Nigeria Premier League

Africa Volleyball Tourney: Nigeria Coach Hails Team’s Fighting Spirit

The head coach of Nigeria women’s volleyball team, Samuel Ajayi would not agree that his ladies were disgraced in the ongoing 2023 African Senior Women’s Nations Volleyball Championship in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Nine-time champions, Kenya defeated Nigeria 3-0 (25-14, 25-17, 25-11) in the quarterfinals match on Tuesday.

To Coach Ajayi, his wards gave their all in the match, but the result did not favour them. He was, however, full of praised for his players for exhibiting the spirit of sportsmanship throughout the group stage and giving top rated teams good fights.

He said Nigeria is in the process of rebuilding her national team and it is expected not to get the deserved results.

Ajayi said, “I give kudos to my team for improving throughout the championship; I trust them because this is a new team. Most of the players are making their debut in the championship; I believe with continuity; they will build more confidence and rule Africa.

“The U19 and U21 players have potentials; some of them were a bit nervous facing top rated players and that was why I was giving them the needed morale on the touchline to believe in themselves”.

Sports Marketing International reports that in the first set of the quarterfinal match, Nigeria struggled against the Kenyans as the spikes could not penetrate into the court of Kenya. Both teams made crucial blocks, but Kenya triumphed by 25 to 14 points.

Nigeria improved in the second set, but could not break the determined Kenyans; Ijeoma Ukpabi once more proved to be a leader on the court with her exceptional performance. Kenya capitalized on the errors and lack of coordination of the West African ladies to win by 25 to 17 points.

The third set was one sided with Kenya taking total dominance of the set which later ended 25 to 11 points.

Nigeria will face Morocco today (Wednesday in the 5-8 classification match by 2pm.

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.