Nigerian Football
Strange, But True: The Nigerian Football July Death Anniversaries
BY KUNLE SOLAJA
Sadly, the month of July has virtually become that of memorials for football icons in Nigeria. This may sound strange, but it is true.
Sports Village Square recalls that three days ago, it was the death anniversary of Jelisavicic Tihomer-Tiko, fondly called ‘Father Tiko’.
‘Father Tiko’ – July 1
The younger folks may not remember the then Yugoslavian man (his country is now Serbia) who raised to stardom an army of relatively unknown players who took the 10th edition of Africa Cup of Nations by storm, becoming the second runners-up in Ethiopia in March 1976.
He repeated the feat at Ghana 1978 when Nigeria ranked third in Africa’s premier football competition. He was at the brink of qualifying Nigeria for Argentina 1978 World Cup before the team failed the last hurdle at home. No thanks to an own goal.
Under him, the Nigeria national team played 45 matches, winning 24, drawing 12 and lost nine. He died on July 1, 1986, in Cancum, Mexico. That was two days after the World Cup in that country. He was heading to Cancum to begin a new life as a coach to the local team when an automobile accident claimed his life.
Samuel Ojebode – July 4
Today, July 4, is the death anniversary of one of his players, Samuel Ojebode who passed on five years ago. Ojebode, a left fullback was also a captain of the then IICC Shooting Stars which he later coached and managed as an administrator.
With his death in 2012, the entire back four of the 1976 history-making IICC Shooting Stars have all passed on – Best Ogedegbe, Joe Appiah, Ojebode and Muda Lawal.
Added to that list are Awesu and Folorunsho Gambari aka ‘Gambus’ who died on April 15, 1981.
Kunle Awesu – July 5
Back to the July death anniversaries, yet another product of Father Tiko’s Nigerian team was Kunle Awesu, a left winger with the IICC Shooting Stars who was rated as the best at the 10th Africa Cup of Nations at Ethiopia in 1976.
He was a member of the Shooting Stars team that won the African Winners Cup in 1976.
He died on July 5, 1994 in Arlington, United States on the same day Nigeria crashed out of the USA ’94 World Cup. Sadly for over two years, Awesu’s death was unknown to his Nigerian family members who had lost touch with him.
Muda Lawal and Dan Anyiam – July 6
Next comes that of Muda Lawal, like Ojebode and Awesu, he was in the Father Tiko’s Nigerian team and also a member of the victorious IICC side on the continent.
He died on July 6, 1991, the 14th anniversary of the mysterious death of one of Nigerian national team pioneers, Dan Anyiam who was also the first indigenous national team coach.
Bashorun MKO Abiola – July 7
Who will forget the Bashorun MKO Abiola who pumped much money to football and other sports? He died on July 7, 1998. Another football icon that shared the date with him is Father Dennis Slattery who died in his native country, Ireland on July 7, 2003.
Father Dennis Slattery – July 7
Slattery who lived the greater part of his life in Nigeria was the last of the expatriates who shaped the then NFA that is today’s NFF. He was the NFA chairman from 1956 to 1959 and the most frequent referee of the Challenge Cup final which last week changed to AITEO Cup.
Slattery was the referee of the final matches of 1952, 1953, 1960 and 1964 apart from being a linesman (assistant referee) in 1951, 1956 and 1958.
He founded the St. Finbarr’s College, Akoka – the record 10 time winners of the former Principals Cup in Lagos.
Israel Adebajo – July 25
Another prominent soccer figure of an earlier era was Israel Adebajo, the founder of the famous Stationery Stores, which until its going into coma late in the 1990s, was perhaps Nigeria’s most fanatically supported club side.
Adebajo died on July 25, 1969, few weeks before Stores’ final match in the Challenge Cup. He formed the club in 1958 after buying over Oluwole Philips team. The famed Super Stores drew players and fans across the country and sometimes too, from Ghana.
The former treasurer of the then NFA nurtured the Super Stores to win the Challenge Cup twice in a row and was at the brink of a hat-trick in 1969 before his death dealt a devastating blow on the club.
Mathias Obianika – July 27
Former national team player, Mathias Obianika, died also in July 27, 1992. The Enugu Rangers’ striker was an instant hit in the national team when he made his debut in a 4-0 triumph over Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso) in a 1971 friendly game.
Obianika scored two of the four goals. After years in Enugu Rangers, he later became the club’s chief coach.
Anthony Ikazoboh – July 27
Seven years after the death of Obianika, a two-time NFA chairman and former Super Stores player, Air Commodore Anthony Ikazoboh, was killed by armed robbers on July 27, 1999.
Ikazoboh was the NFA chairman from 1984 to 1987 and again in 1989 before he was named the sports minister.
