Nigeria defender Ola Aina has been congratulated by the Super Eagles and Premier League club Nottingham Forest as he celebrates his 30th birthday on Thursday.

Born in London to Nigerian parents, Aina came through Chelsea's academy before gaining experience on loan at Hull City and Torino. He joined Nottingham Forest on a free transfer in 2023 and has since extended his contract until 2028.

Forest marked the occasion with a post reading: “Happy 30th birthday, Ola!”

Nigeria also paid tribute to the defender, referring to him as “Mr Lulu” and using green hearts to recognise his contribution to the national team. Aina has won nearly 50 caps since making his international debut in 2017.

Supporters shared birthday graphics featuring Aina in both Nottingham Forest's red and the Super Eagles' colours. They praised his important goals, including his strike against Aston Villa, as well as his contribution to Forest's European qualification and their finish at the top of the table last season.

Katsina United will welcome Enyimba to the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium on Friday night for a Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, Matchday Eight fixture.

The game will be the second Friday night match of the 2026/27 NPFL season. The first saw Shooting Stars beat Inter Lagos 2-1.

Katsina United are seeking a return to winning form after drawing their past two league matches. The Chanji Boys were held 1-1 by Rivers United before sharing the same scoreline with Inter Lagos last weekend.

Their results have left them without a victory in their previous two outings, and they will now face an Enyimba side whose fortunes have improved following a difficult start to the campaign.

Emmanuel Deutsch’s team are unbeaten in their last three league games, collecting two wins and a draw during that sequence.

The Aba-based club will attempt to continue that run when they travel to Katsina on Friday, while the hosts look to end their own winless spell.

By Adeboye Amosu

Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho has been ranked as the most valuable player in the Turkish Trendyol 1 Lig, according to BSNSports.com.ng.

The Bursaspor striker is valued at €2.80 million, placing him ahead of team-mates Lincoln Henrique and Juergen Elitim in the latest list.

Iheanacho has featured in every match for the Green Crocodiles and has scored 13 goals in 8 matches. Despite his position at the top of the standings, his market value has fallen by €200,000.

The forward returned from Russia after Nigeria’s international warm-up game on Tuesday and joined Bursaspor training on Thursday.

Nigeria opened the scoring in the match through Iheanacho in the 10th minute. Lechi Sadulaev then equalised before Matvey Kislyak and Aleksey Miranchuk added further goals for Russia.

Peter Edokpolor reduced the deficit in the 78th minute, while Akor Adams completed the recovery by scoring in the fourth minute of stoppage time to make it 3-3 in Nizhny Novgorod.

Shooting Stars Sports Club defender Adelowo Gbolagade has promised that the Oluyole Warriors will not give up despite extending their difficult run in the EUROMATCH NPFL.

The Ibadan-based side were held to a goalless draw by Kano Pillars at the Lekan Salami Stadium on Wednesday in a rescheduled week three fixture.

The result leaves Shooting Stars without a league victory in their past four matches. They have suffered two defeats and recorded two draws during that run.

Shooting Stars are 13th in the league table with eight points, following a sequence that has increased pressure on the team after a challenging start to the campaign.

Gbolagade addressed supporters after the frustrating home draw, acknowledging their disappointment while insisting the squad remained determined to improve.

“We know this is a difficult moment, and we understand your anger, disappointment and frustration,” he wrote on his X handle.

“We feel it too. But we want you to know that we are not giving up. We are hurting, but we are also determined to fight harder and make things right.

“Your support means everything to us, especially during the tough moments. Please keep believing in us and standing with the team.

“We promise to learn from our mistakes, work harder, and give everything we have on the pitch. This is not the end of our story. We will get it right.”

The draw against Kano Pillars followed a run in which Shooting Stars have struggled to turn performances into victories, leaving them with only eight points from their league campaign so far.

Gbolagade’s message was aimed at reassuring supporters that the players remain committed to reversing the team’s fortunes. He said the squad would use the recent setbacks as motivation to work harder and correct its mistakes.

Shooting Stars will now look to end their four-match winless run and climb from 13th position in the EUROMATCH NPFL table.

Mauro Tassotti has praised Samuel Chukwueze’s progress at AC Milan while acknowledging the difficulties the Nigeria winger faces in adjusting to a wider tactical responsibility under manager Ruben Amorim.

