While Enyimba players were ruthless at home against Kano Pillars, Akwa United and Bendel Insurance suffered surprising home defeats

There were many surprises in the midweek fixtures played in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Wednesday.

While Enyimba were ruthless at home against Kano Pillars, Akwa United and Bendel Insurance suffered surprising home defeats against Doma United and Niger Tornadoes, respectively.

Five-star Enyimba

In what is fondly called the “Zobia Classico”, Enyimba showed class as they dismantled Pillars 5-0 in Aba.

After Eze Ekwutoziam put the People’s Elephant in front early in the first half, the reigning league champions never looked back as they added two more goals to take a commanding 3-0 lead into the break.

Other games

In other results, Shooting Stars and table-toppers Enugu Rangers secured identical 2-0 victories over Kwara United and Sunshine Stars.

Abia Warriors piped Plateau United by a lone goal, the same way Bayelsa United secured the same slim 1-0 margin over relegation-haunted Heartland FC.

NPFL MD 28 Results

Full-time

Gombe 0-0 Remo
Enyimba 5-0 Pillars
Abia Warriors 1-0 Plateau
Bayelsa 1-0 Heartland
Akwa United 0-1 Doma
Sporting Lagos 1-1 Lobi
Rangers 2-0 Sunshine
Shooting 2-0 Kwara Utd
Insurance 1-3 Tornadoes

Noni Madueke and Carney Chukwuemeka are in the running for Chelsea’s Goal of the Month for March.

The duo were nominated for their goals in Chelsea’s 4-2 FA Cup win against Leicester City.

With scoreline locked at 2-2, Chukwuemeka gave Chelsea the lead in the second minute of stoppage time.

His fellow substitute Madueke put the game beyond the visitors with a sublime finish in the seventh minute of added time.

Erin Cuthbert, Mykhailo Mudryk, Mayra Ramirez, Dylan Williams, Dujuan Richards and Cole Palmer are the other players nominated for the award.

It would be recalled that Chukwuemeka won the award in August.

The 13th African Games  saw Team Nigeria deliver an impressive performance, securing second place in the overall medal count. Nigeria’s athletes earned an inspiring 47 gold medals. As the nation celebrates this success, PREMIUM TIMES highlights all the country’s gold medalists from the Games.

Arm Wrestling

Sarah Matthew (Age: 17, Women’s Left and Right Arm: 70kg):

At just 17, Sarah is already establishing her presence, securing two gold medals for Nigeria in Ghana. She was one of Nigeria’s youngest athletes at the Games and exhibits promising potential to excel on the global stage. Sarah’s triumphs came in both the left and right arm women’s 70kg categories, showcasing her remarkable talent and determination.

Mausi Zannu (Age: 21; Women’s left and right arms, 55kg)

At 21, Zannu made an indelible mark on African sports history by securing Nigeria’s inaugural gold medal in the arm wrestling competition at the 13th African Games in Ghana. Zannu’s victory showcased her exceptional skill, strength, and unwavering determination, earning her the coveted gold medal.

Olubisi Oyewusi (Age: 29, Women’s Left and Right Arm 80kg):

Oyewusi, the captain of Nigeria’s arm wrestling team, demonstrated exceptional leadership by securing a gold medal in her event. The journey to gold was challenging, requiring Oyewusi to defeat two Ghanaian opponents before ultimately prevailing against an Egyptian competitor in the final. Her determination and skill were evident throughout, culminating in a well-deserved victory.

Athletics

Chidi Okezie (Age: 30, Men’s 400m)

Since becoming part of the Nigerian team in 2016, Okezie has been relentlessly pursuing his goal of becoming a continental champion. That moment finally arrived in Ghana, where he delivered an impressive performance in the men’s 400m final, sprinting to a Personal Best (PB) time of 45.06 seconds.

In Ghana, Okezie achieved a remarkable victory by defeating Muzala Samukonga from Zambia, one of the world’s fastest men over this distance, to secure the gold medal. Okezie’s accomplishment marked the first time in 37 years that a Nigerian man had won the African Games 400m men’s gold.

