Nigeria produced a dominant display to defeat Tunisia in a pulsating Group C encounter at the Fez Stadium, running out 3–2 winners in a five-goal Africa Cup of Nations classic, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Super Eagles began on the front foot, with Victor Osimhen seeing an early header fly over the bar in the 8th minute before having a goal ruled out for offside soon after.

Nigeria’s persistence finally paid off just before the break when Osimhen rose highest to power home a header from Ademola Lookman’s pinpoint cross in the 44th minute.

Nigeria doubled its advantage shortly after the restart as Wilfred Ndidi headed in from a Lookman-delivered corner in the 50th minute, extending the Super Eagles’ control.

The contest appeared beyond Tunisia when Nigeria struck again in the 66th minute. A swift counter-attack, sparked by Frank Onyeka and involving Alex Iwobi, ended with Osimhen squaring the ball for Lookman, who calmly finished to make it 3–0.

Tunisia mounted a late response, pulling one back in the 74th minute through Talbi, who converted from a set-piece. The Carthage Eagles were then handed a lifeline following a VAR review, with Elabdi converting from the penalty spot in the 86th minute.

Despite the late scare, Nigeria held firm to secure a vital victory in Group C, their second in two matches, to progress to the next round.

Uche Dozie

The Carthage Eagles wasted no time asserting their dominance, taking the lead in the 9th minute through Ellyes Skhiri, who struck early with a close-range header to put Tunisia in control.

Tunisia continued to apply pressure and nearly doubled their advantage midway through the first half, but Uganda’s defence stood firm.

The breakthrough arrived in the 40th minute when Elias Achouri connected well to Abdi's cross with a side volley to make it 2–0 going into the break.

Achouri extended Tunisia’s lead in the 64th minute, completing his brace with a composed finish and effectively putting the contest beyond reach.

The 2024 champions pushed to restore their three-goal lead, but were denied earlier by a fine save from goalkeeper M. Salim in the 81st minute.

Uganda finally pulled one back in stoppage time. Denis Omedi scored in the 90+2nd minute, providing a late consolation for the Cranes.

The win ends Tunisia's winless streak in their last five AFCON openers.

Elias Achouri’s brace and commanding performance earned him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award, as Tunisia made a strong start to their Group C campaign.

Uche Dozie

Nasarawa United and Barau FC played out a goalless draw in the final fixture of NPFL Matchday 18 on Tuesday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Solid Miners missed a golden opportunity to go top of the league standings after leaders Rivers United were held to a 1–1 draw by Katsina United on Monday.

Despite a highly competitive encounter at the Lafia City Stadium, both sides were let down by poor decision-making in front of goal, resulting in a stalemate between the two Northern outfits.

The result leaves Nasarawa United second on the table with 32 points, two points behind Rivers United, while Barau FC remains in 16th position with 21 points, just one point clear of the relegation zone.

Uche Dozie

DR Congo’s Leopards began their Group D campaign on a winning note with a 1–0 victory over Benin’s Guépards at the Al Madina Stadium, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The decisive moment came in the 16th minute when Théo Bongonda capitalised on a defensive error to fire home a well-taken first-time finish and give DR Congo an early lead.

Benin attempted to respond and gradually worked their way back into the contest, but the Leopards controlled the tempo, limiting clear-cut chances.

In the 29th minute, Benin goalkeeper Hassane produced a crucial intervention to deny Bongonda a second goal.

DR Congo thought they had doubled their advantage shortly after the restart when Cédric Bakambu nodded home from a pinpoint cross in the 48th minute, but celebrations were cut short as VAR ruled the goal out for offside following a review.

The Leopards continued to press for a second goal in the closing stages, while Benin remained resolute defensively and pushed forward late on in search of an equaliser.

In the 90th minute, Dimitry Mpasi made an important save to keep out Tosin’s effort and preserve DR Congo’s lead.

The final whistle confirmed a 1–0 win for DR Congo, their opening match for the first time since 2017.

Uche Dozie

Senegal delivered a commanding performance to defeat Botswana 3–0 in their Group D encounter at the Grand Stade de Tangir, recording the largest victory of the AFCON 2025 tournament so far, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Lions of Teranga started aggressively and were denied an early breakthrough by an inspired Goitseone Phoko, who produced a superb one-on-one save to stop Jackson in the 4th minutes, before palming Sadio Mané’s header over the bar a minute later.

