Sporting Lagos and Barau FC played out a 1-1 draw in Match Round 6 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), with both sides scoring once after the interval of a closely contested encounter.

Sporting Lagos

Barau FC

Sporting Lagos

M. Azibato (L. Adigun, 46)

Barau FC

J. Atule gave Barau FC the lead in the 35th minute before S. Ayoade equalised for Sporting Lagos 26 minutes later.

Passes:

The result leaves both teams with a point from a match in which neither side was able to establish a clear statistical advantage.

Defense:

Barau FC broke the deadlock when Atule found the net in the 35th minute to put the visitors 1-0 ahead.

Face-to-face:

Sporting Lagos responded after the break and were rewarded when Ayoade scored in the 61st minute to restore parity.

Penalties in a match:

J. Atule (Barau FC) at 35 minute

Sporting Lagos - DWLWLBarau FC - DWDWW

Sporting Lagos will play with Ikorodu City. September 30 at 15:00 (GMT), on Mobolaji Johnson Arena.Barau FC will play with Bendel Insurance. October 04 at 15:00 (GMT), on Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have resumed training ahead of Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau, following their hard-fought 2-1 victory over Madagascar.

Eric Chelle’s squad held a light recovery session on Saturday at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

All 24 players in camp took part as Nigeria began preparations for the journey to Bissau and their second Group L fixture.

The Super Eagles are expected to increase the intensity of their work on Sunday before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for the match against the Djurtus.

The game will be played at the Estadio Nacional 24 de Setembro in Bissau on Tuesday.

Nigeria began their qualifying campaign with a narrow win over Madagascar, but Guinea-Bissau moved to the top of Group L after beating Tanzania 2-0 in their opening match.

As a result, Guinea-Bissau lead the section on goal difference, with Nigeria in second place.

The other Group L fixture on Tuesday will see Madagascar host Tanzania.

George Ilenikhena says he is proud to have made his senior Nigeria debut in the Super Eagles’ 2-1 victory over Madagascar in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.

The 20-year-old forward was handed his first appearance for the national side on Friday and made an immediate impact by scoring Nigeria’s equaliser late in the first half.

Madagascar had taken the lead through Kari Eshan, but Ilenikhena’s goal brought the Super Eagles level before the interval.

Moses Usor, introduced as a substitute, completed Nigeria’s comeback when he scored the winning goal 25 minutes from full time.

Ilenikhena said he would continue working hard for the national team after making his international breakthrough.

“Proud to have made my debut with the national team. We keep working,” the young forward wrote on X.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has praised Moses Usor for the goal that helped Nigeria begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with victory over Madagascar.

Usor made his Super Eagles debut in Friday’s Group L matchday-one fixture in Uyo, entering the game in the 61st minute as a substitute for Samuel Chukwueze.

Just four minutes later, the winger gave Nigeria the lead at 2-1 with an impressive individual effort. Usor collected the ball inside his own half before driving towards the left flank and progressing into the Madagascar penalty area.

He then beat two defenders before sending a low left-footed shot into the net.

CAF highlighted the goal on X, describing it as: “A one-man show from Moses Usor, finished in style on Nigeria’s road through the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2027 qualifiers. ????”

The strike came on a notable debut for Usor, who will hope to produce another influential display when the Super Eagles return to qualifying action against Guinea-Bissau on matchday two on Tuesday, September 29.

Nigeria’s other debutant, George Ilenikhena, was also on the scoresheet. He equalised for the Eagles one minute into first-half added time.

The result gave the Super Eagles a winning start in Group L, with Usor’s goal providing the decisive moment after he was introduced from the bench.

Usor’s performance has drawn recognition from CAF after the 22-year-old made an immediate impact in his first appearance for Nigeria.

Moses Usor marked his first appearance for Nigeria with the winning goal as the Super Eagles began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo on Friday.

The LASK winger came off the bench to settle a closely contested match, completing Nigeria’s comeback four minutes after being introduced in the second half.

Madagascar had taken a surprise lead in the 16th minute when Kari Eshan found the net. Nigeria responded before the interval, with Al-Ittihad striker George Ilenikhena scoring shortly before half-time to restore parity.

