Nigeria Premier League

NPFL: Sunshine Stars Host Heartland FC In Akure

Heartland FC will take the search for their first win of the season to the Ondo Sports Complex, Akure where they are guest of Sunshine Stars on Saturday October 14th, 2023 in one of the Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday Three ties.

The Naze Millionaires got a 2-2 draw at home to Lobi Stars before the close 1-0 defeat to Plateau United in Jos in the league games they have played this season. The Owerri have all to play for in Akure knowing that barely three seasons ago they got a morale boosting draw at the same venue.

Heartland FC returned to Owerri from Jos on Tuesday after having a brief stop over at Otukpo, Benue State on Monday and the team had two training sessions on Wednesday to prepare for the game. The team headed to Akure on Thursday and will have the mandatory training session at the Ondo Sports Complex, Akure on Friday at the official kick off time.

The Owerri side’s build up to the weekend league game has been very seamless and without hitches and it is expected that the team would translate it to success on Saturday in Akure. The support from the Imo State Government led by Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma through the Commissioner for Youth Sports and Social Development, Honourable Emeka Okoronkwo has been very massive.

Speaking to Heartland FC Media, the head coach, Heartland FC, Christian Obi tasked his players to be willing to take risks for the good of the team as they file out on Saturday against Sunshine Stars in Akure.

Obi who regretted a couple of near misses his team fluffed in Jos against Plateau United stated that with a little extra push, they could have left the Jos Road Stadium, Jos with at least a point.

He charged his players to perfect the errors noticed in the opening two games and ensure they play with everything they have with the zeal to return to Owerri with at least point if they are unable to claim the maximum points.

“I will say that the Plateau United boys were more determined than our boys. Their loss at Ibadan to Shooting Stars motivated them into playing the way they did. If they had dropped more home points against us,.it would have been a disaster from their own side. They were quicker to the ball than our boys it contributed to them having an edge over us in the game,” Obi said.

“European players take risks to achieve their aim of scoring. Patrick Nwogbaga was close to scoring for us. He would have have hit target with a little more effort.

“We have identified some of our problems in our last game and we are working on those areas. If we put things in order and correct our mistakes, we will get at least a point there.”

The former Flying Eagles goalkeeper to the 1983 FIFA U20 World Cup in Mexico confirmed the unavailability of Fabian Omaka and Rolland Koffi who are presently nursing injuries but disclosed that he has capable replacement to take their places.

“We have a few injuries here and there but the most important thing is that they are recovering. Fabian Omaka is out he is recovering and still on medication. Rolland Koffi is still on treatment table as well,” Obi added.

“We have other players around. Frank Erikan came in and he contributed his quota to the team. He didn’t do badly.”

Last Five Matches Between Sunshine Stars and Heartland FC

2-7-2022 Heartland 1-0 Sunshine Stars

2-3-2022 Sunshine Stars 3-1 Heartland

4-7-2021 Heartland 0-1 Sunshine Stars

21-2-2021 Sunshine Stars 1-1 Heartland

2-2-2020 Heartland 1-0 Sunshine Stars

Nigeria Premier League

Rivers United Back To Top Spot In NPFL Title Race

Rivers United are back on top of the NPFL standings after they beat visiting Kano Pillars and closest rivals Remo Stars fell at Niger Tornadoes.

Rivers United pipped Kano Pillars courtesy of a first-half strike by Aniekeme Okon to return of the table with 29 points from 15 matches.

Remo Stars slipped to second in the standings after they lost 2-1 at Niger Tornadoes.

They have 26 points, three points behind new leaders Rivers United.

Ikorodu City and Heartland FC continued their steady climb to top reckoning after they both won at home.

Ikorodu City smashed past Akwa United 4-1 to shoot to third place on the table with 24 points.

NPFL leading scorer Anas Yusuf broke his four-match run without a goal when he scored after 45 minutes to draw Nasarawa United level at 1-1 only for ‘The Solid Miners’ to fall 3-2 at Heartland.

Heartland are now ninth on the table on 20 points.

Bayelsa United held El Kanemi Warriors to a goalless draw in Maiduguri, while Katsina United edged past Sunshine Stars 1-0 at home.

Scorenigeria

Nigeria Premier League

Ahmed Musa Donates ₦500,000 Each To Kano Pillars, Mighty Teams

According to govima.com, Nigeria’s Super Eagles Icon, Ahmed Musa, has generously donated ₦500,000 each to the players of Kano Pillars FC Under-19 team and Mighty Jets Under-19 team. This gesture was in recognition of their impressive performances in the ongoing inaugural Under-19 Youth League.

The donation followed Kano Pillars Under-19’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Mighty Jets in a highly competitive match held on Tuesday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano. The game showcased remarkable skill and determination from both sides, highlighting the potential of Nigeria’s budding football talents.

Musa, Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer in the FIFA World Cup, personally attended the match alongside his Kano Pillars teammates. He stayed to witness the conclusion of the Youth League fixture before joining his team’s training session in preparation for their Nigeria Premier Football League Match Day 13 clash against Lobi Stars.

Known for his leadership both on and off the pitch, Musa continues to be a beacon of hope and inspiration. Since rejoining Kano Pillars, he has been instrumental in the team’s performance, contributing to 95% of their goals this season. Over the weekend, he scored his fifth goal of the season, a powerful header against Heartland FC, while also providing three assists and winning three penalties for his side.

Musa’s commitment to grassroots football development was evident in this latest act of generosity, which aims to motivate young players to pursue excellence. The Under-19 Youth League, a platform designed to uncover future stars, aligns perfectly with his vision for the growth of Nigerian football.

As Kano Pillars prepare to face Lobi Stars at the Lafia City Stadium on Saturday, fans are hopeful that Musa’s leadership and stellar form will continue to drive the four-time Nigerian champions towards success.

Ahmed Musa’s unwavering dedication to supporting the sport at all levels underscores his enduring legacy in Nigerian football, making him a role model for the next generation of players. His contributions, both financial and motivational, remain unparalleled, cementing his place as a true ambassador of the game.

Nigeria Premier League

Shehu Abdullahi : The Maestro’s Midfield Magic

By Abdul A Kaugama

Shehu Abdullahi’s outstanding performance in Kano Pillars’ recent match has left fans and critics in awe. The midfielder’s clinical work and vision on the pitch prove that he’s still a force to be reckoned with in Nigerian football.

With precision passing and exceptional control, Shehu dictated the pace of the game, showcasing his mastery of the midfield.

His experience and skill were evident as he effortlessly navigated the opposition’s defense. The fans’ electrifying energy was matched only by Shehu’s infectious passion for the game.

Shehu’s resurgence is a testament to his dedication and hard work. His display of top-notch football skills is a clarion call for his return to the Super Eagles. Nigeria’s national team needs his expertise and leadership to excel on the international stage.

In conclusion, Shehu Abdullahi’s impressive form is a welcome development for Nigerian football. As he continues to dazzle fans with his midfield magic, we eagerly anticipate his next move.
May Allah continue to bless Shehu Abdullahi with strength, wisdom, and success in his football career.