The President of the Nigeria Football Federation Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau was among the guest that watched the on going Unity Preseason Tournament holding in Abuja.

The President who came in as the last match of the second day was going on,was received by the Organizers alongside the Chairman of Nasarawa United Barrister Danladi Isaac, Media Aide to the Sports Minister Kola Daniel among others. The President came in when the match between NPFL side Nasarawa United of Lafia and NLO 1 side Like-Minds FC of Gwagwalada Abuja, which ended two goals to one in favour of Nasarawa United, was going on. The President came in unannounced.

Speaking on the visit of the NFF President to the tournament, the General Coordinator of the Unity Preseason Tournament, Patrick Ngwaogu (Odogwu Ndi Abia) was full of appreciation to the President for finding time to watch the games, saying that the NFF Boss has truly demonstrated that he belongs to the grassroots, and wants to keep abreast with what is happening there. He thanked the President for his passion, and prayed for God’s divine wisdom for him.

Meanwhile, Nasarawa United on Sunday became the first team to qualify for the quarter finals of the tournament after winning two of their group matches. They defeated Mailantariki FC by two goals to nil, in their first match, before overcoming Like-Minds FC by two goals to one. The second qualifier from the group will be determined on Monday when Like-Minds FC takes on Mailantariki FC at the Area 3 playing ground.

Other results of matches played so far are as follows :

DAY ONE: Saturday , Oct. 22

1. Nasarawa (2) vs Mailantarki (0 )- OPG
2. Manahaim (1) vs Doma (0)OPG
3. Lobi (1) vs City (0)- OPG
4. FWC (4)vs Destiny FC (0) Area 3 *Day TWO ** Sunday 23 October 2022*
5. Wikki (1) Vs EFCC (1)- OPG
6. Destiny F3 (2) vs Nuredeen FC (0) OPG
7. Setraco (1) Vs FWC (1) Area 3
8. Like Minds (1) Vs Nasarawa (2 ) Area 3 DAY THREE Fixtures For Monday , Oct 24 2022 Destiny FC vs Setraco (10am) OPG EFCC Vs Mahanaim (12noon ) – OPG Nurudeen FC Vs FWC (2pm ) – OPG IB Sports Dreams Vs City (4pm) OPG

Doma vs Wikki (2 pm) Area 3

Mailantarki vs Like Minds ( 4pm) Area 3

The Organizers of the 2022 Unity Preseason Tournament has announced Cone Sports as the Kit Partners of this year’s edition.

Revealing this in Abuja on Tuesday, a member of the Organizing committee Tolulope Oguntimeyin said Cone Sports will be coming with various innovations that will spice up the tournament which is the flagship in the North Central.

He said Cone has agreed to kit the two finalists and officials, and other things that will follow later.

Oguntimeyin who was a former Vice Chairman of FCT SWAN said ” As we all know, this is the second edition of the tournament. At the first edition which was won by Plateau United of Jos by defeating Nasarawa United by a lone goal, Cone Sports was on ground to kit the two teams, and provided us with match balls. They have decided to continue with the relationship which is aimed at preparing the teams adequately for the new football season”.

“We are very sure that the partnership will grow stronger as the tournament progresses in future. We are also optimistic that our clubs will fully patronize Cone Sports kits in the new football season.

Cone has the best quality of kits that any club can think off, and they are always ready to work with any of the clubs in the country ” the veteran broadcaster said.

He said 8 Nigeria Premier League teams have signified interest to be part of the competition among which are Nasarawa United, Lobi Stars, Enugu Rangers, Wikki Tourists, Doma FC, Akwa United, Niger Tornadoes, Abia Warriors FC, Gombe Utd, and 4 NNL clubs :, City FC, Mailantarki, EFCC FC and Family Worship Center FC have signified interest to participate including two NLO teams Like-Minds FC and one other.

The tournament runs from 16-23 October 2022 in Abuja.

According to the General Coordinator of the tournament Patrick Ngwaogu, the invited teams have started confirming their participation and readiness for the tournament.

Ngwaogu who was the immediate past Abia Warriors FC Sporting Director said teams like Nasarawa United who were runners up in last year’s edition have confirmed their participation, Lobi Stars have also confirmed, City FC, Wikki Tourists, EFCC, Like-Minds FC and Mailantarki have all confirmed their participation and readiness to be part of the tournament.

