GTI Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, broke the cheery news to reporters following the successful signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both parties in Abuja on Thursday March 27, 2025.

During the signing of the MoU, the NPFL Board chairman Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye described the partnership deal between both parties as a game-changer initiative aimed at further enhancing the popularity of the top-tier League in the country and beyond.

“The return of regular live radio commentary on FRCN, the largest Radio Network in Africa is a heartwarming initiative because it is a sure channel to bring the magic of the ever-improving NPFL to as many homes, cars and football-loving Nigerians.

“This collaboration which is largely a corporate social responsibility of Radio Nigeria was agreed because of their unbeatable reach and reputation over the years,” he said.

In his response the Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Dr. Mohammed Bulama an ardent follower of sports and football in particular, said he was pleased that live commentaries of Nigeria Premier Football League are back on the Network Service during his time at the corporation.

Also present at the occasion was the Executive Director of GTI Group, Mr Nelson Ine, who used the occasion to thank both parties for reaching a decision that aims to add value to the fast-rising elite league.

“Today marks another milestone in GTI’s quest in giving the NPFL a new lease of life. The step taken today has added value to the NPFL project because it has given more Nigerians the opportunity to listen to live commentaries of our elite league by bringing it to the doorsteps of our citizens.

“GTI remains committed to improving our league and adding value to it. We are all delighted today because history has been made and we hope Corporate Nigeria will use this golden opportunity to support the project via sponsorship and utilising it for their brand visibility,” he said.

It is expected that the deal will last till the end of the 2024/2025 NPFL season and will be renewed the following season for continuity.

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Both teams came into the game hoping to bounce back from matchday 9 disappointments that saw Sunshine Stars lose 3-0 to Plateau United in Jos and Abia Warriors beat Bendel Insurance 1-0 at home in Benin.

The Owena Whales started brightly, but it was Monday Odigie’s boys who got the first goal through Kayode Oke in the 15th minute.

Chances came aplenty for the home side, but they couldn’t convert as Joshua Baba stood tall in goal to deny all opportunities.

Meyiwa Orisemeyinwa almost doubled Insurance’s lead in the 36th minute after a solo effort but put it narrowly wide.

The hosts finally found solace on the stroke of half-time when Sodiq Ibrahim drove through one-on-one from halfway and slotted the ball under Baba to bring Sunshine level.

The second half started with the same tempo, with Kennedy Boboye aiming to guide his boys to a first league win over Insurance in 16 years.

But it was Anthony Nnamdi who put the Benin Arsenals in front again on the hour mark after he dazzled past a Sunshine player, and his shot was deflected in, unfortunately for the defenders.

The goal was the match-winner for Insurance, earning them their first away win in the NPFL since February 2023.

The victory moved them to 11th on the table with 12 points, one point and one position behind Sunshine Stars, who sit 10th with 13 points.

Remo Stars overtake Rivers Utd to go #NPFL25 pic.twitter.com/PeCPPryyOD

— NPFL (@NigeriaPFL) November 3, 2024

Matchday 10 Review

In results from other centres, the biggest shock of the day came from Lagos, where 19th-placed Ikorodu City shocked league leaders Rivers United, handing them their first defeat of the season at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, courtesy of second-half goals from Ayomide Cole and Rivio Ayemwenre.

Micheal Ibe and Mustapha Yuga were the sole goalscorers against Lobi Stars and Katsina United for Remo Stars and El-Kanemi Warriors, respectively. The former moved to the top of the table on superior goal difference, while the latter closed the gap to Enyimba in the top four and now remain the only team yet to taste defeat in the NPFL this season.

Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa scored a 92nd-minute winner for Kano Pillars as they came from behind to defeat a resilient Plateau United. Saka Gafar had headed the visitors in front from Vincent Temitope’s corner kick in the 66th minute, but Rabiu Ali levelled with a direct free kick 10 minutes later.

Emmanuel Ogbole’s goal was not enough for Kwara United against Akwa United, as the Harmony Warriors fell to a 2-1 defeat in Uyo through goals from Chijioke Alaekwe and a 66th-minute penalty from Endurance Ebedebiri.

The weekend’s only draw came from Yenagoa, where hosts Bayelsa United fought tooth and nail to earn a point against Enyimba. The Restoration Boys fell behind in the 29th minute when Ekene Awazie finished off a Daniel Daga counter but got back on level terms when Wisdom Magbisa’s free kick was deflected in as an own goal.

