Nigerian Football
Despite loss in Ibadan Rivers are still flowing in glory as Akuneto hits 18 goal mark
Champions-elect, Rivers United forward, Chijioke Akuneto netted twice to open a two goals gap in the race for the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)2021/22 Golden Boot.
It was the strikers 18th goal of the season with his nearest contenders on 16 goals.
But his goals couldn’t save Rivers United from defeat as Shooting Stars of Ibadan won the encounter 3-2 to ease their relegation worries.
A six-minute spell in the game produced three goals as Emmanuel Lucky and Opeoluwa Olufemi both scored for Shooting Stars in the 20th and 25th minute respectively before Chijioke Akuneto – with his 17th goal of the season pulled one back for Rivers United.
Moses Omoduemuke gave Shooting a two-goal advantage before Akuneto scored again to close the game at 3-2 with his 18th of the season which has put him in a good stead for the top scorers gong with a game left of the season.
Remo Stars set themselves in pole position for third place and a continental slot by defeating Sunshine Stars 1-0 in Akure.
Dayo Ojo’s rasping effort in the 58th minute ensured that Remo grabbed the points despite a Sunshine Stars late offensive.
Gombe United were 1-0 winners over visiting Rangers International who knew if their continental hopes were to stay alive, they had to get points in Gombe – that didn’t happen.
Flying Eagles star Ibrahim Yahaya set the Pantami Stadium alight with a well-taken goal in the 47th minute to earn all the points available for his team.
At the Muhammad Dikko Stadium in Katsina, Katsina United made light work of Plateau United with a comfortable 2-0 win.
A much-changed Plateau United side, who have already sewn up the second spot put up a resilient fight in the first half that ended goalless but got beat by two second-half goals.
Young striker Mustapha Salisu’s brace in the 55th and 78th minute meant all the three points to Katsina and a quantum leap towards their quest to avoid relegation.
A brilliant game of football in Uyo saw Akwa United share the spoils with Abia Warriors in an entertaining 2-2 draw.
It was a ding-dong affair at the Nest of Champions as the two teams went at each other’s jugular.
Naipe Akpesiri gave the hosts the lead in the sixth minute before Godwin Obaje restored parity in the 23rd minute. Wisdom Fernando ensued Akwa United went ahead at the break with a 32nd-minute goal but Michael Ibe spoilt the party for the former league champions with the equaliser 12 minutes before time.
Niger Tornadoes had to dig deep to come from behind to earn a 2-1 win over Heartland of Owerri which effectively sealed their status in the NPFL for another season.
Heartland was top in patches in the first half and the second half and deservedly took the lead in the 84th minute through Nnamdi Egbujuo.
The goal seemed to wake Niger Tornadoes up as they launched a flurry of attacks that culminated in two goals.
Ifeanyi Okoye responded after his team went behind inside two minutes to tie the game before getting his second and Tornadoes’ winner in the 90th minute.
Kwara United, who are still in the hunt for a continental slot made light work of already relegated MFM in Ilorin hitting the Lagos side for three.
Junior Lokosa opened the floodgates in the 15th minute as Adesina Gata joined the act with a classy finish three minutes later to give Kwara United a soft cushion going into the break.
Samad Kadiri completed the rout with five minutes left of the encounter to boost Kwara’s hopes of going to the continent even though Remo Stars, who are in a direct race with Kwara United also produced a brilliant performance to nick all three points in Akure.
Aba side Enyimba faltered at home and kissed goodbye their fight for third place after receiving a 2-0 hiding at the hands of visiting Dakadda at the Enyimba International Stadium.
A goal in each half by Arise Ogundare in the 56th and Ezekiel Eddiong in the 90th minute meant Finidi George and his wards finished their home campaign with a loss and failed to qualify to play on the continent.
Nasarawa United edged Kano Pillars 1-0 in Jos as King Osanga popped up to prod home from Chinedu Ohanachom’s assist to earn maximum points. At the same time, Lobi had to dig deep to come from behind to beat Wikki Tourists in Makurdi.
