The National Association of Nigerian Professional Footballers (NANPF) has called on the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to ensure fairness and due process in handling the betting allegation against goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka.

In a formal letter addressed to the NPFL Chief Operating Officer and signed by the union’s Executive Secretary, Comrade Austin Popo, on behalf of Players’ Board Chairman and ex-international Sunday Abe, the NANPF expressed concern over what it described as the “premature suspension” of Adeyinka before the conclusion of investigations.

According to the union, the NPFL’s decision to suspend the player and publicize it in the media without proven evidence risks prejudicing the case and damaging the goalkeeper’s career and reputation.

While reiterating its alignment with FIFA and NFF’s zero-tolerance stance on betting in football, the NANPF urged the league body to consider a more measured approach. It proposed that Adeyinka be barred from match participation pending the investigation’s outcome, rather than having his registration suspended — a move it says could have long-term negative consequences.

“It is a fundamental principle of justice that an individual should be properly notified of any allegations against them and given an opportunity to respond,” the letter read, adding that the player has not been formally served with the notice of offence.

The NANPF drew from biblical teachings on fair hearing, noting that even Adam in the Garden of Eden was given a chance to defend himself.

The union reaffirmed its commitment to working with the NPFL to protect the integrity of the sport while safeguarding the rights of player .

By Kelechi Mejuobi

Fidelis Soriwei, is a seasoned journalist of worthy note whose pen announced his name in the print media industry. We crossed paths in Owerri 2005-2007 as state correspondents of two different national dailies in Imo State. We operated together as Siamese twins. While he was for Punch, I functioned for another national daily (defunct New Age newspapers) as state correspondents in the same Imo. We were not just members of Correspondent Chapel of Imo State Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, but also had wonderful “collabo” as “striking partners” in news hunting and exclusive reports gathering around the state.

Our approaches to news gathering tactics and reportage without reference to normal press releases were different from the othordox practice witnessed in Owerri during that era. Without exaggerating words, we were seen as extremists who imbibed radical approaches to the system which warranted the “Talibans” prefix branded after our names.

In 2007, I was appointed Chief Press Secretary, CPS, to Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, (2007-2011), forcing me to vacate Correspondence practice while Punch transfered Soriwei to Benin as Edo State correspondent, later to Saturday Punch in Abuja before former Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Seriake Dickson, made him Special Adviser on Media during his stay in Government House, Yenagoa. The separation caused a major gap between us but our association continued more in the social media until we reconnected in Abuja.

My dear Soriwei noted for his vitriolic write ups “scratched” me recently for a faceoff which saw us disagree for the first time. And the bone of contention was his criticism against Governor Hope Uzodimma’s hosting of WAFCON winning Super Falcons from Imo State.

Soriwei took to his social media handle and accused Uzodimma of allegedly encouraging disunity by rewarding only players and officials from the governor’s State.
Said he “Governor Hope Uzordinma selected six players from the Super Falcons and gave each of them N10m. He separated six players for reward to the excision of others. He rewarded only the players from Imo State.

“He ignored the fact that when we were cheering and celebrating this team, we did not consider states, tribe or region” he added.

Oblivious of the fact that his own Ondo state governor, Lucky Adetilawa will join league of the governors that had to fete their ladies involved in the cup-winning Falcon team, the seasoned journalist further added that the actions of the governors are festering disunity in Nigeria to the fore.

Soriwei posits about lack of patriotism and magnanimity in sports promotion judging from the action of the governor’s who gave reception to the Super Falcon’s contingent from their states.

I quickly jumped into his page and disagreed with his postulations arguing that such gestures don’t encourage disunity and divisive sentiments he expressed.

I informed my friend Soriwe that there is nothing to worry about state governors appreciating their own in such manners adding that it is a moral booster to fire their people to greater heights in the sports . I requested him to leave Uzodimma and other Governors involved in the act and refrain from such unfair criticism.

However, I informed him that while lavishing goodies on the girls, the state governors, especially my own Uzodimma should look inwards into the decaying state of sports in the Imo. I expect the governor to imbibe the same zeal and resources injected in celebrating the Imo squad in the Falcons team in revitalising sports in Imo state. Uzodimma in his speech while receiving the six players including a technical crew of the Falcons disclosed that “Imo people are happy with our girls and will continue to give them support so that we can have more of them make Nigeria proud and bring honour to our state”

At this point, permit me to state that non of the girls celebrated is a product of the structures put in place in the state. Rather, the only link is their state of origin which is Imo. The girls, I prefer to call “Imo 7” has no history with football culture in Imo State. They got to limelight through other processes not peculiar to what are obtainable in Imo, hence Uzodimma needs to reflect on the state of sports in Imo than celebrating the excellence of “finished products” of others. The celebration of the “Imo 7” arises from the victory of Falcons in Morocco; an indication that the state succeeded in celebrating materials that are not indeed their products.

