Nigeria Premier League

Confident Michael Agbo Faces Tough Battles At African Judo Tourney In Morrocco

Nigeria’s Michael Agbo will be the country’s sole representative at the forthcoming 2023 African Senior Judo Championship in Morocco.

The African Senior Judo Championship is scheduled for 7- 9 September in Casablanca, Morocco with 229 competitors consisting of 131 men and 98 women from 39 countries all jostling for honours.

Despite the anticipated fierce contests, Agbo a very promising Judoka is confident he will maintain his fine form and land at least a medal for Nigeria at the African Championship.

The African Champion revealed that he is 100% fit after attending various training tours in states across Nigeria.

He said, “I feel so privileged out of many judokas in Nigeria and I happen to be the only Judoka to represent my country.

“I will maintain my fine form with the level of training I undergo in preparation for this championship, with God by my side I will surely triumph.

“I am 100 per cent positive and I will win a medal in this championship because in Niamey I did not train that much compared to this Morocco Championship. I had to go for training tours with states for me to properly prepare well which I am confident that I am fully prepared for”, Agbo told

The multiple national champions said he had to change his weight class to train harder and ultimately compete for a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

He said, “My performances in the last two years were nothing compared to my current form because this year I changed my weight category from 60kg to 66kg and for me to succeed.

“I have to train more than I used to train when competing in the 66kg category. I believe and hope that the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will come here.”

Agbo is being accompanied to the 2023 African Championship by the President of Nigeria Judo Federation, Musa Oshodi.

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.