Rangers International retained first place in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after a 1-0 victory over Kwara United in Awka on Sunday.

Victor Chimezie scored five minutes before half-time to settle the match and give Rangers all three points. The result leaves them on 24 points from 11 matches.

Bendel Insurance moved into second after edging Niger Tornadoes 2-1 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

Niger Tornadoes took the lead when Aliyu Mohammed converted a penalty nine minutes before the interval. Insurance levelled in added time through Jonathan Mairiga, before John Taiwo struck deep into stoppage time to complete the comeback.

Former champions Enyimba were beaten 1-0 by Ranchers Bees in another fixture. Chiedozie Jude Okorie scored the only goal three minutes before half-time, securing victory for Ranchers Bees.

Abia Warriors and Doma United shared four goals in a 2-2 draw in Aba.

Doma United made a fast start as Tijani Azeez put them ahead after five minutes. Emeka Obioma restored parity for the home side in the 37th minute.

Samuel Akpan restored Doma United’s advantage in the 69th minute, but Obioma scored again 10 minutes later to complete his brace and earn Abia Warriors a point.

Barau also recorded a narrow home victory, beating Shooting Stars 1-0.

Nasarawa United produced the biggest winning margin of the round with a 3-1 success over Plateau United, while Wolves and Katsina United played out a 1-1 draw.

Full results:

Bendel Insurance 2-1 Niger Tornadoes

Rangers International 1-0 Kwara United

Barau 1-0 Shooting Stars

Abia Warriors 2-2 Doma United

Ranchers Bees 1-0 Enyimba

Nasarawa United 3-1 Plateau United

Wolves 1-1 Katsina United

Bayer Leverkusen returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over 1. FC Koln in Sunday’s Bundesliga Rhine derby, although Nigeria internationals Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella had contrasting roles in the match.

Tella was unavailable as he continues his recovery from a muscle injury, while Boniface was named among the substitutes and did not start for Leverkusen. The striker has made two appearances for the club this season but is still waiting to score his first Bundesliga goal.

Leverkusen made an ideal start and took the lead in the sixth minute. Aleix Garcia finished with a controlled strike after the visitors had established early control of the contest.

The away side continued to dictate proceedings and eventually extended their advantage six minutes from the end of normal time. Substitute Ibrahim Maza created the opening for Patrik Schick, who converted in the 84th minute to put Leverkusen 2-0 ahead.

Koln responded in stoppage time through two substitutes. Malek El Mala provided the assist for his brother Said El Mala, who reduced the deficit in the 90+2nd minute.

The late goal gave Koln hope of salvaging a result, but Leverkusen resisted the pressure during the closing moments to secure all three points.

The victory also ended a run of three successive defeats across all competitions for Leverkusen.

Tolu Arokodare extended his excellent run in front of goal but could not prevent Ajax from being held to a 2-2 draw by FC Twente in the Eredivisie on Sunday.

The Nigeria striker gave Ajax an early lead, finding the net just three minutes after kick-off following a pass from Oscar Gloukh.

It was Arokodare’s sixth goal in his past five appearances for the European champions, underlining his growing influence since joining the club.

Ajax appeared to have taken control when Rayane Bounida doubled their advantage in the 66th minute. However, FC Twente responded quickly and ensured the match ended level.

Dies Janse scored an own goal two minutes after Bounida’s strike to bring the hosts back into the game. FC Twente then completed their comeback in stoppage time when Wout Weghorst scored from the penalty spot.

The result extended Arokodare’s impressive record for Ajax this season. He has now scored 12 goals and provided four assists in 16 appearances.

Super Eagles midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro featured for Monza as they were beaten 1-0 by Atalanta in Sunday’s Serie A meeting.

The Nigerian international made his eighth appearance of the campaign, having provided one assist so far, and completed 73 minutes before being replaced by Dany Mota.

Atalanta took the lead four minutes after half-time when Nikola Krstovic scored in the 49th minute, putting the visitors in front.

Monza responded by committing players forward in search of an equaliser. They created pressure through a series of dangerous crosses, but were unable to break through Atalanta’s defence.

Goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi was central to the visitors’ success, making a number of important saves to deny Monza and maintain his clean sheet.

The result secured all three points for Atalanta, while Monza’s late efforts failed to produce a goal.

Kwara United midfielder Issa Gata will miss Sunday’s Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 12 fixture against Rangers after suffering an injury in training.

