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.

Black Friday: Ex Super Eagles Forward Dies In Kaduna

 

Another tragedy as former Super Eagles’ forward Michael Eneramo dies in Kaduna

 

Former Nigeria international forward Michael Eneramo collapsed and died on the pitch in Ungwan Yelwa, Kaduna on Friday morning, during a local friendly game in which he had played the entire first half.

 

Early reports indicated that Eneramo appeared to have suffered cardiac arrest five minutes into the second half of the said friendly match. He was born on 26th November, 1985 in Kaduna.

 

“This is devastating. I am short of words at this moment. I can only pray that God will grant him eternal rest and also grant his loved ones and the Nigeria football family the fortitude to bear the loss,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said on the telephone from Cairo, Egypt.

 

Highly-respected in Tunisia and Turkey where he had fantastic club careers, Eneramo won 10 caps for the Super Eagles after rejecting overtures from Tunisia to take that country’s nationality and opt for an international odyssey with the Carthage Eagles.

 

His debut for Nigeria was against Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz in a friendly match in London on 11th February 2009, which ended goalless. In his second game, also a friendly, he scored his first goal for Nigeria against the Republic of Ireland in a 1-1 draw in London on 29th May 2009. He also played against France in Nigeria’s 1-0 win in Saint Etienne four days later.

 

Five days later, he featured in Nigeria’s 3-0 win over Kenya in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Abuja, and also played the home-and-away ties with Tunisia (0-0 in Tunis and 2-2 in Abuja) in the same race. It was in the home game against Tunisia in Abuja on 6th September 2009 that he scored his most memorable goal for the Super Eagles.  

 

Nicknamed Al Dababa (The Tank) by fans of Tunisian and African giants Esperance Sportive de Tunis, Eneramo was much-loved in the North African country for his confident play, which earned Esperance a number of silverwares. He also featured for top clubs Besiktas, Sivasspor and Istanbul Basaksehir in Turkey.

 

NFF Mourns As Ibrahim Galadima Dies At 74

 

Gusau mourns as one-time NFF President, Ibrahim Galadima dies at 74

Nigeria football is again in a state of sadness and grief following the death on Saturday of a former President of then Nigeria Football Association (now Nigeria Football Federation), Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima.

 

One of Nigeria’s most-respected sports administrators in history, Ibrahim Galadima served as President of then NFA between 2002 and 2006, after serving creditably as Chairman of Kano State FA, Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Council, 1st Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Member of the Presidential Monitoring Committee for Stadia Development for the FIFA World Youth Championship, and as Commissioner for Social Welfare, Youth and Sports in Kano State.

 

“This is another one that hit us hard. Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima was a mentor to so many of us who are in various leadership positions in Nigeria sports today. He was the epitome of high dignity, diligence and integrity.

 

“We will miss his fatherly advice and words of wisdom dearly. Our prayer is that the Almighty Allah will grant him eternal rest and grant the family he has left behind and the Nigeria Football family the fortitude to bear the big loss,” Gusau said.

 

Born on 14th June 1951 in Kano, Ibrahim Galadima lived his life around sports, serving meritoriously in all assigned or elective positions. He was Chairman of the Kano State Football Association between 1977 and 1979, served as the Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Council between 1981 and 1983, and in 1984, was made a Member of the Caretaker Committee of the National Sports Commission.

 

Between 1985-1987, he was the 1st Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee. In the waning 80s, he was Commissioner for Social Welfare, Youth and Sports in Kano State, and later served as the Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport in the State.

 

Galadima was appointed a Member of the Presidential Monitoring Committee for Stadia Development ahead of the FIFA World Youth Championship that Nigeria was scheduled to host in 1995. The tournament was moved due to health concerns, but when Nigeria eventually hosted four years later, he served as Chairman of the Kano Sub-Seat.

Battle For The National Prominence: Can Dokkal Khairu’s ‘Goodness’ Overpower The ‘Royal’ Might Of Telu FC?

