Nigerian Football
Remo Stars Win Western Derby against Shooting, Return to the Top
Remo Stars are back at the top of the Nigeria Premier Football League after their 2-0 defeat of fellow Western rivals, Shooting Stars in Ikenne on Wednesday evening.
Their lead is however fragile as they tied on points and goal difference with Rivers United who scrapped a valuable 1-1 draw with Sunshine Stars in Ijebu-Ode.
Remo Stars however climbed up owing to their higher number of won matches.
A goal in each half-assured Remo stars’ return to winning way after three winless matches including a loss at Katsina United last weekend in Katsina.
Sikiru Alimi converted a penalty deep into the stoppage time of the first half for Remo Stars and the Oluyole Warriors were unfortunate to play a man down following a red card to Taiye
Both sides sized each other in the second half with Shooting Stars aiming for an equaliser but the one-man shot of play pegged their forward movements.
But Olamilekan Adedayo returned to scoring form with the second goal in the 67th minute and put the match beyond the away side.
Former champions, Rivers United, were unfortunate not to have secured the maximum points against host, Sunshine Stars at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode.
The visitors shot into the lead in the 3rd minute with a goal by Timothy Zachariah but the host equalised in the 61st minute and retained the 14th position with 17 points.
In Enugu, defending champions, Rangers compounded the woes of Lobi stars with a 3-0 nil win at home.
Goals from Frank Uwumiro, Kenneth Igboke and Onyebuchi Ifeanyi assured the hosts, a three-nil in the first half at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium.
While in Lagos, Ikorodu City continues their good runs with a 2-0 win against El Kanemi at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
After a goalless first half, Shola Adelani puts the host in front in the 62nd minute and Ayomide Cole doubled the lead in the 77th minute.
The win pushed the ‘Oga Boys’ into 5th position after steadily navigating their way upward from the initial bottom of the league when the season commenced.
They now have 21 points, just five behind the table-toppers.
El Kanemi retained their 4th position on the log.
In Ilorin, Kwara United ended Heartland of Owerri’s unbeaten run with a lone-goal win while Nasarawa United beat Insurance of Benin 2-1.
NPFL RESULTS
Abia Warriors 2-0 Katsina Utd
Akwa Utd 0-0 Plateau Utd
Bayelsa Utd 4-1 Tornadoes
Rangers 3-0 Lobi Stars
Ikorodu City 2-0 El Kanemi
Kwara Utd 1-0 Heartland
Nasarawa 2-1 Insurance
Remo Stars 2-0 Shooting Stars
Sunshine Stars 1-1 River Utd
France has called up three clubmates of Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie for Saturday’s friendly match against Nigeria’s Super Falcons.
The three players feature for Paris FC alongside Nnadozie.
They are Lou Bogaert, a defender; Margaux Le Mouel, a defender; and Clara Mateo, in the attack.
The trio are part of the 30 players that new coach, Laurent Bonadei has called up.
Bonadei took over from former Super Eagles’ target, Hervé Renard whose contract with the French team ended after Paris 2024.
The match with Nigeria is holding barely a month after Bonadei first match with the French team which ended in a 3-0 win over Jamaica and a 2-1 defeat in Switzerland.
For the Saturday’s game with Nigeria, the invited players are:
Goalkeepers: Justine Lerond (Montpellier HSC), Pauline Peyraud-Magnin (Juventus de Turin), Constance Picaud (FC Fleury 91) and Marie-Morgane Sieber (EA Guingamp)
Defenders: Selma Bacha (Olympique Lyonnais), Lou
Bogaert (PARIS FC), Estelle Cascarino (Juventus de Turin), Elisa De Almeida (PARIS SG), Maëlle Lakrar (Real Madrid CF), Jade Le Guilly (Paris SG), Griedge Mbock (PARIS SG)l Wendie Renard (Olympique Lyonnais), Thiniba Samoura (Paris SG), and Alice Sombath (Olympique Lyonnais)
Midfielders: Sandy Baltimore (Chelsea FC), Kenza Dali (Aston Villa FC), Grace Geyoro (Paris SG), Oriane Jean-Francois (Chelsea FC), Sakina Karchaoui (Paris SG), Margaux Le Mouel (Paris FC), Amel Majri (Olympique Lyonnais) and Sandie Toletti (Real Madrid)
Attackers: Vicki Becho (Olympique Lyonnais),
Delphine Cascarino (San Diego Waves FC), Kadidiatou Diani (Olympique Lyonnais), Naomie Feller (Real Madrid), Marie-Antoinette Katoto (Paris SG), Eugénie Le Sommer (Olympique Lyonnais), Melvine Malard (Manchester United) and Clara Mateo (Paris FC).
