David Otorbi, the 19-year-old Spain and Nigeria international, is being linked with a move from Valencia to Newcastle.

The right winger has made eight La Liga appearances for Valencia this season, scoring once, as he continues his first campaign with the club’s senior side. He has started 22% of the matches in which he has featured and played 41% of the available minutes.

Otorbi moved up from Valencia B to the first team on 1 July 2026, having developed through the club’s academy. His current market value is €3.5m, while his contract with Valencia runs until 30 June 2028.

The reported interest would see Otorbi move from La Liga to the Premier League, although the available information does not indicate that an agreement has been reached or that a transfer fee has been negotiated.

Born in Valencia, Otorbi is listed as holding Spanish and Nigerian nationality. He plays predominantly on the right wing and is right-footed.

For now, Otorbi remains a Valencia player under contract until 2028, with the Newcastle link standing as a reported transfer possibility rather than a confirmed deal.

Nigeria international Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scored his first league goal of the season as Lazio stunned Juventus 3-0 away in Serie A on Sunday.

The 25-year-old came off the bench in the 69th minute to make his third appearance in the Italian top flight this campaign. He completed the scoring in the 89th minute after a powerful run from inside his own half.

Dele-Bashiru collected possession in his own half and advanced largely unchallenged before entering the penalty area and sending a low shot past Juventus goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.

His performance earned him a rating of seven out of 10 from Yahoo Sports.

“The Nigerian was brought on to add some energy to the middle of the park, and he certainly did so, but he also decided to join the party by scoring Lazio’s third on the back of a glorious solo run,” the sports outlet wrote.

The victory underlined Lazio’s impressive start under head coach Gennaro Gattuso, who has described his team as a possible “surprise package”. Gattuso also stressed that the players must maintain their current approach and continue working hard.

Lazio have now gone unbeaten through their opening seven matches and sit on 19 points, level with Inter but behind them on goal difference.

It is the club’s best start after seven Serie A games. Their tally surpasses the 17 points collected by Sven-Goran Eriksson’s title-winning Lazio side in the 1999-2000 season.

Juventus, managed by Luciano Spalletti, remain on 11 points in eighth place. They are eight points behind the leaders and have won only one of their past five league matches.

Ranchers Bees have appointed experienced coach Ma’aji Muhammad as their new technical adviser after dismissing Usman Abd’allah following a poor start to the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season.

Abd’allah was removed from his position on Saturday after Ranchers Bees managed two wins, two draws and five defeats in their opening nine matches under his leadership.

The Kaduna-based club are 19th in the NPFL table with eight points, leaving them in the relegation zone and under pressure to improve their results.

Muhammad returns to the NPFL having most recently managed Niger Tornadoes. He was replaced by Kabiru Dogo at the start of the current campaign.

The new Ranchers Bees technical adviser has been given the task of reviving the club’s season and guiding them away from relegation danger.

His first match in charge will be against Doma United on Sunday, when Ranchers Bees host their opponents at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano. Muhammad will be hoping to begin his tenure with a result as the club seek a change in fortunes.

Warri Wolves captain David Joseph has described the Seasiders’ point in their 0-0 draw away to Enyimba as “precious” after Sunday’s EuroMatch/NPFL matchday nine fixture.

The result gave Warri Wolves their second away point of the 2026/2027 EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) campaign.

Their previous point on the road came in a 1-1 draw against Niger Tornadoes on matchday five at Bako Kotangora Stadium in Minna.

Joseph said the latest result was particularly valuable because it came against Enyimba, who are two-time African champions and nine-time winners of the domestic top flight.

“Precious! Precious, precious,” Joseph said during the post-match press conference.

“Considering the fact that our opponents are still below 15th position on the league table, we know that with this point we lift ourselves up the table while leaving them below where they were before this game.

“So, this point, for us, is very precious.”

Enyimba, known as the People’s Elephant, controlled much of the first half as Warri Wolves spent long periods defending and struggled to move forward.

The visitors improved after the interval and played with greater attacking intent, but neither side could find a goal before the final whistle.

Joseph agreed that Warri Wolves had opportunities to claim all three points, particularly when they broke forward.

“Of course, yes,” he said when asked whether he felt his side could have won.

“We tried to stay compact and wait for them on the break. If you observed very well, we had some counter-attacking opportunities that we should have finished well but, unfortunately, we couldn’t utilise them towards the twilight of the game.

“But all the same, we thank God for the point.”

The captain also explained that Warri Wolves’ cautious approach in the first half was part of their plan rather than a response to Enyimba’s dominance.

