Nigerian Football
AKWA UNITED SEEKS DIVINE HANDS IN 2018
With the 2018 season in Nigeria kicking off this weekend, continental hopefuls, Akwa United have sought divine guidance as set eyes on continental title as well the two domestic titles of the league and the Aiteo Cup.
At The Apostolic Church, Ukana Onuk Area Headqurters, Ikot Ekpene Field where the club went for thanks giving service for last season’s accomplishments and divine guidance in the new season, the players and officials were admonished to abide by the rules.
“Any football team that lacks discipline, respect for constituted authority, rules and regulations and above all hope in the Almighty God and His capabilities cannot go far”.
That was the remark by Apostle G. Umanah, Area Superintendent of the church. Continuing, he told the club: “For you to succeed, you need to be very disciplined and level headed, you must obey and play according to the rules and regulations of the sport and most importantly should have the fear God and hope in His limitless capabilities”
Taking his sermon from Romans 10:11 Pastor Umanah said he was delighted to see the team return to thank God for their exploits in the 2017 season, and that whosoever believeth in God shall not be ashamed.
“I am so delighted to have heard the chairman of the club ascribe the success of his team to God. I remember that before the start of the just concluded season, you came here and handed this team over to God and God promised you victory. All of you here are living witnesses to what God did for His name sake.
“We told you last year that it will not be easy. We said you will pass through a lot of trials and temptations but that at the end you will triumph and it has come to pass.
“With the wisdom that you have to come back and thank God, and rededicate the club to Him, I prophesy that you will do exploits this year. Go and conquer” The man of God declared.
“In his speech, the state sports commissioner Sir Monday Ebong Uko gave thanks to God for a season that had a lot of positives since the club was formed twenty years ago.
He recounted instances in the season that the club encountered challenges yet God triumphed even at a time that they had lost hope, particularly during the Aiteo Cup final when it seemed as if all was lost, only for the club to gain the upper hand and the slot of representing the country in the continent.
For the current season, he enjoined all the supporters of the club to close ranks and work in unity towards the success of the club.
“…It will be wrong for you to say that perhaps because you do not like the face of the commissioner or that of the chairman, you should then wish the club bad. This club is an institution, a unity vehicle as far as Akwa Ibom state is concerned so we should come together to make sure it succeeds” He pleaded.
Chairman of the club, Paul Bassey in an earlier remark was grateful to God, His Excellency the executive governor of the state, his principal the state sports commissioner, the media, supporters club and all the fans who stood by them in the season.
“We will be ingrates if we do not actualize this Thanksgiving aimed at giving God all the glory for the success of the team in placing fourth in the league and winning the Aiteo Cup.
“Governor Udom Emmanuel, sports governor of the year 2017 stood by us and made sure we did not lack,” he informed.
Other guests and dignitaries included the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Dominic Ukpong and his wife, chairman of the state FA Emmanuel Ibah and his board members, the permanent secretary ministry of youth and sports, Aniedi Dickson and his directors.
Also in attendance were the past chairmen of the club including Isong Isang and Akparawa Nse Ubeh, Coach Charles Bassey (MON) Chief Ebito, Hon Saturday of the PDP, the chairman of the NUJ in Akwa Ibom State, Solomon Bassey, the Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria chairman as well as the hierarchy of the supporters club and other well wishers.
By Kunle Solaja.
Nigeria’s planned participation in a four-nation invitational tournament later this month is facing serious uncertainty after a significant escalation in Middle Eastern tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The Super Eagles were scheduled to compete in Amman, Jordan, from March 27 to 31, alongside Iran, Jordan and Costa Rica, as part of preparations for future competitive fixtures and squad building. But recent geopolitical developments have cast doubt over whether the event can still go ahead as planned.
An official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed to Sports Village Square that the situation is being closely monitored, with security and travel concerns emerging as key factors in deciding the tournament’s fate.
The doubts stem from joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which triggered a sharp escalation in hostilities and sparked retaliatory actions across the region, including reports of attacks and counter-attacks in neighbouring countries.
The unfolding crisis has already led to airspace closures, flight cancellations and broader travel disruptions in the Gulf and Levant, complicating international travel plans for teams and supporters alike.
The Super Eagles had planned to open the tournament against Iran on March 27 at the Amman International Stadium before facing hosts Jordan four days later. However, Iran’s participation itself is now in question as the security situation deepens and Iranian football authorities weigh their options amid the conflict.
The tournament was seen as a valuable opportunity for head coach Eric Chelle to assess his squad in a competitive setting before the next major competitions, which include the 2027 Afcon qualifiers.
Jordan, who will make their own debut at the 2026 World Cup, was using the event to build momentum on home soil, but the escalating crisis places not just Nigeria’s fixtures at risk, but the entire mini-tournament.