Under him as NFA chairman, Nigeria won its first global event, the World Under-17 Tournament in 1985 and the Under-20 team placed third at the World Under 20 Championship in the then Soviet Union.
It was at the Soviet Union event that Ikazoboh dropped hints of Nigeria’s interest in hosting the World Youth Championship, a dream that only materialised 12 years later. As sports minister in 1990, Ikazoboh’s tenure brought the advent of professional football to Nigeria.
Tesilimi Balogun – July 31
July 30 is the anniversary of the legendary “Thunder” Balogun who died in 1972. He was the first ever-Nigerian professional player when he ventured to England in the 1950s.
The early history of the Challenge Cup is almost an historical account of Thunder Balogun’s soccer career. He later became a coach in the Western Region.
In 1952, Balogun became the first player to score a hat-trick in the Challenge Cup final. The feat is significant, considering the fact that up till the 2012 FA Cup final, only two other players, Frank Uwalaka in 1958 and Felix Adedeji in 1969 – were the only other hat-trick scorer in Nigeria’s premier national competition.
Sam Garba Okoye – July 31
Sam Garba Okoye, another national team star of 1960s and early 1970s, died on July 31, 1978 in motor accident. He was one of the teenagers of the Nigerian Academicals that beat Ghana 1-0 in the annual Dowuona-Hammond Cup in 1966.
It was Nigeria’s first away win against Ghana. Later, Garba played for Plateau XI, Mighty Jets and the Green Eagles.
Although he had no Challenge Cup gold medal to show, he was a regular in the six final matches played by Jos teams from mid 1960s to 1974. He usually adorned his forehead with a rolled up handkerchief.
By Kunle Solaja.
The Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) season is heading for a dramatic climax, with both the title race and relegation dogfight finely poised following Matchday 34 fixtures.
At the top of the table, the contest for supremacy has tightened into a two-horse race between Enugu Rangers and Rivers United FC, who are locked on 55 points apiece after 33 matches. Rangers currently hold a superior goal difference (+15), giving them a slender edge in what promises to be a thrilling finish.
Rivers United, however, have a crucial opportunity to seize control when they host Plateau United FC, knowing that any slip by Rangers could swing momentum decisively in their favour. Rangers themselves face a tricky away tie against Niger Tornadoes FC, a side battling to steer clear of relegation trouble.
Just behind the leading duo, Ikorodu City FC and Abia Warriors FC remain within striking distance on 52 points. However, Abia Warriors suffered a setback with a 1-0 defeat to Bendel Insurance FC on Saturday, a result that not only boosted Insurance’s push into the top half but also dented Abia’s title ambitions.
Nasarawa United FC and Shooting Stars Sports Club, both on 50 points, are still mathematically in the race but may need near-perfect finishes and favourable results elsewhere to challenge for the top three positions. Shooting Stars face a pivotal clash against Kwara United, a fixture that carries significance at both ends of the table.
Relegation Battle Heats Up
While the title race grabs headlines, the struggle for survival is even more intense, with several clubs separated by just a few points at the bottom.
Kun Khalifat FC prop up the table with 36 points and face a must-win encounter against Warri Wolves. Anything less than victory could leave their survival hopes hanging by a thread.
Just above them, Wikki Tourists FC (37 points) and Kwara United (39 points, with a points deduction) are also in danger. Kwara United’s clash with Shooting Stars could prove decisive, while Wikki Tourists face a tough trip to Bayelsa United, another side not yet safe.
The relegation scrap extends further up the table, with Remo Stars, Bayelsa United, and Enyimba all hovering around the 40-point mark. Remo Stars face a daunting test against high-flying Barau FC, while Enyimba must navigate a tricky fixture against Katsina United FC.
Even traditionally strong sides like Kano Pillars and Niger Tornadoes FC are not entirely safe, highlighting the depth of the relegation battle this season.
Season Reaches Boiling Point
With just a handful of matches remaining, every fixture now carries enormous weight. The title contenders must maintain consistency under pressure, while those at the bottom are fighting for survival with equal desperation.
From the summit clash between Rangers and Rivers United to the survival scrap involving nearly half the table, the NPFL is set for a pulsating finale where both glory and heartbreak remain very much on the line.
