Nigeria Premier League

Lagos Prime Atlantic Squash Open Begins 31st Oct

The Chairman of Lagos State Squash Association (LSSA), Tomi Falase has revealed that the 2nd edition of Lagos Prime Atlantic Squash Open has been scheduled to serve off on the 31st October, 2023 at the Squash Court, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

He made the statement while briefing journalists on the needs to keep promoting the sport and for the development of younger players to get to the pick of their career.

Falase said top ranked players have been invited to participate in the national championships sponsored by Prime Atlantic which will also serve as an avenue for the younger ones (U-16) to showcase their talents.

“This is part of promoting squash developing our players. We had an excellent series of tournaments back to back, we had the international classics, which we brought players from about nine countries, UK, France, Germany and India amongst others.

“Our players have been able to showcase themselves, they are one of the players to watch out for and it played out at the classics. The international players were surprised with the level of games they played. So, we’ll keep developing. The younger ones are moving up faster and the older ones have gained more experience. My love would be to take these players outside the country for more exposure”

Falase added that Nigeria number .1 player, Adegoke Onaopemipo has just been crowned the winner of Namibia open, stressing that tournaments outside the country would improve their games and rankings in the world of squash.

He also encouraged the corporate bodies and private individuals to key into an initiative that tends to promote a sane society and giving platform to young men and women to thrive in the world of sports.

It will be a beehive of activities at the squash court as players converge for the 2nd edition of Lagos Squash Open which will run from 31st October, to 4th November, 2023.

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.”