And that captures why Uzodimma said at the reception that “the majority of the Super Falcons team and Africa’s number one goal keeper come from Imo State, and assured that the state will continue to support and promote excellence”

A discerning mind aware of state of sports development in Imo would question how the state government “will continue to support and promote excellence” in sports other than celebration of already-made products when there is no enabling environment for grassroots sports development in the state?

More worrisome is the statement credited to the Commissioner for Sports Development, Obinna Onyeocha who praised governor Uzodimma for the successes recorded by the girls. While commending the governor for his passion in sports development and the huge investment made in the sector, the sports commissioner was quoted to have said; “the event today is a huge manifestation of your (Uzodimma’s) investment in sports”

Commissioner Onyeocha can be pardoned. His predicament can be clearly observed and tolerated. He who wears the shoe knows where it pains. Onyeocha utterances at the event can be excused for the sake of his position. But he knows the truth and can’t shy away from the fact that all is not well in the ministry he is supervising. I pity him though. As a political appointee, the words from Sports Commissioner commending the governor for his passion in sports are expected even as it’s in strong contrast to attributing the performances of Falcon’s “Imo 7” to manifestation of huge of his governor’s investment in sports.

Doling out #30m each to the seven of them from the state (Chiamaka Nnadozoe, Tochukwu Oluchi, Chinwedu Ihezuo, Osinachi Ohale, Micheal Alozie and Ifeoma Onumonu, including Ann Agunman-Chiejine, a keeper trainer), with other mouth watering largesse are not the ultimate plans for sports development in the state. Rather proper funding and putting on ground convenient structures for sports gains in Imo State are needed to match the notion that the successes of the girls are the “manifestation of His Excellency’s huge investment in sports”

Signs that the Imo State Government is playing lip-service to football growth is the utter exclusion of Imo State Football Association, (Imo FA), from the hosting event of the heroic Super Falcons from the state including other previous exercises related to football development. Just like other state FAs who are prominent in the affairs of other states, the Imo FA plays a statutory role in football development. As an affiliate of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, the non involvement of the Imo FA in the recent hosting of the girls from Imo in Abuja and Owerri speaks volumes of neglect to required structures for growth. It’s obvious there are no concrete plans for sports development than exploiting the hosting of the Imo 7 as opportunity to score cheap political points and seek undue public attention.

How would the state government excel in providing the needed structures when a statutory body involved in football development and organisation like the Imo State Football Association, Imo FA is left out from the programs?

It’s not just about football, Sports in Imo generally is in shambles. Very distasteful state if truth should be told. Today, the darling club of the state, Heartland FC of Owerri are relegated back-to- back. By the time the next football season starts this month, the Naze Millionaires, as Heartland is fondly called shall campaign in the less fancied Nigeria National League, NNL, thereby denying football loving Owerri people first class league matches. Except for private owned Kun Khalifat FC who incidentally has taken the name “Pride of Imo” will bring the NPFL to Owerri, if the team choses to play their home matches at Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri. The historic Heartland club is living in past glories dwarfing remarkable feats the darling club of Imo people has earned in NPFL, Challenge Cup and CAF club competitions over the years. Recall that the state team was also relegated last season before it got a slot to bounce back.

Similarly, the state owned women team, Heartland Queens would have also campaigned in the lower division of the women League had it been the Women League board in Nigeria allowed teams go on relegation this concluded season. Today, the state government spent millions on the Imo 7 whereas Heartland Queens as a team was in kwashiorkor state in the concluded season. Aside from lack of funds that prevented them with enough preparations for the just concluded season, it lost majority of the players who shot the team to Women League Super Six spot last season. The irony of it was that nearby Abia Angels run by the Abia State government with with two NPFL sides (Enyimba and Abia Warriors) NNL team (Abia Comets) poached Heartland Queens key players with fat offers. Big government owned sides in the women league like Bayelsa Queens, Rivers Angels, Edo Queens, Abia Angels, Nassarawa Amazons and Delta Queens are big paying sides with proper organisational structures for excellence that are far better than what are obtained in Heartland Queens.

Regrettably, while Heartland FC is in relegation mess, Abia Warriors sponsored by the state government are one of the continental teams representing Nigeria this new season.

It’s on record that available sporting facilities in Imo are in comatose thereby questioning statements credited to the Commissioner during the reception event for the “Imo 7” Falcons.

