Michael Bush: 1 GAME’s new talisman

When 1 GAME founder and Executive Director, Philip Obaji announced the appointment of a new Chairman of the organization’s Board of Trustees at a press conference in Calabar last Sunday, he began with these words: “It’s time for a cause campaigner to run football biggest cause related campaign.” His words were strong and he never for once casted doubts about the abilities of the man he described as “thorough and focused” especially when success was the only thing that needed to be achieved.

Indeed, he knew what he was saying and from his tone, the young activist meant it wholeheartedly. His description of Bush was nevertheless similar to what US President Barack Obama said of newly named President of the World Bank, Dr. Jim Yong Kim when announcing the Korean-American’s nomination for the post. In his words, Obama described Kim who currently serves as president of Dartmouth College as “a developer” by saying: “It’s time for a development professional to lead the world’s largest development agency.”

But unlike Obama who hopes that the world would see a reduction in poverty through improved aid to developing countries with Dr. Kim dictating the pace at the World Bank, young Obaji wants to see a society devoid of violence, conflicts and unnecessary fanaticism and believes a pragmatic Bush will help push the call for zero tolerance to vices and set the agenda right for the success of the anti-violence initiative.

Bush’s biggest task will be to redesign the existing framework of the campaign by making it more effective so as to support the programmes and objectives of the initiative. The organization recently designed three projects in line with its objective aimed at eradicating societal violence. These projects include: The Football without Violence project, the Goal against Violence project and the Education beats Violence project. Some pundits have argued that the size of the young organization was too little to effectively carry out projects of such magnitude.

For instance, the Goal against Violence project which is aimed at ensuring that school pupils play football and understand the essence of fair play and unity while doing so, hopes to have accommodated over one million pupils at the end on 2018. Obaji himself had agreed that it was an expensive venture, one that will cost about Fifty Million Naira each year to implement. Indeed, everyone will wonder how such money will be raised for such a tasking but necessary venture. Last year, Obaji had told the BBC that it was expensive to run 1 GAME and funds will be needed to meet its goals. It yet to be ascertained how much response he got from the world, if he did get any after making that ‘SOS’ call.

Nevertheless, the efforts of the charismatic Obaji, though in motion, must be commended. Having to organize and mobilize for a cause has never being an easy task, yet for the 1 GAME initiative, a lot can be termed as successful in their campaign. For instance, having over One Hundred and Fifty Thousand people sign up to the cause is no mean feat. Even heavenly funded programmes encounter big challenges gaining followership but for 1 GAME, it came reasonably. A lot must go to the forerunners. Very few would have given them the benefit for doubt. Maybe Bush did, thus the reason why Obaji will always have great words to say about him. His linking up with 1 GAME will no doubt shape things, after all, he’s used to redesigning things.

Back in 2003, he quit the services of Akwa Ibom Broadcasting Corporation (AKBC) and immediately founded Worldwin Media which proudly owns the very popular Bush House Nigeria. His ambition was clear, he wanted to reshape the way the media was run in Akwa Ibom State. Soon after, ‘reshaping’ became part of his name. When his wife Nneka was kidnapped in 2009, he reshaped by quickly relocating to Abuja from Uyo where he set up Bush House, a programme he had also reshaped at the Federal Capital Territory to meet the new age. When political issues in Akwa Ibom State took a nose-dive, bush reshaped things as he founded Ibom Medallion, a socio-economic organization aimed at making Akwa Ibomites living outside the state and abroad contribute to good governance in the state. He obviously knows how to rebuild and definitely will be the talisman at 1 GAME.

Wigan's Moses mute on contract extension

After some eye-catching displays in the Premier League of late, Nigerian international, Victor Moses is biding his time in signing a contract extension at the DW Stadium.

That may not be unconnected to unconfirmed reports that Wigan’s coach, Roberto Martinez will be leaving the outfit at the end of the current season as owner, Dave Whelan is keen to freshen things.

Moses has a year left on his contract and if he does not sign an extension and does not leave in the summer, he will be able to start contract negotiations with another club come January 2013.

“This is how it works in England,” said his agent, Tony Finnigan to metro.co.uk.

“Victor Moses has just a year left on his contract with Wigan Athletic and we were about to start talks on the extension when he said he does not want to sign a new deal.

The 21-year-old has continued his football development with strong showings against Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal in the past month showing that he has the talent to rub shoulders with the big boys.

“Victor [Moses] has played himself into a position where virtually every club in the Premier League want to sign him.

“All of the Premier League clubs will be strengthening in the summer and we are not surprised that Moses has been linked with virtually every team in the top division,” Finnigan added.

Finnigan was though quick to point out that Moses is grateful to Martinez for the opportunity. “It doesn't mean he doesn't like his manager - he chose Wigan over other clubs,” Finnigan retorted.