Phoko continued to frustrate Senegal, denying further efforts from Jakoba nd Mané as Botswana held firm through the first half hour.

Senegal’s persistence finally paid off in the 40th minutes, when Jackson tapped in at the near post after a well-worked cutback from Jakob, breaking the deadlock.

The former champions came out with renewed intensity after the break and doubled their lead in the 58th minute, with Jackson finishing off a slick attacking move to claim his second goal of the night.

Jackson was denied a hat-trick in the 75th minute when he fired over from close range, while Phoko continued his outstanding display by once again stopping Mané two minutes later.

The icing on the cake came in the 90th minute, when substitute Chérif Ndiaye converted a pinpoint delivery from Sabaly to seal a comprehensive victory for Senegal.

Uche Dozie

Akwa United produced a commanding performance to defeat First Bank FC 3–1 in their Nigeria National League (NNL) Matchday 7 encounter at the Onikan Stadium on Monday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The visitors started brightly and nearly took the lead as early as the 3rd minute when Emenike John won possession in midfield and burst into the penalty area, but his effort was blocked, while Esonwanne’s follow-up sailed over the bar. Moments later, Daniel was released through on goal but dragged his shot wide.

Akwa United continued to press. In the 16th minute, Ndifreke Etim and Esonwanne combined well to free Qudus, whose powerful effort from the left narrowly missed the target. Six minutes later, Daniel and Esonwanne again linked up to set up Yannick, but his shot was tipped out for a corner by the First Bank goalkeeper.

Despite several half-chances and strong defensive moments from both sides, the first half ended goalless.

The breakthrough arrived five minutes after the restart. In the 50th minute, Daniel Gothom weaved brilliantly through a crowded defence before unleashing a superb strike into the net to give Akwa United a deserved lead.

First Bank attempted to respond, but Akwa United goalkeeper Aloysius ThankGod was in inspired form, pulling off crucial saves in the 57th and 70th minutes to preserve his side’s advantage.

Akwa United doubled their lead in the 63rd minute when Paulinus Okon scored with his first touch after coming on, finishing calmly to make it 2–0.

The visitors put the game beyond doubt in the 75th minute with a moment of brilliance. Michael Okenwa executed a spectacular overhead kick following an assist from Yannick, extending the lead to 3–0.

First Bank managed a consolation goal in the 82nd minute, reducing the deficit to 3–1, but Akwa United remained composed and saw out the game comfortably. A late effort by Okenwa was ruled out for offside in the 89th minute.

The victory sees Akwa United in second position of the Nigeria National League Conference B with 13 points same as first-placed, Sporting Lagos, after 7 matches.

Uche Dozie

The hosts, Katsina United, took the lead in the 22nd minute through Azeez Falolu, who found the net to give his side an early advantage.

Rivers United responded strongly and drew level when Stephen Manyo marked his return to the starting line-up with a goal, restoring parity for the Pride of Rivers in the 76th minute.

The draw ensures that Rivers United maintain their slim lead at the top of the NPFL standings with 34 points, holding a three-point advantage over second-placed Nasarawa United, who have a game in hand.

Uche Dozie

Bafana Bafana began their Group B campaign on a winning note at the Stade de Marrakech, edging Angola in an entertaining AFCON 2025 encounter to end a 21-year wait for an opening-match victory at the tournament, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

South Africa started brightly and nearly went ahead in the 11th minute when Nkota picked out Lyle Foster inside the box, but Angola goalkeeper Marques well saved the forward’s header. At the other end, Ronwen Williams produced a fine diving save in the 15th minute to deny Angola from close range.

The breakthrough arrived in the 21st minute. Oswin Appollis capitalised on good work by Foster inside the area, firing home to give Bafana Bafana the lead.

Angola responded strongly and were rewarded in the 35th minute when Show produced a delicate finish to beat Williams and restore parity. The first half ended 1–1, with both sides evenly matched.

South Africa thought they had regained the lead shortly after the restart when substitute Tshepang Moremi scored with his first touch in the 51st minute, but celebrations were cut short as VAR ruled the goal out, with Foster adjudged to have been offside in the build-up.

Bafana continued to press and came agonisingly close in the 58th minute when Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s powerful strike crashed off the crossbar.

