Sports
Eight Top Performers in the 2024/25 NPFL Season
As the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season gains momentum, several players have made significant contributions to their teams’ ambitions. Here are eight standout performers to watch:
1. Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars)
At 44, Rabiu Ali shows no signs of slowing down. He started the season strong, scoring two goals, including a free kick, in Kano Pillars’ opening win over Ikorodu City. Last season, he was the team’s best player, netting 10 goals and providing nine assists. With over 100 career league goals, Ali is a legend in Nigerian football, currently in his 18th season.
2. Sodiq Ismail (Remo Stars)
After a remarkable season where he was the ‘assist king’ with 12 assists, Ismail has continued to impress. The 21-year-old right back has scored twice in three games this season, including a goal against Abia Warriors and another against Kano Pillars. His contributions have helped Remo Stars maintain a perfect start to the season.
3. Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United)
Yusuf has been pivotal for Nasarawa United, scoring all four of the team’s goals in their first four matches, including a hat-trick against El-Kanemi Warriors. His performance is especially notable as he helps the newly promoted team make their mark in the top flight.
4. Serge Obassa (Remo Stars)
Since joining from AS Cotonou, Obassa has established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper for Remo Stars, contributing to their impressive defensive record with three clean sheets in three matches. His performances have bolstered the team’s title aspirations.
5. Nasiru Salihu (El-Kanemi Warriors)
Salihu, at just 17, is having a breakout season, scoring two goals in his first two games for El-Kanemi. The midfielder’s dynamic play has made him one of the exciting young talents to watch in the league.
6. Kabiru Abdullahi (Rivers United)
In his debut season with Rivers United, Abdullahi has quickly become a key player, scoring three goals in as many games. His attacking prowess is proving essential as the team looks to defend their title.
7. Promise Awosanmi (Sunshine Stars)
Awosanmi has started the season strongly, with one goal and one assist in three games. He played a crucial role in Sunshine Stars’ 3-0 victory over Bayelsa United, scoring from a free kick and assisting another goal.
8. Kazeem Ogunleye (Rangers International)
Ogunleye, who scored eight goals and provided seven assists last season, is getting back to form for Rangers as they aim to defend their title. His experience will be vital as the team adapts to the departures of key players from last season.
These players are shaping the season and are crucial to their teams’ successes in the ongoing NPFL campaign.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially designated Morocco as the host for the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League finals. The tournament will take place from November 9 to November 23, as announced on CAF’s official website.
Morocco previously hosted the last edition of this prestigious competition. Among the eight teams competing this year is Nigeria’s champions, Edo Queens. The current title holders are Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa.
The tournament offers significant financial incentives, with winners receiving $400,000 and runners-up taking home $250,000.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has equaled Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 10 international hat-tricks after scoring three times in a dominant 6-0 victory against Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
In addition to his goals, the 37-year-old forward also provided two assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities. With this win, Argentina solidifies its position in the South American qualifiers, currently leading the table three points ahead of second-placed Colombia and six points clear of their arch-rivals Brazil.
On the same evening, Ronaldo’s Portugal faced Scotland in the UEFA Nations League but was held to a frustrating 0-0 draw, leaving the superstar visibly upset post-match.
Fenerbahce manager, Jose Mourinho, is reportedly planning a January transfer move for Barcelona forward Ansu Fati. After spending last season on loan at Brighton in the Premier League, Fati, now 21, returned to Barcelona but has struggled for game time under new coach Hansi Flick.
Once considered a potential successor to Lionel Messi, Fati’s limited opportunities at Barça have fueled speculation about a possible departure. According to *AS*, Mourinho is keen to bring the Spain international to the Turkish league, offering him the chance for regular football at Fenerbahce.
Fenerbahce’s sporting director, Mario Branco, is expected to initiate discussions with Fati’s representatives soon, confident that the promise of consistent playing time will help secure the forward’s move.
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