Nigerian Football
Stores Supporters Deny Allegations
Stationery Stores Supporters Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited (also known as Stationery Stores Supporters Trust) has denied allegations raised against it in a newspaper publication last Saturday.
In a press release, signed by Barrister Oladipupo Atoloye, the assistant national secretary and Soji Akintola, the national treasurer, it was pointed out that the publication reported that Abayomi Banire who claimed to be chairman of Stationery Stores Supporters Club had asked both the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode and Sports minister, Solomon Dalung to ignore the Stationery Stores Supporters Trust in the quest for the return of Super Stores.
According to the press release, Abayomi Banire went on to allege that:
- Stationery Stores Supporters Trust does not represent the interest of Stores’ fans.
- It does not have the permission and consent of the Club owners
- That he, Abayomi Banire is the only one who can facilitate an engagement with the club owners by anyone who wants to “…represent Stores.”
- That the supporters do not know any “James Ime or Yomi Opakunle.”
- That some hijackers have been deceiving the fans and “using the name of the Club to gather players.”
- That the Stationery Stores Supporters Trust has been “collecting money from people”.
Responding to the allegations, the Stationery Stores Supporters Trust wrote:
“We wish to respond, for the avoidance of doubt and to debunk these weighty and libellous allegations as follows:
“The Stationery Stores Supporters Trust is a freewill aggregation of those who support Stationery Stores FC. It is registered as a Cooperative Multipurpose Society with the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives with registration number LSCS 15613 and inaugurated by the officials of its Ikeja Area Office at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium Lagos, before the public, on October 22, 2016.
“It is open to only those supporters who wish to join and its membership is not mandatory. It was set up as part of a process of organising interested Supporters and under the mandate given by Stationery Stores Football Club Limited (RC 146339) on March 10 2014.
“Messrs Eliashib Ime-James and Yomi Opakunle are both National President and National Secretary of the Trust respectively as elected by members of the Stationery Stores Supporters Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited.
“They, as well as all members of the Trust, are exercising their freedom to associate, hold and express opinion as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999).
“That our publicly-expressed support for the positions of His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, Governor Akinwumi Ambode, and the Honourable Minister of Youth & Sports, Federal Government of Nigeria, Comrade Solomon Dalung, on the need for legacy clubs like Stationery Stores FC to return to action was in good faith and devoid of any intention to obtain pecuniary gain.
“These two well-respected citizens gave a very high profile support to our efforts, over the past 10 years and at great personal cost to us, to see the return of Stationery Stores FC.
“We state categorically that the Trust has never collected money from people under any false pretence. Indeed, SSST only began the processing of the Directorate of Cooperatives-sanction opening of bank account upon receipt of its Registration Certificate in early February 2017 from the Directorate and which is yet to be concluded.
“SSST at the Directorate of Cooperatives-directed Pre-Registration General Meeting, passed a resolution that all transactions of the Trust including the yet-to-commence mandatory monthly savings, must be cashless and done only through bank transactions.
“It has so far organised two events viz. A “Supporters’ Day” at which it honoured some supporters, former administrators and coaches, including the former 1st civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, the doyen of Sports Journalism & Stationery Stores FC’s 1st Team Manager – Pa Peter Osugo a.k.a. PECOS and Mr. Shola Idowu a.k.a. Mr. Anonymous, amongst many others (in October 2016); as well as the presentation of Awards to seven former players who were part of the all-conquering 1992 set of Stationery Stores FC coached by the Late Abdulahi Bebe (January 2017).
“These events were personally funded by SSST EXCO Members. Outside of these two, the Supporters Trust has not undertaken any project nor has it solicited money from anyone. Furthermore, these two events were not only well-attended but widely publicised in the domestic news media and internationally, with support from all those interested in seeing that the permanent return of Stationery Stores FC becomes a reality.
“The Stationery Stores Supporters Trust has never gathered players as it is not a football club and does not own any football club. It has no intention of taking over Stationery Stores FC as that is not part of its aims and it is not a shareholder of SSFC.
“It is simply an organised platform for supporting the owners of the Club in ensuring not only the return, but the viability of the Club and ensuring that supporters have a formal say in efforts to move the club forward.
“It is clear that Mr. Abayomi Banire’s reported allegations are not only false and malicious, but are calculated to destabilise efforts by interested supporters to better organise themselves.
“It sought to impugn the character, credibility, image and reputation of Eliashib Ime-James and Yomi Opakunle —two key actors of the Trust, in a futile attempt to destroy a worthy and completely new approach to organising supporters in Nigeria and we wholeheartedly condemn it.