Nanen Imenger had initially put Lobi ahead in the 17th minute but two quick-fire goals in three minutes by Ibrahim Salisu meant the visitors were ahead at the break.
Anthony Agbaji restored parity for Lobi from the spot in the 60th minute beating Galadima in goal for Wikki.
Another spot-kick for Lobi in the 89th minute, taken by Agbaji was saved by Galadima but Utim Godfrey reacted quickest to slot in the rebound to earn his side a 3-2 win.
MatchDay 37 Results
Akwa United 2-2 Abia Warriors
Enyimba 0-2 Dakkada FC
Gombe United 1-0 Rangers
Katsina United 2-0 Plateau United
Kwara United 3-0 MFM FC
Lobi Stars 3-2 Wikki Tourist
Nasarawa United 1- 0 Pillars
Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Heartland
Shooting Stars 3-2 Rivers United
Sunshine Stars 0-1 Remo Stars
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has slammed Kano Pillars with a ₦9.5 million fine, a three-point deduction, and an indefinite ban from their home ground, Sani Abacha Stadium, following violent scenes during their Matchday 8 clash with Shooting Stars of Ibadan.
The latest punishment adds to Pillars’ growing record of disciplinary infractions. Since 2019, the club has paid over ₦36 million in fines related to crowd disturbances and violent conduct: ₦8m (June 2019), ₦2.5m (March 2022), ₦9m (April 2022), ₦2.25m (June 2022), ₦1m (October 2023), ₦12m (January 2024), and ₦2m (October 2024).
The disciplinary action, announced less than 24 hours after the incident, follows a pitch invasion in Kano that led to attacks on match officials and players of Shooting Stars, causing widespread condemnation.
Under the NPFL’s summary jurisdiction, the league deducted three points and three goals from Pillars’ accumulated tally for breaching Rule C1.1, which prohibits assault on match officials and opposing teams. The club will now play its home games at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina for the rest of the season.
In addition, the NPFL imposed a ₦9.5 million cumulative fine on the club for multiple breaches of league regulations:
- ₦1 million for failure to provide adequate security (Rule B13.52)
- ₦1 million for failing to control supporters who harassed the away team and officials (Rule C9)
- ₦1 million for objects thrown onto the pitch (Rule B13.18)
- ₦1 million for bringing the league into disrepute (Rule C1.1)
- ₦2 million for assault on the away team and officials
- ₦2 million as compensation to Shooting Stars players
- ₦1.5 million as restitution to assaulted match officials
In addition to the sanctions on Kano Pillars, the NPFL has written to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Match Officials Appointment Committee recommending a review and possible downgrade of five referees.
The affected officials include centre referee Mohammed B. Tuta (Adamawa), assistant referees Bem Japhet (Benue) and Shehu Isah (Adamawa) from the Pillars vs. Shooting Stars match, and centre referee Ikechukwu Taiwo (Rivers) along with assistant referee Usman Opeyemi Edward (Osun) from the Nasarawa United vs. Rangers fixture.
Davidson Owumi, the NPFL’s Chief Operating Officer, reaffirmed the league’s zero-tolerance policy for violence.
“We will invoke the rules wherever and whenever required to keep bad behaviour of fans, players, and officials out of the league,” he declared.
Kano Pillars have been given the right to appeal the sanctions, although failure to overturn the decision could lead to additional penalties.
The Sani Abacha Stadium will remain closed to fans for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
The management of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has condemned the violent scenes that followed Sunday’s Matchday 8 encounter between Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), describing the incident as disturbing and unacceptable.
In a statement signed by the league’s Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the NPFL said it had noted with concern the reports and viral video clips showing fans invading the pitch at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, shortly after the final whistle.
“We condemn in the strongest terms any act of violence, intimidation, or misconduct directed at players, match officials, or fans,” the statement read.
