The three days of rigorous, insightful and impactful sessions of teachings on the laws of the game, practical refereeing and code/ethics of the hobby climaxed with a very successful and hitch-free promotion examination today at the Gold Mark Academy, Ugbowo Benin City, venue of the Edo State Council of the Nigerian (football) referee association (NRA) annual seminar and Promotion examination.
The annual seminar which kicked off on Wednesday and lasted till Friday at the venue saw active Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria professional football league (NPFL) referees and match assessors teaching prospective exam candidates and other interested referees facts and key details on the laws of the game and beyond. There was also the session on general studies/knowledge which was exhaustively handled by the Council chairman, Mr Johnbull Okundolor.
The Deal Day for the examination saw all 14 referees who took the promotion exams seated before 9 am, as the exam Supervisor came in with the question papers. The Candidates were made up of 5 RITs who wrote for promotion to grade three, 2 grade three referees who were writing to grade two and 7 grade two writing to grade one.
After the examination, the Council’s training officer, Efosa Celestine Igudia (FIFA) told Platinum news that he was very happy with the success of the entire program and the conduct of the referees throughout the seminar and the examination. He also said, ” the promotion exams is an annual program which affords referees the opportunity to be promoted from one grade to another, and that promotion is what guarantees them the highest level which is grade one where they start officiating at any of the leagues at the national level.”
In his statement, the Council chairman, Mr Johnbull Okundolor highlighted the success of the annual promotion exams in Edo state, emphasizing the efforts of all the lecturers who took part in lecturing the referees during the seminar. He also talked about the adequate preparation the referees who wrote the exams had put in as it reflected on their performance in the MOCK examination that took place on Friday. He also said that with this sort of annual program for referees, there is a very bright future for the hobby of football Refereeing in the state and the country at large.
He went on to congratulate the referees that took part in the promotion exams and wished them.
NPFL All Stars set up a date with NNL All Stars in the 2022 Amapro Football Championship final after beating Laycon FA 3-1 at Kwara Stadium Complex on Saturday morning.
Midfielder Oyedeji Samuel drew the first blood from the penalty spot after five minutes.
Offa-based Laycon FA deservedly levelled matters through talented striker Gotie Taofeeq on 22 minutes.
Wasiu Jimoh nodded home a fine cross from Musa Afeez to put NPFL All Stars on the ascendency 10 minutes into the second half.
Kwara United teenager Abubakar Idris put the game beyond Laycon with a thunderous strike that caught goalkeeper Taye Kolawole napping.
KFA 0-1 NNL All Stars
Defending champions NNL All Stars will face NPFL All Stars in the final after they overcame KFA 1-0.
Neither side were able to find the back of the net in the first 89 minutes, with the match almost heading to penalties.
Playmaker Ajiboye Moses popped up with a curler at injury time to stun KFA.
The 2022 Amapro Football Championship took centre stage at Kwara Stadium Complex with the four quarter-finals being held on Friday.
Defending champions, NNL All Stars were made to work hard for their victory after a 76th minute Lasoju Sulaimon screamer which broke Abraysports FC hearts
It was entertainment galore in the game between Kwara Football Academy and Jazzy Stars, with the former winning 1-0 thanks to impressive Sunday Samuel who bagged a stunning goal.
Gotie Taofeeq scored the winning spot-kick – as Laycon FA sealed a 4-2 penalty shoot-out victory over Amapro Selected. Goalkeeper Taye Kolawole was the hero for the Offa based side with two saves at the shoot-out.
Wasiu Alalade bagged a brace as NPFL All Stars eased past Dickalo FA 2-0 and they will next play Laycon FA in the semi-final.
The other semi-final fixture will see defending champions NNL All Stars put their title on the line against giant killing KFA.
Day 4 Results:
NNL All Stars 1-0 Abraysports KFA 1-0 Jazzy Stars Amapro Selected 0-0 Laycon FA (AP 2-4) NPFL All Stars 2-0 Dickalo FA
Captain of Bendel Insurance FC, Rt Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu has finally hung his boot as a professional football player at the age of 52.
It was all joy and celebration at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Friday evening as the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Shaibu started the game, leading the attack of the Benin Arsenal in his team’s last match of the Nigeria National League (NNL)
The attack line of Bendel Insurance was a deadly one with the presence of Comrade Shaibu on the pitch as he kept his markers at bay for the duration he spent on the field putting together a few beautiful passes from the final third of the football pitch, none of which resulted in a goal.