“Furthermore, we also consider Mr. Banire’s reported Press Release to be an emerging but clearly futile effort to frustrate the permanent return and viability of Stationery Stores FC.
“Given the fate that has befallen the club in recent times and the spirited effort of the Adebajo family and many people of goodwill to ensure the existence of a strong and viable Stationery Stores FC, this dangerous recourse to blackmail and libel by the said Mr. Banire and his sponsors should be condemned by all well-meaning supporters of our great club and indeed by all sports lovers.
“In conclusion, we are in support of all legitimate efforts being considered by our two Executive Committee members to redress the damage to their image, credibility and reputation and will do everything in our power to support them in doing so.
By Kunle Solaja.
The Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) season is heading for a dramatic climax, with both the title race and relegation dogfight finely poised following Matchday 34 fixtures.
At the top of the table, the contest for supremacy has tightened into a two-horse race between Enugu Rangers and Rivers United FC, who are locked on 55 points apiece after 33 matches. Rangers currently hold a superior goal difference (+15), giving them a slender edge in what promises to be a thrilling finish.
Rivers United, however, have a crucial opportunity to seize control when they host Plateau United FC, knowing that any slip by Rangers could swing momentum decisively in their favour. Rangers themselves face a tricky away tie against Niger Tornadoes FC, a side battling to steer clear of relegation trouble.
Just behind the leading duo, Ikorodu City FC and Abia Warriors FC remain within striking distance on 52 points. However, Abia Warriors suffered a setback with a 1-0 defeat to Bendel Insurance FC on Saturday, a result that not only boosted Insurance’s push into the top half but also dented Abia’s title ambitions.
Nasarawa United FC and Shooting Stars Sports Club, both on 50 points, are still mathematically in the race but may need near-perfect finishes and favourable results elsewhere to challenge for the top three positions. Shooting Stars face a pivotal clash against Kwara United, a fixture that carries significance at both ends of the table.
Relegation Battle Heats Up
While the title race grabs headlines, the struggle for survival is even more intense, with several clubs separated by just a few points at the bottom.
Kun Khalifat FC prop up the table with 36 points and face a must-win encounter against Warri Wolves. Anything less than victory could leave their survival hopes hanging by a thread.
Just above them, Wikki Tourists FC (37 points) and Kwara United (39 points, with a points deduction) are also in danger. Kwara United’s clash with Shooting Stars could prove decisive, while Wikki Tourists face a tough trip to Bayelsa United, another side not yet safe.
The relegation scrap extends further up the table, with Remo Stars, Bayelsa United, and Enyimba all hovering around the 40-point mark. Remo Stars face a daunting test against high-flying Barau FC, while Enyimba must navigate a tricky fixture against Katsina United FC.
Even traditionally strong sides like Kano Pillars and Niger Tornadoes FC are not entirely safe, highlighting the depth of the relegation battle this season.
Season Reaches Boiling Point
With just a handful of matches remaining, every fixture now carries enormous weight. The title contenders must maintain consistency under pressure, while those at the bottom are fighting for survival with equal desperation.
From the summit clash between Rangers and Rivers United to the survival scrap involving nearly half the table, the NPFL is set for a pulsating finale where both glory and heartbreak remain very much on the line.
