Tag: General Sports

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has witnessed an exciting start to the new season, with away wins and draws dominating the headlines.

Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye expressed his delight at the surprising results, citing it as a positive development for Nigerian football.

After Match Day 4, a total of 10 away wins and 11 away draws have been recorded. Notable upsets include Enyimba’s 3-1 victory over Heartland, Remo Stars’ 2-0 win against Abia Warriors, and Niger Tornadoes’ 2-1 triumph over Kwara United.

Elegbeleye praised the referees for their performance and urged fans to maintain fair play. “Fans should understand a good team can win anywhere, and we frown against hooliganism at our league centers,” he emphasized.

READ MORE: Ogunbote relieved after Shooting Stars 1-0 victory over Heartland

The NPFL boss attributed the surprising results to the league’s growth, stating, “What people see in the top leagues like the EPL, Serie A, and La Liga is now happening in the NPFL every week.”

Remo Stars maintained their top position with a 2-1 victory over Enugu Rangers, while Rivers United triumphed 2-0 over Enyimba FC. Shooting Stars secured their first win, defeating Heartland 1-0.

The NPFL’s exciting start has set the stage for an unpredictable season, showcasing the competitiveness of Nigerian football teams.

Other notable results include:

– Nasarawa United defeating Ikorodu City 2-1
– Sunshine Stars beating Akwa United 2-1 in Uyo
– El-Kanemi defeating Nasarawa United 4-3
– Rangers defeating Ikorodu United 1-0 in Lagos

The NPFL continues to thrill fans and attention turns to the upcoming matches, with teams looking to build on their momentum.

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Ogun State has expressed unwavering optimism regarding the performance of Nigerian runners in the highly anticipated Lotus 10km Abeokuta Race.

Bukola Olopade, the former Commissioner for Youth and Sports, highlighted the impressive form of local athletes and the significant interest generated by the event.

This confidence boost comes as Nigerian athletes continue to make strides in international competitions.

READ MORE: NPFL Boss Elegbeleye thrilled with away wins, draws.

The Abeokuta race has attracted an impressive turnout, with over 6,000 runners, including elite athletes, registering for the event held on September 28.

To ensure fair competition and maintain the integrity of the race, organizers have implemented strict measures. Medals will only be awarded to athletes who complete the entire race, preventing any potential cheating.

Seyi Johnson, the Project Manager, provided detailed insights into the event’s logistics. The wheelchair race will commence at 6:30 AM, followed by the able-bodied athletes’ race at 7 AM.

The event will begin at Oloke and conclude at the historic Ake Palace, providing a scenic backdrop for the competition.

Additionally, various entertainment options will be strategically positioned throughout the race route to enhance the spectator experience.

Wasiu Isiaka, the Commissioner for Sports Development, reiterated the Ogun State government’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Lotus 10km Race.

This support underscores the government’s dedication to promoting sports development within the state.

Nigerian athletes have been making significant waves in global athletics.

Recent achievements include Victor Boniface naming four players he admires and learns from, Noah Lyles discussing athletics’ future and marketing, and Julien Alfred receiving national honors for her Olympic exploits.

The Abeokuta race presents an opportunity to further demonstrate local talent and foster growth in Nigerian athletics.

The Abeokuta race approaches and expectations are high for impressive performances from Nigerian runners.

With Ogun State’s support and the athletes’ dedication, the stage is set for a showcase of local talent.

The event promises to be an exciting display of athleticism, entertainment, and national pride.

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Nigerian superstar Victor Osimhen has addressed the surprising substitution that led to Galatasaray dropping points against Kasimpasa on Saturday.

The world-class striker was substituted at halftime, having scored two goals in Galatasaray’s 3-0 lead at the Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi RAMS Park.

However, Galatasaray conceded three times in the second half, ending the Turkish Super Lig encounter in a 3-3 stalemate.

Osimhen, on loan from Italian side SSC Napoli, revealed that a minor injury prompted his substitution.

READ MORE: Ogun State confident in local runners ahead of Abeokuta race

“I do not have a serious injury. I felt a little discomfort,” Osimhen stated on Galatasaray’s official website. “I thought I should tell my coach.

If I reduced the team, it would be bad. I did not want my other teammates’ performance to decrease. I told Mauro and the coach. That is why I left the game.”

This reassurance will ease concerns for Nigeria’s interim coach, Augustine Eguavoen, ahead of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Libya next month. Osimhen is expected to be included in the Nigeria squad.

