Nigerian Football
NFF Congress Holds in Ibadan, Applauds Tinubu, Makinde, and Global Partners for Support
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the Federal Government’s steadfast support for Nigerian football and all national teams.
The commendation came at the 81st Annual General Assembly (AGA) of the Federation held on Saturday at the Emeritus Professor Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, Orita-Mefa, Ibadan.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, extended gratitude to President Tinubu and the National Sports Commission led by Shehu Dikko for their unwavering backing of the Federation’s programmes and initiatives.
The Congress also lauded the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, for graciously hosting the Assembly and for his administration’s outstanding hospitality to the Falconets, Nigeria’s U20 women’s national team, who are in Ibadan for their 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda.
Delegates praised the Government and people of Oyo State for their commitment to sports development and reaffirmed Ibadan’s capacity to host major international football events.
Similarly, the Congress extended appreciation to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe for their consistent and invaluable support to Nigerian football within the global and continental framework.
Applauding the achievements of Nigeria’s national teams, the Assembly celebrated the Super Falcons’ record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title and the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
It also commended the Flying Eagles, Falconets, and Flamingos for their commendable performances on the international stage.
The Congress endorsed the Executive Committee’s determination to secure the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and urged continued technical and administrative backing for all national teams.
In line with good governance principles, delegates examined and approved the audited financial statements of the NFF for the year ended 31st December 2024 as presented by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
The Congress also authorized the advertisement of the external auditors’ position, noting the completion of PwC’s mandatory tenure, and approved the Federation’s 2026 financial year budget proposal.
Recognising grassroots football as the bedrock of national development, the Assembly directed the NFF Executive Committee to intensify efforts in talent discovery, coaching education, refereeing improvement, and infrastructure development in accordance with FIFA and CAF directives.
On governance reforms, the Congress acknowledged progress made in the FIFA-mandated amendment of the NFF Statutes (2010 as amended) and assured that an Extraordinary General Assembly would be convened to conclude the process.
Delegates commended the steady growth of domestic leagues — the NPFL, NNL, NWFL, and NLO — and urged league bodies, referees, and State Football Associations to maintain higher operational standards and competitiveness. The Congress also called on State Governments to invest more in standard football infrastructure to meet international requirements.
In a moment of solemn reflection, the Assembly offered prayers for football stakeholders who passed away during the year and extended condolences to their families.
Capping the day’s proceedings, the Congress passed a unanimous vote of confidence on the NFF Executive Committee led by Ibrahim Musa Gusau for its exemplary leadership and continued commitment to advancing Nigerian football.
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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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