Nnamdi Chinecherem (Age: 21, Men’s Javelin Throw)

Chinecherem did not just win gold in the men’s javelin throw at the African Games; he did so in record-breaking fashion with a Personal Best (PB) of 82.80 meters, which is a new national record. He is proudly Nigeria’s first African Games men’s javelin throw gold medalist in 29 years.

Chukwuebuka Enekwechi (Age: 31, Men’s Shot Put)

A favourite going into Ghana, Enekwechi lived up to the billing by successfully defending the title he won in Rabat five years earlier. Enekwechi secured Nigeria’s first gold medal in athletics at the 13th African Games; a feat that saw him become the first Nigerian man to successfully defend a Shot Put title at the African Games.

Tobi Amusan (Age: 26; Women’s 100m hurdles and Women’s 4x100m relay)

Amusan emerged as one of the standout stars who brought prestige to the African Games in Ghana. As a former world champion and the current world record holder, she embarked on a determined mission and executed it flawlessly.

She recorded a time of 12.89 seconds in Ghana, securing victory in the 100m hurdles and achieving a remarkable feat of winning three consecutive African Games gold medals, a first in Games history. She then played a pivotal role in leading the women’s 4x100m relay team to gold, resulting in her accumulating four gold medals across three appearances at the African Games.

Obiageri Amaechi (Age 25, Women’s Discus Throw)

A newly minted champion for Nigeria, Amaechi secured the top spot in the women’s Discus Throw. On her last throw, she soared to victory with an impressive Personal Best (PB) of 58.93m, clinching the coveted gold medal.

Ese Brume (Age 28, Women’s Long Jump)

Considered one of Nigeria’s most reliable medal contenders, Brume lived up to that reputation in Ghana. The soft-spoken jumper successfully defended her long jump title, leaping to a distance of 6.92m (+3.9m/s).

Unfortunately, the strong tailwind prevented this distance from being a record. Notably, Brume became the second Nigerian woman, after Modupe Oshikoya (1973 and 1978), to win consecutive long jump titles at the African Games.

Usoro Ruth (Age 26, Women’s Triple Jump)

Ruth had a memorable African Games debut, grabbing the gold medal in the Triple Jump event. With a winning leap of 13.80m, she became the third Nigerian woman (after Rosa Collins in 1995 and Grace Anigbata in 2019) to win a triple jump title at the Games. This distance also equalled the altitude-aided winning mark set by Collins 29 years earlier.

Emmanuel Ojeli (Age 25, Men’s 4x400m mixed relay)

A bronze medalist in the 4x400m men’s relay at the 2019 African Games, Ojeli had a golden moment in Ghana. He contributed significantly to Nigeria’s victory in the Mixed Relay, helping set a new African record in the process.

Adeyemi Sikiru (Age 25, Men’s 4x400m Mixed Relay)

While Adeyemi did not win an individual medal, he emerged as the Men’s 400m Champion at the national trials leading up to the African Games. He then played a crucial role in Nigeria’s record-breaking triumph in the 4x400m Mixed Relay.

Patience Okon-George (Age 32, 4x400m Mixed Relay, Women’s 4x400m Relay)

In what might be her final African Games appearance, the veteran Okon-George delivered a powerful performance. She helped Nigeria retain her title in the 4x400m relay and added the Mixed Relay gold to her impressive collection.

Omolara Ogunmakinju (Age 30, 4x400m Mixed Relay, Women’s 4x400m Relay)

After taking a hiatus to raise her two children, this mother made a remarkable comeback to the track. Her performance was truly memorable as she anchored Nigeria’s Mixed Relay team to a sensational victory against all expectations.

Her awe-inspiring effort, which involved closing a nearly 40m gap, earned her the moniker of “miracle worker” for transforming silver into gold for Nigeria. Ogunmakinju also achieved gold in the 4x400m relay event.

Esther Elo Joseph (Age 21, Women’s 400m, Women’s 4x400m Relay)

Elo Joseph emerged as one of the most impressive revelations for Nigeria at the Games, and her name is certainly one to remember. Setting three Personal Bests in as many races, she appears destined for greatness.

