Nigerian Football

Rivers flow into their first ever Nigeria league title

Published

2 years ago

June 25, 2022

The struggle is over for title chasing Rivers United as they have become the Nigerian champions for the season 2021/2022 even of they lose to Nasarawa United this Sunday.

On the home ground of the outgoing champions, Akwa United, Rivers United title aspirations were given a big boost as Plateau United succumbed to a 2-1 away loss to Akwa United.

The loss means a 10 point gap to catch up with flowing away Rivers United who have an away duel with Nasarawa United on Sunday. Plateau United have just three matches to go and even if they will all, they will be a point below the haul by Rivers United even if the flow-away champions lose their remaining four matches including that of this Sunday

Should they win, they extend the gap to 13 which will be unassailable even with three matches for them to go the close of the season.

It is the club’s first Nigerian league title.

Plateau United are however primed to be runners up and thus join Rivers United to present a Nigeria United double assault at the CAF Champions League next season.

The battle has therefore shifted to the third place where a slot in the CAF Confederation Cup is at stake.

The quartet of Remo Stars of Ikenne, Enugu Rangers, Kwara United and Kwara United are engaged in fierce battle for the ticket. Remo Stars leads the pack and a win on Sunday

Nigerian Football

Westerhof recommends Siasia for Super Eagles’ job

Published

3 days ago

September 11, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Clemens Westerhof and Samson Siasia in London

BY KUNLE SOLAJA, who was in Arnhem, Netherlands.

Former Nigeria manager, Clemens Westerhof has recommended one of his former players, Samson Siasia as the substantial coach for the Super Eagles.

Siasia was one of his players of the famed golden generation of the Super Eagles.

“I called him last month to greet him for his birthday and also to celebrate with him for the end of his five-year ban”, Westerhof told Sports Village Square at his house in Arnhem in the Netherlands.

According to him, Siasia is just like Keshi and that he has the capacity to turn the Super Eagles around for the better. Westerhof, the author of the famed ‘Golden Generation’ of the Super Eagles made his suggestion shortly after Germany’s Bruce Labbadia turned down the Nigerian job offer.

Westerhof remarked that he was surprised about the choice of Labbadia in the first instance and that the now Mali coach, Tom Saintfiet who is his friend could have been a better choice.

Saintfiet, a Belgian, was speculated among the coaches initially short-listed for the Super Eagles’ job. But Westerhof, before the naming of Austin Eguavoen, another member of his famous 1994 squad, strongly back Siasia for the job.

He remarked that he was in touch with the former striker as well as Austin Okocha whom he met with in London recently.

To Westerhof, Siasia has the same quality like Stephen Keshi to handle the Super Eagles. “He has done it before and I think he can still do it.”

Nigerian Football

Plateau United’s Doyeni is first scorer of Season 2024/25

Published

6 days ago

September 8, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Olawale Doyeni braces up for the NPFL's first goal of the season via penalty kick

The balls hit the nets 17 times this Sunday as the Nigeria Premier League Season 2024/25 burst into life this Sunday.

The first of the goals was from Plateau United’s Olawale Doyeni who converted a 24th minute penalty kick against Katsina United in an eventual 1-0 home win.

Another star-man of the the day is Enyimba’s Clinton Jephta who has become the season’s first hat-trickster. His three goals in the 65^th , 70^th and 73^rd minutes sank heartland 3-1 in their home match.

Nigerian Football

Three away wins mark the opening phase of Nigeria’s Season 2024/25

Published

6 days ago

September 8, 2024

Kunle Solaja

The Nigerian Premier Football League burst into life this Sunday with eight matches on the card and contrasting results. Three of the eight matches resulted in away wins signalling level playing field of the league.

It is a sharp departure from the past seasons when it is almost predictable that home teams would win. Remo Stars, Enyimba and Niger Tornadoes have away wins and with scoring multiple goals.

Remo Stars won against Abia Warriors by 2-0. Enyimba came from a goal down to win 3-1 against Heartland while Niger Tornadoes beat Kwara United 2-1 away from home.