Plateau United technical adviser Gbenga Ogunbote has urged his players to improve their finishing after Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Inter Lagos at the New Jos Stadium.

Second-half goals from Gideon Monday and Jibrin Ibrahim secured all three points for the Peace Boys in the matchday six encounter.

Plateau United could have taken control much earlier, but they missed several clear chances before the interval. Ogunbote said the team must become more clinical if they are to ease the pressure in matches.

“I think it is worrisome, no doubt. Every coach wants to win from the first minute of the game, but sometimes anxiety and other factors can affect a team,” Ogunbote told the media after the match.

“In the first half, I think we were wasteful. It has been a problem not only for Plateau United; it is something that affects other clubs too.

“Honestly, we need to work seriously on it so that we can take our chances and, at least, remove pressure from our game. We will keep working on it until we get it right.”

Ogunbote says Plateau United have changed

The result lifted Plateau United into second place, a marked improvement on last season, when the club were involved in a relegation battle before eventually retaining their top-flight status.

Ogunbote believes his side are now more settled and are approaching the campaign with a different purpose.

“They are two different assignments. Last season was a rescue mission; this season is a tournament to make an impact and win laurels,” he said.

“So, we should expect that we have a better team than we had last season. I think it is still a work in progress.”

Plateau United have now gone five league matches without defeat, with three wins and two draws in that sequence.

However, Ogunbote was unwilling to make bold predictions about how long the unbeaten run might continue, insisting that the players must remain focused.

“There is no secret, other than hard work. If there is a level playing ground, everything will go on smoothly,” he stated.

“Maybe we will go unbeaten for a long time, but it is too early to say. The league is a marathon, and we must not get carried away with this result.

“We hope and pray it continues. We hope the supporters will rally around us and keep supporting us. That will give us the confidence to do more.”

Abia Warriors head coach Imama Amapakabo says his side exploited Bendel Insurance’s unexpected tactical change to secure a convincing home victory in Sunday’s NPFL fixture.

A brace from Chukwuemeka Obioma and a further goal by Ettah Ikoi gave Abia Warriors a 3-0 win and ended a difficult run that had begun with a 2-0 defeat away to Barau FC last Wednesday.

Speaking to league expert Fisayo Dairo, Amapakabo said his team had been prepared for a different system from Bendel Insurance.

“I like it when I play against teams that we’ve had the opportunity to play against in friendlies during the friendly window,” he said.

“They came – we were thinking they were going to come in a 4-3-3 formation – but they came out with a 4-2-4 formation. As I told my players, they emptied their midfield, and we had a formation where we had to congest our midfield. It was a plus for us.”

Amapakabo said Abia Warriors could have scored considerably more before half-time but failed to take advantage of several opportunities.

“I think it would have been five or six goals in the first half. Unfortunately, we didn’t convert most of the chances that came our way,” he added.

The result lifted Abia Warriors to ninth in the league table on eight points.

Rebuilding the squad

Amapakabo also addressed his team’s tendency to struggle at the start of campaigns before finding greater consistency.

He said the club had been forced to rebuild after losing a large number of players, making it difficult for the new squad to develop an understanding immediately.

“Most times people don’t understand that I rebuild almost every other year. This year I lost about 18 of my players and we have to start rebuilding again,” Amapakabo said.

“When you are rebuilding, most times it’s difficult for the players to blend, but gradually the players are beginning to gel and beginning to understand the philosophy. We’ll keep on going.

“Like I always tell them, it’s a league season; it’s not a Cup game.”

Abia Warriors’ next challenge will come as they continue to develop the team during the league campaign, with Amapakabo stressing the need for patience while his players adapt to his approach.

Niger Tornadoes technical adviser Kabiru Dogo said a brief loss of concentration led to his team’s 1-0 defeat by Nasarawa United in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The Ikon Allah Boys were beaten in their Matchday 6 fixture at Lafia City Stadium on Sunday, with Harrison Ebah scoring the only goal of the game.

The Nasarawa United centre-back struck in the 20th minute, sending a powerful effort from about 35 yards beyond Niger Tornadoes goalkeeper Jerry Isaac.

