Tag: General Sports

Kano Pillars staged a remarkable late fightback to secure a 2-2 draw against Lobi Stars at the Lafia Township Stadium on Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 13.

Rabiu Ali’s stunning free-kick and Umar Shehu’s quick reaction to a rebound salvaged a crucial point after Lobi Stars had dominated the first half.

Lobi Stars scored in the 7th minute when Ahmadu Liman capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot home clinically. Moments later, Liman turned provider, setting up Ossy Martins with a perfectly timed pass that the forward converted to double the lead in the 14th minute. 

The hosts appeared in complete control, leaving Kano Pillars on the back foot.

Kano Pillars fought back with determination, with Ahmed Musa creating opportunities and Rabiu Ali narrowly missing the target with a powerful effort. Despite their growing pressure, they went into halftime trailing by two goals.

The wowing distance Rabiu Ali scored his 4th free-kick and 8th goal of the season vs. Lobi Stars.

• The courage
• The distance
• The precision
• The strength
• From a 44-year-old

We might be seeing Rabiu play till his 50s pic.twitter.com/gK7lCh6BUr

— Leagues Reporter (@LeaguesReporter) November 24, 2024

The second half saw Lobi Stars attempting to maintain their advantage, but Pillars grew into the game and turned the tide in the final quarter. In the 76th minute, Rabiu Ali delivered a moment of magic, curling a superb free-kick into the top corner. Just a minute later, Ahmed Musa’s shot was parried by goalkeeper Orya Joseph, and Umar Shehu reacted quickly to bury the rebound, completing the dramatic comeback.

READ MORE: Super Eagles striker sidelined until 2025 due to severe injury

Lobi Stars tried to reclaim the lead, but Kano Pillars’ defense held strong in the closing minutes.

Kano Pillars are now unbeaten in their last four games, recording back-to-back draws to reach 19 points. Meanwhile, Coach Daniel Amokachi’s struggles for consistency with Lobi Stars continue, as they remain on 13 points and could end matchday 13 in the relegation zone.

Other matchday 13 results

Heartland 0-0 Rangers: A tightly contested goalless draw saw both teams share the spoils in an uneventful Oriental derby.

Niger Tornadoes 0-0 Ikorodu City: Defensive solidity from both sides ensured no breakthroughs in another stalemate.

Bendel Insurance 3-1 Kwara United: Bendel Insurance returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion, even in the absence of departed coach Monday Odigie. Nazir Mohammed scored a brace to lead the charge, while Austin Ogunye came off the bench to net his first goal of the season, sealing a morale-boosting victory despite Kwara United’s lone strike.

El-Kanemi Warriors 1-0 Akwa United: Ibrahim Mustapha’s expertly taken penalty compounded the woes of relegation-threatened Promise Keepers, as El-Kanemi Warriors secured a vital win.

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Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has expressed his delight at returning to action for Nigeria, despite their 2-1 defeat to Rwanda on Monday. 

The 25-year-old shot-stopper, now with Serie A side Udinese, described the opportunity to wear the national jersey again as a profound honor.

“Despite the result, I’m more than happy and grateful to have played in this jersey again. It has always been, it is, and it will forever be an honour to represent Nigeria,” Okoye shared on X.

Okoye made his Super Eagles debut in 2019, stepping into the spotlight as Nigeria sought a successor to legendary goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama. Initially hailed as a refreshing addition to the squad, his performances were inconsistent, and a costly error in Nigeria’s 2022 Africa Cup of Nations campaign led to their elimination.

Despite the result I’m more than happy and grateful to have played in this jersey again!
It has always been, it is and it will forever be an honour to represent Nigeria pic.twitter.com/uzyxxMP80v

— Maduka Okoye (@OkoyeMaduka) November 21, 2024

The backlash was severe that Okoye temporarily deactivated his social media accounts and excused himself from the National team.

Struggles followed at the club level, with a tough spell at Watford in the English Championship, where he rarely featured.

