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NPFL: Ogunlye earns Plateau last-minute win as Osarenkhoe secures another three points for Insurance

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It was a dramatic moment in Jos between Enyimba and Plateau United as a last-minute strike from Kazeem Ogunleye gave the Peace Boys their first win of the season after their shocking defeat to Bendel Insurance on Thursday.

Finidi George and his boys were determined to cause havoc on Plateau United as they did in their first game against Nasarawa United at the New Jos Stadium, but it went south for the Elephants, who faced a defeat and two red cards during the encounter.

The game between the People Elephants and the Peace Boys witnessed critical injuries on both sides.

In the seventh minute, the combination of Chappy Katoh and Mustapha Ibrahim setup Sunday Anthony, whose shot slightly missed the target. Three minutes later, Ibrahim’s breathtaking header from Daniel Itodo’s long throw was saved by Olorunleke Ojo.

Meanwhile, the visitors tried to get an opener with former MFM player, Elijah Akanni cross forcing Yakubu Adam to score an own goal in the 20th minute. The Elephants then suffered a setback after Emeka Obioma replaced injured Mbaoma

Five minutes later, Enyimba broke the deadlock with Chibuike Nwaiwu’s header to a close range cross from his teammate.

Meanwhile, the visitors tried to get an opener with former MFM player, Elijah Akanni cross forcing Yakubu Adam to score an own goal in the 20th minute. The Elephants then suffered a setback after Emeka Obioma replaced injured Mbaoma

Five minutes later, Enyimba broke the deadlock with Chibuike Nwaiwu’s header to a close-range cross from his teammate.

Having conceded another goal at home, the peace boys tried to salvage the lead at the half-hour mark with Ifeanyi Emmanuel heading Itodo’s throw.

Ifeanyi scored the hosts an equaliser six minutes later from a well-set-up ball from Mustapha Ibrahim as he headed home his third goal of the season.

However, at the cusps of halftime, Plateau United replaced the injured Izuchukwu Chimezie for Kazeem Ogunleye.

Ogunleye was the first player to test Leke Ojo five minutes into the second half after his shot was parried for a corner by the goalkeeper.

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Five More Nigerians Join Kayseri Women, Taking Turkish Move to Eight in Two Weeks

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Five Nigerian female footballers have officially completed moves to Turkish women’s football club Kayseri Kadın Futbol Kulübü, further strengthening the growing Nigerian presence at the club ahead of the new season.

Sports247 reports that the quintet comprises Judith Adaobi Okay, Precious Uju Obasi, Omosuyi Ayo, Mariam Abdulkadri and Roseline Ayatsea Hembafan, all of whom are set to begin a new chapter of their careers in Turkey.

Four of the players arrive from clubs in the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL), while one joins from the Ghana Women’s Premier League, highlighting the growing pathway from West African women’s football to the Turkish top flight.

The players will compete in the Turkish Women’s Super League (Kadın Futbol Süper Ligi), Turkey’s highest level of women’s football, as they look to establish themselves in the Central Anatolian city of Kayseri.

The new arrivals are expected to bring additional quality, competition and experience to Kayseri’s squad, with the Nigerian players determined to make an immediate impact and contribute to the club’s ambitions during the campaign.

The latest transfers also represent a significant milestone for those facilitating the players’ moves.

Just last week, three other Nigerian female footballers completed transfers to Kayseri Kadın Futbol Kulübü. The latest five signings take the number of Nigerian players moved to the Turkish club to eight in less than two weeks.

The remarkable sequence of transfers underlines the increasing connection between Nigerian women’s football and the Turkish league, while providing more opportunities for young Nigerian players to gain international experience.

For the players, the move represents more than a change of club. It provides an opportunity to compete in a new football environment, experience European-style competition and further develop their careers on the international stage.

Kayseri will also benefit from the influx of Nigerian talent as the club seeks to build a competitive squad capable of achieving strong results in the Turkish Women’s Super League.

With eight Nigerian players now joining the club within a remarkably short period, Kayseri is quickly becoming an important destination for Nigerian female footballers seeking opportunities abroad.

