Nigeria Premier League

Messi wins record eighth Ballon d’Or

Lionel Messi has won the 2023 men’s Ballon d’Or for a record eighth time on Monday after captaining Argentina to a 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph in Qatar last year.

The 36-year-old was recognised as the best footballer ahead of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and former Paris Saint-Germain teammate Kylian Mbappe, as well as 26 other nominees to win the award.

Messi toasted his award to his Argentinian teammates and the late legend Diego Maradona, who led the country to its second World Cup victory back in 1986.

“I couldn’t imagine having the career that I’ve had. Everything that I’ve achieved,” Messi said after getting his award.

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“The fortune I’ve had playing for the best team in the world, the best team in history. It’s nice to win these individual trophies. To win the Copa America and then the World Cup, to get it done is amazing. All of them [Ballon d’Or awards] are special for different reasons,” the Inter Miami superstar added.

“My last mention is for Diego [Maradona],” Messi said.

“Today is his birthday. So I would like to remember him from here, surrounded by the best players, coaches, and people who love football like he did. Wherever you are, Diego, happy birthday. This goes also to you,” the superstar, dubbed the ‘Greatest of All Time’, said.

Messi has now etched his name into the history books after becoming the first to win the Ballon d’Or eight times – in 2009 and then again in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and now 2023.

Cristiano Ronaldo comes second to Messi as the most decorated player in the history of the Ballon d’Or award, with five titles.

However, this year, Ronaldo was not nominated for the 2023 edition, ending a 20-year run. Now playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo missed the cut for the first time since 2003.

Haaland finished second following a season in which he scored 52 goals across all competitions, while Mbappe missed out on the podium.

Ballon d’Or Feminin
Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati won the fifth edition of the Ballon d’Or Feminin, the first time the 25-year-old has obtained the award.

Bonmati featured in the Women’s World Cup final, in which Spain defeated England 1-0 in a stunning face-off.

“I’m very proud to receive this Ballon d’Or tonight. It’s been quite a unique level, football-wise. It’s an individual award, but football is a team sport, so I’d like to extend this prize to my teammates, the staff, everyone involved at Barcelona, all my international teammates as well,” Bonmati said upon winning the award.

Sam Kerr of Australia came second, while 19-year-old rising star Salma Paralluelo from Spain claimed third place.

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.”