Nigerian Football
RIVERS UNITED DROWN SUNSHINE STARS IN PORT HARCOURT
BY SAMMY WEJINYA.
Rivers United came from a goal down to defeat Sunshine Stars 2-1 in an exciting Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) clash.
United started tentatively and duly got punished when a shocking goalkeeping error by Darlington Ovunda, who was making his ever league first start of his career, allowed Sunshine Stars to take a shock lead.
Omo Jesu Ogunniyi smacked into an unguarded net from close range to silence the home faithful.
It was a richly deserved lead for a start full of verve and endeavor which almost culminated in a well-worked goal in the 13th minute.
A devastating counter attack by the visitors had seen Jide Fatokun pull away on the near side and his inch-perfect cross found Omo Jesu unmarked just inside the Rivers United penalty area.
The forward struck firmly enough but saw his goal bound effort kept out impressively, from point blank range by Ovunda.
To their credit, United fought back gamely and were immediately back on level terms as Peter Ubakanma swept home from a corner with the visitors failing to clear their lines.
It was Ubakanma’s first ever league goal for United following his arrival from the MFM club just over a season ago.
United almost took the lead for the first time in the game three minutes before the half hour as visionary play and incisive passing by Esor Nelson.
Malachi Ohawume, who had just moments earlier, replaced the injured Ogbonna Onuoha, latched on the brilliant passed and fired a low effort which seemed destined for the bottom corner only for the Sunshine Stars goalkeeper, Soliu Suleiman to produce an excellent save.
United started the second half on the front foot and quickly earned a penalty which was easily dispatched by Konan N’gouan.
United had several other opportunities to extend their lead but displayed profligacy on more than a single occasion to keep the visitors in the game.
They were almost made to rue those missed chances when Sodiq Yusuf dragged a shot wide from 12 yards with the last kick of the game.
Technical Manager of Rivers United, Stanley Eguma spoke to the official Rivers United FC website, www.riversunitedfc.com.ng after the game.
“When they scored the first goal, it didn’t demoralize us. The players came back into the game and went on to get the second goal and now we have broken the jinx.
“Henceforth, Sunshine Stars will fall in Port Harcourt,” he said.
Rivers United have now moved to seventh on the NPFL standings with 15 points from 10 matches.
Nigerian Football
Beats, Banter and Blessings: Troost-Ekong Lifts the Lid on Super Eagles’ Dressing Room
There are happenings in the Super Eagles’ locker rooms that fans may not have been aware of. Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has lifted the lid on life inside Nigeria’s dressing room — and it sounds like a lively place to be.
In a light-hearted chat with CAFOnline.com, the Al-Kholood defender revealed that Samuel Chukwueze is the squad’s resident DJ, bringing not just music but good vibes wherever the team gathers.
“DJ is usually Samuel Chukwueze — he brings the speaker and great energy,” Troost-Ekong said with a grin.
Faith, too, plays a big role in the team’s bond. According to the captain, both Muslim and Christian prayers take place before matches, with players taking turns to lead.
“We have both Muslim and Christian prayers; different players lead at different times and there’s harmony,” he added.
But when it comes to laughter, a few names stand out. Victor Boniface tops the comedy charts, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali not far behind.
“Victor Boniface makes everyone laugh. Stanley Nwabali can be hilarious too — sometimes you’re not sure if you’re laughing with him or at him,” Troost-Ekong joked.
He also mentioned Raphael Onyedika as another quiet fun-maker in the group, rounding off a mix that keeps the atmosphere light and united.
“We’ve got a real family feeling, and people see that from the outside,” the skipper said.
With music from Chukwueze, jokes from Boniface, and prayers from every corner, it’s no wonder the Super Eagles look so connected — even before they step onto the pitch.
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Nigerian Football
Football, Music, and Street Vibes Light Up Awka at Tiger Street Football Grand Finale
Awka came alive on Saturday night as the first-ever Tiger Street Football Tournament climaxed in a spectacular blend of football, music, and street culture, leaving fans captivated from start to finish.
At the end of a pulsating evening at Newberries Lounge, Peace Warriors emerged as the maiden champions, defeating Peace Ambassadors 3–1 on penalties after a tense goalless draw in regulation time. The Warriors held their composure in the shootout to claim the ₦5 million grand prize, gold medals, and the honour of becoming the inaugural champions of the Tiger Street Football Tournament.
The runners-up, Peace Ambassadors, who matched their opponents stride for stride, received ₦3 million and silver medals, while the losing semi-finalists — Sunday Sparks and Peace Dominion — each went home with ₦1 million and bronze medals for their spirited efforts.
