Sports
Remo Stars Frustrate Rivers United in NPFL Season Opener
The 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season kicked off in thrilling style on Friday evening, as Remo Stars held Rivers United to a 1-1 draw in a pulsating curtain-raiser at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Rivers United wasted no time in making their mark, breaking the deadlock just three minutes after kick-off. Forward Aniekeme Okon reacted quickest inside the box to fire the visitors ahead, registering the very first goal of the new NPFL campaign.
The early strike stunned the home crowd, briefly quieting the lively atmosphere in Abeokuta.
The response from Remo Stars was swift. In the 9th minute, prolific striker Victor Mbaoma showed trademark composure, slotting home a neat finish to restore parity and reignite the energy inside the stadium. However, Remo suffered a setback later in the half when Mbaoma picked up a knock and was replaced by Adama Goita, forcing the hosts into an early tactical adjustment.
The second half developed into a tighter contest, with both teams strengthening their defensive shapes while searching for a winner. Rivers United looked dangerous on the counter through their pacey wingers, while Remo Stars continued to push forward, urged on by their home support.
The game’s dramatic climax came deep into stoppage time when Rivers United defender Temple Emekayi was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge—making him the first player to be sent off in the 2025/26 season. The visitors were forced to see out the final moments with 10 men, but Remo Stars couldn’t capitalize.
At the final whistle, both teams settled for a share of the spoils in what proved to be a competitive and entertaining start to the NPFL season. Rivers United will regret not holding onto their early advantage, while Remo Stars can take pride in their resilience and spirited display in front of their fans.
Full-Time: Remo Stars 1–1 Rivers United
Sports
FCT FA Board Member Urges Grassroots Reform, Hopeful For Super Eagles World Cup Qualification
Legal Practitioner And Administrator Barr Bucknor Threatens To Petition FCT Minister Over Abandoned Stadiums
Despite Nigeria’s precarious position in the race for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Barrister Babatunde Burknor, a board member of the FCT Football Association (FA), remains hopeful that the Super Eagles can still secure qualification.
Nigeria currently sits third in their qualification group with 11 points from 8 matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa, who both lead with 14 points. Yet Burknor, a seasoned football administrator and grassroots sports advocate, believes all is not lost.
In a recent interview made available to BSN Sports, Burknor said: “Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup may appear almost impossible, but that doesn’t mean it is out of reach. The situation is tough, yes, but looking at the quality of players in our squad, I still believe we can make it.”
He added that unexpected results from other group rivals could work in Nigeria’s favour.
“Football is unpredictable. There is still a chance that South Africa, Benin Republic, or Rwanda could drop points. If we win our remaining two games, we still stand a chance. Sometimes football reflects life where the strong may fall while the seemingly weak stand tall.”
Calls for Grassroots Reform in the FCT
Beyond national team concerns, Burknor also used the opportunity to address the state of sports development in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), urging the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, to take concrete action to revamp local infrastructure.
“We have deep-rooted problems when it comes to grassroots sports. The major issue is a lack of funding and commitment from those charged with driving development at that level,” he said.
Burknor lamented the disappearance of once-thriving youth competitions like the Chairman’s Cup, Principal’s Cup, and Shell Cup, stating that such events played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing young talent.
“It’s disheartening that these programs are no longer active. Development is impossible without facilities, yet we lack even basic training grounds.”
The legal luminary revealed that he personally upgraded the sports facility at a government secondary school in his area to serve as a makeshift training centre, due to the absence of a functioning local stadium.
He is currently drafting a petition to Minister Wike, over abandoned stadiums in FCT, urging a comprehensive audit of officials responsible for sports development across the six Area Councils of the FCT.
Progress in Gwagwalada Football Development
As Vice Chairman of the Gwagwalada Football Council, Burknor highlighted the success of the Gwagwalada Football League, which has become a model for other Area Councils.
“In just two years, we’ve turned the Gwagwalada Football League into a success story. Several players from the league have already secured contracts in Europe. This shows what can be achieved with vision and consistency.”
Barrister Burknor, emphasized that grassroots football holds the key to Nigeria’s long-term football success and must be taken seriously.
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