The decisive moment finally came in the 79th minute. Lyle Foster, making amends for his earlier offside involvement, curled a superb effort into the far corner to restore South Africa’s lead.

Angola pushed for a late equaliser, with Mabululu going close in the 89th minute, but Bafana Bafana held firm to secure a historic victory.

The win marks South Africa’s first AFCON opening-match triumph in 21 years, providing a major boost to their Group B ambitions.

Uche Dozie

Reigning Nigeria Premier Football League champions Remo Stars suffered a surprise 3–2 home defeat to Bendel Insurance at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, in a thrilling encounter, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports

The visitors stunned the home crowd early when Wisdom Udom opened the scoring in the 14th minute, putting Bendel Insurance ahead against the run of play.

Bendel doubled their advantage in the 26th minute through Henry Onyia, who finished clinically to leave the champions reeling. Remo Stars responded almost immediately as Adeleke Adeleye pulled one back two minutes later, reducing the deficit and reigniting hope for the hosts.

However, Bendel Insurance restored their two-goal cushion in the 40th minute when Henry Onyia struck again, netting his second of the game to make it 3–1 before the break.

Remo Stars came out strongly in the second half and created several chances. Victor Mbaoma found the net in the 60th minute to cut the deficit once more and set up a tense final half-hour.

Earlier, the hosts had come close to scoring when Mbaoma’s effort struck the side netting before Alex Oyowah’s follow-up was comfortably gathered by the Bendel Insurance goalkeeper. Remo Stars were later denied an equaliser in the 66th minute when Ahmed Akinyele’s effort crashed against the woodwork.

Despite sustained pressure from the champions, Bendel Insurance held firm to claim a famous away victory, handing Remo Stars a rare home defeat.

Uche Dozie

The breakthrough came in the 30th minute when the referee awarded the hosts a penalty after Yahaya Sani was brought down in the box. Okon Eta stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to give Mighty Jets the lead.

The hosts doubled their advantage nine minutes into the second half. Yahaya Sani, who won the penalty, got on the scoresheet himself in the 54th minute with a neat finish from inside the box.

Mighty Jets were firmly in control by the 70th minute when captain Saleh Muhammed rose highest to head home from a corner kick, completing a dominant performance by the Jets.

Despite the convincing win—only their second of the season—Mighty Jets remain seventh and bottom of the NNL Conference C table with six points. ABS FC, meanwhile, sits fifth with eight points after seven matches.

Uche Dozie 

Matchday 18 of the Nigeria Premier Football League delivered a blend of late drama, tight contests and statement victories as clubs battled for crucial points at both ends of the table, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

At Ilorin, Kwara United produced a solid second-half performance to secure a 2–0 win over Bayelsa United. Babatunde Bright broke the deadlock in the 54th minute before Ini Emmanuel sealed the victory 17 minutes later, strengthening the Harmony Boys’ home form.

There was nothing to separate Wikki Tourists and Kun Khalifat FC, who played out a goalless draw, with both sides cancelling each other out in a closely fought encounter.

In Enugu, Rangers International edged Ikorodu City FC 2–1 in a keenly contested match, maintaining their push for a strong finish in the second half of the season.

Godwin Obaje put the Flying Antelopes in front in the 35th minute before Chidiebere Nwobodo doubled the lead in the 76th minute

Rasheed Owolabi pulled one back for City at added time of the second half as the tie ended 2-1 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

At the Lekan Salami Stadium, Shooting Stars (3SC) came from behind to defeat Niger Tornadoes 2–1.

Gbolagade Adelowo equalised from the penalty spot just before half-time, while Promise Awosanmi struck the winner in the 66th minute.

Tornadoes thought they had rescued a point when Kufre Ebong scored in added time, but the goal proved only a late consolation.

Kano Pillars thrilled their home fans with a 2–1 victory over Plateau United. After Wisdom Ndon had put the visitors ahead early, Mustapha Jibrin levelled on the stroke of half-time before captain Ahmed Musa completed the turnaround shortly after the restart.

One of the standout games of the weekend took place in Maiduguri, where El-Kanemi Warriors claimed a dramatic 3–2 win over Enyimba FC.

Daddy Abdulrahman opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 28th minute before Jonas Emmanuel doubled the hosts' lead on 36 minutes.

Mohammed Hussaini reduced the deficit for Enyimba on 43 minutes to give the People's Elephant a lifeline ahead of the second half.

