Sports
Nigerian football legends, Kanu, Ikpeba back NNL revival
Two of Nigeria’s football greats, Kanu Nwankwo and Victor Ikpeba, have thrown their weight behind the ongoing transformation of the Nigerian National League (NNL), praising the quality of play and leadership at the second-tier level of Nigerian football.
Ikpeba was present at the Mobolaji Bank Anthony Stadium in Onikan, Lagos, on Sunday to witness a thrilling Match Day 15 encounter between Smart City FC and Warri Wolves, which ended in a 1–1 draw. The result brightened the chances of Warri Wolves’ qualification for the NNL Super Eight, the final playoff round of the league.
Kanu, the Chairman of Enyimba International FC, Nigeria’s most decorated football club, on his part expressed his excitement at the level of competition and performance of teams in NNL.
“There is great hope for Nigerian football from what I am seeing in the NNL. I have seen some of the games of the on going season. What I have seen is encouraging. These players are hungry, talented, and just need the right platform,” Kanu said.
Victor Ikpeba, 1997 CAF African Footballer of the Year, also commended the league’s progress under its current leadership.
“The standard of play is good and the league is very competitive. I look forward to attending the NNL Super Eight.”
Kanu and Ikpeba—winners of the CAF African Footballer of the Year in 1996 & 1999 and 1997 respectively—are among a growing list of ex-professionals lending support to Nigeria’s domestic football ecosystem.
Their presence and endorsements are expected to boost the league’s visibility and attract further attention to grassroots and developmental football across the country.
Sports
Paul Salami Fires Hat-Trick as U23 Side Defeats 10-Man Melbourne Sharks
Jeph Akanji
Paul Salami’s Stunning Hat-Trick Sinks 10-Man Melbourne Sharks in U23 Showdown
Nigerian-born midfielder Paul Salami stole the show with a sensational hat-trick, leading his side to a dominant 3-0 victory over the Melbourne Sharks in Week 9 of the Australian U23 League.
The 21-year-old rising star opened the scoring in the 20th minute, calmly finishing off a swift counter-attack to put his team ahead. The momentum shifted further in their favor when Sharks defender Liam Mastos received a straight red card in the 40th minute for a reckless challenge, forcing the home side to play with 10 men.
Salami continued to exploit the numerical advantage with clinical precision. He netted his second goal in the 52nd minute, capping off a well-orchestrated team move, before sealing his hat-trick in the 75th minute with a composed finish that left the goalkeeper with no chance.
Operating with poise and creativity in midfield, Salami’s performance was a masterclass in attacking intelligence, control, and execution. His match-winning display not only earned him the match ball but also solidified his growing reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in the league.
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