Defending champions Rangers International returned to winning ways in Enugu after a streak of four winless games, courtesy of a brace from their reliable talisman, Godwin Obaje.

To cap a weekend of many firsts, Niger Tornadoes recorded their first home win of the season, defeating Shooting Stars 2-0 in Minna, while Heartland won their first away game with the same scoreline against Abia Warriors in the Oriental derby at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

28 to go #NPFL25 pic.twitter.com/0hjx5QCcaW

— NPFL (@NigeriaPFL) November 3, 2024

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According to the NPFL, in a statement made available to Made In Africa Sport, the shared ownership of Beyond Limits and Remo Stars, which is already competing in the league, breaches Rule B11.4 of the NPFL Framework and Rules.

The league has therefore transferred Beyond Limits’ slot to Heartland FC. This decision is in line with Rule A5.2, which outlines the criteria for club participation. Heartland FC, the only relegated club to show interest, met the necessary requirements set by the NPFL board.

The league body also clarified concerns about the integrity of its decision-making, particularly regarding the reassignment of the slot amid slot-buying claims.

“We also need to clarify that there was no slot-buying transaction, as such practices are explicitly prohibited under NPFL rules. The NPFL remains committed to upholding a fair and competitive league.”

“While the NPFL rules do not explicitly foresee every scenario, the board has exercised its discretion, as permitted under the league’s governing documents, to ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of the league and its stakeholders.”

“The NPFL will continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ensuring that all actions taken are in line with our commitment to fairness and the integrity of the competition,” the NPFL concluded.

OFFICIAL: The NPFL has barred Beyond Limits FA from competing in the 2024/25 season due to dual ownership with Remo Stars. Heartland FC, as the highest-placed relegated team to express interest under NPFL Rule A5.2.1, has been selected to replace them.#NPFL25 #AfricanFootball https://t.co/5O4HwDeugX pic.twitter.com/DoDKfukxnF

— Made In Africa Sport (@madeinafricaweb) September 3, 2024

The 2024/25 season kicked off with a goalless draw between defending champions, Enugu Rangers and El-Kanemi Warriors at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, on Saturday, 31 August 2024.

Action will resume on Saturday, 7 September 2024, with newly reinstated Heartland hosting Enyimba at the Dan Ayiam Stadium, among nine other fixtures.

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According to the media officer of Rangers International of Enugu, Norbert Okolie, the presence of Flavour at Match Day 33 to cheer the team served as a morale booster, which saw fans of the club thronging to Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium as Rangers trounced Bayelsa United 3-0 to maintain their grip on the summit of the NPFL table.

On another occasion, during Match Day 34, Saheed Osupa, DJ Big N, MC Bash, and CDQ took fans to ‘Cloud 9′ as they lavishly entertained them shortly after the game between 3SC of Ibadan and visiting Abia Warriors.

In that encounter, 3SC triumphed 4-0 over Abia Warriors. The media officer of 3SC, Tosin Omojola, confirmed that the presence of the four artists helped attract a massive crowd of supporters to the match venue.

Reacting to this positive development, GTI‘s Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, commended the music icons for joining other stakeholders in complementing the efforts of Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye-led Nigeria Premier Football League board in promoting the beautiful game in the country.

He added that the blend of football and live music performance has the magical power of returning the crowd to our various elite league venues. He then called on other notable musicians to emulate this new trend and partner with our elite clubs to facilitate the development of the sports ecosystem for mutual benefits.

“As strategic partners to the NFF on the President Federation Cup and the Nigeria Premier Football League respectively, GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited are delighted with this positive development whereby our music superstars are identifying with the elite league and contributing to the upliftment of Nigerian football using their God-given talent.

“They thrilled soccer fans in Ibadan on Match Day 34, and we discovered that their presence motivated fans to throng the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan to watch the epic encounter. We hope this trend continues because this strategy has the tendency of endearing soccer fans to their various clubs, which is what GTI and NPFL are currently craving for.

“We appreciate these musicians and other institutions that have partnered with the respective NPFL clubs and the league body. Therefore, we look forward to similar partnerships with more musicians and institutions in future,” he stated.

