Nigerian Football
PROFLIGATE RIVERS UNITED CHANGED COURSE IN NNEWI
BY SAMMY WEJINYA.
Rivers United
frittered a plethora of chances in Sunday’s 0-1 loss to FC Ifeanyiubah (FCIU)
in Nnewi as the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) entered Match Day
three.
Drissa Bamba got his first start of the season as the United Technical Manager,
Stanley Eguma elected to throw the flamboyant goalkeeper into the deep end
against his former club at his old stomping ground.
Zoumana Doumbia, Ishaq Rafiu, Michael Gopey and Chigozie Ihunda completed five
changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Heartland in Port Harcourt on November
10 as Abiodun Akande, Malachi Ohawume, Michael Enaruna, Lookman Binuyor and
Kunle Odunlami all made way for the season’s debutant starters.
The wholesale changes seemed to affect the usual fluidity of the ‘Pride of
Rivers’ as the hosts quickly took the initiative.
Chibuike Eze dazzled his way into the United box in the second minute but his
feeble shot was stopped effortlessly by Bamba before the visitors stormed down
the other end and almost took the lead.
Cletus Emotan’s expertly-delivered corner a minute later was met by a
well-placed header by Michael Gopey but the FCIU goalkeeper, Sharp Uzoigwe
displayed sharp reflexes to tip the goal-bound effort away for a corner.
Then came a moment of horror for the visitors.
Chigozie Chilekwu made the most of a lapse in concentration by United and
smacked home Jimoh Gbadamosi’s visionary pass with frightening force into the
bottom corner in the seventh minute.
That represented the end of the scoring of a rip-roaring contest that could
have easily produced no less than half a dozen goals.
United improved marginally after the early set back with the trio of Gopey,
Ishaq and Ossy Martins all causing problems for the FCIU backline for the rest
of the half.
The next clear-cut goal scoring opportunity however fell to the home side and
it would have been a carbon copy of the opening goal had Sabastian Uche
displayed a little bit more composure to his powerful strike, off an
enthralling team move, on the half hour.
United almost equalized three minutes before the interval but desperate goal
line clearances remarkably denied Martins, Ishaq and Shuji Oshobe within
seconds of each other.
The thinking among some, that the FCIU goal was living a charmed life, was
ruthlessly underlined in a second half dominated by the visitors.
Five minutes after the restart, United shockingly failed to take the lead after
Gopey astonishingly missed an open goal from six yards following a mix up in
the FCIU defence between Chilekwu and Uzoigwe.
Martins had a great chance to draw United level when he found himself unmarked
at the edge of the area but curled his right-footed effort just wide.
The alarm bells were and truly tolling at this point as United sensing that
their hosts were on the ropes, honed in for the kill.
Three minutes after Martins missed the gilt-edged opportunity to level matters,
United won a free kick, 25 yards out.
Ishaq took the set piece it well enough and but it deflected off the head of
Charles Okafor and against the cross bar.
It was the closest the fast-improving United had come to getting on the board
but they did not flag with newly-introduced substitutes, Nelson Esor and Bright
Onyedikachi making inroads and finding plenty of joy down the wings.
The hosts had by this stage, been pinned deep into their half as they defended
for their lives but a rare raid upfront, on the break, almost caught United
napping.
Sabastian connected well-enough with Ekene Awaziem’s devilish delivery and with
Bamba in no Man’s land, the effort crept agonizingly wide as the sparse horde
of travelling support heaved a collective sigh of relief.
Then came the turning point of the game, in the 65th minute, when Onyedikachi
missed a gaping goal from close range with Uzoigwe badly misplaced following
good work by Emotan on the far side.
Even though United dominated the rest of the half and created several more
dangerous moments, Onyedikachi’s miss seemed to knock the stuffing out of a
United side that have still yet to score from open play after three attempts
this term.
“My players need to be clinical upfront. It is disturbing that we are
dominating matches but not scoring goals,” Eguma told the club’s official
website, www.riversunitedfc.com.ng.
Head coach of FCIU, Uche Okagbue also shared his post-match sentiments.
“It was a good match and we thank God,” he said.
United currently occupy 15th position in the NPFL standings with two points
from three games while FCIU are in third place with seven points from a
possible nine.
Next up for the Pride of Rivers is the onerous task of stopping Enugu Rangers
in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, November 20 as the competition enters Match Day
Four.
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.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
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
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
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.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
NFF Slaps N1m Fine on Clubs that Fail to Honour Federation Cup Matches
Heineken Brings “Fans Have More Friends” Campaign to Nigeria for Champions League Round of 16
Iraq coach calls for delay to World Cup playoff amid travel shutdown
- WAFCON4 days ago
BREAKING: CAF Postpones WAFCON 2026
- OBITUARY5 days ago
Nigerian Sports Journalism Mourns Oyeniyi Oyeleke and Tonex Chukwu
- MLS1 week ago
Trump to Host Lionel Messi and Inter Miami at the White House
- World Cup5 days ago
‘I really don’t care’ if Iran plays in World Cup, Trump tells Politico
- World Cup4 days ago
Iraq’s World Cup Playoff in Doubt as War Disrupts Travel and Visa Processing
- World Cup8 hours ago
Iraq coach calls for delay to World Cup playoff amid travel shutdown
- FA Cup2 days ago
Eze thunderbolt guides Arsenal past Mansfield into FA Cup quarter-finals
- WAFCON1 week ago
Ahead of WAFCON 2026, CAF Celebrates Super Falcons’ Enduring Legacy from Trailblazers to Torchbearers