However, Emmanuel increased the deficit with his second goal of the game on 54 minutes. Onyebuchi Nwaorisa, in the 76th minute, pulled one back, but it only proved a consolation for the visitors.

Late drama also unfolded in Umuahia as Abia Warriors snatched a 1–0 victory over Wolves FC. Sunday Megwo converted a penalty deep into stoppage time (90+6’) to hand the hosts all three points in the dying moments of the game.

Uche Dozie 

City FC Abuja recorded a crucial 1–0 victory over Doma United FC in a Nigeria National League (NNL) Matchday 7 encounter played at the FIFA Goal Project Pitch, Package B of the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

After a tightly contested first half, the breakthrough arrived in the second period when Shuaib Akinwande found the back of the net to give City FC the decisive advantage.

The goal came from a corner kick situation after a scramble and confusion saw the ball fall to Joseph Donatus, whose pass was put into the net by Akinwande.

Doma United pushed hard for an equaliser and came closest through their talisman and leading goalscorer, Mathew Ogenyi, who currently has four goals this season. His powerful long-range effort looked destined for the net but was brilliantly finger-tipped away by City FC goalkeeper Samuel Agbana, whose acrobatic save preserved the hosts’ lead.

The victory moves City FC Abuja to sixth position with eight points, just above Sokoto United and Mighty Jets FC in the standings as they continue their push in the Savannah Conference.

Doma United, popularly known as the Savannah Tigers, remain top of the Savannah Conference C table with 16 points from seven matches despite the defeat.

Attention now shifts to the reverse fixture, as City FC will travel to Gombe to face Doma United in the second stanza of the league at the Pantami Stadium on January 31, 2026.

Uche Dozie

Barau FC recorded a famous comeback victory over league leaders Rivers United in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 5 encounter, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Kano State-based club stunned the multiple-time champions with an emphatic 4–1 win to end Rivers United’s nine-match unbeaten run at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Friday.

The Pride of Rivers started brightly and took an early lead when Duke Osimaga fired the visitors ahead in the 5th minute of the encounter.

However, the Maliya Boys responded 20 minutes later as Usman Maidubji confidently converted from the penalty spot, scoring his second goal of the season to draw the hosts level.

The home side completed the turnaround deep into first-half stoppage time when Jimmy Ambrose struck in the 45+2 minute, finishing off a well-worked move initiated by Nura Ibrahim. It was Ambrose’s first goal of the campaign and sent the home supporters into celebration at the break.

Barau continued to dominate after the restart and extended their advantage in the 64th minute. Kabir Abdullahi capitalised on a defensive mix-up in the Rivers United backline to score his first goal of the season and make it 3–1.

The forward was not done yet, as he added his second of the night in the 77th minute—his second goal of the season—after a precise assist from Muhd Umar, sealing an emphatic victory for the hosts.

The result lifts Barau FC out of the relegation zone and up to 16th position on the NPFL table with 20 points from 17 matches. Rivers United, despite the heavy defeat, remain top of the standings with 33 points.

Uche Dozie

The Super Eagles of Nigeria suffered a 2–1 defeat to the Pharaohs of Egypt in an international friendly played on Tuesday night at the Cairo International Stadium, as both sides continued preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Egypt took the lead in the 28th minute when Mahmoud Saber finished from close range after a ball played in behind left-back Zaidu Sanusi was flashed across the face of the goal for an easy tap-in.

The Super Eagles responded just before the break, drawing level in stoppage time. Chidozie Awaziem capitalised on a goalkeeping error, bundling the ball home after Egypt’s goalkeeper flapped at Sanusi’s free kick in the 45+2 minute.

The first half ended with the scores level at 1–1.

Egypt restored its advantage eight minutes into the second half through Mostafa Mohamed, who fired the ball beneath goalkeeper Amas Obasogie. The goal appeared offside, but it stood, giving the hosts a 2–1 lead in the 53rd minute.

Despite efforts from Nigeria to find an equaliser, Egypt held on to secure the win.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to depart Cairo on Thursday aboard a chartered flight to the Moroccan city of Fès, where they will continue their AFCON preparations.

Nigeria will begin their AFCON 2025 campaign next Tuesday against Tanzania, with kick-off set for 6:30pm.

