Sports
NPFL Wk 27: MFM Cuts Plateau Utd’s Lead
The race for the 2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title gets more intense as the season got to the Week 27 mark at the weekend.
In Maiduguri, El Kanemi Warriors grabbed maximum points as they conquered Plateau United in a Nigeria Professional Football League Matchday 27 fixture played on Sunday.
Despite the determination of the Peace Boys to consolidate their grip at the top of the log, it was the Desert Warriors that made home advantage count as Sunday Anthony flicked in Chibuzor Okonkwo’s free-kick to score in injury time.
Nasarawa United 1-1 Gombe United
Substitute Sani Abbani scored an equaliser as relegation-threatened Gombe United drew 1-1 against Nasarawa United in Lafia.
Antonin Oussou nicked home off a well placed Adamu Hassan delivery to give the Solid Miners the lead.
Abbani connected well to Afolabi Abdulwaheed’s pass to bury beyond the reach of Suraj Ayeleso as the Savannah Scorpions surprisingly found their way back.
Akwa United 1-0 Enyimba
Enyimba showed up at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in high spirits but watched on helplessly as Akwa United picked three points following a 1-0 victory.
Musa Newman fetched the only goal from a tailor made Friday Ubong’s cross in the 15th minute.
The Promise Keepers sit in third place, five points below leaders Plateau United who lost 1-0 El Kanemi Warriors.
MFM FC 2-1 ABS FC
MFM boosted their NPFL title hopes after recording a 2-1 win over ABS FC on Sunday afternoon.
Austine Ogunye netted from the spot in the 17th minute. Sikiru Olatunbosun doubled the lead 45 minutes later.
Former First Bank forward Wasiu Alalade fired home a consolation at injury time.
In spite of the win, MFM still remains second with 46 points but is now only two points behind Plateau United.
Lobi Stars 3-1 Enugu Rangers
The game in Makurdi turned out to be one-sided as Lobi Stars romped to a 3-1 win over Enugu Rangers.
Ezekiel Mba, Kingsley Eduwo and Anthony Okpotu all found the back of the net for the Pride of Benue. Daniel Etor reduced the deficit for the Flying Antelopes at the death.
Lobi Stars are fourth in the log with 43 points.
FC Ifeanyi Ubah 2-0 Katsina United
FC Ifeanyi Ubah found their winning rhythm after firing two goals past Kastina United in Nnewi.
Godwin Obaje stepped up to take a 21st minute spot-kick and maintained his composure to slot the ball down the middle past Kenneth Okoli.
Five minutes from time, the hosts did manage to extend their lead. Elu Wilson played a short corner to Bright Onyidikachi who curled in a sublime cross and Chijioke Alakwe headed a perfect one into the net.
Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Remo Stars
It was not the best of performance from Abubakar Bala’s Niger Tornadoes as they toiled to earn maximum points at home to Remo Stars.
Substitute Peter Momoh scored the only goal off an Ibrahim Babawo’s delivery minutes after coming on for Wilfred Ammeh early in the second stanza.
The Ikon Allah Boys now have 40 points while the Sky Blue Stars remain rooted to the bottom of the standings.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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