The management of reigning NPFL champions, Rangers International FC, ably led by Amobi Ezeaku Esq., has graciously thrown open the gates of Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, venue of the match day 24, NPFL 2024/2025 fixture against table topping, Remo Stars FC for fans to come in their numbers to witness the top of the table encounter.

The ‘Flying Antelopes’ who are currently on the 5th spot of the twenty team log are fired up to stop the Ikenne side that is currently leading the pack as they aspire to successfully retain the trophy it won last season.

Technical Adviser of the champions who is also one of the assistant coaches to the Super Eagles of Nigeria, coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, in a chat ahead of the encounter said that it is must win for his wards as they aim to successfully defend the trophy they won last season with the Daniel Ogunmodede side coming second.

“We are ready for the game. It is a very important match for us this season. I know Remo Stars very well. They are in top shape going into this weekend’s fixture but we are also on the rise after a not too good start to the second stanza and we are building on the new found form to earn a good result on Sunday. We are positive going into this encounter despite the fact that our opponent are on an 8-Game unbeaten run. We have our work cut out and the players know what is at stake and we are not going to disappoint our teaming fans that we expect to fill the stands to drum their support for us.”

Also speaking ahead of the encounter, defense Trojan, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, said, “On Sunday, our expectation is to win and grab the three points at state so as to ensure we get ourselves back on the winning ways and stop the high flying Remo Stars just as we did last season after also losing to them in Ikenne. Let our fans come out in their numbers to see good football and a very good win over the Ikenne side that is currently topping the league table. Our ‘Never Say Die’ spirit is still alive.”

On his part, former league top scorer, and last season’ club highest goal scorer, Godwin Obaje, said, “We are expecting a tough encounter from the Remo Stars team but we have our target for the match which is to get all three points at stake and we are motivated to get the result to put us back in the running for a successful title defense. I call on our fans to keep believing in the team as we have all it takes to get a good result on Sunday against Remo Stars.”

Going down memory lane, both sides have clashed nine times in the top flight with each side picking up three wins apiece while three encounters have ended in a draw with the 5-2 whitewash of the Ikenne side on March 24, 2019 still the game with highest number of goals.

The Solid Miners were, on Saturday, forced to a barren draw against visiting Ikorodu City FC of Lagos in their 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League match-day 24 encounter at the Lafia City Stadium.

Despite deploying every tactic to guarantee victory, the home team could not find the back of the net, leaving them frustrated and disappointed as the fight against the drop zone continues.

The match saw both teams create chances, but neither could capitalize on them with United’s goalkeeper, Detan Ogundare, the busier of the two goaltenders.

United’s strikers were guilty of missing several gilt-edged opportunities, with Anas Yusuf, Qamar Adegoke, Idris Ajiya, Garba Abubakar, Abubakar Abdullahi, and Peter Eneji, all missing glorious chances in the first and reverse halves of the game.

Goalkeeper, Detan Ogundare was called into some fantastic saves courtesy of Ikorodu City’s Ajeyigbe Toyeeb and Shola Adelani.

Both teams held firm their defences to share the spoils, a result that frustrated the home side who had won the first-leg of the encounter 1-2 in Lagos.

The draw leaves the Solid Miners on 18th position with 26 points from 24 games, while Ikorodu City moves up to 6th place with 35 points from same number of outings.

Nasarawa United will next face Bayelsa United in a live game in Yenagoa, on Wednesday, 19th February, 2025, before returning home to take on Remo Stars, a week later(Wednesday, 26th February, 2025), with the changes orchestrated by the President Federation’s Cup States’ finals scheduled to take place across the country between 22nd and 23rd February, 2025.

CAUTION:

Chineme Chinonso(IKO)2′

Kelechi Onwe(IKO)33′

Emmanuel Onyema(NAS)42′

Anas Yusuf(NAS)68′

Alade Solomon(IKO)90+2′

NASARAWA UNITED LINE-UP: Detan Ogundare, Abubakar Abdullahi, Mubarak Hussaini, Moyi Hassan, Benson Abbey, Utake Emmanuel, Shina Kumater, Onyema Emmanuel(Garba Abubakar 45′), Qamar Adegoke(Idris Ajiya 60′), Anas Yusuf(Peter Eneji 82′), Abubakar Aliyu(Ibeh Michael 82′)

UNUSED SUBS: Mohammed Galadima, Habib Yakub, Manga Mohammed , Habibu Alakija, Chigoziem Salomon.

In an effort towards actualizing one of its strategic plans of community social impact announced during its take off, the management of Rangers International FC ably led by Amobi Ezeaku Esq., recently visited Owo Smart School (Green School), Owo, Nkanu-East LGA of Enugu state to induct students into the ideals of the club.

The brief ceremony which witnessed the presentation of stationeries, replica jerseys and other club’s memorabilia’s to students of Special Smart School, Owo, had the G.M/CEO of Rangers assisted by the Administrative Secretary, Barr. Alex Agbo; Director of Legal services, Barr. (Mrs.) Nnenna Nwomeh; and other officials in distributing the items.

Speaking at the event, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku described the visit as one aimed at helping to inculcating the ‘Never Say Die’ spirit of the club on the young students which is to put in the students the spirit of determination to succeed despite any kind of challenge which is the core of the club since its formation some fifty-five ago.

“We are here to let you know what Rangers stands for. Our motto: Through Difficulties To The Heights, is simply telling us that no matter how difficult a situation may be, in your case, studies, exams and other school activities, with determination and hard work, success will be achieved. We also want to encourage you to know that school and sports can go together and for us at Rangers, we have a platform where ages 10 – 19 years can come and showcase their football talent for proper grooming,” said the young club boss.