Dogo acknowledged that his side paid the price for failing to maintain its focus during the match.

“Congratulations to Nasarawa United. Both teams did very well, but my team lost concentration and were punished by United,” Dogo told the club’s media.

“I wish both teams well going forward.”

The result lifted Nasarawa United to 13th in the NPFL standings with seven points. Niger Tornadoes, meanwhile, fell to 17th place.

Niger Tornadoes will have home advantage in their next league match, when they face Kun Khalifat FC.

Nasarawa United’s next fixture will take them to Ibadan for a meeting with Shooting Stars.

Ikorodu City goalkeeper Michael Atata says concentration, determination and hard work were behind the club’s historic 2-0 league victory over defending champions Rangers.

The Oga Boys claimed their first-ever league win against Rangers with an impressive performance at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, on Sunday.

Ikorodu City made the ideal start when Super Eagles midfielder Aderemi Adeoye curled a superb free-kick into the bottom corner after six minutes.

Ikechukwu Junior doubled the hosts’ advantage in the second half with another expertly taken free-kick, securing all three points for Ikorodu City.

Atata said the players remained focused throughout a match which he expected to test them physically and mentally.

“Today was all about concentration, from the first minute to the end of the game. We knew it was a game that would demand a lot from us, both mentally and physically,” Atata told the club’s media.

“It was about giving our all, putting in the right effort and making sure we came out with a win. I’m grateful for it.”

The result gives Ikorodu City a significant boost, but Atata stressed that the team must now turn its attention to the next challenge.

Their next fixture is a local derby against Sporting Lagos, and Atata said the victory over Rangers could not be allowed to distract them from that encounter.

“We take each game as it comes. We try to stay present and take things easy. We will give our hundred percent in each game, so we are grateful for today’s victory,” he added.

Enyimba claimed their first point of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season after holding Kano Pillars to a goalless draw at Sani Abacha Stadium.

The nine-time champions had lost their opening four matches, but secured a point in Kano as both sides failed to find a breakthrough.

Defending champions Rangers endured a difficult outing at Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, Lagos, where they were beaten 2-0 by Ikorodu City.

Aderemi Adeoye gave the home side the lead after eight minutes, while Ikechukwu Junior added a second three minutes after the hour mark.

Plateau United moved up to second in the table with a 2-0 win against Inter Lagos at New Jos Stadium.

Gideon Monday and Jibrin Ibrahim scored for Gbenga Ogunbote’s team to secure the points.

Kun Khalifat FC recorded their first victory of the season by edging past Kwara United 1-0 at Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.

Igwe Igweuzo scored the only goal in the 64th minute.

Warri Wolves also won 1-0, with Othuke Egbo’s eighth-minute strike settling their match against Shooting Stars.

Abia Warriors produced the biggest win of the day, beating Bendel Insurance 3-0 in Aba.

Ikoi Etta opened the scoring for Imama Amapakabo’s side in the 16th minute. Experienced striker Emeka Obioma then scored twice, in the 24th and 40th minutes, to complete a convincing victory for the hosts.

Katsina United came from behind to defeat Doma United 2-1 at Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.

Luis Dadong put Katsina United ahead from the penalty spot after 12 minutes, but Sadiq Rilwan equalised for the visitors three minutes after the half-hour mark.

Mukhtar Ismail restored Katsina United’s lead 15 minutes from full time to complete the comeback and secure all three points.

NPFL results

Abia Warriors 3-0 Bendel Insurance

Ikorodu City 2-0 Rangers

Kun Khalifat 1-0 Kwara Utd

Nasarawa Utd 1-0 Tornadoes

Wolves 1-0 Shooting Stars

Katsina Utd 2-1 Doma Utd

Plateau Utd 2-0 Inter Lagos

Kano Pillars 0-0 Enyimba

Sporting Lagos head coach Jeffrey Buter said his side deserved more after being held to a 1-1 draw by Barau FC in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 6 fixture at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, on Saturday.

The result left Barau FC at the top of the standings and extended their unbeaten run, while Sporting Lagos were forced to settle for a point despite creating opportunities to win the match.

