Nigerian Football
SAMUEL KALU SHINES IN DEBUT FOR FC IFEANYIUBAH
It turned out a memorable debut for Samuel Kalu as his lone strike made the difference for FC IfeanyiUbah in their MatchDay 1 fixture against new comers, Adamawa United in the at the 2019/20 season of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). Kalu scored on the 40th minute to gift his side all three points in the encounter at the Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium in Ozubulu.
Kalu, in his first outing for the Anambra Warriors made his listing count for club handler, Uche Okagbue, count when he buried a cross from Chigozie Chikwelu five minutes to the end of the first half.
Okagbue started with a relatively new team from what the Nnewi based club paraded last season with Ekene Awaziem’s return to the squad a very significant addition.
His opposite at Adamawa United, Bello Mohammed reserved his new signings and fielded the players that helped the club gain promotion to the NPFL.
The host had the first chance at goal when Ozioma Lucious sent a cross to Eric on the third minute but his effort went wide.
Hero for the visitors, Pwadadi Bulus showed early signs of his stuff when he made a point blank save of Chigozie Chikwelu’s attempt.
On the 21st minute, it was the turn of Adamawa United to ruffle their opponents when they were awarded a free-kick close to the FC Ifeanyi Ubah’s goal area. But Adam Yakubu’s jump was not enough to connect Lujan Javan’s cross.
Then came the 40th Minute strike by Kalu to calm the anxious fans as he beat Pwadadi in goal to give his side the solitary goal of the match.
Second half began with Coach Mohammed making an early substitution, taking off Johnpaul Chinedu for Sadiq Lawan and the visitors pushed for an early equalizer with Felix Kenan making an audacious attempt from Juvan’s pass. If they appear to have found their rhythm, it was coming a wit late as the hosts were resolute in defending their lead.
In search of more goals, Okagbue substituted Philip Achibong for his last season’s highest goal scorer, Chibuike Ezeh and he would go on to win his side a penalty on the 63rd minute. Pwadadi made a perfect judgment to save the kick.
FC Ifeanyi Ubah would manage to see out the game as the visitors kept pressing for an equalizer that never came.
A relieved Okagbue said it was a tough match for his team and explained that they came up against a side that has been together for a longer time.
“It was a good match. The team gave us a good fight and you know they have one advantage. The team has been together throughout last season”.
On his part, FC IfeanyIubah captain, Charles Okafor believes that the team would get better as the season progresses and boasted that they would defeat MFM FC in their next fixture.
“It was not an easy game but our experience paid off for us. You know this is the first match day and it is usually very difficult. The three points is very vital to us. We keep our head high and we continue to get better. In our next game against MFM FC, we will fight to get another three points”.
Rivers United head coach and technical manager, Finidi George, has praised young defender Ochiobi Elias following his outstanding performance in the club’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture on Wednesday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.
The left-back, who played the full 90 minutes, was instrumental in helping Rivers United maintain a clean sheet, marking one of his most confident outings since his promotion to the senior squad.
Finidi, visibly impressed after the match, revealed that his decision to give Elias a full game was driven by trust in the player’s potential, despite his limited minutes earlier in the season.
“I think he did well. Normally, we should have been bringing him in gradually — maybe 15 minutes before giving him a 90-minute match,” Finidi said. “But I trust him, and I’ve spoken to him. He should be relaxed, calm down, and play his football.”
The coach also highlighted a near-miss moment when Elias came close to scoring late in the game, a chance Finidi felt could have crowned his stellar performance.
“I think today he would have scored a goal at the last moment, but he still wanted to square the ball, look for somebody,” Finidi added. “I’m quite happy with his performance, and we will keep encouraging him to do better. I am very, very pleased.”
Elias, a product of the Rivers United youth team that won the NPFL Youth League in 2024, has been gradually integrated into the first team under Finidi’s guidance. His performance on Wednesday is seen as a major step forward in his development and a sign of his growing confidence.
The youngster is now expected to retain his place in the squad as Rivers United travel to Aba this Sunday for a crucial NPFL clash against Enyimba.
