Nigerian Football
SEASON’S 1ST SCORER, AMADI, LOOKS TO TOPPLE IDOL, MFON UDOH’S NPFL RECORD
BY CHIBUOGWU NNADIEGBULAM
It was a remarkable start to life in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) for Samuel Amadi who claimed a part of the new season’s stats with the first goal of the 2019/2020 season which kicked-off on Sunday, November 3.
But despite the weight of his achievement, Amadi would ascribe
it to being lucky to have been in the right place at the right time and
was quick to lay down that his utmost desire – which is his first in the
topflight – is to become the top scorer.
“I will just keep pushing harder to score more. I want to be the highest
goal scorer by luck or by grace,” declared the product of
Port Harcourt-based A&B Football Academy.
He signed his first professional contract with Warri Wolves in 2017, while
the club was in the Nigeria National League (NNL), and contributed to
their return to the NPFL. This is his third season with the Seasiders.
On the opening day of the new season, Amadi refused to be overwhelmed by
the occasion when he dispatched a left-footed shot from close range to
give his side the lead inside two minutes. And if not for
Adewale Adeyinka’s fingertip save, he could have been celebrating a
brace about a minute later.
Although it was Mfon Udoh’s equalizer that doused the excitement that came
with Amadi’s quick-fire goal, the latter confessed his admiration for the
former in a chat with www.npfl.ng shortly after the encounter.
“Mfon Udoh is a very good striker. I’m looking up to him,”
Amadi disclosed. Only last season, Udoh was joint top scorer in the NPFL,
and since 2014 he has been the league’s record goal scorer.
Since joining Warri Wolves, Amadi, who is from Rivers State, has been a
consistent performer. He is now looking to own the NPFL stage and help his
team to a continental ticket.
“With teamwork, prayers and hard work, I’m sure we will get
there,” he said. Speaking about their performance against a star-studded
Akwa United side, he added: “It was okay. At least we tried, but I think
my team will pick up with time, although Akwa United are a very good
side.”
In the game, Amadi, who also had set piece responsibilities, twisted his
ankle when he slipped while trying to take a corner kick in the second
half, and had to be replaced on the 72nd minute. But he had already done
enough to attract plaudits.
“Amadi is just a young boy coming up and as far as modern football is concerned he has a future,” Warri Wolves coach, Evans Ogenyi told www.npfl.ng.
The former Lobi Stars Manager does not regret giving Amadi a place in his
starting line-up, even though the latter only just returned from the
national U-23 camp.
“A young boy that is just coming from the national team
there is no way I would take him out of the team. He came two days to my
match and because I know he is coming from a high level training too, I
had to include him. And it’s better he started. He started and he proved a
point, scored a goal in the first two minutes,” Ogenyi boasted.
Amadi, who believes one “needs more wisdom” to succeed in the NPFL,
is hoping to get completely fit in time to be available for
selection when Warri Wolves travel to Akure to face Sunshine Stars in
their next game.
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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