Nigeria Premier League

Service Providers Praise Organisers of 1XBET Cup

The 1XBET Cup currently ongoing at Nitel Training ground venue of the DBI Conference, has got soccer fans, services providers, including food sellers effusive in praises, for the sponsors and organisers of the epochal competition.

Popular Oshodi food seller, Mrs. Kafilat Raheem, said that bringing the 1XBET Cup to the Oshodi community is blessing to people of the community because it has boosted sales and help to increase commercial activities.

“Help us thank 1XBET for bringing the competition to our doorsteps. I am very happy because fans are patronising my restaurant than before. Even sellers of sachet water, recharge cards, and drinks are happy,” Mrs. Raheem popularly known as Mama Risi noted happily.

For Samaila Abdul, who sells sachet water close to the games ground, it has been a blessing because his sales have improved tremendously.

“The fans from the field are buying water and my sales is far better than ever before. I thank the organisers and we look forward to more of such competitions,” he enthused.

According to the organisers, beyond football, 1XBET is committed to positively impacting the societies.

In the words of Engr. Waidi Akanni, the Chief Executive Officer of Match International Limited, the 1XBET Cup consultants, “1XBET wants to change the narratives, as it concerns grassroots football, as well as, how its mechanisms can be used to further boost the people in socio-economic terms.

“Every local government and communities in Lagos State, would feel the socio-economic benefits of what 1XBET is bringing to the table with this grassroots football competition,” the former Nigeria international player stated.

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.”