Nigeria Premier League

GOTV Boxing Night 29: NBB of C Reviews Sifon Best/ Omo West Bout, Declares It No Contest

Following a petition by the camp of Yusuf Olalekan ‘Omo West’ Mohammed against the decision of ring judges in his Flyweight challenge contest fight with Sifon ‘Best’ Iwatt at the GOTV Boxing Night 29, the Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C) after a careful review of the fight has declared it a no contest.

Mohammed’s Coach had petitioned the sanctioning body on the decision of the judges which awarded the closely contested fight to his boxer’s opponent, describing it as a miscarriage of justice and calling for a review; insisting his boxer won the fight.

This prompted the board to constitute an independent arbiter who after watching a replay of the fight declared it a no contest.

Speaking on the decision, President of Nigerian Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C), Dr. Rafiu Oladipo said the board decided on the review because it wanted to give both parties fair hearing, positing that by the decision, both boxers will now meet in a title fight at the next GOTV Boxing night just as he commended the petitioner for following due process in pursuing their case instead of instigating their fans to cause mayhem after the fight.

He promised that the board would always be fair to all boxers as that would help the growth of the game.

“When we received the petition, we decided to invite independent arbiters who after watching a replay of the fight gave us their judgement which guided us in our decision.

“The decision we took was in the best interest of the game as it was fair to both boxers and I’m happy that all the parties were satisfied with our decision.

Also speaking, Secretary General of NBB of C, Remi Aboderin noted that the board will continue to be fair to all in its plans to move professional boxing forward in the country.

Coaches of the two boxers in their separate remarks, commended the boxing body for the bold decision; saying that it will help to build confidence in the boxers and coaches.

” We’re really happy with the way the board handled the petition and the decision taken.

” This has shown that the board is not biased and has the interest of the game at heart, and we want to appeal to coaches to always follow due process in registering their grievances instead of resorting to self-help or instigating their fans which is not good for the game”, they chorused.

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.

Nigeria Premier League

Brown Ideye criticizes NPFL standards, calls for major improvements

Enyimba striker Brown Ideye has expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), stating that significant improvements are needed to elevate its standard.

Ideye, who rejoined the league in December 2024 after signing for Enyimba, has made appearances in both NPFL and CAF Confederation Cup matches, scoring two goals so far.

Sharing his thoughts following Enyimba’s 2-0 defeat to Kwara United in a rescheduled matchday 16 fixture in Ilorin, Ideye voiced concerns about the league’s challenges.

“The system is getting worse; the league is not improving. I feel like we have a long way to go,” Ideye remarked during an interview.

Despite enjoying his time at Enyimba, the former West Brom striker emphasized that much remains to be addressed in the league.

“My time at Enyimba has been wonderful, but there are a lot of things in the league that need improvement and haven’t changed yet,” he added.

On the poor performances of Nigerian clubs in CAF competitions, Ideye highlighted critical areas requiring attention.

“In terms of traveling, feeding, hotel accommodations, and player relaxation — it’s all bad. Nigerians are not ready for continental competitions. We need to put our house in order before going there, instead of embarrassing ourselves.”