By Tolulope Oguntimehin 

This past weekend was a kaleidoscope of emotions for Nigerian football enthusiasts, as fortunes swung from hope to heartbreak across various competitions.

CHAN Eagles’ Grit in Ghana
The CHAN Eagles, a team forged from the talents of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), displayed remarkable resilience in their CHAN Qualifiers clash against Ghana. Securing a scoreless draw in Kumasi, the Eagles achieved what no Nigerian side had managed in CHAN qualifying history—returning unbeaten from Ghana. This result eclipses past defeats, including the 2-3 loss in 2008 and the humbling two-goal defeat in 2022. It was a glimmer of promise in a fiercely contested rivalry.

Flamingos Fall Short in WAFU U17 Thriller
In Prampram, near Accra, the Flamingos showcased remarkable fighting spirit at the WAFU B U17 Girls’ Cup, battling back from two goals down to force a penalty shootout against the host nation. Though they ultimately fell 5-4 in the shootout, their performance was a testament to the unyielding determination of Nigerian youth football.

NPFL Drama: Breaking Jinxes and Defying Odds
The NPFL was where the weekend truly ignited, delivering drama, passion, and moments of magic.

Abia Warriors Triumph
Abia Warriors, desperate for a turnaround, delivered a much-needed win against an in-form Ikorodu City. Goals from Ifeoma Desouza in the 10th and stoppage time of the first half silenced the newly promoted side, sending them back to Lagos with a humbling defeat.

Sunshine Stars Redeemed
In Ijebu Ode, Sunshine Stars found solace under new coach Bala Abubakar. After a baptism of fire in his debut—a crushing 4-1 loss—Abubakar led his team to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Elkanemi Warriors, proving that the Owena Waves still have fight left in them.

Cathedral Demystified
In Enugu, the Flying Antelopes of Rangers were stunned at their fortress, the Cathedral. Shooting Stars (3SC) delivered a masterclass in determination, with Ikouwen Utim’s 28th-minute strike ensuring a 1-0 victory and catapulting the Oluyole Warriors into the top three.

Rivers and Remo: The Title Chase Intensifies
Rivers United continued their relentless pursuit of the NPFL title with a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Lafia, leaving Nasarawa United in despair as their relegation fears deepened. Meanwhile, Remo Stars proved their mettle with a convincing 2-0 win over Bayelsa United, keeping their title hopes alive.

Ahmed Musa Shines for Kano Pillars
In Kano, Ahmed Musa rolled back the years, scoring his sixth goal of the season in a thrilling 2-1 victory over Niger Tornadoes.

Kwara United and Bendel Insurance Find Redemption
In Ilorin, Kwara United silenced the buzz of Katsina United with a vital 1-0 win. Elsewhere, Bendel Insurance celebrated Isaac Annor’s 83rd-minute winner, lifting them to 15th place despite earlier sanctions.

The weekend was a testament to the unpredictable beauty of Nigerian football—a landscape where giants fall, underdogs rise, and every game tells a story.