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Tag: NPFL

  • NPFL: GTI facilitates partnership deal for  radio commentaries

    NPFL: GTI facilitates partnership deal for  radio commentaries

    Strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited has successfully facilitated a partnership deal between the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and managers of the elite league over  live radio commentaries during matchday activities.

    GTI Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, said  the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both parties  was done in Abuja on Thursday, March 27.

    The NPFL Board chairman Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye described the partnership deal between both parties as a game-changer initiative aimed at further enhancing the popularity of the top-tier League in the country and beyond.

     “The return of regular live radio commentary on FRCN, the largest Radio Network in Africa is a heart-warming initiative because it is a sure channel to bring the magic of the ever-improving NPFL to as many homes, cars and football-loving Nigerians,” he said. “This collaboration which is largely a corporate social responsibility of Radio Nigeria was agreed because of their unbeatable reach and reputation over the years.”

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    The  Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Dr. Mohammed Bulama, said he was pleased that live commentaries of Nigeria Premier Football League are back on the Network Service during his time at the corporation.

    Also present at the occasion was the Executive Director of GTI Group,  Nelson Ine, who used the occasion to thank both parties for reaching a decision that aims to add value to the fast-rising elite league.

     “Today marks another milestone in GTI’s quest in giving the NPFL a new lease of life. The step taken today has added value to the NPFL project because it has given more Nigerians the opportunity to listen to live commentaries of our elite league by bringing it to the doorsteps of our citizens.

     “GTI remains committed to improving our league and adding value to it. We are all delighted today because history has been made and we hope Corporate Nigeria will use this golden opportunity to support the project via sponsorship and utilising it for their brand visibility,” he said.

    It is expected that the deal will last till the end of the 2024/2025 NPFL season and will be renewed the following season for continuity.

  • NPFL: Rivers United primed to cut Remo Stars’ lead with possible home win

    NPFL: Rivers United primed to cut Remo Stars’ lead with possible home win

    With Remo Stars playing away to Bendel Insurance, can Rivers United use the opportunity to cut the  11 points lead of the runaway NPFL leaders  when they host Tornadoes in Port Harcourt today? TUNDE LIADI writes on permutations ahead of Matchday 28 games.

    Rivers United will strive to cut the gap on run away league leaders, Remo Stars , when they host Niger Tornadoes in Port Harcourt today as the 2024-25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 28 fixtures take centre stage.

    The weekend’s  fixtures began yesterday in Katsina when Katsina United hosted Shooting Stars at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina.

    Katsina United edged the tie 1-0 through Ahmed Taofeek’s late goal. The win ensured that the Chanji Boys have 36 points from 28 games and are out of the relegation zone pending other games.

     Today, three games would be played starting with the Rivers United versus Niger Tornadoes encounter  at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.

    The Pride of Rivers have moved  to the second spot though on goals difference ahead of Shooting Stars with the vital point gained in Ibadan last weekend and they can cut Remo Stars’ lead to eight points if they beat Tornadoes and the Sky Blue Stars falter in Benin against Bendel Insurance in another game billed for today.

    In the third game of today, Lobi Stars will begin their quest for points at their new home, the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu with a tie against Ikorodu City. The Pride of Benue are at the bottom of the table  with just 23 points hence  they must  beat the in-form Oga Boys if they do not want to kiss the NPFL  goodbye  early.

    Impressive Ikorodu City beat Heartland in Lagos to move to the sixth spot with 41 points and a positive result will  boost their hopes for a spot on the continent at the end of the season.

    The remaining five games will be played tomorrow  at designated venues.

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     In Enugu, it will be battle royale between former  champions with the incumbent champions, Enugu Rangers slugging it out with 2021 winners, Akwa United. Both teams are at the different ends of the table. Rangers who  won the league for the eighth time last season , are presently fifth with 41 points.

    On the other hand, Akwa United have plummeted since their league title heroic of 2021. They managed to survive the relegation chop last season but they are in the relegation zone again. They are 19th  with 27 points and must avoid a defeat in Enugu no matter what it takes if they do not want to end their topflight journey at the end of the season.

    In Jos, Plateau United will continue their bid to leave the drop zone when they host Abia Warriors with the three points firmly on their mind. The Peace Boys are 16th  with 31 points and a home win will do them a lot of good.

