Following their defeat by Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan in the last league fixture, Abia Warriors say they are determined to bounce back to reckoning as they confront league newcomers, Barau Football Club of Kano, in the Matchday 10 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

The Umuahia warlords, who were ostensibly unhappy with the uncharacteristic manner of the loss to Shooting Stars  in Ibadan, have now turned their attention to the next league fixture and are poised to grab the maximum points.

The team’s sentiment was shared by the captain, Augustine Njoku, during a brief chat with the club’s media. The former Nigeria U-20 wing  back, while exuding confidence, assured the fans of victory despite the team not being a finished product yet.

“We’re still a
work-in-progress, as our head coach said the other day. So, coming up against Barau FC on Sunday, our fans should expect a good game and equally go back home rejoicing because Abia Warriors is going to emerge victorious,” he said.

Njoku continued, “As the captain of the team, I should have confidence and so, the entire team. With what the gaffer has taught us, I’m this optimistic, knowing that if we put on display what we have been taught, we will emerge victorious.”

The Abia State-born defender also appealed to the club’s fans for massive support, “Our fans should come out en masse to support us and cheer us to victory.”

The Warriors have averaged 0.8 goals (scored) per game and 0.7 goals conceded in 9 games, whereas Barau FC has averaged 0.8 goals (scored) and 1.25 goals conceded after playing 8 games.

This will be the first-ever meeting between the two sides, and while Abia Warriors are 3rd on the league table with 15 points, Barau FC is occupying the 19th position with 8 points.

*Injury Update*

OUT

Emmanuel Ogbuagu and Ayodele Ezekiel are the two injury concerns.

IN

Paul Samson and Maxwell Kangeshima are back.

Umu Chineke will host Barau Football Club of Kano in a Nigeria Premier Football League fixture on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the Umuahia Township Stadium. Kickoff time is 4:00 pm.

Secretary General of the Commonwealth Handball Association, Mr. Saidu Jibril, has emerged as President-elect of the Nigerian Handball Federation.

He defeated John Sunday after securing nine out of fourteen total votes cast, while his opponent got five votes.

The election was conducted by the leadership of the National Sports Commission at the Handball Indoor Sports Hall at the Package B of MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Saturday.

The new Board of the NHF will be inaugurated by the National Sports Commission alongside other Boards of Sports Federations whose elections had been successfully held.

Commodore Shettima Mohammed of the Nigerian Navy has emerged as President-elect of the Nigerian Shooting Sport Federation.

He defeated incumbent President, Captain OB Ayoade of the Nigerian Navy after securing eight out of fourteen total votes cast, while Ayoade got five votes.

After series of ties in previous election, the leadership of the National Sports Commission took over the conduct of the by-election to produce the next President of the Federation.

The new Board of the NSSF will be inaugurated by the National Sports Commission alongside other Boards of Sports Federations whose elections had been successfully held.

The election held at the Handball Indoor Hall, Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Saturday.

Super Falcons Head Coach, Justin Madugu has provided insights on Gift Monday’s omission from the squad.

Recall that Nigeria’s head coach omitted in-form Monday from the 21 players that were called up for the final qualifying fixture for the 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations championship against Benin Republic.

According to him, “I have no issues at all with Gift. She is very much part of my plans and will surely play her part in our quest for global success. However, we currently have very strong competition for the forward position.”

Forwards Chinwendu Ihezuo aand Esther Okoronkwo scored first-half goals to give reigning African champions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons a 2-0 win over their Bénin Republic counterparts in the first leg of their 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture, first leg in Lome, Togo. ‎ ‎

The return leg is slated for the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta on Tuesday, 28th October 2025.

Oyo State’s newly formed women’s football team, Pacesetter Queens, will compete in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership next season, marking a major step forward in the state’s football development.

OyoSportsNews can authoritatively report that Pacesetter Queens have sealed promotion to the top-flight league following the successful acquisition of Benue Queens’ slot. This development was confirmed by the Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Alhaja Wasilat Adefemi Adegoke, who revealed that the team will campaign in the elite division in the 2025/26 NWFL Premiership season.

The club, established only four months ago under the Oyo State Ministry of Youth and Sports, will now serve as the official women’s team of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC). This move strategically positions 3SC to meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) club licensing requirements, which mandate that clubs aiming for continental participation must have a women’s team registered and competing in recognized competitions.

With Pacesetter Queens’ confirmation, the South West region now holds the highest representation in the NWFL Premiership with seven teams: FC Robo Queens and Dannaz Ladies (Lagos), Remo Stars Ladies and Castmog Ladies (Ogun), Sunshine Queens (Ondo), Osun Babes (Osun), and Pacesetter Queens (Oyo). This growth underscores the region’s rising commitment, investment, and dominance in women’s football across the country.

The kickoff date and fixtures for the new NWFL season are expected to be unveiled during the league’s Annual General Assembly (AGA) scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt on October 29, 2025.

