Category: Sports

ABS FC forward Jamiu Sa’ad has expressed his desire to help the club secure promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

DAILY POST recalls that ABS last played in the NPFL in 2010.

Sa’ad, who has scored three times in the Nigeria National League, NNL, said he is determined to increase his goal tally and help the club achieve its target.

“I’m grateful for the goals so far, but I want to score more,” Sa’ad told ABS FC Media.

“My focus is to stay consistent and keep delivering for the team every game. Our main target this season is to promote to the NPFL.

“That is the dream for everyone at the club, and I’m ready to give everything to help us achieve it.”

NNL: Sa’ad targets NPFL promotion with ABS FC

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has issued a stern warning to match officials across the domestic football scene.

NFF said tougher measures were imminent to curb the surge in controversial decisions across the country’s domestic leagues.

The warning was issued during the NFF Executive Committee meeting held in Abuja.

The federation expressed “deep disappointment” with the performance of referees in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, Nigeria National League, NNL, Nigeria Women Football League, NWFL, and Nationwide League One, NLO.

It stated that disciplinary actions, retraining programmes and stricter monitoring would be introduced to restore integrity and professionalism in Nigerian football.

“We are out to fight incompetence, collusion and any manipulation that undermines the credibility of our competitions,” NFF was quoted by Newstap.

“Stronger measures are on the way, and any official found compromising the game will face decisive consequences.”

NFF warns referees of sanctions over poor officiating

Nasarawa Amazons head coach Christopher Danjuma has praised the unity within his team.

The Amazons have recorded two wins and a draw from their opening three fixtures in the Nigeria Women Football League, NWFL, this season.

Nasarawa Amazons currently occupy second place in the Group B table with seven points.

They will face Abia Angels in a matchday four fixture next Wednesday in Lafia.

“Like I said earlier, we came here for nothing less than three points,” Danjuma told Nasarawa Amazons media after the away win over Ahudiyannem.

“The players worked together, stayed focused, and the result came with ease.”

Head coach Danjuma hails unity as Nasarawa Amazons maintain unbeaten start

Calvin Bassey scored his first Premier League goal of the season to help Fulham secure a 3-2 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor.

Bassey netted Fulham’s second goal of the match in the 31st minute, with Harry Wilson providing the assist.

The centre-back was in action for the full duration of the game.

His compatriot, Samuel Chukwueze, set up Wilson for Marco Silva’s side’s second goal in the 58th minute.

Chukwueze also played the entire 90 minutes.

Fulham’s other Nigerian import, Alex Iwobi, featured for 79 minutes.

EPL: Bassey inspires Fulham’s win over Burnley 

Bendel Insurance and Rangers played out a 1-1 draw in their Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, Matchday 17 encounter in Benin City on Saturday.

Both teams scored in the closing stages of the match.

The hosts went ahead through Promise Anyanwu nine minutes from time.

Chidozie Iwundu equalised for Rangers deep into stoppage time.

Insurance extended their unbeaten run to five matches.

Kennedy Boboye’s side moved up to 14th place on the table.

Rangers remain fourth in the standings.

NPFL: Bendel Insurance, Rangers share spoils in Benin City 

Former boxing heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury, has predicted that Jake Paul will take Anthony Joshua all the way in their bout next week.

Joshua and Paul will fight next Friday in Miami.

The controversial contest is billed for eight three-minute rounds, with the fighters wearing 10oz gloves.

“I think it will go the distance,” Fury told OOOsch TV.

“I think it will be a move around and a points job, absolutely.

“I understand people’s concerns but they have to start believing in Jake.

“They don’t believe because they can’t get their head around how he beat those guys.”

Tyson Fury predicts Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul fight

Rivers United technical adviser, Finidi George, has described his team’s away victory over Plateau United as an important one for his team.

The Pride of Rivers moved to second position in the league table with 30 points from 15 matches after a 2-1 win over Plateau United in Jos.

Finidi commended his players for playing with determination in the game.

“It’s an important win,” Finidi told Rivers United media after the game.

“I felt in the first half we struggled a little bit. Coming in the second half, we pushed a little more, pressed a bit higher, forced them to kick the long balls and look for the second ball which gave an edge. While we won the second balls we had the whole field to operate.”

Rivers United will battle with Wikki Tourists in their next league encounter on Sunday.

NPFL: Rivers United coach Finidi thumbs up win over Plateau United

Fulham head coach Marco Silva has expressed frustration following the imminent departure of Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Samuel Chukwueze for the Africa Cup of Nations.

The trio were named in Nigeria’s squad for the competition by head coach, Eric Chelle on Thursday.

Iwobi, Chukwueze, and Bassey would be away for around one month should the Super Eagles make it to the final of AFCON 2025.

The biennial competition will run from Sunday, 21 December, 2025 to Sunday, 18 January, 2026.

The three players have been exceptional for Fulham this season.

Silva believed they would be greatly missed during their absence.

“We are talking about three starting XI players. We know Alex is a key player in any position he plays. The importance of Calvin, and what Chukwueze has been doing in recent games. You have to find solutions. If you know any other way to handle it [AFCON], let me know.”

AFCON 2025: Fulham boss laments Super Eagles’ trio departure

Everton head coach David Moyes says the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, must be respected by European clubs.

The scheduling of the tournament has constantly caused friction between European clubs and participating countries.

The two parties are always at loggerheads over the release of players for the biennial competition.

FIFA recently ruled that clubs should release players just one week before the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The directive was contrary to the earlier mandatory two weeks release date for players.

Moyes, who will be without two key players, Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye, during the tournament, however said players must not be stopped from participating.

“We have to respect completely the Africa Cup of Nations,” Moyes told a press conference on Friday.

“The players will go to play in the tournament for their countries, and rightly so. It’s a great thing they get selected for their countries, and we hope they do well.”

We have to respect AFCON — Everton boss Moyes

Liverpool manager, Arne Slot, held showdown talks with Mohamed Salah on Friday morning, according to Daily Mail.

Slot dropped Salah for their trip to Inter Milan in the Champions League in midweek.

It came after the Egyptian winger granted an explosive interview, taking a dig at the club’s hierarchy last Saturday.

Salah claimed he had been “thrown under the bus” and had “no relationship” with Slot.

The Egyptian’s outburst had led to speculations that this weekend’s league fixture with Brighton will be his last for the club.

Slot said: “I will have a conversation with Mo this morning and the outcome of that conversation determines how it will look tomorrow.

“I have no reasons not wanting him to stay, if that is a little bit of an answer.”

EPL: Salah in showdown talks with Slot over Liverpool future