In all of her 400m races in Ghana, she clocked sub-52 second times, culminating in a silver medal – a first major championship medal for Nigeria – with a new PB of 51.64 seconds. She also secured gold with the 4x400m relay team.

Brittany Ogunmokun (Age 33, 4x400m Mixed Relay, Women’s 4x400m Relay, Women’s 400m)

After five years of serving in the US military, Ogunmokun returned to the tracks and chose to represent Nigeria. In her African Games debut, she was part of the gold-winning 4x400m women’s team. Ogunmokun aims to improve her race times as she seeks a bigger challenge at the Paris Olympics.

Israel Okon (Age 17, Men’s 4x100m Relay)

This young sprinter was part of the victorious 4x100m men’s relay team.

Consider Ekanem (Age 19, 4x100m Relay)

Ekanem narrowly missed the podium in the 100m and secured a bronze medal in the 200m. He then played a key role in helping Nigeria overcome Ghana’s potent challenge of winning the 4x100m gold medal.

Alaba Akintola (Age 22, 4x100m Relay)

Akintola was part of the winning quartet in the 4x100m men’s event.

Usheoritse Itsekiri (Age 26, Men’s 4x100m Relay)

Itsekiri’s intense focus while anchoring Nigeria’s 4x100m relay team to victory over Ghana is one of the memorable images from the 13th African Games. He also upgraded to a silver in the men’s 100m event, having won bronze in 2019 at the African Games staged in Morocco.

Badminton

Opeyori Anuoluwapo (Age 26, Men’s Singles)

Anuoluwapo holds the distinction of winning the first of Nigeria’s 47 gold medals at the 13th African Games. This victory adds to his impressive collection of continental titles, solidifying his position as a role model for aspiring Nigerian badminton players.

Boxing

Omole Dolapo (Age 24, Men’s 57kg)

This fierce competitor is well on his way to fame, having already secured a qualifying spot for the Paris Olympics. Omole’s victory was particularly impressive as he dominated the final fight against Mozambique’s Armando Rugoberto Sigauque.

Onyekwere Ifeanyi (Age 23, Men’s 92+kg)

Determined to redeem himself after a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games, Onyekwere delivered on his promise by winning gold in Ghana. He battled through a challenging match against Alo Mike Mansogo from Equatorial Guinea to secure the heavyweight title.

Olaore Olaitan (Age 22, Men’s 92kg)

UK-based Olaitan secured gold for Nigeria in the men’s 92kg boxing final with a powerful knockout victory over Kevin Kuadjovi of Togo. He has already qualified for the Paris Olympics, where he aims to reach the podium.

Ogunsemilore Cynthia (Age 21, Women’s 60kg)

Having already secured her spot in the Paris Olympics, Ogunsemilore arrived in Ghana to solidify her status as one of Africa’s best in her weight class. She dominated the women’s 60kg final, leaving no doubt in her dominance with a decisive 5-0 win over Rahma Mafouz Ibrahim of Egypt.

Ojo Nene (Age 22, Women’s 57kg)

Nene earned Team Nigeria’s first boxing gold medal through an unusual turn of events. Her Algerian opponent, Selmoun Chahira, failed to show up for their scheduled bout, resulting in a walkover victory.

Oraekwe Blessing (Age 25, Women’s 70kg)

Oraekwe’s boxing journey began with local competitions in Lagos and she continued her impressive rise by defeating Alcinda Lucas Dos Santos of Mozambique 5-0 to claim her first African Games gold medal.

Mbata Patricia (Age 29, Women’s 75kg)

British-Nigerian boxer Mbata honed her skills at the prestigious Finchley and District Amateur Boxing Club, the same arena where Anthony Joshua trained as an amateur. Following Joshua’s tradition of success, Mbata earned gold at the African Games and now sets her sights on qualifying for Paris 2024.

