Enyimba coach Lawrence Ukaegbu says “the storm is over” as the club attempt to recover lost ground in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The struggling giants are currently 18th in the NPFL standings, but Ukaegbu believes the club’s recent difficulties have been resolved and that the team can still mount a strong challenge.

“The crisis really affected the players and our output on the field. But now everything has calmed down,” Ukaegbu said.

The former junior international described the problems as part of the pressure faced by leading clubs, while insisting that Enyimba’s players and staff had responded by working together.

He said chairman Kanu Nwankwo had helped settle the situation after a misunderstanding over responsibilities within the club.

“The chairman, Kanu Nwankwo, has asked everyone to calm down and work together. It was a misunderstanding of roles, which should not have arisen in the first place,” Ukaegbu said.

“But Kanu is a calm man, who does his thing with all sense of responsibility. He has been able to galvanise the team, hence the results people are beginning to see.”

Although Ukaegbu acknowledged that there are still outside ambitions to control the club, he said Kanu remained focused on guiding Enyimba towards success.

The club’s low position in the table has not weakened Ukaegbu’s belief in their prospects. He pointed to the strength of the squad and the experience of Cameroonian Technical Advisor Emmanuel Deutsch as reasons for his confidence.

“Ask any of the teams that have faced us this season, even in matches we lost. They will tell you that Enyimba is the team to beat,” Ukaegbu stated.

He also backed the influence of Deutsch, who he believes can help the team compete for major honours.

“We have a perfect technical advisor, Emmanuel Deutsch from Cameroon. He is well experienced. And the quality in the players we have makes me feel and believe that we will carry the league,” Ukaegbu said.

“Even if we don’t win the league, we will play on the continent next season.”

Enyimba now have the opportunity to turn that renewed confidence into points when they travel to Lafia this weekend to face Nasarawa United.

The trip comes as the club seek to move away from 18th place and begin making up ground in the NPFL after their troubled start.

Nigerian champions Rangers have been knocked out of the CAF Champions League after MC Alger overturned a two-goal deficit to win the second leg 3-0 on Friday night.

The Algerian side advanced from the second preliminary round tie 3-2 on aggregate, recovering from Rangers’ 2-0 victory in the opening leg.

Rangers defended resolutely during the first half as MC Alger searched for a way back into the contest. Goalkeeper Destiny Abuchi played a key role, producing two important saves to preserve his side’s advantage.

But the pressure eventually told two minutes before the hour mark when Chahreddine Boukholda opened the scoring for MC Alger.

The goal gave the hosts renewed belief and brought them closer to completing the comeback, although Rangers remained ahead on aggregate.

Abuchi then appeared to have kept Rangers in control when he saved a penalty from Mohamed Bangoura in the 70th minute.

Bangoura responded six minutes before the end of normal time, making up for the missed spot-kick by producing a composed finish to bring MC Alger level at 2-2 on aggregate.

The Algerian club completed the turnaround in stoppage time when Soufiane Bayazid scored the decisive goal, sending MC Alger through and ending Rangers’ campaign.

Rangers’ departure means Nigeria will have no representative in the CAF Champions League group phase. Rivers United had already been eliminated in the first preliminary round.

Nigerian champions Rangers have been knocked out of the CAF Champions League after MC Alger overturned a two-goal deficit to win the second leg 3-0 on Friday night.

The Algerian side advanced from the second preliminary round tie 3-2 on aggregate, recovering from Rangers’ 2-0 victory in the opening leg.

Rangers defended resolutely during the first half as MC Alger searched for a way back into the contest. Goalkeeper Destiny Abuchi played a key role, producing two important saves to preserve his side’s advantage.

But the pressure eventually told two minutes before the hour mark when Chahreddine Boukholda opened the scoring for MC Alger.

The goal gave the hosts renewed belief and brought them closer to completing the comeback, although Rangers remained ahead on aggregate.

Abuchi then appeared to have kept Rangers in control when he saved a penalty from Mohamed Bangoura in the 70th minute.

Bangoura responded six minutes before the end of normal time, making up for the missed spot-kick by producing a composed finish to bring MC Alger level at 2-2 on aggregate.

The Algerian club completed the turnaround in stoppage time when Soufiane Bayazid scored the decisive goal, sending MC Alger through and ending Rangers’ campaign.

Rangers’ departure means Nigeria will have no representative in the CAF Champions League group phase. Rivers United had already been eliminated in the first preliminary round.

Bendel Insurance are confident they can hand Rivers United their first defeat of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season when the sides meet at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Saturday.

Rivers United are the only unbeaten team remaining in the league this season, but Bendel Insurance believe their strong home record can help them claim all three points.

The Benin Arsenal have already ended an unbeaten run at their home ground this campaign, defeating Barau FC when they were yet to lose in the league. Club media officer Kehinde Osagiede says the team are ready to repeat that result against Rivers United.

Speaking to Completesports.com before the match, Osagiede acknowledged the challenge posed by the visitors but said the Bendel Insurance players were in high spirits.

“Yes, I expect a tough encounter against a Rivers United side that has remained unbeaten in the league,” Osagiede said.