Rivers United have returned to winning ways after a winless streak of three matches. A 58th-minute penalty kick converted by Ndifreke Effiong saved Rivers United from a possible winless effort as they beat visiting Abia Warriors 1-0 in Port Harcourt.
The win was a big boost that was given a fillip by a corresponding loss by initial table-toppers, Remo Stars who lost 2-0 away to Katsina United.
Rivers United with 25 points thus climbed up the ladder as Remo Stars remain with 23 points as second on the log.
Remo Stars losing steam crumbled 2-0 at Katsina United. After a goalless first half, Azeez Falolu secured the opening goal for the hosts in the 50th minute with a close drive that beat stand-in captain, Kayode Bankole to the goal.
Dawi Boslam doubled the lead in the 68th minute and all efforts by the visitors to peg the score were checked by the hosts who were in firm control of the match.
Plateau United pushed neighbours, Nasarawa United down the cliff, winning 2-0. An own goal by Nasarawa United’s Shina Kumater in the 49th minute was further compounded with Olawale Doyeni’s second goal in the 81st minute.
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars returned the winning ways with a lone goal win against visiting Bayelsa United at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
Anthony Okachi’s 16th-minute goal decided the encounter and lifted the Oluyole Warriors to the ninth position on the log.
The Ibadan team now has 18 points, just seven below the table-toppers, Rivers United.
On Saturday, embattled Insurance of Benin may have commenced their resurgence following a 3-1 win at home against Kwara United of Ilorin.
Two goals from Nazir Mohammed in the 18th and 29th minute had put the host in the lead after Emmanuel Ogbole had an equaliser in the 23rd minute and Austin Ogunye put the tie beyond the visitors with third goal in the 84th minute.
The win however still left the Insurance in the relegation zone with 12 points and languishing in the 19th position.
El Kanemi Warriors were a lone goal better than visiting Akwa United. The lone goal was scored Ibrahim Mustapha who converted a penalty in the 17th minute.
The win pushed El Kanemi into third position while Akwa United are with 12 points and in the 18th position on the log.
Coach Emmanuel Amuneke continues his cruise with Heartland FC with a draw at home against defending champions, Enugu Rangers. The result dropped the Red Antelopes into fifth position with 20 points while the Naze Warriors maintained their 11th position but now with 17 points.
Lobi stars and Kano Pillars shared the spoils in an entertaining 2-2 scoreline.
The host had shot into the lead in the 7th minute through Ahmad Liman and Martin Ossy made it two in the 14th minute but veteran Kano Pillars defender, Rabiu Ali pegged the score line in the 76th minute while Umar Shehu scored the equaliser in the 77th minute.
In Minna, Ikorodu City also continued their impressive run after a poor start as they forced host, Niger Tornadoes to a goalless draw.
RESULTS
Rivers Utd 1-0 Abia Warriors
Katsina Utd 2-0 Remo Stars
Plateau United 2-0 Nasarawa Utd
El Kanemi 1-0 Akwa Utd
Shooting Stars 1-0 Bayelsa Utd
Insurance 3-1 Kwara Utd
Heartland 0-0 Rangers
Lobi Stars 2-2 Kano Pillars
Tornadoes 0-0 Ikorodu City
Nigerian Football
Ashleigh Plumptre makes Super Falcons return as Madugu unveils his list for France friendly match
Head Coach Justine Madugu has called up CAF Awards nominee, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Osinachi Ohale and Ashleigh Plumptre, midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini, and forwards Gift Monday and Rinsola Babajide among a list of 20 players for Saturday’s international friendly match against the Les Bleues of France.
US-based defender Michelle Alozie, Turkey-based Oluwatosin Demehin, midfielder Adoo Yina and forwards Mercy Omokwo and Ifeoma Onumonu are also invited to the encounter scheduled for the Stade Raymond Kopa in the city of Angers, with kick-off set for 9.30pm France time.
Midfield lubricator Toni Payne, now with Everton Ladies in England, as well as Rofiat Imuran and Shukurat Oladipo – who both starred for the Falconets at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia in September – will also fly to France for the big match.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who is also a CAF Awards nominee, is out as a result of injury.
