NPFL MATCH DAY ONE: CHAMPIONS ENUGU RANGER BEGIN WITH A LOSS

The Flying Antelopes began their season with a shock defeat, while MFM breezed aside Niger Tornadoes

ABS FC 3-1 Akwa United

ABS FC started the 2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season with a 3-1 win over Akwa United at the Kwara Stadium Complex.

Goals from Mohammed Mohammed, Stone Evbuomawan and Abubakar Chindo gave Henry Makinwa's side a comfortable victory in the Week 1 fixture.
ABS FC were rewarded for the pressure they mounted on the Solid Miners as Metu delivered a superb cross to the box and Mohammed headed beyond goalkeeper Olufemi Kayode in the 12th minute.

Against the run of play, Akwa United were back on level terms and it was a moment of brilliance from Ifeanyi Ifeanyi whose corner kick met the head of Godspower Igudia on the 20 minutes mark.

Metu was the man for the big occasion once as he was brought down by Ottobong Effiong in the penalty box. Stone made no mistake in converting from the spot on the half hour.
Substitute Chindo provided the "insurance goal" when he controlled a cross field pass before side footing past Kayode.

Enugu Rangers 1-2 Abia Warriors

Home fans at the Cathedral were silenced as Abia Warriors shocked Enugu Rangers 2-1 on Sunday.

It was always going to be a tough ride for the Flying Antelopes and they paid a big price in the first Oriental Derby of the season.

The NPFL defending champions took the lead in the opening ten minutes thanks to former Sharks striker Fortune Omoniwari.
The Ochendo Babes responded almost immediately through Emeka Isaac, whose lovely lifted drive went past goalkeeper Nana Bonsou.

Hosts Rangers came out determined in the second half but it was the visitors who snatched the winner.

Godwin Zaki held his nerves to score from the penalty spot eighteen minutes from time.

Rivers United 2-1 El-Kanemi Warriors

Title favourites, Rivers United endured a late scare to claim a 2-1 win over El-Kanemi Warriors at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium.

Guy Kuemian gave the home fans something to cheer when he struck a masterful finish in the first-half of the game.

The Pride of Rivers found themselves on comfortable grounds after Kuemian's opening goal.

With Warriors playing under the pressure and needing a good result they pressed but were left further disappointed when Emeka Oghugh was on target in the 89th minute.

But the Desert Warriors were unrelenting and Bello Korfamata pulled one back for them at injury time.

MFM FC 3-0 Niger Tornadoes

MFM FC ran riot over Niger Tornadoes by winning 3-0 at the Agege Stadium.
Fidelis Ilechukwu's MFM started the game as the brightest side; they had two corner-kicks in the space of three minutes with the sole aim of getting the first goal.

They broke the deadlock in the 25th minute through Sikiru Olatunbosun.
MFM kept the pressure on the away side and in the 28th minute registered the second goal from usual source Stephen Odey.

The home lads took total control of the game as they toyed with the Ikon Allah Boys with their swift and juicy football.
It was 3-0 in the 31st minute of play as Adekunle Adegboyega registered his name on the scoresheet this time.

Shooting Stars 2-0 Lobi Stars

Shooting Stars got the revenge that they wanted after humbling Lobi Stars 2-0 at the Lekan Salami Stadium for their first win of the season.

Afolabi Abdulwahab scored the opener in the 22nd minute from Apena Babatunde's assist. Abdulwahab could have doubled the tally in the 32nd minute, but his shot missed the target.

Substitute Sunday Faleye extinguished the slim hope of Lobi Stars with the second goal in the 66th minute.

Kastina United 2-1 Gombe United

Tasiu Lawal set the ball rolling for Katsina United on their return to the league of big boys.

The former Niger Tornadoes forward was on target as Katsina United got the better of Gombe United 2-1 at the Karkanda Stadium.
In the opening 15 minutes of the highly entertaining fixture, two goals had been netted.

Lawal scored the curtain raiser in the eighth minute before Manir Ubale equalised six minutes later.
Suleiman's goal which arrived four minutes after the half hour was crucial for the hosts who held on to the three points at stake.

Wikki Tourists 0-0 Nasarawa United

Wikki Tourists were left frustrated after being held to a goalless draw at home by Nasarawa United.

The Giant Elephants are in ninth position after failing to get a win at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi.
Kabiru Dogo's wards defended resolutely in the match and made no mistake at the back.

Nasarawa United had their goalkeeper Suraj Ayeleso to thank as he produced point blank saves during the game.
The Solid Miners can increase their stock with victory over Enugu Rangers in the week two of the 2017 NPFL on Wednesday.

Remo Stars 1-2 Plateau United

It was an unforgettable top-flight debut for Remo Stars who crashed 2-1 to Plateau United at the Gateway Stadium in Sagamu.

