Nigerian Football
NPFL PLAYOFF: FC IFEANYIUBAH WILL FIGHT TO THE END, DECLARES COACH OKAGBUE
Uche Okagbue, Manager of FC IfeanyiUbah saw his lads lose a third game despite spirited efforts at making a mark in the NPFL Championship Playoff, but the sturdily built coach says they would fight to the end to earn respect.
Okagbue’s lads tried fighting back top reverse a first half two goals lead against Kano Pillars but only succeeded in getting in just one goal and it was their third loss in as many games in the five-match Championship Playoff.
Going into the fourth game against seven times champions, Enyimba International, Okagbue was very combative, declaring that “we will fight to the very end”.
FC IfeanyiUbah really were never reckoned to finish among the playoff sides after the club in a pre-season reorganisation released most of their top stars and assembled a bunch of young and relatively unknown players with a coach that was not associated with any previous success. Yet, they led their group from the early stages and after some setbacks, finished in the top three of the group to make the playoff.
The significance is not lost on okagbue, a former Nigerian youth international and alumni of Insurance of Benin and Rangers International who all through the tournament’s post match conferences never failed to point to the fact that FC IfeanyiUbah was never reckoned with to make it to the Playoff.
“I must say that we got here on merit because we competed with boys who were inexperienced and never were given a chance to qualify. I also believe the other teams are here on merit, so, you cannot look down on any of the teams. Unfortunately, we have not been lucky in front of goals compared with the chances we created but with two games to go, we have to fight for respect and ensure we did not leave the tournament without winning a match or earning a point”, Okagbue responded when asked if the team still has the motivation to do well in the competition.
The Coach has some reservations about officiating and was particularly bitter with the penalty that gave Kano Pillars their first goal in the 2-1 win and believes the error of judgement on the part of the match officials affected his players.
“In our time, we played football on merit and were selected from the league clubs to represent the country. Today, our age grade teams are having issues because most of them didn’t get invited based on merit”, Okagbue said in an obvious hint at his reservations about the penalty award to Kano Pillars.
He has a message for message for Enyimba International and Rangers International, their remaining opponents in the tournament which is n all Oriental Derby, warning that, “It is not going to be easy. We will fight for prestige and we will not be a pushover for any team despite not being in contention for the title or season’s ticket”
FC IfeanyiUbah has enjoyed positive reviews from fans and the media for the quality of their game which though has been marred by a lack of good touch on the final third. Some analysts believe the lack of experienced strikers in the front line has been their bane, a view shared by the Coach who has had to blame inexperience for their defeats.
“I am happy with how far we have come to this tournament. We are playing with young boys who were assembled at the end of last season when all the big players left and it is commendable how thy have adjusted and become a team that finished well. Our major problem here has been the boys’ experience and if we can get to this stage next season, they should watch out for us”, declared Okagbue.
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.
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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
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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.
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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
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