“Martinez is a tactical genius and an excellent coach, and they are Victor's words. He's been playing regularly; he's in form and enjoying his football. He has been offered the chance to extend his contract but has said, "No thank you,” Finnigan concluded.

Echiejile looks to inspire inconsistent Braga

Nigeria left-back, Uwa Elderson Echiejile will be looking to inspire Sporting club de Braga to victory on Friday night when they face FC Paços de Ferreira at the Estádio do Mata Real on Matchday 27 of the 2011/2012 Portuguese Superliga.

With four match days remaining, SC Braga sit in 3rd place with 58 points from 26 matches, five points behind the leaders, FC Porto and a solitary point behind second-placed SL Benfica.

A few weeks ago, Braga were in a great position to finish as the champions but a 0-1 defeat against FC Porto on Matchday 26 at the Estadio Municipal de Braga on April 7 and another loss (1-2) to Benfica at the Estadio da Luz on March 31 proved almost mortal in Braga’s push for their first-ever domestic titles.

A win will take Braga to 2nd on the log albeit temporarily with Benfica and Porto scheduled to play on Saturday.

Echiejile is expected to start for Braga in Friday’s game as he has been one of the most consistent performers in Leonardo Jardim’s side this season.

The 24-year-old Nigerian has scored 4 goals in the Portuguese Superliga this term.

Echiejile is also an important member of the Nigeria men’s national team where he has made 16 appearances since making his debut in 2009.

Okwara capture excites Eguavoen

Enyimba gaffer, Austin Eguavoen, is happy that former Adanaspor of Turkey forward, Fred Okwara, has joined the Aba side to boost their attacking options when the league restarts.

The transfer window opened in Nigeria at the end of the first round and the top contenders have been busy in a bid to strengthen their squads for the impending title race.

At the end of the first round, perennial champions, Enyimba, placed fourth behind Kano Pillars, Enugu Rangers and champions, Dolphins though the latter will play Wikki on Wednesday to determine who ends top of the standings.

Okwara left Nigerian side, Rangers for Adanaspor in 2011, after signing a two-and-half-year deal with second division side, Adanaspor, but has retraced his steps and is likely to debut for Enyimba at Rising Stars, on Saturday.

Enyimba gaffer, Austin Eguavoen, confirmed the development.

"We have identified goalscoring as our major problem, so we had to find solutions. That explains why Enyimba signed Okwara.

"Enyimba would have been on top of the log if our strikers had converted chances in most of the matches. We want to score goals in the second round since that's the only way we can win the league," the former World Cup star told SuperSport.com.

SuperSport.com learnt that the Aba side have also secured the services of two more strikers, Razaq Adegbite as well as Ifeanyi Okoye, from Rangers and Warri Wolves, respectively.

Adegbite scored thrice at Rangers.

The arrival of the trio means Enyimba will allow Ifeanyi Ede, continue his romance with rivals, Rangers, while Phillip Auta has since headed for Heartland.

Michael Bush’s appointment: Football stakeholders hail 1 GAME

The entire football spectrum woke up on Sunday morning to the news that Abuja-based broadcaster Michael Bush had been appointed Chairman, Board of Trustees of the 1 GAME: Football without Violence Campaign, an initiative reputed to be the largest cause related movement in football history, whose sole aim is to bring an end to violence and vices in the society through the power and influence of football and education.

Bush whose antecedents in football is yet to be known, has recorded lots of successes in media where he heads Worldwin Media Limited, a complete media communications outfit whose achievements have come mainly from the shine of the popular Radio Nigeria network programme, Bush House Nigeria which it owns. His alliance with 1 GAME will no doubt bring more credence and draw grassroots attention to the campaign according to the organization’s Executive Director, Philip Obaji.

“Michael Bush has achieved a lot in the Media, particular in his home state, Akwa Ibom. He is a nice guy, well respected and always wants to achieve. He has worked with various classes of people and understands what it takes to succeed in a campaign of such magnitude particularly with grassroots participation involved. There is no doubt we have the right man for the role and his experience will be vital in taking us to higher grounds in our work.”

Indeed, his appointment would not have come any other time than at a period where many believe violence have become a norm in the society particularly in football where recent Nigeria Premier League matches have ended abruptly as a result of pitch invasion by irate supporters who most times descend on match officials.
Most football stakeholders nevertheless have praised 1 GAME for its intervention in violence in the game and its ability to build a team capable of combating the menace.

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Aminu Maigari welcomed the initiative’s strides and promised NFF support in the fight against football violence.

“1 GAME is an institution that everyone must respect because it is a voluntary organization that seeks to educate Nigeria football fans on how to conduct themselves and how to contribute in moving the game forward.

