Nigerian Football
MFON UDOH RESCUES A POINT FOR AKWA UNITED IN WARRI
Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) record goal scorer,
Mfon Udoh saved his side, Akwa United, the blushed when his equaliser secured a
point for the Uyo side at the Warri City Stadium on Sunday against
returnees, Warri Wolves on the opening day of the NPFL 2019/20 season.
The Seasiders, who have just returned to the topflight after spending
three seasons in the second tier showed hunger from the get-go as they looked
to upset their star-studded opponents.
And it was Samuel Amadi who set the ball rolling with his quick-fire goal
on the 2nd minute of the encounter. But Udoh whose 23 goals in 2014/15 is yet
to be equalled restored parity 26 minutes later to ensure that both sides
shared the spoils. Udoh had also ended last season as joint top scorer with
Ibrahim Sunusi of Nasarawa United.
In September, Akwa United had began pre-season
preparations with a 1-0 win over Warri Wolves at the Krisdera Hotel
Stadium in Omoku.
Although the draw means Warri Wolves are now unbeaten in their six NPFL
meetings against Akwa United, the latter will be more appreciative of the
away point secured. May 7, 2014 was the last time the Promise
Keepers tasted victory against the Seasiders in the NPFL, with the game ending 2-0
in Uyo.
Subsequently they had to settle for two home draws and three away defeats
before Warri Wolves suffered relegation in 2016. Their last NPFL meeting
on July 24, 2016 was a come-from-behind 3-1 home win for the Seasiders.
Riding on the wave of this piece of history, the home side took advantage
of a confused Akwa United defence to take the lead inside two minutes,
with Amadi, who is playing his first ever game in the NPFL, scoring the
first goal of the season off a pass from Victory
Omadiegbe.
Soon after, Amadi was on the hunt for a second. But after a fine run down
the right flank, his effort could only force Akwa United goalkeeper
Adewale Adeyinka to a finger-tip save.
Of the 15 new players Akwa United unveiled last Monday,
seven featured in the draw
against Warri Wolves, including Adeyinka, who was signed from
Gombe United.
When the visitors began to settle in their strides, Udoh rattled
the crossbar with a shot from 25 yards out in the 10th minute while
Samuel Mathias’ freekick was tipped over the bar by Ocheayi Francis,
who stood in between the sticks for the home side.
Then a fantastic team build-up by Coach John Obuh’s side culminated in
Udoh tapping in Paul Obata’s cross for the equalizer on the 28th minute.
The first half of the encounter ended 1-1.
A minute into the second period, substitute Charles Atshimene, who
was Warri Wolves’ top scorer in the Nigeria National League (NNL) last
season with eight goals found himself in a great position to restore his side’s
lead, but he blasted his shot way over the bar.
Subsequently, chances in the game were few and far between as
injuries became the order of the evening. For five minutes, Obata, who had
been one of the key players for Akwa United, was being attended to
by medics on the sidelines. He was eventually replaced by
Christian Ekong.
Then Warri Wolves’ goalscorer Amadi, who twisted his ankle while trying to
take a corner kick in the 64th minute, had to give way for Ridwan
Agbarinka in the 72nd minute. The latter stage of the encounter presented
a late rush for a winner by both teams but to no avail.
Warri Wolves will travel to Akure for a date with Sunshine Stars
on Matchday 2, while Akwa United take on Abia Warriors.
Nigerian footballer Daniel Daga has been sentenced to six months in prison by a Norwegian court after being found guilty of committing a sexual act without consent.
The verdict was delivered on Tuesday by the Nordmøre og Romsdal District Court following a case linked to an incident reported in April 2025.
According to Norwegian broadcaster TV 2, the 19-year-old midfielder was also ordered to pay 10,000 Norwegian kroner (about $900) in legal costs, a sentence that reportedly aligned with the prosecution’s request.
Daga, who plays for Molde FK, has denied wrongdoing and plans to appeal the decision.
His lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, said the player was deeply disappointed with the ruling and insists the encounter was consensual.
“He is very upset about the verdict. He believes he is innocent and that everything happened with consent,” Bolstad said, adding that the verdict is not yet legally binding and will be challenged.
Under Norwegian legal procedures, the case remains open until the appeal process is concluded.
Club Responds
Molde FK confirmed it was aware of the court’s decision and said the player would not be included in the club’s matchday squad for the time being.
“This is a very difficult case for everyone involved,” the club said in a statement.
“As an employer, Molde Football Club has a responsibility to take care of our employees in a responsible manner while also having great respect for the seriousness of the case and the burden it places on all affected parties.”
The club had earlier suspended Daga from training and matches in December 2025 while the legal proceedings were ongoing.
Rising Nigerian Prospect
Daga joined Molde ahead of the 2025 season from Enyimba FC, one of Nigeria’s most successful clubs.
Before moving to Europe, he had featured in the Nigeria Premier Football League after earlier spells with FC One Rocket and Dakkada FC.
At international level, the midfielder represented the Nigeria U‑20 national team and was the youngest player named in the squad for the 2023 FIFA U‑20 World Cup.
He started every match for Nigeria until the team was eliminated in the quarter-finals by South Korea.
Since arriving in Norway, Daga has made 17 appearances for Molde, scoring three goals and establishing himself as one of the promising young African players in the Scandinavian league.
Reaction from Fans
The case has generated strong reactions among Nigerian football fans, many expressing shock and disappointment while drawing comparisons with similar incidents involving young African players in Europe.
Some supporters have also highlighted the broader challenges faced by emerging African talents playing abroad.
For now, Daga’s immediate future in Norwegian football remains uncertain as he prepares to challenge the court’s decision through the appeal process.
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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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