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Nigerian Football

STANLEY EGUMA CALLS FOR SUPPORT FOR RIVERS UNITED AHEAD OF MFM TEST

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BY SAMMY WEJINYA.             

The most experienced head coach in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Stanley Eguma paces across the changing room at the Akure Township Stadium,taking in short shallow breaths of air.

He looked angry.

This was shortly after his charges drew 1-1 against the home side, Sunshine Stars on Wednesday, January 23, 2019.

One would expect the gaffer to wear a satisfied grin on his face after his side claimed a point at one of the most notoriously difficult grounds in the division but there is a frown on his face instead.

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“We should have won this game,” Eguma says as he finally settles in a chair looking straight into the eyes of the media chief of the club who had been waiting patiently for a post-match interview to be published on www.riversunitedfc.com.ng.

Such is the competitive fire in Eguma’s belly that even a game of cards is competed for with the intensity of a Cup final.

“I hate making excuses so it’s hard to come to terms with why we failed to win this game.

“We also came close (to winning) our opening game of the season against Niger Tornadoes in Minna but missed three excellent chances in the second half.

“Now, we must get it right against MFM in Port Harcourt in our next game,” he said.

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Eguma’s obsession with perfection has seen him set lofty targets for his side this season.

“We want to win everything this season. That is the target.

“I told the boys before we played our first game (of the season against Niger Tornadoes) that the mindset has to be getting a win in Minna, a very difficult place and we almost did it.

“It was the same (mindset) before we faced Sunshine Stars and we were even closer to winning against a very good opponent at a very tough place,” he said.

Putting up a show and going for the jugular

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Port Harcourt fans love aesthetic football and have been known to support visiting teams if they produce football that is pleasing to the eyes.

Eguma knows this well and wants his charges to “put up a show” when they face the MFM club on Sunday.

“MFM is currently the best team in our group of the abridged league as they have won their last two games (against Kwara United and Enugu Rangers) after losing to Enyimba in Aba on the opening weekend of the league.

“We know what to expect. We are not going to try to win 1-0. No, that’s not what we want to do.

“We respect MFM FC, we know it will be a hard match but we want to win comprehensively and put up a show because it is our first game of the season.

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“We want to entertain our fans.

“It is (going to be) a tricky match because MFM have also done well. 

“Most of our players have never played (competitively in Port Harcourt) before so we have to be at our best for us to win that game.

“It is not a game to toy with because MFM have proven that they are a good side,” he said.

MFM currently occupy top spot in group A of the 2018/19 NPFL season with six points with Rivers United in sixth place after amassing two points. 

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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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