Nigeria Premier League

Arsenal leave it late to sink Man Utd

For the second season running, Arsenal claimed a dramatic 3-1 victory over Manchester United as Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus both scored in stoppage time at Emirates Stadium.

With the score levels at 1-1 in the sixth minute of time added on and the match seemingly heading for a draw, Rice, the £105million summer signing from West Ham United, controlled a corner at the back of the area before swivelling to put a fierce deflected shot past Andre Onana in the Man Utd goal.

It emulated Eddie Nketiah’s stoppage-time winner in this fixture last year, except this one was the latest winning goal in this fixture at 95 minutes and 43 seconds.

The scoring was not over as, with Man Utd chasing an equaliser, Arsenal broke and Fabio Vieira set up fellow substitute Gabriel Jesus to score his first goal against the Red Devils.

It had been a match that ebbed and flowed between the two heavyweights.

Kai Havertz had spurned a great chance to open his Arsenal account in the 13th minute, when a defensive mix-up put the ball at his feet, eight metres out, but the summer signing from Chelsea miskicked badly.

As he did in this fixture last season, Marcus Rashford put United in front after 27 minutes with their first shot. Christian Eriksen intercepted a Havertz pass in his own half and advanced before threading a great through-ball to Rashford, who cut in from the left to beat Aaron Ramsdale at his far post with a brilliant curling strike.

It was Rashford’s sixth goal against the Gunners and he scored for the third fixture in a row against them, matching a feat only Robin van Persie had done for United.

Arsenal had dominated proceedings until that point and responded less than two minutes later, with a sweeping move that ended with Martin Odegaard firing the ball home from the edge of the area.

After half-time, Man Utd had a couple of chances to retake the lead in the 54th minute, but Ramsdale first denied Anthony Martial and Rashford’s follow-up was blocked.

Arsenal were awarded a penalty on the hour when Anthony Taylor adjudged Aaron Wan-Bissaka to have fouled Havertz, but the referee overturned his decision after a VAR review.

Gabriel Martinelli came close to putting Arsenal ahead with a curling shot before Erik ten Hag brought on Rasmus Hojlund for his Man Utd debut.

The Danish striker immediately provided United with an outlet up front but Arsenal had the next chance, but Bukayo Saka shot straight at Onana from seven yards.

United thought they had claimed a late winner when they broke on 88 minutes and substitute Alejandro Garnacho was put through and scored but the goal was overturned for a narrow offside.

The drama was to come much later, as it did last season when Nketiah struck in stoppage time to give Arsenal a 3-2 win.

The goals from Rice and Jesus send Arsenal to fifth place with 10 points. Man Utd are 11th with six points.

Nigeria Premier League

NPFL: No Respite For Abdallah Yet As Kano Pillars Extend Suspension Of Technical Adviser

The Management of Kano Pillars FC, under the leadership of Chairman Alhaji Ali Muhammad Umar, has extended the suspension of its Technical Adviser, Usman Abdallah, until after the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 28 fixture against Kwara United.

This decision was reached during a management meeting held on Sunday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata.

The extension follows a request from the committee set up to investigate the matter, chaired by the club’s Disciplinary Committee Chairman, Alhaji Muhammad Danjuma Gwarzo, which is yet to conclude its findings.

As a result, Chief Coach Ahmed Garba Yaro Yaro will continue to lead the team in the upcoming fixtures against Akwa United on Wednesday, Rangers International at the weekend, and Kwara United on Match Day 28, pending further decisions regarding Abdallah’s return.

The club remains committed to upholding professionalism and discipline as it continues its campaign in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Nigeria Premier League

Rangers Edge Remo Stars, Heartland Pip Shooting Stars in Dramatic Ties

Despite the loss, Remo Stars maintained their lead on the log with 48 points, while Rangers moved up to fourth position with 38 points.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 24 fixtures were concluded on Sunday with three games spread across the country.

The ties produced some thrilling encounters, with Rangers International FC and Heartland FC securing crucial victories over Remo Stars FC and Shooting Stars Sports Club respectively.

Rangers edge Remo Stars

Rangers International FC secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Remo Stars FC at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday.

Midfielder Saviour Isaac opened the scoring for Rangers in the 30th minute, expertly converting a free kick from outside the 18-yard box.

Rangers doubled their lead in the 48th minute, courtesy of a well-crafted goal involving CHAN Eagles’ Kenneth Igboke and Kingsley Maduforo.

Remo Stars reduced the deficit in the 85th minute, through Sikiru Alimi but it was too little too late to salvage the outcome of the match.

Despite the loss, Remo Stars maintained their lead on the log with 48 points, while Rangers moved up to fourth position with 38 points.

Late Drama in Owerri

Heartland FC of Owerri secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan at the Dan Anyiam Stadium on Sunday.

Chukwuma Agor had opened the scoring for Heartland in the 31st minute, but the Oluyole Warriors equalised through a penalty kick in the 81st minute.

However, Heartland were awarded another penalty kick in the dying minutes of the game, which John Bassey successfully converted, despite initial controversy surrounding the referee’s decision.

Despite suffering back-to-back losses, Shooting Stars remained second on the log with 40 points from 24 matches.

Other result

In another match played on Sunday, Bendel Insurance secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes.

The concluding results of the matchday 24 encounters have shuffled the NPFL standings, setting the stage for more thrilling encounters in the coming weeks.

Premium Times

Nigeria Premier League

Nasarawa United Appoints Ex-Super Eagles Coach Yusuf

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) strugglers, Nasarawa United have announced the appointment of former Super Eagles Chief Coach, Salisu Yusuf, as their new Technical Adviser.

He replaces the erstwhile manager, Kabiru Dogo, whose second stint at the club has been anything but successful.

The club in a statement released yesterday said: “We wish to announce that we have mutually agreed to part ways with Technical Director, Kabiru Dogo, effective immediately.

“This decision has been made following a thorough review of the club’s performance in the 2024/25 NPFL season, where we have fallen short of our expectations.

“Due to the precarious situation of the club, we have decided to appoint former Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, Salisu Yusuf to take charge of the team immediately.”

On his part, Dogo, appreciated the management for the opportunity to serve and wished the club the best in the tasks ahead.

Speaking to Daily Trust, the newly appointed CAF ‘A’ licenced coach expressed his readiness for the rescue mission at Nasarawa United.

He said: “I am aware of the precarious position of the club but I am ready for the challenge.

“It is not going to be easy but having been around for some time, I believe I can help Nasarawa United to navigate their way out of the red zone.

“I call on the teeming fans of the club to continue to remain unwavering in their support. By the special grace of God, Nasarawa United won’t be relegated.”

Nasarawa United presently 18th position on the NPFL table with 26 points from 24 matches.