Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi scored his first European goal for Besiktas as the Turkish side drew 2-2 with Crystal Palace in a fiery Europa League encounter in Istanbul on Thursday night.

Besiktas were reduced to 10 men late in the match, but held on for a point after both teams had arrived following heavy domestic defeats. Besiktas had lost 2-0 to Trabzonspor, while Palace were beaten 5-0 by Brighton.

The hosts broke the deadlock in the second minute of first-half injury time. Salih Ozcan’s long pass released Ndidi, who raced through before firing beyond Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez.

It was Besiktas’s first shot on target of the match and Ndidi’s first goal in European competition for the club.

Palace responded six minutes after the restart when Yeremy Pino converted Anan Khalaili’s low cross to make it 1-1.

The Premier League side then completed the turnaround four minutes later. Jean-Philippe Mateta reacted quickest to score his first goal since last season’s Conference League final and put Palace ahead.

Besiktas restored parity in the 73rd minute through Benin Republic international Junior Olaitan, who found the net to bring the score to 2-2.

The home side’s task became more difficult four minutes later when Umit Akdag was dismissed for a wild challenge on Jørgen Strand Larsen. The Palace forward was unable to continue and had to be substituted.

The result leaves Besiktas eighth in the 36-team league table with seven points. They will travel to Scotland to play Celtic on Matchday 4, while Crystal Palace will host Hoffenheim.

Elsewhere in the Europa League, AC Milan, without the injured Samuel Chukwueze, suffered a 3-0 defeat away to Bournemouth.

Nathan Tella came on as a substitute and Victor Boniface was not included in the squad as Bayer Leverkusen won 2-0 at OFI Crete.

Tochukwu Nnadi’s Marseille lost 1-0 at Sturm Graz, while Juventus recovered from going a goal behind to draw 2-2 with Rennes.

Tolu Arokodare scored and created another goal as Ajax beat Atalanta 2-0 in Thursday’s UEFA Conference League match.

The Super Eagles striker was introduced in the 66th minute for his second appearance in the competition and made an immediate impact after a closely fought contest.

Ajax and Atalanta had struggled to create a clear opening, with both sides probing without finding a way through. The hosts eventually broke the deadlock in the 87th minute when Arokodare found the net.

Atalanta responded by committing more players forward in an attempt to equalise, but their increased attacking threat left space for Ajax to exploit.

Ajax took advantage in stoppage time, with Arokodare providing the assist for Abdellah Ouazane to score the second goal in the 93rd minute.

The visitors continued to apply pressure late on, but Ajax defended their advantage to preserve a clean sheet and complete a 2-0 victory.

Arokodare’s contribution proved decisive, with his goal ending the deadlock before his assist ensured Ajax secured the result.

Nigeria’s U15 side, known as the Future Eagles, have arrived in Baku ahead of the inaugural FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival, which will take place in the Azerbaijan capital from 22nd–31st October.

The 14 players and six officials travelled from Abuja on Wednesday night, flying to Istanbul with Turkish Airline before continuing their journey to Baku on Thursday afternoon.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group AD alongside South Sudan, Jordan, The Gambia, Cyprus and Pakistan. Their opening match is against South Sudan on Saturday, followed by fixtures against Jordan and The Gambia on Sunday.

The Future Eagles will complete their group-stage schedule against Cyprus and Pakistan on Monday.

The tournament will use an eight-a-side format, with each match consisting of two 20-minute halves. Results and performances in the group stage will determine the tier in which each team competes during the second phase.

The second stage is scheduled for 28th and 29th October, with the tier finals due to be played on Friday, 30th October.

Nigeria squad

Head Coach Patrick Bassey and Team Administrator Nasiru Jibril are among the six officials accompanying the team.

The two goalkeepers selected are Victor Wisdom of Eagles Wings Academy, Abuja, and Peter Linus of HB Academy, Abuja.

The defensive group comprises Daniel Olaomi of Eagles Wings Academy, Prosperity Anionovo of Buruj Football Academy, Lagos, Timothy Ijachi of Mavlon FC, Lagos, David Okwusogu of NFF TDS and Michael Ibironke of NFF TDS.

Nigeria’s midfield options are Abdulsalam Muhammad of Simonben Academy, Kaduna, Martin Chukwu of AS Roma Academy, Abuja, Ayomide Jekami of NFF TDS and Mayowa Salu of NFF TDS.

