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

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Fighting at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Fury delivered a composed and commanding performance to secure his first victory since his second defeat to Oleksandr Usyk in October 2024. That loss had denied the “Gypsy King” a chance to reclaim the WBC title, but he showed no signs of decline in a bout he ultimately controlled from the middle rounds onward.

Makhmudov started brightly, pressing forward aggressively and forcing Fury onto the ropes in the early exchanges. However, the Russian struggled to inflict meaningful damage as Fury gradually imposed his superior ring craft.

Once Fury established his jab and controlled the distance, the fight tilted decisively in his favour. Switching stances with ease, the 37-year-old Briton mixed head and body attacks, punishing Makhmudov whenever he attempted to clinch. As the contest wore on, Fury’s dominance became more pronounced, with the Briton picking his shots and rarely looking troubled.

All three judges scored the 12-round contest comfortably for Fury, returning verdicts of 120-108, 120-108, and 119-109.

But it was what happened after the final bell that electrified the crowd.

With fellow Briton Anthony Joshua watching from ringside, Fury seized the microphone and issued a direct challenge.

“Next, I want to give you the fight you’ve all been waiting for. I want you AJ, Anthony Joshua… the Battle of Britain. I challenge you… do you accept my challenge?” Fury declared.

Joshua, a former unified heavyweight champion, declined to be drawn into an immediate verbal exchange but signalled his willingness to finally settle the rivalry in the ring.

“Tyson, I’ve never had a problem getting in the ring with you,” Joshua responded. “I’ve been chasing you for the last 10 years… when you’re ready, come and see me.”

The exchange has once again fuelled anticipation for what could become the biggest fight in British boxing history, with fans hopeful that negotiations—after years of near misses—can finally deliver the long-awaited showdown between the two heavyweight giants.

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Now the AFCON trophy is something of a thorn in the two countries’ sides.

On Rue Mohamed V, the street where Moroccan vendors are based in the Senegalese capital, a police van is parked.

“The police have been on high alert since the Confederation of African Football (CAF) decided to award the title to Morocco, but there have been no incidents,” a local resident told AFP.

CAF stripped Senegal of its title on March 17, over the team’s angry departure from the pitch after a penalty was awarded to Morocco late in second-half stoppage time.

In a photo the following day, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye was seen in his office with the trophy behind him.

Senegal has lodged an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over the matter, and some fans have meanwhile called for a boycott of Moroccan goods.

On March 18, Dakar called for an international investigation into “allegations of corruption within the CAF leadership” in a statement that sent a chill through Morocco.

“An official (Senegalese) document mentioned corruption. It insinuates that Morocco is the corrupting influence without, of course, any evidence and this could have repercussions,” Morocco’s Aziz Daouda, a track and field official and former athlete, told AFP.

He added that “comments made by certain Senegalese football officials are damaging relations” between the two countries, referring to allegations that Morocco controls CAF.

‘Hostages’ of Morocco
 

One of Senegal’s points of contention is the detention of 18 Senegalese football fans in Morocco for more than two months now.

They were sentenced on February 19 to prison terms ranging from three months to a year for hooliganism.

Minutes before the end of the match, some Senegalese supporters attempted to storm the pitch while Senegal’s players halted the game for nearly 20 minutes in protest of the late penalty to Morocco.

The appeal hearing for the 18 fans was postponed for a second time on Monday until April 13.

Dozens of demonstrators in Dakar called for their release at the end of February, describing them as “hostages” of Morocco.

“One gets the impression that this affair goes beyond the realm of sport and that is regrettable. For two countries that claim to be friends, such as Morocco and Senegal, things should not have come to this,” Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko said in late February, lamenting the supporters’ convictions.

That said, Morocco’s relationship with Senegal is “unique, specific and extraordinary”, Senegal’s Director of Religious Affairs Djim Ousmane Drame said in a recent article.

“Morocco has always been the only (African) country with which diplomatic relations with Senegal are based on an emotional bond and popular appeal, beyond the institutions and bilateral ties,” Bakary Sambe of the Timbuktu Institute think tank told AFP.

Fez, for example, is a favourite destination for many Senegalese Muslim followers of Tidianism, an influential brotherhood in Senegal whose founder, Cheikh Ahmed Tidiane, is buried there.

Moroccan authorities meanwhile made no comment and “preferred not to get involved in this football affair” following the CAF decision, Daouda said.

