Nigerian Football
All hope not lost on Golden Eaglets, Amuneke counsels NFF
The Nigeria U-17 team,Golden Eaglets may have failed to make the cut in the qualification for the next FIFA U-17 World Cup, a former coach of the team and also a former international and assistant coach to the Super Eagles has advised against throwing the baby and bathwater away.
In an interview with a leading Nigerian newspaper, ThisDay, Amuneke pointed to the essence of age-graded competition, saying that it is essentially, a developmental project and not necessarily meant to win trophies.
Amuneke, who first made his mark as an U-23 player for Nigeria in 1991 and was part of the coaching crew to the 2013 World Cup winning team of the Golden Eaglets, was the coach that handled the winning squad of 2015.
In his squad were the likes of Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen who are now household names in European fields.
According to Amuneke, whose twin strikes won Nigeria the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994 and the gold medal at the Atlanta ‘96 Olympic Games, the current squad of Golden Eaglets should be applauded and encouraged.
“The young lads did their best but were unlucky not to get the desired result”, remarked the 1994 African Footballer of the Year.
“We must collectively salute the players and the coaching crew for doing a good job but were unfortunate not to qualify for the finals.
“We cannot afford to let them go just like that because we must erase the tag failure in their history which has been a tradition any time our age-group team failed to win at major events.
“The players are disappointed in themselves knowing fully well that it was an opportunity to launch their career on the big stage and suddenly vanished due to ill luck.
“I can see them doing well if we make conscious effort to integrate them in the domestic league at lower cadre instead of allowing them to vanish into thin air,” he remarked.
Amuneke noted that in 2003 squad toU-17 World Cup in Finland did not go beyond Group phase but the likes of John Obi Mikel, Chinedu Obasi, Isaac Promise and Ambruse Vanzekin were able to reach the Olympics and Super Eagles level.
“We must engage ourselves in a long-term programme that will ensure the boys are injected into the domestic league clubs and as well as take cognisant of their educational growth which a global standard today aside footballing programme.
“As for the coaching crew, it’s unfortunate what as happened to them but as for me, they did their best.
“It takes a good coach (Ugbade) to be patient with the players for making simple errors which was natural of players of that age.
“I was once in same situation and you have to keep lecturing, develop and ensure proper growth unfortunately as a coach someone must pay the price because Players’ Agents will infiltrate the camp and for obvious reason and when the final selection did not go their way, all they wish is for the team to fail but a good coach should just stay focused and damn the consequence.
“At any given time, our system is warped towards immediate results instead of long-term planning and as a coach you make friends and enemy as same time but what is important is to stick to the plans,” he pointed out in a telephone interview.
He also recalled his experience as the coach of U-20 team that failed to qualify for the AFCON tournament after defeat to Niger 5-6 on goals aggregate even when his team had the honour to play the final leg at home.
“Aside the core group of boys that won the 2015 tournament in Ecuador, some of the players that did not make the final selection into the tournament from our Calabar camp were invited unfortunately the result did not go our way on a wet evening at Teslim Balogun Stadium.
“I watched the players wept openly in the dressing room and took time to console with them because it was a great opportunity to elevate their career but today I am happy that the likes of Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Nwakali and many others in that squad moved beyond that stage today,” he recalled.
In Nigeria, the age-grated competition are often seen as a must win project. Failure is an aberration and the coaching crew and and the players often pay the price as the objective is always to win and win.
In January1985, the Nigeria Flying Eagles defeated Cameroon 5-1 in Lagos to pick the ticket for the then U-21 World Youth Championship in the Soviet Union.
Only Samson Siasia made it at the Super Eagles’ level. The others literally fizzled out at the youth level. But the players of the defeated Cameroon side made it big, years later, forming the bulk of the record-setting Indomitable Lions at the Italia’90 World Cup.
France under coach Jean-François Jodar won the U-17 World Cup in 2001, beating Nigeria. The coach had been on the saddle from 1987 and did not qualify France for the FIFA U-16/17 tournament till 2001.