The forwards are Abdulrazak Mufutau of 12Alive FC, Ibadan, Wisdom Oche of Shakhandam Academy, Abuja, and Wisdom Boniface of Adoration Academy, Enugu.

Nigeria’s Flamingos will face defending champions Korea DPR on Friday knowing that a victory or draw would secure their place in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

The match presents a difficult challenge for Nigeria, with Korea DPR having made an impressive start to the tournament. The holders have won both of their Group B matches, scoring 12 goals and conceding just one to establish themselves at the top of the section.

Korea DPR have won the competition twice since the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup was launched in New Zealand in 2008. They are now aiming to claim a third successive title and have underlined their credentials with their commanding performances in Morocco.

Nigeria, who won the bronze medal in 2022, began their campaign with a 2-1 defeat by Poland. They responded by beating tournament debutants Puerto Rico 2-0, leaving them with a chance of progressing to the knockout stage before their final group match.

A positive result against Korea DPR would guarantee the Flamingos’ qualification. However, defeat would leave their hopes dependent on the outcome of the other Group B match between Poland and Puerto Rico, as well as the applicable tiebreakers.

The two nations have already met twice at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria won the first encounter 3-2 in 2010, but Korea DPR gained revenge with a 3-0 victory when the teams faced each other again in 2016.

Coach Akeem Busari and his players will therefore be seeking another strong display when the sides meet for a third time in the competition. Nigeria will need to remain disciplined in defence and make the most of their opportunities against a Korea DPR side that has been one of the tournament’s strongest teams during the group stage.

The match will be played at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Sale/Rabat, with kick-off scheduled for 3pm local time, which is 4pm Nigerian time.

Head Coach Eric Chelle has called up 31 players to the Nigeria U23 National Team, Olympic Eagles, for their two-legged U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying tie against Democratic Republic of Congo.

The squad consists of four goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders and 10 forwards, with all the invited players instructed to report to the AM2PM Hotel in Ijebu-Ode on Sunday, 25th October.

Nigeria will play the first leg at TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi on Friday, 13th November. The return match is scheduled for the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo on Tuesday, 17th November.

The winner over the two legs will advance to the final qualifying round for the U23 AFCON, which will be hosted by Egypt next year. The tournament will determine Africa’s representatives at the Los Angeles Olympic Men’s Football Tournament.

The Olympic Eagles received a bye into the second round, while DR Congo secured their place by defeating Mauritania over two legs.

Nigeria have previously won Olympic football gold at Atlanta 1996, silver at Beijing 2008 and bronze at Rio de Janeiro 2016, but have not appeared in the Men’s Football Tournament of the Olympics in the past 10 years.

Olympic Eagles squad

Goalkeepers: Chinemerem Olughu (Nasarawa United); Clinton Andy (Rivers United); Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Michael Atata (Ikorodu City).

Defenders: Gift Subi (Warri Wolves); Hillary Zion (Sporting Lagos); Emmanuel Utake (Rivers United); Chibueze Oputa (Rangers Int’l); Marvelous Freedom (Ikorodu City); Kenneth Igboke (Rangers Int’l); Odinaka Alfred (Nasarawa United); Emmanuel Ochobi (Rivers United); Aliu Sugau (Barau FC).

Midfielders: Freeman Wuchirwe (Bendel Insurance); Victor Samuel (Sporting Lagos); Umar Mohammed (Nasarawa United); Lucky Oraro (Warri Wolves); Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City); Sani Shuaibu (Warri Wolves); Muhammad Salihu (Sporting Lagos); Jude Eventus (Warri Wolves).

Forwards: Junior Ikechukwu (Ikorodu City); Timothy Zechariah (Rivers United); Williams Wonah (Enyimba FC); Ayoola Olaniyan (Sporting Lagos); Chijioke Samuel (Enyimba FC); Jofrank Joshua (Nasarawa United); Chimobi Igwilo (Rangers Int’l); Alex Oweifaleya (Bendel Insurance); Abdulmuiz Adeleke (Sporting Supreme); Habila Simon (Wikki Tourists).

FIFA’s Bureau of the Council has approved the appointment of a Normalisation Committee to manage the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) until fresh elections are held for its Executive Committee.

The committee will be appointed jointly by FIFA and CAF “as soon as possible”, according to a letter signed by FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom and addressed to Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme MON.

