Heartland FC came from behind to defeat Abia Comets 3–1 in a pulsating Oriental Derby encounter on Saturday T the Enyimba Stadium, Aba, sealing their first away victory of the 2025/2026 Nigeria National League season and moving up to fourth place on the standings.

The visitors started cautiously but were nearly undone early on. In the 17th minute, debutant goalkeeper Jasper David Ezra announced himself with a miraculous full-length dive to tip a goal-bound Abia Comets header onto the frame of the post. Ezra was again in inspired form as he denied the hosts in the 25th, 38th and 42nd minutes, keeping Heartland in the contest despite sustained pressure.

Against the run of play, Abia Comets broke the deadlock in stoppage time of the first half. At 45+3 minutes, Udochukwu Okorie capitalised on a costly gaffe by Ezra to slot home and give the hosts a 1–0 lead going into the interval.

Heartland responded with tactical changes immediately after the restart. At 49 minutes, Hadi Mohammed and Emmanuel Matthew were introduced for ThankGod Chilaka and Udoma Chukwuma. The game became more combative, with Chukwuma Agor shown a yellow card in the 55th minute for a stamp on an Abia Comets player. Agor was later withdrawn in the 66th minute for Emmanuel Offor as Heartland chased an equaliser. Matthew was cautioned by the referee too a moment later.

The pressure finally paid off in the 71st minute when Matthew drew Heartland level. The substitute produced a sublime long-range lob after a half-cleared corner kick, catching the Abia Comets defence off guard to make it 1–1. Just seven minutes later, the turnaround was complete as Joel Okoro stabbed home from close range, finishing off a clever assist from debutant John Igwe, who was enjoying an impressive outing.
Abia Comets pushed forward in search of a response, but Heartland struck the decisive blow in stoppage time. At 90+2 minutes, Emmanuel Offor sealed the win with a composed finish from John Igwe’s pass to make it 3–1. Shortly before then, Abdulateef Ibrahim had replaced the injured Emmanuel Charles at the 90th minute to shore up the Heartland side.
The victory lifts Heartland FC to fourth place on the table with 10 points from six matches. The Naze Millionaires will next host Beyond Limits on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, in a Matchday Nine fixture.

Rangers International head coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu is set for a sensational return to his former side, Plateau United, Silvernews.com.ng reports.

It was gathered that Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang held a closed-door meeting with the club’s hierarchy to determine the next gaffer of the side following the sack of Oluwasola Adegun over series of poor results.

According to reports, there are strong indications that Ilechukwu could make a return to Plateau United this season to rescue the team from relegation.

Super Eagles coach, Eric Sékou Chelle, has expressed delight following his selection as the Coach of the Group Phase at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.

On his selection as Coach of the Group Phase, Chelle said: “I am happy about this recognition. But I will like to give the credit to my backroom staff who work tirelessly to make the team function. This development is a good motivation for me, the players and the entire squad.

“However, this is not why we are here. We are here for something bigger and better. We will not get ahead of ourselves and think we are the best. We will continue to work hard and stay focused for every match as it comes.”

The Super Eagles have put behind the huge success of the group phase and are now focused on putting on their proper knockout competition gear, ahead of Monday’s Round of 16 clash with the Mambas of Mozambique at the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals.

alongside two-goal and two-assist forward Ademola Lookman, put 25 players through their paces at Friday evening’s training session at the Sardienne Complex in Fès.

England-based defender Ryan Alebiosu did not participate as he is recovering from a leg injury incurred during Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat of Uganda’s Cranes to make for a perfect nine points out of nine in the group phase.

Greece-based forward Cyriel Dessers has returned to his club, owing to a thigh injury, while midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi, who featured as a second-half substitute against the Cranes on Tuesday, has a cold and did not train.

Chelle has drummed it into the players’ ears that knockout character must be assumed as they look forward to Monday’s crunch encounter, with pragmatism to be preferred over sensationalism.

Following the group phase matches, Nigeria has now scored a total of 152 goals in 107 matches at the Africa Cup of Nations, since their debut at the finals in Ghana in 1963.

Chelle is unbeaten in regulation time in 13 competitive matches for Nigeria, since his first outing with the Super Eagles in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda in Kigali on 21st March last year, and has seen his playing personnel walk off the pitch heads bowed only on two occasions – the FIFA World Cup sudden-death penalty heartbreak against DR Congo in Rabat in November and the 1-2 friendly reverse against the Pharaohs of Egypt in Cairo last month.

By Silvernews

The Chairman of the Imo State Football Association (FA), Ifeanyi Dike, has tipped the Eagles to record victory against Mozambique, expressing optimism over the team’s improved performance and style of play.

Dike, who revealed that he has watched all the team’s matches so far, said the noticeable improvement in the players’ approach, coordination and confidence has made it increasingly difficult for opponents to contain them.

Speaking with Wakawaka Sports from Morocco, the legal luminary noted that the Eagles’ tactical discipline and fluid style of play are clear signs of a team growing in strength and belief.

According to him, “if the team sustains its current level of performance, it stands a strong chance of progressing to the final of the competition.
“I have watched all their games, and the improvement in their style of play is very clear.

“The players move the ball well and press effectively, which makes it hard for opposing teams to lock them down. If they continue playing this way, I believe they can get to the final,” Dike said.

The Imo FA chairman also used the opportunity to call on football clubs across the state to register for the forthcoming Imo State FA Cup competition.

He assured teams of fairness and transparency, stressing that the competition remains open to all clubs willing to compete.

Dike further reiterated the association’s open-door policy, emphasizing that the FA Cup provides equal opportunity for all participating teams, adding that any team can emerge winners if they play better and adhere to the rules of the competition.

Shooting Stars forward Chidiebere Nnachi have come to a mutual agreement for a contract termination, Silvernews.com.ng reports.

According to sources, the former Enyimba man joined the club last August on a one-year deal but made just two appearances in the first half of the 2025-26 season.

Credit: UndisputedSam

Barau FC has sacked Ladan Bosso as its head coach following poor performances of the team in the ongoing 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, season.

This was contained in a statement by the club’s General Manager, Dominic Iorfa.

The statement reads: xThis is to bring to your notice that, following a review of the club’s performances in the first round of the 2025/2026 NPFL season, the Management of Barau FC hereby direct that you step aside from your position as the Head Coach of the club with immediate effect.

“The decision was taken to re-energize the Technical Department to boost performance in line with the club’s aspirations.

“You are also directed to handover to your immediate Assistant Coach while all club’s property in your possession should be handed over to the Club’s Secretariat.

“While we appreciate your services with the Club during the period under review, be assured that all your remuneration as contained in your contractual agreement will be treated accordingly.”

Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Tunisia 3-2 in a nervy Group C encounter of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations, at the 35,000-capacity Complexe Sportif de Fès.

Goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman ensured the Super Eagles progressed despite a late comeback from the Tunisian side.

Next up for the Super Eagles is Uganda on 30th December.