The former First Vice Chairman of FCT Football Association said within the week, teams like Rangers, Abia Warriors, Akwa United, Niger Tornadoes, Doma and Gombe Utd will all confirm their participations to enable the organizers finalize all logistics arrangements.

Ngwaogu promised that the kits and media partners of the tournament will be announced within the week.

The Unity Preseason Tournament is aimed at providing teams the opportunity to adequately prepare for the new football season. Plateau United are the defending champions.

The attacker who has scored three goals in two games at the Aba turf, noted that the pitch is fantastic and favours his style of play whenever he features there.

“It’s a very good pitch where I score which favours me. A perfect one and very nice,” Okereke said.

Also collaborating Okereke, strike partner who got the spot kick that gave victory to his side, Chinedu Ohanachom said playing on the pitch enhanced his performance.

The highly revered Monimichelle has been the face behind the beautiful Hybrid turfs we see around the country today such as Samson Siasia Stadium, Enyimba International Stadium, Mobolaji Johnson Arena and Mohammodu Dikko Stadium.

Monimichelle who has been in the business of sports for over twenty years as a FIFA Licensed Football Agent /FIFA licensed Match Agent has no doubt has shown class as his services and products are world standard.

Ebi Egbe runs his independent company with a very strong partnership base with Limonta Sports Italy (FIFA Preferred Contractor For GEO Technology Pitches) supplying and installing FIFA approved quality pitches.

By Fisayo Dairo

It was a result that extracted contrasting reactions from Coaches on both sides of the bench in the fixture between Enyimba International and Nasarawa United at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.

While Assistant Coach of Enyimba, Deniran Ortega celebrated his side’s win in the five goals thriller as a deserving birthday gift, the Head Coach of Nasarawa United, Bala Nikyu cut the figure of a subdued fighter.

Nkiyu may have been stunned by the outcome, he was philosophical in his response to www.npfl.ng submitting that there would always be a winner and a loser in the game.

“The game has been played and concluded and the result is there. It’s not everyone that will win in football so I think it was okay.

“I won’t talk about my players but anyone that is here today can testify that they did what is expected of a team so I don’t make comments about players,” said Nikyu.

Enyimba assistant coach Deniran Ortega was satisfied with the win on his birthday but was left worried about his defence.

“The game played out very well. My boys did well and I must congratulate Nasarawa as well because they did well too,” Ortega told www.npfl.ng after the game.

“It was an interesting game and I thought as much so we prepared the players for it, to score more goals.

“It’s my birthday today so it’s a double win for me,” added the former Warri Wolves coach.

Former champions Enyimba had dug deep to see off a resolute Nasarawa United side 3-2 in the interesting NPFL MatchDay 30 encounter.

The People’s Elephant, playing in the absence of their head coach Finidi George who is away on national team duties were made to work hard for their money by Nikyu’s wards who twice pegged their hosts back in the game. 

After a cagey opening, Enyimba got their noses in front in the 44th minute when Samuel Stone Onukwube poked home a rebound before Nasarawa United equalised four minutes after the break through Sunday Okereke who finished off a King Osanga free kick.

Enyimba restored their lead three minutes later when Emeka Obioma rounded off a team move with a side-footed finish to Sadiq Abubakar’s cross but the visitors once again pulled level, this time from the penalty spot through Michael Tochukwu after Abdullahi Aliyu was upended.

The 2019 league champions would then miss a spot kick after captain Austin Oladapo saw his take saved by goalkeeper Godwin Ameh but the points were claimed three minutes from time when Ghanaian midfielder Farouk Mohammed converted another spot kick after Obioma was upended.

Match Day 31 action comes up in midweek with Enyimba staying at home once again to welcome Sunshine Stars while Nasarawa United will host Abia Warriors in Jos.