The letter stated: “The normalisation committee shall consist of a suitable number of members, who will be appointed jointly by FIFA and CAF as soon as possible.”

Its mandate will end once the committee has completed its responsibilities, although it must conclude its work no later than 31 May 2027.

None of the committee members will be permitted to stand for any of the positions contested in the forthcoming NFF elections.

Until the Normalisation Committee is appointed, the NFF Secretariat will remain responsible for the organisation’s day-to-day operations and the administration of football in Nigeria.

FIFA has approved the creation of a normalisation committee to run the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) until fresh elections are held for its Executive Committee.

The committee will be appointed jointly by FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), with both organisations expected to select a suitable number of members as soon as possible.

In a letter signed by FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom and sent to the NFF’s Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, FIFA said the committee would take responsibility for the federation’s affairs during the transition.

Its mandate will remain in place until all assigned duties have been completed, although it must end no later than 31 May 2027.

FIFA also confirmed that no member of the normalisation committee will be permitted to stand for election to any position in the next NFF polls.

Until the committee is formally established, the NFF Secretariat will continue handling the federation’s daily operations and overseeing football administration in Nigeria.

The normalisation committee will therefore provide the temporary structure for the NFF ahead of the election of a new Executive Committee.

Nigeria U23 head coach Eric Chelle has called up 31 home-based players for the Olympic Eagles’ Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The squad includes four goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders and 10 forwards, with the players due to report to the AM2PM Hotel in Ijebu-Ode on Sunday, October 25.

Nigeria will face DR Congo in a decisive two-legged second-round tie, beginning with the first leg at TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi on Friday, November 13. The return match will be played at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on Tuesday, November 17.

The winner will progress to the final round of the U23 AFCON qualifying series, which is scheduled to be held before next year’s tournament in Egypt.

The competition will also decide Africa’s representatives in the men’s football tournament at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Nigeria have won Olympic football gold, silver and bronze, but have not appeared in the men’s football competition at the Games during the past decade. The Olympic Eagles won gold at Atlanta 1996, silver at Beijing 2008 and bronze at Rio 2016.

Nigeria received a bye into the second qualifying round, while DR Congo reached the tie after defeating Mauritania over two legs.

Nigeria U23 squad

Goalkeepers: Chinemerem Olughu (Nasarawa United), Clinton Andy (Rivers United), Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos), Michael Atata (Ikorodu City).

Defenders: Gift Subi (Warri Wolves), Hillary Zion (Sporting Lagos), Emmanuel Utake (Rivers United), Chibueze Oputa (Rangers Int’l), Marvelous Freedom (Ikorodu City), Kenneth Igboke (Rangers Int’l), Odinaka Alfred (Nasarawa United), Emmanuel Ochobi (Rivers United), Aliu Sugau (Barau FC).

Midfielders: Freeman Wuchirwe (Bendel Insurance), Victor Samuel (Sporting Lagos), Umar Mohammed (Nasarawa United), Lucky Oraro (Warri Wolves), Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City), Sani Shuaibu (Warri Wolves), Muhammad Salihu (Sporting Lagos), Jude Eventus (Warri Wolves).

Forwards: Junior Ikechukwu (Ikorodu City), Timothy Zechariah (Rivers United), Williams Wonah (Enyimba FC), Ayoola Olaniyan (Sporting Lagos), Chijioke Samuel (Enyimba FC), Jofrank Joshua (Nasarawa United), Chimobi Igwilo (Rangers Int’l), Alex Oweifaleya (Bendel Insurance), Abdulmuiz Adeleke (Sporting Supreme), Habila Simon (Wikki Tourists).

Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho has scored in each of his 11 Turkish TFF 1. Lig appearances for Bursaspor since joining the club from Scottish giants Celtic during the summer transfer window.

The run has taken Iheanacho’s total to 15 goals, including his strike for Nigeria in the friendly against Russia. That goal extended his scoring sequence to 12 consecutive matches.

The International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) says Iheanacho must score in 11 more matches to draw level with Josef Bican’s record for goals in consecutive official matches.

Bican holds the world record after scoring in 23 successive official matches, according to the IFFHS.

Iheanacho’s current run has come entirely during an impressive start to life in the Turkish second tier. He has found the net in every match he has played in the 1st League while wearing the Bursaspor jersey.

