Fresh concerns have emerged among Nigeria Premier Football League referees over outstanding match indemnities and welfare issues, with the latest administrative changes in Nigerian football raising questions about who will now take responsibility for settling the payments, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Several match officials are understood to be awaiting payments from the 2025/26 NPFL season, including indemnities and allowances linked to league fixtures and matches involving the President’s Federation Cup.

The officials had raised the issue of unpaid allowances before the start of the 2026/27 campaign. However, the removal of the NPFL board by the interim leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation as part of the ongoing administrative changes has reportedly created uncertainty over the authority that will address the outstanding financial obligations.

The situation has also revived concerns over other welfare matters previously raised by referees with the league authorities.

It is the second time in 2026 that match officials have publicly complained about unpaid indemnities. In January, reports emerged that referees, match commissioners and referee assessors were owed payments covering around 11 matchdays before some of the outstanding allowances were eventually cleared.

Referees’ basic matchday indemnities are reportedly between N60,000 and N90,000, excluding accommodation and transportation allowances.

Ahead of the current season, the officials also complained about an alleged directive requiring each referee to pay N50,000 for uniforms, with the payment deadline reportedly set for the end of August.

The referees further accused the league’s Referees Committee of victimisation in the selection and retention of officials, claiming that some experienced referees had been dropped despite being below the stipulated age limit and passing the required fitness tests.

“So the victimisation continued in the NRA? As Nigeria league is starting, they asked all referees to pay N50,000 each for a uniform, with a deadline of the end of August.

“And these referees were not paid for last season’s matches,” the officials said in a statement obtained by The PUNCH.

The officials also questioned the decision to remove referees based on the number of years they had spent officiating in the NPFL.

“How will the ref committee remove a referee from the NPFL for being in the league for long, even when he hasn’t reached 45 years? Isn’t that wickedness?

“So long as the ref can run and pass fitness, why remove him by force on the grounds of the number of years spent in the league? Is it a crime to stay long, remain fit, and do well in the Nigerian league as a referee?

“Why are we so wicked to our system? Many referees cannot write, yet you allow them and remove those who have been consistent for years through discipline and hard work. Is this how to reward hard work in the Nigerian league as a referee?”

Checks by The PUNCH reportedly indicated that some officials were still expecting payments dating back to Matchday 26 of the 2025/26 NPFL season.

Acting President of the Nigeria Referees Association, Kelechi Mejuobi, declined to comment directly on the alleged outstanding payments and referred enquiries to the league organisers.

“NRA cannot talk until you hear from the NPFL. They are the league organisers,” Mejuobi told The PUNCH.

The NPFL has previously maintained that outstanding referees’ indemnities had been settled, but some officials have continued to dispute that position, insisting that payments for certain fixtures remain unpaid.

That conflicting position has now taken on added significance following the latest changes to the administration of Nigerian football, with referees seeking clarity on both the outstanding payments and the authority responsible for resolving them.

The issue comes as the NPFL begins the 2026/27 season under a new three-year title sponsorship agreement with Poland-based investment group EuroMatch.

The agreement, unveiled ahead of the campaign, is reportedly worth $7.5 million over three years, equivalent to $2.5 million annually.

Under the reported terms, 60 per cent of the annual sponsorship revenue, approximately $1.5 million, is expected to be distributed among the league’s 20 participating clubs.

With fresh commercial revenue entering the NPFL while Nigerian football undergoes wider administrative reforms, match officials will be watching closely for clarification from the interim authorities and the league’s new administrative structure on when their outstanding indemnities and other welfare obligations will be addressed.

Inter Lagos face Doma United on 5 September at 15:00 GMT, with both teams looking for an early result after starting the season without scoring. The match gives Inter Lagos an opportunity to respond to their recent defeat, while Doma United arrive with a winning result behind them.

The two sides have scored 0 goals this season, leaving the opening stages of this fixture finely balanced. Neither team has established an attacking advantage from the available figures, so the first goal could have a major influence on the outcome.

