Ademola Lookman has called on the Super Eagles to turn their determination into results when they begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Nigeria are set for two important Group L fixtures, with the Super Eagles hosting Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.

Lookman acknowledged that both opponents could present a stern challenge but insisted that Nigeria are focused on collecting maximum points from the two matches.

“The whole team is looking forward to it. Two very important games are approaching, and the opponents are, of course, difficult to face. But we are looking forward to winning these two games,” Lookman told AS.

“We know that the games will be difficult, but we will do everything possible to achieve it.”

The Atletico Madrid forward also stressed the importance of having the right mentality as Nigeria look to put their recent disappointment behind them and begin their AFCON campaign on a positive note.

The Super Eagles missed out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup after suffering a playoff final defeat to DR Congo, making their upcoming AFCON qualifiers even more significant.

Nigeria have not missed an AFCON tournament since 2017 and have reached at least the semi-final stage in each of the last four editions.

The three-time African champions will therefore be looking to maintain that impressive record by starting the 2027 qualifying campaign strongly against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Paul Onuachu returned to action for Trabzonspor on Saturday, but it was Mohamed Salah who grabbed the headlines with a hat-trick as Galatasaray suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat in the Turkish Super Lig, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Super Eagles striker was introduced in the 58th minute with Trabzonspor already firmly in control of the contest.

Galatasaray arrived at the Senol Gune? Sports Complex as league leaders but struggled badly in the absence of the injured Victor Osimhen, who was unavailable for the encounter.

Salah opened the scoring just four minutes into the match, giving the hosts an early advantage and putting Galatasaray on the back foot.

The Egyptian forward then turned provider in the 39th minute, setting up Noah Saviolo to double Trabzonspor’s lead.

Salah added another goal shortly before half-time to give the home side a commanding 3-0 advantage at the interval.

Onuachu came on shortly after the hour mark, but Trabzonspor continued to control proceedings as Galatasaray searched for a route back into the match.

The visitors committed more players forward in the second half, leaving spaces at the back that Trabzonspor were able to exploit on the counter.

Salah completed his hat-trick in the 80th minute after racing through the Galatasaray defence before calmly finishing to make it 4-0.

Galatasaray’s difficult evening was compounded late in the match when midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu received a straight red card following a VAR review for a dangerous stamp on a Trabzonspor player.

The visitors were consequently forced to finish the game with 10 men, suffering a damaging defeat despite entering the fixture at the top of the league standings.

Galatasaray will now hope Osimhen can return to full fitness soon as they look to halt their poor run and respond to Saturday’s heavy loss.

Frank Onyeka played the full 90 minutes as Coventry City secured a historic Premier League victory, beating Nottingham Forest 1-0 on Saturday to end a 25-year wait for a win in the English top flight, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Super Eagles midfielder delivered a solid performance in the middle of the pitch, recording six defensive contributions as Jay DaSilva’s second-half goal proved enough to give the Sky Blues all three points.

DaSilva struck 10 minutes after the restart to register Coventry’s first Premier League goal since May 2001.

Forest controlled much of the first half and created several opportunities, finishing the opening period with 14 attempts, the highest total recorded by any team in a Premier League match this season.

James McAtee, Dan Ndoye and Neco Williams all tested Coventry goalkeeper Rushworth, while the visitors also threatened through Jack Rudoni and Brandon Thomas-Asante.

Liam Delap came closest to breaking the deadlock before the interval for Forest, but his effort curled narrowly wide.

Coventry grew into the game after taking the lead and defended resolutely to preserve their advantage.

Forest thought they had found an equaliser when substitute Igor Jesus produced a clever chip over Rushworth, only for Bobby Thomas to clear the ball off the line.

Jesus later appeared to level the contest from close range, but the effort was ruled out after a foul on Coventry midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi.

The result ended Coventry’s long wait for a Premier League victory, with their previous win in the division coming against Sunderland in April 2001.