Business, diplomacy partners
 

In late January in Rabat, Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch spoke of a “natural, lasting” relationship with Senegal where he said Morocco has invested more than $540 million.

Many Moroccan companies operate in Senegal, particularly in the food, pharmaceutical, energy, construction, mining, banking and insurance sectors.

On the international stage, the two countries’ diplomatic views are generally aligned.

Senegalese nationals constitute the largest group of foreign residents in the kingdom (18.4 percent), according to official figures, and a robust student exchange also exists between the two countries.

“There are many of us on both sides trying to calm down all those hotheads from both camps who enjoy spreading irresponsible claims, lots of ‘fake news’ and plenty of insults,” Daouda said.

Former Senegalese foreign minister Cheikh Tidiane Gadio wrote in early February that “a hundred minutes of football will never be able to ruin a thousand years of close ties between Senegal and Morocco”.

-AFP

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Bulging around the shoulder seams was visible on shirts worn by teams including England, France ​and Uruguay during the international window.

International Friendly – England v Uruguay – Wembley Stadium, London, Britain – March 27, 2026 England’s Cole Palmer reacts Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge/File Photo 

A Nike spokesperson told ​The Guardian newspaper that the company had identified a “minor ⁠issue” with the kits, adding that performance was unaffected ​but the “overall aesthetic is not where it needs to be.”

The ​issue is present on both match shirts worn by players and replica versions sold to supporters, according to the BBC, with some fans raising ​concerns.

The American sportswear giant produces kits for a number ​of World Cup teams, including co-hosts the United States and Canada, as ‌well ⁠as Brazil, the Netherlands and Croatia.

The kits have been designed with cooling technology to help players cope with high temperatures expected at the tournament, which kicks off on June 11 ​and is also ​co-hosted by ⁠Mexico.

The issue comes as the struggling company faces questions over its product innovation and works through excess ​inventory after a string of weak earnings.

Chief ​Executive Elliott ⁠Hill has pledged to refocus Nike on core sports, and the company said on Friday it had appointed Andy Caine ⁠as chief ​innovation officer.

Nike did not immediately respond ​to a Reuters request for comment.

-Reuters

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The marathon will remain part of the World Championships in 2027 and 2029, but from 2030 it will have its own championship event.

From 2031, the ​marathon will not be contested at the World Championships.

The new World Marathon Championship will ​be held annually, with men and ​women competing in alternate years, matching the current ‌frequency ⁠of the World Championships marathon.

World Athletics has opened talks with Athens to host the inaugural marathon event.

“We ​are delighted ​to be ⁠exploring the possibility of a standalone World Marathon Championships ​with Athens, the place where ​this ⁠iconic discipline was born,” World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said.

The annual Road ⁠Running ​Championships will continue ​as a separate event under the new roadmap.

-Reuters

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The visitors took the lead at a nervy Emirates through Junior Kroupi, but Mikel Arteta’s men levelled through a Viktor Gyokeres penalty later in the first half.

The Gunners made multiple attacking changes early in the second period but struggled to create clear-cut chances against Andoni Iraola’s enterprising team.

Bournemouth were back in front in the 74th minute after a fluid move finished off by Alex Scott, who rifled the ball past David Raya.

Arsenal pushed for a leveller but slumped to just their second home defeat in the league this season.

“Disappointing. It’s a big punch in the face and it’s about how we react now. They are a team who haven’t lost for 11 games for a reason, they did a lot right,” said Arteta on TNT Sports.

“We were far from efficient. The first chance they had to attack the box, it’s a deflection, a bad defending action and it’s a goal. That’s something we have to recover from.

“The second half you expect a different game. We did a lot of strange things today. We have been very consistent. This can happen, this is football.”

On whether the players are hurting, he added: “A lot. It has to hurt. They have to take it on the chin. You stand up and go for the fight or you’re out.

“It’s a big week. A lot at stake. We’re still in a good position in both competitions.”

With six games to go, Arsenal, chasing their first Premier League title since 2004, are nine points clear of second-placed City.

But Guardiola’s men – who have two games in hand – can close to within three points of the top if they beat Chelsea on Sunday and overcome the Gunners in an Etihad summit meeting next week.

Arsenal came into the match lifted by their last-gasp 1-0 win in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Sporting Lisbon in midweek.

But they were sluggish against a bright Bournemouth team who played the more fluid football in the opening stages.

