Kano Pillars welcome Ranchers Bees to the Sani Abacha Stadium for a Northern Nigerian derby with important consequences at both ends of the Nigeria Premier Football League table.

The four-time champions are fifth after 12 matches with 19 points, level with Barau FC but behind them on goal difference. Their campaign has included four wins, seven draws and one defeat, a record that reflects their consistency but also their difficulty in converting close matches into victories.

Ranchers Bees are 16th with 12 points and travel from Kaduna with renewed belief after recording a 1-0 win over Enyimba last Sunday. The result lifted them in the standings and also marked a significant personal milestone for Tijani Kabiru, who made his 100th NPFL appearance in the match.

The fixture carries the added importance of a long-standing regional rivalry, with both teams seeking the points as well as local bragging rights.

Pillars seek home control

Kano Pillars will hope their home support can help them establish control from the start. Sai Masu Gida are expected to rely on a high-tempo, possession-based approach, using their width and influence in midfield to put Ranchers Bees under early pressure.

Their record at home has traditionally made the Sani Abacha Stadium a difficult venue for visiting sides. However, Pillars will also be conscious of their seven draws and the need to turn territorial dominance and closely fought games into three points.

They are likely to try to move the ball quickly through the wide areas while controlling the centre of the pitch. That approach would allow them to push Ranchers Bees back and prevent the match from becoming another stalemate.

Bees draw confidence from Enyimba win

Ranchers Bees face a demanding test in what is expected to be an intense atmosphere, but their victory against Enyimba provides a platform for another strong defensive display.

The visitors are expected to prioritise defensive organisation before looking to attack quickly when possession is regained. Their main challenge will be surviving the pressure Kano Pillars are likely to apply at the beginning of the game.

If Ranchers Bees can remain compact, frustrate the home side and keep the crowd quiet, they will look to exploit the space behind the Pillars defence through rapid counter-attacks. Their pace in transition could give them an opportunity to claim another notable result.

Midfield battle could decide derby

Kano Pillars will aim to close down the centre and keep Ranchers Bees inside their own half. The visitors, meanwhile, are expected to use direct passes towards the wide channels in an attempt to bypass the home side’s pressure.

With derby matches often offering little room for attacking players to operate, set pieces may carry particular importance. The team that reacts quickest to loose balls and wins the second-ball contests could gain the decisive advantage.

Victor Boniface is pushing to leave Bayer Leverkusen in January after making only two Bundesliga appearances during a difficult start to the 2026/27 season.

The 25-year-old Super Eagles striker played five minutes in Leverkusen’s opening-day 3-2 defeat by newly promoted SV Elversberg in August. He has featured for only 12 minutes in all competitions.

His limited involvement was highlighted by his omission from Leverkusen’s Europa League squad. When Martin Terrier suffered a long-term muscular injury, the club chose to register midfielder Jonas Hofmann as his replacement rather than Boniface.

Sky Germany reports that Boniface has told his representatives he wants a move during the January transfer window. A loan or permanent transfer would be considered, although no advanced negotiations have begun.

Injuries have interrupted Boniface’s progress

Boniface’s current situation is a significant change from his breakthrough 2023/24 campaign, when he scored 21 goals and provided nine assists in 34 matches as Leverkusen won the Bundesliga title for the first time.

He has scored 32 goals and supplied 12 assists in 61 appearances for Leverkusen overall.

The striker’s progress was disrupted by injuries last season. He joined Werder Bremen on loan after a proposed transfer to AC Milan collapsed following a medical.

Boniface made only 11 appearances for Bremen, recording no goals and two assists. He did not make his first start until November, while a persistent knee problem led to a specialist consultation in Innsbruck in January 2026 and effectively brought his loan spell to an end. Bremen subsequently decided he would not play again.

He returned to Leverkusen in July 2026 but has since fallen behind Patrik Schick and Christian Kofane in the order of preference under coach Carles Martinez.

Rolfes dismisses immediate concern

Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes rejected talk of Boniface leaving on 24 October.

“That doesn’t change Boni’s situation. He needs to stay fit, keep at it, and improve, then his opportunity will come. I’m not worried. Since then, he’s been in much better shape, mentally as well, and sees many more possibilities again.”

Rolfes said Boniface still needs to improve his pressing and fitness. Leverkusen are nevertheless open to a loan move that could help the forward regain match sharpness.

Boniface’s contract with the club runs until June 2029, leaving Leverkusen with the option of retaining him or allowing him to seek regular football elsewhere.

With the January window approaching, and his position in the Super Eagles squad at risk, Boniface faces an important decision over the next stage of his career.

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.

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.

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.

Two Nigerian-born footballers, Darlington Chichoro and Owen Emeka, have earned places in Spain's squad for the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.

Chichoro, who plays for Athletic Club, and Emeka are among the youngsters selected to represent Spain at the global tournament.

