By Silvernews

Chinemerem Anthony took a significant step forward in his football career after making his first professional league appearance in an away fixture against Kun Khalifat FC, signaling the emergence of a new talent on the professional stage.

Despite the challenge of playing away from home on debut, the young footballer showed impressive composure and confidence, settling quickly into the tempo of the contest.

Calm on the ball and disciplined in execution, Chinemerem displayed maturity beyond his years and handled his responsibilities with assurance against experienced opposition.

Throughout the encounter, he demonstrated sound positional awareness and tactical intelligence, reading the game well and responding effectively under pressure.

His performance, though understated, reflected solid preparation and a clear understanding of the demands of top-level football, earning approval from the technical bench and keen observers.

In a post-match reaction, his parent club, G Innovation FC Lagos, expressed appreciation for Chinemerem Anthony’s steady progress in the league, describing his professional debut as a reward for dedication, discipline, and consistent development.

The Lagos-based club reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing young talents and supporting Chinemerem as he continues to grow and gain experience at the professional level.

While the match itself may soon pass into the archives, the occasion remains a personal landmark for the young player—a debut marked by confidence rather than nerves.

As the season unfolds, this appearance could well be remembered as the foundation of a promising professional journey, with more to come from Chinemerem Anthony.

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Amas Obasogie has donated ₦500,000 (about $350) from his AFCON bonus to support elite goalkeepers in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The contribution was made through football administrator Dosu John and is intended to assist goalkeepers active in the domestic league, All Nigeria Soccer has been told.

Despite currently playing his club football with Singida Black Stars in Tanzania, Obasogie continues to give back to Nigerian football.

The Benin City-born goalkeeper rose to prominence during his time with Bendel Insurance, where his impressive run of clean sheets earned him national recognition.

Amas Obasogie was part of Nigeria’s squad at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles finished third and claimed the bronze medal.

A fine example of giving back and staying connected to home.

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Refereeing Development Committee has suspended an NPFL Referee and Assessor over poor officiating of the game between Kano Pillars and Abia Warriors.

This was contained in a letter addressed to the affected Assessor Ishaya Usman from Gombe State and Referee Ogwuche Benjamin from Taraba State, signed by its Chairman, Mohammed Ameenu.

The letter reads: “Reference to the decision of the Referee to ignore a glaring penalty situation that adversely affects the outcome of the match between Kano Pillars FC and Abia Warriors played on 19th January, 2026 wherein such an action was adjudged not in line with the provisions of the Laws of the Game. Similarly, the Referee

“Assessor for the match was found to have neglected virtually every of his duties and responsibilities to the team of Referees as his reports did not reflect any incidence or situation of match debriefing as well as what was debriefed.

“These actions did not only negatively affect the outcome of the match but equally brings the game to disrepute.

“I am therefore, directed to notify you that you have both been suspended indefinitely and with immediate effect from all league and other football matches. Best of sporting regards.”

Super Falcons goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie bagged the Player of the Match for her club side, Brighton & Hove Albion Women in the WSL.

She kept a clean sheet and made two crucial saves to help Brighton away from home against Everton.

She has made 44 saves in 10 matches and has kept four clean sheets – the joint second-most this season, just one behind Chelsea’s goalkeeper.

By Silvernews

Arrangements have been concluded for the Emmanuel Amunike and Friends Birthday Celebration Match, scheduled to hold this Saturday at 7:30 a.m.

The novelty encounter will pitch Emmanuel Amunike and Friends against the Association of Ex-Footballers and Friends (ASEF), in what is expected to be a colourful celebration of one of Africa’s football greats.

The event, being midwifed by Mr. Anderson Anyiam, popularly known as the “World’s Best,” is expected to attract football lovers from far and near in honour of the former African Footballer of the Year.

Coach Emmanuel Amunike, whose birthday falls on December 25, has over the years marked the day quietly.

However, this celebration marks the first time the football icon will publicly celebrate his birthday in Imo State.

Amunike is currently the Technical Manager of Heartland FC. He is a former member of the FIFA Technical Committee and an ex-head coach of the Tanzania national team.

