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Category: Sports

  • NPFL: Insurance stake nine-game unbeaten run against Shooting Stars

    NPFL: Insurance stake nine-game unbeaten run against Shooting Stars

    As the race for continental places and survival intensifies, Matchday 22 of the Nigeria Premier Football League arrives with defining fixtures that could recharge the title race . From Ibadan to Umuahia and Enugu, traditional heavyweights and ambitious contenders collide in a weekend that promises drama, writes TUNDE LIADI…

    With the second stanza of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League now firmly underway, Matchday 22 takes centre stage with mouth-watering fixtures across the country. The standout attraction is the clash in Ibadan where Shooting Stars face an in-form Bendel Insurance side riding a nine-game unbeaten run. Elsewhere, Abia Warriors host Nasarawa United in a top-four showdown, while Rangers International welcome a resurgent Warri Wolves in Enugu.

    At the Lekan Salami Stadium, Shooting Stars have plenty to ponder as they attempt to halt Bendel Insurance’s relentless surge. The Oluyole Warriors have struggled for consistency in recent weeks and slipped to seventh place with 32 points following a 2–0 defeat to Bayelsa United last weekend. That result saw them drop from fourth, highlighting their uneven form.

    In contrast, Kennedy Boboye’s Bendel Insurance are gathering momentum at just the right time. The Benin Arsenal sit sixth on the same 32 points but boast three consecutive away victories and seven wins from their last nine matches. Avoiding defeat in Ibadan would further underline their ambition of breaking into the top three and sustaining their remarkable run.

    Read Also: African Futsal body unveils ambitious plans for 2026

    In Umuahia, Abia Warriors and Nasarawa United square off in one of the weekend’s most consequential encounters. Second-placed Abia Warriors (37 points) host fourth-placed Nasarawa United (35 points) in a fixture loaded with recent history. The Solid Miners earned a draw in Umuahia last season and edged the Umuchineke Boys earlier in the campaign, but Abia Warriors come into this clash unbeaten in their last six games.

    With league leaders Rivers United absent from domestic action due to their CAF Champions League engagement in Zambia, Abia Warriors know victory could cut the gap at the summit to a single point. Nasarawa United, meanwhile, arrive buoyed by a morale-boosting 2–1 home win over Niger Tornadoes that snapped a four-game winless streak, and will be eager to test their credentials on the road.

    Enugu also promises fireworks as Rangers International host Warri Wolves at the Cathedral. The Flying Antelopes are unbeaten in their last two games and claimed a vital away win against Kun Khalifat in their most recent outing. Fifth on the log with 33 points, Rangers could climb as high as third depending on results elsewhere, with both Ikorodu City and Nasarawa United facing tricky away fixtures.

    Warri Wolves, however, are no pushovers. Eighth on the table with 30 points, the Seasiders have shown clear signs of revival, going unbeaten in their last three matches, including back-to-back wins over Wikki Tourists and Katsina United. With four away victories already this season, they will fancy their chances of springing a surprise in Enugu.

    In Maiduguri, El Kanemi Warriors host Ikorodu City in a fixture with contrasting motivations. El Kanemi are keen to bounce back from a narrow 1–0 loss to Plateau United, while Ikorodu City arrive full of confidence after edging Kwara United to maintain third place with 35 points.

    Elsewhere, Remo Stars begin life at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan as they welcome Kun Khalifat, while Wikki Tourists take on Kano Pillars in Bauchi. Katsina United host Plateau United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Niger Tornadoes battle Enyimba in Minna, and Barau FC will test their resurgence against Bayelsa United.

    NPFL MATCHDAY 22 FIXTURES

    El-Kanemi vs. Ikorodu City

    Remo Stars vs. Khalifat FC

    Shooting Stars vs.  Insurance

    Wikki  vs.  Kano Pillars

    Rangers vs. Warri Wolves

    Katsina Utd vs. Plateau Utd

    Kwara Utd vs. Rivers United

    Abia Warriors vs. Nasarawa

    Tornadoes vs. Enyimba

    Barau FC vs. Bayelsa United

  • Simeone: Osimhen is very strong, fast 

    Simeone: Osimhen is very strong, fast 

    Atletico Madrid head coach Diego Simeone has expressed his admiration for Victor Osimhen.

    Osimhen was in action against Simeone’s side in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.  The keenly contested encounter ended in a 1-1 draw. Though the Nigerian striker failed to get on the score sheet, he still earned Simeone’s respect. “Osimhen is very strong; he has always been like that in the air physically. He is very fast and very important for his team, so he is a very good footballer,” Simeone was quoted by Esto Es Atleti.            

    Read Also: Osimhen targets Man  City’s scalp after Atletico draw

     The 27-year-old has scored six times in five outings in the Champions League this season. He has contributed six more goals in 12 league appearances.

