Author: Peter Noah KC

THE 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League season ended in dramatic fashion on Sunday, as Heartland and Akwa United were officially relegated following a 2–1 win for the Naze Millionaires over their visitors in Owerri, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. The final day encounter between the two former champions turned out to be a battle for survival neither could win in the end, as results elsewhere consigned both teams to the drop. Heartland came into the clash needing not only a win but favourable outcomes in other fixtures to stand a chance. Akwa United, likewise, were desperate to avoid the drop just…

DAMILOLA Pedro, Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria esports Federation, has stated that E-Sports has the potential to drive the growth of the sports economy in the country. This statement follows eSports’ historic debut at the 22nd National Sports Festival, branded the Gateway Games. In a statement issued by Kola Daniel, Special Assistant to the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Pedro emphasised that eSports was not present at the Gateway Games merely to fill spaces but to add substantial value to the event. “Today, at the National Sports Festival Gateway Games 2024, we are not simply introducing…

GERMAN-BORN defender, Felix Agu, has officially been cleared by FIFA to represent Nigeria in international competitions. The announcement was made through an official statement on the Super Eagles’ Facebook page on Saturday. Following the confirmation, the 24-year-old Werder Bremen player is now eligible to don the green and white jersey. According to the post, the German Football Association has provided formal confirmation that Agu has never featured in an official match—senior or junior—for Germany. His only appearances came in two friendly matches for the Germany U21 team back in 2019, leaving the door open for a nationality switch. “Felix Nnaemeka…

FIVE-TIME world champions, Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets, have booked their place in the semi-finals of the football event at the ongoing 2025 National Sports Festival (NSF) in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Abdulmuiz Adeleke, who scored the opener in Golden Eaglets’ 2-1 victory over Edo State on Monday, was once again the star of the show, netting a brace in Friday morning’s emphatic 5-0 quarter-final demolition of Ebonyi State. Read Also: National Sports Festival a symbol of national unity- Obasanjo Mohammed Imrana, who was also on target in the win over Edo, got on the scoresheet again. Destiny Samuel and Emmanuel Ochigbo completed…

THE Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has formally congratulated Remo Stars Football Club on their 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title win, marking the first time the Ikenne-based side has clinched the domestic championship. FIFA President Gianni Infantino sent his message in an official letter to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Ibrahim Gusau. “By means of this letter, I am pleased to congratulate the new champions of Nigeria, Remo Stars FC,” Infantino wrote. “Their constant efforts and results throughout the season have paid off, resulting in this important title.” Infantino also acknowledged the role of the NFF…

TEAM Bayelsa is currently leading the medals charge at the 2024 National Sports Festival, taking place in Ogun State as the multi-sports event continues to gather momentum in Abeokuta, the capital city, and other centres across the state. The riverine state has amassed a total of eleven medals so far, consisting of seven gold, three silver, and one bronze medal. They are closely followed by Oyo State with one gold, one silver and one bronze medal, while Lagos State is next on the table with three gold, four silver and three bronze medals. Cross River State took an early lead…

ORGANISERS of the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State have assured athletes and officials of their safety following a gas explosion, which was reported around the Alake Sports Centre, the venue of handball event. The explosion, which occurred yesterday afternoon created panic around the area, with various states’ officials making enquiries about the safety of their team members. A pall of black smoke billowed around the building located behind the Alake Sports Centre. All players and officials around the venue were evacuated soon after the explosion occurred. No casualty was reported as men of the state fire service…

LAGOS State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that his administration will continue to use sports as a means of engagement, social inclusion, and a change agent. Sanwo-Olu stated this when he received the English Premier League trophy, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, on X. The trophy was officially presented to the governor by the Managing Director/CEO of Guinness Nigeria PLC, Girish Sharma, at the Lagos House, Marina, on Sunday. Speaking during the ceremony, Sanwo-Olu said that bringing the Premier League trophy to Lagos showed that “there is something positive about our followership, enthusiasm, and…

NIGERIA’s Flying Eagles have won the bronze medal at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after beating hosts Egypt on penalties. The game ended 1-1 after normal time. But the Flying Eagles won 4-1 following the spot kicks. The victory marked Nigeria’s fifth bronze medal and 14th top-three finish in U-20 AFCON history. Nigeria were hoping to finish strong after missing out on the final spot, however, Egypt’s Osama Omar struck early in the third minute to unsettle Aliyi Zubairu’s men. But Bidemi Amole restored parity for Nigeria shortly after the restart from a precise through ball from Divine…

NIGERIAN sprint sensation, Favour Ofili, delivered a historic performance at the 2025 Adidas Atlanta City Games on Saturday, breaking the world record in the women’s 150m with a sensational time of 15.85s (2.0m/s) at Piedmont Park in Atlanta, US. The 22-year-old became the first woman in history to run the event in under 16 seconds, shattering the previous mark of 16.23s set by Bahamian Olympic champion, Shaunae Miller-Uibo, in 2018. Ofili’s run headlined an impressive showing for Nigerians at the high-profile street meet, which featured top global athletes in a fan-friendly, open-air environment. World record holder and 100m hurdles star,…

