Nigerian Football
IfeanyiUbah’s Seka Wins VAT Wonder Goal Award
FC IfeanyiUbah’s Ivorian import, Pasca Seka, got the highest votes of 338 to emerge the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Match Day 23 VAT Wonder Goal award winner.
Seka ran neck and neck with Lobi Stars’ Anthony Okpotu in the votes on the twitter handle picking 73 votes to Okpotu’s 71 of the 198 votes cast by fans leaving El-Kanemi Warriors’ Aghahowa Otakho with the remaining 54 votes.
However, it was fans voting on the www.npfl.ng website that gave Seka a wide lead as his goal was the favourite of 267 of the 466 voters and Okpotu picked up votes from 229 fans while Otakho had 43.
In the final count, Seka secured 338 votes, Okoptu 229 and Otakho finished with 97 votes.
The goal was the Ivorian forward’s fourth this season and the second of their 2-0 defeat of Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC in the fixture decided at the Nnewi Stadium. The burly striker had benefitted from a defensive mix-up by defenders of ABS to slam home from inside the box.
It was a goal Fred Edoreh, Chairman of Lagos State chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) described glowingly in these words: “it takes not just intuitiveness but also calculation to shrug off a marker to hit the ball well in the situation he got the ball inside the box”.
Seka thus becomes the fourth in the line of winners of the VAT Wonder Goal, an initiative of the League Management Company (LMC) and supported by the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) to promote club community engagement and raise awareness for tax payment within the football community.
A cash prize of N150, 000 goes to the winner half of which will be donated to a charity to be nominated by player within the state where the club is located.
Past winners have been Ayo Saka of Rivers United, Ubong Friday of Akwa United and Ochowechi Salefu of Remo Stars
Nigerian Football
The rise and rise of Nigeria Premier Football League
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is on the rise and has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, largely thanks to the unwavering commitment of strategic partners to the NPFL, GTI Group. By laying down robust structures for transparency and accountability, GTI Group has significantly helped to improve the integrity and reputation of the elite league, ensuring that every dime from sponsors and investors of The Nigeria Football Fund (TNFF) are meticulously utilised and accounted for.
GTI’s initiative to enhance transparency in the NPFL goes beyond mere intentions; it involves concrete actions that laid the groundwork for accountability. This commitment not only bolsters the league’s financial health but also promotes confidence among stakeholders, including fans, sponsors and players.
One of the critical challenges that faced the NPFL before the coming of GTI Group in the 2022/2023 season was crowd violence. However, the financial investment firm and the NPFL Board led by Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye have worked harmoniously and tackled this issue head-on by implementing measures to curb this menace at match venues.
The placement of trained security personnel, implementation of zero tolerance to crowd violence and the issuance of fines against erring clubs cum their fans have fostered a safer environment for lovers of the beautiful game in the country. As a result, match attendance has astronomically increased, allowing for a more vibrant and supportive atmosphere.
The enhanced transparency in match operations by NPFL has also sparked renewed hope and a sense of friendly competition among clubs. With the increase in fair play and adherence to regulations, fans and players alike are experiencing a new wave of excitement. This was exemplified on Match Day 3 of the ongoing 2024/2025 season, where the league witnessed an impressive display of five-star performance: five away wins, three draws, and two home wins. This feat has never happened in the history of the elite league and reflects the blossoming football economy of Africa’s most populous nation.
GTI Group and NPFL’s relentless effort has laid the foundation for a prosperous league that attracts local and international talents from neighboring countries in the round-leather game. By focusing on transparency, infrastructural development and security, GTI and NPFL are not just transforming the league but creating a sustainable environment where football can thrive.
As we celebrate these positive changes, it is essential to acknowledge the role of every stakeholder in this journey. The NPFL is no longer just a platform for entertainment; it is a thriving business-oriented industry with the potential to inspire future generations.
The transformation of the NPFL, championed by GTI Group, reflects a brighter future for Nigerian football. With the ongoing commitment and collaboration, the NPFL will continue to flourish, bringing glory to clubs and excitement to fans across the world.
Nigerian Football
Enugu Rangers crumble at home in seven-goal thriller with Kano Pillars
Nigerian champions, Enugu Rangers have been beaten 4-3 by visiting Kano Pillars in the Match Day 7 of the Nigeria Premier Football League.
The visitors went into the lead in 15th minute when Rabiu Ali converted a penalty kick. They doubled the lead in the 28th minute through Zulkifilu Rabiu before Rabiu Ali extended the lead to 3-0 in the 37th minute after converting another penalty kick.
The game turned into a nightmare for Rangers as Ahmed Musa made it 4-0 in the first minute of the added time.
Rangers began a fight back in the opening minutes of the second half as Isaac Saviour pulled a goal back in the 47th minute. Twelve minute later he scored a second goal to reduce the tally to 4-2. Emmanuel Silas Nenrot made the score line a more respectable for Rangers when he scored a third goal in the added time.
Nigerian Football
Season’s first win for Akwa United and Ikorodu City
The miserable run of Akwa United and Ikorodu City came to an end after six games in the Nigerian Premier League this season. Both teams were initially glued at the bottom of the league table.
They now got respite as Akwa United beat Kano Pillar by 2-0 while Ikorodu City even did what could be considered an upset, beating Bendel Insurance 3-0.
Remo Stars bounced back to the top of the log after a 3-0 defeat of Nasarawa United. Shooting Stars are yet to get their rhythm this season, playing a barren draw with Enyimba in Ibadan.
Kwara United who got their first full points of the season last week after a 1-0 defeat of Remo Stars could not consolidate as they were beaten 1-0 by Abia Warriors.
Heartland under Emmanuel Amuneke are gradually recovering as they got a valuable away draw against El-Kanemi Warriors.
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