The post GTI calls on more musicians to partner with NPFL clubs to attract fans appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

He will be leading Enyimba to Enugu, where the two top teams face off at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, with the swashbuckling Ilechukwu in the opposite dugout. After hailing Ilechukwu as his senior, who would have been his boss at the defunct MFM, Yemi warned, “But everyone has to defend his club and try to get the job done.”

“He is a great guy I have a lot of respect for and nothing will change, no matter the results in Enugu.”

“Ilechukwu is a senior and more like a big brother to me. He left MFM when I got there, and we have a good relationship.”

Still on the Matchday 35 winner-takes-all fixture, Yemi described it as going to be “a tough game, a league decider if you ask me. Rangers look like the favourites, but we will fight till the end.”

He admitted to not having much scouting of the opponents, saying, “I don’t think I know them much. The way they started the season is not the way they are playing now, and the formation is also different with personnel.”

This lack of deep knowledge of the Rangers team, coupled with Enyimba’s inability to defeat the Flying Antelopes in Aba, is not something the coach is worried about. According to him, “If our two points had not been unfortunately deducted, we should be on the same points now.”

Yemi could be described as one of the new generation coaches in the Nigerian football ecosystem. He is a young Turk in the football management business with ship-sized ambitions, and you only have to watch his animated gesticulations on the sidelines during matches to agree with this tag.

Promoted to the position of head coach in the wake of Finidi George‘s appointment as Super Eagles manager, Yemastar, as his fans call him, is unfazed by the king-size task thrown on his young shoulders in coaching. He is barely five years into the business after starting off with Magate in 2019.

Asked if this was going to be his season of a big statement as a coach, Yemi played it down but insisted that he is not being boastful in claiming some credit for Enyimba’s performance so far.

“I don’t think it is a season of a big statement for me, I don’t want to praise myself, but I have done well with the club even before being appointed after my big ‘bro’ Finidi left for Eagles. I have handled the team for two months while he was away at AFCON and many qualifiers matches, and everything was going on smoothly.”

It is not a light task to work as coach of a club in a city where the club is hugely loved and expected to return laurels every season. The demands are not lost on him, but he would rather dwell on the positives.

“I feel good to be the head coach of a big club like Enyimba. I really want to say thank you to the management led by ‘King’ Nwankwo Kanu for the trust and belief. I also wish to say thank you to Aba fans for the massive love and support I get from them always. It has been fun and interesting with the support of everyone out there.”

Enyimba are two points behind Rangers as both teams go into the first of the last four games to end the season.

The post Enyimba’s Olanrewaju confident ahead of Oriental Derby in Enugu, hails Rangers’ Fidelis Ilechukwu appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

The Oracle-led side seems to have rediscovered the momentum they lost towards the end of the first stanza of the league and is presently occupying the seventh position on the log, five points behind fourth-placed Remo Stars who still have a game in hand.

Remo Stars, on the other hand, fresh from a heavy 4-1 loss to Sporting Lagos last weekend in another derby in Lagos, will head into this tie with the utmost caution and draw confidence from the fact that they are yet to lose a competitive game to Shooting Stars both home and away.

Remo Stars have visited the Lekan Salami Stadium on three occasions in a league tie, and all three fixtures ended in a 1-1 draw, while Remo Stars have secured maximum points in three out of the four times they have hosted the Oluyole Warriors in Ikenne, including a three nil thrashing in the reverse fixture.

Time to take your mind back to the 3-0 victory over tomorrow’s opponent in the southwest derby.

#SHOREM | #NPFL24 #WeAreRemoStars pic.twitter.com/hCoaiuHvET

— Remo Stars Sports Club (@RemoStarsSC) March 16, 2024

Will Shooting Stars finally get a win over Remo Stars in this exciting derby fixture, or will Remo Stars continue to earn the bragging rights? We will find out soon enough, with the game scheduled to hold on Sunday, 17th March 2024, at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba, by 5:30 PM.

The post Match Preview: Shooting Stars aim to break winless run against Remo Stars in fiery Southwest derby appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

In a press statement made available to Made In Africa Sport, the procurement of Dope Test kits was the first step by the NPFL to signal its plans to stamp out substance use in the league. Sports Medicine experts, led by Dr. Akinwunmi Amao, had earlier this season commenced random testing of players using the kits imported from England.

The NPFL has also been displaying anti-drug use messages on field perimeter boards during matches as part of its campaign to create awareness among players and fans.