Forwards Chinwendu Ihezuo aand Esther Okoronkwo scored first-half goals to give reigning African champions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons a 2-0 win over their Bénin Republic counterparts in the first leg of their 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture, first leg in Lome, Togo. ‎ ‎

The Super Falcons started strongly with Rasheedat Ajibade’s 6th minute lob over the Amazons’ goalkeeper Ogoun which was denied by the woodwork, while Folashade Ijamilusi’s strike two minutes later was parried away by Ogoun. ‎ ‎The Beninise couldn’t hold on tight to their low block game plan as Deborah Abiodun weaved open a congested midfield with a pass to Chiwendu Ihezuo who excellently put the ball beyond the reach of the Beninise goalkeeper to give Nigeria the lead in the 23rd minute. ‎

‎With the Super Falcons enjoying long spells of possession, dominating every department of the game, the Amazons had their first sight of Nigerian goal in the 36th minute when Moumouni connected to a pass on the byline and managed to get past Osinachi Ohale to strike at goal, only to be denied by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. ‎ ‎

Deborah Abiodun was, once more, in her elements as she picked out Esther Okoronkwo with a defence-splitting pass, with the latter slotting home to double the lead for Nigeria before the stroke of halftime. The Super Falcons were lucky not to concede in the closing stages of the first half, as Moumouni’s shot against the run of play struck the frame of the post to end the half 2-0 in favour of Nigeria. ‎ ‎

The second half proved tough for both teams following tactical adjustments and a number of substitutions. However, Nigeria soaked the pressure better, containing the pace of the Amazon wingers who stepped up with high intensity in their search for goals. ‎ ‎An in-swinger in the 90th minute unsettled the Nigerian defence, leaving Sadikou with a chance to head into the net but her effort was denied by Nnadozie.‎

‎The scoreline gives Nigeria the advantage ahead of the return leg billed for the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta on Tuesday. ‎

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has confirmed that Super Eagles will converge on Rabat, November 9 — five days before their CAF World Cup playoff opener against Gabon.

According to reports, the Super Eagles are set to land early in Morocco while camp is expected to open in Rabat.

In the CAF Play-offs, Nigeria will take on Gabon’s Palancas Negras in a ‘first semi-final’ on Thursday, 13th November, with Cameroon taking on the Democratic Republic of Congo in the ‘second semi-final’ on Friday, 14th November. The two winners clash on Sunday, 16th November in the ‘final’, with the winner to proceed to the Intercontinental Play-offs scheduled for the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey in March next year.

At the International Play-off Tournament, six teams will battle for two tickets. The teams are Africa’s winner, Bolivia, New Caledonia, winner of Asian play-off between Iraq and the United Arab Emirates, and two of Jamaica, Costa Rica and Panama.

By Silvernews Sports

The ENIC Tennis League returns this weekend with another round of electrifying fixtures as top clubs from across the region take to the courts in pursuit of crucial league points and bragging rights.

According to the schedule released by the League’s Technical Sub-Committee, five matches will headline Saturday’s programme — each promising a blend of precision, power, and professional play as teams renew rivalries across key venues.
🎯 FOCUS MATCH: OWERRI SPORTS CLUB VS OGUTA RECREATION CLUB
The spotlight falls on the Owerri Sports Club as they host Oguta Recreation Club in what is being billed as one of the standout fixtures of the weekend.
With both teams in strong form, fans can expect fast serves, long rallies, and a tactical masterclass from both sides. Owerri, buoyed by home support, will be eager to make a statement, while Newcomers Oguta aims to upset the hosts and climb higher on the standings.🏟️ OTHER FIXTURES ACROSS THE REGIONS
In Portharcourt, league returners the home side will square off against Recreation Club, Owerri, in a match that could reshape the mid-table battle after their first game against STDC in Owerri.the Enugu Sports Club will host Nnewi Sports Club in what analysts predict will be a tightly contested affair between two technically gifted teams.down south, Calabar Sports Club entertains Uyo Club, a fixture expected to produce exciting rallies and decisive tie-break moments. Rounding off the weekend’s
programme, Recreation Club, Orlu faces Safari Recreation Club in what many are calling a “battle of endurance and consistency.”
👨‍⚖️ REFEREE ASSIGNMENTS AND OFFICIAL NOTES
The League’s Refereeing Committee has confirmed the following officiating arrangements to ensure fair play and consistency across all courts:
Recreation Club, Owerri → Officiating at Owerri Sports Club
Owerri Sports Club → Officiating at Portharcourt Club
S.T.D.C. Owerri → Officiating at Enugu Sports Club
Portharcourt Club → Officiating at Calabar Sports Club
Onitsha Country Club → Officiating at Recreation Club, Orlu
Speaking ahead of matchday, Chief Referee and Chairman of the Technical Sub-Committee, Akagha Samuel, emphasized the importance of professionalism, discipline, and the spirit of fair competition.
“We expect a weekend of quality tennis defined by integrity and sportsmanship. The ENIC League continues to champion excellence across regional tennis,” he said.
🎾 LOOKING AHEAD
As the race for top positions intensifies, fans and players alike are bracing for another thrilling weekend of competitive tennis. With momentum, pride, and ranking points on the line, the ENIC Tennis League continues to reaffirm its status as one of the most prestigious platforms driving grassroots and elite tennis development across the region.