By Silvernews Sports.

As part of activities marking the 60th anniversary of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), the Imo State chapter yesterday held a thanksgiving service at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri.
The service, which drew members of the association, sports enthusiasts, and Christian faithful, was presided over by the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji.
In his homily, Bishop Ugorji likened the thanksgiving to the Israelites’ annual harvest festival, which marked a period of gratitude to God for bountiful blessings. He observed that just as farmers in biblical times offered thanks for their harvests, modern institutions and associations equally set aside time to appreciate God’s faithfulness and guidance.
The prelate commended sports journalists for their contributions to national development through effective reportage, describing their work as vital in promoting unity and physical well-being.
He congratulated SWAN on its diamond jubilee, noting that sports remain an integral part of human life and a tool for building discipline, health, and social cohesion.
“We need sports in order to be healthy. God has created us to move our joints, and so sports are part of what we need to do to remain healthy,” Bishop Ugorji said.
He also urged politicians to emulate the spirit of sportsmanship in their conduct, especially during elections, stressing that politics should not be treated as a do-or-die affair.
“In sports, we learn to win and lose without bitterness. Only one person can win at a time; others should prepare for the next round,” he advised.
Speaking shortly after the service, the Treasurer of Imo SWAN, Mr. Iyke Njoku, described the thanksgiving as a moment of reflection and appreciation for God’s faithfulness to the association over the years. He noted that the event marked the beginning of a series of activities lined up to commemorate SWAN’s 60th anniversary across the country.
“It is only proper that we begin our celebration in the presence of God, who has guided SWAN through six decades of service and growth. This thanksgiving is our way of saying thank you for how far He has brought us,” Njoku stated.
The thanksgiving service formed part of the events scheduled by the Imo SWAN to mark the association’s 60 years of service to sports journalism in Nigeria.

Abia Warriors returned to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 home win over Barua FC in a match day 10 of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, season.

In Jos, Enyimba FC suffered a 2-1 loss to Plateau United while Warri Wolves overpowered Bayelsa United 2-0 in Ozoro.

Kun Khalifat FC were held to a 1-1 draw in Owerri by visiting Bendel Insurance while Wikki Tourists defeated Shooting Stars 2-0.

Katsina United *1*
El-kanemi Warriors *0*

Kano Pillars *0*
Niger Tornadoes *2*

Wikki Tourist *2*
Shooting Stars *0*

Abia Warriors *2*
Barau *0*

Warri Wolves *2*
Bayelsa United *0*

Kun Khalifat *1*
Bendel Insurance *1*

Plateau United *2*
Enyimba Int’l *1*

Rangers int’l *0*
Kwara United *0*

Wed. 29/10/25
Rivers United *Vs*
Ikorodu City

Wed. 05/11/25
Nasarawa United *Vs*
Remo Stars

Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has expressed delight after securing passage into the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Nigeria reached the Round of 16 at this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in Morocco after a dominant performance earned them a 4-0 win over Samoa in Rabat.

Queen Joseph hit a brace to take her tournament tally to three, and Captain Shakirat Moshood scored from the penalty spot while defender Azeezat Oduntan nicked a sweet one straight from the wing.

According to him, “I’m delighted we have sealed a place in the next round of the U17 Women’s World Cup, though we had a negative start but we were relentless, showed disciplined and focus to get the job done against Samoa.”

The win was enough to see the Flamingos, bronze medalists at the 2022 finals hosted by India, reach the Round of 16.

The shot-stopper has been in fine form recently, keeping two consecutive clean sheets against Plateau United and Kano Pillars, making it four impressive clean sheets in 10 games this season. Since joining the Ikon Allah Boys from Inter Lagos, Nchekwube has made an instant impact, showcasing commanding performances that have earned him widespread praise from home and away fans.

Niger Tornadoes has a history of producing great goalkeepers, from Atuga Ndanusa to Mustapha Salihu both whom made their names in between the sticks, including keeping for the national team.

Ifeanyi’s recent heroics have been instrumental in Niger Tornadoes’ strong run, and he’s been a rock at the back, marshaling the defense with authority, while helping Tornadoes regain their footing in the NPFL, and his contributions have been vital to their success so far.

Ifeanyi Nchekwube’s impressive physical presence, athletic ability, and intelligent reading of the game make him a formidable goalkeeper. His height gives him a commanding presence in the box, allowing him to dominate aerial duels and claim crosses with ease. His agility and quick reflexes also enable him to make crucial saves on the ground, making him a versatile and reliable shot-stopper.