The knock has forced Gata out of the squad travelling to the Awka Township Stadium, where Kwara United will face the Flying Antelopes.

His absence is a setback for the Harmony Boys as they look to recover from last weekend’s disappointing home defeat by Bendel Insurance.

Head coach Ashifat Suleiman must now reorganise his midfield and identify a replacement capable of helping the Ilorin-based side negotiate a difficult away match.

Kwara United are 16th in the NPFL standings, with 12 points from their opening 11 matches of the season.

Galatasaray have confirmed that Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has successfully undergone surgery following an injury sustained during the club's UEFA Champions League fixture against VfB Stuttgart.

The Nigerian forward had the operation on Saturday at Maslak Ac?badem Hospital, with Galatasaray club doctor Yener ?nce leading the medical procedure.

In a statement released after the surgery, the Turkish champions said Osimhen's recovery would be closely monitored, with the club's medical team overseeing his treatment.

"Our player Victor Osimhen underwent successful surgery today at Maslak Ac?badem Hospital, performed by our club doctor, Yener ?nce.

"Our player's condition will be monitored through daily assessments, and his treatment will continue under the supervision of our club's medical team.

"We wish our player Victor Osimhen a speedy recovery and hope he gets well as soon as possible," the club stated.

Osimhen sustained the injury during Galatasaray's Champions League encounter against German side VfB Stuttgart on Tuesday, leaving the striker facing a spell on the sidelines.

His absence is expected to be a major setback for Nigeria, as he is set to miss the Super Eagles' 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania on November 13 and 17.

Super Eagles striker Umar Sadiq played for 59 minutes as Valencia were beaten 3-0 at home by Real Madrid in La Liga on Saturday night.

Sadiq made his fifth appearance of the season for Valencia, having scored two goals so far. He started as the home side’s central striker and produced a decent performance before being replaced by Dani Gomez.

Real Madrid controlled much of the opening stages and took the lead after 28 minutes. Captain Federico Valverde reacted fastest when a Kylian Mbappe free-kick rebounded from the defensive wall.

Valverde gathered the loose ball before sending a crisp, low shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards, giving Valencia goalkeeper little chance.

Jose Mourinho's side continued to dictate the game and extended their advantage only eight minutes later. Jude Bellingham reached the baseline and attempted to chip a cutback into the area.

The delivery took a deflection and fell into the path of Arda Guler, who finished from six yards with a first-time volley to put Real Madrid 2-0 ahead.

Valencia were unable to respond after the interval, with the visitors retaining control of possession and limiting the home side’s opportunities to fight their way back into the contest.

Real Madrid completed the scoring with 15 minutes remaining. Guler, who had earlier scored the second goal, turned provider by threading a pass through to Mbappe.

The France forward rounded the goalkeeper before calmly placing the ball into the net for his 13th league goal of the campaign.

That goal confirmed a comprehensive 3-0 victory for Los Blancos and left Valencia unable to find a response during the closing stages.

For Sadiq, the match ended with another appearance in his growing season tally, although he was withdrawn before Valencia could make any impression on the final score.

Super Eagles winger Moses Simon played 66 minutes as Paris FC secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory away to AJ Auxerre in Ligue 1 on Saturday evening.

The result was earned through a controlled performance from Paris FC, who dominated possession with 66% of the ball and restricted their hosts to only two shots on target.

Simon was making his eighth appearance of the campaign and provided width on the flank while contributing to Paris FC’s attacking build-up. The Nigeria international was replaced by Luca Koleosho in the 66th minute.

The winger has recorded one assist in the league this season.

After a goalless first half, Paris FC found the breakthrough after the interval. Lassine Sinayoko completed a well-worked move by converting Pablo Pagis’ assist to give the visitors the lead.

AJ Auxerre were unable to find a response as Paris FC maintained their defensive organisation for the remainder of the match. The visitors protected their narrow advantage until the final whistle to claim all three points on the road.

Nottingham Forest produced a ruthless counter-attacking performance to beat Manchester City 3-1 at the City Ground, with Super Eagles defender Ola Aina absent from the matchday squad.

Aina has made six Premier League appearances this season and received three yellow cards, but he was not involved as Forest took advantage of a series of defensive errors from the visitors.

Forest needed only six minutes to take the lead. Jair Cunha dispossessed Josko Gvardiol deep inside the Manchester City half, advanced towards goal and placed a low finish into the bottom-left corner.

