Nigeria Premier League

GOtv Boxing Night 29: Taiwo Olowu returns, vows to floor Ganiyu ‘Energy’

Welterweight boxer, Taiwo ‘Gentle Boy’ Olowu has vowed a victorious return to GOtv Boxing Night by flooring Ganiyu ‘Energy’ Kolawole.

The duo will trade punches in a welterweight national challenge, at the premier boxing event scheduled for the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, on September 24.

Olowu will be making his return to GOtv Boxing Night since his victory over Isaac “I-Star” Chukwudi in 2021. Speaking ahead of the bout, ‘Gentle Boy’ said they both have a score to settle and he is ungentlemanly ready to punch down ‘Energy’ this time.

“We fought each other earlier this year at Police College, which I won by majority decision. I am in top shape and this time, I will floor him. I will decide this the knockout way and save the judges the stress,” he said. Olowu won 15 and lost two of his 17 professional fights, with a record of nine knockouts.

The night will also feature five additional bouts in different weight categories, including a national female cruiserweight title bout between Celina “Pretty Assassin” Agwu and Bolatito “Black Tito” Oluwole.

Sodiq “Happy Boy” Adeleke would take on Ibrahim “Golden Boy” Opeyemi, SifonBest” Iwatt would battle Yusuf “Omowest” Mohammed in the super flyweight category, while Azeez “Latest” Ayobami and Emmanuel “Ability” Abimbola would face off in a national lightweight challenge bout.

GOtv Boxing Night will broadcast live on SuperSport Variety 4 (DStv ch 209) and SuperSport Select 2(GOtv ch 64 Channel).

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.