Nigeria Premier League

AFCON qualifiers: Andre Onana returns to Cameroon national team

Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana is back in the Indomitable Lions squad for next week’s final Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Burundi nine months after being suspended by his federation.

The Manchester United keeper has confirmed his return despite having faced what he describes as “injustice and manipulation”.

Capped 34 times, he was named in the Cameroon squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and featured in their opening defeat against Switzerland.

However, he was sent home by manager Rigobert Song due to ‘disciplinary issues’ thought to stem from a falling out between the pair over tactics.

The 27-year-old announced his international retirement shortly after the incident but is now set to make a return.

In a social media post, Onana talked of his “unwavering love and attachment” to his homeland but hinted at being disappointed with how things have played out.

“In recent months, I have been confronted with ordeals marked by injustice and manipulation,” he wrote.

“I answer the call of my nation with an unshakeable certainty, aware that my return is not only to honour my dream, but also to meet the expectation and support of Cameroonians who deserve a national team determined to shine.”

Cameroon need at least a draw at home to Burundi to claim a place at January’s Nations Cup in Ivory Coast.

If Cameroon do qualify and include Onana in their Afcon squad, he could miss a number of matches for United.

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.

Nigeria Premier League

Brown Ideye criticizes NPFL standards, calls for major improvements

Enyimba striker Brown Ideye has expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), stating that significant improvements are needed to elevate its standard.

Ideye, who rejoined the league in December 2024 after signing for Enyimba, has made appearances in both NPFL and CAF Confederation Cup matches, scoring two goals so far.

Sharing his thoughts following Enyimba’s 2-0 defeat to Kwara United in a rescheduled matchday 16 fixture in Ilorin, Ideye voiced concerns about the league’s challenges.

“The system is getting worse; the league is not improving. I feel like we have a long way to go,” Ideye remarked during an interview.

Despite enjoying his time at Enyimba, the former West Brom striker emphasized that much remains to be addressed in the league.

“My time at Enyimba has been wonderful, but there are a lot of things in the league that need improvement and haven’t changed yet,” he added.

On the poor performances of Nigerian clubs in CAF competitions, Ideye highlighted critical areas requiring attention.

“In terms of traveling, feeding, hotel accommodations, and player relaxation — it’s all bad. Nigerians are not ready for continental competitions. We need to put our house in order before going there, instead of embarrassing ourselves.”