Nigerian Football
Now, Rivers flow seamlessly at the top
Rivers United reclaimed the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) top spot but Plateau United who will only play their game on Wednesday against Gombe United and regain the position.
Rivers United ended the six game unbeaten away run of Enugu Rangers in Port Harcourt on Sunday while Akwa United and Sunshine Stars returned to winning ways before their fans as the league season entered MatchDay 14.
At the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode, Sunshine Stars bounced back to winning ways after a slim 1-0 win over Kwara United.
The Owena Whales had lost by a lone goal to Niger Tornadoes on Wednesday by virtually the last kick of the game in Abuja but they showed they were more businesslike when Abdul Taofeek shot them ahead in the second minute of the tie.
It was the only goal of the game and it also ended a run of four games without a victory.
Sunshine Stars are 11th on the table with 17 points from 13 games but Kwara United have slipped to the sixth spot with 21 points.
The Qua Iboe derby produced five goals between Akwa United and Dakkada FC with the home team securing their first win in Uyo after four games since January 16th, 2022 when they beat Katsina United 2-0 in a MatchDay 6 tie.
They had suffered three successive home draws with Sunshine Stars, Kwara United and Heartland with the latter tie leading to the disengagement of former boss, Kennedy Boboye.
The frenetic encounter saw Femi Ajayi scoring the curtain raiser for the Dakkada in the 17th minute after a brilliant pass from Solomon Kantoma but the Promise Keepers equalised 13th minutes later from the spot kick after the goal scorer, Samuel Amadi was upended in the 18 yard box moments earlier.
Akwa United then took the lead through Wisdom Fernando in the 51st minute off a good cross from Ubong Essien and they made it 3-1 in the 75th minute after a wonderful solo effort from Ezekiel Bassey.
Dakkada’s Rivio Ayemwenre reduced the deficit to 3-2 in the 79th minute to make it their third consecutive loss.
The win has taken the Promise Keepers to the 5th spot with 23 points from 14 games and it was also the first time this season that the league’s reigning champions would win two straight games but Dakkada continue to court the relegation zone as they are 18th with 12 points.
At the Adokie Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers United put an end to Enugu Rangers’ unbeaten run in their away matches to assume the leadership of the league table at least for the next 24 hours with 29 points from 14 games after a 1-0 win.
Both teams were placed second and third spots on the league table before the tie but the Rivers United notched the all important goal in the 61st minute through Nyima Nwagua who tapped in from close range after Morice Chukwu’s free kick hit the woodwork and fell to his path.
Rangers remain in top spot with 23 points but the position may change at the conclusion of Monday rescheduled MatchDay 14 games.
Meanwhile at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, Shooting Stars failed to make home advantage count after they were held to a goalless draw by Wikki Tourists.
It would be the third time the Oluyole Warrriors will be dropping points at home after Akwa United and Sunshine Stars stopped them from claiming maximum points in Ibadan as well.
Shooting Stars are in the 10th spot with 19 points while Wikki Tourists are in the 8th spot with 20 points.
In the earlier game played on Saturday, MFM became the third team to pick valuable away point in Aba after they snatched a 1-1 draw against Enyimba at the Enyimba International Stadium.
Enyimba were held to another 1-1 draw by Niger Tornadoes at the same stadium seven days earlier and they were hoping to return to winning ways after the 1-0 slip in Ilorin against Kwara United at midweek.
They were in the ascendancy in the 7th minute through Victor Mbaoma but the Olukoya Boys fought back gamely and equalised five minutes later through Chukwudi Ekeocha.
points.
Katsina United will host Heartland FC while Lobi Stars are at home to Remo Stars in Makurdi on Monday.
Also, Kano Pillars will seek a return to winning ways when they slug it out with Abia Warriors at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna while Nasarawa United face Niger Tornadoes in Lafia.
Some of the Results of NPFL Week 14 Games
- Enyimba 1-1 MFM
- Rivers United 1-0 Enugu Rangers
- Akwa United 3-2 Dakkada FC
- Sunshine Stars 1-0 Kwara United
- Shooting Stars 0-0 Wikki Tourists
Monday
- Katsina United vs Heartland FC
- Lobi Stars vs Remo Stars
- Kano Pillars vs Abia Warriors
- Nasarawa United vs Niger Tornadoes
Wednesday
- Gombe United vs Plateau United
-NPFL
Nigerian footballer Daniel Daga has been sentenced to six months in prison by a Norwegian court after being found guilty of committing a sexual act without consent.
The verdict was delivered on Tuesday by the Nordmøre og Romsdal District Court following a case linked to an incident reported in April 2025.
According to Norwegian broadcaster TV 2, the 19-year-old midfielder was also ordered to pay 10,000 Norwegian kroner (about $900) in legal costs, a sentence that reportedly aligned with the prosecution’s request.
Daga, who plays for Molde FK, has denied wrongdoing and plans to appeal the decision.
His lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, said the player was deeply disappointed with the ruling and insists the encounter was consensual.
“He is very upset about the verdict. He believes he is innocent and that everything happened with consent,” Bolstad said, adding that the verdict is not yet legally binding and will be challenged.
Under Norwegian legal procedures, the case remains open until the appeal process is concluded.
Club Responds
Molde FK confirmed it was aware of the court’s decision and said the player would not be included in the club’s matchday squad for the time being.
“This is a very difficult case for everyone involved,” the club said in a statement.
“As an employer, Molde Football Club has a responsibility to take care of our employees in a responsible manner while also having great respect for the seriousness of the case and the burden it places on all affected parties.”
The club had earlier suspended Daga from training and matches in December 2025 while the legal proceedings were ongoing.
Rising Nigerian Prospect
Daga joined Molde ahead of the 2025 season from Enyimba FC, one of Nigeria’s most successful clubs.
Before moving to Europe, he had featured in the Nigeria Premier Football League after earlier spells with FC One Rocket and Dakkada FC.
At international level, the midfielder represented the Nigeria U‑20 national team and was the youngest player named in the squad for the 2023 FIFA U‑20 World Cup.
He started every match for Nigeria until the team was eliminated in the quarter-finals by South Korea.
Since arriving in Norway, Daga has made 17 appearances for Molde, scoring three goals and establishing himself as one of the promising young African players in the Scandinavian league.
Reaction from Fans
The case has generated strong reactions among Nigerian football fans, many expressing shock and disappointment while drawing comparisons with similar incidents involving young African players in Europe.
Some supporters have also highlighted the broader challenges faced by emerging African talents playing abroad.
For now, Daga’s immediate future in Norwegian football remains uncertain as he prepares to challenge the court’s decision through the appeal process.
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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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