Usor replaced Samuel Chukwueze in the 61st minute and made an immediate impact. The 24-year-old collected the ball inside Nigeria’s half before carrying it forward and weaving his way into the Madagascar penalty area.

He then kept his composure to finish at the near post, putting Nigeria in front and securing victory in their opening qualifying fixture.

The goal capped a memorable international debut for Usor, who later expressed his appreciation to the Nigeria coaching staff, his team-mates and the supporters.

“What a moment! Grateful for my scoring debut and for the trust and support from the coaching staff, my teammates, and the fans. This one means a lot!” Usor wrote on his Instagram page.

His goal ensured the Super Eagles recovered from conceding first and opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with three points.

Former Nigeria international Victor Ikpeba says Stanley Nwabali has established himself as the Super Eagles’ number one goalkeeper ahead of Maduka Okoye.

Ikpeba was speaking after Nigeria began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

The former forward believes Nwabali’s composure, leadership and ability to produce decisive saves in important matches have given him a clear advantage in the competition for the goalkeeper’s position.

Nwabali, who plays for Chippa United, was beaten early in the match after Madagascar broke through Nigeria’s offside trap. However, Ikpeba said the goalkeeper’s overall performance and control of the game outweighed that mistake.

“Credit to Nwabali, he’s the number one goalkeeper for the national team. In my opinion, he’s better than Maduka,” Ikpeba told SuperSports.

“People at home might disagree, but he’s the number one goalkeeper for the national team.”

Ikpeba also praised Nwabali for keeping Nigeria ahead when he denied a Madagascar attacker in a one-on-one situation.

“He showed that attribute again, the belief, the determination, ‘I’m going to stop the lad’,” he said.

“Yes, the Madagascar attacker should have done better if he had a technique like me in my days.”

The former Nigeria striker said the save was particularly important because Madagascar could have changed the outcome of the match had they scored at that stage.

“He prevented our embarrassment because at that moment, had it been 2-1, the match’s conclusion remains uncertain,” Ikpeba added.

“The result might have concluded 2-2 or resulted in our defeat 2-1.”

Although he acknowledged the importance of maintaining depth within the squad, Ikpeba said Nwabali had repeatedly taken his chances at international level and moved ahead of Okoye in the pecking order.

Nwabali’s latest display came after he helped Nigeria qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where his performances further increased his profile as the team’s leading goalkeeper.

Ikpeba’s assessment follows a match in which Nigeria had to withstand pressure from Madagascar after taking the lead. The Super Eagles ultimately held on to secure all three points in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The victory also gave Nigeria an early advantage in their qualifying campaign, while Nwabali’s performance has added to the ongoing discussion over who should occupy the position for the national team.

Rivers United technical adviser Finidi George says his team are better equipped for this season’s Nigeria Premier Football League campaign after making an unbeaten start.

The Port Harcourt club finished runners-up to Rangers last season but have taken 10 points from their opening four matches and sit second in the table.

Their latest result was their most emphatic, with Rivers United thrashing Kun Khalifat FC 5-0 in their Matchday 4 fixture on Thursday. The victory was their third of the campaign.

Finidi believes the squad assembled for the new season has addressed weaknesses that affected the team last term, particularly in front of goal.

“The players that we signed this season are much better than last season. I have always said the quality in the squad is much better,” Finidi told the club’s media.

Rivers United struggled to convert opportunities in their earlier matches, a problem that also contributed to their elimination from the CAF Champions League.

Finidi said the players were now beginning to show greater efficiency and challenged them to maintain the level produced against Kun Khalifat FC.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t convert the chances we created in the continent, and we were eliminated,” he said.

“I think the players are beginning to get it right. We hope they continue this way because you never know what will happen in the future.”

The former NPFL champions have now scored freely in their domestic campaign, and Finidi is confident they can sustain that improvement.

“I believe we will continue this way. I know my players can play good football, but converting chances was our problem,” he added.

“We are scoring now, and we hope to continue the same way.”

