Nigerian Football
SPORTS VETERANS SALUTE FORMER GREEN EAGLES’ MANAGER, PETER OSUGO AT 90
BY KUNLE SOLAJA
The Association of Sports Veterans, Nigeria (ASVN) has congratulated Peter Osugo, a former manager of Nigeria’s football team, the then Green Eagles as he clocks 90 on Easter Sunday.
In a statement issued by the association’s president, Chief Jonathan Ogufere, a former NFA chieftain who was also a president of the West African Football Union (WAFU), he thanked God for the life of Osugo, whom he said has had a fulfilled life.
He revealed that the family of Osugo would have a thanksgiving mass at St. Dominic Catholic Chuech in Yaba, Lagos at 11.00 while reception followed immediately after at the YCC Hall of the church.
Osugo, fondly called, Pecos, is an accomplished journalist and sports administrator. He was the team manager to the national team at the Mexico 1968 Olympic Games.
It is also worthy to note that he was the person who changed the name of the Nigerian national football team from the “Red Devils” nickname given it by Harriet Allen in 1958 to the Green Eagles in 1961.
Harriet Allen, the wife of the then NFA secretary, Reginald Banham Allen who later became the chairman, was one of the founders of the now Nigeria Football Supporters’ Association in 1958.
She
was fondly called the ‘Lady in Scarlet’ and was the chair leader of the
Nigerian football team, which often dressed in red.
Peter Osugo rechristened the team “Green Eagles”. While reporting on the Nigeria preparation for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match with Ghana, Osugo wrote in the Daily Times edition of April 15, 1961: “I propose to christen the team, the ‘Green Eagles’ The name stuck until March 1988 when Vice President Augustus Aikhomu renamed the team as “Super Eagles”.
Osugo was also one of the early officials of Stationery Stores in the 1960s. He was appointed as the team manager in 1961. At the time Osugo drew up a six-year programme to produce what he called a “model club for Nigeria”.
It came to pass. At the height of Stores dominance of football in Nigeria under Osugo’s guidance, the club produced nine of the starting 11 of the Nigerian national team to the 1968 Olympics.
Osugo’s prowess was not limited to sports management. He was a sports writer who rose to become an editor of Sunday Times in 1965.
As a sports writer, he was noted for his descriptive style and power of expression. For instance, reporting a Lagos versus Northern Region football match at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna, in 1965, Osugo began his account as follows:
“Drama of blunders, of indecision and utter violation of rules of the game on the officials’ side, nearly marred last night’s match, the second in the flood-lit soccer festival between North and Lagos”.
Eventually, Osugo got round to mentioning the score line, 1-1, which obviously was not particularly important to him as nearly everyone who read him, knew the result, which the electronic media had flashed.
What was more important to his readers was his point of view on how the result came about.
Another story in 1965, a Western Region’s 2-0 win over Eastern Region, is flowery and liberal with words and images. It could still capture readers’ imagination:
“Thunder” Balogun’s bunch of the “unknowns” who formed the bulk of Western Rovers’ team carried with them an element of surprise in the opening match of the flood – lit soccer festival, at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium last night when they slammed the Eastern team 2-0.
“The stadium gave them resounding cheers – a true acknowledgment of the ravishing, top-speed soccer which thrilled them to the utmost throughout the duration of play.
“Even the Northern Premier, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, who was the guest of honour, was so enthused that he sat in throughout in spite of the windy conditions and biting drizzle, which persisted for more than three quarters of play.
“Ayoola, Ajibade, Salami, Falayi and Omowon in the Western attack were moving like quick silver, and from the rear, Oshilowo, Peter Ali, Boade and Ali (Snr) were supplying the necessary line which set such a devastating mobility to a point of driving the Eastern players into a frizzed wreck…”
For almost a decade, Osugo maintained a sports column in the Sunday Times.
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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