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

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.