Chukwueze is being asked to operate along the entire right flank, contributing defensively as well as providing his usual attacking threat. The role represents a significant change from playing as a more advanced, out-and-out winger.

“This is the first year that Chukwueze has been playing on the wing [up and down the whole flank],” Tassotti told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The former AC Milan defender and five-time Scudetto winner was speaking ahead of the Rossoneri’s return to Serie A action against Sassuolo after the international break. His interview covered the tactical adjustments being made across the squad as Amorim continues to develop his approach.

Tassotti said Chukwueze had already shown enough quality to suggest he can make the role his own, although he also noted that the transition has exposed some weaknesses in Milan’s shape.

“I’ve seen him do some good things, and others less so, with Milan finding themselves unbalanced in some dangerous situations,” he said.

The assessment reflects the challenge facing Chukwueze as he learns to combine his pace and attacking ability with the discipline required to cover the full length of the flank. His effectiveness in that position could prove important to Milan’s ambitions this season.

For Amorim, the task is to refine a system that allows Chukwueze to remain an attacking outlet without leaving the team vulnerable when possession is lost. The Nigeria international’s continued development will therefore be closely linked to Milan’s efforts to find greater balance.

Chukwueze’s adaptation comes as the club prepares to resume its Serie A campaign against Sassuolo, with the winger continuing to learn the demands of his new position at San Siro.

Bendel Insurance have declared goalkeeper Joshua Baba absent without official leave (AWOL) after failing to return from an authorised period of recovery.

The Benin Arsenal said Baba was last seen on 29 August, when he featured in the club’s opening fixture of the season against Warri Wolves. The club issued a statement on Thursday, signed by its Director of Media and Communications, Kehinde Osagiede, and made available to Completesports.com.

Baba reportedly suffered a knock during the match and was subsequently given permission by the club’s management to return to his family and recover from the injury.

Insurance said the goalkeeper was granted two weeks to recover before travelling to Plateau State, where his family is based. He was expected to resume training and report back to the club in mid-September 2026.

However, the club said Baba did not return when the approved period ended and has since been unreachable.

“Following the injury, the player was granted a two-week recovery period and subsequently travelled to Plateau State to visit his family. He was expected to resume training and report back to the club in mid-September 2026.

“However, despite the expiration of the approved leave period, Joshua Baba has failed to report to the club and has remained absent without authorization.

“The club has made repeated efforts to establish contact with the player and ascertain his whereabouts. These efforts have, regrettably, proved unsuccessful.

“The Head Coach and Team Manager have also confirmed that the player has neither returned to duty nor obtained any authorization to extend his absence,” the statement read.

Bendel Insurance added that Baba is contracted to the club until the end of 2027, meaning he remains bound by his contractual responsibilities and the regulations governing professional football in Nigeria.

The club described the goalkeeper’s continued absence as a matter of “grave disciplinary importance”, saying his actions did not meet the standards expected of a Bendel Insurance player.

“Such conduct is unacceptable and falls short of the standards of professionalism, discipline, commitment and responsibility expected of every player representing Bendel Insurance FC,” the club stated.

Insurance said it would begin all necessary disciplinary and administrative procedures in accordance with Baba’s contract and the relevant rules of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The club also confirmed that it had formally informed both the NPFL and the NFF about the situation. It asked the two organisations to take note of Baba’s status and the circumstances surrounding his unauthorised absence.

Sporting Lagos head coach Jeffrey Buter has been fined N500,000 by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for remarks about match officials after his side’s local derby against Ikorodu City.

Buter was summoned to Abuja by the league body on Wednesday to explain the comments made during his post-match interview. He acknowledged that he had been wrong to make the remarks concerning the officiating.

The NPFL said it took the coach’s limited experience in the league into account before imposing the fine.

Buter has seven working days to pay the penalty. Failure to do so could result in further sanctions against the Sporting Lagos coach.

The league has also issued a warning to coaches and club officials over what it described as reckless or inflammatory public statements.

It said complaints about officiating should instead be submitted through the appropriate official procedures.

Pressure is growing on Shooting Stars technical adviser Salisu Yusuf after the club’s difficult opening to the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League campaign.

The Oluyole Warriors were held to a 0-0 draw by Kano Pillars in a rearranged Matchday 3 fixture at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, on Wednesday.

The stalemate extended Shooting Stars’ poor run to just one victory in their past seven league matches. During that sequence, they have drawn twice and lost four times.