The record for consecutive goals in league matches belongs to Lionel Messi, who scored in 21 straight La Liga games for Barcelona, according to OptaJose statistics.

Iheanacho is therefore nine matches short of Messi’s league mark and 11 away from matching Bican’s overall official-match record.

Inter Lagos interim head coach Olusanjo Olutayo says his players must address fundamental weaknesses in their performances if the newly promoted club are to avoid relegation from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The warning comes before Inter Lagos’ fixture against Kun Khalifat, with the side enduring a difficult return to the top flight. They are currently bottom of the league table after taking just one victory from their opening nine matches.

Olutayo said the team’s problems were not simply a matter of creating more opportunities, but of making sure those chances were converted and that key aspects of their play were working effectively.

“We don’t need to have 15 chances with zero goals. That’s relegation form,” he told the club’s media.

“Core details are missing, and that has to change,” he added.

The interim coach’s comments highlight the pressure on Inter Lagos to quickly improve their results. Their poor start has left them facing an immediate fight to move away from the relegation zone, with the meeting with Kun Khalifat providing another opportunity to begin changing their fortunes.

Inter Lagos’ lack of victories has been compounded by their failure to turn attacking opportunities into goals, an issue Olutayo identified as one of the details that must be corrected. With the season progressing, the club must now find greater efficiency and consistency if they are to climb the table.

The match against Kun Khalifat comes at a crucial point for the newly promoted side, who remain bottom after nine league games and have won only once.

Niger Tornadoes will travel to Aba, Abia State, for their Matchday 10 meeting with Abia Warriors on Sunday determined to extend their unbeaten run and end October strongly.

Majin Mohammed’s side have gone three matches without defeat, recording two wins and one draw. Their latest result was a 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City at the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna last weekend.

Nafiu Obalowu put Niger Tornadoes ahead in the 27th minute before Bashir Musa added a second 10 minutes from time. Musa reacted quickest after a rebound to give the home side a two-goal advantage.

Ikorodu City reduced the deficit in the 93rd minute through Basit Ayinde, but Niger Tornadoes defended their lead to claim all three points.

The victory moved the Minna club from 15th to 11th in the NPFL standings. They have 12 points from nine matches, while Abia Warriors are 16th on 10 points.

Abia Warriors have drawn their past two fixtures, playing out a goalless draw with Rivers United before a 1-1 result against Kwara United.

Niger Tornadoes will nevertheless be wary of their recent record in this fixture. Abia Warriors won both meetings during the 2025/26 season, claiming 2-1 victories at home and away.

The hosts have also avoided defeat at the Umuahia Township Stadium this season, with one win and three draws. They have scored just five goals in nine games.

Sunday’s fixture brings together two sides looking to move away from the bottom half of the table and begin pushing towards the top 10.

Abia Warriors striker Emeka Obioma is the early front-runner for the Nigeria Premier Football League Golden Boot after scoring six goals in nine league appearances this season.

The forward has continued the form that previously earned him the division’s top-scorer award in the 2022/23 campaign, when he scored 16 goals to help Enyimba win the NPFL title.

Obioma also remained among the league’s most prolific forwards last season, ending the campaign with 11 goals.

His latest challenge for the individual award comes with Abia Warriors, and his six-goal haul puts him one clear of the two players immediately below him in the scoring standings.

Ranchers Bees forward Mohammed Zulkifilu and Doma United striker Sadiq Rilwan have each found the net five times. Both remain within reach of the early leader as the opening phase of the campaign continues.

Three players are a further goal behind. Barau FC pair Joseph Atule and Sugau Aliyu have each scored four goals, while Kayode Oke has also registered four for Bendel Insurance.

The leading scorers will have the opportunity to increase their totals this weekend when Matchday 10 fixtures are played at venues across the country.

With the next round of matches approaching, Obioma holds the advantage in the early Golden Boot contest, while Zulkifilu, Rilwan and the three players on four goals remain closely placed in the standings.

Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler says Nigeria international Femi Azeez will need more time before making his competitive debut for the club as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.

The 25-year-old joined Brighton from Sky Bet Championship side Millwall on deadline day but has yet to feature in a competitive match for the Seagulls.

Azeez suffered a minor hamstring problem on the opening day of the season while playing for Millwall, delaying the start of his Brighton career at the Amex Stadium.

The winger has made progress in his rehabilitation and played for Brighton in a friendly during the most recent international break. However, Hurzeler confirmed that he is still not ready to return to competitive action.

