Nigeria Premier League

How Warri Wolves Sack Coach After Defeat Against Inter Lagos FC

The Management of Warri Wolves FC has cut ties with Coach Jolomi Atune Alli with immediate effect, following a 4-1 loss to Inter Lagos FC, in a Nigeria National League (NNL) match day nine encounter at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, Lagos.

Chairman Warri Wolves FC, Neville Ambakederemo who confirmed the development said the directive came from the Delta State Sports Commission Chairman, Chief Tonubok Okowa, who had earlier given the embattled coach a two match win ultimatum after the side lost a home game to Giant Brillars Of Enugu.

The Warri Wolves Management cited the recent consistent poor run of the club as a reason for the action after the team suffered one of its highest defeat ever, a 4-1 loss to Inter Lagos FC on Saturday, Jan. 20th 2024.

According to the Management, the assistant Coach, Austine Johnny has been directed to take charge pending the appointment of a new Technical Adviser.

Warri Wolves Management thanked Coach Jolomi Atune Alli for his contributions to the team for the time he was with the Warri based side and wished him well on his future endeavours.

It would be recalled that while the team did averagely well last season, narrowly missing out of the Federations cup finals and qualifying for super eight play offs for promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League, it has been a different ball game this season.

The team this season has played eight games, recording three wins, one draw and four losses including a home loss and has now dropped to the relegation zone with 10 points from 8 games in the NNL Conference B where it is to battle nine other teams for two spots to be on promotion play offs.

The Seasiders will on Match day ten in one of the NNL schedule, at the Kwale Township Stadium host Gateway FC on January 28, before returning to Lagos to lock horns with Trade Safe FC on February 3rd.

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.”