Their early struggles have been made worse by their elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup. The Ibadan club were knocked out in the first preliminary round by Tunisian side CS Sfaxien.

Shooting Stars took a 1-0 lead into the second leg after winning the opening match at their temporary home in Abeokuta. However, that advantage was overturned as CS Sfaxien won the return fixture 2-0.

The start under Yusuf is a sharp contrast to the club’s strong finish to the 2025/26 season. The Oluyole Warriors ended that campaign in third place, securing a continental qualification spot for the first time in more than two decades.

Yusuf, an experienced tactician, took over from Nurudeen Aweroro, who was controversially dismissed by the club only a few weeks before the new season began.

The change in management has now come under scrutiny from sections of the Shooting Stars support. After Wednesday’s goalless draw with Kano Pillars, some fans called for Yusuf to be removed and demanded Aweroro’s return.

The result also saw Kano Pillars claim their first point away to 3SC in nine years, although Shooting Stars remain focused on ending their own winless sequence and recovering momentum in the league.

Yusuf’s next opportunity to change the club’s fortunes will come this weekend, when his side travel to face Kun Khalifat FC in a Matchday 8 fixture.

Shooting Stars will be seeking an immediate improvement after failing to build on last season’s third-place finish and suffering an early continental exit. Further dropped points could increase the pressure on Yusuf, whose team have made an unsettled start both domestically and in Africa.

Former Nigeria striker Victor Ezeji has congratulated Godwin Obaje after the Rangers forward became the latest player to reach 100 goals in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Obaje’s landmark goal has earned widespread recognition in Nigerian football, highlighting his longevity and consistency across a career that has included spells with Wikki Tourists, FC Ifeanyi Ubah, Abia Warriors and Enugu Rangers.

The achievement places Obaje in the NPFL’s 100-goal club alongside Ezeji and active veteran Rabiu Ali.

Ezeji, who retired 11 years ago and finished his career with 148 league goals, said he would welcome Obaje surpassing his personal record.

“No records are there forever; records are meant to be broken,” Ezeji said. “I stopped playing 11 years ago and would love to see my record broken. I wish Obaje well and hope he breaks it, and if not, that’s also fine.”

The former forward’s response underlines the respect between generations of Nigerian footballers. Rather than viewing Obaje’s progress as a threat to his own standing, Ezeji regards the pursuit of his record as evidence of the continuing development of the domestic game.

Obaje’s century has been built over successful periods with several NPFL clubs before his latest spell with Enugu Rangers. His goalscoring record has now placed him among an exclusive group of players to have reached three figures in the competition.

The Rangers striker will have the opportunity to extend his tally in the club’s colours, with attention now turning to how far he can push his total and whether he can eventually overtake Ezeji’s 148-goal mark.

Ezeji’s comments also reflect the wider significance of the milestone, with Obaje’s achievement adding another notable chapter to the history of the NPFL.

Galatasaray will not decide whether Victor Osimhen can face Kas?mpasa until the striker has completed further medical assessments, club doctor Yener Ince says.

The Nigeria international has missed Galatasaray’s past three matches in all competitions since sustaining an injury during the 3-2 win over Istanbul Basaksehir last month.

The problem also forced Osimhen to withdraw from Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Galatasaray host Kas?mpasa at RAMS Park on Friday, and Osimhen is hoping to return after making progress in his recovery. However, Ince has warned that the club will not rush the striker back into action.

“His treatment is also going very well. But we need to say this about him: there was a very large hematoma in a muscle group that the doctors call Grade 2. He had serious bleeding. His injury is not something to be taken lightly,” Ince said on the Galatasaray YouTube channel.

“With the help of our radiologist colleagues at our sponsor hospital, we drained the hematoma using a different method. After the hematoma was drained, he felt much better. His treatment is ongoing.”

Osimhen took part in some of Galatasaray’s training on Thursday, but Ince said the forward’s condition would continue to be monitored in stages.

“He participated in some of the team’s training sessions yesterday. However, we will assess him day by day, phase by phase. We don’t want to take any risks,” he added.

Ince said the same approach would apply to Wilfried Singo, who is also being assessed by the club.

“I’ll say the same thing for both Wilfried Singo and Osimhen: We don’t want to take any risks. We will make our decision based on the results of the tests we conduct in those phase studies,” he said.