Rivers United’s next test comes away from home when they face Katsina United in a Matchday 5 encounter on Monday.

The match will be played at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, with Finidi’s side aiming to extend their unbeaten run and strengthen their position near the top of the NPFL table.

Rivers United technical adviser Finidi George believes the club’s improved squad depth is already showing this season as the Port Harcourt side maintain their unbeaten start to the NPFL campaign, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Rivers United have collected 10 points from their opening four matches and currently sit second on the league table after recording three wins and a draw.

Their latest performance was their most convincing yet, with Finidi’s side dismantling Kun Khalifat FC 5-0 in their Matchday 4 encounter on Thursday.

The former NPFL champions struggled to turn chances into goals in some of their earlier fixtures, and their inability to finish opportunities also proved costly in their early CAF Champions League exit.

Finidi, however, believes the club’s off-season recruitment has significantly improved the squad's quality compared with last season, when Rivers United finished runners-up behind Rangers.

“The players that we signed this season are much better than last season. I have always said the quality in the squad is much better,” Finidi told the club’s media.

The former Super Eagles coach admitted that missed chances contributed to their disappointment on the continental stage but feels the team is now beginning to find its rhythm in front of goal.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t convert the chances we created in the continent, and we were eliminated. I think the players are beginning to get it right. We hope they continue this way because you never know what will happen in the future.

“I believe we will continue this way. I know my players can play good football, but converting chances was our problem. We are scoring now, and we hope to continue the same way.”

Rivers United will now look to maintain their momentum when they travel to the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium to face Katsina United in their Matchday 5 fixture on Monday.

Finidi will be hoping his side can carry the confidence from the 5-0 victory into the away encounter and extend their unbeaten run.

Cyriel Dessers will not join the Super Eagles for their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after receiving permission from head coach Éric Chelle to remain with Panathinaikos during the international break, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

According to Greek outlet Sport24, the 31-year-old striker personally contacted Chelle to request permission to stay in Athens and continue his rehabilitation and preparations under the supervision of Panathinaikos’ medical and coaching staff.

Nigeria accepted the request, meaning Dessers will miss the Super Eagles’ opening Group L fixture against Madagascar as well as the subsequent clash with Guinea-Bissau.

Dessers had initially been included in Chelle’s 24-man squad but is still working towards regaining full fitness following his recent injury.

The forward had made a strong contribution for Panathinaikos before the international break, scoring twice in their dramatic 2-1 Conference League victory over Hradec Králové on August 27.

His decision to remain in Greece will allow him to continue his recovery programme and work on regaining full match sharpness with his club.

Nigeria are already without Victor Osimhen, who was ruled out after sustaining a right-thigh muscle strain during Galatasaray’s clash with Ba?ak?ehir earlier this month.

Taiwo Awoniyi was subsequently called up to replace Osimhen, leaving Chelle with Awoniyi, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and George Ilenikhena as his central striking options.

Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Moses Usor also provide attacking alternatives for the Super Eagles.

The Group L campaign carries additional importance because Tanzania, one of the three hosts of the 2027 AFCON alongside Kenya and Uganda, already have an automatic place at the tournament.

Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar will therefore compete for the group’s available qualification place, making every fixture between the three sides particularly significant.

For Dessers, the immediate focus will be on completing his recovery and returning to full fitness with Panathinaikos before resuming his push for another opportunity with the Super Eagles.

National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko says FIFA has backed Nigeria’s plans for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s football administration following the mass resignation of the Nigeria Football Federation leadership, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Dikko disclosed this during an interview with ARISE NEWS after meeting FIFA and Confederation of African Football officials in Switzerland to discuss the crisis and the proposed way forward.

The development followed the resignation of NFF president Ibrahim Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and other members of the federation’s Executive Committee on August 27.

FIFA subsequently accepted the resignations and agreed to continue engaging with the Nigerian government, the NFF administration and CAF on a roadmap for reforms. The NFF said the process would be developed in accordance with the relevant rules, regulations and statutes.

