Nigerian Football
Esosa’s Strike Sinks Rangers
By Sammy Wejinya
It was a clash of two continental glory seeking sides, but it was Esosa Igbinoba’s early strike proved to be the winner in Sunday’s eagerly anticipated Nigeria league clash between big guns, Rivers United and Enugu Rangers in Port Harcourt.
United won 1-0 to edge closer towards the top half of the log. The midfielder, crept in unnoticed, following a quickly-taken corner kick, to slot past the Rangers goal keeper, Itodo Akor as the hosts claimed a slim win at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium.
It was the first attack launched by the hosts and they clung on to that lead until the end to record their first win in the NPFL since January 22.
The build up to the game had fans anticipating a slugfest but in the end, it turned out to be an underwhelming contest lacking in genuine quality for most parts.
Rangers’ first real crack at goal arrived just before half time when Bobby Clement struck his effort from the edge of the box well over the bar.
United were first to threaten upon resumption but Igbinoba missed a glorious chance to complete his brace as he fired a 25-yard free kick straight at Akor after Ovoke was fouled in the 51st minute.
Rangers threatened through a set piece of their own six minutes later with Rotimi needing to produce an impressive block to deny Osas Okoro from a tight angle.
The home side thought they had won a penalty on the hour as they looked to put the game to bed but Guy Kuemian was booked for simulation after the referee ruled that there was no contact before he went to ground in the Rangers box after taking two defenders to the cleaners.
Substitute, Obomate Frederick, making his season’s debut, had a chance to kill off the late charge by Rangers but struck a tame effort straight at Akor.
The Pride of Rivers were almost made to pay for the numerous missed opportunities to kill of the game as a contest when Fortune Omoniwari fired a goal bound free kick from 25 yards.
The effort was flying into the top corner but Rotimi read the danger unerringly and spectacularly pushed the ball over for a corner.
After the game, Enugu Rangers head coach, Imama Amapakabo spoke to the media and blamed a slow start and loss of concentration for his side’s loss to United in the tension-soaked contest.
“We struggled to retain possession in the opposing third (of our opponents) in the first half but corrected that in the second half.
“We got punished for (a lack of concentration) in the first minute of the game and got punished for it,” Amapakabo said in the post-match press conference.
On his part, technical manager of United, Stanley Eguma praised his side for the win.
“A football match is played for 90 minutes and it does not matter when the goal comes.
“What was important was scoring and keeping the (lead) until the end,” he said.
The win was enough to see United move up four places on the log to 12th with 14 points from 10 matches while Rangers slip to 16th with 12 points from 10 matches.
Match Statistics: Rivers United versus Enugu Rangers.
Rivers United : Sunday Rotimi, Markson Ojobo, Doumbia Zoumana, Weli Christian, Emeka Atuloma, Festus Austine, Ayobami Asekunuwo, Bernard Ovoke (Emeka Ogbugh 53′), Lukman Mohammed (Yusuf Jaiyeola 60′), Guy Kuemian and Esosa Igbinoba (Frederick Obomate 82′).
Substitutes not used: Femi Thomas, Gabriel Wassa, Joseph Douhadji and Bolaji Sakin.
Enugu Rangers: Itodo Akor, Osas Okoro, Chidiebere Okolie, Pape Ousmane, Camara Azeez, Obinna Nwobodo, Aguda Godwin, Daniel Etor (Chinedu Udeagha 55′), Chiamaka Madu (Tope Olusesi 70′), Bobby Clement (Fortune Omoniwari 77′) and Charles Henlong.
Substitutes not used: Nana Bonsu, Okey Odita, Christian Madu and Orji Kalu.
Yellow cards:
Rivers United: Emeka Atuloma (35′), Guy Kuemian (61′) and Markson Ojobo (88′).
Enugu Rangers: Obinna Nwobodo (19′), Charles Henlong (44′) and Godwin Aguda (78′).
Goal(s): Esosa Igbinoba (2′).
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.
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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
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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.
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