Ikorodu Utd stun Heartland 3-1 to end 11-game winless streak

BOTTOM-PLACED Ikorodu United, winless in their previous 11 games before their match against Heartland on Saturday, clawed their way from  behind to stun the Owerri club at the Agege Stadium in a Match Day 14 clash of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Olatunbosun wins MFM FC Player of the Month award

IN-FORM Sikiru Olatunbosun has been named Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries Football Club of Lagos player of the month for April, 2016.

The skillful left-winger gave a very good account of himself in the month under review with top-notch performances. Although he didn’t score a goal but his influence on the pitch of play earned him the honour.

WATFORD 3-2 ASTON VILLA: Ighalo’s EPL goal drought continues

NIGERIA striker, Odion Ighalo saw his Premier League scoreless streak stretch to 11 matches as he once again failed to hit the back of the net in Watford’s 3 – 2 win over Aston Villa at Vicarage Road Stadium on Saturday.

TESTIMONIAL MATCH: Yobo meets Mikel, Terry, Falcao at Chelsea

.Visits Everton too

Former Super Eagles Captain, Joseph Yobo continues to pay courtesy visits to football stakeholders around the world to solicit support for his testimonial match scheduled to hold at the Amiesimaka International Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on May 27.

Oshoala: I want to be an inspiration to others

A veteran of two FIFA U-20 Women's World Cups, Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala feels a strong connection to FIFA’s youth competitions. It is the place where she learnt the big lessons and made the big choices that ultimately led her to awards, accolades and a place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Rabiu Ibrahim, Madu, Kalu celebrate Slovakia Cup victory

NIGERIA internationals, Rabiu Ibrahim, Kingsley Madu and Samuel Kalu are in cloud nine after helping AS Trencin to win the Slovakia Cup following a 3-1 victory over Slovan Bratislava in the final played on Friday.

NPFL: Match Officials announced for Week 14

NAMES of Match Officials for Week 14 round of matches of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), scheduled to hold this weekend across the country have been released.

NPFL: Sunshine Stars get cash boost ahead of Pillars clash

PLAYERS of Sunshine Stars have received cash boost ahead of their Match Day 14 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clash with Kano Pillars in Akure on Sunday.

RIO OLYMPICS: Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation assures on better outing

LESS than five months to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Brazil, the board of the Nigeria Rowing, Canoe and Sailing Federation is confident that Team Nigeria will not come back home without a medal after the London 2012 disastrous outing.

SOUTH WEST RUGBY LEAGUE: Cowrie will bounce back, says Azeez

CAPTAIN of Cowrie Rugby Football Club of Lagos, Azeez Ladipo has apologized to their fans for the unexpected defeat the club suffered against Racing RFC in the Week 2 match of the 2016 CMB Investment and Building Company sponsored South West Rugby league.

RIO OLYMPICS: USA friendly, a litmus test for D'Tigers, says Umar

PRESIDENT of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Tijani Umar believes the exhibition match between national men basketball team, D'Tigers and Team USA will serve as a litmus test for the African champions ahead of the basketball event of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

GOtv Boxing Night 7: Boxers talk tough

Ahead of GOtv Boxing Night 7, holding on 1 May at the National Stadium, Lagos, boxers scheduled to fight have been indulging in boasts and counter-boasts.

John Ogu shares rare pictures of pregnant wife

VERY exciting times ahead in the John Ogu household, as he prepares to welcome his first child with wife Chiugo Adaolisa.

The Super Eagles and Hapoel Beer Sheva midfielder on Thursday took to his official Instagram page to once again share pictures of her huge baby bump with love messages, Sportsbiz247 reports.

Moses, Emenike, Song set for Yobo Centenary Game

WEST Ham United trio of Victor Moses, Emmanuel Emenike and Alex Song have confirmed their participation at the Joseph Yobo Centenary Game scheduled to hold at the Amiesimaka International Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on May 27.

GOtv Boxing Night 7: Fans to win 50 decoders

GOTV, headline sponsors of GOtv Boxing Night, will give out 50 decoders to boxing fans at GOtv Boxing Night 7 holding May 1 at the National Stadium, Lagos.

The tradition was established at the first edition of the event in 2014.

