NFF Appoints Maikaba, Uwejamomere As U20, U17 Head Coaches

 

NFF Appoints Maikaba, Uwejamomere As U20, U17 Head Coaches

 

The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation has endorsed the recommendation of the Federation’s Technical and Development Committee for the appointments of Abdu Maikaba and Eboboritse Uwejamomere as head coaches of the U20 and U17 Boys National Teams.

 

Maikaba, who has managed several of Nigeria’s prestigious clubs, has also previously coached the U17 Boys’ National Team, known as Golden Eaglets. He was assistant coach of the U20 Boys, Flying Eagles, during the period Paul Aigbogun served as head coach.

 

The soft-spoken tactician has served time with top-of-the-range teams Enyimba FC, Wikki Tourists, Kano Pillars and Plateau United, and famously led Akwa United FC to win the oldest and most prestigious football competition in the land (now known as President Federation Cup) in 2017.

 

Eboboritse Uwejamomere, the new head coach of five-time world champions Golden Eaglets, has served as coach-analyst with the senior men national team, Super Eagles, for many years now. He is presently head of academy at wave-making Sporting Lagos FC, which recently gained promotion back to the NPFL, and worked as analyst with the senior women national team, Super Falcons, as well as academy youth development coach at Millwall FC, Gillingham FC and Nottingham Forest FC in England. He was also head coach at Abeokuta-based Stormers FC.

Portable To Perform At NNL Super Four Finale

 

Portable to Perform at NNL Super Four Finale

_First 200 Fans to win ₦5K each and Two Fans to Smile Home with ₦500K Each in NNL Super Four Raffle Draw_

Afrobeats star Habeeb “Portable” Olalomi will perform at the closing ceremony of the 2026 NNL Super Four, organizers confirmed on Wednesday at Remo Stars Stadium.

The Ogun State-born performer is set to bring his signature high-energy set, viral dance moves, and hit songs as the NNL crowns the 2025/2026 champion in Ikenne.

But the entertainment won’t stop at the music. Two lucky fans will each walk away with ₦500,000 in a live raffle draw conducted by Portable himself. On top of that, the first 200 fans through the gates on finals day will each receive ₦5,000.

_“We’re rewarding the fans who show up early and bring the atmosphere that makes Nigerian football special,”_ a Toptier Sports Management official said. _“From Portable’s performance to the cash giveaways, we want a proper festival of football in Ikenne.”_

After Tuesday’s scheduled rest day, the championship continues on Wednesday, May 6, with two crucial fixtures at Remo Stars Stadium:

Ranchers Bees vs Inter Lagos - 6:00 PM  

Doma United vs Sporting Lagos—8:00 PM  

Monday’s opening day drew high-profile figures from Nigerian sports, including Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, former Sports Minister Sunday Dare, and Bet9ja chairman Kunle Soname, all in attendance at Remo Stars Stadium.

The 2026 NNL Super Four features Doma United, Sporting Lagos, Ranchers Bees, and Inter Lagos — all already promoted to the Nigeria Premier Football League. The tournament now determines who will lift the title.

Ikenne Hosts NNL Super Four As Lagos Rivals, Doma, Ranchers Bees Chase ₦10m Prize

The 2025-2026 Nigeria National League Super Four kicks off Monday, May 4, 2026, at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State. The tournament features Sporting Lagos, Inter Lagos, Doma United, and Ranchers Bees — all four having already clinched promotion to next season’s Nigeria Premier Football League. With top-flight status secured, the stakes now shift to pride, prestige, and the title of overall NNL champions.

Matchday one opens with Sporting Lagos facing Ranchers Bees at 2pm, followed by Doma United versus Inter Lagos at 4pm. Beyond bragging rights, the four clubs will battle for a ₦10 million winner’s prize, with each team guaranteed ₦2 million in participation fees. Organizers are pushing for high professional standards, mandating that every club’s head coach and one player attend both pre-match and post-match press conferences throughout the competition.

Toptier Sports Management Limited CEO Chichi Nwoko says all logistics and matchday operations are set for a smooth tournament. “We have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that all modalities are in place for a superb outing. The goal is to deliver a tournament that reflects the growing standards of the league,” she stated.

With Lagos represented by two strong sides in Sporting Lagos and Inter Lagos, and northern challenge coming from Doma United and Ranchers Bees — owned by Super Eagles striker Umar Sadiq — the Ikenne showdown promises fireworks. As promotion pressure fades, the question remains: will Lagos dominate, or will experienced contenders like Ranchers Bees take the crown heading into NPFL life?

