9jasports Services Limited (2026)

13/03/2026

NNL unveils Prostar/Sportlight Hub award winners as event gets March 30 date

The Nigeria National League (NNL) has officially announced the winners of the Prostar/Sportlight Hub monthly awards for December 2025, January 2026, and February 2026, recognizing outstanding performances by players, coaches, teams, and referees across the league.

For December 2025, Ajibola Joel of Stormers FC emerged as the highest goal scorer, while Emmanuel S. Daniel of Ranchers Bees FC claimed the Best Goalkeeper award for his impressive performances between the sticks.

Chief Coach Paul Ofor of Akwa United FC was named Best Coach for the month, while Kada Warriors FC won the Best Behaved Team award.

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) award went to Yaro Zakari of Yobe Desert Stars FC, while Daniel Gothom of Akwa United FC scored the Goal of the Month. Akporogene Ajigeye of the Delta State Referees Council was named Best Referee.

In January 2026, Tony Ayang of Rovers FC finished as the highest goal scorer, while Aloysius Thankgod of Akwa United FC was awarded Best Goalkeeper.

Coach Paul Ofor continued his impressive run by winning the Best Coach award again for the month, while Rovers FC also picked up the Best Behaved Team award.

The MVP honour for January went to Victor Samuel of Sporting Lagos FC, while Babarinde Taofeek of Gateway FC was recognized for scoring the Goal of the Month. Eke Henry N. of the Imo Referees Council was named Best Referee.

For February 2026, Innocent Idi of City FC finished as the highest goal scorer, while Alo Chukwu Pascal of Abakaliki FC was named Best Goalkeeper.

The Best Coach award once again went to Paul Ofor of Akwa United FC, completing a remarkable three-month sweep.

Lobi Stars FC were named Best Behaved Team for the month, while Obisesan Sodiq of Osun United FC earned the Most Valuable Player award.

The Goal of the Month award went to Jaffar Ojo of Smart City FC, while Mudashir Shehu of the Kaduna State Referee Council was recognized as the Best Referee.

The monthly awards, sponsored by Prostar and Sportlight Hub, are aimed at celebrating excellence and encouraging professionalism among players, coaches, referees, and teams competing in the NNL. The award will hold on Monday 30th March 2026.

10/03/2026

The Royal Organising Committee has appointed coordinators for the forthcoming Gombe State Emir’s Cup Football Competition, representing 15 emirates, chiefdoms, and traditional councils across the state.

The inauguration took place at the Medical and Health Workers Union Secretariat, Federal Low Cost, in Gombe Metropolis.

Chairman of the Royal Organising Committee, Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe, led the proceedings alongside the Vice Chairman, Alhaji Auwal Umar, and other committee members.

The exercise forms part of preparations for the upcoming football competition following a successful trophy tour by the committee to all the 15 emirates, chiefdoms, and traditional councils across the state.

The competition is aimed at promoting peace, discovering football talents at the grassroots level, and strengthening unity among traditional institutions across Gombe State.

The appointed coordinators and their respective emirates, chiefdoms, and traditional councils include
Umar Garba Kenya, Nafada Emirate,
Aliyu Lamid, Funakaye Emirate, Muhammad Musa Baba, Akko Emirate, Ibrahim Mohammed Suleiman,Kaltungo Traditional Council
Malam Hashimu, Ibrahim, Gombe Emirate, Salisu Shuaibu Umar – Dadiya Traditional Council, Ibrahim Manzo – Pindiga Emirate, Sani Babayo – Tula Traditional Council, Malam Hassan Bebeto – Gona Emirate, Abubakar Magaji – Dukku Emirate, Sharu Garba Sidi – Yamaltu Emirate
Kudemcy Abubakar – Deba Emirate, Babawuro Mohammed – Cham Chiefdom, Jamilu Rabiu – Tangale Chiefdom, Ibrahim Yahaya Sambo – Waja Chiefdom

The coordinators were appointed through a transparent process in which each participant picked a ballot to determine the emirate, chiefdom, or traditional council they would coordinate.

The committee urged the coordinators to work closely with football teams within their respective jurisdictions and guide them on all aspects of the rules and regulations governing the competition.

Meanwhile, four centres have been designated for the preliminary rounds of the competition.

The centres are Bajoga, Deba, Gombe Metropolis, and Kaltungo.