The hosts extended their advantage in the 18th minute after City again surrendered possession in a dangerous area. Liam Delap collected a loose ball inside his own half before racing beyond two defenders and powering his shot past the goalkeeper.

Manchester City improved after the interval and reduced the deficit early in the second half. Jeremy Doku reached a long pass on the left and sent in a cross that took a deflection before falling to Rayan Cherki.

Cherki made no mistake, striking the ball into the top-left corner to give City hope of completing a comeback.

However, Forest remained a threat whenever they broke forward and restored their two-goal advantage in the 74th minute. Delap completed his second goal of the afternoon after another quick counter-attack, his effort hitting the inside of the far post before crossing the line.

The result secured a convincing 3-1 victory for Nottingham Forest, while Aina watched from the sidelines as his side claimed all three points against Manchester City.

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has undergone successful surgery on a knee injury sustained during Tuesday night’s UEFA Champions League match against Bundesliga side Stuttgart at RAMS Park.

The 27-year-old Nigeria international had the operation at Maslak Ac?badem Hospital, with Galatasaray club doctor Yener Ince carrying out the procedure.

Galatasaray confirmed the news in a statement, adding that Osimhen’s recovery would be assessed on a daily basis by the club’s medical team. The Turkish club has not yet provided a timescale for the striker’s return to competitive football.

“Our player Victor Osimhen underwent successful surgery today at Maslak Ac?badem Hospital, performed by our club doctor, Yener Ince,” Galatasaray said.

“Our player’s condition will be monitored through daily assessments, while his treatment will continue under the supervision of our medical team. We wish Victor Osimhen a speedy recovery and hope he returns to action as soon as possible.”

Osimhen is expected to begin his rehabilitation after the operation. However, Galatasaray have not indicated how long he will be unavailable or when he might resume playing.

The injury is also expected to prevent him from featuring for Nigeria in their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars.

His absence would be a significant setback for the Super Eagles as they prepare for the two fixtures.

Galatasaray have confirmed that Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has undergone successful surgery following the injury he sustained in their UEFA Champions League match against VfB Stuttgart.

The operation took place on Saturday at Maslak Ac?badem Hospital and was led by Galatasaray club doctor Yener Ince.

The Turkish champions said Osimhen’s recovery would be closely monitored, with the striker receiving daily assessments from the club’s medical team.

“Our player Victor Osimhen underwent successful surgery today at Maslak Ac?badem Hospital, performed by our club doctor, Yener Ince,” Galatasaray said in an official statement.

“Our player's condition will be monitored through daily assessments, and his treatment will continue under the supervision of our club's medical team.

“We wish our player Victor Osimhen a speedy recovery and hope he gets well as soon as possible.”

Osimhen was injured during Galatasaray’s Champions League encounter with German Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart on Tuesday.

The injury is expected to rule the Super Eagles striker out of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania.

Bayelsa United technical adviser Abdu Maikaba says his side are ready to challenge for promotion back to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after their relegation last season.

The Yenagoa club recorded only one defeat in 15 pre-season matches, scoring 45 goals as they prepared for their campaign in the Nigeria National League (NNL).

Maikaba believes that record has strengthened the squad’s confidence and demonstrated the attacking quality available to Bayelsa United, also known as the Prosperity Boys.

“Our pre-season performances have given us great confidence. Scoring 45 goals in 15 matches is a testament to the attacking quality within this squad,” Maikaba told the club’s media.

He said the team’s improved understanding and collective determination would be important as they pursue an immediate return to the top flight.

“However, we know that the real test begins on Sunday. We are fully focused on starting the season strongly and working collectively towards our ultimate objective of returning Bayelsa United to the NPFL,” he added.

Bayelsa United will begin their promotion campaign against Abia Comets in their opening NNL fixture on Sunday.

Maikaba and his players will hope to carry their productive pre-season form into that match as they begin their bid to return to the Nigerian top flight at the first attempt.

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is expected to undergo surgery on his left knee on Saturday after sustaining an injury during Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League match against VfB Stuttgart, ruling him out of Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Tanzania, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

The 27-year-old completed the full 90 minutes of Galatasaray’s 2-0 victory over the Bundesliga club on Tuesday, despite picking up the injury during the encounter.

Subsequent medical examinations, including an MRI scan, reportedly revealed a loose body in his left knee, prompting the Turkish champions to schedule an operation for Saturday.

