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Tag: NPFL

  • Four newly promoted NPFL teams affirm  mission  in the topflight

    Four newly promoted NPFL teams affirm  mission  in the topflight

    Wikki Tourists, Barau FC, Warri Wolves and Kun Khalifat have earned the right  to dine  in  the Nigeria Premier  Football League (NPFL)  next season  following their promotion  from the  Nigeria National League (NNL) teams. TUNDE LIADI who has followed the trajectories of the  four teams , here  shares  the mission of the quartet  in the top flight…

    The Nigeria National League (NNL) Super 8 playoff ended in Asaba, Delta State last weekend and the season-ending tournament officially confirmed the four clubs that have secured promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

    From Group A, Wikki Tourist FC and Barau FC claimed the two available promotion tickets, while Warri Wolves FC and Kun Khalifat FC emerged victorious from Group B to complete the cast of promoted teams for the upcoming NPFL campaign.

    Wikki Tourist FC, a former topflight side, returned to the NPFL after topping Group A on superior goal difference.

    They sealed their promotion in style with a commanding 4-0 win over Yobe Desert Stars on Matchday 3. Barau FC, one of the revelations of the playoffs, also finished with five points following a decisive 2-0 win over Doma United to join Wikki in the elite division.

    In Group B, Warri Wolves held off a late push from Crown FC to win 2-1 and finish top of the group with six points. Kun Khalifat FC, another privately-owned club, also got six points after a hard-fought 2-1 win over Osun United at Ozoro. Both clubs qualified at the expense of their more experienced counterparts.

    With these results, the four promoted clubs to the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League are: Wikki Tourist FC (Bauchi);Barau FC (Kano);Warri Wolves FC (Delta State) and Kun Khalifat FC (Imo State).

    Notably, the promotion of Barau FC and Kun Khalifat FC, both privately-owned clubs, marks a significant shift in the makeup of the NPFL. It showed that privately owned clubs can hold their own under a conducive football atmosphere devoid of underhand tactics.

    They now join Remo Stars and Ikorodu City as the league’s growing group of private teams, bringing the total number to four when the topflight season kicks off on August 22nd.

    This trend reflects a gradual diversification in the ownership structure of Nigerian topflight football, traditionally dominated by government-funded clubs.

    The increasing presence of private clubs is being viewed by many analysts as a positive development. It is expected to inject new ideas, encourage competition in administration, and potentially attract more investment into the league.

    Speaking on Barau FC’s qualification to the NPFL, the President of Barau Football Academy, Shawall Barau Jibrin was full of joy over the Maliya Boys ticket to the topflight.

    He said though they had planned how the promotion ticket would pan out after their accelerated qualification to the Nigeria National League also from the Nigeria Nationwide League One Shawall disclosed that the club would make the qualification to the NPFL count.

    “It is quite encouraging because we expected this success. It has been well planned from the beginning. We believe we have the capability and the best crop of players and technical crew plus top notch management to get the job done,” Shawall Barau Jibrin told NationSport in Ozoro. “We are very excited at the prospect of playing in the premier league after only a short while of creation.

    “It was our first season in the NNL. It is how life is. As you move on you will have more experience and grow better. Salisu Yusuf was with us at some point but he resigned and we got another coach with more quality players and we are doing great.”

    On the likely rivalry between Kano Pillars, Shawall disclosed that there won’t be any rivalry as Barau FC try to find their footing in the elite division among the big boys.

    He said they are more than delighted to secure the topflight spot and are eager to learn in their debut season in the NPFL in the upcoming season.

    “We are not going to have any rivalry with Kano Pillars. We do not see them as rivals and we anticipate a friendly local derby with them. They are a government funded club and we are privately owned. I am sure they will be happy to have another NPFL team in Kano.

    “It is a dream come true because our goal is to be among the teams that will play in the premier league and the Super 8 is like a stepping stone to that and we have done great.”

    The son of the Deputy Senate President further opined the thoughts of his father, Senator Barau Jibrin whom he called their number one supporter.

    “He is our great supporter and lover of football. He is happy and very excited and can’t wait to welcome us back to Kano,” he concluded.

     Senator Barau Ibrahim Jibrin wrote on his official Facebook page shortly after Barau FC nailed Doma United 2-0: “Today, my Football Club; Barau FC has secured a spot in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following the defeat of Doma United.

    “This morning, at the Delta State University Field, Ozoro, in the final Group A match of the NNL Super Eight playoffs, my amazing players walloped Doma United 2-O.

    “Barau FC has now made history, among the fastest-rising clubs in Nigeria, having competed in the Nationwide League One (NLO), the NNL and now NPFL.