    Abia Warriors on their part are seventh on the log with 41 points and with only goals difference separating the fifth from the seventh spot, and unlikely victory in Jos will help galvanize their push for top three finish at the end of the season.

    In Owerri, Heartland ‘s fans  should be treated to an exciting night of football  when they lock horns with Bayelsa United.

    Both are on identical  33 points  on the league table and are only separated by goals difference. Heartland are winless in their last three games including their last  goalless  draw with El Kanemi Warriors. They cannot afford to throw away points and only a home win will assuage the Naze Millionaires’ fans.

    Kwara United versus El Kanemi Warriors is another explosive fixture holding tomorrow  in Ilorin. The Harmony Boys failed to win their last home game against Abia Warriors. It would have been eight successive wins had they won the game.

    They will need a repeat of their home invincibility if they are to surmount El Kanemi Warriors who are eager for away points after the draw in Owerri in their last travel.

    Nasarawa United and Sunshine Stars will face each other in the final game of the weekend’s preview.

    The Solid Miners are 17th  on the log with 31 points and they are up against 18th  placed Owena Whales who have identical points as they also.

    It will be a fight to the finish for the two relegation haunted sides and the victorious side will improve their survival chances.

  • NPFL: Dogfight in Ibadan as Shooting Stars host Rivers United 

    NPFL: Dogfight in Ibadan as Shooting Stars host Rivers United 

    The 2024-25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) enters Matchday 27 this weekend with the star match  holding in Ibadan between third placed Shooting Stars and second placed Rivers United .

    Elsewhere, Kano Pillars versus Rangers; Remo Stars versus Plateau United and Ikorodu City versus Heartland are also exciting fixtures to look forward to.

    In Ibadan, Shooting Stars will be eager to return to the second spot when they host Rivers United at the Lekan Salami Stadium.

    The Oluyole Warriors just relinquished second spot to the Pride of Rivers after the latter pipped Katsina United 1-0  at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.

    Shooting Stars won five games in December and were in cruise control in second spot but their last four games’ results have seen a reversal in fortune with the last home game being a 2-2 draw against Lobi Stars. They tried to salvage something with a 1-1 draw in Aba against Enyimba on Wednesday. Can they stop Rivers United to avenge first stanza defeat?

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    On Sunday, sixth-placed Kano Pillars who are just three points away from the second spot are at home to current league champions, Rangers. A convincing home win could mark a turnaround in Pillars season while a positive result for the Flying Antelopes will help cushion their resolve to secure another continental slot.

    Today, Sunshine Stars will slug out with Kwara United in Ikenne in a game they must win to start the push towards leaving the drop zone. They are 18th  with 28 points. The Owena Whales are up against a wounded Harmony Boys who were held to a goalless draw at home by Abia Warriors on Wednesday.

    Tomorrow, Abia Warriors will strive to return to the top four at least when they lock horns with relegation haunted Nasarawa United in Umuahia. The Imama Amapakabo’s men got a draw in Ilorin on Wednesday against Kwara United a win will propel them further on the table.

    Bayelsa United were left seething after they were pinned 1-0 by Plateau United in Jos at midweek. They must beat stubborn Bendel Insurance on Sunday to swim out of the relegation zone.

    Niger Tornadoes will strive to consolidate on their 2-0 away win in Bauchi against Lobi Stars when they face Enyimba in Lafia. This is the Ikon Allah Boys’ first home game since the NPFL barred them from the use of Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna.

  • NPFL: War as Enyimba, Rivers United clash  in Aba

    NPFL: War as Enyimba, Rivers United clash  in Aba

    Rivers United‘s visit to Aba as guests of Enyimba is  doubtedly  the headline fixture for the Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 24 fixtures  this weekend with Remo Stars’ tango with reigning champions, Rangers International in Enugu.

    Seven games will be played today while the remaining three hold tomorrow.

    In Aba, Enyimba will be seeking their third win from 11 games when they trade tackles with Finidi George inspired Rivers United today at the Enyimba International Stadium. The Pride of Rivers edged the People’s Elephant when the first leg was played in Port Harcourt but they must avoid a defeat to boost their fading league title aspirations.

    Rivers United have dropped to the third spot with 38 points but Enyimba’s 11th  spot with 31 points after they have played all their outstanding games is more than underwhelming. The game will also pitched Stanley Eguma against his former employers.

