Nigerian Football
Poor Pitch Shuts Lekan Salami Stadium Out of NPFL Fixtures
By Kunle Solaja.
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has ordered the relocation of matches from the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, following growing concerns over the deteriorating condition of the playing surface.
With effect from the next NPFL matchday, league fixtures will no longer be staged at the Ibadan venue until urgent improvements are carried out on the pitch. As a result of the decision, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) will now play their home matches at the MKO Abiola Arena in Abeokuta.
The development was confirmed by the Chairman of the NPFL, Gbenga Elegbeleye, who is also a Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Elegbeleye disclosed the decision in an interview with Sports Village Square, stressing that player safety and the integrity of the league were paramount.
The venue shake-up has also had a ripple effect on other NPFL clubs. Remo Stars, who were recently sanctioned to play their home matches away from their Ikenne base and temporarily relocated to Ibadan, will now host their home fixtures in Akure. In a twist of fate, Remo Stars had earlier hosted Sunshine Stars of Akure at their Ikenne stadium, but the reversal now sees them seeking refuge in the Ondo State capital.
The decision by the NPFL follows mounting concerns over the state of the Lekan Salami Stadium pitch, which has come under scrutiny in recent weeks. Sports Village Square had earlier reported that the poor condition of the turf forced the Nigeria Football Federation to relocate the Falconets’ 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying match against Senegal from Ibadan to Abeokuta.
In a similar move, Niger Tornadoes have also been advised by the league authorities to choose between Ilorin and Jos as alternative venues for their home matches, amid ongoing assessments of approved NPFL stadiums.
The NPFL leadership has maintained that clubs and state authorities must ensure that playing surfaces meet acceptable standards, warning that further relocations could follow if facilities continue to fall short.
The latest round of venue changes once again highlights the persistent challenge of stadium infrastructure and pitch maintenance in Nigerian football, as league organizers strive to balance competitive integrity with player welfare and broadcast standards.
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In a significant relief for Remo Stars FC, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Disciplinary Committee reduced the earlier directive that barred the club from hosting home matches at its Ikenne base for the remainder of the season.
The Committee reviewed the Nigeria Premier Football League’s order mandating that Remo Stars play all remaining home fixtures of the 2025/2026 season at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, and decided to scale down the punishment. Instead, the club will now serve a five-match home ban, with the sanction taking effect from the date of the ruling and running concurrently.
The decision followed deliberations on the crowd disturbances and security lapses recorded during the January 14, 2026 NPFL encounter between Remo Stars and Ikorodu City FC. While affirming that Remo Stars were culpable for failing to provide adequate security and for the misconduct of their supporters, the Committee opted to temper the venue sanction.
The reduction means Remo Stars will only be required to play five home matches away from their Ikenne Stadium, rather than relocating for the rest of the campaign as earlier ordered.
The NFF Disciplinary Committee, however, maintained all other penalties imposed on the club, including heavy financial sanctions, and reiterated that its decisions remain subject to the club’s right of appeal.
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Nigerian Football
NFF Mourns Chukwueze’s Mother, Describes Loss as Painful Blow to Super Eagles Family
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Mrs Sarah Chukwueze, mother of Super Eagles winger, Samuel Chukwueze, describing the loss as a painful blow to the Nigerian football family.
In a condolence message on Thursday, NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said the federation was devastated by the news, especially coming just days after the Super Eagles had mourned another bereavement involving the family of team captain, Wilfred Ndidi.
“We are aware that Mrs Sarah Chukwueze was a vital and supportive presence in the lives of her children, including our international player, Samuel Chukwueze,” Sanusi said.
He noted that the AC Milan forward had consistently acknowledged his mother’s influence on his career and personal development, describing her passing as a profound loss not only to the family but also to Nigerian football.
“Samuel has always, at every opportunity, acknowledged his mother’s influence on his professional development. We are sad at her departure, coming only a few days after we had to mourn the sudden passing of the father of Super Eagles’ captain, Wilfred Ndidi,” Sanusi added.
The NFF General Secretary offered prayers for the repose of Mrs Chukwueze’s soul and strength for the bereaved family.
“We pray that God will grant her eternal rest, and also grant those she has left behind, including Samuel and his siblings, the fortitude to bear the big loss,” he said.
The federation assured the Chukwueze family of its support and solidarity during the period of mourning, as the Super Eagles community continues to stand together in difficult times.
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Nigeria’s football family has been plunged into fresh grief following the death of Mrs Sarah Chukwueze, mother of Super Eagles forward, Samuel Chukwueze, barely days after the national team mourned the loss of the father of captain Wilfred Ndidi.
Mrs Chukwueze passed away in the early hours of Thursday, January 29, 2026, after a brief illness, marking another painful moment for the senior national team community already shaken by recent bereavement.
The sad news was announced on Thursday morning by Samuel Chukwueze’s siblings, Princess and David Chukwueze, through their respective social media platforms, where they paid tribute to the family matriarch.
Chukwueze, one of Nigeria’s most consistent attacking talents in recent years, has often spoken publicly about the central role his mother played in his upbringing and football journey, making the loss particularly devastating.
The tragedy comes at a difficult time for the Super Eagles, as the football fraternity continues to rally around players and families affected by personal loss, following the recent death of the father of team captain Wilfred Ndidi.
Messages of condolence have begun to pour in from fans, teammates, officials and football stakeholders across Nigeria and beyond, reflecting the deep sense of unity within the national team during moments of sorrow.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
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