He said the Seasiders had intended to frustrate the home side before becoming more adventurous after the break.

“Yeah, it was our game plan keep it compact in the first half and frustrate them,” Joseph said.

“Then in the second half we can go for it on the counter, like I said earlier.”

The draw leaves both sides in the positions Joseph referenced during his assessment, with Warri Wolves gaining ground and Enyimba remaining below where they had been before the match.

By Sab Osuji

Doma United have been fined ?5.25m by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for failing to provide adequate and effective security during their Matchday Nine fixture against Kun Khalifat FC.

The match at Pantami Stadium last Saturday finished 1-1, but the game was followed by alleged misconduct involving home supporters.

Reports stated that Doma United supporters attacked Kun Khalifat FC technical adviser Obinna Uzoho after the final whistle. They were also accused of acting in a hostile manner towards match officials and members of the visiting team.

The NPFL considered the incidents serious enough to potentially bring the competition into disrepute.

In addition to the financial penalty, Doma United have been instructed to play their next three home matches behind closed doors. The sanction follows repeated security breaches involving the club.

The club, known as the Savannah Scorpions, have also been warned to improve their security arrangements and educate supporters about acceptable behaviour at matches.

The NPFL said any further breach of its rules and regulations could lead to more severe sanctions.

The match commissioner has meanwhile been recommended for demotion to the lower league. The recommendation relates to alleged dereliction of duty, inadequate supervision and insufficient reporting of the match.

Doma United have 48 hours from the date they are notified of the sanctions to lodge an appeal.

Former Nigeria defender Chikelue Iloenyosi has praised Rangers International for showing character and determination in their 2-0 win over MC Alger in the first leg of the CAF Champions League second preliminary round.

Rangers had to work hard against a disciplined Algerian defence but maintained their focus and persistence before scoring twice late in the match. The result gives the nine-time Nigerian champions an important advantage before the return leg in Algeria this weekend.

Iloenyosi, who is chairman of the Anambra State Football Association, described the performance as evidence of Rangers’ strength of character.

The former U-23 Olympic Eagles defender praised both the players and the technical crew for their discipline and courage, particularly after Rangers spent a significant part of the match with 10 men.

He also singled out the late goals scored by Kenneth Igboke and James Emo, saying they were deserved rewards for the team’s perseverance and commitment.

Iloenyosi said the victory showed that Nigerian clubs can compete with strong opposition on the continental stage.

“This is a commendable victory for Rangers and Nigerian football. To beat a strong team like MC Alger 2-0 in such difficult circumstances shows great character and determination,” Iloenyosi said.

“I congratulate the players, coaches, management and fans. They have made Enugu and Nigeria proud.”

The former defender, popularly known as ‘De General’, warned Rangers that their work was not yet complete and urged them to avoid complacency before the second leg.

“The team must remain humble and determined. With the same spirit and togetherness, they can finish the job and qualify for the group stage,” he added.

Iloenyosi expressed the hope that Rangers’ display would encourage other Nigerian clubs to set higher ambitions and approach continental competitions with greater confidence.

Rangers’ victory came despite the pressure created by MC Alger’s defensive organisation and the challenge of playing with 10 men for a considerable period. The two late goals, however, ensured the Coal City Flying Antelopes took a clear lead into the decisive return fixture.

The former Nigeria international said the result should be celebrated by the club’s players, coaches, management and supporters, while maintaining that concentration and collective effort would be essential in Algeria.

He added that Rangers’ performance had provided a positive example for Nigerian football and demonstrated the value of resilience in difficult matches.

Enugu Rangers have asked the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to order that their CAF Champions League return against MC Alger is played behind closed doors after alleging misconduct by supporters of the Algerian club.

The Nigerian champions submitted a formal petition to CAF’s Interclubs Competitions Organising Committee and Disciplinary Board following Sunday’s second preliminary round first-leg match at the Moshood Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta.

Rangers said MC Alger supporters broke down an entrance gate to enter the stadium, bypassed ticketing procedures and vandalised seats after the match.

The club described the incidents as a serious threat to spectator safety, stadium security and the protection of football infrastructure during continental competitions.

Rangers have therefore requested that Friday’s second leg, scheduled for October 23 in Algiers, be played without spectators as a precautionary measure.

They have also called on CAF to require MC Alger to provide adequate security guarantees for the visiting delegation and introduce effective crowd-control measures before the decisive fixture.

The petition follows a 2-0 victory for Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side in the first leg, with Kenneth Igboke and James Emo scoring late to give Rangers a two-goal lead.