Owumi assured that the NPFL had already reached out to the Match Commissioner, Referees, and officials of Shooting Stars, confirming that their safety had been secured.
The league body stated that it is awaiting the official match reports and full video evidence from the Match Commissioner and Referees before taking disciplinary action but stressed that the incident would be treated with “utmost seriousness.”
“The NPFL is assuring all stakeholders and football lovers that this isolated incident is being handled decisively, and appropriate actions will follow upon review of the full reports,” Owumi said.
He reaffirmed the NPFL’s commitment to discipline, safety, and professionalism at all league venues nationwide, warning that violence of any kind will not be tolerated in the domestic league.
“We reaffirm our commitment to maintaining discipline, safety, and professionalism at all league venues across the country,” the statement concluded.
The Sunday incident in Kano has since sparked outrage among fans and officials, with many calling for stricter sanctions to deter future acts of hooliganism in Nigerian football.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Former Super Eagles’ skipper and now Kano Pillars General Manager, Ahmed Musa, has tendered a public apology following the violent scenes that marred his club’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture against Shooting Stars Sports Club on Sunday evening.
In a heartfelt statement posted on his official X handle, the Super Eagles captain described the incident as “heartbreaking, shameful, and completely unacceptable,” stressing that it does not reflect the true values or proud history of Kano Pillars.
The scene after the Kano Pillars versus Shooting Stars match.
“What transpired against Shooting Stars is heartbreaking, shameful, and completely unacceptable. It does not represent the true values, identity, or proud history of Kano Pillars,” Musa wrote.
He expressed deep regret to Shooting Stars players, coaches, officials, match referees, NPFL board members, GTI partners, and football fans across the country who witnessed the ugly scenes, promising that those responsible would be brought to book.
“Violence has no place in football. It is unacceptable, unjustifiable, and goes against everything this beautiful sport stands for. Football is meant to unite, to inspire, to bring joy. When it turns into scenes of chaos and harm, we must not pretend it away — we must confront it head-on,” he stated.
Musa assured that Kano Pillars would work closely with relevant authorities to identify and punish those behind the riot, adding that the club would take firm internal measures to prevent a recurrence.
“We understand that apologies alone are not enough. Words must be followed by action. We will take huge steps internally to ensure that something like this never happens again,” he said.
Addressing the club’s supporters directly, Musa urged them to show their passion through respect and discipline rather than violence.
“True support is shown not through violence, but through respect, passion, and discipline. This must be a turning point for us,” he appealed.
The former Leicester City and Al Nassr forward concluded by taking full responsibility on behalf of the club and promising to restore trust and respect for Kano Pillars and Nigerian football.
“We take full responsibility and will do everything necessary to restore trust, respect, and the true spirit of football in Kano and across Nigeria,” he said.
The NPFL and its partners are expected to launch an investigation into the incident, with potential sanctions looming for Kano Pillars, whose fans were reportedly involved in violent conduct following the match against the Ibadan-based Shooting Stars.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- U20 FOOTBALL1 week ago
Flying Eagles Bank on ‘Magic of October 8’ to overcome Argentina
- World Cup6 days ago
CAF Rule Change May Boost Nigeria’s World Cup Qualification Hopes
- World Cup2 days ago
Victor Osimhen qualifies South Africa for World Cup as Super Eagles go for Play-Off
- U-20 FOOTBALL1 week ago
Nigeria, Argentina Renew Rivalry as Flying Eagles Target Quarter-Final Spot in Chile
- World Cup5 days ago
BREAKING! Lookman Suspended for Crucial Benin Clash
- World Cup5 days ago
Judgment Day Beckons in Group C: Only One Ticket, Three Contenders, Infinite Drama
- World Cup1 week ago
Logistics reduce Super Eagles 23-man squad
- World Cup5 days ago
Akor Adams Becomes Nigeria’s 61st Scoring Debutant