Paradise News

Tag: General Sports

  • Ideye returns to NPFL, joins Enyimba after 17 Years abroad

    Former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye has made a sensational return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), signing with Enyimba nearly two decades after leaving Nigerian football to pursue a career in Europe and beyond.

    The two-time African champions announced the signing on Monday, just days after appointing Stanley Eguma as their new head coach following the dismissal of Yemi Olanrewaju.

    “We are delighted to officially announce the addition of former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye to our fold,” Enyimba revealed in a statement on their X account. “We are confident his experience and professionalism will greatly benefit our quest in the remaining games of the season, especially under the new gaffer.”

    Now 36, Ideye began his professional career in Nigeria with Ocean Boys during the 2006/2007 season before moving abroad to join Neuchâtel Xamax in Switzerland.

    Over the years, he has played for notable clubs including Sochaux (France), Dynamo Kyiv (Ukraine), West Bromwich Albion (England), Olympiacos (Greece), Tianjin Teda (China), and Málaga (Spain).

    On the international stage, Ideye was a key part of the Super Eagles squad that clinched the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

    READ MORE:Amokachi resigns at Lobi Stars? Club explodes with denial

    At the club level, he enjoyed success with Dynamo Kyiv, winning the Ukrainian Cup in 2014, and lifted the Greek Super League title with Olympiacos in 2016.

    His return to Enyimba brings not only a wealth of experience but also a touch of nostalgia for fans eager to see one of Nigeria’s celebrated football talents back on home soil.



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  • NPFL Drama: late goal, red card galore in Port Harcourt

    Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 19 saw a dramatic encounter in Port Harcourt as Rivers United salvaged a 1-1 draw against Plateau United in stoppage time. The result carried significant implications for both teams’ positions in the NPFL league standings.

    Plateau United, known as the Peace Boys, climbed to 17th place with 20 points, inching closer to safety in the relegation battle. Rivers United, meanwhile, remain in 2nd place with 34 points, two behind league leaders Remo Stars in a tight race for the title.

    The game started on a contentious note, with Plateau United thinking they had taken the lead in the 18th minute. Vincent Temitope scored after a quick throw-in, but referee Olawale Fawole ruled the goal out, citing a foul throw in the build-up.

    Rivers United dominated possession in the first half with 58%, but Plateau United’s defense held firm, conceding few clear opportunities. Plateau’s counterattacks forced two saves from the Rivers goalkeeper Osagie Onisodumeya in a balanced opening period.

    The second half saw emotions boil over. Rivers United’s head coach Finidi George was sent off in the 80th minute for dissent after expressing frustration with the officiating.

    READ MORE:NPFL 2025: Round 19 shakes up the league

    Plateau United appeared to have sealed the win as the game entered added time, but Handsome Surveyor dramatically equalized for Rivers United in the 96th minute with a close-range strike. The equalizer sparked protests from Plateau United’s bench, leading to a brief stoppage.

    In the 12th minute of added time, referee Fawole sent off Plateau United head coach Mbwas Mangut for dissent, capping off a chaotic finale to the match.

    Updated League Standings
    – Rivers United: 2nd place, 34 points (2 points behind table-toppers Remo Stars).
    – Plateau United: 17th place, 20 points (still in the relegation zone).



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  • Atalanta fights to keep African star amid EPL interest

    Atalanta Sporting Director, Tony D’Amico, has affirmed the club’s commitment to keeping their star forward, Ademola Lookman, and other key players amid growing transfer interest.

    Lookman has been in scintillating form throughout 2024, excelling for both club and country. His efforts earned him the prestigious 2024 African Player of the Year award, and he was ranked 14th in the Ballon d’Or standings.

    READ MORE:Dele-Bashiru credits Lazio Coach for enhancing his game

    The former Everton attacker has attracted significant interest from several top clubs, including English Premier League giants Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal.

