NPFL 27: Abia Warriors to end Rivers United Unbeaten record so far
NPFL 27: Abia Warriors to end Rivers United Unbeaten record so far
As the Matchday 8 fixture of the Euromatch Nigeria Premier Football League takes centre stage across league venues in the country this weekend, Abia Warriors Football Club of Umuahia will host Rivers United of Port Harcourt on Sunday, 11th October 2026, at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, in a highly anticipated encounter that has generated interest from Nigerian league followers.
For Umu Chineke, the clash means more than just three points. It is an opportunity not only to bounce back from the painful defeat to Rangers in Awka, where a spirited performance was undone by moments of laxity, but also to end the unbeaten run of Rivers United this season, and send a clear statement of intent that they remain a formidable force and a genuine contender for Continental qualification.
The Umuahia landlords will draw confidence from their last home outing, a convincing victory over Bendel Insurance, the same turf where they will host Rivers United. That result highlighted their strength on home turf and will serve as a major motivation as they welcome the Pride of Rivers at the Elephant Park in Aba. A win over their second-placed neighbours will significantly boost their standing on the league table and restore belief, while anything short of a positive result may trigger unease and anxiety amongst their loyal supporters.
The history between both sides adds an extra layer of intrigue. In their last six meetings, the rivalry has been evenly balanced, with both sides winning twice while two encounters ended in a draw. It is a fixture that has never lacked intensity, drama and memorable moments.
Each time both sides clash, it is always a spectacle to behold. The atmosphere is charged with excitement, anticipation, and the unyielding roar of faithful supporters eager to witness another classic.
With the hosts determined to secure a coveted Continental ticket and reassert themselves as serious title contenders this season, and with the visitors determined to preserve their unbeaten streak and maintain their title charge, Sunday’s showdown in Aba promises to be an absorbing and fiercely contested affair.
Abia Warriors will take on Rivers United in a Matchday 8 fixture of the Euromatch Nigeria Premier Football League on Sunday, 11th October 2026, at the iconic Enyimba International Stadium, Aba. Kickoff time is 16:00 hours local time.
Courtesy Abia Warriors Media
LA 2028 Olympics Race: Alozie, Kanu steer Super Falcons past Comoros at Ikenne
LA 2028 Olympics Race: Alozie, Kanu steer Super Falcons past Comoros at Ikenne
The Super Falcons secured a crucial 2-0 victory over the Comoros senior women’s national team in the first leg of their second round tie of the 2028 Olympic qualification series on Friday in Ikenne-Remo.
Though played on home soil, the fixture officially served as Comoros’ home leg. Led by interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, the 10-time African champions dominated proceedings from start to finish. Eguavoen handed a starting berth to immediate past U20 skipper Joy Igbokwe, who anchored the midfield to earn her senior debut.
Despite controlling the tempo early on, Nigeria struggled to convert their dominance. In the 11th minute, crisp attacking combinations unlocked the final third, but Toni Payne’s curling effort drifted off target. Payne threatened again in the 26th minute, setting up Rasheedat Ajibade, whose strike crashed against the crossbar before Glory Ogbona failed to direct the rebound home.
The breakthrough finally arrived three minutes after the restart. In the 48th minute, Gift Monday nodded a cross into the danger area, allowing Michelle Alozie to break the deadlock with a composed right-footed tap-in.
Nigeria doubled their advantage on the hour-mark. Jennifer Echegini whipped in a precise corner kick, and Uchenna Kanu reacted quickest at close range to beat the goalkeeper with a header. The interim technical crew introduced fresh legs into the proceedings, handing valuable minutes to emerging talent.
Janet Akekoromowei replaced Toni Payne in the 61st minute for her senior international debut, while Suliat Abideen took the place of Gift Monday in the 69th minute to earn her first cap. Folashade Ijamilusi later replaced goalscorer Kanu in stoppage time to see out the closing moments.
Comoros, who advanced to this stage following a 30-0 aggregate win over Sudan in the previous round, struggled to cope with the tactical superiority and pressure of the Super Falcons. The second leg takes place in Ikenne on Tuesday next week, with the aggregate winner advancing to face Morocco in the third round of the five-round African series.
