The board of the Nigeria National League (NNL) has offered it’s sympathy to the players, coaches and management of FC ONE Rocket of Uyo over the armed robbery attack they suffered on their way to Uyo, from Lagos after honoring match day three with Ikorodu City Football Club of Lagos, at the MJ Arena in the ongoing 2023/2024 NNL season.
Eighteen players and seven officials of the club including the Chief coach Ndubuisi Ndah were reportedly attacked by armed bandits at Ihiala, Anambra state, South East Nigeria.
According to reports three armed robbers on motorbike suddenly came out from nowhere and asked the Bus driver to stop the vehicle.
They sorrounded the passengers and commanded them each to drop their phones, monies and other valuables.
The three robbers sped off immediately after collecting all they wanted from the players and coaches.
In a letter offering sympathy to FC ONE Rocket, the Chief Operating Officer of NNL, Dr.Ayo Abdulrahaman while thanking God that no player or official was hurt and that no life was lost stared…”It is a temporary set back, we hope this will not deter you from positively moving forward in your bit to do well in your remaining matches.”
“We identify with you on the unfortunate incident, please put it behind. We continue to pray for you for a hitch free season and may the good Lord keep protecting us.”
FC ONE Rocket is one of the privately owned clubs in the NNL. They lost the away tie to Ikorodu City by two goals to nil.
Kid Sensation Ayodele Ismail Stars As Osun Utd Humbles Warri Wolves In Osogbo
Osun Utd continues its impressive start to the season following an impressive outing as brace from inspiring winger, Ayodele Ismail sinks Warri Wolves in match-day three of Nigeria National League, NNL.
Coach Seye Ajayi ringed four changes to the starting line up keeping Zubair in goal and retaining the pairing of Afolabi Olatubosun and Abubakar Aminu at the back while Emmanuel Essien bosses the middle and Dayo Agbolade retain his starting bet upfront.
Opponents hardly settled before ambitious Omoluabi Giants went upfront following an aerial loop which is well delivered by stand in captain Odudu Francis and well connected by Ismail Ayodele with a well planted header, sending the home fans into frenzy. Four minutes later, he grabbed his brace. More chances fluffed upfront as Warri Wolves tried to reduce the deficit but all to no avail just before the break.
The two sides ring couple of changes in the second half as substitute, Quozim Raheem and Yemi Ogunleye could have added to tally but missed their chances, same with Dayo Agbolade who was denied by woodwork five minutes from time. Jolomi A. tutored side survives series of pressure in the closing stages as Friday Nwachukwu and Aminu Abubakar dazzle for Omoluabi Giants.
Osun Utd. Head Coach, Seye Ajayi after the final whistle was full of praise for his lads and fans. “My boys played to instruction and we didn’t allow our opponents to execute their plans. It’s a sweet victory for us and I give it to characters displayed by my boys. The fans also get behind us and it makes things easy. We look forward to our next game and am assuring our people positive result likewise.” Ex 3SC goal poacher stated.
Warri Wolves Head Coach Jolomi Atune remarked that, he didn’t plan to lose but it’s what it is, he noted that, negatives will be worked on before his next game.
The Chief Executive Officer of Monimichelle Group, Ebi Egbe has congratulated the Chairman of the Nigeria National League George Aluo for the recent meritorious award given to him by the FCT Chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).
Egbe whose company specializes on the provisions of hybrid standard playing Turf said the recognition given to the NNL boss is a testimony that Nigerians are watching and following the new improved Nigeria National League, and advice the Board not to relent.
It could be recalled that the FCT Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria on Thursday gave a merit away to both the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Nigerian National League.
Egbe further advised the Aluo led Board of the most important league to ensure that they properly reposition the league and place it where it rightly belongs.
He congratulated SWAN for the recognition given to Aluo, and his Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Attah.
Madiba FC of Lagos humbled Abia Comets with an emphatic 3-0 win at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Friday.
Dada Oladimeji has scored one goal each in three matches for the Oshodi Boys.
The result has ramped up pressure on the Unuahia based side, having lost to Ekiti United on Matchday one, with the same scoreline.
