Sport

Group Hails Plateau United AGM Danjuma Isandu for Advancing Grassroots Football, Youth Empowerment

Published

11 months ago

June 27, 2025

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A socio-sports advocacy group under the aegis of Isandu Supporters Coalition has applauded Hon. Danjuma Isandu, the Assistant General Manager of Plateau United Football Club, for his outstanding commitment to football development and youth empowerment in Plateau State.

In a statement jointly signed by the group’s President, Victor Ijah, and Secretary, Adikaba Victor, and made available to reporters in Jos on Thursday, the coalition described Isandu as “a tested and trusted leader” whose passion for the game has continued to drive transformation within and beyond the state.

“Isandu is using football as a tool for social development, education, and empowerment, especially among marginalized and disadvantaged populations,” the statement read.

The group highlighted his extensive experience, both as a former professional footballer and an administrator, noting his up-to-date knowledge of modern football management methodologies and in-depth understanding of game strategies, formations, and player management techniques.

“We have watched Isandu closely over the years. His tactical and technical knowledge, coupled with his familiarity with the local football landscape, makes him an invaluable asset,” they added. “He connects with players and fans from diverse backgrounds and aligns with the club’s values and objectives.”

The coalition reaffirmed its unwavering support for Isandu, emphasizing his leadership, communication skills, and inspirational qualities.

“Isandu is not only competent but also professional to the core. He inspires confidence and always delivers on any task assigned to him,” the group stated.

A Stellar Career On and Off the Field

Born on January 15, 1965, in Jos, Plateau State, Danjuma Isandu is a seasoned football administrator and former Nigerian professional footballer who played as a striker, winger, and midfielder for top clubs including Plateau Academicals/Mighty Jets FC, Nasco Jets, El-Kanemi Warriors, JIB FC, and BCC Lions. Known for his flair and goal-scoring prowess, he earned the nicknames “Magician” and “Crazy Horse” during his playing days.

He was part of the Nigerian team at the African Games in Egypt, where he played alongside football legends such as Emmanuel Amunike, Tijani Babangida, Sambo Choji, and Many Garba.

Following his retirement, Isandu remained committed to grassroots football, sponsoring and developing talents across Plateau State. His notable contributions as AGM of Plateau United include overseeing the youth team that reached the U17 National Youth Competition in Benin, Edo State, and reviving the Plateau United Queens female team. The female side became Plateau State Challenge Cup champions in 2024, won the Northern Conference of the Ayomidiron Foundation’s Girls Play Sports tournament, and emerged runners-up at the national level.

Currently, Isandu is in Lagos leading the U19 youth team participating in the N-Youth League Super 8 competition — a role assigned to him by the club’s General Manager, Mr. Habila Mutla.

Public Service and Political Involvement

Outside football, Isandu has made a mark in politics and public service. He holds a Diploma in Business Administration from Plateau State Polytechnic and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Abuja.

He has served in key political roles, including:

Member, National Electoral Committee for PDP Governorship Primaries (Katsina and Bauchi)
Candidate, Jos North-North State House of Assembly (2003)
Private Secretary to PDP National Chairman, Late Chief Solomon Daushep Lar (1998–2002)
Aspirant, Irigwe/Rukuba State Constituency (2022 PDP Primaries)
Board Member, Plateau State Sports Council

The group concluded by affirming that Hon. Danjuma Isandu remains a patient, loyal servant and a visionary leader with a bright future in both sports and politics.

“With his track record and passion for football, Hon. Danjuma Isandu is fully equipped to lead football development efforts in Plateau State and Nigeria at large,” the statement noted.

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Liverpool vs Chelsea preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

Published

1 week ago

May 9, 2026

Preport

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Liverpool can book a top-five finish in the Premier League table when they host Chelsea in Saturday’s early kickoff at Anfield.

Liverpool vs Chelsea betting tips

Under 3.5 goals
Both teams to score
Liverpool to win

Liverpool vs Chelsea preview

Liverpool and Chelsea will get the ball rolling for this weekend’s round of Premier League fixtures as they clash at Anfield.

It is a big game for both sides, but for contrasting reasons as they bid to bounce back from defeats to Manchester United and Nottingham Forest respectively.

The reigning champions’ winning streak came to an end in an agonising 3-2 loss to Manchester United last weekend, shortly before the Blues’ 3-1 home reverse to Nottingham Forest – a sorry sixth straight top-flight defeat.

