As the Matchday 9 Nigeria Premier Football League fixtures across different centres gather momentum, Abia Warriors gaffer, Imama Amapakabo, is optimistic of a good outing from the Warriors.

The Warriors, who are currently occupying the second position on the league table after a 2-0 defeat of El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri at the Umuahia Township Stadium, will look to consolidate as they head into battle against Shooting Stars in Ibadan.

Imama, during a chat with the club’s media, expressed the team’s determination to secure another Continental ticket following their ouster in this season’s CAF Confederation Cup, even as he admitted that the sudden elimination from the competition has served as a learning curve for the team.

“I think most importantly, we accepted the fact that we failed in the Continent, but we are not failures. We can only be tagged a failure if by May, the league comes to an end and we are not able to get back to where we were as in the past season, and most importantly, first time for the team itself being in the Continent.

“So, there were a lot of things that we didn’t do right, and it was a big learning experience. So, we’ve taken it under our belt, we’ve learnt our lessons, and we want to get back there, believing that this team can really get better,” Imama stated.

The history-making tactician is also of the opinion that his team can emerge victorious in Ibadan, saying, “I believe we can get victory there.”

His optimism was echoed by the Warriors’ two-goal hero against El-Kanemi Warriors in the last league fixture, Casmir Azubuike, who expressed confidence in the team’s ability to churn out a winning result in Ibadan.

“We are Warriors, we are only known for one thing, to go to wars and come back with victory. Hopefully, we are going to Ibadan to win and sustain the momentum,” he said.

The Warriors have averaged 0.9 goals (scored) per game and 0.5 goals conceded, whereas Shooting Stars have averaged 1 goal (scored) and 0.9 goals conceded.

*Head To Head: Last 5 Games*

27/04/25 AWFC 3-1 3SC

01/12/24 3SC 2-0 AWFC

02/06/24 3SC 4-0 AWFC

17/12/23 AWFC 3-2 3SC

26/06/22 3SC 2-2 AWFC

*Injury Update*

OUT

Paul Samson and Ezekiel Ayodele are still out, while Maxwell Kangeshima is out with a mild illness.

Abia Warriors will clash against Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan in a Matchday 9 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, on Sunday, 19th October 2025. Kickoff time is 4:00 pm.

…as DG , Shaibu visits Ogun Governor, Dapo Abiodu

In order to promote grassroots sports, talent development, and youth engagement, the management of the National Institute for Sports has commenced the establishment of zonal offices across the six geopolitical zones.

The management team led by the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the institute, Philip Shaibu visited Ogun state Governor, Dapo Abiodun to brief him of the decision of the institute to situate its South West zonal office in Abeokuta.

According to the immediate past Deputy Governor of Edo State, “my vision as the DG/CEO of NIS is to ensure the implementation of the core mandate of the institution. Bring back what sports use to be in Nigeria. Our aims or vision in NIS is to engage our people in the grassroots. Bring our services down to the grassroots is to discover more talents , get our people trained and in doing that we are building the sporting eco-system.

“This initiative Your Excellency Sir, aligns with The President’s Renewed Hope agenda especially with regards to promoting grassroots talent and sports development, youth engagement, employment creation and overall economic and wealth generation

“Your Excellency, we visit you today to brief you of our activities in the NIS and also inform you that, Ogun state will serve as our zonal office for the South West. When you talk sports development today in Nigeria, your state stand out in terms of talent development, grassroots sports, and youth empowerment. So, we are here to solicit your cooperation in achieving this.”

Responding, Governor Abiodun said he was pleased to received the NIS DG and his team in Abeokuta for a productive discussion on the establishment of the NIS South-West Zonal Office in Ogun State.

“Their decision to situate this zonal office in Abeokuta underscores Ogun State’s strategic importance and our growing reputation as a hub for sports development and youth empowerment in the region.

“We assured the NIS leadership of our government’s full cooperation and support toward the successful take-off of this zonal office, which will serve the entire South-West geo-political zone.

“This initiative aligns with our vision to promote grassroots sports, talent development, and youth engagement.

“We look forward to a strong and enduring partnership with the National Institute for Sports as we continue to make Ogun State a true Gateway to sporting excellence and opportunities.

Nigeria legend, FIFA Women’s World Cup star and FIFA’s Ambassador for the women’s game, Mercy Akide-Udoh o Friday had a session with players of Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos in Morocco, two days before the Flamingos’ 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup opener against Canada.

Mercy Akide-Udoh is in Morocco as a member of the FIFA Players’ Voice Panel. The 16-strong Players’ Voice Panel brings together former male and female players from diverse ethnic backgrounds and all six confederations. The panel advises and supports FIFA and its 211 Member Associations in the global stand against racism. The panel ensures that lived experience is central to the global stand against racism, with panel members offering critical insights on how racism impacts players both on and off the pitch.

