Striker Friday Apollos came off the bench in the second half and scored a decisive goal in stoppage time to secure all three points for the 2021 league champions Akwa United as they recorded their third successive home win of the season.

Friday’s goal against Plateau United was his fourth this season scoring all after coming on as a second half substitute.

The hard-fought 1-0 victory moved the Promise Keepers to 17th on the log on 15 points from 14 games, the same as Plateau United who are 16th on the table courtesy of superior goals difference.

In his post match reactions head coach of Akwa United Muhammed Babaganaru congratulated his players for putting up a good performance and hailed their fighting spirit throughout the tough match.

“It was a very tough match in which both teams played very well and created lots of chances. I’m really happy that we have been able to pick the maximum three points from this game and I thank God for the outcome of this match because it has been a stressful nine days for us in which we have played two games and I’m excited that the boys responded very well.

“Plateau United came with a game plan to frustrate us but our target was to pick all three points because our position on the log is not good enough. I really want to congratulate my players for the spirited performance and their never say die spirit. We are doing all we can to see how we can improve on our finishing. We played well but at some point the boys were anxious at the crucial moments and that affected our execution in the box. We kept pushing and believing till that last moment that the goal came and I’m proud of my players for fighting till the end.

On Friday Apollos impact on the team coach Babaganaru said ” Friday is a wonderful striker that we are trying to improve his game. This is his first season in any league and he has been able to fit in almost immediately but we are being careful how we introduce him into games and I’m happy that he is getting it right gradually. This is his 4th goal from the bench and we will continue to encourage and support him”

Akwa United will next travel to Lagos to engage Ikorodu City on Matchweek 15 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Sunday.

In a thrilling match-day fourteen encounter, Nasarawa United finally broke a three-game losing streak in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League Season, defeating visiting Bendel Insurance of Benin City 2-1 at the Lafia City Stadium on Wednesday evening.

The hard-fought victory marked an important turnaround for the Solid Miners which had been struggling to find their footing in recent weeks.

United drew the first blood in the 9th minute, with central defender and Super Eagles of Nigeria player, Victor Collins, pouncing on a clever flick by Anas Yusuf off a King Osanga’s set piece to poke home the opening goal from close range.

However, the Benin Arsenal refused to back down, as they displayed a renewed sense of determination and resilience.

The equalizer came in the 25th minute, courtesy of a cheeky ball from Oritseweyinmi Meyiwa, which defender, Victor Collins couldn’t prevent from going into the back of the net despite his outstretched effort, as both sides carried the momentum into the break.

The winning goal arrived for the hosts in the 51st minute with Qamar Adegoke heading home a pinpoint cross from the wing courtesy of substitute, Chinonso Okonkwo.

The goal sparked jubilation among the home fans who had been eagerly awaiting a win after enduring three consecutive losses.

The win is a crucial turning point for the Solid Miners which face a challenging run of fixtures in the coming weeks, with their next game against Heartland holding in Owerri, before hosting neighbouring Lobi Stars, a week later, and a long trip to Aba, in Abia State, thereafter.

POST-MATCH REACTIONS:

KABIR DOGO(TECH. DIR/NAS): “I am incredibly proud of the team’s effort today.

“We have been working tirelessly to address our recent struggles, and it’s rewarding to see the players’ hard work pay off.

“With this renewed confidence and momentum, the team will look to build on this victory and climb the Premier League’s upper table.”

COACH GREG IKHENOBA(BEN): “It’s disappointing to lose this game because we didn’t plan to lose here, looking at our situation, but that’s football.

“Officiating was good. I was very impressed.

“We will go back home and fix our grey areas and ensure we come back smiling.”

CAUTION(YELLOW CARD):

Ameh Godwin(NAA)86′

Julius Emiloju(BEN)87′

NASARAWA UNITED LINE-UP: Ameh Godwin, Abubakar Abdullahi, Hussaini Mubarak, Emeka Onyema, Victor Collins, Chidera Nduka, Anas Yusuf, Shina Kumater, King Osanga(Chinonso Okonkwo 45′), Qamar Adegoke(Silas Ubebe 72′), Garba Mohammed

UNUSED SUBS: Mohammed Galadima, Kabir Balogun, Manga Mohammed, Abubakar Garba, Habibu Alakija, Sabo Gambo, Auta Awal.

Three first half goals off the boots of Frank Uwumiro, Kenneth Igboke and Ifeanyi Onyebuchi helped reigning NPFL champions annex the maximum points at stake and extend its unbeaten run to seven matches as visiting Lobi Stars F.C of Makurdi was overwhelmed 3-0 in a match day 14, NPFL 2024/2025 fixture that took place inside Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, midweek.

