Connect with us

Nigeria Football League

NPFL: Warri Wolves Goalkeeper Trainer Abayomi Hails Tactical Discipline After Away Draw

Published

3 months ago

on

Goalkeeper trainer Abayomi Olorunda has praised Warri Wolves FC for their resilience and tactical execution following a hard-earned 0–0 draw away to Niger Tornadoes FC in the Nigeria Professional Football League.

Speaking after the stalemate in Minna, Olorunda described the encounter as a “fantastic game,” highlighting the team’s strategic discipline and collective effort.

Read Also: FIFA Marks 100-Day Countdown to 2026 World Cup Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

“It was a fantastic game. We came out with a tactical approach to the game, and the players executed it well,” he said.

The goalkeeper trainer reserved special praise for shot-stopper Vincent Edafe, who delivered a composed and determined performance between the posts to secure a valuable away point.

“Vincent Edafe gave it his all, and we earned the point we deserved here in Minna,” Olorunda added.

Warri Wolves’ defensive organisation proved crucial as they absorbed pressure from the hosts while remaining compact and structured throughout the contest. The result sees the club occupy 10th position on the league table with 36 points, a steady platform as the campaign enters a decisive phase.

Olorunda also acknowledged the impact of recent adjustments within the technical crew, commending the squad for adapting quickly to the changes.

“With the new changes in the coaching crew, the team needs to be credited for adapting. The response from the players has been positive, and you can see that in our performances.”

Attention now shifts to their upcoming fixture against nine-time NPFL champions Enyimba FC, popularly known as the People’s Elephant, in Ozoro. Olorunda expressed confidence ahead of the clash, referencing their earlier success against the same opponents.

“Our approach remains the same. We defeated them in their backyard in the first leg, so why can’t we do it again at home?” he concluded.

Warri Wolves will look to build on their defensive solidity as they prepare for another crucial test in their league campaign.

/* <![CDATA[ */
(function (document, window) {
var a, c = document.createElement("script"), f = window.frameElement;

c.id = "CleverCoreLoader95885";
c.src = "https://scripts.cleverwebserver.com/2777295adab0c8a007d7f8a0312ad6f2.js";

c.async = !0;
c.type = "text/javascript";
c.setAttribute("data-target", window.name || (f && f.getAttribute("id")));
c.setAttribute("data-callback", "put-your-callback-function-here");
c.setAttribute("data-callback-url-click", "put-your-click-macro-here");
c.setAttribute("data-callback-url-view", "put-your-view-macro-here");

try {
a = parent.document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0] || document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];
} catch (e) {
a = !1;
}

a || (a = document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0] || document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]);
a.parentNode.insertBefore(c, a);
})(document, window);
/* ]]> */

The post NPFL: Warri Wolves Goalkeeper Trainer Abayomi Hails Tactical Discipline After Away Draw appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Nigeria Football League

2026 Arthur Ferdinand/Delta State FA Cup: Sapele Lions Edge Warri Wolves on Penalties to Clinch Title

Published

1 month ago

on

April 27, 2026

By

Sapele Lions are the 2026 Delta State FA Cup champions after defeating Warri Wolves 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

The Lions took the lead in the 68th minute when they pounced on a rebound from a well-struck free kick. Warri Wolves responded quickly.

Emmanuel Arigbogha produced a moment of brilliance in the 75th minute, weaving past the Sapele Lions defence before slotting into the bottom corner to make it 1-1.

Both sides created chances late on, but the goalkeepers stood tall to force a penalty shootout.

Sapele Lions held their nerve to win 4-3 on penalties, avenging their 2-0 loss to Wolves in the 2025 final.

Club Chairman Elvis Ewruje praised his players and dedicated the historic win to his mother on her birthday.

“My boys fought so hard after we lost 2-0 in the 2025 edition. I’m happy we won and made history, because the Delta State FA Cup has almost been a birthright for the state-owned teams,” Ewruje said. “I dedicate this cup to celebrate my mother who marks her birthday today.”

In the women’s final, Delta Queens defeated Royal Queens 3-1 to retain their crown and claim the ₦1 million prize.

Chief Idama Amurun, CEO of Arthur Ferdinand Engineering and sponsor of the 2026 Delta State FA Cup, congratulated all four finalists.

He pledged additional rewards of jerseys, balls, and other football equipment alongside the ₦5 million for the men’s champions and ₦3 million for the runners-up.

Both Sapele Lions and Warri Wolves will represent Delta State in the Presidential Cup, scheduled to kick off in May 2026.

/* <![CDATA[ */
(function (document, window) {
var a, c = document.createElement("script"), f = window.frameElement;

c.id = "CleverCoreLoader95885";
c.src = "https://scripts.cleverwebserver.com/2777295adab0c8a007d7f8a0312ad6f2.js";

c.async = !0;
c.type = "text/javascript";
c.setAttribute("data-target", window.name || (f && f.getAttribute("id")));
c.setAttribute("data-callback", "put-your-callback-function-here");
c.setAttribute("data-callback-url-click", "put-your-click-macro-here");
c.setAttribute("data-callback-url-view", "put-your-view-macro-here");

try {
a = parent.document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0] || document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];
} catch (e) {
a = !1;
}

a || (a = document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0] || document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]);
a.parentNode.insertBefore(c, a);
})(document, window);
/* ]]> */

The post 2026 Arthur Ferdinand/Delta State FA Cup: Sapele Lions Edge Warri Wolves on Penalties to Clinch Title appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Continue Reading

Nigeria Football League

Amuneke Edges Closer To Heartland’s Exit Door, Following Elimination From FA Cup

Published

1 month ago

on

April 25, 2026

By

Heartland FC of Owerri’s head coach, Emmanuel Amuneke is apparently closer than ever to the team’s exit door, following their elimination from this year’s Imo State FA Cup.