Both teams opened the game with a lot of vigor with each trying to out do the other.
John Kim opened the scoring midway through the first half, before Victor Mbaoma responded just before the break with a clinical header.
Golbe Elisha sealed the win for the Peace Boys seven minutes into the second stanza.

Enyimba FC 1-0 Sunshine Stars

Former NPFL champions Enyimba got their campaign off to a flying start with a 1-0 win over visiting Sunshine Stars of Akure.

The Akure Gunners were undone by a solitary goal from Mustapha Ibrahim.
Both teams cancelled each other out in the midfield with Enyimba gaining the upper hand in terms of possession but never look threatening in the visitors 18-yard box after 20 minutes.

Enyimba's attack, led by gangling striker Mustapha, found crown goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo a tough act to beat as he repeatedly produced save after save.
The first-half winner by Mustapha was enough for the two-time Caf Champions to edge the Akure based Stars.

Football Tragedy: Brazilian Football Club Players killed In Plane Crash

Here’s a summary of what we know so far about the brazilian Football club plane crash:

Brazil’s president Michel Tamer has declared three days of national mourning after a plane carrying the Chapecoense football team crashed in Colombia, killing 75 people on board .

At least six people, including three players – Alan Ruschel, Jakson Follman and Zampier Neto – survived the crash. The goalkeeper Danilo was initially reported to have survived but died from his injuries, according to reports.

Two crew members – Ximena Suárez and Erwin Tumiri – and the journalist Rafael Valmorbida also survived, according to Colombia’s civil aviation authorities.
Those killed on the flight included 21 journalists travelling with the team for Chapecoense’s Copa Sudamerica finals match against Atléticao in Colombia’s second city, Medellín. The plane was en route from Bolivia to Medellín.

The plane, a British Aerospace 146 was given priority to land but did not reach the airport , according to Alfredo Bocanegra, the head of Colombia’s civil aviation authority. It lost contact with ground controllers at around midnight.

It is unclear why the plane crashed. The weather was stormy when the plane went down. There has been unconfirmed speculation that there may have been an electrical fault or that it ran out of fuel.

As the plane was made in Britain, a team from the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch is sending inspectors to the crash site .

Questions have been raised about why a team request to fly direct from Brazil, instead of from Bolivia, was rejected by Brazil’s civial aviation authority.

Bad weather hampered rescue efforts, which had to be briefly suspended due to heavy rain.

Daylight images from the site showed rescue workers carrying away shrouded bodies of those killed in the crash.
Football teams across the world have been expressing their condolences .

The mayor of Medellín said the crash was “a tragedy of huge proportions”. Brazil’s president, Michel Temer, offered support and sympathy to the families of those killed.

PIQUE REVEALS HOW HE WOOED SHAKIRA… BY ASKING ABOUT THE WEATHER

The Barcelona centre-back was impressed by the singer's detailed forecasts from South Africa back in 2010, and resolved to make the World Cup final just to see her again!

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has revealed that he was bowled over by Shakira's knowledge of the weather when the famous couple had just met.

Pique has been together with the Colombian singer for six years, and the couple have two sons together.

But he recalled that when they first met, he used the most inane small talk to strike up conversation with the pop sensation - and was not prepared for the answer.

"I met Shakira in Madrid, when we were preparing for the 2010 World Cup, and after appearing in the Waka Waka video," he explained to TV3 .

"It all started when we were together in South Africa and I wrote to her. She was already there because she sang in the opening ceremony and I asked her what the weather was like.

The secret behind MSN's success
"It is the typical stupid question, and the normal answer is to tell me to bring a jacket."

Shakira, however, proved to have an eye for meteorological detail that Pique was not quite expecting.

"But she started telling me what the weather was like in every single moment and it got to the point where I told her we would have to get to the World Cup final to see her again - she was singing at the final," he added.

"Once we got to that stage, we might as well win it. We got there and we won."

Source

RIP-ROARING SEASON COME TO AN END WITH MAJOR TALKING POINT

The 2015/16 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season comes to a halt on Sunday with mouthwatering clashes on offer and the big prize to play for on the final day of the campaign.

This has been one of the unpredictable seasons in recent years as the title race is now down to just two teams not many believed will throw their hats in the ring and even displace the bookmakers' favourites at the start of this season.

Whoever between Rangers and Rivers United clinch the title on Sunday, it will go down as great achievement for the two clubs after surviving the drop last season to remain in the league, and then turning things around to become title contenders, and may be champions when the final day comes to an end.

At the same time, not many of the bookmakers and pundits saw it coming for the 'big two,' Enyimba and Kano Pillars, as they were referred before the start of this season considering the fact that the last four titles have been between them.

