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Tag: NPFL

  • NPFL: Remo Stars beat Kun Khalifat 2-1 in Aba

    NPFL: Remo Stars beat Kun Khalifat 2-1 in Aba

    Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri on Monday, lost 1-2 to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) reigning champions, Remo Stars FC of Ogun, in the match day two played inside Enyimba Stadium, Aba in Abia.

    Khalifat took the lead in the 12th minute through Henry Ezeonye from a spot kick when he was being fouled by the goalkeeper, Sahbiru Abiola.

    Ibrahim Abubakar equalised the game for Remo Stars after the break on the 68th minute with a header to give the visitors a lifeline.

    Remo Stars turned the game on Khalifat head on the 78th minute as Nicholas Samson made it 2-1 for the league defending champions, from a goal mouth scramble.

    Remo Assistant Coach, Sulaiman Kamil, said it would be hard for his team to lose a match on a good pitch because the team built the ball from the back.

    “We always stick to our game plan for each match and are all out to win each match, be it against Enyimba or any other team.

    “Remo Stars FC has a good structure and that is what has been sustaining us every season and we are determined to keep wining matches,” Kamil said.

    Kun Khalifat coach, Obinna Ozoho, said the day was not favourable to his team and believed they have a lot to do and learn in the course of the league.

    “First of all, we are going home to work on our cohesion, which was the major set back we have in the match against Remo Stars.

    “I believe we can still come good in the league because it is a marathon and every team cannot play like Remo Stars,” he said.

    NAN reports that the result pushed Remo Stars to fouth position with four points and down Kun Khalifat to 14th with a point after two matches.

  • NPFL: Enyimba pip Niger Tornadoes 1-0 in Aba

    NPFL: Enyimba pip Niger Tornadoes 1-0 in Aba

    Enyimba International FC of Aba defeated visiting Niger Tornadoes FC of Minna 1-0 on Sunday during the ongoing Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match day two at Enyimba FC stadium, Aba.

    Joseph Abiodun scored the only goal in the 4th minute, bringing joy to the home fans.

    In spite of many missed chances by both teams, the hosts missed more opportunities to increase the lead.

    Enyimba Coach Stanley Eguma said in a post-match interview that he wished his team had scored more goals to boost their confidence ahead of the season’s upcoming matches.

    “We played well but were not at our best converting chances.

    “Against free-scoring teams, this could have been costly. The league is just starting, so we must improve in training,” Eguma said.

    Niger Tornadoes Coach Majin Mohamed, explained that fatigue from their long journey to Aba affected his team’s performance in the match against Enyimba on Sunday.

    “This was our second match this season, and the long trips from Ilorin to Minna and then to Aba took a toll.

    “I hope our stadium will soon be ready to host home matches,” Mohamed said.

    NAN reports that the result moved Enyimba up to fifth place in the league standings, while Niger Tornadoes remained in eighth position after two matches.

    Meanwhile, Enyimba FC management unveiled some newly signed players to the enthusiastic home fans who attended the match in large numbers at the stadium.

    The club also introduced Nigerian businessman, entertainer, philanthropist, and CEO of Obi Cubana, Obinna Iyiegbu, known as “Obi Cubana,” to the cheering fans during the event.

  • NPFL: Pillars, Wikki tourists share points in Kano

    NPFL: Pillars, Wikki tourists share points in Kano

    Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi on Sunday forced Kano Pillars FC to a 1-1 draw in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 2 encounter at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.

    Wikki Tourists took the lead in the 12th minute through Abubakar, who capitalised on a defensive error to score the opener.

    The hosts responded just before halftime, as Mustapha Umar levelled matters in the 45th minute with a powerful strike that sent the home fans into jubilation.

    Both teams created scoring opportunities in the second half, but strong defending and poor finishing ensured the scoreline remained unchanged until the final whistle.

    Kano Pillars’ coach, Evans Ogenyi, expressed satisfaction with his team’s fighting spirit in spite of the early setback.

    “We conceded early, but that’s football. We came back strongly. We will improve our finishing because we could have taken all three points.

    “The team is almost new, with many fresh players still trying to blend. After some games, everything will be fine,” Ogenyi said.

    He assured that his side would target maximum points in their next away fixture against Katsina United.

    Wikki Tourists’ coach, Abdu Maikaba, also hailed his players for their resilience.

    “It is not easy to come to Kano and take a point. We are building confidence and will keep improving as the season goes on,” he said.

    NAN reports Kano Pillars will next face Katsina United on Sunday.

  • NPFL lifts ban on goalkeeper Adeyinka

    NPFL lifts ban on goalkeeper Adeyinka

    The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has lifted the suspension on goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka, allowing him to register with any club of his choice, pending further investigation into betting allegations.

    The league body announced the decision in a statement signed by its Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, and made available on Thursday in Abuja.

