Nigeria striker Victor Boniface is seeking a departure from Bayer Leverkusen during the January transfer window as he looks for more regular first-team football, according to BSNSports.com.ng.

The 25-year-old has found it difficult to secure a consistent place in the German champions’ attack and is currently regarded as the club’s third-choice striker.

Leverkusen are reportedly willing to consider letting Boniface leave, with a loan move among the options being discussed.

Two clubs have already made enquiries about the availability of the Super Eagles forward. Talks over a possible move are also understood to be becoming more advanced.

Boniface remains under contract with Bayer Leverkusen until 2028, but his restricted role could hasten his exit when the January window opens.

The striker is expected to prioritise a transfer that would give him significantly more playing time and allow him to regain his best form.

Nigeria’s athletics star Tobi Amusan has been nominated in the Sports category at the 20th edition of The Future Awards Africa, according to BSNSports.com.ng.

The 29-year-old is one of five athletes shortlisted for the 2026 award, recognising her achievements and contribution to athletics in Nigeria and across Africa.

Amusan made history at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon, United States, when she ran 12.12 seconds in the women’s 100m hurdles to set a world record.

She also won gold at the championships, becoming the first Nigerian athlete to claim a world title in athletics.

The world record was later surpassed by American hurdler Masai Russell, who ran 12.09 seconds in August 2026. Amusan, however, remains one of Africa’s most decorated and influential track and field athletes.

Her latest nomination acknowledges her impact on Nigerian sport and her standing as one of the country’s leading athletics ambassadors.

AS Roma are monitoring Ademola Lookman as they consider strengthening their attack during the January transfer window.

The Super Eagles forward has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at Atletico Madrid, and his limited playing time could lead to a move away from the Spanish capital.

Roma are understood to be assessing Lookman’s situation before deciding whether to make a formal approach for the 28-year-old.

A move to the Italian capital could see Lookman reunite with Gian Piero Gasperini, who previously managed the Nigeria international at Atalanta.

Lookman produced some of the strongest performances of his career under Gasperini and played an important role in Atalanta’s success, including their historic UEFA Europa League triumph in 2024.

The forward’s potential return to Serie A could offer him the chance to regain his best form. However, it remains uncertain whether Roma will proceed with an official bid during the winter window.

AS Roma are monitoring Ademola Lookman as they consider strengthening their attack during the January transfer window.

The Super Eagles forward has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at Atletico Madrid, and his limited playing time could lead to a move away from the Spanish capital.

Roma are understood to be assessing Lookman’s situation before deciding whether to make a formal approach for the 28-year-old.

A move to the Italian capital could see Lookman reunite with Gian Piero Gasperini, who previously managed the Nigeria international at Atalanta.

Lookman produced some of the strongest performances of his career under Gasperini and played an important role in Atalanta’s success, including their historic UEFA Europa League triumph in 2024.

The forward’s potential return to Serie A could offer him the chance to regain his best form. However, it remains uncertain whether Roma will proceed with an official bid during the winter window.

AS Roma are monitoring Ademola Lookman as they consider strengthening their attack during the January transfer window.

The Super Eagles forward has struggled to establish himself as a regular starter at Atletico Madrid, and his limited playing time could lead to a move away from the Spanish capital.

Roma are understood to be assessing Lookman’s situation before deciding whether to make a formal approach for the 28-year-old.

A move to the Italian capital could see Lookman reunite with Gian Piero Gasperini, who previously managed the Nigeria international at Atalanta.

Lookman produced some of the strongest performances of his career under Gasperini and played an important role in Atalanta’s success, including their historic UEFA Europa League triumph in 2024.

The forward’s potential return to Serie A could offer him the chance to regain his best form. However, it remains uncertain whether Roma will proceed with an official bid during the winter window.

Bendel Insurance coach Kennedy Boboye says his side are ready to maintain their strong start to the Nigeria Premier Football League season when they face Shooting Stars in Ibadan on Friday.