    Lookman Shines in Atalanta’s Draw with Lazio

    Lookman continued to demonstrate his class in Atalanta’s recent 1-1 away draw against Lazio. The Nigerian forward provided the assist for Charles De Ketelaere’s equalizer after Fisayo Ayodele-Bashiru had given Lazio the lead.

    Despite the growing transfer rumors, Atalanta remain focused on their campaign.

    D’Amico Reflects on Atalanta’s Stellar Year

    Speaking after the Lazio game, D’Amico praised the team’s achievements in 2024, a year that saw Atalanta win the UEFA Europa League and compete in two major finals.

    “There is no extra pressure; we continue as always to take it one game at a time and focus only on ourselves,” D’Amico told Sky Sports Italia.

    “This 2024 has been unforgettable, with two Finals and one trophy. Lazio are a quality opponent, and they’ve invested well this season. We approach every match with the same mindset—trying to achieve the best we can.”

    January Transfer Window Plans

    When asked about the possibility of losing top players like Lookman and midfielder Ederson during the January transfer window, D’Amico reassured fans of Atalanta’s determination to retain their squad’s core.

    “Certainly, the January transfer window is a challenging period for all clubs. If opportunities arise, we will explore them, but our priority remains maintaining the full squad we currently have at our disposal,” he said.

    Atalanta’s Title Challenge Intensifies

    Atalanta celebrated Christmas as Serie A leaders, though Inter Milan has since drawn level on points following their 3-0 victory over Cagliari, with a game in hand.

    As the Serie A title race heats up, Atalanta’s resolve to keep their stars, including the highly coveted Lookman, will be critical to their ambitions in the second half of the season.



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  • Amokachi resigns at Lobi Stars? Club explodes with denial

    Lobi Stars Football Club has firmly dismissed rumors suggesting that head coach Daniel Amokachi resigned following a disappointing 0-0 draw against Heartland FC in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

    The result left Lobi Stars struggling in the relegation zone, sitting 17th with 20 points from 19 matches. After the draw, speculation surfaced that Amokachi had informed his players of his resignation.

    However, the club quickly refuted the claims, issuing a statement on Sunday to reassure fans and stakeholders.

    The statement read:
    “Lobi Stars Football Club has been made aware of unfounded rumors claiming that our Technical Adviser, Daniel Amokachi, has resigned following the team’s goalless draw against Heartland FC in Lafia. We unequivocally deny this false information and urge our fans to disregard it.”

    The club reaffirmed its confidence in Amokachi, who took over as Technical Adviser for the 2024/2025 season. They emphasized his commitment to the team, recognizing the challenges of the Nigerian league, and called for continued support from fans.

    Despite the club’s stance, Amokachi’s position remains under pressure, with many calling for a turnaround to help Lobi Stars avoid relegation.

    READ MORE:NPFL 2025: Round 19 shakes up the league

    Meanwhile, nine-time Nigerian champions Enyimba announced the departure of head coach Yemi Olanrewaju on Saturday, following a poor run of results. Enyimba has since appointed former Rivers United coach Stanley Eguma as Olanrewaju’s replacement.



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  • Super Eagles captain: Ghana win will boost players’ careers

    Super Eagles B captain, Nduka Junior, is confident that his team’s impressive 3-1 win over Ghana will significantly raise the players’ profiles as they prepare for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

    Nduka, 21, who contributed a goal and an assist in the decisive match, played a pivotal role in securing a 3-1 aggregate victory that ensured Nigeria’s qualification for the tournament.

    READ MORE:super-eagles-crush-ghana-to-secure-chan-2025-spot

    Reflecting on the win, Nduka expressed his delight not just for the victory, but for breaking Nigeria’s recent losing streak against Ghana.

    “I’m happy we qualified, not just for winning the game, but for qualifying,” he said in an exclusive interview with ACLSports.

    This victory means Nigeria will return to the CHAN tournament for the first time in six years, having last participated in 2018 when Morocco hosted and won the competition.