In the early minutes of the first half, Madiba FC dominated, and Chibueze Lambert, Abia Comets FC’s goalkeeper, made a crucial save, denying Egbonwon Harrison’s penalty kick at the 2nd minute.
However, Fasina Samson reshaped the narrative by scoring an extraordinary goal from an unexpected side of the pitch, giving Madiba FC the lead at the 10th minute.
Dada Oladimeji extended the lead for Madiba FC at the 15th minute with a successful spot kick.
Asuquo Peter further solidified the victory with a remarkable shot from outside the 18-yard box at the 26th minute.
In the second half, despite Madiba FC’s efforts to add more goals, Abia Comets FC thwarted their attempts.
While the defensive efforts of Ewodage Abubakar and Abiodun Ayodele for Madiba FC prevented the away team from goal scoring opportunities.
With this victory, Madiba FC secured 3 points, bringing their total to 7 points in the league standings after three matches, while Abia Comets have only three points from three matches.
The Nigeria National League (NNL) returns this weekend with nineteen round of matches, across the Federation..
Bauchi will be buzzing with excitement, when Wikki Tourist face Northern Warlord Elkanemi Warriors at the Tafawa Balewa Stadium, while Ekiti United will look to put on another show, at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, when they take on the Stormers from Ogun State.
Matchday Two (2) recorded thirty-three (33) goals, three (3) away wins, twelve (12) home wins and two (2) draws.
Here is the Preview for Matchday Three of the NNL.
CONFERENCE A
MADIBA Vs ABIA COMETS
Madiba FC will be playing at home for the first time this season and will have something to prove. The ‘Oshodi’ boys put in their best in their last two matches, a draw against Beyond Limits on Matchday one and an important away win at the Akwa Township Stadium, against Edel FC.
Abia Comets came back stronger last week, after their Matchday one 3-0 loss to Ekiti United. The Unuahia based side beat Beyond Limits 2-0 at home. This game will come up on Friday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
Both teams have just a point, after two games each. Edel drew 1-1 against Smart City on Matchday one and lost at home to Madiba last week. Dakkada FC too seem not to have started well this season, with a draw to 1472 on day one and a loss last week to Smart City FC. Both teams will be hoping to get their first full points of the season.
BEYOND LIMITS VS COAL CITY .
Beyond Limits did their best against Abia Comets, but still fell 2-0, while Coal City managed to get a 2-1 victory over Ekiti United at the UNEC Stadium last week. Both sides will feel positive about this encounter.
ROVERS VS SMART CITY
Smart City managed a 1-0 win over Dakkada FC last weekend, while Rovers couldn’t take up 1472 FC at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Smart City will be traveling to Calabar, hoping they can add to the four points already garnered , while Rovers will be pushing for their second win this season.
VANDREZZER VS 1472
Newcomers 1472 FC, already have four points this season and will be facing Vandrezzer FC at the Uyo Township Stadium. Vandrezzer lost 2-0 to the Stormers last week, but will do everything possible to get another maximum points, when they meet the ‘Tingo’ boys this weekend.
EKITI UNITED VS STORMERS
Ekiti United have a chance to recover from their 2-1 defeat to Coal City in Enugu, when they face Stormers at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti. Stormers will look to get another win after their comfortable home win against Vandrezzer last week.
CONFERENCE B
OSUN UNITED VS WARRI WOLVES
Osun United will be flying high after they recorded a ‘rare’ away win last week. The win will boost their confidence coming into this fixture, same with their opponent on Saturday, Warri Wolves also won Solution FC in Kwale. Both teams will be focused. What a game it’s going to be..
🏟️We will be playing at home infront of our fans this season as we aim for maximum points. Victory we seek🙏 It's Match Day 3#Believe🔵⚪ pic.twitter.com/j972yrNlSF
Trade Safe FC have recorded no point in their last two matches, and will be facing a very resolute Ijebu United, who are really strong at home. Ijebu United Cameroonian Coach, Anthony Encho will be demanding the same level of performance they gave on Matchday one against Inter FC of Lagos. On the other hand, Trade safe FC will be searching for their first point of the season.