The 25-year-old’s substitution sparked worries about his availability for the crucial qualifiers.

His clarification provides relief and boosts Nigeria’s chances in the upcoming matches.

The energetic striker’s impressive start at Galatasaray has made him a key player for both club and country. His goalscoring prowess and work rate make him indispensable.

Victor osimhen scored twice in Galatasaray’s draw with kasimpasa

Nigeria will rely on his services to navigate the challenging AFCON qualifiers.

Galatasaray’s collapse against Kasimpasa raises concerns about the team’s defensive solidity.

Despite Osimhen’s impressive performance, the team’s inability to maintain the lead raises questions about their title chances.

The Turkish Super Lig is heating up, and Galatasaray must regroup and address their defensive issues. Osimhen’s fitness will be crucial in the upcoming matches.

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Remo Stars maintained their top position in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Enugu Rangers in Ikenne.

The win marked the team’s fourth consecutive triumph, securing 12 maximum points.

Last season’s champions and runners-up engaged in a fiercely contested match, with Remo Stars demonstrating resilience and determination.

The home side dominated the first half, with Junior Nduka leading the defense line and goalkeeper Adebiyi Obassa facing minimal threats.

READ MORE : Southampton’s Onuachu ends 419-day wait for squad inclusion

However, Rangers occasionally tested Remo Stars’ defense, showcasing their attacking prowess.

In the second half, Rangers’ goalkeeper Lucky Abdullahi struggled to contain Alex Oyowah’s close-range shot in the 50th minute. Oyowah’s goal resulted from a well-coordinated team effort, starting from Remo Stars’ end. This marked the first goal conceded by Rangers in the ongoing season.

Rangers equalized five minutes later through Augustine Agu Kenechukwu’s penalty kick, awarded after goalkeeper Obassa tripped a Rangers striker in the box.

However, Remo Stars regained the lead four minutes later with Raymond Tochukwu’s impressive long-range shot, catching the goalkeeper off guard.

Elsewhere in the NPFL, Rivers United triumphed 2-0 over Enyimba FC, with Coach Finidi George leading his team to victory against his former club. Shooting Stars secured a narrow 1-0 win over Heartland FC in Ibadan.

Other Match-day 4 results included El-Kanemi Warriors and Plateau United’s 2-2 draw, Niger Tornadoes and Bendel Insurance’s 1-1 stalemate, Abia Warriors’ 2-0 victory over Kano Pillars, and Bayelsa United and Kwara United’s 1-1 draw. Katsina United dominated Lobi Stars 3-0.

Remo Stars’ winning streak underscores their determination to excel in the NPFL. With 12 points, they solidify their position at the top of the league table. The team’s cohesion and strategic gameplay have been key factors in their success.

The NPFL continues to showcase thrilling matches, highlighting the talent and competitiveness of Nigerian football teams. As the season progresses, fans can expect more intense rivalries and surprises.

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Rangers International FC coach Fidelis Ilechukwu has publicly expressed his frustration with Remo Stars manager Daniel Ogunmodede, accusing him of adopting a “win-at-all-cost” mentality that disregards fair play. The two coaches, both assistants in the Super Eagles setup, have clashed after Rangers’ 2-1 loss to Remo Stars in a recent Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match.

Following the game on Sunday, Ilechukwu criticised Ogunmodede for what he described as unsportsmanlike behaviour during the match. He specifically mentioned an incident where a player’s safety was allegedly ignored in the pursuit of victory.

“It’s a big disappointment, a very big disappointment in ‘Ijaball’,” Ilechukwu said, referring to Ogunmodede by his nickname. “There was no fair play, even when a player’s life was at risk. You don’t win by all means.”

Ilechukwu’s frustration stems from his belief that the match lacked respect for sportsmanship, a value he insists was key in Rangers’ success when they were crowned NPFL champions. He suggested that Remo Stars’ victory came at the cost of ethical play, something he could not condone.

“This was not how Rangers were crowned champions,” Ilechukwu added.

READ MORE: NPFL match day 4 review: surprises and thrilling encounters

The tension between the two coaches, who also work together on the national team, could strain their professional relationship further. Sources close to Ilechukwu indicate that he may no longer wish to maintain a personal friendship with Ogunmodede due to their differing views on fair play.

Despite the defeat, Ilechukwu remained optimistic about his team’s future, acknowledging their improved performance despite recent setbacks. “It was a good game. I think we have started coming up. I am happy with the outcome of the game. I love the way my players approached the game today despite the result.”

