Posts

Niger State’s Aminu Yakubu Emerges Best Referee at NNL Super Four

Image
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...
Read more

Chief Paul Maduakor Says Prostar Match Ball Boosting Nigerian Football, Hails NNL Growth

Image
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...
Read more

Former Kwara United Goalkeeper Usman Jonah Targets Strong NPFL Return With Doma United

Image
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...
Read more

How Coach Shakiru Giwa Overcomes Benin Republic Setback, Leads Inter Lagos To Historic NPFL Promotion With Tactical Brilliance

Image
How Coach Shakiru Giwa Overcomes Benin Republic Setback, Leads Inter Lagos To Historic NPFL Promotion With Tactical Brilliance Head coach Inter Lagos, Shakiru Giwa, has reflected on his remarkable journey from a difficult spell in the Benin Republic to guiding Inter Lagos to promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). Giwa spoke after Inter Lagos finished as runners-up at the NNL Super Four, after sealing a historic promotion campaign built on resilience, tactical discipline and consistency. Giwa who was appointed in March 2025 guided Inter Lagos to a remarkable 8 wins from 16 games, drew five and lost just three games in the NNL season proper.  The tactician revealed that many people doubted the club’s chances at the beginning of the season because the team started preparations late, while other clubs were already well into the campaign. Despite the setback, Giwa said he remained confident in his philosophy that his teams improve as the season progresses. ...
Read more

Edel FC GM Chukwuebuka Targets NPFL Promotion Next Season, Promises More European Opportunities for Players

Image
Edel FC GM Chukwuebuka Targets NPFL Promotion Next Season, Promises More European Opportunities for Players General Manager of Edel FC, Micheal Chukwuebuka, has revealed that the club will shift focus towards fighting for promotion next season after successfully retaining their status in the Nigeria National League. Speaking with journalists in Ikenne during the ongoing NNL Super Four, Chukwuebuka admitted that the just-concluded campaign was one of the toughest in the club’s history as they battled relegation in the season. According to him, football remains a difficult venture with numerous challenges, but he praised the players for their determination from the beginning to the end of the season. “Nothing is easy in football. There are a lot of challenges that come with every football season. Our boys tried their best and we thank God for retaining our status in the NNL because it was not easy. We fought relegation and it was a pretty different season for us,” he said. Th...
Read more

Aare Musbau Celebrates Sporting Lagos’ NNL Title, Backs Kwara United Ahead Enyimba Clash

Image
Aare Musbau Celebrates Sporting Lagos’ NNL Title, Backs Kwara United Ahead Enyimba Clash Aare Musbau, the Aare Bobajiroro of Offa Land in Kwara State has expressed delight following the triumph of Sporting Lagos in the Nigeria National League Super Four held in Ikenne on Friday. Despite suffering a 1-0 defeat to Inter Lagos in their final game, Sporting Lagos still emerged champions on goal difference to secure a return to the Nigeria Premier Football League. Reacting after the achievement, Aare Musbau who is an ardent fan and supporter of Sporting Lagos described the title win and promotion as a great honour, expressing happiness over the club’s return to the Nigerian topflight. According to him, Sporting Lagos’ impressive away form played a crucial role in their successful campaign, especially after a difficult period when the team dropped points at home. He admitted that he became skeptical at some stage of the season following one or two disappointing home results, but ...
Read more

Haji Liameed Gafar Hails Sporting Lagos’ NNL Triumph, Credits Grassroots Football Development

Image
Haji Liameed Gafar Hails Sporting Lagos’ NNL Triumph, Credits Grassroots Football Development Chairman of the Lagos Football Association, Haji Liameed Gafar, has attributed the success of Sporting Lagos in winning the Nigeria National League Super Four trophy to sustained grassroots football development in Lagos State. Speaking after the final Super Four clash on Friday, Gafar praised Sporting Lagos for their remarkable achievement and noted that many of the club’s young and vibrant players are products of the thriving grassroots football system in Lagos. According to him, the emergence of such talented youngsters reflects the steady investment and commitment towards football development across the state. The Lagos FA boss also commended Inter Lagos for securing promotion and finishing as runners-up in the competition. Gafar expressed satisfaction with the quality and competitiveness of the tournament, while applauding the organisers of the NNL Super Four for putting togeth...
Read more