. We thank all our Supporters, Fans, stakeholders and followers all over the world for their support.

Kwara United FC is currently fourth on the table with 55 points from 36 matches, and a strong prospect of picking one of the continental slots at the end of the last match against Heartland FC in Owerri next weekend.

“A win against MFM in Ilorin is crucial to our continental target, and this wonderful gesture by Governor AbdulRazaq will be an added motivation for the players and officials”, Kumbi added.

Ahead of Sunday’s match-day 37 encounter between Kwara United Football Club and MFM FC, the Kwara Central Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in next year’s polls, Mallam Saliu Mustapha, has purchased three thousand tickets for football fans to cheer the Harmony Boys to victory.

Continually, Mustapha also pledged to pay the winning bonus of the duel to all Kwara United players should they emerge victorious in the tie against the Lagos based side.

The NPFL game which is the last home tie of Kwara United FC in the 2021/2022 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), is to encourage the club to secure the CAF continental ticket.

Kwara United are currently occupying fourth position on the NPFL log with 55 points from 36 games and they are expected to win their two remaining matches of the week 37 against MFM this Sunday and week 38 away match against Heartland FC of Owerri next Sunday to stand a chance of picking continental ticket.

“It’s my believe that having the stadium filled with fans will go a long way to motivate the players to victory and that is why I agreed with the Management Board of Kwara United Football Club to purchase Match Day Tickets for Three Thousand Club Supporters and also foot the payment of Winning Bonuses to our players for the last Home Match against MFM FC on Sunday 10 July, 2022 at the Main Bowl of Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin in our Quest to Qualify for CAF Continental Ticket.

“As a sports loving person, I will always support our darling club and encourage our youths especially sports lovers to obtain their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) and ultimately participate in the 2023 general elections,” Mustapha said.

While reacting to the gesture and support, the Chairman of Kwara United FC, Kumbi Titiloye, appreciated Mallam Mustapha for identifying with the club, and also complementing the efforts of the state government on the team.

Titiloye also seized the opportunity to commend the Executive Chairman of the State Sports Commission, Mallam Bola Mogaji, his Board members and other stakeholders for their support to the team.

Vice Chairman of Lobi Stars FC Dominic Iorfa has cried out over plans by some detractors of the club, mostly members of the past Managements to work against the survival struggle of the North Central club to escape relegation. 

This is coming on the heels of a court order to seize the club’s official bus during their training session in Makurdi Friday ahead of the crucial match against Dakkada FC in Makurdi on Sunday. 

The court had ordered the seizure of Lobi stars bus owing to the accumulated debts owed by previous Managements to hoteliers and other parties.

The Lobi stars boss alleged that it was a ground plan hatched by some top members of the past Managements of the club who are desperate to see the club go down to the relegation waters despite government efforts and huge support to the team.

According to him ” I was given the mandate by the governor to rescue the team from troubled waters and we are doing everything possible by the grace of God to do the assignment, but those who put the club in this mess are working against us” he cried out. 

He continued ” Lobi stars is the symbol of the state and the people of Benue state will not be happy to see the team relegated, Iam ready to offer my best to rescue the team but all these blackmail and distractions are not good at this crucial and critical stage” 

“If the club could succeed in the previous administrations, then the club must not die in the hands of Gov. Ortom who has done massively well in supporting the club financially, I won’t allow that to happen ” he assured.

“Before I took over this assignment, the immediate past Management played 19 matches and got only 19 points out of possible 57 points and placed on 19th bottom position, but today by the grace of God and with the huge support of the state government, Supporters, fans and the entire team we have played 15 matches, garnered 24 points and placed joint 12th position on the Log with 4 matches to go, God will see us through ” he prayed.

He warned the detractors not to take his patience for granted because he refused to probe them on assumption of office, stressing that he would be forced to activate all the relevant means to set up a probe panel to unearth their untoward stewardship in the club.

Akuneto who is leading the scoring chart with 16 goals is guiding Rivers United closer to lifting their first major title since establishment.

The enterprising striker increased his goal tally to 16 on Sunday with a brace to helped Rivers United beat Abia Warriors in the Matchday 33 of the league.

Asked which he would prioritize between winning the league and finishing as top scorer, the former MFM and Heartland forward told newsmen in Portharcourt he would wish to win both but making history with Rivers United as regards will be his major target.

