Desportspastor Blog

  The Abia State Governor-sponsored Nigerian National League pre-season tournament kicked off with a bang as Abia Comets FC defeated Edel FC 2-0 in their opening match. This exciting initiative, organized in partnership with the National League Club Owners and Managers Association (NALCOMA), brings together six top teams from Nigeria's South-East and South-South regions. The Abia Comets' victory was sealed with an own goal in the 73rd minute, followed by Felix Henry's clinical finish just four minutes later. Meanwhile, Kun Khalifat FC and Solution FC played to a tense goalless draw in the day's second match. Abia Comets' chairman, Chief Boniface Uche, and coach, Mr. Kevin Ejeh, hailed Governor Alex Otti for making the tournament possible. "This competition is crucial for our teams to prepare for the upcoming season," said Uche. Ejeh added, "We're grateful for the Governor's support, and our players' fighting spirit is a glimpse of what'

  Photocredit: Cibsmedia   Enyimba FC returned to winning ways with a thrilling 2-1 victory over NPFL newcomers Ikorodu City at the Enyimba International Stadium on Sunday. Ifeanyi Ihemekwele opened scoring for Enyimba in the 6th minute, but despite numerous attempts, the Aba giants couldn't increase their lead, thwarted by questionable offside calls. Ikorodu City, boosted by the slim margin, pushed for an equalizer, only to be denied by impressive saves from CHAN Eagles invitee, Ani Ozoemena. However, Ajayigbe Tayoobe leveled the score in the 89th minute. In dramatic fashion, Adiukwu Moses headed home Imo Obot's corner kick in the 92nd minute, securing Enyimba's win. Post-Match Reactions Ikorodu City coach, Nurudeen Aweroro, attributed his team's loss to lapses in concentration: "We came to Aba for a result, but it didn't work out as planned. Congratulations to Enyimba on their victory." Enyimba coach, Yemi Olanrewaju, expressed concerns over questionable

In a significant development, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Disciplinary Committee has awarded three points and three goals to Nigeria's Super Eagles following a disputed 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Libya. According to a letter signed by Ousmane Kane, Chairperson of the CAF Disciplinary Board, Libya breached Article 31 of the AFCON regulations and Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF disciplinary code. Consequently, Libya has been fined $50,000, payable within 60 days. This ruling propels the Super Eagles to the top of their qualifying group with 10 points from four matches, a comfortable four-point lead over second-placed Benin. A draw against Benin in Abidjan next month will secure the Super Eagles' spot at the 2025 AFCON, scheduled to take place in Morocco in December 2025. The current standings in the qualifying group are: 1. Nigeria (Super Eagles) - 10 points 2. Benin - 6 points 3. Rwanda - 5 points 4. Libya - 1 point (eliminated) Li

Bayelsa United returned to winning form in style, defeating Heartland FC 1-0 in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 7 encounter at the Samson Siasia Stadium. Substitute Rabiu Abdullahi's 55th-minute strike sealed the victory for the Prosperity Boys, ending their midweek slump against Bendel Insurance. Match Highlights - Foluwa Akpokabowei made his first start of the season, while Kehinde Malik returned to the starting XI after injury. - Rabiu Abdullahi scored the winner from Yahaya Ibrahim's low cross. - Heartland FC's Elvis Ori and Chijioke Opara threatened in the first half, but Bayelsa United goalkeeper Godgift Elkanah denied them. - Tarabina Biwerebo missed a golden opportunity just before halftime. Post-Match Reactions Bayelsa United's Technical Adviser, Ladan Bosso, praised his team's spirit but expressed concern over their wastefulness in front of goal. Heartland FC Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, attributed the defeat to his team's lack of con

In a thrilling Matchday 8 encounter, Elkanemi Warriors outsmarted Enyimba FC 1-0 at the Elkanemi Stadium, Maiduguri, to claim all three points in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL). The hosts burst out of the blocks, catching Enyimba off guard with a first-half strike. The People's Elephant struggled to find their footing, fatigue taking its toll on their performance. However, Enyimba roared back to life in the second half, dominating possession and crafting scoring chances. Alas, their finishing fell short, and they couldn't find the equalizer. * Kolawale's Heroics* Elkanemi's goalkeeper, Kolawale, proved the difference-maker, pulling off crucial saves to preserve his team's slender lead. His time-wasting tactics in the closing stages sparked controversy, but the referee's three-minute stoppage time decision left Enyimba feeling short-changed. Coach Olarenwaju's Verdict "We were flat in the first half, but revitalized in the second... I t

Abia Warriors centre back Collins Nwoburuoke has assured fans of a strong comeback performance against Plateau United on Sunday, October 20, 2024, at the Umuahia Township Stadium. The promise comes on the heels of a shocking 3-0 loss to Nasarawa United in Lafia. Nwoburuoke acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized the team's determination to redeem themselves. "It wasn't the result we expected, but we'll make it right," he said. "We'll get the points back. Fans should trust us; we're focused." The defender revealed a positive atmosphere in the camp, with players driven to deliver. "Everyone's in high spirits; we're ready to get the job done." Key Match Facts: - Date: Sunday, October 20, 2024 - Time: 4 pm - Venue: Umuahia Township Stadium - Head-to-Head (Last 5 Games):     - 03/04/24: AWFC 1-0 PUFC     - 12/11/23: PUFC 3-1 AWFC     - 21/05/22: AWFC 2-0 PUFC     - 30/01/22: PUFC 1-0 AWFC     - 09/05/21: PUFC 2-1 AWFC Injury U