    In Kano, Kano Pillars will hope to record their second consecutive win following their 2-1 midweek victory over El-Kanemi Warriors when they host in-form Abia Warriors today at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Sai Masu Gida are ninth with 32 points and will need a home win to take them further up the league’s ladder against stubborn Umuchineke Boys who are fourth with 36 points.

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    Kwara United ended the eight game unbeaten run of Shooting Stars in Ilorin on Wednesday. They will have the honours of hosting Bayelsa United at the George Innih Stadium, Ilorin today. The Harmony Boys may gradually crack the top four in no time if they secure the maximum points against the Prosperity Boys. They are currently eighth with 32 points.

    In Bauchi, Lobi Stars will seek to move on from their 1-0 home loss to Enyimba when they lock horns with Katsina United at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium today. The Pride of Benue are last on the log and anything other than a home win won’t be acceptable.

    Plateau United will host El Kanemi Warriors in Jos in a game Mbwas Mangut must win to keep his job. He has three game ultimatum dangling around his neck which enters second game today. He drew in Kaduna to Niger Tornadoes to keep his hope of keeping his job alive.

    Can Nasarawa United secure a league double against Ikorodu City just like Rangers International did in the last weekend game? The Solid Miners must heed that call when the Oga Boys come calling at the Lafia City Stadium.

    In the last game billed for today, Sunshine Stars will face Akwa United in a relegation zone battlers. Both teams cannot afford to lose with the Promise Keepers in more precarious situation if they are beaten. The action spot is the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

    Tomorrow, three games are on display. Rangers will slug it out with Remo Stars in a game they must win to revenge the first leg result in Ikenne which the Sky Blue Stars won 2-1 despite being drama filled.

    It will be more than a contest between Daniel Ogunmodede and his pal in the Super Eagles technical crew, Fidelis Ilechukwu. It will be tactical battle which the Flying Antelopes must win to show that they are ready to return to the continent after their early elimination this season in Africa.

    A home win for Rangers may see them move to the top three if results from other centres go in their favour while an unlikely away win would typically hand the league title to Remo Stars who are currently eighth points better than second placed Shooting Stars at the top.

    In Owerri, Heartland will host Shooting Stars in a must win fixture for the Naze Millionaires who have dropped to the 13th spot with 29 points as a result of the NFF Disciplinary Committee decision to return the deducted three points and three points to Bendel Insurance and Nasarawa United. They are just four points away from the relegation zone and must beat the Oluyole Warriors to steer clear of that thoughts.

    Shooting Stars too need the points to close the gap on Remo Stars who are away to Rangers. They will build more gap between them and third placed Rivers United if they secure points in Owerri and Rivers United fail to beat Enyimba in Aba.

    Bendel Insurance shot from the relegation zone to the 10th spot with 31 points after they had their three points and three goals initially chalked off returned by the Disciplinary Committee of the NFF and they could go even higher on the log if they beat Niger Tornadoes in Benin tomorrow.

  • NPFL: Rivers United sink  Lobi as .Abia Warriors, Ikorodu City, Akwa United record victories

    NPFL: Rivers United sink  Lobi as .Abia Warriors, Ikorodu City, Akwa United record victories

    Rivers United have snapped their five game winless run with a 1-0 defeat of Lobi Stars yesterday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt as Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 23 fixtures were decided last weekend.

    Lobi Stars who were equally in dire strait held Rivers United to a goalless draw at half time and they were almost running away with a point when Timothy Zachariah struck in the 88th  minute to hand them the maximum points. It was the Pride of Rivers’ first win of the year and more importantly, it restored them back to the third spot with 38 points from 23 games.

    In Lagos, Ikorodu City moved to the seventh spot with 34 points after they came back from a goal down to beat Kwara United at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

    Junior Aimufula stunned the Lagosians’ fans with the opener after two minutes but goals from Toyeeb Ajeyigbe and Shola Adelani in the seventh and 64th  minutes turned the tide.

    In Umuahia, Abia Warriors continued with their recent resurgent with a 3-0 home win over Sunshine Stars. Chidozie Iwundu scored the opener through an own goal in the 18th minute while further goals from Antoine Ijoma and Segun Ogunjimi added gloss to the result in the 36th and 90th minutes.

    Imama Amapakabo’s side are fourth with 36 points while the Owena Whales are 17th with 24 points.

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    In Yenagoa, reigning Champions, Rangers International FC frustrated their hosts, Bayelsa United to a goalless draw. The Flying Antelopes are fifth with 35 points while the Prosperity Boys are 12th  with 29 points.