    “With the attainment of this feat, our target is now to move to the continental level, Insha Allah, we will get there.

    “I congratulate the management, players and our teaming supporters across the country.”

    Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri is another club that has qualified for the NPFL 2015-26 season and the club’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Michael Chukwudi Amaefula said  his team’s qualification to the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) is one he would continue to cherish for a long time to come.

     “It’s been a long journey to the NPFL, remember I told you 10 months ago in Aba during the NLO Playoffs that I will take this club to the  top division, today that dream has become a reality,” he said.  

     “My appreciation goes to everyone who has been part of this journey, they are the true champions.”

    The Imo State-born administrator however assured that the club will even get better in the future.

     “We will work more to make this club better, this is what I’ve been planning since, and with this opportunity we have now, we will build on this success story.”

    Warri Wolves emerged champions of the Super Eight after a close 3-2 win over Wikki Tourists in the final and for Stanley Aluma and his men they are just thrilled to get to the NPFL again since 2020-21 season.

    “It was a fiercely fought battle and we are happy we are back to where we truly belong. We had gone so close on a few occasions but there was no stopping us this time,” Aluma told journalists.

    Wikki Tourists were relegated in the 2023-2024 season but could not make it out of the lower league last season before luck smile on them through their head coach, Abdul Maikaba.

    Though Wikki Tourists lost 3-2 to Warri Wolves in the final of the Super 8 playoff, Maikaba was happy his boys recovered from their sloppy start to whip Yobe Desert Stars 4-0 in the last group game to qualify and also topped Group A ahead of Barau FC.

    “I had said it at the beginning of the Super 8 that I have the boys to secure NPFL ticket despite what we have been through,” Maikaba said. “My boys were wasteful during the Super 8 and it is something we must correct before the start of the new season “

    With the promotion playoffs now concluded, attention shifts to the start of the new season.

    The 2025/26 NPFL campaign is tentatively scheduled to kick off on 22nd  August, maintaining the league’s commitment to a fixed and predictable calendar.

  • NFF extends tenure of NPFL, NNL, NLO boards

    NFF extends tenure of NPFL, NNL, NLO boards

    The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has opted to extend the tenure of the present boards of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL) and the Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) till the end of the tenure of the present NFF administration headed by Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau.

    The tenure of the present NFF Board will come to an end on 29 September 2026, having taken office on 30 September 2022.

    By this decision, the boards headed by Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye (NPFL), Chief George Aluo (NNL) and HE Silas Ali Agara (NLO) will now continue in office until 29 September 2026.

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    The NFF Executive Committee commended the body of work of each of the three boards in the past two years, and charged them to commit even more efforts to delivering better-packaged and more attractive leagues that football managers and stakeholders in the country and the continent at large will be proud of, while resolving to progressively introspect and innovate for the good of the game.

    However, the NFF Executive Committee has deferred the decision on the board of the Nigeria Women Football League, headed by Ms Nkechi Nneka Obi, to a later date.

    The lifespan of the boards of the leagues, put in place on 1 July 2023 on a two-year mandate, came to end on Monday, 30 June 2025.

  • NPFL orders same kick-offtime for remaining fixtures

    NPFL orders same kick-offtime for remaining fixtures

    The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has directed a simultaneous Kick-off time of 3pm for all Matchday 37 fixtures.

    Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL,  Davidson Owumi said the directive is consistent with the policy of ensuring sporting fairness to all participating clubs.

    “We earlier directed that for the trophy presentation ceremony in Ikenne, the fixture should Kick-off at 3pm for safety reasons.

    Read Also: NPFL  set to enforce post-match interviews for coaches 

    “After extensive assessment of all the fixtures which impacts the outcome for continental slots and relegation survival,  we resolved to set a uniform Kick-off time for all”, Owumi clarified.

    Fixtures of Matchday 37 will be played tomorrow,  May 11 at all centres with crown champions, Remo Stars hosting top three chasing Ikorodu City.  In Umuahia,  another top three chasing side, Abia Warriors will host El-Kanemi Warriors.

  • NPFL: Thrilling mid-week derbies in Katsina, Enugu, Benin, Ibadan

    NPFL: Thrilling mid-week derbies in Katsina, Enugu, Benin, Ibadan

    With just three Match days to the end of the 2024-25 NPFL season, Matchday 36 provides veritable platform for Rivers United and Abia Warriors to take a firm grip on the second and third spots while notable local derbies will also be played in four centres, writes TUNDE LIADI …

    Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 36 fixtures will be negotiated today with Rivers United versus Rangers International FC the top of the midweek games.