It was also only their second away league victory in their last six matches, while Forest now head into the international break with plenty to assess after failing to turn their first-half dominance into points.

For Onyeka, the full-match involvement provides another positive outing as he continues to establish himself in Coventry’s midfield.

Ranchers Bees produced a spirited comeback to defeat Bendel Insurance 2-1 in their Matchday Four encounter in Kano on Saturday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The newly promoted side fell behind shortly after half-time when Chiedozie Okorie opened the scoring four minutes into the second period.

Bendel Insurance responded in the 66th minute as Lekan Gabriel restored parity, putting the Benin Arsenals in a strong position to push for a second goal.

Ranchers Bees, however, regained the advantage 13 minutes later through Mohammed Rabiu Zulkifilu, who converted in the 79th minute to put the hosts back in front.

The goal was Zulkifilu’s fifth of the Nigeria Premier Football League season, further highlighting his impressive start to the campaign.

Ranchers Bees were reduced to 10 men in the 84th minute, but the hosts remained organised during the closing stages to protect their lead and secure all three points.

The victory provides a much-needed response after Ranchers Bees suffered a 3-1 defeat to Barau FC on Matchday Three.

Bendel Insurance entered the contest with confidence after their 4-2 victory over Kun Khalifat in their previous outing, but they were unable to build on that result in Kano.

Ranchers Bees will now look to build momentum from the important victory as the newly promoted side continues its first season back in the NPFL.

Ikorodu City were forced to settle for a point after Barau FC held them to a goalless draw in their Matchday Four encounter at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, on Saturday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The result keeps the Maliya Boys second in the table with eight points from four matches, maintaining their unbeaten start to the campaign.

Ikorodu City had previously recorded victories over Nasarawa United and Ranchers Bees, while also playing out a goalless draw against Kun Khalifat.

Barau FC, meanwhile, remain fifth with five points from three matches and still have a game in hand.

The visitors started the game brightly and created the better opportunities during the opening period. Nura came closest to breaking the deadlock when his header struck the post before both teams went into the interval level.

Ikorodu City made a change at the start of the second half, with Moses Alli replacing Adeoye Akorede as the hosts looked for a way through.

The home side came close shortly afterwards when captain Salami Faruk's header crashed against the crossbar.

Goalkeeper Michael Atata was then called into action and produced an important save to deny Sugau Aliu, who had attempted to find the net with a volley.

Ikorodu City continued to make changes in search of a winning goal, with Aderemi Adeoye replaced by Malik Anofi.

Faruk was later shown a yellow card for a tactical foul as the hosts attempted to stop a Barau counter-attack.

Marvelous Freedom also returned to action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, replacing Dennis Mse as the game entered its closing stages.

Despite seven minutes of added time, neither team could find the breakthrough as the points were shared in Onikan.

Kelechi Iheanacho continued his outstanding scoring form in Turkey with a brace that lifted Bursaspor to the top of the TFF 1. Lig table following a 2-0 away victory over Batman Petrolspor, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Super Eagles forward broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 60th minute before returning late in the game to seal the victory with his second goal in the 85th minute.

The brace takes Iheanacho’s tally to 11 league goals this season and extends his remarkable scoring streak to eight consecutive league matches.

His latest contribution once again underlines his importance to Bursaspor, who are now enjoying a strong run of form at the top of the Turkish second tier.

Iheanacho has consistently found the back of the net in recent weeks, and his goals against Batman Petrolspor proved decisive as Bursaspor secured another important victory on the road.

The Nigerian striker will now look to maintain his impressive form as Bursaspor continue their push at the summit of the TFF 1. Lig standings.

UEFA and CONCACAF have called on FIFA to consider releasing at least $10 million to each of its 211 member associations during the 2027-30 cycle, a proposal that could make up to $10 million available to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The proposal was contained in a September 18 letter sent to FIFA President Gianni Infantino by UEFA President Aleksander ?eferin and CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani, who are also FIFA vice-presidents. They called for an independent review of FIFA’s financial reserves before any decision is made.