  • Osayi-Samuel gets Birmingham thumb up for AFCON performance

    Osayi-Samuel gets Birmingham thumb up for AFCON performance

    Birmingham City head coach, Chris Davies has thumbed up Bright Osayi-Samuel’s performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.      

     Osayi-Samuel made six appearances for Nigeria in Morocco. The right-back was particularly outstanding in Nigeria’s quarter-final victory over the Desert Foxes of Algeria, and last four defeat to hosts Morocco.           

    The defender returned to England early this week after helping Nigeria finish third in the competition. Davies is delighted to have Osayi-Samuel back in the team.

    Read Also: African Futsal body unveils ambitious plans for 2026

    “He’s back, which is great news, and congratulations to him for his performances and Nigeria’s in the tournament,” Davies told reporters.                       

    The former Fenerbahce star is in contention to face Stoke City on Saturday.

  • Obasogie donates N500,000 AFCON bonus to NPFL players

    Obasogie donates N500,000 AFCON bonus to NPFL players

    Allnigeriasoccer.com has been told that Super Eagles goalkeeper Amas Obasogie has donated ₦500,000 (approximately $350) from his Africa Cup of Nations bonuses to support elite goalkeepers competing in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). The contribution was made  to assist goalkeepers active in the domestic league.

    Read Also: Osimhen targets Man  City’s scalp after Atletico draw

    Obasogie, who currently plays for Tanzanian side Singida Black Stars, has continued to maintain strong ties with Nigerian football despite plying his trade abroad.

    The Benin City-born goalkeeper previously featured in the NPFL with Bendel Insurance, where he established himself as one of the league’s consistent performers.

  • Osimhen targets Man  City’s scalp after Atletico draw

    Osimhen targets Man  City’s scalp after Atletico draw

    Pushes for Lookman, Onyedika reunion at Galatasaray

    Super Eagles attacker, Victor Osimhen believes Galatasaray’s hard-fought Champions League draw against Atletico Madrid has strengthened the team’s belief as they prepare for even tougher European nights ahead against Manchester City at the Etihad next week.

    The Turkish giants showed character after going behind early, matching Diego Simeone’s battle-hardened side in intensity and quality across the contest. For Osimhen, the result was less about the scoreline and more about the statement Galatasaray made against elite opposition.

    The Super Eagles striker stressed that the encounter underlined his side’s ability to compete at the highest level, noting that Galatasaray created enough chances to tilt the game in their favour. He described the clash as evenly balanced and a confidence booster for the squad’s Champions League ambitions.

    Looking ahead to a looming showdown with Manchester City next week in Manchester, Osimhen urged calm and focus, insisting that the team must first take care of domestic responsibilities before shifting attention to Europe’s reigning powerhouse.

    Read Also: Mikel berates  NFF on Super Eagles’ preps for AFCON 2025

    While acknowledging City’s quality, he expressed confidence that Galatasaray can rise to the occasion if they reproduce the hunger and togetherness shown against Atletico. Meanwhile,  Osimhen has openly admitted that he would welcome the arrival of fellow Super Eagles teammates, Ademola Lookman and Raphael Onyedika at Galatasaray, highlighting his growing influence within the club.

    The striker revealed that he has shared his positive experiences in Istanbul with Lookman, painting a picture of a club driven by passion, ambition and a deeply committed fanbase.

    Osimhen believes their presence would further strengthen Galatasaray’s squad and elevate its profile on the European stage.

    While acknowledging that transfer decisions ultimately rest with the players, Osimhen maintained that Galatasaray represents an ideal environment for Nigerian talents seeking both competitiveness and a sense of belonging. He described the potential signings as a win for the club, supporters and dressing room alike.

  • African Futsal body unveils ambitious plans for 2026

    African Futsal body unveils ambitious plans for 2026

    The Association Africaine de Futsal (AAF) has unveiled an ambitious lineup of tournaments and development programmes for 2026, as it intensifies efforts to grow futsal across Africa and position the continent as a global force in the sport.

    The plans were disclosed during a press conference, where AAF Publicity Secretary, Edewor Oputa, outlined a packed calendar featuring youth competitions, school tournaments and international appearances.

    According to Oputa, the year will kick off with the AAF Under-17 Futsal International Tournament in Kenya, which will showcase some of Africa’s brightest young talents.

    “We are thrilled to kick off the year with our Under-17 Futsal International Tournament in Kenya, which will feature some of the best young talent from across the continent,” Oputa said.

    “This is just the beginning of an exciting journey,” Oputa added.

    He revealed that the continental body will also participate in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, where futsal will feature as a side event, while Togo will host the maiden African Futsal Inter-School Tournament later in the year.

    Read Also: NFF, Osimhen, Iwobi paid emotional tributes to Troost-Ekong

    “As we prepare to take part in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and host our inaugural African Futsal Inter-School Tournament in Togo, our focus remains on building a strong foundation for the sport,” he added.