At the half-hour mark, Shaibu was subbed off and replaced by Taiwo Oripelaiye. Bendel Insurance took the lead 10 minutes after Comrade Shaibu’s substitution after Tanimu Benjamin converted his spot-kick into the bottom left corner of the opposition’s goal. The penalty came after a Bendel Insurance player was upended in the 18-yard box.
The half-time break was a mini fanfare as the Deputy Governor gave out 40 signed match balls to the spectators, in appreciation to fans of Bendel Insurance. The 40 match balls symbolise the iconic jersey number 40 Comrade Shaibu wore as a veteran player at the club.
Comrade Philip Shaibu started his career back in his undergraduate days at the University of Jos, where he captained his faculty and also represented UNIJOS at the Nigeria University Games Association (NUGA). Com. Shaibu also represented Federal Capital Territory at the NISFON U-20 games, where they got to the quarterfinals. He went on to play for Foreign Affairs FC, FCDA FC in Abuja, and later played the defunct Water Corporation FC of Akure and the Nigeria Prison Services FC, his last team before his move to Bendel Insurance where he spent six years as a player.
The deputy governor will surely be missed as a player of the club for his contributions on and off the pitch but he promised to continue showering support for the team. According to the digital deputy governor, since he started playing for the Benin Arsenal, they’ve never lost a game he played in, drawing only one while winning the rest.
Despite the victory which puts the club top of Group B1 with 49 points, Bendel Insurance had secured promotion to the top flight league of Nigeria Football, the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), with two games to spare.
The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu has categorically stated next season’s objective of Bendel Insurance; is to qualify for continental football.
At the post-match conference of Bendel Insurance’s 1-0 victory over Vandrezzer FC, Comrade Shaibu spoke at length about his expectations for the team in the 2022/2023 season while pledging his unflinching support.
“The next target is continental and the governor will speak to us all on this, I won’t reveal what the governor has told me,” Shaibu said
Comrade Philip Shaibu also seized the opportunity to remind the shirt sponsors of Bendel Insurance, Sterling Bank of their promise to triple the sponsorship if they secure promotion.
“Sterling Bank thank you very much we’ve met our target, the ball is in your court now to triple our deal as agreed” Shaibu jokingly added.
The multi-talented athlete did not forget to thank the fans and management of the team for sticking up with the team through the tough and good times. To show his appreciation he gave out signed jersey shirts to the chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Frank Ilaboya, permanent secretary of the Edo State Sports Commission, Mrs Sabina Chokers, the Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria National League, Mr Emmanuel Adesanya, National Union of Journalists Edo State Chapter Chairman, Mr Festus Alekhe and Director of Sports Facilities, Edo State Sports Commission, Mr. Victor Edokpai
The USA under 20 women’s team opened their campaign with a convincing 3-0 victory against Ghana. Head to head, both teams have encountered themselves in the U-20 women’s world cup in 2010 where it was a one-all draw, 2012 the USA women trashed them 4-0, 2016 it ended in a one-all draw.
The USA team had a better chance of success as they controlled the pace of the game from the start and had advantages of possession and shots against their opponent Ghana.
After some minutes of competitive play, USA U-20 opened the scoring in the 11th minute when Michelle Cooper, got a left-footed cross in the box and shot it into the net. Ghana had four yellow cards in addition, one of their experienced midfielders Jacqueline Owusu was shown a red card for a hard tackle on Korbin Albert. Seven minutes after the incident, the USA team doubled their lead as Alyssa Thompson netted the second goal.
In the second half of the game, the USA team came out more glaring which paid off as Ally Setnor who came into the match as an s halftime substitute for Cooper found the back of the net in the 51st minute. They continued a pressing play which left Ghana with no shots on target in the second half.
Japan u-20 women’s game against the Netherlands ended 1-0 in favour of the Japan team.
However, Nigerians had to stay up at midnight to watch the Falconets’ first match in the quest for the u-20 women’s world cup title. Having participated in all editions since 2002, they emerged runners-up twice in 2010 and 2014 and reached the quarter-finals on five occasions. The Falconets en route to the u-20 women’s WorldCup was flawless as they dispatched several of their opponents like the Central African Republic, and the Republic of Congo who after the first leg didn’t show up in the second leg tie against the Falconets, Cameroon and Senegal all both on goals and aggregates. In total, the Falconets scored 28 goals conceding only twice.