“I must appreciate 1 GAME and I must say more grease to its elbow. I will continue to urge it to keep up the good work it is doing.

“The Nigeria Football Federation will collaborate with 1 GAME as we seek ways of eradicating violence from the game,” he said.

For NFF Vice-President Mike Umeh, the introduction of 1 GAME into football has brought positive change to the game that has for so long been tormented by unwanted cases of violence particular at the professional level of the game in the country.

“1 GAME has been at the forefront of this campaign against football violence and thank God that they are getting a very positive sign. So far so good, the introduction of 1 GAME has reduced the violence usually experienced in matches. I have to commend the organization for doing the excellent job it is doing.”

Not only have current bosses of the NFF commended the efforts of the anti-violence organization, former Chairman of the then Nigeria Football Association, Ibrahim Galadima on his part says the introduction of respected persons in the society into the campaign is commendable.

“I have been following with keen interest, some notable Nigerians that have joined the campaign and obviously, it is worth commending. Those who are behind this need to be appreciated for what they are doing.

“I want to strongly suggest that the nation should stand up against every act that brings us so much embarrassment and problem in our football,” he said

“I’m fully in support of whatever is done by people of this kind of vision. We must do everything we can to curb violence in football,” Galadima added.

Indeed 1 GAME has stood its grounds. It is yet to be seen what direction it will go with the Michael Bush at the top of affairs as Board of Trustees Chairman.

NPL summons Dolphins, Kano Pillars

The Nigeria Premier League (NPL) has summoned two clubs, Dolphins and Kano Pillars over claims of using terror threat by the latter.

Dolphins had recently claimed that an official of Kano Pillars, Kabiru Baleria had threaten to use the deadly sect, Boko Haram against the Nigerian champions when they visit Kano later this season.

The alleged threat from Baleria came after Kano Pillars lost 0-1 to Dolphins at the Liberation Stadium in Port Harcourt.

The NPL has written to Dolphins to appear before it on Tuesday in Abuja following a petition from the Port Harcourt-based club over the matter.

It has been learned that the spokesman of Dolphins, China Acheru will also appear before the NPL on Tuesday for issuing a press release on the alleged threat from Baleria, who is also expected to face the league arbiter.

But Dolphins have expressed dissatisfaction on being summoned by the Premier League over the development.

“I’m very surprised that the NPL invited Dolphins. Somebody threatened us and we reported to them so we expect them as a neutral body to call Kano Pillars to order and give them strict warning and monitor the return leg strictly.

“Now why are they calling us to a panel? I think it’s uncalled for and not to the right direction,” Dolphins' manager, Stanley Eguma said.

“It’s wrong what the Kano Pillars official said and I do not see any reason they should invite us because we have nothing to discuss with Kano Pillars."

Eguma however added that no matter the decision of the NPL they will still honour the game in Kano because they are not afraid.

“We just wanted to report the threat. We will still go to Kano to play the return leg when the time comes,” Eguma said.

Dolphins had named three Port Harcourt-based journalists, Carl Orakwue, Nduka Orjonmo and Florence Israel as witnesses to Baleria's threat.

Michael Bush teams up with 1 GAME

Seasoned broadcaster and administrator, Michael Bush has formally joined the 1 GAME: Football without Violence campaign and will head its Board of Trustees, the organization announced on Sunday.

The 40 year old journalist has been partially involved with the campaign right from inception, playing an advisory role in the non-profit organization. He now takes up a more challenging role in an initiative that is less than two years old.

Born on September 13, 1971 in his home town, Ituk Mbang, Uruan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Bush moved to Cameroon with his parents at the age of three and spent the majority of his childhood in the Central Africa Country where he had both his primary and secondary education. He holds a B.A. degree in Foreign Languages and has been in broadcasting for the past 20 years. Since 2003 he has worked as Chief Executive Officer of Worldwin Media owners of Bush House Nigeria.

Bush is expected to play an essential role in Board of Trustees of the 1 GAME: Football without Violence campaign including organizing and coordinating the board's activities, such as by setting its annual agenda as well as reviewing and evaluating the performance of the board.

The 1 GAME campaign has an objective to combat violence and fanaticism in football as well as promote peaceful co-existence among supporters involved in football followership through advocacy and education.

Ocean Boys to sack 16

Nigeria Premier League (NPL) club, Ocean Boys will sack 16 players before the commencement of the second round of the 2011/2012 season.

Chief coach of the club, Samson Unuanel explained that the decision is being taken to ‘increase productivity’ and see that the club achieve their objectives in the second half of the season.

“We need to increase productivity in the club. I can tell you that the players who will be sacked are not giving us their best. So there is a need to beef up as we prepare for the second half of the season,” Unuanel told SuperSport.com.