The Matchday 13 fixture will be played at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, with the two clubs set to renew a long-standing rivalry.

Bendel Insurance go into the match second in the table, having collected 21 points from 12 games. Shooting Stars will be looking to respond after losing their previous match 1-0 to Barau FC.

The hosts also have the more recent head-to-head success in Ibadan. They defeated Bendel Insurance 1-0 when the teams met at the venue last season.

Boboye, however, believes his players are prepared to cope with the challenge and says the Benin Arsenals will retain their determination to win, regardless of where the match is played.

The experienced coach said his squad must approach every game with the mindset of champions if they are to mount a serious title challenge and bring an end to the club’s long wait for major silverware.

“We only respect other big clubs like us, but we are actually not afraid of any team in the league,” Boboye told the club’s media.

“We always approach each opponent with a winning mentality and self-belief, whether we are playing at home or away.”

Bendel Insurance’s technical adviser added that his team did not place undue importance on the home advantage enjoyed by their opponents.

“We don’t believe in home advantage. We only pray for good officiating,” he said.

The match represents a significant test of Bendel Insurance’s early-season form, while Shooting Stars will be seeking to use their home support to recover from their defeat by Barau FC.

Bendel Insurance are confident they can maintain their strong start to the Nigeria Professional Football League season when they visit Shooting Stars on Friday.

The Benin club sit second in the NPFL table with 21 points and have been encouraged by a series of impressive performances in recent weeks. Their form has established them as early contenders near the top of the standings.

Kehinde Osagiede, Bendel Insurance’s media officer, said the squad was in a positive frame of mind before the highly anticipated fixture.

“Bendel Insurance are in high spirits ahead of Friday’s clash against Shooting Stars,” Osagiede said.

The club’s technical crew and players have completed detailed preparations for the demanding away assignment, with the team determined to build on its recent results.

Osagiede said the run of form had strengthened belief within the camp, while acknowledging the difficulty of securing a result on the road.

“We are very confident of picking a positive result against Shooting Stars despite playing away from home,” he added.

Bendel Insurance will therefore travel to face Shooting Stars with confidence as they look to protect their position among the leading sides in the NPFL.

Bendel Insurance are confident they can maintain their strong start to the Nigeria Professional Football League season when they visit Shooting Stars on Friday.

The Benin club sit second in the NPFL table with 21 points and have been encouraged by a series of impressive performances in recent weeks. Their form has established them as early contenders near the top of the standings.

Kehinde Osagiede, Bendel Insurance’s media officer, said the squad was in a positive frame of mind before the highly anticipated fixture.

“Bendel Insurance are in high spirits ahead of Friday’s clash against Shooting Stars,” Osagiede said.

The club’s technical crew and players have completed detailed preparations for the demanding away assignment, with the team determined to build on its recent results.

Osagiede said the run of form had strengthened belief within the camp, while acknowledging the difficulty of securing a result on the road.

“We are very confident of picking a positive result against Shooting Stars despite playing away from home,” he added.

Bendel Insurance will therefore travel to face Shooting Stars with confidence as they look to protect their position among the leading sides in the NPFL.

Bendel Insurance are confident they can maintain their strong start to the Nigeria Professional Football League season when they visit Shooting Stars on Friday.

The Benin club sit second in the NPFL table with 21 points and have been encouraged by a series of impressive performances in recent weeks. Their form has established them as early contenders near the top of the standings.

Kehinde Osagiede, Bendel Insurance’s media officer, said the squad was in a positive frame of mind before the highly anticipated fixture.

“Bendel Insurance are in high spirits ahead of Friday’s clash against Shooting Stars,” Osagiede said.

The club’s technical crew and players have completed detailed preparations for the demanding away assignment, with the team determined to build on its recent results.

Osagiede said the run of form had strengthened belief within the camp, while acknowledging the difficulty of securing a result on the road.

“We are very confident of picking a positive result against Shooting Stars despite playing away from home,” he added.

Bendel Insurance will therefore travel to face Shooting Stars with confidence as they look to protect their position among the leading sides in the NPFL.