Umunnakwe Jacinta (Age 30, Women’s 81kg)

Umunnakwe, a previous gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games, continued her winning streak by defeating Joel Mar

Super Eagles forward, Emmanuel Dennis, may have been inspired by popular singer Madonna, who once said, “No matter who you are, no matter what you did, no matter where you’ve come from, you can always change and become a better version of yourself.”

Since swapping Istanbul Basaksehir for Watford following an unsuccessful loan spell in Turkey last January, Dennis has found a new lease of life back in England.

The Nigerian is currently on loan at the Championship outfit from parent club Nottingham Forest and seems to have rediscovered his scoring touch after a tough start to the season.

The former Club Brugge forward initially completed a loan move to Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir in September 2023 but Forest terminated the move in January after the player made just eight appearances with no goal involvement.

Since returning to Watford, the Nigerian attacker has found the back of the net four times in six starts and is enjoying his football again with the EFL Championship side.

Despite being reduced to a bench role since returning to Vicarage Road, Dennis netted his first goal in Watford’s 2-1 home loss to Leicester City and in his first start for the club, he found the back of the net again as the Hornets suffered a 2-1 defeat against Huddersfield in front of their fans.

Following an impressive contribution, the Nigerian is beginning to become an integral part of the team and has started each of their last six games, scoring four goals in the process, despite completing the entire 90 minutes only on two occasions.

In his first spell with Watford, the 26-year-old equalled Troy Deeney’s record as he became the first player since 2017 to score in three consecutive Premier League games for the club.

He was close to making history against Swansea earlier this month as he could have become the second Watford player to score in three consecutive home games after Mileta Rajovic but was denied by an impressive Carl Rushworth in the encounter.

Dennis’ impressive performance in recent times has not gone unnoticed as he was heavily praised by the club’s interim manager Tom Cleverly.

“We know that Dennis has got that explosive burst. As a defender, you can think you’re comfortable on the ball, and then he appears from nowhere,” Cleverly said.

“We said to the players we thought we would create chances through high regains. We didn’t win as many as I’d like but the one that mattered went in. He’s been nursing a small groin issue, so it was always in my mind that he wouldn’t complete the game. He’s done well to get to an hour and score the winning goal.”

Dennis will hope to continue his rich vein of form when Watford host Preston at home in their next EFL Championship game on Saturday.

Nigeria and Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface who missed the last Africa Cup of Nations in January and February,  will be back in the squad for Wednesday’s German Cup semi-final against Fortuna Dusseldorf following a three-month injury absence, coach Xabi Alonso said on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old underwent surgery on an adductor muscle injury in January after being injured while preparing with Nigeria for the Africa Cup of Nations.

“We are in a super situation. We have no injuries and a full squad. Boni (Boniface) is also back in the squad,” Alonso told a press conference, with the Bundesliga leaders in the hunt for three trophies this season.

Asked how long Boniface could play in the game, Alonso said: “Not 90 minutes. 45 maybe not. But maybe 30. He has done a good recovery and has trained well. He has a strong mentality to come back. He can’t wait to get back.”

Boniface had scored 10 goals and set up another seven in the Bundesliga before his injury.

Aruna shared details of how he struggled to compete in one of the World Championships but couldn’t due to illness and ended up being punished

Table tennis star Quadri Aruna has launched a fiery attack on the World Table Tennis (WTT), questioning its practices after facing point deductions and an undisclosed fine.

Aruna has threatened legal action if he is denied “justice” by the WTT.

The WTT, established in 2019 by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), organises commercialised table tennis tournaments.

Aruna’s frustration stems from the mandatory nature of these events, unpaid prize money, and what he perceives as unfair penalties.

Grudges

In a series of social media posts on Monday, Aruna directly addresses the WTT: “Why exactly must participation in World Table Tennis CHAMPIONS be mandatory when I have no paid contract with you?

“ Why exactly do I have to leave my club that is paying me salary and play WTT EVENTS? Why exactly is this really mandatory?”he queried.
Aruna highlights the financial strain this creates, especially considering unpaid winnings: “I have a family to take care of and I have bills to pay monthly, why exactly do I have to be forced to play where I will not win money?