We look at expected moments to savour at the end of the final matchday.

New champions emerge after four seasons
For the first time since 2012, the stronghold of the 'big two' is broken. Kano Pillars claimed the title in 2012, 2013 ad 2014 before Enyimba nixed their dominance to claim a seventh record title.

Now that has changed as Rangers with their brand of free-flowing attacking football are now regarded title favourites going into the final day while Rivers United remain in the mathematical equation but the do not have their fate in their hands going into the last day of the season.

Rangers need just a point when they host El-Kanemi Warriors at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu now nicknamed 'The Cathedral' by their supporters. On the other hand, Rivers United will have to win by at least a four-goal margin at Akwa United and then hope that El-Kanemi do them a favour by gate-crashing the party in the Coal City.

Whatever happens on Sunday, NPFL faithful are guaranteed to have new champions different from Enyimba or Kano Pillars.

Enyimba's seventh record title equalled?
Last season, the Peoples Elephant put their noses in front ahead of the more traditional sides like Rangers, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and Heartland by winning a seventh record title. Well that proud record will only last just about a year as Rangers are already being branded champions-elect by pundits and bookies.

But the Coal City side know that nothing is cast in stone yet as they have 90 minutes to make it real and end their long wait of more than three decades. Their coach, Imama Amapakabo, told npfl.ng: "We are keeping everyone on their toes in the club and especially the players as we have made them realise that the title has not been won yet."

32-year wait comes to an end?
This is the big question on everyone's lips. The truth is there will be jangling nerves. Twitching fingers. Hearts in mouths. That will be mood inside Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, or The Cathedral, as faithful of Flying Antelopes prefer to call their ground these days. So the wait continues until 6pm on Sunday when the final day of the NPFL would have concluded.

Tussle for continental spots goes down to the wire
The talk has almost been on Rangers closing in on a first title in 32 years. Ahead of the final matchday, only Rangers are guaranteed a place on the continent - and in the CAF Champions League too.

So it will be a tussle to finish in the top-three among Rivers United, FC Ifeanyiubah, Wikki Tourists and Sunshine Stars, who still have some kind of mathematical calculation that could prop them up provided they win on the final day. Sunshine Stars face Wikki in Bauchi.

Two more teams drop to the second tier
If everyone is talking about the race for the continental spaces going to the wire, the battle for survival at the deep end of the table should take front-burner as well. Four clubs, Abia Warriors, Heartland, MFM FC and Warri Wolves, still have to wait till Sunday evening to know their fate.

Heartland have never been relegated from the top division face Plateau United in Jos and can only secure their status with an outright win though a loss and then failure by MFM FC and Wolves to avoid defeats against FC Ifeanyiubah will see them survive the drop.

MFM after putting up some eye-catching performance in the season, find themselves in trouble. They have to beat FC Ifeanyiubah and hope any of Abia Warriors and Heartland slip up. It is same for Wolves though they will need to win by a margin of at least six goals.

Abia Warriors, according to pundits, look like the team with the best chance of survival going into the final day. They are three points better than fourth from bottom side, MFM and host Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) at home. The battle to beat the drop is certainly on.

Race for top scorer settled?
The final day surely will be full of battles - for title, for continental spots and for survival. However, there will be one individual prize at stake to claim among the league's sharpshooters. Wikki forward, Godwin Obaje, on paper and according to pundits, look home and dry with 18 goals, four more than FC Ifeanyiubah's Ismaila Gata.

On 13 goals is Abdulrahman Bashir of Nasarawa United while the duo of Chisom Egbuchulam and Anthony Okpotu are on 12 goals apiece. That certainly sums it up this for the race of top scorer.

Match Reports: RANGERS HAMMER EL-KANEMI 4-0 TO WIN FIRST TITLE IN 32 YEARS

Rangers took no chances in their final charge for the Nigeria Professional Football League title as they went rampant against visiting El-Kanemi by hitting them 4-0 on the last match day of the season played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, now nicknamed 'The Cathedral,' on Sunday evening.

They had come into the game with one grip on the trophy, being on top of the log with 60 points while their closest rivals, Rivers United was on 57 points but permutations were on that should anything go wrong for Rangers and should Rivers United defeat Akwa United in Uyo, it would be down to checking goals difference, a situation that Rangers did not want to be.

Moreso, the El-Kanemi players had sent a threat, as voiced by their top scorer, Ibrahim Mustapha that they were in Enugu for a revenge, recalling that two seasons ago, they were at the point of victory but it was Rangers that denied them the needed points on the final day.

Given these El-Kanemi pre-match comments, Rangers went for the sledge hammer which they unleashed furiously on El-Kanemi with Chisom Egbuchulam opening score on three minutes from a well executed spot kick.