Rangers International currently sit 12th on the NPFL table with four points from three matches, while Remo Stars lead the standings with a perfect 12 points from four matches. Ilechukwu is hopeful that his team will recover quickly, especially as they prepare for their rescheduled match against Bayelsa United on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

“The two matches we played after exiting the continental competition have shown that there is hope for our aspirations this season,” Ilechukwu said. “The weak link we have noticed will be worked upon, and hopefully we shall bounce back on a positive note.”

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Week Four of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) brought plenty of excitement, goals, and surprises. Across 10 matches, a total of 22 goals were scored. There were five home wins, two away wins, and three draws.

Ikorodu City 1-2 Nasarawa United
Nasarawa United secured a 2-1 win over Ikorodu City in Lagos. Despite Ikorodu City playing at home, Nasarawa United took all three points, leaving the home team still struggling in their first season in the NPFL.

Akwa United 1-2 Sunshine Stars
Sunshine Stars got an important away win, beating Akwa United 2-1 in Uyo. Akwa United were unable to protect their home advantage as Sunshine Stars walked away with a deserved victory.

El Kanemi Warriors 2-2 Plateau United
El Kanemi Warriors came from two goals down to hold Plateau United to a 2-2 draw. Plateau United seemed to be in control, but El Kanemi found two second-half goals to grab a point.

Niger Tornadoes 1-1 Bendel Insurance
Even with ten men, Niger Tornadoes managed to hold Bendel Insurance to a 1-1 draw. Niger Tornadoes are still without a home win this season but have won two games away from home.

Rivers United 2-0 Enyimba
Rivers United, led by coach Finidi George, continued their great form with a 2-0 victory over his former team, Enyimba. The win keeps Rivers United moving up the NPFL standings.

Abia Warriors 2-0 Kano Pillars
Abia Warriors comfortably beat Kano Pillars 2-0 at home. Kano Pillars are still struggling to find consistency this season, making this loss even more difficult.

Bayelsa United 1-1 Kwara United
Bayelsa United fought hard to earn a 1-1 draw at home against Kwara United. Kwara United’s Akanni Akeem scored the first goal, but Bayelsa’s Yahaya Ibrahim equalized to share the points.

Katsina United 3-0 Lobi Stars
Katsina United had a big 3-0 win over Lobi Stars at home. The victory sees Katsina United continue their strong form as they rise up the table.

Remo Stars 2-1 Enugu Rangers
Remo Stars continued their impressive start to the season by defeating reigning champions Enugu Rangers 2-1 in Ikenne. Remo Stars are looking like serious contenders for the NPFL title this season.

Shooting Stars 1-0 Heartland
Shooting Stars edged Heartland 1-0, adding to Heartland’s struggles this season. Coach Emmanuel Amuneke’s young Heartland team has found it hard to get results, and they remain at the bottom of the table.

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Rivers United has taken the top spot in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) provisional standings after defeating Enyimba 2-0 in Port Harcourt today.

The highly anticipated match pitted former Super Eagles coach Finidi George against his one-time assistant at Enyimba, Yemi Olanrewaju.

READ MORE: Kabiru Balogun confident of positive campaign after Ikorodu City win

Finidi’s tactical prowess proved decisive as Rivers United secured their fourth win in five matches.

Ubong Friday opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a stunning strike, and young striker Seiyefa Jackson sealed the victory with a late goal three minutes from full time.

Rivers United now leads the standings with 10 points from four matches, cementing Finidi’s reputation as a shrewd tactician.

“We were determined to get the three points today,” Finidi George said in the post-match conference. “The team played according to plan, and I’m proud of their performance.”

Enyimba coach Yemi Olanrewaju acknowledged Rivers United’s superiority. “We were outplayed today. We created chances but couldn’t convert them.”

NPFL RESULTS

– Rivers United 2-0 Enyimba
– El Kanemi Warriors 2-2 Plateau United
– Niger Tornadoes 1-1 Bendel Insurance

*NPFL STANDINGS*

| Rank | Team | Points |
| — | — | — |
| 1 | Rivers United | 10 |
| 2 | Remo Stars | 9 |
| 3 | Kano Pillars | 8 |

Full npfl standing

Rivers United will face Abia Warriors in their next league game, looking to maintain their momentum.

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

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Nasarawa United technical director, Kabiru Dogo, has praised his team’s character and resilience after their hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) on Saturday.

Anas Yusuf and Kabiru Balogun scored for the Solid Miners, while Chilaka Thankgod netted for Ikorodu City.

