Nigeria Premier League

Sheroes Cup 2023: Naija Ratels, Edo Queens record first victories

It was a moment of talent display and team bonding amidst atmosphere of conviviality as the 6th edition of Sheroes Cup glamorously kicked off at the lushy football pitch, located inside Aguiyi Ironsi Military Cantonment Abuja on Saturday October 7, 2023.

Aside football matches which showcased young women players from parts of the country on Day One of the competition which also prepares teams ahead of the new football season, the fully-packed spectators’ corner afforded fans, family and friends to relax and catch a glimpse of soccer mastery.

Captain of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Onome Ebi, was among top dignitaries who graced the opening event.

In an action-packed encounter, the first match of the day ended with former Sheroes Cup Champions Edo Queens thrashing debutants and new entrants to the Premiership of Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), Ekiti Queens 4-1.

The four goals from Edo Queens were scored in first half with Goodness Osigwe, Suliat Abideen, Omotoke Odueke and Emem Essien registering their names on the scoring sheet. The only goal from the Ekiti side came from Seun Fakunle.

Thereafter, the game between Naija Ratels and Sunshine Queens, which served as the official opening kick-off of the pre-season tournament, happened at the same venue. Naija Ratels won the encounter 2-1, courtesy of goals from Augustina Unamba and Bankole Sofiat. The consolation goal from Sunshine Queens came from Eunice Ezeani.

Performing the official opening ceremony, President of Ratels Sports Development Foundation (RSDF) Barr. Paul Edeh underscored the importance of the competition, formerly known as Flying Officer’s Cup since inception in 2019.

He said, “The idea behind this pre-season is to bring all women teams together as they prepare for the new season. The RSDF has solely funded this tournament since it started in 2019. The competition has been living up to the expectation of preparing teams that have gone ahead to win the NWFL premiership as well as done Nigeria proud in the CAF Women’s Champions League participation.”

While paying glowing tribute to the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Referees Committee anchored by Mrs Faith Irabor, Barr. Edeh, who is also the Chairman of Benue State Football Association (BSFA), made ceaseless case for enhanced officiating during the current pre-season outing and when the regular season gets underway.

“We thank the Chairperson of the NWFL for making giant steps in ensuring that women football continuously rise in Nigeria, with the increase of participating clubs in the women premier league from 14 to 16. We know that in the long run, the participating clubs in line with gender parity will increase steadily from one season to another,” he said.

The Chairperson of NWFL, Ms. Nkechi Obi, while commending the quality organisation of the competition, reckoned, “This competition has been veritable in helping clubs prepare for new season by way of assessing their players especially new ones.

“It is left private or corporate bodies to take advantage of this kind of tournament to showcase the things they do as well as support human development efforts.”

She, however, revealed that “very soon, the NWFL management will be unveiling welfare package for players in the coming season.”

NFF Referees Chairman, Mrs Irabor, reeled out ongoing efforts to upgrade Nigerians’ referees to measure up to international best standards and assured of the Federation’s commitment geared towards improving the round leather game through quality officiating.

Talking about the format of this year’s competition, Chairman of the Organising Committee and FCT FA Secretary, Coach Haruna Ilerika, said all participating teams will first play round-robin games, before the top two clubs would engage in a final battle to determine the eventual winners.

Coach Ilerika said the third and fourth clubs will face each other in a third place match.

Action continues on Sunday at Abacha Barracks pitch, where Dannaz Ladies will take on Honey Badgers, being the only match of the day.

Delta Queens, though absent in the ongoing edition, are the defending Champions of the tournament, with Imo Strikers triumphing in the NWFL Championship edition held earlier in 2023.

Nigeria Premier League

NPFL: No Respite For Abdallah Yet As Kano Pillars Extend Suspension Of Technical Adviser

The Management of Kano Pillars FC, under the leadership of Chairman Alhaji Ali Muhammad Umar, has extended the suspension of its Technical Adviser, Usman Abdallah, until after the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 28 fixture against Kwara United.