    In the battle between two former league champions, Akwa United managed a 2-1 home win over Enyimba to earn Kennedy Boboye his first league win since he resumed at the start of the second round.

    Olayemi Ogunleye got the game’s curtain raiser in the 28th minute for the home team while Issah Mohammed equalised for the visitors in the 40th minute on his debut. Uche Sebastian got the Promise Keepers back in front in the 75th minute. The win though failed to keep out of the drop zone but it was a respite for them as they now sit in the 18th  spot with 23 points.

    In Kaduna, Niger Tornadoes could not get the much heralded three points at home to Plateau United. The game which was televised live was taken to the Ahmadu Bello Stadium for the purpose and it didn’t take long for Papa Daniel to score for the Ikon Allah Boys in the 59th  minute off the well struck free kick.

    But the Peace Boys equalised two minutes before the full time through Samuel Kalu.

    Tornadoes slipped to the ninth spot with 31 points while Plateau United are 15th  with 25 points.

    In the other games played, Heartland were pipped 1-0 by Katsina United on Friday while Remo Stars beat Kano Pillars 2-1 in Ikenne. Shooting Stars defeated Bendel Insurance 1-0 to end their seven game unbeaten record.

    El Kanemi Warriors beat Nasarawa United 1-0 in the last fixture of the weekend.

  • NPFL boss to address workshop on football and education integration

    NPFL boss to address workshop on football and education integration

    The Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, will be delivering a presentation at an event that seeks to strengthen the integration of football and education in the country.

    Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), is also billed to attend the event as the special guest of honour.

    In attendance also will be the Ambassador of Hungary to Nigeria, His Excellency, László Szabó.

    Organised by Hungary-based V Agency, the event will hold in Abuja on Monday, February 11 at Abuja Continental Hotel, Wazobia Hall.

    In the invitation letter to Elegbeleye, the Chief Executive Officer of V Agency, Alexandra Végh, noted:”The purpose of this event is to strengthen the integration of football and education in Nigeria,

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    with a particular focus on scouting advancements.

    “We aim to highlight the transformative role of  technology in scouting, including the use of advanced scouting software, video editing techniques, AI, and analytics courses,” Végh added.

    The event, she went on, will explore how these tools, alongside the assessment of players’ physical attributes, can redefine professional scouting.

    The event will also showcase V Agency’s contributions to fostering sports and educational partnerships in Nigeria while creating opportunities for collaboration with key stakeholders, including

    football clubs, academies, schools, and industry professionals.

    Some of such stakeholders include officials and clubs of the Nigeria National League (NNL), Nationwide League One (NLO), football academies, and educational institutions.

    During the event, Végh will offer insights into V Agency’s project in Nigeria. The event will provide opportunities for network with key figures in the football and education sectors.

  • NPFL: Heartland  subdue  Rivers United  as Nasarawa United, Abia Warriors secure wins

    NPFL: Heartland  subdue  Rivers United  as Nasarawa United, Abia Warriors secure wins

    Rivers United extended their winless streak to five games after they were beaten 2-0 by Heartland at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri yesterday in a NPFL Matchday 22 tie.

    Goals from Christian Molokwu and Joel Okoro in the 63rd  and 74th  minute for the Naze Millionaires ensured they secured back to back home win after the draw in Aba against Enyimba and they are now ninth on the log with 29 points from 22 games.

    The Pride of Rivers are still third with 35 points but they could be dethrone today by the time today’s games are concluded. They have drawn three and loss two of their last five games.

    In Lafia, Nasarawa United dug deep to beat Niger Tornadoes 2-0 through Anas Yusuf’s double. The Solid Miners’ attacker has now scored 13 goals in the ongoing season. Nasarawa United are still in the relegation zone as they are 18th on the log with 22 points.

    In Umuahia, Abia Warriors moved to the fourth spot with 33 points following a 2-0 victory over Akwa United Antoine Ijoma and Samuel Ogunjimi with the goals in the 26th and 90th minutes.

    Kano Pillars were held to a goalless draw by stubborn Bayelsa United in Kano. Sai Masu Gida dropped to the 10th  spot with 29 points but are with a game at hand.

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    The result and the alleged demeanour of Kano Pillars head coach, Usman Abdallah to the club’s fans and supporters has led to the club management to place a three week suspension on him.

