ONOME JOHNBULL WITHDRAWS FROM DELTA STATE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION CHAIRMANSHIP RACE

Mr. Onome Ikrechero Johnbull has announced his withdrawal from the Delta State Football Association Chairmanship race. This announcement was made in a press release on Monday in Ughelli.

In the release, Mr. Johnbull stated, "I, Mr. Onome Ikrechero Johnbull, hereby formally notify all stakeholders of my withdrawal from the candidacy for the position of Chairman, Delta State Football Association, due to personal reasons."

Mr. Johnbull expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders for their support and understanding during his candidacy. He also stated that the circumstances leading to his decision will become clear upon the election of the new Chairman.

The release concluded with Mr. Johnbull thanking the stakeholders for their understanding and continued support.

Excellent Football Academy Gears Up for Onos Oborevwori Youth Together U-17 Football Tournament

Excellent Football Academy of Ughelli, Delta State, is set to participate in the Onos Oborevwori Youth Together U-17 Football Tournament, in partnership with OPO Sports Management. The tournament, scheduled for August 30-31, 2024, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, aims to identify talented young players. 

The program will be attended by esteemed guests, including U-17 Nigeria male National team Coach Manu Garba and other coordinators as scouting intensifies for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations U-17 in Ivory Coast.

Excellent football academy's CEO, Mr. Onome, expressed optimism about the opportunity, stating that a maximum of 16 players from each team are expected to participate.

"We are looking forward to this opportunity as our lads will be able to showcase their talent and also we will be able to assess what we are doing as an academy. Hopefully, we will have some of our players scouted," said Mr. Onome.

The two-day event provides a platform for young footballers to showcase their skills and potentially get selected for the national team. With the academy's focus on nurturing talent, this scouting program presents an excellent chance for its players to shine and take their careers to the next level.

Event Details:

Venue: Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State

Date: August 30-31, 2024

Excellent FC Off to a Winning Start in Ifeanyi Ekwueme Tico Select Preseason Tournament

Excellent Football Club began their campaign in the 6th Edition of the Ifeanyi Ekwueme TICO/SELECT Preseason Football Tournament on a high note, defeating Mathias FC 1-0 in their opening Group B match. The winning goal was scored by Excellent FC's captain, Awah Jenkison, in the 44th minute.

The match, played at the Abakaliki Township Stadium in Ebonyi State, saw Excellent FC overcome a stubborn Mathias FC to take the top spot in Group B. The group also includes Enyimba FC and Achievers FC.

Next, Excellent FC will face Enyimba FC, Nigeria's representative in the CAF Confederation's Cup, in their second group fixture on Sunday at 4 pm. The match promises to be an exciting encounter, and fans are eagerly looking forward to it.

Sunday's Fixtures (25/8/24)

- Enyimba FC vs Excellent FC - 4pm

Excellent FC Mourns the Loss of Heartland FC's Coach Christian Obi

The management of Excellent Football Club, based in Ughelli, Delta State, has expressed profound shock and sorrow over the tragic road accident that claimed the life of Heartland FC's Coach Christian Obi.

In a statement signed by the CEO, Mr. Onome Ikrechero Johnbull, the club conveyed their heartfelt sympathy to Heartland FC, saying, "We were expecting Coach Obi and his team in Abakaliki on Friday, 22nd August, but the sad news of his passing reached us as a shock. The accident occurred near Okigwe while the team was en route to Abakaliki for the Tico/Pre-season Tournament."

The club further expressed their deep sadness over Coach Obi's demise, sharing in the grief of Heartland FC, Imo State, and the entire Nigerian football fraternity.

In conclusion, Excellent FC prayed for eternal rest for the late Coach Obi and offered condolences to his family. They also wished the injured players and officials a speedy recovery.

(C) Excellent FC Media

EXCELLENT FC GEARS UP FOR TOUGH PRESEASON TEST!

The 6th edition of the Ifeanyi Ekwueme Tico Select preseason tournament is just around the corner, and Excellent FC of Ughelli is ready to take on the best! Drawn in Group B, the Ughelli landlords will face a stern challenge against Heartland FC of Owerri on Saturday, August 24th, at the Abakaliki Township Stadium (10am kickoff).