Nigeria U23 head coach Bright Ozebagbe says his players will let their football do the talking when they face DR Congo in the first leg of their 2028 Olympic Games qualifying tie.

Ozebagbe spoke at the pre-match press conference in Lubumbashi, where the opening match will be played, and said the outcome would be determined by what happens during the 90 minutes rather than by whether a team is playing at home or away.

The Nigeria coach also stressed the importance of consistency across both legs. He said the side that performs best over the two matches would earn the right to progress to the next round.

Asked what information he had gathered about the DR Congo U23 team, Ozebagbe, who also coaches Ikorodu City FC, said his main priority had been preparing his own players for the test rather than allowing his attention to be diverted by the opposition.

DR Congo coach Guy Bukasa, meanwhile, is targeting a decisive home victory that would give his team a strong advantage before the return match.

Bukasa’s confidence comes from DR Congo’s previous qualifying tie against Mauritania. They lost the first leg 1-0 away from home but overturned the deficit with a 2-0 victory in the second leg to reach the second round.

Although Bukasa acknowledged the quality of the Nigerian team, he believes home advantage and the backing of the supporters can help his players secure qualification at Nigeria’s expense.

The first leg will be played at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi on Friday, November 13. Nigeria will host the return fixture at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

Nigeria’s 23-player squad for the tie is:

Goalkeepers: Samuel James (SJK FC, Finland), Clinton Andy (Rivers United), Michael Atata (Ikorodu City).

Defenders: Christian Akpan (Genk FC, Belgium), Victory Akpe (FC Basel, Switzerland), Vince Osuji (Tromsø IL FC, Norway), Emmanuel Godwin (Pardubice FC, Czechia), Odinaka Alfred (Nasarawa United), Emmanuel Ochobi (Rivers United), Aliu Sugau (Barau FC).

Midfielders: John Otomewo (Reims FC, France), Daniel Daga (Molde FC, Norway), Wilfred George (Kristiansund FC, Norway), Chibuzor Nwoko (Fulham FC, England), Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City), Sadiq Saleh (FC Metta, Latvia), Victor Samuel (Pardubice FC, Czechia).

Forwards: Peter Edokpolor (SL Benfica, Portugal), Sulaiman Sani (Al-Qadsiah FC, Saudi Arabia), Umar Abubakar (FC Famalicao, Portugal), Zadok Yohanna (Brighton FC, England), Abdullahi Umar (Hradec Kralove, Czechia), Abdulmuiz Adeleke (Sporting Supreme).

Nigeria must win both matches against Tanzania during the current international window to keep their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualification campaign on course.

The Super Eagles host the Taifa Stars at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday before travelling to Zanzibar for a second meeting on Tuesday. Six points would revive Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the finals, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, although the outcome will also depend on Madagascar’s results against Guinea Bissau.

Nigeria came from behind to beat Madagascar’s Barea in Uyo on 25 September, but four days later lost 3-0 to Guinea Bissau. That defeat has left their prospects of reaching the finals under pressure.

Head Coach Eric Chelle and Captain Wilfred Ndidi have stressed the importance of responding with two victories against Tanzania and putting the Guinea Bissau result behind them.

“We must work hard in these two matches and do everything to win. It is important to sustain the hope and all the players are in that mood to banish the memory of that defeat to Guinea Bissau and show their true quality,” Chelle said.

“The spirit in camp is high and everyone is focused on achieving victory in both matches.”

Former junior international Benjamin Fredricks, Chibuike Nwaiwu and Abdullahi Ibrahim Bewene give Chelle additional defensive options. In midfield, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Samson Tijani and Tochukwu Nnadi could bring a different shape to the Super Eagles.

Nigeria will again be without Victor Osimhen, who injured himself playing for Galatasaray in the Turkish league shortly before Chelle announced his squad.

The coach is expected to look to the attacking partnership of Atletico Madrid’s Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams of Italy and Tolu Arokodare, who plays for Ajax Amsterdam of The Netherlands. Arokodare has scored 13 goals in the Dutch League and UEFA Conference League this season.