?eferin and Montagliani estimate that FIFA will end the 2023-26 cycle with around $6 billion in reserves, which they described as the highest level in the organisation’s history.

Based on their analysis, they believe FIFA could release approximately $2.1 billion, with each of the 211 member associations receiving at least $10 million over the 2027-30 cycle for infrastructure and football development.

If approved, the proposal would be additional to funding already committed through the FIFA Forward programme, which the two officials said should continue in full. The NFF would therefore be among the associations eligible for the proposed additional funding.

Proposal Follows Abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise

The call comes after FIFA abandoned its FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan, which was designed to generate additional resources for football development through outside investment.

The project faced opposition from several confederations and member associations before being dropped.

?eferin and Montagliani said their examination of FIFA’s published financial statements and budgets raised questions about whether the FFE transaction was necessary, given the governing body's projected reserves.

They argued that FIFA could provide additional development funding directly from its balance sheet without selling interests in its competitions or requiring member associations to make concessions in return.

FIFA Reserves Would Remain Above Proposed Minimum

The UEFA and CONCACAF presidents said their calculations suggest FIFA’s reserves would remain at approximately $1.5 billion or above throughout the 2027-30 cycle even after the proposed distribution.

They said that figure would be around 50 per cent higher than the minimum reserve level FIFA had budgeted for the 2023-26 cycle.

However, the pair acknowledged that their calculations are preliminary. Their analysis combines FIFA's published financial results for 2022-25 with estimates for 2026 and assumptions about the 2027-30 period.

They have therefore called for an independent review with access to FIFA's underlying financial figures and assumptions before the proposal is considered.

Decision Yet to Be Made

The proposal has not been approved by FIFA, and the final amount, conditions and timing would depend on the outcome of the financial review and FIFA's governance process.

“Once a clearer picture of FIFA’s financial position at year-end is available,” the letter said, the FIFA Council could determine whether a larger distribution would be possible and whether a similar payment could be made during the 2031-34 cycle.

The two officials also framed the proposal as a governance issue, arguing that FIFA should retain sufficient reserves to meet its obligations while considering whether surplus funds could be directed towards football development.

“Development is an institutional responsibility of FIFA – not a matter of individual discretion,” the letter said.

?eferin and Montagliani proposed that their confederations continue the financial analysis jointly and agree on the appropriate amount that could be released to the member associations.

They want the recommendations to go through FIFA’s established governance process for consideration at the next FIFA Council meeting and said they would also seek the support of the presidents of the other four continental confederations.

For Nigeria, any approval of the proposal could provide the NFF with an additional $10 million during the 2027-30 cycle, specifically for infrastructure and football development, on top of existing FIFA Forward funding.

Tolu Arokodare continued his impressive start to life at Ajax by finding the net in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Excelsior Rotterdam, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigeria international was introduced from the bench and needed just two minutes to make an impact, scoring to help Ajax avoid defeat in an entertaining encounter.

Julian Brandt also got on the scoresheet for the Amsterdam club, while Lennard Hartjes and Aymen Sliti were on target for Excelsior as both sides shared the points.

Arokodare’s latest goal further underlines the form that earned him a recall to the Super Eagles for the first time in 10 months.

The striker has quickly established himself as a popular figure among Ajax supporters since arriving from Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan.

His performances have also strengthened his case for regular involvement with the Dutch giants, having now scored six goals in nine appearances for the club.

Arokodare is expected to be involved when Nigeria begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign during the international break.

The Super Eagles will face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, with the Ajax forward now providing another attacking option for head coach Eric Chelle.

His latest contribution will give the Nigerian striker further confidence as he prepares to link up with the national team.

Victor Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches after failing to recover in time from a muscle strain, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Galatasaray striker was initially included in Eric Chelle’s squad after both his club and the Super Eagles technical crew remained hopeful he would regain fitness ahead of the international window.

However, Osimhen was absent from Galatasaray’s meeting with Trabzonspor, confirming that he is not yet ready to return to competitive action.