“Several prize monies are yet to be paid by WTT and yet forcing players to play.

“My prize money from cup finals, Doha star contender and Goa star contender and even Singapore prize money are yet to be received and why exactly I must leave my contract with my clubs and play WTT CHAMPIONS IN KOREA and lose my contract with my clubs?.”

Aruna shared details of how he struggled to compete in one of the World Championships but couldn’t due to illness and ended up being punished: “I was supposed to travel to Korea, unfortunately, I was very sick with chronic diarrhoea for five days. Do I really need to die because I wanted to play?”

He emphasises that Nigeria, facing financial constraints, relied on him: “Nigeria did not have enough players due to financial reasons, so my name was always on the list. They also couldn’t participate in the junior championships for the same reason.”

Allegations of bias

Aruna insists he’s been unfairly penalised by the WTT: “My first sin is because I was sick with chronic diarrhoea, I was not able to participate in world championships in Korea and I could not get doctor’s report on time while on sick bed and my appeal was rejected.”

He raises the concern of racial bias: “Is it because I’m Black, African, and Nigerian? I have worked so hard to be where I am today. I shouldn’t suffer for an offence I didn’t commit.”
Threat of legal action

Aruna has taken a strong stance: “If this judgement is not changed against me, we will definitely end up in court.

“I will never be a slave to WTT and play for bad prize money.”

Aruna’s public outburst has divided opinions with some hailing his bravery while others suggesting there are better ways of resolving whatever issues he had with the WTT.

Liverpool were the big winners of the Easter weekend and are now the favourites to win the Premier League title.

The Reds came from behind to beat Brighton 2-1 at Anfield on Sunday, with Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah combining to secure a fourth win in the last five league outings.

Together with Arsenal’s stalemate draw against Manchester City a few hours later, the win sent Liverpool back to the top of the table with 67 points and nine games left.

Arsenal slipped to second two points behind Jurgen Klopp’s men, while City are a point further back.

According to Opta’s supercomputer, Sunday’s results mean Liverpool are now firmly in the box seat to lift the Premier League trophy and deliver a fairytale finale to Klopp’s nine-year spell at Anfield.

The Reds have a 47.7 percent chance of winning their first league title since they triumphed in 2020 at the end of a Covid-19 affected season, up from 35.3 percent before this weekend.

President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF), Dr. Daniel Igali, has declared that the federation would leave no stone unturned to get one more additional ticket for the federation’s contingent to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Already, six wrestlers made up of five females, namely Odunayo Adekuoroye (57kg); Blessing Oborodudu (68kg); Hannah Reuben (76kg) Esther Kolawole (62kg) and Christiana Ogunsanya (53kg) as well as one male, American-born Plateau State’s Ashton Mutuwa, have secured their tickets to the forthcoming quadriennial event.

But Igali said the NWF is working to ensure that another female wrestler, Mercy Genesis, who narrowly missed qualification recently at the Africa/ Oceania Qualifiers in Alexandria after losing in the 50kg weight class, would have another shot at joining the contingent to Paris 2024 during the next qualification window in Istanbul, Turkey, in May

According to Igali, Nigeria is the only country yet to have qualified five female wrestlers for the Paris 2024, adding that he would be so fulfilled should any of the wrestlers win the ‘much precious’ Olympics’ gold medal.

“The board of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation is working hard to have an eventful outing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” Igali said in Lagos yesterday on his way to Baku as one of the officials for the European Olympic Qualifying Wrestling Tournament holding between April 5 and 7. “Already, we have five females and one male wrestlers that are through to the Games

“We had expected Mercy Genesis to secure her place during the last window in Alexandria but she was unlucky. However, she has another chance in Turkey to grab a place at the Olympic Games and, hopefully, she will get it, given her talent and determination.”

Ahead of Paris 2024, Igali, whose tenure as President of NWF elapses in 2025, said his joy would reach no bound should any of the athlete win a gold medal.