    Niger Tornadoes versus Abia Warriors and Ikorodu City versus Bayelsa United are two other games that must be watched closely with both locked in the race for CAF Confederation Cup ticket.

    Enyimba’s away win in Enugu against Rangers in the last league game has thrown the People’s Elephant into the fray for CAF inter club competition and their game against Kwara United in Aba will be of interest too.

    In Port Harcourt, Rangers will strive to end their unimpressive spell in the league when they face Rivers United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. The Flying Antelopes have slipped to the eighth spot with the 49 points after losing six games in front of their fans in Enugu.

    Second placed Rivers United with 58 points are under compulsion to beat Rangers with only two points separating them from third placed Abia Warriors who have 56 points. Anything other than a home win may put them in danger of missing out on the continent.

    In Kaduna, Niger Tornadoes must go in the hunt for the three points against Abia Warriors if they do not want to be plunged into relegation battle. The Ikon Allah Boys are 15th with 44 points but they are only two points away from the drop zone.

    Abia Warriors too are in dire need of points too to tie down the third position before the final day of the season. They have 56 points to hold on to the CAF Confederation Cup slot and at least a draw at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna will put them in the pole position to consolidate when they host El Kanemi Warriors in Umuahia on Sunday in the Matchday 37 tie.

    In Lagos, Ikorodu City will strive to continue with their Cinderella run when they host Bayelsa United at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena today. The Oga Boys are fourth with 53 points and must win to keep them in the running to end the season at least in the third spot and also a shot at the President Federation Cup title which they have qualified for its semi-final stage.

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    Not far off from a continental shot is also Enyimba who have suddenly woken up with a few games to the end of the season and have now garnered 52 points from as many games. The People’s Elephant will retain fifth spot at least with a home win against Kwara United and could even displace Ikorodu City if they fail to beat the Prosperity Boys in Lagos.

    Heartland also have a crucial home game against Plateau United in Owerri today. They are in a win or burst situation at the moment after their failure to pick up maximum points from their last two games especially the home fixture with Kwara United which ended goalless. With 42 points already in the kitty, the Naze Millionaires require the maximum points to keep hope alive of another stint in the NPFL next season.

    In Maiduguri, El Kanemi Warriors will have the honour of being the first team to accord newly crowned league champions, Remo Stars the symbolic guard of honour when both teams clash at the El Kanemi Sports Complex today.

    The Borno Army whose head coach, Aliyu Zubairu is away in Egypt with the Flying Eagles are in the 16th spot with 43 points and they require a home win to remain out of the relegation spot.

    In Enugu, already relegated Lobi Stars will host Nasarawa United in a North Central derby to be played on the turf of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in South East. With the Pride of Benue out of reckoning will they allow the Solid Miners to pick that important win that could move them closer to topflight safety?

    Another tie not to overlook is the fixture between Bendel Insurance and Akwa United in Benin. A draw from the remaining three games could be enough to guarantee the Edo Arsenals Premiership place for next season with 50 points already in the kitty and in sixth spot.

    But Akwa United are desperate about picking a win to ensure they marshal out a great escape never witnessed in the topflight in recent time. They are 18th with 41 points and anything other than a win could move them closer to lower league football next season.

    There is a South West derby too in Ibadan with Shooting Stars hosting Sunshine Stars at the Lekan Salami Stadium.

    The 11th placed Shooting Stars with 48 points are without a win in their last five games and have been beaten in their last three games by Bayelsa United, Remo Stars and Abia Warriors with only two points to show for their efforts from the last 15 contested points. Can Gbenga Ogunbote’s side arrest the poor result against the Owena Whales whom they had earlier beaten away in the first leg?

    Sunshine Stars are not totally relegated yet with 41 points from as many games. They are in 19th spot but they must muscle out a win to stand any chance.

    In the last game of the day, Katsina United will slug it out with Kano Pillars in the North West derby. The Chanji Boys need a home win to move away from the relegation zone but Kano Pillars with 50 points are as good as another stint in the topflight with at least one more home game before the end of the season.

  • NPFL: Boboye eyes Akwa United escape

    NPFL: Boboye eyes Akwa United escape

    Akwa United head coach, Kennedy Boboye, remains optimistic that his team will avoid relegation at the end of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

    Currently sitting in 18th  place with 38 points from 34 games, the Promise Keepers have recorded 10 wins, eight draws, and 16 losses so far this season.

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    Despite the precarious position, Boboye believes Akwa United can turn things around by taking advantage of rivals also struggling at the bottom of the table.