A Super Eagles official explained that the striker’s recovery has taken longer than expected.

“Victor Osimhen’s recovery from a muscle strain has been slower than expected,” the official said.

“He was included in Nigeria’s squad for the AFCON qualifiers because Galatasaray and the Super Eagles technical crew were hopeful he would be fit for the Super Lig game against Trabzonspor and ready for the international window.

“But his absence from tonight’s match confirms Galatasaray’s correspondence to Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle that the striker is still recovering and will not be ready for Nigeria’s matches.”

Osimhen’s unavailability represents a major selection issue for Chelle as Nigeria begins its qualification campaign, with the striker having established himself as one of the team’s principal attacking outlets.

The Super Eagles coach will now have to assess the other forwards in his squad and determine how best to replace Osimhen in the attacking setup.

Why Osimhen Was Initially Included

The decision to name Osimhen in the original squad was based on the expectation that he could recover in time to feature for Galatasaray against Trabzonspor before reporting for international duty.

His rehabilitation from the muscle problem had been progressing. Still, his failure to make the squad for the Turkish club’s latest fixture has provided a clearer indication that he is not yet ready.

Nigeria’s technical team will now avoid rushing the striker back into action, with his recovery expected to remain the priority.

Nigeria’s AFCON Qualifying Campaign

The Super Eagles are set to begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar before facing Guinea-Bissau.

Nigeria are in Group L alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania, who are among the co-hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Kenya and Uganda.

Chelle will therefore have to prepare his team for the opening qualifiers without his first-choice attacking option.

While Nigeria have several other forwards capable of playing centrally or from wider positions, Osimhen’s absence removes a proven source of goals from the squad.

For now, there is no indication that the injury is expected to keep the Galatasaray striker out for an extended period beyond the current international window, with Osimhen continuing his recovery from the muscle strain.

Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau after his recovery from a right adductor muscle strain took longer than expected.

The update was provided on Saturday by Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe, ending hopes that the Galatasaray striker would recover in time to join Nigeria for the international window.

Osimhen had been included in the Super Eagles squad because Galatasaray and Nigeria’s technical staff believed he could regain full fitness before the club’s Super Lig meeting with Trabzonspor on September 19.

That fixture was regarded by officials from both Galatasaray and Nigeria as an important test of the 26-year-old’s fitness. However, Osimhen was not available for the match, confirming that his rehabilitation remains incomplete.

“Victor Osimhen’s recovery from a muscle strain has been slower than expected,” Efoghe said in his report.

“He was included in Nigeria’s squad for the AFCON qualifiers because Galatasaray and Super Eagles technical crew were hopeful he would be fit for the Super Lig game versus Trabzonspor and ready for the international window.

“But his absence from tonight’s match confirms Galatasaray’s correspondence to Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle that the striker is still recovering and will not be ready for Nigeria’s matches.”

Nigeria will begin their qualifying campaign against Madagascar on September 25 before meeting Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

Osimhen has made four league appearances for Galatasaray this season, scoring six goals and providing two assists.

His absence leaves Nigeria without one of their principal attacking options for the opening two fixtures of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying schedule.

The striker was selected despite his injury because of the expectation that he would be available by the start of the international break. His failure to feature against Trabzonspor has now delayed that return and means he will not be ready for either of the Super Eagles’ matches.

The report also confirms that Galatasaray had communicated Osimhen’s condition to Nigeria manager Eric Chelle before the international fixtures. That correspondence indicated that the forward was still recovering from the muscle strain and would not be fit to represent his country in the two qualifiers.

Ikorodu City and Barau FC played out a 0-0 draw in Match Round 4 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Ikorodu City

Barau FC

Ikorodu City

A. Adeshola (D. Umar, 46) A. Adeoye (D. Umar, 67) D. Mse (M. Freedom, 90)

Barau FC

H. Ezeonye (I. Ayoola, 46) S. Anthony (C. Azubuike, 56) D. Abdulrahman (U. Al Amin, 62) J. Atule (E. Etunuya, 62) K. Suur (Baggio, 74)

The result means neither side could find the breakthrough in a match that ended without a recorded shot on target for either team.