MatchDay 34 Fixtures
Saturday, April 11, 2026
- Bendel Insurance 1-0 Abia Warriors
Sunday, April 12, 2026
- Shooting Stars V Kwara United
- Barau FC v Remo Stars
- Niger Tornadoes V Enugu Rangers
- Enyimba V Katsina United
- Bayelsa United V Wikki Tourists
- Ikorodu City V Kano Pillars
- Rivers United V Plateau United
- Kun Khalifat Fc V Warri Wolves
Monday, April 13, 2026
- El-Kanemi Warriors V Nasarawa United
| CLUBS | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | |
| 1 | Rangers International FC | 33 | 15 | 10 | 8 | 39 | 24 | 15 | 55 |
| 2 | Rivers United FC | 33 | 15 | 10 | 8 | 33 | 27 | 6 | 55 |
| 3 | Ikorodu City FC | 33 | 14 | 10 | 9 | 34 | 30 | 4 | 52 |
| 4 | Abia Warriors FC | 34 | 15 | 7 | 12 | 28 | 26 | 2 | 52 |
| 5 | Nasarawa United FC | 33 | 14 | 8 | 11 | 31 | 27 | 4 | 50 |
| 6 | Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) | 33 | 15 | 5 | 13 | 35 | 36 | -1 | 50 |
| 7 | Bendel Insurance FC | 34 | 12 | 13 | 9 | 39 | 34 | 5 | 49 |
| 8 | Plateau United FC | 33 | 14 | 4 | 15 | 37 | 36 | 1 | 46 |
| 9 | Katsina United FC | 33 | 12 | 10 | 11 | 29 | 29 | 0 | 46 |
| 10 | Warri Wolves | 33 | 11 | 10 | 12 | 33 | 33 | 0 | 43 |
| 11 | Barau FC | 33 | 10 | 13 | 10 | 25 | 26 | -1 | 43 |
| 12 | El-Kanemi Warriors FC | 33 | 12 | 7 | 14 | 28 | 38 | -10 | 43 |
| 13 | Niger Tornadoes FC | 33 | 12 | 6 | 15 | 34 | 31 | 3 | 42 |
| 14 | Kano Pillars (-3pts, -3 goals) | 33 | 13 | 6 | 14 | 30 | 32 | -2 | 42 |
| 15 | Enyimba FC | 33 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 35 | 37 | -2 | 40 |
| 16 | Bayelsa United FC | 33 | 10 | 10 | 13 | 30 | 34 | -4 | 40 |
| 17 | Remo Stars FC | 33 | 12 | 4 | 17 | 34 | 41 | -7 | 40 |
| 18 | Kwara United (-3pts, -3 goals) | 33 | 11 | 9 | 13 | 26 | 29 | -3 | 39 |
| 19 | Wikki Tourists FC | 33 | 8 | 13 | 12 | 30 | 37 | -7 | 37 |
| 20 | Kun Khalifat FC | 33 | 9 | 9 | 15 | 31 | 40 | -9 | 36 |
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Nigerian Football
NPFL Golden Boot Race: Obaje, Arumala Lead as Club-by-Club Breakdown Reveals Fierce Battle
By Kunle Solaja.
With the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season entering its decisive stretch after Matchday 33, the race for the Golden Boot has not only remained intensely competitive but also reflects the attacking strength—and in some cases dependence—of several clubs.
At the top of the chart, Godwin Obaje (Enugu Rangers) and Joseph Arumala (Ikorodu City) are tied on 11 goals, but a deeper club-by-club analysis shows contrasting attacking dynamics across the league.
Enugu Rangers: Obaje and Chidozie attacking edge
Rangers International stand out as the only club with two players in the top scorers’ bracket. Obaje’s 11 goals underline his role as the club’s primary finisher, but the presence of Iwundu Chidozie (9 goals) highlights a complementary attacking structure. Rangers’ ability to share goals between two reliable forwards could prove decisive both in the title race and in sustaining Obaje’s Golden Boot push.
Ikorodu City: Arumala’s breakout brilliance
For Ikorodu City, Joseph Arumala’s 11 goals represent more than just numbers; they define the club’s attacking identity. Unlike Rangers, Ikorodu City’s presence in the scoring chart is singular, suggesting a heavy reliance on Arumala. His continued form will be critical if the club is to maintain momentum in the closing weeks.
Katsina United: Collins carrying the torch
Uche Collins (10 goals) has been the standout performer for Katsina United. His contribution underscores a team that leans heavily on individual brilliance in attack. With no other teammate in the top scorers’ list, Collins remains central to Katsina’s offensive threat.
El-Kanemi Warriors: Abdulrahman’s consistency
Daddy Abdulrahman (10 goals) has provided El-Kanemi Warriors with a consistent source of goals. His tally reflects both durability and efficiency, especially in a side that has not spread its goals widely among multiple players.
Remo Stars: Mbaoma leading the charge
For Remo Stars, Victor Mbaoma (10 goals) continues to justify his reputation as a proven goal scorer. His presence among the top contenders is crucial for a team still balancing title ambitions with survival concerns in a surprisingly turbulent season.
Abia Warriors: Obioma’s attacking spearhead
Chukwuemeka Godson Obioma (10 goals) has emerged as Abia Warriors’ main outlet in front of goal. His performances highlight a system built around a focal striker capable of delivering in crucial moments.