     “We’ll keep working hard to beat the drop,” Boboye said after their recent victory over Nasarawa United. “Fortunately, some of our key rivals have dropped points, giving us a chance to make the most of our home games.”

  • Battle for continental tickets continue as NPFL hits home stretch

    Battle for continental tickets continue as NPFL hits home stretch

    • Abia Warriors, Rivers United lock horns in Umuahia
    • Ikorodu City tackle  Tornadoes
    • Enugu  agog with Oriental derby

    Abia Warriors and Rivers United is  undoubtedly the  top fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 33 while the Oriental derby between Rangers and Heartland is another game to behold as the topflight league season goes on home stretch, reports TUNDE LIADI.

    Abia Warriors faltered in the Abia derby last weekend away to Enyimba in a game a win would have created an unassailable gap between them and others contending for the top three. But after a 2-1 loss to the People’s Elephant, they are in a must win situation against Rivers United in a fixture between the second and third teams in the league table as at present.

    The Pride of Rivers are second with 55 points and with a five points buffer between them and the Umuchineke Boys. Irrespective of the outcome of tomorrow’s fixture in Umuahia, Rivers United tutored by ex- Super Eagles coach, Finidi George would still remain in second position but their points difference would have been cut to just two points if the home team carries the day.

    Abia Warriors with Imama Amapakabo in charge must beat Rivers United to retain third spot with fourth placed Ikorodu City with 49 points breathing down their neck. The Oga Boys who are in their debut season in the topflight are the revelation team of the year already beating Katsina United 6-0 on Thursday. They have another home game tomorrow against Niger Tornadoes and another home win will put further pressure on Abia Warriors in the race for the final continental ticket from the league.

    Meanwhile, Enugu’s Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium is another action spot as another Oriental derby holds sway between Rangers and Heartland. The Flying Antelopes were beaten 1-0 by Plateau United in their last home game but they got a commendable goalless draw in Benin City against Bendel Insurance last weekend. The league’s reigning champions are 15 points off the league summit with 46 points and four points away from the final spot on the continent in the league presently occupied by Abia Warriors (50 points).

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    The fixture with Heartland is one they cannot afford to toy with if they still desire to finish the season impressively but they struggled in the President Federation Cup Round of 32 tie against the Naze Millionaires in Awka and were even behind in the game before they equalised and got lucky in the penalty shootout thereafter.

    Heartland have their back against the wall and must get a positive result in Enugu to brighten their chances of escaping relegation. They are 17th  in the table with 38 points and with Akwa United (37 points), Sunshine Stars (35 points), and Nasarawa United (39 points) involved in home games against El Kanemi Warriors, Enyimba and Plateau United in that order, the Naze Millionaires may find themselves in more troubling situation if they fail to escape without a defeat in Enugu tomorrow.

    Elsewhere, Shooting Stars’ chances of qualifying for the continent are fast diminishing after their disappointing loss to Bayelsa United yesterday in Yenagoa. They were beaten 3-0 by Bayelsa United and by the conclusion of the weekend games, it may be difficult for the Oluyole Warriors to remain in serious contention for Africa.

    The Gbenga Ogunbote-led side are fifth with 48 points as at yesterday but that position would definitely change by the time other games are played this weekend. Bayelsa United are the direct beneficiaries of this massive win. They have moved to the ninth spot with 45 points and are at least five points away from the relegation zone.

    Nasarawa United must watch their back against Plateau United in another North Central derby in Lafia. The Peace Boys were held to a goalless draw in Jos by Kwara United last weekend barely a week after a surprised 1-0 win in Enugu. They will be eager to recoup the lost points in Lafia but with the Solid Miners already not in comfortable position in the log in 16th spot with 39 points, they know it must be a fight to the finish line.

    In Ikenne, Katsina United will hope to atone for their 6-0 loss to Ikorodu City in Lagos on Thursday by avoiding another drubbing against league leaders, Remo Stars tomorrow. The Sky Blue Stars also had a rescheduled game played on Wednesday against Lobi Stars which ended 2-2 in Enugu but with 61 points from 32 games, Daniel Ogunmodede’s boys would be desperate to wrap up the league title as soon as possible with a home win. Will the Chanji Boys allow them?

    In another  tie this weekend, Sunshine Stars will welcome Enyimba to the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode in another cracker the home team must win to keep their faint hope of Premier League safety alive. With the Owena Whales in 19th   spot with 35 points, a win would be a soothing start for the newly appointed management  Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA),- the agency in charge of Sunshine Stars and other football teams in the state.

