Doma United FC of Gombe have sealed promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), becoming the first club to confirm their return to the top flight from the Nigeria National League (NNL) this season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The achievement marks a remarkable turnaround for the club, who were relegated two seasons ago but have since mounted a strong push to regain elite status. Competing in Conference C, Doma United finished top with 26 points from 13 matches, boasting a solid defensive record that saw them concede just eight goals while scoring 17.

Their impressive home form played a key role in the campaign, with seven victories recorded on their own ground. Away from home, they secured one win and two draws, alongside three defeats that did little to derail their promotion charge.

This will be Doma United’s second spell in the NPFL, highlighting a swift recovery from their relegation in the 2023/24 season. In contrast, city rivals Gombe United, who dropped alongside them, are yet to secure a return to the top division.

Elsewhere in the NNL promotion race, Ranchers Bees topped Conference D with 20 points from 11 matches to seal promotion, while Beyond Limits finished first in Conference A with 25 points. Akwa United also emerged as leaders of Conference B with 28 points to confirm their place in the NPFL.

Meanwhile, Sporting Supreme’s withdrawal from the league added an unexpected twist to the season’s competition.

The Savannah Tigers fell 1-0 at the Pantami Stadium, Gombe courtesy of a first half strike by Yusuf Ibrahim which condemned them to a loss against the Akure Gunners at both home and away this season.

Ibrahim scored on 38 minute following a rebound after a goalmouth scramble in the box of the home side and it was enough for the Akure side who with the victory stay safe in the NPFL.

For Doma United, it is a third consecutive loss and third home loss with just two wins in 18 matches in the second round of the NPFL season.

The result put them in an almost impossible situation to navigate as they have to win their next opponents, Abia Warriors by 15 goals to nil and expect Bayelsa United, Akwa United and Sporting Lagos to loss their last matches of the season.

Uche Dozie

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, has extended his heartfelt wishes for a swift recovery to the players and officials of Doma United FC, following a road accident on Monday morning.

The incident occurred along the Makurdi-Lafia Expressway as the team was returning to their base in Gombe from Imo State. While there were no fatalities, several players sustained injuries of varying severity and are currently receiving medical treatment.

"I am deeply saddened to hear about the accident involving Doma United FC," said Senator Enoh. "I extend my prayers and best wishes for a quick and full recovery to all those affected. We are grateful that no lives were lost, but the well-being of our players remains a top priority."

In light of this incident, Senator Enoh urged all football clubs to actively pursue partnerships with airlines to facilitate safer travel for long-distance journeys. "I understand the cost implications, but we must prioritize the welfare of our players. Collaborating with airlines for air travel can significantly reduce the risks associated with long road journeys."

Additionally, the Minister reiterated the need for strict adherence to club licensing regulations from the start of next season. "This unfortunate event underscores the importance of strict club licensing and ensuring that all clubs meet the required standards for player safety and welfare," he emphasized.

Senator Enoh concluded by calling on the entire football community to come together in support of Doma United FC during this challenging time. "Let us all unite in our support for Doma United FC. Our thoughts are with the injured players and their families, and we wish them a speedy recovery."

Remo Stars returned to second place while Doma United and Bendel Insurance returned to winning ways in the first batch of the Nigeria Premier Football League matchday 34 matches on Saturday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Remo Stars scored a late goal through Nduka Junior to seal a 2-1 over Kano Pillars while Doma United and Bendel Insurance beat Lobi Stars and Katsina United 1-0 and 2-0 respectively.

Remo opened score through Ahmed Akinyele in the 6th minute before Mustapha Salisu equalled score two minutes into the second half.

However, Nduka capitalised on a blunder by goalkeeper Galadinma after 9 minutes of additional time to give the Sky Blue Stars all points which takes them to second on the log with 59 points.

Musa Usman scored in the 28 minute and it was enough for Doma United to end a 6-match winless run with a 1-0 win over Lobi Stars.

Chisom Okereke's smashing goal on 64 minute and Evans Ogbonda's superb goal after 79 minutes gave Benin Arsenals a desired win.

Uche Dozie

Bendel Insurance who won the title in 2023 have been knocked out of the competition by Nigeria National League side, Wikki Tourist in the round of 32, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

https://twitter.com/BendelInsurance/status/1793348096530710571?t=-g6K_cC1Dr1JMPrzWhsudA&s=19

The Benin Arsenals lost 2-0 to Wikki Tourist at the Area 3 Field, Abuja on Wednesday after second half goal by Damala and Owolabi.