ROLE OF THE PANEL

• ADVISE: provide guidance and input on initiatives driving the global stand against racism

• EDUCATE: support and lead educational efforts to build awareness and inspire action against racism

• MONITOR: track progress and drive reforms for lasting change in the global stand against racism

Mercy will lead educational efforts to raise awareness and inspire action against racism and all forms of discrimination, and took time to advise and encourage the Nigerian girls. She plans to visit them again before their opening match on Sunday.

Lobi Stars thrashed Crown FC 3-0 to kick-start the 13th edition of the Gold Cup Pre-Season soccer tournament at the FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu, Ogun State.

Coach Abubakar Bala’s technical line-up proved effective, as the Makurdi-based side dominated the match proceedings with the needed intent in search of an opening goal.

The breakthrough arrived, when Suur Kumaga scored the opening goal in the 36th minute from the penalty spot, following a deliberate handball by a defending player.

Lobi Stars continued to press, and Abdulazeez Tijani doubled the lead a minute before halftime with a well-taken goal, after receiving a lovely assist from his teammate, Daniel Edeh.

Lobi Stars maintained their intensity in the second half, curtailing Crown FC’s attacks, each time they surged forward.

As the minutes ticked down, coach Bala made a tactical change for more goals, and he introduced the youngster, Emmanuel Ofem

Shortly after, his decision paid off when, Substitute Ofem sealed the win with a stunning goal in the final minute of stoppage time, capitalising on a lovely pass to slot home calmly, after beating two defenders to complete the demolition.

Head coach Abubakar Bala praised his team’s performance, saying, “I am proud of my boys. They put in a commanding performance that made the difference. We are not carried away with the result but remain focused; we are still in a building process”, he maintained.

Lobi Stars Media Team

By Dr. Nkiru Gloria Onuorah

The Rangers International FC Foundation has expressed its readiness to partner with the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB) in harnessing and nurturing the talents of school children through sports.

The delegation, led by Coach Ebere Amaraizu, alongside Edmund Ndukamma and Coach Onah, paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of ENSUBEB, Associate Professor Hyginus Banko Okibe, at the Board’s headquarters in Enugu.

Speaking during the visit, Coach Amaraizu said the Foundation is committed to child development through sports, stressing the need to “catch them young.” He explained that the initiative would provide pupils with the opportunity to discover their talents early and channel their energy into productive ventures.

“We want to introduce what we do in child development through sports. It is about building character, boosting self-esteem, and helping children make informed decisions through long-term and short-term goals. With our multi-sports framework, children can explore different sporting disciplines and choose the one best suited for them,” Amaraizu stated.

In his response, ENSUBEB Executive Chairman, Assoc. Prof. Okibe, expressed gratitude to the Rangers Foundation team for their vision, describing sports as one of the greatest unifying forces in Nigeria.

He noted that the partnership would not only help develop the physical abilities of children but also shape their character and prepare them for a brighter future.

“Sports are a unifying factor in our country. It has the potential to change the lives of children, shaping them to be beneficial to themselves and to society. Indeed, it is one of the treasures that lasts for generations. What you are proposing will help us secure the future of our children, who are the leaders of tomorrow,” he said.

The ENSUBEB boss further urged the Rangers Foundation team to provide the Board with a detailed framework of their proposed school sports development plan.

Coach Amaraizu, on behalf of the delegation, appreciated the Chairman’s openness and ongoing efforts to transform basic education in the state. He assured that the Rangers Foundation would work closely with ENSUBEB to integrate sports into education as a tool for character development and societal growth.

The courtesy visit marks the beginning of a potential collaboration aimed at leveraging sports to unlock the potential of school children across Enugu State.

Coach Ebere Amaraizu, who is also a trained and certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Coach, as well as an Olympic Sports Administrator and Manager, emphasized that the Foundation’s sports intervention framework would promote multi-sports activities among children.

He explained that the initiative would help children develop a love for sports, learn responsibility, make informed choices, and become responsive leaders. It would also support behaviour modification, holistic wellness, resilience building, and stronger self-esteem for sustainable development.

As nine-time NPFL champions gear up to face Warri Wolves FC in a classic Matchday 9 encounter at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, defender Fabian Nwaorie says the team’s anger from last weekend’s defeat in Owerri has been converted into pure motivation.

The Nigerian giants, who saw their unbeaten run halted by Kun Khalifat FC in a narrow 1–0 loss, are determined to make a bold statement in front of their home fans on Sunday. According to Nwaorie, the mood in camp has been fiery, focused, and full of intent to return to winning ways.

“Well, after the loss, the guys were not happy because we prepared for a good outing, but it wasn’t to be,” the former Remo Stars and Rivers United man told Enyimba Media.

“Concerning the Sunday game, we have intensified our preparations ahead of the Warri Wolves game. We are ready and will go for all maximum points to enable us commence another unbeaten run, which we believe is possible.”