MatchDay 34 Fixtures
Saturday, April 11, 2026
- Bendel Insurance 1-0 Abia Warriors
Sunday, April 12, 2026
- Shooting Stars V Kwara United
- Barau FC v Remo Stars
- Niger Tornadoes V Enugu Rangers
- Enyimba V Katsina United
- Bayelsa United V Wikki Tourists
- Ikorodu City V Kano Pillars
- Rivers United V Plateau United
- Kun Khalifat Fc V Warri Wolves
Monday, April 13, 2026
- El-Kanemi Warriors V Nasarawa United
| CLUBS | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | |
| 1 | Rangers International FC | 33 | 15 | 10 | 8 | 39 | 24 | 15 | 55 |
| 2 | Rivers United FC | 33 | 15 | 10 | 8 | 33 | 27 | 6 | 55 |
| 3 | Ikorodu City FC | 33 | 14 | 10 | 9 | 34 | 30 | 4 | 52 |
| 4 | Abia Warriors FC | 34 | 15 | 7 | 12 | 28 | 26 | 2 | 52 |
| 5 | Nasarawa United FC | 33 | 14 | 8 | 11 | 31 | 27 | 4 | 50 |
| 6 | Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) | 33 | 15 | 5 | 13 | 35 | 36 | -1 | 50 |
| 7 | Bendel Insurance FC | 34 | 12 | 13 | 9 | 39 | 34 | 5 | 49 |
| 8 | Plateau United FC | 33 | 14 | 4 | 15 | 37 | 36 | 1 | 46 |
| 9 | Katsina United FC | 33 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 29 | 29 | 0 | 46 |
| 10 | Warri Wolves | 33 | 11 | 10 | 12 | 33 | 33 | 0 | 43 |
| 11 | Barau FC | 33 | 10 | 13 | 10 | 25 | 26 | -1 | 43 |
| 12 | El-Kanemi Warriors FC | 33 | 12 | 7 | 14 | 28 | 38 | -10 | 43 |
| 13 | Niger Tornadoes FC | 33 | 12 | 6 | 15 | 34 | 31 | 3 | 42 |
| 14 | Kano Pillars (-3pts, -3 goals) | 33 | 13 | 6 | 14 | 30 | 32 | -2 | 42 |
| 15 | Enyimba FC | 33 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 35 | 37 | -2 | 40 |
| 16 | Bayelsa United FC | 33 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 30 | 34 | -4 | 40 |
| 17 | Remo Stars FC | 33 | 12 | 4 | 17 | 34 | 41 | -7 | 40 |
| 18 | Kwara United (-3pts, -3 goals) | 33 | 11 | 9 | 13 | 26 | 29 | -3 | 39 |
| 19 | Wikki Tourists FC | 33 | 8 | 13 | 12 | 30 | 37 | -7 | 37 |
| 20 | Kun Khalifat FC | 33 | 9 | 9 | 15 | 31 | 40 | -9 | 36 |
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Nigerian Football
NPFL Golden Boot Race: Obaje, Arumala Lead as Club-by-Club Breakdown Reveals Fierce Battle
By Kunle Solaja.
With the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season entering its decisive stretch after Matchday 33, the race for the Golden Boot has not only remained intensely competitive but also reflects the attacking strength—and in some cases dependence—of several clubs.
At the top of the chart, Godwin Obaje (Enugu Rangers) and Joseph Arumala (Ikorodu City) are tied on 11 goals, but a deeper club-by-club analysis shows contrasting attacking dynamics across the league.
Enugu Rangers: Obaje and Chidozie attacking edge
Rangers International stand out as the only club with two players in the top scorers’ bracket. Obaje’s 11 goals underline his role as the club’s primary finisher, but the presence of Iwundu Chidozie (9 goals) highlights a complementary attacking structure. Rangers’ ability to share goals between two reliable forwards could prove decisive both in the title race and in sustaining Obaje’s Golden Boot push.
Ikorodu City: Arumala’s breakout brilliance
For Ikorodu City, Joseph Arumala’s 11 goals represent more than just numbers; they define the club’s attacking identity. Unlike Rangers, Ikorodu City’s presence in the scoring chart is singular, suggesting a heavy reliance on Arumala. His continued form will be critical if the club is to maintain momentum in the closing weeks.
Katsina United: Collins carrying the torch
Uche Collins (10 goals) has been the standout performer for Katsina United. His contribution underscores a team that leans heavily on individual brilliance in attack. With no other teammate in the top scorers’ list, Collins remains central to Katsina’s offensive threat.
El-Kanemi Warriors: Abdulrahman’s consistency
Daddy Abdulrahman (10 goals) has provided El-Kanemi Warriors with a consistent source of goals. His tally reflects both durability and efficiency, especially in a side that has not spread its goals widely among multiple players.
Remo Stars: Mbaoma leading the charge
For Remo Stars, Victor Mbaoma (10 goals) continues to justify his reputation as a proven goal scorer. His presence among the top contenders is crucial for a team still balancing title ambitions with survival concerns in a surprisingly turbulent season.
Abia Warriors: Obioma’s attacking spearhead
Chukwuemeka Godson Obioma (10 goals) has emerged as Abia Warriors’ main outlet in front of goal. His performances highlight a system built around a focal striker capable of delivering in crucial moments.
Bendel Insurance: shared responsibility
Bendel Insurance boast a dual presence through Oweilayefa Alex (9 goals) and Kayode Oke (8 goals). This shared scoring responsibility reflects a more balanced attacking approach, reducing dependence on a single player and giving the team multiple goal threats.