The disappointing state of sports facilities should attract the attention of the sports ministry to the fact that the celebrated Imo 7 Falcons were not products of their system. And for Imo to have more of the heroes and heroines in different sectors of sports, there is need to upgrade sports facilities in Imo. For two seasons, Heartland FC was banned from usage of the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, over lack of acceptable facilities to host NPFL games. Heartland relocated to Aba and Awka where they played their matches few seasons ago. It was only last season that the coming of Emmanuel Amuneke as boss of the team saw to the fixing of the playing grass for the matches of the just concluded season. But a visit to the Dan Anyiam Stadium presently shows a deplorable state of affairs with blown away leaking roof, unkempt stands and sub standard dressing rooms for players and referees. The stadium needs urgent attention if the state is serious about sports development. It’s very nauseating to watch matches at the Dan Anyiam Stadium due to the poor state of facilities.

It’s worthy to note that apart from Dan Anyiam Stadium, there are two new stadia in Orlu and Okigwe which have been abandoned due to lack of maintenance. Though , that of Orlu can’t function as a stadium because of poor job by the immediate past government in Imo State, Okigwe stadium which played host to league matches before now is a no go area due to the poor state of the complex. The old stadium on Tetlow Road, Owerri has turned into a motor park abandoned to rot away while other national competitions meant for Imo State to host like the Nigeria Nationwide League takes place at a private owned Onwubiko Innocent Sports Academy, OISA, field, Ngor Okpala. The state version of this year’s Federation Cup organized by the Imo FA was also held at the OISA field.

It’s not only in football sector that is begging for attention in Imo State sports. One of the sporting events that brought great honour to Eastern Heartland is handball. The all conquering Grasshoppers Handball team for male and female was a household name in Nigeria and beyond before now. The gains and honours earned have fizzled out, no thanks to government indifference to sports fortune. Worse still, is that the popular Grasshoppers stadium within the Dan Anyiam Stadium complex which hosted Africa in the past now looks more like one of the bombed structures in the Israeli-Iran war torn zones. Apart from damaged roof and dilapidated structures, the only remnants of Grasshoppers Stadium are byproducts of neglect. The Grasshoppers team of Imo is living in past glory with zero motivation for excellence. In a recent national competition in Benin, Edo State, while other states who participated lodged their players in various hotels, the female Grasshoppers team slept in open hostels at the stadium which exposed them to harsh conditions. Even training allowances and competition bonuses couldn’t come before they came back empty handed.

In Imo State, Athletics sector is worse hit in this era of neglect of the sports sector. It is a sad situation because there is no tartan tracks for the state athletes to train at the main bowl of the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri. Athletes from Imo have nothing to show in track events due to absence of a training ground in the state. Most times they move to other states with track facilities to train ahead national events. For more than five years the Dan Anyiam Stadium tartan tracks were pulled off for new one, there has never been a replacement, leaving the athletes make do with dangerous concrete floor of the surface. The concrete floor not only poses danger to the athletes but also limits perfection needed for competitive exercises at the national and international scenes.

Coming to Basketball, there is no functional indoor basketball that has capacity to host major events. The open basketball court in Dan Anyiam Stadium is hazardous to players.

Attempts to build a standard swimming pool for training and competition in the state have become a mirage as strangers milling around the stadium location have converted the one under construction to an emergency fishery farm.

This disturbing situations enumerated above do not provide a veritable avenue for sports development and growth in the sector. It is not surprising that the name of Imo State has been missing from medal tables at national events as Imo athletes who attend sporting fiesta outside the state only embark on jamborees.

The Sports ministry and state government need to have a rethink about the situation of sports in Imo considering that
youths in Imo have always excelled in the sector through the local process.

I don’t know when last the state held a sports festival that had been a window to catch them young and harness talents abound in the localities. Most of the footballers and athletes from Imo State who made Nigeria proud in national and international stages were potentials sourced from the grassroots.

In view of the growing activities of young men and women involved in criminal activities in the state, government investment in sports could be the panacea to curb involvement in “unknown gunmen” trade, kidnapping and commercial sex jobs ravaging the society in recent times.

Government should engage the youths in sports at the grassroots and state levels to curb cultism and other unwanted vices in the society.

The state government should seek the cooperation and work in strategic partnership with statutory bodies involved in sport for the development of the sector.

Mejuobi, a regular commentator on contemporary issues, is a columnist and co-publisher of Trumpeta Newspapers

With the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season set to kick off this August, the league management has issued a stern warning to players, coaches, officials, and clubs regarding involvement in betting activities.