Nwaorie, known for his composure and tactical discipline, emphasized that the setback in Owerri has only made the squad hungrier. Training sessions throughout the week have been intense, with the players showing renewed determination to deliver for the fans who have stood solidly behind the team.

The tough-tackling defender, who has patiently waited for his chance to shine this season, insists he remains fully prepared to give his all whenever called upon by the technical crew.

“Yeah, I’m always ready for action, and whenever the head coach wants me, I’ll always give my best,” Nwaorie added.

“I want to promise the fans to continue to believe and support us like always, and I’m sure we will not disappoint them.”

With Enyimba boasting a superior head-to-head record — five wins, eight draws, and only three defeats against Warri Wolves since 2009 — history and home advantage tilt the scales in the People’s Elephant’s favour. But as every NPFL faithful knows, nothing comes easy in the league, and Wolves will not arrive in Aba to make up the numbers.

The Elephants are angry, focused, and ready to charge. Expect fireworks in Aba as Nworie and his teammates look to transform their frustration into a statement victory and begin a new unbeaten journey in their quest for glory.

🏟️ Enyimba Int’l Stadium, Aba

🗓️ Sun Oct 19th, 2025

🕓 4:00pm

🎥 NPFLTV (Propel Sports)

Nigeria’s Super Falcons sensation, Esther Okoronkwo has earned her first CAF Women’s Player of the Year nomination.

Recall that Okoronkwo bagged Player of the Match to help Nigeria clinch a 10th Women Africa Cup of Nations title after a come-from-behind 3-2 defeat of hosts Morocco in a drama-filled Final in Rabat.

The fans’ favourite has so far in 2025 won two trophies, scored ten goals and bagged twelve assists in 25 matches.

Her compatriot and 2024 WAFCON MVP, Rasheedat Ajibade was also nominated for CAF Women’s Player of the Year at the CAF Awards 2025.

In other categories, Chiamaka Nnadozie was nominated for Goalkeeper of the Year; Young Player of the Year: Shakirat Moshood; Club of the Year: Bayelsa Queens; National Team of the Year: Super Falcons; Coach of the Year: Justin Madugu, Bankole Olowookere.

For the third consecutive time, Chiamaka Nnadozie has been nominated for the CAF Goalkeeper of the Year award, Silvernews.com.ng reports.

The Brighton number one has already won it twice in a row and she is the favourite to win the award falling her exceptional AFCON campaign with Nigeria where she won the goalkeeper of the tournament.

Recall that the Brighton & Hove Albion of England’s safe hands bagged a fourth-place finish at this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, in Paris.

Nnadozie, who has been Africa’s Best Goalkeeper for the past two years, was also named Goalkeeper of the Tournament for this summer’s Women Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, where she played a key role in Nigeria’s 10th triumph.

Oyo State Football Association Secretary, Kehinde Ojelowo has been confirmed to have departed this life in the early hours of Friday, 17th October, 2025.

Ojelowo was reportedly rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, but was confirmed dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Sports Council, in a statement, signed by Ayobami Fakorede, Director of Media and Communications regrets to announce the passing of its Director of Organization.

According to them, “his passing marks a great loss not only to the Council but also to the entire sports community in Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

“He was a dedicated, intelligent, and diligent administrator, whose contributions to sports development in Oyo State will be fondly remembered.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, colleagues, and loved ones during this difficult time.

Further details regarding burial arrangements will be communicated in due course.”

It is the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 2) in Moroccan city of Salé that Nigeria’s U17 women national team, the Flamingos, will on Sunday begin their campaign for this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup against Canada. This will be the second meeting between these two sides at this level – with the first ending in a 1-1 draw.

Now, thirteen years later, the stakes are higher, the teams are more evolved, and the Flamingos are ready to show how far they’ve come under Coach Bankole Olowookere. The Flamingos arrived in Rabat full of confidence after a strong preparation phase that saw them play several high-intensity warm-up matches.

They recorded double-digit wins, scored freely, and displayed sharp movement and creativity across the final third — hallmarks of Olowookere’s “high-pressing football” philosophy. The girls showed tenacity, depth, and the capacity to react under pressure when they triumphed 3–2 over Paraguay after narrowly losing to New Zealand in one of their test matches.

All eyes will now be on their World Cup opener, where discipline, composure, and efficient finishing will be key against a well-organized Canadian side who come into this fixture known for their tactical structure, physical strength, and compact defensive shape. The North Americans have proven tough customers for African teams in past youth tournaments, and Sunday’s clash will test Nigeria’s ability to handle sustained physical pressure while maintaining their attacking rhythm.

Nigeria’s ambitions are much more than just advancing from the group. After their impressive run to third place in India in 2022 and quarterfinals in the last edition in the Dominican Republic, the Flamingos are hungry to push further — and a strong opening result against Canada would send a clear message of intent to the rest of Group D, which also includes France and Samoa.