Mikel Absent destabilised us -Swaziland Coach

Swaziland coach Bulunga has admitted that playing Sunshine Stars midfielder Paul Onobi instead of Mikel, gave Nigeria a edge.

          

“We saw weaknesses in the Nigeria team in the first leg unfortunately, the coach made changes and there was nothing we could do about it,” said Bulunga.

“(Oliseh) was smart enough to make some chances (and this affected what) we hoped to capitalise.

“For example, the midfield was very slow in the first leg so we wanted to capitalise on that but he changed (his tactics) and put in (Paul Onobi instead of Mikel Obi in that position) and it affected our whole set up.

“(Onobi) was aggressive, he was quick…also the left and right backs were new players that we didn’t expect to play.”

Nigeria won the match by 2:0 after they played goalless draw in Swaziland, Sunday Oliseh and his boys celebrated their first win under the new gaffer after drawing their first two qualifying matches.

Super Eagles have now qualified into the next round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup which is stated to take place in Russia.   

Osimhen set record as Eaglet retain the FIFA U-17 World Cup

The Nigerian Golden Eaglets became only the second side to retain the FIFA U-17 World Cup with a 2-0 win against Mali in Vina Del Mar. Nigeria won in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013, and now in 2015 in Chile and has set a record of the first country to win the competition for the five times.

       

The Nigerian team won the maiden edition of FIFA U-17 World Cup in 1985 in China, the fifth edition of the tournament in 1993 in Japan, the twelfth edition of the tournament in 2007 in South Korea,the fifteenth held in the United Arab Emirates 2013 and again the sixteenth in Chile 2015.

Victor Osimhen stole the show once again thanks to his record-breaking tenth goal of the tournament, with Funsho Bamgboye adding a second moments later. Samuel Diarra had saved an early Osinachi Ebere penalty as the Malians played their part in an entertaining finale to Chile 2015.

The penalty came as both sides were just finding their rhythm in the opening exchanges, Chato the culprit with a handball. Ebere saw his low effort saved brilliantly by Diarra, the No17’s follow up header hit the bar before a third bite of the cherry was blocked by the Malian defence.

Both sides had chances in a tense opening period, with Golden Eaglets skipper Kelechi Nwakali hitting just wide and Boubacar Traore seeing his glancing header tipped over by Akpan Udoh.

The second half saw the game burst into life, with Emmanuel Amuneke’s words clearly working their magic on the Nigerian youngsters. Osimhen shrugged off the challenge of Mamadou Fofana before hitting a wonderful dipping half volley towards goal, which Diarra spectacularly saved. Udochukwu Anumudu then smashed a thunderous effort at goal, which rebounded back off the crossbar and was cleared away.

Mali did not heed those warnings. Good approach play by substitute Chinedu Madueke saw him tee up Osimhen for his record-breaking goal, seeing him surpass the nine goals scored by Florent Sinama Pongolle in 2001 and Souleymane Coulibaly ten years later.

The holders doubled their advantage mere minutes later, with Bamgboye bursting down the Nigerian left before smashing a powerful effort at goal, Diarra standing little chance.

Despite a couple of late chances for Mali, from corner kicks, Nigeria retained possession for large spells and saw the game out to retain their crown. The jubilant scenes on the final whistle in Vina Del Mar will surely live long in the memories of these Nigerian heroes of the present, some of whom may just become the stars of the future.

D'Tigress beat Senegal in 2015 AfroBasketball Women Championship

The Nigeria female basketball team d'Tigress  are souring high in the ongoing Afro Basket women 2015, after beating Senegal 75-64. 


Break down of how the game went down.. 
Nigeria 75 Senegal 64 Ogoke: 18pts 4asts 5rebs Elonu: 17pts 5rebs 2blks Udeaja: 9pts 10rebs Sanni: 6pts 9rebs. Congratulations to them

Let keep the hope alive just has we did for the D'tigers in the just concluded  AfroBasketball Men in Tunisia. 

