Nigerian Football
WILFRED NDIDI’S EFFORTS ASSIST LEICESTER’S VARDY TO AIM AS PREMIERSHIP TOP SCORER
With 17 goals in 18 matches, Jamie Vardy of Leicester is at the moment Premiership League’s highest scorer.
He has scored in all but one of his last nine league games. But unknown to many, Super Eagles’ Wilfred Ndidi has been the support that Vardy needed.
According to Daily Mail, both Vardy and Ndidi have been working together to make the former a lethal striker.
Vardy is only three short of 100 Premier League goals and needs seven more to match his tally from Leicester’s title-winning season four years ago.
But he is not concerned only with his own finishing. The 32-year-old striker has been passing on tips during training sessions, with midfielder Wilfred Ndidi in particular grateful for the lessons.
Vardy has been schooling his team-mates on when to shoot first-time, when to take a touch, when to hit the ball with power and when to use precision.
‘He’s not just doing it for himself, he’s doing it for the team,’ said Ndidi. ‘Before the game he’s always there to tell me how to hit the ball.
‘Because he’s a goalscorer, he gives this advice to me and some other players. So he’s just there to guide us. He used to tell me ‘don’t strike!’ but now he tells me ‘don’t strike just pass it!’
Vardy’s own performances this year prove his advice is worth following.
The decision to work smart, rather than simply working hard, has been key to Vardy’s evolution.
A vivid memory of Leicester’s unforgettable 2015-16 campaign is Vardy constantly on the move: chasing balls over the top; closing down defenders or sprinting into space in anticipation of a lofted pass from Danny Drinkwater.
Vardy is still diligent — but smarter. He is the trigger for Leicester’s counter-pressing game: when he moves towards the man on the ball, the rest of the team move with him but he knows he must save his legs for when it really matters.
He still thrives on needle from opposition fans, too. Fielders used to be wary of sledging the great West Indies batsman Brian Lara in case it made him more determined. Rival clubs’ fans would do well to follow a similar rule with Vardy.
‘He’s so honest that he’d press the entire back four if he could,’ said Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers.
‘He plays an aggressive game that suits him with tactical ideas that allow him to conserve his energy.
‘How we play, being aggressive and playing quickly obviously suits him. But his finishing ability, how clinical he is, is absolutely phenomenal. That’s a big testament to his concentration. When the opportunities come he’s always ready.’
Rodgers says Vardy ‘never misses a training session’ and even though he is well over 30, his numbers in pre-season were particularly impressive.
They were 21 per cent better than in 2012, his first year at Leicester, with his body fat measuring 7.5 per cent and sprints that registered 9.3 metres per second on the GPS monitor.
He has little appetite for gym work, preferring to stay lean and mean, and has maintained a pre-match routine that includes omelettes, Red Bulls and espressos.
Vardy’s decision to retire from international football in 2018 has benefited him, too. Instead of following a different training regime with England, Vardy can do exactly what is required to keep himself in peak shape.
‘I retired because I needed to rest up, I needed to keep the legs fresh,’ he told Amazon recently. ‘I had seven weeks off to prepare for the new season.’
While his former England colleagues were securing qualification for Euro 2020, Vardy was spending parts of international breaks in Dubai with his family to rest for the challenges ahead.
‘He’s thinking all the time,’ Rodgers added. ‘Jamie looks after his body and when you get to his age, recovery is critical.’
Vardy played in the European Championship four years ago, as well as at the 2018 World Cup, and may have a decision to make this summer if the call comes from Gareth Southgate.
Either way, he looks a solid bet to end the season as the oldest winner of the Premier League’s Golden Boot.
Nigerian Football
Beats, Banter and Blessings: Troost-Ekong Lifts the Lid on Super Eagles’ Dressing Room
There are happenings in the Super Eagles’ locker rooms that fans may not have been aware of. Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has lifted the lid on life inside Nigeria’s dressing room — and it sounds like a lively place to be.
In a light-hearted chat with CAFOnline.com, the Al-Kholood defender revealed that Samuel Chukwueze is the squad’s resident DJ, bringing not just music but good vibes wherever the team gathers.
“DJ is usually Samuel Chukwueze — he brings the speaker and great energy,” Troost-Ekong said with a grin.
Faith, too, plays a big role in the team’s bond. According to the captain, both Muslim and Christian prayers take place before matches, with players taking turns to lead.
“We have both Muslim and Christian prayers; different players lead at different times and there’s harmony,” he added.
But when it comes to laughter, a few names stand out. Victor Boniface tops the comedy charts, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali not far behind.
“Victor Boniface makes everyone laugh. Stanley Nwabali can be hilarious too — sometimes you’re not sure if you’re laughing with him or at him,” Troost-Ekong joked.
He also mentioned Raphael Onyedika as another quiet fun-maker in the group, rounding off a mix that keeps the atmosphere light and united.
“We’ve got a real family feeling, and people see that from the outside,” the skipper said.
With music from Chukwueze, jokes from Boniface, and prayers from every corner, it’s no wonder the Super Eagles look so connected — even before they step onto the pitch.
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Nigerian Football
Football, Music, and Street Vibes Light Up Awka at Tiger Street Football Grand Finale
Awka came alive on Saturday night as the first-ever Tiger Street Football Tournament climaxed in a spectacular blend of football, music, and street culture, leaving fans captivated from start to finish.