“I’m incredibly proud of our performance against Ikorodu City,” Dogo said in a post-match interview. “We showed character and resilience to secure this first win of the season.”

READ MORE: Finidi shows Olanrenwaju who the boss is with 2-0 thrashing of Enyimba

Dogo emphasized the collective effort of his team. “The energy was electric, as every member of the team contributed to this win. We can’t wait to build on this momentum!”

The win marks a turning point for Nasarawa United, who had been seeking their first victory of the season.

Dogo’s tactics paid off, and the team’s determination earned them three crucial points.

“We worked hard for this win, and it’s a testament to the team’s spirit,” Dogo added.

Nasarawa United will face Bayelsa United in their next NPFL game, looking to maintain their momentum.

The Solid Miners currently sit fourth in the NPFL standings, with 7 points from 4 matches.

Dogo remains optimistic about Nasarawa United’s chances this season.

“We’re focused on building on this performance and climbing the standings,” Dogo said.

With their first win under their belt, Nasarawa United will look to continue their upward trajectory.

Anas Yusuf, who scored the opening goal, praised his teammates. “We played as a unit, and it paid off.”

Kabiru Balogun, who sealed the win with his late goal, added, “We’re hungry for more wins.”

Nasarawa United Football Club is a Nigerian professional football club based in Lafia, Nasarawa State. The club competes in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).

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The fourth week of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) was filled with excitement, drama, and unexpected outcomes. The ten matches played across various venues witnessed a total of 22 goals, with five home wins, two away wins, and three draws.

Notable Results

Nasarawa United secured an impressive 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City, condemning the latter to another home loss in their debut NPFL season. Sunshine Stars stunned Akwa United with a 2-1 away win, while El Kanemi Warriors fought back from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Plateau United.

Rivers United maintained their unbeaten start, defeating Enyimba 2-0, and Abia Warriors convincingly beat Kano Pillars 2-0. Remo Stars edged reigning champions Enugu Rangers 2-1, showcasing their determination to challenge for honors this season.

READ MORE: Dogo hails Nasarawa United in win over Ikorodu City

Katsina United thrashed Lobi Stars 3-0, climbing up the table as they seek to launch a good run of form. Bayelsa United and Kwara United shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw, while Shooting Stars edged past a struggling Heartland side with a narrow 1-0 victory.

Standings

The current standings see Rivers United leading with 10 points, followed closely by Remo Stars with 9 points. Kano Pillars occupy third place with 8 points, while Nasarawa United sit fourth with 7 points.

Player of the Week

Yahaya Ibrahim of Bayelsa United earned the player of the week accolade, scoring the equalizing goal against Kwara United in a 1-1 draw.

“We’re delighted with the win, but we know there’s still room for improvement,” said Nasarawa United’s technical director, Kabiru Dogo.

The schedule for Match Day 5 will be announced soon. Fans can stay updated on NPFL news through social media platforms and the official page on Facebook

Match Day 4 Results

– Ikorodu City 1-2 Nasarawa United
– Akwa United 1-2 Sunshine Stars
– El Kanemi Warriors 2-2 Plateau United
– Niger Tornadoes 1-1 Bendel Insurance
– Rivers United 2-0 Enyimba
– Abia Warriors 2-0 Kano Pillars
– Bayelsa United 1-1 Kwara United
– Katsina United 3-0 Lobi Stars
– Remo Stars 2-1 Enugu Rangers
– Shooting Stars 1-0 Heartland.

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Nigeria has been crowned the winner of the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup Africa Qualifiers and will represent the continent at the 2025 ICC Under-19 Women’s World Cup in Malaysia. The Nigerian team secured their spot after the final match in Kigali, Rwanda, against Zimbabwe was abandoned due to rain.

Nigeria remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, finishing at the top of the group. Their consistent performance earned them the championship title and a place at the global tournament.

READ MORE: NCF states commitment to women’s Cricket Development

Uyi Akpata, President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), expressed pride in the team’s dedication and thanked everyone involved. “The players have shown great commitment, and I appreciate the support from the board, coaches, and technical team,” Akpata stated.

Looking ahead to the World Cup, Akpata emphasised the need for solid preparations. “We will need more resources and a detailed plan to ensure we succeed on the global stage.”

Nigeria’s road to victory included wins over Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and a crucial semifinal triumph over Rwanda. The team now looks forward to representing Africa at the 2025 U19 Women’s World Cup in Malaysia, scheduled from January 18 to February 2, 2025.

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