Former Shooting Stars head coach Nurudeen Aweroro has denied allegations that he collected money from players during his time at the club, insisting that anyone making such claims should provide evidence.

Aweroro left the Oluyole Warriors by mutual consent last Saturday after guiding the Ibadan club to third place in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, securing their first continental qualification in 27 years. NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The coach’s departure also affected assistant coach Shakiru Lawal and team manager Tammy Tamuno, while the club prepares for its return to the CAF Confederation Cup, where they have been drawn against Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien.

Speaking on Yoruba sports programme Gbagede Ere Idaraya with Sola Aiyegbajeje in Ibadan, Aweroro strongly rejected the allegations.

“Any player who has said I used to take money from them should come forward with the evidence. If they are able to present any evidence, that means I am truly guilty,” Aweroro said.

He explained that while some players occasionally wanted to appreciate him financially, he never demanded money from them.

Aweroro cited Qamar Adegoke, who was struggling for goals at the time, saying he prayed for the striker and challenged him to score at least 10 goals. According to the coach, when Adegoke wanted to send him money, he instructed him to give it to the fans instead.

He also mentioned Alade Balogun, whom he brought from Ikorodu City, as another player who could confirm that he never requested financial favours from him.

“You see these players, there are some among them that I give money to, and there are some that I buy boots for.”

Aweroro also revealed that his time at Shooting Stars came with considerable pressure, despite achieving the club's objective of securing continental football.

The coach disclosed that he experienced a serious health scare during his time in charge and was advised by doctors to rest, but remained focused on achieving the club's target.

Meanwhile, Shooting Stars are reportedly considering former Rangers coach Imama Amapakabo for the vacant position. The 57-year-old, who guided Rangers to the NPFL title in 2016, is reportedly open to the move, although negotiations with Abia Warriors would still need to be concluded.

Former Super Eagles assistant coach Salisu Yusuf is also believed to be among the leading candidates for the job.

Shooting Stars will begin their 2026/27 NPFL campaign against Inter Lagos in Ibadan on August 28 before turning their attention to their CAF Confederation Cup tie against CS Sfaxien.

Katsina United have clarified the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of their player Chinedu Ozor, who collapsed during a pre-season match against Niger Tornadoes in Katsina on Tuesday, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Ozor reportedly collapsed during the Gusau/Ahlan Pre-season Cup encounter at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead by a doctor.

The club subsequently announced his death through its official communication channels. However, reports later emerged that the player had been moved from the morgue to an intensive care unit after medical personnel noticed movements in parts of his body.

Katsina United media officer Nasir Gide confirmed that Ozor was initially taken to Katsina General Hospital after being pronounced dead at another facility.

“When we rushed him to a nearby hospital, he was confirmed dead by a doctor. We collected a police report and took him back to Katsina General Hospital, where he was also said to be dead. They took his body to the morgue there,” Gide said.

“Later, the medical personnel informed us that he had been taken back to the ICU from the morgue when they noticed movements in his body.”

However, Katsina United issued a further statement on Wednesday to dispel reports that Ozor had regained consciousness, explaining that his family had requested additional medical confirmation before his body was taken to the morgue.

“Despite the efforts that followed, Chinedu sadly passed away,” the club stated.

The club also urged the public to disregard reports suggesting that the player had returned to life.

“We have seen reports claiming that Chinedu later regained consciousness or ‘came back to life.’ We understand that people desperately wanted this to be true. We all did. But sadly, those reports are not true.”

Katsina United said Ozor’s family had been overwhelmed by shock and continued to hope that further medical checks could produce a different outcome.

Heartland FC, Ozor’s former club, also paid tribute to the player following his death.

“Chinedu Ozor: You fought the good fight. You tried your best and strove to make the most of what we thought was a second chance you were given, but sadly, you could not make it.”

Meanwhile, Barau FC, one of the teams involved in the pre-season tournament, has reiterated its decision to withdraw from the competition, citing concerns over its organisation and the decision to continue the tournament following the incident.

The tragedy has once again raised questions about medical preparedness and emergency response at football venues in Nigeria.

Ozor’s death comes exactly one year after Shooting Stars assistant coach Akin Olowokere collapsed and died during a training session on August 11, 2025.

The Nigerian football community was also shaken in March 2020 when Nasarawa United defender Chineme Martins, 23, died after collapsing during a league match against Katsina United.