The NFF has not yet announced an alternative plan should the tournament be cancelled or postponed.
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Matchday drama unfolded across centres in the Nigeria Premier Football League(NPFL) as title contenders stumbled, traditional powerhouses flexed their muscles, and the race for continental places tightened significantly.
Rivers United’s grip at the top suffered a dent after a shock 1–0 defeat to Bayelsa United in a tense South-South derby. The slim victory handed Bayelsa a crucial three points while slowing Rivers’ momentum at a critical stage of the season.
The biggest statement of the weekend came from Bendel Insurance, who dismantled Ikorodu City 4–0 in a ruthless display. Insurance were clinical from start to finish, overpowering their visitors and boosting both their goal difference and their standing in the upper half of the table. For Ikorodu City, who had been firmly in the mix near the summit, the heavy loss could prove costly in the long run.
Enugu Rangers also strengthened their position with a composed 2–0 victory over Nasarawa United. The Flying Antelopes controlled proceedings and capitalised on their chances, ensuring maximum points against a direct rival in the race for honours. With Rivers United dropping points, Rangers’ win significantly narrows the gap at the top.
In Aba, Enyimba were held to a 1–1 draw by Kun Khalifat in a fiercely contested encounter. The People’s Elephant had to settle for a point despite home advantage, a result that may affect their ambitions of climbing into the continental qualification spots.
Elsewhere, Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves played out a goalless draw in a tightly fought affair where defences dominated, and clear chances were scarce.
Remo Stars continued their battle against relegation with a 2–0 triumph over Katsina United in Ikenne.
Remo Stars begin redemption course with a 2-0 defeat of Katsina United
Ibadan, Shooting Stars delighted their supporters with a spirited 2–1 victory over Kano Pillars. The Oluyole Warriors demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline to edge the encounter, keeping their push for a higher finish on track.
Sunday Results
- Bayelsa United 1-0 Rivers United
- Bendel Insurance 4-0 Ikorodu City
- Enugu Rangers 2-0 Nasarawa United
- Enyimba 1-1 Kun Khalifat
- Niger Tornadoes 0-0 Warri Wolves
- Remo Stars 2-0 Katsina United
- Shooting Stars 2-1 Kano Pillars
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The race for promotion in the 2025/2026 season of the Nigeria National League (NNL) has gathered momentum, with relegated sides Akwa United and Doma United pushing strongly for an immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Both former top-flight campaigners have shown resilience since dropping to the second tier last season. Akwa United currently lead Conference B with a game in hand, underlining their determination to bounce back at the first attempt. Meanwhile, Doma United sit atop Conference C despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Sokoto United on Matchday 11.
Southern Conference Delivers Drama
Matchday 11 in the Southern Conference produced thrilling encounters, further tightening the race for promotion.
In Conference A, two away wins, one home victory and a draw defined the round. The headline fixture between table-toppers Inter-Lagos FC and second-placed Beyond Limit FC ended in a goalless stalemate in Abeokuta. The result ensured Inter-Lagos maintained their grip on first place, though Beyond Limit remain firmly in contention.
Elsewhere, Smart City edged Edel FC 1-0, Gateway United secured a similar 1-0 win over Crown FC, while Sunshine Stars boosted their campaign with a convincing 2-0 triumph over Abia Comets. The victories have intensified the competition in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely fought groups in the league.
Conference B: Akwa United Hold Firm
Conference B continues to heat up as teams battle for supremacy. Osun United claimed a crucial 1-0 away victory at Abakaliki FC, while Rovers FC defeated Stormers 1-0 in Calabar.
Despite the pressure from chasing teams, Akwa United remain firmly in control at the summit. With a game in hand, the Promise Keepers are well-positioned to strengthen their promotion bid in the coming weeks.
Conference C: Doma United Stay Ahead
In Conference C, Sokoto United handed leaders Doma United a 1-0 setback, but the defeat did little to dislodge them from the top. Doma remain on 19 points, narrowly ahead of FC Basira, who climbed to 18 points after a 2-0 win over Lobi Stars.
The slim margin between the top sides suggests a tense battle ahead, with every point likely to prove decisive in the quest for a top-two finish.
Conference D: Northern Battle Intensifies
Yobe Desert Stars moved temporarily to the summit of Conference D with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ranchers Bees, taking their tally to 15 points. Jigawa Golden Stars edged Adamawa United 1-0, while Gombe United and Kebbi United settled for a goalless draw.
Promotion Race Wide Open
With each conference producing unpredictable outcomes, the NNL promotion race remains delicately poised. For traditional heavyweights Akwa United and Doma United, the objective is clear: secure one of the coveted promotion spots and return to the Nigeria Elite League.
As the season progresses, the intensity is expected to rise further, with fans across the country watching closely to see which clubs will earn the right to rejoin Nigeria’s top-flight next season.
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