During a visit to the office of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Elegbeleye told the Director General, General (rtd) Buba Marwa, that a collaboration between the two bodies will give stronger impetus to the campaign to keep illicit substances out of football.

“Part of the challenges of sports in our country is drug abuse, and we recognize that with your leadership, the agency has played an inspiring and impactful role in the fight to rid the larger society of illicit drugs.

“The NDLEA can assist us in achieving zero tolerance for substance abuse by working with us to carry out random drug tests and organize orientation sessions to sensitize players and fans on the dangers of drug use and abuse.

“Once they know that they can be tested, they would refrain from the use of illicit substances,” Elegbeleye stated.

In his response, Marwa praised Elegbeleye for purposeful leadership that has repositioned the league and expressed the agency’s willingness to partner with the NPFL in efforts to keep the league clean of unhealthy substances.

“I have followed the domestic league and have noted the remarkable innovations you have been introducing to develop the NPFL.

“The NDLEA is ready to support you in the fight against drug use, just as the agency does not relent in the offensive action against illicit drugs in the country,” Marwa responded.

Other members of the NPFL Board on the entourage of the Chairman were Dr. Mohammed Nasiru, Daniel Amokachi, the Chief Operating Officer, Prince Davidson Owumi, and the Head of Legal and Compliance, Uche Egbe.

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A determined performance by the ‘Flying Antelopes’ deflated the previously high-riding ‘Savannah Tigers’ with a 1-0 victory in a Matchday 21 fixture at Pantami Stadium, Gombe, on Saturday.

Chinemerem Ugwueze scored the all-important goal at the half-hour mark after being set up by Chidiebere Nwobodo, who skillfully evaded two defenders before delivering an inch-perfect pass that was met with decisive precision, leaving Kingdom Osayi helpless.

A Valuable 3 points away from home and a clean sheet. We are Rangers!!!#NPFL24 #DOMRAN#HistoryTogether #NeverSayDie pic.twitter.com/V5LxkWGQVB

— Rangers International FC (@Rangers_Intl) February 24, 2024

Ilechukwu was evidently pleased with the win, and in line with the customary practice of many coaches in the NPFL, he expressed gratitude to “God for the victory.”

While acknowledging the significance of the win, the stylishly-dressed young coach remained mindful of the challenges ahead as the league enters its latter stages.

“It was a crucial game and victory for us, but as I have mentioned before, the second half of the season will be tough, and anything can happen,” Ilechukwu conveyed to the media during the post-match press conference.

Looking ahead to their midweek clash with Remo Stars, the coach adopted a philosophical tone, stating, “This victory is behind us now, but we have a significant game on Wednesday against a team we consider as potential champions of the league.

“So, we are not indulging in excessive celebration today. Doma United is a solid and resilient team with a capable coach, but in football, anything is possible. At present, our focus is on the visit of Remo Stars to Enugu on Wednesday.”

With their first full points earned away from home, Rangers now occupy the 4th spot on the league table with 34 points from 21 matches.

The post No Time to Celebrate: Ilechukwu eyes bigger targets for Rangers after Doma United upset appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

The home side came in the encounter against Bayelsa United on the back of a six-game winless run that saw them sink into 10th position on the NPFL log. The game came off with a flying start as Ademola Kareem struck in the 11th minute to give his team the early lead.

After the early goal conceded by a poor piece of defence, the visitors upped the antè, piling a lot of pressure on the Shooting Stars‘ defence. Chinedu Anozie, in goal, made a couple of saves to shut out the Bayelsa attack. 

Seven minutes were added on at the end of 45 minutes due to a handful of stoppages that punctuated the game. Deep into stoppage time, there was a bizarre break as a member of the Bayelsa technical crew, who had been red-carded, refused to exit the pitch. 

A few minutes into the second half, the visitors continued from where they left off in the first half as they piled pressure on the Oluyole Warriors backline. Gbenga Ogunbote made the first substitution of the game in the 63rd minute when Akpan Joshua replaced Malomo Taofeek, who was having a bad game.

Bayelsa United pulled one back in the game but the goal was rightly disallowed for offside. Shortly after in the 76th minute, the referee waved off a strong penalty call when Robert Mizo was clearly brought down in the box.