The draw for the competition, as well as training for referees on the use of the Video Assistant Referee system for the tournament, will be the next activities on the Royal Organising Committee’s programme ahead of the official kickoff.

Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe advised the coordinators to demonstrate professionalism and adhere strictly to the rules guiding the competition, warning that anyone found violating the regulations will be summarily dismissed.(NAN)

26/01/2026

Golden Arrows Stumble Against Angola but Keep Semi-Final Hopes Alive At 27th Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup

Nigeria’s Senior Men Handball team, the Golden Arrows, recorded their first defeat in Group A of the main draw of the Final Eight at the 27th Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup after a 27–24 loss to Angola at the BK Arena, Kigali, Rwanda.

Angola took control early in the contest, edging the first half 14–11 after capitalising on key moments and defensive solidity.

Despite a spirited response from the Golden Arrows in the second half, the Southern Africans, spurred on by star player Cláudio André Patrício Chicola who netted 14 goals, maintained their composure to see out the game and seal victory.

Nigeria showed resilience after the break, tightening up defensively and finding more rhythm in attack as they attempted to close the gap.

Faruk Yusuf led the Golden Arrows’ scoring chart with 9 goals, while Salami Hakeem provided strong support with 6 goals. Sulaimon Azeez also made a notable contribution with 4 goals, as Shagari John added 3 goals from the backcourt.

Further efforts came from Mohammed Mustapha and Iyortyer Sessugh, who scored a goal apiece, while goalkeeper Michael Solomon once again stood firm between the posts with several crucial saves that kept Nigeria in contention for long spells of the encounter.

However, Angola’s experience proved decisive in the closing stages, as they held on to their three-goal advantage until the final whistle.

The defeat does not end Nigeria’s push for a semi-final spot, as the Golden Arrows boast a better goal difference than Angola and currently sit second behind Egypt in the semi-final placement standings.

Nigeria will now turn their attention to a crucial clash against Egypt, where a favourable result could secure a place in the final four and potentially seal a long-awaited qualification for the 2027 World Championship in Germany.

26/01/2026

Poland 2026: Aduku expresses confidence as Falconets gear up for Senegal clash

Head Coach Moses Aduku has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Nigeria U20 girls, Falconets, as the two-time FIFA World Cup silver-medallists continue preparations for the third-round FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture against Senegal.

The past weeks spent in camp have been productive, with all invited players fully present and responding positively to training. The technical crew has focused on tactical organization, team cohesion, and overall strategy, and the players have demonstrated commitment, discipline, and intensity throughout preparations.

Aduku emphasized that attention remains firmly on the upcoming qualifier, stressing the importance of securing a strong result in the first leg on home soil. Friendly matches have been vital in assessing and refining the team’s system of play, with focus on strengthening attacking play while maintaining defensive balance. He described performances so far as encouraging.

Nigeria will host the first leg of the fixture at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, on Saturday, 7th February, with the return leg scheduled for Saturday, 14th February in Dakar, Senegal.

The Falconets, who also reached the semi finals of the FIFA World Cup in Japan 14 years ago, will travel to Ibadan on 27th January to continue their preparations ahead of the fixture. While refraining from bold predictions, Coach Aduku expressed belief in the quality and mentality of the players, citing their competitive displays in recent friendly matches. He concluded by re-affirming the team’s determination to make the nation proud and secure qualification.

The winner of the Nigeria/Senegal fixture will go into the last round of the qualifying series, to confront the winner of the Guinea Bissau/Malawi fixture, for one of Africa’s four tickets at the final tournament.

The 12th edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals will be staged in Poland, 5 -27th September 2026.

22/01/2026

Nigeria Crush Zambia, Seal Quarterfinal Spot in Africa Men's Handball Nations Cup

Nigeria’s Senior Men Handball Team, the Golden Arrows, produced a dominant all-round display to overpower Zambia 36–18 in their second Group A match of the 25th Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup in Kigali, Rwanda, booking their place in the quarterfinals of the competition.

The Golden Arrows asserted their authority early in the encounter, combining solid defence with sharp attacking play to open a 17–10 lead at halftime.

The Coach Rafiu Salami's tutored team, raised the tempo after the restart, completely outclassing their Zambian opponents with swift ball movement, effective shooting from the backcourt and disciplined defensive organisation.

Nigeria was outstanding throughout the contest, with Right Winger Azeez Sulaiman delivering a masterclass performance.