Barau FC went ahead just before half-time after Stanley Oganbor was brought down inside the penalty area. Joseph Atule converted the resulting spot-kick to give the visitors the lead.

Sporting Lagos responded after the interval, with Sodiq Ayoade scoring the equaliser. The hosts continued to push for a second goal, but neither team could find a decisive finish during the final 30 minutes.

Buter said the performance merited more than a draw and suggested that better officiating could have affected the outcome.

“Yeah, disappointing, like you said. I think we deserved more than a draw. We should have won this game,” Buter told the club’s media.

“I think another day, the officiating is better, I think we get maximum points from this game. I am happy with the fight and courage.”

The Sporting Lagos manager also highlighted his team’s failure to take its chances, while acknowledging the physical demands of the contest.

“Fatigue is part of the game. I think we created chances, but we didn’t score early enough and the opponent took what they got,” Buter said.

Barau FC’s penalty proved enough to give them an advantage at the break, although Sporting Lagos recovered to level the score and remained in contention for all three points.

Buter praised his players for continuing to compete after falling behind and said the resilience shown could prove valuable in future matches.

“But again, the fight and resilience to get something, you are going to need it in another game,” he added.

Sporting Lagos had aimed to make a fast start, as they did in their match against Inter Lagos, but Buter said the team now had to maintain its determination.

“We wanted to start strong like we did against Inter Lagos. We just have to keep fighting.”

Despite the frustration of dropping two points at home, Sporting Lagos secured a share of the points, while Barau FC retained first place in the NPFL table.

Shooting Stars defender Desmond Ojiefietan says he is confident the Oluyole Warriors can secure maximum points against Warri Wolves on Sunday.

The Nigeria Premier Football League sides will meet at the Southern Delta University Stadium in Ozoro, where Ojiefietan believes Shooting Stars’ preparations and hard work will produce a positive result.

“I’m very, very confident that Shooting Stars will win against Warri Wolves in Ozoro,” Ojiefietan told 3SCFANTV.

“I know we are going to beat them there. We just have to work hard and, by His grace, we will get the maximum points.”

Shooting Stars go into the match hoping to build on their latest result, having defeated Katsina United at home.

Ojiefietan believes another victory would strengthen the club’s efforts to climb the league table as the season progresses.

Ranchers Bees have launched their third kit for the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season as the Kaduna-based club continue their return to the top flight.

The new strip was unveiled on Saturday through the club’s official X handle, with two Ranchers Bees players presenting the jersey in a photoshoot staged beneath yellow neon lights.

Produced by Italian sportswear company Macron, the kit features a bright yellow shirt with a black collar and black detailing on the sleeves. Ranchers Bees’ Bee crest appears on the left side of the chest, while the Macron logo is positioned on the right and Rano Air is displayed as the front-of-shirt sponsor.

The design retains the club’s traditional yellow-and-black colours while giving them a more contemporary streetwear look. The players modelling the kit were pictured wearing caps, a durag and sunglasses.

Ranchers Bees have remained competitive since returning to the NPFL this season. Their latest home fixture ended in a draw against league leaders Barau FC.

The new strip will be used as an alternative kit for away matches.

Enyimba assistant coach Okechukwu Ejeh says the nine-time champions are determined to end their winless start when they visit Kano Pillars in the Nigeria Premier Football League on Sunday.

Emmanuel Deutsch’s side will meet Kano Pillars in an NPFL Matchday 6 fixture at the Sani Abacha Stadium, with Enyimba seeking their first points of the campaign.

The Aba-based club have lost all four of their league matches so far and, despite having a game in hand, are bottom of the NPFL table.

Ejeh insists the team have travelled to Kano with victory as their sole objective and believes they are ready in every area ahead of the match.

“We are not here for a tea party; we are here for serious business. We are here to get the three points,” Ejeh told the club’s media.

“We are mentally ready, physically ready and tactically ready for this game. Believe me, we are optimistic that we are not leaving this ancient city empty-handed.”

The assistant coach’s confidence comes after a difficult opening to the season, which included a defeat by Inter Lagos. He remains convinced Enyimba can respond against Kano Pillars and begin moving up the standings.