Osas Okoro made sure to double the lead before the half time while Egbuchulam called again in the middle of the second half following an exhibition of beautiful combination with Obinna Nwobodo and Okoro.

Egbuchulam returned to the box to get his hat-trick after substitute, Ifeanyi Egwim was brought down in the box by El-Kanemi goalkeeper Kazeem Yekeen who was immediately red carded.

The evening in Enugu would represent the most momentous football carnival in the history of Nigerian football with a multitude of joyous fans on hand to celebrate the return of Rangers to glory after 32 years. The atmosphere was indescribable with non-stop replays of Mexican waves and rendition of the club's anthem, 'Holy! Holy! Holy! Enugu Rangers, another champion.'

Egwim's injury however produced a bit of an anti-climax to the celebrations when the ambulance arrived to take him away and news filtered out that the damage to his leg was serious.

Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, we gathered, has ordered that he should be immediately flown abroad for specialist treatment.

Overwhelmed with joy for bringing Rangers back to reckoning, Coach Imama Amapakabo said he was optimistic from the beginning of the season that Rangers will finish with the title and they worked hard for it.

On his future with the club, he said: "It all depends on what the management wants."

ENUGU RANGERS 4-0 EL-KANEMI WARRIORS: EGBUCHULAM HANDS FLYING ANTELOPES THE TITLE AS TWITTER REACTED (photos)

Fuelled by an ear-piercing noise at ‘the Cathedral’, coach Imama Akpakabo’s men put up an imposing performance to emerge as Nigeria topflight kings Chisom Egbuchulam will be the toast of Enugu Rangers, as his hat-trick silenced El-Kanemi Warriors 4-0 and hand Enugu Rangers their first Nigeria Professional Football League title in 32 years.

Imama Amapakabo’s men could have emerged champions after defeating Ikorodu United in Abeokuta, but they had to wait till the last game after Rivers United played a 0-0 draw versus Abia Warriors in Port Harcourt.

Social media exploded after the Flying Antelopes were crowned champions on Sunday, the first title after three decades
Twitter went into a meltdown after Enugu Rangers became Nigeria Professional Football League champions following their 4-0 victory against El-Kanemi on Sunday.

Imama Amapakabo’s men needed at least a draw to emerge as champions after Wikki Tourists and Rivers United had stuttered in the title race.

And after Ferdinand Udoh’s full-time whistle sounded around Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium and it sunk in that Rangers had won their first Nigeria topflight title after 32-years, Twitter exploded and it felt like half the country took to the social media platform to congratulate them on their efforts.

We've taken a look at some of the best ones here...

Victory at last for @RangersIntFC after 32 years of wait. Congratulations to coach Imama and his men for this historic feat
5:17 PM - 2 Oct 2016
Shina Oludare @sportingshina

Congratulations to Enugu Rangers on winning NPFL title
5:19 PM - 2 Oct 2016
Gbogbo Eléré @Leshowww

Congratulations @RangersIntFC for clinching the #NPFL title after 32 years of wait.
5:21 PM - 2 Oct 2016
Oluseye Peter @petphil001

CONGRATULATIONS Rangers International!!!!
6:05 PM - 2 Oct 2016
Adepoju Tobi Samuel@OgaNlaMedia

Enugu Rangers be balling on †ђξ final day of †ђξ NPFL..4-nil whooping of El Kanemi...What a way to end †ђξ season as "champions" after 32yrs
6:08 PM - 2 Oct 2016
Emmanuel CAINE Amolo @EmmanuelAmolo

All rap up for Enugu Rangers, they are the crowed champion of the league...
6:06 PM - 2 Oct 2016
AKPOS BEST @akposbest

Hat-trick for Chisom Egbuchulam as Enugu Rangers beat El-Kanemi Warriors 4-0 to win the 2015/2016 NPFL title. Well deserved!
#CHAMPIONS
6:03 PM - 2 Oct 2016
Austin Okon-Akpan @ProudlyAustin

Enugu Rangers International Finally Get A Trophy After 32 Years
6:05 PM - 2 Oct 2016
♠Moshood♠™@More_should

Congratulations to the players, people and supporters of Rangers International Football Club of Enugu.
Champions of the #NPFL 2016.
6:12 PM - 2 Oct 2016
Bolarinwa Olajide @iambolar

RANGERS INTERNATIONAL OF ENUGU ARE CHAMPIONS OF THE NIGERIAN LEAGUE!!! 32 YEARS OF PAIN; ALL OVER!!!

ENGLISH FOOTBALL CRISIS: Sam Allardyce Sacked, Gareth Southgate take Charge

Sam Allardyce has left his post as England manager after just 67 days in charge and one game, the Football Association have confirmed.