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

Assists: (Inter Lagos) — 0 assists, (Doma United) — 0 assists.Goalkeepers saves: (Inter Lagos) — 0, (Doma United) — 0Tackles: (Inter Lagos) — 0, (Doma United) — 0.Most encounters won: (Inter Lagos) — 0, (Doma United) — 0.

Top 5 scorers this season:

(0)

(0)

Team statistics:

Inter Lagos’ recent form is listed as L, while Doma United’s is W. That contrast gives the visitors a slight psychological advantage before kick-off, although the match itself will be decided by how effectively each side handles the pressure of the opening exchanges.

The five previous matches played by the teams:

Inter Lagos — LDoma United — W

Inter Lagos will aim to use home advantage to produce a stronger performance and put their recent loss behind them. With no goals recorded this season, the immediate priority will be to improve their threat in the final third and create clearer opportunities around the penalty area.

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

IntervalsGoal Scored, %Goals conceded, %0-15100.00%50.00%16-30 50.00%31-45 46-6061-7576-9091-105

Doma United has the following time frames of scoring and conceding goals:

Intervals

Goal Scored, %

Goals conceded, %

0-15

50.00%

16-30

50.00%

31-45

46-60

61-75

76-90

91-105

Head-to-head stats:

Teams

Games

Win

Draws

Losses

H

A

H

A

H

A

Inter Lagos

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Doma United

0

0

0

0

0

0

Probabilities before the match:

Inter Lagos

Doma United

33.0%

Winning the game33.0%

33%Attack potential

33%0%

Potential in defense0%

0%Strength against each other

0%0%

Goal Potential0%

Summary: the probability of Doma United winning – 50%, draw – 50%, loss – 0. Thus Inter Lagos, most likely, loss (loss or draw)

Goal Forecast:Inter Lagos, is likely to score -1.5 goals, Doma United 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 Inter Lagos and Doma United will take place on September 05 at 15:00 (GMT) at the stadium .

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has postponed the Matchday 2 Lagos derby between Sporting Lagos and Ikorodu City, with a new date yet to be announced, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The fixture was initially scheduled for Sunday, September 6, 2026, with kick-off set for 4:00 p.m. at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos.

The postponement comes amid a challenging stadium arrangement in Lagos, where three NPFL clubs, Sporting Lagos, Ikorodu City and Inter Lagos, are all using the Mobolaji Johnson Arena as their home venue during the 2026/27 campaign.

With the three teams sharing the same facility, clashes in their respective home schedules have become a possibility, particularly when league fixtures are arranged within a short period.

The development means supporters will have to wait longer for what was expected to be one of the early highlights of the new NPFL season, with the derby anticipated to draw considerable attention from football fans across Lagos.

The fixture also carries added importance as all three Lagos-based clubs continue to strengthen their presence in Nigeria's top flight, creating increased competition for supporters and football identity within the state.

Sporting Lagos will be hoping to maintain a strong start to the campaign as they continue their rise among Nigeria's emerging clubs, while Ikorodu City will be keen to make further progress after establishing themselves in the NPFL.

Inter Lagos' presence in the league has further complicated the use of the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, with the three clubs depending on the same venue for their home matches.

The NPFL organisers are now expected to find a suitable alternative date that works for both Sporting Lagos and Ikorodu City while also taking the stadium's availability into consideration.

A new date for the Lagos derby is expected to be communicated by the league authorities in due course.

Until then, both clubs will turn their attention to their other fixtures as the 2026/27 NPFL season continues.

Abia Warriors were forced to settle for a point after playing out a goalless draw against Oriental rivals Kun Khalifat FC of Owerri in their opening 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League fixture at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The Matchday One encounter was eventually played on Monday, August 31, after heavy rainfall had left the pitch unplayable on the original matchday on Sunday.

Despite enjoying home advantage, Abia Warriors struggled to create meaningful opportunities during the opening stages, with Kun Khalifat maintaining a compact defensive shape to frustrate their opponents.