Passes:

Both Ikorodu City and Barau FC were listed with no shots on target or shots on goal. No player was recorded as the most active shooter for Ikorodu City, while no individual was identified as Barau FC’s leading player for efforts on goal.

Defense:

The match data also recorded ball possession as 0% for Ikorodu City and 0% for Barau FC. Passing statistics were similarly unavailable, with both teams listed as having completed 0 passes and recorded a pass accuracy of 0%.

Face-to-face:

Ikorodu City were credited with 0 key passes, while Barau FC also registered 0. The figures underline how little attacking output was recorded from either side during the NPFL encounter.

Fouls:

Yellow cards: F. Salami (Ikorodu City) at 83 minute K. Peter (Ikorodu City) at 90 minute S. Wisdom (Barau FC) at 33 minute O. K. Okagube (Barau FC) at 38 minute C. Chiaha (Barau FC) at 55 minute

Ikorodu City - DDWBarau FC - DWW

Ikorodu City will play with Bendel Insurance. September 23 at 15:00 (GMT), on Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.Barau FC will play with Abia Warriors. September 23 at 15:00 (GMT), on None.

Victor Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches after his recovery from a muscle strain took longer than expected.

A Super Eagles official confirmed that the Galatasaray striker will not be available during the international window, after he was left out of his club’s match against Trabzonspor.

Osimhen had initially been named in Nigeria’s squad because Galatasaray and the Super Eagles technical team believed he could recover in time to play in the Super Lig before joining up with the national side.

His failure to feature in that match has now confirmed that he is not yet ready to return to competitive action.

“Victor Osimhen’s recovery from a muscle strain has been slower than expected,” the Super Eagles official said.

“He was included in Nigeria’s squad for the AFCON qualifiers because Galatasaray and the Super Eagles technical crew were hopeful he would be fit for the Super Lig game against Trabzonspor and ready for the international window.

“But his absence from tonight’s match confirms Galatasaray’s correspondence to Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle that the striker is still recovering and will not be ready for Nigeria’s matches.”

Chelle must find attacking alternative

Osimhen’s absence leaves head coach Eric Chelle without one of Nigeria’s most important attacking options for the start of the qualifying campaign.

The striker has become a leading forward for the Super Eagles and a significant source of goals for the national team. Chelle must now decide whether to select another recognised centre-forward or change his attacking structure to make use of the players available.

Nigeria still have forwards who can play through the middle or from wider positions, but Osimhen’s unavailability removes one of their main choices in the centre-forward role.

His inclusion in the initial squad was based on the expectation that his rehabilitation would progress sufficiently for him to return against Trabzonspor. That match was regarded as an important indication of whether he would be able to report for international duty.

With Osimhen not involved, the Super Eagles technical staff will proceed without him rather than risk bringing him back before he has fully recovered.

Nigeria begin qualification campaign

Nigeria’s opening fixtures in the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign will be played during the extended September-October FIFA international window.

The Super Eagles are in Group L with Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and co-hosts Tanzania. Their first two matches are a home fixture against Madagascar followed by an away game against Guinea-Bissau.

The 2027 AFCON will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Nigeria’s immediate priority is to prepare for those two competitive matches while managing Osimhen’s recovery carefully. The statement did not indicate that his absence is permanent, and the striker remains in recovery from the muscle strain.

Niyi Busari is the Publisher and CEO of BSNSportsConcept.

Kelechi Iheanacho scored in his eighth consecutive league match as Bursaspor recovered from a goal down to beat Batman Petrolspor 2-1 away from home.

The hosts took the lead in the 29th minute when Doria found the net, giving Batman Petrolspor the advantage at half-time.

Bursaspor responded after the break and were awarded a penalty, which Nigeria international Iheanacho converted on the hour to bring the visitors level.

