By Ayoola Adeleke

It was a night full of glamour as NPFL Undiluted, foremost Nigeria Professional Football League WhatsApp group honored the best performers of the 2021/2022 NPFL season.

Veteran sports journalist and former football player, Andrew Randa joined by a flourishing female sports journalist, Joy Ojeabulu anchored the award that was spiced with wonderful music and other side attractions on the WhatsApp platform on Friday.

Ishaq Rafiu who now plays for Maribor FC scored 14 goals and provided 3 assists for Rivers United in the 2021/2022 NPFL season, helping his team to clinch the league title beat former Enyimba International striker, Victor Mbaoma and former teammate, Chijioke Akuneto who won the golden boot of the season with 19 goals to emerge as the Player of the year.

In the coach of the year category, the league-winning coach with Rivers United, Stanley Eguma emerged winner as he beat Gbenga Ogunbote formerly with Remo Stars FC and Plateau United coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu to the award.

In the Content Creator of the Year (Journalist) category, a young Nigerian popular journalist, Michael Imianvan popularly called “Mike the Pundit” pipped Christopher Emenyonu of NPFL Tori Podcast and NPFL statistician, Samuel Areo to cart home the award.

CAF’s Confederation Cup debutants, Remo Stars Sports Club of Ikenne with their super content creation beat Nigerian league powerhouses – the league champions, Akwa United and 8-time champions of the league, Enyimba International FC – to emerge as the Content Creator of the Year (club).

A veteran sports editor with years of reputable records, Enitan Obadina came top above sports lawyer, Amobi Ezeaku and another top Nigerian journalist and graphics expert, Andrew Randa to clinch the Most Educative member of the forum.

In recognizing the wonderful, innovative and consistent works of the NPFL Media Officers, the group voted Mfon Patrick, Akwa United’s Media Officer over his colleagues, Chris Okunnuwa of Sunshine Stars and Eche Amos of Nasarawa United as the Media Officer of the year.

For the Most Active Administrator of the Year category, Veteran journalist cum administrator, Elder Paul Bassey, Chairman Akwa United edged Club Owners Secretary, Chief Aloy Chukwuemeka and Kwara United Manager, Bashir Badawiy to win the award.

Atinuke Esan defeated the duo of Grace Johnson and Oluchi Faith to take home the most Active Female Member of the group.

In the Most Active Male Member category, one of the most celebrated sports journalists, Adepoju Tobi Samuel known as Oganla Media floated above Andrew Randa and Michael Imianvan to win the award.

Elder Paul Bassey stole the show at the awards as he, for the second time emerged the Administrator of The Year after beating – former NFF second Vice President, Mallam Shehu Dikko and Rivers United’s Chairman, Barrister Chris Green.

Uyo-based journalist, Akila Matawal popularly called Akila Wotowoto beat Samuel Areo and Fisayo Dairo to clinch the Matchday Reporter of the Year.

Top Nigerian music artistes Burna Boy, Asake and other celebrated pop stars all featured on the DJ’s playlist in entertaining the award attendees who were treated to massive excitement on the night.

Source: https://platinumnewsng.com/

Remo Stars made history becoming the first team to win the Optima Energy Gold Cup title back-to-back and had goalkeeper Vincent Edafe to thank as he showed class during the penalty kicks after he made two saves.

The battle to claim the bragging rights lived up to its billing, as it was end-to-end football and fireworks from both teams.

The first real chance of the game came the way of the Oluyole Warriors in the 20th minute.

Samuel Stone muscled out two Remo Stars defenders to set up Tony Okachi who went past his marker to flick the ball into the box, leaving Edafe to push the ball awkwardly to the path of Joshua Akpan, but the attacking midfielder put his effort wide.

The Sky Blue Stars could have punished the Oluyole Warriors 12 minutes later after Samuel Anakwe dazzled past his markers but couldn’t off despite having goalkeeper Bamidele Adeniyi beat in goal.

Six minutes into the second half, Okorom Stanley’s superb strike at goal from a set piece was easily saved by Bamidele as he was sharp with his timing of the ball.

With 10 minutes to end the game, Bamidele made two saves in less than two minutes, from a low drive shot and corner kick to deny the Sky Blue Star.

With no winner in regulation time, both teams needed spot kicks to settle scores.

It was Remo Stars that had the day after scoring four while Edafe was outstanding after he stopped two spot kicks of Shooting Stars.

The victory had Remo Stars smiling home with One Million Naira and a beautiful gold-plated trophy while 3SC was rewarded with half a million Naira.