Oborevwori Inaugurates Model Technical College, Oghareki, Orders Immediate Overhaul Of All Dilapidated Public Schools In Delta
**As Ibori Assures Of Massive Support For Tinubu, Oborevwori, Others In 2027
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has Inaugurated Model Technical College, Oghareki, Ethiope West LGA Delta State.
He also directed the Ministries of Primary and Secondary Education to assess all dilapidated public primary and secondary schools across the state for immediate rehabilitation.
Oborevwori issued the directive on Friday at the inauguration of the newly completed Model Technical College, Oghareki, in Ethiope West Local Government Area.
“I have directed that all schools in Delta State that are in deplorable condition, whether primary or secondary, should be assessed for immediate rehabilitation,” he said.
The governor urged the relevant authorities to begin the scoping without delay, stressing his administration’s commitment to building an efficient and robust education system.
He said the State Executive Council had recently directed the education ministries to identify public schools requiring urgent intervention.
Oborevwori said maintaining more than 1,400 primary schools and 480 secondary schools across the state was a major responsibility requiring sustained investment and planning.
At the inauguration, the governor said the Model Technical College, Oghareki, demonstrated his administration’s commitment to equipping young people in Ethiope West and neighbouring communities with practical skills that would make them employable and economically independent.
He said the institution has state-of-the-art workshops, staff and student accommodation, and sports facilities and urged the management, staff and students to maintain the facilities for future generations.
He also disclosed that his administration would complete and inaugurate three additional model technical colleges at Irri in Isoko South, Kiagbodo in Burutu and Akugbene in Bomadi local government areas before December 2026.
Oborevwori announced a N50 million education support fund for Miss Ogheneovo Davina, a Junior Technical II student who addressed him extempore on behalf of her fellow students.
The governor cited progress in road infrastructure, education and healthcare, including developments at the Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, and the construction of four male and female hostels at Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, and Delta State College of Education, Mosogar.
He commended former Governor James Ibori for initiating development projects across the state and urged Deltans to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress, APC, candidates in the 2027 general elections.
In his remarks, Chief James Ibori thanked Governor Oborevwori for what he described as impressive development projects across the state, particularly in Urhobo land.
He also acknowledged former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, whose administration initiated the technical college project, and commended Oborevwori for completing it.
Ibori assured the governor of the support of the people of Oghara and Ethiope West in the 2027 elections, saying; “we have prayed for grace and wisdom to pilot the affairs of our great state”.
The member representing Ethiope Federal Constituency, Hon. Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, praised the quality of the project and Oborevwori’s decision to complete it.
She said the large turnout at the inauguration would translate into electoral support for the governor in 2027 and commended him for uniting the party across different divides in the state.
Earlier, Chairman of Ethiope West Local Government Council, Hon. Christian Onogba, described the inauguration as a landmark achievement and said the governor’s development initiatives and political realignment from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the APC had fostered unity across Delta State.
Speaking for the host communities, the Oghara monarch, HRM Noble Eshemitan, Orefe III, Uku Oghara Na Me, congratulated Oborevwori on the completion of the project.
Speaking on behalf of the students,
Davina thanked the governor for his commitment to technical education and pledged that the students would use the facilities to acquire practical skills, improve their prospects and become self-reliant after graduation. She said she would have given her vote to Governor Oborevwori in 2027 if she was 18 years.
World Sight Day: Delta Reaffirms Oborevwori’s Administration Commitment to Eye Health
World Sight Day: Delta Reaffirms Oborevwori’s Administration Commitment to Eye Health
As Delta State joined the global community Thursday October 9 to mark the 2026 World Sight Day, the state government reaffirmed the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery, particularly access to quality eye-health services across the state.
The World Sight Day, observed globally to draw attention to the importance of eye care and the challenges of blindness and vision impairment, was marked in Delta with free eye screening, public enlightenment and an awareness walk in Asaba.
The event, organised by the Delta State Ministry of Health through the State Eye Health Committee in collaboration with partners, was held under the theme, “Love Your Eyes: Every Story Counts.”