Bendel Insurance: shared responsibility
Bendel Insurance boast a dual presence through Oweilayefa Alex (9 goals) and Kayode Oke (8 goals). This shared scoring responsibility reflects a more balanced attacking approach, reducing dependence on a single player and giving the team multiple goal threats.
Shooting Stars: depth in attack
Similarly, Shooting Stars have two players in the mix—Sodiq Ibrahim (9 goals) and Qamar Adegoke (8 goals). Their combined output suggests a diversified attacking system, which could be advantageous in the final run-in as defensive attention is split.
Wikki Tourist: Mairiga’s Lone Effort
Jonathan Mairiga’s return of nine goals underscores his role as Wikki Tourist’s primary attacking outlet this season. He is the club’s only player among the league’s leading scorers, highlighting a clear reliance on his finishing ability.
In a team where goals have not been widely shared, Mairiga has consistently shouldered the burden in the final third, often providing the decisive edge in tight matches. His contribution not only reflects personal form but also underlines Wikki Tourist’s need for greater attacking support as the season approaches its climax.
Warri Wolves: Evhierehurhoma’s impact
With Igbunu Evhierehurhoma (8 goals), Warri Wolves have relied on a single consistent scorer. His contributions have been vital in keeping the team competitive in tight matches.
Plateau United: Temitope’s steady return
Vincent Temitope (8 goals) has provided Plateau United with a dependable attacking outlet, maintaining relevance in the Golden Boot conversation despite not leading the chart.
Nasarawa United: Yusuf in contention
Anas Yusuf (8 goals) represents Nasarawa United’s attacking hopes, remaining within striking distance of the leaders in what could still become a late surge.
Enyimba: Michael flying the flag
For Enyimba, Chidera Michael (8 goals) is the club’s top performer in front of goal this season, reflecting a campaign where goals have not been heavily concentrated among multiple players.
A League Defined by Balance and Uncertainty
The distribution of top scorers across clubs reveals a league marked by competitive balance rather than dominance. While teams like Rangers, Bendel Insurance, and Shooting Stars benefit from multiple contributors, others depend heavily on a single talisman.
With just a few matches remaining, the Golden Boot race remains wide open. The narrow gap between first and the chasing pack means that a single prolific performance could dramatically alter the standings.
As the NPFL season heads toward its climax, the battle for top scorer is shaping up not just as an individual contest, but as a reflection of each club’s attacking philosophy—whether built on collective strength or individual brilliance.
Top goal scorers as of matchday games 33
S/N PLAYER’S NAME CLUB NAME TOTAL 1 Godwin Obaje Rangers Int’l 11 2 Joseph Arumala Ikorodu City 11 3 Uche Collins Katsina United 10 4 Daddy Abdulrahman El-kanemi Warriors 10 5 Victor Mbaoma Remo Stars 10 6 Chukwuemeka Godson Obioma Abia Warriors 10 7 Oweilayefa Alex Bendel Insurance 9 8 Iwundu Chidozie Rangers Int’l 9 9 Sodiq Ibrahim Shooting Stars 9 10 Jonathan Mairiga Wikki Tourist 9 11 Igbunu Evhierehurhoma Warri Wolves 8 12 Vincent Temitope Plateau United 8 13 Anas Yusuf Nasarawa United 8 14 Kayode Oke Bendel Insurance 8 15 Qamar Adegoke Shooting Stars 8 16 Chidera Michael Enyimba Int’l 8
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Players and officials of Nigeria’s U20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have resumed camping in Abuja as preparations intensify for the final round of qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Several invited players arrived in camp on Monday, April 6, 2026, with full training sessions commencing the following day as the team began serious build-up toward the decisive fixtures. The technical crew has since engaged the squad in intensive drills focused on fitness, tactical organisation, and team cohesion, while awaiting the arrival of the remaining invitees.
At the team’s first training session, Head Coach Moses Aduku charged the players to approach the assignment with utmost seriousness, stressing the need for discipline, unity, and mental strength.
He reminded the squad of the magnitude of the task ahead as they prepared to confront a determined Malawi women’s national under-20 football team in the final qualifying round.
The players, in response, expressed confidence and readiness, with many eager to secure Nigeria’s place at the global tournament. Training sessions have continued at a high tempo, with the coaching crew keen on ensuring peak physical and tactical condition before the first leg.
Malawi booked their place in the final round after edging past Guinea-Bissau women’s national under-20 football team in their previous fixture, setting up what promises to be a keenly contested tie.
The Falconets will host the first leg in Nigeria on Saturday, May 2, before travelling for the return leg in Malawi a week later in a two-legged showdown that will determine qualification.
Africa will be represented by four teams at the tournament, scheduled to take place in Poland from September 5 to 26, 2026, adding further significance to the upcoming encounter for the Nigerian side, which is aiming to maintain its strong pedigree in global youth women’s football.
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