Nigeria Premier League

Stakeholders hail NBBF over Organisation of FIBA Pre-Olympic Qualifiers

The 2023 FIBA Pre-Olympic Qualifiers tournament which was concluded Sunday in Lagos, would indeed, continue to evoke fond memories in the minds of every lover of the game, who witnessed the history made in Lagos, Nigeria.

The qualification tournament, which was planned to feature eight countries, eventually had six countries participating, as two countries withdrew a few hours before the tip-off. That, however, didn’t take away the keen and high-octane competitiveness of the games that were displayed throughout the tournament, played August 14-20, 2023, at the highbrow Eko Hotels Convention Centre, Lagos.

Not a few fans, officials and stakeholders of the fastly growing game have been waxing lyrically about the games and particularly, the organisation of the tournament.

For the record, the leadership of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) have set an enviable benchmark for the organisation of a basketball event. As it took the tournament to an unconventional centre, away from the usual popular venues.

Staging a continental tournament at the high-brow Eko Hotels Convention Centre, expectedly, drew scepticism and disbelief. However, the ingenuity and administrative acumen of the NBBF, came to the fore, as it completely transformed the place into a secure, world-class and beautiful basketball arena.

Notwithstanding the early ouster of the Nigerian team, D’Tigers from the tournament, fans and enthusiasts took to the games and particularly, the beautiful ambience of the venue, like fish to water, as they sang, danced and cheered the teams throughout the tournament.

Speaking with journalists, the Chairman of the Cameroun Basketball Association, Sam Nduku, while congratulating all the teams that took part in the competition, expressed his satisfaction on the near-flawless of the tournament.

“Firstly, I’d like to congratulate the Nigeria Basketball Federation for taking up the challenge to host this tournament, at short notice. I must also commend all the countries that participated in this qualifier. Importantly, too, I give kudos to NBBF, for organising a world-class tournament, ” Nduku remarked.

For Ousmane Drame, a player of the Guinea team, that lost out in the semi-finals of the tournament, the organisation was top-notch, but it could get better.

“Frankly speaking, I’d say, it was a well-organised tournament. But it can get better, considering the fact that teams had to play back-to-back games, without enough rest. However, in view of the challenges of staging such a tournament, the organisers must be commended for putting in their best, he noted.

That fan favourites, Senegal lost to Cameroun in the final game, was not enough to dampen the morale and enthusiasm of former Senegalese basketball player, Madicke Sene.

According to Sene, who is the Chairman of the Senegalese community in Lagos, the organisation of the tournament was very good. And a big plus for the game in Nigeria and Africa.

“I’m a former basketball player before I relocated to Lagos, several years ago. I want to say a big thank you and congratulations to the Nigeria Basketball Federation for this wonderful organisation.

“I’ve never seen basketball played in such an environment. It’s totally a new and satisfying experience for everyone. Imagine, the players and officials just strolling to the basketball court from their hotel rooms. This is great,” Sene added.

Cameroon emerged as the best team at the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament in Lagos, Nigeria after they defeated Senegal 80-74 in the final on Sunday. With this result, Cameroon picked the sole ticket to the Olympic Qualifying Tournament beating reigning Afrobasket champions Tunisia, Guinea, Mali and Senegal.

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Nigeria Premier League

NPFL 2025/26 Season Set To Kick Off

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is gearing up for another exciting season as top clubs across the country resume pre-season activities ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. With the official kickoff set for Friday, August 22, 2025, anticipation is building among fans, pundits, and players who are eager to see how the new season unfolds.

Enyimba FC, one of the most successful clubs in the league’s history, resumed training on June 20 at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba. The team is looking to bounce back from a disappointing sixth-place finish last season, which saw them miss out on continental football. According to the club’s Sporting Director, Ifeanyi Ekwueme, all players and officials were instructed to report on schedule as preparations intensify for the new campaign.

Rivers United also returned to camp under the guidance of newly appointed Technical Manager Finidi George. Twenty-five players reported to the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, where they were welcomed by Finidi and his technical crew. Rivers United, who finished second in the 2024/25 season, will compete in the CAF Champions League alongside NPFL champions Remo Stars. The team is expected to play several friendly matches as part of its build-up to the season.

Abia Warriors, another top-performing side last season, have launched their own pre-season program. Having secured third place, the Umuahia-based club will be making its debut in the CAF Confederation Cup. Coach Imama Amapakabo is leading the first phase of training with the current squad while awaiting the arrival of new signings. Nigeria’s fourth continental slot will be decided in the final of the President Federation Cup between Kwara United and Abakaliki FC.

