Nigerian Football
NIGERIA NATIONAL LEAGUE SUPER 8 FACES FRESH BOYCOTT THREAT
The five clubs that initially aborted the Nigeria National League Super 8 may again boycott the tournament that has been rescheduled for this Saturday in Aba.
According to information gathered from leading Nigerian newspaper, ThisDay, there are strong indications that the proposed kickoff may not hold in spite of the fact that the parent body, Nigeria National League (NNL) had succumb to NFF.
Although as at Wednesday night, all seems to be going on well following a formal letter written by NNL’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Lawrence Katken for a change in date of the mini tournament by two days.
However, Thisdaysports check on Thursday revealed that the five clubs that aborted the initial date of the promotion tournament had no travel plan for the event based on the findings.
The five stay away clubs are Shooting Stars of Ibadan, Bendel Insurance of Benin, Remo Stars of Ikenne, Kada FC and Kogi United while Delta Force. When the mini-tournament was to hold last year December, only Real Stars and Gombe United travelled to Aba for the aborted tournament.
“As this afternoon (Thursday) there is no plan that our team will travel out of our base but I am aware of high level consultation between NFF, NNL and all the participating clubs and whatever comes out of the meeting I don’t think the Saturday date can work considering the fact that the event is not a friendly or pre-season tournament but a promotion tournament which is the reason for our reward for a whole season,” a top official to one of the clubs said in a telephone interview.
One of the ‘aggrieved’ five clubs’ official even explained further that during normal league season, the players are programmed with their diet and social live but all is absent now meaning that it will take some time before the players to attain match fitness although the camp is already opened for coming season.
While all the clubs are monitoring the high wired meeting that is ongoing, investigation also revealed that all the clubs also monitoring one another so as not to be schemed out since only four out of eight will gain promotion into elite division.
All efforts to reach the Media officer of NNL, Amar Ignis proved abortive as all lines could not be reach for comments.
Meanwhile, the League Management Committee (LMC) chieftain, Shehu Dikko had insisted that the 2018/19 football season will kickoff on scheduled 13th January and it is not clear how the NNL programme will fit in.
The COO of NNL Katken, had written to NFF requesting for a two-day postponement. The letter seeking postponement of the disputed playoff and addressed to the Glasshouse, it stated that “Sequel to our meeting on 27th December, 2018 held in Lagos we hereby request for the shift of date for the commencement of the Super 8 from the 3rd to 5th January, 2019.
“This is to enable the concerned club’s to effect the resolution of the meeting in good time.”
The action seems to put to rest the stalemate that most pundits had envisaged considering the fact neither of the two bodies, NNL and the Nigeria Professional League Committee (NPFL) was willing to shift its ground while the logjam persist.
The logjam, Thisdaysports recalled that the former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National League (NNL), Bukola Olopade, in the heat of the crisis resigned as the CEO of the NNL citing breach of the agreement between the NFF and NNL.
He had insisted having the playoff to produce four teams that will join the professional league rank NPFL is not the solution to the current challenges facing domestic football scene.
The former Commissioner of Sports in Ogun State, opined that the League Management Company (LMC) and Nigeria Professional Football League Club Owners should accept the initial proposal that promotes all the teams to join the 20 existing clubs in the top division to safe the impending logjam.
Olopade who noted that NPFL management has breached an article in LMC statute by agreeing to prosecute the 2018/19 NPFL season with 24 teams whereas it was clearly stated in the LMC statute that only 20 clubs should participate in the NPFL league.
“The organisers, NPFL must also relegate four teams if they are to accommodate four NPFL in the 2018/19,” he argued.
He said further that “NNL equally has the right to reject demotion of eight teams at the end of the season if four NNL teams were promoted to the elite league from the beginning of the season,” he pointed out.
He insisted that if the Super 8 is played, they management of the leagues are merely postponing the doomsday in Nigeria football because the problem is not over yet.
“NPFL must also relegate four teams because at the end of the season eight clubs will be relegated to the NNL and at that time, NNL also has the right to reject and say they cannot accommodate eight clubs when they promoted four clubs.
“So, even if we solve this problem now by playing the Super 8, we are only postponing doomsday in Nigeria league because the problem will still face us at the end of the season.
“They said that the rule says four teams should be promoted from the NNL to the NPFL. But they have already breached an article in LMC statute which states that only twenty teams should prosecute the NPFL. Therefore, it is wrong for them not to relegate four clubs but wants four clubs to join them from the NNL to make the number of the clubs 24.”
Bukola Olopade in the heat of the crisis resigned as the CEO of the NNL citing breach of the agreement between the NFF and NNL.
NFF had in Asaba agreed to promote eight NNL clubs to the elite league which has made all the eight clubs released some of their players to recruit better legs in preparation ahead of the 2018/19 NPFL season.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has declared that the revival of school football competitions across Nigeria would be the most appropriate way to immortalise late Green Eagles legend, Henry Nwosu.