“I understand there’s a very important match schedule, but rather than losing the player for an even longer period, we need to move forward based on the test results we’ve obtained here. We will try to protect him as much as possible.”

Doctor explains Osimhen’s training absence

Ince also sought to clarify why Osimhen did not immediately return to full team training after coming back to Turkiye from a short holiday in Nigeria.

The Galatasaray doctor said the striker had an upper respiratory infection and was placed on an individual programme for two days.

“I have one more thing to say about Victor. I’m saying this, again, to respond to speculation,” Ince said.

“Something like, ‘The player arrived, didn’t show up for training, this happened, that happened.’

“When the player arrived here, he had an upper respiratory infection. That’s why he trained using a different method for two days. We didn’t include him in team training; we trained him separately.”

Kano Pillars secured their first away point against Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in nine years after a goalless draw in their rescheduled NPFL Matchday 3 fixture at the Lekan Salami Stadium.

The result ended Pillars’ lengthy run without avoiding defeat in Ibadan. Their previous unbeaten visit to the Oluyole Warriors had also produced a 0-0 draw, on 7 June 2017.

Kano Pillars had lost each of their four subsequent trips to face 3SC, conceding six goals and scoring only once during that run.

Neither side could find the decisive finish despite both creating opportunities. Shooting Stars controlled 65% of possession and recorded more attacks and dangerous attacks, but Kano Pillars remained organised defensively to preserve their unbeaten start to the 2026/27 season.

Pillars went into the match unbeaten in their previous six games, recording two wins and four draws. By contrast, 3SC had failed to win any of their last four league fixtures, with two defeats and two draws.

The point maintained Kano Pillars’ positive beginning to the campaign and lifted them to sixth place with 11 points. Shooting Stars are 14th on eight points.

The Ibadan side will have the chance to end their winless league sequence on Sunday, when they travel to face Kun Khalifat.

Kano Pillars will also be away from home on Sunday, with a trip to Jos to play Plateau United.

Former Scotland and Rangers defender Kirk Broadfoot has described Emmanuel Fernandez as an “all-round athlete” and says keeping the Super Eagles centre-back at Rangers was among the club’s best recent decisions.

Fernandez has remained an important figure for the Ibrox side despite coming under scrutiny at times during a demanding campaign. Since moving from Peterborough United, the Nigerian international has established himself as a standout performer in the Scottish Premiership.

Broadfoot believes Fernandez’s value to Rangers was underlined by the club’s decision to retain him during recent transfer windows.

“I think a big one was keeping big Fernandez, keeping him here. He looks like an unbelievable player,” Broadfoot told the Scotsman.

The former defender praised Fernandez’s versatility, describing him as a player capable of making an impact in several areas of the game.

“I just think he’s an all-round athlete. He’s good on the ball. He’s very good in the air. He’s confident. He can probably do what he wants in the game, to be honest. He is the type of player that people look for.”

Fernandez’s performances have also helped him secure international recognition with the Super Eagles, while his development at club level has attracted further admiration from experienced figures in Scottish football.

Broadfoot’s comments come as domestic competition intensifies, with his Kilmarnock side preparing to meet Rangers and Fernandez.

The former Scotland defender acknowledged the difficulty of facing the centre-back, adding with a note of humour: “Hopefully they have an off day!”

Enyimba assistant coach Lawrence Ukaegbu says defeat is not an option when his side travel north to face Katsina United in the Nigeria Premier Football League on Friday.

The People’s Elephant have recovered from a difficult start to the campaign, recording three matches without defeat. Their latest result was a 2-0 victory over Plateau United at the weekend, which moved the Aba club out of the relegation zone.

Ukaegbu believes the team’s recent improvement has been helped by the backing of Enyimba’s supporters, as well as the response of the players during a challenging period.

“I am really grateful to the Enyimba fans for the massive support the team has enjoyed during our difficult times in the league,” Ukaegbu told Completesports.com.

“The players have also responded well by getting two victories and a draw to move the team away from the relegation zone.”

Enyimba’s unbeaten run consists of two wins and one draw, giving the club renewed confidence as they prepare for their next away fixture.

Ukaegbu said the team’s objective at Katsina United was to continue building on that progress and return with something from the match.

“We’re going to Katsina United to play well by His grace, either we win or we pick a draw; losing the game is out of it,” he said.

