Nigeria Premier League

Australia, Nigeria punch tickets to Women’s World Cup knockout stage

One of this year’s Women’s World Cup co-hosts is moving on to the Round of 16.

Australia placed first in the Group B standings and advanced to the knockout stage by defeating Canada 4-0 at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Monday.

Hayley Raso was the star for the Matildas. The Real Madrid winger put her team on the board in the ninth minute with a far-side goal from just inside the box. She then secured a first-half brace when she tapped the ball in from the goal line off a corner kick in the 39th minute.

Mary Fowler added to Australia’s lead in the 58th minute off an assist from Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley put the cherry on top of the victory by scoring a penalty kick in stoppage time.

Over in Brisbane, Australia, Nigeria earned a spot in the Round of 16 for the second straight Women’s World Cup.

Linda Caicedo has lit up the Women’s World Cup, but exhaustion has been a concern
The Super Falcons only needed a draw on Monday to advance, and they got just that with a 0-0 result against the Republic of Ireland. The team could have won the group if it picked up three points in the match.

Australia and Nigeria will find out their Round of 16 opponents following the final Group D matches, which will both kick off at 7 a.m. ET on Tuesday. England currently sits atop the group with six points, Denmark and China have three points apiece and Haiti has zero points.

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.”