Victor Osimhen’s reputation as a feared name in Italian football is something that has earned him respect from defenders that were rated as the best in their time, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Osimhen spent four seasons at Napoli scoring a total of 76 goals with 18 assists in 133 games. He finished as top scorer when he powered Napoli to the league title three years ago.
His exit from the club was controversial bringing about a break down in his relationship with the club and the fan base. He however made his mark on opposition defenders including Giorgio Chiellini.
A reporter asked Chiellini if he would have liked to play up against Osimhen on the field.
“Right now, I couldn’t cope,” he replied, smiling.
“But I would love to mark him for 45 minutes. I was unlucky to face him once late in my career when my physical qualities were limited, and I had to rely more on the mental aspect. He’s a strong player, he attacks the space and has natural hunger within that you don’t see in many players”, he stated.
Fulham have signed Norway winger Oscar Bobb from Manchester City for a reported fee of £27 million ($37 million) .
The 22-year-old has joined Marco Silva’s side on a five-and-a-half-year deal, which reportedly includes a 20 percent sell-on clause.
A graduate of City’s youth academy, Bobb had slipped down the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium after the arrival of Ghana forward Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth earlier in January.
“It feels great to be here. I had a great day meeting everyone and I am very excited,” Bobb told FFCtv.
“I have always known Fulham to be a good club, with good players and a great stadium.”
Bobb sought insight from Norway teammate Sander Berge before the move to Craven Cottage.
“I spoke to Sander, my good friend, and I spoke to the manager and he explained what the system’s like and how the lads are and how the club is. He (Silva) seemed lovely, so it was an easy decision basically,” he said.
Fulham, who visit Manchester United tomorrow, are seventh in the Premier League.
Athletes representing Lagos State at the 22nd National Sports Festival – Gateway Games have begun receiving their cash rewards, following the release of N36.3m approved by the Lagos State Government for medal winners at the Gateway Games held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, in May 2025.
Several athletes confirmed that payments had started hitting their accounts, days after the Lagos State Sports Commission announced that the rewards for medals won at the festival had been cleared by the state government.
Team Lagos finished sixth overall at the Gateway Games, winning a total of 169 medals made up of 38 gold, 43 silver and 88 bronze.
Breakdown of the incentive structure showed that 32 individual gold medallists received N300,000 each, while five gold medallists in doubles events were also paid N300,000 apiece. A gold medal won in a team event attracted N700,000, shared among the athletes involved.
Individual and doubles silver medallists earned N200,000 each, while silver-winning teams shared N500,000. Bronze medallists in individual and doubles events received N150,000 each, while bronze-winning teams were awarded N350,000.
“We started receiving the payments last Friday after we were informed that the funds had been approved,” one of the athletes said on condition of anonymity.
The development comes weeks after Lagos State junior athletes recorded a historic outing at the 2025 National Youth Games in Asaba, where they dethroned hosts Delta State for the first time in the history of the competition. Team Lagos topped the medals table with 110 medals, comprising 52 gold, 32 silver and 26 bronze.
That feat prompted Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to immediately reward the junior athletes, before extending the same gesture to the senior athletes who featured at the National Sports Festival.
Reacting to the development, Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, reaffirmed that the state’s commitment to athletes’ welfare is not a mere policy position.
“We have institutionalised transparency, accountability and dignity in athlete management. This includes the introduction of a digital athlete portal with biometric ID integration, which guarantees that stipends, insurance and welfare support reach the right athletes promptly and without intermediaries,” Fatodu stated.
“In addition, we have deployed a streamlined payment system that ensures allowances are paid directly to athletes at the appropriate time. We have also appointed an Athletes’ Liaison Officer, a former athlete and staff member of the Lagos State Sports Commission, who serves as a direct bridge between competitors and the commission, ensuring that athletes’ concerns are heard and addressed at the highest levels of decision-making.”
Nigeria international forward Ademola Lookman has put a hold on talks on a January transfer move to Turkish side Fenerbahce before the close of the window following interest from Atletico Madrid, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.Super Eagles Merchandise
Lookman already agreed terms on a move to the Turkish side with only a club to club agreement yet to be in place with Atalanta, who are demanding €10 million more from what was offered.