Shooting Stars will renew its rivalry with defending champions Remo Stars in the final of the 10th edition of the Optima Energy Gold Cup.

Recall in the last edition, the Sky Blue Stars mauled the Oluwole Warriors 4-0 to claim the trophy.

It’s a record for 3SC and Coach Gbenga Ogunbote, as both are making it to a third final of the preseason tournament after the Oluyole Warriors defeat Sunshine Stars by three goals to one.

3SC produced a five-star performance to claim the bragging rights over their southwest neighbours, Sunshine Stars.

The game was full of suspense and fireworks with end-to-end football that produced four goals, and two in each half.

Anthony Okachi should have made it 1-0 for the Oluyole Warriors in the earliest period of the South West derby after his long-range shoot-on target rattled the crossbar of the Owen Whales. Sunshine Stars had their half chances but was not enough to put them ahead.

Shooting Stars took the lead in the 20th minute after good attacking teamwork, which saw Abdallahi Hassan finding the back of the net from a rebound as Mustapha Lawal punches Stone Samuel’s effort away.

Sunshine Stars didn’t let the lead last and responded 22 minutes after, as Uzoechi Ejike made it 1-1 scoring from the spot kick after a 3SC defender was penalized for a handball in the box.

Okachi, who was a thorn in the flesh of the Owena Whale defenders, turned away from his marker to shoot the ball beyond the reach of Sunshine Stars’ goalkeeper and restored 3SC’s lead.

As Sunshine Stars pushed for the equalising goal to stretch the game to a penalty shootout, they got punished in added minutes of regulation time.

A needless foul on 3SC Promise Damala in the Owena Whales box, made the referee to award a penalty against them.

And Joshua Akpan converted the spot kick, thereby putting the icing on the cake and made it 3-1 for 3SC.

The goal is Akpan’s fifth of the Optima Energy Gold Cup, thus making him the top scorer.

The final of the pre – season tournament will take place on Saturday at the Remo Stars stadium in Ikenne.

The first fixture of Matchday 3 lived up to the billing as two fabulous goals were scored from set plays by both teams in the first half.

Hammola, a Nationwide League One Division One team from Osun State, were brave enough to take a surprise lead in the 11th minute via a set-piece from Olajugba Ayokunle that beat goalkeeper Charles Tambe.

Experienced Cameroon shot stopped and could not help but spill the ball into his own goal as he attempted to force a save.

Hammola’s one-goal lead only lasted for 23 minutes, as Remo Stars Odibo Godwin got the equaliser after a lovely finish from a Seun Odunsi assist.

With the game nearing half-time, Hammola regained the lead courtesy of a cool finish from Olarenwaju Habeeb, who beat his marker to lob the ball beyond the reach of Tambe, to the top right corner of the goal to make it 2-1.

Former MFM and Enyimba right-back Stanley Okorom displayed captain stuff, as he put the game on level terms with a sublime free kick in the first minute of added time.

Eleven minutes into the second half, Remo Stars showed why they’re an NPFL side, after Mujeeb Odufeso punished Hammola’s backline, creating space for himself to score his team’s third with a decent finish.

As the NLO side searched for their third goal, they then got punished on the counterattack in added time.

Samuel Anakwe put the game beyond Hammola with the sixth goal of the game and fourth for Remo Stars.

Chief Executive Officer of Monimichelle Group, Ebi Egbe says he sees Rivers United, Plateau United and Kwara United making it to the group stage of the CAF club competitions.

Though the trio are pitted against very strong North African opponents in the next round of the competitions, Egbe said getting past the North African teams is not a mission impossible.

He equally gave thumbs up to Remo Stars who crashed out of the CAF Confederation Cup after losing 1-2 on aggregate to highly rated Moroccan side, AS Far.

In Egbe’s words…”Remo has shown that there is nothing special about the North African teams despite not making it. Remo had a good game in both legs and were only unlucky not to have progressed. I see Rivers United and the other two teams shocking their North African opponents in the next round.

“The good thing is that our teams would have found their rhythm when they are going into the next round of games. And with the draw Remo got away in Morocco, Rivers and co can hit North Africa confident of getting result.”

Egbe stressed that he is happy the clubs are also playing on fine turfs that allow them to fully express themselves.
“The era when our clubs played on bad turfs are gradually coming to an end and it gladdens my heart that Monimichelle is part of the revolution. Remo and Kwara played on a turf constructed by my outfit,” Egbe stated.

Poised to add value to football, private funded Nigeria National League club Sporting Lagos has partnered with the Optima Energy Gold Cup.