As the Ikon Allah Boys look to build on their momentum, Nchekwube’s performances will undoubtedly be crucial. He’s a key player for the team, starting all the 10 NPFL games so far and his ability to keep clean sheets has given his team a solid foundation to launch their attacks. With his talent and dedication, Ifeanyi Nchekwube is certainly reenacting the glory days of Niger Tornadoes, and fans are loving every minute of it.

The Ikon Allah Boys have continued their impressive run of results with a famous 2-0 victory against Northern giants Kano Pillars FC at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina in the NPFL Matchday 10 encounter.

Two second half goals were enough for Niger Tornadoes to claim an impressive victory against troubled Kano Pillars.

The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams trading serious tackles and matching each other’s intensity. The pace was even, and neither side could gain a significant advantage. Rabiu Ali led the charge for Kano Pillars, showcasing some impressive midfield skills, but Niger Tornadoes’ well orchestrated defense stood firm, thwarting their opponents’ attempts to break through. The Tornadoes’ backline was a wall, making it tough for Pillars to create clear-cut chances.

Terdoo Shimagande had a golden opportunity to score just before halftime, finding himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but his shot sailed wide of the post.

It was a sterile 45 minutes as the first half ended goalless, with both teams heading into the break with nothing to separate them.

The hosts upped their intensity after the break, as they showed clear intent to grab the first goal, especially after introducing the legendary Ahmed Musa, who immediately began to dictate the pace of the game. However, Tornadoes’ defense remained vigilant and resolute, thwarting every attempt to break through.

Niger Tornadoes break the deadlock, taking the lead in the 58th minute through an own goal! Abdulaziz Dalhatu’s free kick, awarded after a foul on Clinton Jephta, hits the crossbar and rebounds off a Kano Pillars defender, trickling into the net to had the visitors a deserved lead.

The hosts launched a spirited fightback in search of an equalizer, but it was to no avail as Tornadoes’ defense held firmly to the lead.

The Ikon Allah Boys put the game to bed with a second goal, courtesy of Terdoo Shimagande, who reacted quickest to slot home from close range. Yusuf Omotayo’s rocket shot had earlier hit the bar, but Shimagande was on hand to capitalize on the rebound, scoring with precision and composure. A well-taken goal to wrap up the win.

The Rangers International Football Club (RIFC) Foundation, Enugu, has taken another significant step in its sports development journey by launching a School Football Referee Club for children and young persons as part of its ongoing Sports Intervention Initiative and Framework.
The event, which took place at the Therapeutic Inclusive School in Enugu, South-East Nigeria, marks a new milestone in the Foundation’s efforts to use sports as a tool for education, inclusion, and empowerment.

Speaking during the flag-off, the Chairman of the RIFC Foundation, Coach Ebere Amaraizu, expressed appreciation to key partners, including the United States Government Exchange Alumni Association (Enugu State Chapter), Carmelite Prisoners’ Interest Organization (CAPIO), Genehen Global Care Foundation, and the Enugu State Football Referees Association, among others, for their collaboration and support.
Coach Amaraizu noted that the establishment of the School Football Referee Club was a timely and necessary step toward helping children develop versatility, a deeper understanding of football beyond scoring goals, and an appreciation for the rules and discipline that govern the game.
“This initiative will help the children become well-rounded, knowledgeable about football as a game, and interested in the art of officiating. It also gives them a head start while they are still young,” he said.
“Football is not just about kicks and goals — it also depends on those who ensure compliance with the laws of the game. This framework is designed to promote the growth, development, and sustainability of football, while creating life-changing opportunities for children and young persons,” he added.
Kicking off the referee training classes, Mr. Patrick Nworie, a retired Nigeria Premier League referee and current General Secretary of the Enugu State Football Referees Association — popularly known as “The Great Mancha” — commended the RIFC Foundation for initiating such a transformative program.
He applauded the enthusiasm of the participating children and emphasized the crucial role of referees in football.
“No football match can take place without an appointed referee,” Nworie said, as he introduced the children to the basics of football, the art of officiating, and the qualities required to become a good referee.
His engaging delivery elicited excitement and curiosity from the young participants, who were eager to learn more about the profession.
It will be recalled that the Therapeutic Inclusive School had earlier established Chess and Taekwondo Clubs for both children with and without special needs — initiatives also supported under the RIFC Foundation’s sports intervention framework aimed at inclusion and sustainability through sports.

The board of the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, has rearranged three of Rivers United matches due to their participation in the CAF Champions League.

Rivers United will kick off their first rescheduled fixtures with a matchday 10 tie at home against Ikorodu City on Wednesday, October 29 at 4pm.

The following midweek, they will head to Benin to face Bendel Insurance in a matchday 9 tie at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Wednesday November 5.

