Nigerian Football
Plateau United’s Matthew Chibudom: The NPFL’s Football Engineer
BY KINGSLEY OYERO.
There are hundreds of players in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), but it’s rare to find those that have successfully combined it with education.
It’s even uncommon – playing for one of the best teams in Nigeria (Plateau United) and pursuing one of University of Port-Harcourt’s most difficult academic programs – Environmental Management and Technology (M.Sc).
But in his distinct way, former MFM and Plateau United striker, Matthew Chibudom has managed to do it successfully.
The Environmental Technology graduate of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri was part of the Sunshine team that finished sixth last season in the NPFL – with the Akure-based side finishing with the fifth best attack after scoring 44 goals.
His contributions for Sunshine Stars saw him team up with Kennedy Boboye’s Plateau United at the beginning of the season and he featured 4 times as the Peace Boys ended the first Stanza in first position.
However, the former TEAP FC number 9 was released by Plateau United at the end of the first stanza and he’s now a free agent, but he’s not daunted by the setback and sees it as a wake-up call.
“It’s tough to balance everything. You have to know what to prioritize, and what to sacrifice.
“Combining education and football was a very difficult task for me because sometimes after training in the morning, I have to still go for lectures when am supposed to rest, but I have no regrets.
“I know I would bounce back and I have been getting some offers from some NPFL clubs, but am trying to study the offers, before making my next move,” Chibudom stated.
Chibudom is nicknamed the “Football Engineer” because of his ability to combine professional football with education and feels “Combining education with football will help mould any future star to the right path of his or her career and the ‘book’ is an important aspect of life that will help compliment the efforts of the ‘boot’.”
· Matthew reveals secret to Plateau United success
Discipline, teamwork, hard work, payment of salaries and match bonuses promptly are just some of the secrets behind Plateau United’s success story this season, according to former MFM and Plateau United striker, Matthew Chibudom.
Chibudom, who joined Plateau United from Sunshine Stars at the beginning of the season stated: “The secret of the team is discipline, teamwork, hard work and payment of salaries and match bonuses promptly.
“The government and good people of Plateau are solidly behind the team and they turn out en-mass to support their darling team on match days at the Rang Pam Stadium in Jos. The stadium is always sold out.
The former TEAP FC Number 9 also claims that boss Kennedy Boboye’s greatest armoury is his leadership qualities, winning mentality and his ability to simplify instructions down to the most basic and succinct form.
“Before the start of the ongoing season, the Technical Adviser, Kennedy Boboye said we should agree that we have to start very well and in order to do so, we have to set a target for ourselves that for every five matches, we need 15 points and if we have 13 points, that will be a good one and that is what have propelling the team at the top.
He added: “The Technical Adviser and the coaching crew are very jovial. The Technical Adviser even joins the players in training sessions and also encourages us. He even joined us to play in training sessions, leads by example and breaks down his tactics to the most basic.”
PROFILE
NAME: Matthew Chibudom
POSITION: Striker
PLAYING EXPERIENCE:
- Port-Harcourt City Academy (2000-2005)
- Stars Football Club Port-Harcourt (2005-2007)
- Mc-Jeff Soccer Academy Port-Harcourt (2008-2013)
- Teap Football Club Abuja (Pro Division Nigeria) (2014-2015)
- MFM Football Club Lagos (Pro Division Nigeria) (2015-2016)
- Sunshine Stars Football Club Akure (Premier Division Nigeria) (2016)
- Plateau United Football Club, Jos (Premier Division Nigeria) (2017)
ACHIEVEMENTS:
Plateau State F.A Cup Winners with Plateau United Football Club 2017
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION:
- Tech in Environmental Technology – Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
- Sc in Environmental Management-University of Port Harcourt.
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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The race for promotion in the 2025/2026 season of the Nigeria National League (NNL) has gathered momentum, with relegated sides Akwa United and Doma United pushing strongly for an immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Both former top-flight campaigners have shown resilience since dropping to the second tier last season. Akwa United currently lead Conference B with a game in hand, underlining their determination to bounce back at the first attempt. Meanwhile, Doma United sit atop Conference C despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Sokoto United on Matchday 11.
Southern Conference Delivers Drama
Matchday 11 in the Southern Conference produced thrilling encounters, further tightening the race for promotion.
In Conference A, two away wins, one home victory and a draw defined the round. The headline fixture between table-toppers Inter-Lagos FC and second-placed Beyond Limit FC ended in a goalless stalemate in Abeokuta. The result ensured Inter-Lagos maintained their grip on first place, though Beyond Limit remain firmly in contention.
Elsewhere, Smart City edged Edel FC 1-0, Gateway United secured a similar 1-0 win over Crown FC, while Sunshine Stars boosted their campaign with a convincing 2-0 triumph over Abia Comets. The victories have intensified the competition in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely fought groups in the league.
Conference B: Akwa United Hold Firm
Conference B continues to heat up as teams battle for supremacy. Osun United claimed a crucial 1-0 away victory at Abakaliki FC, while Rovers FC defeated Stormers 1-0 in Calabar.
Despite the pressure from chasing teams, Akwa United remain firmly in control at the summit. With a game in hand, the Promise Keepers are well-positioned to strengthen their promotion bid in the coming weeks.
Conference C: Doma United Stay Ahead
In Conference C, Sokoto United handed leaders Doma United a 1-0 setback, but the defeat did little to dislodge them from the top. Doma remain on 19 points, narrowly ahead of FC Basira, who climbed to 18 points after a 2-0 win over Lobi Stars.
The slim margin between the top sides suggests a tense battle ahead, with every point likely to prove decisive in the quest for a top-two finish.
Conference D: Northern Battle Intensifies
Yobe Desert Stars moved temporarily to the summit of Conference D with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ranchers Bees, taking their tally to 15 points. Jigawa Golden Stars edged Adamawa United 1-0, while Gombe United and Kebbi United settled for a goalless draw.
Promotion Race Wide Open
With each conference producing unpredictable outcomes, the NNL promotion race remains delicately poised. For traditional heavyweights Akwa United and Doma United, the objective is clear: secure one of the coveted promotion spots and return to the Nigeria Elite League.
As the season progresses, the intensity is expected to rise further, with fans across the country watching closely to see which clubs will earn the right to rejoin Nigeria’s top-flight next season.
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