Oliseh determined to succeed' invites Mikel, Moses and Ighalo for Congo, Cameroon friendlies

Ahead of the friendly matches against Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon, Super Eagles head coach Sunday Oliseh has invited 24 players to to prosecute the games.

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Among the invitees are Captain Vincent Enyeama, John Obi Mikel, Elderson Echiejile, Godfrey Oboabona and a host of others.

Former junior international defender Abdullahi Shehu gets his first opportunity at senior level, and Moses Simon, who scored against Niger Republic, is also considered, alongside home boys Chima Akas, Austin Oboroakpo, Paul Onobi and Prince Aggrey. There is also room for Watford FC of England striker Odion Ighalo.

THE FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France); Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Sunshine Stars); Femi Thomas (Enyimba FC)

Defenders: Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Abdullahi Shehu (Uniao da Madeira, Portugal); Elderson Echiejile (AS Monaco, France); Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey); William Troost Ekong (FK Haugesund, Norway); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa SK, Turkey); Austin Oboroakpo (Abia Warriors)

Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Paul Onobi (Sunshine Stars); Obiora Nwankwo (Coimbra FC, Portugal); John Mikel Obi (Chelsea FC, England); Rabiu Ibrahim (AS Trencin, Slovakia)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emmanuel Emenike (Al Ain, UAE); Sylvester Igbonu (FC UFA, Russia); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Moses (West Ham United, England); Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England); Prince Aggrey (Sunshine Stars)

The Eagles take on Congo on October 8 and Cameroon three days later. 

Source: Thenff.com

Former Nigeria U20 coach Manu Garba Takes over as Giwa FC coach

Former Nigeria U20 coach Manu Garba has taken over NPFL side Giwa FC.

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The Jos club announced Manu’s appointment via their Twitter handle, disclosing the coach was introduced to the team on Wednesday evening.

Manu takes over from Aminu Musa, who quit the club on Wednesday because of family reasons.

The former Nigeria U17 and U20 handler was also in the reckoning for the top post at champions Kano Pillars and he has previously worked with his hometown club Gombe United.

Giwa are fifth on the table with 46 points from 29 matches.

They welcome relegation-threatened Sharks this Sunday in continuation of the Nigeria league.

Cameroon shock Super Falcons 2-1 in All Africa Games Woman football Semi-final Match

The Super Falcons of Nigeria will not play in the final of the women’s football event at the 11th All Africa Games, after they lost 2-1 to Cameroon in the semi-final

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Therese Abena put the Indomitable Lionesses ahead after only 10 minutes, before Madeleine Ngo Mani made it 2-0 before the interval.

Onome Ebi pulled one back three minutes after the restart, but it proved to be a mere consolation in the end.

Nigeria started well at the tournament, beating hosts Congo 5-1, Tanzania 3-0, before losing 2-1 to Cote d’Ivoire in their last group match.

The Falcons will face the Ivorians in the third-place game.

Eagles Gaffer Oliseh Salary to be paid by Zenith Bank for One Year- Amaju Pinnick

NFF president Amaju Pinnick has disclosed Zenith Bank PLC have agreed to foot the salary of Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh for a year.

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 Oliseh, who is on a five million Naira monthly salary (about $25,000), took over the Super Eagles in July.

“Zenith Bank have undertaken to pay Oliseh’s salary for a year. This will take a lot of burden off the federation,” disclosed Pinnick.

“The bank has also sponsored the country’s top referees for refresher courses in London.”

Cash-strapped NFF have often struggled to pay the country’s coaches as at when due with previous coach Stephen Keshi owed for several months before he was eventually paid.

Pellegrini and Ayew wins English Premier League Manager and Player of the Month Award for August Respectively

Manchester city manager Manuel Pellegrini has been named the Premier League Manager of the Month for August, following his team’s breathtaking start to the season.

Where other teams have faltered and fallen, Manchester City have stood tall.

The Citizens have raced to the top of the Premier League table with commanding displays that has seen them win their first four league games.

