Nigerian Football

VICTOR OSIMHEN; AN UNUSED LILLE SUB AS TAMMY ABRAHAM AIDS CHELSEA INTO CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LAST 16

Published

6 years ago

December 11, 2019

Nigeria’s talismanic striker, Victor Osimhen was an unused substitute for Lille as Chelsea booked their place in the last 16 of the Champions League as first-half goals from Tammy Abraham and Cesar Azpilicueta sealed a 2-1 win over a much-changed Lille at Stamford Bridge.

Victory for Valencia over Ajax in the other game in Group H means Frank Lampard’s men go through behind the Spaniards with last season’s semi-finalists relegated to the Europa League.

Chelsea knew victory would take them into the knockout stages no matter what the outcome was in Amsterdam and did their job early on against a Lille side with just one point to show for their return to the Champions League for the first time in seven years.

Simple finishes from Abraham and Azpilicueta were just reward for a dominant first-half display, but Chelsea were forced to hold on in the final stages after Loic Remy halved Lille’s deficit against his old club 12 minutes from time.

The visitors were already sure to finish bottom of the group and coach Christophe Galtier showed his priority is trying to secure a return to the Champions League next season by finishing in the top three of Ligue 1 as he made seven changes to the side that beat Brest on Friday.

Chelsea had won just one of their previous five games after a great start to life under Lampard and the Blues boss responded by adding a little more experience to what has been a very young side so far this season.

Antonio Rudiger returned from injury to make just his second start of the campaign at centre-back, while Jorginho was restored in midfield to the side that lost 3-1 to Everton on Saturday.

Up front, Abraham was again flanked by Christian Pulisic and Willian, and all three combined to open the scoring on 19 minutes.

Pulisic unselfishly played in Willian on the right instead of opting to go for goal himself and the Brazilian’s driven cross was tapped in by Abraham for his 13th goal of the season.

Lille have been the whipping boys in a three-way shootout for two places in the last 16 and showed why 10 minutes before half-time when Azpilicueta was left completely unmarked to head home Emerson’s corner from close range.

Mike Maignan in the Lille goal kept his side in the game with a fine double save from Pulisic and Willian at the start of the second half.

However, Chelsea took their foot off the gas as Lampard replaced Pulisic and Abraham ahead of a busy festive period in the Premier League.

And the hosts had to suffer a nervy final dozen minutes when Remy fired in off the underside of the bar.

Remy was a peripheral figure during three seasons at Chelsea between 2014 and 2017, but nearly came back to haunt his old employers only to fire weakly into the arms of Kepa Arrizabalaga in stoppage time.

Instead, Chelsea saw the game out to mark another impressive milestone in Lampard’s first season in charge.

-AFP

Nigerian Football

Rangers Coach Hints at New Signings as Enugu Club Thrash Bayelsa United 4–1

Published

6 hours ago

December 9, 2025

Kunle Solaja

By Ugochukwu Okeiyi, Enugu

Enugu Rangers Technical Adviser, Fidelis Ikechukwu, has suggested that the club may strengthen its squad when the January transfer window opens, following his side’s emphatic 4–1 victory over Bayelsa United in a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 16 fixture at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday.

Ikechukwu, who praised his players’ commitment after the dominant display, said the technical crew would continue to monitor the mental readiness and fitness levels of the squad as they assess potential reinforcements.

The former Plateau United and Heartland FC coach stressed that only players who demonstrate consistency, discipline, and hard work will earn places in the matchday squad.

“Scoring four goals is exciting for our confidence and team chemistry,” Ikechukwu said, commending the collective effort and high work rate that powered the Flying Antelopes to their eighth league win of the season.

Bayelsa United coach, Mahamo Okara, expressed disappointment at his team’s performance, admitting that conceding early and cheaply in the first half made their task nearly impossible.

“They dictated the game and deserved their win,” Okara said. “We tried to reorganize after the break, but at that point, we were already chasing the match.”

The victory lifts Rangers to fourth on the NPFL table with 25 points from 16 games. They next travel to Benin City for a tough clash against Bendel Insurance at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on December 13.

Bayelsa United, still struggling to find stability following the departure of former coach Monday Odigie, sit 14th with 20 points. The Restoration Boys will host defending champions Remo Stars next weekend in Yenagoa as they search for a turnaround in form.

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Nigerian Football

Horvel Angels Clinch 2025 HerGame Girls Football Championship Title in Abuja

Published

2 days ago

December 7, 2025

Kunle Solaja

Horvel Angels were crowned champions of the 2025 HerGame Girls Football Championship after defeating defending champions Fosla Academy 2–0 in a commanding final on Saturday at the Area 3 Sports Complex, Abuja.