    In a major boost to development efforts, Oputa announced that Brazilian futsal icon Falcao will tour three African countries in March this year, mentoring young players and sharing his vast experience.

    “We are committed to developing futsal in primary and secondary schools, as well as tertiary institutions and football clubs throughout Africa.

    “Our goal is to build African futsal to a global level by 2035,’Oputa stated.

    He noted that the AAF is working closely with FIFA, CAF and national football federations to ensure sustainable growth and wider participation across the continent.

    The association’s 2026 calendar includes: AAF Under-17 Futsal International Tournament, Kenya (May 2026); Commonwealth Games, Glasgow, Scotland (Futsal side event-July 23 to August 2); AAF African Futsal Inter-School Tournament, Togo (August 2026) and Youth Olympic Games, Senegal (Futsal side event-October 31 to November 13).

  • HAFCON 2026: Golden Arrows  crush Zambia for second successive wins   

    HAFCON 2026: Golden Arrows  crush Zambia for second successive wins   

    Nigeria’s senior men’s handball team, the Golden Arrows, continued their impressive start to the 27th  Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup with a dominant 36–18 victory over Zambia yesterday in Kigali, Rwanda sealing a perfect two wins from two games in Group A.

    Barely 24 hours after stunning seven-time champions Algeria 25–23 in their opening match, the Nigerians showed maturity, depth and attacking flair against Zambia. The Golden Arrows raced into a 17–10 halftime lead and never looked back, tightening their defence and accelerating the tempo in the second half to record one of the most convincing wins of Matchday 2.

    The emphatic result further underlined Nigeria’s growing confidence on the continental stage and firmly placed them among the early contenders in Kigali.

    Beyond Nigeria’s commanding display, Matchday 2 delivered drama and shifting narratives across all four groups of the competition.

    In Group A, hosts Rwanda were involved in a high-profile clash with Algeria in a late kick off which they lost 46-25. Algeria who were seeking redemption after the defeat to Nigeria in the first game led 23-10 at half time and increased the gap in second half to win the game comfortably, while Nigeria’s rout of Zambia reshaped the group standings and set up a mouthwatering last group stage showdown.

    Group B saw Egypt underline their pedigree with a strong 41–28 win over Angola, while Gabon bounced back in style, defeating Uganda 33–16 to keep their hopes alive.

    In Group C, Cameroon edged Kenya 28–24 in a closely contested encounter, while Tunisia showed their class with a solid 35–25 victory over Guinea.

    Read Also: Morocco 2025:  NFF launches NAIJA 4 THE WIN campaign for Super Eagles

    Group D produced surprises as Congo Brazzaville defeated Benin 26–22, and Cape Verde continued their fine form with a 33–28 win over Morocco, throwing the group wide open.

    All participating teams will observe today as a rest day, allowing players to recover and coaches to fine-tune strategies ahead of a decisive Matchday 3 on Saturday, January 24.

    For Nigeria, attention now turns to a blockbuster Group A clash against hosts Rwanda, a fixture that could determine the progress or otherwise for the Eastern African. With two wins already secured, the Golden Arrows will aim to maintain momentum against a Rwandan side buoyed by home support at the BK Arena.

    Elsewhere, Algeria face Zambia in a must-win encounter having beaten Rwanda to revive their campaign, while other groups feature crucial ties that could define qualification prospects heading into the knockout stages.

    Matchday 3 Fixtures (Saturday, January 24)

    Group A: Zambia vs. Algeria; Nigeria vs. Rwanda

    Group B: Angola vs. Gabon; Uganda vs. Egypt

    Group C: Kenya vs. Tunisia; Guinea vs. Cameroon

    Group D: Morocco vs. Congo Brazzaville; Benin vs. Cape Verde

  • Organisers warn against athletes’ poaching for Niger Delta Games

    Organisers warn against athletes’ poaching for Niger Delta Games

    Dunamis-Icon Limited,  organisers of the Niger Delta Games (NDG) on Wednesday in Benin reiterated that states are prohibited from presenting non-indigenous athletes at the 2nd edition of the games scheduled for Edo State from February 20-27.

    This is even as the company and the host state, Edo reaffirmed their commitments  to organising the biggest regional sporting fiesta that will surpass the maiden edition in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.  

    The position of the organisers was emphasised at a press conference inside the Media Centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in  Benin City, by the managing consultant of Dunamis-Icon Limited, and project manager of the Niger Delta Games, Sir Itiako Malik Ikpokpo.

    “We are determined to stamp out the practice of athletes poaching, buying of discovered athletes from other states. So, states can only field athletes verified to be an indigene of the state”, declared Ikpokpo, who also is the Co-Chairman of the Main Organising Committee.