Fenerbahce have however been dealt a cruel blow with Atletico coming into the picture, with a better offer to Atalanta and also matching what they offered to pay in salary.
The offer has now made the 28 year old to put a hold on talks with the Turkish side in line with his desire to stay in mainstream Europe. Talks with the Spanish side is now his priority.
A decision is expected in the coming hours from all involved, but the offer from the Turkish side is still on the table for his consideration despite the offer from Atletico Madrid.
World number one Aryna Sabalenka said it would be “cool” to see Serena Williams return to tennis after the American great refused to rule it out when asked, and instead replied: “I don’t know. I’m just going to see what happens.”
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, a 44-year-old mother-of-two, has not competed since a third-round loss at the 2022 US Open.
But she re-entered the tennis anti-doping testing pool in December, setting off the rumour mill, only to deny that she was making a comeback.
She was questioned about the prospect again on television show “Today” on Wednesday and while not confirming any plans, would also not rule it out.
“I’m just having fun and enjoying my life right now,” Williams said.
Pressed on whether that was a yes or no, she replied: “That’s not a yes or a no. I don’t know, I’m just going to see what happens.”
Asked why she had re-entered the drug-testing programme, Williams said: “Did I re-enter? I didn’t know if I was out. Listen, I can’t discuss this.”
Williams’ sister Venus played at the ongoing Australian Open in Melbourne aged 45 after being handed a wildcard and was knocked out in the first round.
Venus also competed at tournaments in Auckland and Hobart after returning to tennis in July after almost two years away.
Asked about the prospect of Serena returning, Australian Open finalist Sabalenka said she had not spoken to anyone about it.
“I heard that she’s enjoying her life, and whatever makes her happy, I’m happy for her,” she said.
The Belarusian, who is into a fourth straight Melbourne final, added: “If she wants to come back, that’s her decision. It’s going to be fun to see her back on tour.
“She’s got the personality, and she’s a fun one. It will be cool.”
Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, beaten by Sabalenka in their Melbourne semi-final, said it was the first she had heard about it, but said it would be “amazing for the sport”.
“She’s such a great champion and achieved so much, did so much for our sport and been an inspiration for women around the world,” she added.
During the Australian Open, former world number one Jim Courier, now a commentator, noted how onerous it was for athletes to be on the anti-doping testing pool.
Once they are, they need to provide information about where and when they are available to give samples.
They need to complete testing for six months before being allowed to return to competition.
“No person that doesn’t have intentions to play professional tennis is going to put themselves in that list, especially someone who has as much experience doing it as Serena Williams,” Courier said.
“Serena denied (in December) she’s coming back, but I think unless she gets injured there is no doubt she’s going to play somewhere at some point.
“Whether that’s the mixed doubles at the US Open, whether that’s doubles with her sister somewhere, whether it’s singles, only she knows.
“But there’s no other way to interpret that.”
The Williams sisters won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles as a pair and three Olympic gold medals.
Arsenal enter the Premier League weekend clinging to a four‑point lead at the summit, their title advantage reduced after a damaging 3–2 home defeat to Manchester United last Sunday that has raised all-too-familiar fears.
That result, combined with recent draws against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool, has allowed both Manchester City and Aston Villa to close in during a critical stretch of the campaign leading to questions about whether Mikel Arteta’s perennial runners-up might be headed for another collapse.
The Gunners travel to Elland Road tomorrow to face a Leeds United side who have steadily strengthened their survival credentials. Leeds sit 16th but have suffered only two home league defeats all season and are unbeaten in five at Elland Road, scoring in 10 of 11 home games.
Arsenal, meanwhile, arrive on a three‑match winless league run. Their away record has broadly been strong this season, but only two of their last six league matches on the road have been victories. With their lead narrowing, Arteta’s side cannot afford another slip.
Former City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, whose Galatasaray side lost 2-0 to his old team in the Champions League on Wednesday, said he was watching England’s title chase as a fan. He is betting on City.
“I think so yes,” Gundogan said when asked after Wednesday’s game if City can knock Arsenal off their perch. “I think they have the momentum right now and the past has always shown that once they get that momentum it’s very, very difficult to get something out of the games against them.
