THE NATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013
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SPORT EXTRA Why defenders fear Anichebe
Cooreman: Pillars will prove a point CL From Tunde Liadi,Owerri ANO PILLARS have been tipped to go far in the 2013 CAF Champions League after the reigning league champions thumped visiting Olympique de Bangui of Central African Republic 5-1 in the preliminary round first leg of the competition. Speaking on telephone from Gombe the technical adviser of Gombe United, Maurice Cooreman said the Pillars he saw outplayed his wards in a friendly match and also secured convincing victory against Olympique de Bangui has the quality to go far in the Africa’s flagship club competition.The one time Enyimba and Ocean Boys coach enthused that Pillars would only have themselves to blame if they fail to at least make it to the Group Stage of the money spinning competition.Cooreman disclosed:”Pillars are a good side and I see them going all the way if they maintain their consistency. We played against them in Kaduna during their preparation for their Champions League game and they beat us 20.”With a 5-1 advantage in the first leg of their Champions League tie, they are as good as qualifying for the next stage. I see them getting to the Group Stage at least.”
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Prime sacks eight signs 17 new players
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RIME Football Club of Oshogbo, technical crew and management has taken a giant step towards setting aside their poor start in the league as they showed 8 players the exit door and boosted the squad with 17 new players. The management of the team led by former NFF scribe, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, took advantage ofthefirstNationalLeaguetransfer window to reinforce the team. We learnt that their lacklustre performance so far this season in the league was the fundamental reason for the exit from the Oshogbo darling team, who are currently languishing at the bottom of the table log. The sacked players have been ordered to leave the team’s camp with immediate effect. The players sent packing are Bolatito Ogunsanya, Yusuf Aderemi, Lekan Adisa, Godwin Timothy, Ebenezer Odeyemi, David Kehinde, Williams Okogie and Daniel Monday. Meanwhile, 17 players have been recruited to fortify the team from their present underneath part of the National League standings. Top among the newly recruited players are former Sunshine Stars goal poacher, Ganiyu Anifowose, former 3SC captain, Tope Orelope, and former Akwa United striker, Meshack Chubuike. Others are former 3SC central defender, Bisi Olagunju, former Gateway left back, Daniel Osoata, Nurudeen Abolade, Taiwo Oladapo from Crown, Harrison Ibukun from Gabros, Gabriel Okechukwu from Cameroon, Hamidu Ganiyu from Olorunda United, Nnamdi Onyenorah from Olorunda United, Michael Adulogu, Adeniyi Adeleke, Hamed Jimoh from Offa United, Sile Hamed from Ajiroba Ooni, Jimoh Bamigboye from Prime Feeders and Jimmy Bello from Ila FC.
NIGERIA VS KENYA WORLD CUP QUALIFIER
EIGHTON BAINES believes Victor Anichebe’s presence in the Everton team strikes fear into opposition defenders. Anichebe has been a key performer for the Blues this season, scoring seven goals and offering a series of muscular performances after shaking off a catalogue of injury problems. Baines believes the 24-yearold forward is now beginning to successfully harness his physical prowess and technical qualities. The England defender told evertontv: “We have known it for a while and believed in him for a while and he is starting to believe it himself. “We are starting to see the rewards from that self-belief that he has gained. “He has been an important player for us this season. He has come up with some important goals and beyond that he has given us
something, with his strength that we can play up to. Defenders are starting to fear him as well so he is a big asset to us.” Baines said all Everton’s key players will need to be at their best if the Blues are to wrest three points from Norwich at the weekend. Recent clashes have been close affairs but the left-back insists his side have to take maximum points wherever possible as the season reaches its final stages. “They are a good side, Norwich,” Baines continued. “They started the season well. We have found it tough against them and we had a tough game against them down there last season. They are strong at home. “If we want to achieve something draws aren’t going to cut it. We have to find ways to get games won. Sometimes it may not be pretty, but it is about getting games won.”
Eagles must play like a Sport Minister to be honoured cup final —Efe Ambrose I AFRICAN ACHIEVERS AWARD 2013
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UPER EAGLES’ and Celtic Football Club of Scotland defender, Efe Ambrose has urged his teammates to approach Eagles’ World Cup qualifier against Kenya next month with all the seriousness it deserves to be able to win the match and brighten Nigeria’s chances in the march towards Brazil 2014 World Cup. Still in celebration mood, Ambrose told NationSport from his base yesterday
From Segun Ogunjimi, Abuja that there was need to sustain the winning streak of the Eagles and his teammates must not give in to complacency at this stage. “We are still rejoicing for winning the Africa Cup of Nation but there is a greater task ahead which is the ultimate goal for country and players, the 2014 World Cup slated for Brazil.
PUBLIC NOTICE ASSOCIATION OF SWEETENED DRINKS MARKETERS AND PRODUCERS, OYO STATE BRANCH The general public is hereby notified that the above named organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990. The Trustees are: 1. Mr Gabriel Gold 2. Deacon Michael Olajide Ayeni 3. Prophetess Fadeke Olaleye 4. Mr Olanrewaju Akeju 5. Mrs Adejumoke Bamigboye 6. Mrs Oluwakemi Adedeji 7. Mr Francis K. Akinpelu 8. Mrs Mojisola Filani Any objection to this application should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Garki, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days from the date of this publication SIGNED: Olanrewaju Akeju Secretary No 3 Adepoju Street (Behind D’Rovans) Ring Road, Ibadan
“Playing Kenya will not be easy because I could remember they gave us a scare during the 2010 qualifiers but we weathered the storm then. “We need to be very determined and continue to show our commitment and resilience to get the World Cup qualification ticket which I am very confident that we will get at the end of the qualifiers”, Ambrose told NationSport from Scotland yesterday.
N recognition of the unique leadership qualities which have been displayed by the Honourable Minister of Sports and Chairman National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi he is to be awarded the prestigious African Sports Minister of the year 2013. The Award which is organised by African Achievers Award is geared towards recognising excellent individuals that have distinguished themselves in their contribution to the growth and development of Africa. According to the organisers,
the focus is also to motivate all African leaders including prospective ones and youths through recognising persons and organisations that have contributed remarkably to the development of Africa. In a letter of nomination to the Minister, the organisers noted that the National Sports Commission has witnessed unprecedented development and structural renaissance since Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi assumed office as Minister. According to them, the NSC is presently a cynosure of all eyes in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.