Plateau United has called for calm and a thorough investigation following a series of disturbing incidents during their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 13 clash against Ikorodu City FC in Lagos, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

In a statement issued on Monday, the club alleged that preparations for the game were hindered when the team was denied access to a full training pitch for their mandatory pre-match session. According to the club, they were restricted to half of the pitch and were forced to train late into the evening without proper lighting, despite seeking intervention from league officials.

The situation reportedly escalated during halftime of the match, with the score still goalless. Plateau United said members of their technical crew noticed troubling disturbances near the referees’ dressing area involving individuals suspected to be under the influence of alcohol.

Goalkeeper Coach Ayo Segun was allegedly assaulted while attempting to report the incident, prompting the Sporting Director, Barr. Gideon Izang, and Chief Security Officer, Itumu, to seek out the Match Commissioner. The club claims its access was blocked, leading to further commotion involving additional individuals.

Plateau United stated that parts of the incident were captured in photos and videos, which will be submitted to football authorities as part of a formal complaint.

Reaffirming its commitment to fair play and professionalism, the club emphasised that football must remain a safe environment for all stakeholders. “Our priority is the safety of all personnel and the integrity of the league,” the statement read.

The Jos-based side has urged the NPFL, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and security agencies to conduct an impartial investigation to determine the facts, address any violations, and prevent a recurrence.

Plateau United assured that it will fully cooperate with authorities as the matter progresses.

Uche Dozie

The Super Eagles returned to training on Wednesday after boycotting training on Tuesday following unpaid bonuses issues, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

The players and officials returned to the turf to get ready for the make-or-mar encounter against Gabon for a Bert at the 2026 World Cup ticket.

Reports say the players have played down their bonus row and insisted it will not affect the team in Thursday's 2026 World Cup play-off vs Gabon.

A post from the team's captain, William Troost Ekong, on X also reinforced the situation that the issues have been resolved.

"Issue RESOLVED. Outstanding financials cleared and on the ground. Team is UNITED and focused as before on representing NIGERIA with our maximum for the games ahead!"

The players boycotted training on Tuesday, prompting the Nigeria Football Federation and the country’s sports commission to step in.

Uche Dozie

The Gabonese National Team has announced their squad for their World Cup Play-offs in Morocco against the National Team of Nigeria, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Superstar Dou of captain Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Mario Lemina, and twenty-four other players have been called up for the encounter.

Final squad:

Goalkeepers: Jean-Noël Amonome (AS Arta/Solar7), Donald Nzé (AS Mangasport), Anthony Mfa Mezui (FC Rodange)

Defenders: Bruno Ecuele Manga (Chamois Niortais), Lloyd Palun (RWD Molenbeek), Aaron Appindangoye, Johann Obiang (Stade Lavallois), David Sambissa (Pau FC), Sidney Obissa (Olympiakos Nicosia)

Midfielders: Mario Lemina (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Guélor Kanga (Red Star Belgrade), Jim Allevinah (Clermont Foot), Louis Ameka Autchanga (Sabah FC), Noha Lemina (Yverdon Sport FC), Yoann Wachter (US Saint-Malo)

Forwards: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Marseille), Denis Bouanga (Los Angeles FC), Axel Meye (CR Belouizdad), Aaron Boupendza (Al-Shabab), Ulrick Eneme Ella (Angers SCO).

Thierry Mouyouma's charges finished top of the best runners-up table in the CAF World Cup qualifiers, setting up a clash against the Super Eagles, who secured second place in Group C on the final matchday.

The match is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the C.S. Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

Uche Dozie

Nigeria Premier Football League debutants, Barau FC have confirmed the appointment of Dominic Iorfa as their new General Manager, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

https://twitter.com/BarauFootball/status/1968086072614854915?t=MHoMSigLwyphKYcUOBhgdw&s=19

A statement from the Kano based side on Tuesday evening say the President of Barau FC Shawall Barau Jibrin announced the appointments.

Iorfa was appointed alongside Alhaji Kabiru Baita as vice president of the club.

Dominic Iorfa, a seasoned administrator and former international player was  former Lobi Stars Chairman.

Uche Dozie

According to the calendar, the new season will kick off on Friday, August 22, 2025, with clubs expected to hit the ground running in their quest for glory.

The league will go on a brief mid-season break from December 30, 2025, to January 6, 2026, giving teams and players a chance to refresh before the second half of the season.

Meanwhile, the mid-season transfer window will run from January 1 to January 30, 2026, allowing clubs to strengthen their squads ahead of the title run-in.