Iraola’s team took a deserved lead in the 17th minute when Kroupi tapped in from close range after the ball fell to him following a wicked lopping deflection off William Saliba.

The goal followed a well-worked move, with Bournemouth captain Ryan Christie playing a sweetly measured ball into the path of Adrien Truffert, whose cross was deflected into his path by Saliba.

Kroupi, 19, is the first teenager to score 10 goals in his debut Premier League season since Robbie Keane for Coventry City in 1999/2000.

Moments later, Kai Havertz squandered a clear chance to level, putting a header over the bar and the crowd became increasingly edgy as the home side struggled to settle.

But Arsenal were level in the 35th minute when Gyokeres blasted home from the penalty spot after the ball struck Christie’s outstretched hand.

Arteta, who has been criticised for being over-cautious this season, made three attacking changes early in the second half, bringing on Eberechi Eze, 16-year-old Max Dowman and Leandro Trossard for Havertz, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli.

But the changes failed to lift the Gunners, who looked short of attacking ideas beyond long balls to Gyokeres, who fired wide in added time when well placed.

“We showed great personality to play in a big game and a big stadium. I’m very happy for the players,” Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola told BBC Sport.

“We started really well. Physically we sustained the level of the game. We finished strong.

“Defensively apart from the penalty we defended those (set-piece) situations well. We were quite brave. A complete performance.”

Just weeks ago Arsenal were on track for a unique quadruple before defeat to City in the League Cup final and a shock loss to Southampton in the FA Cup.

They remain favourites for the Premier League title but City, with their two games in hand, will travel to Stamford Bridge with renewed hope.

 – AFP

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Carrick’s men have not played for more than three weeks since ‌a 2-2 draw at Bournemouth, but resume their campaign sitting third in the table and looking to strengthen their grip on a Champions League place, buoyed up by improving squad availability as the season heads into a crucial phase.

Mount has played sparingly ​due to injury, and was on the pitch for just a minute of the Bournemouth draw,

“It’s ​great to have Mason back, to miss him so quickly after we came in ⁠and came together,” Carrick told reporters on Saturday.

“He’s obviously had nearly two or three weeks of building up ​and finding his rhythm, finding his sharpness. I think his versatility, is a big strength of his. He ​can play through the middle, he can play midfield, he can play wide and he can do so many different roles.

“We’ve just got to give him the time to get fit again and be patient with that but he’s certainly in a ​good place right now.”

Carrick was undecided on the status of Martinez, who has not played since suffering a ​calf injury in early February.

“It’s just that call that we make,” he said. “We wouldn’t be pushed into anything.

“He’s back training, ‌which is ⁠great, and back on the grass. But we’ve certainly got to make the right decision and make sure he’s ready.”

United are third on 55 points, one point ahead of fourth-placed Aston Villa, but six ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool.

Carrick has overseen a spectacular run since taking charge in January, guiding United to 23 points from a ​possible 30 and restoring ​calm after a turbulent first ⁠half of the season.

With just weeks remaining and the race for the five Champions League places tightening, United know there is little room for complacency.

Monday’s match also ​reignites one of English football’s fiercest rivalries, with Carrick keen for his players ​to embrace the ⁠occasion.

“It’s gone on for an awful long time,” Carrick said. “I think that’s what rivalries are there for, for a really good reason, I think, to be part of, and the intensity and the emotion and the passion that ⁠goes into ​it.

“Obviously, it’s got to keep within the margins but I think ​that’s part of the game we love, going up against other teams… and battling it out on the pitch. So I think ​it’s something that we’ve got to embrace.”

Leeds are 15th in the table.

-Reuters

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The announcement was made in a government statement delivered by Mali’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoulaye Diop, following a high-level meeting with Morocco’s Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita, in Bamako.

According to the statement, the decision came “following a thorough review” of the Western Sahara issue, which Mali said has direct implications for peace and security in the sub-region. As a result, Bamako declared that it no longer recognises the SADR, a self-proclaimed state backed by the Polisario Front.

The visit of Bourita to Mali was undertaken under the directive of King Mohammed VI, reflecting Morocco’s sustained diplomatic push to consolidate support for its position on Western Sahara across Africa.

In a notable policy alignment, Mali expressed its support for Morocco’s autonomy proposal, describing it as “the only serious and credible basis” for resolving the dispute. The Malian government added that granting genuine autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty represents “the most realistic solution” to the conflict.