After a goalless affair in the first half, Damala on 69 minute and Owolabi after 2 minutes of additional time secured victory for the Bauchi side to see them progress to the next round.

Goals from Christian Pyagbara on 6 minute and Adams Agba on 74 minute ensured Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan triumphed over Lobi Stars of Makurdi at the Awka City Stadium,Awka.

At Ahmadu Bello Tafawa Stadium, Bauchi, Kano Pillars edged Doma United 1-0 courtesy of a goal by club legend Rabiu Ali on 88 minute.

An equaliser at the dead of the tie by Opeoluwa Olufemi saw Sunshine Stars take match against Plateau United to penalties before beating the Peace Boys 3-2 to progress to the next round.

President Federation Cup Round 32 Results

FC ONE Rocket 0-1 Enyimba

Shooting Stars 2-0 Lobi Stars

Sunshine Stars 1-1 (4-3) Plateau United

Hammola 0-0 (1-4) Inter Lagos

EFCC 0-0 (4-3) Edel FC

Katsina United 1-0 Bayelsa United

Warri Wolves 0-1 Kwara United

Nasarawa United 0-1 Sokoto United

Doma United 0-1 Kano Pillars

Wikki Tourists 2-0 Bendel Insurance

Abia Warriors 1-0 Sporting Supreme

Rivers United 1-0 Niger Tornadoes

El-kanemi Warriors 3-0 Gombe United (W/O)

Thursday

Akwa United vs Zamfara United Feeders

Ikorodu City vs Coal City

ABS FC vs Kebbi United

By Uche Dozie 

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF disciplinary committee has given a verdict following thier recent meeting on the protest lodged by Doma United against NPFL's decision concerning the match played against Enyimba on 10th March at the Aba Stadium as gathered by Nigeriasoccernet.com.

The first finding was that the match was played for about 88 Minutes of the Match before it was disrupted.

The cause of the disruption of the match was as a result the 88th minute goal scored by Enyimba FC which was initially admitted to be a goal. Thereafter, the Referee consulted with the Assistant Referee 1 (AR1) who raised his flag for an offside positioning. The Referee agreed that the goal was scored from an offside position.

Ater the restart of play, the ball kicked by Doma United FC Player (GK) was held by Enyimba FC., while an official and reserved players of Enyimba FC ran into the field of play to accost the Referee.

The Committee equally upheld the NPFL decisions as provided under paragraphs a, b and c as contained in Form 16 (Summary Jurisdiction Notice) of 14th March, 2024. The Match Commissioner is hereby reprimanded for not being totally alive to his responsibility.

That the above decisions are without prejudice to the right of appeal.

The referee was found wanting in the final decisions, the result of the match at the point of the restart of the game after over ruling the goal scored as offside is hereby upheld at (0-0).

Credit: NFF Media 

Doma United welcome Remo Stars to the Pantami Stadium in Gombe on Wednesday, April 12, 2024 and Ismaila Sodiq who is arguably the best right back in the NPFL with twelve assists in twenty six games this season has welcomed the challenge poised by Kingdom Osayi, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

He goes up against the resilient Kingdom Osayi who has thirteen clean sheets in twenty one appearances for Doma United, one of which was during the goalless draw in the reverse fixture.

Following Osayi’s tweet ahead of the game where he expressed his readiness and aim for the match, the 20 year old right back replied to the goalkeeper, with his tweet showing nothing but confidence ahead of the matchup.

“Come and join the party, welcome,

See you tomorrow,” Wrote the marauding fullback.

https://twitter.com/IsmailSodi2630/status/1780260414216970513?t=OB9M9BV70MjGxQBWh9PIHQ&s=19

Doma United sit 13th with 37 points while Remo Stars are 4th with 49 points on the 20 team table.

By Olaleye Oluwadamilola

Doma United Football Club of Nigeria on Monday officially announced the appointment of Coach Bala Abubakar Mohammed as their New Technical Adviser, Nigeriasoccernet.com gathered.

This decision comes as a strategic move to bolster their performance in the ongoing season according to the club.

Speaking on the new appointment is Chairman of the club, Alh. Suleiman Umar who said: “The appointment of Coach Bala is imperative given our recent challenges in the second half of the season. We believe his extensive experience in managing teams within the league will significantly contribute to our objective of maintaining our status.”

Coach Bala is expeccted to work closely with Coach Akinade Onigbinde and other coaching staff of the club.