The Flying Antelopes will now travel to Algeria seeking to preserve that advantage and complete their qualification for the lucrative group stage of the competition.

Warri Wolves manager Hassan Abdallah said his side’s fitness, disciplined possession and ability to use the smooth surface at Enyimba International Stadium Aba were key to their goalless draw against Enyimba.

The Seasiders claimed their second away draw of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season in Sunday’s Euromatch-NPFL 2026/2027 Matchday-9 fixture.

They had previously shared the points away to Niger Tornadoes in Minna on 25 September.

Abdallah said his knowledge of the pitch’s size and condition shaped Warri Wolves’ preparations and their approach to the match.

Warri Wolves prepared to dominate possession

Speaking at the post-match press conference, the coach said his players had been instructed to keep the ball moving and maintain their mobility throughout the game.

“You know, right from the start, we kept the ball moving and made sure it continued to roll,” Abdallah said.

“I’ve been training for fitness and ball possession ahead of this match because I knew this pitch. That’s why you saw us keeping the ball, knocking it around, and everyone was mobile. That is the secret behind this draw.”

The plan enabled Warri Wolves to retain possession and circulate the ball effectively as they secured a point at Enyimba.

Abdallah said the result reflected the work put in by his players before the match, particularly their preparation for the playing conditions in Aba.

Abdallah pleased with away result

The Warri Wolves manager said he was highly satisfied with the draw and praised his players for earning the result on the road.

“Well, I must say that I’m very, very happy with this draw we’ve secured here today because we worked for it. I give thanks to Almighty God.

“We really worked for this because the pitch is smooth, and we have talented players who can keep the ball. So, we planned for this game, and it worked out.”

Nasarawa United’s players have been given a ?1 million reward after their 2-0 victory over Inter Lagos at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, on Sunday night.

The result was the Solid Miners’ first away victory of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season and the biggest away win in the club’s history.

Kelechi Ogbobo put the visitors ahead in the 11th minute, and Ugochukwu Leonard extended their advantage five minutes later. Nasarawa United held on to complete a notable victory on the road.

Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Jibril Abdullahi Ibrahim, and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Stephen Iliya Sasetu, presented the reward to the team.

The payment recognised what the officials described as the players’ outstanding performance and the historic nature of the achievement.

The three points moved Mbwas Mangut’s side up to fifth in the NPFL table. They have 14 points from nine matches.

Nasarawa United will attempt to build on the result when they host nine-time league champions Enyimba in their Matchday 10 fixture on Sunday at Lafia City Stadium.

Alex Iwobi says Fulham must use their 1-0 victory over Hull City as the starting point for a stronger Premier League campaign after ending their winless run on Saturday.

The Nigeria international scored the only goal of the match in the first half at Craven Cottage, securing three important points for the London club.

Fulham had been without a league victory this season, but their success against Hull has given Iwobi belief that the team can now regain momentum. The midfielder said their performances had not always been reflected in their results.

“The win was a long time coming. We have performed well even though the results spoke otherwise,” Iwobi told Fulham TV.

He also stressed the importance of carrying the result into Fulham’s next fixtures rather than treating it as an isolated success.

“The manager has asked us to keep going, and hopefully the luck will go our way. It has now started, so we just have to kick on and use this momentum for the rest of the season.”

Iwobi acknowledges Fulham’s finishing problems

Although Fulham secured all three points, Iwobi accepted that they could have made the result more comfortable by taking more of the chances they created.

The midfielder described the performance as convincing but said the team still needed to improve its finishing in front of goal.

“It was a convincing performance, even though the criticism, even for me, is that we could have scored more goals,” Iwobi added.

Fulham’s inability to convert opportunities has been a concern despite their ability to create openings. Iwobi believes that continuing to produce those chances should eventually lead to an improvement in their scoring record.

“As long as we’re creating the opportunities, we will score more goals.”

The clean sheet against Hull was another positive for Fulham, and Iwobi said defensive consistency could provide the platform for further victories.

“If we’re able to keep clean sheets like we did against Hull City, it will give us a chance to win games.”

The win ended Fulham’s wait for a Premier League victory this season and gave them a result to build on as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures.

Kano Pillars technical adviser Daniel Ogunmodede says winning remains his primary motivation after his side ended a five-match winless run with a 1-0 victory over Katsina United in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Sunday.

The decisive moment came at the Sani Abacha Stadium, where Sai Masu Gida scored a fine goal to secure all three points for the home side and delight the supporters.