    The Prosperity Boys are 12th  with 28 points.

    In Jos, Plateau United were forced to a 1-1 draw by Shooting Stars. Tijani Kabiru scored the game’s opener in the 76th  minute  for the visitors but the Peace Boys equalised two minutes later through Albert Hilary.

    The Oluyole Warriors are still second on the log with 37 points from 21 games while Plateau United are 15th  with 24 points.

    3SC conceded for the first in 68 calendar days since a 2-0 loss at Remo Stars in November 2024.  They have won six games and drew one of their last seven games.

    Earlier on Saturday, Remo Stars pipped Sunshine Stars 2-1 in Ikenne to open an eight points gap at the top of the table but the Owena Whales have slipped to the 16th spot with 24 points.

    Today, four games would be decided. In Bauchi, Lobi Stars will face Enyimba in a must win game for both teams; Rangers International FC host Ikorodu City; Bendel Insurance will lock horns with Katsina United in Benin City and Kwara United will be at home to El Kanemi Warriors.

  • NPFL : Enyimba, Heartland share spoils in Oriental derby as Rivers United extend winless streak

    NPFL : Enyimba, Heartland share spoils in Oriental derby as Rivers United extend winless streak

    2023 NPFL Champs, Enyimba  lost more ground in their determination to win their 10th  league title after they forced Heartland  to a 1-1 draw in Aba in a Matchday 21 tie.

    The reverse fixture of the Matchday One tie which ended 3-1 in favour of Enyimba was decided by Daniel Ekpo and Joseph Atule’s strikes in the 18th and 55th  minutes of the contest yesterday.

    With the home draw, Enyimba are still ninth with 28 points but they have gone 14 points behind league leaders, Remo Stars with just only 21 games played.

    Heartland are 13th  with 26 points with the point gained and will face Rivers United in Owerri this weekend.  Enyimba are traveling to Bauchi as guests of Lobi Stars.

    In another tie, Rivers United have gone four games without a win following their hard earned 2-2 draw at home to Bendel Insurance in Port Harcourt.

    The Pride of Rivers are yet to win a game in 2025 and they last won against Kwara United in the first stanza and after then they have got three draws (including two in Port Harcourt) and one loss to Plateau United in Jos.

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    Meyiwa Oritseweyinmi stunned Port Harcourt fans with the opener in the sixth minute but Rivers United equalised through Ubong Friday’s wonder strike from 25 yards.

    Insurance  made it 2-1 through Uche Collins in the 50th minute but Rivers United equalised again just two minutes after that goal through Handsome Surveyor’s goal.

    They must now play catch up to Remo Stars who have seven points better than them. Rivers United are third with 35 points from 21 games and must beat Heartland FC in Owerri on Sunday.

    Elsewhere, Katsina United needed a stoppage time winner from the spot kick through Muhammad Ibrahim to beat hard fighting Plateau United while Niger Tornadoes pipped Kwara United 2-1 in Minna.

    Ifeanyi Okechukwu scored the game’s curtain raiser in the first minute and  Abdulrasheed Dabai doubled the effort five minutes from the final whistle but  Junior Aimufua reduced the tally for Kwara United in the 90th minute.

  • NPFL  restarts with  Remo Stars, Rivers United in tough away ties

    NPFL  restarts with  Remo Stars, Rivers United in tough away ties

    The second stanza of the 2024-25 Nigeria Premier Football League season resumes this weekend with seven games while  a  rescheduled game from  the first stanza on Monday  complete the fixtures, writes TUNDE LIADI…

    Remo Stars sit  on top of  the table with 36 points from 19 games but they will face a stern test to hold on to that position when they face wounded Akwa United in Uyo tomorrow. The Promise Keepers lost the first leg in Ikenne 2-1 but the Sky Blue Stars didn’t have it easy before getting the maximum points.

    Akwa United who recently welcome the return of former head coach, Kennedy Boboye on a second stint until the end of the season at least are in the relegation zone and will need to start the second stanza with a bang despite facing the league leaders.

    In Lafia, Nasarawa United are under compulsion to beat Katsina United today in the reverse fixture of the first stanza to start the second round on a positive note. They were pinned 1-0 by the Chanji Boys in Katsina last month. The Solid Miners who are last on the table were docked three points from their points tally because of alleged crowd violence in their home draw with Rivers United last month.