Dikko explained that the mass resignation created an unusual situation because the existing NFF statutes did not clearly provide for a situation in which there was no legally constituted leadership to run the federation.

“After the resignation of the entire board of the NFF and the General Secretary, naturally we have a lacuna, because there was no provision in the rulebook for situations like that, where we have nobody now to run the NFF legally within the rulebook.”

According to the NSC chairman, the government presented its reform proposals to FIFA, with the plans based partly on concerns raised by stakeholders over the structure and administration of Nigerian football.

“We told them, this is our position as a government. The government wants to undertake a comprehensive reform of the football structures in Nigeria, which is something that even FIFA knew has been on the cards for decades in Nigeria.

“So we discussed comprehensive proposals from the government, which are the issues that we think should be reformed, based on the concerns of the stakeholders, and we all agreed on that.”

Dikko said FIFA accepted the resignation of the NFF leadership and agreed that reforms were necessary, although he stressed that the process would have to follow the appropriate procedures.

“In short, FIFA endorsed the resignation, endorsed reform, agreed that the reform must happen, but it has to go through the proper process and the rulebooks, and they are ready to accommodate that.”

The discussions have also included the possibility of a FIFA-appointed normalisation committee to oversee the transition and reform process. Dikko said such a committee would be independent, have clearly defined terms of reference and operate within a specific timeframe.

Earlier in September, FIFA and CAF representatives visited Nigeria to assess the legal, governance, administrative and electoral implications of the NFF crisis. The delegation held meetings with Dikko, NFF officials and representatives of the federation’s various stakeholders.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino had also indicated after meeting the Nigerian delegation in Zurich that the world governing body was ready to work with Nigeria on strengthening the country’s football structures and development pathways.

The reform process comes amid increased scrutiny of Nigerian football following concerns over the administration and the performances of several national teams, including the failure of the senior men’s and women’s teams to qualify for their respective World Cups.

Nigeria’s football authorities and FIFA are now expected to continue consultations on the roadmap, with the aim of establishing a more inclusive and stable structure for the NFF and the wider administration of football in the country.

Super Falcons defender Osinachi Ohale has announced her retirement from international football, bringing an impressive 16-year career with Nigeria to a close, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Ohale made 86 appearances for the Super Falcons during her time with the national team, establishing herself as one of the most experienced defenders of her generation.

The veteran defender represented Nigeria at four FIFA Women’s World Cup tournaments and featured in seven editions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Her international career was also decorated with five WAFCON titles, highlighting the major role she played during one of the most successful periods in the history of Nigerian women’s football.

Ohale’s journey with the Super Falcons spanned different generations of players and saw her remain a regular presence in the national team for more than a decade.

Beyond her appearances and trophies, her longevity provided valuable experience to several generations of Super Falcons players throughout her international career.

Her decision brings to an end a distinguished chapter that began 16 years ago and included appearances at major continental and global tournaments.

Ohale leaves the national team with 86 caps, five African titles and four FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances, while her contribution will remain an important part of the Super Falcons’ history.

Bursaspor head coach Mustafa Er has revealed that the Turkish club worked extensively to secure the signing of Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho, with the forward already repaying that faith with an impressive goalscoring return, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Er explained that Bursaspor were determined to bring Iheanacho to the club because they believed the experienced Nigerian could make a major difference in front of goal.

“We got Iheanacho for this reason. We worked very hard for this transfer. In this league, everyone thinks we're the ones spending money while others aren't. A few teams paid higher transfer fees and salaries than what we did for Iheanacho.

“We want the same contribution from our other players as well.”

The 29-year-old has quickly established himself as a key figure in the Bursaspor attack, starting all eight of the club’s league matches so far.

Iheanacho has made his presence felt in front of goal, finding the net in every league appearance during the period.

The former Manchester City and Leicester City striker has scored 11 goals and provided two assists in those eight matches, underlining his importance to Er’s side.

His form has also made him one of the most productive attacking players in the Turkish TFF 1. Lig, with Bursaspor benefiting significantly from his experience and finishing ability.

