meritnews

Nigeria qualify for FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026   Nigeria’s U20 girls, Falconets, have officially punched their ticket to the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, after surviving a difficult afternoon in Lilongwe to emerge 3-2 aggregate winners over Malawi’s Young Scorchers.   Despite a narrow 1-2 defeat in the second leg on Saturday, the foundation laid in Ikenne seven days ago where an own goal by visiting defender Maureen Kenneth and a superb strike by Kindness Ifeanyi secured a 2-0 cushion, proved enough to sustain Nigeria’s proud record of never missing a World Cup final tournament at this level.   The hosts, backed by a vocal home crowd, wasted no time in testing Nigeria’s structural resolve. The Falconets found themselves behind early in the first half when a defensive mishap allowed a Malawian forward to nod home the opener and ignite belief in the home team’s comeback. Nigeria came close to responding with clinical precision. Kindness...

Praisegod Powers Dukla Banska to Monacobet Liga Title, Sets Sights on Slovak Super Liga Unique FA product Praisegod Emerson has helped fire MFK Dukla Banska to the 2024/25 Monacobet Liga title, capping a breakthrough season in Slovakia with promotion to the Slovak Super Liga. The 19-year-old striker joined Dukla Banska ahead of the campaign after impressing with Hamsik Football Academy, where he posted 9 goals and 5 assists in 2024. He adapted quickly to the demands of Slovakian second-tier football, contributing 6 goals and 4 assists in 20 appearances to become one of the team’s most decisive attackers. Dukla Banska’s triumph marks a significant milestone for the club. Founded in 1965 and based in Banská Bystrica. They are two-time Slovak Cup finalists and have spent multiple seasons in the top flight, though they have bounced between divisions in recent years. This year’s title win returns them to the Slovak Super Liga for the first time since the 2021/22 seas...

Sporting Lagos Defender Abdulraqeeb Dedicates NNL Triumph To Father, Manager As NPFL Dream Unfolds Sporting Lagos defender Abdullahi Abdulraqeeb has described winning the Nigeria National League (NNL) title with his club as a dream come true, while dedicating the achievement to his father and manager, Mr Japhet Zubair. The young defender spoke with journalists after Sporting Lagos emerged champions at the NNL Super Four tournament in Ikenne. Abdulraqeeb said the triumph marked a major milestone in his football career and expressed optimism about achieving greater success in the future. “It’s a dream come true for me and the team. Right from the beginning of this football journey, I had dreams and this is one of them. From here, it is to a higher place,” he said. The Baruten-born defender also revealed that Sporting Lagos are already setting their sights on conquering the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) next season following their successful return to the ...

Niger State’s Aminu Yakubu Emerges Best Referee at NNL Super Four Aminu Yakubu Mohammed popularly known as “De-Stopper,” has been named the Best Referee of the 2025/2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) Super Four tournament held in Ikenne, Ogun State. The highly-rated official, who represents the Niger State Football Referee Council and Minna Referees Society, earned the recognition following his impressive performances during the competition. A native of Kuta in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, Aminu stood out among match officials at the prestigious tournament with his consistency, composure and effective game management. The award further highlights the growing reputation of refereeing talents emerging from Niger State, as Aminu’s officiating drew praise from football stakeholders and fans throughout the Super Four competition. The NNL Super Four tournament featured top clubs battling for honours and promotion bragging rights, with matc...

Chief Paul Maduakor Hails NNL Growth, Says Prostar Match Ball Boosting Nigerian Football Chief Paul Maduakor has praised the Nigeria National League (NNL) for raising the standard of football in the country, describing the second-tier league as the “most important league in Nigeria.” Speaking to journalists at the NNL Super Four final in Ikenne, the Zenith Sports Limited boss who is the owner of Pro Star Sports International said the quality and competitiveness displayed throughout the tournament showed the rapid growth of the league. According to him, the build-up to the final proved that every club had a genuine chance of winning the title. “The clubs played well and no team was guaranteed the trophy until the final. It has been a good export for Nigerian football,” Maduakor said. Maduakor also expressed satisfaction with the partnership between the NNL and Prostar Sports International, manufacturers of the official match ball used throughout the season. He no...

Former Kwara United Goalkeeper Usman Jonah Targets Strong NPFL Return With Doma United Doma United goalkeeper Usman Jonah has expressed his determination to make a strong impact in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after helping his side secure promotion to the top flight. Jonah, who previously featured for ABS Ilorin FC, Kwara United and the now-defunct Ifeanyi Ubah FC, said returning to the elite division means a lot to him after years away from the league. Speaking after Doma United’s promotion success, the experienced and Mokwa-born shot stopper described the campaign as a difficult but rewarding journey. “I am back to the Premier League to do better than before and we are here to do better. It’s been a tough journey, but we are now here and we promise that we won’t go back to relegation again,” Jonah said. The goalkeeper recalled that his last appearance in the NPFL came during his time with Adamawa United and expressed delight at earning another opportunity t...