He occupies a unique place in African football history as the only African Footballer of the Year to have produced another African Footballer of the Year, and remains the last player to win the prestigious award while playing in the African domestic league.

The celebration is expected to be a memorable gathering, as friends, colleagues, and football stakeholders come together to honour one of Africa’s finest football icons.

Since the appointment of Dominic Iorfa as the General Manager of BARAU FC, the club has witnessed a remarkable resurgence, regaining its national recognition through his vast experience and strategic expertise. Under his leadership, BARAU FC has climbed from 19th position on the NPFL log to 14th, following a dramatic and hard-fought 0–0 draw against Enyimba FC yesterday in Aba, Abia State.

Dominic Iorfa has successfully transformed BARAU FC into a complete and competitive league side. His tactical approach and effective management have instilled renewed confidence and motivation among the players, translating into improved performances on the pitch.

The football-loving supporters across Kano State have openly expressed their appreciation for this positive turnaround, applauding the beautiful football and fighting spirit now displayed by the team. BARAU FC has become a formidable opponent, highlighted by an impressive 2–1 home victory over Tornadoes and a credible away draw against the mighty Enyimba.

Currently sitting comfortably in 14th position on the NPFL log, BARAU FC will host Bayelsa United on sunday 25th January 2026, at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Matchday 22, with kickoff scheduled for 3:30 PM local time. A victory in that encounter could propel BARAU FC up to 9th position on the league table, further cementing their resurgence.

Indeed, the impact of Dominic Iorfa has been nothing short of transformational, and BARAU FC’s journey back to prominence is well underway.

The second matchweek of the business end of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) will take place on Sunday and Monday.

One game is live on the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN). Here are also the referees appointed for the 10 matches:

‎Sunday, January 18, 2026

‎KANO PILLARS V ABIA WARRIORS

Referee: Benjamin Ogwuche

Assistant referee 1: Nalado Abdullahi

Assistant referee 2: Ibrahim Umar

Fourth official: Ibrahim Idris

Kick-off: 3:30pm

Venue: Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano

‎BENDEL INSURANCE V EL-KANEMI WARRIORS

Referee: Jahlove Chukwuka

Assistant referee 1: Scholastica Ikeobi

Assistant referee 2: Vincent Giwa

Fourth official: Fatai Yunusa

Kick-off: 4pm

Venue: Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City

‎BAYELSA UNITED V SHOOTING STARS SPORTS CLUB(3SC)

Referee: Muntaka Abubakar

Assistant referee 1: Peter Bwamba

Assistant referee 2: Muhammad Uba Abubakar

Fourth official: Adama Abdulkadir

Kick-off: 4pm

Venue: Southern Delta University Stadium, Ozoro

PLATEAU UNITED V WIKKI TOURISTS

Referee: Kenneth Benjamin

Assistant referee 1: Jamilu Hamisu

Assistant referee 2: Lukman Mudassiru

Fourth official: Shittu L. Muhammad

Kick-off: 4pm

Venue: New Jos Stadium, Jos

‎RIVERS UNITED V REMO STARS

Referee: Chineme Ajibor

Assistant referee 1: Ahmad Tijjani Mustapha

Assistant referee 2: Sani Zakari Isah

Fourth official: Kingsley Madu

Kick-off: 4pm

Venue: Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt

IKORODU CITY V KWARA UNITED (Live on FRCN)