This decision was reached during a management meeting held on Sunday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata.

The extension follows a request from the committee set up to investigate the matter, chaired by the club’s Disciplinary Committee Chairman, Alhaji Muhammad Danjuma Gwarzo, which is yet to conclude its findings.

As a result, Chief Coach Ahmed Garba Yaro Yaro will continue to lead the team in the upcoming fixtures against Akwa United on Wednesday, Rangers International at the weekend, and Kwara United on Match Day 28, pending further decisions regarding Abdallah’s return.

The club remains committed to upholding professionalism and discipline as it continues its campaign in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Nigeria Premier League

Rangers Edge Remo Stars, Heartland Pip Shooting Stars in Dramatic Ties

Despite the loss, Remo Stars maintained their lead on the log with 48 points, while Rangers moved up to fourth position with 38 points.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 24 fixtures were concluded on Sunday with three games spread across the country.

The ties produced some thrilling encounters, with Rangers International FC and Heartland FC securing crucial victories over Remo Stars FC and Shooting Stars Sports Club respectively.

Rangers edge Remo Stars

Rangers International FC secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Remo Stars FC at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday.

Midfielder Saviour Isaac opened the scoring for Rangers in the 30th minute, expertly converting a free kick from outside the 18-yard box.

Rangers doubled their lead in the 48th minute, courtesy of a well-crafted goal involving CHAN Eagles’ Kenneth Igboke and Kingsley Maduforo.

Remo Stars reduced the deficit in the 85th minute, through Sikiru Alimi but it was too little too late to salvage the outcome of the match.

Despite the loss, Remo Stars maintained their lead on the log with 48 points, while Rangers moved up to fourth position with 38 points.

Late Drama in Owerri

Heartland FC of Owerri secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan at the Dan Anyiam Stadium on Sunday.

Chukwuma Agor had opened the scoring for Heartland in the 31st minute, but the Oluyole Warriors equalised through a penalty kick in the 81st minute.

However, Heartland were awarded another penalty kick in the dying minutes of the game, which John Bassey successfully converted, despite initial controversy surrounding the referee’s decision.

Despite suffering back-to-back losses, Shooting Stars remained second on the log with 40 points from 24 matches.

Other result

In another match played on Sunday, Bendel Insurance secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes.

The concluding results of the matchday 24 encounters have shuffled the NPFL standings, setting the stage for more thrilling encounters in the coming weeks.

Premium Times

Nigeria Premier League

Nasarawa United Appoints Ex-Super Eagles Coach Yusuf

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) strugglers, Nasarawa United have announced the appointment of former Super Eagles Chief Coach, Salisu Yusuf, as their new Technical Adviser.

He replaces the erstwhile manager, Kabiru Dogo, whose second stint at the club has been anything but successful.

The club in a statement released yesterday said: “We wish to announce that we have mutually agreed to part ways with Technical Director, Kabiru Dogo, effective immediately.

“This decision has been made following a thorough review of the club’s performance in the 2024/25 NPFL season, where we have fallen short of our expectations.

“Due to the precarious situation of the club, we have decided to appoint former Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, Salisu Yusuf to take charge of the team immediately.”

On his part, Dogo, appreciated the management for the opportunity to serve and wished the club the best in the tasks ahead.

Speaking to Daily Trust, the newly appointed CAF ‘A’ licenced coach expressed his readiness for the rescue mission at Nasarawa United.

He said: “I am aware of the precarious position of the club but I am ready for the challenge.

“It is not going to be easy but having been around for some time, I believe I can help Nasarawa United to navigate their way out of the red zone.

“I call on the teeming fans of the club to continue to remain unwavering in their support. By the special grace of God, Nasarawa United won’t be relegated.”

Nasarawa United presently 18th position on the NPFL table with 26 points from 24 matches.