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CAF: Plateau, Rivers, Kwara United secure important home wins in Champions League

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Three Nigerian clubs on the continent Plateau United, Rivers United and Kwara United staged a dramatic comeback victories over their respective opponents on Sunday 9 Ocober 2022, in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.

While Plateau United and Rivers United won 2-1, Kwara United will take a two-goal lead to Morocco for the second leg.

Esperance were punished by Plateau United 2-1 at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja.

Plateau who came back from Badri’s 27th-minute goal struck back with first-half replies from Ifeanyi Emmanuel and Mustapha Ibrahim

The Peace Boys didn’t take long before restoring parity as Emmanuel connected a header to Daniel Itodo’s long throw in the 35th minute.

Ten minutes later, Daniel Itodo again provided another assist via a long throw for Mustapha Ibrahim, who scored Plateau United’s second off another header.

In Port Harcourt, Rivers United stunned Champions League defending Champions, Wydad Casablanca, in a comeback 2-1 victory.

First-half and second-half goals from Malachi Ohawume and Paul Acquah, were enough to take the win as Bouly Sambou got the consolation for the visitors.

Sambou opened the goal chart for Wydad from a 33rd-minute tap-in. Two minutes later, Rivers United equalised through Ohawume. Rivers United took the lead eight minutes into the second half from Acquah’s finish.

Meanwhile, Kwara United came from a goal down to defeat Confederations Cup defending Champions, RS Berkane, 3-1 in a dramatic encounter at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos.

Second-half goals from substitutes Taofeek Ahmed, Wasiu Jimoh, and Barnabas Daniel handed the Afonja Warriors a victory over Berkane who got an early goal from Cheick Ouattara.

It took the visitors just seven minutes to break the silence after Ouattara’s header from a corner beat Adewale Adeyinka.

Chisom Samuel’s chance to draw the home team level from a long-range shot went off target a minute later. Berkane, who settled fastest, almost scored a second goal through Burkinabe defender, Dayo Issoufou, but the shot went wide in the 11th minute.

Two minutes later, another attempt by Jimoh’s shot was saved by Goalkeeper Hamza Hamdani.

Berkane kept frustrating the hosts with a rigid defence as another attempt from Jimoh was parried for a corner kick after he had earlier saved Jide Fatokun’s header in the 26th minute.

Berkane missed a great chance to double their lead through Adama Ba, who received a pass from Ouatarra in the 44th minute

The second half breathed new life into the Afonja Warriors who came back with two goals.

At the start of the second half, Kwara United sent on Ayobami Junior and Taofeek Ahmed for Chisom Samuel and Paul Samson, respectively.

In the 57th minute, the combination of Taofeek and Ayobami produced a chance that smashed against the woodwork.

Taofeek made another attempt in the 68th minute from Jimoh’s pass, but the ball went wide.

Their efforts eventually paid off four minutes later with a Taofeek strike off Issa Gata’s assist.

Kwara United then added two more goals in the 79th and 87th minutes from the duo of Jimoh and Barnabas Daniel.

All the return legs are scheduled for next weekend.

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EuroMatch NPFL: Inter Lagos Turn to Olusanjo Olutayo After Giwa’s Exit

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Inter Lagos have appointed Olusanjo Olutayo as their interim head coach following the departure of Shakiru Giwa.

READ ALSO: EuroMatch NPFL: Shakiru Giwa Steps Down as Inter Lagos Head Coach | Sports247 Nigeria

The Lagos-based club announced the appointment on its official social media page, welcoming Olutayo to the role as they prepare for their next fixture in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

“We are pleased to announce Coach Olusanjo Olutayo as our interim Head Coach. Welcome on board!” the club stated.

Sports247 had earlier reported Giwa’s departure from the club on Tuesday, October 13, after he stepped down from his position as head coach.

Giwa was instrumental in Inter Lagos’ promotion from the Nigeria National League (NNL) to the NPFL, marking a significant milestone in the club’s history.

However, the newly promoted side have struggled to make an impact in the top flight this season, with their opening eight league matches producing no victories.

Their latest setback was a 3-1 defeat away to Warri Wolves on Sunday, October 11, leaving them with just two points from eight matches.

Olutayo’s appointment now gives Inter Lagos a new coaching direction as they seek to improve their performances and turn their fortunes around in the league.

The interim coach will face the immediate task of preparing the team for their next NPFL encounter against Nasarawa United on Sunday, October 18.

The match presents an opportunity for Inter Lagos to begin a new chapter under their interim manager as they continue their search for a first league victory of the 2026/27 campaign.

The club has not yet announced whether Olutayo’s appointment will become permanent or how long he is expected to remain in charge.

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BEYOND THE STARPOWER! Why Nigeria’s Bench Stars Just Proved the Super Falcons Are Ready for Morocco!

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When ten-time African champions Nigeria completed a resounding 7-0 aggregate demolition of Comoros to advance in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Qualifiers, headlines immediately fixated on captain Rasheedat Ajibade’s early injury forced by a heavy first-half collision.

Yet, while anxious eyes watched Ajibade make way for Folashade Ijamilusi, the real story unfolding at Ikenne was a masterclass in tactical depth that should terrify their next opponents, Morocco.

Rather than crumbling under pressure after their talismanic leader left the pitch, Nigeria demonstrated lethal squad versatility. After a tense 40-minute struggle, Uchenna Kanu capitalised on an error by Comoros goalkeeper Aicha Said to set up Toni Payne for the opener.

However, the second-half introduction of Blessing Okpe for Gift Monday completely transformed the team’s attacking intensity.

Okpe brilliantly dazzled past two defenders on the flank to set up Payne’s second, before Ijamilusi delivered a picture perfect cross for Kanu to head home. Okpe then drew a foul in the 71st minute, allowing Christy Ucheibe to comfortably convert from the penalty spot to seal an emphatic 5-0 victory.

This ruthless performance sent a clear message across the continent. While media narratives paint Ajibade’s setback as a devastating blow, the bench unit showed that the Super Falcons possess terrifying offensive depth.

The ability of substitute players to step up and dismantle opposition defensive structures so effortlessly proves Nigeria is no longer dependent on individual stardom.

As the Super Falcons prepare for a tricky two-legged third-round battle against the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco, their tactical flexibility will be their ultimate weapon.

Morocco may hope to exploit a captain-less side, but Nigeria’s explosive bench options have just shown that their tactical depth can destroy any game plan.

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