Nigerian Football
ANOZIE, OKONKWO GO INTO MATCH DAY 3 AS BIG HITTERS
It has been a roller coaster in the Nigeria
Professional Football League (NPFL) after just two match days with most of the
big guns faltering while the unfancied actors have taken the lead cast in this season’s
campaign.
Prior to the season’s kickoff, the preview of
the pundits centred on Akwa United, Plateau United and Kano Pillars among
others considered as the title contenders but after just two match days the
shape and complexion has been characterized by wild and unpredictable outcomes.
FC Ifeanyiubah, with the odds stacked against
them to even keep their status as top-flight teams following high-profile
departures after last season are punching above their weights with goalkeeper
Chinedu Anozie and Chijioke Alaekwe shouldering the responsibilities of largely
inexperienced playing personnel.
Anozie currently leads the race for most clean
sheets so far as he is yet to concede in 180 minutes of football in the league.
He kept clean sheets against Plateau United and Nasarawa United and will hope
for a third successive outing without conceding at Go Round this Sunday.
Alaekwe was responsible for that last-gasp goal that knocked the stuffing out
of Nasarawa United on Matchday 2 in Nnewi. FC Ifeanyiubah are currently second
with four points after two matches behind El-Kanemi Warriors in Group B of the
NPFL.
El-Kanemi go into Matchday 3 as the only side
that have won their opening two matches and against very difficult opponents.
Mohammed BabaGanaru’s men won 1-0 at Akwa United and followed up with an
impressive 2-1 win over four-time champions Kano Pillars. Midfielder Abdulrazak
Aliyu was influential for El-Kanemi in both games as his assist helped win at
Akwa and his winning goal secured all points at home against Kano Pillars.
So far in the goalscoring race, the expected
names are yet to get off the mark instead Heartland forward Chinonso Okonkwo is
setting the pace with two goals — both he scored in his side’s 3-0 thumping of
Plateau United at the Okigwe Township Stadium in midweek. Okonkwo is expected
to lead the Naze Millionaires’ attack this Sunday when they face Nasarawa
United at the Lafia City Stadium.
THE OTHER WORTHY MENTIONS
Seven-time champions Enyimba got their campaign
to a superb start in front of their supporters in Aba where they defeated MFM
FC 2-0, and this weekend they are up against Kwara United in Ilorin. Striker
Abdulrahman Bashir got off the mark on Matchday 1 and he returns to Ilorin,
where he remains a cult hero following his time at ABS FC.
Go Round FC pulled off the shock result of
Matchday 2 when they beat Abia Warriors 2-1 on their patch and are now in
buoyant mood to face FC Ifeanyiubah at the Krisdera Hotel Stadium in Omoku.
After masterminding the defeat of his former team in Umuahia in midweek, Go
Round head coach Willy Udube is keen to add another southeast outfit to his
list of conquered this term.
However it is still early days for these actors
who have jumped to the front row after just two matchdays. Sunday’s matches are
expected to be mouthwatering with two of the big sides Kano Pillars and Akwa
United going head to head at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
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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