Category: Sports

The Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, has approved t the matchday 32 encounter between Barau FC and Katsina United be played behind closed doors.

The league body stated that the decision was reached on the request of Barau FC.

According to the NPFL the reason was based on the previous conduct of both Kano and Katsina United fans.

The NPFL urged Barau FC to ensure a successful logistics required for a closed door match.

DAILY POST recalls that crowd violence have occurred during fixtures involving teams from the aforementioned states.

Barau FC will battle with Katsina United at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Sunday.

NPFL: Barau FC vs Katsina United to hold without fans

Niger Tornadoes have expressed their readiness to consolidate on their last home win in the clash against Wikki Tourists.

The Ikon Allah Boys ended their seven-game winless run with a 1-0 win against Rivers United in Minna last week.

Niger Tornadoes will trade tackles with Wikki Tourists next in a matchday 32 fixture at the Bako Kontagora Stadium on Sunday.

“We are ready to consolidate our last home win against Rivers United,” Niger Tornadoes wrote on social media.

DAILY POST recalls that Niger Tornadoes defeated Wikki Tourists 2-0 in the same fixture in 2023.

Niger Tornadoes currently occupy 13th position on the league table with 39 points.

NPFL: Niger Tornadoes target maximum points against Wikki Tourists

Bendel Insurance and Nasarawa United played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in their Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, matchday 31 encounter at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

The visitors rallied twice to earn a share of the spoils.

Insurance went in front through Alex Oweilayefa in the 14th minute, while Monday Gideon restored parity for Plateau United four minutes before the break.

The home team regained the lead courtesy of Kayode Oke’s 59th-minute penalty.

Plateau United, however, levelled with a penalty of their own deep into stoppage time.

Bendel Insurance remain in seventh position on the table following the stalemate, while Plateau United moved to eighth spot.

At the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, Kwara United beat Nasarawa 1-0 in a keenly contested encounter.

Abdulsalam Abdulsalam netted the decisive goal from the spot in stoppage time.

Kwara United remain in the bottom half of the table despite the win.

The defeat put a dent in Nasarawa United’s ambitions.

NPFL: Insurance, Plateau United settle for draw; Kwara United pip Nasarawa

Super Eagles defender, Emmanuel Fernandez, has revealed why he wears the number 37 jersey for the national team.

The Rangers star recently made his debut for Nigeria’s national team against Iran in an international friendly on Friday.

Speaking with Rangers TV, Fernandez said his reason for wearing the 37 jersey for the Super Eagles was in memory of his late brother, who passed away at the age of 37.

“My brother passed away at 37, so it is like the only way to do things for him. Obviously, the age gap was over 15 years, so, as I was growing up, he was having his children and going to the University,” the 24-year-old said.

“He studied Engineering, and had three children. It’s why I wear his number. When he passed, I played a game a few days later, and now everything I do on the pitch is for him.”

Why I wear number 37 Jersey for Super Eagles of Nigeria — Fernandez

TalkSPORT presenter, Adrian Durham, has told Arsenal youngster Max Dowman to leave the Premier League North London club as soon as possible when the summer transfer window starts.

Durham fears Dowman’s career will stagnate under manager Mikel Arteta if he remains at the Emirates Stadium beyond this summer.

He argued that the 16-year-old’s future would be best served by continuing his education elsewhere, as he highlighted the career trajectory of Myles Lewis-Skelly under Arteta.

“Max Dowman needs to leave Arsenal as soon as possible,” Durham said as quoted by Metro UK.

“Dowman has seen Myles Lewis-Skelly’s career derailed by Mikel Arteta. He’s not even third choice left-back now – [Piero] Hincapie and [Riccardo] Calafiori ahead of him in a Wembley final.

“He was a midfielder in the youth team and got to a Youth Cup final in midfield.

“Even with [Martin] Zubimendi looking like a League One player, [Declan] Rice’s numbers are shocking, and [Mikel] Merino is injured. Lewis-Skelly isn’t going to get a look in there; he’s third choice left-back.