Referee: Joseph Ogabor

Assistant referee 1: Mahmud Yakubu

Assistant referee 2: Emmanuel Atu

Fourth official: Koute Sivivie

Kick-off: 4pm

Venue: Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos

‎ENYIMBA V BARAU FC

Referee: Adeniyi Abdulrahman

Assistant referee 1: Felix Ogundiran

Assistant referee 2: Akinsanya Akinwale

Fourth official: Imuetinyan Ikponwonsa

Kick-off: 4pm

Venue: Enyimba Stadium, Aba

‎NASARAWA UNITED V NIGER TORNADOES

Referee: Mudassiru Adamu

Assistant referee 1: Linus Akobi Ogar

Assistant referee 2: Nura Ali

Fourth official: Alhassan Bello

Kick-off: 4pm

Venue: Lafia City Stadium, Lafia

‎Monday, January 19, 2026

‎WARRI WOLVES V KATSINA UNITED

Referee: Nkemka Ogochukwu

Assistant referee 1: Ber Simon Terungwa

Assistant referee 2: Ridwan Ajao

Fourth official: Chinonso Ezeh

Kick-off: 4pm

Venue: Southern Delta University Stadium, Ozoro

KUN KHALIFAT FC V RANGERS

Referee: Abdulganiyu Bello

Assistant referee 1: Zango Muhammad

Assistant referee 2: Yazid Bashir

Fourth official: Ezechi Kalu Udo

Kick-off: 4pm

Venue: Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri

The Chairman Rangers International Football Club Foundation ( RIFC Foundation) Coach Ebere Amaraizu has described as Holistic the Rangers International FC Foundation Sports Intervention Framework and that which is aimed at boosting Social Emotional Learning in Children and young person for crucial outcomes.

He stated this on 13th January,2026 during the inception meeting between with the state chairman of the Technical & Vocational Education & Training (TVET) Enugu state Dr Amaka Ngene with her management on full scale implementations of RIFC sports interventions framework At Government Technical College Enugu and for all Technical & Vocational Education &Training programmes in the state to boost Social Emotional Learning (SEL) for students.

According to Coach Ebere Amaraizu, who also is a certified Sports Coach and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT) coach as well as child development expert ,RIFC Foundation Sports Intervention Framework is well structured with evidenced and informed based approach that boosts social emotional learning for children and young persons.

Our sports interventions framework will provide structured environments for practice of crucial social skills and fostering empathy and resilience ,sense of belonging amongst children to work and connect with diverse peers,share,listen and contribute to a common goal as well as improving their self esteem for choice ,decision making and inability to yield to negative pressures.

Our sports interventions framework will also make them to develop love for their sports of choice this promoting athletes development.

Our sports framework will provide them with the opportunity to see things from various perspectives and real point of view ,learn to grow from the mistake that they have made as well as taking responsibility as prospective leaders.

It will surely enhance their team work ability and enhance their critical thinking ability .He informed the TVET management that RIFC Foundation Sports Intervention Framework is problem solving as it will help to improve children learning outcomes and problem solving skills.

The Sports Intervention Framework will help to increase their consciousness and help them for self discovery ,self reliance and to unlock their potentials for sustainable development.

On her part ,the Chairman Technical & Vocational Education & Training (TVET) Management Board Enugu state Dr Amaka Ngene thanked Coach Ebere Amaraizu on his continual effort towards improving the fortunes of children and young persons through various laudable initiatives and charged him not to relent.

She applauded the work of the Rangers International FC Foundation through its various Initiatives especially the sports intervention framework designed for problem solving and expressed hope on the sports interventions framework for crucial outcomes and which will also help to boost students employability and personal growth at both Government Technical College Enugu and also in all TVET programmes.

Highlight of the interface was the official visit at the new improved Government Technical College for programme implementation assessment.

By Silvernews

The Imo State Football Association has completed the registration of 32 clubs for the 2026 National Federation Cup, with all registration fees remitted to the Nigeria Football Federation in Abuja.

The registered teams include 29 male clubs and three female clubs, according to a statement issued by the Association on Thursday.

The IMO-FA disclosed that the next phase of the exercise, the online registration, will commence shortly as directed by the National Competitions Department of the NFF.

Clubs have been reminded that participation in the online registration will be subject to the presentation of valid proof of affiliation with the Imo State Football Association for the 2026 football season.

The Association described the directive as a national requirement and urged all participating clubs to comply to avoid being disqualified from the competition.

Clubs seeking clarification were advised to contact the IMO-FA Chairman, Secretary, or Assistant Secretary.
The statement was signed by the Assistant Secretary of the Imo State Football Association, Emeka Nwaokorie.