With just 3 points off the drop zone, Doma United next league is a trip to Uyo for a fierce clash with Akwa United who will be aiming to leave the drop zone.

By Oluwayemi Omolagba

Doma United second stanza woes continues on saturday as they played a 1-all draw with City rival, Gombe United at the Pantam Stadium, Gombe, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

After winning the first leg of the Gombe 3-0 earlier in the season, Doma United fell behind as early as the 12th minutes when David Nnaji Gombe United ahead.

The result leaves Doma United with just a win out of 11 games played so far in the second round, putting them in danger of relegation as they are now five points above the drop zone.

Gombe United on the other hand remain in the 19th place with the place in the NNL looking sealed gradually.

By Oluwayemi Omolagba

Alhaji Suleiman Umar, the Chairman of Doma United Football Club has reportedly issued a severe warning to the players and also given the players and technical staff of the club a three-match ultimatum and threatened to take drastic measures if performance does not improve.

Chairman Umar called a meeting with the players after they suffered a heartbreaking 4-0 loss against Bendel Insurance, voicing his serious concerns about their recent performance, Nigeriasoccernet.com gathered.

Doma United needs to start winning games in order to stay in the league as the team is currently sitting in 13th place on the NPFL standings.

"These three matches are very crucial for us, and we have no excuse whatsoever not to pick up at least six points. I want you to know that I will do everything I can to support you as I have always done, but these three matches are the most important matches of your lives, both the technical crew and players.", emphasized Chairman Umar.

Doma United's chances of saving their season appear slim given that they have only collected one point from seven games played in the second stanza. The group is under increasing pressure to produce outcomes and stop their negative trend before it's too late.

By Olaleye Oluwadamilola

Bendel Insurance handed Doma United a big defeat in their match day 26 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League on Sunday in Benin, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Benin Arsenals walloped the Savannah Tigers 4-0 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium as Doma United's winless streak extended to 9.

Enaruna Michael put Insurance in front with a sublime free kick after 28 minute of the encouounter.

Divine Nwachukwu doubled Bendel Insurance lead through a shot on 42 minute to give the hosts a 2-0 lead in the first half.

Junior Osaghae’s late brace for Bendel Insurance further compounded Doma United’s woes.

With the loss, Doma United now finds themselves in 13th place on the log, with only one point in the second stanza of the NPFL while Bendel Insurance move 9th on the log.

Uche Dozie

Akwa United continued their charge for redemption by backing up the 3 -1 victory against defending champions Enyimba with another impressive win against Bendel Insurance, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.

Right in the nest of champions in front of the home crowd, Ubong Friday opened the scoreline in the 21st minute and Suleiman Sani added another in the 23rd minute to give the Promise Keepers perfect control.

The embattled Monday Odigie's side responded to put themselves back in contention for the game through Zaidu Ayuba in the closing minutes of the first half.

Ubong completed his brace in the 76th minute to give the Uyo based club a two goal lead as they ran out eventual winners, taking all three points back to back with the same scoreline.

Elsewhere, Shooting Stars secured their first away win in Pantami Stadium, Gombe against Doma United in a nervy 0-1 scoreline.

For all their turmoil this season with their abysmal form signalling relegation, Heartland FC picked a shocking 2-0 win against Abia Warriors but whether they can build on this for survival this season remains unknown.

By Olaleye Oluwadamilola

Reigning champions, Enyimba FC left it late to take all points against Doma United in their Nigeria Premier Football League match day 24 fixture at the Enyimba International Stadium on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The People's Elephant won the Savannah Tigers 1-0 courtesy of a goal by Chijioke Mbaoma.

Enyimba's first real chance came courtesy of Awazie in the 22nd minute, but his effort was saved by goalkeeper Abdulahi Zalli.

The hosts continued to dominate, but could not find the cutting edge to score as it ended goalless in the first half.

The push to score continued for Enyimba in the second half, but it seemed the visitors would take something out of the game after resolute defending, but hearts were broken 2 minutes to the end of the encouounter.

Mbaoma finally broke the deadlock following a goal mouth scramble after Joseph Atule whipped in a cross that was played in by Pascal Eze.

Enyimba score at the death, goal was wrongfully flagged offside by the AR, referee Nura Abdullahi disallowed the goal following consultation with his AR.

However, controversy trailed the goal as the assist referee disallowed the goal after the centre referee had ruled otherwise.

Enyimba protested the decision and the referee viewed the replay from Startimes broadcast and awarded the goal, a decision Doma United disagree with.

