Nigeria Premier League

Saudi Pro League ‘in talks’ with UEFA for Champions League inclusion

Discussions are said to be taking place between the Saudi Arabian FA and UEFA in relation to Saudi clubs entering the Champions League.

Talks between the two powerful organisations are reportedly taking place on the possibility of some Saudi Pro League clubs playing in Europe.

The idea is one which on the surface sounds completely ludicrous, however seemingly due to the number of high-level players moving, it could happen.

Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to move to Al-Nassr, various big names have also made the move, including Karim Benzema and Neymar.

With all these expensive players arriving, UEFA are likely concerned over the allure of the Champions League with so many big names now gone from Europe, including Lionel Messi who joined Inter Miami.

Saudi Pro League clubs in the Champions League
Logically speaking, this shouldn’t happen, given Saudi Arabia isn’t within UEFA’s jurisdiction, but rather the AFC.

But due to the rest of the clubs in the Asian Champions League not having the resources of Saudi, it could make for some easy tournaments.

Therefore according to Calcio Finanza, the Saudi FA have been ‘in talks’ with UEFA over taking a Champions League place from 2025.

It is added that this wouldn’t impact their standing in the Asian Champions League nor the annual Arab Cup which Al-Nassr won last week.

Rather they would prefer the winners of the Saudi Pro League each year to enter the illustrious UEFA Champions League as a ‘wildcard’.

This makes it more likely that if they were to switch confederations, which would also impact the National Team.

Could they actually join the Champions League?
If you asked this question a year ago, the answer would be a clear and obvious no which would be clear.

But now following how rapidly the Saudi Pro League has developed, nothing would be surprising to us anymore.

This agreement while potentially still unlikely, would be a massive boost for the clubs involved, such as Al-Nassr.

With prize money and the eyes on the Champions League substantial in comparison to any other competition.

It would go a long way in helping Al-Nassr to become self-sufficient financially.

Nigeria Premier League

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.