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Ikorodu City vs Rangers International: Match Preview By: Muiz Adeshina  Ikorodu City will be looking to bounce back when they welcome Rangers International, following their first defeat of the season against Bendel Insurance. The Lagos-based side had enjoyed a strong start to the campaign before that setback and will be keen to respond with a positive result in front of their home supporters. Rangers, meanwhile, arrive in Lagos in impressive form. The Enugu-based side have won their last three league games and will be looking to maintain their momentum while extending their unbeaten run. The head-to-head record, however, favours Rangers. The two sides have met six times, with the Flying Antelopes winning all six encounters, giving them a clear advantage in previous meetings. Ikorodu City will be hoping to change that narrative this time around, while Rangers will look to continue their dominance and leave Lagos with another positive result. With both sides coming into t...

Sporting Lagos salvage point at home as Barau FC extend unbeaaten run By: Muiz Adeshina  Sodiq Ayoade’s second-half equaliser earned Sporting Lagos a point as they played out a 1-1 draw with Barau FC at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Saturday, with the visitors extending their unbeaten run in the NPFL. Barau FC made the brighter start in Lagos, putting Sporting under pressure in the opening stages and forcing goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt into action. The teenage goalkeeper produced an important save in the ninth minute, denying Suur Kumaga from a dangerous free-kick as Barau looked to make their early dominance count. Sporting Lagos gradually settled into the contest and began to assert themselves. In the 21st minute, Aliyu Baba tested the Barau goalkeeper with a strike from distance, with Joel Ajibola following up to finish the rebound. However, the assistant referee’s flag was raised for offside and the goal did not stand. The game continued to open up, with chances fa...

Sporting Lagos salvage point at home as Barau FC extend unbeaten run By: Muiz Adeshina  Sodiq Ayoade’s second-half equaliser earned Sporting Lagos a point as they played out a 1-1 draw with Barau FC at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Saturday, with the visitors extending their unbeaten run in the NPFL. Barau FC made the brighter start in Lagos, putting Sporting under pressure in the opening stages and forcing goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt into action. The teenage goalkeeper produced an important save in the ninth minute, denying Suur Kumaga from a dangerous free-kick as Barau looked to make their early dominance count. Sporting Lagos gradually settled into the contest and began to assert themselves. In the 21st minute, Aliyu Baba tested the Barau goalkeeper with a strike from distance, with Joel Ajibola following up to finish the rebound. However, the assistant referee’s flag was raised for offside and the goal did not stand. The game continued to open up, with chances falling to both...

Valiant FC Product Abdulraqeeb Marks NPFL Debut With Goal In Sporting Lagos’ Away Win At Enyimba Valiant FC product Abdulraqeeb Abdullahi Abdullah announced his arrival on the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) stage in memorable fashion, scoring on his debut as Sporting Lagos secured an impressive 3–2 away victory over Enyimba in Aba. The young defender calmly powered home a header to register his first NPFL goal and help Sporting Lagos claim all three points against the nine-time Nigerian champions. For Abdulraqeeb, the goal represents another significant milestone in a remarkable progression through the ranks of Nigerian football. His journey has taken him from the TCC and NLO to the Nigeria National League (NNL), before finally earning his opportunity at the NPFL level with Sporting Lagos. Abdulraqeeb was an important member of the Sporting Lagos side that secured promotion to the NPFL from the NNL and also won the NNL Super 8 trophy, establishing himsel...

Benjamin Fredrick ready to shine for Super Eagles upon return For AFCON qualifiers Benjamin Fredrick is set to make his return to the Super Eagles as Nigeria prepare for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash against Madagascar on Friday. The young defender is back in the national team after recovering from a knee injury that kept him out for several months. Fredrick’s last appearance for Nigeria came during the 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-offs against DR Congo in November 2025, having also featured in the preceding clash against Gabon. His return provides head coach Eric Chelle with another versatile defensive option, having previously impressed in both central defence and at right-back since making his Super Eagles debut. Fredrick quickly established himself as a dependable member of the national team during his breakthrough campaign. He delivered a composed performance on his debut against Jamaica and subsequently featured prominently in Nigeria’s Wor...

Awoniyi in training as Super Eagles begins preparation for AFCON qualifiers match against Madagascar Photo credit: Just Fotos Media The Super Eagles have commenced preparations for Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash against Madagascar, with 20 players taking part in Tuesday evening’s training session in Uyo. The session was held under the watchful eyes of head coach Eric Chelle, who began assessing his available options as Nigeria stepped up preparations for the Group C encounter. Taiwo Awoniyi returned to the Super Eagles fold for the first time since 2024 and was among the attacking options involved in the session alongside Moses Simon, Akor Adams, George Ilenikhena, Ademola Lookman and Tolu Arokodare. The midfield department featured Alex Iwobi, Emmanuel Fernandez, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka and Chibuike Nwaiwu, while the defensive group included Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Benjamin Fredericks, Moses Usor, Ola Aina and Bright Os...