The game came to an abrupt end after the controversy.

The win takes Enyimba to second with 42 points, a point adrift Lobi Stars who are top of the log.

Uche Dozie

Sporting Lagos earned a vital point in their bid to stay afloat in the Nigeria Premier Football League after playing a goalless draw against Doma United on Monday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

There was nothing to choose between the Savannah Tigers and the Noisy Lagosians as the match day 23 fixture ended goalless despite going a man down at the latter part of the game at the Pantami Stadium, Gombe.

Goalkeeper Christian Nwoke of the Tech Boys stood tall, making 5 crucial saves to help his side take a point away from.

Nelson Abiam had hit a free-kick in the 5th minute of the game, but Nwoke was there to save the ball before saving Kanal's effort 2 minutes later.

The host continued to dominate and threatened to score, but the defense of the visitors remained resolute.

Usman Musa fired a decent short but it was saved on 35 minutes of the game, but Nwoke again did the needful to keep the score goalless.

In the second half, Mike Zaruma got his marching orders after a second bookable offense on 79 minutes.

Nwoke continued his fine performance nevertheless as saved Charles Terwar effort in the 79th minute and another effort from Doma 10 minutes later to help the Lagos side steal a point away from home.

By Uche Dozie

Nigeria Premier Football League match day 21 fixtures served off with 3 matches on Saturday which saw reigning champions, Enyimba, Katsina United and Rangers International performing well away from home, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Rangers International were 1-0 winners in Gombe bringing Doma United's unbeaten run at home to an end in the encounter played at the Pantami Stadium.

Chinemerem Ugwueze's strike from close range in the 30th minute of the game was all the Flying Antelopes from Enugu needed to seal the all important win.

Katsina United were dogged to take a point at the Kwara State Stadium Complex, Ilorin against Kwara United after going 2-man down in the game.

Issa Gata put the hosts ahead a minute to the end of the first half.

Katsina were down to 10 players after Sunday Akinmoladun saw red after a rash challenge on Ejeh in the 82nd minute.

However, Katsina United were back in it after Micheal Ibe Okoro's corner kick beat goalkeeper Adeyinka Adewale to level the scores.

Another Katsina player Emmanuel Okoko was sent off for a second booking leaving the away side down to 9 players in the final moments, but they held on to take a point in the game.

Meanwhile, defending champions of the league, Enyimba FC played a goalless draw against Bendel Insurance. The People's Elephant put up a brilliant display and a last minute save by AFCON returnee and Captain of the side, goalkeeper Ojo Olorunleke sealed a point at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

Uche Dozie

Rivers United survived a late surge to beat Doma United in the match day 20 fixture of the Nigeria Premier Football League on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Pride of Rivers edge the Savannah Tigers 3-2 after a hattrick from Nwagua Nyima Nekabari in an enthralling encounter at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Porthacourt.

Nwagua opened score for the hosts 7 minutes into the encounter after Alex Oyowah's attempt on goal was saved.

Bidemi Owoku benefited from a defensive blunder to restore parity for the Gombe based team 2 minutes after the half hour mark as there was nothing to choose between the two sides at the end of the first half.

Rivers United regained their lead at the start of the second half as Nwagua headed the home side into the lead following a fine play by Deputy Echeta.

The former Kano Pillars man completed his hattrick to put the game beyond Doma United as he scored another header from a perfect Kazie Enyinnaya's cross to beat Kingdom Osayi.

Nwagua was later substituted for Yao Bernard a couple of minutes later as Doma United pushed to reduce the deficit which came 5 minutes to the end of the tie through Hillary Ekawu.

However, the hosts held on for the win which takes to them to the top half of the league standings.

Uche Dozie

After match day 20 fixtures in the Nigeria Premier Football League, Remo Stars have returned to the zenith of the league standings after securing an away point in Aba while Katsina United left it late to get maximum points against Niger Tornadoes on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Remo Stars held Abia Warriors to a goalless draw in Aba after an end to end affair which saw the hosts edge it in attempts at goal.

The second half saw the Warriors dominate pushing for the goal, but the Sky Blue Stars goalkeeper, Kayode Bankole and the defense stood their ground to get the point even with a man down in the a couple of minutes to the end of the game.

The game between Katsina United and Niger Tornadoes was heading for a stalemate until Idoko sealed the win for the hosts at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.

United dominate first half, pushing for a goal, but goalkeeper Enaholo and his defense were strong to avert danger.

