Connect with us

Featured

NPFL 2024/25: Drama Peaks as Relegation Fears and Continental Dreams Take Center Stage

Published

on


Tolu Oguntimehin takes a look at the different fight centres for relegation survival and continental ticket slots


The 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season has been nothing short of a rollercoaster — filled with twists, late drama, and shifting narratives. With the title already clinched, the real battles now rage at both ends of the table: the desperate fight for survival and the thrilling chase for the final CAF Confederation Cup ticket.


In the heart of that continental race, two ambitious underdogs — Abia Warriors and Ikorodu City — are writing new chapters in their club histories. Abia Warriors, long-time league campaigners since their promotion under the stewardship of Pastor Emeka Enyama, have never tasted continental football. But this season, under the pragmatic leadership of Chairman John Obuh and the tactically adventurous Imama Amapakabo — affectionately known as Imamarimama — the Warriors are defying odds.


Their grit was on display Wednesday, snatching a vital point away to Niger Tornadoes after a bizarre mix-up between defender Idris Saidu and goalkeeper Iwu Emmanuel turned a harmless clearance into a shocking own goal. A lifeline delivered, just when it mattered most.


In Lagos, Ikorodu City showed their mettle in a pulsating 3-2 victory over an in-form Bayelsa United. Talisman Shola Adelani once again rose to the occasion, netting the decisive goal in the 52nd minute to keep their continental hopes burning bright.


Over in Aba, it was a vintage night for Brown Ideye, who rolled back the years with a sublime brace to power Enyimba past Kwara United in a crucial 2-0 win. The seasoned striker struck early in the 12th minute and returned just after halftime to seal all three points for the People’s Elephant.


Meanwhile, in Ibadan, Shooting Stars delivered a gritty performance to edge out fellow South-West rivals Sunshine Stars 1-0. The victory gave the Oluyole Warriors a much-needed cushion in the survival scrap, while Sunshine Stars’ fate was sealed — just waiting for official confirmation of relegation to the Nigeria National League next season.


In Enugu, Nasarawa United kept their hopes alive with a hard-fought 2-1 away win against already-doomed Lobi Stars. But whether this escape act becomes a full survival story remains to be seen, with two high-stakes matches left.


In Port Harcourt, Rivers United added salt to Rangers International’s wounds with a narrow 1-0 win. Rangers’ title hopes have long evaporated, and now their only path to the continent lies in a Federation Cup triumph.


In a surprise twist, Elkanemi Warriors brought the party to life by stunning newly crowned champions Remo Stars 2-0, playing behind close doors following the poor behavior of their fans in their home match against Ikorodu City, however, they had cause to celebrate with the exuberance of a team in “seventh heaven.”


Elsewhere, Katsina United left nothing to chance, edging Kano Pillars by a lone goal in a must-win Northern derby, while Emmanuel Amuneke could finally breathe a sigh of relief after his side’s commanding 2-0 win over Plateau United.


And in Benin, Bendel Insurance kept their continental flame alive with a crucial 1-0 victory over Akwa United, turning the heat up on their rivals ahead of a nail-biting season finale.

Continue Reading

Featured

Daughters of Dr. Charles Ononiwu, Chiamanda and Chiamaka, Launch Debut Books to Uplift Hearts Facing Life’s Struggles

Published

on

Joel Ajayi

At just 18 and 20 years old, Chiamanda and Chiamaka Ononiwu — daughters of renowned Nigerian surgeon Dr. Charles Ononiwu — have achieved a remarkable milestone with the release of their debut inspirational books, Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls.

Their literary journey began six years ago, during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. While the world was engulfed in fear and uncertainty, the then 13- and 15-year-old sisters turned inward, using writing as an outlet to process their emotions, express their faith, and reach out to others with messages of hope and resilience.

 What began as a quiet act of creativity blossomed into two powerful books that now serve as beacons of light for readers navigating life’s storms.

Eighteen-year-old Chiamanda Ononiwu is the author of Do Not Be Afraid. A passionate Electrical Engineering student , she is also a proud alumna of Intellichild TLC and Valedictorian of Great Blessings School, Class of 2022. 

In her book, she addresses the emotional challenges many young people face and draws from her personal faith to offer guidance and encouragement.

Her elder sister, Chiamaka Ononiwu, 20, is a final-year medical student at Babcock University in Nigeria. She penned Waterfalls, a heartfelt and deeply spiritual work she describes as divinely inspired. Chiamaka views her writing as a calling — a mission to uplift souls and bring hope to those struggling with life’s challenges.

“Personally, I would say it all started with the idea of inclusion, inspired by real human experiences,” Chiamaka shared. “We’ve had conversations with people who’ve gone through difficult situations — including issues and those stories helped shape what I write today.”

She added, “It’s all about encouraging people to face life with faith. We began this journey during a dark time in the world, and I felt called to create something that could offer comfort and hope — not just locally, but globally.”

The official book launch and signing ceremony took place on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and was attended by family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers. It was a celebration of creativity, faith, and youthful brilliance, as the sisters presented their work to an inspired audience.

Speaking at the event, Chiamaka emphasized the core message of her book: “Waterfalls reminds readers that God is always watching over His people. He doesn’t bring fear — He brings peace, hope, and love. I want readers to find comfort and assurance in that truth.”

For Chiamanda, her book is a message to young people who may feel overwhelmed by life’s pressures: “Do Not Be Afraid is especially for youth navigating difficult times. No matter how hard life gets, you can always find strength and direction in God’s word.”

Writing came naturally to both sisters. Chiamaka recalled, “Even as a child, I loved writing short stories for my siblings. When the opportunity came to publish, I knew it was time to share my message with a wider audience.”

Despite their demanding academic paths, both young women balanced their studies with writing through perseverance and faith.

Chiamanda and Chiamaka are united by a shared dream — to inspire people across the world with their writing.

Chiamaka expressed Further;  “Our biggest hope is that these books will reach people who need to know that God is real, that He’s always with them, and that through Him, anything is possible,” Chiamaka said.

With Do Not Be Afraid and Waterfalls, the Ononiwu sisters have not only created literary works — they’ve created lifelines. Their voices, grounded in faith and driven by purpose, remind readers everywhere that even in the darkest moments, God’s light never fades.

Their father, Dr. Charles Ononiwu — a distinguished surgeon and deeply devoted parent — also spoke at the event, sharing the journey from his perspective.

“For me, my number one priority has always been to care for children — not just medically, but also by encouraging them academically and in the basics of life,” he said.

He recounted a moving moment with Chiamanda, who approached him with the idea of sharing her story publicly to inspire others.

“She came to me and said she wanted to talk to her peers, to share how she had been comforted, and to help them see that everything would be okay,” he recalled. “As a father, my role was to guide her. I support both of them, help activate their strengths, and provide direction.”

Dr. Ononiwu made the decision to fund the publication of their books himself, believing in the power of their message.

“I told them, ‘You have something the world needs. You can make an impact in the lives of others,’” he said. “I believe every child has a gift. It is our responsibility as parents not to dismiss them, but to help them discover and nurture their talents.”

He encouraged all parents to support their children’s creative pursuits, noting, “Every person has something special inside them — no one is without talent. It’s just a matter of looking inward, discovering that gift, and sharing it with the world.”

Continue Reading

Trending

error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)