    Incidentally, Enyimba on the other hand pushed themselves back into reckoning with the home win over Abia Warriors last weekend in the Abia derby to move to 46 points and eighth in the log. Another away win in Ijebu Ode will no doubt shoot them back into the continental race if other results go in their favour.

    In Kano, Kano Pillars were beaten 2-0 by Heartland but tomorrow,  they will face Lobi Stars who are as good as relegated. Sai Masu Gida are in 10th  spot with 44 points and a routine home win won’t be bad for their motivation and self-confidence.

    Kwara United dug in deep to pick a draw in Jos against Plateau United last weekend, they are up against Bendel Insurance tomorrow. The Harmony Boys are 11th  in the log with 43 points but are not save yet in the race for the relegation battle and must be ready to fight for the maximum points against the Edo Arsenals who are seventh with 46 points.

    In Uyo, Akwa United who are 18th  on the table with 37 points will be fired up against El Kanemi Warriors who are in 14th spot with 41 points knowing that a home win will take them away from the drop zone once again.

    The self-styled ‘ Baby of the League’, Ikorodu City have done what most league veterans have not done in their debut season in the NPFL. They are presently fourth in the table  with 49 points and will leap to the third spot if they beat Tornadoes tomorrow and Abia Warriors are unable to get the better of Rivers United in Umuahia in another tie fixed for tomorrow, also.

    There are several interesting games billed for the weekend and Nigerians who are lovers of the league will get value for money and time if they are able to visit any of the match venues closer to them.

  • Meet NPFL first ‘masked’ footballer: Heartland’s Elvis Ori shares  agony of near career-ending cheekbone injury

    Meet NPFL first ‘masked’ footballer: Heartland’s Elvis Ori shares  agony of near career-ending cheekbone injury

    Heartland  midfielder, Elvis Ori was out of the reckoning on the football pitch for almost  four months after he suffered a cheekbone damage last December in a Nigeria Premier Football  League (NPFL)  home tie with Bendel Insurance in Owerri.  Now back in action with the Naze Millionaires, the former Bayelsa United player shares  the unfortunate near-ending  career injury and why  he has chosen to wear face mask in an interesting conversation with TUNDE LIADI…

    Saturday,  15th  December 2024, will remain evergreen in the memory of Elvis Ori, the Heartland’s midfielder having  sustained a devastating injury that  could  have rendered him physically damaged and a stop to  his  burgeoning football career.

    It was a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL)  Matchday 17 tie between  home team, Heartland and Bendel Insurance with the Naze Millionaires leading through Promise Anyanwu’s early goal and the visitors came charging  in the 78th   minute but in an effort to ward off  the incursion , Ori jumped up to nod the ball away from danger only to be fractured  on his cheekbone by Insurance’s Uche Collins.

    It was his last action in the tie as he was promptly substituted  by Chinedu Ozor but it turned out to be a cheekbone fracture after initial attention  by the  club’s medics  and  that  was how Ori landed in  the hospital for emergency surgery.

    Months after his recovery, the former Bayelsa United’s midfield Trojan recounted  the experience as if it was yesterday.

    “It was the game between Heartland  and  Bendel insurance in Owerri and we were already leading 1-0 when a cross came from the Insurance to our 18 yard box.” Ori told NationSport in an exclusive interview. “It was in my effort to head out the ball away from the on-rushing  Bendel Insurance attacker (Uche Collins) that he headed my cheek and the bones broke in three places (I was later told).

    “So,  I was placed on surgery immediately after much check-ups  and scans. My recovery wasn’t easy but thank God, I’m okay now.”

    A grateful Ori would  praise Heartland headed by Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke, for the promptness in ensuring  that the surgery was not delayed which stopped complications that could have stopped his football career entirely. “For my recovery, I must commend the entire management of Heartland under the lead of coach Emmanuel Amuneke,” Ori further explained. “The team did a lot for me  and I cannot forget in a hurry.”

    He continued: “ They walked by me at every step along the way  as they ensured my safety before, during and after the surgery.

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    “Their constant check-ups were top notch, the motivation was nice from beginning to the end.  In  a nutshell, I would say my team, family and friends made me feel so much warmth that aided my fastest recovery.”

    Ori disclosed that a lot  came through his mind before the surgery including how his face would look like thereafter and if he could ever return to football because of the impact when the injury happened and  fear off future occurrence since football is a contact sport.

    But he got the needed answers from Dr. Chikwendu Cajethan Ejike, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Owerri-based  Galaxy British Hospital, who assured that the surgery would be hitch free and that there won’t be any serious  after-effect of the injury to stop him from  continuing  with his beloved football’s career.