Their inclusion further highlights the growing presence of players with Nigerian heritage in European youth football, with both teenagers set to gain valuable experience on the international stage.

Reports indicate Spain's squad includes 10 players with dual nationality, making the selection a notable talking point ahead of the competition.

Other eye-catching names include the son of former Real Madrid and Brazil international Marcelo, as well as a goalkeeper who previously represented England at U-16 level and was formerly attached to Manchester United.

The tournament in Qatar will offer Chichoro, Emeka and their teammates an opportunity to test themselves against some of the most promising young footballers from across the world.

For the two Nigerian-born players, the competition also represents an opportunity to make an impression and strengthen their profiles in international youth football.

Udinese goalkeeper Daniele Padelli has defended team-mate Maduka Okoye, saying the Nigeria international has been made a scapegoat as the club struggles during the current campaign.

Okoye has come under increasing criticism for his performances, having conceded 25 goals and kept only one clean sheet for the Zebras this season.

Padelli rejected the idea that the goalkeeper should carry responsibility for Udinese’s wider problems, arguing that the team’s difficulties cannot be attributed to individual players.

“In these situations, you look for a scapegoat. It’s happened to everyone, it happened to me too. Against Venezia, however, the most decisive goalkeeper for the result was Stankovic,” Padelli told TV 12, as quoted on Udinese’s official website.

The Italian also said the focus within the squad must be on developing a clear collective identity rather than concentrating on individual errors.

Udinese’s recent struggles have placed greater attention on Okoye, with his goals-conceded record and limited number of clean sheets contributing to the scrutiny surrounding him. Padelli, however, maintained that the team’s performances are shaped by collective issues, particularly when conceding affects the players’ confidence.

“We’re trying to build a team identity, not focus on individuals. If they score, you struggle mentally, the spaces open up even more, and you struggle more and more,” he said.

Padelli added that Udinese had not been poor in every area, but acknowledged that the team’s current mental fragility was affecting the way individuals performed.

“We’re not doing everything poorly; we’ve created some things, but the ball is now very important. If the team isn’t playing well, even the individuals struggle. We need to get out of this moment of mental fragility; we need a breath of fresh air.”

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has rearranged the outstanding Matchday 10 fixture between Ranchers Bees and Doma United, with the match now scheduled for Wednesday, 18 November 2026.

The game is due to kick off at 16:00 WAT at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, according to a league statement released on 23 October.

The fixture was initially set for 24 October but was postponed because Ranchers Bees’ adopted home venue in Kano was unavailable.

Ranchers Bees, who have returned to the top flight, are using the Sani Abacha Stadium this season while their traditional base in Kaduna undergoes renovation.

The NPFL said: “The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has officially rescheduled our Matchday 10 fixture against Ranchers Bees FC.”

However, a statement attributed to Doma United referred to the match taking place in Minna, Niger State.

“The encounter, which was initially scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026, will now take place on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, in Minna, Niger State,” it said.

The same statement added that the change had been communicated to the club in an official notice from the NPFL dated 11 November 2026.

“The Savannah Tigers look forward to the rescheduled encounter as we continue our campaign in the 2026/2027 NPFL season,” Doma United said.

The fixture is one of two outstanding Matchday 10 matches. The other, between Enugu Rangers and Sporting Lagos, is scheduled for 25 November.

Ranchers Bees seeking to build on Enyimba victory

Ranchers Bees have found life difficult since returning to the division and currently occupy 17th place with 12 points from 11 matches.

Their six-game winless run ended last weekend when they beat Enyimba 1-0 in Minna. Chiedozie Okorie scored the only goal in the 42nd minute.

Before that victory, Ranchers had collected nine points from 10 matches, with a sequence of results reading draw, defeat, draw, defeat and draw. Their home record has been a more positive feature, yielding an average of 2.2 points per game.

Doma United are ninth in the table on 16 points from 11 games. The Gombe-based Savannah Tigers have drawn their last two fixtures, recording a 2-2 result away to Abia Warriors on Matchday 12 after also drawing 2-2 with Ikorodu City.

Their strongest performances have come at home, where they have recorded three wins, three draws and no defeats, scoring 10 goals and conceding five.

Away from home, Doma United have won once, drawn once and lost three times.

AS Roma are considering a move for Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman, with the Serie A club expected to assess his situation before deciding whether to make a formal approach in January, Completesports.com reports.

Lookman has struggled for consistency since joining Atletico Madrid and has been unable to replicate the form he showed in previous campaigns. The 29-year-old has scored two goals and provided one assist in 15 appearances across all competitions for Diego Simeone’s side this season.

His difficult spell continued last weekend when he was named among the substitutes for Atletico Madrid’s 2-1 home defeat by Barcelona.