The Optima Energy Gold Cup, a preseason tournament for football teams in the Nigerian domestic leagues, will be hosting its 10th edition from September 22 to Independence Day, October 1st, in Ikenne and Sagamu.

Sporting Lagos Football Club is the brainchild of Shola Akinlade, Co-Founder/CEO of Paystack, Nigeria’s leading online payment platform

“Sporting Lagos is proud to partner with the Optima Energy Gold Cup which is in it’s 10th edition. We share the same dream with the organizers as we both intend to help the next football talents in Nigeria,” says Godwin Enakhena, the chairman of the club. 

According Tunde Shamsudeen, the Optima Energy Gold Cup General Coordinator stated: “We’re delighted to be associated with a tech investor, Akinlade, who is using Sporting Lagos as a platform for community development and social change.

“The partnership is a big boost and one that will be of immense benefit to both brands during the tourney.

“Private investment is what our football is lacking over the years, with Sporting Lagos coming on board, Paystack and it’s others sponsorship brands such as Abeg, PiggyVest, Renmoney and Helium Health could use the different football platforms in Nigeria to promote their products and services.

“It’s worthy to note that over the years, the Optima Energy Gold Cup has helped grow Nigerian brands, showcase the uniqueness of our football and it’s numerous talents. 

“With Sporting Lagos on board and the trio of defending champions Remo Stars, FC Ebedei, Beyond Limits and Mavlon FC, the Optima Energy Gold Cup now has a good mix of privately funded clubs and that of government.”

Organizers of the Optima Energy Gold Cup have informed that the 10th edition of the nation’s most prestigious preseason tournament for clubs in the domestic leagues will kick off on Thursday, September 22, 2022.

Organizers of the Optima Energy Gold Cup have informed that Remo Stars will begin the defence of its title, as the 10th edition of the nation’s most prestigious preseason tournament for clubs in the domestic leagues kicks off on Thursday, September 22, 2022.

Organizers of the Optima Energy Gold Cup have informed that Remo Stars will begin its title defence, as the 10th edition of the nation’s prestigious preseason tournament for clubs in the domestic leagues kicks off on Thursday, September 22, 2022.

Tunde Shamsudeen, General Coordinator of the tourney told Optima Energy Gold Cup Media: “We want to use this medium to thank the over 30 different clubs, which cuts across the three tiers of our league that have taken part in the Ogunjobi Gold Cup (now Optima Energy Gold Cup).

” The tournament inception in 2012, has proven to be the best platform for teams to prepare themselves extensively against tough teams, to know their strengths, drawbacks and proffer solutions to them before going into the season.

“Also the Optima Energy Gold Cup over the years has been part of some club’s success stories from former NPFL champions Kano Pillars, Lobi Stars, MFM FC, Niger Tornadoes, FC Ebedei and now Remo Stars.

” It’s on record that one or two teams that participate in the yearly tourney either end up winning the NPFL title, qualify for the CAF inter-club tournament or gain promotion.

“As we set the ball rolling for this year’s edition, it promises to be an exciting one for the 10 teams that will be looking forward to taking part and indeed fans.

“All necessary arrangement and logistics has been put in place to ensure a hitch-free tourney as there will be much fanfare and activation.

“The tourney will be co-hosted respectively at the Remo Stars Stadium and FC Ebedei Stadium in Ikenne and Sagamu.

“Official correspondence (invitation letters) has been sent to intending clubs in the three tiers of our domestic leagues, Nigeria Professional Football League(NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL) and Nationwide League One (NLO).

” Ten (10) teams are to participate in the 10-day soccer fiesta that will begin on Thursday, September 22 and climax on Independence Day, October 1, 2022.

“Teams will be grouped into two groups of A and B with five (5) teams each, and are expected to play four (4) group matches with two (2) teams with the highest number of points qualifying for the semi-finals.

Remo Stars defeated Kwara United in the second semifinal game to seal their spot in the final 4-2 via penalties after the dramatic game ended 1-1 at duration time.

The newly promoted NNL side, Smart City will battle the CAF Confederation Cup campaigner, Remo Stars in the grand finale on Friday at 3pm.

“I want to congratulate the two clubs that made it to the final, and we are looking forward to an explosive final. We appreciate all the clubs that participated in the tournament, they made the tournament competitive. I love the passion and emotion of the clubs and their sportsmanship behavior,” said Chairman of the ValueJet Cup organizing committee, Otunba Tade Azeez. 

Smart City walked over Vandrezzer FC in the first semifinal game due to a sponsorship agreement with ValueJet Airline.