Warriors head coach Imama Amapakabo handed competitive debuts to six recruits, with Kelvin Ihunwo, Osimaga Duke, Effimi Nsi, Emmanuel Nnaji, Seyi Oguntayo and Chidiebere Nnachi all included in the starting lineup.

It was the third meeting between the two sides, but neither team gained the upper hand as the first half ended without a goal.

Abia Warriors came out with greater purpose after the restart and increased the pressure on the visitors.

Amapakabo made his first changes in the 73rd minute, introducing Innocent Godwin and Ikoi Ettah for Duke and Nnachi to inject more attacking energy into his side.

The substitutions immediately added urgency to the Warriors' play as the hosts began to dominate possession and push forward in search of a breakthrough.

Chinedu Iwueze was brought on two minutes later for Nnaji as Abia Warriors continued to increase the pressure on the Owerri-based side.

However, the home team failed to make their dominance count, with poor finishing costing them a chance to secure maximum points.

Their best opportunity came deep into stoppage time when Israel Joseph produced a curling effort that looked destined to find the net.

Kun Khalifat goalkeeper Akuchie Obinna, however, reacted brilliantly to keep out the attempt and preserve a valuable point for the visitors.

Akuchie was one of the standout performers for Kun Khalifat, making several important saves throughout the encounter as Abia Warriors struggled to find a way through the visitors' defence.

The goalless result means both teams begin the new NPFL campaign with a point, although Abia Warriors will be disappointed not to have converted their late pressure into a winning goal.

Abia Warriors will now shift attention to their next league assignment when they travel to Kaduna to face newly promoted Ranchers Bees.

Warri Wolves head coach Hassan Abdallah has blamed defensive lapses for his side’s 2-1 defeat to Bendel Insurance in their opening 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League fixture at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

The Seasiders took an early lead through Towo Eventus just four minutes into the South-South derby, but Bendel Insurance levelled through Kayode Oke Solomon in the 20th minute before Alex Oweiyalefa scored the winning goal two minutes after the restart.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Abdallah admitted that his defenders failed to meet expectations and that the team’s inability to protect their early advantage contributed to the defeat.

“We scored in the early stage (four minutes) of the match. But unfortunately, we couldn’t hold on to the lead until the end of the first half,” Abdallah said.

“I saw some technical faults in our central defenders, which I’m going to work on with a view to correcting them,” he added.

The former Heartland coach also defended his decision to field a largely youthful squad, explaining that his football philosophy places emphasis on energy, speed and the development of young players.

“As you rightly said, I paraded a bunch of very, very young players. The point is, I’m trying to prove some points that football now is a game of energy. And for you to be able to move faster and quicker, you must be within the age range of between 18–20 years. And that’s why I paraded a team of young players,” he said.

Abdallah further praised his players for following his tactical instructions despite the defeat, particularly in the way they built attacks from the back.

“But then, my motivation to them is that I’ve got my own philosophy. I always like my team to knock the ball right from the middle (midfield) and then put it at the sides (flanks), and then square the ball and score.

“They followed the instruction. They did very well, as you could see. They played as a team right from the build-up, from the goalkeeper through to the midfield and then to the attack. We had some chances, but we couldn’t convert them.”

Warri Wolves will now look to address their defensive shortcomings and secure their first points of the new NPFL campaign in their next fixture.

Rivers United Technical Manager Finidi George has expressed satisfaction with his side’s impressive 2-0 victory over Plateau United in their opening 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League fixture at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Omagwa, near Port Harcourt, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

The former Nigeria international and Ajax Amsterdam winger said the Pride of Rivers showed significant improvement in both attack and defence after scoring twice and keeping a clean sheet.

“I feel very good, you know. Normally, we’re a team that scores one goal (in a match), and we try to defend it,” Finidi said at the post-match press conference.

“But this time around, we quickly scored two goals and got a lot of chances that could have been converted, but we couldn’t.

“But I think we defended very well and I’m quite happy the team is looking good. But we’ll keep pushing them until we see where we’ll end up in the season.”

