Nigeria Premier League

Nasarawa State Commissioner Hosts North-Central Coordinator of NPFL U-17 Tournament, Pledges Govt’s Support

Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Jafaru Ango, on Thursday, received the North-Central Coordinator of the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, U-17 Youth League, Barr. Paul Edeh, in his office in Lafia.

Joined by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi, the Commissioner thanked the Coordinator for the visit, and assured of Government’s undiluted support to the Organizers for a successful league.

While thanking the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, and Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, for choosing Lafia as one of the venues for the League, Jafaru emphasized that the League would open a vista of opportunities for young and promising talents spread across the State and the North-Central Zone, which is one of the dreams of Governor Abdullahi Sule for Nasarawa State.

Speaking earlier, the Coordinator who doubles as Chairman of the Benue State Football Association, said the essence of the visit was to inform the Commissioner and Ministry about preparations toward the commencement of the League.

He added that the visit was also to convey the appreciation of the Board of the NPFL under the leadership of Gbenga Elegbeleye, to the Government and people of Nasarawa State for approving the Lafia City Stadium as one of the five centres for the League and accepting to make resources available for the success of the Tournament.

Edeh stated that the choice of Lafia was necessitated by its distinct proximity to the affected NPFL Clubs, including Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi in Benue State, Plateau United FC of Jos, Kwara United FC of Ilorin, and Niger Tornadoes of Minna.

The Coordinator disclosed that the idea behind the Youth Tournament was to facilitate a hub of talents that can transit from one point to another in line with the requirements of the NFF and world football governing body, FIFA, to build a succession programme for clubs and countries.

He applauded the result-yielding platforms created by the Governor Abdullahi Sule-led administration through the State’s Ministry of Youth and Sports aimed at nurturing grassroot talents for optimal performance.

Edeh who was accompanied on the visit by the Chairman of the Nasarawa State Football Association, Salisu Galadima (a.k.a. Basira), commended the symbiotic working relationship between the State Government and the Nasarawa State Football Association which he termed as emulatory and capable of producing remarkable outcomes in the nearest future, stressing that both the Ministry and NSFA Board have provided him and his team with warmth and unmatched hospitality since arriving at the State Capital.

Giving the vote of thanks, Permanent Secretary, Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi, appreciated the Coordinator and NPFL leadership for adorning him and the Commissioner with souvenir kits of the Competition, promising to wear them during the tournament.

He noted that the NPFL U-17 Youth League was started during his era as Chairman of Nasarawa United FC cum NPFL Club Owners’ Association and that the initiative falls within the mandate of the Ministry.

Danladi explained that Governor Abdullahi Sule places high premium on sports, particularly grassroots football, hence his approval of a Youth Team for the State-owned Club, Nasarawa United FC.

He urged the Organizers of the Competition to feel at home as the State would provide the needed atmosphere for a successful Tournament.

Highlight of the visit was the presentation of souvenir kits of the League to the Commissioner and Permanent Secretary by the Zonal Coordinator.

The 2023/24 NPFL U-17 Youth League, North Central Zone, which Kick-started on Thursday, 1st February, with two games involving Plateau United versus Niger Tornadoes, and Lobi Stars versus Kwara United, will climax on Saturday, 3rd February, 2024.

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.”