THE football world is once again grappling with urgent questions about the offside rule and player safety following the harrowing injury sustained by Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi. The 27-year-old Nigerian forward was placed in an induced coma after undergoing emergency surgery to treat a ruptured intestine, an injury caused by a collision with the goalpost during Forest’s 2-2 Premier League draw with Leicester City. Though Awoniyi has since been brought out of the coma and is recovering, the incident has reignited debate over the “delayed flag” offside protocol and whether its continued use is placing players in harm’s way.…

SOUTH Africa edged Flying Eagles of Nigeria 1-0 in a tense semi-final clash at the Suez Canal Stadium on Thursday to book a place in the final of the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt. A well-taken header by Tylon Smith in the 66th minute proved decisive in a fiercely contested match between two of Africa’s traditional football powerhouses. The result also ends Nigeria’s hopes of winning a record-extending eighth U-20 AFCON title. The Flying Eagles were dominant for large spells in the second half, but were made to rue missed opportunities, particularly in the final moments when…

AS the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League season nears its climax, the race to beat the drop reaches fever-pitch mode as Sunshine Stars and Akwa United both remain confined in the relegation zone after match-day 36 round of fixtures. Embattled Sunshine Stars saw their quest to stare off relegation suffer a setback following a 1-0 defeat away to Shooting Stars at Ibadan on Wednesday. The coach Abubakar Bala led side had held their illustrious hosts to a goalless stalemate until two minutes before time, when Ikouwem Utin converted a penalty in the 88th minute to condemn the Akure-based outfit to…

A FEDERAL High Court in Abuja heard on Thursday that the broadcasts made by the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, led to the killing of a former Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Ahmed Gulak, and others. An official of the Department of State Services (DSS) said this as he resumed his testimony as the second prosecution witness in the ongoing terrorism trial of Kanu. The witness, who said he was part of the DSS’ team that investigated the complaint made against Kanu by the then Attorney General of the Federation (AGF),…

NIGERIA’s U20 men’s football team, the Flying Eagles, secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa U20 Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a 2-2 draw with Kenya’s Rising Stars on Wednesday in Cairo. The match, which marked the Flying Eagles’ historic 100th appearance in the tournament’s history, was a tense affair that saw the seven-time champions come from behind twice to avoid an upset against the determined East Africans. With this result, Nigeria finished second in Group B with five points, two behind group leaders Morocco, who defeated Tunisia 3-1 in the group’s other final fixture. Despite the…

KANO Pillars forward, Ahmed Musa, is set to make a return to the national team as he is expected to lead the Super Eagles at the Unity Cup exhibition tournament, which will hold from May 26 to 31, in the United Kingdom, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. Kano Pillars revealed this via a statement on their official X account on Monday. “Captain Ahmed Musa is set to lead the Super Eagles at the Unity Cup Four – Nation Tourney from May 26-31, 2025, at Brentford Stadium, London,” Pillars announced. “Musa has been in top form for Sai Masu Gida, with eight…

PRESIDENT of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has described the late former Green Eagles captain, Christian Chukwu, as a national hero whose legacy will endure forever. Speaking in Enugu during a condolence visit to the Chukwu family, Gusau, represented by NFF First Vice President Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, praised Chukwu’s dedication, patriotism, and immense contributions to Nigerian football both as a player and as a coach. “The late Chukwu gave his all for the country. He served Nigeria with all his heart, and he is a hero even in death. One thing is clear: Chukwu can never be forgotten,…

NIGERIA’s Flying Eagles and Morocco battled to a goalless draw on Sunday in a Group B clash at the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). It was a game that saw the North Africans enjoy the lion’s share of the possession, but the Flying Eagles managed to leave the pitch with a point. The Flying Eagles will have Daniel Bamenyi to thank for holding down the defence line. The defender’s heroics deservedly earned him the Man of the Match prize following his display at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, Egypt. Aliyu Zubairu’s men now have four points from two…

GOVERNOR of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, on Saturday, participated in the maiden edition of the Enugu City International Marathon, completing the 10-kilometre road race in 45 minutes. The event, which drew elite athletes from across Africa, marked the state’s efforts to position itself as a hub for sports tourism and investment. The full 42km marathon saw East African athletes dominate the podium. Ken Kopos of Kenya emerged winner in the men’s elite category with a time of 2:22:32, clinching the $15,000 grand prize. His compatriots, Steve Baswey and Bernard Sang, came second and third, earning $10,000 and $5,000 respectively. In…

FLYING Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has downplayed concerns about Morocco’s Europe-based contingent ahead of their next U-20 Africa Cup of Nations group stage clash, insisting Nigeria will approach the fixture with its own tactical plan, regardless of their opponents’ squad composition. Nigeria began their campaign at the June 30 Stadium in Cairo with a narrow 1–0 win over Tunisia on Thursday, earned through a composed first-half finish by Auwal Ibrahim after a clever assist from Odinaka Okoro. The victory places the seven-time African champions in a strong position ahead of Sunday’s second group match against Morocco, who boast a…