Nigerian Football
32 LAGOS TEAMS FOR CHANNELS INTERNATIONAL KIDS CUP
As the annual Channels Kids Cup enters the 11th season, 32 schools have been cleared to feature in the competition. According to a press release by Channels Television, there were over a hundred registered schools in Lagos for the tournament.
But “after a thorough screening process, the technical committee settled for the teams that adhered strictly to the competition’s rules and regulations.”
Among those cleared are winners of the first edition, University of Lagos Staff School, Donmen Primary School, Saludeen Primary School, Ikorodu and 2018 semi-finalists, Abina Omololu, Surulere.
Others are: Inner-City Mission, St Jude’s Private School and Mind-Builders. The 2014 national champions, Toyibat School are also making a return to the competition this year.
Some schools will be making their debut at the competition this year. They include; Mbari Mbayo, School, Yaba, St Joseph Primary School, Idi-Mangoro, Agege, Dee Jewels Primary School, Egbeda, RRS Gold Primary School, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Jimoh Ojora, Ajegunle, Anifowoshe Primary School, Ikeja, Fanlot International School, Abule-Egba, Chalcedony School, Abijo, Ibeju-Lekki, Will and Grace International School, Mile 12 and Raufu Williams Primary School, Egbeda.
The competition has a direct elimination format, teams will be divided into two groups and compete across two venues. The winners from each centre will represent Lagos State at the International finals scheduled for 21st-27th May 2019.
The draw ceremony for the Lagos event will be done on Tuesday, April 30th while action will begin on May 2nd till 7th May 2019 at the Agege stadium and Campos Square Mini Stadium, Lagos Island.
SELECTED SCHOOLS FOR LAGOS PRELIMINARIES
1. SAINT JOSEPH PRIMARY SCHOOL, IDI-MANGORO AGEGE
2. LOCAL GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, OKE-ISAGUN, ALIMOSHO
3. SUPREME EDUCATION EDUCATION FOUNDATION MAGODO
4. UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS STAFF SCHOOL, AKOKA
5. SALAUDEEN PRIMARY SCHOOL, ARAROMI IKORODU
6. AFRICAN CHURCH PRIMARY SCHOOL, IKOLA, AGBADO/OKE ODO
7. DEE JEWELS PRIMARY SCHOOL, GOWON ESTATE EGBEDA
8. RRS GOLD PRIMARY SCHOOL MAFOLUKU, OSHODI
9. SAMFRA SCHOOLS, EBUTE METTA EAST
10. ABINA OMOLOLU PRIMARY SCHOOL, SURULERE
11. JIMOH OJORA PRIMARY SCHOOL, AJEGUNLE
12. ANIFOWOSHE PRIMARY SCHOOL, IKEJA
13. SAINT JUDE PRIVATE SCHOOL, FESTAC TOWN
14. CMS PRIMARY SCHOOL BARIGA
15. KITH AND KIN SCHOOL, IKORODU
16. FANLOT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, ABULE-EGBA
17. RAUFU WILLIAMS PRIMARY SCHOOL, GOWON ESTATE, EGBEDA
18. WILL AND GRACE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, OWODE, MILE 12
19. MBARI MBAYO SCHOOL, YABA
20. TOYIBAT PRIMARY SCHOOL, GBAGADA
21. CHALCEDONY SCHOOL, ABIJO, IBEJU-LEKKI
22. ANWAR-UL-SALAAM PRIMARY SCHOOL, LAGOS ISLAND
23. MUSLIM ASSOCIATION PRIMARY SCHOOL, SURULERE
24. DONMEN PRIMARY SCHOOL, OWODE, MILE 12
25. ZUMURATUL ISLAMIYYA PRIMARY SCHOOL, IKORODU
26. AJOKE PRIMARY SCHOOL, MAGBON, BADAGRY
27. THE TENET SCHOOLS, IKORODU
28. METHODIST PRIMARY SCHOOL, ELETU, IKORODU
29. MIND BUILDERS, ALAUSA
30. LADOJE PRIMARY SCHOOL, OKO-OBA, AGEGE
31. INNERCITY PRIMARY SCHOOL, OREGUN 32. NEW HALL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, LEKKI
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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