Nigeria Premier League

Türkiye interested in hosting UEFA club competition finals in 2026, 2027

UEFA said on Tuesday that Türkiye is among nine national associations that are interested in hosting finals of the Europa League and Europa Conference League in 2026 and 2027.

In a statement, UEFA said that “it has received declarations of interest from nine member associations to host UEFA club competition finals in 2026 and 2027.”

“The declarations of interest are not binding and the final proposals will have to be delivered with the bid dossiers by 21 February 2024,” it said, adding: “The UEFA Executive Committee will appoint the host associations of the eight finals in May 2024.”

The Turkish football body proposed the stadiums of Besiktas or Fenerbahce or Galatasaray for a future second-tier Europa League final, and third-tier Europa Conference League final, and only one football venue will be confirmed at bid submission.

UEFA also announced the interested bidders for men’s, women’s Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League finals.

Türkiye last hosted the 2023 Champions League final in June when Manchester City beat Inter Milan 1-0 to win the top-tier UEFA club title at Istanbul’s Ataturk Olympic Stadium.

The same venue previously hosted the 2005 Champions League final as Liverpool beat AC Milan on penalties.

Fenerbahce’s stadium hosted the 2009 UEFA Cup final in which Ukraine’s Shakhtar Donetsk were crowned the champions after they beat Werder Bremen 2-1 in extra time.

Introduced in 1971, Europe’s second-tier UEFA Cup was rebranded the Europa League in 2009.

Interested bidders for UEFA club finals in 2026, 2027

UEFA Champions League Final

Hungary: Budapest – Puskas Arena

Italy: Milan – San Siro Stadium

UEFA Women’s Champions League Final

Germany: Gelsenkirchen or Munich or Stuttgart

Norway: Oslo – Ullevaal Stadium

Scotland: Glasgow – Hampden Park

UEFA Europa League Final

Germany: Dusseldorf or Frankfurt or Gelsenkirchen or Leipzig or Stuttgart

Romania: Bucharest – National Arena

Scotland: Glasgow – Hampden Park

Türkiye: Istanbul – Besiktas or Fenerbahce or Galatasaray Stadium

UEFA Conference League Final

Germany: Leipzig – Leipzig Stadium

Israel: Jerusalem – Teddy Stadium

Norway: Oslo – Ullevaal Stadium

Scotland: Glasgow – Hampden Park

Switzerland: Geneva – Stade de Geneve

Türkiye: Istanbul – Besiktas or Fenerbahce or Galatasaray Stadium

Nigeria Premier League

Ogunmodede reflects on Emo Stars’ win over Abia Warriors

Emo Stars technical adviser Daniel Ogunmodede admitted his side was fortunate to secure a 3-2 victory over Abia Warriors in Ikenne on Wednesday.

Abia Warriors took a 2-0 lead in the first half, with goals from Ayodele Eziekel and Anthony Ijoma. However, Emo Stars responded with three goals from Olamilekan Adebayo, Jabbar Malik, and Franck Mawuena to clinch the win.

Ogunmodede acknowledged that his team had underestimated their opponents but managed to turn things around. “The game was tense and shocking in the first half on our home ground. Not every time you will be lucky against a great team we played against,” he said in the post-match interview.

“We underestimated the qualities of our opponent, and we were punished for it. But luckily, we identified the problem and readjusted to get the victory.”

Emo Stars will now aim to build on this win as they continue their campaign

Nigeria Premier League

Kano Pillars eye maximum points in midweek showdown with Ikorodu City

Kano Pillars are determined to secure all three points in their upcoming fixture against Ikorodu City in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The Sai Masu Gida will face Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on Wednesday.

Usman Abdallah’s side is upbeat and focused ahead of the match, with the players in high spirits.

“Done and dusted with the shake-ups ahead of our NPFL25 Matchday 21 clash against Ikorodu City this Wednesday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos,” Kano Pillars wrote on X.

“The boys are in high spirits and determined to secure maximum points as we aim to continue our impressive run this season.”

Kano Pillars currently sit in eighth place on the league table with 28 points.

Nigeria Premier League

Brown Ideye criticizes NPFL standards, calls for major improvements

Enyimba striker Brown Ideye has expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), stating that significant improvements are needed to elevate its standard.

Ideye, who rejoined the league in December 2024 after signing for Enyimba, has made appearances in both NPFL and CAF Confederation Cup matches, scoring two goals so far.

Sharing his thoughts following Enyimba’s 2-0 defeat to Kwara United in a rescheduled matchday 16 fixture in Ilorin, Ideye voiced concerns about the league’s challenges.

“The system is getting worse; the league is not improving. I feel like we have a long way to go,” Ideye remarked during an interview.

Despite enjoying his time at Enyimba, the former West Brom striker emphasized that much remains to be addressed in the league.

“My time at Enyimba has been wonderful, but there are a lot of things in the league that need improvement and haven’t changed yet,” he added.

On the poor performances of Nigerian clubs in CAF competitions, Ideye highlighted critical areas requiring attention.

“In terms of traveling, feeding, hotel accommodations, and player relaxation — it’s all bad. Nigerians are not ready for continental competitions. We need to put our house in order before going there, instead of embarrassing ourselves.”