FIFA Women’s World Cup: Philippines stun co-hosts

Day six at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup saw a shock success for the Philippines, while Colombia started with a win and Switzerland drew with Norway.

The Philippines joined New Zealand on three points in Group A after a surprise 1-0 win over the Football Ferns, as the second round of group games began,

Philippines took a surprise lead midway through the first half, Sara Eggesvik’s cross met by a Sarina Bolden header which was too hot for keeper Victoria Esson to hold.

Hannah Wilkinson headed a great chance over and the far post kept out a Jaquie Hand effort, before the latter headed home but only to be denied by a VAR check for offside.

Olivia Davies-McDaniel pulled off a fine late save to thwart Grace Jale and keep her side’s narrow lead.

Colombia are on three points along with Germany in Group H, after they began with a 2-0 defeat of South Korea.

Two defensive errors in the space of 10 first-half minutes were decisive, the first a penalty by Catalina Usme following a handball given against Shim Seo-yeon.

Goalkeeper Yoon Young-geul made a mess of dealing with Linda Caicedo’s effort in the 39th minute, which went through her hands.

Switzerland lead Group A on four points after a goalless draw with Norway, which meant the latter got off the mark.

The Swiss pressured Norway hard before Sophie Haug’s header brought a sharp save out of Gaelle Thalmann.

Thalmann later made a double save from Tuva Hansen and Frida Maanum, also parrying a Guro Reiten strike, as Norway improved in the second half.

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.”