“They can go for a long winning streak right now. It looks like they have to do that because both teams play at a very high level but that’s why the Premier League is one of the most exciting leagues.
“You have all these teams and it feels like at the moment everyone can get something against everyone. It’s a special league, amazing to watch. I’m following it, it’s exciting but I wish obviously that (City) are able to do it.”
Leeds, meanwhile, are six points above the relegation zone.
Pep Guardiola’s City face an unpredictable Spurs side on Sunday knowing that Arsenal’s result at Elland Road could open the door in the title race.
Second-placed City are level on points with third-placed Aston Villa, and have been buoyed by the January additions of Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi. Prized striker Erling Haaland also finally ended his goal drought on Wednesday with his first from open play in 10 games.
Spurs, who have not won a league game since beating Crystal Palace 1-0 on December 28, are languishing in 14th place.
Liverpool welcome Newcastle United to Anfield tomorrow in a fixture that carries weight for both sides’ ambitions.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool are looking to strengthen their position near the top four after a 3-2 loss at Bournemouth last weekend left them sixth and ended a 13-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
Liverpool thrashed Qarabag 6-0 on Wednesday to secure a last-16 Champions League spot, and Slot said that his team needed to show the same form in their domestic league.
“There was an obvious improvement (from the 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth), but with all respect for the team we faced tonight I expect Newcastle to be a stronger side than Qarabag,” Slot said.
“If we can improve in both boxes it’s going to be very hard for any team to play against us, but showing that once is not enough, we have to show this from now on constantly.”
Liverpool are two points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, while Newcastle are ninth, five points off the top four.
Manchester United host Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday, aiming to extend their impressive unbeaten league run to seven matches.
Michael Carrick has made a perfect start as United’s interim head coach, delivering back‑to‑back statement victories over Manchester City and Arsenal, lifting United firmly into the top‑four battle.
Fulham, however, arrive in strong form themselves, with Marco Silva’s side sitting seventh in the table and having lost just once in their last eight league fixtures.
As preparations for the 2026 edition of the Governor’s Football Tournament, also known as the Prosperity Cup, enter top gear in Bayelsa State, the Central Organizing Committee (COC) of the competition has sent out its technical team to assess the suitability of match venues.
The technical team will be inspecting the proposed match centres to ascertain the condition of the playing turf and how easily accessible the communities are. The technical team will also be conscious of security considerations.
There are a total of 35 proposed match centres across the state with 30 centres scheduled to be selected to mark the 30th anniversary of the state.
According to the schedule of activities unveiled at the Central Organizing Committee meeting held at the Tulip Resort Secretariat of the organisers, on Tuesday, January 27, the official kick-off date of the competition has been scheduled for February 26 to coincide with the presence of technical officials from Spanish football giants, FC Barcelona.
Members of the visiting team from FC Barcelona are expected to join the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri in taking the ceremonial kick-off.
It will be recalled that the organisers of Prosperity Cup, the biggest grassroots football spectacle in the country, recently struck a landmark partnership deal with FC Barcelona through their Netherlands based agents, Whiz-kid Ventures. The deal will see the visiting FC Barcelona technical team conducting a three-day international UEFA-certified coaching clinic for 50 football coaches.
The international coaching clinic is being organized in collaboration with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Sports Development and the Bayelsa State Football Association (BFA) and powered by Abuja-based Sports Marketing firm, Red Sapphire Ltd.
The coach’s training programme, which will be coordinated by Bernat Villa Gorriz, the Technical Director for Africa Project, will be taking the Bayelsa grassroots football coaches through a series of sessions on modern coaching skills and techniques, with particular focus on the methodology and philosophy of the Spanish club.
The FC Barcelona coaching training programme will dovetail into another training to be organized in conjunction with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with the Federation’s Technical Director, Austin Eguavoen as the focal person.
Distribution of kits to the various teams as well as draws for the competition, will be coming up on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
The grand finale of the competition is expected to come up on Saturday, May 9, at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
The visit of the FC Barcelona team will afford them the opportunity to discuss the establishment of a world-class football academy in Bayelsa State.
Other areas of potential collaboration include the training of football administrators, talent identification and placement of discovered talents in schools, academies and clubs to further their development.