“Its been an eventful season for me and Rivers United and I’m excited about how the season is going, we’ve been playing good football and improving by each game we play, the aim is to end the season as champions and we believe its achievable with more hard work and God on our side.

“Well as oliver twist, I will like to win both the title and goal scorer award, but lifting NPFL title with Rivers United is my ultimate target.”

The race for the top scorer’s gong is getting interesting with five games to end the season and strikers are turning in incredible numbers of goals.

The duo of Victor Mbaoma of Enyimba and Yusuf Abdulazeez of Gombe United are on the heels of Akuneto with 15 goals each with Ishaq Kayode, Akuneto’s team mate at Rivers United on 14 goals.

When asked if he’s under pressure with the competition for the prize, Akuneto said it will rather make it interesting and push him to be more focused without being selfish.

“I’m not bothered about that at all, it will even help to ginger me and make me concentrate on doing more better, I’d like to win the award as top scorer but that won’t make me to be too selfish, I will support my team mate in better scoring position that chasing personal glory, I’ve been providing assists for my team mates and I will still do more,” he said.

Rivers United are currently leading the NPFL log with 70 points from 33 games. The Coach Stanley Eguma led will be guest to Rangers International in Awka on Sunday.

The defender has been an important member of the Kwara United team with 30 appearances so far in the 2021/22 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

According to Sports Flames, Bamidele will compete for the award alongside Afeez Nosir, Samad Kadiri and Alao Danbani.

A portal where Sports Journalists and fans can vote for Bamidele has been opened on the website https://bit.ly/sportflameskupoty with voting already ongoing, the voting will be closed on the 3rd July 2022.

The winner will be announced on Match Day 37 and the presentation of the award will be on Kwara United’s last home game of the season against MFM FC, on 7th July 2022 at the Kwara State Stadium Complex.

The 23-year-old Bamidele lists HNK Rijeka, NK Varazdin and Niger Tornadoes as his former clubs.

The striker who was signed along 10 other players at the start of the season gave a good showing of himself during the team’s pre-season scoring a total of 3 goals in 4 appearances leading to the season proper.

However since the commencement of the season, he’s majorly played a bit part role featuring in matches involving Katsina United , Akwa United, Lobi Stars, Plateau United and Gombe United.

The 19-year-old forward who has got a bulky built and whose strength lies in his shooting and aerial ability as well as his positioning, says he will keep giving his best in training to win the confidence of his coaches and in no distance time will break into the first team.

In his words, “I fully respect the choices and decisions of the coaches and I won’t stop putting my best in trainings. I am confident that whenever I am giving the chance, I will definitely justify my inclusion in the team.

“So far, I have had some game time against some high profile side and I believe the confidence I have gotten from those games will help me in future games.

” I am looking to get my first NPFL goal as I know that will not only boost my confidence but will also allow the coaches to trust me with more games” concludes the North West FC product.

Organisers of the maiden Sportflames/Kwara United player of the year 2022 has rolled out plans and modalities for the awards.

The award Which was previously held in Lagos since it began in 2016 will be coming to Kwara State for the first time and four Kwara United stars including Ayodeji Bamidele, Alao Danbani, Afeez Noshiru and Samad Kadiri has been nominated challenge for the individual crown.

Chief Organizers of the award, Olatoye Olawale, Online Editor of SportFlames, and Football Administrator is excited to bring the award down to Kwara State as he believed it’s an avenue to further encourage Premier League players to do more and be consistent with their performance.

According to Olatoye,” I’m excited that this year’s edition of the award would be taking place in Kwara State, our previous edition has been in Lagos, since moving down to Ilorin, it’s a great opportunity for us to put smiles on the faces of Kwara United players and the fans, it’s also one of many ways in which we can help motivate and encouraging the players to keep giving 100% to their game”,

“Also this project is our own Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to rewarding player’s individual brilliance and excellence after having distinguished himself on and off the pitch”, He said.

A voting portal where Sports Journalists and fans can vote for the nominee of their choice has been opened on the website https://bit.ly/sportflameskupoty with voting already ongoing, the voting will be closed on the 3rd July 2022.

The winner will be announced on Match Day 37 and the presentation of the award will be on Kwara United’s’s last home game of the season against MFM FC, on 7th July 2022 at the Kwara State Stadium Complex Ilorin.