    Nasarawa United brought in some newly signed players and they are expected to improve the club’s fortunes in the second stanza. The players must prove that with a win at home to Katsina United who are 13th  with 23 points.

    Abia Warriors will seek to have a double win over 2022 Federation Cup Champions, Bayelsa United when both teams clash at the Umuahia Township Stadium today in a repeat of the last game of the first stanza which Abia Warriors won 1-0 in Yenagoa.

    In Enugu, Rangers International  will host Niger Tornadoes seeking a second straight win over the Ikon Allah Boys today at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium. The Flying Antelopes pipped Tornadoes by a lone goal in Minna and swiftly atoned for the 1-0 home loss to Shooting Stars just a week before the triumph in Minna. This is their first game after the loss to the Oluyole Warriors.

    Ikenne will be on fire today as Sunshine Stars hosts Ikorodu City in another South West derby billed for the Remo Stars Stadium. The Oga Boys who are making their topflight debut this season won the first leg 2-1 through a late penalty kick.

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    Sunshine Stars with Abubakar Bala are 16th on the log with 21 points and need a home win to move out of the relegation zone for good but they will face still opposition from Ikorodu City who ended the first stanza in the sixth spot with 28 points.

    Tomorrow, Heartland FC will trade tackles with Lobi Stars in a repeat of the first stanza’s last game which ended in a goalless draw at the Lafia City Stadium. The Naze Millionaires with some new acquisitions must start the second stanza with a win to endear them to their fans in Owerri and beyond and also show that the team’s struggle of the first stanza was a thing of the past.

    Heartland are 14th  on the log with 22 points and they won’t have it lightly against the Pride of Benue who are 18th with 20 points.

    In another game billed for today, Plateau United will lock horns with Rivers United to complete their devastating form in Port Harcourt which saw them walk away with a 1-1 draw off the jaw of Finidi George led side.

    Rivers United needed a home win to keep pace with Remo Stars at the top of the table in the concluding fixture of the first stanza but they managed to secure a draw in Port Harcourt through a stoppage time goal. They are currently second on the table with 34 points and must avoid a defeat in Jos if they are to stay in close touch of Remo Stars who are above them with two points.

    The Nigeria Premier Football League has shifted three games billed for the weekend to a later date to ensure Enyimba round off their outstanding games and league fixtures are followed sequentially. The fixtures postponed are Kwara United versus Shooting Stars; Kano Pillars versus El Kanemi Warriors and Bendel Insurance versus Enyimba but Kwara United will host Enyimba in Ilorin on Monday in the People’s Elephant’s last game of the first stanza.

    Enyimba suffered their first defeat since October 20th , 2024 with the 2-0 loss to Kano Pillars. They have now won two games, drew seven and lost just one in their last 10 games in the league. Will Kwara United make it two consecutive losses?

  • NPFL unveils new Official Match Ball for second stanza

    NPFL unveils new Official Match Ball for second stanza

    Matches of the second stanza of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) would be played with the official match balls produced by Prostar Sports.

    This followed the delivery of the first batch of the match balls from Prostar Sports to the NPFL earlier this week.

    Speaking on the development, NPFL Chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye, noted that negotiations for the partnership dragged beyond the first stanza because both parties, including the NPFL investment partners, GTI Assets Management wanted to ensure a thorough understanding of obligations of all parties.

    He said: “Ideally, the official match balls would have been introduced at the start of the season but we wanted to ensure that we got a ball that is of very high standard.

    “There was an issue of ensuring that the balls met international football competition standards so our players won’t get used to playing sub-standard balls.

    “So, we had lots of going forth and back until we were satisfied with what they were bringing to the table”, Elegbeleye clarified.

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    Paul Maduakor, the CEO of Prostar Sports , expressed delight at finally getting the deal over the line, describing the negotiation process as very meticulous.

    “It is a major breakthrough for us at Prostar Sports, a proudly Nigerian brand keying into President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda to produce and supply sporting equipment of international standard for the NPFL, the biggest league in Africa”, Maduakor stated.

    Maduakor added : “Doing business with the NPFL allows us to contribute to the growth of local talent and elevate the professional football experience in the country.”

    Maduakor emphasised that the ball complies with FIFA Regulated International Match Standards, ensuring it is suitable for competitive play at the highest level.

    “This exceptional combination of advanced materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and adherence to international standards guarantees a ball that enhances performance, durability, and consistency, providing players with an unparalleled match experience,” he noted.