— IJEBU UNITED FC – #IUfcCaresStaySafe (@ijebuunitedfc) November 22, 2023
CROWN FC VS GATEWAY UNITED
Gateway United FC have just been reinstated back into the league after some registration hitch and will begin the new campaign against a Crown FC, who recorded an away victory against Inter FC of Lagos last week. It promises to be a cracker..
— IJEBU UNITED FC – #IUfcCaresStaySafe (@ijebuunitedfc) November 22, 2023
GIANT BRILLARS VS INTER LAGOS
Inter Lagos have had a difficult start to the season, losing two games in a row. They will need to do something extraordinary to get something positive in Enugu against Giant Brillars.
Away days with InterLagos. Geared to face Giant brillars this weekend!
Focus and teamwork can go a long way and Coach Ndubusi Ndah will encourage his players to play without fear, when they face Ikorodu City FC. The ‘Oga’ boys will be playing their first home game this season and will need to deliver Infront of their home fans, with bravery and determination.
The first Federal Capital Territory (FCT) derby of the season. NAF FC welcomes EFCC to the Area 10 Sports Complex, same homeground of the ‘Anticraft’ boys.
NAF won their first game against ABS of Ilorin, while EFCC picked just a point against Nasarawa United at home last week.
NASARAWA UNITED VS MIGHTY JETS
Mighty Jets will need to come out stronger when they face Nasarawa United at the Zaria Road Stadium. The Jets have gotten only a point from two games, while Nasarawa United can boast of four points.
ABS VS ZAMFARA UNITED
Zamfara United started the NNL Campaign with a loss to Nasarawa United, but were stronger against NAF FC on Matchday two, winning 2-1. They will face an ABS side at home, who lost to NAF FC on Matchday one. Alot is expected from both teams.
WIKKI TOURIST VS ELKANEMI WARRIORS
Wikki Tourist recorded the biggest win of Matchday one and still travelled to Kaduna to pick a point against Mighty Jets. Elkanemi Warriors defeated Yobe Desert Warriors last week and would be aiming to get another maximum points in Bauchi. It promises to be a very tough encounter..
CONFERENCE D
ADAMAWA UNITED VS CITY FC
Adamawa United will have alot to work for, after losing 2-0 to Sokoto United last week and will be hoping they can get their first point of the season. City FC are a very strong side and would be aiming at getting something from this game..
KEBBI UNITED VS SOKOTO UNITED
Kebbi United lost at home to Sporting Supreme on matchday one and will lock horns with Sokoto United, who already has six points from two home games this season. It’s going to be an interesting one.
MAILANTARKI CARE VS SPORTING SUPREME
Sporting Supreme also have an 100% record in two matches. An away win against Kebbi United and a 3-1 home win against Jigawa Golden Stars. Mailantarki Care FC have no point yet after two games and this is a golden opportunity for them to recover from two losses.
JIGAWA GOLDEN STARS VS MALUMFASHI FC
Malumfashi FC just like Gateway United missed day one and two games after struggling with Registration. Jigawa Golden Stars will go into the game with some level of confidence, despite losing their last game in Abuja. They have three points while Malumfashi will be aiming at getting something from the game.
Chairman of the Board of the Nigeria National League (NNL) George Aluo has expressed satisfaction with the results so far recorded in the second tier league, the NNL, saying it is very encouraging and would be sustained.
It would be recalled that the league since it’s commencement few weeks ago has recorded some away wins with Madiba FC beating Edel in Nnewi while Crown FC of Ogbomosho defeated Inter in Lagos.
Also Nasarawa Utd secured a draw in Abuja against EFCC same as Wikki Tourist against Mighty Jets in Jos and the NNL boss believes it’s a sign of good officiating.
According to the Chairman of the most important league in the country, George Aluo, the board is going to continue encouraging Referees to be more firm in their decisions as that’s the only way the league can grow and attract more sponsorship and interest from fans.
“We at the NNL are excited with what is happening in the league. Right now, you have teams winning on the road with some playing draws which is an indication that the league is improving”
”We’re also happy with the Referees who have been doing well so far and I want them to continue that way because with good officials we’ll get there “, he concluded