Falconets Clip Young Scorchers’ Wings 2-0 In Ikenne World Cup Qualifier

 

Poland 2026: Falconets cage Malawi 2-0 in Ikenne, eye win in Lilongwe

 

Nigeria’s U-20 girls, Falconets, dominated easily and created a hatful of opportunities as they earned a 2-0 win over their counterparts from Malawi in the first leg of a FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup final round fixture in Ikenne-Remo on Saturday.

 

The win brightened Nigeria’s chances of earning yet another spot at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, in which they have been an ever-present since the competition was launched as an U19 tournament in Canada in 2002. While the final scoreline suggests a routine day at the office, the encounter required a tactical recalibration from Coach Moses Adukwu after an opening 45 minutes in which the Falconets created so many opportunities but simply could not get the ball into the net, partly due to the brilliance of visiting goalkeeper Emily Nkhwazi.

 

From the first blast of the whistle, Nigeria established territorial monopoly, using the width of the pitch, and forcing Malawi’s ‘Young Scorchers’ into a deep defensive block. However, for all the intricate build-up play and attacking intent, the final touch did not get the ball into the net. Malawi’s rear-guard stood obstinate, absorbing pressure and ensuring that the hosts went into the interval with nothing to show for their dominance.

 

Things changed almost immediately after the restart. Whatever was discussed in the dressing room translated into a higher tempo and more direct probing. The pressure finally told in the 47th minute. A fizzed delivery into the danger zone caused panic in the Malawian defence, forcing Maureen Kenneth into an inadvertent touch that settled into her own net.

 

The own goal acted as the spark Nigeria needed. Ten minutes later, the stadium found its voice again. In a move that showed pure clinical execution, Faridat Abdulwahab picked out Kindness Ifeanyi with a pinpoint assist. Ifeanyi made no mistake, doubling the lead and providing the Falconets with the breathing room their effort deserved.

 

Malawi attempted a late rally, but Nigeria’s structural integrity remained intact. With a two-goal cushion, Moses Adukwu’s side will travel for the second leg in a week’s time having the upper hand in the fixture.

 

The win earned the Falconets the sum of 1 Million Naira from the President of Remo Stars FC and Beyond Limits Football Academy, Hon. Kunle Soname, who had before the match, promised the team the sum of 500,000 Naira for each goal.

 

The return leg is scheduled for the Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Saturday, 9th May, with kickoff set for 3pm Malawi time (2pm in Nigeria).

Why Fans Love Him: Sodiq Ibrahim's Heartwarming Rise

 Sodiq Ibrahim: Shooting Stars’ Relentless Spearhead Deserves His Moment

In the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), few names resonate as strongly right now as Sodiq Ibrahim. The in-form striker for Shooting Stars is enjoying a remarkable run in the Nigeria Premier Football League, underlining his status as one of the most lethal attacking forces in Nigerian football today.

Currently sitting among the league’s top scorers with 9 goals this season, Ibrahim has been nothing short of exceptional. His contributions—9 goals and 2 assists—tell the story of a forward operating at peak efficiency, combining clinical finishing with intelligent movement and an ever-growing influence in the final third.

Nicknamed “Obege”, Ibrahim’s rise has been built on consistency and resilience. After joining Shooting Stars midway through the 2024/2025 season, he wasted no time announcing himself, finishing as the club’s leading scorers despite limited time. That momentum has seamlessly carried into the current campaign, where he now stands as a central figure in the Oluyole Warriors’ attacking setup.

Beyond the numbers, it is his presence that truly elevates the team. Whether leading the line, pressing defenders, or delivering decisive moments in front of goal, Ibrahim embodies the modern striker—dynamic, fearless, and decisive. His performances have not only powered Shooting Stars’ ambitions but have also captured the attention of fans and observers across the country. 

In a season where talent continues to emerge across the NPFL, Ibrahim’s sustained excellence sets him apart. With the Unity Cup in London on the horizon, his remarkable form naturally strengthens the case for his inclusion among the home-based players to be invited to the Super Eagles squad. Few players in the domestic scene can match his current output and overall impact, making him a compelling option for Eric Chelle's consideration.

As the season progresses, one thing remains clear: Sodiq Ibrahim is not just in form—he is defining it. And if consistency remains his companion, his brilliance will continue to demand both national and international recognition at the highest level.

Nigeria is watching. The league is taking note. And Sodiq Ibrahim is delivering—week in, week out.