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NPFL 2024/25: Drama Peaks as Relegation Fears and Continental Dreams Take Center Stage
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.
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NSF: Oparaoji, Ekpeyong, Quadri Gear Up for Tough Quarterfinal Clashes in Abeokuta
Joel Ajayi
The tennis courts at the ongoing National Sports Festival in Abeokuta are buzzing with intensity as the competition hits the quarterfinal stage in both the men’s and women’s singles events, following a gripping round of 16.
Men’s Singles Quarterfinals:
Abubakar Yusuf of FCT will square off against Rivers State’s Abua Canice. Yusuf booked his spot with a 4-0, 4-2 win over Ehigiamusoe Endurance of Edo, while Canice cruised past Azi David 4-1, 4-0.
Bayelsa’s Uche Oparaoji faces Adeleye Daniel of Ekiti in a clash of skill and strategy. Oparaoji outclassed Urenyang Nuhu of Taraba 4-1, 4-2, just as Adeleye powered past Kaduna’s Ibrahim Sulaiman with the same scoreline.
In one of the most anticipated ties, Danjuma Lucky (FCT) will lock horns with Bayelsa’s top seed David Ekpeyong. Danjuma came through a thrilling contest against Ekiti’s Abamu Matthew, rallying to win 1-4, 4-2, 10-5, while Ekpeyong dominated Taraba’s Rubi Toba 4-0, 4-2.
Home favourite Christopher Bulus of Ogun will battle Edo’s Michael Chima for a semifinal ticket. Bulus swept past Rivers’ Timibra Godsgift 4-1, 4-0, while Chima triumphed over Delta’s Iloputa Ikechukwu in a straight-set win.
Women’s Singles Quarterfinals:
Delta’s Barakat Quadri, fresh off a 4-1, 4-0 win over Rebecca Ekpeyong of Bayelsa, will face rising star Emmanuel Bright of the IJA (Invited Junior Athletes), who overcame Rivers’ Maxwell Timipre 4-2, 5-3.
Edo’s Omotayo Blessing will battle Akwa Ibom’s Udoffa Mary in what promises to be a fiery encounter. Omotayo brushed aside Ekiti’s Adeusi Jesutoyosi 4-0, 4-1, while Udoffa outplayed Moses Favour of Kaduna 5-3, 4-0.
Elsewhere, Ogunjobi Success of Ekiti will test her mettle against Aina Goodnews of IJA, and Akwa Ibom’s Etoro Bassey faces Ogun’s Yakubu Ohunene in a South-South vs South-West showdown.
With the quarterfinals locked in, tennis fans are in for a thrilling ride as the battle for medals intensifies under the Abeokuta sun.
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