Nigerian Football
NIGERIA’S SPORTS MINISTER DALUNG EXCITED FOR WOMEN’S INCLUSION IN NEW NIKE PROJECT FOR NIGERIA
Solomon Dalung has commended sportswear manufacturing firm, Nike for including women in the bonuses scheme in their newly extended four-year contract signed with the Nigeria Football Federation in November 2018.
The Minister of Youth and Sports gave the commendation at the Nike UK office in London where he, alongside the NFF President Amaju Pinnick and 2nd Vice President Shehu Dikko attended a pre-viewing and development strategy meeting with the sportswear manufacturers to take a final decision on the proposed national teams’ new kits and apparel design due to be unveiled by summer 2020 for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
“I must commend Nike for adding Nigeria’s women’s national teams in the bonuses to your new contract signed with the NFF in November 2018 as well as the general improved terms of the contract which shows Nike’s huge interest and belief in the Nigeria market.
“I am also impressed with Nike for the opportunity to pre- view the options made available to us to choose from. It is the second time Nigerians are being brought to the table to be part of the designs selection before the production of jerseys for our national teams.
“This has given us a sense of belonging and participation as Nigerians are very passionate about their national colours.
“On behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, we thank you for your partnership and support to the NFF. We will work to sustain and support it because of its benefits to our football and indeed our people.”
Dalung also urged the sportswear manufacturers to make the jerseys available and accessible to Nigerians through mapped out outlets across the country and beyond and assured Nike of all the support needed.
In his remarks, the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick assured Nike that the NFF will strive to protect their partnership by keeping to the terms of their contract.
He commended Nike as he hoped for a more robust partnership to project Nigeria at the 2020 Olympics and beyond.
“The success of the last jerseys produced by Nike took the government and Nigerians by storm and they are all interested in the quality and grade of the next one hence, our insistence that the Minister of Sports must be here to superintend over our choice of jerseys for the national teams for the 2020 Olympic Games and report back to the government.”
The Sports Marketing Director African Football, Nike, Tina Salminen thanked the Nigerian delegation for their cooperation while promising to build a strong craft that will reflect the youthful culture of Nigerians in the production of the sports wears.
She also assured the minister of Nike’s satisfaction with the contract with the NFF and the overall management of the affairs with NFF which informed Nike’s signing of a new long term contract with the NFF in November 2018 as they view Nigeria as one of their headline brands.
Nike further briefed the minister on their plans to activate the new contract including opening of several outlets across the country as well as online stores to ensure the availability of the Kits and merchandise to the fans. She reiterated Nike’s investment in Nigeria as long term and will ensure its continuous success in partnership with the NFF and with support from the government.
Apart from the artistically designed home and away jerseys for the teams, the women will also be beneficiaries of monetary incentives in the reviewed contract.
Super Eagles midfielder Ndidi Wilfred and former Golden Eaglets’ coach Fanny Amun also attended the meeting.
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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