Moses Simon, who plays in France like Tanzania’s experienced forward Mbwana Samatta, is among the senior players Nigeria will rely on for leadership at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

Tanzania’s Argentine Coach Miguel Angel Gamondi will look to Simon Msuva, Selemani Mwalimu and Bernard Kamungo alongside Samatta.

The teams meet again on Tuesday, 17thNovember at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar, which is part of Tanzania.

Nigeria squad

Goalkeepers: Arthur Okonkwo (Charlton Athletic, England), Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus), Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa).

Defenders: Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England), Benjamin Fredricks (Brentford FC, England), Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England), Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England), Chibuike Nwaiwu (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham FC, England), Abdullahi Bewene (Banik Ostrava, Czechia).

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey), Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA), Tochukwu Nnadi (Olympic Marseille, France), Samson Tijani (FK Podbrezova, Slovakia), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy), Mubarak Suleiman (SK Slavia Prague, Czechia).

Forwards: Moses Simon (Paris FC, France), Taiwo Awoniyi (Coventry City, England), Akor Adams (Venezia FC, Italy), Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain), Tolu Arokodare (Ajax FC, The Netherlands), Moses Usor (LASK FC, Austria).

Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations have been strengthened after Group L leaders Guinea-Bissau were held to a 1-1 draw by Madagascar on Thursday.

The result leaves Guinea-Bissau at the top of the group with seven points, while Madagascar remain third on two points. Nigeria’s Super Eagles are second with three points.

Nigeria can close the gap when they play Tanzania in Uyo on Friday, November 13. Victory would move the Super Eagles to six points, leaving them one point behind Guinea-Bissau.

A win in both matches against Tanzania would take Nigeria to nine points. They could then move into first place if Guinea-Bissau drop more points when they host Madagascar again on Tuesday.

Tanzania are co-hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Kenya and Uganda and have therefore already secured automatic qualification for the tournament.

That means Tanzania are not competing with Nigeria for the qualifying place available from Group L. Under CAF rules, only one additional team from the group will qualify, leaving Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar battling for that position.

Nigeria must finish outright top of the group because Guinea-Bissau already have the head-to-head advantage. Guinea-Bissau defeated the Super Eagles 3-0 in Bissau in September, meaning Nigeria cannot afford to finish level on points with them.

The draw with Madagascar prevented Guinea-Bissau from opening up a significant lead and has given Nigeria an opportunity to revive their qualifying campaign. However, the Super Eagles must first overcome Tanzania in Uyo before they can take advantage of the result.

Their two fixtures with Tanzania are now central to Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the tournament. Winning both would put the Super Eagles on nine points and increase the pressure on Guinea-Bissau ahead of their second meeting with Madagascar on Tuesday.

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle says the Super Eagles must produce their best football and collect maximum points from their two matches against Tanzania to revive their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Nigeria face the Taifa Stars in a crucial double-header, beginning with Friday’s home fixture at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. The return match will take place at the Amman Stadium in Zanzibar next Tuesday.

The Super Eagles are under pressure after suffering a 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau in their previous qualifying match. Chelle believes his players must put that result behind them and respond positively in the upcoming fixtures.

“We must work hard in these two matches and do everything to win,” Chelle told thenff.com.

“It is important to sustain the hope, and all the players are in that mood to banish the memory of that defeat to Guinea-Bissau and show their true quality.”

The Nigeria head coach stressed that there is little room for another setback, with victories in both matches considered vital to the team’s qualification ambitions.

Chelle also said the mood within the squad remained positive, with the players focused on securing the results they need against Tanzania.

“The spirit in camp is high and everyone is focused on achieving victory in both matches,” he said.

Former Nigeria defender Ben Iroha has urged the Super Eagles to approach Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania with full determination, warning that the Taifa Stars are capable of causing an upset.

