Uncategorized
KANO PILLARS PICK SUPER 6 TICKET AS RELEGATION BATTLE GOES TO THE WIRE
BY FISAYO DAIRO
The 2014 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions Kano Pillars on Monday confirmed their place in the season-ending Super Six playoff with an emphatic 3-0 drubbing of Delta Force in Kano in one of the full programme of activities on the penultimate Match Day of 2018/19 regular season.
Although many other matters in the league were left unresolved until the final
day, Kano Pillars’ confirmation of a top three finish and Niger Tornadoes’
relegation in Group A were settled on a day of twist-and-turns in results
across the twelve match centres.
The ageless Rabiu Ali set Pillars en route to a routine victory with a 19th
minute penalty before further goals in the second half from Auwalu Ali Malam
and Yusuf Maigoro put Mbwas Mangut’s side to the sword and all but put paid to
their late rally for a playoff spot.
In Maiduguri, FC Ifeanyiubah put themselves in pole position to join Pillars
and already qualified Akwa United as Group B’s representatives with a superb
1-0 win away to El-Kanemi Warriors in a game played behind closed doors.
Striker Chibuike Ezeh scored for a second game in a row to take
the Anambra Warriors to just within a point of sealing a Top Three spot.
Monday’s trend of results ensured that only Yobe Desert Stars are condemned to
the second tier in Group B after Gombe United, Plateau United and Go Round FC
all secured results in their games, the latter denied by a last gasp goal at
Nasarawa United.
Left winger Yusuf Abdulazeez’s strike in the 72nd minute gave Gombe United a
1-0 win over Heartland at the Pantami Stadium and Ladan Bosso’s men are now
within one point of their visitors going into the final day while Plateau
United climbed out of the relegation zone with a comfortable 2-0 win over
ten-man Yobe Desert Stars courtesy of Amos Gyang (penalty) and Godwin Obaje’s
goals in each half.
Go Round FC were just seconds away from achieving the best result of the Match
Day but Abubakar Lawal’s 90th minute goal ensured honours were shared among
both sides in a 2-2 draw. Joshua Osem and Chiebonam Nwogbaga gave Go Round the
lead twice in the game but twice were they pegged back through goals by Sunusi
Ibrahim and Lawal.
Group leaders Akwa United also left it late to deny Abia Warriors a safety net
when Ocheme Edoh headed home in the 89th minute to secure a 2-2 draw for the
hosts at the Nest of Champions.
Midfielder Fatai Abdullahi and substitute Obi Samson twice gave
Warriors shock leads in Uyo but Rafael Everton’s men replied in each situation
with goals from Godspower Aniefiok and Edoh.
Group A
Striker Sikiru Alimi was once again instrumental for ‘nominal’ league champions
Lobi Stars as they endured a hard-earned 2-1 win over relegation haunted Wikki
Tourists in Makurdi.
Lobi needed maximum points to move within touching distance of qualification
for the Super Six and they did just exactly that, once again through the help
of Alimi.
They had to break the resistance of a stubborn Wikki side in the
49th minute through Austin Ogunye’s header but after Ukeme Williams had replied
for Aliyu Zubair’s Wikki, Alimi once again delivered the goods with an 81st
minute winner.
Ten-man Enyimba FC also moved within touching distance of qualification with a
2-0 win over Niger Tornadoes at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba, a result which
confirmed the demotion of their opponents to the second tier of Nigerian
football.
Captain Ifeanyi Anaemena gave the hosts the lead from the penalty spot in first
half stoppage time before Ibrahim Mustapha, making a return after a lengthy
injury layoff made sure of the points in the 70th minute.
Left back Nasiru Sani was however sent off late in the game by referee Paul Umuago.
In Lagos, MFM FC showed a rare resilience they had not displayed in recent weeks when they dug deep to beat Katsina United 2-1 and ensure the race for the final two top three spots in Group A will go down to the wire.
Fidelis Ilechukwu’s men defied the rain and obstinacy of their visitors to grind out the win at the Agege Stadium.