 

Battle For The National Prominence: Can Dokkal Khairu’s ‘Goodness’ Overpower The ‘Royal’ Might Of Telu FC?

This match is more than just a ninety-minute sprint; it is a collision of cultural identity, royal prestige, and grassroots evolution.
As the Osun State President Federation Cup enters its second match, all eyes turn to the historic city of Ile-Ife for a showdown that pits established Iwo dominance against the rising Ife "blessing."
Here is a tactical and narrative preview of the clash between Telu FC and Dokkal Khairu.

*Telu FC: The "National Team" of Iwo*
Named after the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi (Telu I), this club carries the weight of an entire kingdom. Telu FC is not just a team; it is a consolidation of Iwo’s footballing soul.
The Pedigree: Unlike their opponents, Telu FC are seasoned veterans. With two seasons in the SmartCity Osun State Football League and a gritty campaign in the NLO Division 1 last season, they possess the "big game" temperament.
The X-Factor: Their "cult following." Expect a traveling contingent of fans from Iwo who view every goal as a matter of communal pride.

*Dokkal Khairu: The Well-Funded Newcomers*
Translating from Fulfulde as "May God grant us goodness," Dokkal Khairu enters the scene with a name that suggests grace, but a backing that suggests power.
The Pedigree: While they are the "newcomers" on paper, they are far from underdogs. With heavy funding and the explicit blessings of the Ooni of Ife’s palace, they represent the new era of Ile-Ife football.
The X-Factor: Home Turf. Playing at Oduduwa College gives them more than just familiar grass; it gives them the energy of the Ife fans who are eager to see a local side topple the giants of Iwo.

*Key Battlegrounds*

1. Experience vs. Enthusiasm

Telu FC’s experience in the NLO means they understand how to manage a 12:00 Noon kickoff, where the heat and fatigue become a "12th man." They are likely to play a controlled, tactical game, relying on their chemistry from previous league seasons.

2. The Palace Factor

Dokkal Khairu isn't just playing for three points; they are playing to justify the significant investment and royal backing from the Ooni’s palace. Expect them to start with high intensity, fueled by the home crowd at Oduduwa College, looking for an early goal to unsettle the visitors.

3. A "Civilian" Derby

While the fans see this as an "academic exercise" in profiling, on the pitch, it will be a physical battle. Telu FC has consolidated the best talent from Iwo land, making them a "select side" of sorts. Dokkal Khairu will need to prove that their "Goodness" can withstand the "Royal Might."
*Final Verdict*
Telu FC enters as the favorite based on their NLO pedigree, but Dokkal Khairu is the most dangerous kind of debutant, one that is well-funded, well-rested, and playing in the shadows of their own palace.
Kick-off: Monday, 13 April 2026 | 12:00 Noon
Venue: Oduduwa College, Ile-Ife
Stakes: National Prominence and a spot in the National President Federation Cup draw and final of the Osun State President Federation Cup.

NUJ Seeks Stronger Collaboration With DSS Ahead Of Osun Governorship Election

 

NUJ Seeks Stronger Collaboration With DSS Ahead Of Osun Governorship Election

The executives of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, have paid a courtesy visit to the Department of State Services (DSS) in the state, with a view to strengthening collaboration on security and responsible journalism.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Secretary, NUJ Osun Council, Comrade Olalekan Akindoju.

Speaking during the visit, the Osun State Director of the DSS, Victor Edet, expressed appreciation to the NUJ leadership for deeming it fit to engage with the command. 

He described the media as a critical component in shaping society, noting its influence on public perception and national stability.

The DSS Director urged the NUJ to intensify efforts in sanitizing the profession by curbing the activities of fake journalists. 

Edet emphasized that the proliferation of fake news and sensational reportage poses serious threats to national security.

He further called on the union to organize capacity-building trainings for its members to ensure accurate and responsible reporting, particularly as the Osun State governorship election draws near. 