Finidi also praised Rivers United’s recruitment during the transfer window, insisting the club has assembled a stronger, younger squad than last season.

“If you look at our recruitment, it’s quite better than that of last season,” he said.

“The players are much younger and better, so we hope, come next (this) Saturday, we’ll be able to get a good result in Côte d’Ivoire against FC San Pedro.”

Rivers United will now switch attention to continental football as they prepare for their CAF Champions League preliminary-round first-leg clash against Ivorian side FC San Pedro on Saturday, September 5, 2026.

The Pride of Rivers are one of Nigeria’s two representatives in this season’s CAF Champions League. They will travel to Côte d’Ivoire seeking another positive result after their winning start to the NPFL campaign.

Ikorodu City made a flying start to the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season, coming from behind to defeat newly promoted Ranchers Bees 3-1 and move to the top of the table, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

Ranchers Bees stunned the hosts by taking the lead in the seventh minute, but Umar Dan’Azumi restored parity for the Oga Boys in the 30th minute.

Ikorodu City completed the turnaround just before half-time when Abayomi Ayodeji found the net, before Farouk Salami converted a penalty in the 87th minute to seal a 3-1 victory.

Elsewhere, Rivers United announced their intentions with a convincing 2-0 home victory over Plateau United in Port Harcourt. Abdulrasheed Dabai opened the scoring in the sixth minute before Wasiu Falolu doubled the advantage in the 38th minute, handing last season’s runners-up a comfortable start.

Kwara United produced one of the weekend’s biggest comebacks, recovering from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Kano Pillars in Ilorin. Shola Abdulraheem gave Pillars an early lead in the 12th minute before Rabiu Ali doubled the advantage 17 minutes later.

Alex Jerry reduced the deficit two minutes after the restart, before completing the comeback with a dramatic equaliser in the seventh minute of stoppage time.

Bendel Insurance also came from behind to defeat Warri Wolves 2-1. Eventus Itolowo put Wolves ahead in the fifth minute, but Kayode Oke levelled from the penalty spot in the 20th minute. Alex Oweilayefa then scored two minutes into the second half to complete Insurance’s comeback.

In Minna, Niger Tornadoes edged Enyimba 2-1. Aliyu Goyi gave the hosts the lead in the 40th minute, while Wonah Williams restored parity for Enyimba in the 71st minute. Michael Olalusi, however, struck seven minutes later to secure all three points for Tornadoes.

Barau FC also enjoyed a winning NPFL debut, defeating Nasarawa United 3-1. Joseph Atule opened the scoring in the 15th minute, while Abubakar Abdullahi equalised for Nasarawa five minutes later.

Barau regained the lead through Al’Amin Umar in the 78th minute before Sugau Aliyu added a third four minutes later. Atule’s early goal also marked the beginning of his pursuit of a personal target of 20 goals this season.

Reigning champions Rangers were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Katsina United at their adopted home ground in Abeokuta. Luis Dadong put Katsina ahead in the 38th minute before Chibueze Oputa rescued a point for Rangers in the seventh minute of added time.

Rangers’ equaliser came after Katsina United goalkeeper parried Oputa’s effort into his own net.

Meanwhile, Doma United marked their return to the NPFL with a 2-0 victory over fellow returnees Sporting Lagos in Gombe. Sadiq Rilwan opened the scoring in the eighth minute before Daniel Simon added the second in the 75th minute to complete a winning return for the hosts.

With the opening round producing goals, comebacks and late drama, Ikorodu City emerge as the early pace-setters in the 2026/27 NPFL campaign.

Matchday 1 results:

Shooting Stars 2-1 Inter Lagos

Abia Warriors 0-0 Kun Khalifat FC

Kwara United 2-2 Kano Pillars

Barau FC 3-1 Nasarawa United

Bendel Insurance 2-1 Warri Wolves

Rangers 1-1 Katsina United

Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Enyimba

Ikorodu City 3-1 Ranchers Bees

Doma United 2-0 Sporting Lagos

Rivers United 2-0 Plateau United

Shooting Stars head coach Salisu Yusuf has immediately shifted his attention to the CAF Confederation Cup after guiding the Oluyole Warriors to a winning start in the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season, Nigeriasoccernet.com.