Er will now be hoping Iheanacho can maintain his remarkable scoring run as Bursaspor continue their campaign, while also challenging the rest of his squad to produce a similar level of contribution.

Nigeria will be aiming to maintain their winning start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign when they face Guinea-Bissau in their second Group L fixture on Tuesday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Super Eagles opened their campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo, while Guinea-Bissau began with an impressive 2-0 win over Tanzania.

Both Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau therefore have three points, but the Djurtus currently occupy top spot because of their superior goal difference.

Group L standings after Matchday 1

Guinea-Bissau, 3 points

Nigeria, 3 points

Madagascar, 0 points

Tanzania, 0 points

The fixture in Bissau is consequently an important early test for Eric Chelle’s side, with a victory potentially moving Nigeria to the top of the group.

Nigeria had to fight back after Madagascar took an early lead in Uyo, with debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scoring to secure the three points.

Guinea-Bissau, meanwhile, demonstrated their attacking threat by defeating Tanzania 2-0 in their opening fixture and will be confident of causing Nigeria problems on home soil.

The qualification picture in Group L is also different because Tanzania are one of the three hosts of the 2027 AFCON alongside Kenya and Uganda and have an automatic place at the finals.

That makes the fixtures involving Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar particularly important, with the three teams competing for the group’s available qualification place.

For Nigeria, beating Guinea-Bissau would provide more than three points. It would give the Super Eagles an early advantage over one of their direct rivals and put Chelle’s team in a strong position in the group.

A draw would keep both teams on four points after two matches, although their positions would depend on the other Group L result and goal difference.

A defeat, on the other hand, would see Guinea-Bissau move three points clear of Nigeria and give the Djurtus an important advantage in the early stages of the qualification race.

The Super Eagles will therefore have to produce a more controlled performance than they did against Madagascar, particularly after allowing the Barea to score first in Uyo.

With the two sides separated only by goal difference at the top of the table, Tuesday’s meeting at the 24 September Stadium in Bissau represents an early opportunity for Nigeria to take control of their qualification campaign.

Chelle will also be hoping that the confidence generated by the comeback against Madagascar can carry into the Guinea-Bissau encounter as Nigeria targets another three points on the road.

Moses Simon’s 100th appearance for Nigeria was marked with a memorable celebration after the Super Eagles came from behind to defeat Madagascar 2-1 in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Simon reached the landmark during Friday’s Group L encounter at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, becoming only the fifth player to make 100 appearances for the Super Eagles.

The Paris FC winger now joins an exclusive list featuring former Nigeria captains Joseph Yobo and Ahmed Musa, as well as Alex Iwobi and Vincent Enyeama.

The milestone was marked by National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko, who presented Simon with a framed Super Eagles jersey bearing the number “100” on the back.

The presentation came after Nigeria recovered from a first-half deficit to secure all three points, with George Ilenikhena and fellow debutant Moses Usor scoring to complete the comeback.

https://twitter.com/Simon27Moses/status/2103791729191047383?s=20

Simon’s wife, Ibukun, also celebrated the achievement on social media, expressing her pride in her husband’s latest milestone.

“Couldn’t be more proud of you.” ???

Simon’s French club, Paris FC, also joined in the celebrations, acknowledging the significance of the achievement for their player.

“A packed day for our Parisians with their national teams! Moses Simon celebrates his 100th cap with Nigeria with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar. A hugely symbolic milestone for our winger.”

The 100-cap milestone adds another significant chapter to Simon’s international career, which began with his Super Eagles debut in 2015.

The experienced winger will now turn his attention to Nigeria’s next Group L fixture against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday as the Super Eagles continue their quest for qualification for the 2027 AFCON.

Nasarawa United will look to revive their Nigeria Premier Football League campaign when they host regional rivals Niger Tornadoes in a fiercely contested northern derby on Sunday.

The fixture is expected to draw intense interest, with both sides targeting maximum points as well as the added prize of regional bragging rights. Meetings between Nasarawa United and Niger Tornadoes have traditionally been closely fought, combining strong competition on the pitch with passionate support from the stands.

