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.
Nigerian Football
Spirit of sportsmanship as reigning champions, Enugu Rangers, congratulate new champions, Remo Stars
BY OKOLIE NORBERT
Reigning champions, Enugu Rangers, who beat Remo Stars to the second position last season, have congratulated the new champions, Remo Stars of Ikenne.
The management of Rangers sent a warm message of congratulations to Remo Stars Football Club for their remarkable victory in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
In a letter addressed to the chairman of Remo Stars, Kunle Soname, the General Manager/CEO of the ‘Flying Antelopes’, Amobi Ezeaku lauded the tenacity and dedication displayed by the Ikenne-based team throughout the campaign to amass an unassailable points tally with three games to the end of the season.
Ezeaku further urged Remo Stars to represent the NPFL admirably in the upcoming CAF Champions League.
The congratulatory message, titled “Heartfelt congratulations on your historic NPFL triumph,” conveyed the sincere admiration of the Enugu club.
“I write on behalf of Rangers International Football Club, and in my capacity, to extend our warmest congratulations to you and the entire Remo Stars family on your historic victory in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League season,” Ezeaku stated in the letter.
He further acknowledged the significant journey undertaken by Remo Stars under Soname’s leadership, saying, “Your remarkable leadership, vision, and unwavering commitment over the years have transformed Remo Stars into a force in Nigerian football.
“Winning the league title, after fifteen years of building and striving, is a truly extraordinary achievement — a testament to your passion, resilience, and belief in the Remo Stars project.”
Drawing from Rangers’ own recent experience as league champions, Ezeaku highlighted the immense effort required to reach the pinnacle of Nigerian football.
“As the immediate past champions, we deeply appreciate the magnitude of what it takes to reach the summit. Your success is not only an inspiration to Remo Stars but to all who believe in hard work, strategic investment, and patience in football development,” he noted.
Concluding the message, the Rangers boss expressed optimism for Remo Stars’ future endeavours.
“We celebrate this well-deserved milestone with you and look forward to watching Remo Stars shine brightly on the continental stage. Nigerian football is richer and stronger because of visionary leaders like you. Once again, congratulations, Mr. President. May this be the first of many more successes.”
This gesture from Rangers underscores the spirit of sportsmanship and mutual respect within the NPFL fraternity as Remo Stars celebrate their well-earned league title.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
By beating Niger Tornadoes 1-0 to win the Nigeria Premier Football League on Sunday, Remo Stars have become the 21st club to win the title since the league at national level was introduced in 1972.
But if professional football is the consideration, they become the 17th champions since 1990.
Most titles have been won by Enyimba, who won their 9th title in the 2022/23 season.
Yet, it was not a bed of roses for the club that is arguably Nigeria’s most successful club.
They were relegated in 1991 after finishing 15th in a 16-team league.
They returned to the elite division in 1994 after topping the lower division in 1993.
The next most successful club is Enugu Rangers, who have eight titles. But the bulk is in the amateur era when they were the dominant force in Nigerian football.
Since the professional period, Enugu Rangers have won just two titles in 2016 and 2024.
They are followed up by their age-long rivals, Shooting Stars, who have five titles, the last of which was won 27 years ago.
Heartland also have five titles, all won when the club was Iwuanyanwu Nationale.
Next are Kano Pillars, who are the second club from Kano to win the league. Before their four victories in 2008 and from 2012 to 2014, the now-defunct Raccah Rovers were Nigeria’s champions in 1978.
The NPFL winning team of 2021/22, Rivers United, can lay claim to four titles following the victory of Eagle Cement in 1997 and that of succeeding Dolphins in 2004 and 2011. Rivers United is a fusion of the older Sharks FC and Dolphins (previously Eagle Cement) in 2016.
Bendel Insurance have two titles won in 1973 and 1979 before the advent of professional football in Nigeria.
Also winning twice are the defunct Julius Berger of Lagos, who were champions in 1991 and 1999.
Other past winners who are no longer in the topflight of Nigerian football include Mighty Jets, the inaugural winners of 1972; Raccah Rovers of Kano (1978); New Nigerian Bank (1985); Leventis United (1986); Stationary Stores (1992); Udoji United (1996); and Ocean Boys (2006).
Others with single titles are Plateau United (2017) and Akwa United (2021).
Champions by season
- 1972 – Mighty Jets
- 1973 – Bendel Insurance
- 1974 – Enugu Rangers
- 1975 – Enugu Rangers
- 1976 – Shooting Stars
- 1977 – Enugu Rangers
- 1978 – Raccah Rovers, Kano
- 1979 – Bendel Insurance
- 1980 – Shooting Stars
- 1981- Enugu Rangers
- 1982 – Enugu Rangers
- 1983 – Shooting Stars
- 1984 – Enugu Rangers
- 1985 – New Nigeria Bank
- 1986 – Leventis United, Ibadan
- 1987 – Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland)
- 1988 – Iwuanyanwu Nationale
- 1989 – Iwuanyanwu Nationale
- 1990- Iwuanyanwu Nationale
- 1991 – Julius Berger
- 1992 – Stationery Stores
- 1993 – Iwuanyanwu Nationale
- 1994 – BCC Lions
- 1995 – Shooting Stars
- 1996 – Udoji United
- 1997 -Dolphins
- 1998 – Shooting Stars
- 1999 – Lobi Stars
- 2000 – Julius Berger
- 2001 – Enyimba
- 2002 – Enyimba
- 2003 – Enyimba
- 2004 – Dolphins
- 2005 – Enyimba
- 2006 – Ocean Boys
- 2007 – Enyimba
- 2008 – Kano Pillars
- 2009 – Bayelsa United
- 2010 – Enyimba
- 2011 – Dolphin
- 2012 – Kano Pillars
- 2013 – Kano Pillars
- 2014 – Kano Pillars
- 2015 – Enyimba
- 2016 – Enugu Rangers
- 2017 – Plateau United
- 2018 – Cancelled
- 2019 – Enyimba
- 2020 – Cancelled Owing to COVID-19
- 2021- Akwa United
- 2022 – Rivers United
- 2023 – Enyimba
- 2024 – Enugu Rangers
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Nigerian Football
AMAC Crowned Inaugural Champions of FCT FA Women’s Inter-Area Councils Football Tournament
The AMAC Area Council have been crowned champions of the maiden edition of the FCT FA Women’s Inter-Area Councils Football Tournament, following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Gwagwalada Area Council on Sunday.