Opening with a 3-0 win over West Brom at the Hawthorns, they were imperial when Chelsea came visiting, taking the champions to the cleaners with a 3-0 win.

Manchester City will look to continue their 100% start to the season when they face Crystal Palace who are second on the log.

Meanwhile, Swansea City’s Andre Ayew has scooped the player of the month award.

         

The summer signing from Marseille has hit the ground running at the Liberty Stadium, scoring three goals in his opening four games.

And he has been recognised for his scoring spree with the first accolade of the season.

Barcelona Once again the best club in the world after winning club year award

Barcelona have been acknowledged as the European Club of the Year by the European Club Association (ECA) at a dinner in Geneva ahead of the organisation’s General Assembly on Tuesday.

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The award was presented by ECA president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in recognition of the Camp Nou side’s successes last season both domestically and internationally.

The Catalans beat Real Madrid to the Liga title, proved to be too strong for Juventus in the UEFA Champions League final, while they saw off Athletic Bilbao to lift the Copa del Rey.

It is the second time that Barcelona have received the award, previously taking home the trophy in 2011.

In claiming it again this year, Luis Enrique’s men have become the first club to be recognised twice for their achievements.

Real Madrid were handed the award in 2014 after winning their 10th European title under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti.

Eaglets hails for good Conduct in Korea After Exit by NFF

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has praised the Golden Eaglets despite finishing third at the 2015 Suwon Continental Cup International Youth (U-17) Football Tournament in Korea.

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The Emmanuel Amuneke-led side, who lost in a 3-2 dramatic manner to Croatia in their last game, had earlier posted a 1-1 draw against Korea and earned a 2-1 win against eventual winners, Brazil.

Addressing the Golden Eaglets after the ill-fated loss to Croatia, NFF board member, Ahmad Kawu, and Deputy General Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, gave kudos to the team for their overall performance and good conduct in Suwon.

“You have done well despite the fact that you lost to Croatia today in a dramatic way because but over the three matches everybody saw you are a good side and we are confident you would get better before the World Cup in Chile,” said Kawu who gifted the Eaglets 500 US Dollars.

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He added: “This is just my little appreciation to you and I want to commend the technical crew for a good job. I believe this team will get better before we get to Chile.”

Similarly, Ikpeme said the Golden Eaglets looked promising. Only six players of the 21 that earned the FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015 ticket at the African U-17 Championship were in Suwon and Ikpeme said the tournament was a good platform to expose the new lads.

“I was in touch with the NFF president, Mr. Amaju Pinnick and he was happy that you have gained exposure and experience by coming for this tournament,” Ikpeme said. “You have done well but the ultimate gain of this competition was the exposure; we want you to block the loss to Croatia from your psyche and refocus your attention to Chile.

Ikeme Appreciate Nigerians Despite goals Draw again Tanzania

Super Eagles Goalkeeper Carl Ikeme has appreciated Nigerians for giving him the support needed to keep a clean sheet in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying match against the Taifa stars of Tanzania in Daar salem on Saturday.

             

The Wolves of England safe glove, who had earlier said he has all it takes to step into the shoes of Vincent Enyeama, really proved his worth in the match, as he made some saves to deny the host the opportunity of disgracing the former African Champions. 

Carl who made some brilliant saves in the game against Tanzania to keep Super Eagles of Nigeria from conceding and limiting them chances of qualifying for the 2017 Nations Cup.

Though the match ended in a goalless draw his performance (Carl Ikeme) really still the show after a wonderful and scintillating saves in his first cap for national team colors. And am sure our number goal keeper Vincent Enyeama and many Nigerian Fans out there would be proud of him.

  

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Liverpool has Signed Nigerian forward Taiwo Awoniyi

Liverpool have announced the signing of Nigerian forward Taiwo Awoniyi, who will immediately head out on loan with FSV Frankfurt. The 18-year-old, who joins the Reds having previously represented Imperial Academy in Nigeria, is to spend the rest of the season on loan with the second division German side. Liverpool are understood to have paid around £400,000 for Awoniyi’s services.
       