But that's not all - on Sunday, August 25th, Excellent FC will go head-to-head with CAF Confederation Cup representatives Enyimba International FC in their second group encounter (10am kickoff).

CEO Onome Ikrechero Johnbull is confident his team is primed for success: "We're ready for the challenge! Our players are eager to showcase their skills and make a statement in this tournament."

The Ifeanyi Ekwueme Tico Select preseason tournament promises to be an exciting ride, with Excellent FC facing off against top-notch opponents in Group B, including Enyimba FC, Mathias FC, Great Achievers FC and  Heartland FC. Group A boasts an equally impressive lineup, featuring Rangers International FC, Abia Warriors FC, Apex Krane FC, Coal City FC, and Kunkalifat FC.

Don't miss the action in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, from August 23rd to 30th, 2024! #ExcellentFC #TicoSelectTournament #Preseason #Football"

Cynosure FC Kick-Starts South-South Preseason Tour with Impressive Draw

Cynosure FC Kick-Starts South-South Preseason Tour with Impressive Draw

Cynosure FC, a prominent force in Nigerian football, has commenced their highly anticipated South-South preseason tour with an impressive 1-1 draw against Bendel Insurance in Benin. The match, played at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, saw the Benin Arsenal lead at half-time, but Cynosure FC drew level midway into the second half through a beautifully crafted team move finished by Goodluck Onyeukwu.

Despite opportunities for both sides to secure a winner, the match ended in a stalemate. However, Cynosure FC Interim Head Coach Yusuf Jaiyeola was full of praise for his team's resilience. "I am happy with the way we responded to the setback of conceding. It was not in our plans, but we showed character and got ourselves back into the game. Overall, it was a difficult game, and we are happy with the result."

The South-South preseason tour will feature two additional high-stakes friendlies against top Nigeria Premier Football League teams: Bayelsa United and Rivers United. The tour's fixtures are as follows:

- Bayelsa United vs Cynosure FC on Friday, August 23rd, 2024, at 8:00 am at Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa

- 

- Rivers United vs Cynosure FC on Saturday, August 24th, 2024, at 8:30 am at Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt

Under the guidance of Coach Yusuf Jaiyeola and his technical crew, Cynosure FC seeks to build on their impressive preseason form by facing stronger opponents. This tour provides a valuable opportunity for players to gain exposure, with the transfer window still open.

Cynosure FC's preseason form has been promising, with notable results against top teams, including:

- Rangers Int 1-1 Cynosure FC

- Akwa United 2-1 Cynosure FC

- Heartland FC 2-2 Cynosure FC

- Bendel Insurance 1-1 Cynosure FC

As the team embarks on this tour, fans and football enthusiasts eagerly await their performance against the best teams in the region.

Super Eagles Winger Anayo Iwuala Sets Kuwait Premier League Ablaze with Goals

Anayo Iwuala, the Nigerian winger for Al Arabi, has made a blistering start to the Kuwait Premier League season, scoring his third goal in as many matches. The pacy winger opened the scoring in the 66th minute of Al Arabi's 2-1 win against Al Qadisiya on August 21st, 2024, at the Sabah Al Salem Stadium in Kuwait.

Iwuala's goal-scoring form has been nothing short of impressive, having scored on every matchday for Al Arabi. He previously scored on matchday two, giving Al Arabi a 2-1 lead in their 3-2 away win against Al Tadamon on August 16th, 2024. His first goal of the season came on matchday one, sealing a 2-0 win for Al Arabi over Kazma with a 65th-minute strike on August 10th, 2024.

The Super Eagles winger's performances have been instrumental in Al Arabi's perfect start to the season, with the team topping the league table after three matchdays. Iwuala's goalscoring exploits will undoubtedly catch the attention of the handlers of Nigeria's senior national team, the Super Eagles.