Dikko made the statement while receiving members of Nwosu’s family, representatives of Imo State Concerned Sports Stakeholders and members of the football icon’s burial committee at his office inside the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
Paying tribute to the late winger, Dikko described Nwosu as one of the most gifted and exciting footballers of his generation, recalling how the former Green Eagles star rose from school football to become a national hero at a young age.
“Henry Nwosu MON started playing for the national team at a very young age. The history of school sports, particularly the Principals Cup, will not be complete without his name,” Dikko said.
“At that very young age, he featured for Nigeria at the AFCON in 1980. He is an example to every aspiring young athlete that it is possible to get to the highest level.”
The NSC chairman noted that Nwosu’s journey from grassroots football to continental glory serves as inspiration for the commission’s renewed emphasis on discovering and nurturing talents through school sports programmes.
According to him, the late footballer should be immortalised in a manner that reflects both his exploits with the national team and his deep roots in school football.
“At the Federal level and in conjunction with the Imo State Government, something should be captured to make sure that his name is engraved in our schools’ sports history,” Dikko added.
“For instance, a school sports tournament should be named after him. It is a huge loss for the nation, and we will do all we can to ensure that his labours are not forgotten.”
Dikko also pledged the commission’s support for all activities lined up for Nwosu’s burial and assured that the NSC would collaborate with the Imo State Government and the Nigeria Football Federation to ensure the late football legend receives a befitting honour.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has declared that the revival of school football competitions across Nigeria would be the most appropriate way to immortalise late Green Eagles legend, Henry Nwosu.
Dikko made the statement while receiving members of Nwosu’s family, representatives of Imo State Concerned Sports Stakeholders and members of the football icon’s burial committee at his office inside the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
Paying tribute to the late winger, Dikko described Nwosu as one of the most gifted and exciting footballers of his generation, recalling how the former Green Eagles star rose from school football to become a national hero at a young age.
“Henry Nwosu MON started playing for the national team at a very young age. The history of school sports, particularly the Principals Cup, will not be complete without his name,” Dikko said.
“At that very young age, he featured for Nigeria at the AFCON in 1980. He is an example to every aspiring young athlete that it is possible to get to the highest level.”
The NSC chairman noted that Nwosu’s journey from grassroots football to continental glory serves as inspiration for the commission’s renewed emphasis on discovering and nurturing talents through school sports programmes.
According to him, the late footballer should be immortalised in a manner that reflects both his exploits with the national team and his deep roots in school football.
“At the Federal level and in conjunction with the Imo State Government, something should be captured to make sure that his name is engraved in our schools’ sports history,” Dikko added.
“For instance, a school sports tournament should be named after him. It is a huge loss for the nation and we will do all we can to ensure that his labours are not forgotten.”
Dikko also pledged the commission’s support for all activities lined up for Nwosu’s burial and assured that the NSC would collaborate with the Imo State Government and the Nigeria Football Federation to ensure the late football legend receives a befitting honour.
Earlier, Nwosu’s eldest sister, Mrs. Ijeoma Onyewuchi, expressed the family’s grief over the passing of the former international, describing him as the only son among four children whose absence would leave a huge vacuum.
She praised his immense contribution to Nigerian football and appealed to the NSC to support the family in organising a successful burial ceremony.
Speaking on behalf of Imo State Concerned Sports Stakeholders, Dr. Geoffrey Ogu called on the Federal Government and the Imo State Government to immortalise Nwosu through football programmes and projects that would inspire future generations.
Ogu also appealed for a state burial for the late football icon, noting that such recognition would determine the level of honour, funding and participation from both governments.
He further requested official approval for national honours during the burial rites, including draping the casket with the Nigerian flag, the recitation of the national anthem and the observance of a minute’s silence.
Nwosu, a member of Nigeria’s victorious 1980 Africa Cup of Nations squad, died on March 14, 2026, at the age of 62.
The former Green Eagles star is scheduled to be buried on June 6, 2026, in his hometown of Naze, Imo State, with several activities already planned in his honour.
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By Kunle Solaja, Ikenne
Former champions Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourists have been relegated from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after dramatic Matchday 37 defeats left the title race and survival battle heading into a tense final day on May 24.
At the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Bayelsa United suffered a 2-1 defeat to Remo Stars despite taking an early lead through Ofem Nneoyi in the seventh minute. The striker raced through on goal before calmly finishing past goalkeeper Adebiyi Obassa.
Remo Stars responded before the break when Alex Oyowah rose highest to head home the equaliser five minutes before halftime. Veteran forward Victor Mbaoma then struck the decisive goal in the 64th minute to hand the hosts a crucial victory that preserved their hopes of top-flight survival.
