Author: m.green
Rangers International FC suffered a heartbreaking defeat in their rearranged NPFL 2024/2025 matchday 30 clash against Nasarawa United FC, succumbing to a late, contentious penalty at the Lafia City Stadium. Substitute Balogun Kabir converted the 88th-minute spot-kick, sealing a 1-0 victory for the home side and denying the reigning champions any points. With technical adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu on national duty with the Super Eagles in Rwanda, Coach Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu took charge. He opted for continuity, fielding a largely unchanged lineup from their recent President Federation Cup victory over Kano Pillars, with Okechukwu Uchebo replacing Frank Uwumiro. The first half was…
The Group Managing Director of GTI, Abubakar Lawal, has reiterated the desire of his company to ensure the total restructuring and repositioning of Nigerian football as seen in other climes. Speaking after being honoured with an award in the just concluded Newstap/SWAN 5-Star Award ceremony in Lagos, Lawal said the recognition given to him by the organisers of the event will spur him and GTI to do more for the benefit of the sports ecosystem. ” I’m delighted that the umbrella body of sports journalists in this country, SWAN and a leading online media platform, Newstap recognized our huge investment…
Shooting Stars coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, has lamented the numerous careless moments that led to their 2-0 defeat against Akwa United on Sunday in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 29, Sports247 reports. The encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo saw Shooting Stars concede two second-half goals, courtesy of Edebebiri Endurance and Uche Sebastian, in the 61st and 68th minutes, respectively. This defeat dealt a significant blow to Shooting Stars’ continental aspirations as they continue there free fall on the road in the league. Speaking after the match, Shooting Stars’ head coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, expressed his disappointment: “It’s…
Bayelsa United secured a thrilling 1-0 victory over Lobi Stars on matchday 29 of the Nigeria Premier Football League, thanks to Wisdom Magbisa’s incredible 56th-minute goal at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa. The visitors started strongly, with Onyekachi Okafor’s impressive strike in the 18th minute narrowly missing the target, a testament to their unwavering determination. Lobi Stars’ goalkeeper Itodo Akor made crucial saves throughout the match, showcasing his exceptional skill. In the 37th minute, Lobi Stars’ youngster John Akende was fouled in the box, but the referee waved away the penalty claims, allowing play to continue, a turning point…
The Solid Miners kept their survival hopes alive as they continue to battle against the drop, showing grit and sheer determination on the road on match-day 29, securing a crucial 1-1 draw against former Premier League champions, Kano Pillars, at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, on Sunday afternoon. The game was a keenly contested affair, with both sides creating scoring opportunities. League’s legend, Rabiu Ali ‘Pele’, found Auwalu Malam with a great pass inside the box, with the latter calmly slotting past Detan Ogundare in goal for United, to give the home side an 18th minute lead. Unpeturbed by their…
Enugu’s Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium erupted as reigning NPFL champions, Rangers International FC, delivered a resounding 3-0 victory over Kwara United on Saturday, March 15, 2025. This match 29 triumph marked a crucial return to winning form for the “Flying Antelopes.” With head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu rushing to join the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualifying camp after leading his team to victory, he entrusted starts to Ikechukwu Mgbemena and Daniel Onyia. The decision proved inspired. From the whistle, Rangers displayed relentless attacking intent. Chiedozie Okorie ignited the stadium in the very first minute, slotting home a lightning-fast goal. The home side…
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the fixtures for the President Federation Cup, with some thrilling matchups in store. In the men’s event, previous winners Rangers International FC of Enugu will face off against Kano Pillars in the Round of 64, while Bayelsa Queens will battle last year’s finalists Naija Ratels in the women’s event Round of 32. Here are the fixtures for the Round of 64 (men) and Round of 32 (women): Men’s Round of 64 Fixtures: El-Kanemi Warriors Vs Simon Ben FC Enyimba FC Vs El-Shama FC Yobe Desert Stars Vs Abakaliki FC Katsina United Vs Green…
The chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko has poured encomiums on strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited for their effort at repositioning Nigerian football. He made the remark during the presentation of Newstap/SWAN 5-star award to the GMD of GTI Group, Abubakar Lawal, alongside four other recipients in Lagos. The well-attended event which attracted a lot of stakeholders of the Nigerian football family was jointly organised by Newstap Communications Limited and Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN). In his opening speech Dikko revealed how he and other…
An excited Group Managing Director of GTI Assets Management and Trust Limited Abubakar Lawal says that the Newstap/ SWAN Five Star Sports Award recently bestowed on him will encourage his company to do more in the sponsorship of the Nigerian League. Abubakar who was one of the five awardees at the carnival like event that had the Chairman of National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko as the Chairman of the award nite said he’s overwhelmed by the recognition accorded to his company in their efforts to make the country’s league not only competitive and attractive but one of the best…
A spirited Akwa United side held reigning NPFL champions, Rangers International FC to a 1-1 draw in Enugu on Sunday in a Match day 28 of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. The result leaves Rangers in 5th place, while Akwa United secured a valuable away point. The visitors, Akwa United, started the game with a clear intent to disrupt the home side’s rhythm. Their efforts paid off in the 24th minute when Osoba Kabir found the back of the net, silencing the Enugu crowd as the coach Kennedy Boboye tutored side…