Although, the game between France u-20 and the Nigeria u-20 Falconets was delayed twenty minutes after kick-off due to terrible weather conditions. Notwithstanding, the Falconets beat their opponent team 1-0 as Sebastine Flourish who has always been in the goals book of the Falconets scored the only goal in the 85th minute to give Nigeria the victory.
Also, the south Korean women started on a good note as they defeated the Canada U-20 team who had a challenging start 2-0.
More interesting fixtures ahead of the 13th of August, in Group A Brazil U-20, will face the Australia U-20 team who started on a high note winning the host country Costa Rica 3-0. In Group B, Germany U-20 will take on Newzealand women as both sides will want to better their chances as they continue.
It was an Action filled event as Wrestlers from 4 Different states and 2 Wrestling Clubs in Nigeria gathered at the Gymnasium Hall of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State for the second Edition of the Edo State Invitational Amateur Wrestling Tournament.
The Event provided action-filled bouts which started on Saturday 6th of August and came to a thrilling end on Tuesday 9th of August.
The Tournament saw teams from Edo State, Kogi State, Delta State, Anambra State, Atula Wrestling Club and Onyebuchi Wrestling Club competing to win The Medals on offer. The Event Kicked off with an Opening Ceremony which took place at the Mat of the Gymnasium Hall of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium as the Participating State Athletes wore the well-designed Tournament Shirts and Held Ballons While Dancing to songs.
Kogi 2023 LOC Committee members: From right, Mrs. Justina Okoli, Sec Anambra Wrestling Ass; Olusesan Olukoya, Mrs. Gladys Osogwu, Edo State Wrestling Organizing Sec; Coach Victor Oriakhi, head coach, Edo Wrestling Ass: Emeka Obidinma, Director of Sports, Anambra and Coach Philip Momoh, head coach, Kogi Wrestling association. The committee was inaugurated during the close ceremony of the Edo state Invitational Wrestling Tournament
Athletes squared off in different Weight categories for Senior and Cadet levels for both Male and females on the mat as Wrestling Officials, stakeholders and fans from across different parts of Nigeria watched.
After a series of Big battles and a show of strength and resilience from the Amateur Wrestlers, Bright Irobekham from Edo state finished in first position to win the Gold medal in the 72kg Male Greco Roman with Nnaemeka K.C. from Anambra State finishing 2nd to win Silver and Joseph Anthony from Delta finishing 3rd to claim the Bronze Medal.
In the 60kg, Male Greco Roman Dick Enenibodi from Edo state finished 1st to win Gold with ThankGod Destiny from the Atula Wrestling Club finishing 2nd to claim Silver.
For the Senior Female Category, Nwoye Ifeoma from Anambra finished first to claim the Gold Medal while Juliet Amakoro from the Atula Wrestling Club finished 2nd to win the silver medal and Kate Umunna from Edo State claimed Bronze after finishing 3rd. In the 55kg weight category Ozioma Joseph of Delta State emerged victorious to claim the Gold Medal, Rita Odede of Edo State finished in 2nd place to win Silver and Ayo Esewi of the Onyebuchi Wrestling Club walked away with Bronze while in the 57kg Category Faith Esosuokpo finished first to win Gold.
The Invitational Wrestling Championship also saw thrilling Action from the Cadet Level where Olaye Mattew from Kogi State finished first in the 41kg weight category to win Gold while Destiny Isa from Edo state claimed silver after finishing 2nd with Oriakhi Kelvin from the Onyebuchi Wrestling Club went home with the Bronze Medal after finishing 3rd.
Also In the 44Kg Event of the Cadet Level Akore Surly of Onyebuchi Wrestling Club won Gold after finishing first with Godspower Steve finishing 2nd to win Silver and Kelvin Erhunwerie claiming the bronze medal after finishing 3rd.
In the Male Cadet also, Kingsley Tonye from Edo state Claimed Gold in the 33kg category after finishing first with Atonwa Chukwuebuka from Anambra State winning the Silver Medal after finishing 2nd and the Bronze Medal going to Alabi Osaretin of Kogi State. While in the 30kg Cadet Iho Uhonoma Representing Kogi State finished first and walked away with Gold, Osasuyi Osamwonyi from Edo State finished 2nd and won Silver with Adodo Abraham claiming Bronze after finishing 3rd.