Italian newspaper La Repubblica reports that Lookman is one of the players being considered by Roma’s sporting management ahead of the January transfer window. The Giallorossi are weighing up whether to pursue the Nigeria international, with preliminary discussions with his representatives expected during the first weeks of December 2026.

Roma are understood to want a clearer picture of Lookman’s circumstances before deciding whether to submit a formal offer once the winter transfer window opens in January.

A possible reunion with Gian Piero Gasperini could also influence the player’s prospects of moving to the Italian capital. Lookman previously worked with the Italian manager during their time together at Atalanta.

The winger’s spell with Atalanta preceded his move to Atletico Madrid, where he has so far found it difficult to match the performances that made him a prominent player in previous seasons.

For now, Roma’s interest remains at the assessment stage, with the club expected to hold initial talks with Lookman’s representatives before determining whether to advance negotiations.

Nigerian and English defender Calvin Bassey is being linked with a move from Fulham to Manchester United in the Premier League.

Bassey, 26, has started all 10 of Fulham’s Premier League matches this season, completing every minute and receiving three yellow cards. He has also made two appearances in the EFL Cup.

The centre-back joined Fulham from Ajax in July 2023 for a reported €22.5m and is under contract until 30 June 2027. His current market value is listed at €28m.

Bassey has established himself as a regular in Fulham’s defence during the current campaign, while Manchester United are the club named in connection with a potential move. No transfer fee or probability has been attached to the rumour.

The defender began his senior career at Rangers after progressing through Leicester’s academy and won the Scottish Premiership with the Glasgow club in the 2020-21 season. He also helped Rangers win the Scottish Cup the following campaign before moving to Ajax in 2022.

Bassey’s present agreement with Fulham has more than six months remaining, meaning any move would require the clubs to reach a transfer agreement rather than wait for the player to become available as a free agent.

Sampson Adedeji

Darlington Chichoro and Owen Emeka, both born in Nigeria, have been selected by Spain for the upcoming FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar.

The pair are included in a squad that will represent Spain at the global youth tournament, with Chichoro currently attached to Athletic Club. Their selection gives the two Nigerian-heritage players the opportunity to compete on the international stage at under-17 level.

Spain’s squad is reported to contain 10 dual-nationality players, making it one of the notable selections ahead of the competition.

The inclusion of Chichoro and Emeka underlines the growing presence of players with Nigerian heritage in European youth football. Both youngsters will now prepare to face some of the leading emerging talents from around the world in Qatar.

Spain’s group also features the son of former Real Madrid and Brazil international star Marcelo.

A former Manchester United goalkeeper who represented England at U16 level is another notable member of the squad.

The FIFA U17 World Cup will provide Chichoro, Emeka and their team-mates with a platform to demonstrate their ability in a major international tournament, as Spain seek to make an impression against the best young players in the world.

Shooting Stars Sports Club will attempt to extend their unbeaten home run and secure a fourth consecutive victory against Bendel Insurance when the teams meet in the Nigeria Premier Football League on Friday.

The match will be played at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, where 3SC have won their past three meetings with the Benin Arsenal. Each of those victories ended 1-0 in favour of the Oluyole Warriors.

Recent meetings between the clubs have generally been close and low-scoring, with Shooting Stars holding the stronger record, particularly in Ibadan.

Their home form this season provides further encouragement. After 12 matches in the 2026/27 NPFL, 3SC are 13th with 15 points, but they have yet to lose at the Lekan Salami Stadium.

They have taken four wins and two draws from six home games, scoring 11 goals and conceding three. Their recent results in Ibadan include a 4-1 win over Abia Warriors and a 3-1 victory against Ranchers Bees, while their defensive record has been marked by regular clean sheets.

Bendel Insurance come into the fixture higher in the table and in better overall form. They are second with 21 points from 12 matches, having won seven and lost five, with 20 goals scored and 17 conceded.

They are three points behind leaders Enugu Rangers, who have a game in hand, and remain in contention for the title.

However, Bendel’s away record has been less convincing. They have won only one of their six matches on the road, scoring four goals and conceding 10.

The Benin side have posed an attacking threat after half-time, with about 70% of their league goals this season coming in the second half. That attacking output has not consistently translated into positive away results.

A fourth successive home win against Bendel would strengthen Shooting Stars’ advantage in the fixture and provide an important lift to their mid-table campaign. Securing points against one of the division’s leading teams would also help them move up the standings and build momentum before a demanding run of fixtures.

For Bendel Insurance, ending their poor record in Ibadan is important if they are to keep the pressure on Enugu Rangers in the title race. They will need to finish their chances efficiently and show greater defensive resilience away from Benin City.

The fixture has traditionally been settled by narrow margins, often by a single goal. Given Shooting Stars’ unbeaten home record and their recent success against Bendel at the Lekan Salami Stadium, the hosts will seek to make it four wins in a row on Friday.