For the players and supporters of both clubs, the match represents more than a routine league fixture. The rivalry gives the contest an added edge, with neither side wanting to surrender local supremacy.

Nasarawa United head coach Mbwas Mangut has acknowledged the seriousness of his team’s current position in the league table. The Solid Miners have taken only four points from their opening five matches, leaving the manager eager for an immediate response.

“If you look at the Log, it’s really something to get worried of. Five games, amounting to 15 points, and we have four points from those,” Mangut said.

He called on his players to raise their performance levels and use the derby as an opportunity to begin changing the direction of their season.

“We will move on from this phase and stabilize the team, going forward,” he added.

A victory would provide more than an improvement in Nasarawa United’s points tally. Success against a regional rival could also give the team a significant psychological lift and provide momentum for the remainder of their NPFL campaign.

Both technical crews have been preparing carefully for the encounter, with defensive organisation and more effective finishing reported to be among their key areas of focus. The aim for each side will be to exploit weaknesses in the opposition while limiting opportunities at the other end.

Niger Tornadoes will arrive with the same ambition of claiming the points and asserting their position in the northern rivalry. The visitors will be aware that the atmosphere and intensity of the occasion are likely to make the match a demanding test.

With the two teams separated by their need for a positive result and the desire to win local bragging rights, the contest is set to provide a compelling afternoon of domestic football. Fans can expect a competitive battle as Nasarawa United and Niger Tornadoes meet in one of the NPFL’s most significant northern fixtures.

Morak FC forward Saka Gafar has called on his former club Plateau United to secure all three points when they host Inter Lagos in the EUROMATCH NPFL on Sunday.

Plateau United head into the fixture unbeaten in their past four league matches, having recorded two wins and two draws during that run.

Their only defeat this season came on matchday one, when they lost 2-0 to Rivers United. Since then, the team managed by Gbenga Ogunbote has built a four-match unbeaten sequence.

Gafar, who represented Plateau United between 2024 and 2026, sent the club a message of support in a video posted on X ahead of the meeting with Inter Lagos.

“My name is Saka Gafar, a former Plateau United player. I want to wish Plateau United good luck on their game this weekend against Inter Lagos. Let’s go for the three points guys,” he said.

Plateau United are seventh in the NPFL table with eight points from five matches.

The fixture gives Ogunbote’s side an opportunity to extend their unbeaten run and add to the points they have collected since the opening-day loss to Rivers United.

Rivers United technical adviser Finidi George praised his side’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Kun Khalifat FC in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday five fixture on Thursday.

Salman Abubakar gave the Port Harcourt-based team the lead in the 27th minute, firing a superb effort from outside the penalty area.

Rivers United created further opportunities before half-time but could not add to their advantage, leaving Kun Khalifat trailing 1-0 at the interval.

The hosts increased the intensity after the restart and scored four more times to secure a convincing win.

Chijioke Mbaoma doubled Rivers United’s lead four minutes after the break, converting in the 49th minute after being set up by Alex Oyowah.

Abubakar then completed his brace nine minutes later. A well-worked team move allowed him to make it 3-0 in the 58th minute.

Wasiu Falolu added a fourth in the 62nd minute, with Mbaoma providing the assist, before substitute Ekene Awazie completed the scoring six minutes from full time.

Finidi said he had anticipated a difficult contest and admitted he was surprised by the scale of Rivers United’s victory.

“I’m very happy with the result, especially the goals, as I was thinking it was going to be a difficult game. At a point, I had to go sit down,” Finidi told the club’s media.

Rivers United’s next assignment will be away to Katsina United.

“We will now look forward to the next match away to Katsina United,” Finidi added.

The former Nigeria manager also urged his players to maintain their level of performance as the season develops, saying consistency would be central to the club’s ambitions.

“We will continue to encourage the players to stay consistent because that is very important. We hope they can continue the same way because it is very important. We have big ambition this season,” he said.

Finidi warned that Rivers United face a demanding schedule, with three matches to be played across a short period.

“We are having a couple of games coming up. We will play next week Monday, Thursday and the following week. So, it’s going to be a tasking week, two weeks for us. It’s going to be hectic for the players,” he said.