Shooting Stars: depth in attack
Similarly, Shooting Stars have two players in the mix—Sodiq Ibrahim (9 goals) and Qamar Adegoke (8 goals). Their combined output suggests a diversified attacking system, which could be advantageous in the final run-in as defensive attention is split.
Wikki Tourist: Mairiga’s Lone Effort
Jonathan Mairiga’s return of nine goals underscores his role as Wikki Tourist’s primary attacking outlet this season. He is the club’s only player among the league’s leading scorers, highlighting a clear reliance on his finishing ability.
In a team where goals have not been widely shared, Mairiga has consistently shouldered the burden in the final third, often providing the decisive edge in tight matches. His contribution not only reflects personal form but also underlines Wikki Tourist’s need for greater attacking support as the season approaches its climax.
Warri Wolves: Evhierehurhoma’s impact
With Igbunu Evhierehurhoma (8 goals), Warri Wolves have relied on a single consistent scorer. His contributions have been vital in keeping the team competitive in tight matches.
Plateau United: Temitope’s steady return
Vincent Temitope (8 goals) has provided Plateau United with a dependable attacking outlet, maintaining relevance in the Golden Boot conversation despite not leading the chart.
Nasarawa United: Yusuf in contention
Anas Yusuf (8 goals) represents Nasarawa United’s attacking hopes, remaining within striking distance of the leaders in what could still become a late surge.
Enyimba: Michael flying the flag
For Enyimba, Chidera Michael (8 goals) is the club’s top performer in front of goal this season, reflecting a campaign where goals have not been heavily concentrated among multiple players.
A League Defined by Balance and Uncertainty
The distribution of top scorers across clubs reveals a league marked by competitive balance rather than dominance. While teams like Rangers, Bendel Insurance, and Shooting Stars benefit from multiple contributors, others depend heavily on a single talisman.
With just a few matches remaining, the Golden Boot race remains wide open. The narrow gap between first and the chasing pack means that a single prolific performance could dramatically alter the standings.
As the NPFL season heads toward its climax, the battle for top scorer is shaping up not just as an individual contest, but as a reflection of each club’s attacking philosophy—whether built on collective strength or individual brilliance.
Top goal scorers as of matchday games 33
S/N PLAYER’S NAME CLUB NAME TOTAL 1 Godwin Obaje Rangers Int’l 11 2 Joseph Arumala Ikorodu City 11 3 Uche Collins Katsina United 10 4 Daddy Abdulrahman El-kanemi Warriors 10 5 Victor Mbaoma Remo Stars 10 6 Chukwuemeka Godson Obioma Abia Warriors 10 7 Oweilayefa Alex Bendel Insurance 9 8 Iwundu Chidozie Rangers Int’l 9 9 Sodiq Ibrahim Shooting Stars 9 10 Jonathan Mairiga Wikki Tourist 9 11 Igbunu Evhierehurhoma Warri Wolves 8 12 Vincent Temitope Plateau United 8 13 Anas Yusuf Nasarawa United 8 14 Kayode Oke Bendel Insurance 8 15 Qamar Adegoke Shooting Stars 8 16 Chidera Michael Enyimba Int’l 8
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Players and officials of Nigeria’s U20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have resumed camping in Abuja as preparations intensify for the final round of qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Several invited players arrived in camp on Monday, April 6, 2026, with full training sessions commencing the following day as the team began serious build-up toward the decisive fixtures. The technical crew has since engaged the squad in intensive drills focused on fitness, tactical organisation, and team cohesion, while awaiting the arrival of the remaining invitees.
At the team’s first training session, Head Coach Moses Aduku charged the players to approach the assignment with utmost seriousness, stressing the need for discipline, unity, and mental strength.
He reminded the squad of the magnitude of the task ahead as they prepared to confront a determined Malawi women’s national under-20 football team in the final qualifying round.
The players, in response, expressed confidence and readiness, with many eager to secure Nigeria’s place at the global tournament. Training sessions have continued at a high tempo, with the coaching crew keen on ensuring peak physical and tactical condition before the first leg.
Malawi booked their place in the final round after edging past Guinea-Bissau women’s national under-20 football team in their previous fixture, setting up what promises to be a keenly contested tie.
The Falconets will host the first leg in Nigeria on Saturday, May 2, before travelling for the return leg in Malawi a week later in a two-legged showdown that will determine qualification.
Africa will be represented by four teams at the tournament, scheduled to take place in Poland from September 5 to 26, 2026, adding further significance to the upcoming encounter for the Nigerian side, which is aiming to maintain its strong pedigree in global youth women’s football.
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