Nigeria Premier League

GTI Hails Nigerian Media Ahead 2024 Strategic Roadmap

Strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited, have commended the efforts of the sporting press in the outgone year, 2023, for their professional coverage of the elite league as they step up plans for 2024.

In its New Year message, GTI’s Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, commended the media for embracing GTI’s vision for elite football development and thumbed up their valuable reports targeted at stakeholders of the NPFL to implement the business aspect of the game in all their activities.

“The drive is to lay a solid foundation for the league to thrive in the country and we believe that with the way NPFL is evolving, by the next few seasons the elite league in the country will rank among the best in Africa,” Ekejiuba said.

In GTI’s New Year message to the media he added: “As we bid farewell to 2023 and stand on the threshold of another history-making New Year, 2024, we want to express our deepest gratitude to the sporting press in Nigeria for your unwavering support and loyalty throughout the past year.

“The massive support the sporting media gave to GTI Group and the Nigeria Premier Football League in 2023 was unquantifiable as we make bold to state that your trust has been the driving force behind our success story.

“However, as we commence activities into 2024, we carry the lessons of the past and the enthusiasm for what lies ahead since the NPFL project is still a work in progress.

“We hope 2024 brings great joy, prosperity and countless moments of fulfillment to all stakeholders of the elite league. May we all achieve our goals and embrace new possibilities with an open heart, as we embark on this journey together. GTI Group is extremely excited about the adventures that await us in 2024 and eager to create more memories and successes with you in the coming years. Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy New Year.”

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.”