Adeniji Kabir ended his goals drought to steer them in front in the 10th minute but defender Timothy Danladi equalised for Katsina early in the second half.
Substitute Michael Ohanu however claimed the full marks for MFM
when he headed home Jonathan Zikiye’s cross deep into stoppage time.
Group A leaders Rangers International ended Rivers United’s hopes of a hopeful
top three finish with an excruciating 1-0 defeat inflicted on Stanley Eguma’s
men.
United still kept their hopes of leaving Enugu with at least a
point in tact until wing back Chidera Ezeh struck the decisive blow five
minutes from time.
Kwara United ensured they preserve their Nigeria Professional Football League
(NPFL) status till the final day with an expected 2-1 win over already
relegated Remo Stars.
All goals were scored in the final sixteen minutes of the tensed
game in Ilorin. Uche Onwuasonaya and Razaq Alamoyo put United two-goal up
before Victor Mbaoma’s stoppage time strike halved the deficit.
Bendel Insurance also stayed alive with a 1-0 win over ten-man Sunshine Stars
in a relegation six-pointer in Benin City.
Despite putting up a defensive 5-3-2 shape, Kabiru Dogo’s Sunshine conceded within the opening four minutes through Junior Osaghae’s strike and they had no reply with their case exacerbated with a straight sending off for centre back Gabriel Olalekan late on.
By George Akpayen
The finish line is now in sight in this season’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), and much of the talk has centred on the title race and those at the other end of the table, which surprisingly include last season’s champions Remo Stars.
However, there is another race shaping up among the leading top scorers this season, and this could see as many as six or more players going head-to-head in the final six matchdays.
Top contenders in the race for the battle for the golden boot are Enugu Rangers’ striker, Godwin Obaje and Ikorodu City winger Joseph Arumala, who have scored 11 goals apiece.
On the tails of the top-two scoring individuals are Victor Mbaoma (Remo Stars), El-Kanemi Warriors midfielder Daddy Abdulrahman, Katsina United’s Uche Collins and Emeka Obioma of Abia Warriors, all on 10 goals each.
THE PERFORMANCE BREAKDOWN
Out of the top-six leading scorers, Obaje, Arumala and Mbaoma have more direct goal involvement. Obaje and Arumala have 11 goals and two assists each, while Mbaoma has 10 goals and assists from 23 appearances, which is the least number of matches featured in among the leading scorers. Mbaoma missed most of the early parts of the season due to bruised ribs.
El-Kanemi Warriors midfielder Abdulrahman has made the most appearances among the top-six scorers and has a 12-goal direct involvement (10 goals + two assists).
Obioma is however, the only top-six scorer who is yet to register an assist this season after 26 appearances for Abia Warriors.
Interestingly, Collins is the only top-six scorer who has netted a hat-trick this season so far.
THE CHASING PACK
There is also the chasing pack in the race for the Golden Boot. One of them is Plateau United winger Temitope Vincent Adebayo, who has scored nine goals. Sodiq Ibrahim (3SC), Enyimba striker Chidera Michael, and Igbunu Evwierhurhoma of Warri Wolves.
The variety of players in the chasing pack also makes the race intriguing as they have been consistent goal scorers in recent matchweeks. They are definitely breathing down the necks of the frontrunners.
There are also the outsiders in the race. Jonathan Mairiga of Wikki Tourists, Chidozie Iwundu (Rangers) and Bendel Insurance duo of Kayode Oke, 3SC’s Qamar Adegoke and Alex Oweilayefa – all on eight goals. On seven goals is Kano Pillars legend Rabiu Ali.
WORTHY MENTION
However, Iwundu deserves a big mention among the top scorers as he is the top-scoring defender. He has made 29 appearances for Rangers and has been booked three times and sent off once.
Iwundu’s goalscoring form from his centre-back role has also been important for his club in their title aspirations this season, and his team will hope his form can continue into the final six matchdays.