Prosperity Cup 2026 is a special edition that is being used to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State and it will also mark the sixth anniversary of Governor Douye Diri’s ‘Assured Prosperity’ Administration.
Champions in the male category of this special “Bayelsa @ 30” edition of the competition will receive the sum of N30 million while runners-up will go home with the sum of N10 million and in the female category, the winners will smile to the bank with the sum of N10 million while the runners-up will be five million Naira richer.
Meanwhile, plans are being intensified for a hitch-free edition of the tournament with a series of capacity building programmes lined up in the coming weeks. These include training programmes for referees, medical personnel, centre coordinators, as well as media practitioners that will cover the tournament.
Two glittering prizes, the highly sought- after Dapo Ojora Cup and the Oba of Lagos Cup, are the star attractions as the first week of the prestigious 2026 NPA/GTCO Lagos International Polo Tournament which galloped -off Tuesday, enters its finale this weekend.
The Dapo Ojora Memorial Cup endowed in the everlasting memory of the former captain of the Lagos Polo Club, will today pitches the Lagos A1- Shoreline team against tournament favourites Lagos STL polo team powered by Seyi Tinubu, in a fierce five chukkas clash that would decide new winners of the prize that is dear to the heart of many polo player across the country.
Lagos Polo Tournament Manager, Usman Dantata (Jnr.) who confirmed the schedule, told NationSports that the Adedapo Ojora prize was introduced by the club in appreciation of the late polo legend who contributed immensely to the promotion of the noble within and outside the shores of Nigeria.
Expectedly, special guests of honours who are regular visitors of the foremost Lagos polo tournament, will lead other top dignitaries and family members of the late legend fondly called “Baba Polo” within the polo circle to give out prizes to the winners and runners-up.
Meanwhile, the traditional Oba of Lagos Cup is slated for tomorrow with the Special Guest of Honour, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, expected to witness the grand event with his entire Traditional Council members.
The battle for the royal crown of Lagos promises to be a fierce confrontation as the third place and the fourth-place teams in the event’s second biggest prize, the Chapel Hill Denham Cup, tops the list of laurels to be given out in the opening week.
True to its tradition the Lagos grand polo festival that attracts over thirty teams from across the country, has for over a century been a celebration of sporting excellence, heritage and global culture.
Lagos Polo Club President, Adeyemo Alakija who confirmed this much, stated that as Nigeria continues to assert itself on the global stage, the 2026 Lagos international polo tournament would continue to reflect a broader narrative; one of tradition meeting modernity, sports intersecting with culture and Lagos polo positioning itself as the cosmopolitan capital of African polo.
In a related development, the final of the Chapel Hill Denham Open Cup that attracted four teams from across the country, will on Sunday, bring down the curtain on the first week of the tournament that is spread over three weeks of bumper-to-bumper polo actions.
The Lagos Polo Festival continue next week with fierce contest for its biggest prize, the Majekodunmi Cup as three teams, Lagos STL, Shoreline A1 and Lagos Chasqui 2.0, all fortified with foreign professionals and intimidating horse power, bracing for epic polo battles.
In a sport where sprinters often steal the spotlight, Ruqqayah Kemi Mustapha is forging her own path in the quiet, gritty corners of Nigerian athletics, reports DAVID BOLARINWA…
At the 2025 AFN Trials in Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, Ruqqayah Kemi Mustapha stood her ground among the nation’s best, clinching third place in discus and finishing fifth in shot-put—a testament to her growing presence in a field that rarely gets its due.
Discus and shot-put are not the glamour events of Nigerian track and field. They are seldom televised, rarely celebrated and often pushed to the margins.
But for Kemi, these heavy implements have become her voice—the instruments through which she tells a story of perseverance, purpose, and an unwavering pursuit of greatness.
“I started athletics in high school. At first, I was running, but it just didn’t feel like me,” she said of her humble beginning.“ I naturally gravitated toward throws. There was something about the way it demanded control, power, and focus. It clicked.”
She wasn’t always confident in her choice. In a system that prizes sprinters and long jumpers, choosing the throws felt like choosing the shadows. But a sharp-eyed coach saw her potential early on and nudged her toward the circle. That push would shape her life.
