Nigeria Premier League

Asisat Oshoala’s Second Ballon d’Or Nomination Excites Olopade

The Managing Director of Nigeria’s foremost Sports Management company, Nilayo Sports Ltd, Chief Bukola Olopade, has asked Nigeria football overs to celebrate five times CAF Women Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, for making the 2023 Ballon d’Or nomination for a record second time, first time by an African and second time by the same super star.

Olopade, noted that, Oshoala, who has been rated as the greatest women footballer of all times in Africa deserves all commendations by the Nigeria Football Federation and the generality of Nigeria’s women football lovers for the historic nomination which would encourage the Barcelona FC Femeni and Super Falcons of Nigeria soccer star to go for more accolades.

“Oshoala’s Ballon d’Or nomination for the Best Player in the World Award, didn’t come as a surprise going by her top of the shelve outing at the last edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia/ New Zealand, where she emerged as the first African women soccer player to score in three FIFA World Cup finals. It was the goal against joint host Australia. Within the year under review, the former FC Robo Queens of Lagos player had a remarkable season where she showcased her exceptional talent, scoring 29 goals and providing 7 assists in 46 matches, these helped Barcelona’s triumphant campaign, securing titles such as the Champions League, La Liga, and the Spanish Super Cup.

“Oshoala’s nomination put her in the same class and pedestal with the best women’s soccer stars in the world.

“For us in Nigeria, this is worth celebration, and that is why we are calling of football lovers in Nigeria and across the world, to celebrate our illustrious daughter who has made us proud when the issue is Women’s football at the World stage,” Chief Bukola Olopade said.

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.