The forward completed the turnaround five minutes before full time, securing another important victory for Bursaspor and extending his remarkable scoring run.

Iheanacho has now scored 11 goals and provided two assists for Bursaspor this season. His goalscoring form has helped the Green Crocodiles strengthen their position at the top of the standings.

The victory moved Bursaspor three points clear at the summit after a closely contested match.

Bursaspor’s next league fixture is at home against Mardin BB on Sunday, 11 October.

Chidera Ejuke made his sixth La Liga appearance of the season as Sevilla were beaten 3-1 by reigning champions Barcelona on Saturday.

The Super Eagles midfielder came on in the 59th minute, replacing Jose Angel Carmona (Correia), and provided energy on the flank as the hosts attempted to recover from Barcelona’s turnaround.

Sevilla had taken a surprise lead in the 19th minute, with a fine finish sending the home supporters into celebration. Their advantage lasted only three minutes, however, before Raphinha equalised for Barcelona.

The Brazil forward struck again seven minutes after the restart to put the visitors ahead, then completed his hat-trick to give Barcelona control of the match and leave Sevilla facing a difficult route back into the contest.

Sevilla pressed for a late response, but Barcelona dealt comfortably with the hosts’ efforts and secured all three points. The result also means the champions extended their unbeaten record this season.

Tolu Arokodare scored shortly after coming on to earn Ajax a 2-2 draw against Excelsior in their Eredivisie home match on Saturday night.

Ajax took the lead two minutes after the half-hour mark when Julian Brandt found the net. Excelsior responded before the interval, with Lennar Hartjes equalising in first-half stoppage time.

The visitors then completed the turnaround 17 minutes into the second half. Aymen Sliti put Excelsior 2-1 ahead in the 62nd minute, giving the visitors the lead for the first time.

Ajax’s response was immediate. Arokodare replaced Kasper Dolberg and levelled two minutes later to secure a point for the home side.

The goal was the Nigeria international’s sixth for Ajax across all competitions this season.

The result leaves Ajax second in the Eredivisie, with 14 points from seven matches.

Michel’s side will next return to league action on Saturday, October 10, when they host NEC Nijmegen.

Moses Simon was an unused substitute as Paris FC earned a 2-1 win over Strasbourg in a tightly contested Ligue 1 match on Saturday.

The Super Eagles winger remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes as Paris FC secured three important points in the French top flight. The result strengthened the capital club’s campaign, while Simon was left frustrated by another match without an appearance.

Simon has featured in four league games for Paris FC this season but is still waiting for his first goal. He is also yet to establish himself as a regular starter under the club’s current tactical approach.

Paris FC made the stronger start at home and took the lead in the 18th minute. Ilan Kebbal finished past the Strasbourg defence to put the hosts 1-0 ahead, a lead they carried into half-time.

Strasbourg looked to recover after the interval, but Paris FC extended their advantage 12 minutes after the restart.

Pablo Pagis scored in the 57th minute to make it 2-0 and give the home side a significant advantage.

The visitors responded with increased pressure late in the game and were helped back into contention when Paris FC defender Moustapha Mbow scored an own goal in the 88th minute.

Paris FC were forced to withstand five minutes of stoppage time, but held firm to secure the victory and claim all three points.

Barau FC preserved their unbeaten record in the new season with a goalless draw away to Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, on Saturday.

Both teams had chances to claim victory, but neither could find the breakthrough in a game that ended without a goal.

The result kept Barau FC second in the table with eight points from four matches. Ikorodu City, who have played one match fewer, are fifth with five points from three games.

Katsina United claimed their first win of the season by beating Niger Tornadoes 1-0 at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.

Abdulrahman Garba scored the only goal in the 21st minute, securing three points for the home side.

The victory moved Katsina United up to 11th position, while Niger Tornadoes stayed ninth in the standings.

In Kano, Ranchers Bees recovered from conceding first to defeat Bendel Insurance 2-1 in an entertaining contest.