The result brought relief to Kano Pillars after a difficult spell of form and provided a timely boost for the players, coaching staff and fans.

Ogunmodede praised his squad for maintaining their composure under pressure, particularly during the early stages of the match.

“I must congratulate the boys for putting up a brilliant fight. We had not tasted a win in the last five games, and they delivered in the derby,” he said.

“Congratulations to the team for breaking the jinx and winning for the coach and the fans. They were under a lot of pressure, especially at the start of the game.”

The Kano Pillars coach was also pleased with the balance between his team’s attacking play and defensive organisation, while highlighting the importance of keeping a clean sheet.

“That was a very good goal. We attacked well and defended well to get the maximum points with a clean sheet,” Ogunmodede added.

The victory was particularly significant because it ended a run without a win that had placed additional pressure on the team. Kano Pillars were able to hold on to their narrow advantage and claim the maximum points against Katsina United.

Ogunmodede said the expectation of winning was central to his role and had remained a constant throughout his career.

“It is part of my job to win. I like winning because that is what I am paid for. For three decades now, winning has always been my motive,” he stated.

Kano Pillars technical adviser Daniel Ogunmodede says winning remains his primary motivation after his side ended a five-match winless run with a 1-0 victory over Katsina United in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Sunday.

The decisive moment came at the Sani Abacha Stadium, where Sai Masu Gida scored a fine goal to secure all three points for the home side and delight the supporters.

The result brought relief to Kano Pillars after a difficult spell of form and provided a timely boost for the players, coaching staff and fans.

Ogunmodede praised his squad for maintaining their composure under pressure, particularly during the early stages of the match.

“I must congratulate the boys for putting up a brilliant fight. We had not tasted a win in the last five games, and they delivered in the derby,” he said.

“Congratulations to the team for breaking the jinx and winning for the coach and the fans. They were under a lot of pressure, especially at the start of the game.”

The Kano Pillars coach was also pleased with the balance between his team’s attacking play and defensive organisation, while highlighting the importance of keeping a clean sheet.

“That was a very good goal. We attacked well and defended well to get the maximum points with a clean sheet,” Ogunmodede added.

The victory was particularly significant because it ended a run without a win that had placed additional pressure on the team. Kano Pillars were able to hold on to their narrow advantage and claim the maximum points against Katsina United.

Ogunmodede said the expectation of winning was central to his role and had remained a constant throughout his career.

“It is part of my job to win. I like winning because that is what I am paid for. For three decades now, winning has always been my motive,” he stated.

Kano Pillars technical adviser Daniel Ogunmodede says winning remains his primary motivation after his side ended a five-match winless run with a 1-0 victory over Katsina United in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Sunday.

The decisive moment came at the Sani Abacha Stadium, where Sai Masu Gida scored a fine goal to secure all three points for the home side and delight the supporters.

The result brought relief to Kano Pillars after a difficult spell of form and provided a timely boost for the players, coaching staff and fans.

Ogunmodede praised his squad for maintaining their composure under pressure, particularly during the early stages of the match.

“I must congratulate the boys for putting up a brilliant fight. We had not tasted a win in the last five games, and they delivered in the derby,” he said.

“Congratulations to the team for breaking the jinx and winning for the coach and the fans. They were under a lot of pressure, especially at the start of the game.”

The Kano Pillars coach was also pleased with the balance between his team’s attacking play and defensive organisation, while highlighting the importance of keeping a clean sheet.

“That was a very good goal. We attacked well and defended well to get the maximum points with a clean sheet,” Ogunmodede added.

The victory was particularly significant because it ended a run without a win that had placed additional pressure on the team. Kano Pillars were able to hold on to their narrow advantage and claim the maximum points against Katsina United.

Ogunmodede said the expectation of winning was central to his role and had remained a constant throughout his career.

“It is part of my job to win. I like winning because that is what I am paid for. For three decades now, winning has always been my motive,” he stated.

Nasarawa United moved up to sixth in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after securing a 2-0 victory away to Inter Lagos.

Kelechi Ogbobo put the visitors ahead in the 11th minute, and Ugochukwu Leonard extended their advantage just five minutes later. Inter Lagos were unable to find a response as Nasarawa United completed a comfortable away win.

Assistant coach Stephen Moga praised the players’ performance and said the result reflected the team’s efforts to meet its targets in domestic and continental football.

“We are grateful to God for the victory,” Moga told the club’s media.

“We have been strategising to get the results we desire so that we can achieve our targets, both in the league and on the continent.”

