By Tolulope Oguntimehin 

These are the best of times for Nigerian football. The Super Eagles have rediscovered their form, playing with a flair that warms the hearts of millions. The Flying Eagles have soared into the final of the WAFU Zone B tournament in Togo, set to face Ghana, and have secured their place in the African Under-20 Championship in South Africa. The Super Falcons, rejuvenated by a fresh wave of homegrown talent, have breathed new life into their ranks, showcased by their 2-0 triumph over Algeria, with hopes high for another victory in the second leg.

The Nigeria Premier Football League is flourishing under the leadership of Elegbeleye. From the abridged 2022/23 season, which saw an unprecedented number of away victories, to the 2023/24 season, where away wins were more frequent than ever before, and now, the 2024/25 season, which by Matchday 9 has already broken records, the transformation is undeniable. Whether you love him or hate him, Elegbeleye, supported by the Gusau-led NFF, seems to have found the winning formula.

Matchday 9 brought a mix of expected and surprising results. Two seasons ago, Bendel Insurance was the league’s pride, but recent games have seen them falter, allowing Abia Warriors, the "Umu Chineke Boys," to claim victory and take home the spoils of war. River United’s clash with the low-budget Elkanemi Warriors defied expectations; despite being down to ten men, Elkanemi managed a 1-1 draw in Port Harcourt.

Enyimba of Aba fought valiantly against the league’s newcomers, Ikorodu City, securing a 2-1 victory. Plateau United returned to form with a 3-0 win over Sunshine Stars, while Nasarawa United, under Kabiru Dogo, celebrated a 1-0 triumph against Kano Pillars. Katsina United’s struggles continued against Tornadoes, yet Heartland showed resilience, bouncing back impressively against Remo Stars.

Daniel Amokachi’s Lobi Stars achieved a nerve-racking victory over Bayelsa United, with Ossy Martins continuing his extraordinary form, scoring five goals in five matches. Meanwhile, Kwara United faced a stern test in a 1-1 draw against Enugu Rangers, as Coach Tunde Sanni works to elevate the team mid-table.

This renaissance of Nigerian football, from the grassroots to the elite, is a testament to the passion, resilience, and undying spirit of the nation’s teams and their supporters.