The season will come to a close on Sunday, May 24, 2026, when the champions will be crowned and relegation battles settled.

With the dates now confirmed, NPFL fans across the country are eagerly counting down to the first whistle of the 2025/2026 season.

Nigeria's Samuel Chukwueze was on the score sheet for AC Milan in their preseason big win over Perth Glory, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The Super Eagles forward scored the fifth goal as the Rossoneri pummeled Isuzu UTE A-League opponents. 9-0 at the HBF Park.

Filippo Terracciano started the onslaught for the visitors just three minutes into the contest as Milan led 1-0.

Noah Okafor’s four-minute brace sent Milan three goals clear at HBF Park, before a penalty converted by Christian Comotto and a thunderous strike from Samuel Chukwueze at the end of a driving run put an exclamation mark on Milan’s emphatic, five-goal display in the first half.

Substitute Rafael Leão took just 13 seconds to put his name on the scoresheet as Milan began the second half just as they started the first to go six goals clear.

Despite a push for the home side to score, the Italian giants scored two late goals through Yunus Musah and Leão to extend the full-time margin to nine goals.

Uche Dozie

Aliyu Zubairu has officially stepped down as head coach of Elkanemi Warriors of Maiduguri following a mutual agreement between both parties to part ways, Nigeriasoccernet.com has gathered.

In a statement released by the coach, Zubairu confirmed his decision not to extend his contract with the club, which expires at the end of his two-year tenure.

“After careful consideration, I’ve decided not to renew my contract,” Zubairu stated. “This decision is rooted in my belief that I’ve made a meaningful contribution to the growth and development of the club. True to my nature, I believe it’s time to move on to the next chapter of my coaching journey.”

He led the club to the 2023/24 Federation Cup title during his tenure.

Zubairu will now shift his focus to his role with the Flying Eagles as they gear up for the FIFA U20 World Cup 2025.

Uche Dozie

Nigeria's Victor Osimhen has urged his team to keep the winning mentality till the end of the season in order to be crowned champions of the Turkish Super Lig, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Super Eagles striker scored the second goal in Galatasaray's 0-2 away win against Samsunspor at the Samsun 19 May Stadium.

With the win, Gala is still top with 74 points, 6 points better than their fiercest rivals, Fenerbache who have a game in hand.

The Nigerian disclosed after the match on Friday night that he and the team need to continue the momentum.

He believes they can win the remaining matches in the league. They just need to be prepared and keep fighting in the remaining matches of the season.

“We were a bit rushed in the first half, we actually wanted to show ourselves, how good we are… We started playing fast and forward. We needed to have a bit more ball. We knew our opponent, they were both tough opponents and something that suited their playing style, in fact our rushing was to their advantage. We played more patiently in the second half. I am also happy with my goal contribution. We need to continue by adding to this. We need to carry this momentum forward.

The focus is on us right now. We have a responsibility as a team. We want to win. We actually have the quality to win every match. It is not easy, we will face very important opponents. We need to be prepared to overcome these opponents and lift this cup at the end of the season, we just need to fight. We need to give everything when we step on the field. I think we will have the advantage at the end of the season, but as I said, it will not be easy."

Osimhen has 21 goals and tops the scorer's chart will hope to continue his scoring form in order to help Galatasaray win the title.

Uche Dozie

Remo Stars head coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, has emphasized the importance of sustaining their impressive form as they push for their first-ever Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title, writes Nigeriasoccernet.com.

The Ikenne-based side has been in sensational form, winning five consecutive matches and extending their unbeaten run to seven games. They currently hold an eight-point lead at the top of the table, positioning themselves as strong title contenders.

Ogunmodede Reacts to Sunshine Stars Victory

On Saturday, Remo Stars secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Sunshine Stars, in what was essentially a ‘home away from home’ encounter, as the Akure-based club has been using the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne as their temporary home ground.

Reflecting on the match, Ogunmodede expressed sympathy for their opponents but reiterated that his team was determined to win.

“We had a great game, but I feel for Sunshine Stars because they played in front of our crowd, on our pitch. We couldn’t afford to lose—we saw the opportunity and had to take it.”

“We fought like we wanted everything and got the two goals. They responded well and dominated in midfield, but we denied them a lot of chances.”

The victory marked Remo Stars’ fourth away win of the season, following earlier triumphs against Abia Warriors, Kano Pillars, and Akwa United.