The quintet will now turn their attention to settling into their new environment, adapting to the demands of Turkish football and helping their new club achieve its targets.

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EuroMatch NPFL Explodes Into Action: Rangers Begin Title Defence as Matchday One Promises Fireworks

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The wait is over. The newly branded EuroMatch NPFL has entered the spotlight, and after Shooting Stars opened the 2026/27 campaign with a 2-1 victory over newly promoted Inter Lagos in Ibadan on Friday, attention now shifts to a packed Sunday programme that promises to set the tone for the new season.

The 2026/27 campaign is the first season of the EuroMatch NPFL, following the unveiling of EuroMatch as the league’s new title sponsor in Abuja on Wednesday. The three-year agreement is worth $7.5 million, with 60 per cent of the annual sponsorship proceeds earmarked for the 20 participating clubs.

Read Also: “We Stayed Together Until the End” — Sodiq Leads Shooting Stars to Winning Start Against Inter Lagos

That commercial breakthrough has added another layer of excitement to a season already carrying huge expectations, with the champions set to receive a record ₦1 billion prize.

Now the football must do the talking.

Defending champions Rangers International will begin their title defence against Katsina United at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, with kick-off scheduled for 4pm. The Flying Antelopes, champions of the 2025/26 campaign, have relocated their home fixtures to Abeokuta and will be determined to start their championship defence with three points. The fixture is also listed by the NPFL for live coverage on the official NPFL YouTube channel in partnership with Murphy Ben International.

For Rangers, the challenge is immediate: turn the excitement of being champions into the consistency required to defend the crown.

Katsina United, however, will have no interest in playing the role of supporting cast. A positive result against the champions on their opening day would immediately announce their own ambitions and provide one of the weekend’s biggest talking points.

Elsewhere, Bendel Insurance and Warri Wolves renew a South-South rivalry in Benin City. It is the type of opening-day encounter where intensity, physical battles and defensive discipline could dominate, with one moment of individual quality potentially deciding the contest.

In Ilorin, Kwara United welcome Kano Pillars in another intriguing fixture. Both sides possess experienced players capable of controlling the midfield, making the battle for possession and territory potentially decisive.

There is also considerable interest in Lagos, where Ikorodu City host newly promoted Ranchers Bees at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Ikorodu City have established themselves as one of the league’s most consistent sides, finishing fourth in each of the last two seasons, while Ranchers Bees arrive with the ambition and confidence that comes with promotion.

At the Pantami Stadium, another promoted side, Sporting Lagos, begin their campaign away to Doma United. Both clubs are returning to the top flight and will see the encounter as an opportunity to make an immediate statement.

Nine-time champions Enyimba also face an intriguing opening assignment away to Niger Tornadoes in Minna, while Rivers United host Plateau United in Port Harcourt.

Other fixtures will see Abia Warriors take on Kun Khalifat and Barau FC face Nasarawa United.

The full Sunday programme is:

Ikorodu City vs Ranchers Bees
Abia Warriors vs Kun Khalifat
Barau FC vs Nasarawa United
Bendel Insurance vs Warri Wolves
Rangers International vs Katsina United
Rivers United vs Plateau United
Kwara United vs Kano Pillars
Niger Tornadoes vs Enyimba
Doma United vs Sporting Lagos

All nine Sunday fixtures are scheduled for 4pm, according to the NPFL’s official fixture listing.

But beyond the individual fixtures, this opening weekend carries a much bigger message.

This is the first NPFL season under the EuroMatch title sponsorship, the first campaign following the league’s new digital streaming partnership with Murphy Ben International, and a season in which the NPFL is openly pursuing greater commercial value, wider visibility and stronger benefits for its clubs and players.

The league has effectively raised the stakes.

Now Rangers, Enyimba, Rivers United, Kano Pillars, Ikorodu City and the rest must respond on the pitch.

The EuroMatch NPFL has arrived.

The champions are defending. The challengers are coming. The promoted clubs want to make history.

And after Friday’s opening shock, Sunday could provide the first major statement of what promises to be one of the most closely watched NPFL seasons in years.

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