Nigerian Football
NPFL: LOBI, PLATEAU, RIVERS CHASE TITLE AS SECOND HALF OF THE SEASON KICKS OFF
BY MUYIWA AKINTUNDE.
The business end of the season starts across the country this Sunday with Lobi Stars standing on top of the log. Plateau United, Rivers United as well as Sunshine Stars and Dakkada FC are immediately challenging them.
This weekend’s fixtures are a reverse of the last Matchday games when the season reached the halfway point. In effect, teams who got on the wrong end of the result have the chance to have their own revenge.
Lobi Stars are in Bauchi to face Wikki Tourists who were unlucky to lose 1-2 from a winning position in Makurdi a week ago. Wikki arrive the Benue State capital from Aba where they had clashed with Enyimba in a rescheduled fixture midweek and lost 0-3. Not having fresh legs may count so much against the Giant Elephant, who are only two steps and two points above the bottom four.
In their last five matches, Lobi have won two, drawn two but lost to Jigawa Golden Stars by a lone goal in Kano; while Wikki have only won one (2-1 versus MFM in Bauchi), lost two on the road and drawn the remaining. Last season in Bauchi, this fixture ended 1-1.
Second placed Plateau United will sneak back to the head of the table if Lobi fail to make it in Bauchi and they, in turn, beat Dakkada in Jos. New on the blocks, the Akwa State side have punched above their weight and are rubbing shoulders with the heavyweights in the elite league.
In their first ever head-to-head clash, Plateau United got a point in their trip to Uyo against Dakkada last Sunday.
The former Akwa Starlets will be all out to emulate their “big brothers” Akwa United, who played goalless at the New Jos Stadium in Matchday 14 against Plateau United, the same result Kano Pillars got in Jos on Matchday 6.
Seven other home matches have however ended up in triumphs for Plateau United this term at home.
In third place are Rivers United who travel to Ilorin to encounter Kwara United, lone goal victims in Port Harcourt last Sunday. That result marked the seventh away defeat for Kwara United, which included 1-6 humiliation by Kano Pillars.
Nine home matches in their former name Delta Force and since the acquisition of that club have fetched Kwara United only five victories and two shared honours. In their first match as Kwara United, they lost 0-1 to Heartland in Ilorin and have also suffered 1-3 humiliation at the same ground against Plateau United.
Rivers United will be aiming at their third win on the road after beating Adamawa United (2-0) and Warri Wolves (1-0). United will also lead the league if they win and the results of Lobi Stars and Plateau United go their way.
Sunshine Stars, in No 4, are away in Nnewi to face FC Ifeanyi Ubah. Last Sunday in Akure, Sunshine shone in front of their fans winning 2-0 to break into the top four in place of Dakkada FC.
Wikki Tourists and Adamawa United surrendered to Sunshine Stars away this season, which means Ifeanyi Ubah should be mindful of their guests.
Akwa United were lucky to escape with a point in their kitty in the local derby against Dakkada midweek and they are in Enugu this time to face Rangers. The first leg in Uyo on Sunday was a goalless affair.
Katsina United wounded Warri Wolves 2-1 last weekend and arrive Warri Township Stadium aiming to replicate Rangers’ experience. In their last match on this ground, the Seasiders lost 1-2 to the Flying Antelopes.
Pillars returned to Kano last Sunday rueing their 1-3 capitulation to MFM in Agege after leading at the interval and having a large turnout of their fans in that vicinity backing them.
The invincible tag at Sani Abacha Stadium has been removed from Pillars this season. Opening with a goalless result against Rivers United, the Masu Gida lost 0-1 on Matchday 2 to Lobi Stars, and have also failed to beat Wikki Tourists and Warri Wolves on that ground.
MFM showed no respect to their hosts in their first away games of the season beating Heartland and Rangers, but have experienced setbacks, including the rejigging of their technical crew.
Like Rangers, defending champions Enyimba have four outstanding matches accumulated as a result of continental engagements. The People’s Elephant will aim at a double against local rivals Abia Warriors after winning the first leg 2-1 a week ago. Their 3-0 bashing of Wikki Tourists on Wednesday will boost them.
The fixtures
Abia Warriors v Enyimba
Rangers v Akwa United
Heartland v Adamawa United
FC Ifeanyi Ubah v Sunshine Stars
Kano Pillars v MFM
Kwara United v Rivers United
Nasarawa United v Jigawa Golden Stars
Plateau United v Dakkada FC
Warri Wolves v Katsina United
Wikki Tourists v Lobi Stars
Nigerian Football
Beats, Banter and Blessings: Troost-Ekong Lifts the Lid on Super Eagles’ Dressing Room
There are happenings in the Super Eagles’ locker rooms that fans may not have been aware of. Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has lifted the lid on life inside Nigeria’s dressing room — and it sounds like a lively place to be.
In a light-hearted chat with CAFOnline.com, the Al-Kholood defender revealed that Samuel Chukwueze is the squad’s resident DJ, bringing not just music but good vibes wherever the team gathers.
“DJ is usually Samuel Chukwueze — he brings the speaker and great energy,” Troost-Ekong said with a grin.
Faith, too, plays a big role in the team’s bond. According to the captain, both Muslim and Christian prayers take place before matches, with players taking turns to lead.
“We have both Muslim and Christian prayers; different players lead at different times and there’s harmony,” he added.
But when it comes to laughter, a few names stand out. Victor Boniface tops the comedy charts, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali not far behind.
“Victor Boniface makes everyone laugh. Stanley Nwabali can be hilarious too — sometimes you’re not sure if you’re laughing with him or at him,” Troost-Ekong joked.
He also mentioned Raphael Onyedika as another quiet fun-maker in the group, rounding off a mix that keeps the atmosphere light and united.