The France based player was Nigeria’s top scorer with eight goals, dictating play and leading the offensive charge and his impressive outing earned him the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

Sulaiman was well supported by Faruk Yusuf and John Shagari, who both contributed five goals apiece, while Rotibi Victor added four goals from the backcourt.

Hakeem Salami chipped in with four goals, Mustapha Mohammed scored three, and Kareem Ajibike also registered three goals.

Further goals came from Dikko Ibrahim, who scored two, while Captain Stephen Sessugh and Cole Gbenga added one goal each, completing a balanced team performance that underlined Nigeria’s attacking depth.

Defensively, the Golden Arrows were equally impressive, restricting Zambia to just eight goals in the second half, as Nigeria maintained compact lines and forced turnovers that translated into quick counter-attacks.

With two convincing victories from their opening matches against Algeria and Zambia, Nigeria have now secured qualification for the quarterfinals, strengthening their credentials as one of the tournament’s most competitive sides.

The Golden Arrows will conclude their Group A campaign against host nation Rwanda on Saturday, as they look to maintain their perfect run and build momentum heading into the knockout stage with the aim of qualifying for the 2027 World Championship in Germany.

20/01/2026

Rivers United Departs For Zambia Ahead Of Power Dynamo Clash

Rivers United FC will depart the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Nigeria, for Ndola, Zambia, via Ethiopian Airlines flight at 9:45pm on Tuesday (today), January 20, 2026, with a stopover in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The team’s contingent, comprising players and officials, is expected to arrive in Ndola on Wednesday.

The Pride of Rivers will confront Power Dynamo in a TotalEnergies CAF Champions League Group A Matchday 3 tie at the Ndola-Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday, 24th January 2026. Kickoff is scheduled for 3pm local time,(2pm Nigeria time)

20/01/2026

Nigeria Men's Handball Team (Golden Arrows,) Enroute Kigali

The Nigeria Senior Men's Handball team, otherwise known as the Golden Arrows, travelled out of the country early this morning via the Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos to Kigali, Rwanda for the Africa Men's Handball Nations Championship which will be held from January 21 to 31, 2025.

The team was led by the President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) Mr. Jibril Saidu Ojih (FNSQ) and other officials of the Federation.

They are expected to land around late noon today.

The Coach Rafiu Salami tutored team will play their first match against Algeria on Wednesday at 1pm.

19/01/2026

Coach Salami Names Nigeria's Final List for Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup as Golden Arrows Set for Kigal

Head Coach of Nigeria’s senior men’s national handball team, the Golden Arrows, Coach Rafiu Salami, has unveiled his final 16-man squad for the Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup 2026 scheduled to hold from January 21st to 31st, 2026 in Kigali, Rwanda.

The list was released following several weeks of intensive camping and training in Abuja, where players were put through tactical, physical and technical sessions aimed at fine-tuning the team ahead of the continental showpiece.

The squad blends home-based talents with foreign-based professionals, underscoring the technical crew’s desire to strike a balance between experience and youthful energy. Leading the goalkeeping department is Olatunde Adams, who plies his trade in Qatar, alongside Michael Ogbaji (Cotonou) and Okwor Obinna (COAS).

In the backcourt, Nigeria will rely on the experience of Yusuf Faruk, who is based in France, and Rotibi Gbenga from Morocco, while the centre back role will be anchored by Hakeem Salami, also plying his trade in Morocco.

The pivot position boasts strength and versatility with Daniel Bello of Turkey and Cotonu based Sessugh Stephen while the wings feature exciting options such as Azeez Suleiman (France) and Cole Gbenga (Morocco).

Nigeria have been drawn in Group A of the championship alongside hosts Rwanda, Algeria and Zambia.

The Golden Arrows will begin their campaign in the very first match of the competition on Wednesday against Algeria, a fixture expected to test the team’s readiness early in the competition.

Coach Rafiu Salami will be assisted by a backroom staff led by Innocent Nwankwo, David Emmanuel, Technical Director Mohammed Bala Khalid, and medical personnel Sha Grace Saleh, as Nigeria targets a strong showing in Kigali.

Nigeria has featured in the Africa Handball Nations Cup 15 times since first qualifying for the championship in Tunisia in 1974 with best performance being a 4th-place finish in 1998 in South Africa

Meanwhile, In a boost to the team’s preparation, Salis Ventilated Homes Limited situated in Abuja has donated kits to the Rwanda-bound Golden Arrows.