Ocean Boys have been in dire financial straits and Unuanel explained that absence of financial motivation was responsible for most of their underwhelming performances in the first round of the campaign.

“The sponsors will need to do more because the boys have not been motivated as well as they should. We have to do a lot of reshuffling because about 16 players we registered for the new season are on their way out of the club,” Unuanel said.

Ocean Boys sacked 17 players at the end of the 2012/2011 season.

Sinclair wants home Eagles against Rwanda

Former Super Eagles' coach, Monday Sinclair wants home-based players to prosecute Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Nations Cup qualifier in June.

Both nations battled to a scoreless draw in the first leg on February 29 in Kigali and with a ticket to the next round of Africa’s premier soccer showpiece on the line, Sinclair believes the home lads would be Keshi’s best bet to guarantee success in the tie.

“The coach (Keshi) is doing the right thing. We need more matches like that (the one against Egypt in Dubai) as it would boost their confidence,” Sinclair told SuperSport.com.

The Super Eagles made up of players from the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) defeated Liberia’s Lone Star 2-0 in Monrovia in February in another friendly game and Sinclair says the home lads have now earned their stripes with the national team.

“ They have proved that they are not inferior to the foreign-based stars. The local players are hungrier and they are keen to make a name for themselves and the country. I would advise Keshi to use a home-based team for the (CAN) qualifier against Rwanda in Nigeria.

The veteran tactician also took the time to speak on the NFF’s decision to hire Belgian, Tom Saintfiet as Nigeria’s technical director of football.

The former Sharks' coach said he was shocked at the move explaining that ‘a lot of Nigerian coaches would have done better.’

“I won’t mention any names but I know a lot of Nigerian coaches who would have done a much better job compared to (Saintfiet). We seem to value foreigners more in our football. I recall going for courses on football issues alongside foreigners in the past and I did much better (than the foreigners). We need to start valuing our own a bit more,” he concluded.

1 GAME founder blames football violence on Nigerian clubs

1 GAME founder Philip Obaji says football clubs in Nigeria are responsible for the increasing cases of violence in the country and wants authorities concerned to increase punishment to clubs whose supporters jeopardize the image of the game.

Obaji was speaking in Calabar at the weekend when sports journalists from the Cross River Broadcasting Corporation paid him a visit at the 1 GAME campaign office. He said football clubs and constituted authorities have done very little in fighting violence in the game.

“The blame has to go to the clubs. They know those behind match violence. Some of those behind these acts are registered club supporters. Sometimes these hoodlums are sponsored by clubs to commit the atrocities they carry out. It’s a big shame.

“We saw what happened in Enugu when Heartland played Enyimba, those Heartland supporters that attacked the referee wore the club shirt. It is not possible that the club does not know who these supporters are. They sure do.

“My worry is that the authorities concerned are doing little to fight this. The penalty is weak for offending clubs. I sometimes laugh at it. Our football is losing glamour by the day because violence and poor officiating has taken over.”

Obaji’s 1 GAME campaign is at the forefront of the fight against violence and fanaticism in football.

Eneramo scores as Ehiosun sinks

Michael Eneramo scored an important goal for Sivasspor on Matchday 34 of Turkey’s Super Lig as the Yigidolar came back from a goal down to stun Samsunspor 2-1 at 19 Mayis.

The Nigerian attacker struck after 34 minutes on Saturday to level the scores after the German, Michael Fink put the home side in front after 23 minutes.

Eneramo has been in fine form this term, scoring on Matchday 31 against Ordusspor in the 1-1 draw at Sukru Saracoglu.

Another Nigerian, Ekigho Ehiosun was on for Samsunspor for all 90 minutes.

The former Warri Wolves attacker however failed to score in the game as his side suffered a shock reverse in front of their home supporters.

Ehiosun has scored nine goals for Samsunspor in the 2011/2012 season.

Eguavoen blames loss on players

Enyimba head coach, Austin Eguavoen has blamed his players for their lack of discipline in their 0-1 loss to 3SC in Ibadan on Saturday.

He pointed out the shabby wall of defence before Enyimba conceded from Mutiu Adegoke's late free kick as an example of his team's lack of indiscipline in the game.

"The boys showed a total lack of discipline in this game. We spoke about this before the game and even at the break.

"Our wall, for instance, was not properly set up. Instead of forming a four or five-man wall, the boys just put up a two-man wall which gave Mutiu (Adegoke) the chance to pick where to shoot to. We have ourselves to blame for this loss," he said.

The former Nigeria Under23 head coach also believes that his team took their foot off the pedal.

"We took our eyes off the ball and didn't press our opponents well enough to get a result. Even after conceding that goal the boys still didn't do enough. It's a total lack of discipline," lamented Eguavoen.

Enyimba are now third in the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) standings with 31 points and play hosts to 3SC in their next game in Aba.