Nigeria Premier League

Kwara Utd plan revenge mission against Tornadoes in NPFL encounter

Head Coach of Kwara United FC of Ilorin, Tunde Sanni, has asked the management of Niger Tornadoes FC of Minna, to expect a revenge just like they did to Rangers International FC of Enugu at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, during their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 20 encounter.

Sanni told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Ilorin that the 2-0 triumph over Enyimba International FC of Aba on Monday in a rescheduled matchday 16 would boost the morale of the players ahead of the matchday 21 encounter at the Bako Kontagora stadium, Minna.

NAN recalls that Kwara United lost her first match of the 2024/2025 NPFL season to Niger Tornadoes when the Ikon Allah Boys ran away with a famous 2-1 victory on matchday 2 in Ilorin.

“I love the way Niger Tornadoes went on a revenge mission to Enugu. We are also going there; they should be expecting us.

“We are going to show them the way they showed us here; we are going there to play. With the victory over Enyimba, we are sure to play well against them,” Sanni said.

Sanni, who regretted his team’s poor start to the season, said that they were aiming to finish the season strongly.

According to him, Ibrahim Muhammed, the team’s best player for last season who has been injured for most part of the season will soon join his teammates on the field.

“Abdulafeez Musa (Olororo), who sustained an injury after a few games into the season, is recovering fast and will soon join his teammates.”

NAN recalls that Kwara United moved from the 14th position on the log to 11th after the victory over Enyimba on Monday in Ilorin. (NAN)

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.”