Speaking before Thursday’s UEFA Conference League fixture against Jablonec, the Brighton manager said the club was continuing to manage Azeez’s recovery carefully.

“With Femi, again we have to be patient with him. It’s not quite clear how long it will take. It seems to be not a big issue, but therefore we have to be patient,” Hurzeler told reporters.

Azeez will remain sidelined while Brighton monitor his fitness, with the club determined to ensure he is fully prepared before selecting him for his first competitive appearance.

Wilfred Ndidi says Besiktas are fully prepared to face Crystal Palace in the UEFA Europa League at Tupras Stadium on Thursday.

The Turkish Super Lig club have made an unbeaten start to their European campaign, winning both of their opening matches in the group phase.

Besiktas began with a 4-1 home victory against French side Olympique Marseille before following it up with a 3-2 away win over Bundesliga team TSG Hoffenheim.

Ndidi believes that run can continue against the Premier League side, with the midfielder highlighting the importance of playing in front of the Besiktas supporters.

The Nigeria international also stressed that collective strength would be central to their approach against Crystal Palace.

“We are first and foremost a team, and we’ll be playing at home tomorrow. Our home is our temple, I can say that,” Ndidi told a press conference.

“We’re really working hard. Tomorrow (today), we’ll also be facing a good team. That’s our plan.”

Besiktas are fourth in the UEFA Europa League standings, while Crystal Palace are 15th ahead of the meeting.

Ndidi wary of Palace’s intensity

Although confident in Besiktas’s ability to compete, Ndidi acknowledged the demanding tempo typically associated with English teams.

He said the Turkish club’s previous matches against strong opponents had given them valuable experience and insisted they were ready for the challenge posed by Crystal Palace.

“Teams coming from England are accustomed to high tempo and intensity, but we’ve played against good teams before, and we still are,” he added.

“So we’re ready, and we need to keep going. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow, I can say that.”

Victor Osimhen responded to criticism of his recent performances by scoring in Galatasaray’s 4-2 victory over former club Lille on Wednesday night.

The Nigeria international had faced questions after Galatasaray’s previous two matches against Barcelona and Genclerbirligi.

The Turkish champions were beaten 4-1 by Barcelona before recovering to claim a narrow 1-0 win against Genclerbirligi. Osimhen then delivered a decisive performance against Lille, helping Galatasaray secure an impressive victory in a keenly contested encounter.

The 27-year-old striker found the net and was named Man of the Match for his contribution.

Afterwards, Osimhen rejected suggestions that criticism had affected him and said he was used to dealing with difficult circumstances.

“I come from a place where I’m not afraid. I don’t fear difficulties. No one can tell me how to sprint, how to play or how to score goals. I already do these things, and that’s why I’m one of the world’s best strikers,” he said during his interaction with the media.

“They don’t really know me, and nothing they say affects me. They want to drag me into that, but I’ve approached all the talk with indifference. I have other things to deal with; I’m not bothering with these.”

Osimhen’s display came against Lille, the club he previously represented, as Galatasaray continued their strong position in the Turkish Super Lig.

Their next fixture will be an Istanbul derby against Fenerbahce, which is expected to provide another demanding test for Okan Buruk’s side.

Galatasaray are top of the Turkish Super Lig table with 19 points from eight matches. They are three points clear of third-placed Fenerbahce.

Warri Wolves host Kano Pillars on 24 October at 15:00 GMT in a league fixture that will give both sides an opportunity to establish early momentum.

Neither team has scored a goal this season, making the meeting an important chance to open the campaign with a statement result. With the league table still taking shape, three points could quickly improve either side’s position and provide an early advantage in the race for consistency.

The key statistics of the players of both teams this season:

Assists: (Warri Wolves) — 0 assists, (Kano Pillars) — 0 assists.Goalkeepers saves: (Warri Wolves) — 0, (Kano Pillars) — 0Tackles: (Warri Wolves) — 0, (Kano Pillars) — 0.Most encounters won: (Warri Wolves) — 0, (Kano Pillars) — 0.

Top 5 scorers this season:

(0)

(0)

Team statistics:

Warri Wolves come into the match with a mixed record from their last five games: LLWDW. That sequence includes two defeats, one draw and two wins, showing a side that has recovered from an inconsistent start but has yet to build a sustained run of results.