Uche Dozie 

Taofeek Otaniyi’s 19th-minute goal proved decisive as Rivers United edged Wikki Tourists 1–0 in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 17 encounter, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports

Wikki Tourists made a lively start and almost stunned the hosts in the fifth minute, but Abubakar Ahmed failed to capitalise on a set piece delivered by Abdullahi Usman Pepe. The visitors continued to threaten early on, with Abdullahi Usman later firing off target after a promising run in the 13th minute.

Rivers United gradually grew into the contest and broke the deadlock in the 19th minute when Otaniyi finished confidently to put the Pride of Rivers ahead. The forward remained influential and went close again on the half-hour, forcing Utum Godswill into a strong save that conceded a corner.

?The hosts maintained attacking pressure, with Timothy Zachariah narrowly missing the target in the 35th minute, his first-time volley crashing into the side netting.

?Early in the second half, Rivers United thought they had doubled their advantage when Samson Obi produced an acrobatic finish in the 51st minute, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

?Wikki Tourists attempted to respond through set pieces, including a long-range free kick by Haruna in the 55th minute, but the Rivers defence stood firm to preserve their lead.

Despite late pressure from the visitors, Rivers United remained disciplined at the back and saw out the contest to claim a hard-fought 1–0 victory, securing all three points at home.

Uche Dozie

Enyimba FC returned to winning ways with an impressive 3–1 victory over Kwara United in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Week 17 clash at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The opening exchanges were evenly contested, with both sides showing early intent but failing to register clear chances. Kwara United recorded the first shot on target, though Babatunde Bright’s low drive posed little threat to Enyimba goalkeeper Dede Dare.

The deadlock was broken in the 21st minute when Agu Samuel struck a thunderous long-range effort that flew past Kwara United goalkeeper Nurudeen Badmus, opening his goal account for the People’s Elephant.

Kwara United responded swiftly, drawing level in the 29th minute through Gidado Toyeeb, whose individual brilliance saw him beat Dare to restore parity for the Harmony Boys. The teams went into the break level at 1–1 after a fiercely contested first half.

Enyimba emerged strongly after the restart and regained control in the 58th minute when Chidera Michael rose unmarked inside the six-yard box to flick home a cross from Pascal Eze, putting the hosts back in front. Just three minutes later, the forward struck again, calmly tapping into an empty net to complete his brace and extend Enyimba’s lead to 3–1.

Kwara United pushed forward in search of a comeback, but Enyimba’s defence held firm, limiting the visitors to half-chances. The home side also came close to adding a fourth when Onyebuchi Nwaorisa’s curling effort struck the woodwork late on.

Despite a late injury to goalkeeper Dede Dare, which forced Enyimba into changes, the Aba giants saw out the contest comfortably to claim all three points.

The win puts People's Elephant in 8th position with 23 points after 17 matches played.

Uche Dozie

The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Matchday 3 delivered a series of commanding displays across the country, with several teams securing vital away victories to strengthen their early-season ambitions, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Robo Queens 2–0 Delta Queens

Robo Queens extended their perfect start to the season with a disciplined 2–0 victory over Delta Queens in Lagos.

After a tightly contested first half, the hosts broke the deadlock in the 50th minute through Rodiat Yusuf, who finished calmly inside the area. Eight minutes later, Tosin Rafiu doubled the advantage, ensuring Robo Queens maintained their 100 per cent record after three games.

Confluence Queens 0–2 Remo Stars Ladies

Remo Stars Ladies recorded their first away win of the campaign, defeating Confluence Queens 2–0 at the Iyamho Stadium in Edo.

Debutant Anifowoshe Khadijat opened the scoring by slotting home a precise through ball from Fagbenro Daniella. The visitors increased their lead in the second half when substitute Similoluwa Okesiji capitalised on another incisive pass, this time from Chiamaka Ojialor.

Confluence Queens threatened sporadically, but the Remo Stars goalkeeper stood firm to preserve the clean sheet.

Ekiti Queens 0–1 Edo Queens

Edo Queens claimed a hard-earned 1–0 away victory over Ekiti Queens at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado-Ekiti.

The decisive moment came in the 67th minute when Doosuur Atum, who has been in superb form, struck clinically to hand the visitors a second consecutive win. Edo Queens maintained excellent defensive organisation to see out the match.

Ahudiyannem Queens 0–2 Nasarawa Amazons

Nasarawa Amazons secured maximum points in Umuahia with an impressive 2–0 win over Ahudiyannem Queens.

