Nigerian Football
OVUNDA THE HERO, AS RIVERS UNITED OUST LOBI STARS TO REACH AITEO CUP SEMI FINAL
BY SAMMY WEJINYA
Unheralded goalkeeper, Darlington Ovunda was the unlikely hero
for Rivers United as the ‘Pride of Rivers’ defeated Lobi Stars 5-3 on penalty
shoot outs to reach the semifinals of Nigeria’s oldest football competition,
the AITEO Cup.
Ovunda saved once and converted the decisive kick in the shootout as United put
themselves within striking distance of the showpiece game.
The Port Harcourt club will now meet Niger Tornadoes in the last four in the
competition.
Friday’s quarter final decided at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode was one of
few clear cut goal scoring opportunities so it was unsurprising that the stand
out moment in regulation time was an extraordinary save by United goalkeeper,
Abiodun Akande to keep out Kadiri Timileyin’s goal bound effort in the 79th
minute.
United’s best chance in an extremely tight first was a backward header by Ossy
Martins which the Lobi goalkeeper, Kayode Olufemi stopped with ease in the 25th
minute.
Two minutes later, Lobi almost took the lead but a fine Akande save after the
attacker hit a stunning half volley from just inside the box denied the pacy
Timiletyin.
Lobi enjoyed the better chances in the second half and came close to taking the
lead 11 minutes after the restart.
It was the ever lively Timileyin at the tip of the Lobi spear again as his
curling effort from eight yards failed to trouble the outstanding Akande in the
United goal.
United barely had a sniff in the second half but Lobi’s forwards were also
frustrated for long spells as defences dominated.
With penalties looming, the Technical Manager of United, Stanley Eguma made an
inspired move, withdrawing Akande and throwing in the largely unknown Ovunda in
his place with less than five minutes remaining.
Eguma also withdrew Bright Onyedikachi and threw penalty expert, Chigozie
Ihunda into the fray.
The substitutions would prove to be a masterstroke as United dominated in the
shootout.
Konan Ruffin, Temple Emekayi, Ihunda and Bakary Bamba stepped up in nerveless
fashion to convert United’s first four kicks in the shootout.
Lobi were however staring down the barrel after their first four kicks in the
shootout.
Olamidare Ojo, Ebube Duru and Samuel Matthias all scored for the ‘Pride of
Benue’ but a stunning save by Ovunda to deny Lobi’s first penalty taker, Sikiru
Alimi meant that United’s fifth kick was the a potential decider.
So it proved as the man for the big occasion, Ovunda stepped to covert and put
United into the semifinal.
Ovunda was understandably pleased with his heroic display as he shared his
sentiments with the club’s official website, www.riversunitedfc.com.ng.
“I can’t express the joy I feel right now. I feel so happy and I thank my
teammates for the support they gave me,” he said.
“Now, we want to do well in the semifinal and try to reach the final,” he
concluded.
Eguma also fielded questions after the hard-fought win.
“Once we saw the draw and knew we would face Lobi, we knew we were in for a
very big battle.
“I studied Lobi at the Super Six where I watched them play.
“They succeeded in stopping us from scoring during regulation time which was
impressive (from their perspective) as we had been scoring goals in the
previous rounds.
“We showed more composure during the shootout and deserved to win in the end,”
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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