The five previous matches played by the teams:

Warri Wolves — LLWDWKano Pillars — DWWDD

Their latest form also suggests that home advantage could be significant. Warri Wolves will need to impose themselves early, keep possession in dangerous areas and convert the chances they create. A strong start could put Kano Pillars under pressure, particularly if the home side can turn the match into a physical contest in midfield.

According to home statistics this season, Warri Wolves scores more goals and concedes more in the following intervals:

IntervalsGoal Scored, %Goals conceded, %0-1525.00%14.29%16-30 25.00%28.57%31-4550.00%14.29% 46-6014.29%61-7514.29%76-9014.29%91-105

Kano Pillars has the following time frames of scoring and conceding goals:

Intervals

Goal Scored, %

Goals conceded, %

0-15

16.67%

14.29%

16-30

33.33%

28.57%

31-45

16.67%

14.29%

46-60

33.33%

42.86%

61-75

76-90

91-105

Head-to-head stats:

Teams

Games

Win

Draws

Losses

H

A

H

A

H

A

Warri Wolves

4

0

0

2

1

0

1

Kano Pillars

1

0

1

2

0

0

Probabilities before the match:

Warri Wolves

Kano Pillars

51.2%

Winning the game51.2%

67%Attack potential

67%63%

Potential in defense63%

25%Strength against each other

25%25%

Goal Potential25%

Summary: the probability of Kano Pillars winning – 10%, draw – 45%, loss – 45%. Thus Warri Wolves, most likely, win (win or draw)

Goal Forecast:Warri Wolves, is likely to score -2.5 goals, Kano Pillars is likely to score no more than -1.5.

The bookmaker odds for this match:

Home win

Draw

Away win

0

0

0

Save the date

The match between the teams Warri Wolves and Kano Pillars will take place on October 24 at 15:00 (GMT) at the stadium Warri Township Stadium.

Sporting Lagos face Enugu Rangers on 24 October at 15:00 GMT in a league fixture that gives both clubs an early opportunity to establish momentum. Sporting Lagos will look to make home advantage count, while Enugu Rangers arrive with a stronger recent record and the confidence of having won three of their last five matches.

The match comes at the start of the league campaign, with both teams yet to score a goal this season. That makes the opening result especially important. A win would immediately provide valuable points and early confidence, while a draw would leave both sides with work to do in the matches ahead.

The key statistics of the players of both teams this season:

Assists: (Sporting Lagos) — 0 assists, (Enugu Rangers) — 0 assists.Goalkeepers saves: (Sporting Lagos) — 0, (Enugu Rangers) — 0Tackles: (Sporting Lagos) — 0, (Enugu Rangers) — 0.Most encounters won: (Sporting Lagos) — 0, (Enugu Rangers) — 0.

Top 5 scorers this season:

(0)

(0)

Team statistics:

Sporting Lagos’ recent form reads LWLWD. Their latest result was a draw, following two defeats and two victories in the previous four matches. The sequence shows a side capable of producing positive results but still searching for the consistency needed to challenge higher in the league table.

The five previous matches played by the teams:

Sporting Lagos — LWLWDEnugu Rangers — DWWWL

Enugu Rangers have recorded DWWWL in their last five games. They began that run with a draw, followed it with three consecutive wins and then suffered defeat in their most recent match. Their run is stronger than Sporting Lagos’ over the same period, although the latest loss will raise questions about how quickly they can respond.

According to home statistics this season, Sporting Lagos scores more goals and concedes more in the following intervals:

IntervalsGoal Scored, %Goals conceded, %0-1523.08%18.18%16-30 7.69%27.27%31-457.69%27.27% 46-6023.08%9.09%61-7523.08%18.18%76-9015.38%91-105

Enugu Rangers has the following time frames of scoring and conceding goals:

Intervals

Goal Scored, %

Goals conceded, %

0-15

10.00%

14.29%

16-30

10.00%

28.57%

31-45

30.00%

14.29%

46-60

10.00%

28.57%

61-75

40.00%

14.29%

76-90

91-105

Head-to-head stats:

Teams

Games

Win

Draws

Losses

H

A

H

A

H

A

Sporting Lagos

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Enugu Rangers

0

0

0

0

0

0

Probabilities before the match:

Sporting Lagos

Enugu Rangers

38.0%

Winning the game38.0%

50%Attack potential

50%50%

Potential in defense50%

20%Strength against each other

20%0%

Goal Potential0%

Summary: the probability of Enugu Rangers winning – 45%, draw – 45%, loss – 10%. Thus Sporting Lagos, most likely, loss (loss or draw)

Goal Forecast:Sporting Lagos, is likely to score -2.5 goals, Enugu Rangers is likely to score no more than -2.5.