Enyimba retain continental ambition

Although Enyimba’s early results have left them at the foot of the table, Ejeh says the club’s wider objective has not changed.

The People’s Elephant are still targeting a top-three finish and qualification for continental football at the end of the campaign.

“Our vision remains to play on the continent. We are not too worried about our position for now. We will get the continental ticket,” he added.

South Africa defender Ime Okon scored against Guinea in Pitso Mosimane’s first match back in charge of Bafana Bafana.

The goal was the first scored by South Africa since Mosimane took over the national team and provided an early highlight of his return to the dugout, according to BSNSports.com.ng.

Okon, whose father is Nigerian and mother is South African, has become one of the players attracting growing attention within the national-team set-up.

His strike against Guinea represents an important moment in the young defender’s development and is likely to strengthen his claim for continued consideration under Mosimane.

Okon’s Nigerian and South African heritage has also made his progress in South African football particularly noteworthy. His performance adds to the increasing involvement of players of Nigerian heritage in the country’s game.

For Mosimane, the goal offered an encouraging beginning to his latest chapter with Bafana Bafana as he starts the process of rebuilding and reshaping the side.

The fixture also allowed the coach to assess several players as South Africa prepares for upcoming international assignments and competitive fixtures.

Okon will now continue competing for a place in the national team as Mosimane weighs up his plans for the squad.

The report was written by Niyi Busari, publisher and chief executive of BSNSportsConcept.

London-born forward Ezekiel Olawale Abiola Tanimowo is continuing his rise through European football after establishing himself as one of the emerging attacking players in Kyrgyzstan with FC Asia Talas.

The 29-year-old can play on either wing or as a central forward and has built his career across Norway, Estonia and Kyrgyzstan after developing in the academy at Bolton Wanderers.

Tanimowo began his senior European career with Florø SK in Norway in 2020. He made an immediate impression, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over Moss in August that year.

He later moved to Estonia, where he spent two productive seasons with Tartu JK Tammeka. Across the 2024 and 2025 Meistriliiga campaigns, he scored 14 league goals and provided seven assists.

The 2025 season was especially productive. Tanimowo scored eight league goals and delivered a series of influential performances, including two goals in Tammeka’s 5-2 victory against Tallinna Kalev in October.

His time in Europe also included a trial at Scottish club Motherwell. According to an interview published by Eurasia Football, he played in several matches and scored twice during that period. The trial did not result in a professional contract, but gave him another opportunity to compete in a demanding European environment.

Tanimowo moved to Kyrgyzstan in February 2026, joining OshMU and quickly becoming a key attacking player. He scored six goals and supplied seven assists in 16 appearances before completing a move to FC Asia Talas in July.

He made an immediate contribution for his new club. In Asia Talas’ 4-0 win over Kyrgyzaltyn on September 12, Tanimowo scored twice, opening the scoring in the first minute before completing his brace in the 60th minute.

The performance reflected the main strengths he has shown throughout his career, including speed, direct attacking play, dribbling and finishing.

His effectiveness in one-on-one situations was also evident during his time in Estonia. Statistical data from the 2025 campaign records 95 successful dribbles, highlighting his ability to carry the ball forward and take on defenders.

Tanimowo now wears the number 10 shirt for Asia Talas and has another opportunity to develop his reputation in Central Asia.

His route from the Bolton Wanderers academy to Norway, Estonia and Kyrgyzstan has been shaped by a determination to find regular opportunities in different football cultures.

The move to Kyrgyzstan represents the latest stage of a career built on adaptation, perseverance and a willingness to pursue less familiar routes.

Niyi Busari is the Publisher and CEO of BSNSportsConcept.

Moses Simon said earning his 100th appearance for Nigeria was a “dream come true” after helping the Super Eagles begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with victory.

The 31-year-old winger reached the milestone during Nigeria’s 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar in their opening Group L fixture at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Friday.

Simon came on in the 61st minute, replacing Akor Adams, to make his century of appearances for the national team.

The occasion was made more memorable by Nigeria’s fightback, with debutants George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scoring to secure all three points for the Super Eagles.

