A total of 28 rookie football teams will kick off their campaigns in the opening round of the Lagos State Challenge Cup, commonly referred to as the Lagos FA Cup.

This highly anticipated football tournament, the largest in the state, is set to begin on January 22, 2025, at various designated venues.

In total, 80 teams have registered for the men’s category, while four teams will compete in the women’s category.

During the draw held on Wednesday at the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) secretariat, it was confirmed that the 28 rookie teams will face off against each other in the first round.

The opening match will feature Kakawa FC against Royalty FC, while Diadem Stallion FC will take on Arubinjaga FC, and Dijon FA will compete against Burns Boys.

Additional matches include Prince Kazeem Eletu FC versus Innovator FC, Hephziser FC against Fackson Tofida FC, Vido FC facing Ibeju Lekki United FC, Seamoriow FC taking on Swift FC, and Ona-Ara FC scheduled to meet Ikorodu City FA.

FC Middlewell will go up against Seamoriow FA, China Sun Stars will face FC Gemstone, Oba’s FA will challenge Okaka Academy, Great Height will battle Unification FC, L City will confront Orin FC, and Millennium Family FC will meet Osykay FC in the final rookie matches.

At the draw conference, LSFA Vice Chairman Adedotun Coker emphasized that this year’s edition will see improvements in organization and officiating, urging all participants to adhere to the rules of the game.

The Commissioner for Sports Development in Imo State, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, has expressed confidence in Heartland Queens as they commence their 2024/25 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premier League campaign. Speaking ahead of their opening match against Ekiti Queens, Onyeocha praised the team’s preparations and expressed optimism about their performance this season.

Heartland Queens, who finished in the top six during last season’s Super Six tournament in Bayelsa, will kick off their new campaign with an away game in Ekiti State.

Hon. Onyeocha commended the players and coaching staff for their dedication and emphasized the importance of starting the season on a strong note. “Heartland Queens have proven their capability, and I believe they will deliver another impressive season. We expect nothing less than a victory in today’s game,” he stated.

Fans and supporters of the Owerri-based team will be eager to see if the Queens can replicate or surpass last season’s success, starting with a solid performance in today’s encounter.

We wish to inform football clubs within and outside Nigeria, Nigeria Football Federation and other Football Federations, football associations, NPFL, NNL and NLO, licenced intermediaries and other related stakeholders, security agencies and indeed the general public that our player, Israel Emmanuel,who was last seen on Monday December 31, 2024, has gone AWOL.

Israel is our bona fide player, who is under contract that subsists till the end of the 2024/2025 season. He was duly registered and has played the first three fixtures of NNL 2024/2025 season for Abia Comets FC with the licence number “NNL/2024/25/023” and jersey number 40.He has been completely paid all his remuneration Till date.

While we continue our search and rescue efforts which include liaising with security agencies to launch a manhunt, we hereby warn members of the public against conducting any footballing business with the said player, as that would amount to double registration with all its attendant consequences and penalties.

The 2024/2025 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership season is set to kick off on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, with an exciting slate of fixtures across eight centers in the country.

The opening matchday promises a fierce start, with two South-South derbies taking center stage, alongside other thrilling matchups as teams begin their quest for glory.

Group A

Edo Queens vs Abia Angels – Benin City

The official opening Star Match of the new season set to be broadcast on NTA and Startimes will feature defending champions, Edo Queens, hosting Abia Angels at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

Edo Queens, who claimed their maiden league title last season, also triumphed in the West Africa Zone B (WAFU-B) Women’s Champions League and reached the final of the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League, ultimately finishing in fourth place. Under coach Moses Aduku, who has been handed a contract extension, the club’s primary focus will be to build on last season’s successes and defend their league title.

In contrast, Abia Angels will be hoping to avoid another relegation battle after narrowly escaping the drop last season, surviving by a whisker on goal difference. With Adanna Nwaneri, a former Super Falcons defender, now at the helm, the Umuahia-based side will aim to improve on last season’s performance and start the campaign on a positive note.

Edo Queens has been dominant in recent encounters, winning two of the last three league meetings, but Abia Angels pulled off a shock 1-0 victory in Benin City during the 2022/23 season.

Ekiti Queens vs Heartland Queens – Ado Ekiti

For the first time in top-flight history, Ekiti Queens and Heartland Queens will face off at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti.