Gareth Southgate has been appointed as England manager on a temporary basis.
Sam Allardyce left his role as in charge of the Three Lions on Tuesday after following secretly filmed remarks regarding "how to get around transfer rules.

The former Sunderland and West Ham manager spent just 67 days in the role, winning his one game in charge as Slovakia were beaten 2-1 with an injury-time winner.

The England Under-21s coach will now oversee the remaining senior games of 2016 as a search for a new manager begins.

"Gareth Southgate will take charge of the men's senior team for the next four matches against Malta, Slovenia, Scotland and Spain whilst The FA begins its search for the new England manager," a Football Association statement read.

SOURCE

NIGERIA 1-0 TANZANIA: KELECHI IHEANACHO HANDS ROHR FIRST WIN

The Manchester City forward's brilliant strike handed coach Gernot Rohr a winning start in charge of the Super Eagles against the Taifa Stars.

Gernot Rohr claimed his first win as Nigeria coach as his men saw off Tanzania 1-0 in Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Kelechi Iheanacho's lone strike was all the hosts needed to see off the strong-willed Taifa Stars who came to Uyo with the ambition of shocking the Super Eagles.

The visitors posted some threats inside the hosts' half in the opening five minutes, but Rohr’s team reclaimed possession and dictated the pace of the game.

Despite the dominance, Nigeria failed to convert clear cut chances with Victor Moses the major culprit as he spurned glorious chances while Odion Ighalo looking very tired against Charles Mkwasa’s side.

Aside from the comedy of misses, Aishi Manula was at his best to keep the game scoreless with breathtaking saves.

However, the pressure paid off in the 77th minute as Iheanacho gave his side the lead with an audacious strike. He finds space outside the Taifa Stars’ defence before unleashing an unstoppable missile past goalkeeper Manula.

Nigeria pushed harder for more goals but the Taifa Star’s held their nerves to keep the score line decent. Even with the win, the Super Eagles will not be featuring in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon.

BARCELONA SIGN RONALDINHO... AGAIN!

It has come to light that the Brazilian, who earned hero status at Camp Nou after helping the Blaugrana return to their former glory, will work with the club once more..

Ronaldinho is back at Barcelona! But don't get too excited, fans, as it is in a non-playing role...

The Brazilian, 36, is teaming up with the club he helped return to its former glory between 2003 and 2008 in an ambassadorial role.

Barcelona are opening a new office in New York, USA, to enhance their growth internationally on 6 September, which has brought about them re-signing Ronaldinho.

The Catalan giants will certainly prove to be a hit in the States if Ronaldinho is good an ambassador as he was with his feet back in his heydey at Camp Nou...

KANU SCORES HAT-TRICK AS ARSENAL LEGENDS BEAT MILAN GLORIE IN EMIRATES

The Nigerian striker was in impressive form as Arsenal comprehensively beat a Milan side which featured the likes of Christian Vieiri and Cafu.

A Nwankwo Kanu hat-trick and goal from Robert Pires gave Arsenal Legends a 4-1 win over Milan Glorie in a charity match at Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners attempted to start the match with 12 men when Nigerian striker Kanu didn’t realise he had been named as a substitute, but the 40-year-old made up for his mistake when he scored a header from Emmanuel Petit’s cross on 27 minutes, before Milan’s Christian Vieri equalised with a scrappy effort five minutes before the break.
 

Kanu scored a second on 72 minutes before Pires got in on the act just a day after playing at the Wembley Cup, while Vieri netted a late consolation for Milan when he rebounded in a penalty which was well saved by David Seaman.

Highlights included Martin Keown begging Arsene Wenger to bring him on throughout the match and Nigel Winterburn squaring up to Paolo Di Canio in a mock incident of when the Italian confronted a referee against Sheffield Wednesday in September 1998.

Robert Pires, Freddie Ljungberg and Kolo Toure all featured for the home side while Wenger and Fabio Capello took charge of the respective squads in a match which is expected to raise £1 million for the Arsenal Foundation’s mission to build pitches for children in London, Jordan and Somalia.

FINALLY! ARSENAL’S OSHOALA ENDS FIVE-MONTH GOAL DROUGHT

The striker who hadn't scored in the Women Premier League since netting against Reading Ladies in March brought her barren run to an end on Sunday.

Asisat Oshoala has finally ended her Women’s Super League goal drought as she fired past Megan Walsh to give her side the lead in their 2-0 victory over Notts County Ladies at Meadow Lane Stadium.

The Nigerian had previously failed to score for the Gunners since March 23, 2015, when she struck on her debut in her side’s 3-1 victory against Reading FC Women.

