Nigeria Premier League

Bayelsa United Gets New Shirt Sponsorship Deal!

Bayelsa United on Sunday 10th December, 2023 unveiled a shirt sponsorship deal / partnership with Halkin Exploration and Production Limited.

The unveiling of the jerseys was made prior to the kick-off of the game between Bayelsa United vs Enugu Rangers at the Samson Stadium Yenagoa.

Speaking with journalists present after the unveiling, The General Manager of Operations and Production of the company Engr. Lawrence Ayiba Tonye expressed his happiness at the partnership with Bayelsa United as a laudable development.

“We are very excited with this partnership, you know, one of our key goals for the youths is to support them through Sports. And you know Sports is a key aspect of youth development and we want to support Bayelsa United we believe that with our partnership and our support, this club will go far beyond the shores of Nigeria”.

“So even today, this match we are putting pressure on them that they must win this game and as we are behind them, winning shall be their own story. So we are elated and we are very happy to be in this partnership.

Chairman of Bayelsa United Chairman Mr. Ebiki Timitimi, thanked God for securing this partnership because it’s something the club have been longing to to see.

He explained that the jersey would be available for sale, Mr. Timitimi promised to make the jersey available for fans to buy, pointing out that the replica jersey would be available soon for the fans to have the feel of it

The Bayelsa United boss opined that Bayelsans will see more deals for the club to reduce the burden on the government, urging more companies to get involved in the development of sports in the State.

“We’ve got a kit sponsor in Halkin Exploration and Production Limited. You know when the offer came we were like if we have Ten arms, we’ll use the Ten arms to grab it. It has been our desire and our happiness that we are in partnership with Halkin Exploration and Production Limited and I think we are not going to let them down, especially in today’s game today.

“We need more sponsors that it will now ease the financial burden of the government because the government alone cannot do it. So you can see why we’re happy with this partnership because they’ve taken off that burden of kits from the government. That is what we want. So we need more sponsors.

Halkin Exploration and Production are the owners and operators of PPL 258 Oil Field, Located in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

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.”