According to him, media practitioners must ensure their reportage reflects a strong sense of patriotism and loyalty to the nation.

Earlier in his remarks, the NUJ Chairman in Osun State, Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin, said the visit was aimed at fostering a stronger working relationship between the union and the DSS.

He noted that such collaboration is necessary to enhance security across the state, while also creating a framework for addressing challenges journalists may encounter in the course of their duties, especially during the election period.

'Winner Takes All' As Ejigbo City Face Ijesa Golden Warriors In Federation Cup Qualifier

 

'Winner Takes All' As Ejigbo City Face Ijesa Golden Warriors In Federation Cup Qualifier

A historic clash is on the horizon as Ejigbo City FC takes on the legendary Ijesa Golden Warriors in a high-stakes qualifying match for the 2026 President Federation Cup. At stake is a coveted slot in the national draw of Nigeria’s most prestigious and oldest knockout football competition.
The Match Details
Fixture: Ejigbo City (Ejigbo) vs. Ijesa Golden Warriors (Ilesa)
Date: Monday, April 13, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM
Venue: Oduduwa College Ground, Ile-Ife
The Narrative: "Old School vs. New School"

Ejigbo City FC: The Rising Force
In only their second year of existence, Ejigbo City FC is standing on the threshold of history. The "Bullish Boys" from Ejigbo have quickly gained a reputation for their motivation and physical style of play. For them, this isn't just a game—it’s an opportunity to announce their arrival on the national stage and secure a place among the elite of Nigerian football.

Ijesa Golden Warriors: The Grassroots Giants
Standing in their way is the oldest running grassroots club in Osun State. The Warriors are the definition of "Old School" resilience. Currently preparing for the NLO Division 1 (Third Division League), the Ilesa-based side is arguably the most match-fit team in the region, maintaining a rigorous schedule of at least four friendly matches every month.
Key Analysis
Venue Advantage: The Warriors are no strangers to the Oduduwa College ground. Their frequent visits to this historic pitch could provide a comfort level that the younger Ejigbo side will need to overcome.
Tactical Contrast: Expect a "Titanic battle" between the seasoned experience of the Warriors and the youthful hunger of Ejigbo City. While the Warriors rely on their established chemistry and tactical discipline, Ejigbo City will look to use their "bullish" momentum to disrupt the veteran side.
The Stakes: This is a "Winner Takes All" scenario. With only two slots available for the national draw, there is zero margin for error.
The Verdict
Will the experience of the Ijesa Golden Warriors prevail, or will the ambition of Ejigbo City FC write a new chapter in Osun State football? One thing is certain: fans at Oduduwa College are in for a masterclass in grassroots passion.

2026 NLO Season Kicks Off In Makurdi

 2026 NLO Season Kicks Off In Makurdi 

The wait is over for the Nationwide League One fans, as all eyes will be on a fast start when the season-opening match kicks off on Friday April 10, 2026.

The clash between Benue-based teams Flight FC and NYSC FC at the McCarthy Stadium, Makurdi highlights NLO's stance of taking matches to remote fans, with a view to them catching a glimpse of their local boys dazzle with their raw football skills. 

Dr. Olushola Ogunnowo, Chief Operating Officer of Africa's largest grassroot league shares his optimism. 

“The football excitement is nearing a fever pitch, as the curtain rises for the new season opening game at the McCarthy Stadium. 

"The Secretariat started the new season campaign with the rollout of the groupings, numbering 46, and an expansion of NLO activities to all states and the FCT. Next is the full fixtures that will be out in the new week. 

“As you have observed, the NLO is in line with the trend, with the relaunch of its new website as part of a wider digital transformation designed to deliver a personalised and engaging experience for clubs and fans.  

"Supporting us with this ongoing transformation, the NLO entered into a partnership with Zkyte Technology. The move reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation.

"However we look forward to continuing to evolve the Nationwide League One in the years to come to meet the ever-changing needs.“