Tornadoes came out stronger in the second half dominating play, but could not make it count until the last 15 minutes of the game where United raised their game to pile pressure for the goal which came in the 90th minute.

A cross from the right corner of the pitch was hit with a half volley by Idoko to give the Changi Boys the 3 points.

Sporting Lagos recorded a slim win over Bendel Insurance courtesy of a second half goal from Tochukwu Micheal.

Kenneth Igboke scored at the start of the second half to give Rangers International FC all points against Akwa United.

Goals in the first half by Muhammad Umar and a second half goal by Albert Hilary saw Plateau United win despite Suur Kumaga pulled one back for Lobi Stars.

Match Day 20 Full Time Results

Sporting Lagos 1-0 Bendel Insurance

Rangers 1-0 Akwa Utd

Bayelsa Utd 2-0 Gombe Utd

Sunshine Stars 1-1 Kwara Utd

Plateau Utd 2-1 Lobi

Rivers Utd 3-2 Doma Utd

Abia Warriors 0-0 Remo Stars

Katsina Utd 1-0 Tornadoes

Uche Dozie 

Nigeria Premier Football League side, Doma United has made known the acquisition of experience defender, Bilal Yakubu and three other players on Monday Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

https://twitter.com/domaunitedfc/status/1754411235989172597?t=w-HUL1EYW9UAS4NYr1ZQjQ&s=19

Yakubu joins the Savannah Tigers from reigning champions Enyimba for a contract agreement that was not disclosed.

NPFL expert, Andrew Randa had reported that the duo of Tijani Kabiru and Bilal Yakubu had terminated their contracts with Enyimba and were moving Northside to join Doma FC some days ago.

Besides, Meite Junior Sambora joined the Tigers as a Free Agent while Joel Okoro joins from Rangers International.

Uche Dozie 

The 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League enter the mid-way point with some classical fixtures across different centers this weekend, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Shooting Stars vs Enyimba FC

In what will be the biggest clash of the weekend, Shooting Stars will welcome Enyimba FC to the Adamasingba Stadium Ibadan for a renewal of their historical fixtures.

The last time this fixture came up at the same venue, it ended in a 0-0 stalemate.

Head-to-head

In the last eight clashes between both sides, 2 games ended scoreless draw with both teams winning " games a-piece.

Form

Shooting Stars - DLLWD

Enyimba FC - DWWLL

Doma United vs Rivers United

In the battle of United, Doma who are yet to concede a goal playing in front of their fans his season will hope they can continue their impressive home record when host Nigeria's only remaining team in the continent, Rivers United.

Head-to-head

Doma United and Rivers United FC played so far 2 matches. Doma won one and Rivers won the other. The last time this fixture came up in Gombe, Doma won 2-1.

Form

Doma United - LWLWL

Rivers United - LDDLW

Kwara United vs Sunshine Stars

Two familiar foes not in a too friendly position on the NPFL log will today clash at the Ilorin township in a must win game as they seek to turn their season around. 15th on the log, " points behind Sunshine Stars who will be their Saturday's visitor, Kwara united will hope they can secure a good win that can help redefined their not too good season.

Head-to-head

Teams Kwara United Sunshine Stars played so far 21 matches. Kwara United won 7 direct matches. Sunshine Stars won 9 matches. 5 matches ended in a draw. 19th June 2022 was the last time this fixture took place and it ended 2-1 in favour of the host, Kwara United.

Form

Kwara United - LDWLL

Sunshine Stars - DDWLD

Lobi Stars vs Plateau United

It 's a case of 1st place against 3rd when Lobi Stars host Plateau United at the Lafia Township Stadium on Sunday. These two North Central teams who are familiar with themselves have all to play for as the result will determine their position in the leadership of the NPFL going into the second round of fixtures.

Head-to-head

Teams Lobi Stars Plateau United played so far 13 matches. Lobi Stars won 3 direct matches. Plateau United won 6 matches. 4 matches ended in a draw. On average in direct matches both teams scored a 1.85 goals per Match.

Form

Lobi Stars - WLWWD

Plateau United - LWLWW

Bendel Insurance vs Sporting Lagos

After their initial fine start to the league season, Lagos tech boys are now languishing in the relegation zone and to get back their confidence and chances of leaving the drop zone anytime soon, they need a miracle in Benin, the fortress home of Bendel Insurance.

Head-to-head

This will be the first meeting ever between both sides.