In an official circular dated August 6, 2025, and signed by the Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the NPFL reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on betting, declaring that such actions are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

The league stressed the dangers of betting and match-fixing, citing the risks it poses to the integrity of the game.

According to the circular, betting not only undermines fair play but also damages the image of the league, diminishes fan confidence, and drives away sponsors who support Nigerian football.

The NPFL made it clear that any player or official caught participating in betting activities directly or indirectly will face severe consequences, including:

Immediate expulsion from the league

Monetary fines

Long-term suspensions or lifetime bans

Possible legal action

League authorities have urged all 20 clubs to sensitize their players and staff on the implications of breaching these regulations.

The statement also mentioned that the NPFL will work closely with law enforcement and betting regulators to monitor suspicious activities and ensure full compliance.

“We must protect the integrity and credibility of our league.

Betting and match-fixing are threats we will not ignore,” said Owumi. “All stakeholders are hereby put on notice violators will be dealt with decisively.”

As the NPFL25-26 season approaches, the league’s leadership is focused on ensuring a clean, competitive, and professionally run campaign that restores trust in Nigerian domestic football.“`

…As City Rollers FC, Ben FC misses qualifications by a whisker

Four teams have already booked their places in the final eight of the #GusauAhlanCup25 after some interesting games at the Lafia City Stadium.

Ime Clement struck at the dead as City Rollers FC finished the group with six points, the points were never enough to push the Baraden Nasarawa boys to the knockout stage when Kumaga Suur scored with the last kick of the game to seal qualifications to the last eight.

In group B, Wikki Tourists ran into a three goal lead after Mustapha scored two goals with Francis Bawa scoring an own goal.

The Coach Rabo led side however turned the heat over their more experienced side as Mustapha Adamu and Umar Sani scored to give the fans an interesting end to the game.

Adams Jesse Odoba-Yacham

Director of Communications, NSFA

In a strategic move to bolster our team’s performance, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Coach Mangut Mbwas Ayuba before the press as our new Technical Adviser on a two-season contract, beginning with the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League Season.

This followed the mutual departure of our former coach, Salisu Yusuf, who has now left us to join a Benin Republic team, after successfully steering us clear of relegation last season.

Mangut Mbwas brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in football management.

The 47-year-old Plateau State-born Mbwas who has previously coached notable Club sides in Nigeria, including Heartland FC of Owerri, Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi, and Enugu Rangers FC, holds a CAF B Coaching Certificate, the second highest Football Coaching Certificate in Africa.

He led Plateau United FC to a 7th place finish in the recently concluded 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League Season.

As a player, Mbwas featured prominently for renowned football clubs around the world like Mighty Jets International FC of Jos; Sharks of Port-Harcourt, now renamed Rivers United FC; American De Call and Deportivo De Cali of Colombia; FC Lens of France; Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia; Al-Arabi Doha of Qatar; and O.N.G.C. de Vasco De Gama of India.

He won the Asian Champions of Champions title with Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia; Runners-up winner with defunct Sharks of Port-Harcourt and won the All Arab Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with Al-Hilal.

According to our Club’s Chairman, Solomon Babanjah, he said, “We are excited to welcome our new Technical Adviser, Mangut Mbwas, who is one of the best coaches in the country, to the family.

“Coach Mbwas’s appointment marks the beginning of a fresh chapter for our team as we look to build on last season’s achievements and push for greater success in the elite league.

“Our new Technical Adviser has a deep understanding of the game and the NPFL, having previously worked with top clubs in the league.

“His coaching philosophy aligns with our clubs ambitions, ensuring a seamless transition and a bright future for the Solid Miners.”

The Club’s Chairman appreciated Governor Abdullahi Sule for his continued support to the Team, promising to deliver on the mandate of the Club.

He also thanked the Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, for his fatherly counsel, while also acknowledging the numerous contributions and guidance of the State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development under the leadership of Commissioner, Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, as well as the Salisu Galadima-led Nasarawa State Football Association, and other critical stakeholders.

Coach Mbwas, on his part, expressed delight for signing the contract with Nasarawa United.

“I am very aware that a lot of other coaches applied for this job, but I feel good for the opportunity given to me to do what I know how to do best.

“Firstly, we have the mind and plans on what to do, and this time around, we have to act differently to get our needed results.

“A lot is being expected of this team, but my joy is that both the Government and stakeholders are strongly behind the team, and by the grace of God, we will achieve success together.

“With what I have come to meet on ground, there is only minimal job to be done to achieve our goals, and I will work alongside all the key stakeholders to actualize our set goals and aspirations, especially getting the team to play continental football again.