Yusuf calls Mikel, Ideye, 24 others for Super Eagles friendlies

SUPER Eagles’ Head Coach Salisu Yusuf has called up 26 players, including skipper John Mikel Obi, forwards Ahmed Musa and Odion Ighalo and goalkeeper Carl Ikeme for the forthcoming international friendlies against Mali and Luxembourg in Europe.

Victor Ezeji supports Brown Ideye Challenge

NIGERIAN  League legend, Victor Ezeji will support Greece based striker, Brown Ideye’s football tournament, The Brown Ideye Challenge.

Ezeji, speaking to the chairman of the Local Organising Committee for the competition, China Acheru on Tuesday signified his desire to support what Ideye is doing for the youth of Rivers State.

GOtv Boxing Night 7: Organisers promise adequate security, free football viewing on giant TV screens

FLYKITE Sports, organisers of the GOtv Boxing Night, have promised adequate security for fans at the event holding at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos, on May 1, 2016.

FIBA OLYMPIC QUALIFIER: D’Tigress to face Turkey, Argentina in friendly

THE Nigeria national women's basketball team, D'Tigress will engage Turkey and Argentina in friendly games as part of preparations for the 2016 FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT) scheduled to hold in Nantes, France from 13-19 June, 2016.

NBA PLAYOFFS: Aminu scores career-high 30 points in Blazers win over Clippers

NIGERIA'S Al-Farouq Aminu was key for the Portland Trail Blazers as they tied their Western Conference playoff series with the Los Angeles Clippers at the Moda Center on Monday night.

The D’Tigers’ Power forward scored 30 points, a career high for both the regular season and the playoffs as the Blazers beat Clippers 98-84 to tie the NBA Playoff series at 2-2.

Lobi Stars to unveil new logo, jersey on May 6

LOBI Stars Football Club of Makurdi is now to unveil new logo and jersey on the 6th of May, 2016.

Vice Chairman of the club, Mike Idoko reveal the new date in a chat with sports journalist in Makurdi.

Iheanacho is a natural born finisher, says Redknapp

.Tips Nigerian ahead Bony vs Madrid

 Accolades have continued to pour in for Super Eagles striker, Kelechi Iheanacho following his man-of-the-match performance in Manchester City’s 4-0 victory over Stoke City last weekend, with Former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jamie Redknapp describing him ‘a natural born finisher’.

The 19-year-old netted the third and fourth goals in the second half to take his tally to 11 goals in 30 senior outings as City eased to victory at the Etihad, Sportsbiz247 reports.

Dalung hails LMC/ La Liga partnership

YOUTH and Sports Minister, Barrister Solomon Dalung has reaffirmed Government's commitment towards making Nigeria investment friendly.

The Minister gave the assurance when a delegation of the Spanish Professional League La Liga and the Management of the League Management Company paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja ahead of today's Technical Partnership Agreement between the LMC/ Nigeria Premier Football League and La Liga.

2016 OLYMPICS: D’Tigers to face USA in exhibition match

NIGERIA national men basketball team, D’Tigers has been scheduled to play USA basketball team in an exhibition match at the Toyota Center in Houston on August 1, 2016, sportsbiz247 can report.

SOUTH WEST RUGBY LEAGUE: Racing ends Cowrie RFC 7-year unbeaten run

COWRIE Rugby Football Club’s seven years unbeaten record in the 15s series went up in flames following a shocking 15 points to seven loss against in-form Racing RFC of Lagos in Week Two of the CMB Building and Investment Company sponsored South West Rugby League match at the National Stadium, Lagos last weekend.

GOTV BOXING NIGHT 7: I'm the new king of Nigerian boxing, boasts Wise King

CHUKWUEBUKA "Wise King" Ezewudo, a middleweight boxer billed to make his professional debut at GOtv Boxing Night 7 on 1 May, has proclaimed himself the new king of Nigerian boxing.

Odion Ighalo loses father

SUPER Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo is currently in mourning over the death of his father, Paul Ighalo, Sportsbiz247 reports.

According to the Watford striker, the dad died while he was sleeping in the early hours of Monday, April 25 in Lagos, Nigeria.

PSG 2 - 1 Lille:Enyeama gutted to lose French League Cup final

LILLE goalkeeper,  Vincent Enyeama was left disappointed after his side lost 2-1 to 10 men Paris Saint-Germain in the final of the French League Cup on Saturday, no thanks to Angel di Maria winner.

