Mr VAR

It was another clean bill of health for one of the leading Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO1), Best Talent FC of Mowe, today, 25th April, 2026 recorded a resounding 2-0 victory over Nigeria Customs Service Football Club at MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Best Talent FC wasted no time asserting dominance in the match, with Adeyinka Adeyemo’s boys taking the encounter far beyond their opponents but only settled for a goalless at half time. At a resumption of the second half, it took the Integrity side three minutes into an hour before the Mowe giants young star, Ajibade Azeez , found the back of the net while Dickson Donald double the lead with a triumphant victory at 67 minutes of the much publicised encounter.  Speaking after the match, Coach Farouk, who has become a prominent figure in grassroots football, was full of praises for his team’s performance but made it clear that there’s much more to come. “The fans are yet to see the best of m...

The Nigeria National League is rolling out the red carpet in Lagos, and Nigeria’s football royalty is answering the call.   NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, and NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, will lead the crème de la crème of Nigerian sports administration to the NNL Super Four Draws. The power duo will be flanked by an all-star cast of ex-Super Eagles legends, with the ‘Prince of Monaco’ Victor Ikpeba, and other big guns from across the industry expected to grace the event.   For many, their presence sends a clear message: the NNL is no longer a feeder league operating in the shadows. With deliberate branding, improved organization, and growing commercial appeal, the second tier is staking its claim as the most important league in Nigeria.   Much of that transformation is down to Toptier Sports Management. The private investors have injected fresh energy and funding into the league, repositioning its status, raising...

The battle for the last Nigeria Premier Football League promotion slot from the Nigeria National League will be settled today as the Northern Conference D group wraps up. All eyes are on Ranchers Bees, co-owned by Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar and El-Rufai’s son, who stand on the brink of history. Formed in late 2025, the Kaduna-based side could secure a first-ever promotion to the NPFL in their debut NNL season. A draw at the Pantami Stadium will be enough to seal the ticket.   However, that result would relegate Gombe United to the Nationwide League One, Nigeria’s third tier. Having featured in the top flight as recently as the 2023/2024 season, Gombe now face a dramatic fall, a fate reminiscent of Leicester City, who went from 2016 Premier League champions to relegation 10 years later. Can Ranchers Bees deliver the final blow, or will Gombe United pull off a great escape? In Dutse, traditional side Jigawa Golden Stars, formerly known as Samba Boys, face a must...

The Nigeria Football Coaches Association has extends its strong commendation to the board of the Nigeria Premier Football League, under the leadership of Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye, and by extension the Nigeria Football Federation for its effective supervisory role, following the successful organization of the league up to Matchday 35 of the 2025/26 season. With just three matches remaining and no outstanding fixtures, the current campaign stands as a clear reflection of administrative progress and structural discipline. The ability of the NPFL board to maintain a consistent and credible league calendar, aligned with continental scheduling frameworks, marks a significant departure from previous disruptions and reinforces the league’s growing professionalism. Despite the inherent challenges within the football ecosystem, the NPFL board has demonstrated commendable leadership in managing sensitive situations that could have impacted the integrity of the competit...

The Nigeria National League has announced that the official draw for the 2025/2026 Super 4 Playoffs will take place on April 24, 2026, at the Marriott Hotel Ikeja, Lagos, setting the stage for the final showdown of an intense season. The Super 4 tournament, which will determine the overall champions of the NNL season, is scheduled to hold from May 1 to May 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.  Already, Doma FC  Inter Lagos, and  Sporting Lagos, have all secured promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League, underlining their consistency throughout the campaign. However, attention now shifts to the remaining promotion ticket and the battle for Super 4 qualification. In the Southern Conference,  Sporting Lagos, and as well Inter-Lagos have picked  the two  tickets to the Nigeria Elite league and a shot at the Super 4 crown. Meanwhile, the Northern Conference presents its own drama. Ranchers Bees, referred to as the Sad...

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has commiserated with the entire sports fraternity over the passing of former President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, after a protracted illness. Alhaji Galadima served as the Chairman of the then Nigeria Football Association (NFA) between 2002 and 2006). He handed over to Alhaji Sani Lulu in 2006. SWAN President Mr. Isaiah Benjamin in a statement through the Association's Secretary-General, Amb Ikenna Okonkwo, on Saturday, described the former number football man in Nigeria as a pacesetter and administrator per excellence. He said, "I received the news of Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima with shock and expression of sadness. "He is one man I have known and admired personally over the years due to his sagacity and benevolent approach. He will be well remembered for his impact in Nigeria Football and even sports generally. "He is a man with a heart of gold who sought every...