Tag: Enyimba

Enyimba marked the beginning of the impending takeover of new head coach, Ayodeji Ayeni with a spirited 2-1 victory over Rangers International in the Oriental Derby, headlining a dramatic Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 15 round of fixtures.

The People’s Elephant, winless since early November, finally ended their four-game drought at the Enyimba Stadium. Chidera Michael broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute before substitute Stanley Dimgba—continuing his super-sub form after scoring last weekend—doubled the advantage. Rangers’ Kenechukwu Agu curled in a brilliant stoppage-time free-kick, but Enyimba held on.

The victory, their first under interim boss Lawrence Ukaegbu, lifts Enyimba to ninth on 20 points, while Rangers drop to seventh, but with two more points better than the People’s Elephant.

In Lagos, Ikorodu City climbed to the summit of the NPFL with 27 points after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Abia Warriors at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Chidera Oparaocha punished goalkeeper Okiemute Odah’s error in the 69th minute to seal the points for the Oga Boys.

Kun Khalifat also grabbed the spotlight with a crucial 2-0 win over Plateau United in Owerri. Goals from Lekan Gabriel and Henry Ezeonye secured their first victory in five games—an important result that lifted them out of the relegation zone with 17 points from 15 matches.

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Elsewhere, Shooting Stars edged Elkanemi Warriors 1-0 in Ibadan courtesy of Ayodele Ismail’s strike, while Warri Wolves also claimed a narrow 1-0 win over Nasarawa United in Ozoro through Othuke Egho.

Kano hosted the most dramatic fixture of the weekend as Barau FC defeated Kwara United 3-2 in a five-goal thriller. Usman Maidubuji and Mohammed Umar scored for Barau, while Chibuzor Ezeh and Johnmark Aule replied for Kwara United. Despite goalkeeper Nurudeen Badmus saving a penalty, Kwara succumbed to a late winner from Stanley Oganbor in stoppage time.

In Yenagoa, Bayelsa United and Katsina United shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw. Ifeanyi Ogba converted an early penalty for Bayelsa before Azeez Falolu equalised for Katsina United.

Saturday’s fixtures saw Remo Stars fall 1-0 to Niger Tornadoes, while Bendel Insurance continued their resurgence under Kennedy Boboye with a commanding 3-0 victory over Wikki Tourists, moving the Edo Arsenal to 17th place on 16 points.

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Enyimba FC maintained their grip on the Nigeria Premier Football League summit after a nervy 3-2 win over  Insurance of Benin  in one of the Matchday 5 fixtures played at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.

With Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, his wife, and entourage in attendance, the People’s Elephant came from behind twice before sealing victory to remain unbeaten and top with 11 points.

Chinedu Nwosu silenced the Aba fans with a third-minute opener for Insurance, but Abiodun Joseph restored parity 15 minutes later. The Benin Arsenal reclaimed the lead on the hour mark through Wisdom Udom, before Enyimba equalised again from the spot in the 66th minute, with Kalu Nweke converting after Matthew Odufeso was brought down in the box.

Four minutes later, Chidera Michael struck what proved to be the winner, handing the nine-time champions maximum points. Although Enyimba conceded for the first time this season, they remain unbeaten alongside Rivers United, who did not play at the weekend due to CAF Champions League commitments in Kinshasa, DR Congo.

The win saw Enyimba go 30 million Naira richer with the Governor having promised them 10 million Naira for each goal scored in the encounter.

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Elsewhere in Yenagoa, Bayelsa United’s early momentum continued to wane as they fell 2-1 at home to Nasarawa United — their third straight loss and second consecutive home defeat. Mustapha Jawad’s 36th-minute opener briefly ignited the Samson Siasia Stadium, but Ekeson Okorie equalised before halftime. Collins Onovuke’s 88^th -minute strike sealed a vital win for the Solid Miners, who moved second with 10 points, while Bayelsa dropped to 12^th , piling more pressure on coach Monday Odigie.

At the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna, Niger Tornadoes stunned Ikorodu City 4-2 in a six-goal thriller. The hosts stormed to a 3-0 lead inside 20 minutes through Ismail Sarki, Abba Khalid, and Abdulaziz Dalhatu, before Ikorodu’s Musa Maliq reduced the deficit in the 48th minute. Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai restored Tornadoes’ cushion in the 65^th  minute, while Tosin Oyedokun’s penalty in the 73rd was not enough to prevent Ikorodu’s first defeat of the season. Tornadoes climbed to third with nine points, leaving the Oga Boys ninth.

In Ibadan, Shooting Stars secured their first victory of the campaign, edging Kun Khalifat FC 2-1. Ghali Falke who recently returned from injury announced his comeback with a seventh-minute opener before Sodiq Ibrahim doubled the lead early in the second half. Henry Ezeonye pulled one back in the 76th minute for the newcomers, but 3SC held on to claim all three points.

El-Kanemi Warriors also registered a slim 1-0 win over Warri Wolves in Maiduguri, thanks to Muktar Ismail’s early strike. Wolves have now gone three games without victory.