The visitors took total control of the game in the second half but lacked the cutting edge to punish the Oluyole Warriors who were largely pedestrian. 3SC held on to their slender lead to claim their first victory in six games.

When quizzed about his team’s performance, Gbenga Ogunbote spoke about the poor morale in the squad and the plan they had going into the encounter.  “The truth be said, having gone six games without a win, we expect that the confidence level would have dropped. The confidence level dropped but all we just wanted was to come back to winning ways and thank God we’ve been able to get that,” he said.

Despite Sunday’s victory, Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan are currently languishing in 10th position with 22 points, 7 points away from CAF Confederations Cup places. However, it is important to note that the Oluyole Warriors have a game in hand.

Bayelsa United on the other hand stay rooted to the bottom of the log with just 14 points accrued from 17 games this season. The prosperity boy’s fortunes are not likely to change soon with the departure of Robert Mizo to Libyan side, Al Hilal Benghazi, as they will be missing a player who has scored half of their 20 league goals so far in the 2023/2024 NPFL campaign.

Up next for Shooting Stars is a trip down south to face Sporting Lagos in the south-west derby at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan. Bayelsa United, on the other hand, will be welcoming Bendel Insurance to the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.

The post NPFL: Shooting Stars end winless run with hard-fought victory against bottom-placed Bayelsa United appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

Management and coaches of Flying Antelopes have put all strategic plans in motion to ensure the team returns to its winning ways with the full return to training of the likes of Kalu Nweke, Austin Onyemaechi, Austin Opara after some weeks out injured, as well as the return to fitness of players like Barnabas Ingya, Leonard Ugochukwu, Ifeanyi Ogba, and Philip Clement.

The coaching crew is surely spoilt for choices that will put smiles back on the faces of the club’s teaming supporters.

Returning midfield maestro, Kalu Nweke is optimistic of picking all three points at stake in this fixture that will see the third most potent attacking team, Rangers, seek to break through the fourth meanest defense line, Sporting Lagos.

“I feel good and excited to be back in the team after over one month out due to injury,” Nweke said, “My expectation in the encounter against Sporting Lagos is to pick the maximum points at stake to put us back on winning ways.” I

mpressed by the players of the Flying Antelopes, Nweke continued, “I am motivated by the caliber of players in the team and hope to be at my very best to defend the badge of Rangers. The three points are what matters now and the quality sessions we have gone through after our last match will put us on track for the needed result”.

“I have no fear that come tomorrow at the Awka City Stadium, we are going to win,” said Nweke who scored Rangers’ opening goal of the season.

Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu who seems to have found the winning option in the early stages of the season will be making some critical changes with the return of some of his best legs from injury.

He will navigate his squad back to winning ways as the agile duo of Japhet Opubo and Detan Ogundare are available for selection for a place between the sticks. Just as the middle of the pack may witness some changes with the expected return of Kalu Nweke and Austin Onyemaechi, the front line is expectedly to be led by the likes of Godwin Obaje, Jonas Emmanuel, and Okorie Chiedozie to search for the needed goals.

Coach Paul Offor of Sporting Lagos would be counting on the experiences of Junior Lokosa, Jonathan Alukwu, and Godwin Udoh to pry open the backline of Rangers while relying on the sharp reflexes of Christian Nwoke or Agbor Ekoi between the sticks.

Just as he will be counting on the defensive acumen of Chiemeka Nwokeji, Onyeka Ojieh, Abiodun Balogun, Patrick Egeonu, and Ekene Olisema to stop the rampaging forwards that will be unleashed on them by coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, the trio of Vincent Akpikpi, Rivio Ayemwenre, and Emmanuel Odafi would have to work themselves out in the middle of the pack.

TABLE POSITION

Enugu Rangers occupy the 12th position in the League table after thirteen matches played.

However, Sporting Lagos sit on the 10th position awaiting elevation after their match with Rangers tomorrow.

ALL MATCHDAY 14 FIXTURES

NPFL MATCHDAY 14!

Hostilities resume today as league leaders, Remo Stars travel to Kano to face Pillars.

Doma United visit Nasarawa to lock horns with Lobi in a top of the table clash.

Kwara United, Abia Warriors, Rangers, Heartland, Sunshine and Plateau host Tornadoes,… pic.twitter.com/u9fh7Yx3U4

— Made In Africa Sport (@madeinafricaweb) December 17, 2023

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