Gosport5

  By Chimaobi J N  Friday, 27th February fixtures in The Elite League 2026 delivered a mix of tightly contested draws and emphatic victories as the Under-14 grassroots competition continued across multiple venues in Delta State. At Igbogidi Primary School, Successful Pillars FA and Lordmark FA battled to a 1–1 draw in an evenly matched encounter, while Top Stars FA and Asisa FA also shared the spoils with a 2–2 stalemate at Ugborikoko Primary School. Kollins FA secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Golden Albium at Orhuworun High School, continuing their push for a strong position in the standings. Chosen Stars FA produced a convincing performance at Okutu Primary School, defeating Tpack FA 3–0 to claim maximum points. Similarly, Celestial FA recorded a solid 2–0 win against JOIF FA at Egini Primary School. In another closely contested fixture, Golden Friends and Orion Football International played out a goalless draw at Ugbokodo Secondary School, with both sides unable...

  By Chimaobi J N  Matchday Three of The Elite League 2026 produced more exciting moments as teams continued their battle for supremacy in Delta State’s premier Under-14 grassroots competition. Valencia FA maintained their impressive form with a commanding 4–0 victory over Dynasty Shooters FA , extending their strong start to the tournament. Mamus FA also delivered a statement performance, thrashing Topstars FA 4–0 to boost their position in the standings. Asisa FA secured a comfortable 2–0 win over Hazon FA, while Angalabiri FA edged Grace Stars 2–1 in a closely contested encounter. Victory FA were ruthless in front of goal, overpowering Brave Talented FA 6–0 in one of the biggest wins of the day. MP10 FA equally impressed with a dominant 4–0 triumph against Celestial FA. In other fixtures, Determine Heart FA defeated JOIF FA 2–0, while Winners FA and Tpack FA settled for a 1–1 draw in a balanced contest that saw both sides share the spoils. With three matchdays comple...

By Chimaobi J N  Former Warri Wolves F.C. chairman Etu Moses has called for the management of stadium facilities to be devolved to local government authorities, arguing that grassroots control would improve maintenance and utilization. Speaking in an interview with Gosport5, Etu lamented the deteriorating condition of stadiums across Delta State and Nigeria at large, describing the situation as a major setback to sports development. According to him, the recent increase in financial allocations to local government councils has positioned them to take greater responsibility for infrastructure within their jurisdictions. He maintained that placing stadiums under local management would ensure regular upkeep and more community use, rather than leaving the facilities to decay under distant state control. Etu stressed that properly managed stadiums would not only promote sports but also create jobs, enhance youth engagement, and stimulate local economies. He urged policymakers to adopt a...

  By Chimaobi J N  The football category of the Niger Delta Games 2026 begins today, Friday, February 20, with an exciting lineup of matches in both the men’s and women’s events as participating states battle for early advantage in the competition. In the men’s category, the opening fixture will see Imo State take on Bayelsa State at 9:30 a.m. in what promises to be a closely contested encounter between two sides known for their physical and fast-paced style of play. Later in the day, hosts Delta State will face Akwa Ibom State at 12:00 p.m., with both teams aiming to make a strong statement in their first outing of the tournament. The women’s competition will also commence simultaneously, starting with Edo State against Akwa Ibom State at 9:30 a.m. This fixture is expected to showcase emerging talents from both states as women’s football continues to grow across the Niger Delta region. The final match of the day in the women’s category will feature Bayelsa State versus Ri...

  By Chimaobi J N  Former centre-back emerged the hero as secured a hard-fought 1–0 away victory over French side in a UEFA club encounter on Thursday night. Uchenna scored the decisive goal in first-half stoppage time (45+1), rising to the occasion when it mattered most to give the Serbian giants a crucial lead heading into the break. The defender-turned-match-winner capitalised on a well-delivered ball to slot home what proved to be the only goal of the contest. The assist was provided by Dutch-Nigerian midfielder , whose precise delivery unlocked the Lille defence and set up Uchenna for the decisive finish. Despite sustained pressure from the hosts in the second half, Red Star Belgrade maintained their defensive discipline to preserve the slender advantage and secure all three points on the road in the fixture. The victory marks a memorable European night for Uchenna, whose performance at both ends of the pitch underlined his growing importance to the Serbian side...

