NPFL
Enugu Rangers chase Ahmed Musa following NPFL hint
Nigerian champions Enugu Rangers are keen to sign Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa after he hinted at a potential return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Musa, 31, recently stirred excitement among fans on social media platform X by sharing a post featuring logos of all NPFL clubs, asking which team he should join.
This sparked immediate interest from Enugu Rangers’ management, with general manager Amobi Ezeaku and coach Fidelis Ilechukwu openly expressing their desire to bring him on board.
Reacting to the possibility of Musa joining the team, Ilechukwu said, “I haven’t heard anything official, but if he truly plans to come, it’s a welcome development. Musa is a superstar, disciplined, and a player everyone can work with. His presence alone would be great for us.”
The prospect of Musa returning to the NPFL has generated significant buzz, with many praising his willingness to contribute to the league’s growth.
Although the 2024/25 NPFL summer transfer window has closed, Musa can still join as a free agent.
“The Transfer Matching System allows him to register,” confirmed Sunday Obaseki, the NPFL head of competitions.
Musa has a history with the NPFL, having played for Kano Pillars in both 2009 and 2021. In his earlier stint, he finished as the league’s top scorer with 18 goals before moving to Europe, where he played for clubs such as VVV Venlo, CSKA Moscow, Leicester City, and Al Nassr.
His return to the NPFL would not only strengthen Enugu Rangers’ squad but also potentially inspire other Nigerian internationals to consider playing in the domestic league.
“His European experience and goal-scoring ability would be a major asset for us,” Ilechukwu added. “He’ll motivate our players and attract more Nigerian internationals to the league.”
Enugu Rangers, an eight-time NPFL champion, is confident that Musa would integrate seamlessly into the team. “Rangers is a big club capable of welcoming players from all regions,” Ilechukwu noted. “We already have many players from the north, so he will feel right at home.”
Musa’s recent club stint ended in February when he mutually terminated his contract with Sivasspor in Turkey. His addition to Enugu Rangers could further elevate the NPFL’s reputation and attract top talent to the league.
Enugu Rangers’ interest in signing Musa underscores the NPFL’s growing appeal, and a successful transfer would undoubtedly boost the league’s profile.
Former Nigerian champions, Enyimba FC, are set to discover their opponents for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage next week, according to THE ATHLETICNG.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that the draw for the 2024 CAF Confederation Cup group stage will take place on October 7, 2024, as reported by BSN Sports.
Enyimba, the only remaining Nigerian club in continental competition, earned their spot in the group stage after a thrilling 3-2 penalty shootout victory over Etoile Filante of Burkina Faso. They have been placed in Pot 3, alongside Senegal’s ASC Jaraaf.
While Enyimba continues to carry the flag for Nigeria, other Nigerian clubs such as Rangers, Remo Stars, and El-Kanemi Warriors have already been knocked out, leaving the Aba-based club as the nation’s sole representative in the competition.
Below are the full pots for the group stage draw:
Pot 1:
- Zamalek SC (Egypt)
- RS Berkane (Morocco)
- Simba SC (Tanzania)
- USM Alger (Algeria)
Pot 2:
- ASEC Mimosas (Ivory Coast)
- Stade Malien (Mali)
- Al Masry (Egypt)
- CS Sfaxien (Tunisia)
Pot 3:
- Enyimba FC (Nigeria)
- ASC Jaraaf (Senegal)
Pot 4:
- CD Lunda Sul (Angola)
- FC Bravos (Angola)
- CS Constantine (Algeria)
- Orapa United (Botswana)
- Black Bulls (Mozambique)
With the group stage draw approaching, fans can expect thrilling matchups as the CAF Confederation Cup heats up.
Shooting Stars‘ technical adviser, Gbenga Ogunbote has expressed relief following the team’s 1-0 victory over Heartland in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
A lone goal from Samuel Ayanrinde secured the Oluyole Warriors’ first win of the season, lifting the pressure off the team after a challenging start.
Ogunbote acknowledged the difficulties of the match but was delighted that his team managed to claim all three points.
“This win, no matter how it comes, is a big relief for the team,” Ogunbote stated in his post-match interview. The victory comes after Shooting Stars failed to win in their first two matches of the season.
Looking ahead, the team will face Bendel Insurance in their upcoming matchday five-fixture, where they hope to build on their momentum.
In other NPFL action, Remo Stars continued their strong run with a 2-1 victory over Enugu Rangers, marking their fourth consecutive win and solidifying their top position with 12 points.
Meanwhile, Rivers United secured a 2-0 victory over Enyimba FC, with Coach Finidi George guiding his team to a win against his former club.
On the international football front, Graham Potter addressed speculation about him negotiating with Manchester United as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag. Additionally, Belgium’s Raphael Onyedika was named Club Brugge’s Player of the Month, while Nigeria’s national team is preparing for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Kano Pillars’ technical adviser, Usman Abdallah, has praised the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) organizers for their role in fostering healthy competition among teams.
He also lauded the referees for their fair officiating, which has allowed away teams to compete without intimidation.
“Kudos to the league organizers for all their hard work, ensuring we’ve reached this level,” Abdallah said to Kano Pillars’ media. “This is a game-changer for our league. Away teams can now play with confidence, and we’ve seen numerous away victories this season.”
Abdallah’s remarks follow Kano Pillars’ first home defeat of the season in a matchday three clash against Remo Stars. Despite the setback, Abdallah remains confident in his team’s ability to bounce back.
“We may have lost at home to Remo Stars, but with the improved officiating, we can go anywhere and pick up maximum points,” he stated.
The NPFL has seen notable progress in recent seasons, with fierce competition for the title. Much of this improvement is credited to the efforts of the league organizers and the impartiality of match officials.
Abdallah’s comments echo the growing optimism among coaches and players about the league’s advancement. Rivers United coach Stanley Eguma also shared similar sentiments, saying, “The NPFL has made tremendous strides. The competition is tougher, and teams are more confident.”
Kano Pillars are set to face Abia Warriors in their next league fixture at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Sunday. Abdallah is expected to adopt a 4-3-3 formation, utilizing veteran Rabiu Ali’s creative prowess in midfield.
“Rabiu Ali is pivotal for us,” Abdallah noted. “His experience and skill are vital to our midfield play.”
On the other side, Abia Warriors coach Imama Amapakabo plans to capitalize on Kano Pillars’ defensive weaknesses. “We’ve analyzed their games and are aware of their strengths and vulnerabilities,” Amapakabo revealed.
Fans can look forward to an intense showdown between the two top teams, with the match set to air live on NPFL TV and various local channels.
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