Mali also reaffirmed its backing for ongoing international efforts to resolve the issue, including initiatives led by the United Nations. It specifically referenced support for the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy and the provisions of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2797 (2025), which addresses the situation in Western Sahara.

The Malian government stated that it would formally communicate its new position to regional and international organisations of which it is a member, as well as to members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Bamako.

Mali’s decision is expected to have wider diplomatic implications within Africa, where countries remain divided over the status of Western Sahara, one of the continent’s most enduring geopolitical disputes.

There is something almost mystical about Nigeria’s encounters with the Jamaican national football team. Across decades, friendly matches and tournament clashes between the Super Eagles and the Reggae Boyz have evolved into more than routine fixtures—they have become stages for beginnings and endings.

As Nigeria prepares for yet another meeting steeped in history, attention has turned to Arthur Okonkwo, the England-born goalkeeper who recently switched allegiance to Nigeria. Should he feature, he would be the latest name added to a long list of players whose Super Eagles journeys either began—or found closure—against Jamaica.

Where Legends Took Their Final Bow

The story dates back memorably to February 22, 1998, in Kingston. That 2-2 draw remains etched in Nigerian football folklore—not just for the result, but for what it symbolised.

Rashidi Yekini, Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer, opened the scoring in the 34th minute. But the game would ultimately mark his final goal for the Super Eagles.

Rashidi Yekini’s final international goal for Nigeria was against Jamaica in 1998

Alongside him, Samson Siasia also found the net—his equaliser in the 77th minute proving to be both his last international goal and his final appearance in national colours.

Samson Siasia scores his final Super Eagles goal—against Jamaica in 1998

That match, rich in sentiment, also quietly ushered in a new generation. Sunday Adu and James Obiorah made their debuts, setting a precedent that has curiously endured.

A Tradition of First Steps

Four years later, when both sides met again at Loftus Road in London, it was James Obiorah who took centre stage. His lone strike secured victory for Nigeria—and fittingly became his last goal for the national team.

Subsequent meetings only deepened the pattern. In Lagos, a fresh wave of players earned their first caps: Peter Ijeh, Joseph Enakhire, Oteghere Igho, Francis Kumbur and Chike Ogugua all debuted in that encounter.

Even in defeat, the tradition held. When Jamaica recorded their only win over Nigeria—a 3-2 triumph—three more players, Samson Godwin, Dixon Dayoatoge and Tony Alagbe, made their first appearances.

Unity Cup: A Theatre of New Heroes

The narrative extended into the Unity Cup. In 2004, a young Obafemi Martins announced himself with a goal on debut against Ireland, even as Nigeria went on to defeat Jamaica 2-0 to claim the trophy.

Debut appearance: Obafemi Martins, Nigeria, Republic of Ireland V Nigeria, The Valley, Charlton, England 29 May 2004 – IMAGO

Five years later, in 2009, it was Michael Eneramo who stepped into the spotlight, albeit briefly, making his debut in the closing minutes of another Nigeria-Jamaica clash.

The revived Unity Cup has continued the tradition in modern times. Igho Ogbu debuted against Ghana in the opening match, while Felix Agu and Benjamin Frederick earned their first caps in the final, once again against Jamaica.

Felix Agu, alongside Benjamin Frederick, makes his debut at the Unity Cup in 2025.

Okonkwo and the Continuation of History

Now, all eyes are on Arthur Okonkwo. His potential debut is more than just a selection decision—it is a continuation of a narrative thread woven through time.

Arthur Okonkwo is poised to continue Nigeria’s Unity Cup debut tradition.

In Nigerian football, certain fixtures carry hidden meanings. And when Jamaica is the opponent, history suggests that something significant is always waiting to happen—whether it is the rise of a new star or the quiet farewell of a legend.

If Okonkwo steps onto the pitch, he will not just be earning his first cap. He will be stepping into a tradition—one that has turned Nigeria versus Jamaica into a symbolic passage between generations.

The 50-year-old coach, ​who led Senegal to ​their maiden Africa Cup of Nations title in 2022, ended ​his short stint ​with the Libyan national team on ‌Wednesday, ⁠after taking charge in March 2025.

“Welcome, Aliou Cisse, head coach of ​the Angola national ​team,” ⁠the FAF said on Facebook. Angola, which ​failed to reach ​this ⁠year’s World Cup, will start their 2027 AFCON ⁠qualifying ​campaign in ​September.

-Reuters

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