Uncategorized
Rangers’ NPFL title triumph leaves others scraping for continent & survival
Rangers International emerged champions of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with one matchday to spare after they defeated Bendel Insurance 2-0 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday.
The other three contenders for the title, Remo Stars, 3SC, and champions Enyimba, all dropped points in their respective matches, paving the way for the Flying Antelopes to win their eighth title in Nigeria’s top division.
A goal in each from Kenechukwu Agu and Chidiebere Nwobodo secured a 2-0 win over Bendel Insurance for Rangers to become champions.
However, the season still has the final matchday to navigate with two continental places up for grabs in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.
CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE & CONFEDERATION CUP SPOTS
Remo Stars despite their 1-2 defeat to Sunshine Stars are in pole position to secure the second Champions League spot alongside Rangers. The Sky Blue Stars will play hosts to Katsina United and need an outright win to lay claim to that Champions League slot.
On their tails for the same spot are Enyimba and 3SC who are also in the hunt to finish second behind the champions.
Jonathan Alukwu’s late goal for Sporting Lagos ended the chance of the People’s Elephant avoiding defeat or stretching the title race into the final match. Gbenga Ogunbote’s 3SC also fell to John Bassey’s late goal in Yenagoa as Bayelsa United gave themselves a fighting chance of beating the drop.
Despite their chances of claiming that second spot on the league table, Enyimba, 3SC, and Remo Stars are also in the running for the CAF Confederation Cup should they fail to win their final matches irrespective of results elsewhere.
One of Plateau United and Lobi Stars have outside chances of crashing the party and claiming the third position should the apple cart be upset on the final day of the campaign. Plateau United, however, would rue failing to defeat Kano Pillars on Saturday when they had the chance to do so. Playing with 10 men after Mustapha Salisu was sent off, Rabiu Ali scored for Pillars and Plateau United labored to a 1-1 draw at home after Sam Pam Jr leveled the score.
On the other hand, Lobi Stars had to shake off a tough-as-nail Kwara United side to win 4-3 thanks to Kumaga Suur’s late goal on 85 minutes. Lobi’s form of late makes them outsiders for a top-three finish as they play on the road at Kano Pillars on the final matchday.
SURVIVAL RACE
The final matchday will be interesting at the lower end of the table with eight clubs still yet to confirm their status for next season in the NPFL. Already Gombe United and Heartland have been relegated to the second tier, the Nigeria National League (NNL), but Sunshine Stars, Kano Pillars, Kwara United, and Niger Tornadoes are looking over their shoulders with the like of Bayelsa United, Akwa United, Sporting Lagos, and Doma United breathing down their necks.
Sporting Lagos and Doma United will begin the final matchday in the relegation zone. Doma United suffered a 2-0 defeat at Katsina United, leaving their goal difference looking unhealthy at -15, the worst among the sides battling for survival. Doma United will play hosts to Abia Warriors while Sporting Lagos face 3SC in a tough Southwest Derby at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan on the final day of the season.
Akwa United and Bayelsa United sit just above the drop zone after contrasting results on Matchday 37. The Promise Keepers fell to Sunday Megwo’s goals that sealed a 2-0 win for Abia Warriors while Bayelsa United left it late to see off 3SC 2-1 with Bassey scoring twice in the final 15 minutes. Akwa United have to face Rivers United at their Nest of Champions home ground in Uyo on the final day and Bayelsa United will make the trip to Benin City to play against Bendel Insurance who have just the points to play for.
Unless the final day throws up outrageous outcomes, the quartet of Sunshine Stars, Kano Pillars, Kwara United, and Niger Tornadoes need a point each from their final day matches to keep their places in the top flight for another season. Kano Pillars and Kwara United play at home against Lobi Stars and Heartland respectively while Tornadoes and Sunshine Stars go head-to-head.
As things stand, the outcomes of the penultimate match week have shaped a thrilling finale to the NPFL season.
Uncategorized
Reps Security Session: Wale Raji Proposes Service Extension, Special Courts to Tackle Insecurity”
Joel Ajayi
The House of Representatives, on Thursday, intensified its search for sustainable solutions to Nigeria’s worsening security challenges as lawmakers continued it’s Special Plenary Session dedicated to reviewing the nation’s security architecture and strengthening its legislative response to growing threats.
Contributing to the debate, Hon. Wale Raji Member Representing Epe federal constituency of Lagos State and the Chairman House committee on livestock development presented far-reaching proposal aimed at strengthening national defense and tackling the escalating wave of insecurity across the country.
Hon. Raji commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the recruitment of additional personnel into the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Army. He, however, stressed that beyond new recruitment, Nigeria must urgently retain the institutional memory and field experience of officers nearing retirement.
Raji proposed an extension of service years for retiring military and police personnel—provided they are medically certified fit—arguing that their expertise is indispensable at a time when national security is under severe strain.
“New recruits will require extensive training and time to gain experience,Meanwhile, we have seasoned hands whose skills and knowledge can still be harnessed. The Public Service Rules allow for this extension, and we can consider an additional two to five years for fit and capable officers.”he noted.
The lawmaker further pushed for the establishment of Special Courts or Tribunals to handle terrorism and banditry-related cases. He recommended that investigations, trials, and convictions be conducted within a six-month window to ensure swift justice and send a strong message to criminal elements.
Hon. Raji also urged the House to accelerate constitutional amendments to make state police a reality and called for stronger integration of local governments into Nigeria’s security structure. Citing successful community-based security models from Lagos, he stressed their effectiveness in tackling local crimes and aiding prosecution.
Responding to Raji’s presentation, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu praised the recommendations as “thought-provoking,” particularly the suggestion to re-engage retired officers whose experience the nation cannot afford to waste.
Kalu said the idea could lead to the creation of a special, highly trained force led by experienced officers who left the service due to promotions or political appointments.“It is a very stimulating suggestion,We will dissect it further and reflect it appropriately in our resolutions.”he said.
The House is expected to develop concrete actions based on these proposals as Nigeria presses forward in the fight against insecurity.
-
Featured6 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured6 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured6 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured4 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Sports3 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News11 months agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
-
Featured6 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