  By Chimaobi J N  Matchday One and Two of The Elite League 2026 delivered thrilling encounters, high-scoring games, and dramatic finishes as Under-14 teams across Delta State began their quest for glory in the grassroots competition. The standout performance came from Valencia FA, who recorded a staggering 14–0 demolition of Soccer ABC Football School , the biggest win of the opening rounds and an early statement of title intent. Great Avengers FA also impressed with a commanding 9–1 victory over Dynasty Shooters FA , underlining the attacking quality on display in the youth league. Elsewhere, Top Stars FA edged Hazon FA 3–2 in a closely fought contest, while FA Medina secured a narrow 2–1 win over Angalabiri FA. Everlight FA and Kollins FA each picked up slim 1–0 victories against Babanawa FA and Lordmark FA respectively, highlighting the competitive balance among several teams. A number of matches ended in stalemates, including Asisa FA’s 2–2 draw with Mamus FA and Cho...

  By Chimaobi J N. Head coach of Warri Wolves, Napoleon Aluma, has been directed to step aside for the second time this season following the club’s disappointing run of results in the Nigeria Professional Football League. The latest decision comes barely 24 hours after the Seasiders suffered a damaging 4–2 defeat to Shooting Stars SC on Sunday, a result that has intensified pressure on the technical crew and heightened concerns over the team’s performance this campaign. Sources close to the club indicate that management opted for the move in a bid to halt the slide and stabilize the squad, as Wolves continue to struggle for consistency in the league. Aluma had only recently returned to the dugout after previously stepping aside earlier in the season, making this the second time he has been relieved of duties within the same campaign. It remains unclear whether the decision is temporary or could lead to a permanent change in leadership. Club insiders say efforts are underway to...

  Team Ughelli North have emerged champions of the Sheriff Oborevwori U-17 Unity Football Competition after a nerve-racking 5–4 penalty shootout victory over Team Uvwie, following a fiercely contested 1–1 draw in regulation time. Ughelli North struck first in the opening half to take control of the encounter, but Team Uvwie roared back after the break, showing resilience and attacking intent to level the scoreline and force a dramatic finish. With both sides unable to find a decisive goal, the championship was settled from the penalty spot, where Ughelli North displayed remarkable composure to seal the title amid jubilant scenes. The high-profile final was graced by former Super Eagles defender Sam Sodje, who lauded the quality, intensity, and sportsmanship on display throughout the tournament. He particularly commended the sponsor, Chief Idama Amurun, Esq., for his outstanding contribution to grassroots football and talent development, describing the competition as a powerful p...

  Chimaobi J N Sporting Warri have opened up a commanding lead at the top of the Asaba Super Cup 2026 standings following the latest round of matches, as the competition continues to deliver intense grassroots football action. After five matches played, Sporting Warri sit comfortably in first position with 12 points and a +4 goal difference, emerging as early pace-setters in the tournament. They are closely followed by Young Shall Grow FA, who occupy second place with 9 points from four matches, maintaining pressure at the top with a +1 goal difference and a game in hand. Sporting Delta and Ndame FA are locked in a tight battle for third place, both on 8 points after five matches. Sporting Delta hold a slight edge with a +3 goal difference, while Ndame FA follow with +2. In the middle of the table, Ughelli Rovers and Osevan are tied on 6 points apiece. Ughelli Rovers sit fifth with an even goal difference, while Osevan are sixth, struggling defensively with -2. At the lower end of...

  By Chimaobi J N. The Technical Adviser of Wikki Tourists Football Club, Abdu Maikaba , has resigned from his position with immediate effect, citing safety concerns and internal disunity within the club. In a resignation letter dated February 9, 2026 , and addressed to the Chairman of Wikki Tourists FC in Bauchi State, Maikaba formally notified the club’s management of his decision to step down. According to the letter, the former coach said his decision was compelled by persistent disunity among key stakeholders of the team , which he noted had made it increasingly difficult to achieve the club’s set objectives. More critically, Maikaba raised serious security concerns , revealing that he had received multiple threats to his life from sections of the club’s supporters. He stated that the threats came through both physical intimidation and social media platforms , creating an unsafe working environment. He explained that after consultations with his family, he was left with ...