President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Jibril Ojih Saidu (FNIQS), expressed deep appreciation for the gesture, assuring that the kits will be put to judicious use to the glory of God and for the benefit of the team, as the players strive to make Nigeria proud at the forthcoming Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup in Kigali, Rwanda.

Africa Men's Handball Championship 2026 KIGALI, RWANDA. GOLDEN ARROWS OF NIGERIA TEAM LIST

Goalkeepers
1. Olatunde Adams - Qatar
2. Michael Ogbaji - Cotonou
3. Okwor Obinna - Coas

Back Left
4. John Shagari - Cotonou
5. Tahir Lawal Ahmad- Corrections Service

Back Right
6. Yusuf Faruk - France
7. Rotibi Gbenga - Morocco

Centre Back
8. Hakeem Salami - Morocco
9. Ibrahim Dikko - Cotonou

Pivot
10. Sessugh Stephen - Cotonou
11. Daniel Bello - Turkey

Left Wing
12. Kareem Ajibike - Cotonou
13. Mohammed Mustapha - Sokoto

Right Wing
14. Azeez Suleiman - France
15. Cole Gbenga - Morocco
16. Atabo Abdullahi - Cotonou

Officials
1. Salami Sulu Rafiu - Head Coach
2. Innocent Nwankwo - Assistant
3. David Emmanuel - Assistant
4. Mohammed Bala Khalid - Technical Director
5. Sha Grace Saleh - Team Medic

19/01/2026

Rejuvenated Nasarawa United Claim Bragging Rights Over Regional Heavyweights, Niger Tonadoes in Epic Clash

The Solid Miners bounced back from two consecutive defeats to secure a 2-1 home victory over their North-Central Zonal rivals, Niger Tornadoes, in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League match-day twenty-one clash decided at the Lafia City Stadium on Sunday evening.

Two quick goals in the first-half of the game, courtesy of last season's highest goalscorer winner, Anas Yusuf, from the spot in the 13th minute, and mid-season recruit, Adekunle Oluwasegun, nine minutes later, ensured Nasarawa United move to the 4th position in the league's standings, as regulation time ended 2-1 against the visitors whose consolation goal was scored by Ahmadu Liman in the 85th minute.

Sunday's win sees the Solid Miners having 35 points, six points behind table-topping Rivers United who have 41 points from the same number of games.

Nasarawa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Honourable Kwanta Yakubu, alongside Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Sports Affairs, Comrade Hamza Ibrahim Moyi, joined the Chairman of Nasarawa United, Mr. Solomon Babanjah, and large supporters of the Club to cheer the Solid Miners to victory.

Up next for Nasarawa United is a long road trip to Umuahia, Abia State, where they will face 2nd-placed Abia Warriors, on Sunday, 25th January 2026, by 4pm, before returning to host nine-time league winners, Enyimba, three days (Wednesday, 28th January).

POST-MATCH REACTIONS:

COACH MANGUT MBWAS (NAS): "I am happy with the result today.

"We scored two early goals and made some incursions, however, the most important thing was that we secured the maximum points.

"I am glad with the performance of our newly acquired mid-season players who are blending well with the established players. We are rotating the team due to fatigue and illnesses to some of the players.

"We treat each game as it comes, and we will now set focus on our next game against Abia Warriors in Umuahia, Abia State, next weekend."

COACH MAAJI MOHAMMED(TOR): "Not a bad game for us. I think we started slowly and that gave our opponents, Nasarawa United, the edge over us.

"Despite effecting some tactical changes, we couldn't convert our chances, but we will work towards changing that, going forward."

CAUTION (YELLOW CARD):
Abubakar Abdullahi (NAS) - 15'
Idris Saidu (TOR) - 52'
Pam Samuel (NAS) - 81'

NASARAWA UNITED LINE-UP: Darlintin Ovunda, Abubakar Abdullahi, John Victor, Adekunle Oluwasegun, Bright Amadi, Pam Samuel, Ngei Oluka-Efor(Idris Ajiya 45'), John Joshua(Habibu Alakija 63'), Anas Yusuf(Akanni Lawal 80'), Ekeson Okorie(Benjamin Jack 80'), Jofrank Istifanus(Chidera Nduka 80').