Ekiti Queens managed to narrowly avoid relegation last season, while Heartland Queens defied expectations by qualifying for the Super Six from Group A.

Despite their struggles at the Super Six, Obi Ogbala’s side will be aiming to build on that experience and continue their growth. Ekiti Queens, under new coach Jacob Vandhi, will be hoping to improve on last season’s performance and avoid another relegation battle.

Confluence Queens vs Remo Stars Ladies – Anyigba

Another exciting matchup features Confluence Queens and Remo Stars Ladies at the Anyigba City Stadium in Kogi State.

Confluence Queens finished second in Group A last season, securing a Super Six spot but struggled to make an impact in the playoffs. Their opponent, Remo Stars, had a solid debut season, finishing fifth in Group B, and have been in good form recently, winning the Ogun State FA Cup and reaching the semi-final of the 2024 President Federation Cup. Their success in the Sheroes Cup adds further confidence as they prepare for the new season.

Nasarawa Amazons vs Dannaz Ladies – Lafia

Nasarawa Amazons will begin their campaign with a home match against Dannaz Ladies at Lafia City Stadium. The Solid Babes finished top of Group A last season but couldn’t replicate that success in the Super Six. They will be determined to return to the Super Six playoffs, starting with a strong result against Dannaz Ladies, who had a commendable debut season in 2023/24, finishing just outside the playoff spots.

Group B

Rivers Angels vs Ibom Angels – Port Harcourt

The first of two South-South derbies on Matchday 1 sees Rivers Angels host Ibom Angels in Port Harcourt.

Rivers Angels came agonizingly close to claiming an eighth league title last season, finishing second in the Super Six by a single point. With new coach Tosan Blankson in charge, they will be eager to go one better this season and secure that elusive title. Meanwhile, Ibom Angels return to the top flight after a successful promotion campaign, and their new coach, Edwin Okon, will be looking to make a strong start as they aim to retain their top-flight status.

Adamawa Queens vs Naija Ratels FC – Gombe

In a Northern derby, Adamawa Queens host Naija Ratels at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe.

Both teams finished on 17 points last season, with Adamawa Queens emerging victorious in their last encounter, winning 2-0. Naija Ratels, however, will be determined to bounce back and improve on their mid-table finish, aiming for a spot in the Super Six this time around.

Benue Queens vs FC Robo Queens – Lafia

In a David vs Goliath encounter, newly promoted Benue Queens will face FC Robo Queens at Lafia City Stadium.

Benue Queens, fresh off their return to the top flight, will be hoping to make a statement in their debut season. Under the guidance of experienced coach Liadi Bashiru, they will be looking for a positive result to set the tone for their maiden top-flight campaign. On the other hand, FC Robo Queens, perennial contenders in the league, will be hoping to secure a victory to relaunch their bid for a return to the end of the season’s Championship Super Six tournament.

Bayelsa Queens vs Delta Queens – Yenegoa

The second South-South derby of the day sees Bayelsa Queens host Delta Queens at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenegoa.

This fixture is one of the most anticipated of the opening matchday, given the fierce rivalry between the two teams. Delta Queens have had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning three of the last eight meetings, while Bayelsa Queens have managed just one victory. Both teams now have new coaches at the helm, with Tosan Blankson guiding Bayelsa Queens and Peter Dedevbo taking over at Delta Queens. This match will set the tone for both teams as they embark on their league campaigns.

With so many exciting fixtures on the horizon, Matchday 1 of the 2024/25 NWFL Premiership promises to deliver plenty of action as teams jostle for early points and set their sights on achieving their season goals.

Today, we officially unveiled eight high-profile players at a Press Conference at our home ground, the Lafia City Stadium, in a major squad overhaul ahead of the commencement of the second stanza of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League Season.

In this bold move to bolster our team’s chances of success, securing the services of some of the most talented and sought-after players in the top-flight league was imminent looking at our position on the league table.

The new signings bring a wealth of experience, skill, and determination to the squad, and will be available for selection for our team’s first match of the second stanza against Katsina United on Saturday, 25th January, 2025, at the Lafia City Stadium by 4pm.