He was left on the saddle as his performance was not calculated on the number of trophies won, but on the number of talents he was able to churn out for the national team.
It was reported that the bulk of French players that won the 1998 World Cup passed through Jean-François Jodar.
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.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
By Kunle Solaja
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is hurtling towards a dramatic finish, with fierce battles unfolding simultaneously at the top and bottom of the table as Matchday 33 delivered twists that have tightened the race on both fronts.
From Ikenne to Lafia and Ozoro, the weekend results have ensured that neither the title contenders nor the relegation-threatened sides can afford a moment’s slip in what promises to be a pulsating run-in.
Title Race Tightens
At the summit, Enugu Rangers reclaimed top spot, though only on goal difference, after being held to a goalless draw at home by Barau FC. The result took Rangers to 55 points, the same tally as Rivers United, but with a superior goal difference.
Rivers United, however, suffered a significant setback in Ozoro, falling 2-0 to Warri Wolves. The defeat could prove costly in a title race where every point now carries enormous weight. Goals from Igbunu Evwierhurhoma and Othuke Egbo handed Wolves a crucial victory while halting Rivers’ momentum at a critical stage.
Just behind the leading duo, Ikorodu City remain firmly in contention with 52 points and a game in hand. At the same time, Nasarawa United’s surprise home defeat to bottom-placed Kun Khalifat has dented their title aspirations. Shooting Stars, who also lost over the weekend, remain on 50 points but are now under pressure from teams below.
Abia Warriors, with 49 points and an outstanding fixture, are also quietly lurking within striking distance, underlining just how congested the upper half of the table has become.
Ikenne Revival Sparks Relegation Fight
While the title race grabs headlines, the relegation battle is equally gripping—and perhaps even more unpredictable.
In Ikenne, Remo Stars secured a vital 1-0 victory over regional rivals Shooting Stars in a tense South-West derby. Samuel Anakwe’s early second-half strike proved decisive, lifting Remo Stars to 40 points and providing a crucial lifeline in their fight for survival.
The win sees Remo Stars inch further away from immediate danger, but they remain deep in the relegation mix, where only a handful of points separate several teams.
Kwara United boosted their survival hopes with an emphatic 3-0 victory over El-Kanemi Warriors, moving to 39 points despite an earlier points deduction. Meanwhile, Kano Pillars’ resounding 4-0 win against Bendel Insurance has also strengthened their position, though they continue to feel the impact of disciplinary sanctions.
Bottom Club Sends Shockwaves
Perhaps the most dramatic result of the round came in Lafia, where bottom-placed Kun Khalifat stunned Nasarawa United with a 1-0 away victory—remarkably the only away win of the matchday.
Stanley Otu’s stoppage-time strike not only handed Kun Khalifat a rare triumph but also reignited their survival hopes. With 36 points, they remain at the foot of the table but have demonstrated that they are far from resigned to relegation.
Above them, Wikki Tourists (37 points) and Kwara United (39 points) are also locked in a desperate struggle to avoid the drop. At the same time, Bayelsa United, Enyimba, and Remo Stars are not yet safe in a tightly packed lower half.
Mid-Table Congestion Adds Intrigue
The middle of the table offers no comfort either. Teams such as Warri Wolves, Barau FC, Plateau United, and El-Kanemi Warriors are all clustered around the 43-point mark, meaning a short winning run could propel any of them into continental contention—or drag them into the relegation dogfight.
Warri Wolves’ victory over Rivers United may well be one of the defining results of the season, as it not only disrupted the title race but also boosted their own standing to ninth place.
Crucial Fixtures Ahead
Attention now turns to the outstanding fixtures scheduled for Monday, where Abia Warriors host Bayelsa United, while Plateau United face Ikorodu City. Both matches carry significant implications at both ends of the table.
For Ikorodu City, victory would take them level with the leaders, further intensifying the title race. For Bayelsa United and Plateau United, the stakes are equally high in their quest to steer clear of relegation trouble.