The visitors asserted their dominance early in the second half, with Ohunene Sunday breaking the deadlock in the 47th minute. Peaceful Ikediuba later doubled the tally in the 74th minute, sealing a well-deserved victory for the Lafia-based side.

Abia Angels 2–0 Osun Babes

In Aba, Abia Angels defeated Osun Babes 2–0 with a composed first-half performance.

Winner David opened the scoring in the 16th minute before Blessing Okon extended the lead twelve minutes later. Despite Osun Babes’ attempts to respond, Abia Angels maintained control throughout the contest.

Adamawa Queens 1–0 Ibom Angels

Adamawa Queens earned a narrow 1–0 win over Ibom Angels at the Makwada Stadium.

Ifeoma Damian scored the game’s only goal in the 16th minute, guiding the hosts to a crucial home victory. Ibom Angels pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Adamawa’s defence held firm.

Uche Dozie

Bayelsa Queens delivered a commanding performance on Thursday morning, defeating Naija Ratels 5–0 in a rescheduled NWFL Premiership fixture at the Bwari Stadium, Abuja, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The match, originally slated for Wednesday, was postponed to 8:00 a.m. on Thursday due to administrative reasons. The reigning champions put the delay behind them as they dominated from start to finish.

Bayelsa Queens took the lead in the 12th minute through Kesiena Ojiyovwi, who finished calmly after sustained pressure. The advantage was doubled in the 36th minute when Kindness Ifeanyi pounced on a loose ball to make it 2–0.

The champions shifted into an even higher gear in the second half. Substitute Alaba Olabiyi struck twice in the 73rd and 80th minutes, showcasing her clinical finishing to put the game beyond reach. Delight Isaac completed the rout in the 83rd minute with a composed effort that sealed an emphatic victory.

The 5–0 win means Bayelsa Queens maintain their perfect start to the season with two wins out of two and with a six-goal difference.

Uche Dozie

Rivers Angels earned a hard-fought 2–1 away victory over Pacesetter Queens at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, securing three precious points on the road in Wednesday’s NWFL encounter, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Grace Saliu opened the scoring in the 1st minute, finishing neatly from a Ramotalahi Kareem cross to give the visitors an early lead.

Pacesetter Queens almost levelled in the 24th minute when Olaronke Ola’s effort crashed off the bar, but goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi reacted sharply to stop the rebound.

Their pressure paid off 4 minutes later as Balogun Teslimot fired home the equaliser to make it 1–1.

Rivers Angels regained the lead in the 40th minute when Ramotalahi Kareem tucked home from Polinus Ifeoma’s well-taken free kick, restoring the advantage heading into halftime.

The second half produced several missed opportunities for the Port Harcourt side. Abasiofon Uwah squandered a clear chance in the 54th minute, while Zainab Oduga’s powerful strike in the 64th minute rolled inches wide of the goal. In stoppage time, Kareem again came close but failed to convert a sitter that would have sealed the win more comfortably.

Despite the late misses, Rivers Angels held firm to claim a 2–1 victory and a vital away win. It is their second win after two matches, while Pacesetters Queens have lost their first three matches of the season.

Uche Dozie

Nasarawa United and Bendel Insurance strengthened their Nigeria Premier Football League campaigns on Monday evening with crucial victories that reshaped the standings at both ends of the table, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

In Lafia, Nasarawa United edged Shooting Stars 1–0 to reclaim top spot in the NPFL. The breakthrough came in the 65th minute when substitute Moyi Hassan unleashed a powerful strike to hand the Solid Miners all three points in a tightly contested match. The win underscores Nasarawa United’s growing consistency as the race for the title intensifies.

At the Ilorin Township Stadium, Bendel Insurance secured a vital 1–0 victory over Katsina United. Elmer Arunta provided the decisive moment in the 71st minute, finishing calmly to lift the Benin Arsenal out of the relegation zone. The result offers much-needed relief for the Benin side, who had been hovering dangerously near the bottom of the table.

With the win, Nasarawa United move back to the summit with 30 points, two ahead of second-placed Ikorodu City. Bendel Insurance, meanwhile, climbs from 19th to 15th place, now on 19 points after 16 matches, significantly improving their chances of survival as the season approaches its midpoint.

Uche Dozie