Matchday 5 wraps up today in Katsina, where Katsina United will host Wikki Tourists in what promises to be a top-drawer clash at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.

NPFL Matchday 5 Results:

Shooting Stars 2-1 Kun Khalifat

Enyimba 3-2  Insurance

Tornadoes 4-2 Ikorodu City

El-Kanemi 1-0 Warri Wolves

Bayelsa United 1-2 Nasarawa United

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) returns this weekend with a reduced fixture list but the excitement remains undiminished. While four Nigerian clubs shift focus to continental duties, six matches across the country promise fireworks, drama, and crucial points on Matchday 5. From Aba to Ibadan, Yenagoa to Minna, fans can expect battles that could shape the early course of the season, writes TUNDE LIADI

With four Nigerian clubs—Rivers United, Abia Warriors, Remo Stars, and Kwara United—on CAF inter-club duty, the NPFL Matchday 5 roster is trimmed down to six fixtures. However, the action promises intensity, with the headline clash set for the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, where Enyimba host Bendel Insurance.

The People’s Elephant will be eager to consolidate their position at the top of the table after bouncing back from a home draw against Nasarawa United with a commanding 2-0 victory away to Bayelsa United. Standing in their way is Bendel Insurance, who earned a goalless draw in Aba last season and come into this fixture buoyed by their first win of the season against Niger Tornadoes. For Enyimba, only a home win will be acceptable, while Insurance aim to frustrate their hosts once again.

In Ibadan, Shooting Stars face a must-win situation when they welcome NPFL newcomers, Kun Khalifat FC. The Oluyole Warriors are yet to taste victory this season and remain under pressure after a narrow defeat to Rivers United last weekend. Kun Khalifat, however, finally broke their duck with a 3-1 triumph over El Kanemi Warriors and will fancy their chances against a team struggling for confidence. With the home crowd demanding results, Shooting Stars cannot afford another slip.

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Meanwhile, Bayelsa United, still reeling from a home defeat to Enyimba, will look to appease their fans when they host Nasarawa United. Coach Monday Odigie faces mounting pressure to inspire a turnaround, but Nasarawa arrive in high spirits after climbing to fifth place with a hard-fought victory over Wikki Tourists. A positive result in Yenagoa could push the Solid Miners further up the table, while defeat for Bayelsa might deepen unrest among their supporters.

In Maiduguri, El Kanemi Warriors return home after their setback against Kun Khalifat, ready to square off against Warri Wolves. Wolves themselves are unsatisfied after being held to a goalless draw at home by Kwara United. With both teams desperate for three points, expect a fiercely contested affair in Maiduguri.

Elsewhere, the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna will witness Niger Tornadoes’ clash with Ikorodu City. Tornadoes, now allowed back home after serving a temporary banishment to Ilorin, will look to replicate their victory over Bayelsa United in their last home fixture before the disappointing last minute collapse in Benin City against Bendel Insurance. But unbeaten Ikorodu City, who secured a goalless draw in the corresponding fixture last season, are determined to stretch their fine start to five matches.

In Katsina, Katsina United will aim for a second home win when they host Wikki Tourists at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. United are brimming with confidence following back-to-back victories over Plateau United (away) and Kano Pillars (home). Wikki, however, arrive looking to bounce back from their first loss of the campaign against Nasarawa United. With both sides eager to stamp authority, this northern derby promises plenty of drama.

Matchday Four of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) produced decisive results across the country, with Enyimba rising to the top of the table after a crucial away victory, while several clubs finally got their first wins of the season.

Enyimba actually  displaced defending champions Remo Stars at the summit after a hard-fought 2-0 win over Bayelsa United at the Samson Siasia Stadium. Late strikes from Chidera Michael and Kalu Nweke sealed the People’s Elephant’s first away win of the campaign, lifting them to eight points from four matches.

In Port Harcourt, Ubong Friday’s 72^nd -minute goal gave Rivers United a narrow 1-0 victory over Shooting Stars. The Pride of Rivers remain unbeaten and now sit second with eight points.

In Jos, Plateau United recorded their first win of the season with a 2-0 triumph over Remo Stars. Goals from Tarabina Biweribo and Mafeng Pam secured the points, easing pressure on coach Shola Adegun.

Meanwhile, Garba Mohammed’s first-half strike earned Nasarawa United a 1-0 victory over previously unbeaten Wikki Tourists in Lafia. The Solid Miners moved up to fifth on seven points, while Wikki dropped to fourth.

However, after three straight draws, Ikorodu City got their first league win, beating Barau FC 2-0 in Lagos through goals from Joseph Arumala and Ayomide Cole. The Oga Boys climbed to seventh with six points.

Elsewhere in Benin, Israel Emmanuel struck in added time to hand Insurance a dramatic 1-0 home win over Niger Tornadoes in Benin – their first victory of the season.

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In the meantime, Kano Pillars finally celebrated their first win as Ahmed Musa’s strike was enough to see off Rangers 1-0 in Kano.