Shooting Stars defeated newly promoted Inter Lagos 2-1 at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan on Friday, with goals from Lucky Emmanuel and Sodiq Ibrahim securing maximum points and handing the club their first opening-day victory in three years.

Lucky opened the scoring in the 14th minute before Inter Lagos captain Uchenna Njoku restored parity seven minutes later. The hosts continued to search for a second goal, with Desmond and Lucky coming close before the latter was brought down inside the box on the stroke of half-time.

Sodiq Ibrahim stepped up to convert the resulting penalty and restore Shooting Stars’ lead heading into the break. The Oluyole Warriors held firm after the restart to secure all three points.

Yusuf, however, believes the encounter will serve as useful preparation for the club’s continental assignment against CS Sfaxien on Saturday in Abeokuta.

“We are going to play on the continent next in Abeokuta, and our focus is there at the moment. We will see how we can get the team to play better than this,” Yusuf said.

“This game will give them more match fitness, and that will help us in our next game.”

The Shooting Stars coach also hinted at the possible inclusion of former Rivers United goalkeeper Victor Sochima in the squad for their CAF Confederation Cup campaign.

“Sochima trained with us and he brings good experience that can help the team,” Yusuf added.

Shooting Stars will now look to carry their positive domestic start into their continental campaign as they prepare for the first-leg encounter with CS Sfaxien.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Dr Ayo Abdulrahaman as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The appointment takes immediate effect as the 2026/27 NPFL season gets underway, with Shooting Stars hosting newly promoted Inter Lagos at the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan for the opening fixture.

Abdulrahaman holds a doctorate in Sports Administration and brings considerable experience in football organisation and administration to the role. He has worked across different levels of Nigeria’s domestic league system, giving him extensive knowledge of league operations.

NFF Interim General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, MON, said Abdulrahaman’s appointment followed the federation’s directive of Thursday, August 27, which ordered Board Members, Chief Executive Officers and Chief Operating Officers of the various leagues who are not NFF staff to vacate their positions.

The directive is part of the NFF’s ongoing administrative restructuring of the country’s domestic competitions.

Abdulrahaman will now oversee the day-to-day operations of the NPFL as the new campaign begins under the restructured administrative arrangement.

Shooting Stars opened their 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League campaign with a 2-1 victory over newly promoted Inter Lagos at the Adamasingba Stadium on Friday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Oluyole Warriors took the lead in the 15th minute through Lucky Emmanuel, but Inter Lagos quickly responded as Damilare Adigun equalised seven minutes later.

Shooting Stars restored their advantage in the second minute of first-half added time after Sodiq Ibrahim converted from the penalty spot to give the hosts a 2-1 lead at the break.

Inter Lagos pushed for an equaliser after the restart, but Shooting Stars remained resolute to secure maximum points in their opening fixture of the season.

The hosts also enjoyed the better share of possession, recording 58 percent and registering 11 shots, including four on target. Inter Lagos managed five shots, with only one finding the target.

The result gives Shooting Stars an early boost in the new campaign, while Inter Lagos will hope to respond positively in their next fixture.

Kwara United head coach Suleiman Ashifat has declared the Harmony Boys ready for the new Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season after their 2-0 friendly victory over Crown FC of Ogbomoso, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Ashifat spoke after Wednesday’s preseason fixture, which was organised to allow supporters to assess the team following their three-week training tour.

“The league is here already, and we have no excuse not to declare our readiness for the season. Today’s friendly was organised for our fans to assess the team after three weeks on the road for preseason,” Ashifat said.

Kwara United recently returned from a preseason tournament in Kano, where they finished as runners-up after losing to Ranchers Bees on penalties in the final.