READ MORE: Super Falcons eye redemption as WAFCON 2025 draw takes centre stage

However, a move to Udinese in Serie A marked a turnaround, giving him a fresh platform to rebuild his career.

A personal tragedy to Stanley Nwabali during the last international break—losing his father which forced the Chippa United shot-stopper to leave the Super Eagles camp, created a rare opportunity for Okoye to return to the starting lineup.

Maduka Okoye delivered a solid performance in the match against Rwanda in Uyo, though the second goal he conceded drew criticism. 

Okoye faces an uphill battle to reclaim the No. 1 jersey from Nwaibali whose form remains a significant hurdle.

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Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek has reiterated that Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen remains fully committed to the club for the current season, dispelling immediate concerns over growing transfer rumours.

Osimhen, who joined the Turkish Super Lig champions on a season-long loan from Napoli after protracted negotiations, has been in sensational form. The forward has scored six goals in six appearances, playing a key role in keeping Galatasaray at the top of the league standings.

READ MORE: Maduka Okoye sends important message to Nigerians following Super Eagles return

Despite his impressive performances, the Nigerian striker has been linked with a potential summer move to elite European clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle, and Arsenal.

Victor Osimhen enjoying his loan spell at Galatasaray (Image credit: Getty Images)

Addressing the speculation, Özbek acknowledged the interest in the prolific forward but stressed that any future transfer would hinge on financial considerations, including spending limits.

“Osimhen is our player this season. Of course, all clubs want to transfer Osimhen at the end of the season. One of the most important factors is the formation of spending limits,” Özbek said.

The Galatasaray president also underlined the club’s primary focus on winning their 23rd league title, a historic achievement that would see the team earn the coveted fifth star on their badge, a symbolic milestone in Turkish football.

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Victor Boniface will not feature for Bayer Leverkusen again in 2024 after suffering a muscle fiber tear in his thigh during Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier 1-2 loss against Rwanda. 

The Nigerian Football Federation confirmed the injury, which is expected to sideline the forward for several weeks.

Victor Boniface has been in outstanding form for Leverkusen this season, scoring 8 goals in 15 appearances despite his drought with the Super Eagles.

Victor Boniface is ruled out for the rest of the year. The forward sustained a muscle fiber tear in his thigh during international duty.

Wishing him a speedy recovery pic.twitter.com/qDGZoKCpnA

— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) November 22, 2024

His absence is a significant setback for the Bundesliga Champions who sit 4th on the log as they head into the final stretch of the year.

READ MORE: Nigerian stars nominated for the 2024 CAF awards

Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso provided an update on Boniface’s condition, saying, “A few games. We’ll see for how long. He suffered a small injury to his thigh. It’s too early to say. We hope he’ll be able to play again this year, but we’ll have to see with his recovery process. But he won’t be out for 6-8 weeks.”

Bayer Leverkusen fans will be hoping for a swift recovery for the Nigerian striker as the club looks to continue its strong form.

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Monday Odigie has resigned as the head coach of Bendel Insurance following a challenging start to the 2024-25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

Bendel Insurance, currently sitting at the bottom of the 20-team league after their Week 12 loss to reigning NPFL champions Enugu Rangers, has struggled to find form this season. 

The team has recorded just three wins, three draws, and six defeats in 12 games, leaving them with 12 points.

READ MORE: Super Eagles striker sidelined until 2025 due to severe injury

Under the leadership of Monday Odigie, Bendel Insurance made history, notably finishing the 2022/23 abridged NPFL season unbeaten. He also guided the team back to the top-flight league in 2019 after an 11-year absence.

 However, this season’s poor performance has led to his resignation.

This marks the second time this year that Odigie’s resignation has been reported. A similar situation occurred in March 2024, but the club later denied the claims, affirming that Odigie had not stepped down.

Greg Igbinoba oversaw the team’s Thursday training session at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.

Bendel Insurance will next face Kwara United in a Match Day 13 encounter at home on Saturday at 4pm hoping to bounce back from their recent struggles.

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The anticipation is high as Africa’s football powerhouses await the draw for the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco with the Super Falcons of Nigeria expected to challenge for the title.