    Adeyinka, one of the most experienced goalkeepers in the domestic league, is now free to sign with any club ahead of the 2025/2026 NPFL season.

    The Plateau United FC goalkeeper had been provisionally suspended in July following allegations of involvement in betting activities, pending the outcome of an inquest by the NPFL integrity unit.

    The NPFL said Adeyinka honoured its invitation to the inquest and provided full cooperation during the investigation, which influenced the decision to lift his suspension.

    “We wish to compliment you for honouring the invitation to attend the NPFL inquest on alleged betting involvement and thank you for your cooperation,” the statement said.

    It added that while Adeyinka had been cleared to continue his career, investigations into the broader case remained ongoing, with other individuals set to be invited.

    “The information received from the inquest, coupled with our investigative findings, has necessitated further inquiry,” the statement continued.

    “All those mentioned to be involved, one way or another, in unravelling this matter will be invited as the investigation continues.”

    “However, for the benefit of fair hearing and not to put your career in jeopardy, the suspension placed on your registration in the NPFL has been lifted.”

    “You are free to register for any club of your choice. We thank you for your prompt response and cooperation,” the NPFL stated.

    The league body reiterated its commitment to upholding integrity and transparency in Nigerian football, pledging to pursue the matter thoroughly without compromising on fairness.

    NAN

  • NPFL: New comers Kun Khalifat holds Rangers in Enugu

    NPFL: New comers Kun Khalifat holds Rangers in Enugu

    Rangers International Football Club of Enugu on Sunday played out a goalless draw with newly promoted Kun Khalifat football club of Owerri.

    The match was the day one of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

    The match, played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu saw the home team making incursions into the vital area of the visitors.

    However, poor marksmanship and the resilience of Kun Khalifat players ensured that the flying antelopes did not get the curtain raser.

    On resumption of the second half,  Rangers continued to making incursions  into the opponents area but failed to make any impact.

    The visitors also came close to scoring on two, three occasions but did not get the cutting raiser thereby ending the match on a barren draw.

    NAN reports that the Owerri- based team just got promoted to the NPFL last season.

    Speaking at the post match news conference, Fidelis Illechukwu, Coach of Rangers said that the team will blend with time.

    “This is just the first match and I am optimistic that when we play five, six games, we will get to where we want to be, ” he said.

    Coach of Kun Khalifat FC , Obinna Uzoho on his part, praised his team for playing to instructions.

    “My team played to instructions and I am happy for the boys, ” he said.

  • NPFL: Ikorodu keeper denied us deserved win – Kwara United coach

    NPFL: Ikorodu keeper denied us deserved win – Kwara United coach

    Kwara United Coach, Tunde Sanni, says Ikorodu City goalkeeper, Micheal Atata, denied his team a deserved victory in their opening match of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL),

    NAN reports that the match ended in a goalless draw in Ilorin.

    Sanni made the remark on Sunday after the stalemate between Kwara United and Ikorodu City at the Rashidi Yekini Main Bowl, George Innih Stadium, Ilorin.

    He described the encounter as “not a bad game,” but insisted that his side created enough chances to win.

    ”It was not a bad game. Ikorodu were lucky not to have conceded at least three goals because their goalkeeper saved them today.

    ”We deserved to win but their goalkeeper denied us today. We will bounce back,” he assured.

    The Assistant Captain, Kabiru Mohammed also expressed disappointment with the result, noting that a single point was not part of the team’s plan.

    ”Sharing the points was not our intention. We will improve and make sure we convert our chances from the next game,” he assured.

    The game was marred by injuries, as Akanni Akeem and Saheed Olaniyi were both stretchered off after sustaining knocks.

    Kwara United midfielder, Shola Abdulraheem, tested Ikorodu’s goalkeeper on three occasions, but Atata stood firm with brilliant saves to keep his side in the game.

    NAN further reports that Kwara United will next travel to Port Harcourt for a Matchday 2 clash against Rivers United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Saturday

  • 12 indigenous players join Katsina United FC

    12 indigenous players join Katsina United FC

    The Management of Katsina United Football Club, has approved the inclusion of 12 indigenous players in the club’s senior team.

    The Club Chairman/Supervising Coordinator, Alhaji Surajo Umar-Dalibi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Katsina on Thursday.

    The shortlisted players are: Musa Sulaiman, Nura Dan-Megi, Abubakar Mohamed (Tatu), Kabir Muhammed-Kabir, Ahmed Nasir and Usman Abdullahi.

    Others are Abubakar Hassan, Yusuf Ibrahim-Hassan, Umar Yusuf, Abubakar Maiwada, Yusuf Abdulmumini and also Muhammad Sulaiman.

    According to him, the players are expected to report to the club training ground at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium Complex for the training session.

    Congratulating the new players, Umar-Dalibi charged them to be dedicated, disciplined and exhibit sportsmanship for them to excel.

