Nigerian Football
REACTIONS TRAIL AGU’S COMMENTS ON ENYEAMA’S POSSIBLE RECALL
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Super Eagles’ goalkeeper trainers’ opposition to a possible recall of Vincent Enyeama to the World Cup-bound Nigerian squad has drawn varying comments.
Alloy Agu, a former Nigerian international and goalkeeper trainer in the Super Eagles had spoken to Sports Village Square about his opposition to the possible return of Vincent Enyeama to the Nigerian team.
The Nigerian goalkeeper trainer had hinged his opposition to the return of Enyeama on a possible ignition of crisis in the team as Enyeama may want to reclaim the captaincy and the possible pushing aside of those who laboured to see Nigeria pick the World Cup ticket.
But most are inclined to give Agu a knock for his views. Football aficionado, Godwin Dudu-Orumen wants Agu to provide an answer to whether the return of Goalkeeper Rufai brought crisis to the World Cup-bound team of USA ’94.
“And can he beat his chest and say the goalkeepers in camp now are anymore than his own average ability which wasn’t even tested in the World Cup?”, asked Dudu-Orumen.
“I commend the guy (Ikechukwu Ezenwa) who has been between the posts in the last three games or so. His mistakes are very elementary. Hopefully those weaknesses would have corrected in nine months before the World Cup”, remarked Dudu-Orumen.
He wants Alloy Agu to name two other goalkeepers than can bench Enyeama today in a fair contest. “If not, he should stop confusing the equation”.
Another enthusiast , Wisdom Agboola-Oluwa responding to Sports Village Square on facebook remarked: “Alloy Agu should know better than to say such much as he was not to be in the Super Eagles until he came as a replacement for injured David Ngodigah in the 1989 Yaoundé duel of World Cup qualifier. We eventually lost as he too lost a pair of frontal teeth.
Enyeama too would not have been if Coach Onigbinde had not insisted on taking a green horn like Vincent to the 2002 World Cup.
The return of Enyeama to the World Cup bound squad will do the team real good like our need to restart rather than restructure Nigeria, the thoughts of a truly patriotic Nigerian and football fraternity and confraternity member that remember the past.
Another Nigerian journalist of international repute, Osasu Obayiuwana commenting on the issue in a popular Nigerian Whatsapp platform, Nigeria Football Support Platform, remarked that Gernot Rohr is more than competent to make a decision about who makes the team. “If he picks Enyeama, it will be because he is still good enough. If he doesn’t pick him, it will be for the same reason”.
He however wants the self-exiled goalkeeper to do two things before his return. “Find a new club and regain match fitness. And after that, he has to make up his mind if he is ready to join the team on Rohr’s conditions, should the coach follow-up on his initial desire to have him back in the team”, Obayiuwana wrote.
He remarked further that “some of Rohr’s staff are apprehensive that his return could upset the harmony in the team. This has been the first time, for a very long time, where the Super Eagles players seem to share a common sense of purpose.
“As long as Vincent (Enyeama) is ready to accept the role and functions given to him by Rohr, which maintains the harmony the team currently has – and he is able to regain match fitness before May, having him as one of the three World Cup goalkeepers is just plain common sense” remarked Obayiuwana.
Continuing he wrote: “If Essam El-Hadary were a Nigerian, some of you will toss him into the bin. But he will be Egypt’s number one in Russia 2018”.
Even though Coach Gernot Rohr is hoping for speedy recovery of Carl Ikeme, Obayiuwana is of the view that he is highly unlikely to go to the World Cup in a playing capacity.
“He cannot recover from Leukaemia, resume his career and regain match fitness before May. But I hope Nigeria will take him to the tournament still, all-expenses paid.
But not everyone blames Agu for his views. Kola Daniel commenting on Nigeria Football Support Platform wrote: “enough of this Enyeama return… To come and do what in the team? Where was he when the team qualified?”
Another commentator on the platform, Muhammad Mansour Ibrahim wrote: “I don’t think we need Enyeama or any other (new) goalkeeper for now except for injury on the others on the bench.
“Enyeama has played his role over the years, let’s have another person…Ezenwa has shown that he too has come of age. Let’s allow the present guys to do us proud”.
By Kunle Solaja.
Nigeria’s planned participation in a four-nation invitational tournament later this month is facing serious uncertainty after a significant escalation in Middle Eastern tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The Super Eagles were scheduled to compete in Amman, Jordan, from March 27 to 31, alongside Iran, Jordan and Costa Rica, as part of preparations for future competitive fixtures and squad building. But recent geopolitical developments have cast doubt over whether the event can still go ahead as planned.
An official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed to Sports Village Square that the situation is being closely monitored, with security and travel concerns emerging as key factors in deciding the tournament’s fate.
The doubts stem from joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which triggered a sharp escalation in hostilities and sparked retaliatory actions across the region, including reports of attacks and counter-attacks in neighbouring countries.
The unfolding crisis has already led to airspace closures, flight cancellations and broader travel disruptions in the Gulf and Levant, complicating international travel plans for teams and supporters alike.
The Super Eagles had planned to open the tournament against Iran on March 27 at the Amman International Stadium before facing hosts Jordan four days later. However, Iran’s participation itself is now in question as the security situation deepens and Iranian football authorities weigh their options amid the conflict.