“The team ended strongly last season, and all that is needed is a few exceptional players to fortify the team to compete at the highest level”, Coach Mangut revealed.

Nasarawa United who are currently participating in the Gusau/Ahlan Pre-season Cup Football Tournament in Lafia, will kickstart their 2025/26 NPFL campaign with a trip to Minna, Niger State, to face Niger Tornadoes on Sunday, 24th August, 2025, which is Coach Mbwas’s first official test in the league with the Solid Miners.

Coach Mbwas’s unveiling ceremony held at the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development on Wednesday, in Lafia, was witnessed by a handful of football stakeholders, including Director of Sports, Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Mallam Ubah Musa; Chairman of Nasarawa State Football Association, Salisu Galadima; Board Members of Nasarawa United FC; Coaches; and representatives of the Supporters’ Club of Nasarawa United FC.

Camp of Nationwide League One outfit, Best Talent Football Club of Mowe was electrifying on Monday, 4th August, 2025 as players resume from end of the season break.

Coach Farouk Yusuf who warmly received both new and senior players into the training ground was full of confidence and praised the management that the club is steadily sailing in right direction.

Speaking with club’s Media after the team’s first training session, the former Coca-Cola Coach expressed joy over the attitude of his boys aftet the first training and said the Integrity side would aim for the best in the new season.

According to the grassroots football proponent, Farouk said:

” I’m extremely glad to welcome my boys back to the camp. The beauty of this resumption is that some new, young and brilliant guys have joined us and I believe they are ready to turn things around for the club. Be thanks to the management ably by the Chairman, Mr Adeyinka Adeyemo for making this happen, putting necessary machinery in place. Let me reiterate that as a team, we anticipate challenges any time, any day and we will do possible best not to fall short of fans expectations this season.

“Let me be honest with you that we fell short of expectations last season due to some circumstances but we are now back, bigger and better to turn things around. I have told my players the need to be mentally, physically and emotionally ready for bigger challenges this season so as to actualize our vision for the club.”

He added: “Everything we need to do is to be on our toes, and make sure we give in our best to ensure that we represent the Ogun State side well in the Nigeria third tier league.”

“I am very happy with the turn out of the players today after the short break . They responded well with just a light training session .

“As a team, we are not under any pressure but as a goal getter, we will go for the best in the forthcoming league season and it’s time to put them in shape for the task ahead”. Concluded the soft spoken gaffer.

Source: *Sunday Agunbiade (Mr VAR)*

Nigerian forward, Williams Sunday, has completed a move to Egyptian Premier League side, Ghazl El Mahalla SC, for an undisclosed fee from Niger Tornadoes.

Williams was instrumental in Kano Pillars’ successful push to the promotion playoffs, contributing key goals and performances throughout the group stage.

Clubs Previously Represented:Remo Stars, Warri Wolves, Kano Pillars, Akwa United and Rivers United

About Ghazl El Mahalla SC: Ghazl El Mahalla Sporting Club, commonly known as El Mahalla, is a top-tier Egyptian football club based in El Mahalla El Kubra. They compete in the Egyptian Premier League, the highest level of football in Egypt.

Remember the name: Williams Sunday — ready to make his mark in North African football.“`

Cup-holders Senegal scored with their only shot on goal after a subtle onslaught that teased goalkeeper Lawal Mustapha out of his goalpost, and enabled the Senegalese strikers the opportunity to score the only goal of their African Nations Championship Group B clash in Zanzibar on Tuesday with 15 minutes left.

The high-octane encounter in the Indian Ocean Island lived up to its billing, with both teams matched strength-for-strength and pace-for-pace for large swathes of the game at the Amaan Stadium.

Goalkeeper Lawal Mustapha read quite well a good cross from the left in the 21st minute, and in the 33rd minute, the Lions of Teranga came close again from a free kick on the right.

Despite dominating possession, and throwing bodies manfully during attrition, the Eagles came just short of carving out clear opportunities, as the West African rivals defended with resolution.

Leonard Ngenge and captain Junior Nduka worked hard at the rear, just as Tochukwu Michael and Olamilekan Adedayo in the midfield, but Senegal threw several men at every Nigerian onslaught and denied the Eagles clear sight of goal.

With a minute left, the Cup-holders could have added another goal with a flowing team move, but Ngenge and Nduka were on hand to clear their lines.

Defeat means the Eagles occupy the bottom of group D without a point, following the earlier 1-1 draw between Congo and Sudan which meant the two teams shared the spoils.

Next up for Nigeria is their second match of the group phase, against Sudan, also at the Amaan Stadium, on Tuesday next week.