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Strategic partners of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on the President Federation Cup, GTI Group, have congratulated the football governing body on the successful hosting of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held last weekend in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a press statement issued on Friday in Lagos, GTI’s Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, lauded the NFF Board under the leadership of Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau for the smooth conduct of the AGM and the significant progress made in Nigerian football development.
According to Ekejiuba, the Ibadan meeting reflected Gusau’s commitment to engaging stakeholders and strengthening unity across the football ecosystem.
“GTI Group congratulates the Nigeria Football Federation on the successful outcome of its Annual General Meeting held in Ibadan, which the President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, used the occasion to demonstrate his commitment to engaging positively with football stakeholders, including state football associations, clubs and fans,” he said.
“His interactions with the various groups at the AGM showcased his impactful leadership and dedication to promoting Nigerian football and fostering a collaborative environment.”
Ekejiuba also highlighted the Super Falcons’ recent achievements and the growth of domestic competitions, particularly the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), as key milestones recorded under Gusau’s leadership. GTI serves as a strategic partner of the NPFL, supporting its structural and commercial transformation.
The statement further expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for their hospitality and support during the AGM. Ekejiuba noted the governor’s commendation of the improved standard of refereeing in the NPFL under the administration of Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye.
However, GTI also used the opportunity to express disappointment over the early exit of Kwara United and Abia Warriors from the CAF Confederation Cup, urging Nigerian clubs to raise their competitive standards on the continental stage.
“It is unfortunate that both Kwara United and Abia Warriors crashed out at the preliminary phase of the CAF Confederation Cup last weekend. This clearly shows that Nigerian clubs must raise their game in order to compete favourably,” the statement read.
“The future remains bright, but that is why GTI has been calling on Corporate Nigeria to invest more in our football, just as is done in thriving leagues across the world.”
Ekejiuba also extended words of encouragement to Remo Stars and Rivers United, who are still flying Nigeria’s flag in the CAF Champions League.
“We encourage them to dig deep and remain focused to ensure successful campaigns. They should give Nigerian football fans something to cheer this season because we understand how demanding continental competitions can be,” he concluded.
GTI Group reaffirmed its continued commitment to working closely with the NFF to advance football development, promote professionalism, and attract sustainable investment into the Nigerian game.
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The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has queried Warri Wolves following reports of the suspension of their head coach, Aluma Napoleon, faulting the club’s failure to comply with established procedures for contracting and registering technical officials.
In a letter titled “Notarization and Registration of Contracts” and signed by the NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the league body directed the Delta-based club to regularize all contractual documentation with its technical and management staff in line with NPFL regulations.
The NPFL’s letter stated:
“Information reaching us from the media space suggests that the Delta State Sports Commission has suspended your head coach, Mr. Aluma Napoleon, with immediate effect.”
Citing Sections B, Articles 6 and 11 of the NPFL 2025/26 Framework and Rules, the league reminded Warri Wolves that all clubs are required to submit notarized contracts of their officials for registration and record purposes.
“You are, however, in breach of these sections as Warri Wolves FC have not submitted the contracts of its officials to the League Board. You are hereby requested, within twenty-four hours of receiving this letter, to submit all relevant contracts of your technical team, including that of the assumed suspended head coach, Mr. Napoleon Aluma, to the NPFL Secretariat,” the letter warned.
The NPFL further cautioned that failure to comply could lead to sanctions, including restricting Warri Wolves’ technical crew from accessing the bench in subsequent league matches.
“Note that failure to comply with this instruction will lead to the restriction of your technical team from accessing the technical area in future NPFL matches,” the league stated.
In a related statement to NPFL Media, COO Davidson Owumi stressed that the Warri Wolves case was not isolated, adding that all clubs yet to register the contracts of their technical officials must do so without delay.
“I must admonish all coaches to get hold of their contracts and lodge a report with the NPFL when there is a violation of the terms. It is the responsibility of the aggrieved to petition the league at all times,” Owumi emphasized.
The NPFL has been tightening administrative controls in recent seasons to ensure transparency, professionalism, and adherence to contractual obligations across all participating clubs.
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