“For us, that is not news because we defeated Barau FC here at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium when they were also unbeaten in the league.

“Our priority is to play a good game and get the massive support from our fans that will subdue Rivers United on match day.”

Bendel Insurance are confident they can hand Rivers United their first defeat of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season when the sides meet at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Saturday.

Rivers United are the only unbeaten team remaining in the league this season, but Bendel Insurance believe their strong home record can help them claim all three points.

The Benin Arsenal have already ended an unbeaten run at their home ground this campaign, defeating Barau FC when they were yet to lose in the league. Club media officer Kehinde Osagiede says the team are ready to repeat that result against Rivers United.

Speaking to Completesports.com before the match, Osagiede acknowledged the challenge posed by the visitors but said the Bendel Insurance players were in high spirits.

“Yes, I expect a tough encounter against a Rivers United side that has remained unbeaten in the league,” Osagiede said.

“For us, that is not news because we defeated Barau FC here at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium when they were also unbeaten in the league.

“Our priority is to play a good game and get the massive support from our fans that will subdue Rivers United on match day.”

Nigerian and Ajax striker Tolu Arokodare has reached 100 career goals after scoring against Atalanta in the UEFA Conference League.

The forward marked the achievement by thanking God and recognising the people who have supported him throughout his football career.

Arokodare shared his reaction on social media, reflecting on the progress he has made and the opportunities that have helped shape his development.

“100 career goals. Grateful for this journey I am on and the path that God has paved for me. It is Him and all the people along the way who have got me here, and for that I am thankful. The journey continues. God is the greatest,” he wrote.

The milestone is a significant landmark for Arokodare as he continues to establish himself in European football.

He will now aim to build on the achievement and maintain his goalscoring form as the current campaign progresses.

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen was reportedly involved in an argument with Galatasaray team-mate Bar?s Alper Y?lmaz during their 4-2 UEFA Champions League victory over Lille at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

The claim was reported by Turkish newspaper Sozcu and concerns an incident said to have taken place at half-time of the match.

According to the report, Osimhen confronted Bar?s Alper after feeling he had not received the support he expected from his team-mate’s runs.

Bar?s Alper is then said to have responded by questioning Osimhen’s decision to shoot rather than pass the ball.

Despite the reported disagreement, Osimhen made a decisive contribution to Galatasaray’s win. The striker scored his first UEFA Champions League goal of the season and was named Man of the Match for his performance.

Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare says he wants to remain at Ajax beyond this season and plans to speak to technical director Jordi Cruijff about his future.

Arokodare made the comments after Thursday evening’s 2-0 victory over Atalanta in the UEFA Conference League, telling FC Update he hopes his time in Amsterdam can continue.

The Nigerian forward scored Ajax’s opening goal in the closing stages at the Johan Cruijff Arena, helping the Dutch club secure victory.

Arokodare said he was enjoying life in Amsterdam, despite having spent little time exploring the city since arriving.

“I haven't really been to Amsterdam yet; I don't really go out. I've only been to the cinema because I'm a fan of movies,” he said.

The striker added that the stadium had become his favourite place because it was where he felt most comfortable and supported.

“I think it's fantastic here; this is my favourite place (the stadium). This is where I am happy, where I see everyone, where everyone can show their love and support, and where everyone is satisfied,” he said.

“Here I can do what I love to do: play football with my teammates and coaches.”

Arokodare is currently a loan player, but made clear that he would like that arrangement to end.

“Hopefully, I won't be a loan player for much longer. I'm going to talk to Jordi (Cruijff, technical director of Ajax),” he said.

It has not been confirmed whether a meeting between Arokodare and Cruijff has already taken place or has been scheduled. The player’s comments indicate that he wants discussions about his position at Ajax to begin soon.

His late goal against Atalanta came after his admission that the Johan Cruijff Arena was the place in Amsterdam where he felt happiest, with the support of the club’s players, coaches and supporters.

Samuel Chukwueze will not return to action immediately after suffering a left-hip injury in training last Thursday, ahead of AC Milan’s Europa League match against Bournemouth.

The Nigeria international has undergone a specialist consultation and begun infiltrative treatment for the problem, BSNSports.com.ng has learned.

AC Milan are hoping the treatment will allow Chukwueze to remain fit for several weeks, but his recovery will be assessed before any decision is made on his return.

The winger is due to undergo another clinical evaluation in 10 to 15 days to determine how the injury is progressing.

Nigeria midfielder Deborah Abiodun has signed a new two-year contract with National Women’s Soccer League club Washington Spirit, securing her future in the United States until 2028.

The agreement includes an option for both Abiodun and Washington Spirit to extend the deal by a further year.

The 22-year-old joined Washington Spirit from the Pittsburgh Panthers in January 2025. She moved to USL Super League side Dallas Trinity FC on loan the following month before returning to her parent club.

Washington Spirit recalled Abiodun from the loan spell on 26 August 2026. Since joining the club, she has made 21 appearances under manager Adrian Gonzalez, contributing one goal and one assist.

The defensive midfielder is currently recovering from an injury sustained while representing Washington Spirit at club level.

