Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Kano Pillars FC have strengthened their squad ahead of the 2026/27 season with the signing of attacking midfielder Abdulraheem Shola from Kwara United on a two-year contract.

Sports247 reports that the Sai Masu Gida officially unveiled the talented playmaker, adding another creative option to their midfield as the club intensifies preparations for the new campaign under Technical Adviser Daniel Ogunmodede.

READ ALSO: Kano Pillars, Plateau United Lead Confirmed Teams for 2026 Gusau/Ahlan Cup Pre-Season Tournament

Expressing his excitement after completing the move, Shola took to his social media platforms to share an emotional message, describing the transfer as the beginning of a new chapter in his career.

“A new chapter begins today. I leave the past behind and step forward with faith, courage, and determination. I will keep working, keep believing, and keep growing. This dream is worth fighting for, and I know my best is yet to come.

“This is my new beginning. Let’s see at the top. SAI MASU GIDA.”

Shola arrives in Kano with valuable NPFL experience, having previously featured for Wikki Tourists, Niger Tornadoes, and Kwara United. His consistent performances across the domestic league have established him as one of the country’s dependable attacking midfielders.

One of the highlights of his career came during the 2025/26 season, when he played a pivotal role in helping Kwara United secure a historic President Federation Cup triumph. His creativity, work rate, and influence in midfield were instrumental in the club’s memorable cup-winning campaign, further enhancing his reputation in Nigerian football.

Kano Pillars will be hoping Shola’s experience, technical quality, and attacking instincts add a new dimension to their squad as they target a successful league campaign and challenge for major honours.

For the midfielder, the move represents an opportunity to embrace a fresh challenge at one of Nigeria’s most successful clubs while continuing his development and contributing to Pillars’ ambitions.

With preparations for the new season gathering momentum, Kano Pillars supporters will be eager to see their latest signing make an immediate impact in the famous Sai Masu Gida colours.

The post NPFL Transfer: Kano Pillars Complete Signing of Midfielder Abdulraheem Shola from Kwara United appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Rocket FC of Orlu have set their campaign for the summer long holiday season in motion with a 4-1 spanking of Kings Football Academy of Amazu in an inter-community friendly match, Sports247 reports.

The encounter, which was played at Amazu Akata, saw the boys of Coach Victor Nwokeji (aka Up Ref) storm to an astonishing victory on away ground, as they stepped out of their familiar territory in search of additional exposure.

One of the key players in the squad and a student of Township Comprehensive Secondary School, Amaifeke (TCSSA), Sixtus Chinemerem Afoaku said it was an enterprising performance by his side, as they defied all odds to shock their hosts.

“I am happy with the result of this match,” said Sixtus, “we were able to live up to our motto, and we showed them what we are capable of. Theodore scored two of our goals, while Sunday and Aboy got one each.

“It’s a way of showing our fans and people in the community that we are going ‘ahead ahead,’ and we have more on offer for them. Now that the school long holiday period is starting, we will have time to play more matches.

“We have started well and our coach told us he is happy, but he also warned us not to releax. He reminded us that our target is to go ahead and ahead. So, for every match that we are going to play during this long holiday, we want to continue winning. We also want to win a trophy before the year ends.”

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The countdown to the maiden edition of the Invincible Cup 2026 officially began on Tuesday as the Local Organising Committee (LOC) successfully conducted the tournament’s draw ceremony, unveiling the fixtures and competition guidelines ahead of what promises to be one of the biggest grassroots football championships in Ifo, Ogun State.

The colourful ceremony, held at Top Choice (Semiaq Royal) Hotel and Suites, Ifo, brought together key stakeholders in the local football community, including the Chairman of the Ifo Football Council, Mr. Raufu S.I, Football Council Secretary Mr. Odelana Phillip, competition organisers, coaches, club representatives, referees, and football enthusiasts.

Sports247 reports that addressing participants, Mr. Raufu praised the organisers for initiating a platform aimed at discovering and developing young football talents. He urged all participating teams to uphold discipline, punctuality, and the spirit of fair play throughout the competition, while reminding coaches to continually update themselves on the evolving Laws of the Game to ensure professionalism on and off the pitch.

Also speaking, Football Council Secretary, Mr. Odelana Phillip stressed the importance of teamwork and strict compliance with the tournament regulations. He warned that clubs failing to honour match schedules would face disciplinary sanctions and encouraged coaches to educate their players on the latest football rules to minimize unnecessary misconduct during the championship.

Speaking on behalf of the host community, Chief Okanlawon Jamiu, popularly known as Uchelona, appealed to participating clubs to preserve the Nawarudeen Primary School Playing Ground, currently the only functional football facility in Ifo. He assured stakeholders that necessary improvements would be completed before the tournament kicks off.

The draw produced two exciting groups. Group A features Lukamide FC, Adeseg FC, God’s Own FC, and Youngstar FC, while Group B consists of Santos Sports Academy, Primestar Football Academy, Winning Star Football Academy, and Femmco FC.

With the fixtures now confirmed and expectations building, the Invincible Cup 2026 is set to provide an exciting platform for grassroots talents to showcase their abilities while strengthening football development across Ifo and its environs.

The post Invincible Cup 2026 Draw Sets Stage for Thrilling Grassroots Football Festival in Ifo appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.