Category: Sports

Lobi Stars Chairman Terver Ikya has outlined plans to rebuild their squad for the 2026/27 Nigeria National League, NNL, season.

The Pride of Makurdi failed to secure promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, in the recently concluded NNL season.

Ikya said that they will promote five players from the youth team of the club.

“Will not recruit more than thirty players and then five from the youth team of Lobi Stars (U-19), totaling thirty-five players.” Ikya told Voicesports.

Ikya added that contracts of players signed before the current board took over will be terminated.

“And again, the contract of players signed in the team before we came on board ranging from 1-2 years will be terminated and we will start on a new slate.

“We will not attend to players sent by anybody. I want to take my fate in my hands so that whatever the outcome, I would take the responsibility.”

NNL: Lobi Stars chief plans squad overhaul after failed promotion bid

Turkish clubs Beşiktaş and Sivasspor, along with Tunisian giant Esperance Sportive de Tunis, have shared emotional messages mourning the loss of former Nigerian striker Michael Eneramo, who has died at age 40.

Eneramo passed away on Friday morning while training in Kaduna.

Reacting to the sad news, Beşiktaş wrote on X: “We are deeply saddened to hear of Michael Eneramo’s passing. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Michael.”

Sivasspor also paid tribute: “It is with deep sadness that we learned of the death of our former player, Michael Eneramo. May God have mercy on him, and we offer our condolences to his family and those close to him.”

Esperance Sportive de Tunis added: “With heavy hearts, Esperance bids farewell to one of its most loyal sons, Michael Eneramo.”

During his career, Eneramo featured for Beşiktaş, Sivasspor, and Esperance.

He made his Super Eagles debut in 2009, scoring his first Nigeria goal against the Republic of Ireland.

Michael Eneramo: Turkish clubs, others react to death of ex-Nigerian striker

Como manager, Cesc Fabregas, has distanced himself from the vacant Chelsea job, insisting he is focusing on his future with the Italian side.

Chelsea is searching for the next permanent manager to succeed Liam Rosenior after sacking the Englishman.

The Blues had already appointed Calum McFarlane to temporarily take charge of the team until the end of the season.

However, Fabregas, a former Chelsea midfielder, has been linked with the managerial job at the Premier League west London club.

Como’s president, Mirwan Suwarso, had earlier on Friday told City AM that he would not stand in Fabregas’ way if he wants to take the reins at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking on the development ahead of Como’s Serie A clash with Genoa this weekend, Fabregas said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano regarding the Chelsea job: “Nothing to say about that, it’d be stupid to think about that now — my focus is on the next game against Genoa. I didn’t even saw any quote from our president.

“I believe I will continue my chapter as Como head coach. Focus on the next games.”

EPL: Fabregas breaks silence on Chelsea job after Como gives green light

UEFA on Friday, handed Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni a six-match ban following alleged racist insults directed at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior during both sides’ UEFA Champions League play-off match in Lisbon some weeks ago.

Benfica announced the news in an official statement, saying the Portuguese club received a notification from UEFA.

According to the statement, Prestianni was suspended for “six matches” for the use of homophobic language during Benfica’s Champions League tie with Real Madrid in March.

Recall that the Champions League playoff was overshadowed by several troubling incidents, most notably when Vinicius accused Prestianni of using racist slurs against him.

The Champions League playoff first leg encounter was played in Lisbon, and UEFA later banned Prestianni for the return leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Vinicius: UEFA finally bans Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni

Nigeria Premier Football League, side Abia Warriors have crashed out from the 2026 President Federation Cup.

Abia Warriors were bundled out of the tournament following a 4-3 penalty loss to Nationwide League One side Ahudianynem FC.

The fiercely contested encounter game ended goalless in regulation time.

DAILY POST recalls that Abia Warriors were runners-up in the 2024 President Federation Cup.

They lost 2-0 to El-Kanemi Warriors in the final in Lagos.

The Umuahia-based club will shift focus to their chase for a continental ticket in the NPFL.

Abia Warriors currently sit in fourth position on the NPFL table with 55 points.