    Incidentally, Ori  finally made his much-awaited return to football on April 2nd, 2025 -close to four months after the injury- in Heartland’s penalty shootout loss to Rangers International in the Round of 32 of the President Federation Cup played in Awka, Anambra State.

    Despite the loss, it was a personal victory  for Ori as he bounced back to reckoning  albeit with his face mask to serve as a shield around his cheeks just as done  for Super Eagles’ ace striker, Victor Osimhen when he suffered similar fate  during his days  with Napoli.

    Though he is enjoying his football again, Ori hinted that he would continue to adapt to the realisation that has taken place since the collision and that with the face mask,  he is not afraid to go for every ball knowing that he is fully protected.

    “The difficulties are just adapting to the new changes of having an object on my face while playing knowing vividly that it wasn’t my life style but I’m adapting to it,” the midfielder said. “The advantage is that I have built my confidence knowing that my injury is now protected and I hope to wear the protective shield for as long as I desire because I am getting used to it.

    “My fears were unlimited. I had too many thoughts at the time including how my face would look like afterwards. I was also afraid of the scars and that my career may be put on hold for quite some time and perhaps the end of it but glory be to God, I pulled through.”

    Now wearing a face shield similar to that of Osimhen, Ori said it was only a coincidence because he and the Galatasaray star suffered almost similar injury and must now wear the protective shield to ensure they continue to enjoy their career; even as he shares  what life  could have been  for him  without  the protective guidance  under the meticulous  coach Amuneke.

    “Training under coach Amuneke is really an adventure,” Ori giggled. “ Every day new discoveries that promotes strength and confidence. The love and correction have impacted useful experiences to my career.”

    Meanwhile, Dr. Ejike of Galaxy British Hospital  who  performed  the surgery on Ori has given  a vivid account on  the steps taken to ensure that complex injury did not put paid to the player’s career. 

    “He had a right sided zygomatic complex fracture. It is a complex fracture because it is the fracture that involves the zygomatic bone, Zygomatic complex fracture and also the optic  part which is the eye part of the bone,” Dr Ejike painstakingly explained. “It is a bone which articulates with 24 other bones. Whenever it is involved in a fracture, it hardly fractures as a single bone. It does but very rare in about 15 percent. In most cases, it fractured as a complex which means other bones which articulates with it like the maxilla, the optic  and others get involved. He has a depressed fracture of the Zygomatic complex.

    “Because this fracture occurred when his mouth was closed, he couldn’t open his mouth. He was finding it difficult to open his mouth. If the fracture had occurred when his mouth was opened the person would also find it difficult to close his mouth. It was a bad injury because with it, he couldn’t play football and could not eat. I had him diagnosed.

    “The prognosis was fantastic and the surgery was successful; and he is fine.”

    Dr. Ejike  praised Amuneke for personally leading his technical crew and management staff to the hospital to enquire about the wellbeing of Ori as well as the prompt  payment for the surgery.

    He said he was surprised at the kind of attention showed to Ori by a club playing in the Nigerian league hitherto  reputed for abandoning their players after injuries.

    “I got a call from Emmanuel Amuneke that he was going to come. He actually came with his team and I briefed him the prognosis of the problem and what I planned to do for him. After the discussion, he was admitted and we had to stabilize him within 48 hours to get him ready for the surgery.

    He shed more light on the process leading to the surgery: “While I was stabilising him we were waiting to get the implant because I operated him using the implant called titanium plates and screws. It required me to open up his face raising a flap identifying the bones and the fractured ones size and plaiting it each of the fractured ones and closing up the flap again.

    “The plate is not already made or Nigerian made. It is not even African made. They were all imported. The two, three days before the surgery we were waiting for the plates to come in and luckily it came at the right time. We had the surgery. It was a surgery that took us about 2 hours, 30 minutes and it was successful. He was nursed in the recovery room and was moved back to his private room when he was stable. Cumulatively he was here for about five to seven work days.

    “He was discharged thereafter and also was recalled on about weekly or two weekly basis for check-ups. When it  was deemed fit, I declared  him medically and surgically fit and advised him to return to football.

    ” However, One thing marvelled me during the whole process. I was so happy that a player playing in the Nigerian league could be showered with so much attention and love after he got injured. In the past you hear  that players  who picked  up injuries in the local league were  abandoned by their clubs.

    “For Elvis Ori’s case, the coach with his entire technical crew was around. He also brought the management team and the Physiotherapist, Uche Okafor was fantastic. He was on my neck and all over me for things to go as planned. He was around almost throughout the process including being in the theatre while the surgery was done. It was the first time I am gearing that a player got injured and his team rallied around him to get full recovery. They also paid for his surgery.