And having gone several games without getting her name on the scoresheet, the moment finally arrived in Sunday's Super League tie with Notts County Ladies as she rounded goalkeeper Walsh before slotting in the opener before the hosts scored into their net for the second.
The victory places Pedro Losa’s Ladies third on the log with 23 points from 12 games.

NPFL MATCH DAY 33: WIKKI TOURISTS, ENUGU RANGERS LOSE

Both teams were on the losing side over the weekend, but the Bauchi Elephants remain atop the Nigeria elite division log
Ikorodu United 1-1 El-Kanemi Warriors
Yemi Olasupo's goal salvaged a point for Ikorodu United against El-Kanemi Warriors at the MKO Abiola Stadium on Sunday.

The Desert Warriors drew the curtain raiser courtesy of Samuel Mathias' superbly dispatched free kick before Ikorodu United fought back to earn a point.

The draw means the Oga Boys remain 19th on the log with 23 points and 20 points behind Warriors.

In an intense game, Ikorodu United, had to fight hard in an attempt to prevent a lose to Elkanemi Warriors.

At the blast of the final whistle in Abeokuta, both teams shared the spoils.

Nasarawa United 1-0 Enugu Rangers
Philip Azango's 66th minute goal handed Nasarawa United a 1-0 win over Enugu Rangers at the Aper Aku Stadium.
The goal and the eventual triumph left the passionate Nasarawa United fans extremely excited.

The victory earned the Solid Miners their 16th maximum points of the 2016 season.

Rangers had two goals disallowed by the match referee in the keenly contested war in Makurdi.

Nasarawa United bowed down 1-0 to Plateau United thanks to a second half penalty strike by Benjamin Turba on Monday. Nothing apart from victory was therefore expected in the game and they didn’t disappoint.

Rangers came into the match prepared to stretch Nasarawa United but the very determined Lafia-based side ensured that the visitors returned to their base empty-handed.

Sunshine Stars 1-1 Heartland FC
Heartland FC were held to a 1-1 draw by Sunshine Stars in a top tier fixture at the Akure Township Stadium.

Chidiebere Ajoku opened the scoring in the second minute of injury time before Kehinde Adedipe equalised for the Owena Waves.

The score was a priceless one for the Naze Millionaires as they continue their battle against relegation.

Most of the play was concentrated in the middle of the park with both teams struggling to find a way past the opposition's defensive line.

Stars ended the first half the stronger of the two sides with a flurry of chances.
The bad reaction of Akure fans marred the intriguing battle that produced two goals in a late show.

Ajoku shocked the jam-packed home fans with his finish past a helpless David Ariyo.

Adedipe delivered a timely goal to level matters for Sunshine Stars.

Rivers United 2-0 Plateau United
Rivers United proved why they have been tipped to end up with a silverware ahead of their 'Super Clash' with Enugu Rangers next Sunday.

The Pride of Rivers accounted for the scalp of Plateau United at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium to go joint-top of the table with Wikki Tourists after the completion of week 33 matches.

Plateau United saw their four-match winning streak snapped by Rivers United.
Ovoke Bernard and Olalekan Gabriel were on target for Stanley Eguma's side.

The goals were notched in each half of the game with Ovoke opening the scoring from the penalty arc in the 31st minute before Olalekan put the icing on the cake ten minutes from time.

Niger Tornadoes 2-0 Lobi Stars
It was triple tragedy for Lobi Stars as they lost 2-0 at the Confluence Stadium to Niger Tornadoes.

Their continental dreams suffered a blip, coach Evans Ogenyi was sent to the stands and top striker Kingsley Eduwo was red carded for dissent.

Tornadoes, who were more comfortable at the match venue, went ahead under five minutes when forward Kunle Isa met a long thrust before unleashing a thunderous teaser which struck the bar before landing in the net.

15 minutes after the break. Solomon Owello doubled the lead from the penalty spot.

FC Ifeanyi Ubah 1-0 Wikki Tourists
FC Ifeanyi Ubah kept their title hopes alive with a slim 1-0 victory over Wikki Tourists at the Ifeanyi Ubah Stadium on Sunday in Nnewi.

Former Heartland star Jimoh Oni popped up on 71 minutes to score the match winner.

It was a match the Anambra Warriors had to dig deep to pick the points after the MA Boys showed enough fit for the fight.
The result pushed FC Ifeanyi Ubah to 3rd in the table with 52 points.

Wikki Tourists remain at the summit of table with 53 points, the same with Rivers United, though they have better goal difference than the Pride of Rivers.

SOME AMENDED RULE TO ALL EUROPEAN LEAGUES BY International Football Association Board (IFAB) applicable to 2016/2017 season.

SOME AMENDED RULE TO ALL EUROPEAN LEAGUES BY International Football  Association Board (IFAB) applicable to 2016/2017 season.