The Pride of Nigeria’s final rescheduled match so far will them travel to Kano State to face Barau FC on Wednesday November 19.

Rivers United confirmed remaining NPFL October and November fixtures

Wednesday, October 29
Ikorodu City (H) | 4pm
Rescheduled MD 10

Sunday, November 2
Nasarawa United (H) | 4pm
MD 11

Wednesday, November 5
Bendel Insurance (A) | 4pm
Rescheduled MD 9

Sunday, November 9
Kun Kalifat (A) | 4pm
MD 12

Sunday, November 16 –
Warri Wolves (H) | 4pm
MD 13

Wednesday, November 19
Barau FC (A) | 4pm
MD 5

Sunday, November 23
Plateau United (A) | 4pm
MD 14

Sunday, November 30
Kano Pillars (H) | 4pm
MD 15

History was made at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium as we defeated Black Bulls of Mozambique 3-1, securing a spot in the prestigious CAF Champions League group stage for the first time.

First Half Dominance
We got off to a flying start, dominating proceedings with Boluwaji Sholumade, Wasiu Falolu, and Seyi Oguntayo in the midfield, and it paid off with Wasiu Falolu scoring in the 15th minute to level the aggregate score at 1-1. The goal came after Maclyn Biokpo’s shot was blocked, and Falolu capitalized on the rebound. We continued to dominate with Osagie Onisodumeya having a solid back four of Isaac Annor, Taiwo AbdulRafiu, Stephen Manyo, and Ogechukwu Ogbu, and just before half-time, Maclyn Biokpo converted a penalty, awarded after Timothy Zachariah, set up by Ubong Friday, was tripped in the box, to make it 2-0.

Second Half Drama
Black Bulls pulled one back within the opening five minutes of the second half, with Moctar Diallo finding the back of the net. This temporarily put us under pressure, as the aggregate score was level at 2-2, and the away-goal rule threatened to eliminate us. However, we didn’t allow the visitors to capitalize on this moment. Instead, Timothy Zachariah crowned his man-of-the-match performance with a superb strike in the 78th minute, off an assist from Stephen Manyo, to secure the win and send us into the group stage.

Facts and Stats

<span;><span;>- We are through to the CAF Champions League group stage for the first time in our history after four attempts.

<span;><span;>- We will be the first Nigerian club to feature in the CAF Champions League group stage since Lobi Stars in the 2018/19 season.

<span;><span;>- For the first time this season in the CAF Champions League, we scored more than one goal in a match.

What’s Next?
We return to Nigeria Premier Football League action on Wednesday, October 28, when we take on Ikorodu City FC at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in a rescheduled matchday 10 fixture.

Charles Mayuku
Media Officer, Rivers United FC
October 25, 2025

NFF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

Nigeria reached the Round of 16 at this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in Morocco after a dominant performance earned them a 4-0 win over Samoa in Rabat.

Queen Joseph hit a brace to take her tournament tally to three, and Captain Shakirat Moshood scored from the penalty spot while defender Azeezat Oduntan nicked a sweet one straight from the wing.

The Flamingos knew they needed a high-margin win to be able to reach the knock-out rounds, after a 1-4 reverse against Canada on the opening day and a lone goal defeat by France three days ago. In the event, they went about the business with all seriousness and bounced on the scoresheet after only 13 minutes, when Joseph latched on to a great pass by Moshood and lifted the ball into the net far away from goalkeeper Grace Ae.

Ae was in the right place three minutes later to push away a decent shot by Chisom Nwachukwu, but she was sent the wrong way by Moshood from six yards in the 27th minute after defender Holly Leapai handled the ball in the box from a corner.

The Flamingos continued to search for more goals and in the 36th minute, Nguemo Terlumun, a constant thorn on the Samoan defence, danced past the rearguard and crossed for Joseph, who knocked the ball into the net for Nigeria’s third.

In the 44th minute, a brilliant exchange of passes between Joseph and Mariam Yahaya left the latter facing the goalkeeper, but her shot was pushed out.

The Flamingos thought they would be 4-0 up only 32 seconds into the second half, but Moshood’s effort from the penalty spot was well-read by Ae after Terlumun was fouled.

In the 67th minute, the fourth goal finally arrived, with Oduntan scoring from a well-placed cross, either side of two brilliant saves by Nigeria’s goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu.

The win was enough to see the Flamingos, bronze medallists at the 2022 finals hosted by India, reach the Round of 16.

Rivers United has progressed to the group stage of the CAF Champions League after a 3-1 win over Black Bulls in Uyo.

The Finidi George side sealed passage with a 3-2 aggregate victory.

PRIDE OF NIGERIA!

Details later…