Following Martins’ death, the Nigeria Football Federation directed that league matches should not be played at venues without adequate medical equipment and personnel. Match commissioners and host football associations were also instructed to inspect and test medical facilities before approving venues for matches.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) board has suspended the remainder of Bendel Insurance head coach Kennedy Boboye’s touchline ban, clearing him to return to the dugout ahead of the 2026/27 season, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Boboye was originally handed a 17-match suspension in March after he was accused of assaulting match officials following Bendel Insurance’s Matchday 32 encounter against Plateau United last season.

Although the coach denied the allegations, he served six matches of the punishment during the closing stages of the 2025/26 campaign.

The NPFL has now reviewed the case following an appeal from Bendel Insurance and agreed to suspend the remaining portion of the sanction.

In a letter to the club, the league board cited Boboye’s conduct during the period of his suspension, as well as his previous contributions to Nigerian football, as factors behind the decision.

“Your good conduct in the intervening period of the sanction has been taken into consideration and counted as a positive for you,” the letter stated.

The board also acknowledged Boboye’s past service to the country as a player and member of the national team’s technical setup.

“The Board has therefore elected to suspend the rest of the remaining period of your sanction. However, the punishment will be served out should you be involved in similar conduct in the next one season.”

The NPFL further warned the experienced coach to maintain exemplary conduct, stressing his responsibility as a role model to players and younger members of the coaching staff.

Boboye is therefore free to take his place on the Benin Arsenal bench when Bendel Insurance begin their 2026/27 campaign against Warri Wolves in Benin on Sunday, August 30.

The coach joined Bendel Insurance in October 2025 and guided the club to fifth place in the 2025/26 NPFL season, finishing four points short of a continental qualification spot.

Nigeria Premier Football League side Niger Tornadoes have intensified efforts to expand their international presence after sending a high-powered delegation to Turkey to explore a potential partnership with a foreign club, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The delegation is being led by club chairman Dr Abubakar Kuso and includes Sporting Director Mojeed Ibrahim “Greenboi”, Hon. Jacob Baba Yisa and Alhaji Ibrahim Audi.

The proposed discussions are expected to cover several areas, including player development, international transfers, technical cooperation and commercial opportunities.

The initiative is part of Niger Tornadoes’ broader strategy to increase the club’s commercial value while establishing stronger relationships with clubs and football organisations outside Nigeria.

A potential partnership could also provide the Minna-based club with opportunities to expose young players to international football, strengthen its technical structures and create pathways for talent development and transfers.

The Turkish visit comes as Niger Tornadoes continue work on upgrades to the Bako Kontagora Stadium and other club facilities.

The club believes improvements to its infrastructure, combined with stronger international partnerships, will create a better environment for player development and contribute to its long-term sporting and commercial ambitions.

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye has clarified that the league’s existing ?200 million prize money will remain in place, while the proposed ?1 billion reward for the 2026/27 champions will be funded by the National Sports Commission (NSC), NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Elegbeleye made the clarification during the NPFL’s 2025/26 Annual General Meeting in Ibadan, following the announcement of the new prize structure by NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko.

“We are not the ones to pay the ?1 billion prize money. Our own remains ?200 million. It is the NSC that will pay,” Elegbeleye said.

Dikko had announced in June that the champions of the 2026/27 NPFL season would receive a minimum prize of ?1 billion.

Under the proposed structure, the runners-up are expected to receive ?500 million, while the third-placed team would earn ?300 million, although the figures remain subject to formal confirmation by the league authorities.

According to Dikko, the proposed financial package is part of the NSC’s efforts to increase the commercial value of the domestic league, encourage professionalism and make the NPFL more competitive.

Elegbeleye’s comments make it clear that the league’s existing ?200 million championship prize will not be replaced. Instead, the proposed NSC-backed ?1 billion award would come as a separate financial commitment.

If implemented as announced, the arrangement would significantly increase the financial rewards available to clubs competing for the NPFL title in the 2026/27 season and could further raise the commercial stakes of the domestic campaign.

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) have parted ways with head coach Nurudeen Aweroro by mutual consent, with the club also announcing the departure of team manager Tammy Tamuno and assistant coach Shakiru Lawal, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The decision comes weeks after Aweroro guided the Oluyole Warriors to an impressive third-place finish in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season, securing the club a place in the CAF Confederation Cup.

In a statement, 3SC confirmed that the decision followed discussions with the affected members of the technical team, with all parties agreeing to terminate their respective contracts with immediate effect.