Match Lineups

Enyimba XI

21. Sabirou Bassa-Djeri 32. Bilal Yakubu

3. Daniel Darkwah 16. Philip Ozor

18. Pascal Eze 6. Nabil Yarou 14. Samuel Kalu 20. Cyril Olisema 9. Emeka Obioma

8. Samuel Stone Onukwube 13. Sadiq Abubakar

Subs

 1. John Noble 7. Christian Ekong 17. Chigozie Obasi 19. Orok Gabriel Ibitham

26. Austin Oladapo 27. Farouk Mohammed 28. Abel James 36. Abdulwasiu Mahmud 38. Godwin Emmanuel

Nasarawa United XI

34. Godwin Ameh 2. Afeez Bankole

33. Ini Edem 37. Joshua Ogbole

14. Victor Collins 16. Manga Mohammed

13. King Osanga 30. Michael Tochukwu

18. Adamu Hassan 31. Sunday Okereke

23. Aliyu Abdullahi

SUBS:

40. Danjuma Mustapha 6. Abubakar Abdullahi 5. Bello Abdullahi 17. Ifeanyi Ejeh 10. Dauda Maigishiri 20. Ikenna Offor 9. Chinedu Ohanachom 8. Shammasu Mohammed

19. Charles Eguavon

Second placed Plateau United on Sunday secured a 3-1 win over Wikki Tourists in Jos to reduce Rivers United’s cushion at the summit of the table to four points. Plateau’s win was one of five home wins recorded out of the six Match Day 28 games decided on Sunday.
With league leaders Rivers United’s failure to extend their lead on Saturday, Plateau United knew only a home win over Wikki would put them back in contention and they got just that courtesy of two goals by Jesse Akila who started and ended scoring at the Zaria Road Stadium. Defender Buhari Ibrahim also scored his sixth goal of the season for Fidelis Ilechukwu’s men while Ridwan Adesina netted for Wikki.
The gap between Plateau in second and the third placed side got widened to eight points after Remo Stars edged Rangers International 1-0 in Ikenne. Sikiru Alimi’s header four minutes before the break gave Gbenga Ogunbote side the crucial three points against their direct rivals for the third place contest.

Moving to fifth on the log is Kwara United who spanked neighbours Shooting Stars 3-1 at the Ilorin Township Stadium. In the game played behind closed doors, Samad Kadiri gave the hosts the lead in the 38th minute before Issa Gata (60′) and former Shooting Star Ayobami Junior (68′) took the game beyond the visitors. Opeoluwa Olufemi got the consolation goal for 3SC in stoppage time.
Katsina United continued to give themselves hope in the race to avoid the drop when they beat Nasarawa United 1-0 in Katsina. Winger Waheed Adebayo scored what turned out to be the only goal of the game in the 23rd minute to lift Usman Abd’Allah’s side out of the relegation zone.

In Sunday’s early game, bottom of the table MFM FC defeated Kano Pillars 2-1 in Ijebu-Ode to also give themselves some hope against hope. Tunde Azeez and Oladayo Alabi scored either side of Jerry Alex’s goal for the Sai Masu Gida who remain 19th on the table.
In the only stalemate on MatchDay 28, former Sunshine Stars head coach Deji Ayeni led his new side Akwa United to Akure and forced out a 0-0 draw which ensured Akwa United (7th) stay three points clear of Sunshine (8th) on the log.
On Saturday, leaders Rivers United went down 2-0 to Heartland with goals from Sunday Chinedu and Chijioke Mbaoma while in Aba, Enyimba pipped a stubborn Lobi Stars side 2-1 courtesy of second half goals by Samuel Kalu and Samuel Stone. Samuel Ganda scored for Lobi late on. In Kaduna, Munir Idris scored again for Niger Tornadoes in their crucial 1-0 win over Gombe United to ease relegation worries.
Match Day 29 will take centre stage next weekend.

Sunday Results
MFM FC 2-1 Kano PillarsSunshine Stars 0-0 Akwa UnitedKwara Utd 1-0 Shooting StarsRemo Stars 1-0 RangersPlateau United 3 -1 Wikki TouristsKatsina United 1-0 Nasarawa United
Saturday
Heartland 2-0 Rivers UnitedEnyimba 2-1 Lobi StarsNiger Tornadoes 1-0 Gombe
P-P
Dakkada FC vs Abia Warriors

A 6-1 thrashing of Nasarawa United was Coach Deji Ayeni’s fifth game without a defeat since joining defending champions, Akwa United from Sunshine Stars of Akure in mid-season.

