Nigeria Premier League
Ikorodu City FA Achieve Historic NNL Promotion
Ikorodu City FA, the developmental sister team of Ikorodu City FC, have etched their name into the footballing history books after earning a sensational promotion to the Nigeria National League (NNL) for the 2025/2026 season.
The Lagos-based side clinched their spot with a convincing 4-1 victory over Franceez in a decisive playoff match, overcoming Magic Stars on goal difference to seal promotion.
The match began with a moment of concern for Ikorodu FA as Franceez’s Gabriel Kennedy struck early in the 5th minute to give the opponents an unexpected lead. However, that was the only bright moment for Franceez, as Ikorodu FA quickly responded with purpose and dominance.
Wallie Kammok restored parity in the 51st minute, setting the tone for an inspired comeback. The game’s intensity grew with yellow cards shown to Ezeaka Chiemere of Ikorodu and Franceez duo Samuel Jacobson and Bernard Odey, highlighting the high stakes and competitive edge of the fixture.
Ikorodu FA took full control in the second half. Ibifugara Dagogo fired home in the 62nd minute to give them a 2-1 lead, before Franceez’s woes deepened with an unfortunate own goal from defender Azeez Abubakar in the 70th minute.
With Franceez chasing shadows and Ikorodu FA playing with confidence, the icing on the cake came in stoppage time as Famoyegun Michael netted the fourth goal in the 94th minute, sparking wild celebrations from players and supporters alike.
The result, combined with a superior goal difference over Magic Stars, guaranteed Ikorodu City FA’s promotion—marking a remarkable achievement for a club that has steadily grown as a feeder system to its senior team, Ikorodu City FC.
“This is more than just a promotion—it’s a statement of the club’s ambition and the hard work behind the scenes,” said a team official after the final whistle.
The triumph not only brings NNL football back to Ikorodu for the coming season but also reinforces the area’s reputation as a growing hub for talent development in Nigerian football.
With promotion secured, attention will now turn to preparations for the 2025/2026 NNL campaign, where Ikorodu City FA will aim to continue their impressive rise through the football ranks.
Sports247.ng
Nigeria Premier League
Rangers Secure 2-0 Win Over Abia Warriors As NPFL Action Heats Up
Rangers International put on a show in Enugu on Wednesday, sealing a convincing 2-0 victory over Abia Warriors in their rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday five encounter.
The Flying Antelopes got off to a bright start as Chigozie Iwundu struck in the 13th minute, sending the home fans into wild celebrations. Just before the half-hour mark, Godwin Obaje doubled the lead, showcasing his fine form with two goals in his last two matches.
The win catapulted Rangers into fifth place on the NPFL table with 11 points from seven games, keeping them within touching distance of the top four. Meanwhile, Abia Warriors, despite the loss, remain in fourth place with 12 points from the same number of matches.
Elsewhere at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano Pillars secured a hard-fought 1-0 win over Kwara United in a rescheduled matchday six fixture. Club legend Rabiu Ali rolled back the years, scoring the only goal in the 23rd minute to give Pillars a much-needed victory.
With the NPFL season still taking shape, fans can expect more drama, goals, and big performances as the race for the top intensifies.
At Sports Market International, we continue to bring you the best coverage, analysis, and insights from the world of football and beyond. Stay tuned — the NPFL is only just getting started!
Local News
Nasarawa United Head Coach Mbwas Mangut Hails Players After 2-1 Victory At Bayelsa United
Nasarawa United Head Coach Mbwas Mangut Has Praised His Players For Their Impressive Performance Following A Hard-Fought 2-1 Away Victory Against Bayelsa United In The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The Solid Miners Showed Resilience At The Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, On Sunday, Rallying From A Goal Down To Secure Their First Away Win Of The 2024/25 NPFL Season.
How The Game Unfolded
Bayelsa United Took The Lead In The 36th Minute Through Jawad Mustapha, Putting The Hosts In Control. However, Nasarawa United Responded Bravely, With Ekeson Okorie Restoring Parity Just Before Half-Time.
Substitute Victor Onovuke Then Delivered The Decisive Moment In The 89th Minute, Scoring The Winning Goal To Hand Nasarawa United A Memorable Victory On The Road.
Mangut Talks Up Massive Win
Speaking After The Match, Coach Mbwas Mangut Highlighted The Determination And Discipline Of His Team Despite Difficult Playing Conditions.
“It Was A Very Tight Game Based On The Condition Of The Field As It Was Water-Logged Due To A Heavy Downpour,” Mangut Told The Club’s Media.
“We Conceded Through An Error, But We Played Our Way Back And Got What We Worked For. After Losing Their Last Home Game, Bayelsa United Were More Under Pressure In Today’s Game. So, We Came With A Game Plan To Frustrate Them The More, And It Worked For Us.
“I Give Credit To My Boys For Being Able To Get The Job Done, Without Sounding Disrespectful To The Bayelsa United’s Side, Because They Gave Their All, But Unfortunately Couldn’t Get Any Positive Result.”
What The Result Means
The Win Marks A Significant Step Forward For Nasarawa United In Their NPFL Campaign. Securing An Away Victory Against A Tough Opponent Like Bayelsa United Underscores Their Ambition To Climb Higher Up The Table And Compete With The League’s Best.
Sports Market International Continues To Deliver The Best Sport Blog Content Across The World, Highlighting NPFL Action, Tactical Insights, And Inspirational Stories That Shape The Sports Market.
Local News
Rivers United Offer Free Jerseys And Free Admission Ahead Of NPFL Clash With Shooting Stars
Former Super Eagles Coach Finidi George’s Rivers United Are Raising The Stakes Ahead Of Their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Clash With Shooting Stars By Offering Fans Free Replica Jerseys And Free Admission To The Match. The Rivers State Outfit Will Host Ibadan Warriors At Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium On Sunday, In One Of The Biggest Fixtures Of Week Four.
Both Teams Are Eager For A Win After Dropping Points Last Weekend. Rivers United Settled For A Goalless Draw With El-Kanemi Warriors, While Shooting Stars Were Held By Nemesis Ikorodu City In Ibadan.
To Ignite Fan Support And Boost Their Chances, Rivers United Announced On Social Media A Special Giveaway:
“FREE Replica Jerseys For FANS! Gate Fee: FREE! Don’t Miss Out! Show Your Team Pride & Join Us For An Electrifying Match.”
This Bold Move Highlights The Pride Of Rivers’ Determination To Secure All Three Points In This Crucial Encounter As Finidi Looks To Challenge For The NPFL Title Again.
The History Between The Two Clubs Adds Extra Spice To The Fixture. Rivers Have Claimed Four Wins In The Last Eight Meetings, While Shooting Stars Have Three. Notably, In Their Last Four Meetings In Port Harcourt, Rivers United Have Been Dominant With Four Clean-Sheet Victories, Including A 2-0 Win In Shooting Stars’ Last Visit.
Finidi George’s Rivers United Will Be Hoping To Rely On The Unwavering Support Of Their Energised Home Crowd, Boosted By The Free Jersey Offer, To Continue Their Strong Home Form And Shoot Down Oluyole Warriors This Weekend.
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