Form

Bendel Insurance - LWDWL

Sporting Lagos - LDLLD

Remo Stars vs Abia Warriors

Title Contenders Remo Stars will once again try to reclaim the top spot from Lobi Stars as they welcome Abia Warriors to Ikenne. Daniel Ogunmodede men are one of the favourites to win the league and they currently second on the log, a point behind Lobi Stars. Abia Warriors who are 9th on the log will hope to cause an upset when they play the Sky Blues on Sunday.

Head-to-head

Remo Stars and Abia Warriors played so far 4 matches. Remo Stars won 2 direct matches. Abia Warriors won 1 matches. 1 matches ended in a draw. On average in direct matches both teams scored a 1.00 goals per Match.

Form

Remo Stars - LWLWL

Abia Warriors - WLWLW

Gombe United vs Bayelsa United

Strugglers Gombe and Bayelsa United will continue their fight against the drop when they clash at the Pantami Stadium on Sunday. Gomb United, 19th on the log will push for a chance to leave the rest zone which only a victory can give them against 18th placed Bayelsa United who currently have the same points with them (17).

Head-to-head

Gombe United and Bayelsa United played so far 10 matches. Gombe United won 5 direct matches. Bayelsa United won 4 matches. 1 matches ended in a draw. On average in direct matches both teams scored a 1.30 goals per Match

Form

Gombe United - DWLDL

Bayelsa United - LDLLW

Niger Tornadoes vs Kastina United

With 3 wins in their last 5 games, Kastina United will target a win against their Northern brothers Niger Tornadoes who on their own have recorded two wins in their last 5 games. With just 3 points away from the drop zone, Niger Tornadoes will target this North derby to move far away from the relegation zone.

Head-to-head

Niger Tornadoes and Katsina United of recent have met 7 times. Niger Tornadoes won 2 direct matches. Katsina United won 4 matches. 1 matches ended in a draw. On average in direct matches both teams scored a 2.14 goals per Match.

Form

Niger Tornadoes - DWLWD

Kastina United - LWLWW

Akwa United vs Enugu Rangers

Since they won the league in 2021, Akwa United have been struggling and the closest they come to pushing for the top league prize was last season when they narrowly missed out of the Super Six on goal difference. The team return to its struggling stage after relieving coach Deji Ayeni of his duties at the end of that season and when they thought things will get better, they are deep in the relegation waters. They play host to Fidelis Ilechukwu's Enugu Rangers on Sunday.

Head-to-head

Akwa United and Enugu Rangers played so far 25 matches. Akwa United won 5 direct matches. Enugu Rangers won 11 matches. 9 matches ended in a draw. On average in direct matches both teams scored a 2.08 goals per Match.

Form

Akwa United - LDLWL

Enugu Rangers - WDWLW

Kano Pillars vs Heartland

Another traditional topflight derby will come up this weekend as Kano Pillars and Heartland meet for the first time in the NPFL since 2022 when they both relegated to the lower division. With Kano Pillars 6th on the log, Heartland are rocking it at the bottom of the log.

Head-to-head

Recent record shows that Kano Pillars Heartland Owerri played 29 matches against each other.

Kano Pillars won 11 direct matches. Heartland Owerri won 11 matches. 7 matches ended in a draw. On average in direct matches both teams scored a 2.10 goals per Match.

Form

Kano Pillars - WLWWD

Heartland FC - LWLWL

It promises to be an interesting weekend across the country with league actions set to ignite the already burning fire in the Sports industry started by the Super Eagles who defeated AFCON host, Cote d'Ivoire 1-0 in front of their fans on Wednesday.

By Oluwayemi Omolagba

Abia Warriors' head coach, Erasmus Onuh, stresses the need for improved goal-scoring performance following a 3-0 triumph over Doma United in Umuahia, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Anaemena Ifeanyi opened the scoring before halftime with Megwo Sunday getting the second through Onu Emmanuel's delightful pass while  Ojonugwa Adejoh put the icing in the closing minutes.

Despite the win, Onuh contends that the goals scored don't fully capture the opportunities created during the game.

Emphasizing the importance of consistent training, he expresses optimism about the team's advancement in the scoring department.

“The team will continue to improve, the number of goals scored didn’t reflect what we played as we could have scored more,” he said in a post match interview.

“We have chance to correct all the lapses and we will continue to work on that department.”

As the Abia Warriors ascend to eighth place on the Nigeria Premier Football League table, Onuh acknowledges the team's commendable overall performance.

“All in all we commend the team for the performance in the game.”

By Olujimi Dare Ogun