The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NPFL title

  • We will not give up on NPFL title chase, says Stanley Eguma

    We will not give up on NPFL title chase, says Stanley Eguma

    Rivers United coach Stanley Eguma has commended his players despite their 1-0 defeat to Wikki Tourists in their Nigeria Professional Football League match day 36 on Sunday.

    “We played very well but it was not to be in the end as they scored very late in the game. We cannot complain, but we will continue to work hard to see that we achieve something positive at the end of the season,” Eguma told Rivers United Media.

    The Port Harcourt-based side relinquished their NPFL leadership position following a late minute strike from Christopher Waziri, and the former Dolphins of Port Harcourt coach says his side will bounce back in their remaining two games in the season.

    Rivers are second on the log with 56 points, one point behind leaders, Enugu Rangers with just two games remaining against relegation bound Abia Warriors and Akwa United.

  • ‘Ikorodu tie key to NPFL title’

    ‘Ikorodu tie key to NPFL title’

    Enyimba attacking midfielder, Ikechukwu Ibenegbu has said the top-flight tie at bottom placed side, Ikorodu United is key to their dreamed successful title defence.

    “We are quite aware of the new posture and stunning performance of Ikorodu United in recent times against notable names in the land. We have not stopped asking where the side derived their new found strength after several poor performances in the on-going top-flight.

    “Many have attributed the sudden resurgence to the magic wand of the white man coach but we are not bothered as we are  prepared to beat them to their tricks. The clash at Ikorodu United is a game we must win if we hope to successfully defend our league crown at the end of the season.

    “We cannot even draw the encounter as anything short of outright victory our title hope will be completely dashed. Everybody is aware of the threat of Ikorodu United to our league title ambition and has promised to put up the best performance. We are no more thinking of the painful loss at top-flight newcomers, Niger Tornadoes but wholly concentrated at winning the clash at Ikorodu United,” said the former Warri Wolves goal poacher to supersport.com.

  • Sunshine’s Adeniji focused on winning NPFL title

    Sunshine’s Adeniji focused on winning NPFL title

    Sunshine Stars striker ,Tunde Adeniji has said he will not be leaving the club this transfer window as he targets the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title.

    The 20-year-old was a target for champions Enyimba as well as Warri Wolves and Kano Pillars, after scoring 16 goals last term but he said he has given his word to his current club that he won’t be leaving them this window and has every intention of keeping his word.

    “I already told my club that I will not be leaving them now. Even the new coach (Samson Unuanel) called me and asked me to stay and I promised him I would,” Adeniji said.

    “So for now I am still with Sunshine and I have not joined Enyimba or Kano Pillars, I am still with my club.”

    When asked if he would have turned down the opportunity to play abroad if offers came, his response was rather non-committal.

    He said: “Well I don’t know about that and it’s not like I didn’t get some offers but God knows best and for now I remain a Sunshine player. Whenever God says is the right time to move, I will move but for now I am focused on Sunshine and how we can win the league title next season,” he added.

    Adeniji was part of Nigeria’s team to the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Rwanda but failed to find the back of the net in three games.

  • FC Ifeanyi ubah give up on NPFL title

    FC Ifeanyi ubah give up on NPFL title

    FC Ifeanyi ubah right back, Chibuzor Okonkwo has said his side will be contented with Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) status at the end of the ongoing season.

    The NPFL newcomers are 12th on the 20-team top flight on 44 points with the disputed match day 33 clash against El Kanemi Warriors yet to be played and four matches on the season’s calendar.

    Okonkwo said his side are now outsiders for the league shield as well as continental ticket.

    “We are right now working on remaining in the Premier League for the remainder of the ongoing league season. We are no more contesting for the league title as well as continental ticket, at least for this season.

    “Next season we can start all over the campaign to win the league title and ticket to Africa. We will now fight to win our two remaining home matches and any point on the road will be a huge plus.

    “Our target right now is to finish among the top 10 and that will be good for us as far as the ongoing season is concerned. We lost at Heartland in Port Harcourt so it will be a payback time on Wednesday when we host them in Nnewi. We need the whole three points to ensure we finish on high,” said the former Enugu Rangers and Heartland strongman to supersport.com.

    FC Ifeanyiubah remaining matches are outstanding match day 33 tie against El Kanemi Warriors, Heartland and Nasarawa United while two road trip matches await the side at 3SC and Kwara United.

     

  • Udoji wants NPFL title

    Udoji wants NPFL title

    Enyimba captain, Chinedu Udoji, has exclusively told supersport.com that he wants to win the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title this term.

    Udoji on Sunday guided his teammates to a 3-2 win at Kwara United in the NPFL.

    He said Enyimba’s victory at Kwara United would help their title ambition as they seek to end this season as champions.

    “I begged my teammates before we played the match against Kwara United that we can win the match, and we all agreed and thank God we won.

    “Kwara United are not a bad side, but the truth of the matter is we were better than them and that was why we beat them in front of their fans.

    “Last season, I wanted to win the title with Enyimba, but so painful that we could not win it, but this season, with the help of my teammates, I would lift the NPFL title,” Udoji told supersport.com.

    Enyimba will this Sunday face Abia Warriors in a derby, and Udoji said the win at Kwara United would boost their morale to defeat their city rivals.

    “The victory at Kwara United has set up a good channel for us to face Abia Warriors in our next match, and I’m sure that we would get the maximum points,” he said.

    Enyimba currently occupy second position on the NPFL standings with 29 points after 15 games.