The victory capped a breakthrough edition of the competition, which expanded from an Abuja-only tournament to a regional showcase featuring 16 teams drawn from across the North Central zone. The wider participation delivered a more competitive field and unveiled new layers of talent and technical quality.

Horvel Angels struck early through Agatha John, who finished calmly after sustained pressure in the first half. Rising star Lilian Odide sealed the win with a clinical second-half strike, denying Fosla Academy a successful title defence and underlining her status as one of the tournament’s standout performers.

SIK Paragon of Jos claimed third place with a narrow 1–0 win over Generation Next, earning the bronze prize of ₦100,000. Fosla Academy settled for ₦150,000 as runners-up, while champions Horvel Angels took home the top prize of ₦250,000.

Individual honours went to some of the tournament’s brightest performers. Fosla Academy playmaker Patricia Habila was named Most Valuable Player, Horvel striker Odide finished as Top Scorer with six goals, and Flora Williams of SIK Paragon won Best Goalkeeper after conceding only once.

Horvel Angels head coach, Ogbada Atta, praised his team’s discipline and competitive drive.

“The girls were exceptional from start to finish,” he said. “Beating Fosla in a final is no small achievement. This win means everything to us.”

Despite the defeat, Fosla Academy coach Christopher Igbuku applauded his side’s effort and promised a stronger return.

“We fought hard but Horvel were more decisive today. We will bounce back stronger,” he said.

Founder and sole sponsor of the tournament, Dr. Pat Ajuma Ayegba of the HerGame Foundation, expressed satisfaction with the championship’s growth and reiterated her mission to build a national platform for emerging female talent.

“HerGame is fulfilling its purpose of discovering, empowering and projecting the next generation of female footballers,” she said.

Ayegba, who also serves as FCT FA board member and Head of Women’s Football Committee, thanked supporters including the Nigeria Football Federation for donating match balls and the Chairman of the House Committee on Sports for a ₦1 million contribution.

FCT FA Secretary and Head of the Organising Committee, Haruna Ilerika, hailed the standard of play and smooth execution of the second edition, describing it as “top-class.”

With Horvel Angels lifting the 2025 crown and Fosla Academy taking second place, the HerGame Girls Football Championship continues to establish itself as one of Nigeria’s most impactful grassroots platforms for identifying and nurturing future stars of women’s football.

Among the dignitaries present were Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Hon. Kabiru Amadu; Hajiya (Dr.) Nafisa Shehu Mohammed, President of ROSOWA; Hajiya Amina Sani-Zango-Daura of the NFF; former NFF President and FOSLA Academy founder, Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi; and FCT FA Secretary, Haruna Ilerika.

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Nigerian Football

William Troost-Ekong Receives Governor’s Tribute After International Retirement

Published

3 days ago

December 6, 2025

Kunle Solaja

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has congratulated Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong on his retirement from international football, praising him for an “illustrious and exemplary career” defined by dedication, discipline and leadership.

Troost-Ekong, who earned more than 80 caps for Nigeria, announced his retirement on Thursday after a decade-long service to the national team.

The defender was the standout performer at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where he was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) and set a record as the highest-scoring defender in a single edition, netting three crucial goals as Nigeria finished runners-up.

Speaking through the Honourable Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, Governor Eno commended the Akwa Ibom–born star for his outstanding contributions to Nigerian football and for representing the state with honour on the global stage.

“On behalf of my family and the people of our dear state, I sincerely congratulate our son, William Troost-Ekong, who has been a worthy ambassador of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria, both as a player and as captain of the national team,”
the governor said.

He added that Troost-Ekong’s achievements have inspired millions of football lovers across Nigeria and beyond:

“Your commitment to excellence and exemplary sportsmanship remain a shining model for younger generations. As you call time on your illustrious international career, I wish you a new chapter filled with continued success and meaningful opportunities.”

Governor Eno also extended his best wishes for Troost-Ekong’s ongoing club career with Al-Kholood in the Saudi Pro League, commending his perseverance and professionalism throughout his journey across Europe and the Middle East.

Troost-Ekong’s career has spanned several countries and leagues. After developing at Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur’s youth academies, he signed his first professional contract in the Netherlands with FC Groningen and FC Dordrecht.

He later played for KAA Gent, Norwegian side FK Haugesund, Bursaspor in Turkey, Udinese in Italy, Watford in England, Salernitana, and PAOK in Greece before his 2024 move to Al-Kholood.

Governor Eno concluded by reaffirming the pride of Akwa Ibom people in Troost-Ekong’s achievements:

“Thank you for representing Nigeria with honour, courage and distinction. We are proud of your milestones. Congratulations.”

Troost-Ekong retires as one of Nigeria’s most influential captains of the modern era, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and exceptional commitment to the national cause.

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