Galatasaray confirmed the development in a statement released on Friday and disclosed that the Nigerian forward would also miss their forthcoming league fixture against Amed SK.

The club said: “In the UEFA Champions League match we played against VfB Stuttgart, our player Victor Osimhen sustained a strain in his left knee, and MRI examinations detected a loose body.”

Osimhen’s absence will be a significant blow to Nigeria ahead of their two meetings with Tanzania in the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to host the Taifa Stars in Uyo on November 13 before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return fixture on November 17.

The injury means Nigeria will have to consider alternative attacking options for both encounters, with the national team missing one of its most influential forwards.

Attention will now turn to Osimhen’s recovery and the outcome of Saturday’s surgery, as the Super Eagles hope the striker can return to full fitness without further complications.

Bayelsa United board member for Technical Affairs Godson Abaikade says the club’s revamped squad has the quality to secure an immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The club begins its Nigeria National League (NNL) campaign on Sunday, with promotion identified as its main objective after dropping out of the top flight. Abaikade believes the recruitment drive has given the team the strength required to achieve that target.

“We have prepared the players that will do that for us, and, by the grace of God, on Sunday, we will set the ball rolling, and Bayelsans will be very proud of this team,” he said.

Abaikade also highlighted the club’s arrangements for player welfare, saying Bayelsa United had maintained the financial and logistical standards it enjoyed during its time in the NPFL.

Despite now competing in the second tier, he said the squad had continued to benefit from the same level of support provided when the club was in the top flight.

“In the NNL, Bayelsa United is one of the teams with the best welfare packages,” Abaikade said. “We retained the same benchmark that the team was getting when they were in the NPFL.”

He attributed the arrangements to the backing of the Bayelsa State Government and said the administration had fulfilled its commitment to the club.

“In terms of welfare packages, I think we have done well. His Excellency gave us that mandate and backed it up with a wonderful welfare package for the team,” he added.

Irish-Nigerian striker Mipo Odubeko is the subject of transfer interest from French Ligue 1 club Le Havre, with his contract at Shelbourne due to expire on 30 November.

The 24-year-old centre-forward has made 16 appearances in the 2026 League of Ireland Premier Division, scoring four goals and providing two assists. He has also received two yellow cards during the campaign.

Odubeko joined Shelbourne from Fleetwood on a free transfer in January 2025 and has since become part of the Dublin club’s attacking options. His current market value is listed at €150,000.

The reported interest comes with Odubeko approaching the final weeks of his Shelbourne contract. There is no indication that a move to Le Havre has been agreed, and the rumour remains unconfirmed.

Born in Tallaght, Dublin, Odubeko has represented both Irish and Nigerian footballing backgrounds through his listed nationalities. Before moving to Shelbourne, he spent time with Fleetwood and Portuguese club Maritimo, having developed in the youth systems of West Ham United, Manchester United and Manchester City.

Odubeko’s current season record is four goals and two assists from 16 league appearances, with Shelbourne retaining him under contract until the end of November.

Akor Adams played the full match as Venezia claimed a 2-1 win over fellow strugglers Udinese to end a three-game losing streak in Serie A on Friday.

The victory lifted Venezia to six points, although they remain in the relegation zone. Udinese, who started the match with five points, stayed bottom of the table.

Adams made his 11th league appearance for Venezia this season, while Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye also featured for the 11th time in the Italian top flight during the current campaign.

The game between the two sides began without a goal, but the contest opened up after half-time. Toma Basic gave Venezia the lead in the 53rd minute before Matias Moreno accidentally turned the ball into his own net four minutes later.

Venezia restored their advantage in the 65th minute when Kike Perez scored a spectacular winner.

The hosts had arrived at the Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo in poor form, having lost nine of their opening 10 league matches. Their only victory before Friday had come against Napoli in Davide Nicola’s first game in charge.

Nicola, who is regarded as a specialist in avoiding relegation, was appointed in mid-October after Giovanni Stroppa’s departure. Venezia had failed to score in each of their three matches immediately before the Udinese game and had managed only six goals in their first 10 fixtures, while also conceding at a high rate.

Udinese were also struggling badly before the meeting. They had suffered seven defeats in their previous eight matches, including a 5-2 home loss to Roma, a run which led to Kosta Runjaic being dismissed.

Former Venezia manager Paolo Zanetti replaced Runjaic and took charge of Udinese for the first time against his former club. His new side had scored 11 goals and conceded 23 in their opening 10 games.