“He believed in me before I even believed in myself,” she recalled.
Her earliest competitions were at school inter-house sports and local meets. Still, the road wasn’t smooth. Equipment was often improvised. Sometimes, there were no throwing implements to train with—just the sheer will to get better.
The turning point came at the National Sports Festival in Benin City. Kemi wasn’t the favourite going into the competition, but she stunned many by clinching a medal.
“Winning there showed me this wasn’t just a hobby. I realized I had what it takes to go professional,” she volunteered.
That moment of realization set her on a path of disciplined routines and sacrifices. She trained tirelessly, juggled school, life, and competition, and slowly climbed the national rankings.
But medals aren’t the only things Kemi collects. Each competition, win or lose, teaches her something.
“The last trials were eye-opening. I wasn’t satisfied with my discus throw. I knew I could do better. It reminded me that consistency and refining technique matter more than raw strength.”
For Kemi, the journey is deeply personal, but also painfully reflective of the systemic gaps in Nigeria’s athletics structure. As a female athlete in a less-publicized field event, she battles both internal and external challenges.
“People don’t really notice us,” she said. “We’re working just as hard, training just as long, but the spotlight hardly comes our way.”
Facilities are another pain point. While some centres are improving, many remain under-equipped.
Coaching is often sparse and underfunded. Access to modern throwing equipment or proper gym setups is not guaranteed.
“There are still gaps,” she noted. “We need better facilities and more specialized coaching to truly grow.”
But the hurdles don’t end on the field. Balancing athletics with personal life is a silent battle. With little financial backing or structured sponsorships, many athletes like Kemi train without certainty—hoping their sacrifices will someday pay off.
“My biggest strength is mental toughness,” she firmly said. “Even when the odds are against me, I find a way to push through.”
She credited her support system—family, teammates, and especially her coach—for keeping her grounded. They’ve been there through injuries, bad performances, and the silent seasons when no medals came.
She offered: “On tough days, I just remember why I started. I set small goals, focus on progress, and remind myself that every step counts.”
Her short-term goal is simple: improve her personal bests. But the dream? That’s much bigger.
“I want to compete at the Olympics. I want to win a medal. I want to break national records in both discus and shot-put.”
Though she’s still on her way up, Kemi is already becoming a beacon for younger athletes—especially girls who want to break stereotypes.
“There’s a perception that throws aren’t ‘feminine’ or that women can’t excel in them. I want to change that,” she said. “I want girls to see me and believe they can be powerful, technical, and successful—even if it’s not the popular choice.”
She draws her own inspiration from legends and current greats.
“Sandra Perković is incredible. I also admire Cici, Ashley Anumba, and Princess Kara. Locally, my teammates motivate me—they’re all fighters,” she explained.
Optimistic about the months ahead, she sets her sights on steady growth and consistency ahead of a busy athletics calendar.
“The season is just starting, so my focus is on staying healthy and making significant progress throughout the year,” she said.
“There are several global and continental competitions lined up this season, and I’m working hard with the hope of featuring in them. It’s all about preparation, discipline, and taking it one step at a time. Fingers crossed for a strong and rewarding season.”
Meanwhile, Ruqqayah Kemi has called on the government to assist Nigerian athletes in order to compete well against the rest of the world: “Fund us. Support female throwers, create a development pipeline, we have so much raw talent just waiting for the right opportunity.
“There are girls out there with the strength, skill, and passion to become champions, but they don’t even know it yet because no one is investing in them. We need access to proper coaching, equipment, nutrition, and international exposure. If we get the same support that’s given to other events, you’ll see that Nigeria can dominate in throws too. We’re not asking for special treatment—just a fair chance to rise.”
Yet, she spoke candidly on what she wants is to leave behind as her legacy.
“I’d love to be remembered as a trailblazer for female throwers in Nigeria. I want my journey to inspire young girls—especially those who feel overlooked—to step forward and try. I want to show that you can come from nothing, choose your own path, and still rise.”
The Nigeria Premier Football League has endured years of criticism, scepticism, and outright dismissal. Yet beneath the noise, structural changes are beginning to take shape. But NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye laid bare the challenges as well as the drive behind the league’s slow but deliberate rebuild, writes TUNDE LIADI.
