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.

In A Low-Scoring League, Qamar Adegoke Is Breaking The NPFL Code

 

In a league where goals come at a premium, Qamar Adegoke has become the story Shooting Stars SC fans can’t stop telling. With 29 games under his belt and starting only seven times, ‘Ishana’ as he’s fondly called  has racked up 9 goals and 1 assist. Four of those strikes came on the road, including his latest in far away Maiduguri where he stunned El-Kanemi Warriors twice with a finish that reminded everyone why he’s one of the deadliest forwards in NPFL. 

For a player with fewer minutes, 9 goals in the NPFL is more than impressive; it’s elite-level efficiency.

The first round wasn’t all smooth for the former Nasarawa United FC forward. Game time was limited and challenges came thick, but Qamar kept his head down. He is a top professional and a hard worker whose life is devoid of controversy on and off the pitch. Ibadan people love Qamar, and that love won’t seize because Qamar is scoring for them. Then came the turning point, he started scoring and instantly became one of the fans’ favourites. With precise control and ruthless goal instincts from dangerous areas, he has endeared his name in the hearts of the Oluyole Warriors faithful. His unique, heartwarming goal celebration has become a regular feature at Lekan Salami Stadium.

What separates Ishana is his impact when it matters. In a low-scoring league like the NPFL, 4 away goals tell you everything about his mentality. He doesn’t shrink on hostile grounds but rather thrives. That form has made him one of the top 5 most impactful players this second round. Coaches trust him, defenders fear him, and fans sing his name because he delivers. He’s ever reliable, the kind of forward who needs half a chance to punish you.

With handlers of the National Teams scouting locally to solve Nigeria’s goal scoring problems, Qamar Adegoke stands tall. Eric Chelle should consider inviting NPFL players for Unity Cup in London and Qamar should be on that list without debate. Even the yet-to-be-assembled Nigeria U-23 handlers should be impressed with his performance and give him space to prove his mettle. 

From limited first round actions to becoming 3SC’s main man, Qamar Adegoke’s rise this season is centered on goals, discipline, and consistency. Ibadan asked for a hero, and Ishana answered in a frenetic way. Right now, he simply can’t stop scoring and Nigeria may have just found its next local striking solution.

Nasarawa United Crowned Champions As Debutant Oladeji Joshua Shines

 

Nasarawa United Crowned Champions As Debutant Oladeji Joshua Shines

Seyi Joshua

Nasarawa United were crowned champions of the 2026 Nasarawa State FA Cup after a hard-fought 1-0 win over a determined FC Basira in a pulsating final at the Lafia City Stadium. FC Basira began on the front foot, dictating the early tempo as the lively pair of Jibrin Sani and Aluku Sunday repeatedly breached the Nasarawa United backline with pace and movement. 

The ‘Solid Miners’ looked rattled in the opening exchanges, but their debutant goalkeeper ensured the team avoided a major heartbreak.

Oladeji Joshua was handed his first start for Nasarawa United in all competitions as the former Crown FC shot-stopper announced himself in style with a string of spectacular saves that kept his side alive under heavy pressure. 

Time and again, Joshua denied FC Basira’s attackers diving full stretch to claw away a curling effort from Jibrin Sani and showing razor-sharp reflexes to block dangerous attempts. His command of the area, calm distribution, and fearless one-on-one stops proved decisive. It was a performance that justified the faith placed in him by goalkeeper trainer expert Olatunji Baruwa, MON, whose confidence in Joshua was repaid in full on the biggest stage.

The second half followed a similar script, with FC Basira laying siege to the Nasarawa United goal. Yet Joshua stood tall, marshalling his defence and pulling off two more crucial saves to frustrate Galadima Boys. 

Habibu Alakija would later broke the deadlock with a composed finish, a goal that ultimately sealed the title for the Solid Miners.

The elated goalkeeper expressed gratitudes after the contest. "It's a gritty affairs and coming through today for my debut was a memorable one. The opponents didn't respect names and threw everything at us, we were mentally prepared and didn't leave anything to chance. First game, first trophy for my club really mean a lot to me, I will continue to do my best for this team anytime the opportunity comes. I would like to congratulate the family for this feat and thank my trainer for the confidence and trust he had in me." The former Gateway FC expressed.

₦16M Up For Grab As NNL Super 4 Kick starts May 4

 

NNL Super Four Champions to Pocket ₦10M as Toptier Raises The Stakes

The Nigeria National League lived up to its growing reputation after hosting a world-class Super Four Draws in Lagos, where Toptier Sports Management CEO, Mrs. Chichi Nwoko, announced a massive incentive: the NNL Super Four champions will take home ₦10 million, while the three other participants will each pocket ₦2 million.  

It was a glamorous day in Lagos as the crème de la crème of Nigeria’s sports industry turned up in style. NSC Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, NFF President Alh. Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and Remo Stars Chairman Hon. Kunle Soname led the roll call of administrators.  

Nigeria’s ex-internationals added star power to the occasion, with the ‘Prince of Monaco’ Victor Ikpeba, ‘The Bull’ Daniel Amokachi, and other legends lighting up the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja GRA.  

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Nwoko put the league’s ambition in clear figures: “Toptier Sports Management is glad to announce that the winner of this NNL Super Four will be rewarded with the sum of ₦10 million, while the three other participants will go home with ₦2 million each.”  

The stakes are now set for the NNL Super Four, scheduled for May 4 to May 8, 2026, at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.  

Here are the full fixtures from the draws:

Day 1: May 4

Sporting Lagos vs Ranchers Bees  

Doma United vs Inter Lagos  

Day 2: May 6

Ranchers Bees vs Inter Lagos  

Sporting Lagos vs Doma United  

Day 3: May 8

Doma United vs Ranchers Bees  

Inter Lagos vs Sporting Lagos  

With ₦16 million total prize money on the table and bragging rights as NNL champions, the battle in Ikenne promises fireworks.

Host Final Matches Of President Federations Cup This Weekend Or Risk N1M Fine, NFF To State FAs

 

President Federation Cup: Final Matches Hold In 35 States And FCT This Weekend

Lagos State final scheduled for Sunday, 3rd May

The final matches of this year’s President Federation Cup competition will take place in 35 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory this weekend, with only Lagos State exempted after a formal request that has been granted by the NFF.

As was announced last month, all final matches in the States and the FCT are to hold on Saturday, 25th April or Sunday, 26th April, with the National Play-off to follow before the draw for the National Competition.

NFF’s Director of Competitions, Ruth David, reiterated that failure of any State (apart from Lagos State where the proposed venue for the final is being used for an official function by the Lagos State Government) to play its final match this weekend will attract a fine of N1,000,000.