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NIGERIAN LEAGUE’S OPENING MATCHDAY PRODUCES STUNNING UNWRITTEN SCRIPT

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BY GEORGE AKPAYEN.

The Season 2019 of the Nigerian premier league has left many astounded while serving a few the humble pie.  Some of the big guns barely struggled to cross the line and two of the title hopeful faltered on home soil.



It was not the usual win-at-home outcome, which many had expected before kickoff of the new season as Akwa United and Plateau United could not breach their opponents and four-time champions Kano Pillars just managed to edge Heartland at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

Perhaps only Enyimba put up a show worthy of being seven-time champions on the day as they cruised to a comfortable 2-0 victory at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba on Sunday.

Pundits before the kickoff envisaged a stroll in the park of some sorts for the likes of Akwa United and Plateau United considering the fact that they were active in the transfer window but two of the clubs tipped to challenge for the title this term suffered setbacks.

EL-KANEMI STUN AKWA AT NEST OF CHAMPIONS


At the Nest of Champions, Akwa United’s matchday squad looked like they would keep the promise of an opening day win as El-Kanemi Warriors had lost the like of Samuel Mathias and Otakho Aghahowa in the transfer.

The Promise Keepers, on the other hand, hired Brazilian trainer Rafael Everton as head coach who brought along his countryman and midfelder Alberico da Silva. In their matchday squad they also had new recruits Juwon Oshaniwa, Mfon Udoh, Ndifreke Effiong, Emeka Atuloma and Ocheme Edoh, and these names were expected to strike fear into their opponents from the northeast.

Mohammed Baba Ganaru’s men had other ideas and held on till the fourth minute of added time when Ba’akaka Ajikolo who had only been on the pitch for only nine minutes after replacing Ali Aliyu scored after Akwa goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo’s pocket was picked as he tried to ape Colombian maverick goalkeeper Rene Higuita. Akwa paid the price for failing to convert their chances and playing a highline at the death.

MAIKABA STILL CANNOT MANAGE A WIN OVER FC IFEANYIUBAH

Immediate past Akwa United head coach Abdu Maikaba did not enjoy a good start either as he began his reign at Plateau United by dropping two points against FC Ifeanyiubah who had an unrecognizable startlist except for captain Chijioke Alaekwe and goalkeeper Chinedu Anozie.

Plateau United’s playing personnel looked intimidating with goalkeeper Dele Ajiboye, Daniel Itodo, Sikiru Olatunbosun, Seth Mayi, Bernard Ovoke, Ezekiel Thompson and Ibeh Johnson with Godwin Obaje, Gabriel Wassa, David Obiazo, Benjamin Turba and Elisha Golbe all starting from the bench — which looked even stronger than FC Ifeanyiubah’s starting XI filled with upstarts.

Anozie did just enough to deny Ovoke, Thompson and Olatunbosun at different times and not even Itodo’s long throws could help breach the defence of FC Ifeanyiubah anchored by Charles Okafor. FC Ifeanyiubah rarely attacked and only had one opportunity which they fluffed in a counter-attacking situation in which they had numerical advantage of three to beat two. At the end, they took back with them a priceless 0-0 scoreline.

ABIA WARRIORS’ OPENING DAY RECORD SMASHED

FC Ifeanyiubah’s southeast rivals Abia Warriors were not lucky to leave Lafia with a result as they lost 0-1 to Nasarawa United. It was the first time that the Umuahia club would taste defeat in their opening matchday game since they made their top-flight debut in 2014.

Abdullahi Abubakar’s strike on 20 minutes proved sufficient for Nasarawa United who have endured struggling starts in recent seasons.

KANO PILLARS START LIFE WITHOUT LOKOSA

In Kano, Junior Lokosa’s impending departure is already being felt as Kano Pillars scraped to a 1-0 victory over Heartland. Pillars benefited from an error from Ebele Obi whose poor goalkeeping on 16 minutes allowed Chinedu Sunday to guide the ball home with his head from close range.

Kabiru Baleria’s men could not conjure that second goal to ease the pressure of Heartland breathing down their necks in the second half and would be thankful that Chidiebere Ajoku’s goal for the away team did not stand owing to offside positioning.

Matchday 2 of the NPFL takes place this midweek.

Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

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Nigerian Football

The rise and rise of Nigeria Premier Football League

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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. 

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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.

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Nigerian Football

Enugu Rangers crumble at home in seven-goal thriller with Kano Pillars

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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.

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Nigerian Football

Season’s first win for Akwa United and Ikorodu City

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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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