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Rivers United return to NPFL top spot after Remo Stars’ defeat by Katsina United

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Rivers United Football Club of Port Harcourt on Sunday returned to the 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) summit as strong rivals Remo Stars FC faltered on Match Day 13.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Rivers United beat visiting Abia Warriors of Umuahia 1-0 after an Ndifreke Effiong 58th minute goal from the penalty kick spot.

Effiong’s goal in the match at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium helped them to move to 25 points from 13 matches, after seven wins, four draws and two losses.

Former leaders Remo Stars dropped to second with 23 points from 13 matches after seven wins, two draws and four losses, following a 0-2 loss to hosts Katsina United.

Plateau United of Jos beat visiting Nasarawa United of Lafia 2-0 to bolster their position.

Shooting Stars Sports Club also struggled to a 1-0 win over visiting Bayelsa United of Yenago.

A 15th minute goal by Anthony Okachi at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan gave them the win.

El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri had on Saturday beaten Akwa United of Uyo 1-0 to move into third place on the table with 22 points from 13 games.

Enyimba International of Aba remained in fourth place with 20 points from 12 matches, with their week 13 game against Sunshine Stars of Akure on hold.

Rangers International of Enugu are in fifth place with 20 points also, after a goalless draw with hosts Heartland FC ain Owerri on Saturday.

Bendel Insurance of Benin had also beaten Kwara United of Ilorin 3-1, while Lobi Stars of Makurdi drew 2-2 with visiting Kano Pillars in Lafia.

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NAN reports that the league will enter Match Day 14 on Wednesday.

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Virgil van Dijk signs new two-year deal with Liverpool

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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has committed his future to the Premier League club by signing a new two-year contract on Thursday.

The Dutch centre-back follows Mohamed Salah in ending months of speculation by extending his stay at Anfield.

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NPFL: Kano Pillars beat Lobi Stars 2-0 in Kano

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Kano Pillars Football Club on Sunday defeated visiting Lobi Stars of Makurdi 2-0 in the ongoing 2024/2025 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The match day 33 which was played at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata was watched by a large number of spectators.

Ahmed Musa opened scoring for the hosts in the 55th minute, sending the home fans into wild jubilation.

Naziru Ibrahim sealed the victory with a stoppage-time penalty, after a Lobi defender was penalised for a handball in the box.

The result boosts Pillars chances of finishing at the top of the table, while Lobi Stars continued to struggle with inconsistent away form.

Speaking after the match, Pillars coach, Usman Abdullah, commended his team’s performance and urged them to be focused in their remaining fixtures.

Abdullah said he was pleased with the result, especially the two goals, which he described as vital in the club’s push for a top-of-the-table finish.

“We are happy with the win and the two goals. This victory will go a long way in helping us achieve our target of finishing at the top,” he said.

Looking ahead to their next fixture, the coach said his side would intensify preparations for their clash against Enyimba in Aba.

According to him, the team hope to secure at least a point, citing Enyimba’s recent struggles at home as a possible advantage.

“Enyimba are not playing very well this season, and their loss at home gives us hope. We will prepare well and aim to get something from that game,” Abdullah added.

Also speaking, Lobi Stars Head Coach, Tope Bulus, commended his players for their performance in spite of their loss.

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Bulus, who recently took charge of the team, said he was impressed with the level of improvement and commitment shown by the players.

“I am satisfied with the way the boys played today. This is just my fourth game in charge, and I can see that they are beginning to blend well and understand the system,” he explained.

The coach noted that although the result was not favourable, the performance gave him hope for better outcomes in future fixtures.(NAN)

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‘He Brought Joy To Millions,’ Tinubu, NFF Pay Tribute To Late Christian Chukwu

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President Bola Tinubu and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have joined the long list of people, especially in the football family, in paying tribute to late Super Eagles hero Christian Chukwu, who died on Saturday.

“Chairman,” as the late Nigerian football icon was called, died at 74, throwing family, friends, and the entire nation into mourning.

In his tribute to the former centre defender, Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman Bayo Onanuga, hailed the patriotism of Chukwu.

“Christian Chukwu was more than a footballer and coach. He was a symbol of excellence and patriotism. He brought joy to millions, mentored a generation of footballers, and stood as a pillar of Nigerian brand and sportsmanship on and off the pitch,” Tinubu was quoted as saying.

“His legacies will continue to live on in the trophies he won, the lives he touched, and the exciting moments he provided to football fans and spectators on the field and in the technical area. We are forever grateful for his contributions to the sport we all love, and we will always remember him with great respect and admiration.”

President Tinubu eugolised the former Rangers defender as a trailblazer whose career was defined by passion, discipline, and commitment to national pride.

He consoled the family of the bereaved, praying for the repose of his soul and comfort for those Chukwu left behind.

NFF mourns as ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, 1980 AFCON-winning captain, dies at 74

The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed deep sorrow after it was confirmed that Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu, who captained Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad pic.twitter.com/8UMRatCivF

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On its part, the NFF, in a statement on its official X handle, said Chukwu’s death is a big loss to the country’s football fraternity.

“We have lost a good and great man. Chukwu was the definition of a strong, dedicated, and disciplined leader on and off the field. He was not nicknamed ‘Chairman’ for nothing. He embodied strength, vision, and consistency,” the General Secretary of the football body said.

“We pray that the Almighty will grant his soul eternal rest, and also grant the family and friends he has left behind, and Nigeria football’s fraternity the fortitude to bear this big loss.”

Chukwu captained Nigeria to their first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in 1980 and was also a former coach of the side between 2002 and 2005. He led the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the 2004 edition of the continental competition in Tunisia.

He devoted his club career to Enugu Rangers, where he won multiple national titles and led the club to continental glory with their 1977 African Cup Winners’ Cup triumph.

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