    “I am so proud to come in contact with coach  Emmanuel Amuneke and the Physiotherapist, Uche Okafor and other technical and management crews who work assiduously to ensure   that Elvis Ori fully recovered.

    “I am also using this medium to thank Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma, the Governor of Imo State, who is the sole financier of the club. Heartland FC is our club as Imolites but the Governor has oversight functions of the club.

    “I am happy that Elvis Ori has recovered and to whom much is given, much is expected. I pray that his coming to the team will help the team to remain in the elite division beyond this season.”

    Never the type  to claim glory for personal feat, Amuneke waved off  suggestion  that it was his Yeoman’s efforts  that  proved  crucial  for the return of Ori  back to football, adding his goal  as the Technical manager of Heartland is to ensure that things are working perfectly since the welfare of players and officials are part of  his priorities.

    “The club owes it as a responsibility, to take care of the welfare and wellbeing of the players and other officials in the team. As regards Ori, we did what we were supposed to do because he is our player,” Amuneke said. “We gave him all the attentions because we were concerned when the injury came. We do not want to do anything that will jeopardize the career of any of our players and other officials.

    “I must thank His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, for helping us to gradually realise our objectives. His impact in the club has been massive,” noted the  erstwhile Barcelona winger  and the 1994 African Footballer of the Year.

  • NPFL begins probe of Shooting Stars’, Ikorodu City’s fracas

    NPFL begins probe of Shooting Stars’, Ikorodu City’s fracas

    The Board of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has observed with dismay disturbing pictures and videos from the Shooting Stars versus Ikorodu City league game  that have flooded online platforms.

    Chairman of the NPFL, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye said the Board would be sitting today for an investigative hearing into the incident at the Lekan Salami Stadium during the Matchday 32 fixture.

    “We are not unaware of the unacceptable occurrence and have scheduled a disciplinary meeting to determine appropriate measures to deter a recurrence”, said the league chairman.

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    He stated further that the investigation is consistent with the NPFL Board’s zero tolerance for unsporting conducts.

    “The Board will consistently act to stamp out all forms disreputable behaviours to keep the league free of unsporting engagement before, during and after league games”, Elegbeleye assured.

  • NPFL: Victorious Rivers United  reduce Remo Stars’ gap to five points

    NPFL: Victorious Rivers United  reduce Remo Stars’ gap to five points

    • Heartland, Nasarawa United, Enyimba, Tornadoes secure crucial wins

    Rivers United have delayed Remo Stars league title coronation following a 1-0 victory over the Sky Blue Stars at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt while Enyimba toppled Abia Warriors 2-1 in the latest Abia’s derby as the Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 32 were decided last weekend.

    Plateau United were also held to a goalless draw by Kwara United in the North Central derby while Heartland, Nasarawa United and Niger Tornadoes were victorious in their home duels.

    In Port Harcourt, mid-season signing, Boluwaji Sholumade scored in the 84th  minute to hand Rivers United a priceless home win and confined Remo Stars to another defeat. The Pride of Rivers have taken four points out of six from the fixtures with the first leg ending goalless in Ikenne.

    With the win, Finidi George’s men have reduced Remo Stars points gap to five points with six games to the end of the season but Remo Stars have a game more with their fixture versus Lobi Stars yet to be played. It will hold in Enugu.

    Rivers United are on 55 points while Remo Stars have 60 points.

    In Aba, Enyimba came back from a goal down to beat neighbours Abia Warriors 2-1 in the latest Abia derby. The win pushed them to the eighth spot with 46 points but Abia Warriors are still in the top five despite the loss.

    Antoine Ijoma put the Umuchineke Boys in the lead in the 21st  minute but Kalu Nweke and Joseph Atule’s goals in the 36th and 66th minutes put the People’s Elephant in charge as the kings of the Abia derby.

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    In Lafia, Nasarawa United hovered over Akwa United 2-0 to move out of the relegation zone. They are sixteenth with 39 points but the Promise Keepers have slipped back into the relegation ditch following the loss. They have 37 points to be placed 18th .

    Ugochukwu Leonard and Abubakar Garba with the goals in the second and 85th minutes for the Solid Miners.

    In Jos, Plateau United could not build on their 1-0 win in Enugu in their upper game as they were held to a goalless draw by desperate Kwara United in the North Central derby.

    The Harmony Boys are in the 10th  place with 43 points while the Peace Boys are 12th  with 42 points.

