Sports
‘We Want To Return To Aba With The Title’
There was a palpable buzz in the air at the revelation by Chairman of Enyimba Football Club, Felix Anyansi-Agwu, that materials for the renovation for the Enyimba Stadium in Aba have arrived the country.
The two-time African champions have been estranged from their formidable fortress in Aba for nearly two seasons due to crucial rehabilitation work and regrassing of the pitch by the Abia State Government. Consequently, the People’s Elephants have played home games on various grounds, including Umuahia, Port Harcourt and, this season, the U.J Esuene Stadium in Calabar.
However, thanks to the commitment and tireless effort of the Abia State Government and the management, concrete plans are afoot for the return of Nigeria’s most successful club. There is now a timeline as well: it is expected that Enyimba will kick off the 2017/2018 campaign playing once more in Aba.
“The materials for the stadium have come in,” the Chairman revealed in an address to the team Friday, “and it would be good for us to return to Aba with the title. The people of Aba would then welcome us with joy.”
He elaborated, while speaking to the press, following the impressive 3-0 defeat of Niger Tornadoes at the weekend, praising the tenacity of the State Government in a harsh economic climate.
“I keep commending the Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, for his commitment,” said Anyansi-Agwu. “It is not easy. The reconstruction came at a very difficult moment: when the contract was awarded, the dollar was at a particular level; subsequently, it has shot up, but he is still committed to it.
“It might also interest you to know that the materials for final laying of the grass have arrived. So, the contractor has given the signal: as soon as the container is cleared, the job will be completed. We are very hopeful that the team will start the new season in Aba, come next season.”
He also seized the opportunity to reiterate his belief and confidence in the coaching crew, led by Technical Adviser Gbenga Ogunbote, to deliver on the mandate laid down by the club. A quest for an eighth league title hit a bump with last weekend’s defeat to Akwa United in Uyo, but there remains an assurance in the resolve of the team to peak at the right time going into the final stretch.
As the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) enters its decisive stretch, the presence of the Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onos Oborevwori, on Sunday inspired Warri Wolves to a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Plateau United at the Ozoro Township Stadium.
After 36 matches, Rangers International of Enugu lead the standings with 62 points, one ahead of Rivers United, while Shooting Stars of Ibadan sit third with 57 points.
With just two matchdays remaining, the 2025/2026 campaign has been one of the most intense and competitive seasons in recent years. Teams have gone head-to-head in a fierce battle for the title, continental slots, and survival, with several clubs fighting to avoid relegation.
For Warri Wolves—who only recently returned to the top flight after relegation—the season has been a mix of highs and lows. As the campaign nears its conclusion, the Delta State-owned side is pushing to finish strongly.
At the weekend, they took a significant step toward that goal with a narrow win over Plateau United. The victory was buoyed by strong support from Oborevwori, who was pitchside offering encouragement and motivation throughout the game.
Oborevwori has remained a visible and active figure in Delta sports, consistently backing teams and supporting players to achieve better results. In Ozoro, his presence proved influential as Warri Wolves secured the decisive goal that earned them all three points.
The win takes Warri Wolves to 46 points, placing them 12th on the table. With two matches left, they remain in contention for a top-10 finish, with only four points separating teams between eighth and 14th positions.
Determined to see the team finish on a high, Oborevwori has intensified his support, urging the players to win their remaining fixtures and capitalize on results elsewhere.
Speaking after the match, he commended the team’s effort and urged them to maintain the momentum.
“I am proud of the grit and determination shown today by Warri Wolves. Every match is a step forward, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow stronger.ppp
The journey continues, and we stand firmly behind the team.”
Victor Osimhen will be the centre of attention as several of Europe’s biggest clubs send scouts to yesrerday’s Intercontinental Derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, with the Nigerian forward set to play a decisive role in the Super Lig title race
Representatives from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Juventus were expected to be present at Rams Park, underlining the scale of interest in both the fixture and its standout performers.
Reports in Turkish media indicate that the derby will serve not only as a key moment in the domestic title race but also as a platform for transfer discussions and strategic collaborations between clubs.
According to those reports, top European sides have secured places at the stadium with a dual purpose.
“Europe’s leading representatives will be present at the stadium within the framework of both player transfer and cooperation,” ,” Milliyet reported.
“Real Madrid, Barcelona, among many clubs, including Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Napoli and Juventus, have made reservations for today’s match.”
Osimhen was expected to be among the primary players under observation, alongside teammates Baris Yilmaz and Gabriel Sara, with scouts closely monitoring their performances in one of the most high-profile fixtures in Turkish football.
The report further noted, “Victor Osimhen, Yilmaz and Sara were at the top of the watch list and that the interest would mainly be in these players.”
It also highlighted broader discussions beyond player recruitment, stating, “Apart from this, ideas will be exchanged for strengthening relations between the clubs and new joint agreements.”
The Nigerian striker’s presence came at a crucial point in the season, with Galatasaray holding a four-point lead over second-placed Fenerbahce and knowing that victory would all but secure the league title with three matches remaining.
Osimhen recently returned from injury, making a brief appearance in the cup defeat to Genclerbirligi after missing four games, a period during which Galatasaray’s form showed signs of inconsistency.
His absence coincided with a mixed run of results in April, where the league leaders recorded two wins, one draw and one defeat, including a loss to Trabzonspor and a draw at home to Kocaelispor.
Defensively, Galatasaray have also shown vulnerability, conceding in each of their last six matches across all competitions, a concern ahead of a fixture that could define their campaign.
The derby follows disappointment in the Turkish Cup, where Galatasaray suffered a shock 2-0 home defeat to Genclerbirligi, while Fenerbahce were also knocked out after a 1-0 loss to Konyaspor