“We have reached a mutual agreement with Head Coach Nurudeen Aweroro, Team Manager Tammy Tamuno and Assistant Coach Shakiru Lawal to bring their respective contracts with the club to an end, with immediate effect.

“The decision follows discussions between the club and the affected members of the technical team, with both parties agreeing to part ways amicably.”

The Ibadan-based club expressed appreciation to Aweroro, Tamuno and Lawal for their commitment and professionalism during their time with the Oluyole Warriors.

3SC particularly acknowledged their role in the club’s impressive 2025/26 campaign, which ended with a third-place finish and qualification for continental football.

“The Club particularly acknowledges their efforts in helping Shooting Stars achieve a third-place finish in the 2025/26 NPFL season and secure a continental ticket.

“We thank them immensely for their service and wish them all the very best in their future endeavours and continued success in their careers.”

The club added that its remaining assistant coaches have been instructed to oversee the technical department on an interim basis while management works towards appointing a substantive head coach.

Nigeria Premier Football League side Kano Pillars have completed the signing of Benin Republic international goalkeeper Serge Obassa following his departure from reigning champions Remo Stars, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Obassa, who played a vital role in Remo Stars' successful league title-winning campaign, has penned a one-year contract with the Sai Masu Gida ahead of the 2026/27 NPFL season.

The experienced goalkeeper remains in the Nigerian top flight as he embarks on a new chapter with the Kano-based club, bringing valuable experience and leadership to the squad.

His arrival is expected to bolster Kano Pillars' goalkeeping department as the club continues to strengthen its team in preparation for the new campaign.

Obassa leaves Ikenne after helping Remo Stars secure their historic NPFL title and will now be aiming to replicate that success with Kano Pillars as they seek to challenge for domestic honours in the upcoming season.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has reinforced its partnership with Afrinvest to accelerate digital transformation, boost commercial capacity, and help clubs achieve sustainable revenue growth, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The renewed commitment was highlighted during the NPFL–Afrinvest Media and Marketing Workshop held in Enugu, where media officers and marketing executives from all 20 NPFL clubs received training on branding, digital visibility, sponsorship acquisition, and fan engagement.

Held under the theme, "The Role of Marketing and Media Officers in Generating Wealth for Professional Football Clubs," the workshop emphasized the importance of reducing clubs' dependence on government funding by developing stronger digital platforms, generating reliable data, and building commercially attractive brands.

Addressing participants, NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owunmi urged clubs to embrace digital innovation, stressing that poor online visibility and inadequate data continue to hinder the league's ability to attract major commercial partners.

"After the broadcast rights today, the next money-spinning or revenue-generating resource is data. We need to tell ourselves the open truth today. We have ongoing contracts, but do you know what they ask of us? 'What is your data? Where is your data for the league?' We don't have it," Owunmi said.

He called on every club to consistently produce quality content and statistical data to strengthen the league's central database.

"We need our clubs to be visible. We need your presence in the social space. We need all the clubs generating data because the NPFL only archives what you generate. If we have 20 active Premier League teams generating data from their clubs, it makes our website very rich," he added.

Owunmi also challenged clubs to pursue financial sustainability rather than relying solely on government allocations.

"You cannot just depend on the government continuously. A dead media department is a dead club. A dead marketing unit is a dead club. We want our clubs to be healthy financially. Enough is enough. You cannot be doing the same thing repeatedly and expect a different result," he stated.

Afrinvest's Enugu Office Manager, Emmanuel Eleojo, explained that the company's collaboration with the NPFL is built on its "Finance Meets Football" philosophy, which seeks to combine sound financial management with football development.

"For us at Afrinvest, internally, there is this philosophy we call 'Finance Meets Football'. That is how we have tagged our intervention with our partnership with Rangers International and now the NPFL. The success of the Nigerian football league is not only about what happens on the pitch but also the strength of those behind the institutions and clubs," Eleojo said.

Rangers International General Manager Amobi Ezeaku commended both Afrinvest and the NPFL for organising the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward improving the financial future of Nigerian clubs.

"I appreciate Afrinvest for agreeing to sponsor this workshop that is about to change our financial status as a league. We want to see our clubs' jerseys all over the country. Media officers and marketing directors should be our backbone in terms of revenue generation," Ezeaku remarked.

One of the workshop's lead facilitators, George Isitua-Onukwu, encouraged clubs to adopt structured commercial strategies, including a 12-month marketing calendar with clearly defined timelines for sponsorship renewals, activations, and reporting.