The tournament was seen as a valuable opportunity for head coach Eric Chelle to assess his squad in a competitive setting before the next major competitions, which include the 2027 Afcon qualifiers.
Jordan, who will make their own debut at the 2026 World Cup, was using the event to build momentum on home soil, but the escalating crisis places not just Nigeria’s fixtures at risk, but the entire mini-tournament.
The NFF has not yet announced an alternative plan should the tournament be cancelled or postponed.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Matchday drama unfolded across centres in the Nigeria Premier Football League(NPFL) as title contenders stumbled, traditional powerhouses flexed their muscles, and the race for continental places tightened significantly.
Rivers United’s grip at the top suffered a dent after a shock 1–0 defeat to Bayelsa United in a tense South-South derby. The slim victory handed Bayelsa a crucial three points while slowing Rivers’ momentum at a critical stage of the season.
The biggest statement of the weekend came from Bendel Insurance, who dismantled Ikorodu City 4–0 in a ruthless display. Insurance were clinical from start to finish, overpowering their visitors and boosting both their goal difference and their standing in the upper half of the table. For Ikorodu City, who had been firmly in the mix near the summit, the heavy loss could prove costly in the long run.
Enugu Rangers also strengthened their position with a composed 2–0 victory over Nasarawa United. The Flying Antelopes controlled proceedings and capitalised on their chances, ensuring maximum points against a direct rival in the race for honours. With Rivers United dropping points, Rangers’ win significantly narrows the gap at the top.
In Aba, Enyimba were held to a 1–1 draw by Kun Khalifat in a fiercely contested encounter. The People’s Elephant had to settle for a point despite home advantage, a result that may affect their ambitions of climbing into the continental qualification spots.
Elsewhere, Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves played out a goalless draw in a tightly fought affair where defences dominated, and clear chances were scarce.
Remo Stars continued their battle against relegation with a 2–0 triumph over Katsina United in Ikenne.
Remo Stars begin redemption course with a 2-0 defeat of Katsina United
Ibadan, Shooting Stars delighted their supporters with a spirited 2–1 victory over Kano Pillars. The Oluyole Warriors demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline to edge the encounter, keeping their push for a higher finish on track.
Sunday Results
- Bayelsa United 1-0 Rivers United
- Bendel Insurance 4-0 Ikorodu City
- Enugu Rangers 2-0 Nasarawa United
- Enyimba 1-1 Kun Khalifat
- Niger Tornadoes 0-0 Warri Wolves
- Remo Stars 2-0 Katsina United
- Shooting Stars 2-1 Kano Pillars
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The race for promotion in the 2025/2026 season of the Nigeria National League (NNL) has gathered momentum, with relegated sides Akwa United and Doma United pushing strongly for an immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Both former top-flight campaigners have shown resilience since dropping to the second tier last season. Akwa United currently lead Conference B with a game in hand, underlining their determination to bounce back at the first attempt. Meanwhile, Doma United sit atop Conference C despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Sokoto United on Matchday 11.
Southern Conference Delivers Drama
Matchday 11 in the Southern Conference produced thrilling encounters, further tightening the race for promotion.
In Conference A, two away wins, one home victory and a draw defined the round. The headline fixture between table-toppers Inter-Lagos FC and second-placed Beyond Limit FC ended in a goalless stalemate in Abeokuta. The result ensured Inter-Lagos maintained their grip on first place, though Beyond Limit remain firmly in contention.
Elsewhere, Smart City edged Edel FC 1-0, Gateway United secured a similar 1-0 win over Crown FC, while Sunshine Stars boosted their campaign with a convincing 2-0 triumph over Abia Comets. The victories have intensified the competition in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely fought groups in the league.
Conference B: Akwa United Hold Firm
Conference B continues to heat up as teams battle for supremacy. Osun United claimed a crucial 1-0 away victory at Abakaliki FC, while Rovers FC defeated Stormers 1-0 in Calabar.
Despite the pressure from chasing teams, Akwa United remain firmly in control at the summit. With a game in hand, the Promise Keepers are well-positioned to strengthen their promotion bid in the coming weeks.
Conference C: Doma United Stay Ahead
In Conference C, Sokoto United handed leaders Doma United a 1-0 setback, but the defeat did little to dislodge them from the top. Doma remain on 19 points, narrowly ahead of FC Basira, who climbed to 18 points after a 2-0 win over Lobi Stars.
The slim margin between the top sides suggests a tense battle ahead, with every point likely to prove decisive in the quest for a top-two finish.
Conference D: Northern Battle Intensifies
Yobe Desert Stars moved temporarily to the summit of Conference D with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ranchers Bees, taking their tally to 15 points. Jigawa Golden Stars edged Adamawa United 1-0, while Gombe United and Kebbi United settled for a goalless draw.
Promotion Race Wide Open
With each conference producing unpredictable outcomes, the NNL promotion race remains delicately poised. For traditional heavyweights Akwa United and Doma United, the objective is clear: secure one of the coveted promotion spots and return to the Nigeria Elite League.
As the season progresses, the intensity is expected to rise further, with fans across the country watching closely to see which clubs will earn the right to rejoin Nigeria’s top-flight next season.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
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