Nigeria Premier League

Nigeria’s Funke Oshonaike Shines At Tischtennis Nordmasters In Germany

Germany-based Nigerian professional table tennis star, Olufunke Oshonaike was outstanding playing at this year’s Tischtennis Nordmasters in Germany on Sunday.

The one-day event is an invitational competition in Northern Germany which features some ping pongers in the region with some Danish players in attendance.

Oshonaike, who had represented Team Nigeria in seventh Olympic Games, having previously qualified and participated in Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, said that the Tischtennis Nordmasters which featured in on Sunday “is the most stressful competition for me because you only play on Sunday and you must play five players in a group to qualify to quarter-finals, then semi, then if you’re still strong enough, then finals.

“That’s to say all together you must play eight matches in a day, which is not done at WTT or any other international competition to win the trophy or be the runner-up.

“This year’s own means a lot to me because I never thought I could be strong enough to get to the finals because of all the strong young players who were present at the event, and because it has not been easy for me combining my education now with training. I am now at the hospital doing my practical and I have to be there till November. I love taking care of patients but at the end of it, it has not been easy for me. But because of how discipline, dedication and never give-up spirit that I was brought up with, I still manage to push myself till I could do no more,” said Oshonaike, who attended Community Primary School, now known as Ola-Olu Primary School, Agunbiade, Somolu, Lagos.

Continuing, she said: “So I am proud to tell you all that I came second after playing eight matches today. It was a stressful day for me! I had to drive one hour to the venue today and started 9 a.m. and we finished at 17:00… what a marathon competition!!! But it worth all the pain and I am happy ❤❤.”

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.