While the Bleues are happy to take the game as part of their preparations for the League of Nations in the spring and the 2025 UEFA Euro Women Championship in Switzerland in the summer, the Falcons will welcome the encounter as part of the process for blooding a new squad, as well as another test ahead of the 2025 Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next summer.
Already pitched with Tunisia, Algeria and Botswana in Group B of the Africa Cup final tournament, Madugu will be grateful for the stern test that the Les Bleues will provide for his nine-time African champions in Angers.
All the invited players will fly directly to France for the match, to be joined by the coaching crew and backroom staff.
SUPER FALCONS FOR LES BLEUES CHALLENGE:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia); Rofiat Imuran (London City Lioness, England); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey)
Midfielders: Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Josephine Mathias (Nasarawa Amazons); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); Adoo Yina (Nasarawa Amazons)
Forwards: Blessing Nkor (Pyramids FC, Egypt); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Mercy Omokwo (Bayelsa Queens) Head Coach Justine Madugu has called up CAF Awards nominee, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Osinachi Ohale and Ashleigh Plumptre, midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini, and forwards Gift Monday and Rinsola Babajide among a list of 20 players for Saturday’s international friendly match against the Les Bleues of France.
US-based defender Michelle Alozie, Turkey-based Oluwatosin Demehin, midfielder Adoo Yina and forwards Mercy Omokwo and Ifeoma Onumonu are also invited to the encounter scheduled for the Stade Raymond Kopa in the city of Angers, with kick-off set for 9.30pm France time.
Midfield lubricator Toni Payne, now with Everton Ladies in England, as well as Rofiat Imuran and Shukurat Oladipo – who both starred for the Falconets at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia in September – will also fly to France for the big match.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who is also a CAF Awards nominee, is out as a result of injury.
While the Bleues are happy to take the game as part of their preparations for the League of Nations in the spring and the 2025 UEFA Euro Women Championship in Switzerland in the summer, the Falcons will welcome the encounter as part of the process for blooding a new squad, as well as another test ahead of the 2025 Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next summer.
Already pitched with Tunisia, Algeria and Botswana in Group B of the Africa Cup final tournament, Madugu will be grateful for the stern test that the Les Bleues will provide for his nine-time African champions in Angers.
All the invited players will fly directly to France for the match, to be joined by the coaching crew and backroom staff.
SUPER FALCONS FOR LES BLEUES CHALLENGE:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia); Rofiat Imuran (London City Lioness, England); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey)
Midfielders: Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Josephine Mathias (Nasarawa Amazons); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); Adoo Yina (Nasarawa Amazons)
Forwards: Blessing Nkor (Pyramids FC, Egypt); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Mercy Omokwo (Bayelsa Queens) Head Coach Justine Madugu has called up CAF Awards nominee, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Osinachi Ohale and Ashleigh Plumptre, midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini, and forwards Gift Monday and Rinsola Babajide among a list of 20 players for Saturday’s international friendly match against the Les Bleues of France.
US-based defender Michelle Alozie, Turkey-based Oluwatosin Demehin, midfielder Adoo Yina and forwards Mercy Omokwo and Ifeoma Onumonu are also invited to the encounter scheduled for the Stade Raymond Kopa in the city of Angers, with kick-off set for 9.30pm France time.
Midfield lubricator Toni Payne, now with Everton Ladies in England, as well as Rofiat Imuran and Shukurat Oladipo – who both starred for the Falconets at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia in September – will also fly to France for the big match.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who is also a CAF Awards nominee, is out as a result of injury.
While the Bleues are happy to take the game as part of their preparations for the League of Nations in the spring and the 2025 UEFA Euro Women Championship in Switzerland in the summer, the Falcons will welcome the encounter as part of the process for blooding a new squad, as well as another test ahead of the 2025 Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next summer.
Already pitched with Tunisia, Algeria and Botswana in Group B of the Africa Cup final tournament, Madugu will be grateful for the stern test that the Les Bleues will provide for his nine-time African champions in Angers.
All the invited players will fly directly to France for the match, to be joined by the coaching crew and backroom staff.
SUPER FALCONS FOR LES BLEUES CHALLENGE:
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC, France); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies, Saudi Arabia); Rofiat Imuran (London City Lioness, England); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey)
Midfielders: Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Josephine Mathias (Nasarawa Amazons); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); Adoo Yina (Nasarawa Amazons)
Forwards: Blessing Nkor (Pyramids FC, Egypt); Gift Monday (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa (Spain); Mercy Omokwo (Bayelsa Queens)
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