READ ALSO: Sporting Lagos To Open NNL Super-4 Against Ranchers Bees On May 4th In Ikenne 

Sports247 gathered in Owerri that Amuneke has been under fire since his failure to take Heartland back to the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) this season.

There is also growing discontent with his lack of results since taking over the club’s technical mantle, desoure receiving lavish support from the state’s governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma.

With escalating allegations of fishy deals and distractions from ‘personal preferences’ also trailing him, Amuneke’s survival appeared hinged on him winning this year’s Imo State President Federation Cup.

Unfortunately, Heartland could only amble to a 1-1 draw at full time in Friday’s semi-final with Campos Football Academy, who then picked a ticket to the final 5-3 on penalties.

In this weekend’s final billed for the state capital, Campos will tango with OISA Football Academy, who defeated Okpotemba FC 2-1 in the second semi-final on Friday, leaving Heartland empty in terms of honours this year.

Sports247 had earlier reported during a visit to Owerri that pressure was mounting on the state’s football association as well as the ministry of sports to dispense with the services of Amuneke.

Surprisingly, though, a top sports broadcaster in Owerri, Kennedy Onwunali, who played grassroots football while growing up in Lagos, rose in defence of Amuneke.

Onwunali (Mark Fish) stated in a voice chat with Sports247 that the former Super Eagles’ winger and 1994 African Footballer of The Year is not under any pressure whatsoever.

“Some wicked people are trying to fight him. Please ask questions about some of these things so that they will not rubbish you.

“The people telling you all those things about Heartland are all liars. I am sure they cannot repeat those things if I am there,” the amiable broadcaster asserted.

/* <![CDATA[ */
(function (document, window) {
var a, c = document.createElement("script"), f = window.frameElement;

c.id = "CleverCoreLoader95885";
c.src = "https://scripts.cleverwebserver.com/2777295adab0c8a007d7f8a0312ad6f2.js";

c.async = !0;
c.type = "text/javascript";
c.setAttribute("data-target", window.name || (f && f.getAttribute("id")));
c.setAttribute("data-callback", "put-your-callback-function-here");
c.setAttribute("data-callback-url-click", "put-your-click-macro-here");
c.setAttribute("data-callback-url-view", "put-your-view-macro-here");

try {
a = parent.document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0] || document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];
} catch (e) {
a = !1;
}

a || (a = document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0] || document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]);
a.parentNode.insertBefore(c, a);
})(document, window);
/* ]]> */

The post Amuneke Edges Closer To Heartland’s Exit Door, Following Elimination From FA Cup appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Continue Reading

Nigeria Football League

NNL: Crown FC Escape Relegation Despite Final Day Defeat

Published

2 months ago

on

April 12, 2026

By

Crown FC have successfully secured their place in the Nigeria National League, avoiding relegation in dramatic fashion on the final day of the season.

READ ALSO: UNSCRIPTED: NSC Needs Graduates of Physical Education For Effective Administration Of Nigeria’s Sports – Dr Ademola Are (Part 2)

The Ajilete Warriors endured a nervy afternoon at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, where they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Heartland FC.

The result left their fate hanging in the balance, with survival no longer entirely in their hands.

However, events elsewhere ultimately worked in Crown FC’s favour. Smart City FC delivered a decisive 3-1 victory over Abia Comets FC, a scoreline that ensured Crown FC finished just above the relegation zone.

The combination of results spared the Oyo State side from the drop, bringing relief to players, officials, and supporters alike after a tense conclusion to the campaign.

Crown FC’s season has been a mix of resilience and inconsistency, with crucial points picked up at key moments proving vital in their survival push.

While their final-day defeat highlighted areas needing improvement, their ability to stay afloat in a competitive league underscores the team’s fighting spirit.

The Ogbomoso-based club will now turn attention to rebuilding and strengthening ahead of next season.

Lessons learned from a challenging campaign, Crown FC will aim to avoid another relegation battle and push for a more stable and competitive outing in the Nigeria National League.

For now, survival remains the headline achievement, one that could serve as a foundation for renewed ambition moving forward.

/* <![CDATA[ */
(function (document, window) {
var a, c = document.createElement("script"), f = window.frameElement;

c.id = "CleverCoreLoader95885";
c.src = "https://scripts.cleverwebserver.com/2777295adab0c8a007d7f8a0312ad6f2.js";

c.async = !0;
c.type = "text/javascript";
c.setAttribute("data-target", window.name || (f && f.getAttribute("id")));
c.setAttribute("data-callback", "put-your-callback-function-here");
c.setAttribute("data-callback-url-click", "put-your-click-macro-here");
c.setAttribute("data-callback-url-view", "put-your-view-macro-here");

try {
a = parent.document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0] || document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0];
} catch (e) {
a = !1;
}

a || (a = document.getElementsByTagName("head")[0] || document.getElementsByTagName("body")[0]);
a.parentNode.insertBefore(c, a);
})(document, window);
/* ]]> */

The post NNL: Crown FC Escape Relegation Despite Final Day Defeat appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Continue Reading

Trending