Sports

Kano Pillars Return To Relegation Zone

Published

4 years ago

June 20, 2022

Former league champions Kano Pillars continued their indifferent form in the 2021/2022 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season as they dropped to the relegation zone after a 2-3 loss to Abia Warriors in Okigwe.
Both teams were neck-on-neck with each other on the league log before Saturday’s game but hosts, Warriors edged the highly entertaining five goals thriller to push themselves clear from their visitors.
Warriors took the lead with just four minutes on the clock when Paul Samson headed home Augustine Njoku’s cross at the far post but Pillars leveled in the 27th minute after Ifeanyi Eze latched onto Rabiu Ali’s lofted pass before finishing with aplomb.
The hosts went back in front with just seconds left of the first half when winger Emmanuel Onu scored after Pillars failed to properly clear danger. It was a crucial point in the game for the hosts to score.
Imama Amapakabo’s men then extended their lead in the 70th minute through striker Godwin Obaje whose effort squirmed under the grasp of former Warriors goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo, in goal for Pillars.
Pillars never gave up though and they got a second goal of theirs from the Sai Masu Gida textbook. Rabiu Ali’s brilliantly lofted pass over the Warriors defence was met by Auwalu Ali Malam who buried home on the half volley.
There was not to be an equaliser again from Pillars as the 2014 champions dropped to the relegation zone once again with Warriors climbing up to 12th on the log.
Warriors head coach Imama Amapakabo enjoyed the game as much as the fans that saw it in Okigwe.
“This is one game that whoever it is that came got their money’s worth. It was entertaining, there were goals and I think it was a good tactical game for whoever that loves tactics and a good advertisement for the NPFL.
“Last season it was five goals (in this fixture), this season it is five goals. I think it is exciting as it is between two teams that want to play, both sides are teams that want to attack and it is always very nice,” Amapakabo told NPFL website
Pillars were led to Okigwe by their former player and league legend Ahmed Garba ‘Yaro Yaro’. He said after the game that it was not a game his side should have lost and believes his team will get out of the relegation zone if they can keep up performances like Saturday’s
Former league champions Kano Pillars continued their indifferent form in the 2021/2022 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season as they dropped to the relegation zone after a 2-3 loss to Abia Warriors in Okigwe.
Both teams were neck-on-neck with each other on the league log before Saturday’s game but hosts, Warriors edged the highly entertaining five goals thriller to push themselves clear from their visitors.
Warriors took the lead with just four minutes on the clock when Paul Samson headed home Augustine Njoku’s cross at the far post but Pillars leveled in the 27th minute after Ifeanyi Eze latched onto Rabiu Ali’s lofted pass before finishing with aplomb.
The hosts went back in front with just seconds left of the first half when winger Emmanuel Onu scored after Pillars failed to properly clear danger. It was a crucial point in the game for the hosts to score.
Imama Amapakabo’s men then extended their lead in the 70th minute through striker Godwin Obaje whose effort squirmed under the grasp of former Warriors goalkeeper Joshua Enaholo, in goal for Pillars.
Pillars never gave up though and they got a second goal of theirs from the Sai Masu Gida textbook. Rabiu Ali’s brilliantly lofted pass over the Warriors defence was met by Auwalu Ali Malam who buried home on the half volley.
There was not to be an equaliser again from Pillars as the 2014 champions dropped to the relegation zone once again with Warriors climbing up to 12th on the log.
Warriors head coach Imama Amapakabo enjoyed the game as much as the fans that saw it in Okigwe.
“This is one game that whoever it is that came got their money’s worth. It was entertaining, there were goals and I think it was a good tactical game for whoever that loves tactics and a good advertisement for the NPFL.
“Last season it was five goals (in this fixture), this season it is five goals. I think it is exciting as it is between two teams that want to play, both sides are teams that want to attack and it is always very nice,” Amapakabo told NPFL website
Pillars were led to Okigwe by their former player and league legend Ahmed Garba ‘Yaro Yaro’. He said after the game that it was not a game his side should have lost and believes his team will get out of the relegation zone if they can keep up performances like Saturday’s

Sports

European Giants Circle For Osimhen

Published

2 days ago

April 27, 2026

The Tide

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

Published

2 days ago

April 27, 2026

The Tide

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

Published

2 days ago

April 27, 2026

The Tide

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.