Awoniyi is a current Nigeria Under-23 international. He has also played for the Super Eagles at the Under-17 and Under-20 World Cups, and earned a call-up for the senior Nigeria squad in 2013.

The news of his signing comes on the same day that three players have left Liverpool.

Striker Fabio Borini was first to have his exit confirmed on Monday, joining Sunderland on a four-year-deal for what is understood to be a fee of £8 million with a further £2 million of add-ons.

It has also been announced that striker Samed Yesil and teenage midfielder Sergi Canos have both gone out on loan, joining Swiss side FC Luzern and Brentford respectively.

Yesil’s deal is also a season-long loan switch. The 21-year-old German signed for Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2012 and went on to make two first-team appearances for the Merseysiders in his first campaign with them, his only ones to date.

He told the club’s official website:

    “This is the biggest club in the world and I’m privileged to be here.

    “I’ll try to develop myself very well so that when I come back to Liverpool I’ll be able to add value to the team.

    “When I’m in the red shirt, I will always give my very best to make the fans happy.”

    "I’m privileged to be here." Read or watch our interview with Taiwo Awoniyi online now http://t.co/1Kmevh9stN #LFC pic.twitter.com/IzvmgMQGIA

    — Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 31, 2015

Gomez and Ibe Landed in U-21 list after Impresive Performance

Liverpool duo Joe Gomez and Jordan Ibe has both been call up for the up coming European U-21 Championship by England after both have perform wonderfully well in the beginning of the English Premier League Season with their culb.

The Duo both took part in the last night game Liverpool against Arsenal at the Emirate when the match ended in a goal less draw. the latter Gomez played 90 minutes while Ibe came on in the second half to replace one of the new Liverpool acquisition Roberto Filimino.

Here is the full list of the Players selected for the match.....

Image source @daveOCKop

     

Pinnick bangs FIFA appointment as Organizing Committee member

Nigeria football recorded a huge applause on Thursday afternoon when world football –governing body, FIFA, announced the appointment of the President of Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick as a Member of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Organizing Committee.

Picture Source Pulse.ng

In a letter dated 14th August 2015 and signed by FIFA Secretary General, Jerome Valcke, the world body wrote: “We are very pleased to inform you that you have been appointed as a member of the Organizing Committee for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Please accept our sincere congratulations on this nomination.

“We wish you success and enjoyment in this role at FIFA and look forward to welcoming you soon in Zurich.”

The late astute administrator, Patrick Okpomo, was Member of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Organizing Committee.

Incidentally, as Executive Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Pinnick named the world –class Football House he superintended in Asaba, capital of the State, after the revered Patrick Okpomo.

Reacting on Thursday, the NFF boss said the appointment has not come to him in his individual capacity, but in his position as head of Nigeria football.

“I have always maintained that our country is too big to be a silent member of the international football community. This appointment is to the applause of Nigeria football, not myself as a person.

“This will certainly encourage our efforts home and abroad to project Nigeria football positively. I insist: Nigeria has the quantity and quality of population to excel in several areas of endeavor globally.”

Amaju Pinnick NFF

The 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup finals will be staged in Korea Republic.

Pinnick, who is also Member of the CAF Organizing Committee for the Africa Cup of Nations, was elected NFF President 11 months ago. He served for eight years as Chairman of the Delta State Football Association, and also served as Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission.

At the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Equatorial Guinea earlier in the year, Pinnick was match commissioner for as many as six matches – a rare privilege for a newcomer to African football’s top table.

Sources: The NFF

Clubs frustrating and delaying my plans - Coach Siasia Lament

National U-23 Team, Dream Team Six, Head Coach Samson Siasia has reportedly cried out to the Nigeria Football Federation to come to his aid by talking to clubs in the Nigeria Professional Football League to release their players for preparation for next month's All -Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville.

