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Nigeria Premier League

Switzerland 0-0 Norway: Scandinavians face early exit

Norway’s World Cup hopes are hanging in the balance after they were held to a goalless draw by Switzerland in Group A.

Norway, who were stunned by tournament co-hosts New Zealand in the opening game of the tournament, were dealt another blow moments before kick-off when star forward Ada Hegerberg had to be replaced by Sophie Haug due to injury.

Swiss goalkeeper Gaelle Thalmann made a number of great saves throughout the game to keep the scores level and ensure her side remain top of the group with one match left to play.

Switzerland started strongly but Norway gradually grew into the game, with their best opportunity coming after 22 minutes when Haug’s header was pushed away by Thalmann. The Roma forward had another headed chance go wide from Emilie Haavi’s cross.

A good bit of work saw Switzerland gain possession through Coumba Sow, who threaded the ball to Ana Maria Crnogorcevic, but her effort flew wide before Nadine Riesen’s cross was tipped over the bar by Aurora Mikalsen.

Norway took control of the opening stages of the second half, with Maren Mjelde having a headed effort saved five minutes after the restart.

Another attack saw a rebound fall to Haug, who smashed the ball first time, forcing Thalmann to make a fantastic stop to her left. The goalkeeper made another solid save to push away a dangerous low cross from Caroline Graham Hansen.

Although Norway were creating chances, Switzerland had a couple of opportunities of their own when Ramona Bachmann hit an effort wide after making a great run down the centre of the pitch before an audacious shot by Riesen was held by Mikalsen.

Thalmann made two excellent saves back-to-back, first denying Graham Hansen with a low dive before blocking Frida Maanum’s rebound at the near post.

Switzerland pushed in stoppage time as Crnogorcevic’s menacing cross was defended and Graham-Hansen’s long free-kick was then easily saved in the final seconds.

The Swiss will progress to the last 16 with a point from their final group match against New Zealand, while Norway will need to beat the Philippines and hope results elsewhere go there way in order to avoid an early exit.

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Nigeria Premier League

NPFL: No Respite For Abdallah Yet As Kano Pillars Extend Suspension Of Technical Adviser

 

The Management of Kano Pillars FC, under the leadership of Chairman Alhaji Ali Muhammad Umar, has extended the suspension of its Technical Adviser, Usman Abdallah, until after the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 28 fixture against Kwara United.

This decision was reached during a management meeting held on Sunday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata.

 

The extension follows a request from the committee set up to investigate the matter, chaired by the club’s Disciplinary Committee Chairman, Alhaji Muhammad Danjuma Gwarzo, which is yet to conclude its findings.

As a result, Chief Coach Ahmed Garba Yaro Yaro will continue to lead the team in the upcoming fixtures against Akwa United on Wednesday, Rangers International at the weekend, and Kwara United on Match Day 28, pending further decisions regarding Abdallah’s return.

The club remains committed to upholding professionalism and discipline as it continues its campaign in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

 

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Nigeria Premier League

Rangers Edge Remo Stars, Heartland Pip Shooting Stars in Dramatic Ties

Rangers Edge Remo Stars, Heartland Pip Shooting Stars in Dramatic Ties

Despite the loss, Remo Stars maintained their lead on the log with 48 points, while Rangers moved up to fourth position with 38 points.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 24 fixtures were concluded on Sunday with three games spread across the country.

The ties produced some thrilling encounters, with Rangers International FC and Heartland FC securing crucial victories over Remo Stars FC and Shooting Stars Sports Club respectively.

Rangers edge Remo Stars

Rangers International FC secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Remo Stars FC at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday.

Midfielder Saviour Isaac opened the scoring for Rangers in the 30th minute, expertly converting a free kick from outside the 18-yard box.

Rangers doubled their lead in the 48th minute, courtesy of a well-crafted goal involving CHAN Eagles’ Kenneth Igboke and Kingsley Maduforo.

Remo Stars reduced the deficit in the 85th minute, through Sikiru Alimi but it was too little too late to salvage the outcome of the match.

Despite the loss, Remo Stars maintained their lead on the log with 48 points, while Rangers moved up to fourth position with 38 points.

Late Drama in Owerri

Heartland FC of Owerri secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan at the Dan Anyiam Stadium on Sunday.

Chukwuma Agor had opened the scoring for Heartland in the 31st minute, but the Oluyole Warriors equalised through a penalty kick in the 81st minute.

However, Heartland were awarded another penalty kick in the dying minutes of the game, which John Bassey successfully converted, despite initial controversy surrounding the referee’s decision.

Despite suffering back-to-back losses, Shooting Stars remained second on the log with 40 points from 24 matches.

Other result

In another match played on Sunday, Bendel Insurance secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes.

The concluding results of the matchday 24 encounters have shuffled the NPFL standings, setting the stage for more thrilling encounters in the coming weeks.

Premium Times

 

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Nigeria Premier League

Nasarawa United Appoints Ex-Super Eagles Coach Yusuf

Nasarawa United Appoints Ex-Super Eagles Coach Yusuf

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) strugglers, Nasarawa United have announced the appointment of former Super Eagles Chief Coach, Salisu Yusuf, as their new Technical Adviser.

He replaces the erstwhile manager, Kabiru Dogo, whose second stint at the club has been anything but successful.

The club in a statement released yesterday said: “We wish to announce that we have mutually agreed to part ways with Technical Director, Kabiru Dogo, effective immediately.

“This decision has been made following a thorough review of the club’s performance in the 2024/25 NPFL season, where we have fallen short of our expectations.

“Due to the precarious situation of the club, we have decided to appoint former Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, Salisu Yusuf to take charge of the team immediately.”

On his part, Dogo, appreciated the management for the opportunity to serve and wished the club the best in the tasks ahead.

Speaking to Daily Trust, the newly appointed CAF ‘A’ licenced coach expressed his readiness for the rescue mission at Nasarawa United.

He said: “I am aware of the precarious position of the club but I am ready for the challenge.

“It is not going to be easy but having been around for some time, I believe I can help Nasarawa United to navigate their way out of the red zone.

“I call on the teeming fans of the club to continue to remain unwavering in their support. By the special grace of God, Nasarawa United won’t be relegated.”

Nasarawa United presently 18th position on the NPFL table with 26 points from 24 matches.

 

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