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.
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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