“ValueJet Airline are the premium sponsor of the tournament, and we must protect our agreement. The first communication to all the clubs was an invitation letter, and we invited 18 clubs to participate in the tournament. 10 clubs responded to our invitation and we invited all the clubs to our unveiling ceremony of our sponsor and the draw which was the platform we used to communicate the framework and sponsorship terms to all the clubs.

“We informed the clubs about the clause in our agreement with ValueJet Airline that all participating clubs would play with a branded jersey at the ceremony. Vandrezzer FC just like the other 9 clubs had a representative at the ceremony, we informed the clubs that the ceremony was important to clarify the rules and benefits of the tournament. We presented the jersey to Vandrezzer FC officials at the ceremony and they accepted our sponsorship terms which include the appearance fee and prize monies. 

“They (Vandrezzer) communicated to us after playing with the jersey in the first game without any issue and we further explain to them about the agreement with our sponsor. They had the opportunity to pull out of the tournament after the sponsor ceremony, we had the clubs and Airline management present at the ceremony in case of any dispute but we had none.

“We apologize to the football fans that came to the stadium to enjoy the game and those watching via our YouTube channel. We regret the unfortunate incident, we must protect the framework and sponsorship terms of the tournament after official communication to all the clubs. We understand and respect Vandrezzer’s decision to discontinue the game and we wish them success,” Tade added. 

The first whistle at the competition will be blown 4 days from today and with the draw for the tournament set for August 23, the Organizing Committee Coordinator has reported good preparations for a mind-blowing competition.

2022 ValueJet Invitational Pre-Season Football Championship, will take home total prize monies of N3.5Million, with the champions going away with a cash prize of N2 Million, the first runners up take home N1Million and third place team get N500,000.

Badawiy said, “Preparations are going well as planned. From the onset, there have been communications between the Organising Committee and ValueJet.”

“The number of days that the competition would take place promises moments of exciting football at this year’s Tournament.”

Badawiy thanked Hon Kunle Soname for his financial and moral support in ensuring that this year’s event becomes a reality.

“Hon Kunle Soname is a Sports loving man. On behalf of my committee members, I’m using this medium to thank him for his support.”

“He deserves an applause for working around the deck to ensure that we don’t lack anything. The crucial role of my team of organizing committee gives me joy.

The money spinning tournament will take place from August 24th to September 3rd at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.

Remo Stars, Kwara United, Lobi Stars, Plateau United, Niger Tornadoes, 3SC and Sunshine Stars have already confirmed their participation for the competition.

Others are Gateway United, Bayelsa United, Ijebu United, Bendel Insurance and Vandrezzer.

The venue of the tournament is Remo Stars Stadium.

After the qualification of Team Osun; Team Oyo, Team Lagos and NPFL/LaLiga champions Remo Stars to the semi-finals on Friday, organizers of the Ogunjobi U15 Memorial Cup have released the last four pairings.

With both Oyo U15 and Osun U15 sealing their semi-final spot on Thursday, the onus was on Remo Stars and Lagos U15 team to get at least a point from their Matchday 3 fixtures, having recorded 4points and 3points respectively after the conclusion of Matchday 2 fixtures.

That they did at the Sports Complex Ataoja School Of Science in Osogbo, as Remo Stars and Osun U15 played out a 1-1 draw to go second in Group B with 5pionts while Osun maintained the top spot with 7points after two wins and a draw.

With Oyo U15 already leaders of Group A with 6points from two matches, Lagos and Ekiti had to slug it out in the final Group A game for who joins Oyo in the semis.

The soak tensed game between both teams lived up to the hype as it ended 1-1, thus saw the Eko Boys qualifying on superior goal difference ahead their counterparts Ekiti Bees as both teams were levelled on 4points.

It’s a tough semi-final pairings as high flying Oyo State who were handed a reality check after they lost their last group game by a lone goal to Kwara U15 team, will sqaure up against NPFL/LaLiga champions Remo Stars for a spot in the final while Osun U15 team will hope to contain the fire power of Lagos U15 team who scored five goals in the group stage.

Meanwhil, a total of 18 goals were scored in the group phase of the Ogunjobi U15 Memorial Cup as all teams recorded at least a point.

MatchDay 3 Results

Osun State 1-1 Remo Stars
Ekiti State 1-1 Lagos State
Oyo State 0-1 Kwara State
Ogun State 0-1 Ondo State

SEMI FINAL PAIRINGS

Team Oyo vs Remo Stars – 3pm

Team Osun vs Team Lagos – 4pm

#OgunjobiMemorialCup22