The draw kicks off at 8pm Moroccan time at the Mohammed VI Sports Center in Salé, Morocco. Fans can watch live on CAF TV on YouTube.

Confederation of African Football (CAF)  President Dr. Patrice Motsepe will attend the ceremony, as announced on the official website.

The Super Falcons of Nigeria, the continent’s record champions with nine titles, are set to know their group-stage opponents as they look to reclaim the crown they lost to South Africa in 2022.

READ MORE: Monday Odigie resigns from Bendel Insurance amid recent struggles

The tournament will feature 12 of Africa’s best women’s national teams, divided into three groups of four. 

The preliminary stage will determine which teams progress to the quarterfinals, with the top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed teams advancing. 

The competition is scheduled to take place from July 5 to 25, 2025, in Morocco.

This year’s lineup boasts the strongest teams on the continent, including defending champions South Africa, hosts Morocco, bronze medalists Zambia, and four-time semifinalists Nigeria. Other contenders include Ghana, Tunisia, Algeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Botswana, Mali, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

With a rich history of dominance, Nigeria will be looking to bounce back after South Africa dethroned them in the 2022 final.

The upcoming draw and tournament will undoubtedly add another exciting chapter to African women’s football.

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled its nominees for the 2024 CAF Awards, and Nigerian women’s football has made a significant impact.

The Super Falcons, Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, and its players have received multiple nominations, given their exceptional  performances over the past year.

Chiamaka Nnadozie and Rasheedat Ajibade, two stalwarts of the Super Falcons, have been nominated for the prestigious Women’s Player of the Year Award.

Additionally, Chiamaka Nnadozie has been nominated for the Goalkeeper of the Year (Women) award.

Nigeria’s youth teams and Super Falcons have also received recognition, with the U-17 (Flamingoes), U-20 (Falconets), and Super Falcons all being nominated for the National Team of the Year award.

The future of Nigerian women’s football looks bright, with Chiamaka Okwuchukwu (Rivers Angels) and Flourish Sabastine (Stars de Reims) nominated for the Young Player of the Year award.

Emem Essien and Monle Oyono, both from Edo Queens, have been nominated for the InterClub Player of the Year award, recognizing their impressive performances in the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Edo Queens, CAFWCL semifinalists, have been nominated for the Club of the Year award.

Coaching excellence has also been recognized, with Chris Danjuma (Nigeria U-20), Moses Aduku (Edo Queens), and Bankole Olowooekere (Nigeria U-17) nominated for the Coach of the Year award.

The awards ceremony will take place on a date to be announced and will honor the best of African football. Nigerian women’s football has made a significant impact on the continent, and these nominations are a testament to the country’s dedication to developing the sport.

The CAF Awards is an annual event that recognizes and honors outstanding achievements in African football. The awards ceremony celebrates the best players, coaches, and teams on the continent. Congratulations to all nominees, and we look forward to the awards ceremony.

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Lobi Stars technical adviser, Daniel Amokachi has expressed disappointment following his team’s 1-0 defeat to Sunshine Stars in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 12 encounter.

“We fashioned scoring chances and enjoyed an advantage, but failed to seize it,” Amokachi lamented.

The Makurdi-based club dominated the game at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode on Sunday but were undone by their inability to convert scoring chances.

Despite creating opportunities, Lobi Stars’ poor finishing proved costly. “The season from onset has been demanding; however, we remain steadfast,” Amokachi emphasized.

Amokachi acknowledged the team’s shortcomings and vowed to address them. “We will review, address our shortcomings, and persevere,” he assured.

READ MORE: Edo Queens knocked out of CAF women’s CL, pocket N500m

The former Nigerian international is focused on the task ahead, stressing the need for collective improvement. The defeat serves as a wake-up call for Lobi Stars, who must regroup and refocus to achieve their season objectives. “We have to move from this defeat and focus on the next game,” Amokachi urged. “We can’t dwell on this loss; we have to learn from it and move forward.”