Confidence Ahead of Kano Pillars Clash

As Remo Stars gear up for next Sunday’s return leg against Kano Pillars in Ikenne, Ogunmodede is confident that his team will keep their momentum going.

“Maximum three points,” he boldly declared.

With their maiden NPFL title within reach, Remo Stars will be looking to keep their winning streak alive and further strengthen their grip at the top of the league table.

Oluwayemi Omolagba

Nigeria Premier Football League side, Bayelsa United have announced the withdrawal of its shirt sponsorship deal with Halkin Exploration and Production Ltd, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The South-south team following the directive of the Bayelsa State Government have cancelled the deal as a result of the legal issues between the state and the energy company.

The latest development was revealed to the public via a letter sent by the Prosperity team to the Nigeria Premier Football League.

"Prior to the earlier letter notifying the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) concerning the sponsorship with the above company. I am directed to inform you that the Bayelsa State Government has directed the management of the Club to withdraw the shirt sponsorship agreement with Halkin Exploration and Production Limited based on the legal issues the State Government have with the company."

Consequently, the shirt sponsorship agreement has been withdrawn on till the legal issues are sorted amicably." The letter read.

Bayelsa United had announced the deal with Halkin Exploration and Production Ltd on Monday.

Uche Dozie

He chose to play for South Africa despite having a Nigerian father and has since been listed in the Amajimbos squad for the 2023 U-17 AFCON which gets underway in Algeria on April 29.

Asked of his choice for South Africa, Dokunmu said "I chose South Africa because it’s my birth place. I am more comfortable playing for my birth place and because I really love South Africa."

“It was one of my dreams, one of my goals to get called up to the national team and from here, the U-17 team and then gradually going on to make my debut for the national first team,” he added.

[caption id="attachment_735705" align="alignnone" width="300"] Michael Dokunmu[/caption]

The lad plays for Vitesse U/18 and last year signed a contract till 2025 after impressing for the U16 where he scored 8 goals in the 2021/2022 season.

Micheal is a son of a Nigerian father and a South African mother, Dokunmu was born in April 2006 in Kimberley. At an early age he moved to Johannesburg, where he grew and developed his talent at four clubs (Little Kickers, Old Parks, Randburg FC and SuperSport United).

He and his family moved to the Netherlands in 2019.

By Uche Dozie

Japanese coach Kenichi Yatsuhashi has recounted how his former assistant Yaw Preko save him from being killed during his stay in Nigeria.

After he parted with the Ghana Premier League side on mutual grounds in 2015, Kenichi was appointed as the head coach of Ifeanyi Ubah in 2016.

Due to his relationship with Preko, who is a former Ghana international, the Japanese named Preko as his assistant coach.

Details of happenings during Yatsuhashi’s stay at the Nigerian club are unknown, however, according to the 52-year old, but for the timely intervention of Preko, he would have died in the West African Country without anyone knowing.

“I can’t tell you everything, Bottom line, it was my assistant coach at Hearts of Oak who asked me to come with him,” Kenichi told footballvsoblivion.

“He was offered an assistant coaching role, on the condition that I would be the head coach, because of the success we’d had at Hearts of Oak in Ghana.

“Myself and Yaw Preko, my assistant coach at that time, felt that it was a matter of life or death, seriously, for me to get out of the country and be safe,” He continued.

“I can’t really elaborate more than that, but, if it wasn’t for him coming between me and many people, I would have been dead with anyone even knowing.”

The Japanese trainer now plys his trade in India where is the current head coach of Lonestar Kashmir, however, Yaw Preko is also the head coach of Ghana Premier League side, Medeama SC.

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare has reassured that professionalism in Nigerian football development being promoted by the ongoing reforms of the nation’s football will make Nigerian Leagues better and put it at par with others around the world.

The Minister says his desire to see the Nigerian Leagues grow beyond the current state with rapid transformation through proper licensing, and financial control is unwavering.

Mr. Sunday Dare expalins that the step is critical for building stakeholder confidence following the reclassification of sports from  recreation to business as part of President Buhari’s commitment to make sports business.

He adds that other necessary steps involve running the leagues as businesses and not as recreation . According to Dare “we have a clear plan and vision. We are dogged in working to fulfil them leveraging on public and private financing to achieve our goal. We are committed to make changes that would position our league for the best.”

The Minister had said that the league would not resume until basic conditions on club licensing control are enforced.

“As a Ministry, infrastructure renewal is our ultimate goal to ensure television friendly output that will encourage investors to put their money in a product that is quite attractive, this boils down to professionalism of all stakeholders, administrators, coaches, players, and fans of round leather game,” the Sports Minister remarked.