In Bauchi, Wikki Tourists twice led against Rivers United but eventually crashed 3-2 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in a pulsating encounter that also kept the title race alive until the final day.
Jonathan Mairiga gave Wikki the lead in the 21st minute before Handsome Surveyor restored parity for Rivers United in the 34th minute. Imamu Bala put Wikki ahead again four minutes into the second half, but Chijioke Mbaoma levelled for the visitors before Taofeek Otaniyi netted the dramatic winner in the 85th minute.
Rivers United’s late winner proved decisive for the championship race. For much of the afternoon, the Rangers looked set to clinch the title after establishing what had become a four-point lead while Rivers were trailing in Bauchi.
However, Rivers United’s comeback reduced Rangers’ advantage to just one point, ensuring the battle for the NPFL crown will be settled on the final day of the season.
Rangers, the only NPFL club never to have suffered relegation, edged Bendel Insurance 2-1 in Enugu to stay top of the table on 65 points. Godwin Obaje scored twice for the Flying Antelopes, while Alex Oweilayefa grabbed Bendel Insurance’s goal.
Rivers United remain second on 64 points and will host Katsina United on the final day, while Rangers travel to Lagos for a difficult encounter against Ikorodu City.
The race for continental qualification also intensified after Shooting Stars defeated Barau FC 1-0 in Ibadan courtesy of Lucky Emmanuel’s first-half strike. The Oluyole Warriors climbed to third place with 60 points.
Ikorodu City, however, suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat away to Katsina United. Jamilu Yusuf scored twice for the hosts, while Azeez Falolu and Daniel Agara added further goals. Abayomi Ayodeji scored Ikorodu City’s lone goal.
Kano Pillars boosted their survival hopes with a narrow 1-0 win over Warri Wolves thanks to a Rabiu Ali penalty, while Federation Cup holders Kwara United defeated Enyimba 2-0 through Bright Babatunde’s first-half brace.
In Lafia, Nasarawa United beat Plateau United 1-0 with Jofrank Istifanus scoring the only goal, though the result was not enough to keep them in contention for a continental ticket.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the round came in Aba, where Kun Khalifat stunned Abia Warriors 2-0. Uchechukwu Onuoha scored both goals to move the newcomers closer to securing another season in the NPFL.
El-Kanemi Warriors and Niger Tornadoes played out a goalless draw in Maiduguri.
With one round of matches remaining, Rangers lead the standings on 65 points, one ahead of Rivers United, while Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourists are confirmed as the two relegated sides
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Nigerian Football
Ever-Present Falconets Qualify for 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Despite Malawi Scare
Nigeria’s U20 girls, the Falconets, once again underlined their status as Africa’s most consistent side at youth level after sealing qualification for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland despite a nervy 2-1 defeat to Malawi’s Young Scorchers in Lilongwe on Saturday.
The seven-time African champions progressed 3-2 on aggregate, relying on the crucial 2-0 first-leg victory secured in Ikenne a week earlier through an own goal by Malawi defender Maureen Kenneth and a fine strike from Kindness Ifeanyi.
The qualification means Nigeria have maintained their remarkable record of appearing at every edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup since the competition was introduced.
Backed by a passionate home crowd in Lilongwe, the Young Scorchers came out aggressively and quickly put the Falconets under pressure. Their persistence paid off early in the first half when a defensive mix-up in the Nigerian backline allowed a Malawian attacker to head home the opener and spark hopes of an unlikely comeback.
Nigeria almost responded immediately through the lively Kindness Ifeanyi, whose dangerous delivery from the right flank found Favour Nkwocha inside the area. However, Nkwocha’s powerful effort crashed against the woodwork as the hosts carried a 1-0 lead into halftime.
The tension intensified 10 minutes after the restart when another lapse in Nigeria’s defence gifted Malawi a second goal, drawing the tie level at 2-2 on aggregate and placing the Falconets’ proud qualification streak in serious danger.
With the momentum shifting towards the hosts, Falconets coach Moses Aduku turned to his bench for inspiration, and substitute Precious Oscar delivered at the decisive moment.
Oscar capitalised on hesitation in the Malawian defence in the 62nd minute, dispossessing an opponent before calmly slotting past the goalkeeper to hand Nigeria a priceless away goal and restore their aggregate advantage.
The strike silenced the home crowd and ultimately proved decisive as the Falconets showed composure and resilience in the closing stages to protect their lead and confirm another appearance on the global stage.
Although the defeat marked a rare away setback for Aduku’s side after impressive victories in Rwanda and Senegal earlier in the qualifying campaign, the Falconets achieved their primary mission of securing qualification for the world finals.
The 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup will be held in Poland from September 5 to 26.
Following the match, the Nigerian delegation expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Malawi, Ambassador Ibrahim Miringa, and the staff of the Nigerian mission in Malawi for their hospitality and support throughout the team’s stay in the southern African nation.
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