Enyimba supporters have criticised the club’s poor run of form ahead of Sunday’s high-stakes Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) meeting with rivals Kano Pillars.

Anger has grown in Aba following back-to-back league defeats, with fans using social media and club forums to express their frustration at the team’s defensive weaknesses and inability to manage matches.

The latest setback came in a 3-2 home loss to Sporting Lagos, when Enyimba surrendered a two-goal advantage. The result has intensified concern among supporters, who believe the team’s performances are well below the standards expected of the People’s Elephant.

Enyimba’s fans are known for demanding a strong winning mentality, but the current run has led to open criticism of both the players and coaching staff. Supporters are calling for a significant improvement in attitude and tactical discipline before the side faces Kano Pillars.

The fixture comes at a difficult moment for Enyimba, whose confidence has been damaged by the recent results. However, victory against their historic rivals could provide an opportunity to halt the decline and begin restoring belief.

Another poor result would deepen the club’s early-season problems and risk further damaging the relationship between the supporters and the dressing room.

The squad will therefore face considerable pressure when it takes on Kano Pillars, with fans expecting a more disciplined and determined display.

Kadiri Ikhana says the Super Eagles’ 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar has given Nigeria valuable confidence before Tuesday’s away match against Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Nigeria fell behind early in their opening Group L fixture but recovered to secure all three points at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, also known as the ‘Nest of Champions’.

Ikhana, a former Nigeria defender and member of the 1980 AFCON-winning team, believes the way the Super Eagles responded to the setback will strengthen their belief ahead of another demanding qualifying match.

Super Eagles recover after early setback

Kari Eshan gave Madagascar the lead 16 minutes after kick-off, putting Nigeria under pressure in their first Group L game.

The hosts levelled in first-half stoppage time through George Ilenikhena. The 20-year-old forward, who plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad, was making his first appearance for the Super Eagles.

Moses Usor, who plays for Austrian club LASK, completed the turnaround five minutes past the hour mark to give Nigeria the victory.

Speaking to Completesports.com on Saturday morning, Ikhana praised the players for maintaining their composure after Madagascar’s early goal.

“First, I must congratulate the team for the win. I must also say kudos for the way they refused to drop their heads after going behind very early in the game,” he said.

“Such an early setback can destabilise a team. But the team showed courage, composure, confidence and fighting spirit to recover and get the job done.”

Ikhana also singled out Ilenikhena and Usor, who both scored in their senior international debuts.

“I must also say kudos to the two goalscorers. I understand that this is their first Super Eagles game. It’s nice to begin one’s senior national team career on a high.”

Ikhana urges Nigeria to carry momentum to Bissau

The former Enyimba manager, who guided the club to the 2003 CAF Champions League title, admitted Madagascar had provided more resistance than he expected.

“I knew the team was going to win, but I never knew that Madagascar would offer such a level of resistance. But thank God they overcame the setback to get a win,” he said.

Nigeria must now reproduce that resilience when they face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday.

“It’s important to take the victory mentality into the next game, which is an away game against Guinea-Bissau. It’s going to be tough out there in Bissau, but the confidence in the Super Eagles now is going to be key in the game on Tuesday,” Ikhana concluded.

Al-Ittihad have congratulated George Ilenikhena after the striker scored his first goal for Nigeria in the Super Eagles’ 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The 20-year-old marked his international debut by finding the net against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday night.

Madagascar took an unexpected lead in the 16th minute when Kari Eshan headed in a superb effort.

Ilenikhena responded before half-time, restoring parity with a composed finish to open his account for the Super Eagles.

His performance prompted a message of support from Al-Ittihad, who celebrated the young forward’s contribution on social media.

“Congrats to our star George for his role in qualification to the CAF Cup 2027???,” the Saudi Arabian club posted on its X account.

The goal continues a strong start to the season for Ilenikhena at club level. He has scored four times and provided two assists in six league appearances for Al-Ittihad.

The match against Madagascar was his first appearance for Nigeria.