Nigeria Premier League

New NNL Club,1472 FC unveiled in Lagos

A new football club, 1472 FC, was officially unveiled to the public in Lagos on Saturday with the owners promising to use it as a platform to further engage youths in football and entertainment.

The club is owned by Nigerian businessman and tech entrepreneur, Dozy Mmobuosi.

The club will be competing in the second tier, Nigeria National League (NNL) which is expected to kick off in November this year.

At the unveiling, 1472 FC CEO, Dr Segun Sanni, revealed that the club have their base in Surulere but will play their home matches in the NNL at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan in Lagos pending the completion of renovation at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere.

“We will be playing our home matches at the Onikan Stadium but will return to Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere which is our base,” said Sanni.

On the choice of club name, 1472 FC, Sanni explained that it was coined from the year when Portuguese explorer Rui de Sequeira landed in Lagos and named the area near city, Lagos or Lago de Curamo, meaning Lake of Curamo.

“We’ve named the club so, because a Portuguese explorer gave Lagos that name that year and we feel it is fitting to do so,” he said.

1472 FC have a feeder (youth team) and are working on putting in place a women’s team, according to Sanni. The club have plans to also take off with their academy in January of 2024.

Influential persons in Surulere like Nollywood actor turned politician and Lagos House of Assembly member, Honourable Desmond Elliott, Honourable Abiodun Orekoya and Surulere local government chairman, Sulaiman Bamidele Yusuf offered their support for the take-off of 1472 FC.

Elliot said: “It is a good time to have a football club in 1472 FC in Surulere. From inception we have been involved with the plan and it is good to see it come to reality. The club will be ran professionally from management to players.”

Orekoya said the vision to set the club up in Surulere is good as the town is “home of football in Nigeria.”

“Surulere is the home of football in Nigeria and I am glad that you are bringing that back now with this club. I want this to become the best club in Nigeria in the nearest future. These gentlemen have a good vision as it concerns the formation of this club,” Orekoya said.

Yusuf said: “I am happy to see this happen during my administration. This is the sports city and it has two stadia recognized by FIFA. Football is not a small business, it is big and 1472 FC has come to stay and will open the doors for others to follow in other communities.”

1472 FC have a major sponsor in Tingo.

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.