By Chimaobi J N  Ademola Lookman made an instant statement on his competitive debut for Atlético Madrid, finding the back of the net in the Copa del Rey clash against Real Betis to cap a memorable first outing in red and white. The Nigerian international struck in the 35th minute, showcasing composure and attacking intelligence as Atlético pressed their advantage. Lookman timed his run perfectly before calmly finishing a well-weighted assist from Antoine Griezmann, a moment that underlined the growing chemistry between the two attackers. WATCH GOAL HERE The goal not only gave Atlético Madrid a crucial lift in the contest but also marked a dream start for Lookman, who wasted no time endearing himself to the home fans. His movement, pace, and confidence on the ball added a new dimension to Diego Simeone’s attacking setup. Lookman’s debut strike is a clear statement of intent and a reminder of his quality on the big stage. For Atlético Madrid, it signals the immediate impact of their ...

By Chimaobi J N  Kun Khalifat Football Club has announced its immediate withdrawal from the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), citing what it described as “outrageous, disproportionate, and biased” sanctions imposed by the league authorities. In an official statement released on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the club’s owner expressed deep disappointment with the NPFL’s decision to sanction Kun Khalifat FC for failing to honour a single league fixture. The penalties included the forfeiture of three points and three goals, as well as a fine of ₦10 million. According to the club, the sanctions were imposed despite the presentation of what it described as valid reasons for its inability to fulfil the match obligation. Kun Khalifat FC maintained that its explanation was unfairly rejected, arguing that the league’s actions lacked transparency and showed little regard for the realities and challenges faced by clubs within the Nigerian football system. “As a club, we have cons...

  By Chimaobi J N.  Day Two of the 2025 NVBF Super Cup in Abuja produced another round of impressive displays, with Nigeria Customs Service and CNS Spikers asserting dominance across both the women’s and men’s categories. In the women’s event, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) cruised to a convincing 3–0 victory over Fire Service . Customs were dominant from the opening serve, taking the first two sets comfortably at 25–10 and 25–11. Fire Service showed improved resistance in the third set, but NCS maintained control to close out the match 25–20. Also in the women’s category, CNS Spikers rebounded strongly after dropping the opening set to defeat Vipers VC 3–1. Vipers edged the first set 25–22, but CNS responded with grit and composure to win the second set 25–23. From there, CNS took full control, claiming the third and fourth sets 25–18 and 25–12 respectively. In the men’s matches, CNS Spikers continued their fine form with a straight-sets victory over Ajase Ipo . CNS do...

  By Chimaobi J N  Day One of the 2025 NVBF Super Cup delivered commanding performances across both the men’s and women’s categories, as several teams recorded straight-set victories to signal strong intent in the tournament. In the men’s event, Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) opened their campaign with an emphatic 3–0 win over Ajase Ipo . The contest was competitive early on, with NCoS edging a tense first set 28–26 before asserting control to take the second set 25–17. Ajase Ipo fought hard in the third set, but NCoS sealed the match with a 25–23 finish. Also in the men’s category, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) proved too strong for Life Camp , securing a comprehensive 3–0 victory. Customs dominated key moments to win the first set 25–21, maintained their rhythm in the second set at 25–18, and closed out the encounter with a 25–23 scoreline in the third set. In the women’s matches, COAS Spikers delivered a confident performance against Fire Service , cruising to a ...

By Chimaobi J N  Grassroots football development in Delta State received a major boost on Saturday January 31st following the official launch of The Elite League 2026 , an age-grade football competition for Under-14 boys teams across the state. The league, initiated by the Delta State Grassroots Football Coaches, is designed to provide a structured platform for talent discovery and development at the foundation level of the game. Speaking at the launch ceremony, the State President of the coaches,  Coach  Toju , described the Elite League as a purely developmental project aimed at nurturing young talents and preparing them for higher levels of competitive football. According to him, the league will help instill discipline, tactical understanding and professionalism in young players while also giving coaches an organized environment to groom future stars. Former Super Eagles defender Sam Sodje , who graced the occasion as a special guest, emphasized the importance of ...