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Coach Siasia expressed this frustration at Tuesday evening training session at the FIFA Goal Project when he had only eight of the invited players, as the others were not released by their clubs after he permitted them to play last weekend games.

"How can I prepare well for a competition as important as the All Africa Games when clubs in the local scene have refused to release their players for the camping exercise? We have barely two weeks to our first game and up till now I have only 8 players to work with."

"Most of the club managers called to appeal that we allow their players play last weekend games, a request I approved, with an appeal to them that they should release the players on Monday. This is Tuesday and I still have not seen the players as most of them have called to say their clubs are holding on to them for mid-week games. This is not fair."

To make matters worse, some of the invited players who arrived camp earlier, had to leave camp to report to the Super Eagles camp to which they have also been invited by Coach Sunday Oliseh.

According to Coach Siasia, he had to make this appeal to the NFF who are his employers and the father of all to intervene on the issue because as things stand now, he cannot submit a list of players for the All Africa Games, as some of his players have gone abroad to sign for clubs.

Appealing to the clubs to help him out, the U-23 coach said they should give him all the assistance and cooperation they gave him in the early stages of his preparations for the qualifiers as that is the only way he can make the nation proud.

As at Tuesday's training only eight players, Segun Oduduwa, Sincere Seth, Ikechukwu Okorie,  Oliseh Ndah, Etebong Elisha, Oladapo Augustine, Mohammed Yusuf and Abiodun  Akande trained, while Tonbara Tiongoli, Semiu Laidi and Ndifreke Effiong sat out due to various injury concerns.

Meanwhile, Siasia has invited three more players to beef up the team. The invited players are ‎Stephen Eze (Sunshine Stars), Lawal Shittu (Giwa FC) and Christian Pyagbara (Sharks FC).

Coach Siasia said he expects all the invited players to report to camp by Thursday after their mid week games.

Oliseh releases 18 man's list for Tanzania Match as Mikel and Moses Missing Out

Super Eagles’ Head Coach Sunday Oliseh has invited 18 overseas-based professionals for next month’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania in Dar es Salaam.

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Eagles' first –choice goalkeeper and skipper Vincent Enyeama headlines the list that also has defenders Godfrey Oboabona, Leon Balogun and Kenneth Omeruo, midfielders Rabiu Ibrahim, Lukman Haruna and Joel Obi, and forwards Ahmed Musa, Emmanuel Emenike and Anthony Ujah.

There are a number of surprises, in line with Oliseh’s earlier pledge to make current form and first –level football key indices for selection to the Super Eagles.

There are goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, midfielder Izunna Ernest Uzochukwu and forwards Emem Eduok, Sylvester Igboun and Moses Simon.

All the 18 players, who will join up with the 23 home boys who arrived camp in Abuja on Monday, are expected in Abuja on Monday, 31st August, 2015 at the latest.

The Super Eagles take on Tanzania in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, September 5.

THE FULL LIST

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Lille OSC, France); Carl Ikeme (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England)

Defenders: Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05, Germany); Kingsley Madu (AS Trencin, Slovakia); Godfrey Oboabona (Caykur Rizespor, Turkey); William Troost Ekong (FK Haugesund, Norway); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa SK, Turkey)

Midfielders: Joel Obi (Torina FC, Italy); Izunna Ernest Uzochukwu (FC Amkar Perm, Russia); Obiora Nwankwo (Coimbra FC, Portugal); Lukman Haruna (Anzhi Machatsjkala, Russia); Rabiu Ibrahim (AS Trencin, Slovakia)

 Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Emem Eduok (Esperance ST, Tunisia); Emmanuel Emenike (Al Ain, UAE); Anthony Ujah (Werder Bremen, Germany); Sylvester Igboun (FC UFA, Russia); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium) 

Reported by THENFF.COM

CAF competitions gets Brand new official names

The Confederation of African Football Executive Committee have renamed six of their continental competitions.