The awareness walk, which commenced from the Delta State Secretariat to the Roundabout in Asaba, was used to sensitise residents on the importance of protecting their eyesight, undergoing regular eye checks and seeking timely professional care.
Speaking during the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry and President of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria (OSN), Dr. Gloria Patrick-Ferife, said the Oborevwori administration had continued to support the expansion of eye-health services across the state.
He said the state had strengthened access to eye care through various health facilities, including specialised and secondary healthcare institutions.
“We also have eye care services at Central Hospital, Warri, Central Hospital, Ughelli, Government Hospital, Ibusa, and other hospitals across the state.
“The Governor has continuously supported eye health, and this is also one of his major areas of support for us.”
As part of activities to commemorate the 2026 World Sight Day, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, had earlier delivered a statewide broadcast in which he raised awareness on the importance of regular eye care, early detection and prompt treatment of vision-related conditions.
He urged Deltans to prioritise their eye health, undergo routine eye examinations and seek professional medical attention whenever they notice changes in their vision, stressing the need for collective action to prevent avoidable blindness and vision impairment.
The Chairman of the Ophthalmological Society of Nigeria, Delta State Chapter, Dr. Aghogho Benedicta, said many cases of vision loss could be prevented through early presentation, proper diagnosis and appropriate management of eye conditions.
She urged residents to make regular eye screening a priority and take personal responsibility for protecting their vision.
“You must prioritise your vision and take responsibility for ensuring that your eyesight is protected. This can only be achieved through regular eye screening.
“We therefore advise members of the public to see eye-care professionals, including ophthalmologists and optometrists.
There are also ophthalmic nurses and dispensing opticians who can provide proper and appropriate prescription glasses,” she said.
Also speaking, the Secretary of the State Eye Health Committee, Dr. Gloria Mok, emphasized the significance of the sensitization exercise which she said was part of activities to mark the World Sight Day in the State.
She urged residents across Delta State to take advantage of the available eye-care services by visiting designated health facilities, including the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba; Central Hospital, Warri; Central Hospital, Ughelli; General Hospital, Sapele; Delta State University Teaching Hospital (DELSUTH), Oghara; Asaba Specialist Hospital; Secretariat Clinic; General Hospital, Okwe; General Hospital, Ibusa; General Hospital, Ogwashi-Uku; and General Hospital, Kwale, for comprehensive eye checks and professional eye-care services.
She stressed that regular eye examinations and early detection of vision problems were essential to preserving healthy sight, preventing avoidable visual impairment and ensuring timely access to appropriate treatment and care.
Dr. Mok said, “These are places you can visit today and have your eyes tested for free. The Delta State Government is working in partnership with implementing partners to provide these services.”
She further disclosed that free cataract surgeries were being conducted with the support of the Vision Care Development Foundation, noting that more than 500 such surgeries had been performed since April.
She said residents identified during the community outreach would also be enlisted for free cataract surgery.
Dr. Mok urged residents to take advantage of the free screening services and seek professional care whenever they notice changes in their vision, stressing that early detection and appropriate treatment remained critical to preventing avoidable blindness.
NANPF PLANS 7TH EDITION (2026/2027) MID-SEASON CLUB CAPTAINS/PLAYERS’ SEMINAR
NANPF PLANS 7TH EDITION (2026/2027) MID-SEASON CLUB CAPTAINS/PLAYERS’ SEMINAR
LAGOS, NIGERIA — The players’ union, the National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF), has commenced plans to host the 7th edition of its Mid-Season Club Captains and Players’ Seminar online during the mid-season break of the 2026/2027 league campaign. The virtual seminar is open to all club captains and players across the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), and Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL).
Themed “SECURING REAL STATUS FOR PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLERS IN NIGERIA,” the event will feature prominent local and international experts in football business, sports law, and sports administration as guest speakers.