Abiodun is also an established Nigeria international and forms part of the Super Falcons squad. Her new contract ensures she will remain with Washington Spirit for at least the next two seasons, subject to the additional-year option.

Doma United have entered into a one-year partnership with Kaka Global, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club have announced.

The agreement was formally signed at Doma United’s office on Wednesday 21st October, 2026, and was confirmed by the club in a statement published on Friday.

Kaka Global, described as a platform for data-plan purchases and recharges, will provide internet data for one year to the club’s secretariat, media department and principal staff.

The company will also supply a new jersey for the Doma Academy as part of the agreement.

Kaka Global is the first company to partner with Doma United, who are also known as the Tigers.

Club aim to strengthen professional operations

Doma United Sporting Director Maxwell Akin said the partnership reflected the club’s ambition to improve its structure and move forward as a professional organisation.

“The Chairman gave us a mandate that no matter how small the partnership, we should bring it to the club,” Akin said.

He added that internet access was central to the club’s daily work and that the data support provided by Kaka Global would be a significant benefit.

Akin also said Doma United would help promote Kaka Global and support the company’s efforts to expand its marketing reach.

Club Consultant Emmanuel Adesanya praised the proprietor of Kaka Global, Mohammed Ali, for choosing to support the club.

“Kaka Global, you are the second Tiger in the Savannah,” Adesanya said. “We pray that what we are starting as a baby project will grow to become bigger.”

Ali described the agreement as an important achievement for both organisations.

“We have had numerous partnerships previously, but none as big as this, a partnership with an NPFL club,” he said.

He said Kaka Global had selected Doma United because of the club’s progress in the league and its ability to help raise awareness of the company’s services.

The partnership will therefore provide Doma United with data support for key areas of its operations, while Kaka Global will benefit from its association with an NPFL club.

Wilfred Ndidi believes Besiktas can take encouragement from their 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace in the UEFA Europa League, after praising the Turkish side’s ability to compete with clubs from Europe’s leading domestic competitions.

The Black Eagles remain unbeaten in the group phase following an entertaining contest against the Premier League team on Thursday night.

Ndidi put Besiktas in front shortly before half-time, scoring his first goal of the season for the Turkish giants. Crystal Palace responded strongly after the interval, with Yeremi Pino and Jean-Philippe Mateta scoring in quick succession to turn the match around.

Besiktas avoided defeat when substitute Junior Olaitan equalised late on to secure a point for the hosts.

Reflecting on the match, Ndidi said his side had improved after beginning both halves slowly.

“It was a good match. We started slowly in the first half, but we gained momentum and scored the goal. The same thing happened in the second half. Overall, it was a good match,” the Nigeria midfielder said after the final whistle.

The former Leicester City player also pointed to Besiktas’ performances against opponents from Europe’s major leagues as evidence of the club’s progress.

“Besiktas is a great club. We’re showing ourselves against teams coming from big leagues.

“We’re on the right track, everyone is working hard. Everyone is fighting. Everything is going great,” he added.

The draw leaves Besiktas eighth in the UEFA Europa League standings. They remain inside the automatic play-off qualification places with seven points from three matches.

Bendel Insurance technical adviser Kennedy Boboye believes his side can inflict Rivers United’s first defeat of the Nigeria Premier Football League season when the teams meet on Sunday, October 25.

The Benin Arsenals will host the league leaders in a Matchday 10 fixture at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, with Rivers United the only unbeaten team remaining in the NPFL campaign.

Bendel Insurance are targeting a home victory against opponents they know well. Their previous encounters have generally been tightly contested, producing draws or narrow wins, while the first meeting between the sides in Benin during the 2025/26 season finished goalless.

Boboye said his players were prepared for the challenge and confident of taking maximum points.

“We are ready for Rivers United on Sunday, October 25. We know them, and they know our strength. This time, they won’t go back with any point. We are aiming for maximum points,” Boboye told the club’s media.

The Bendel Insurance adviser acknowledged the quality of the visitors but insisted their unbeaten record would not intimidate the hosts at home.

“We respect them, but they can’t intimidate us at our fortress. Our team is in good shape despite some injury concerns. I believe we are good to go.”

A win would give Bendel Insurance the opportunity to capitalise on home advantage, end Rivers United’s unbeaten start and improve their position in the league standings.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has rejected Rangers’ request to play their CAF Champions League preliminary round second leg against MC Alger behind closed doors.

The decisive match will be held on Friday evening (today) at the Ali La Pointe Stadium in Douera, Algeria, with spectators permitted to attend following CAF’s decision.

Rangers had asked the governing body to prevent supporters from entering the stadium. However, MC Alger fans will now be allowed to watch the match as the two sides compete for a place in the CAF Champions League group stage.

MC Alger’s management has called on its supporters to behave responsibly during the fixture. Fans have been urged to maintain discipline, show good sportsmanship and help ensure the match takes place in a peaceful atmosphere.

Rangers take a 2-0 advantage into the return leg after winning the first meeting at the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta last weekend.

The Nigerian champions will be looking to protect that lead in Algeria and secure qualification for the next stage of the competition.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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