A Season on a Knife Edge
With five rounds of matches remaining for most teams, the NPFL is delicately poised for a thrilling climax. The battle for the title is as fierce as the fight for survival, with fine margins likely to determine who celebrates and who suffers heartbreak.
From the top where Rangers and Rivers United are locked on points, to the bottom where Kun Khalifat have refused to surrender, the 2025/2026 NPFL season is shaping up as a compelling contest of resilience, nerve, and consistency.
As the league heads into its final stretch, one thing is certain: every goal, every point, and every decision will matter.
The Current NPFL Table
Club 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 32 14 10 8 33 26 7 52 4 Nasarawa United FC 33 14 8 11 31 27 4 50 5 Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) 33 15 5 13 35 36 -1 50 6. Abia Warriors 32 14 7 11 27 25 2 49 7 Bendel Insurance FC 33 11 13 9 38 34 4 46 8 Katsina United FC 33 12 10 11 29 29 0 46 9 Warri Wolves 33 11 10 12 33 33 0 43 10 Barau FC 33 10 13 10 25 26 -1 43 11 Plateau United FC 32 13 4 15 33 35 -2 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 32 10 10 12 30 33 -3 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
Outstanding Matches: Monday, April 6
- Abia Warriors v Bayelsa United
- Plateau United v Ikorodu City
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Nigerian Football
Naze Community to Honour Late Super Eagles Legend Henry Nwosu with ‘Clash of Titans’ Novelty Match
By Joseph Odoekwu
The Naze community in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State will on Sunday, April 5, stage a novelty football match in honour of their late son and former Super Eagles midfielder, Henry Nwosu.
The event, tagged “The Clash of Titans,” will see Naze All Stars square off against Imo Football Legends at the Naze Secondary School field, with kickoff scheduled for 4 p.m. on Easter Sunday.
Details of the tribute match emerged following a training session held on Thursday morning at the venue, where former players and participants in the long-running Henry Nwosu Cup resolved to take the lead in celebrating the legacy of the late football icon.
Naze All Stars will be made up of indigenes of the community who have featured in the Henry Nwosu Cup since its inception in 1985, while the Imo Football Legends side will parade notable ex-footballers from across the state.
The Ikuku Oma Foundation is organising the match in collaboration with the Naze Football Federation as part of activities to immortalise Nwosu, whose grassroots initiative transformed local football in the community.
Since its establishment over four decades ago, the Henry Nwosu Cup—played annually during the Christmas period—has grown into a major unifying and entertainment platform for Naze and neighbouring communities such as Ulakwo, Agbala and Egbu. Beyond football, the competition has also fostered social bonds, with several marriages reportedly stemming from relationships formed on matchdays.
There are also strong indications that Heartland FC manager and former Super Eagles winger, Emmanuel Amuneke, could lead the Imo Football Legends side in Sunday’s encounter, adding further glamour to the occasion.
Members of the Naze All Stars who have confirmed participation include Ikuku Oma, Prof. Joe-Ken Nzerem, Ejike Urewuji, Nda Gboko, Oga Ekete, Oga Sarge, Oga Cho Cho, Man of God, Baba Urch, Oga Eshi ke Naze, Chief Agba I, Mmiri the Crown Prince (goalkeeper), Mr. Obiọma, Alkaline, among others.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- World Cup7 days ago
Infantino promises FIFA backing for Iran to play at World Cup
- AFCON1 week ago
AFCON to Expand to 28 Teams as CAF Unveils New Competition Calendar
- Governing Bodies3 days ago
The Building of Another Sports Dynasty: From Fahmy to Adamu
- AFCON1 week ago
CAF May Sanction Senegal Over AFCON Trophy Parade
- Governing Bodies1 week ago
BREAKING! Nigeria’s Samson Adamu Appointed Acting CAF General Secretary
- Nigerian Football6 days ago
NFF to inaugurate electoral committees ahead of September elections
- Boxing2 days ago
Wilder edges retiring Chisora in chaotic heavyweight boxing fight
- Table Tennis1 week ago
Aruna Faces Tough Draw as Africa Targets Glory at ITTF World Cup in Macao