The assistant coach’s comments underline Enyimba’s determination to avoid a setback after their recent climb away from danger. The club will now attempt to extend its unbeaten sequence and make further progress up the Nigeria Premier Football League standings.

Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has moved closer to a return to competitive football after joining part of Galatasaray’s training session on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old worked with his team-mates for part of the session before switching to an individual programme as he continues his recovery and builds towards full fitness.

Osimhen’s return to the training ground is an encouraging development for Galatasaray, although he has not yet completed a full session with the squad. The club’s medical and technical staff will continue to assess his progress before deciding when he can resume competitive action.

No timetable has been given for his return. Galatasaray will take the decision based on the striker’s recovery and readiness to play.

Osimhen remains an important player for both Galatasaray and the Nigeria national team. His progress will be closely monitored by supporters of the Turkish champions and the Super Eagles as he works towards returning to full training.

The forward’s involvement in Tuesday’s session represents the latest stage of his rehabilitation, but further individual work remains part of the process before he can be considered ready for a competitive match.

Nigerian striker Friday Etim has been rewarded for an impressive September after being named the Danish Superliga Player of the Month, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 24-year-old forward enjoyed a productive month with FC Midtjylland, scoring three league goals and providing an assist to help his side during the period.

Etim also found the net in Midtjylland’s Danish Cup encounter against Sundby BK, further underlining his strong goalscoring form.

His performances saw him beat FC Copenhagen duo Diant Ramaj and Asger Sørensen to the individual award.

Reacting to the recognition, Etim expressed his delight while stressing the importance of his goals to the team’s ambitions.

“I’m happy with the award. It’s been a good September for me. Of course, you’re happy to score three goals as a striker because that’s the way I can help the team, among other things,” Etim told Midtjylland’s official website.

The Nigerian forward, however, is already looking beyond the personal accolade as he targets further improvement with the Danish club.

“Now it’s about continuing, because there is still a lot of work for us to do. I hope and believe that this is just the beginning.”

Etim will now look to build on his impressive September form as Midtjylland continue their campaign, with the striker hoping to maintain his goalscoring contribution and establish himself as an important figure in the team.

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is closing in on a return to action for Galatasaray after continuing his rehabilitation in Nigeria, with the Turkish champions considering a carefully managed comeback against Kas?mpa?a, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Osimhen remained in Lagos during the recent international break, where he continued his recovery under the supervision of a physiotherapist after Galatasaray’s medical team advised against his involvement in Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

The 27-year-old was initially named in Eric Chelle’s squad but eventually withdrew as his recovery from a muscle injury took longer than expected. Taiwo Awoniyi was subsequently called up as his replacement.

According to Turkish outlet Yenicag Gazetesi, Osimhen could make his return when Galatasaray hosts Kas?mpa?a at RAMS Park on Friday, October 9.

However, manager Okan Buruk is reportedly not considering an immediate return to the starting XI for the Nigerian forward.

Instead, Osimhen could be introduced for around 30 minutes, depending on the circumstances of the game, as Galatasaray look to carefully manage his workload.

The plan would allow the striker to test his fitness in a competitive match while gradually regaining his sharpness. It would also leave him with four days to recover before Galatasaray welcome Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday, October 13.

Osimhen suffered the injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over ?stanbul Ba?ak?ehir on September 4. He opened the scoring before being forced off in the 33rd minute after experiencing discomfort in his right groin.

Subsequent medical examinations revealed an advanced-moderate strain with bleeding in the right adductor muscle group, ruling him out of Galatasaray’s Champions League opener against Sporting CP as well as league fixtures against Kocaelispor and Trabzonspor.

The setback came at a time when Osimhen was enjoying an impressive start to the season, having scored six goals and provided two assists in his first four Süper Lig appearances.

His absence has also coincided with Galatasaray losing ground at the top of the league, with the Istanbul giants currently second behind Gift Orban’s Amed SK on goal difference.

Galatasaray will now hope Osimhen can make a smooth return against Kas?mpa?a and gradually regain his best form before the much tougher Champions League assignment against Barcelona.

Nigerian striker Friday Etim has been named the Danish Superliga’s Player of the Month for September after an impressive run of performances for FC Midtjylland.

The 24-year-old scored three goals and provided one assist during the month, earning recognition for his contribution to the club’s campaign.

Etim also scored in FC Midtjylland’s Danish Cup match against Sundby BK, further strengthening his case for the individual award.