Matchday results:

- August 10th, 2024: Al Arabi 2-0 Kazma SC (Iwuala sealed victory with a 65th-minute strike)

- August 16th, 2024: Al Tadamon 2-3 Al Arabi (Iwuala scored to give Al Arabi a 2-1 lead)

- August 21st, 2024: Al Arabi 2-1 Al Qadisiya (Iwuala opened scoring in the 66th minute)

Charles Mayuku 

PRE-SEASON PERFECTION: Excellent Football Academy U-17 Team Wins Big

In a thrilling display of skill and teamwork, Excellent Football Academy's U-17 team secured a resounding 5-1 victory over Champions FC of Omunede in their final pre-season match on Monday, August 19th, at the Ogor Technical College in Ughelli.

Goals from Jonathan Omoniwhofa, Regard Okonana, Wealth Fredrick, Soigwe Rapheal, and Oghenekome Godswill sealed the convincing win for Excellent Football Academy. Team captain, Godstime Adara (aka Thiago), praised his teammates for their outstanding performance, highlighting their dedication and hard work during pre-season training.

"We've had a decent preparation, and I am confident we can get the job done. Today, we had a great game," Adara said.

The 5-1 victory serves as a testament to the team's preparation and commitment to excellence. With their final pre-season match concluded, Excellent Football Academy's U-17 team is poised to take on the challenges of the 2024 Delta State Football League with confidence and high morale.

As the team prepares to begin their campaign, fans and supporters eagerly await their performance in the upcoming season. With their dominant display against Champions FC, Excellent Football Academy's U-17 team has set the tone for a successful league season.

(C) Charles Mayuku 

Double Delight for Excellent Football Club and Academy as Delta State Football League Kicks Off

The highly anticipated Delta State Football League is finally here, and Excellent Football Club and Excellent Football Academy (the U-17 Boys) are set to make their mark on the competition. The league, which commences on August 21st, 2024, will feature four centers, including Oleh, Sapele, Agbor, and Ogwashi-Uku, with the Oleh Township Stadium hosting the opening day's matches.

Excellent Football Club will begin their campaign with an intriguing clash against Ndame Football Academy at 11am on matchday one. This encounter promises to be a thrilling opener, setting the tone for the rest of the league. With both teams eager to secure crucial early points, fans can expect a closely contested match.

Meanwhile, Excellent Football Academy (the U-17 Boys) will face off against Winsome FC at 1pm on matchday one. This match promises to be an exciting encounter, with the young talents of Excellent Football Academy looking to make a statement in the league.

All matches will be played at the Oleh Township Stadium in Oleh, Delta State, ensuring a consistent and neutral venue for all teams. This will provide a level playing field for all teams, and fans can expect high-quality football throughout the league.

The Delta State Football League has generated significant buzz among football enthusiasts in the region, with fans eagerly anticipating the kick-off. Excellent Football Club and Excellent Football Academy are expected to bring their A-game to the competition, and fans are excited to see their teams in action.

The stage is set for an exciting Delta State Football League, with teams ready to battle it out for the top spot. With the fixtures released and the venue confirmed, all eyes are on the Oleh Township Stadium on August 21st as the league kicks off in style. Excellent Football Club and Excellent Football Academy are ready to take on the challenge, and fans can expect an exciting campaign from both teams.

DELTA STATE FOOTBALL LEAGUE SET FOR THRILLING 2024 CAMPAIGN

The Delta State Football Association has unveiled the highly anticipated 2024 State League schedule, featuring 32 clubs vying for glory. The competition kicks off on August 21, 2024, with matches hosted across four premier venues: Agbor, Ogwashi-Uku, Oleh, and Sapele.

Chairman Honourable Ken Nwamucha promises an electrifying experience, showcasing the state's finest football talents. "This year's league will be a showcase of high-caliber grassroots football, highlighting the best of Delta State's football prowess," he assured.

Nwamucha praised the League Management Committee for their meticulous efforts in managing the registration process, despite overwhelming interest from clubs. "Although we couldn't accommodate all clubs, the Committee has excelled in addressing the challenges, setting the stage for an unforgettable display of football excellence and sportsmanship," he added.

The 2024 season is poised to be a groundbreaking chapter for Delta State football, with a focus on expanding the league's reach and intensifying the competitive atmosphere. As excitement reaches a fever pitch, fans can expect a captivating spectacle of grassroots talent and international camaraderie.