Chiedozie Jude Okorie gave Ranchers Bees the lead four minutes after half-time. Bendel Insurance responded through Lekan Gabriel, who equalised in the 66th minute.

Ranchers Bees restored their advantage with 11 minutes remaining when Mohammed Rabiu Zulkifilu scored the winning goal.

The strike was Zulkifilu’s fifth goal of the season in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

Tolu Arokodare continued his scoring run for Ajax by finding the net two minutes after coming off the bench in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Excelsior Rotterdam.

Julian Brandt and Arokodare scored for Ajax, while Lennard Hartjes and Aymen Sliti struck for the visitors.

The goal further underlined Arokodare’s strong start since joining the Amsterdam club on loan from Wolverhampton. The towering striker has now scored six goals in nine matches for Ajax and has quickly become a favourite with the supporters.

His latest contribution also strengthened the case for his return to the Nigeria squad. Arokodare has been called up to the Super Eagles for the first time in ten months and is expected to feature against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau during the international break.

Ajax were unable to secure victory despite Arokodare’s impact after his introduction, with Excelsior recovering to earn a point.

Kelechi Iheanacho scored twice to take his season tally to 11 goals and help Bursaspor move to the top of the TFF 1. Lig standings, reports BSNSports.com.ng.

The Super Eagles forward opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 60th minute before adding a second in the 85th minute to secure a late away victory against Batman Petrolspor.

Iheanacho has now scored in each of his past eight league matches, extending his remarkable run of form for Bursaspor.

Nigeria’s Falconets will attempt to reach the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup semi-finals for the first time in 12 years when they meet Colombia in the quarter-finals in ?odz on Sunday.

The two-time runners-up go into the match buoyed by their 3-0 victory over England in the Round of 16 in Bielsko-Bia?a on Thursday. Tosin Rafiu, Janet Akekoromowei and Mary Mamudu scored as Nigeria ended the Young Lionesses’ campaign.

Mamudu has been among the Falconets’ most reliable finishers in recent weeks, having also scored against host nation Poland and South Korea in pre-tournament friendlies.

Nigeria will return to ?odz, a venue linked with one of their most significant achievements at this level. They defeated Colombia 1-0 in the semi-finals of the 2010 edition, with Ebere Orji scoring after just two minutes in Bielefeld, Germany. The Falconets protected that advantage to reach their first final and claim their first podium finish in a FIFA-organised women’s football championship.

That run had followed a dramatic victory over the United States of America in Augsburg. Helen Ukaonu equalised with 11 minutes remaining before Ukaonu, Joy Jegede, Esther Sunday and Desire Oparanozie converted in the penalty shoot-out to secure Nigeria’s progress.

Captain and goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma will again be central to the team’s hopes. She produced six major saves, including one from a penalty, during a demanding 45 minutes against England in the last 16.

Head Coach Moses Aduku says his side must avoid complacency despite their emphatic win.

“It will be unwise for us to keep thinking of the win over England. That match is gone and we already cut short our celebration immediately after in the dressing room to focus on the encounter with Colombia. The Colombians sent out the host nation and will not be a walk-in-the-park for us.

“We must put our best foot forward, contest every ball and go for victory. The girls realise that this is an extraordinary opportunity for them to write their names in gold in Nigeria football.”

Colombia also recorded a 1-0 victory over the hosts on Thursday night, matching the result Nigeria achieved against Poland in a pre-tournament friendly in Brzeg.

The Falconets showed confidence during Saturday’s official training session, held as the Nigeria Football Federation paid outstanding daily allowances to the players and officials.

NFF’s Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, also gave the players a token of appreciation and urged them to continue their progress.

“You have sustained a great mentality in this tournament since the 0-0 draw with China in your second match.

“Tournaments naturally get tougher at the closing stages. However, tough teams get tougher when the going gets tough. The NFF has confidence in you to make Nigeria proud by not only overcoming the Colombian challenge, but also going all the way to lift the trophy for the very first time.”