Nigerian Football
NIGERIAN LEAGUE’S OPENING MATCHDAY PRODUCES STUNNING UNWRITTEN SCRIPT
BY GEORGE AKPAYEN.
The Season 2019 of the Nigerian premier league has
left many astounded while serving a few the humble pie. Some of the big
guns barely struggled to cross the line and two of the title hopeful faltered
on home soil.
It was not the usual win-at-home outcome, which
many had expected before kickoff of the new season as Akwa United and Plateau
United could not breach their opponents and four-time champions Kano Pillars
just managed to edge Heartland at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
Perhaps only Enyimba put up a show worthy of
being seven-time champions on the day as they cruised to a comfortable 2-0
victory at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba on Sunday.
Pundits before the kickoff envisaged a stroll in
the park of some sorts for the likes of Akwa United and Plateau United
considering the fact that they were active in the transfer window but two of
the clubs tipped to challenge for the title this term suffered setbacks.
EL-KANEMI STUN AKWA AT NEST OF CHAMPIONS
At the Nest of Champions, Akwa United’s matchday
squad looked like they would keep the promise of an opening day win as
El-Kanemi Warriors had lost the like of Samuel Mathias and Otakho Aghahowa in
the transfer.
The Promise Keepers, on the other hand, hired
Brazilian trainer Rafael Everton as head coach who brought along his countryman
and midfelder Alberico da Silva. In their matchday squad they also had new
recruits Juwon Oshaniwa, Mfon Udoh, Ndifreke Effiong, Emeka Atuloma and Ocheme
Edoh, and these names were expected to strike fear into their opponents from
the northeast.
Mohammed Baba Ganaru’s men had other ideas and
held on till the fourth minute of added time when Ba’akaka Ajikolo who had only
been on the pitch for only nine minutes after replacing Ali Aliyu scored after
Akwa goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo’s pocket was picked as he tried to ape Colombian
maverick goalkeeper Rene Higuita. Akwa paid the price for failing to convert
their chances and playing a highline at the death.
MAIKABA STILL CANNOT MANAGE A WIN OVER FC
IFEANYIUBAH
Immediate past Akwa United head coach Abdu
Maikaba did not enjoy a good start either as he began his reign at Plateau
United by dropping two points against FC Ifeanyiubah who had an unrecognizable
startlist except for captain Chijioke Alaekwe and goalkeeper Chinedu Anozie.
Plateau United’s playing personnel looked
intimidating with goalkeeper Dele Ajiboye, Daniel Itodo, Sikiru Olatunbosun,
Seth Mayi, Bernard Ovoke, Ezekiel Thompson and Ibeh Johnson with Godwin Obaje,
Gabriel Wassa, David Obiazo, Benjamin Turba and Elisha Golbe all starting from
the bench — which looked even stronger than FC Ifeanyiubah’s starting XI
filled with upstarts.
Anozie did just enough to deny Ovoke, Thompson
and Olatunbosun at different times and not even Itodo’s long throws could help
breach the defence of FC Ifeanyiubah anchored by Charles Okafor. FC Ifeanyiubah
rarely attacked and only had one opportunity which they fluffed in a
counter-attacking situation in which they had numerical advantage of three to
beat two. At the end, they took back with them a priceless 0-0 scoreline.
ABIA WARRIORS’ OPENING DAY RECORD SMASHED
FC Ifeanyiubah’s southeast rivals Abia Warriors
were not lucky to leave Lafia with a result as they lost 0-1 to Nasarawa
United. It was the first time that the Umuahia club would taste defeat in their
opening matchday game since they made their top-flight debut in 2014.
Abdullahi Abubakar’s strike on 20 minutes proved
sufficient for Nasarawa United who have endured struggling starts in recent
seasons.
KANO PILLARS START LIFE WITHOUT LOKOSA
In Kano, Junior Lokosa’s impending departure is
already being felt as Kano Pillars scraped to a 1-0 victory over Heartland.
Pillars benefited from an error from Ebele Obi whose poor goalkeeping on 16
minutes allowed Chinedu Sunday to guide the ball home with his head from close
range.
Kabiru Baleria’s men could not conjure that
second goal to ease the pressure of Heartland breathing down their necks in the
second half and would be thankful that Chidiebere Ajoku’s goal for the away
team did not stand owing to offside positioning.
Matchday 2 of the NPFL takes place this midweek.
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.
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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.
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