“This is the only way we can attract sponsors and fans returning in large crowds to the stadium. when all facilities are put in better shape ahead of the new season. We are looking licensing, players salaries and medical insurance, incentives, among others when the season commences.”

The Minister expresses confidence that Nigeria will get it right and return to apex position in African football.

New FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, has told the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Amaju Pinnick, about his intention to visit the country very soon.

Infantino held talks with Pinnick at the ongoing FIFA congress in Mexico on Friday.

The Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, disclosed this during a television programme on Friday.

Dikko said the FIFA supremo is happy with the development of soccer in Nigeria and most especially the partnership with La Liga.

“I want to let Nigerians know that the NFF president had a chat with Infantino during the ongoing FIFA Congress in Mexico and he praised the development of football in Nigeria and also commended the federation for attracting the La Liga to partner with our league,” Goal quoted the LMC chairman as saying during the TV programme.

“The FIFA president immediately told the NFF boss that he would like to come to Nigeria so that he can also see areas in which he could be of assistance to Nigerian football. He said he would come very soon.”

The Nigeria U20s continued their preparations for the upcoming Africa U20 Cup of Nations qualifiers against Burundi by beating Nigerian National League side, Katsina United 3-1 in a friendly on Friday morning.

Football College Abuja attacking midfielder Kingsley Michael continued his fine run of form in front of goal, scoring for the third game on the spin after he gave the Flying Eagles the lead in the fifth minute.

At halftime, the scoreboard read 1-0 but it changed early in the second half when skipper Kelechi Nwakali scored directly from a free kick before left-back Udochukwu Anumudu added more gloss to the scoreline with the third goal in the 75th minute.

The Emmanuel Amuneke-led side took their foot off the pedal after going 3-0 up and paid for it, with Ibrahim Sule pulling a goal back for Katsina United eight minutes from time.

The Flying Eagles have won six test games so far, beating Sia-One Academy, Dabo Babes, a Kaduna State –selected side,Supreme Court, FRSC and Katsina United.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Shehu Dikko, LMC Chairman, led its management while La Liga President Javier Tebas, led the Spanish delegation to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Dikko said that the partnership would see Nigerian coaches and clubs embark on capacity building tour of Spain and also see the La Liga establish a liaison office in Nigeria.

“We are excited with what happened today because it will help in our quest to change the face of football in Nigeria, using the international best practices.

“We are privileged to lead the reform that is expected to take Nigerian league to the next level.

“La Liga is one of the richest leagues in the world. So, we want to tap from them to make our league better.

“We are working with them on technical issues of developing the league. But, most importantly, they will develop our coaches and players as well as commercial activity.

“The next thing is to get Nigerians to put money into the league because this is our biggest challenge; however, the partnership will also involve marketing.

“Major leagues in the world want to associate with the NPFL and in no distant time, the result will begin to manifest,’’ Dikko said.

On his part, Tebas said the benefits of the partnership deal signed with the LMC would depend how better the NPFL becomes in future.

In a remark, Spain’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Alfonso Barnuevo Sebastián de Erice, said his country is Nigeria’s third best client on the economic front and would want the relationship replicated in sports.

“Spain and Nigeria have strong relations which are strategic and our political relationships are based on friendship, trust and good understanding.

“Regarding the economic relations, we are the third best client of Nigeria with4.5 billion Euros of oil and gas bought by Spain.

“The MoU signed today will make our sports on mutual relations also strategic; La Liga is one of the most important companies in Spain and its presence in Nigeria is very important,’’ de Erice said.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, who witnessed the signing, said a page had been opened in the history of football in Nigeria.

Dalung said that the partnership would open up opportunities for exchange of ideas and experiences which is expected to transcend into football and other international relationships.

`The coming of La Liga into Nigerian football is a mark of trust Spain has for Nigeria’s football,’’ Dalung said.

NAN reports that Fernando Sanz, La Liga’s Director for International Projects, Melcior Soler, the Director of Audiovisual Affairs and Antonio Barradas, the La Liga Africa Continent Manager are among the delegation from Spain. (NAN)

Segun Odegbami, former Super Eagles captain, said on Sunday that lack of funds was making it difficult for clubs to successfully prosecute the Nigeria Professional Football League matches, adding that the problem was making it difficult for them to honour matches.

Despite the poor financial state of these clubs, he kicked against privatising these clubs on the premise that such an exercise would lead to the death of the clubs.

