Aston Villa get UEFA Europa Conference League play-off opponent

Aston Villa will play either Hibernian or FC Luzern in the UEFA Europa Conference League play-off round, it has been announced after the official draw took place at 1pm on Monday, August 7.

Unai Emery’s side securing seventh place in the Premier League last season meant the initial qualifying rounds would be bypassed.

Just one two-legged play-off, against Hibernian or Luzern, stands between Villa and the all-important group stage. Said play-off will take place on August 24 and August 31.

The first of these games will be at either Hibs’ Easter Road or Luzern’s Swissporarena, whereas the second will be at Villa Park.

This could change if Hibs go through, however, as Hearts (also in Edinburgh) have also been drawn at home on August 24.

It’s unlikely both Edinburgh teams will play at home on the same night.

If such an adjustment takes place, it wouldn’t change Villa’s opposition. It would merely be a swap between the first leg and second leg for home and away.

If Villa progress, they will be involved in the official draw for the Europa Conference League group stage, on September 1.

Said group stage will then commence on September 21 and end in December.

How is it decided between Hibernian and Luzern?
Hibs, of Scotland, and Luzern, of Switzerland, are due to play one another in a two-legged qualification tie.

The first leg will be on Thursday, August 10, while the second will be on Thursday, August 17.

Whoever wins on aggregate will then take on Villa.

How to get tickets for Villa’s Europa Conference League play-off
The club will release full ticket details via avfc.co.uk early this week, along with the details of the respective home and away legs.

Supporters are urged to check/update their marketing preferences to ensure important email updates aren’t missed.

Rangers’ Coach Rues Defeat At El-Kanemi, Says My Boys Lost Concentration When It Mattered

Rangers International FC’s coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, attributed his team’s 2-1 defeat to El-Kanemi Warriors FC in Maiduguri on Wednesday to lapses in concentration within his defence.

The NPFL matchday 21 clash saw El-Kanemi secured the win at the El-Kanemi Stadium, Maiduguri.

Ilechukwu, who also serves as an assistant coach for the Nigerian national team, acknowledged his players’ overall performance but highlighted two critical moments of defensive inattentiveness that allowed El-Kanemi to score.

He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and focusing on future achievements.

He described the current situation as a temporary setback and reassured fans that Rangers would soon return to winning form while urging his players to remain confident as they prepare for their next game against the high-scoring Ikorodu City.

El-Kanemi’s goals came from Nasiru Salihu, who scored in the 18th and 73rd minutes. Isaac Saviour scored the lone goal for Rangers in the 63rd minute.

Despite Rangers’ efforts to equalize, including the introduction of former World Cup star Michael Uchebo, El-Kanemi’s goalkeeper, Abine George, made crucial saves in extra time to secure the victory.

The win moved El-Kanemi Warriors into 4th place on the league table, while Rangers dropped to 6th.

Rangers will face Ikorodu City, who are currently 5th with the same number of points, at home on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 4:00 pm at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

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.