The early goals also represented an improvement in an area Nasarawa United had been working to address. Moga said the team had focused on becoming more effective in front of goal after identifying difficulties in the final third.

“Regarding our conversion rate, we have been working very hard on our scoring ability because we realised we were struggling in the final third,” he said.

“To achieve your targets, you need to convert your chances and stay ahead of your opponents.”

Moga backs Inter Lagos to recover

Although pleased with Nasarawa United’s display, Moga acknowledged the quality within the Inter Lagos squad and backed the hosts to improve their league position.

“Inter Lagos are not a bad side. We were simply better today,” he added.

“I believe they will get out of their current position.”

Nasarawa United will look to build on the result when they return to NPFL action on Sunday. They will host Enyimba in their Matchday 10 fixture.

By Adeboye Amosu

Plateau United manager Gbenga Ogunbote said his side suffered “a bad day” after Sporting Lagos came from behind to win 3-2 in the EUROMATCH NPFL on Sunday.

The defeat ended Plateau United’s perfect home record this season. The Jos-based side had won each of their four previous home fixtures before Sporting Lagos secured victory in Week 9.

Sporting Lagos took the lead after 10 minutes through Aliyu Baba, but Plateau United responded with two goals from Victor Dawa to go into half-time 2-1 ahead.

Victor Samuel levelled for the visitors in the 53rd minute before Plateau United were reduced to 10 men with 10 minutes remaining.

Sporting Lagos made the extra-man advantage count, with Aondona Adeede scoring the winning goal in the 82nd minute.

The result lifted Sporting Lagos to third place on 15 points, one position above Plateau United, who have 14 points.

Speaking at his post-match news conference, Ogunbote rejected the suggestion that complacency had contributed to the defeat, but admitted his team lost control after taking the lead.

“I think it was a difficult one for us, I won’t say complacency because the boys put in their very best unfortunately we gave up the lead and things fell apart,” he said.

“The only thing is that we had a bad day today but we will take the positives from it to tell us that it’s a lesson for us to brace up.”

Ogunbote praises Sporting Lagos

Ogunbote acknowledged Sporting Lagos’ performance and said the visitors produced their best display.

“Sometimes one game is not enough but they (Sporting Lagos) did very well, they were at their best today,” he added.

The Plateau United manager also described the defeat as an early warning for his squad, insisting it should encourage them to improve rather than undermine their progress.

“This is week nine, unfortunately, nobody wanted to lose the game but we lost,” Ogunbote said.

“Even a draw would have still been termed as a loss to us. But like I did say it’s good it happened early so that it would make every one of us to wake up, to know that we have not gotten there yet.”

Samuel Chukwueze played as AC Milan held on to beat Atalanta 3-2 in an entertaining Serie A meeting at San Siro on Sunday.

The Nigeria international was making his sixth appearance of the campaign for Milan and has provided two assists this season. He started on the wing before being replaced by Hutchinson in the 53rd minute.

Milan made the stronger start, using 56% possession to keep Atalanta under pressure. Their dominance was rewarded in the 24th minute when Goncalo Ramos converted a penalty with composure to put the hosts ahead.

The Rossoneri continued to control the game and extended their advantage shortly before half-time. Diego Moreira created the opening for Adrien Rabiot, who finished accurately in the 43rd minute to give Milan a 2-0 lead at the interval.

The second half brought a significant change in momentum. Milan were awarded another penalty and had the chance to move further clear, but Ramos was denied from the spot.

The hosts quickly recovered from that setback. Mario Gila restored their three-goal advantage in the 57th minute, scoring from open play to make it 3-0.

Atalanta responded strongly after appearing set for a heavy defeat. Gianluca Gaetano reduced the deficit in the 66th minute, giving the visitors renewed belief and shifting the pressure back towards Milan.

La Dea continued to commit players forward and were rewarded again in the 81st minute. Nikola Krstovic found the net to make the score 3-2 and set up a tense finish at San Siro.

Milan faced sustained pressure during the closing stages, but Amorim’s side managed to close down the available spaces and prevent Atalanta from completing the comeback.

The result secured an important home victory for Milan after they had surrendered much of their early advantage during a dramatic second half.

Paris FC moved level on points with Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain after beating Rennes 4-3 in a dramatic match at Stade Jean Bouin on Sunday, with Moses Simon featuring from the bench.

The victory took Paris FC to 14 points, matching defending champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the top of the table.

Simon was named among the substitutes before being introduced with 11 minutes remaining, as Paris FC held on for a victory that appeared increasingly uncertain in the closing stages.