After the match, Simon was presented with a commemorative frame containing a Super Eagles jersey bearing his name and the number 100.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, the former Nantes winger thanked the coaches who had selected him, his team-mates, journalists, supporters and everyone else who had played a part in his international career.

“First of all, I would like to say thanks to the coach for the opportunity, thanks to every coach that gave me this opportunity and also thanks to you all, the journalists,” Simon said.

He admitted that he had not expected to reach the landmark when he began playing for Nigeria.

“Of course, this gave me joy and it’s a great privilege to play for the Super Eagles. It’s a dream come true. I never believed I would be there. I never believed I would play 100 games, but I just believe one thing: whenever I’m called up, I will be there to give my 100 percent.”

Simon also credited his family, friends, fellow Nigerians and the media for helping him sustain the motivation needed to represent his country for more than a decade.

“The secret to my 100 caps is my family, my friends, Nigerians, journalists, because when I see the passion you journalists have for football, I’m ready to give everything,” he added.

Simon’s Nigeria career

Simon received his first Super Eagles call-up in March 2015 under interim head coach Daniel Amokachi.

He made his debut on 25 March 2015, replacing Anthony Ujah in a friendly against Uganda. His first international goal came several months later, when he scored in Nigeria’s 2-0 friendly win over Niger Republic on 8 September 2015.

He has since become a regular member of the national team and has scored 12 goals for Nigeria.

Simon was named in Nigeria’s preliminary squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, but an injury ruled him out of the final selection.

The veteran winger has also represented Nigeria at four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments: 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2025.

His appearance against Madagascar brought another significant milestone to an international career that has now lasted beyond 10 years. Nigeria’s victory, plus goals from two debutants, gave the Super Eagles further cause for celebration.

The report was published by BSNSports.com.ng. Niyi Busari is the Publisher and CEO of BSN Sports Concept.

Nigerian-American driver Ugo Ugochukwu has won the 2026 FIA Formula 3 Championship, making history as the first driver from either the United States or Nigeria to claim the title.

Ugochukwu secured the championship after a strong campaign across the season, establishing himself as one of the leading young talents in international motorsport.

His victory represents a landmark achievement for both countries and adds a significant milestone to his developing racing career. It also underlines the growing presence of Nigerian competitors on the global motorsport stage.

By becoming the 2026 FIA Formula 3 Champion, Ugochukwu has now secured his place in the history of the championship. His success further strengthens his reputation as a rising star in single-seater racing.

The title is expected to support his continued progression towards the higher levels of the sport.

According to BSNSports.com.ng, Ugochukwu’s championship marks an important moment for motorsport in Nigeria and the United States.

Bursaspor coach Mustafa Er says the Turkish TFF Lig club worked hard to sign Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho at a low cost, with the expectation that he would provide goals. The comments were reported by BSNSports.com.ng.

“We got Iheanacho for this reason. We worked very hard for this transfer,” Er said.

“In this league, everyone thinks we're the ones spending money while others aren't.

“A few teams paid higher transfer fees and salaries than what we did for Iheanacho.

“We want the same contribution from our other players as well.”

Iheanacho has started all eight of Bursaspor’s league matches since joining the club and has scored in every one of those appearances.

The 29-year-old has found the net 11 times during that run and has also provided two assists, making him Bursaspor’s most influential attacking player.

Rivers United technical adviser Finidi George says his team are better equipped for this season’s Nigeria Premier Football League campaign after making an unbeaten start.

The Port Harcourt club finished runners-up to Rangers last season but have taken 10 points from their opening four matches and sit second in the table.

Their latest result was their most emphatic, with Rivers United thrashing Kun Khalifat FC 5-0 in their Matchday 4 fixture on Thursday. The victory was their third of the campaign.

Finidi believes the squad assembled for the new season has addressed weaknesses that affected the team last term, particularly in front of goal.

“The players that we signed this season are much better than last season. I have always said the quality in the squad is much better,” Finidi told the club’s media.

Rivers United struggled to convert opportunities in their earlier matches, a problem that also contributed to their elimination from the CAF Champions League.