Privatisation, he said, would fail because no private organisation was willing to own club and not any could successfully manage a football club.

He said that the reason why clubs would fail was that sports to a great extent was viewed as recreation rather than being a purely business enterprise.

He also took swipe at the clubs which owed players for months saying that owing players was detrimental to the development of the game.

According to him, since most of the clubs were owned by the state governors, who cannot meet their financial obligation to their workers, certainly they would owe the players.

He called for greater attention to the generation of income to enable the clubs to operate.

He, however, gave a pat saying that coverage and officiating of the League (NPFL) was improving, calling on club owners, managers and sport administrators to sustain the improvements so that the nation’s football would be strengthened

Nigeria caretaker coach Samson Siasia had begged for midweek matches to be iced so that he could have enough time with the domestic league players ahead of the matches against Egypt.

The league organisers have now acted positively by adjusting their fixtures list for midweek games to be resumed just days before the home leg qualifier against Egypt.

“By March 23, the coach would have picked the players from the league he will work with for the Egypt matches and as such the other players could return to their various clubs,” a top official explained.

Three clubs, namely Enyimba, warri Wolves and Nasarawa United, are equally involved in the CAF club competitions.

Nineteen players from the league are currently in the Super Eagles training camp in Abuja ahead of the AFCON qualifiers.

The League Management Company (LMC) has disclosed midweek matches have been suspended until March 23 to allow the Super Eagles prepare fully for two important AFCON qualifiers against Egypt.

Nigeria caretaker coach Samson Siasia had begged for midweek matches to be iced so that he could have enough time with the domestic league players ahead of the matches against Egypt.

The league organisers have now acted positively by adjusting their fixtures list for midweek games to be resumed just days before the home leg qualifier against Egypt.

“By March 23, the coach would have picked the players from the league he will work with for the Egypt matches and as such the other players could return to their various clubs,” a top official explained.

Three clubs, namely Enyimba, warri Wolves and Nasarawa United, are equally involved in the CAF club competitions.

Nineteen players from the league are currently in the Super Eagles training camp in Abuja ahead of the AFCON qualifiers.

The League Management Company (LMC) has disclosed midweek matches have been suspended until March 23 to allow the Super Eagles prepare fully for two important AFCON qualifiers against Egypt.

Nigeria caretaker coach Samson Siasia had begged for midweek matches to be iced so that he could have enough time with the domestic league players ahead of the matches against Egypt.

The league organisers have now acted positively by adjusting their fixtures list for midweek games to be resumed just days before the home leg qualifier against Egypt.

“By March 23, the coach would have picked the players from the league he will work with for the Egypt matches and as such the other players could return to their various clubs,” a top official explained.

Three clubs, namely Enyimba, warri Wolves and Nasarawa United, are equally involved in the CAF club competitions.

Nineteen players from the league are currently in the Super Eagles training camp in Abuja ahead of the AFCON qualifiers.

Arsene Wenger has included the 19-year-old Iwobi in the match day squad and he could now make his fifth start for The Gunners this season.

The Arsenal manager has rated the Nigeria star very highly.

“He’s a creative player who has a high work rate and team spirit," he remarked.

“Overall he’s a player who develops very well.

"He has a big passion for the game.

“He can score, he can play on the flanks or through the middle.”

Iwobi, boasts 10 appearances in his debut season for Arsenal, starting four times.

Three of those starts have come in the FA Cup, a competition Arsenal have won for the last two seasons, where he has been fielded in an attacking midfield role.

Musa scored in the 11th minute to give CSKA the win against their city rivals.

The goal is Musa’s seventh in 19 league appearances this season.

His Nigerian team-mate Aaron Samuel was an unused substitute in the game.

In Germany, Super Eagles defender Leon Balogun and his side Mainz could not replicate their winning feat against Bayern Munich as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Darmstadt.

Balogun, who has been a regular for Mainz this season, was in action for 90 minutes.

Ogenyi Onazi was overlooked for selection in Lazio’s 1-1 away draw against Torino in a Serie A clash.

While Onazi was left on the bench for 90 minutes, Joel Obi was introduced in the 86th minute for Guiseppe Vives.

In La Liga, Success Isaac featured for 90 minutes but couldn’t prevent his side from losing 2-0 away to Real Betis.

Isaac was yellow carded in the 47th minute.

Super Eagles defender Kenneth Omeruo made an appearance for Kasimpasa who defeated Antalyaspor 2-1.

Omeruo saw action for 90 minutes.