The coach explained that the victory over Crown FC was another important part of the club’s preparations, while noting that the technical team still has some areas to address before the opening league fixture.

Ashifat also called on Kwara United supporters to turn out in large numbers for their first league match at home against Kano Pillars.

“We promised to give our best and secure maximum points for Kwara State. We need the twelfth man behind us,” he said.

Kwara United will begin their NPFL campaign against Kano Pillars at the Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin, with the Harmony Boys aiming to start the season on a winning note.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has directed the chairmen, appointed directors and chief executive officers of the country’s major domestic leagues to hand over the administration of their respective competitions to their Chief Operating Officers (COOs), Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The directive affects the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) and Nationwide League One (NLO).

Under the interim arrangement, the leagues will be administered by COOs who are members of the NFF staff as the federation seeks to ensure continuity in the running of domestic football.

Where the current COO of any of the affected leagues is not an NFF staff member, the Acting General Secretary has been instructed to deploy a new COO from within the federation.

The move comes as the NFF begins a wider transition process and engages with FIFA, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the government and other stakeholders over proposed reforms to the administration and structure of Nigerian football.

The federation said the temporary measures are aimed at preventing disruptions to league activities while discussions on a comprehensive reform roadmap continue.

“These interim measures are intended to ensure continuity in the administration of Nigerian football during the transition and pending conclusion of engagements with FIFA, CAF, Government and stakeholders to design a roadmap towards the comprehensive reforms envisaged for Nigeria football, and the next steps for activation,” the NFF stated.

The federation stressed that the new arrangements are temporary, adding that further decisions will be announced as the reform process progresses.

“Further changes and directives will be communicated in due course,” the NFF added.

The development could signal the beginning of a major restructuring of the administrative framework governing Nigeria’s domestic leagues, with further details expected as consultations between the NFF and relevant stakeholders continue.

The Abia State Government has commenced the reconstruction of the Umuahia Township Stadium as part of efforts to improve sports infrastructure and facilities across the state, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

The development comes ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, with Abia Warriors set to temporarily move away from their traditional home ground.

The Umuahia-based club have adopted Elephant Park in Aba as their temporary home venue for the upcoming NPFL campaign.

The stadium is expected to undergo extensive rehabilitation aimed at upgrading its facilities and creating a more suitable environment for football and other sporting activities upon completion.

Abia Warriors will therefore play their home matches at Elephant Park, Aba, while reconstruction work continues at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Amas Obasogie has expressed his delight after returning to Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Bendel Insurance, describing the move as a homecoming, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

The shot-stopper previously featured for the Benin Arsenal before leaving the club several seasons ago to pursue a new challenge. He has now returned to the Edo-based outfit with more experience and renewed determination.

Obasogie reflected on his return in a message shared on Instagram.

“Back to where part of my journey began,” the goalkeeper wrote.

“Sometimes, life takes you away so you can grow, learn, and become stronger. Today, I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to my former team not just as a player, but with more experience, hunger, and determination.

“I’m ready to give my all for the badge, the team, and the supporters. Back home, back to work. Let the journey continue.”

The return of Obasogie is expected to provide Bendel Insurance with valuable experience and strengthen their squad as the club prepares for the new NPFL season.

Niger Tornadoes have conducted Electrocardiogram (ECG) tests on their players as part of preparations for the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

The medical exercise is part of the league’s registration requirements and is aimed at assessing the cardiac health of the players ahead of the new campaign. The tests will help determine the players’ medical fitness and ensure they are cleared to participate in the NPFL.

The Minna-based club will continue preparations for the new season while working to complete all necessary registration and medical requirements before the commencement of the campaign.

Super Eagles defender Ryan Alebiosu has expressed his frustration over the controversial penalty decision that denied Blackburn Rovers victory in their 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers in their Championship opener at Molineux on Friday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Alebiosu, who was named Player of the Match after an impressive full-match display, was at the centre of the late controversy when referee Farai Hallam awarded Wolves a penalty after the ball struck his arm from a Jackson Tchatchoua cross.