    At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu Lobi Stars could not make ‘home’ advantage count as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Sunshine Stars. Ahmadu Liman scored first for the Owena Whales in the 11th minute before Johnmark Aule evened the scores in the 55th minute.  Both are 20th and 19th spots in that order in the league table with 24 and 35 points respectively.

    In Katsina, Katsina United needed Lukman Bello’s 77th  minute strike to prevent a home defeat against Bayelsa United whose Rabiu Abdullahi scored the game’s opener for in the 44th minute.

    The Chanji Boys are 15th  in the table with 40 points but the Prosperity Boys are two places above with 42 points.

    Heartland returned to winning ways at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri after Samuel Agu’s double upended Kano Pillars 2-0. The Naze Millionaires are 17th in the table with 38 points ahead of their weekend tie with Rangers in Enugu.

    In Kaduna, Tornadoes beat El Kanemi Warriors 2-0 whole Bendel Insurance and Rangers settled for a goalless draw in Benin in a dress rehearsal of their President Federation Cup Round of 16 tie billed for Lagos’ Mobolaji Johnson Arena on April 16th.

    Meanwhile, the Lobi Stars versus Remo Stars tie hitherto delayed due to the Sky Blue Stars’ two goalkeepers, Serge Obassa and Kayode Bankole’s call ups to the Benin Republic and Nigeria’s national teams camp ahead of the last World Cup qualifiers, will now take place on Wednesday in Enugu.

    The NPFL fixed the new date to ensure that all outstanding games are concluded before the final fixtures of the season.

  • NPFL : Waves of derbies across Jos, Aba, Ibadan

    NPFL : Waves of derbies across Jos, Aba, Ibadan

    It is the battle of local derbies this weekend as the Nigeria Premier Football League enters Matchday 32, writes Tunde Liadi.

    This weekend, three local derbies would take place in Jos, Aba and Ibadan while the top two teams in the table will also square up in Port Harcourt while Bendel Insurance will host Rangers in Benin.

    Jos will be focal point for the first of the three local derbies as 11th placed Plateau United (41 points) square up Kwara United who are placed 10th with 42 points in a North Central derby.

    Both teams emerged victorious in their President Federation Cup Round of 32 games against Sunshine Stars and Gombe United in that order and both will hope to maintain a positive result at the end of the encounter.

    It is the Abia derby in Aba between Enyimba and Abia Warriors. Both teams played a 1-1 draw in the first stanza but Abia Warriors are the in-form team and a win in Aba will cement their third spot and a place in the CAF Confederation Cup to the bargain while a defeat for Enyimba who are currently ninth with 43 points will all but extinguish any thought of qualifying for Africa from the league.

    Abia Warriors do not have the distraction of the President Federation Cup having lost out at the State level to Ahudiyannem FC and they will stay fresh ahead of the encounter while Enyimba must make the trip back home from Abuja where they had beaten the cup’s reigning champions, El Kanemi Warriors on Wednesday.

    Read Also: NPFL: Remo Stars  edge Enyimba to open up eight points gap

    Shooting Stars versus  Ikorodu City is the third local derby of the weekend dubbed the South West derby. The first leg was chaotic in Lagos with the Oga Boys coming from behind to win 2-1 and Gbenga Ogunbote does not have a perfect time to avenge that defeat than now.

    The Oluyole Warriors are fourth in the log with 47 points and must win to continue to push Abia Warriors for the race to the third ticket in the league. Ikorodu City have a say too as they still nurse the ambition of sealing an unlikely ticket to the continent. They are sixth with 45 points.

    Elsewhere, Port Harcourt’s Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium will be on fire tomorrow as Rivers United will face the direct rivals to their league title aspirations, Remo Stars. The initial fixture ended goalless in Ikenne with the Pride of Rivers almost beating the Sky Blue Stars at their home.

    Finidi George and his wards must beat Remo Stars if they are eager to cut down the gap between them and the league leaders. Though Remo Stars have a game a hand.

    Nasarawa United will make a bold statement in their quest to remain in the topflight if they beat Akwa United at home tomorrow. Both teams are not yet save from the drop zone with Nasarawa United in the 16th spot with 36 points while Akwa United are just a spot higher in 16th  with 37 points.

    Meanwhile, Bendel Insurance are at home to Rangers and a win will see them move to the top five with their current seventh spot with 45 points while Heartland trade tackles with Kano Pillars aware that only a home win help placate their fans.

    In Katsina, Katsina United will host Bayelsa United in a tie between two mid table teams while Niger Tornadoes will go to Kaduna for a date with El Kanemi Warriors.