Nigerian Football
BATTLE OF THE ‘UNITEDS’ IN AITEO CUP AS RIVERS SET TO FLOW THROUGH AKWA IBOM INTO ROUND OF 16
BY SAMMY WEJINYA
A very special football match will be played on
Wednesday at the ‘Cathedral’, the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu when two
grand establishments in Nigerian football, Akwa United and Rivers United go toe
to toe for the right to play in the last 16 of Nigeria’s oldest football
competition, the AITEO (Federation) Cup.
Akwa reached this stage of the competition by
beating Sokoto United 2-1 at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja in the round of 64
while Rivers United outclassed FC Timberloader 4-0 at the Lafia City Stadium,
Lafia at the same stage.
Wednesday’s game is extremely vital for both
Nigeria Professional Football League clubs as success will mean their only
route to the continent, next season, remains ajar.
Akwa is a side laced with top talent; Jean
Efala, Olorunleke Ojo, Ottobong Effiong, Kodjovi Dadzie Ubong Essien,
Dennis Nya, Wilson Elu, Cyril Olisema and Ndifreke Effiong easily roll off the
tongue.
There’s also the small matter of feared
marksman, Mfon Udoh who is surrounded by a stellar caste which includes
Wisdom Fernando, Ocheme Edoh and Godspower Aniefiok.
Akwa also have the luxury of having two former
Rivers United players, Markson Ojobo and Emeka Atuloma who both represented the
‘Pride of Rivers’ in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup where they
reached the group stages of the competition to call on, for ‘inside
information’ about the Port Harcourt club.
Trouble in the Akwa camp
Akwa United is one of the top sides in Nigerian
football.
The objective, for the Uyo club, before the just
concluded NPFL campaign commenced was clear – Akwa United was condemned to win
the league title or at least, deliver a continental ticket
The ‘Promise Keepers’ kept the first part of the
bargain by qualifying for the Super Six playoffs in Lagos (which kept them
within striking distance of the main thing) but imploded spectacularly like a
pack of badly-arranged cards when the ‘real dance’ commenced.
In Lagos, Akwa could only manage one win
(against the worst team in the playoffs, FC Ifeanyiubah – a side that lost all
of its five matches in the competition) while they failed to amass maximum
points in the direct shootouts against the other Top Dogs in the division,
Enyimba, Kano Pillars, Enugu Rangers and Lobi Stars.
Frailties were badly exposed in Lagos, venue of
the ‘Super Six’ playoffs and there were always going to be consequences.
The club fired Brazilian head coach, Rafael
Everton before their last game in the competition, in a bid to arrest the
slide.
It backfired spectacularly as Akwa got
comprehensively outclassed 3-0 by Enyimba International in their last game of
the competition.
The Cat had truly been set amongst the Pigeons
at the Uyo club which managed to eke out a 2-1 win over the unfashionable
Sokoto United in the round of 64 of the AITEO Cup at the weekend.
After that game in Abuja, the Akwa United
supremo, “Etubom” Elder Paul Bassey was less than impressed as he
addressed the media.
“People should run football well (in this
country). I have just been informed that (Akwa United) will play against
(Rivers United on June 19) and that if we win, we will play on (the next)
Sunday and again next Wednesday, if we win again,” Elder Bassey told
journalist, Kola Daniel.
“I don’t know what the punishment will be
if Akwa United (withdraws) from this tournament because that’s what my mind is
thinking.
“Where are the resources? What about wear
and tear that the players may face?
“Why should (Akwa United) be made to suffer
for something that we know nothing about (deadline to submit the nomenclature
of the club to represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup next season)?
“Why did (the organizers) wait this long?
Why didn’t the teams that didn’t play in the Super Six play their games (in the
AITEO Cup) before now?,” an angry Etubom Bassey queried.
Whether this will have a detrimental effect on
players of Akwa United on Wednesday remains to be seen.
Blue tide rising
In stark contrast, the mood couldn’t be happier
in the Rivers United camp with players, coaching staff and members of the
management bubbling with excitement.
The team is currently playing swashbuckling,
wonderfully-aesthetic and effective football and winger, Bright Onyedikachi who
scored a Diego Maradona-esque goal (ala England at the 1986 Fifa World Cup
quarter final) in the classy 4-0 against FC Timberloader in the round of 64
said the objective was to record a win on Wednesday.
“Akwa is a very good side but all the
players have resolved to win,” he said.
Technical manager of the Port Harcourt club,
Stanley Eguma also took the time to preview the big game.
“The game against Akwa United is a very big
game as they are a big side, just like us,” Eguma told the club’s official
website, www.riversunitedfc.com.ng.
“We never expected to meet ourselves at this
stage of the competition but this is the AITEO Cup where we should be ready to
face any side.
“We will do our best to eliminate them as
we know what it takes to win at this stage.
“They are a strong side and we respect them
but we are we are prepared to advance in this competition,” he said.
Wednesday’s game will kickoff at 4pm and it
holds at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
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.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
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
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
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.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- WAFCON5 days ago
BREAKING: CAF Postpones WAFCON 2026
- World Cup19 hours ago
Iraq coach calls for delay to World Cup playoff amid travel shutdown
- DIPLOMACY20 hours ago
Morocco Backs Gulf Security, Condemns Iranian Attacks Against Brotherly Arab States
- OBITUARY6 days ago
Nigerian Sports Journalism Mourns Oyeniyi Oyeleke and Tonex Chukwu
- MLS1 week ago
Trump to Host Lionel Messi and Inter Miami at the White House
- World Cup6 days ago
‘I really don’t care’ if Iran plays in World Cup, Trump tells Politico
- World Cup5 days ago
Iraq’s World Cup Playoff in Doubt as War Disrupts Travel and Visa Processing
- FA Cup2 days ago
Eze thunderbolt guides Arsenal past Mansfield into FA Cup quarter-finals