After taking the kickoff and making some unforced errors in the early part of the encounter, the coach Fidelis Ilechukwu tutored side soon settled into its stride with some neat interchange of passes and fluidity in the middle of the pack that had Chinemerem Ugwueze, Kazeem Ogunleye, Isaac Saviour and Ejike Ugochukwu serving the two front men effectively.

As early as the 4th minute, Ogunleye had priced open the backline of the visitors with a telegraphic pass that found national U-20 WAFU-B winning assistant captain, Kenneth Igboke whose inch-perfect cross narrowly missed connection into the net by Isaac Saviour while on 17 minutes, goalkeeper, Emmanuel Daniel had to produce a sharp reflex to stop an Isaac Saviour’ pile-dive from thirty yards out.

The floodgate of goals opened on 27 minutes after Isaac Saviour served Godwin Obaje with a sumptuous pass which the attacker laid perfectly for his twin-striker to bury beyond a stranded Emmanuel Daniel as the home fans went on a frenzy and three minutes later, Kenneth Igboke unleashed a canon of a shot from the edge of the box after dribbling past his marker to find the bottom corner of the net as the fans continued their celebrations.

On the stroke of half time, defense marshall, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi stabbed home the third goal for the Enugu side after Isaac Saviour’ deflected shot off a short corner-kick fell kindly for him at the far post just as the goalkeeper for Lobi Stars did well to stop Obaje’ left footed effort a few minutes earlier.

In the second period, Kazeem Ogunleye’ effort was ruled out for a posible offside position on 48 minutes as the ‘Yes Father Boys’ fortified their backline to stop further leaking of goals as the ‘Flying Antelopes’ eased to a comfortable win ahead of match day 15, ‘Oriental Derby’ against fierce rivals, Enyimba International F.C of Aba which has been re-arranged by the league organizers for Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at the Enyimba Stadium, Aba.

With the win, Rangers now occupy the 3rd position on the log with 23 points behind the duo of Remo Stars and Rivers United who are both on 26 points.

Chief coach of Rangers, Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu, said in a post match chat, “It was a great game which produced some fine goals and we were unlucky not to have scored more against a quality side that came out stronger in the second half. We thank God for the win and congratulate the players for playing to instructions of the coaches. We shall keep working on the gray areas in the team as we are still a work in progress.”

Defense General, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi who was amongst the goals in the encounter, said, “It was a great game against a difficult side but we were determined to get the result. I am really happy for my goal and hope to score more and help the team achieve our collective goals for the season.”

In a powerful demonstration of their steadfast dedication to developing football talent and empowering young athletes, the Lagos Supremacy Cup is poised for a spectacular return, heralding its 19th edition filled with excitement, celebration, and abundant opportunities for aspiring football stars.

Scheduled for November 27-30, the 19th edition of the Lagos Supremacy Cup will feature 10 exceptionally skilled teams eager to display their abilities and vie for the prestigious trophy.

Among the participating teams are the defending champions Dino SC, Ikorodu City, Broad City, and Real Saphire, alongside Beyond Limits Academy, Seamoriow FC, 36 Lion, Bethel FC, MS Success, and Charlesann FC.

The event has attracted the interest of 10 scouts from leading European football nations, including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Turkey, England, Slovakia, Denmark, France, and Germany, all keen to identify and cultivate the next wave of football talent.

This remarkable platform has made the possibility of talented players transitioning to international opportunities a tangible reality.

The Lagos Supremacy Cup has long been recognized as a vital venue for discovering football talent.

European scouts are set to return, eager to uncover new talents for potential professional contracts overseas. The tournament’s distinctive “No Offside” rule enhances the thrill, promoting dynamic and high-scoring matches.

Spectators can look forward to elite competition, as clubs vie for dominance in this thrilling event, which is celebrated for its contribution to youth development in football. As anticipation grows, all attention will be directed towards Mobolaji Johnson Arena, where the future stars of football will shine.

The ENIC Tennis League Match Day 2 featured thrilling encounters across multiple venues, with close contests highlighting the competitive spirit of the tournament.

S.T.D.C. 3 – 2 Aba Sports Club:
S.T.D.C. secured a narrow victory over Aba Sports Club in a closely fought match, finishing 3-2. The team displayed resilience in decisive moments to edge out their opponents.

Owerri Sports Club 3 – 2 Enugu Sports Club:
Owerri Sports Club continued their impressive form with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Enugu Sports Club. The clash showcased exceptional skill and determination from both sides.

Safari Recreation Club Owerri 3 – 2 Onitsha Country Club:
Safari Recreation Club Owerri maintained their strong performance in the league, clinching a 3-2 win against Onitsha Country Club. The match was a testament to the fierce competition in the league.

Stay tuned for updates as the league progresses with more exciting matchups in the coming weeks with the new leadership of the