Nigeria Premier League

1XBET Cup 2023: Goals Rain As Epe Conference Starts

It truly rained goals in the opening games of the Epe Conference of the maiden edition of the 1XBET Cup, played at the Odion Ighalo Sports Arena, Epe.

In first game of matchday 1, it was a 9th minute goal for Panthers FC from the boots of Oladejo Kazeem, that gingered fans favourites De Porters FC, to up the ante and expectedly, they got a well deserved equaliser through Taye Yekini in the 10 minutes of the encounter. Ganiyu Lateef gave De Porters the lead in the 46th minute and a brace by Sola Odutola in the 47th and 60th minutes to make it 4-1, taking De Porters to the top of the group A.

In the other group A game, Odion Ighalo FC made light work of Perkins FC with a 2-0 win, courtesy of two quick-fire goals in the first half of the game by Sodiq Farouk and Yusuf Fawaz in the 24th and 26th minutes.

Two goals by Wasiu Azeez and Terfa Dennis in the 44th and 52nd minutes gave De Elites FC a 2-0 win over Ambassador FC, in the first game of group B to take the lead in the group. In the second game in the group, B.E. Arena FC and Emperor FC shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw. The game, however, had a dramatic climax, as Oscar Daniel of Emperor FC, went into the inglorious book as he received a red card after a second bookable offence.

Meanwhile, matches continue tomorrow at the same venue, as the battle for the sole ticket in the conference intensifies.

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.”