No doubt, there will be twists and turns for individual glory in a race that is still wide open. Fixture difficulty, favourable run-in, struggling defences and hunger in front of goal are surely going to be among the factors that would decide who wins this race in an unpredictable league. At this point, nothing is guaranteed as all top marksmen are odds-on to claim the top individual prize.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
A dramatic World Cup playoff clash between DR Congo and Jamaica took an unusual turn when referee Facundo Tello was forced to abandon the match late in extra time after sustaining an injury.
The incident occurred deep into the second half of extra time, when the Argentine official suddenly blew his whistle to halt play, leaving players from both sides momentarily confused. What followed was a rare and surreal scene, as players gathered around not for a foul or confrontation, but to assist the injured referee.
Tello appeared to be struggling with a calf problem and required attention on the pitch, even as some players — mindful of the ticking clock — urged for a quick resumption of play. The stoppage stretched on, drawing audible frustration from the crowd, whose boos echoed around the stadium.
After several minutes of treatment, it became clear the referee could not continue. Moving gingerly with his hand on his calf, Tello made his way to the touchline, where he was replaced by the fourth official to oversee the remainder of the encounter.
From the sidelines, the injured referee watched as the match reached its conclusion, culminating in jubilant celebrations from the DR Congo players following their hard-fought victory over Jamaica.
The unusual interruption added another layer of drama to an already intense playoff, highlighting the physical demands not only on players but also on match officials in high-stakes encounters.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has named a 23-man squad for this month’s international friendly matches against the Iran national football team and the Jordan national football team, with star striker Victor Osimhen notably absent from the list.
In Osimhen’s absence, Chelle has retained a strong core led by captain Wilfred Ndidi, alongside midfield playmaker Alex Iwobi and reigning African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman.
Friendlies Moved to Turkey Amid Security Concerns
The Super Eagles will now face Iran on March 27 before taking on Jordan on March 31, with both matches scheduled to be played in Antalya, Turkey.
Originally billed for venues in Amman, including the Amman International Stadium and King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, the fixtures were relocated following the outbreak of military conflict in the Middle East.
Kick-off times are set for 4 pm local time against Iran and 8 pm local time against Jordan.
Key Players Return, New Faces Earn First Call-Ups
Chelle has also recalled several established names, including goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, and midfielder Frank Onyeka.
In attack, the coach has options in Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, and Paul Onuachu.
There are also first-time invitations for Scotland-based defender Emmanuel Oluwasegun Fernandez, Germany-based forward Philip Otele, and Belgium-based attacker Collins Yira Sor, a former youth international.
Goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye also returns to the squad.
Focus on Squad Depth
The friendlies present Chelle with an opportunity to test squad depth and integrate new players ahead of future competitive fixtures.
With Osimhen missing, attention will be on how Nigeria’s attacking unit adapts, particularly with Lookman expected to play a leading role in the forward line.
The matches against Iran and Jordan will provide crucial preparation for the Super Eagles as they continue rebuilding following their disappointment in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
23 SUPER EAGLES FOR FRIENDLIES MATCHES AGAINST IRAN & JORDAN
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Coventry FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Philip Otele (Hamburger SV, Germany); Collins Yira Sor (KRC Genk, Belgium)
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- World Cup1 week ago
World Cup Fans, Players And Officials Face $15,000 Visa Bonds to Enter U.S.
- AFCON4 days ago
AFCON to Expand to 28 Teams as CAF Unveils New Competition Calendar
- World Cup2 days ago
Infantino promises FIFA backing for Iran to play at World Cup
- World Cup1 week ago
Absent Giants: Big Football Nations Missing from the 2026 World Cup
- AFCON4 days ago
CAF May Sanction Senegal Over AFCON Trophy Parade
- World Cup7 days ago
Jamaica Edge New Caledonia to Set Up Decisive World Cup Showdown with DR Congo
- Governing Bodies4 days ago
BREAKING! Nigeria’s Samson Adamu Appointed Acting CAF General Secretary
- Table Tennis3 days ago
Aruna Faces Tough Draw as Africa Targets Glory at ITTF World Cup in Macao