At the end of the Exciting Tournament, Edo State Finished First in the Overall Medal Standing after winning 11 Gold medals, 6 silver medals and 2 bronze Medals. Anambra State finished 2nd with 3 gold Medal and 3 Silver medals. Kogi State went home with 3 gold medals, 1 silver and 3 bronze medals to finish 3rd. Morris Atula Wrestling Club finished 4th with 2 Gold medals, 2 Silver medals and 1 bronze medal while Onyebuchi Wrestling Club won 1 gold medal, 2 silver medals and 2 bronze medals to finish 5th with Delta State finishing 6th after winning 1 Gold Medal, 1 Silver Medal and 2 bronze medals.
Earlier on, the Chairman of the Edo State Wrestling Association Morris Atula said the Second Edition of the Amateur Wrestling Tournament was geared towards ensuring the full development of young people’s potential through the ‘catch them young’ project by carrying out amateur wrestling events via the Edo State Invitational Amateur Wrestling Tournament.
“The provision of strategic championship supportive networks and initiatives for character development, entrepreneurial activities, sports and community-based civic initiatives would enable us to achieve the needful” he further explained.
The Chairman of the Edo State Wrestling Association who is a Former World Light Heavyweight Champion also said the Edo State Invitational Wrestling Championship will produce the future champions of the mat sport from our part of the world nationally, continentally and even world champions.
“The objective of sports activities is not only to promote the potential of young people in this field but also to equip them with business skills and acquaint them with social, economic and environmental issues. This holistic approach aims to empower young people to assume a responsible role in their communities in the future. Through sports, many bridges can be built which promote collaboration and stimulate responsibility in communities. Sports are associated with an indisputably high social function like community leadership, community empowerment and sustainable development. In this way, newly acquired skills and talents can be reinvested in the community. Young people must be empowered through this project,” The Former Professional and one of the pioneers of professional Wrestling in Nigeria Emphasised the Emergence of new Wrestling talents.
Recall that the first edition which saw Ogiemwonyi Osaretin emerge as the overall winner and face of the Morris Atula championship took place last year accommodating only wrestlers from Edo State, but this edition becomes bigger with six teams and four states taking part in it.
The championship which had sparks and glamour saw winners emerging from various categories and carted home medals presented their medals and certificate of participation.
Speaking at the championship, wrestling stakeholders registered their pleasure in what they saw, heaping praises on the chairman of Edo Wrestling Association, Morris Atula and sending across their charge to other states to emulate what was being practised in Edo State.
……as Bendel Insurance play Vandrezzer FC in Benin.
As the curtain draws on the 2021/2022 Nigeria National League season, Bendel Insurance will end their stay in the NNL with a matchup against Vandrezzer FC – a match many have tagged to be a promising one
Bendel Insurance though back in the NPFL for 2022/2023 will still look to having one past their opponents who held them to a barren draw at the Teslim Balogun stadium, Lagos, on the opening day of the season.
The Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu who is also a registered player in the NNL as a Bendel Insurance player in his bid to register his appreciation to the fans of Bendel Insurance and the people of Edo state, has promised to give out a free souvenir of the club to the first 1,000 spectators that will be at the stadium on the match day.
The sports-loving Deputy Governor – an exceptional motivator to the Benin Arsenal and huge morale booster to the Bendel Insurance players all season is expected to make some major pronouncements tomorrow, shortly after the match.
Despite his very tight schedule, the sports-loving Philip Shaibu has been training with the players in preparation for the last match where he is expected to lace his boots.
The 10th edition of the FIFA U-20 women’s world cup kicked off in Costa Rica on Wednesday, 10th August 2022, with tons of goals scored despite one of the four games on matchday 1 ending in a barren draw.
Last time out, Japan got to the highspot as they were crowned champions, becoming only the fourth nation to win the tournament after USA, Germany, and Korea.
It is worthy of note that the biennial competition has returned for the first time since France 2018 due to the global pandemic. However, the technical study team from FIFA which includes Monica Vergara, Anja Mittay and Pascal Zuberbuhler are on the ground to observe the competition.
The Alejandro Morera Soto stadium in Alajuela was filled as out of the four groups ready for the women’s world cup, Colombia and Germany kicked off the championship in Group B where the Colombia U-20 women won the game by a lone goal in the 87th minute of the encounter courtesy Mariana Munoz Ramirez who sneaked passed the German defence to give Colombia the victory.
Thereafter, the New Zealand women went head to head with the Mexico u-20 women team and as early as the 31st minute Newzealand women got an opener as Grace Wisnewski’s goal came through. Before the first half was over the Mexico women got an equaliser goal by Anette Vazquez in the 45th minute of the game. The second half saw a see-saw game between both teams as each team struggled to overcome, four minutes of extra time was added but still ended in a one all draw between both sides.