“So Max Dowman needs to take a look at these things and realise that he’s just another tick in Mikel Arteta’s box.”

Dowman was against Everton, scoring a late goal to seal Arsenal’s victory after Arteta featured him from the bench a few weeks ago.

Arsenal’s Max Dowman told to leave club immediately

Paul Onuachu has reaffirmed his willingness to remain at Trabzonspor amid interest from Bundesliga and Saudi clubs, DAILY POST reports.

Onuachu has caught the eye with his impressive performances in the Turkish Super Lig this season.

The tall striker is currently the league’s leading scorer with 21 goals from 24 matches.

Bundesliga clubs Bayern Leverkusen, VFL Wolfsburg, and Werder Bremen have been linked with the Nigeria international.

There is also interest from Saudi Premier League side, Al -Ahli.

Al-Ahli are reportedly willing to offer the 31-year-old €6 million, three times his current salary at Trabzonspor.

Onuachu is however determined to help Trabzonspor win trophies.

“I will stay here. We have trophies to win with Trabzonspor,” Onuachu was quoted by Fotomac.

Onuachu wants Trabzonspor stay amid German, Saudi clubs interest

Lobi Stars head coach, John Onuh has reacted to his team’s failure to secure promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

Onuh admitted that his team failed to meet their target despite the improvement in the squad.

DAILY POST reports that Doma United secured promotion from the Nigeria National League, NNL, Conference C.

Lobi Stars recorded six wins, two draws and five defeats in 13 matches in the , NNL, Conference C.

“I took over, and I think I brought the needed improvement; unfortunately, our target was not met. It is sad.”

Lobi Stars will battle with City FC in their next league fixture.

NNL: Onuh regrets Lobi Stars’ promotion setback

Kwara United have been boosted with the return of three players ahead of the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, matchday 32 encounter against Nasarawa United.

The trio of Saheed Olaniyi, Johnmark Aule and Mustapha Salisu are making a return from injury.

Aule was outstanding for Kwara United in the President Federation Cup last season.

He has registered six goals in 24 appearances for the Harmony Boys in the current campaign.

Meanwhile, Shola Abdulraheem, Ini Emmanuel, Akanni Akeem and Alao Mohammed have been ruled out of the game with injury.

Kwara United will do battle with Nasarawa United at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Saturday(today).

NPFL: Kwara United’s trio return for Nasarawa United clash

Abia Warriors technical adviser Imama Amapakabo has said he is not entirely focused on the Abia Derby with Enyimba.

The Umu Chineke will face their local rivals at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, in a matchday 31 encounter on Sunday.

Imama is unperturbed about the buzz on the derby.

“It’s just the hype of spectators and expectations of everyone,” the former Nigeria international told the club’s official media.

Abia Warriors currently sit in fourth position on the NPFL table.

The Umuahia club are targeting a place on the continent for the second consecutive season.

Imama declared that they will keep fighting hard to achieve their objective.

“It’s not just about this game to me, it’s about the next seven games. We have 21 points to play for, and we’ll play with everything we have,” added the gaffer.

NPFL: Imama downplays Enyimba clash, sets sights on continental ticket

Emmanuel Fernandez has shared his excitement after making his maiden appearance for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, DAILY POST reports.

The Rangers defender replaced Semi Ajayi after the break in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Iran on Friday afternoon.

Fernandez was eligible to play for both Nigeria and England, having been born in London to Nigerian parents, but ultimately chose to represent Nigeria.

The 24-year-old has always dreamed of playing for the three-time African champions.

“It’s my home nation, it’s where my family is from, it’s where I am from. “It’s something that I have always wanted to happen,” the centre-back told Rangers TV.

Fernandez will be looking to make his second appearance for the Super Eagles when they take on Jordan in Antalya next week Tuesday.

Fernandez delighted to make Super Eagles debut