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NPFL: Teams Battle For Points In Wk26

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As the 2016 Nigeria Professional Football League goes into week 26 matches today across the country, it will be battle royal as teams battle for crucial points to shore up their fortunes. In Jos, Plateau United’s title credentials will be in for a major test against Nasarawa United today.
The Peace Boys hold a five-point lead over El Kanemi Warriors and MFM FC at the summit. Coach Kennedy Boboye have the luxury of calling on the trusted Dele Ajiboye, Daniel Itodo, Emeka Umeh, Golbe Elisha, Hamisu Saleh, Philip Azango and Owolabi Hamzat to perform the magic.
For coach Kabiru Dogo, he is confident of grabbing a good result at the Rwang Pam Stadium, following a deserved 1-0 win over Enyimba the last time out. His faith is hinged on the Jos connection he’s got in the team like Anyu Ishaya, Emmanuel Makama and Abdulbasit Shittu.
Enugu Rangers Vs FC IfeanyiUbah
Looking for goals? Look no further than the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium where Enugu Rangers – an attacking minded side – face FC IfeanyiUbah, whose have produced 29 goals in total this season.
The Oriental Derby should certainly live up to it billing as the two sides have promised a positive brand of football ahead today’s meeting.
This week’s match-up is especially enticing since it pits veteran defender Okey Odita against the dreaded Godwin Obaje.
Enyimba FC Vs El Kanemi Warriors
The form of Mfon Udoh, who has struck 10 goals this term, is cause for optimism as Enyimba welcome El Kanemi Warriors to the UJ Esuene Stadium.
El Kanemi are five places and three points better than the People’s Elephant after they thumped Remo Stars 2-0 in Maiduguri and Enyimba will want to close up on them.
MFM FC Vs Sunshine Stars
It has been a superb season for MFM, but a win over Sunshine Stars rekindles their hopes of winning the Nigeria Professional Football League title
With 13 matches to go, the Owena Whales are placed 17th, 10 points behind third-placed MFM who have 40 points.
Continent football will not be coming to Akure next season and Duke Udi, newly appointed as the handler of side, is saddled with the sole responsibility of avoiding the drop.
The reverse was a slim 1-0 victory for the Olukoya Boys, with Stephen Odey finding the back of the net at the Akure Township Stadium.
Wikki Tourists Vs Lobi Stars
Wikki Tourists were fortunate to nick a 0-0 draw away to FC IfeanyiUbah. They have 31 points from their 25 matches so far and are 16th in the table, one place ahead of the danger zone.
Lobi Stars earned a vital win in their last league fixture as they edged past Rivers United 1-0 thanks to Imenger Nanen’s late strike in Makurdi.
The Pride of Benue are the better of the two sides considering their head-to-head record as they have seven wins in 17 outings to the Bauchi Elephants’ six.

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European Giants Circle For Osimhen

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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

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Tennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push

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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.

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Financial Issues Stall Chelle’s Eagles Contract Talks

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Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has confirmed that financial discussions are ongoing over his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation, but insisted his attention remains on coaching duties and upcoming assignments.

Chelle, whose current deal runs until January 2027, said negotiations over his future are being handled by his representative, while he focuses on team preparation and player assessment following Nigeria’s strong showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the team finished third.

Speaking to Nigerian journalists, he acknowledged that financial matters remain part of the ongoing talks but stressed that he is prioritising his responsibilities with the national team.

“Yes, there are financial issues to be discussed and resolved. But I leave them to my agent to handle with the federation,” Obayiuwana quoted Chelle as saying on X.

“I want to concentrate on the job and the task at hand.”

Chelle’s comments come amid increased attention on his future following Nigeria’s recent success, which has reportedly attracted interest from other teams, although he remains committed to ongoing preparation.

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