A total of four matches will be contested today August 11th, which include Spain vs Brazil, Ghana vs USA, Japan vs the Netherlands, and the hosts, Costa Rica starting their campaign against Australia.
The game between Spain and Brazil kick-started in the early hours of this morning. Although the two sides have not met previously it ended in a stalemate.
On the other hand, the host was not able to do much as they lost 3-1 to the Australian team who had a spectacular start to their campaign, the Australian women’s team were a goal down when Costa Rica struck at the 19th minute through Alexandra Gonzales.
A goal from Sarah Hunter made the Aussies get an equaliser in the 37th minute, a minute after the equalising goal Bryleeh Henry’s shot in another goal to give them the lead making it a keenly contested match. Kristy Fenton sealed the deal for the Australian women as she got the third goal in the 72nd minute.
Later on, Ghana will be locking horns with the USA team then Japan will go against the Netherlands team.
Subsequently, the energetic and successful Nigerian women falconets will be seen on the 12th of August, 2022.
ABS FC outgunned Success Tiyu, NNL All Stars routed Amapro Selected, unlucky BSC crashed out while Dickalo consumed Da Faria.
Day 3 provided a thrilling slate of Amapro Football Championship action at KFA Pitch.
Success Tiyu 2-6 ABS FC
Charles Johann scored a brace as Success Tiyu were torn apart by ABS FC.
Timileyin Olukotun, Samuel Bamigboye, Goma Mohammed, Pius Oladipupo, Muktar Quadri and Ahmed Rabiu were on target for the Saraki Boys.
ABS FC topped group C with nine points from three games, while Success Tiyu mustered a solitary point.
NPFL All Stars 3-2 BSC FA
produced a stunning first-half display to shock Barcelona and hand Real Madrid a huge advantage in the La Liga title race.
NPFL All Stars found the breakthrough in the 9th minute as Wasiu Jimoh fired the free kick to the back of the net.
Stars doubled their lead as Issa Gata showed incredible pace to drive away from Iyonu Ridwan and delivered a cross onto the feet of Wasiu Alalade, who guided the ball home.
Gangling striker Ibrahim Raheem Ogede nodded the ball beyond the outstretched arms of Detan Ogundare to reduce the deficit. It was his second goal of the tournament.
BSC equalized when Mahee Alege picked pocket of two NPFL All Stars players before driving a low effort to the net.
A late winner arrived for All Stars that was heartbreaking to BSC. The rampaging Gata ghosted past two defenders before releasing Ahmed Jimoh who applied the finish.
Amapro Selected 0-3 NNL All Stars
NNL All Stars controlled the match from the start. Their pressure eventually told in the 30th minute thanks to Sufian Bello who struck the free kick into the bottom right hand corner of the net from a tight angle.
Amapro had the chance to level matters with a spot kick. But Ibrahim Sulyman fired off target.
Moses Ajiboye and Kale Karatu got on the scoresheet as NNL All Stars won the game 3-0.
KFA 1-0 Pro Leaguers
Striker Abu Garba bagged the solitary strike as KFA pipped Pro Leaguers 1-0.
The Academy boys finished on top of the log with seven points from three games.
Laycon 2-1 Gateway
Laycon fought back from a goal down to beat Gateway in an interesting final group match.
King Tare got the opener with a fine header in the 35th minute.
A masterclass performance from Gotie Taofeeq turned things around for Laycon. He won a penalty in the 44th minute after being hacked down in the box and he calmly slotted the ball home to restore parity.
Laycon continued with the possession, until Gotie Taofeeq found Alabi Samad with a pass inside the area and he hit it home with no mistake.
Da Faria SC 0-2 Dickalo FA
The highlight of the game was Lawal Azeez’s stunning strike to seal the win for Dickalo FA.
It was an early goal for Dickalo as Monday Michael got at the end of a through pass, to beat Da Faria’s goalkeeper in goal with a simple strike.
Da Faria missed several chances with hope to get the leveler, but a stunning strike from Lawal Azeez sealed the win for Dickalo FA.
HMK 1-1 Jazzy Stars
It was a drab affair in the first half of the encounter as both teams failed to hit target.
HMK opened scoring with a stunning freekick through Ibrahim Akande, before Nanjuwan Samuel saved the day for the Jos boys by restoring parity with a spot kick.
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