As clubs finalize their preparations, conversations around Nigeria Premier League predictions are beginning to surface among fans and analysts. Unlike European leagues where form guides can often be predictable, the NPFL is widely known for its volatility. Home advantage plays a significant role, and away victories are often hard-fought. This makes the league a compelling subject for fans who enjoy forecasting match outcomes and tracking shifts in form. Interest in predictions has grown significantly in recent years, with platforms like BetsLoaded.com offering detailed previews, statistical breakdowns, and weekly match tips to help fans make more informed calls.

What sets the NPFL apart is its intense regional rivalries and passionate fan bases. From the Oriental Derby between Enyimba and Rangers International to North Central clashes involving Lobi Stars, the energy and unpredictability of matchdays keep the league dynamic. This unpredictability also contributes to the growing demand for reliable NPFL betting tips, as more Nigerian fans seek analysis that goes beyond surface-level commentary.

With the new season approaching, clubs will be fine-tuning their squads while fans gear up for what promises to be a fiercely contested title race. Whether it’s Remo Stars defending their title or underdogs pushing for a surprise finish, this season is shaping up to be one of the most engaging in recent years. For supporters eager to follow the action closely and gain a sharper insight into the game, the role of predictions will no doubt be more relevant than ever.

The NPFL is not just a football league; it’s a movement that continues to evolve. As attention grows and coverage expands, the blend of tradition, talent, and analysis is helping to elevate the league’s profile both at home and across the continent.

Scorenigeria.com.ng

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Nigeria Premier League

“It’s My Time,” Says Ikorodu City Star After Eagles Snub

Ikorodu City star Waliu Ojetoye has expressed optimism that he will break into the Super Eagles and become a regular, according to Soccernet.ng.

Ojetoye is coming off a brilliant campaign with Ikorodu United in the Nigeria Premier Football League. The 20-year-old was arguably the best left-back in the Nigerian top-flight last season, with a league-high nine assists.

He was key to Ikorodu City finishing 4th on the NPFL table after a very poor start to the campaign.

Ojetoye’s brilliance not only earned him a place in Nigeria’s CHAN Eagles. He was also named in Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles squad for the 2025 Unity Cup four weeks ago.

Unfortunately for him, the Ikorodu City man did not get minutes at the competition. Ojetoye was named on the bench in the first game against Ghana. But he did not even make the matchday squad for the final against Jamaica.

However, despite the disappointment, Ojetoye has expressed optimism that he will get game time with the Super Eagles eventually.

“I had a very nice experience in the Super Eagles team. It was a different exposure for me,” Ojetoye told ACL Sports.

“I was not disappointed not getting any minutes on the pitch because I know my time will come. Things are being done gradually, so I don’t need to jump into it. I believe that when it’s my time, I will play and give it my best.”

Ojetoye is currently on break. But it might be a busy holiday for him, as there have been speculations that he will leave Ikorodu City soon.

The Ikorodu City star is still young, at 21. If he continues to work on his game, he could get a move that will consistently put him in the eyes of the Super Eagles coaches.

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Nigeria Premier League

Ogunmodede: Global Club Cup Too Soon For Nigerian Teams

Remo Stars head coach Daniel Ogunmodede has issued a realistic assessment of Nigerian football’s place on the global stage, saying it may take between five to ten years for Nigerian clubs to reach the level required to compete at major international tournaments such as the FIFA Club World Cup.

Speaking after guiding Remo Stars to their first-ever Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title, Ogunmodede praised his players’ efforts but stressed that significant structural and developmental reforms are necessary if Nigerian clubs are to thrive internationally.

“Winning the league is a step in the right direction, but we are still far behind the elite clubs,” he said. “If we want to get to the level of the Club World Cup, it will take five to ten years of consistent planning and execution.”

He cited key areas requiring improvement, including youth development, infrastructure, coaching education, and management professionalism. “We need to go back to the drawing board. The gap in fitness, tactics, and match exposure is wide. It’s not impossible, but we must be deliberate,” Ogunmodede added.

As NPFL champions, Remo Stars will represent Nigeria in the CAF Champions League next season. The club’s rapid rise has been one of the most talked-about stories in Nigerian football, but Ogunmodede insists that more systemic changes are needed beyond domestic success. “It’s not about one club. For Nigerian football to grow, all clubs must invest in structures that develop talent sustainably,” he said.

He also called on the League Management Company (LMC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to prioritize long-term reforms. “If we want to compete with the likes of Al Ahly, Wydad, or even clubs from Asia and South America, we must modernize.”

The FIFA Club World Cup expands in 2025, and no Nigerian team has qualified to date.

Sports247.ng

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