Kelechi Abel - Football In Nigeria

Osun Babes Cite Government Budget for Salary and Bonus Delays

By Kelechi Abel / Governance / February 5, 2026

The management of Osun Babes Football Club has addressed recent concerns over delayed player salaries and bonuses, explaining that government budgetary constraints are responsible for the holdup. The clarification comes amid growing frustration among players and fans over welfare issues. Osun Babes’ leadership stated that the delays are not due to negligence by the club […]

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Agbim Praises NPFL Leadership for Quality Improvement and EPL Fixture Sync

By Kelechi Abel / NPFL / February 5, 2026

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), saying the domestic league has shown noticeable quality improvements and increased spectator interest. Agbim also highlighted the league’s alignment of its match calendar with the English Premier League as a key factor boosting visibility. Speaking on Thursday, Agbim

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NLO Announces April 10 Start for 2025/26 Home and Away Season

By Kelechi Abel / Local Clubs and Academies / February 5, 2026

The Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) has confirmed that its 2025/26 season will adopt a traditional home and away league structure, kicking off on Friday, April 10, 2026. The announcement was made as clubs prepare for a full campaign under the revamped format. Olugbenga Ogunnowo, the league’s Chief Operating Officer, also reaffirmed that at least

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Super Eagles Defender Olisa Ndah Seals Move to Libyan Club Al Shomooa

By Kelechi Abel / Transfer News / February 5, 2026

Nigerian international defender Olisa Ndah has completed a transfer to Libyan Premier League side Al Shomooa, signing a one and a half year deal following his exit from South African club Orlando Pirates. The former NPFL standout was a free agent after mutually parting ways with Orlando Pirates last month and has now embarked on

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Falconets Touch Down in Abeokuta Ahead of Senegal U-20 World Cup Qualifier

By Kelechi Abel / Women's Football / February 5, 2026

Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team, the Falconets, have arrived in Abeokuta to prepare for their crucial FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup third-round qualifying tie against Senegal’s Lionesses de Téranga, with the first leg set for Saturday at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex. The move to Abeokuta follows approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after

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Kun Khalifat FC Withdraws from NPFL Amid Sanctions Dispute

By Kelechi Abel / Law & Ethics / February 5, 2026

Kun Khalifat FC have announced their immediate withdrawal from the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), citing what the club describes as unfair and disproportionate sanctions imposed by league authorities following their failure to honour a scheduled fixture. The Owerri-based side confirmed the decision in a strongly worded statement on Wednesday. The newly promoted club’s

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Samuel Chukwueze Shortlisted for Fulham’s January Goal of the Month

By Kelechi Abel / Fan Zone / February 5, 2026

Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze has earned a nomination for Fulham’s Goal of the Month award for January after his strike helped the Cottagers to a crucial Premier League win. The former Villarreal star’s goal against Brighton & Hove Albion is among 13 contenders for the accolade. Chukwueze’s effort in Fulham’s 2-1 victory at Craven Cottage

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Umar Sadiq Scores and Concedes as Valencia Exit Copa del Rey at Mestalla

By Kelechi Abel / Match Previews & Reviews / February 5, 2026

Valencia’s Copa del Rey quarter-final hopes ended in dramatic fashion as Nigerian striker Umar Sadiq scored for both sides in a 2-1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao at the Mestalla on Wednesday. Bilbao advanced to the semifinals thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Iñaki Williams. The Super Eagles forward endured a roller-coaster night, inadvertently giving Athletic

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Falconets Beat Robo Queens as World Cup Qualifier Preparations Heat Up

By Kelechi Abel / Women's Football / February 4, 2026

Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, continued their build-up for the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying tie against Senegal with a victory over domestic side Robo Queens in a friendly encounter. The win came as part of a series of matches aimed at improving sharpness, cohesion and competitive rhythm ahead of the

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Delta Queens Appoint Osazee Francis as New Head Coach Ahead of NWFL Return

By Kelechi Abel / Women's Football / February 4, 2026

Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) club Delta Queens have named Osazee Francis as their new head coach ahead of the resumption of the women’s league season. Francis takes charge with the aim of guiding the Delta-based club through the 2025–26 NWFL Premiership, which has been ongoing since late 2025. The coaching change comes as Delta

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