Akwa United have endured an indifferent start to their title defense but revival to their quest for a continental ticket emerged with the goal fest against Nasarawa United of Lafia in a MatchDay 24 game played at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Thursday

After the game, an excited Ayeni said he sees the team’s fortunes improving by the end of the campaign. He says that a continental ticket is possible for the Uyo-based side. 

“I came at a time when the team was struggling. They have quality players, but the challenge was their mentality. They only needed to believe in themselves.”, Ayeni told www.npfl.ng

“We have worked closely for the past couple of weeks, and I can attest that there has been significant progress. We hope to improve as we progress. The future is bright for the team, and we will push for the continent”, he said.

It was the 24th time both sides met in the top flight. The visitors came into the fixture with a slight head-to-head advantage, having won 8 and drawn 8 of the previous 23 games.

Ayeni welcomed his captain Ubong Friday back to the fold after three games, while defenders Orji Kalu, Dennis Nya, and Sampson Gbadedbo are yet to return from their respective injuries. 

The Promise Keepers got the fixture off to a bright start in the 9th minute when Nasarawa’s goalkeeper, Umar Danlami failed to hold Bello Babatunde’s 25 yards freekick. Ubong Friday was at the right spot to scramble in the rebound. 

Adam Yakubu doubled Akwa’s advantage in the 17 minute. Wisdom Fernando’s goals in the 22nd and 28th minute, helped the home side secure a four-goal advantage going into the break. 

Nasarawa United returned for the second half, hoping to peg back their hosts. King Osanga brought some spark to the Lafia side when he drilled home a rebound to reduce the deficit nine minutes after the restart.

Osanga’s goal ignited the home side to push further and restore the four-goal advantage three minutes after. Babatunde’s swerving shot displaced Danlami for the fifth. Substitute Franklin Matib came on with the final flourish on 79 minutes to compound Nasarawa’s woes. 

Bala Niyuku, attributed his team’s defeat to loss of concentration, pledging to address the challenges observed from the defeat suffered in Uyo. 

The win took Akwa United to 6th place on the log, with another home game to Lobi Stars of Makurdi on the cards. Nasarawa United slipped to 13th on the log with a date at home to Dakkada FC.

Match Stats:

Corners: 3-4

Shots: 11-5

On Target: 8-2

Fouls Won: 18-14

Yellow: 0-2

Red: 0-0

Saves: 1-2

Offsides: 1-2

Reigning Nigeria Professional Football League Champions Akwa United recorded their biggest victory in the NPFL following a resounding 6-1 thrashing of Nasarawa United on match-day 24 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Captain Ubong Friday, who recently returned to full fitness opened the flood-gate of goals in the seventh minute when he slammed home a rebound after goalkeeper Danlami Umar spilled Bello Babatunde’s ferocious strike from a free kick.

Midfielder Adam Yakubu doubled the lead in the 15th minute tucking in Bello Babatunde’s low cross before speedster Wisdom Fernando scored twice within seven minutes.

Fernando first received a long pass from goalkeeper Adewale Adeyinka and skipped past the opposing defenders before sending his low drive into the bottom left corner of the post. The speedster then grabbed his brace when he stylishly volleys home his team’s fourth goal of the afternoon as they went into the break with a deserved lead.

On resumption of play, Nasarawa United enjoyed few moments of possession and pulled a goal back through King Osanga.

Akwa United responded almost immediately through Bello Babatunde whose well-timed strike flew past Danlami Umar into the back of the net.

With ten minutes before the end of the game, substitute striker Franklin Matib put the icing on the cake when he raced down the right flank and unleashed a powerful strike beyond Danlami Umar for Akwa United’s sixth goal of the game as the hosts secured their eighth win of the season.

The 6-1 victory over Nasarawa United was the first time Akwa United have beaten any team by such a wide margin in their 14 seasons in the Nigeria’s top flight league.

Coach Ayodeji Ayeni’s team are on a five-match unbeaten run comprising two (2) wins and three (3) draws.

Coach Ayeni in a post match interview congratated his players for putting up a splendid performance against a team like Nasarawa United.