Nigeria face Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, knowing victory is essential to their hopes of qualifying for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

The Super Eagles suffered a damaging defeat by Guinea-Bissau in their previous Group L fixture, leaving them three points behind the group leaders after two rounds of matches.

“After the Super Eagles’ defeat to Guinea-Bissau, a result that jolted our qualification hopes in Group L, it’s important that we get the three points against Tanzania on Friday,” Iroha told Completesports.com from his base in Texas, United States, on Wednesday.

“The players should be determined and fight for every ball because victory against Tanzania is crucial to our quest to secure the sole 2027 AFCON ticket from the group.”

Iroha acknowledged Nigeria’s stronger football pedigree but said Tanzania’s progress means the visitors cannot be dismissed.

“Granted, Tanzania are not on the same pedestal as Nigeria when it comes to football, but things are changing. There are no more minnows in the game. Other countries are catching up fast, so the belief that Tanzania cannot beat the Super Eagles no longer holds,” he said.

“Did you ever think Guinea-Bissau would beat the Super Eagles in the last match? That’s part of the reason the Super Eagles should roll up their sleeves and fight for maximum points.”

Nigeria hold the better record in the fixture

Friday’s match will be the 19th meeting between Nigeria and Tanzania across all competitions.

The Super Eagles have won five of their past eight encounters with the Taifa Stars, while the other three matches ended in draws. Nigeria have scored 11 goals in those eight games, compared with Tanzania’s three.

The result will be particularly important for Nigeria as they attempt to close the gap on Guinea-Bissau, who lead Group L with six points from two matches.

Nigeria are second on three points, while Madagascar sit third with one point. Tanzania are bottom, also on one point, because of an inferior goal difference.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be staged across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from 19 June to 17 July 2027. It will be the first time the Confederation of African Football has selected three countries to host the competition.

Dukla Prague midfielder Samson Tijani says he is determined to establish himself as a regular for Nigeria as the Super Eagles prepare for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania.

The 24-year-old is part of the Nigeria squad preparing to face Tanzania’s Taifa Stars and has made three appearances for the three-time African champions.

Tijani was also included in the team that won the Unity Cup in London in May, but the former Golden Eaglets captain wants more opportunities to prove his value at international level.

“Everyone in Nigeria wants to play football and represent the Super Eagles. It is a thing of joy for your family and friends. Everyone across Nigeria who knows you will be happy for you,” he told the Super Eagles media.

“I just want to give my best for the team. I am motivated to be here, and I want to challenge myself. It is an opportunity I have to take.”

Tijani praises squad unity

Tijani said representing Nigeria was a source of great pride for him and those close to him, while also praising the welcome given to new arrivals in the squad.

The midfielder believes the support of the team’s senior players has helped create a positive environment and made it easier for less experienced members to settle.

“The guys welcome new players very well. They try to support and motivate everyone. We are professionals, and there is great chemistry within the squad.

“The senior players have been helpful. You can see it in their behaviour, and you can learn so much from them if you keep your head down,” he added.

Nigeria seeking response against Tanzania

The Super Eagles are aiming to recover from their disappointing defeat by Guinea-Bissau in their previous outing when they meet Tanzania.

Tijani said his immediate priority was to contribute to the team’s performance and help Nigeria claim the maximum six points from the two matches.

“For me, I am just here to help, do what I know how to do best and help the team. The most important thing is to get the six points. Home and away, we have to win. The main thing is to win the games. That is my priority now,” he concluded.

Former Nigeria international Nduka Ugbade has challenged the Super Eagles to win both matches in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania and strengthen their hopes of reaching the tournament.

Nigeria will host the Taifa Stars at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, when the sides meet in a Group L matchday-three fixture.

The three-time African champions are under pressure to secure a positive result, with their qualification campaign described by stakeholders and supporters as being at a crucial stage. Ugbade believes victory on home soil would provide an important lift for the team.

“The Super Eagles know the importance of this game in Uyo because a win for them will definitely help boost the confidence of the players,” Ugbade told Completesports.com.