NPFL Matchday Four Results

Plateau United 2-0 Remo Stars

Abia Warriors 1-0 Katsina United

Kano Pillars 1-0 Rangers

Warri Wolves 0-0 Kwara United

Bayelsa United 0-2 Enyimba

Rivers United 1-0 Shooting Stars

Kun Khalifat 3-1 El Kanemi

Nasarawa United 1-0 Wikki

Ikorodu City 2-0 Barau FC

Insurance 1-0 Tornadoes

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions, Enyimba International FC, have confirmed the departure of 22 players from their squad as they prepare to defend their title in the 2025/26 season.

In an official statement released on the club’s website, Enyimba expressed gratitude to the outgoing players for their service and wished them well in their future endeavours.

Among the most notable departures is former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye, whose brief but influential stint at the club brought significant experience to the squad. Also exiting is Junior Lokosa, another high-profile forward whose presence added firepower to Enyimba’s attack last season.

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Defensive stalwart Somiari Alalibo, Goalkeeper, Ani Ozoemena, and attacker, Elijah Akanni are also on the list of key names departing the club. Several of these players have already attracted interest from rival NPFL teams and have been spotted at various pre-season training camps across the country.

The club also released a host of other players including Imo Prince Ikemdinachi, Musa Usman Babalolo, Innocent Gabriel, Nelson Michael, Alade Muyiwa Balogun, Nnachi Chidiebere, Chisom Ejio, and Fatai Abdullahi, among others.

Additionally, three young talents — Obichere Wisdom Odinaka, Purpose Ahubaraezemma, and Samuel Buah Nuako — have been sent out on loan to newly promoted side Kun Khalifat FC, where they are expected to gain valuable first-team experience.

Despite the significant turnover, Enyimba remain focused on the season ahead. The People’s Elephant will kick off their title defence on August 24 with an away clash against NPFL newcomers Barau FC, before hosting Niger Tornadoes and Nasarawa United in back-to-back home fixtures in Aba.

Two elite teams in the Nigeria Professional Football League, Enyimba of Aba and Shooting Stars of Ibadan, have declared readiness for the forthcoming pre-season football tournament tagged Eko International Cup.

A total of eight teams are billed to take part in the highly-anticipated pre-season football tournament which will also involve a couple of teams from other parts of the African continent.

Media Officer of Enyimba, David Orji, said that the Aba Elephant are battle ready for the tournament billed for the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos between July 6^th  and 13^th .

Orji said: “The team resumed camp earlier than scheduled just to be ready for this pre-season tournament because of the rich pedigree it entails. We accepted the invitation to part of this because it will help in the overall preparation of the team for the new season.

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 “We have new players in our fold that the technical people will evaluate for the challenges ahead and the Eko International Cup is a good avenue to do that and even lots more.”

For Tosin Omojola, the Media Officer of Shooting Stars of Ibadan, the story is the same.

 “Our team is eager to get going with the Eko International Cup as our own curtain raiser for the new season. The players are working hard to make the first team of the coaches and the competition level is very intense in camp.

 “We resumed two weeks ago and we have a friendly match billed for Thursday July 3rd as part of the preparations for the pre-season tourney in Lagos,” Omojola said.

Other NPFL teams expected to feature in the tournament are; Remo Stars and Ikorodu City.

Two more domestic teams will be unfolded by the organisers in the days ahead as two teams are expected to come from other parts of Africa.

They are FC Kallon of Sierra Leone and Accra Hearts of Oak, Ghana.

The Executive Director, Publicity and Strategy for the Local Organizing Committee of the EIC, Onome Obruthe, said  the LOC for the event has been busy with the logistics of hosting the teams from other parts of the continent

 “We are aware of the task ahead and we are excited about the responses from various quarters about the tournament. The countdown is on and we look forward to an exciting display in Lagos,” Obruthe said.

Enyimba Goalkeeper, Zali Abdullahi, has insisted that the nine-time NPFL champions will not take El-Shama with kids glove ahead of their Round of 64 President’s Federation Cup tie in Lafia.

Zali, who is the club’s second choice goalie to Ani Ozoemena, disclosed that the People’s Elephant are eager to go as far as possible in the cup competition as they see it as another opportunity to qualify for the continent.

“Yeah, concerning the Federation Cup, we won’t take any game for granted. We will treat every game like the league and as a final,” the former Doma United FC goalkeeper emphasized in a chat with Enyimba Media.

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Zali, who is familiar with the playing style of teams from Gombe, believes El-Shama FC will be highly motivated against Enyimba but insists the People’s Elephant are more than ready to stamp their authority.

“I have been in Gombe for three years, I know how they play, and we will treat them very seriously. It won’t be that easy because we know they will try to be at their best hearing the name Enyimba.”

“We will play them like we are playing in the final, and we promise the People’s Elephant this year won’t be like the other year. Enyimba will be in the final of this year’s Federation Cup, and we will emerge champions!” he vowed.