Imama Amapakabo’s side will take on Rivers United, Kun Khalifat FC and Warri Wolves in their last three games of the campaign.

Abia Federation Cup: Abia Warriors crash out after defeat to Ahudianynem FC

Victor Osimhen has rallied his Galatasaray teammates ahead of the Intercontinental Derby with Fenerbahçe.

Okan Buruk’s side will entertain their title rivals at the RAMS Park on Sunday.

Galatasaray will be looking to bounce back from Wednesday night’s Turkish Cup quarter-final 2-0 defeat to Gençlerbirliği.

The Yellow and Reds are four points ahead of second-placed Fenerbahçe on the table, with four rounds of matches left in the season.

A win will put Galatasaray in pole to successfully defend their title.

“A very important match awaits us. Like everyone else, I’m eagerly anticipating it. Now is not the time to be upset,” Osimhen was quoted by Fanatik.

Turkey: Osimhen rallies Galatasaray teammates ahead Fenerbahçe showdown

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has warned his players that there has to be “a balance” as they chase Manchester City in the Premier League.

The Gunners were top of the table for 200 days, until back-to-back defeats against Bournemouth and City.

They were now in second place, level with Pep Guardiola’s men on points and goals difference.

However, City remain top, as they have scored more goals than Arsenal.

Arteta, speaking to the media on Friday, said: “The goals for, goals against, it’s going to be a balance like it has all season.

“That’s why the goal difference between the two teams [in the title race] is so small.

“First of all, it’s very clear what we have to do to win the game, to earn the right and compete and the rest will come.”

EPL: Arteta speaks on Arsenal losing title to Man City on goals difference

Fulham head coach, Marco Silva is hopeful Alex Iwobi will feature for the club before the end of the season.

Iwobi sustained a hamstring injury in the Cottagers 0-0 draw at Brentford last weekend.

The versatile midfielder was replaced by his international teammate Samuel Chukwueze towards the end of the first half.

There were fears the 29-year-old would miss the remainder of the season as a result of the injury.

Silva, who expressed disappointment with the player’s injury, is, however, expecting him to make an appearance for the Whites before the season runs out.

“Really bad news to lose a player like Alex Iwobi. It’s difficult to say a timescale, but back before the end of the season,” Silva told a press conference on Friday.

Fulham will welcome Aston Villa to the Craven Cottage on Saturday.

EPL:Silva delivers update on Iwobi’s injury status

Nigeria National League, NNL, side, Ranchers Bees have described their return to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, as a rebirth of a legacy.

Ranchers Bees finished top of the NNL Conference D table with 20 points to make a return to the NPFL after 18-years.

The Kaduna-based club said the achievement was made through passion, vision and commitment.

“After 18 long years we are proud to announce our return to the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL,” Ranchers Bees wrote in a statement on Thursday.

“This achievement is more than a promotion, it is a rebirth of a legacy, the reward for belief and the beginning of a new chapter.

“Since the revival of this great club on August 16, 2025, this journey has been driven by passion, vision and commitment.”

Ranchers Bees will slug it out with Sporting Lagos, Doma United and Inter Lagos in the NNL Super Four tournament to determine the overall champion of the 2025-26 NNL season.

The tournament which start in Ikenne next weekend.

NNL: Ranchers Bees celebrate NPFL promotion

Nigeria’s national football team has confirmed the death of former striker, Michael Eneramo.

Eneramo reportedly collapsed and died while training on Friday morning in Kaduna.

Efforts to revive the 40-year-old ultimately proved abortive.

In the 10 times he played for the Super Eagles, Eneramo scored three times.

And in a post on their official X page, the Eagles wrote: “Rest in peace Michael.”

Eneramo played for Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, side Lobi Stars, before moving abroad, where he began his professional career with Tunisian giants, Espérance Sportive de Tunis.

He played mostly in Turkey for clubs like Sivasspor, Beşiktaş, Karabükspor, Istanbul Başakşehir, and Manisaspor.

Super Eagles confirm death of former striker Michael Eneramo