“It would be a thing of joy to see a Nigerian win gold and our national anthem played. We will keep working for the growth of the sport,” stated the former wrestling Olympic gold medallist for Canada.

 Nigeria international, Bright Osayi-Samuel, risks a ban if found guilty following a bust-up with Trabzonspor fans

The Turkish Football Federation announced on Monday that the defender had been listed among the three players who will appear at a disciplinary hearing of the TFF in the wake of the pitch invasion, which happened during a league game involving Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce on March 17.

The attack took place after the Fenerbahce players and coaching staff celebrated their victory, with the visitors goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic being punched in the face by a fan of Trabzonspor.

According to the disciplinary committee of the Turkish FA, players who were involved in the fight could be banned for three to five matches.

“Due to his (Osayi-Samuel) fight in the Super League match, he was imprudently referred in accordance with Article 45 of the Football Disciplinary Instruction. Players found guilty will be punishmed and banned for three to five matches,” the statement read in part.

Osayi-Samuel, 26, was captured in a viral video punching one of the supporters, who wore a mask and ran onto the pitch, while Dutch defender Jayden Oosterwolde was accused of kicking the same fan after tempers flared when supporters of Trabzonspor ran onto the pitch attacking players of Fenerbahce following their team’s loss.

Michi Batshuayi will also appear before the disciplinary body for hitting at another marauding fan with a spinned kick as opposition fans swarmed the visitors after the game along with two club employees “fighting”, the TFF said.

A Trabzonspor assistant coach will also appear before the disciplinary board.

Osayi-Samuel, however, took to his X handle, stating, “We only defended ourselves.”

Meanwhile, 13 Trabzonspor supporters have been arrested with five placed in pre-trial detention. It was the latest violent incident to affect Turkish football this season.

The championship was suspended for a week earlier this term when the president of Ankaragucu attacked a referee at the end of a first division match.

A number of Fenerbahce trips to Trabzon in recent times have also been marred by violence.

A 2016 game against Trabzonspor was abandoned in the closing minutes after an assistant referee was attacked by a home supporter.

The year before that the Fenerbahce team bus came under attack from a gunman en route to the airport on the way back from the neighbouring Black Sea city of Rize, leaving the driver seriously injured.

In 2014 a match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce was called off at half-time after the Istanbul club’s players were pelted with objects thrown onto the pitch by home fans.

Trabzonspor, who won the Turkish title two years ago, also found themselves in the spotlight in 2015 when the club president locked the referee and his assistants inside the stadium overnight in protest at the decision not to award his team a penalty.

They were eventually released in the early hours of the following morning after a phone call from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Rivers United coach Stanley Eguma remains optimistic that his team can weather the storm and reach the final of this season’s CAF Confederation Cup despite holding a slim 1-0 advantage in the first leg of their quarter-finals clash against champions USM Alger

Augustine Okejepha’s 10th minute strike was the difference between Rivers United and the Algerians on Sunday at their adopted home ground in Uyo, as another pulsating 90 minutes await the Nigerian club in Algeria next Sunday.

Eguma, who made a return to the dugout for the clash, however, is looking at the bright side of the first leg result before they make the trip to North Africa on Sunday.

“The most important thing in this game was to win and if you look at last season at this same stage, we lost at home 2-0 and we put up a good performance but we crashed out. We have won this one and we will intensify our effort and put up a good fight there and I believe we can come out with a better result than last year,” Eguma said.

“I had a little health issue and I was off and I’m back. I think the team is in a better stead to contest for the title. We are still focused,” he added.

Eguma’s side dominated the first leg in Uyo and the gaffer rued their inability to convert their numerous chances.

“We scored within 10 minutes because we played with high intensity and that yielded an early goal. One would have expected the players to continue but we couldn’t convert our chances. We outclassed them in terms of possession and we did well generally. I think the scoreline didn’t reflect the standard of the game as we played.”

Rivers United are Nigeria’s only representatives on the continent this season and are also in the last eight of the competition for the second consecutive season.

They were knocked out at this stage by Tanzanian side, Young Africans, last season.