Nigerian Football
AHEAD 2019 NIGERIA FOOTBALL LEAGUE: GOAL POACHERS ON THE WATCH LIST
BY FISAYO DAIRO.
Exactly seven months after the last ball was kicked in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), the new league season will get underway in various cities across the country on Sunday.
The movements, the action, the intrigues and most especially,
the goals, which have been missed by fans of the beautiful game in Nigeria,
will dominate every sphere once again.
When the new season kicks off on Sunday, three former winners of the NPFL’s
highest goal-scorer award will be among attackers that will be saddled with the
responsibility of deciding games with their goals and bringing those shouts and
chants which accompany the art of goal scoring to the lips of spectators at
different venues.
As is the norm in all parts of the world, teams have reinforced their playing
staff ahead of the new season. The unwanted chaff from previous seasons have
been weeded out while new brides are expected to emerge from the recruits ahead
of what promises to a very difficult though abridged season.
Here, www.npfl.ng takes
a look at four categories of the players that a late Heartland coach Kelechi
Emeteole once described as the “18-yard assassins”.
The former winners
One of the headline transfers of the new season is that of former Enyimba
striker Mfon Udoh who returned to his hometown club Akwa United after a largely
successful five years in Aba. Udoh holds the NPFL goal scoring record after his
23-goal haul in 2014 and he is certainly one of the strikers that should give
defenders plenty to think about this season.
While Udoh emerged as top scorer both in the NPFL and the CAF Champions League
during his stay in Aba, the top scoring honour currently belongs to Junior Sewanu
Lokosa of Kano Pillars who scored a phenomenal nineteen goals in twenty-three
matches last term. Lokosa is a genuine fox-in-the-box whose goals do not look
like drying up anytime soon. Should he hold off the lure of a move abroad this
January, Lokosa will be a marked man in the league but that is when to really
prove he is no fluke.
Godwin Obaje is another name in this category having won the top scorer’s gong
in 2016 while with Wikki Tourists of Bauchi. The striker has now joined Plateau
United from FC Ifeanyiubah where he spent the last two seasons. Obaje scored
fourteen goals in his debut season in Nnewi before scoring four more last term.
In Jos, he has reunited with his former coach Abdu Maikaba under whom he
blossomed at Wikki. It will surely not be out of place to expect good things
from him.
The recently consistent ones
Quite a few players have seen their goalscoring return improve consistently in
each of the past few seasons. One of such players is Ndifreke Effiong who just
like Mfon Udoh has made the switch from Abia state to his home club, Akwa
United. Effiong started out as a right back in the league but has now
completely metamorphosed into an attacker, scoring five goals in 2017 and eight
goals last term. Time to see if he keeps to the arithmetic progression in Uyo.
Sunday Adetunji has joined Champions League campaigners Lobi Stars from Abia
Warriors and the forward will be hoping to make his first full season since
2017 count. Adetunji had scored fourteen goals in 2017 before a sorrowful
shoulder injury on Match Day 33 ruled him out for the remainder of the season.
He only came back to action late last season and scored four goals in his short
stint with Enyimba in the Champions League and AITEO Cup.
Adetunji’s teammate at Lobi Stars Sikiru Alimi is also one to look out for in
the new season if perhaps he remains with the side after the January transfer
window. Having scored six league goals in 2017, Alimi stepped it up last term
and had already scored seven goals before Match Day 24. This season, he has
been instrumental to Lobi’s progress in the CAF Champions League where he has
netted three goals in three matches.
Up North, Nyima Nwagua is another forward capable of adding more to his
goalscoring tally with Kano Pillars this term. Nwagua proved to be a perfect
foil for Lokosa last season while also scoring four goals on his own. The
Rivers state born forward no doubt has the talent and the physicality to be
among the headliners in the upcoming season.
The Veterans’ club
Bendel Insurance legend Charles Omokaro showed what he can still do at the NNL
Super Eight playoffs with two well-taken goals. The forward who also scored a
handful during the regular NNL season last term will lead the veterans of war
into the goalscoring battle this term.
Another veteran of note is David Tyavkase, a member of the 2003 & 2004 CAF
Champions League winning side of Enyimba who still turns out for his hometown
club Lobi Stars. Though the goals are drying up for the talented man, he scored
twice last season and will be hoping to add more goals this term.
Kabiru Sanusi of Kada City, Gambo Mohammed of Kano Pillars, Adamu Muhammed of
Gombe United are other veterans of the NPFL ready for this season’s action.
The rest
All eyes will be on Enyimba forward Chinedu Udechukwu. The striker was missing
from the league last season after scoring eleven (11) goals for Katsina United
and a failed move to Rivers United. Nasarawa United’s rising prospect Ikechukwu
Nwani who scored five goals last term has looked increasingly sharp in
pre-season and this might just be his season.
Victor Mbaoma might be disappointed with his goals return in the NPFL last term
with Akwa United – five – but he will expect to do greater things with newly
promoted Remo Stars, where he scored ten (10) goals in his debut NPFL season in
2017.
Osita Chikere was prominent for Rivers United on his return from abroad last
season and will surely expect to score more than his four goals return this
term. There is a certain Samuel Stone at Go Round who joined from Ikorodu
United while Stephen Alfred and Samson Obi who scored nine goals each for Kwara
United and Abia Warriors respectively last season will hope to do greater
things in the league in 2019.
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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