He noted that clubs with organised commercial plans are better positioned to build stronger brands, attract sponsors, and generate sustainable long-term revenue.

Warri Wolves head coach Hassan Abdallah has trimmed his squad by releasing six players following the club's 1-0 defeat to Rangers in a pre-season friendly in Asaba, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Seasiders fielded a revamped starting XI for the encounter, with nine new signings handed opportunities to impress. Those who started included goalkeeper Miracle UK Alike, Sani Ahmed, Okon Samuel, Wisdom Tom, George Ekong, Alex Aguodoh, Town Eventus and Auwa Abubakar.

As the game progressed, Abdallah also assessed several players from the bench, introducing Blessing Ndubuisi, Kennedy Osamudiame, Ita Peters, Yusuf Omotayo, Christian Mayoku, Daniel Ezegbu and Emmanuel Utuyo at various stages of the contest.

Following his evaluation of the team's display, the coach decided to part ways with six players, explaining that the decision was based on their performances and suitability to his tactical philosophy.

"Pre-season games serve as an avenue to assess your players' individual performances, their understanding and adaptation to your philosophy, and their ability to blend with the rest of the team.

"And it's after such careful assessment and technical evaluation of the players' contributions to the overall development of the team that you can say, yes, this or that player will or will not be an asset to the team. That's what we've just done," Abdallah said.

The former Katsina United coach, however, declined to disclose the identities of the released players, insisting that doing so could negatively affect their careers or transfer prospects.

"It's not necessary at this point to begin mentioning names. Doing so would affect their careers at their parent clubs or their potential market value. But, in all, six players are affected in this exercise."

With the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season set to kick off next month, Abdallah also appealed to the Delta State Government for increased support as the club continues preparations for the new campaign.

"It's just that we want the state government to support us very, very well, financially and otherwise.

"And I think they have been doing that. But like the proverbial Oliver Twist, we need even more of their maximum support. For now, however, things are moving on well," he concluded.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has secured a place among the world's top 100 football leagues, earning the 82nd spot in the latest global league rankings, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The ranking places the NPFL among Africa's highest-rated domestic competitions, reflecting the league's steady progress in improving its standard, competitiveness, and overall organisation.

England's Premier League retained its position as the world's highest-ranked football league, with Spain's La Liga, Germany's Bundesliga, Italy's Serie A and France's Ligue 1 completing the global top five.

On the African continent, Morocco's Botola Pro emerged as the highest-ranked league, occupying 40th place globally. Algeria's Ligue 1 followed in 43rd position, while Egypt's Premier League was ranked 47th.

South Africa's Premier Soccer League secured 62nd place, with the NPFL placed 82nd to become one of the continent's leading competitions. Ghana's Premier League followed closely in 83rd position, Senegal's Ligue 1 was ranked 87th, while Zambia's Super League completed Africa's representatives in the top 100 at 95th.

The latest ranking highlights the growing international recognition of the NPFL as stakeholders continue efforts to enhance the quality, professionalism and commercial appeal of Nigeria's top-flight competition.

Nigeria Premier Football League side Barau FC have strengthened their squad with the signing of 14 new players as preparations continue for the 2026/27 season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Head coach Eugene Agagbe has overseen a busy recruitment drive aimed at building a more competitive squad ahead of the new campaign, which is expected to get underway in August.

Among the headline additions is Christian Egbutudike, who returns to the NPFL following a spell with Albanian club FK Kukesi. The Kano-based club have also secured the services of Al-Amin Umar from Egyptian second-tier side Telecom FC.

Central defender Elvis Obuko has joined from Warri Wolves, while Bayelsa United duo Stephen Wisdom and Energy Kennedy have also completed moves to the Maliya Boys, adding strength to the midfield and attack respectively.

Barau FC have further reinforced their squad with the arrivals of Idris Sa'idu from Niger Tornadoes, Daddy Abdulrahman from El-Kanemi Warriors, Ahmad Liman from Niger Tornadoes, Casmir Azubuike from Abia Warriors, Anthony Omaka from Rivers United, Ajina Boluwatife from ABS Ilorin, Suur Kumaga from Lobi Stars, Adekunle Oluwasegun Samuel from Nasarawa United, and former Wikki Tourists midfielder Nasiru Jubrin.