Liverpool are fourth in the Premier League table with 58 points, six clear of Bournemouth and seven above Brentford. They will qualify for the 2026-27 Champions League if they beat Chelsea and the Cherries drop points at Fulham.

A draw could also be enough depending on how Bournemouth, Brentford and Brighton get on.

As for Chelsea, they will be desperate to end a run of six consecutive Premier League defeats and build some confidence ahead of next weekend’s FA Cup showdown against Manchester City.

Points seem a largely foreign concept to Chelsea in the Premier League right now, and they head to Merseyside as the most out-of-form team in the division.

The ninth-placed Blues are mathematically out of top-five contention, sitting 10 points adrift of Aston Villa with three games remaining.

However, they are just four points off Bournemouth in sixth, which could suffice for UCL qualification if Villa finish in the top five and win the Europa League, though they risk no longer being in contention if results go against them this weekend.

Liverpool vs Chelsea head-to-head

Chelsea beat Liverpool twice at Stamford Bridge in 2025, most recently a 2-1 success in October.

However, the Reds have won their last two meetings at Anfield, including last season’s Mohamed Salah-inspired triumph by the same scoreline.

Following their 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge in October, Chelsea are looking to complete the league double over Liverpool for the first time since 2013/14.

However, Chelsea have won just one of their last 10 away games against Liverpool (D5 L4), a 1-0 win under Thomas Tuchel in March 2021.

Liverpool vs Chelsea team forms

Liverpool Premier League form: 🟧🟥🟩🟩🟩🟥

Liverpool form (all competitions): 🟥🟩🟥🟩🟩🟥

Chelsea Premier League form: 🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥🟥

Liverpool form (all competitions): 🟩🟥🟥🟥🟩🟥

Liverpool vs Chelsea team news

Liverpool are hopeful Alexander Isak and Alisson Becker will be available for selection after injury.

Both players missed the defeat at Old Trafford, with Isak suffering a minor groin issue. Arne Slot said last week that he expected the Swede to return against Chelsea, and Alisson is not thought to be too far away from a comeback.

However, the Chelsea game may come too soon for Mohamed Salah, who is likely to play at least one more game before bidding farewell.

Hugo Ekitike, Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni are all long-term injury casualties, and Giorgi Mamardashvili remains sidelined.

As for Chelsea, the loss to Forest was overshadowed by the sickening head injury to teenage attacker Jesse Derry, who was stretchered off to warm applause from both sets of supporters after his collision with Zach Abbott.

Derry-Abbott was one of two head clashes at Stamford Bridge, where Robert Sanchez and Morgan Gibbs-White also crashed into each other, so Filip Jorgensen may be required in between the posts in the former’s place.

McFarlane is at least hopeful of having attacking trio Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens fit for the weekend, but Estevao Willian (thigh) and Mykhaylo Mudryk (doping ban) will play no part.

Liverpool vs Chelsea possible starting lineup

Liverpool: Woodman; Jones, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Frimpong, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Gakpo

Chelsea: Jorgensen; James, Colwill, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Pedro

Liverpool vs Chelsea prediction

Liverpool are not without their problems, but Chelsea’s Premier League season is ending catastrophically, and McFarlane’s men could return to scoreless ways on Saturday.

Arne Slot’s side had put together a three-game winning run prior to defeat at Old Trafford, and while a classic is surely not in store, given their fitness issues, they’re ahead of Chelsea who have lost their last six in the league.

FA Cup wins aside, the Blues have looked poor in recent weeks and we can’t see that changing here. Form suggests this should be a routine Liverpool win.

Correct score prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Chelsea

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Why I didn’t play for Nigeria – Ex-Chelsea star reflects on international career

Published

1 week ago

May 9, 2026

Preport

Born in Nigeria before relocating abroad, she received her first England call-up at just 14 years old, which she described as the only realistic pathway available to her at that stage.

Aluko reflected on her international career and clarified that representing England instead of Nigeria was largely shaped by circumstance rather than preference.

“Honestly, it wasn’t really a choice. Women’s football was not established when I was growing up in the 1990s. I didn’t even know women’s football existed in Nigeria at the time,” she said via Punch.

Aluko explained that her upbringing ensured she remained closely connected to her roots.

“I was born in Nigeria. I have a Nigerian name, and I never felt the need to change it to something more English. From a young age, I was proud of who I was. My mother cooked Nigerian food for us, and that culture stayed with me,” she added.