“What next for the Nigerian league?” is a question that has echoed for years, often framed in doubt and frustration.
For the Nigeria Premier Football League Chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye, the answer begins with honesty — and shared responsibility.
“One thing with us in Nigeria,” Elegbeleye observed in a lively conversation with veteran journalist , Mitchel Obi on his Sports Salsa. “Whatever you are doing that is positive, some will not like to see the good side of it.
“They always want to find a way to destroy what is happening in the local scene,” he noted.
Despite amid persistent criticism, the NPFL chairman finds encouragement in shifting public perception.
“I am grateful to God that Nigerians are seeing the good side of what we are doing,” he said. “It is the most important thing.”
Elegbeleye’s vision for the NPFL is rooted in patience and realism. He is under no illusion about the gulf between Nigeria and Europe, but he insists that progress — however gradual — must be protected. “We want to do something that Nigerians will appreciate with the league we are running,” he explained, “not just now, but in the immediate and in the long run.”
For him, building a competitive league is a journey, not an event.
“The league that is capable of competing with the best in the world — you don’t get that overnight,” Elegbeleye stressed. “You just have to gradually find a way to navigate yourself away from the problems associated with the league and make progress.”
One of the most tangible symbols of that progress is the league’s return to television. After years in the shadows, NPFL matches are now broadcast free-to-air, a development Elegbeleye believes changes everything. “We are now fully on television,” he said. “Not just on television, but free to air too.”
While acknowledging the gap between Nigeria and elite European leagues, he remains firm in his resolve. “We can’t reach European standards overnight, but we have moved forward from where we used to be — and there is no going back.”
He also addressed the relationship between the domestic league and the national team, insisting that local football must be visible to national coaches. “A national team coach must be able to attend local matches,” he said. “We cannot force a coach to take any player, but we know we have players in the local league who can compete with their foreign professionals.”
On Super Eagles coach Eric Sekou Chelle, Elegbeleye struck a conciliatory tone. “I may not blame the coach,” he admitted. “He came in when we were preparing for both World Cup qualifiers and AFCON. He met a team on ground and there was no ample time for him to go around to search for local players.”
Also, officiating remains one of the most sensitive talking points in Nigerian football, but Elegbeleye is keen to strip the debate of emotion and place it in global context.
“Officiating is a global problem,” he stated plainly. “It is not peculiar to Nigeria alone.”
While referees are products of the Nigeria Football Federation, Elegbeleye insists the NPFL is not helpless. “We as league operators have reasons and the ability to tell the referee appointment coordinator that we identify some referees not to be okay,” he revealed — adding that the NFF has been fully cooperative. “They always accept. The NFF is 100 percent with us in this.”
He acknowledges that not all controversial decisions are born of malice. “Some of the complaints about officiating are human errors,” Elegbeleye said, while stressing that standard have improved. “If you see the level of officiating at the AFCON, you will know ours have improved.”
With the return of live broadcasts, scrutiny has intensified — and the chairman welcomes it. “Now that television is back, the referees should know that they must improve,” he warned. “They are now in the eye of the world.”
Structural upgrades are already in place. “Unlike before, referees now have communication gadgets,” Elegbeleye noted, praising the current NFF board. “I must give kudos to them — it was through the board that we got the communication gadgets for the match officials.”
Looking ahead, the NPFL is considering a major technological leap. “Next season, we shall think of moving to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR),” he disclosed, while urging caution. “People must be trained on how to operate the VAR machines.”
Infrastructure is another pressing concern. While stadiums were approved at the start of the season, Elegbeleye confirms that adjustments are coming.
“During the course of the season, there may be adjustments,” he said, including “banishing clubs to pitches that are more football-friendly.” He added pointedly, “We shall do something about stadiums with bad pitches in the next few days.”
Beyond governance and facilities, financial growth remains a quiet but powerful marker of progress.
Elegbeleye highlighted the steady rise in prize money: “When we started, Enyimba got ₦100 million. Rangers got ₦150 million. Last season, Remo Stars received ₦200 million.”
While further increases are hoped for, stability remains the focus. “We hope to increase it again this season,” he said, “but we may still stay at where we currently are.”