    “I’m also happy we broke the Ghana jinx. They had beaten us in the past two qualifiers, and we felt this shouldn’t happen again, especially on our home soil in Nigeria. We gave them the same bitter pill they gave us in the last two meetings.”

    The Super Eagles’ qualification marks their fourth appearance in the tournament, and Rabiu Ali is the only player remaining from the 2018 squad, with all of the team representing Nigeria  for the first time.

    The home based eagles were led by Daniel Ogunmodede of Remo Stars and assisted by Fidelis Ilechukwu of Rangers, will join 15 other African nations at the eighth edition of CHAN.

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    The tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in February 2025.

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  • CHAN ticket: NSC chairman Shehu Dikko gifts eagles ₦10 million

    National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, has fulfilled a personal pledge by donating ₦10 million to the Super Eagles B team for CHAN qualification

    Before the decisive match, NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, had initially promised to reward the team personally if they secured a victory.

    However, Mallam Dikko, demonstrating strong leadership and support, took over the responsibility, insisting that he would make the donation himself.

    Olopade shared, “I made the pledge to reward the team before the game.

    When I discussed it with Mallam Shehu Dikko, he immediately supported the idea but insisted on personally handling the donation as a way of showing solidarity and appreciation for the team’s efforts.”

    He further praised Dikko’s generosity, saying, “This gesture highlights his deep passion for Nigerian football and the players who represent our country. His kindness has deeply motivated the team, and we are extremely grateful for his leadership.”

    The Super Eagles B put on an exceptional display at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, with goals from Sodiq Ismaila (18th), Nduka Junior (21st), and Saviour Isaac (25th) putting Nigeria in a commanding position.

    READ MORE:super-eagles-captain-ghana-win-will-boost-players-careers

    Ghana’s Stephen Amenkona managed a consolation goal in the 71st minute, but Nigeria held firm to secure the win.

    Nigeria’s victory ensures their place in the 2025 CHAN tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from February 1 to 28.

    Click HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!

    The tournament exclusively features players from African domestic leagues.

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  • Enyimba sack head coach Yemi Olarenwaju

    Enyimba FC has officially announced the sack of head coach Yemi Olarenwaju, bringing his tenure with the Aba-based club.

    Olarenwaju who initially served as an assistant coach under Finidi George, was appointed as the head coach in August 2024. His promotion followed Finidi’s departure to the Super Eagles and he guided Enyimba to a continental spot in the 2023/2024 season.

    However, Olarenwaju’s tenure has been marked by disappointing performances, with the team enduring a winless streak spanning nine games, including seven draws and three losses across all competitions.

    In a statement released on Saturday, the club expressed its gratitude for Olarenwaju’s contributions, stating:“We can confirm that Enyimba FC has parted ways with head coach Yemi Olarenwaju. The club thanks him for his services and wishes him the best in his career ahead.”

    The decision comes amid a challenging season for the two-time African champions. Enyimba sits at the bottom of Group D in the CAF Confederation Cup with just one point from three matches and currently occupies 11th place in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) standings, with five wins, eight draws, and two losses in 15 games.

    Despite efforts to address the team’s struggles, including a 50% salary cut imposed on players by the club’s management, performances on the pitch have not improved.

    READ MORE:Monday Odigie in line for Akwa United coaching job

    Rumors suggest that former Rivers United head coach and ex-Enyimba assistant coach Stanley Eguma is the leading candidate to replace Olarenwaju as the club looks to salvage its season and rebuild for the future.

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  • Super eagles crush Ghana to secure CHAN 2025 spot

    Super Eagles B of Nigeria delivered a commanding performance on Saturday night, defeating the Ghana Black Galaxies 3-1 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo to secure their place in the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

    The match kicked off with high intensity as both teams sought an early advantage. However, it was the Super Eagles B who drew first blood in the 18th minute. Forward Sodiq Ismail latched onto a perfectly lofted pass from Nduka Junior, showing remarkable composure to race past defenders and fire a low shot into the net.