Sportsbiz247 reports that French champion PSG can repeat the treble by beating bitter rival Marseille in the French Cup final on May 21.

Musa Usman targets Rio Olympics with D'Tigers

MARK Mentors Vice Captain, Musa Usman is confident of making an impact for Nigeria national basketball men's team,  D'Tigers at the Olympics this year if selected for the Rio 2016 event in August.

Iheanacho happy with Man of the Match award

.Says 'I'm improving a lot'

NIGERIA international, Kelechi Iheanacho is in cloud nine after being chosen and named the Man of the Match by supporters of Manchester City on Saturday, when City beat Stoke City 4-0.

The 19 year old scored two goals to take his tally to 11 goals in 30 senior outings for The Citizens, Sportsbiz247 reports.

Obafemi Martins donates to orphanage homes in Lagos

NIGERIA striker, Obafemi Martins who currently plays for Chinese club Shanghai Greenland Shenhua paid a courtesy visit to Heritage Orphanage Home in Lagos and SOS Village Motherless Home in Isolo to give out donations and gifts worth thousands to kids through his foundation.

The former inter Milan and Seattle Sounders star who launched his foundation in 2013 said it is time to help the poor in Africa through Obafemi Martins Aid Foundation.

“Since I moved to Europe about 14 years ago, I have always helped my friends and family and even people on the streets, but now I wish to do even more.

“Nigerians deserve to live a better life, but the government alone cannot do everything. It is left for organisations and individuals who are in a position to also help those in need,” Obagoal said.

Nigeria is an oil-rich country but the majority of its citizens live below the poverty line with basic needs like food, shelter and medical care in very short supply.

Obafemi Martins who left Seattle Sounders to join Shanghai Shenhua in Chinese Super League, debuted for his Chinese side on the opening day of the Chinese Super League as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Yanbian Funde.

Guardiola will enjoy working with Iheanacho, says Pellegrini

.Hart hails 'brilliant' Nigerian

Manuel Pellegrini believes Kelechi Iheanacho has a big future under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.

Iheanacho struck twice as Manchester City moved up to third after condemning Stoke to their second 4-0 defeat in a week, Sportsbiz247 reports.

MANCHESTER CITY 4 - 0 STOKE CITY: Iheanacho hits brace for City

SUPER Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheanacho scored twice as Manchester City prepared for their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid with a straightforward 4-0 Premier League victory over Stoke City on Saturday.

Fernando put the hosts ahead in the 35th minute before star striker Sergio Aguero doubled the lead for City with a clinical spot-kick.

19-year-old Iheanacho then added the third from close range before scoring the fourth goal to seal an emphatic win.

The goals took the Nigerian forward's tally to 11 for the campaign, Sportsbiz247 reports.

The result sees City leapfrog Arsenal into third - until the Gunners play on Sunday at least - and open up a five-point gap rivals Manchester United in fifth.

City's joy at the result was tempered somewhat by an injury picked up by Yaya Toure in the closing stages. The midfielder soldiered on to the final whistle, but there will be concerns over his fitness ahead of the Madrid double-header.

SOUTH WEST RUGBY LEAGUE: Week 2 actions resume on Saturday

ACTIONS will resume in Week 2 of the CMB Building and Investment Company sponsored South West Rugby League inside the main bowl of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos on Saturday, Sportsbiz247 can report.

NFF, LMC commiserate with Lobi, family over George’s demise

THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the League Management Company (LMC) have sympathized with the management, players and supporters of Lobi Stars Football Club over the untimely death of their player, John George.

George died on Thursday in Kaduna after a brief illness, Sportsbiz247 reports.

Oyedeji denies report on Minister’s disaffection for basketball

CAPTAIN of the Nigeria national men basketball team, D’Tigers, Olumide Oyedeji has frowned on recent story published by a national newspaper over a comment credited to him that the Minister of Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung is not happy with the administration of basketball in Nigeria.

LMC, La Liga set to seal Partnership Pact in Abuja

.La Liga President arrives on Monday

A delegation of the Spanish League (La Liga) Board will arrive in Nigeria on Monday for a bilateral meeting with the League Management Company (LMC) to conclude discussions on collaboration between the two leagues which began during a similar visit by the LMC to Spain earlier this year.

CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE:Nigeria protest Enyimba attack in Tunisia

THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will protest to CAF against the hostilities Enyimba suffered during a CAF Champions League clash against Etoile du Sahel in Tunisia Wednesday night.

Sports minister Dalung commissions 20 boats in Lagos

.Calls for more private partnership

Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung has called for more private sector participation that will bring about development in the sector.

Supporters Club seek inclusion in NFF reconciliation c'mttee

THE Nigeria Football Supporters Club have made a strong appeal to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalong, to include the club in the newly constituted committee set up to look into the unending crisis rocking the Nigeria Football Federation.

GOTV BOXING NIGHT 7: Anambra Tiger gets new opponent

HEAVYWEIGHT boxer, Ebenezer "Anambra Tiger" Okoli, will now fight Abiodun "Finito Wonder" Afinnih at  GOtv Boxing Night 7 holding at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos, on 1 May.

Okoli was initially billed to fight Michael "Emirate" Godwin in a national challenge contest. Godwin, however, has pulled out of the duel, citing injury. But Okoli is of the view that Godwin’s claim is a ruse.

CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE:Enyimba qualify for group phase

.Beat Etoile 4-3 on penalties

NIGERIA'S Enyimba Wednesday night qualified for the group phase of the CAF Champions League in dramatic fashion by defeating Etoile Sportive du Sahel 4-3 on penalties after both teams played out to a 3-3 aggregate over  two legs.

Enyimba won the first leg 3-0 in Port Harcourt, but Etoile canceled out those goals in the return leg in Sousse Wednesday night.

83 teams ready for Federation Cup draw

A total of 83 teams are slated to enter the pot at the National Draws for the men and women Federation Cup competitions on Thursday, 5th May 2016.

Head of Federation Cup unit of the NFF, Emmanuel Adesanya, told thenff.com on Wednesday that a total of 61 teams would be involved in the men’s version, while 22 teams would be involved in the women’s event.

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLIES :Super Eagles to play Mali, Luxembourg

NIGERIA'S Super Eagles will take on the Eagles of Mali and the National Team of Luxembourg in two international friendly matches in Europe in the next FIFA window.

The three –time African champions take on Mali, ranked two places above them at 65, at the Stade Robert Diochon in Rouen, France on Friday, 27th May 2016.

Sunshine Stars not owing backroom staff, says Mafo

THE President of Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure, Prince John Ola Mafo has described as unfortunate and malicious reports in some sections of the media that the Akure based team is owing its backroom staff seven (7) months of salary arrears.

Reacting to the report in some media organisations, Prince Mafo who is also the Chairman of the Ondo State Football Agency said the club is not owing seven months of salary arrears.

NFF CRISIS:Dalung inaugurates 7-man reconciliation committee

A seven-man Reconciliation committee has been inaugurated by the Hon Minister Barrister Solomon Dalung at the conference room of the National Stadium Abuja.

The committee is charged with restoring peace to the crisis ridden Nigeria Football Federation.

YOBO CENTENARY GAME: Gallas, Saha, others confirm participation

FOUR more top players from Europe including William Gallas, Louis Saha, Tim Howard and Steven Pienaar have been booked on the flight to Port Harcourt for the Joseph Yobo Centenary Game, the befitting testimonial match planed to mark the retirement of the former Super Eagles captain from football on May 27.

Yobo’s associate and former Super Eagles player, Waidi Akanni, confirmed on Monday that plans for a befitting testimonial was on course with the quality of players who have confirmed their presence in Port Harcourt.

LMC fines Giwa FC N6.75m, banished to Ilorin

·To complete match against Rangers in Abuja

GIWA FC has been fined N5 million and ordered to play their next three home matches at the Ilorin Township Stadium amongst other sanctions placed on the club and it’s Media Officer by the League Management Company (LMC) following investigations into the circumstances that led to the abandoning of the Match Day 12 fixture between the club and Rangers last Sunday.

NFF remembers Olubayo Adefemi 5yrs after

THE Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) on Monday paid tribute to late former Super Eagles defender,  Olubayo Adefemi who died five years ago.

The former Nigeria international defender died on the 18th of April 2011 after being involved in a car accident in Greece.

Adefemi who playing for Skoda Xanthi at that time reportedly lost control of his car while on his way to finalise wedding plans. The then 25-year-old was driving from Xanthi to Salonika in the Kavala region of northern Greece.