Nigerian Football
CAN WARRI WOLVES GET ROUND THE RIVERS IN AITEO CUP ROUND OF 16 INTO QUARTER FINALS?
BY SAMMY WEJINYA
Rivers
United return to AITEO Cup duty on Sunday when they face Warri Wolves in the
round of 16 of the competition.
The Wolves reached this stage by devouring unfancied Kaduna club, Ambassador
FC, 1-0 in the round of 32 at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja and have now set
their sights on a place in the last eight.
Doma United were Wolves’ opponents in the round of 64 so Sunday’s game against
Rivers United at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa will represent the Warri
club’s first real test of the competition this year.
Can the sleeping giants stir from hibernation?
Warri Wolves currently ply their trade in the second tier of Nigerian football
but the institution has a fairly healthy history steeped in tradition.
Wolves represented Nigeria in the CAF Champions League in 2016 but were knocked
out in the first round.
Four years later, the club returned to the continent where they reached the
round of 16 of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Two second round finishes in the same competition followed in 2012 and 2014 as
the Wolves unsuccessfully tried to smash the glass ceiling under former coach,
Paul Aigbogun.
As NPA, Wolves had played in the first round of the now defunct CAF Champions
League.
Success in this year’s AITEP Cup will see Wolves return to familiar terrain –
their old stomping ground, the continent.
Stellar names like Ike Thankgod, Ambrose Uanzekin, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Sunday
Mba and Ogenekaro Etebo have previously pulled the storied strips of Wolves but
these days, the defenders of the badge are a little less stellar.
Head coach, Kester Ojo-Osagie will be relying on his trusted charges, Onome
Onotafe, Igho Akporiri Walter, Samson Gift, Orukpe Innocent and Ibo Uro.
Other Wolves stars who will be looking to set the Cat amongst the Pigeons in
the United camp include Onyebuchi Ogwu, Amadi Samuel, Nwafor Ikechukwu,
Atshimene Charles, Ebuka Nnebuo and Ebule Jonathan.
Nnebuo was a former United midfielder and the playmaker will be extremely
important for the Wolves if they are to upset the applecart and reach the
quarter finals.
Chief Executive Officer of Warri Wolves, Moses Etu is upbeat about Sunday’s
game and predicts a difficult time for the ‘Pride of Rivers’.
“We got to this stage against all odds. Rivers United is a big team so if they
beat us, it is not going to be news, but if we beat them, it will be headline
news,” Etu said.
“We respect them because they have star players and a great manager, Stanley
Eguma.
“Hopefully, we will give them a good run for their money. If they win, they
will suffer for the victory,” Etu promised.
United poised and focused
Rivers United have been quietly, steadily and consistently going about their
business in this year’s AITEO Cup.
Performances have been solid and the team spirit has never been better with the
ranks of the ‘Pride of Rivers’.
A 4-0 win over FC Timberloader in the round of 64 in Lafia was followed by a
classy 3-0 win over tournament favourites, Akwa United.
Rivers United look a frightening proposition and Stanley Eguma’s men have not
conceded a single goal in the tournament.
“Winning against Akwa United has built so much confidence and now, our target
is to go as far as we can in this competition,” Eguma, the technical manager of
United told the club’s official website, www.riversunitedfc.com.ng.
Peter Ubakanma who has scored twice in the competition already, was also upbeat
when he shared his pre-match thoughts.
“Wolves are an experienced side but we are in very good form at the moment and
I think that will be the crucial factor,” he said.
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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