The bookmaker odds for this match:

Home win

Draw

Away win

0

0

0

Save the date

The match between the teams Sporting Lagos and Enugu Rangers will take place on October 24 at 15:00 (GMT) at the stadium Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Trabzonspor manager Thomas Reis has confirmed that Paul Onuachu will not be available for Thursday’s UEFA Europa Conference League match against Heart of Midlothian.

The Turkish Super Lig side welcome Hearts to Papara Park for their third fixture in this season’s Conference League campaign.

Onuachu suffered the injury during Trabzonspor’s 4-2 win against Finnish club KuPS last Thursday. The Nigeria striker scored the opening goal for the Black Sea Storm after three minutes, but was forced to leave the pitch seven minutes later.

Reis said the match against Hearts would come too soon for Onuachu, although the forward could be considered for the club’s next league game against Rizespor.

“Tomorrow will be a bit early for Mustafa, early for his return tomorrow. For Onuachu, we could say maybe the Rizespor match,” Reis told reporters at a news conference.

The manager also clarified that Trabzonspor use separate squad lists for their European and domestic league matches.

That means the club’s selection for the Hearts game will be finalised after the team completes its final training session before the match.

“Our player lists for Europe and the league are different. We’ll do the last training session shortly, and we’ll decide on the starting 11,” Reis said.

Onuachu’s absence removes a forward who had made an immediate impact in Trabzonspor’s previous European fixture, scoring inside the opening three minutes before his injury curtailed his involvement.

Nigeria international Victor Osimhen was named Player of the Match after scoring in Galatasaray’s 4-2 victory away to his former club Lille in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The result gave Galatasaray their first points of the competition after defeats by Sporting Lisbon and Barcelona in their opening two matches. Lille also arrived at Stade Pierre-Mauroy without a win, having lost to Real Betis and Arsenal.

Osimhen put the result beyond doubt in the 61st minute, making the score 4-2 with a powerful right-footed finish at the end of a counter-attack. The goal was his first in this season’s Champions League.

He did not celebrate, showing respect to Lille, where he scored 18 goals during the 2019/20 season and was named Player of the Season before joining Napoli.

UEFA’s Technical Observer Group recognised Osimhen’s movement and the sustained threat he posed to the Lille defence in selecting him for the individual award.

The forward has now scored seven goals and provided three assists in eight appearances across all competitions this season.

After the match, Osimhen praised both the atmosphere and the efforts of his team-mates.

“I love this stadium. The fans are incredible. We had a tough match. I’m very happy for our team; we won,” he said.

“I also wish Lille good luck in their next matches. Lille players are very tough. They even took the lead. We managed to win the match together as a team.”

Osimhen also responded to criticism of his performances, saying: “Nobody can teach me how to play with the ball or how to score goals. I’m one of the best strikers in the world.”

Galatasaray moved up to 23rd in the 36-team table following the victory. Their next Champions League fixture is at home against VfB Stuttgart on November 3.

Lille, meanwhile, remain without a point after three games.

England and Nigeria dual national Rio Ngumoha is the subject of a transfer rumour linking the 18-year-old Liverpool winger with a move to Real Madrid.

Ngumoha joined Liverpool’s senior squad after moving from Chelsea’s youth system to Liverpool Under-18s in September 2024 for €3.2m. He became a first-team player in July 2025 and has since made appearances in the Premier League, Champions League and EFL Cup.

The left winger has featured five times in the Premier League this season and played in all three of Liverpool’s Champions League matches, providing two assists in the latter competition. He also started Liverpool’s EFL Cup appearance.

The interest comes as Ngumoha’s market value is listed at €50m, although there is no indication of a proposed fee or formal negotiations between the clubs. The rumour would involve a move from the Premier League to La Liga, with Real Madrid identified as the potential destination.

Ngumoha, who was born in London, is contracted to Liverpool until 30 June 2028. He has not appeared for England at the 2026 World Cup, according to his current season record.

Liverpool therefore retain the player under contract while he continues to establish himself in their first team.