Lobi Stars will seek redemption when they host Kano Pillars in their next NPFL fixture on Sunday.

Amokachi is optimistic about the team’s chances, citing their resilience.

“The boys have shown they can play good football; we just need to work on our finishing,” he said. The team’s ability to bounce back will be crucial in their quest for NPFL success.

Amokachi’s challenge is to revitalize Lobi Stars’ NPFL campaign. With 12 matches played, the team must regain momentum to achieve their season goals. “We will work hard to get the desired results,” Amokachi promised.

The NPFL continues to deliver thrilling encounters, and fans can expect more excitement in the coming weeks.

Lobi Stars strive to bounce back and Amokachi’s leadership will be crucial in guiding the team toward success. “We remain steadfast, and we will persevere.”

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Edo Queens have bowed out of the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League after suffering a heartbreaking 2-1 semifinal loss to TP Mazembe on Tuesday.

Despite the disappointment, the Nigerian champions will take home a consolation prize of N500 million.

Edo Queens had enjoyed a remarkable run in the competition, showcasing their skills against top African teams.

Their journey began with a thrilling 3-1 win over Ethiopia’s CBE in the group stages, followed by an impressive 2-1 victory over South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in the quarterfinals.

The semifinal clash against TP Mazembe proved to be a bridge too far, however. Despite a valiant effort, Edo Queens succumbed to the Congolese side’s relentless pressure.

Coach and players alike will analyze the semifinal loss, identifying areas for improvement.

READ MORE: What Austin Eguaveon said about Victor Boniface poor form for Nigeria

The experience gained from competing against Africa’s best will undoubtedly benefit Edo Queens in future competitions.

With continued support and investment, the country’s female teams can compete favorably on the continental stage.

Though Edo Queens’ CAF Women’s Champions League journey has ended, their achievements will inspire future generations of Nigerian female footballers.

The N500 million prize money serves as a tangible reward for their efforts, and the team will look to build on this experience in upcoming competitions.

Edo Queens are a Nigerian women’s football club based in Edo State. They are the current Nigerian Women’s Football League champions and representatives in the CAF Women’s Champions League.

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Super Eagles manager Augustine Eguavoen has come to the defense of struggling striker Victor Boniface, despite his disappointing performances for the Nigerian national team.

Boniface, who has been in impressive form for Bayer Leverkusen, winning the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal, and DFL Super Cup, has failed to replicate his club success on the international stage. His latest underwhelming display came in Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to Rwanda in their final AFCON 2025 qualifier.

The 23-year-old forward managed just one shot on target in 90 minutes, sparking criticism from fans and calls for his exclusion from the national team. However, Eguavoen remains confident in Boniface’s abilities.

“Boniface, we all know what he’s capable of doing, especially for his club. When he comes back here, we try to give him a lot of confidence and playing time, but he’s not hitting the back of the net for whatever reason,” Eguavoen explained.

READ MORE: Super Eagles predicted lineup vs Rwanda with Aina, Nwabali, Lookman, Osimhen not featuring.

“I’ve spoken to him personally many times. I’m someone who wants to give players confidence. I’ve done enough, but he’s still part of the squad and will remain a part of the squad.”

Eguavoen’s comments may have suggested that Boniface will continue to receive opportunities to prove himself, despite his struggles. With Nigeria set to begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, the striker’s form will be crucial.

Victor Boniface had only one shot on target against Rwanda

Boniface’s inconsistent performances for the Super Eagles have raised concerns about his ability to translate his club success to the international stage. While Eguavoen’s support is encouraging, the striker must demonstrate improvement to justify his continued inclusion.

Victor Boniface received a disappointing 4.5/10 rating in the Nigeria vs Rwanda game, with critics citing his lack of clinical finishing and ineffective hold-up play.

In contrast, Samuel Chukwueze impressed with a 7.5/10 rating, showcasing his pace and skill on the wing.

Nigeria prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and Eguavoen’s squad selection will come under scrutiny. Boniface’s form will be closely monitored, and the striker must respond to the challenge.

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