       

Some of the competition that were renamed are:  African Women’s Championship now (Africa Women Cup of Nations); (African U-23 Championship now (Africa U-23 Cup of Nations); African Youth Championship now (Africa U-20 Cup of Nations).

Others are Africa U-17 Cup of Nations (formerly African U-17 Championship); Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations (formerly African Beach Soccer Championship) and Africa Futsal Cup of Nations (formerly African Futsal Championship).

Meanwhile, the draw for the 4th African Nations Championship scheduled for Rwanda between 16 January and 7 February, 2016, will take place in Kigali on November 18.

Nigeria will face Burkina Faso over two legs in October for a place in the championship.

Dnipro has Completed the Signing of Micheal Babatunde from Ukrainian League Volyn Lutsk

Super Eagles Midfielder, Michael Babatunde has joined 2014/15 UEFA Europa League finalist Dnipro on a 3-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Image@footballlive.ng

The player had been a subject of transfer from Volyn Lutsk to a club with the prospect of playing in a European competition.

“There were discussions with nearly all the top clubs,” Babatunde told goal.

“I have played against Dnipro in the past and he has wanted me ever since but the teams I played for (Krybass and Volyn) never wanted me to go,”

“Teams from France, Spain and Germany but none of them were ready to meet my valuation and in the end Dnipro came out on top.

“I spoke to Markevych and he totally convinced me. He gave me the feeling that I was very important for him. Not only as a player but also as a person – and then it was clear that I would sign for Dnipro.”

Pictures emerged today of the player conducting his medical there were also others of the and claded in Dnipro’s colors. He has been issued the jersey number 79.

The club finished third place in the Ukrainian League Premier League last season and have won the title only twice.

 

Chelsea Doctor Banned from Matches by the Team Manager Mourinho

Chelsea team doctor Eva Carneiro has been banned by Jose Mourinho from sitting on the bench on matchdays, according reports from London.

           

The 41 years-old Carneiro was heavily criticized by the Blues boss on Saturday after she treated Eden Hazard on the field late in their 2-2 draw at home to Swansea in the Premier League on Saturday, leading to Hazard being forced off and putting already 10-man Chelsea down to nine for a short time.

It is understood Gibraltar-born Carneiro will continue in her role as first-team doctor, but she will only work at the club's training ground in Cobham, Surrey. 

Could this be about the treatment she render to Eden Hazard or a personal issues?

22 Years Old Saraki to become ABS FC Chairman

Nigeria National League side, ABS FC announced the 22-year old son of Nigeria’s Senate President, Bukola Saraki would become Chairman of the club.

           

James Phillips made history in 2014 as the youngest Manager at 22 to manage a team in an FA Cup match, but it doesn’t come close to the news Oluwaseni Saraki takes the mantle at ” daddy’s ” pet project.

Perhaps even the much publicized 2012 story of an unknown Vugar Gulogan oglu Huseynzade at 21 beating off competition from former European Player of the Year Jean-Pierre Papin to be named the manager of Azerbaijani club Baku FC – based on his experience of playing the computer game Football Manager is captivating though.

Club spokesman Jimoh Bashir broke the news after a Management meeting was convened at the weekend reports claim.

Oluwaseni Saraki, son of Nigeria’s Senate President is also a law graduate a registered Arsenal fan and  an aspiring Rapper, imaging that.

According to how report was curled  from Footballlive.ng

Ifeanyi Ubah names Amokachi as Their New Coach

Nigeria Professional Football League side, FC Ifeanyi Ubah of Nnewi on Sunday unveiled Daniel Amokachi as their new Technical Adviser/Head Coach.

Photo Credit: Supportthenpfl.com

The event which took place at the Rogenny Sports Stadium Oba had in attendance President/CEO of the club, Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, Club Chairman, Chuma Ubah and many other club officials.

According to reports John Obuh will now be promoted as Technical Director and Director of Football, Amokachi will be Technical Adviser while Ike Shorunmi joins the team as Goalkeeper Trainer.