“We are improving everyday, and I’m happy that we have been able to change the mentality of the players and hard work we put in during training is beginning to reflect in our matches and the boys are also very confident and determined.

“Our attention is now on the game against Lobi Stars this weekend. Our target is to give our very best in all our games while hoping for the best as we continue to move forward “.

The Promise Keepers remained 7th on the log with 36 points from 24 games and they will next engage Lobi Stars in Uyo on Sunday 24th April, 2022.

Rangers stayed in 3rd after they were forced to a 0-0 draw by visiting Sunshine Stars at the Awka City Stadium while Remo Stars also stayed one point adrift of the Flying Antelopes in 4th after a 1-1 draw against Nasarawa United in Jos.

Remo went in front in the 49th minute when club’s top scorer, Andy Okpe finished a fine pass by Qudus Akanni but Nasarawa United replied five minutes later when former junior international King Osanga’s free kick took a deflection before nestling inside the net.
In Kaduna, Kwara United earned their own away point after holding hosts Wikki Tourists to a 1-1 draw. Former CHAN Eagles star Abubakar Aliyu gave Wikki the lead in the 13th minute through a well executed volley. Kwara United however drew level ten minutes from time through Abdulsalam Abdulsalam as Abdullahi Biffo’s men stayed in 5th.
Reigning champions Akwa United continued their unbeaten start to new coach Deji Ayeni’s reign after a creditable 1-1 draw at Gombe United. Adam Yakubu gave Akwa United the lead in the 16th minute but Abdulazeez Yusuf restored parity for the hosts in the 36th minute when he converted from the penalty spot. Neither side could find a winner in the second half.
In a result that mattered for relegation ramification, Abia Warriors played out a 1-1 draw against ten-man Niger Tornadoes in Okigwe. Warriors took the lead through winger Paul Samson whose 20-yard effort beat Tornadoes goalkeeper Lucky Abdullahi but young defender Augustine Njoku inadvertently put Idris Munir’s ball into his own goal. Tornadoes played the last six minute with ten men after left back Gabriel Wassa was dismissed for two bookable offences. Only Dakkada FC and Shooting Stars secured wins on Saturday, the latter giving themselves a huge lift in the relegation battle after a 2-1 win over basement side Heartland in Uyo. Israel Emmanuel gave Dakkada the lead in the 28th minute when he connected Emmanuel Ayaosi’s brilliant cross before captain Aniekan Ekpe doubled their lead with his fourth penalty goal of the season in the 53rd minute. Heartland pulled one back in the 64th minute through Monday Yakubu but could not find a leveller.
In Ibadan, 3SC recorded their biggest win of the season so far after two quick fire goals by striker Emmanuel Lukcy gave them a needed 3-0 win over Lobi Stars in Ibadan. Lucky first pounced on some slothful defending to a set-piece to give his side the lead in the 3rd minute before getting his brace in the 18th minute while heading home another free kick. Substitute Ayo Adejubu then provided gloss to the scoreline ten minutes from time, netting after a solo effort.

Saturday’s results
Gombe United 1-1 Akwa United
3SC 3-0 Lobi StarsKano Pillars 0-0 Katsina United (TBC)Rangers 0-0 Sunshine StarsAbia Warriors 1-1 TornadoesWikki Tourists 1-1 Kwara UnitedDakkada FC 2-1 HeartlandNasarawa United 1-1 Remo Stars
Sunday
Plateau United vs MFM FC
MondayRivers United vs Enyimba

Tebo Franklin last played for Nasarawa United in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The transfer was confirmed on Saturday morning after the Nigeria international arrived Sweden during the week.

Hacken have an option to make the transfer permanent at the end of the season, with a four-year deal on the table.

Tebo Franklin was marketed to BK Hackens via TikiTaka earlier in the year and was later seen in NPFL games on the NPFL TV App.

He later got a chance to feature in a scouting programme in June, after a pre contract had been signed.

The 21-year-old is expected to have the company of Barcelona product Godswill Ekpolo at the Bravida Arena, Gothenburg.

Tebo has spent the past two seasons on loan at Nasarawa United.

He played in the friendly defeat of Super Eagles to Mexico in Los Angeles last month.