At the end of a pulsating evening at Newberries Lounge, Peace Warriors emerged as the maiden champions, defeating Peace Ambassadors 3–1 on penalties after a tense goalless draw in regulation time. The Warriors held their composure in the shootout to claim the ₦5 million grand prize, gold medals, and the honour of becoming the inaugural champions of the Tiger Street Football Tournament.
The runners-up, Peace Ambassadors, who matched their opponents stride for stride, received ₦3 million and silver medals, while the losing semi-finalists — Sunday Sparks and Peace Dominion — each went home with ₦1 million and bronze medals for their spirited efforts.
Onyebuchi Patrick of Peace Warriors was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament after scoring three goals and leading his team with flair and determination. His electric performances throughout the competition drew loud cheers from the crowd and earned him special recognition from the organisers.
The semi-final matches earlier in the day provided plenty of drama. Peace Warriors drew 1–1 with Sunday Sparks before edging them 4–3 on penalties, while Peace Ambassadors cruised past Peace Dominion 4–1 to book their place in the final.
Beyond the football, the grand finale turned into a vibrant street festival. Top DJs SkyBlisz, Snow, and Kay.Y kept the crowd moving, while Jerio and dynamic duo Wanni & Handi lit up the stage with energetic live performances. Hype men Twix da Jims and Slymshady added to the excitement, transforming the arena into a night-long celebration of rhythm, courage, and community spirit.
Fans were also treated to local delicacies, chilled Tiger Beer, and raffle draws that saw lucky attendees go home with exciting prizes, adding to the festive atmosphere that engulfed the Awka nightlife.
Speaking after the final whistle, Sarah Agah, Marketing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, described the tournament as a celebration of Nigerian youth, creativity, and courage.
“What we’ve seen here in Awka goes beyond football — it’s the heartbeat of Nigerian youth,” Agah said. “Tiger Street Football is about recognising the fearless energy that drives our people — their talent, their determination, and their passion. We’re proud to give them a platform to shine. This is just the beginning.”
Spectators were equally impressed. Chinedu Eze, one of the excited fans, said the night was unforgettable.
“It wasn’t just about football — it was about fun, connection, and celebrating our youth,” he said. “Tiger Beer really brought something special to Awka.”
For the champions, the night was a dream come true.
“We all started from the streets where football is played for fun,” said MVP Onyebuchi Patrick. “Kudos to Tiger Beer for creating this opportunity. Winning this in front of our people is something we’ll never forget.”
As fireworks illuminated the Awka sky and Jerio closed the show with a high-energy performance, fans danced, sang, and toasted to what many described as a new dawn for grassroots football in Nigeria.
Organised by Tiger Beer, the Tiger Street Football Tournament proved to be more than a sporting contest — it was a powerful celebration of courage, culture, and community.
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Nigerian Football
Tiger Street Football Tournament Heads for Grand Finale in Awka After Electrifying Weekend
The maiden Nigerian edition of the Tiger Street Football Tournament is nearing its climax in Awka, following an action-packed weekend that blended grassroots football with music, street culture, and celebration.
The atmosphere around the venue was electric as DJs and hype men kept the energy high between matches, while food vendors, entertainers, and Tiger Beer enthusiasts turned the event into a full-blown street festival — a vibrant showcase of football, rhythm, and camaraderie.
From 16 teams that began the competition, only four now remain in contention for the ₦5 million grand prize, after thrilling quarterfinal fixtures held on Sunday, October 19.
In a day filled with goals and grit, Sunday Sparks, Peace Warriors, Peace Dominion, and Peace Ambassadors booked their places in the semi-finals.
- Sunday Sparks continued their dominant run with a 3–0 victory over Young Stars. Peace Warriors edged Star Boys 2–1 in a tense contest.
- Peace Dominion narrowly defeated Super Strikers 1–0, while Peace Ambassadors overcame Mgbakwu Pillars 2–1 to complete the semi-final lineup.
The semi-finals are scheduled for Saturday, October 25, where Sunday Sparks will face Peace Warriors, and Peace Dominion will take on Peace Ambassadors. The winners will advance to the grand finale later that same day at the highly anticipated “Tiger Uncaged” celebration.
Football fans in Awka have hailed the tournament as a breath of fresh air for local talent.
“The energy here is unbelievable. It feels like the real spirit of Nigerian football — no big names, just passion,” said Ifeanyi Okeke, a student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
“Kudos to Tiger Beer for bringing something this exciting to Awka. It’s giving young players real hope.”
Another fan, Chisom Udeh, described the event as “a refreshing celebration of local talent.” She added: “You can see the joy on the players’ faces — this is football in its purest form. Tiger Beer really deserves credit for supporting the streets and turning it into something this big.”
The grand finale will take place at Newberries Lounge, Awka, featuring a lively mix of football, music, and street culture. The event will be hosted by Uzor and headlined by Jeriq, with DJ sets from DJ SkyBlisz, DJ Snow, and DJ Kay-Y, alongside performances from Wanni & Handi. Hype men Twix da Jims and Slymshady will keep the crowd charged throughout the evening.
Fans will also have the chance to win exciting prizes in raffle draws during the finale. Organisers have reminded attendees that the event is strictly for persons aged 18 and above and encouraged everyone to enjoy responsibly.
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