    Clarifying the regulation, Ikpokpo said: “We want to encourage grassroots development of sports by discovering and nurturing talents in the nine states. There is no state that cannot find talents that can represent them.”

    According to him, “the Niger Delta region has consistently produced some of Nigeria’s finest athletes”, stressing that “the nine Niger Delta states are blessed with abundant sporting talents.”

    Towards ensuring compliance, the organisers have set up a monitoring system that will be deployed for screening, while coaches have been advised to scout talents at the grassroots. In his words, “true athletes are found in classrooms and communities.”

    Read Also: Nigeria, Egypt friendly in doubt as NFF shift camp to Morocco

    He went to also state that the rules have been adjusted to permit only athletes who are 20 years old and below.

    Delving into the schedule of the games, Ikpokpo announced that athletes are expected to arrive in Benin City on February 19, while the opening ceremony of the Games will take place on February 20 at 5:00 p.m.

    He further announced that local government trials will commence next week, as organisers are determined to improve on the standards set during the maiden edition in Akwa Ibom State.

    Ikpokpo expressed appreciation to members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Edo State Chapter, and other media practitioners for their support for sports development in the Niger Delta region and the country at large.

    A total of 17 sports will be featured at the Games, sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

  • CAF Champions League: Rivers United seeks revival after poor start

    CAF Champions League: Rivers United seeks revival after poor start

    Nigeria’s Rivers United return to continental duty this weekend under mounting pressure, knowing that anything short of a positive result could severely dent their hopes of progressing in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League.

    The Port Harcourt-based side have endured a difficult start to their group campaign, losing their opening two matches before the competition paused for the Africa Cup of Nations. Now bottom of Group A, Rivers United head to Zambia on Saturday to face Power Dynamos in what has become a must-win encounter as the group stage reaches its halfway mark.

    With only four matches to play and qualification margins often razor-thin, Matchday 3 represents a defining moment for the Nigerian champions. A third straight defeat would leave Rivers United with a mountain to climb, while a victory could reignite belief and bring them back into contention ahead of the reverse fixtures.

    The clash in Ndola comes just hours before another heavyweight showdown in Group A, where Morocco’s RS Berkane welcome defending champions Pyramids FC of Egypt in a tie expected to shape the group’s hierarchy. For Rivers United, the results elsewhere will matter—but first, they must arrest their own slide.

    Read Also: Victor Osimhen not leaving AFCON camp — NFF official

    lsewhere in the CAF Champions League, attention shifts to Cairo today as record holders Al Ahly host Tanzania’s Young Africans in Group B, with the Egyptian giants aiming to tighten their grip on qualification. In Pretoria, Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Hilal Omdurman lock horns in a pivotal Group C contest that could determine early group supremacy.

    North Africa also takes centre stage in Group D, where Espérance de Tunis face Simba SC in a high-stakes duel, while Petro Atlético travel to Mali to battle Stade Malien as both sides push for momentum.

    The CAF Confederation Cup resumes with equally intense storylines, as traditional powerhouses and ambitious challengers fight for breathing space in congested groups. Former champions USM Alger and Wydad Casablanca headline the weekend’s fixtures, while Zamalek face an all-Egyptian showdown against Al Masry in Group D.

    With the group stage now at its midpoint, every point carries added weight, and several clubs across the continent will be looking either to consolidate early promise or claw their way back into the qualification race.

  • Oredipe named Bayelsa Athletics Association’s chairman

    Oredipe named Bayelsa Athletics Association’s chairman

    Dr. Samuel Kolawole Oredipe has been appointed the new chairman of the Bayelsa State Athletics Association following  the expiration of the  tenure of Mr. Godwin Oghogho.

     A former middle-distance runner, Dr. Oredipe brings a wealth of experience to his new role after  previously serving  as Vice-Chairman of the state’s  athletics body  as well as currently serving as the Auditor of  Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

    His official  appointment was confirmed in a letter endorsed by the Director of Sports at the Bayelsa State Sports Council,  Andrew Aye, who noted that the decision was based on Dr. Oredipe’s significant contributions to the growth and development of athletics in the state over the past five years.

    Read Also: Mikel berates  NFF on Super Eagles’ preps for AFCON 2025

    Aye urged the new chairman to sustain collaboration with key stakeholders in order to further advance athletics in Bayelsa State.

    Beyond  sports administration , Dr. Oredipe is a broadcaster and serves as the Director-General of Bayelsa State Government New Media.

    He is also the founder of SamKay Athletics Club, Yenagoa, a grassroots outfit credited with discovering and nurturing young track and field athletes who have gone on to represent Bayelsa State at national competitions and Nigeria at the international level.

    With his blend of administrative experience and grassroots involvement, Dr. Oredipe is expected to usher in a new phase of growth for athletics in Bayelsa State.