The result gave Venezia a second league victory of the season but left both clubs in danger at the foot of the table. Venezia moved above Udinese on six points, while Udinese remained on five.

Kelechi Iheanacho returned to the scoresheet for Bursaspor, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Antalyaspor in their TFF 1. Lig match on Friday night.

The Nigeria international put Bursaspor ahead in the 26th minute, marking his first league goal since his run of scoring in 12 consecutive matches came to an end against Band?rmaspor last weekend.

Bursaspor’s lead did not last until half-time, with Tural Bayramov scoring an own goal to bring Antalyaspor level before the break.

Despite being denied victory, Bursaspor retained first place in the league standings with 37 points.

Iheanacho has now scored 17 goals and provided four assists in 14 league appearances for the club this season.

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen will undergo surgery on his left knee on Saturday and has been ruled out of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania.

The 27-year-old sustained the injury during Galatasaray’s 2-0 UEFA Champions League win over VfB Stuttgart on Tuesday. Osimhen completed the full 90 minutes, but later medical tests identified a loose body in his knee.

Galatasaray confirmed on Friday that the Nigeria international would require surgery and would also miss the club’s upcoming league match against Amed SK.

“In the UEFA Champions League match we played against VfB Stuttgart, our player Victor Osimhen sustained a strain in his left knee, and MRI examinations detected a loose body,” the Turkish club said in a statement.

The injury is a significant setback for Nigeria, who face Tanzania twice in their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign. The fixtures are scheduled for 13 and 17 November.

Osimhen is one of the Super Eagles’ leading attacking options, and his absence leaves the national team needing to consider alternatives before the two matches.

Nigeria will be hoping the striker makes a full recovery and is able to return to action as soon as possible.

Kano Pillars extended their unbeaten run to four matches after being held to a 1-1 draw by Kun Khalifat FC in their Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 12 meeting at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri on Friday.

The visitors appeared set to claim all three points when substitute Sikiru Alimi put them ahead in the 76th minute. Alimi struck powerfully from outside the penalty area to give Kano Pillars the advantage.

Kun Khalifat FC responded late, with Ebuka Okoro restoring parity in the 90th minute to ensure the hosts collected a point.

The result means Kano Pillars, also known as the Sai Masu Gida, have gone four matches without defeat. Although they were unable to secure a third consecutive league win, the draw lifted them to second place in the table.

Kano Pillars now have 19 points from 12 matches.

Kun Khalifat FC also improved their league position following the result, moving up to 15th place.

Tim Iroegbunam believes Hull City can cause a major upset when they face Premier League champions Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Sergej Jakirovic’s side will travel to north London encouraged by a series of competitive performances this season, including a 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The Tigers also shared four goals with Ipswich Town in their most recent match, with Iroegbunam among the scorers in an entertaining contest.

The midfielder now expects Hull City to approach their meeting with Arsenal believing another strong display could earn them an unexpected victory.

Iroegbunam backs Hull City to challenge favourites

Arsenal will start as the clear favourites, but Iroegbunam said Hull City would not make the journey simply to fulfil their fixture.

“That’s one of those games where they’re expected to win almost, so we’ll just give it our all,” Iroegbunam told Hull Live.

“It’s not like it hasn’t been done before; like they haven’t been beaten, it’s possible. We’ll give it our all, and we’ll see what happens.”

Hull City have already shown they can compete with Premier League opposition this season after earning a point at Stamford Bridge. Their draw with Ipswich Town in the previous game also provided Iroegbunam with the opportunity to contribute on the scoresheet before Saturday’s demanding assignment.

The former Premier League champions’ status means Arsenal will carry the pressure of expectation into the match, while Hull City can attempt to take advantage of their underdog position.

Midfielder points to Premier League unpredictability

Iroegbunam said the strength of Arsenal’s squad would not alter Hull City’s ambition. He argued that results in the Premier League cannot be taken for granted, regardless of the teams involved.

“We know they’re a good side, but in the Premier League, anyone can beat anyone. We’ll go into the game looking to win, as we do with every game, and whatever happens will happen,” he added.

That mindset will guide Hull City at Emirates Stadium, where Jakirovic’s team will seek to build on their earlier performances against top-flight opponents. Iroegbunam’s comments underline the belief within the squad that Arsenal can be challenged, despite the hosts being expected to secure the result.

The match will take place on Saturday afternoon, with Hull City aiming to turn their confidence and recent attacking contribution into one of the season’s biggest results.