UNUSED SUBS: Ameh Godwin, Prince Ikemdinachi, Nnoli Samuel, Salomon Chigoziem.

13/01/2026

Morocco 2025: Eagles remain confident as Gusau quashes fears of manipulative officiating

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON) has dismissed fears of possible biased officiating when the Super Eagles lock horns with hosts Atlas Lions of Morocco in Wednesday night’s Africa Cup of Nations second semi-final in Rabat.

“I do not have the same fears of the match officials being biased as some people have. I believe that the grass is always green and that the playing pitch is level. I do not see a situation in which the match officials will be working against any team’s interest.

“Last summer, we were here in Morocco, for the Women Africa Cup of Nations, and we played the host nation in the Final, even coming from two goals behind to achieve victory. There is nothing to fear. This is the highest level of football on the African continent, and the officials know that CAF as well as the whole world is watching, and will not do anything untoward.”

The NFF supremo and President of WAFU B spoke against the backdrop of widespread fears among Nigerian ball fans that the match officials could blatantly or surreptitiously work in favour of the host nation, which is looking for a second AFCON title after its maiden gong 50 years ago.

The Super Eagles camp continues to radiate confidence and self-belief ahead of the encounter, as the players keep strictly and professionally to their daily schedule at the Hotel Rihab and at the training ground – Complexe Sportif Mohamed VI.

Feelers from the Atlas Lions camp reveal that the players are in trepidation of the impact that Nigerian midfielder Alexander Iwobi can have on Wednesday night’s game.

Iwobi supplied 22 line-breaking passes in the quarter-final game against Mozambique (which Nigeria won 4-0) and 14 against Algeria’s Desert Foxes in Saturday’s quarter final duel in Marrakech. Nigeria won both games, scoring six goals and conceding none.

The 29-year-old, who debuted for Nigeria against the Democratic Republic of Congo in a friendly in Belgium on 8th October 2015, also supplied the assists for Nigeria’s first two goals of the competition, in the 2-1 win over Tanzania in Fés on 23rd December.

He will earn his 96th cap for the Super Eagles on Wednesday night.

11/01/2026

Joy in the Super Eagles Camp.

11/01/2026

2025

Super Eagles dismantle Fennecs 2-0 to reach AFCON semi finals

Irreproachable Nigeria on Saturday produced an even more superb masterclass to overwhelm and over-run a dazed Algeria and reach the last-four of the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.

The Desert Foxes goalkeeper, Luka Zidane, did his reputation a lot of good in the first period, foiling efforts by Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen as Nigeria exerted absolute authority inside the Grand Stade de Marrakech.

Osimhen danced to the right wing in the 7th minute but saw his intelligent cut-back swept out for a corner kick by Aissa Mandi. Osimhen’s header from the resultant corner kick flew over the sticks.

A quarter-hour later, Lookman streamed past the defence after another great pass by Alex Iwobi, only to see his effort smothered by Zidane.

Nigeria broke forward again in the 25th minute, but Zidane was alert and ran out to thwart the opportunity as Osimhen loomed once more. With eight minutes left in the first period, Akor Adams got at the end of another swift counter-attack but saw his effort fly over the bar with Zidane stranded.

Zidane and the Fennecs’ luck held well in the first 45 minutes, but two minutes into the second half, they were in no man’s land as Osimhen rose splendidly, suspending himself in the air, to nod into the net from a perfect pull-out by defender Bruno Onyemaechi. The great team goal started from Frank Onyeka’s pass to Adams, who found Iwobi, and who in turn found Onyemaechi.

Seven minutes later, another Onyemaechi cross and another Osimhen header. But this time, Zidane saved.

Three minutes before the hour, Nigeria established daylight between them and the North African country as Adams finished with aplomb from a great team move that started with Onyeka breaking down another Fennecs’ move and finding Iwobi, who found Osimhen. The 2023 African Player of the Year selflessly located Adams, and the Sevilla FC of Spain poacher rounded Zidane before slotting into the net for Nigeria’s second, and his own second AFCON goal.

With 10 minutes left, Adams came close to earning a brace and Nigeria’s third, with a diving header from Osimhen’s hard work and cross from the right. The ball ricocheted against the upright, saving the Fennecs’ blushes.

Victory shot the Super Eagles to a dream semi-final clash with hosts Morocco at the Crown Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday night.

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