Pillars, Lobi Stars eye MFM FC Onuwa

 

By Rasaq Oboirien

NIGERIA Premier League big guns, Kano Pillars and Lobi Stars could persuade Mountain of Fire Miracles Ministries FC of Lagos midfielder, Onuwa Chukwuka to join them before the players transfer window closes, reports NaijaSportsXtra.blogspot.com.

Onuwa who capped his brilliant form winning the Gold Cup Pre-season tourney most valuable player (mvp), was a delight to both Pillars and Lobi Stars coaching crew and indeed Ijebu-Ode fans when the Olukoya Boys played against them in the group stage and final.

A source close to the petit midfielder revealed:"Onuwa is been wooed by Pillars and Lobi Stars at the moment following his exploit in the prestigious Gold Cup tournament that ended on Sunday in Ijebu-Ode.

"After the games against Pillars and Lobi Stars, his cell phone number was asked for, and from then it has been several calls from both the Masu Gida and the 'Food Basket' team.

"To the extent Lobi Stars boss, (name withheld) told Onuwa to name his price that he wish he signs for the Makurdi base team."

At the wee hours of Monday before the MFM FC contingent returned to Lagos from Ijebu-Ode, Onuwa at the team's Classic Hotel in Imowo, said: "It's a transfer period so am not surprised that am been linked to either of these clubs.

"One thing for sure, I have a contract with the Olukoya Boys so am not in a hurry to go into discussion with any team for now, as I just want focus on the coming season which the League Management Company (LMC) says it would kick-off on December 18."

The Olukoya Boys who had a brilliant run in the Gold Cup tourney missed out on the ultimate prize via penalty shoot out after failing to convert their 8th spot kick thus making the Koko Uwa team to lift the crown 4-3 on penalties after full time score stood at goalless.

Ogunjobi, Dosu score Gold Cup Tourney high

A former Nigeria Football Federation Secretary General, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, and former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Joseph Dosu, have expressed joy and stated that they were impressed with the organization, conduct and display of the clubs participating in the fourth edition of Gold Cup Pre-Season Tournament.
Ogunjobi and Dosu, who have watched games at the Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode lavished praises on the organizer’s initiative for bringing about what is obtainable in developed countries to play in Nigeria.
They believed that the tournament as created a platform for the teams to make corrections and adjustment in their squad prior to the new season and affirmed that the teams are capable of triumphing in their various leagues.
"This is a good initiative by the organizer of the tournament, it is indeed a good pre-season tournament, such tournament is only obtainable in Europe and I must confess that all the teams were wonderful with their quality of play," Ogunjobi stated.
Atlanta 1996 Gold medalist, Dosu Joseph (MON) while speaking noted; "It's a pre-season game, as the coaches want to have a first assessment of the old and new players playing as a team. I give kudos to the organizers as they have been doing very well, bringing eight Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) teams is no child’s play.
"The tournament is not about making it to the finals rather it’s about having a team that will kick-off a better campaign either in the NPFL, NNL or Nationwide League One,” said Dosu.

Pillars zoom to Gold Cup semi-final

GOLD Cup Pre-season defending champions, Kano Pillars Football Club have booked their place in the semi-finals of the tournament.
The Sai Maisu Gida side defeated Niger Tornadoes Football Club 1-0 to secure a semi-final spot. 
A resilient team effort was required from Kano Pillars to overcome enterprising Tornadoes who gained better ball possession but were shy in front of goal
Adamu Muhammed, 31st minutes strike ensured the Sai Masu Gida side advanced to the semi final to cap a remarkable run. 
Pillars recorded 8 points from four games, while FC Ebedei garnered 7 points from same number of games. MFM have 6 points from three matches with a decisive game at hand against Tornadoes to be played on Wednesday.