Maxime Lopez gave the home side the lead in the 14th minute, but Esteban Lepaul brought Rennes level from the penalty spot in the 29th minute.

Lopez restored Paris FC’s advantage deep into first-half stoppage time, scoring his second goal in the 45+4th minute to send the hosts into the interval 2-1 ahead.

Rennes refused to surrender and Lepaul completed his hat-trick from penalties after the break. His second spot-kick of the afternoon came in the 74th minute, before he converted again in the 88th minute to put the visitors 3-2 in front.

Paris FC responded almost immediately. Lassine Sinayoko struck in the 76th minute to level the contest, setting up a tense finish at Stade Jean Bouin.

Sinayoko then became the decisive figure in the match, converting a penalty in the 90+7th minute to complete Paris FC’s comeback and secure all three points.

The result keeps Paris FC alongside PSG at the summit, although Paris Saint-Germain had already preserved their position on Saturday with a 3-1 win over Strasbourg.

PSG made several changes and rested most of their leading players for that fixture, but still collected the victory needed to maintain top spot.

Ola Aina was an unused substitute as Nottingham Forest suffered a 1-0 home defeat by Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Super Eagles defender has made five appearances for Forest this season and has received three yellow cards.

Forest set up in a disciplined 3-4-2-1 formation at the City Ground, limiting Arsenal’s opportunities during a closely contested first half. The visitors controlled possession but struggled to find a way through the hosts’ organised defence.

Arsenal’s best chance before the break came when Kai Havertz headed narrowly wide from a delivery by Declan Rice.

Mikel Arteta’s second-half changes eventually altered the contest, with Noni Madueke making the decisive impact after being introduced from the bench.

The winger broke the deadlock in the 80th minute after collecting a pass from Rice. Madueke cut inside before curling the ball beyond Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels to give Arsenal a 1-0 lead.

Forest pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Arsenal’s defence dealt comfortably with their attempts and preserved the visitors’ advantage.

The result moved Arsenal into second place in the Premier League, three points behind leaders Manchester City.

El-Kanemi Warriors were held to a 2-2 draw by Raja Casablanca in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round tie at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne on Sunday.

The Nigerian side made the stronger start and took the lead in the sixth minute after controlling the opening exchanges.

Raja Casablanca responded before half-time, with Mohammad Abu Zrayq equalising in the 23rd minute to send the teams into the interval level.

The Moroccan visitors then completed the turnaround shortly after the hour mark when Nigerian-born striker Mathias Oyewusi scored to put Raja ahead for the first time.

El-Kanemi Warriors continued to press for a response and were rewarded seven minutes from the end. Nnamdi Mejuobi restored parity to secure a draw for the hosts and leave the tie finely balanced.

The result means both teams will go into the second leg with the contest still unresolved. The return fixture is scheduled for Casablanca on Friday, October 23, with a place in the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup at stake.

Sporting Lagos came from behind to beat Plateau United 3-2 at the New Jos Stadium and claim their second away victory of the season.

The visitors took the lead after 10 minutes when Aliyu Baba found the net, but Plateau United responded strongly before half-time. Victor Dawa scored twice to put the hosts 2-1 ahead at the break.

Sporting Lagos restored parity eight minutes into the second half through Victor Samuel, leaving the match finely balanced.

Plateau United were reduced to 10 men in the 80th minute when Alex Aghahowa was sent off for a foul. Sporting Lagos took advantage of the extra man soon afterwards, with Jacob Aondona scoring three minutes later to complete the comeback and secure all three points.

Nasarawa United also earned an away win, beating Inter Lagos 2-0 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos. Kelechi Ogbodo and Ugochukwu scored for the visitors.

Kano Pillars secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Katsina United at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Yahaya Ibrahim scored the decisive goal for the home side.

Niger Tornadoes beat Ikorodu City 2-1 in Minna after taking control of the match before half-time.

Nafiu Obalowu opened the scoring three minutes before the half-hour mark, while Bashir Musa doubled Niger Tornadoes’ lead.

Ikorodu City reduced the deficit deep into stoppage time through Basit Ayinde, but Niger Tornadoes held on to claim victory.

Nine-time champions Enyimba were held to a goalless draw by Warri Wolves in a closely contested encounter.

Full results:

Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Ikorodu City

Inter Lagos 0-2 Nasarawa United

Enyimba 0-0 Warri Wolves

Kano Pillars 1-0 Katsina United

Plateau United 2-3 Sporting Lagos