Nigeria Premier League

MSPL 2023: Race To Final Gets Hotter, As Patron’s Cup Ends On Saturday

The coasting is getting clearer for the team that will be crowned winners of the 2023 Mindgames Scrabble Premier League (MSPL) as the Grand Finale holds on Saturday, October 7, in Lagos.

After a series of 30 rounds of scrabble games in Lagos, Abuja and Benin, Tekena Drones sits at the top position in Division A after winning 19 games, lost 11 with a spread cumulative of 683 while closely behind is the Bulldozers with 18 wins and 12 losses with a spread cumulative of 1073.

Supreme occupies the third position with 17 wins, and 13 losses to gather a spread cumulative of 255 points.

In Division B, the D’Warriors who opened camp on October 3 in preparation for the weekend, leads the log after securing 26 wins, 10 lost with a spread cumulative of 3625 points.

On the second position in the log is Anagrammers with 22 wins, 14 lost and a spread cumulative of 1418 while Striplings has 21 wins, 15 losses to amass a spread cumulative of 3417 to stay in the third position.

The MSPL Scrabble League will be concluded on October 6 and 7 when all teams in the two divisions battle over 19 rounds of games in Lagos where winners will be determined.

Meanwhile, the MGI Patron’s Cup which is a tournament for players not registered for the MSPL will be held simultaneously alongside the league.

Timi Olaitan is the defending champion.

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.”