Nigeria Premier League

Over 300 Students Athletes Storm Asaba For Sports University Trials

Over 300 students/athletes have gathered in Asaba for the South-South/South-East zones students/athletes scholarship trials for the Sport University of Nigeria (SUN) scheduled to be held on Wednesday and Thursday at the Late Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.

Sports Marketing International reports that the Southeast zone trials collapsed with the south south zone trials because of the unrest in the Igbo land as the organizers do not ready to endanger the lives of the students.

The students will engage in trials in 18 sports to be led by the former general manager of Oyo State Sports Council Mr Gboyega Makinde.

The final phase of the trials will hold at a yet-to-be-fixed date on the school premises.

Meanwhile, the management of the Sports University of Nigeria(SUN), Delta state has charged the newly appointed minister for youth and sports John Owan Enoh to focus on students/athletes scheme.

Speaking ahead of the south south/south east students/athletes scholarship trials for the sport university scheduled to hold tomorrow and Thursday at the Late Stephen Keshi Stadium, the acting director, High Performance Centre, Sport University of Nigeria said that the students/athletes scheme as its been practiced in the United States of America will enhance performance of the Nigeria athletes at the global stage.

According to him, the students will be in school and enjoying scholarship while competing,” this scheme will enable them to concentrate on their studies and career at all levels, it is as a result of this that I am appealing to the minister to embrace this project and support the university in its quest to bring honour to the country”.

The founder of the University, SenatorNed Nwoko has concluded plan to give one hundred students athletes scholarship in the institution to the tune of N2.5 millions each and opportunity to compete outside the country during those period.

Olukoya, a UK based sports lawyer speaking further disclosed that the exercise will help in youth empowerment and grassroot sports development as the focus is on young talented students who are ready to explore the world with their talents.

He, however, advised the federal government to provide institutional support with new student loan regime.

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.