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Category: Soccer

NPFL Sanctions Kano Pillars With 3-Point Deduction, N9.5m Fine, And Stadium Ban Over Fan Violence

Wale busari04 mins

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has imposed tough penalties on Kano Pillars following violent scenes that marred their Matchday 8 home fixture against Shooting Stars at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on Sunday. In a Summary Jurisdiction Notice dated October 13 and signed by NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi, the league found the club guilty of several offences, including poor security, fan violence, throwing objects onto the pitch, and assaulting Shooting Stars players and match officials. According to the NPFL, Kano Pillars failed to provide adequate and effective security, which allowed unauthorized persons to invade restricted areas and the field of play. The league also faulted the club for failing to control its supporters, who harassed and physically attacked the visiting team and match officials. As punishment, the NPFL deducted three points and three goals from Kano Pillars’ total and issued fines amounting to N9.5 million. This includes N1 million each for inadequate security, throwing dangerous objects, fan misconduct, and bringing the game into disrepute — totaling N4 million. An additional N2 million fine was placed on the club for the assault on players and officials, while N1.5 million will serve as compensatory damages of N250,000 each to the affected match officials. Another N2 million fine was issued as compensation for medical treatment and damages sustained by Shooting Stars players and the officials. In addition to the financial penalties, the NPFL ordered Kano Pillars to relocate their home matches to Katsina for the remainder of the season — or at least ten matches — until the league is satisfied that proper security measures are in place. The Sani Abacha Stadium has been closed indefinitely to Kano Pillars’ home games. The club has also been directed to identify and produce those responsible for Sunday’s violence, show proof of their prosecution, and submit a detailed matchday security plan within seven days. Kano Pillars have 48 hours to either accept the ruling or appeal it. However, the NPFL warned that any baseless appeal could lead to additional sanctions under Rule E1 of the league’s framework. The decision follows nationwide outrage over the chaotic scenes in Kano, with many football fans and analysts condemning the violence as a stain on the image of Nigerian football.

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World Cup Ticket Final Battle: Eagles Determined to Fight for Decent Win

Fola Badmus06 mins

Coach Eric Sekou Chelle has assured that the Super Eagles will give everything they have to secure a decent win over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic and hope for favour from Nelspruit as the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying race hits the final matchday on Tuesday.   Group C leaders Benin Republic, on 17 points, have their fate in their hands as a win over Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium will earn them their first-ever FIFA World Cup ticket.   However, Nigeria have not missed two consecutive FIFA World Cup finals since first reaching the finals in 1994, and will throw everything into Tuesday’s battle.   Regardless of their surprising third place in the group going into the final matchday, Nigeria is the only one among the three contenders for the lone ticket from the group that has lost only one match. Both Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa, who have 15 points and host Rwanda’s Amavubi, have each lost two matches.   No doubt, the Cheetahs, now coached by former Nigeria gaffer Gernot Rohr, have conducted a campaign to be proud of, as they hunt for their first-ever ticket to the global finals. Their 17 points and two-point cushion at the top means they will live their dream if they secure a point in Uyo on Tuesday evening and South Africa fail to trounce Rwanda at Mbombela.   In contrast, Nigeria is seeking a seventh FIFA World Cup appearance, having made the Round of 16 in three of their previous three, and the spine of the Class of 2025 know this could be their only chance of sitting at world football’s highest podium.   Captain William Ekong and midfielder Alex Iwobi featured at the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals but that was a competition the Super Eagles left at the group stage, and both will surely prefer to experience another tournament with all the glitz and glamour that North America promises next summer.   Ekong, voted Man of the Competition at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations final, is set to win his 83rd cap on Tuesday while Iwobi will earn his 89th.   Top scorer and 2023 Africa Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, defender Calvin Bassey, midfielders Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Simon Moses, Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman, among others, have not been to the FIFA World Cup finals.   The Cheetahs have been to only four Africa Cup of Nations finals, as against the Super Eagles’ 20 participations, and their all-time high was a quarter-final berth in Egypt six years ago, compared to Nigeria’s three titles, five runner-up positions and eight third-place finishes.   Both teams will miss a number of key players on Tuesday. Benin Republic’s central defender Yohan Roche and defensive midfielder Sessi d’Almeida are suspended, just as Nigeria’s Africa Player of the Year Lookman, with the six-time finalists also missing wing-backs Olaoluwa Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel through injuries.   Gernot Rohr and his army will have the backing of Benin Republic’s 11.5million people, just as Nigeria’s 220 million people, including dozens of thousands who will be in the stands, will be cheering on the Super Eagles.   A two-goal win by the Super Eagles, and failure by South Africa to beat Rwanda in Nelspruit, will earn Nigeria an automatic ticket to the 23rd FIFA World Cup finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico next summer.