Replays appeared to suggest that the incident occurred outside the penalty area, but with VAR unavailable in the EFL, the decision stood. Raul Jimenez subsequently converted the spot-kick on his return to Wolves to rescue a point for the hosts.

Wolves had taken an 18th-minute lead through Marshall Munetsi before Sean McLoughlin equalised for Blackburn. Andri Gudjohnsen then put the visitors ahead three minutes into the second half, only for Jimenez's late penalty to level the scores.

Alebiosu admitted he was disappointed with the decision but insisted he believed he was outside the box.

“We’re frustrated. The boys have done everything to get the three points. The ball has been played, and I thought I was outside the box. Obviously the decision has gone against us,” he said.

Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray also questioned the decision after the match, suggesting the incident appeared to have taken place outside the area.

“Having watched the still pictures, it looks outside the box to me. If it hits him on the hand and it is away from his body, I suppose in modern-day football (it is a penalty). But it still looks outside the box to me,” Mowbray said.

Despite the frustrating outcome, Alebiosu was encouraged by Blackburn’s performance and believes the team can compete near the top of the Championship if they maintain the same standard.

“The boys dug deep, and we thought we had it. Just the final details with the penalty is frustrating. If we play like that every week, we will go far in the table.”

Blackburn will now search for their first victory of the new campaign when they welcome Middlesbrough to Ewood Park next weekend.

The Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) will organise its annual seminar for assessors, referees and assistant referees ahead of the new Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, with the programme scheduled to take place in Abuja from August 15 to 29, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The seminar is expected to provide match officials with comprehensive preparation ahead of the new campaign, with participants set to undergo physical fitness tests, technical sessions, practical exercises and assessments.

The NRA said the programme is designed to ensure referees and assistant referees are physically and technically ready to handle the demands of the upcoming NPFL season.

The seminar will also allow assessors to review key officiating standards and ensure match officials are adequately equipped before the league gets underway.

Rivers United assistant coach Yemi Olanrewaju has reaffirmed his commitment to the club despite reports linking him with a possible move to other Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) sides, including Shooting Stars, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

Olanrewaju said he enjoys a strong working relationship with Rivers United and head coach Finidi George, adding that preparations have intensified ahead of the 2026/27 NPFL season.

The former Shooting Stars target admitted that he has great admiration for the Ibadan club and its project, but stressed that he intends to honour his current contract with Rivers United.

“I am a coach with credibility and values, and there are many things I hold in high esteem, and one of them is Respect. I love Shooting and its project, and we have had contacts in the past, and it is a club I will always consider, but for now, my focus and everything is with Rivers as I would like to honour my contract till the end of the season.”

Olanrewaju also praised the Rivers United hierarchy for the trust and support they have shown him since his arrival.

“I don’t like to abandon a contract and run halfway. Rivers United management have been so good and kind to me, and the trust they place in me is unbelievable, and also my boss, ElFINITO.”

While keeping the door open to a future return to Shooting Stars, the coach insisted that there is currently no reason for him to look beyond Rivers United.

“Shooting Stars is a club I will always feel honoured to be linked with or mentioned with. If the opportunity comes again in the future, I'll be glad to consider it, as I believe the union will be massive.”

Olanrewaju's comments effectively put the current speculation to rest, with the Rivers United assistant coach focused on helping the Port Harcourt club achieve its objectives in the coming campaign.

Former Shooting Stars head coach Nurudeen Aweroro has denied allegations that he collected money from players during his time at the club, insisting that anyone making such claims should provide evidence.

Aweroro left the Oluyole Warriors by mutual consent last Saturday after guiding the Ibadan club to third place in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, securing their first continental qualification in 27 years. NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The coach’s departure also affected assistant coach Shakiru Lawal and team manager Tammy Tamuno, while the club prepares for its return to the CAF Confederation Cup, where they have been drawn against Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien.

Speaking on Yoruba sports programme Gbagede Ere Idaraya with Sola Aiyegbajeje in Ibadan, Aweroro strongly rejected the allegations.

