Nigeria Premier League

First Bank FC Battle Ready For Lagos Pre-Season Opening Cracker On Monday

Head Coach of First Bank Football Club, Mohammed Gafari says his team are ready to face Real Sapphire in the opening match of Lagos FA Pre Season scheduled to kick off on Monday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena formally known as Onikan Stadium.

A total of 16 teams from NLO and NNL teams based in Lagos are expected to participate in the pre-season tournament organised by Lagos State Football Association LSFA.

Speaking ahead of their opening match against Real Sapphire which holds 7:00am on Monday, Gafari said his boys are ready for their opponents, adding that his target is to excel in all their matches.

“I can say that First Bank are ready for the pre-season. Presently the players are looking forward to their opening match against Real Sapphire and i strongly believe that the boys would come out in flying colour,”he said.

Meanwhile Chairman of Lagos State Football Technical Committee, Liameed Olawale Gafar has charged all the teams to abide by the rules and regulations of the tournament saying that any team violates the rules would be sanctioned accordingly.

He, however, thanked the leadership of state football ruling body led by Ogboni Fouad Oki for his commitment to the football development in the state and called on football stakeholders to support his administration.

In other matches slated for Monday, Tradesafe FC tackle AS Racine by 8:20am, Smart City battle Okaka FC by 9:40am, Ikorodu City confront Spartan FC by 11:00am, while Lekki United also battle Broad City by 12:20pm.

In other matches, Emmydinho would face BYT by 1:40pm, TCCG and Dannaz FC would slug it out by 3:00pm, while Magic Stars tackle Buruj by 4:20pm.

Nigeria Premier League

Ogunmodede inducted into Nigeria Institute of Sports Hall of Fame

Remo Stars technical adviser, Daniel Ogunmodede, has been inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Nigeria Institute of Sports, joining six other distinguished Nigerians.

Ogunmodede, who has been committed to the development of sports in the country, expressed his gratitude for the recognition. “I’m pleased to share that a few days ago, I was officially inducted into the Hall of Fame of the National Institute of Sports, Nigeria,” he wrote on X.

The young tactician described the honor as a reaffirmation of his dedication to coaching education across Africa and the world. “This milestone reinforces my commitment to staying true to the mission and vision of our coaching roots, championing the cause of proper coaching education,” Ogunmodede said.

He also extended thanks to Professor Olawale A. Moronkola, the Director General of the National Institute of Sports, and the entire management team for the recognition.

Other inductees included former Plateau State Governor Senator Simon Bako Lalong, Founder of Remo Stars FC Hon. Kunle Soname, Air Peace CEO Mr Allen Onyema, President General Worldwide of Nigeria Football Supporters Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, Paralympic Gold medalist Ms. Lucy Ejike, and former Ace Broadcast journalist and Director General of NBC Dr. Danladi Bako.

Nigeria Premier League

Sunday Megwo credits teamwork for Abia Warriors’ win over Akwa United

Abia Warriors forward Sunday Megwo has praised his team’s collective effort following their 2-0 victory over Akwa United at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

Reflecting on the game, Megwo noted the significant improvement from their previous match in Ikenne.

“Yes, it was a good, solid team performance, and we deserved the maximum points because of how we played,” Megwo stated.

Acknowledging the challenge posed by Akwa United, he added, “We knew that we had to be up to speed against a side like Akwa United, who are currently in the drop zone. Akwa United made it difficult for us earlier on in the game, but I’m glad that we were able to find a way to win the game because, in this second round of the season, the maximum points are all that matters.”

Megwo emphasized the importance of teamwork in securing the win: “It was a good team effort, which also highlighted the collective spirit and determination that led to the victory.”

Nigeria Premier League

Lobi Stars’ Attacking Resilience Sets Stage for Future Successes Despite Home Defeat

Lobi Stars showcased their dominance in possession and created multiple scoring opportunities, ultimately falling 0-1 to Enyimba International FC on Matchday 22 of the Nigeria Premier Football League at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium.

Their relentless pursuit of a goal was evident in the numerous free kicks and corners they secured.

Raphael Ayagwa’s impressive volley in the 30th minute left fans on the edge of their seats, anticipating a breakthrough.

However, Enyimba capitalized on a rare chance in the 40th minute, with Ifeanyi Ihemekwele scoring from a through pass to give the visitors the lead.

In the second half, Technical Adviser Daniel Amokachi introduced fresh talent, including Nazir Mohamad, Alex Oche, Ossy Martins, Chikeluba Ofoedu, and Segun Oloruntoba, to bolster the attack. Although they couldn’t break through Enyimba’s defense, the team’s determination remained unwavering.

Following the match, Amokachi expressed his optimism, stating:

“We had an exceptional game in Uyo, and with our new signings, we’re confident in our ability to make a comeback. Although they took their chance, we’ll learn from this experience and move forward.”

Amokachi also acknowledged Bauchi’s rich football history and the state’s contributions to Nigerian football, including notable figures such as Alhaji Sani Ahmed Toro, Maigari, and Patrick Pascal.

“Bauchi has become a second home to Lobi Stars, and we’ll continue to fight. We’ll take this as a learning experience and come back stronger,” he assured.

The team’s next challenge is a crucial away fixture against Rivers United in Port Harcourt this weekend.