Nigerian Football
ENYIMBA TURN ATTENTION TO LOCAL LEAGUE AFTER CONTINENTAL OUSTER
BY MUYIWA AKINTUNDE
After their failed continental campaign which ended last Sunday, defending champions, Enyimba will now have to concentrate on the domestic scene.
Although placed ninth on the log, the People’s Elephant have enough outstanding matches and the experience to navigate the business end of the season.
At the moment, the Aba-based side are 13 points adrift of leaders Plateau United, who have played five matches more.
Enyimba and their guests this evening, Sunshine Stars have had four head-to-head clashes in Aba with the home side winning all but one, which ended goalless on Augusts 3, 2016.
The Akure Gunners prevailed in the first leg this season 1-0, played last November 20.
The last time Enyimba filed out in the NPFL was on February 23 in Lafia and they were smashed 0-2 by Nasarawa United to end a five-match winning streak.
Sunshine Stars won at home last Sunday pipping Abia Warriors 1-0 after crashing 0-3 away to Warri Wolves the previous week.
The five matches have fetched the Stars seven points (2-1-2) to keep them at No 4, nine points short of the leaders.
Nasarawa United, who lost defender, Chineme Martins in avoidable circumstances last Sunday at Lafia Township Stadium as they bashed Katsina United 3-0, travel to nearby Jos to take on table-toppers Plateau United.
Only two teams – Akwa United and Kano Pillars – have left the New Jos Stadium with a point each in 11 matches by Plateau United on that ground this season.
And Nasarawa United have proved to be featherweights against Plateau United in Jos having lost all their previous three games there.
Nasarawa United, in 14th spot but only one point up the relegation zone, are not so impressive away. Apart from shocking Dakkada FC in Uyo 3-0 on Matchday 15, Nasarawa have lost eight times on the road in 11 fixtures.
Second placed Rivers United are in Enugu as guests of Rangers. Seven places and 11 points separate both teams with Rangers however having an outstanding away match against Enyimba.
Both sides won their last fixture by same margin – 1-0 – at home; Rangers against Katsina United and Rivers versus FC Ifeanyi Ubah.
For the Flying Antelope, that result made it three straight wins at The Cathedral since losing on their hallowed ground 1-2 to Akwa United on February 16.
On their part, River United only got broken by Kwara United’s 1-1 in Ilorin in their last five games, which included 2-0 triumph in Okigwe against Heartland.
In 11 head-to-head clashes between Rangers and Rivers United in Enugu, the home side have won nine times and never lost, the last five encounters producing positive results for the hosts.
Lobi Stars are in Okigwe to challenge Heartland for three points. The Ortom Boys from Makurdi made their title ambition difficult having squandered maximum points in their last two home matches – 0-0 against leaders Plateau United, followed by 2-2 while hosting Kano Pillars last Sunday.
That has now kept the 2018 champions in third spot and three points behind the leaders.
Heartland also suffered reverses in recent time. Their 5-0 humiliation of bottom placed Adamawa United in Okigwe could not be sustained as two defeats – including to Rivers United at home – were to follow, in between a goalless result in Lagos against MFM.
Heartland are only two points ahead of the bottom four.
Last time away to Heartland on March 4, 2018, Lobi Stars succeeded 1-0 in Okigwe as they went ahead to win the title while Heartland got relegated being the last team on the log.
Heartland have however won their head-to-head encounters seven other times and drawn two others. Lobi were rampant when both sides last met in Makurdi winning 3-0.
Dakkada FC were sensational in the earlier part of the season. But the promoted side have since returned to normal duty, although they still feature in the elite zone of the table being in fifth place only as a result of fewer goals score compared to Sunshine Stars.
In Nnewi against FC Ifeanyi Ubah, Dakkada will be seeking their second away victory to add to the 2-0 defeat of Rangers in Enugu on November 24.
Their lone goal win over Heartland in Uyo last Sunday marked their only triumph in the last seven matches.
FC Ifenanyi Ubah, who will go for revenge having lost 0-1 in the first leg in Uyo, returned from Port Harcourt last time out with no point as Rivers United won 1-0.
They have won two times – 3-1 against Sunshine Stars and 1-0 versus MFM – in their last two home games.
Akwa United missed action a week ago because their opponents Enyimba had international match.
The Promise Keepers are in Katsina this time to hunt for points and improve their sixth position, while Katsina United, who suffered back-to-back defeats to Nasarawa United and Rangers in one week, will be determined to make amends and move up from No 12.
Kano Pillars, No 7 on the log and with a match in hand, will face Jigawa Golden Stars, who have been using the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano this season.
The home crowd will no doubt be massive for Pillars whose last match ended 2-2 in Makurdi against Lobi Stars, on the day the Stars beat Kwara United 2-1 at the same venue of this evening’s derby.
Of the teams involved in the remaining fixtures, only Warri Wolves cannot drop to the relegation zone. Adamawa United, Kwara United and Abia Warriors are already in the red zone, while Wikki Tourists and MFM are potential candidates.
Fixtures…
- Kano Pillars v Jigawa Golden Stars
- Rangers v Rivers United,
- Abia Warriors v Adamawa United
- Warri Wolves v MFM
- Enyimba v Sunshine Stars
- Kwara United v Wikki Tourists
- Plateau United v Nasarawa United
- Katsina United v Akwa United,
- Heartland v Lobi Stars
- FC Ifeanyi Ubah v Dakkada FC
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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