“Any player who has said I used to take money from them should come forward with the evidence. If they are able to present any evidence, that means I am truly guilty,” Aweroro said.

He explained that while some players occasionally wanted to appreciate him financially, he never demanded money from them.

Aweroro cited Qamar Adegoke, who was struggling for goals at the time, saying he prayed for the striker and challenged him to score at least 10 goals. According to the coach, when Adegoke wanted to send him money, he instructed him to give it to the fans instead.

He also mentioned Alade Balogun, whom he brought from Ikorodu City, as another player who could confirm that he never requested financial favours from him.

“You see these players, there are some among them that I give money to, and there are some that I buy boots for.”

Aweroro also revealed that his time at Shooting Stars came with considerable pressure, despite achieving the club's objective of securing continental football.

The coach disclosed that he experienced a serious health scare during his time in charge and was advised by doctors to rest, but remained focused on achieving the club's target.

Meanwhile, Shooting Stars are reportedly considering former Rangers coach Imama Amapakabo for the vacant position. The 57-year-old, who guided Rangers to the NPFL title in 2016, is reportedly open to the move, although negotiations with Abia Warriors would still need to be concluded.

Former Super Eagles assistant coach Salisu Yusuf is also believed to be among the leading candidates for the job.

Shooting Stars will begin their 2026/27 NPFL campaign against Inter Lagos in Ibadan on August 28 before turning their attention to their CAF Confederation Cup tie against CS Sfaxien.

Katsina United have clarified the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of their player Chinedu Ozor, who collapsed during a pre-season match against Niger Tornadoes in Katsina on Tuesday, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Ozor reportedly collapsed during the Gusau/Ahlan Pre-season Cup encounter at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead by a doctor.

The club subsequently announced his death through its official communication channels. However, reports later emerged that the player had been moved from the morgue to an intensive care unit after medical personnel noticed movements in parts of his body.

Katsina United media officer Nasir Gide confirmed that Ozor was initially taken to Katsina General Hospital after being pronounced dead at another facility.

“When we rushed him to a nearby hospital, he was confirmed dead by a doctor. We collected a police report and took him back to Katsina General Hospital, where he was also said to be dead. They took his body to the morgue there,” Gide said.

“Later, the medical personnel informed us that he had been taken back to the ICU from the morgue when they noticed movements in his body.”

However, Katsina United issued a further statement on Wednesday to dispel reports that Ozor had regained consciousness, explaining that his family had requested additional medical confirmation before his body was taken to the morgue.

“Despite the efforts that followed, Chinedu sadly passed away,” the club stated.

The club also urged the public to disregard reports suggesting that the player had returned to life.

“We have seen reports claiming that Chinedu later regained consciousness or ‘came back to life.’ We understand that people desperately wanted this to be true. We all did. But sadly, those reports are not true.”

Katsina United said Ozor’s family had been overwhelmed by shock and continued to hope that further medical checks could produce a different outcome.

Heartland FC, Ozor’s former club, also paid tribute to the player following his death.

“Chinedu Ozor: You fought the good fight. You tried your best and strove to make the most of what we thought was a second chance you were given, but sadly, you could not make it.”

Meanwhile, Barau FC, one of the teams involved in the pre-season tournament, has reiterated its decision to withdraw from the competition, citing concerns over its organisation and the decision to continue the tournament following the incident.

The tragedy has once again raised questions about medical preparedness and emergency response at football venues in Nigeria.

Ozor’s death comes exactly one year after Shooting Stars assistant coach Akin Olowokere collapsed and died during a training session on August 11, 2025.

The Nigerian football community was also shaken in March 2020 when Nasarawa United defender Chineme Martins, 23, died after collapsing during a league match against Katsina United.

Following Martins’ death, the Nigeria Football Federation directed that league matches should not be played at venues without adequate medical equipment and personnel. Match commissioners and host football associations were also instructed to inspect and test medical facilities before approving venues for matches.