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Jack Wilshere Named Luton Town Head Coach In Full-Circle Appointment

Wale busari02 mins

Luton Town have appointed former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere as their new head coach. The decision comes after the club parted ways with Matt Bloomfield during the October international break, following a difficult start to their League One campaign, which saw the Hatters lose five of their opening 11 matches after consecutive relegations. Wilshere, 33, has now secured his first permanent managerial role after a short interim stint with Norwich City at the end of the 2024-25 season, where he collected four points from the final two Championship fixtures, boosting his reputation as an emerging coach. Speaking to the club’s official website, Wilshere called his appointment a “full-circle moment,” recalling his early days with Luton Town as a child. “It’s a huge honour and a privilege to be named Luton Town manager,” he said. “I was eight when I first came to Luton, so it feels fitting that my first full-time managerial role is at this club. I’m excited to get started and can’t wait to lead this team.” He added: “Luton Town’s story inspires me. Built on belief, unity, and hard work, the club has shown incredible character on and off the pitch. I’m honoured to take on the responsibility of guiding this squad forward. There’s still so much of the season to play, and I want to give the fans a team they can be proud of. The work begins today.”  

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Kano Pillars GM Ahmed Musa Issues Apology After Pitch Violence Against Shooting Stars

Wale busari03 mins

Ahmed Musa, General Manager of Kano Pillars Football Club, has issued a formal apology after violent incidents marred his team’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) on Sunday. The game, held at Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, descended into chaos after Shooting Stars scored a late equaliser, prompting some home fans to invade the pitch and attack players, referees, and match officials. Videos shared online captured shocking scenes of violence and panic. In a statement released on the club’s social media channels, Musa condemned the behaviour and accepted full responsibility on behalf of Kano Pillars. “I extend my deepest and most sincere apologies for the disgraceful and unacceptable incident that occurred during our game against Shooting Stars Sports Club on Sunday evening,” he said. Describing the events as “heartbreaking and shameful,” Musa emphasised that such conduct does not reflect the values or proud history of Kano Pillars. He apologised to Shooting Stars’ players, coaches, officials, and supporters, as well as referees, league officials, the NPFL board, and football fans nationwide. “I understand how upsetting it must have been to witness such scenes, and I am deeply sorry,” he added. Musa promised the club would work closely with authorities to identify those responsible and ensure they face appropriate consequences. “Violence has no place in football. Kano Pillars FC will take all necessary steps to hold the perpetrators accountable,” he said. He also addressed Kano Pillars supporters directly, urging them to show loyalty through respect and discipline rather than violence. “True support comes from passion and respect, not destruction. This must be a turning point for our club,” Musa said. Concluding his statement, he reiterated Kano Pillars’ commitment to restoring trust and integrity in Nigerian football. “On behalf of Kano Pillars FC, I offer my unreserved apology to everyone affected. We will take the necessary steps to ensure football in Kano and across Nigeria remains safe, fair, and enjoyable,” he said. The NPFL board has yet to announce disciplinary actions following the incident, PUNCH Online reports.  

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Ghana Qualifies For 2026 World Cup After Defeating Comoros

Wale busari01 mins

Ghana has officially punched their ticket to the 2026 World Cup, becoming the latest team to secure qualification. The Black Stars were already close to sealing their spot before facing Comoros on Sunday. Heading into the match, Otto Addo’s side topped Group I, three points ahead of Madagascar and enjoying a superior goal difference. After a goalless first half, Mohammed Kudus scored the decisive goal in the second half, finishing a well-coordinated move set up by Thomas Partey, ensuring Ghana’s place at the tournament. Madagascar finished as group runners-up with 19 points, while Mali ended third with 18 points.  

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World Cup Ticket Final Battle: Eagles, Cheetahs Arrive Uyo for Big Showdown