“We’ve got a real family feeling, and people see that from the outside,” the skipper said.
With music from Chukwueze, jokes from Boniface, and prayers from every corner, it’s no wonder the Super Eagles look so connected — even before they step onto the pitch.
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Nigerian Football
Football, Music, and Street Vibes Light Up Awka at Tiger Street Football Grand Finale
Awka came alive on Saturday night as the first-ever Tiger Street Football Tournament climaxed in a spectacular blend of football, music, and street culture, leaving fans captivated from start to finish.
At the end of a pulsating evening at Newberries Lounge, Peace Warriors emerged as the maiden champions, defeating Peace Ambassadors 3–1 on penalties after a tense goalless draw in regulation time. The Warriors held their composure in the shootout to claim the ₦5 million grand prize, gold medals, and the honour of becoming the inaugural champions of the Tiger Street Football Tournament.
The runners-up, Peace Ambassadors, who matched their opponents stride for stride, received ₦3 million and silver medals, while the losing semi-finalists — Sunday Sparks and Peace Dominion — each went home with ₦1 million and bronze medals for their spirited efforts.
Onyebuchi Patrick of Peace Warriors was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament after scoring three goals and leading his team with flair and determination. His electric performances throughout the competition drew loud cheers from the crowd and earned him special recognition from the organisers.
The semi-final matches earlier in the day provided plenty of drama. Peace Warriors drew 1–1 with Sunday Sparks before edging them 4–3 on penalties, while Peace Ambassadors cruised past Peace Dominion 4–1 to book their place in the final.
Beyond the football, the grand finale turned into a vibrant street festival. Top DJs SkyBlisz, Snow, and Kay.Y kept the crowd moving, while Jerio and dynamic duo Wanni & Handi lit up the stage with energetic live performances. Hype men Twix da Jims and Slymshady added to the excitement, transforming the arena into a night-long celebration of rhythm, courage, and community spirit.
Fans were also treated to local delicacies, chilled Tiger Beer, and raffle draws that saw lucky attendees go home with exciting prizes, adding to the festive atmosphere that engulfed the Awka nightlife.
Speaking after the final whistle, Sarah Agah, Marketing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, described the tournament as a celebration of Nigerian youth, creativity, and courage.
“What we’ve seen here in Awka goes beyond football — it’s the heartbeat of Nigerian youth,” Agah said. “Tiger Street Football is about recognising the fearless energy that drives our people — their talent, their determination, and their passion. We’re proud to give them a platform to shine. This is just the beginning.”
Spectators were equally impressed. Chinedu Eze, one of the excited fans, said the night was unforgettable.
“It wasn’t just about football — it was about fun, connection, and celebrating our youth,” he said. “Tiger Beer really brought something special to Awka.”
For the champions, the night was a dream come true.
“We all started from the streets where football is played for fun,” said MVP Onyebuchi Patrick. “Kudos to Tiger Beer for creating this opportunity. Winning this in front of our people is something we’ll never forget.”
As fireworks illuminated the Awka sky and Jerio closed the show with a high-energy performance, fans danced, sang, and toasted to what many described as a new dawn for grassroots football in Nigeria.
Organised by Tiger Beer, the Tiger Street Football Tournament proved to be more than a sporting contest — it was a powerful celebration of courage, culture, and community.
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Nigerian Football
Tiger Street Football Tournament Heads for Grand Finale in Awka After Electrifying Weekend
The maiden Nigerian edition of the Tiger Street Football Tournament is nearing its climax in Awka, following an action-packed weekend that blended grassroots football with music, street culture, and celebration.
The atmosphere around the venue was electric as DJs and hype men kept the energy high between matches, while food vendors, entertainers, and Tiger Beer enthusiasts turned the event into a full-blown street festival — a vibrant showcase of football, rhythm, and camaraderie.
From 16 teams that began the competition, only four now remain in contention for the ₦5 million grand prize, after thrilling quarterfinal fixtures held on Sunday, October 19.
In a day filled with goals and grit, Sunday Sparks, Peace Warriors, Peace Dominion, and Peace Ambassadors booked their places in the semi-finals.
- Sunday Sparks continued their dominant run with a 3–0 victory over Young Stars. Peace Warriors edged Star Boys 2–1 in a tense contest.
- Peace Dominion narrowly defeated Super Strikers 1–0, while Peace Ambassadors overcame Mgbakwu Pillars 2–1 to complete the semi-final lineup.
The semi-finals are scheduled for Saturday, October 25, where Sunday Sparks will face Peace Warriors, and Peace Dominion will take on Peace Ambassadors. The winners will advance to the grand finale later that same day at the highly anticipated “Tiger Uncaged” celebration.
Football fans in Awka have hailed the tournament as a breath of fresh air for local talent.
“The energy here is unbelievable. It feels like the real spirit of Nigerian football — no big names, just passion,” said Ifeanyi Okeke, a student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
“Kudos to Tiger Beer for bringing something this exciting to Awka. It’s giving young players real hope.”
Another fan, Chisom Udeh, described the event as “a refreshing celebration of local talent.” She added: “You can see the joy on the players’ faces — this is football in its purest form. Tiger Beer really deserves credit for supporting the streets and turning it into something this big.”
The grand finale will take place at Newberries Lounge, Awka, featuring a lively mix of football, music, and street culture. The event will be hosted by Uzor and headlined by Jeriq, with DJ sets from DJ SkyBlisz, DJ Snow, and DJ Kay-Y, alongside performances from Wanni & Handi. Hype men Twix da Jims and Slymshady will keep the crowd charged throughout the evening.
Fans will also have the chance to win exciting prizes in raffle draws during the finale. Organisers have reminded attendees that the event is strictly for persons aged 18 and above and encouraged everyone to enjoy responsibly.
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