Sports
Enyimba Seeks Redemption In Federation Cup
Deposed Nigeria champi
ons Enyimba hope they beat Nasarawa United in tomorrow’s Federation Cup semi-final on their way to eventual cup glory to make up for a rather difficult season.
Having edged Rivers United in a largely one-sided quarterfinal, Lafia-based Nasarawa United stand in the way of a sixth Federation Cup final in eight seasons.
“The game is very important to us,” Aliyu told the Enyimba website. “Like everyone knows, we did not get a good position in the league and in the Champions League we did not do very well also, so this is our remaining opportunity to go back to the continent.
“Enyimba play on the continent every year, so we have to put in everything to make sure we get to the final and win it.”
A place in next year’s CAF Confederation Cup awaits the Federation Cup winners and following the club’s worst league finish in over a decade, it presents Enyimba’s only route to playing international football next season.
Signed from FC Taraba in 2012, 26-year-old midfielder Aliyu described the just concluded League season as disappointing and blamed playing away from the Aba stadium.
“For me, this is a season to forget because we did not do well. But I think it would have been different If we played in Aba. It’s not an easy thing – the stadium issue, but we have to take it in good faith, play very hard and get back to the continent through the FA Cup,” he said.
The quality of Saturday’s opposition is not lost on the lanky midfielder, who believes they are in for a tough game in Ibadan, but assured Enyimba are eager to make it to the final.
“Nasarawa United are not a bad side at all, they are good too. They have good midfielders and strikers. The likes of our former player, Abdulrahman Bashir and Esosa Igbinoba. They have a good team but we have to put in everything to get the result we need,” he said.
“It will be a tough game but in football you have to put in your best if you want to win.
“We want to end the season on a high starting from Saturday. Our eyes are on the final and if we keep our heads up and stay focused, we will be victorious.”
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
Sports
Tennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push
A tennis tournament held in honour of Olusola Odumosu, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps FCT Command, has been described as a major step towards grassroots sports development and youth engagement.
The three-day competition, staged at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, began midweek , last week and ended on Friday, attracting young players across different categories.
On the court, top-ranked player Canice Abua won the men’s singles title after a hard-fought 7-5, 6-4 victory over Lucky Danjuma, who is ranked fourth nationally.
In the boys’ category, Unity Alex defeated Khaleed Dalha in straight sets to win the title, while Salvation Alex triumphed over Opeyemi Olademeji to win the girls’ singles event.
Odumosu, who marked his birthday with the event, said the initiative was designed to uncover young talent and strengthen the foundation of tennis development in Nigeria.
Sports
W/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, opened their preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers with a dominant 6-0 victory over Generation Next in Abuja as head coach Akeem Ishola Busari continues to shape his squad.
The emphatic win came during a 60-minute friendly at the Goal Project at the weekend, where the Flamingos took control early and led 4-0 at half-time before the match was halted in the 54th minute due to heavy rain.
Goals were spread across the squad, with Shavih Istifanus opening the scoring inside the first minute, followed by a brace from Tobiloba Sarafa in the 10th and 23rd minutes.
Harmony Chidi added the fourth in the 28th minute, while Aminat Adebisi struck just before half-time and Precious Paul completed the scoring early in the second half.
The match forms part of a busy training camp in Abuja, where Busari has invited 36 players as Nigeria step up preparations for their second-round qualifier against Guinea.
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