A first-half solitary strike from Ruth Torsue handed Atandex Taiwo’s side the historic triumph in the final held at the FIFA Goal Project Pitch, Package B of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Sunday, April 27, 2025.
In the earlier third-place playoff, Kwali edged Kuje 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in regulation time to secure the bronze medal.
As reward for their historic achievement, AMAC were presented with a cash prize of ₦250,000, while runners-up Gwagwalada and third-placed Kwali received ₦150,000 and ₦100,000 respectively.
A major highlight of the day was the conferment of a Meritorious Award on the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and First Vice President of WAFU Zone B, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to football development in Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking after receiving the award, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, who had just returned from the CAF African Schools Football Championship finals in Ghana, praised the FCT Football Association and tournament sponsor Pat Ajuma Ayegba for their unwavering commitment to grassroots football.
“I am fulfilled being part of this huge success. Championships like this are the real platforms for talent discovery, and I must commend the organizers for their vision and execution,” Gusau said.
“I made a vow to be here and am proud to identify with initiatives like this. It aligns perfectly with my agenda of promoting grassroots development since coming into office and taking the sport to every corner of the country. I am truly proud of the investment and dedication shown by Pat Ajuma Ayegba, and I fully support initiatives of this nature.”
Tournament initiator and sponsor, Pat Ajuma Ayegba, expressed immense satisfaction with the successful delivery of the competition.
“This is a dream come true. I congratulate all the participating teams, especially the champions AMAC, for their outstanding performance,” Ayegba stated.
“I sincerely thank the NFF President for the incredible honour of his presence and the fond memories offered to these young, ambitious female footballers. I also deeply appreciate the support of the Minister of Women’s Affairs and the humongous backing of the FCT FA leadership.”
FCT FA Chairman Muktar Adam Mohammed, represented by First Vice Chairman Alhaji Salihu Kolo, also hailed the tournament’s success and applauded Pat Ajuma Ayegba’s landmark achievement.
“We are extremely proud of the successful maiden edition of this championship. The attendance of the NFF President and the dedication shown by Pat Ajuma Ayegba have given this tournament a strong foundation for future growth,” Kolo remarked.
In a similar vein, the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, represented by her Special Assistant, Alkali Suleiman, commended the organisers for their transformative vision.
“This initiative is highly commendable, creating a platform that takes young girls off the streets and engages them positively through sports,” Suleiman stated.
“On behalf of the Honourable Minister, I pledge our Ministry’s continued support to sustain and grow this laudable project as it aligns with our agenda.”
In recognition of outstanding performances, Jimoh Kairat of Gwagwalada was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament, while the Best Goalkeeper award went to AMAC’s impressive shotstopper, Duru Blessing. Saratu Danladi also shone brightly, emerging as the tournament’s Highest Goal Scorer.
The well-attended final also attracted several high-profile dignitaries, including former FCT FA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National League (NNL), Emmanuel Attah; General Manager of NTA Sports, Kayode Adeniyi; Corps Command Daniel Asanya; former Chairman of FCT Coaches Association, Godwin Bamigboye; as well as FCT FA Board Members Femi Ajilore, Patrick Bassey, and FCT FA Secretary, Haruna Ilerika.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Spirit of sportsmanship as reigning champions, Enugu Rangers, congratulate new champions, Remo Stars
Remo Stars are Nigeria’s 21st League Champions
AMAC Crowned Inaugural Champions of FCT FA Women’s Inter-Area Councils Football Tournament
- WOMEN'S FOOTBALL1 week ago
Naira rain falls on Nigeria’s Flamingos after a 4-0 defeat of Algeria
- Nigerian Football4 days ago
Financial rainfall awaits Nigeria’s Flamingos for every goal scored in Algeria
- OBITUARY6 days ago
NFF mourns the demise of former FIFA referee, Bosede Momoh
- U-17 AFCON1 week ago
Morocco crowned CAF U-17 AFCON champions after dramatic penalty shootout win over Mali
- U-20 FOOTBALL1 week ago
Nigeria begin CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations title chase with Tunisian clash
- Nigerian Football1 week ago
Remo Stars maintain ‘7Up’ lead over Rivers United
- feature6 days ago
Ghana’s Cardinal, Appiah Turkson, listed as a possible Pope
- Nigerian Football4 days ago
Former WAFU President, Ogufere mourns Christian Chukwu