1. The ball no longer has to travel forward at kicks-off, effectively meaning an attacking player no longer needs to break the law by standing in the opponents’ half to receive the ball.(they can pass alone as it happened at Euro2016: see d attached photo).

2. A fourth substitution will now be permitted during extra-time in the FA Cup from the quarter-finals onwards.

3. Hands and arms are no longer considered in offside decisions.

4. The toss of a coin rather than the referee’s discretion will determine the end at which a penalty shoot-out takes place. (It was employed at Euro2016).

5. Shoot-out teams must always have the same number of players (so that a team with fewer takers does not benefit from their best finishers having a second bash).

6. No contact will be required on violent conduct for a player to be dismissed.

6. A fouled player requiring minor treatment may now stay on the pitch.

7. Red cards can now be handed out before the start of play, but a substitute may take the place of the dismissed player.

NPFL MATCH DAY 29: SHOOTING STARS DIM SUNSHINE STARS AS RANGERS GO TOP

Shooting Stars Shooting

1. Enyimba 1 - 1 Rangers

Paul Aigbogun's men suffered a huge setback in their quest to retain the Nigeria league title after a disappointing home draw against the Flying Antelopes on Sunday, Enyimba were held to a 1-1 draw against Enugu Rangers in a Week 29 Nigeria Professional Football League tie played at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium on Sunday.

Godwin Aguda's strike forthe Flying Antelopes cancelled out Stephen Chukwude's early lead as the Paul Aigbogun's side saw their title dreams suffer a huge setback in Port Harcourt. Both sides went into the tie with high hopes of giving their title a boost . Enyimba started the contest brightly as Abu Azeez came close to snatching an early lead but his soft effort was denied by goalkeeper Ator Itodo in the 15th minute.

The cracking encounter witnessed several moments of midfield tussles and good defending till the 45th minute when the hosts broke the deadlock through Chukwude and before the half time break, Aguda leveled up for the visitors.

In the second half, Chisom Egbugulam's soft effort was saved by goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokhai in the 62nd minute to raise the visitors hope. In the 78th minute, Egbuchulam forced Afelokhai yet again to another finec save from a free kick. In the closing stages of the game, Enyimba made several late rallies but visiting keeper Itodo kept his side in the mix to ensure scoreline remain unchanged till full time.

Following the stalemate, Enyimba now have 41 points and remain seven points adrift of their visitors with two games in hand. However, Enugu Rangers moved atop with 48 points - a point above Wikki Tourists, who suffered a comprehensive 3-0 defeat at Akwa United.

2. Shooting Stars 2-1 Sunshine Stars

Shooting Stars fought back from a goal down to discard Sunshine Stars 2-1 in Ibadan. Two spot kicks was awarded to the hosts and Sunday Adetunji scored both to the Owena Waves got the lead through Meshack Chukwubuikem as he silenced the jam packed stadium with a fine strike from Michael Egbeta's assist.

Shooting Stars scored the equaliser with Adetunji netting from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute.
Adetunji scored what proved to be the winner with another spot kick at injury time. The win boosts Shooting Stars' position on the log as they moved further up to 14th with 36 points with the Owena Waves dropping to ninth position.


3. Nasarawa United 3-0 El-Kanemi Warriors

Nasarawa United picked up their 13th win of the Nigeria Professional Football League season, caging El-Kanemi Warriors 3-0 at the Aper Aku Stadium on Saturday.

Tayo Fabiyi put the Solid Miners in front in the 33rd minute, twelve minutes after Esosa Igbinoba failed to score from the penalty spot. Abdulrahman Bashir then added a second before Fabiyi wrapped up victory with a brace for himself.

Nasarawa United coach Kabiru Dogo stuck to his guns, after a 2-2 draw with Ikorodu United last time out, fielding an attack-minded 4-4-2 formation and this time he was rewarded for the bold approach.

It was not long before the home side were outnumbering their opponents on the attack and the only way Kazeem Yekeen could find to save his team was to commit a foul in the 18th minute inside the penalty area. There was no red card punishment, though.

However Yekeen denied Igbinoba from the spot, diving to his right to make the save.
The Lafia-based outfit took the lead 12 minutes later, though, with Fabiyi heading the ball beyond Yekeen.

Yekeen kept the Desert Warriors in the game early in the second half when he denied Fabiyi in a one-on-one situation, but he was again powerless when Nasarawa United scored again in the 70th minute with Thomas setting up Bashir to make it two.

Fabiyi, who bagged the first goal of the game, put his name on the score-sheet again in the 86th minute, beating Yekeen with a volley.


4. Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Abia Warriors

Ten-man Niger Tornadoes put Abia Warriors to the sword following a 2-1 home win at the Confluence Stadium. Striker Uche Ihuarulam picked the ball and firmly planted it to the bottom corner in the fourth minute for the curtain raiser.