Finidi said the players were now beginning to show greater efficiency and challenged them to maintain the level produced against Kun Khalifat FC.

“Unfortunately, we couldn’t convert the chances we created in the continent, and we were eliminated,” he said.

“I think the players are beginning to get it right. We hope they continue this way because you never know what will happen in the future.”

The former NPFL champions have now scored freely in their domestic campaign, and Finidi is confident they can sustain that improvement.

“I believe we will continue this way. I know my players can play good football, but converting chances was our problem,” he added.

“We are scoring now, and we hope to continue the same way.”

Rivers United’s next test comes away from home when they face Katsina United in a Matchday 5 encounter on Monday.

The match will be played at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, with Finidi’s side aiming to extend their unbeaten run and strengthen their position near the top of the NPFL table.

Cyriel Dessers will not join the Super Eagles for their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after receiving permission from head coach Éric Chelle to remain with Panathinaikos during the international break, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

According to Greek outlet Sport24, the 31-year-old striker personally contacted Chelle to request permission to stay in Athens and continue his rehabilitation and preparations under the supervision of Panathinaikos’ medical and coaching staff.

Nigeria accepted the request, meaning Dessers will miss the Super Eagles’ opening Group L fixture against Madagascar as well as the subsequent clash with Guinea-Bissau.

Dessers had initially been included in Chelle’s 24-man squad but is still working towards regaining full fitness following his recent injury.

The forward had made a strong contribution for Panathinaikos before the international break, scoring twice in their dramatic 2-1 Conference League victory over Hradec Králové on August 27.

His decision to remain in Greece will allow him to continue his recovery programme and work on regaining full match sharpness with his club.

Nigeria are already without Victor Osimhen, who was ruled out after sustaining a right-thigh muscle strain during Galatasaray’s clash with Ba?ak?ehir earlier this month.

Taiwo Awoniyi was subsequently called up to replace Osimhen, leaving Chelle with Awoniyi, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and George Ilenikhena as his central striking options.

Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon and Moses Usor also provide attacking alternatives for the Super Eagles.

The Group L campaign carries additional importance because Tanzania, one of the three hosts of the 2027 AFCON alongside Kenya and Uganda, already have an automatic place at the tournament.

Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar will therefore compete for the group’s available qualification place, making every fixture between the three sides particularly significant.

For Dessers, the immediate focus will be on completing his recovery and returning to full fitness with Panathinaikos before resuming his push for another opportunity with the Super Eagles.

Bursaspor head coach Mustafa Er has revealed that the Turkish club worked extensively to secure the signing of Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho, with the forward already repaying that faith with an impressive goalscoring return, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Er explained that Bursaspor were determined to bring Iheanacho to the club because they believed the experienced Nigerian could make a major difference in front of goal.

“We got Iheanacho for this reason. We worked very hard for this transfer. In this league, everyone thinks we're the ones spending money while others aren't. A few teams paid higher transfer fees and salaries than what we did for Iheanacho.

“We want the same contribution from our other players as well.”

The 29-year-old has quickly established himself as a key figure in the Bursaspor attack, starting all eight of the club’s league matches so far.

Iheanacho has made his presence felt in front of goal, finding the net in every league appearance during the period.

The former Manchester City and Leicester City striker has scored 11 goals and provided two assists in those eight matches, underlining his importance to Er’s side.

His form has also made him one of the most productive attacking players in the Turkish TFF 1. Lig, with Bursaspor benefiting significantly from his experience and finishing ability.

Er will now be hoping Iheanacho can maintain his remarkable scoring run as Bursaspor continue their campaign, while also challenging the rest of his squad to produce a similar level of contribution.

Nasarawa United will look to revive their Nigeria Premier Football League campaign when they host regional rivals Niger Tornadoes in a fiercely contested northern derby on Sunday.

The fixture is expected to draw intense interest, with both sides targeting maximum points as well as the added prize of regional bragging rights. Meetings between Nasarawa United and Niger Tornadoes have traditionally been closely fought, combining strong competition on the pitch with passionate support from the stands.