The new acquisitions include;

1. Central defender, Benson Abbey who joined us from Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan.

2. Left back, Peace Dewan formerly of Sunshine Stars of Akure.

3. Attacking Midfielder, Abubakar Aliyu previously with Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan.

4. Central Midfielder, Solomon Chigozie from Kwara United FC of Ilorin.

5. Winger, Peter Eneji, who rejoined from Busaiteen FC of Bahrain.

6. Centre forward, Ugochukwu Leonard who relinked up from Heartland FC of Owerri.

7. Winger, Benjamin Jack, from Golden Boot FC of Benin Republic, and

8. Winger, Onyema Emmanuel, who arrived from Ikorodu City FC of Lagos.

Addressing the Press earlier, Club Chairman, Solomon Babanjah, said,

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome these exceptional players to Nasarawa United FC.

“This is a major statement of intent from the Club, and we are confident that these signings will help us achieve our goals in the second stanza of the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League Campaign.

“These players are household names, and have written their names in gold as far as the top-flight league is concerned in Nigeria.

“Our situation in the league is somehow precarious, but with the acquisition of these top-class players, we are in the right position to turn things around and return the team to where we rightly belong to, which is the summit of the league.

“We plead for the support and prayers of all key stakeholders involved to enable us get out of this terrain.

“We thank His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi Sule; the Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, the State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development; the State Football Association, our ever-present supporters and fans, both home and scattered all over, for always standing by us.

“God willing, we will make everyone happy this second and final half of the season.”

Speaking also, Technical Director of Nasarawa United, Kabir Dogo, noted that the arrival of the new players would be a turning point for the club.

“We are so excited to see the impact these new signings will have on our squad this second segment of the league.

“We are very confident that they will help us to compete at the highest level and bring success to the Club.

“We thank our supporters and fans for all their patience with us, but we hope to reward their patience with positive results, God willing.”

The Solid Miners hope to unveil a few more players in the coming days before embarking on a close camping activities at a yet-to-be-disclosed venue.

By Dica Divine.

Campos FC of Owerri’s former striker, Ogbuehi Nzubechi Sixtus, has achieved a remarkable milestone in his career by signing with Osasuna CA in the Spanish League.

The 21-year-old Nigerian striker, fondly called “Messi,” has penned a six-month loan deal with the outfit, who are currently 11th on the log with 25 points.

This move marks a significant step forward in Sixtus’s career, and he is expected to join Osasuna Promesas, the club’s second team, in the second half of the season in Spain.

According to a statement on Osasuna’s website, the club has secured Sixtus’s services on loan until the end of the current season. The deal includes a voluntary purchase option, which would allow Osasuna to acquire his rights at the end of the season.

Sixtus joins Osasuna from Club Deportivo Eldense of LaLiga 2, where he had a limited opportunity to showcase his skills, participating in only five secunda League matches and one Copa del Rey match.

His football career has been on an upward trajectory since his early days at Campos FC of Owerri. In the 2021/2022 season, he scored an impressive 9 goals in 16 appearances for the club in the Nigerian National League (NNL).

His performances caught the attention of Spanish clubs, and he eventually moved to Ceuta FC. In 2023, he was invited to join the Nigerian U23 team, further highlighting his potential.

Last season, Sixtus demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess in the fifth Division in Spain, netting 18 goals. His impressive form earned him a promotion to Eldense in the Second Division, a remarkable jump of three categories. Although he had limited playing time at Eldense, his talent and potential have not gone unnoticed, leading to his signing with Osasuna.

As Sixtus begins his new chapter with Osasuna, he will be joining Santi Castillejo’s team, where he will have the opportunity to develop his skills and compete at a higher level. With his physical strength, goal-scoring ability, and determination, Sixtus is poised to make a significant impact in the Spanish La Liga and beyond.

Kazma have completed the signing of Benin international Samson Akinyoola until the end of the season.

The player was accompanied to the signing of contract by CEO of Diamond Sports Management Cem Sagar.

The 24-year-old will link up with Nigerian midfielder Kingsley Sokari at the Kuwaiti Premier League side.

Akinyoola was plying his trade at Egyptian club Zamalek before ending association with them by mutual consent.

During his time in Egypt, Akinyoola scored 5 goals in 33 games.

Born in Nigeria, Samson came through the youth ranks of 36 Lion FC, who sent him on loan to Slovakian club Dunajska in 2019, before making a permanent move to the country, but through FK Senica.

During his time in Caracas, Akinyoola scored 28 goals and provided 11 assists in 67 games, winning the league’s top scorer award in his debut season with 18 goals.