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MFON UDOH REFLECTS ON INJURY THAT NEARLY MADE HIM QUIT FOOTBALL

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To many, Mfon Udoh’s emergence to reckoning on the nation’s domestic football league may have been a surprise. Such perception may however be held by those who probably didn’t know he didn’t start his prolific goal scoring at Enyimba International.

The former Enyimba captain actually attracted the attention of scouts of the twice African champions after putting away 16 goals for Akwa United, half of those on the road in the 2012/13 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

He joined Enyimba the following season and set a goals target of 20 goals but would go on to surpass the mark, netting 23 times to become the first to hit that figure.

The player’s career then suffered a twist as a result of an injury that kept him off action for a full season and Mfon, in a sit-down chat with www.npfl.ng reflected on the period he described as agonising and disclosed that he almost quit football.

After completing his return to Akwa United this season, Mfon believes he’s got back his Mojo.

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“I almost quit football when I had serious injury challenge during my days at Enyimba Football Club of Aba.

“It was a tough time for me,  I did not play football for almost a season and at some point I didn’t know what to do anymore. The injury was a heavy challenge that almost ended my career at that point in time.

“I was on the verge of quitting at that period as I had started giving up on myself, but God in his plenty love saw me through it all”, Mfon recalled.

On his current form, the player added that he began to rediscover his scoring form towards the end of last season

In his words, “Looking at two seasons back, it was a different story for me in my career, but towards the end of last season, I began to pick up. Here I am today, back on my feet and I am forever grateful to Almighty God. 

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Mfon is not unaware of the expectations of Enyimba after the club retained him as captain and funded his treatment throughout the period he was injured.

“One of my greatest joy is that, I was able justify Enyimba’s investment on me after bouncing back and I thank God we did qualify for the semi finals of the CAF Confederation Cup”, he noted.

He also explained his surprise departure from Enyimba after such hearty relationship and return to Akwa United that he reportedly snubbed two seasons ago. Mfon said his contract with the Aba Elephants lapsed and both parties parted cordially.

“At the end of my contract, I moved to Akwa United and it has been a splendid time for me, having scored eight goals so far after 13 match days”, said Mfon and disclosed that his personal desire is to score goals that can win the league for his club, Akwa United.

“I want to win the league with Akwa United. The last time I played for the club, I netted double digits and would love to repeat that but more importantly help my club win the league this season”.

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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

What a day as Southwest Stars see stars!

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Remo Stars were beaten by a two-goal margin as they lost 3-1 to Plateau United. The same fate befell their western neighbours, Shooting Stars who lost 2-0 to Rivers United in Port Harcourt.

Both results meant that the leadership of the league is captured by Rivers United, pushing Remo Stars to the second position after seven matches.

 For Remo Stars destiny was shaped by the rampaging Franklin Anthony whose hattrick gave Plateau United their victory.

 Plateau United struck early in the match, shooting ahead in the fifth minute and completed the rout in the second half through goals in the 64th and 70th minutes.

Remo Stars only stalled the tide through Jabbar Malik in the 83rd minute.

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In Port Harcourt, Rivers United prevailed over Shooting Stars with a 2-0 win. After a goalless first half, Aniekeme Okon put the home side in the lead in the 50th minute and Ndifreke Effiong Udo doubled the lead in the 65th minute.

The result lifted the side into the top spot with 17 points and a better goal difference of eight which is the highest by any team in the ongoing season.

In Benin, Bendel Insurance bounced back from Ikorodu City’s defeat last weekend in Lagos and recorded a resounding 3-0 win against visiting Bayelsa United in the early kick-off tie.

Kayode Oke Solomon opened the score for the home side in the 17th minute and Nnamdi Anthony doubled the lead in the 78th minute before Micheal Enaruna scored the third goal in added time.

In Owerri, coach Emmanuel Amuneke of Heartland FC had to work harder and salvaged a point at home against resurgent Ikorodu City who scored first in the 5th minute via Salaudeen Taiwo but Chukwuma Agor secured parity for the home side in a 1-1 scoreline in the 66th minute.

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Katsina United pipped Akwa United by a lone goal scored by Azeez Falolu in the 27th minute.

Action resumes this weekend as leaders, River United will play away ay at Niger Tornadoes while Remo Stars will host Bendel Insurance in Ikenne just as Shooting welcomes Katsina United and Ikorodu City will host Lobi Stars.

El-Kanemi Warriors will continue their season’s unbeaten run as they host Enyimba while Bayelsa United will host Heartland of Owerri and Akwa United will welcome Enugu Rangers in Uyo.

Ahmed Musa’s Kano Pillars will hope to continue their winning streak as the host Kwara United and Sunshine Stars will host Nasarawa United and Abia Warriors will host Plateau United in Abakaliki.

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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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