For the players and supporters of both clubs, the match represents more than a routine league fixture. The rivalry gives the contest an added edge, with neither side wanting to surrender local supremacy.

Nasarawa United head coach Mbwas Mangut has acknowledged the seriousness of his team’s current position in the league table. The Solid Miners have taken only four points from their opening five matches, leaving the manager eager for an immediate response.

“If you look at the Log, it’s really something to get worried of. Five games, amounting to 15 points, and we have four points from those,” Mangut said.

He called on his players to raise their performance levels and use the derby as an opportunity to begin changing the direction of their season.

“We will move on from this phase and stabilize the team, going forward,” he added.

A victory would provide more than an improvement in Nasarawa United’s points tally. Success against a regional rival could also give the team a significant psychological lift and provide momentum for the remainder of their NPFL campaign.

Both technical crews have been preparing carefully for the encounter, with defensive organisation and more effective finishing reported to be among their key areas of focus. The aim for each side will be to exploit weaknesses in the opposition while limiting opportunities at the other end.

Niger Tornadoes will arrive with the same ambition of claiming the points and asserting their position in the northern rivalry. The visitors will be aware that the atmosphere and intensity of the occasion are likely to make the match a demanding test.

With the two teams separated by their need for a positive result and the desire to win local bragging rights, the contest is set to provide a compelling afternoon of domestic football. Fans can expect a competitive battle as Nasarawa United and Niger Tornadoes meet in one of the NPFL’s most significant northern fixtures.

Morak FC forward Saka Gafar has called on his former club Plateau United to secure all three points when they host Inter Lagos in the EUROMATCH NPFL on Sunday.

Plateau United head into the fixture unbeaten in their past four league matches, having recorded two wins and two draws during that run.

Their only defeat this season came on matchday one, when they lost 2-0 to Rivers United. Since then, the team managed by Gbenga Ogunbote has built a four-match unbeaten sequence.

Gafar, who represented Plateau United between 2024 and 2026, sent the club a message of support in a video posted on X ahead of the meeting with Inter Lagos.

“My name is Saka Gafar, a former Plateau United player. I want to wish Plateau United good luck on their game this weekend against Inter Lagos. Let’s go for the three points guys,” he said.

Plateau United are seventh in the NPFL table with eight points from five matches.

The fixture gives Ogunbote’s side an opportunity to extend their unbeaten run and add to the points they have collected since the opening-day loss to Rivers United.

Rivers United technical adviser Finidi George praised his side’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Kun Khalifat FC in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday five fixture on Thursday.

Salman Abubakar gave the Port Harcourt-based team the lead in the 27th minute, firing a superb effort from outside the penalty area.

Rivers United created further opportunities before half-time but could not add to their advantage, leaving Kun Khalifat trailing 1-0 at the interval.

The hosts increased the intensity after the restart and scored four more times to secure a convincing win.

Chijioke Mbaoma doubled Rivers United’s lead four minutes after the break, converting in the 49th minute after being set up by Alex Oyowah.

Abubakar then completed his brace nine minutes later. A well-worked team move allowed him to make it 3-0 in the 58th minute.

Wasiu Falolu added a fourth in the 62nd minute, with Mbaoma providing the assist, before substitute Ekene Awazie completed the scoring six minutes from full time.

Finidi said he had anticipated a difficult contest and admitted he was surprised by the scale of Rivers United’s victory.

“I’m very happy with the result, especially the goals, as I was thinking it was going to be a difficult game. At a point, I had to go sit down,” Finidi told the club’s media.

Rivers United’s next assignment will be away to Katsina United.

“We will now look forward to the next match away to Katsina United,” Finidi added.

The former Nigeria manager also urged his players to maintain their level of performance as the season develops, saying consistency would be central to the club’s ambitions.

“We will continue to encourage the players to stay consistent because that is very important. We hope they can continue the same way because it is very important. We have big ambition this season,” he said.

Finidi warned that Rivers United face a demanding schedule, with three matches to be played across a short period.

“We are having a couple of games coming up. We will play next week Monday, Thursday and the following week. So, it’s going to be a tasking week, two weeks for us. It’s going to be hectic for the players,” he said.