Sports
FG To Unleash EFCC Against Match-Fixing
Nigeria’s federal government will soon take steps to deal with match-fixing by setting up a special squad within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Reports of referees being bribed to favour home teams is a recurring complaint in the Nigerian domestic league, where the percentage of home wins is as high as 90.
Last season, Kano Pillars won the League title on the back of just one away victory, and that only on the final day of the season when the League title had been secured.
Sports Minister Bolaji Abdullahi said on Monday that the trend could not be allowed to continue.
“We are Working with the Attorney-General of the Federation to set up a special squad within EFCC to deal with match fixing,” he said.
“Anybody found to be involved in any form will be treated as a criminal and dealt with accordingly.
“We must restore integrity and credibility to Nigerian League. Fans must go to the stadium not believing that the game has already been fixed in favour of the home team.”
Abdullahi added that major reforms are being planned in conjunction with the League Management Company.
“Our vision for the NPL is inspired by what other countries at similar level of development have achieved” with theirs.
“South Africa is regarded as 6th biggest League in the world. They do not have our population, nor our talent or football history.
“There is no reason they should have the kind of League that they have and Nigeria will be wallowing where we are without a sponsorship. This is unacceptable and is what all of us involved in football should be embarrassed about. “It dwells on us in football to reverse this status quo.”
Sports
Rivers United Supporters Club Chairman Sure To Win League
Sports
Oborevwori inspires Warri Wolves to 1–0 win over Plateau United
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.”
Sports
European Giants Circle For Osimhen
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
-
Business4 days agoWithdrawal, Deposit Fees Changes From May 1, 2026 Still Stands – CBN … Declares 5 Banking Services Free
-
News4 days agoReps Condemn Xenophobic Attacks On Nigerians In S’Africa
-
Sports4 days agoRivers United Supporters Club Chairman Sure To Win League
-
Politics4 days agoNigerian Politics Still Money Driven – PDP Chieftain
-
Politics4 days agoPDP NEC Appoints Interim NWC To Steer Party Affairs
-
Politics4 days agoRivers Youth Leaders Endorse Fubara For Second Term
-
Politics4 days ago
Ex-IGP Enters Yobe Guber Race, Rejects Party Consensus Plan
-
Politics4 days agoSenate Leader Harps On Transparent APC Primaries, Warns Against ‘Backdoor Consensus’