    Just three minutes later, the Nigerian captain, Nduka Junior, delivered a moment of magic. Picking up the ball near the edge of the box, he curled in a stunning strike that left the Ghanaian goalkeeper rooted to the spot. The exquisite goal, celebrated wildly by fans, extended Nigeria’s lead to 2-0 in the 21st minute.

    READ MORE:Stanley Eguma appointed new Enyimba Technical adviser

    The onslaught continued as Saviour Isaac made it 3-0 in the 25th minute. Showing quick feet and precision, Isaac rounded the Ghanaian goalkeeper and slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

    The Black Galaxies managed to pull one back in the second half, through Berekum chelsea forward Stephen Amankona but it was too little, too late. Despite their efforts to mount a comeback, the Nigerian defense, marshaled expertly by their backline, held firm to ensure victory.

    With the aggregate score 3-1 in their favor, the Super Eagles B booked their ticket to the CHAN 2025 tournament, reaffirming their dominance and avenging their 2022 loss over their regional rivals in the process.

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  • Stanley Eguma appointed new Enyimba Technical adviser

    Enyimba Football Club of Aba has officially appointed Stanley Eguma as their new Technical Adviser, Eguma replaces Yemi Olarenwaju, whose tenure ended abruptly following a string of disappointing results.

    The club’s management cited the team’s dismal performances as the driving force behind Olarenwaju’s dismissal. Enyimba endured a nine-match winless streak across all competitions under his leadership, drawing seven and losing two, a record that left fans and management frustrated.

    “The decision to part ways with Coach Olarenwaju was not taken lightly,” a club insider revealed. “Enyimba is a team with a rich history and high expectations. Unfortunately, the results this season did not meet the standards we demand.”

    Stanley Eguma, a seasoned tactician who led Rivers United to the Nigeria Premier League title in 2022, now steps into the role with the task of steadying the ship. Despite being dismissed by Rivers United earlier this year.

    READ MORE:Enyimba sack head coach Yemi Olarenwaju

    Enyimba currently sits 11th in the Nigeria Premier League standings with three games in hand and occupies the bottom spot in their CAF Confederation Cup group d.

    Fans and stakeholders will hope Eguma’s appointment can rejuvenate the two-time African champions and bring a much-needed turnaround to their faltering campaign. Eguma’s first test will be revitalizing an underperforming squad as the face Plateau United in the Nigeria Premier football league on the 31st of December in Aba

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  • Onuachu sets premier league record despite Southampton loss

    Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu made Premier League history on Thursday, becoming the first player this season to register eight goal attempts in a single game during Southampton’s 1-0 loss to West Ham.

    Onuachu, handed a rare start in new manager Ivan Juric’s debut game, showcased his abilities despite the defeat in the premier league. The Nigerian striker, who has largely played a peripheral role since joining Southampton two years ago, looked sharp throughout the match, creating multiple scoring opportunities but was ultimately unlucky not to find the net.

    According to Opta Joe, Onuachu’s eight goal attempts marked the highest for any player in a single Premier League match this season, highlighting his determination and work rate on the pitch.

    opta stats highlighting Onauchu's performance.

    Despite his lack of goals, Juric expressed confidence in the 29-year-old forward, who previously thrived in Belgium and Turkey.

    “Onuachu scored goals in Belgium every year, 20 goals. In Turkey, it’s the same. It’s not the same playing in Turkey or Belgium compared to England,” Juric said, as quoted by Daily Echo.

    “But it’s not one year that he scored 20 goals. I believe he can do it. From what I’ve seen in training sessions, he has his own characteristics—long ball, keeping the ball, strong in the air. He’s not the fastest player, but in some games, he can do well.”

    Amid speculation about a possible January transfer, Onuachu’s performance may solidify his position in the squad as he hopes for increased playing time.

    READ MORE:Zimbabwe coach vows to defeat Nigeria for 2026 World Cup dream

    Southampton, currently battling to avoid relegation, will next face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The team will be eager to secure a much-needed victory to improve their chances of staying in the Premier League.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!

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