The visibly elated smartly dressed young boys and girls of the school sang praises to the visiting team for remembering them and coming to set up the Rangers Foundation in their school.

Recall that the G.M/CEO of Rangers, Amobi Ezeaku Esq., at his inaugural world press conference in August of 2023, where he announced the Rangers Strategic Plans for the period 2023 -2027 which includes Community Social Impact as one of its targets.

By Kingsley uzowulu

Heartland queens fc of owerri on Wednesday in a midweek NWFL match decided at the Dan Anyiam stadium played a barren draw against visiting danaz queens of Lagos.

After four games by the owerri girls t hat just earned them one draw and three loses , the owerri landladies needed to do more in the match to earn the 3 pts at stake.

Heartland queens posted a lack lustre performance all through on the first half as they played with out any form of coordination.

The first half ended without any goal scored by either team.

In the second half ,the home girls came out smoking but could not convert series of opportunities they had in the opponents goal area with catalogue of misses.

The Lagos girls held their own until the blast of the whistle for the end of the match.

Heartland queens has now recorded a paltry 2 pts out of 5 matches.

The Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) has imposed a ban on Smart City, prohibiting the club from engaging in any football-related activities due to security violations that occurred on Thursday, February 13th.

This decision was communicated to the club in a letter dated February 14, 2025, which was subsequently shared with the media.

The LSFA’s disciplinary action was prompted by a report from match officials regarding an incident during the FA Cup match between Smart City and Inter Lagos at Legacy Pitch.

In the letter, signed by LSFA Vice Chairman Mr. Adedotun Coker, it was noted that a player named Bankole Afeez confronted the Match Referee, subjecting the official to harassment and verbal abuse.

A prominent supporter of Smart City pursued the referee and struck him in the right eye, causing a severe cut that affected his vision.

Supporters of Smart City attempted to assault key football stakeholders during a disgraceful incident.

The Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) has instructed Smart City to identify the fan responsible for the referee’s assault for legal action. Additionally, the club has been ordered to present gang leader Mr. Bankole Afeez for a meeting with the Disciplinary Committee.

The LSFA imposed a fine of N1,000,000.00 (One million Naira only) on Smart City for the treatment of the referee, which must be paid within seven (7) days from the date of the ruling.

Moreover, the club was fined N5,000,000.00 (Five million Naira only) for failing to manage their fans’ conduct, allowing them to invade the pitch and threaten the safety of members of the Lagos State Football Association and the Lagos State Referees Council, thus tarnishing the reputation of football. This fine is also due within seven (7) days from the date of the ruling.

In addition, Smart City has been banned from participating in LSFA-sanctioned football activities for the next two (2) years.

The LSFA and the Lagos State Referees Council have been instructed to promptly report the threats to life and property to the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State.

The LSFA has stated that these decisions do not affect the right to appeal to the Disciplinary Committee.

The head coach of Flying Eagles, Aliyu Zubairu, has voiced his optimism following Thursday’s group stage draw for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations, which will take place in Cote d’Ivoire, 26th April – 18th May. The Nigerian team finds itself in a demanding group alongside traditional powerhouses Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa, all of whom have a rich history in African youth football.

In his reaction to the draw, Coach Zubairu remarked: “It’s a very good draw. If a team truly aspires to reach the FIFA World Cup, there is no need to shy away from any opponent. Facing Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa at this stage presents a tremendous opportunity. I believe it’s a blessing.” This perspective not only highlights Zubairu’s confidence in his squad’s capabilities but also underscores his commitment to challenging his players against formidable rivals, which can ultimately foster their development and resilience.

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Coach Zubairu stressed the necessity of mental preparation as his team gears up for these high-stakes matches. He is keen on instilling a robust sense of self-belief within his players, emphasizing that they should approach every opponent with respect and seriousness.

“We need to dispel the notion that this is a ‘group of death,’” he said. “In African football, there are no small teams anymore. The key is to prepare very well. A lesser-known nation can surprise everyone if they come prepared.”

To ensure the team is adequately prepared for the task, the NFF has not only put the Flying Eagles in camp to resume training, with a 30-man squad, but has also organised a two-match tour of Cairo for the team to play the Egyptian U20 team at the end of this month. The friendly matches in Cairo have been scheduled for 25th and 27th February.

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Imo State Chapter has launched a Media League for Journalists in the State.

According to a statement by the Imo SWAN Chairman, Cosmos Chukwuemeka, the move is geared towards promoting sports development in the State.

He added that the maiden edition of the Media League will boost healthy competition and camaraderie among media professionals in Imo State.

He seized the opportunity to call on sports-loving individuals, brands, and organizations to support this initiative and partner with the association as sponsors.

He said: “We’re excited to announce the upcoming Imo SWAN Media League, brought to you by SWAN Imo State! “Join us for an entertaining tournament featuring media houses and journalists from across the state, competing for glory and bragging rights!”

Recall that under the leadership of the Imo SWAN Chairman, the association has embarked on lofty programs, including the Imo SWAN Heartland FC Monthly Player Awards.

It was an emotional evening for Heartland Queens as their players broke down in tears following a 0-0 draw against Dannaz Ladies in their NWFL Premier League Week 5 clash at the Owerri Township Stadium.

The heartbreaking result means Heartland Queens have now failed to secure a win in their last five matches, having recorded three losses and two draws so far this season. The players, who had high hopes of securing victory, were visibly distraught at the final whistle, knowing they had missed out on promised rewards from dignitaries present at the stadium in A match they dominated from beginning to ending.

Despite their struggles, the team remains determined to turn their season around. Up next, they face Adamawa Queens, and the players have vowed to put up a strong performance to prove a point.

Heartland Queens will need a major boost in confidence and form if they hope to revive their campaign and climb up the league standings.