Tornadoes were dealt a terrible blow when young defender Gabriel Wassa was substituted after sustaining an hamstring injury late in the first half. After the break, Abia Warriors looked quiet sharper but could not break down the Tornadoes defence marshaled by Chinedu Nwanze and Abiodun Adebayo.

When Tornadoes were on top on their game again, playmaker Ifeanyi Okoye was sent off for a second bookable offense. Despite the numerical advantage, Abia Warriors found the Tornadoes back line hard to penetrate.

Tornadoes moved to 12th place, while Abia are 15th on the log.


5. MFM FC 0-1 Plateau United

MFM FC youngster Stephen Odey had a game to forget after he missed a spot kick as his side were pipped 1-0 by Plateau United at the Agege Stadium. Coach Fidelis Ikechukwu named a strong line up that had goalkeeper James Aiyeyemi in post with former youth international Ifeanyi Ifeanyi in midfield.

Despite the heavy build up and form from the home side it was Plateau United who had a strong start to the game and scored though Kabiru Umar. MFM responded with their own chance after twenty minutes through Odey but his penalty kick was saved by Isa Danladi.

The Olukoya Boys certainly begun the second half with purpose but Danladi pulled off two smart saves to keep the Jos side in the lead. Plateau United claimed possession and dictated the tempo to the delight of their fans.

MFM threw men forward in the last ten minutes of the game in search of an equalizer but tried as the they did a combination of masterful goalkeeping and resolute defending denied them.


6. Akwa United 3-0 Wikki Tourists

Akwa United secured an impressive 3-0 result as Wikki Tourists suffered their biggest loss of the campaign at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. Hassan Babangida sent in a rebound eleven minutes into the one sided fixture in Uyo.

The Promise Keepers struck twice courtesy of Babangida and Ubong Friday to seal the victory.
The result changed the fortunes of the opposing sides in the table, Akwa tenth and the MA Boys second.

Crucially, though, Akwa kept their composure when it mattered, and secured a win that dealt a significant blow to Wikki's title hopes. Both clubs are in next weekend's action - Wikki Tourists are at home to Lobi Stars, while Akwa United travel to Abia Warriors.


7. Lobi Stars 3-0 Warri Wolves

Goals from Kingsley Eduwo, Patrick Ikeokwu and Raphael Ayagwa were enough for Lobi Stars to down Warri Wolves 3-0 at the Aper Aku Stadium.

Such a scoreline was barely conceivable early on as Lobi Stars started the match the better of the two teams. Lobi Stars were more clinical in an interesting game, with Eduwo doing well to get on the score-sheet.

Ikeokwu made his impact felt, scoring just as Wolves were pushing hard for their own equaliser to head home a scramble in the box. With ten minutes left on the clock, the massacre was complete thanks to Ayagwa's goal.


8. FC Ifeanyi Ubah 2-1 Kano Pillars

FC Ifeanyi Ubah needed a late penalty from Tamen Medrano to secure a 2-1 victory over Kano Pillars in Nnewi.

The ball was off the post after an audacious strike from Medrano six minutes into kickoff. In the 10th minute it was the turn of Jimoh Oni to test goalkeeper David Obiazo as the Anambra Warriors continued to dominate possession.

Ifeanyi Ubah were on the hunt for a second to give themselves a more comfortable lead early in the second half, but Gata had his headed effort saved by Obiazo. The result gives FC Ifeanyi Ubah 11 wins in as many outings in the Nigerian top flight this season, leaving them eight in the table, while Pillars sit fourth.

ENGLAND HAS NAMED NEW THREE LIONS MANAGER

–Allardyce had been named as a replacement for Hodgson, the 61-year-old beat other top managers to the job
– Allardyce has expressed his delight at being appointed manager

Former Bolton Wanderers coach Sam Allardyce has been named as the new manager of the Three Lions of England.
The 61-year-old beat Steve Bruce and Jurgen Klinsmann to to the top job, in replacing Roy Hodgson who resigned after Euro 2016.

The former Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United manager has left Sunderland, who he guided to Premier League survival last season, after nine months in charge.

Allardyce has expressed his delight at being appointed manager, and admits that it is “time to deliver”.

“I am extremely honoured to be appointed England manager especially as it is no secret that this is the role I have always wanted. For me, it is absolutely the best job in English football,” he told the FA’s official website.
“I will do everything I can to help England do well and give our nation the success our fans deserve. Above all, we have to make the people and the whole country proud.
“While my main focus will be on the senior team and getting positive results, I want to add my influence to the great work being done across the development teams at St. George’s Park – a facility I have used with my previous clubs.