Nigeria Premier League

Alcaraz retains no. 1 spot over Djokovic in latest ATP rankings

Carlos Alcaraz will remain the world’s top player ahead of Novak Djokovic by the slightest of margins , at least for the next three weeks in the latest ATP Rankings.

Alcaraz and Djokovic served up an instant classic in episode No. 4 of their intriguing rivalry last Sunday. Djokovic saved a championship en route to winning his third Cincinnati Masters in a final for the record books. However, he fell just short in his quest to reclaim the No. 1 ranking by a meager 20 points.

Alcaraz did the bare minimum he was required to by virtue of reaching the Cincinnati final. The Spanish young gun was guaranteed to hold onto top spot for the next three weeks including the 2023 US Open where he will be the top seed with 9,815 points.

Djokovic is 20 points behind in second place with 9,795 garnering a maximum of 1,000 ranking points for winning a record-extending 39th Masters title. It’s quite an astonishing turn of events considering how one point could have completely changed the course of the rankings permutations.

Had Alcaraz converted his championship point in the second-set tiebreak, he would have established an 820-point lead over Djokovic. The Serbian star will now be the red-hot favorite to take back the No. 1 ranking in New York where he doesn’t defend any points and will only need to win his first-round match.

There is movement in the world’s Top 10. Danish Next Gen star Holger Rune moves to a new career-high mark of No. 4. Alcaraz and Rune are the first two 20-year-olds to be ranked in the world’s Top 4 simultaneously since 1992. Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas falls to 7th spot after losing 510 points for his failure to defend his runner-up points from 2022.

Alexander Zverev inches closer to re-entering the Top 10 after his semifinal finish in Ohio, making up five spots and rising to No. 12. Croatia’s Borna Coric was the defending champion in Cincinnati, but his second-round exit last week means that he represents the biggest drop in the world’s Top 30, cascading to 29th.

Australia will have four men in the world’s Top 50. Outside Alex de Minaur, there are new career highs for Alexei Popyrin (40th) and Max Purcell (47th) who both reached the Cincinnati quarterfinals, while Jordan Thompson rejoins the Top 50.

Nigeria Premier League

Rivers United Back To Top Spot In NPFL Title Race

Rivers United are back on top of the NPFL standings after they beat visiting Kano Pillars and closest rivals Remo Stars fell at Niger Tornadoes.

Rivers United pipped Kano Pillars courtesy of a first-half strike by Aniekeme Okon to return of the table with 29 points from 15 matches.

Remo Stars slipped to second in the standings after they lost 2-1 at Niger Tornadoes.

They have 26 points, three points behind new leaders Rivers United.

Ikorodu City and Heartland FC continued their steady climb to top reckoning after they both won at home.

Ikorodu City smashed past Akwa United 4-1 to shoot to third place on the table with 24 points.

NPFL leading scorer Anas Yusuf broke his four-match run without a goal when he scored after 45 minutes to draw Nasarawa United level at 1-1 only for ‘The Solid Miners’ to fall 3-2 at Heartland.

Heartland are now ninth on the table on 20 points.

Bayelsa United held El Kanemi Warriors to a goalless draw in Maiduguri, while Katsina United edged past Sunshine Stars 1-0 at home.

Scorenigeria

Nigeria Premier League

Ahmed Musa Donates ₦500,000 Each To Kano Pillars, Mighty Teams

According to govima.com, Nigeria’s Super Eagles Icon, Ahmed Musa, has generously donated ₦500,000 each to the players of Kano Pillars FC Under-19 team and Mighty Jets Under-19 team. This gesture was in recognition of their impressive performances in the ongoing inaugural Under-19 Youth League.

The donation followed Kano Pillars Under-19’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Mighty Jets in a highly competitive match held on Tuesday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano. The game showcased remarkable skill and determination from both sides, highlighting the potential of Nigeria’s budding football talents.

Musa, Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer in the FIFA World Cup, personally attended the match alongside his Kano Pillars teammates. He stayed to witness the conclusion of the Youth League fixture before joining his team’s training session in preparation for their Nigeria Premier Football League Match Day 13 clash against Lobi Stars.

Known for his leadership both on and off the pitch, Musa continues to be a beacon of hope and inspiration. Since rejoining Kano Pillars, he has been instrumental in the team’s performance, contributing to 95% of their goals this season. Over the weekend, he scored his fifth goal of the season, a powerful header against Heartland FC, while also providing three assists and winning three penalties for his side.

Musa’s commitment to grassroots football development was evident in this latest act of generosity, which aims to motivate young players to pursue excellence. The Under-19 Youth League, a platform designed to uncover future stars, aligns perfectly with his vision for the growth of Nigerian football.

As Kano Pillars prepare to face Lobi Stars at the Lafia City Stadium on Saturday, fans are hopeful that Musa’s leadership and stellar form will continue to drive the four-time Nigerian champions towards success.

Ahmed Musa’s unwavering dedication to supporting the sport at all levels underscores his enduring legacy in Nigerian football, making him a role model for the next generation of players. His contributions, both financial and motivational, remain unparalleled, cementing his place as a true ambassador of the game.

Nigeria Premier League

Shehu Abdullahi : The Maestro’s Midfield Magic

By Abdul A Kaugama

Shehu Abdullahi’s outstanding performance in Kano Pillars’ recent match has left fans and critics in awe. The midfielder’s clinical work and vision on the pitch prove that he’s still a force to be reckoned with in Nigerian football.

With precision passing and exceptional control, Shehu dictated the pace of the game, showcasing his mastery of the midfield.

His experience and skill were evident as he effortlessly navigated the opposition’s defense. The fans’ electrifying energy was matched only by Shehu’s infectious passion for the game.

Shehu’s resurgence is a testament to his dedication and hard work. His display of top-notch football skills is a clarion call for his return to the Super Eagles. Nigeria’s national team needs his expertise and leadership to excel on the international stage.

In conclusion, Shehu Abdullahi’s impressive form is a welcome development for Nigerian football. As he continues to dazzle fans with his midfield magic, we eagerly anticipate his next move.
May Allah continue to bless Shehu Abdullahi with strength, wisdom, and success in his football career.