Onyebuchi Patrick of Peace Warriors was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament after scoring three goals and leading his team with flair and determination. His electric performances throughout the competition drew loud cheers from the crowd and earned him special recognition from the organisers.
The semi-final matches earlier in the day provided plenty of drama. Peace Warriors drew 1–1 with Sunday Sparks before edging them 4–3 on penalties, while Peace Ambassadors cruised past Peace Dominion 4–1 to book their place in the final.
Beyond the football, the grand finale turned into a vibrant street festival. Top DJs SkyBlisz, Snow, and Kay.Y kept the crowd moving, while Jerio and dynamic duo Wanni & Handi lit up the stage with energetic live performances. Hype men Twix da Jims and Slymshady added to the excitement, transforming the arena into a night-long celebration of rhythm, courage, and community spirit.
Fans were also treated to local delicacies, chilled Tiger Beer, and raffle draws that saw lucky attendees go home with exciting prizes, adding to the festive atmosphere that engulfed the Awka nightlife.
Speaking after the final whistle, Sarah Agah, Marketing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, described the tournament as a celebration of Nigerian youth, creativity, and courage.
“What we’ve seen here in Awka goes beyond football — it’s the heartbeat of Nigerian youth,” Agah said. “Tiger Street Football is about recognising the fearless energy that drives our people — their talent, their determination, and their passion. We’re proud to give them a platform to shine. This is just the beginning.”
Spectators were equally impressed. Chinedu Eze, one of the excited fans, said the night was unforgettable.
“It wasn’t just about football — it was about fun, connection, and celebrating our youth,” he said. “Tiger Beer really brought something special to Awka.”
For the champions, the night was a dream come true.
“We all started from the streets where football is played for fun,” said MVP Onyebuchi Patrick. “Kudos to Tiger Beer for creating this opportunity. Winning this in front of our people is something we’ll never forget.”
As fireworks illuminated the Awka sky and Jerio closed the show with a high-energy performance, fans danced, sang, and toasted to what many described as a new dawn for grassroots football in Nigeria.
Organised by Tiger Beer, the Tiger Street Football Tournament proved to be more than a sporting contest — it was a powerful celebration of courage, culture, and community.
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Nigerian Football
Tiger Street Football Tournament Heads for Grand Finale in Awka After Electrifying Weekend
The maiden Nigerian edition of the Tiger Street Football Tournament is nearing its climax in Awka, following an action-packed weekend that blended grassroots football with music, street culture, and celebration.
The atmosphere around the venue was electric as DJs and hype men kept the energy high between matches, while food vendors, entertainers, and Tiger Beer enthusiasts turned the event into a full-blown street festival — a vibrant showcase of football, rhythm, and camaraderie.
From 16 teams that began the competition, only four now remain in contention for the ₦5 million grand prize, after thrilling quarterfinal fixtures held on Sunday, October 19.
In a day filled with goals and grit, Sunday Sparks, Peace Warriors, Peace Dominion, and Peace Ambassadors booked their places in the semi-finals.
- Sunday Sparks continued their dominant run with a 3–0 victory over Young Stars. Peace Warriors edged Star Boys 2–1 in a tense contest.
- Peace Dominion narrowly defeated Super Strikers 1–0, while Peace Ambassadors overcame Mgbakwu Pillars 2–1 to complete the semi-final lineup.
The semi-finals are scheduled for Saturday, October 25, where Sunday Sparks will face Peace Warriors, and Peace Dominion will take on Peace Ambassadors. The winners will advance to the grand finale later that same day at the highly anticipated “Tiger Uncaged” celebration.
Football fans in Awka have hailed the tournament as a breath of fresh air for local talent.
“The energy here is unbelievable. It feels like the real spirit of Nigerian football — no big names, just passion,” said Ifeanyi Okeke, a student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
“Kudos to Tiger Beer for bringing something this exciting to Awka. It’s giving young players real hope.”
Another fan, Chisom Udeh, described the event as “a refreshing celebration of local talent.” She added: “You can see the joy on the players’ faces — this is football in its purest form. Tiger Beer really deserves credit for supporting the streets and turning it into something this big.”
The grand finale will take place at Newberries Lounge, Awka, featuring a lively mix of football, music, and street culture. The event will be hosted by Uzor and headlined by Jeriq, with DJ sets from DJ SkyBlisz, DJ Snow, and DJ Kay-Y, alongside performances from Wanni & Handi. Hype men Twix da Jims and Slymshady will keep the crowd charged throughout the evening.
Fans will also have the chance to win exciting prizes in raffle draws during the finale. Organisers have reminded attendees that the event is strictly for persons aged 18 and above and encouraged everyone to enjoy responsibly.
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