Wale busari04 mins

The delegations of Nigeria and Benin Republic are scheduled to arrive in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital on Saturday afternoon, ahead of Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Series Matchday 10 encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. Nigeria’s Super Eagles earned a 2-1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday to put themselves firmly in contention for the lone automatic ticket from Group C, while table-topping Benin Republic scored late against Rwanda’s Amavubi in Kigali to pick up the maximum points and maintain their three-point lead on their West African neighbours. Three-time African champions Nigeria fly from the South African city of Polokwane to Uyo aboard a chartered ValueJet Airline airplane, just as the Cheetahs’ delegation will arrive about the same time at the Obong Victor Attah International Airport. Goals by Captain William Ekong (from the penalty spot) and debutant Jerome Akor Adams earned Nigeria the three points at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, and the Super Eagles, 2024 AFCON runners-up, now need a two-goal win over the neighbours to the west (plus South Africa failing to beat Rwanda in Nelspruit on the same day) to bag the only automatic ticket from Group C to North America. The circumstances are much like they were in 2001 and 2009. On both occasions, Nigeria eventually scaled through to the global finals. After away losses to Liberia and Sierra Leone, the Super Eagles were in a precarious situation and needed to win their three remaining matches. They started with a 2-0 defeat of leaders Liberia in Port Harcourt, made easy meat of Sudan 4-0 in Omdurman and then trounced Ghana’s Black Stars 3-0 in Port Harcourt to qualify for Korea/Japan 2002. In 2009, Tunisia led for most of the series, and only an added-time goal by Obinna Nsofor against Mozambique in Abuja kept Nigeria in the hunt until the final day. On that final day, Nigeria needed to beat Kenya in Nairobi and for Tunisia not to win in Maputo against Mozambique. The Eagles edged the Harambee Stars 3-2 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani while Mozambique earned a late goal against Tunisia. The ambitious Cheetahs, now on 17 points, are coached by Franco-German tactician Gernot Rohr, who qualified and led Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia. Egyptian official Amin Mohamed Omar will be referee for Tuesday’s explosive battle, with his compatriots Mahmoud Abouelregal, Ahmed Tawfik Ali and Mahmoud Moustafa Elbana in the roles of assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official. Jason Joseph Damoo from Seychelles will serve as referee assessor; Ghanaian Prosper Harrison Addo will be the commissioner and; Xolile Vilakati from eSwatini will work as security officer.

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NFF Concludes Second Module of CAF B-License Course

Wale busari02 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation will on Saturday complete another module of the multiple-module CAF B-License Course which first module was implemented in April this year. Approved by the Confederation of African Football, the first module took place 7th – 12th April, while the second module commenced on Monday, 6th October. NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen said the third module will hold 20th – 24th October, with the fourth and final module scheduled for November. NFF General Secretary and CAF instructor, Dr Mohammed Sanusi; Eguavoen (himself a CAF Instructor); NFF’s Head of Coaching Education and CAF Instructor, Dr Terry Eguaoje; CAF Instructor, Coach Henry Abiodun and; NFF’s Head of Technical and CAF Instructor, Coach Abdulrafiu Yusuf, have been the resource persons for the course, for which there are a total of 25 participants. Mr. Mohammed Adebayo Ameenu, special assistant to the NFF General Secretary and Dr Paul Onyeudo have been invited to speak on Laws of the Game and Football Injuries & Prevention and Nutrition respectively.

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My mission in FIFA Committee – Gusau

Wale busari04 mins

President of the Nigeria Football Federation and President of WAFU-B, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON says he is focused on making robust and meaningful contributions to the FIFA Men’s Club Competitions Committee, to which he was appointed this week by world football-governing body, FIFA. “It is a recognition and honour that I do not take for granted, and it is important to make robust contributions that will justify the confidence reposed in my person and other members by the FIFA Council, and which will also be in the interest of Nigeria, West African and the African game at large. “I am dedicated to using my professional experience to foster robust and diverse discussions, ultimately helping the committee toward informed decision-making. Personally, I will be able to provide valuable insights from the African game. My role within the NFF and WAFU-B, and as someone who attends the CAF Executive Committee as a regional president, will certainly give my contributions weight, and one will be able to effectively advocate for the interests of African football.” Gusau’s appointment, alongside a few other Nigerians, underscores the growing respect and regard that Nigeria continues to attain in the beautiful game globally, and provides ample opportunity for contributions that will further enhance that respect. “I look forward to collaborating with my committee chairman and members and making inputs into decisions that will shape the future of men’s club football globally. Our contributions can engender the rapid growth of football economies in those countries that are still lagging behind, as club football remains the clear pathway to achieving this everywhere.” Gusau’s Men’s Club Competitions Committee is headed by Jassim Rashid Al Buenain from Qatar, with Mikel Arriola from Mexico as deputy chair. Former NFF President and former FIFA Council Member, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, OFR, ROI was appointed as Deputy Chair of the FIFA Men’s National Team Competitions Committee, which is chaired by Robert Harrison from Paraguay. NFF Executive Committee Member, Aisha Falode, was appointed into the FIFA Media & Communications Committee, headed by Ivorian FA President Yacine Idriss Diallo, while former President of CAF Appeal Board, A. U. Mustapha (SAN) was appointed into the FIFA Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee, chaired by Ghanaian FA President and CAF 2nd Vice President, Kurt Edwin-Simeon Okraku. Former Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Phillips, was retained as member of the FIFA Ethics Committee (Adjudicatory Council)

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