The former defender also warned Nigeria not to underestimate Tanzania, saying the players would need to approach the match with the correct attitude if they were to claim all three points.

“Tanzania are not going to be an easy opponent, but the Nigerian players must approach the game positively if they are to pick the maximum three points,” he added.

Ugbade’s appeal comes as Nigeria prepare for the first meeting in a two-leg qualifying contest, with the former international urging the Super Eagles to ensure the outcome of both matches keeps their campaign firmly on course.

The fixture in Uyo has been widely regarded as a must-win encounter for Nigeria, who will be seeking to use home advantage to build confidence and improve their position in Group L.

Tanzania, however, are expected to provide a stern test, and Ugbade’s message focused on the need for concentration as well as attacking intent. He said a positive mindset would be essential if Nigeria were to avoid dropping valuable points.

The Super Eagles have intensified preparations for the match, while the anticipation surrounding Friday’s meeting has grown among supporters in Uyo.

Doma United will face Barau FC on November 14 at 15:00 GMT, with both teams looking to strengthen their position in the league through an important early-season fixture.

Doma United go into the match with three wins, one draw and one defeat from their last five games, a run recorded as WWWLD. Barau FC have been even more consistent across the same period, recording two wins, two draws and one defeat in the sequence WDWDW.

The key statistics of the players of both teams this season:

Assists: (Doma United) — 0 assists, (Barau FC) — 0 assists.Goalkeepers saves: (Doma United) — 0, (Barau FC) — 0Tackles: (Doma United) — 0, (Barau FC) — 0.Most encounters won: (Doma United) — 0, (Barau FC) — 0.

Top 5 scorers this season:

(0)

(0)

Team statistics:

The recent records suggest a closely contested game, although Doma United will hope their home advantage can make the difference. Barau FC arrive with momentum and will be encouraged by their ability to avoid defeat in four of their last five matches.

The five previous matches played by the teams:

Doma United — WWWLDBarau FC — WDWDW

The fixture is part of the league schedule, making the result significant beyond the match itself. Three points for either side could improve its position in the standings and provide an important boost as the season develops. With the campaign still at an early stage, every point can help shape the direction of the season.

According to home statistics this season, Doma United scores more goals and concedes more in the following intervals:

IntervalsGoal Scored, %Goals conceded, %0-1514.29%7.69%16-30 7.14%15.38%31-4514.29%15.38% 46-6021.43%23.08%61-7521.43%38.46%76-9021.43%91-105

Barau FC has the following time frames of scoring and conceding goals:

Intervals

Goal Scored, %

Goals conceded, %

0-15

22.22%

14.29%

16-30

22.22%

14.29%

31-45

11.11%

14.29%

46-60

22.22%

28.57%

61-75

22.22%

28.57%

76-90

91-105

Head-to-head stats:

Teams

Games

Win

Draws

Losses

H

A

H

A

H

A

Doma United

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Barau FC

0

0

0

0

0

0

Probabilities before the match:

Doma United

Barau FC

51.8%

Winning the game51.8%

60%Attack potential

60%30%

Potential in defense30%

0%Strength against each other

0%0%

Goal Potential0%

Summary: the probability of Barau FC winning – 10%, draw – 45%, loss – 45%. Thus Doma United, most likely, win (win or draw)

Goal Forecast:Doma United, is likely to score -2.5 goals, Barau FC is likely to score no more than -1.5.

The bookmaker odds for this match:

Home win

Draw

Away win

0

0

0

Save the date

The match between the teams Doma United and Barau FC will take place on November 14 at 15:00 (GMT) at the stadium Pantami Stadium.

Enyimba will be aiming to end a run of poor results when they host Ikorodu City in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 13 fixture on Sunday.

The People’s Elephant welcome Ikorodu City to Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, looking to respond to last weekend’s 1-0 defeat by Ranchers Bees in Minna.

The result left the nine-time NPFL champions 17th in the table, with 11 points from 12 matches. Victory would give them the chance to improve their position in the standings.