To ensure seamless participation, the seminar will be held in batches for NPFL, NNL, and NWFL players. Key topics to be addressed include:
1. Understanding Retirement and Investment Plans for Professional Footballers.
2. Providing Professional Structures That Guarantee the Athletic, Social, and Financial Growth of Nigerian Footballers.
3. Building Synergies with Employers (Clubs) and League Organizers to Protect the Professional and Social Dignity of Nigerian Footballers.
4. Understanding the Fundamentals of Professional Football Contracts to Guarantee Contractual Stability.
Designed with the fundamental belief that a well-equipped mind can thrive long after retirement—recognizing that behind every player is a human being, a family, and a life—this 7th edition builds on the success of previous years. Building on last season’s focus on Life Skills Education beyond pitch training, this year’s sessions will delve into customized retirement schemes, contract negotiations, legal frameworks, and the evolving landscape of sports law.
Overall, the seminar will serve as an interactive platform for knowledge exchange, fostering a collaborative environment where players can engage deeply with critical industry issues and share practical solutions.
Further details, including dates, registration, and speaker lineups, will be announced shortly.
Courtesy of:
NANPF Human Capacity Building Department
Warri Reps 2027: Mulade Visits Diebiri Monarch, Gets Royal Blessing
*You Have Spoken Well, My Son, Ebenanowei of Diebiri Hails Mulade’s Unity Spirit
By: Ella Akpa
The National Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for Warri Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, Amb. Comrade Dr. Sheriff Mulade, has received the endorsement and royal blessing of His Royal Majesty, the Ebenanowei of Diebiri Clan, Engr. Chief James Orubu.
Dr. Mulade received the blessing on Thursday, October 8, 2026, during a courtesy visit at private residence of the Diebiri traditional ruler.
Speaking during the visit, Mulade, an environmentalist and peace advocate, said he came to formally introduce himself and his team to the monarch and to seek his support ahead of the 2027 polls.
He assured the people of Diebiri of inclusive representation, promising to carry them along, attract development, and address the challenges currently facing the community. He also pledged to push for a distinct electoral ward for Diebiri if elected.
Dr. Mulade appealed to the people of Diebiri to support and vote for him in 2027, assuring them of responsive and effective representation at the House of Representatives, Abuja.
He noted that his representation will accommodate non-indigenes and will focus on uniting the three major ethnic groups in Warri Federal Constituency – Ijaw, Itsekiri and Urhobo.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for their commitment to the revitalization of Warri Port and the dredging of the Escravos River.
According to him, if elected, he will attract jobs, development, environmental remediation, and advocate for improved health and wellness for constituents.
Adding that ‘It is time for a new breath in Warri Federal Constituency. I will present the issues of Diebiri to the National Assembly,” Mulade assured, as he sought the royal father’s approval to visit his subjects across the kingdom.
In his response, the Ebenanowei of Diebiri Clan, HRM Engr. Chief James Orubu, said, “You have spoken very well, my son.”
The monarch hailed Mulade’s unity spirit and his promise to carry everyone along irrespective of ethnic affiliation, noting that Warri belongs to the Ijaws, Itsekiris and Urhobos, and that if the three ethnic groups unite, Warri will blossom.
According to him “Mutual respect will make it happen. Diebiri is ready to welcome an eloquent and bold person to represent Warri Federal Constituency,” the monarch said.
He charged Mulade to remain committed to his pledges, especially his development agenda, and urged him to pursue the revival of the Export Processing Zone project. The monarch also noted that the Forcados Port existed before the Lagos Port but was neglected due to politics.
He added that Diebiri is one of the five kingdoms that signed a treaty with the British Government in 1893, stressing the need for unity among the three ethnic groups to develop Warri.
Ohanaeze Traders Throw Weight Behind Tinubu, Oborevwori ahead 2027 polls
*Donate Campaign Vehicles, Cash, Hotel Accommodation
Ahead of the 2027 general election, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Traders and Independent Workers Association (ONTIWA), Delta State chapter, has thrown its weight behind the second term ambition of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
The group, led by its state chairman, Deacon Samuel Okoye, disclosed this when they visited Governor Oborevwori at his Osubi country home in Okpe Local Government Area of the state on Thursday.
