He was chosen ahead of FC Copenhagen pair Diant Ramaj and Asger Sørensen.

Etim said he was pleased to receive the award and pointed to his goalscoring as an important way of helping his team.

“I’m happy with the award. It’s been a good September for me. Of course, you’re happy to score three goals as a striker because that’s the way I can help the team, among other things,” Etim told FC Midtjylland’s official website.

The forward added that he was determined to build on his form, with further challenges still ahead for FC Midtjylland.

“Now it’s about continuing, because there is still a lot of work for us to do. I hope and believe that this is just the beginning.”

Rivers United technical adviser Finidi George says his side must win every home match if they are to strengthen their challenge for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title this season.

The Port Harcourt club narrowly missed out on a second NPFL championship last season, with Rangers finishing ahead of them.

Rivers United have made an unbeaten start to the current campaign and are second in the league table. Kano Pillars are the only other team yet to lose this season.

Finidi has identified home form as a potentially decisive factor in Rivers United’s pursuit of the title, urging his players to take full advantage of playing in Port Harcourt.

“The focus this season is to win all our home games,” Finidi told the club’s media.

“We will give it a try because we don’t know if it will happen. We lost the NPFL title last season because we lost to Bayelsa United at home, and there were a few other games we drew here in Port Harcourt.

“At the end of the campaign, we were looking for one point. But this season, we will try because all our home matches can be won while also playing good football.”

The defeat by Bayelsa United and several home draws proved costly for Rivers United last season. Finidi said the points dropped at home ultimately left the club needing one more point at the end of the campaign.

His team will now attempt to extend its unbeaten run when it travels to play Abia Warriors in a Matchday 8 fixture this weekend.

Rivers United’s strong start has kept them among the leading contenders, but Finidi believes consistent results at home will be central to their prospects of going one step further than last season and securing the NPFL crown.

Kano Pillars will attempt to secure their first point away to Shooting Stars since 2017 when the sides meet at the Lekan Salami Stadium on Wednesday.

The rescheduled NPFL Matchday 3 fixture gives Pillars an opportunity to halt a difficult run in Ibadan, where they have lost on each of their last four visits to the Oluyole Warriors.

Their most recent result at the venue without defeat came on 7 June 2017, when the teams played out a goalless draw. Since then, Shooting Stars have scored six goals against Kano Pillars, who have managed only one in those four matches.

The visitors arrive in better form this season, having gone six games unbeaten. That sequence includes two wins and four draws, leaving them seventh in the table with 10 points.

Shooting Stars, meanwhile, have also made a solid start in their home matches. They have played three times at the Lekan Salami Stadium, recording two victories and one draw. Despite that record, they sit 17th in the standings on seven points.

For Kano Pillars, avoiding defeat would carry importance beyond ending their long wait for a positive result in Ibadan. A point would move them into the top five and offer evidence that they can collect results away from the Sani Abacha Stadium.

That was an area of concern for Sai Masu Gida last season, when they suffered nine away defeats. Their unbeaten run in the current campaign has therefore provided a contrast to their previous struggles on the road.

Shooting Stars will be seeking to protect their unbeaten home record while improving their position in the table. Kano Pillars, on the other hand, will look to maintain their momentum and claim a result that would strengthen their early-season challenge.

The meeting represents the latest chance for Pillars to change a nine-year pattern against 3SC. A draw would be their first away point in the fixture since 2017, while a victory would end an even longer run without success on those visits.

Enyimba FC have nominated goalkeeper Dede Dare, Wonah William and Chibueze Damian for the club’s Player of the Month award for September.

The three-man shortlist was revealed on the nine-time Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions’ official social media platforms after a demanding run of fixtures for the Aba-based club.

Enyimba managed only one win from five matches during September, but the nominees were recognised for their determination and individual contributions during a difficult period for the People’s Elephant.

Dare has been among the team’s most consistent performers since the beginning of the 2026-27 NPFL campaign. The goalkeeper has repeatedly kept Enyimba in matches with important saves while operating under sustained pressure.

William and Damian have also made significant contributions as the team seeks greater stability. Their energy and tactical discipline have helped Enyimba navigate a testing spell and contributed to what the club views as an improvement in its recent performances.

The award nominations come as Enyimba attempt to maintain that momentum and move higher in the domestic standings. The recognition of the players’ efforts provides encouragement to the squad before their upcoming fixtures.