Enyimba confirmed their preparations for the match in a social media post, while also urging supporters to attend in numbers and help inspire the team.

“This Sunday, we host Ikorodu City. Come and cheer the People’s Elephant to victory. Enyimba Enyi!” the club said.

The fixture presents Enyimba with an opportunity to return to winning ways in front of their home supporters.

Nigeria face Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in a Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying double-header during the current international window, with Miguel Gamondi’s side possessing several players capable of causing problems for the three-time African champions.

Although the Super Eagles have greater continental experience and a stronger tournament record, Tanzania’s pace, creativity and understanding in attack could make the ties difficult. Their ability to counter quickly is another potential danger as they look to frustrate Nigeria and exploit spaces on the break.

Here are five Taifa Stars players Nigeria will need to monitor closely.

Novatus Miroshi

The 24-year-old left-back offers Tanzania an attacking outlet as well as defensive cover. His energy, dynamism and willingness to carry the ball forward make him one of the national team’s most influential players.

Miroshi has also made a strong start to the season with Goztepe in the Turkish Super Lig, scoring twice in eight league appearances. He has contributed three goals in 24 matches for Tanzania.

Feisal Salum

Feisal Salum is one of Tanzania’s most important midfielders, providing creativity and direction during attacking transitions. The 28-year-old, known as Fei Toto, is capable of finding teammates with incisive forward passes and creating opportunities around the penalty area.

He has represented Tanzania at the 2019, 2023 and 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. Salum played a decisive role in the country’s historic AFCON 2025 campaign, scoring against Tunisia as Tanzania reached the knockout stages for the first time after qualifying as one of the best third-placed teams.

His 60 international appearances also give him valuable experience for the challenge ahead.

Simon Msuva

The experienced forward remains Tanzania’s main attacking threat. His movement, speed and ability to run into space behind a defence make him dangerous both inside and around the penalty area.

Nigeria’s defenders will have to prevent Msuva from receiving the ball in threatening positions and limit his opportunities to run behind the back line. He faced the Super Eagles in the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, making his 100th international appearance in Tanzania’s 2–1 defeat.

Msuva has scored 25 goals in 105 matches for his country.

Bernard Kamungo

Kamungo gives Tanzania pace and unpredictability from wide areas. The FC Dallas winger can challenge defenders directly and stretch opposing back lines, making him especially dangerous when the Taifa Stars launch quick counter-attacks.

Nigeria’s full-backs and central defenders will need to maintain their shape and avoid leaving space behind them for the USA-based player to exploit.

Kibu Denis

Kibu Denis adds versatility, pace and direct running to Tanzania’s attack. The 27-year-old can drive at defenders from the flanks and deliver dangerous balls into the penalty area.

Nigeria will need to deny him room to operate, particularly in wide positions. Denis has featured regularly for the Taifa Stars since Gamondi took charge of the team in 2025.

German-Nigerian midfielder Kevin Wiethaup is being linked with a move from Karlsruher SC to Bundesliga club Frankfurt.

The 21-year-old joined Karlsruher from VfL Osnabruck on 1 July 2026 and has made nine appearances in the 2. Bundesliga this season, scoring twice. He has started 55% of the league matches in which he has featured and played 547 minutes.

Wiethaup also appeared once in the DFB-Pokal, playing 74 minutes. His current market value is listed at €800,000.

The central midfielder previously helped Osnabruck win the German third tier in the 2025-26 season before leaving the club for Karlsruher on a free transfer. That move came after a campaign in which he was part of Osnabruck’s promotion-winning squad.

Frankfurt’s interest would represent a potential step up from the 2. Bundesliga to Germany’s top flight, although the rumour has not been confirmed and no transfer fee or agreement has been reported.

Wiethaup was born in Bocholt and holds German and Nigerian nationality. He developed through Osnabruck’s youth system before establishing himself in senior football, including a loan spell at SV Rodinghausen during the 2024-25 season.

He remains a Karlsruher SC player, with the club’s current campaign having produced two goals from his nine league appearances.