Speaking on the club's preparations, General Manager and former Super Eagles forward Dominic Iorfa expressed satisfaction with the recruitment process and the progress made so far.

"We started preparations for the coming season three weeks ago. We've brought in quite a number of new players, and now we're trying to blend them together so we can present a better and stronger team for the season," Iorfa said.

Barau FC enjoyed a respectable debut campaign in the NPFL last season, finishing eighth on the table with 52 points after recording 13 wins, 13 draws and 12 defeats. The Kano outfit will now be aiming to build on that performance and challenge higher up the standings in the upcoming season.

Nigeria Premier Football League side Kwara United have unveiled 16 new players as part of an ambitious squad overhaul ahead of the 2026/27 season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Harmony Boys also confirmed the renewal of contracts for 14 members of last season's squad as they intensify preparations for a campaign in which they hope to challenge for both the NPFL title and the President Federation Cup.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony at the club's secretariat in Ilorin, Executive Chairman of the Management Committee, Kumbi Titiloye, explained that the latest additions were recruited to strengthen the squad following the departure of several players whose contracts expired or who opted to continue their careers elsewhere.

"Our objective this coming season is to finish at the top of the league and win every available trophy," Titiloye said.

"We want to win the NPFL title and reclaim the President Federation Cup."

He assured supporters that lessons had been learned from the previous campaign, stressing that the team would approach every fixture with greater focus and determination.

"We are treating every game like a World Cup final. The mistakes of last season will not be repeated," he added, while thanking the Kwara State Government, led by Governor Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, and the Kwara State Sports Commission for their continued support.

The club's new arrivals include goalkeepers Stanley Victor from Kada City and Ouattara Khalifa from Mali's Alemas FC. Defensive reinforcements are Ferinyaro Ali, Peace Dewan, Ada Adamu and Uche Daniel, while Anthony Nnamdi and Emmanuel Ekpeyong strengthen the midfield.

Kwara United also bolstered their attack with the signings of Obed Ponkap, Ajibola Ayomade, Solomon Shoola, Benjamin Jack, Sanni Mohammed, Thomas Omokhafe, Jerry Alex and Gideon Chukwu Stephen.

Meanwhile, the club retained 14 players from last season's squad, including goalkeeper Ayeleso Suraj, alongside Mohammed Alao, Alegbe Muhammed, Kolawole Sheriff, Adeshina Issa Gata, Jeremiah Gabriel Abutu, Okoloko Otega, Ezenabo Somtochwuku, Toyeeb Gidado, Abdulsalam Abdulsalam, Ozoh Philip, Nurudeen Badmus, Nyebe Moses and Issa Magaji.

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) winger Ismail Ayodele has issued an unreserved apology to the club's management, coaching staff, teammates and supporters following his unauthorised absence from the team's pre-season activities, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Ayodele, who was previously declared absent without official leave by the Nigeria Premier Football League side, returned to the club on Monday and has since resumed training with the rest of the squad.

The winger expressed regret over the incident in a statement shared on his social media platforms, admitting his mistake and offering a sincere apology to everyone affected by his actions.

His return comes as Shooting Stars continue preparations for the 2026/27 NPFL season, with the club now expected to shift its attention fully to the new campaign.

Ayodele will be hoping to put the episode behind him, rebuild confidence within the squad and focus on making a positive contribution for the Oluyole Warriors in the coming season.

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) have declared winger Ismail Ayodele absent without official leave (AWOL) after he failed to report for the club's scheduled activities, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Ibadan-based club disclosed that the winger, who still has one year remaining on his current contract, has not resumed with the squad as expected ahead of preparations for the new season.

According to the club, Ayodele's absence constitutes a breach of his contractual obligations, stressing that the player remains under contract and is required to fulfil the terms of his agreement.

Shooting Stars have yet to announce any disciplinary measures against the winger, but indicated that the matter will be handled in accordance with the club's internal regulations and the provisions of his contract.

Rivers United have stepped up preparations for the 2026/27 season by adding several experienced Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) stars to their squad as they gear up for the CAF Champions League, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Port Harcourt club has secured the services of former Enyimba captain Ekene Awazie and ex-Abia Warriors defender Imo Obot, who previously earned an invitation to the Super Eagles. Awazie joins as an experienced winger, while Obot is renowned for his proficiency from set-piece situations.

The Pride of Rivers have also completed the signing of defensive midfielder Salman Abubakar from Enyimba as coach Finidi George continues to reshape his squad ahead of the new campaign.