    NAN recalls that in June, the club invited 41 indigenous players for screening into the club ahead of the upcoming 2025/2026 NPFL season.

  • Results of Match Day 38 fixtures in 2024/2025 NPFL

    Results of Match Day 38 fixtures in 2024/2025 NPFL

    The following are the results of Match Day 38 fixtures played on Sunday in the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL),

    Ikorodu City FC 3-2 Abia Warriors FC

    Katsina United FC  1-0 Kwara United FC

    Rivers United FC 2-1 Nasarawa United FC

    Niger Tornadoes FC 3-2 Kano Pillars FC

    Bayelsa United FC 3-0 Remo Stars FC

    Heartland FC 2-1 Akwa United FC

    Shooting Stars FC 5-1 Enugu Rangers International

    El-Kanemi Warriors FC 1-0 Sunshine Stars FC

    Enyimba International FC 0-1 Plateau United FC

    Lobi Stars FC 2-1 Bendel Insurance FC

  • Two away wins headline NPFL’s Matchday 30 as 3SC whip Tornadoes

    Two away wins headline NPFL’s Matchday 30 as 3SC whip Tornadoes

    Abia Warriors Football Club and Akwa United FC on Sunday secured away victories to change the complexion of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table after Matchday 30 fixtures.

    The two away wins ensured big changes on the league table even as they never affected leaders Remo Stars FC of Ikenne and bottom-spot side Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi .

    The Lobi Stars versus Remo Stars’ fixture postponed, both the top and 20th positions were in tact.

    This was after five wins and one draw in Sunday’s six matches, with three wins recorded on Friday and Saturday in the two days’ fixtures.

    The Uyo-based Akwa United were 19th with 31 points before Sunday, but they won 2-0 at Kwara United FC in Ilorin on Sunday.

    The win helped them to jump to 17th with 34 points from 30 matches.

    Umuahia-based Abia Warriors were 1-0 winners after crossing their state boundary to Owerri against hosts Heartland FC, moving from 44 points at fifth place to 47 points for third place.

    Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan also moved up from sixth to fourth with 46 points after beating visiting Niger Tornadoes FC of Minna 3-1 at the Lekan Salami Stadium.

    Ayodeji Bamidele gave the hosts the lead in the 38th minute with a thumping header at the far side following a William Ukeme corner-kick from the right side.

    Five minutes later, Anthony Okachi doubled their lead from the penalty kick spot after following an infringement on a teammate.

    Sundays Williams reduced the tally in the 66th minute to give the visitors some hope of a draw.

    But Samuel Okon curled in a free-kick from about 25 metres out at the right side in the 79th minute to extinguish the visitors’ hopes and secure their lead.

    It was a first win in seven matches for the hosts.

    Rangers International FC of Enugu dropped from third to fifth after their 0-1 loss to hosts Nasarawa United of Lafia.

    Ikorodu City FC of Lagos also dropped from fourth to sixth after losing 0-1 to hosts Rivers United.

    The Port Harcourt side’s 0-1 win cemented their place in second spot to keep them five points ahead of third-placed Abia Warriors.

    But it could only cut the gap between them and leaders Remo Stars to five points, even though the latter now has a game in hand.

    Enyimba International could only draw 1-1 with visiting Bayelsa United of Yenagoa in Aba, dropping to eighth place as a result with 43 points.

    Bendel Insurance of Benin had meanwhile moved up to seventh after beating visiting Sunshine Stars of Akure 1-0.

    El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri dropped to 11th after losing 0-3 to hosts Katsina United.

    NAN reports that Matchday 31 will return the league to midweek with the fixtures slated for Wednesday and Thursday as a result of the upcoming holidays.

  • NPFL: Nasarawa Utd stun Rangers

    NPFL: Nasarawa Utd stun Rangers

    Nasarawa United Football Club pulled off a stunning 1-0 victory against third-placed Rangers International Football Club in a thrilling Matchday 30 fixture of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

    The highly anticipated match, played behind closed doors at the Lafia Township Stadium on Friday, saw the home team seize the initiative, boosting their chances of escaping relegation.

    The decisive moment came in the 89th minute when Kabir Balogun calmly converted a penalty, sealing a crucial win for the Lafia-based side.

    This upset lifted Nasarawa United out of the relegation zone, moving them to 15th place on the NPFL table with 36 points.

    In spite of the loss, Rangers international remain in third place with 45 points.

    In a post-match interview, Nasarawa United’s head coach, Yusuf Salisu, admitted his team had been under pressure due to their precarious league position but was pleased with the result.

    He emphassed the importance of maintaining momentum in the remaining matches of the season.

    On the other hand, Rangers’ coach, Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu, acknowledged his team’s efforts but lamented the loss.

    He said that they had moved past the defeat and would focus on upcoming fixtures to strengthen their title hopes.