Other new arrivals include former Abia Warriors defender Innocent Gabriel, Kano Pillars centre-back Muktar Mohammed, Plateau United midfielder Chinemerem Ugwueze, Bayelsa United left-back Ubong Williams, and midfielder Alex Oyowah, who returns to Rivers United after spending the last two seasons with Remo Stars.

The newly recruited players have already joined their teammates in training at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Omagwa as preparations intensify for the forthcoming domestic and continental campaigns.

The club is yet to formally unveil the latest additions, with an official announcement expected soon.

"An official statement will be made soon," Rivers United's Head of Media, Charles Mayuku, said when contacted by Complete Sports.

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Kun Khalifat have continued to strengthen their squad with the signing of four new players ahead of the 2026/27 season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Owerri-based club confirmed the arrivals of Enyimba midfielder Hogan Umoh, Niger Tornadoes midfielder Chima Deruo, Bendel Insurance central defender Preye Seikrowei and Calabar Rovers defensive midfielder Ediri Ejogharado.

In a statement released by the club's media department, Kun Khalifat disclosed that all four players have completed their moves.

"For now, the four players have signed documents for us. It's already a done deal," the statement read.

The Pride of Imolites are reinforcing their squad after narrowly avoiding relegation last season and are determined to put together a more competitive team for the upcoming campaign.

Head coach Obinna Uzoho is expected to rely on the new additions as Kun Khalifat seek to improve their fortunes and establish themselves in the NPFL during the 2026/27 season.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Amas Obasogie is closing in on a return to Nigeria Premier Football League side Bendel Insurance, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The experienced shot-stopper is understood to be in advanced negotiations with the Benin City club, with discussions progressing positively as both parties work towards finalising the deal ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Obasogie previously enjoyed a successful spell with Bendel Insurance, where he established himself as one of the league's standout goalkeepers before moving on to continue his career elsewhere.

His expected return is set to provide a significant boost for Kennedy Boboye's side as they strengthen their squad for the new season.

The 26-year-old would add experience, leadership and quality to the Benin Arsenals' goalkeeping department as the club targets a stronger campaign after narrowly missing out on continental qualification last season.

If the move is completed, Obasogie will also have the opportunity to relaunch his club career in familiar surroundings while continuing his quest to remain in contention for a place in the Super Eagles squad.

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Katsina United have strengthened their squad with the signing of Sierra Leone international goalkeeper Francis Koroma on a free transfer, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 26-year-old joins the Chanji Boys ahead of the 2026/27 campaign as the club continues to reinforce its squad for the new season.

Koroma arrives with valuable international experience, having represented Sierra Leone at senior level, and is expected to add quality, competition and stability to Katsina United's goalkeeping department.

His arrival is another significant addition for the Chanji Boys as they seek to improve on their performances and enjoy a more successful outing in the forthcoming NPFL season.

The experienced goalkeeper completed the move as a free agent and will now look to establish himself as an important figure in Katsina United's squad during the 2026/27 campaign.

Rivers United have appointed defender Stephen Manyo as the club's new captain ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Manyo will lead the Pride of Rivers into a demanding campaign that includes both domestic competition and the CAF Champions League, where the Port Harcourt-based side will represent Nigeria.

The experienced defender is expected to provide leadership on and off the pitch as Rivers United seek to challenge for honours in the new season.

His appointment comes as the club continues to intensify preparations for another busy campaign following a series of impressive performances in recent years.

Rivers United will be aiming to mount a strong title challenge in the NPFL while also making a significant impact in the CAF Champions League, with Manyo's experience and influence expected to play a vital role in achieving those ambitions.

Rivers United have bolstered their squad with the signing of midfielder Chinemerem Collins Ugwueze from Plateau United ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 25-year-old, who represented the Super Eagles at the Unity Cup in London, becomes one of the Pride of Rivers' latest additions as the club continues to strengthen its squad for the upcoming campaign.

Ugwueze is expected to bring quality, energy and added depth to the midfield as Rivers United prepare to compete on both the domestic and continental fronts.

With the club set to return to CAF inter-club competition, the Port Harcourt outfit has intensified its recruitment drive to build a squad capable of coping with the demands of a busy season.

The arrival of the former Plateau United midfielder underlines Rivers United's ambition to challenge for major honours in the NPFL while also making a strong impression in continental football.

Ugwueze is expected to play a key role in the club's pursuit of success during the 2026/27 campaign.