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Eric Chelle’s Experimentation Back Fires In 2-2 Draw With Jordan

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Super Eagles’ coach, Eric Chelle’s decision to make several second half substitutions after starting with six changes to his line-up for Tuesday’s international friendly with Jordan back fired massively, as the Nigerian squad toiled all through the match and eventually settled for a 2-2 draw.

READ ALSO: Ogunsakin Begins J300 Series in Cairo with Comeback Victory

Sports247 reports that Chelle had already been forced into three replacements from the squad that won 2-1 against Iran in their first match on Friday, as goalkeeper Maduka Okoye bowed out with injury in training, while left-back Bruno Onyemaechi and central defender Semi Ajayi both left camp due to personal reasons.

Dramatically, Chelle decided to tinker his team further, as he dropped captain of the side, Wilfred Onyinye Ndidi and mercurial midfielder, Alex Iwobi to the bench and gave a debut in attack to Belgium-based Yira Sor agead of Samuel Chukwueze.

However, things started looking ugly for the Franco-Malian tactician and his squad as early as the 17th minute, when alternate keeper Francis Uzoho failed to stop Jordan’s well-worked cheeky free kick from distance and the Eagles had to battle from behind against the ‘hosts.’

Paris FC of France winger, Moses Simon justified wearing the captain’s band for the evening in Antalya, Turkey as he slotted home a crucial equaliser with a pop shot through a swarm of legs in the 26th minute, which spurred the Eagles back into the game.

Glasgow Rangers of Scotland centre-back, Emmanuel Fernández also justified his first start for Nigeria by ramming home a goal in the 42nd minute of play, and the Eagles went into the break 2-1 up; only for Chelle to commence a massive overhaul of his line-up at half time.

The second half turned into a struggle, despite the introduction of Ndidi and 98-capped Iwobi in midfield as they failed to settle down fast, while the arrival of Adebayo Adeleye in goal turned out to be another blunder.

The game turned on its head when Adeleye misjudged his positioning and rushed off his line but failed to stop the ball, which allowed Jordan to equalise, only for Iwobi to get himself sent off after jumping on an opponent who tackled him hard.

That was just two minutes to the final whistle and the ref ended the game seconds after finally getting a restart in the wake of confusion that ensued from Iwobi’s rash reaction, leaving Chelle to rue where he got his team selection wrong on the night in Antalya.

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Clear Intent’ Ikorodu City Coach Ozegbagbe Salutes Team Spirit After Hard Fought Win Over Warri Wolves in Lagos 

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March 31, 2026

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Head coach Bright Ozegbagbe has praised his team’s resilience and mentality following Ikorodu City FC’s dramatic 4–3 victory over Warri Wolves FC in a Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 32 clash.

The pulsating encounter, held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Sunday, March 29, 2026, delivered seven goals in an end-to-end contest that showcased attacking quality from both sides.

Reacting after the match, Ozegbagbe took to social media to celebrate his team’s performance, highlighting their determination and belief:

“Emphatic win at the arena .Statement performance. Strong mentality. Clear intent.

The belief stays alive, till the very end, till the final whistle. ” Ozegbagbe wrote .

Ikorodu City made a fast start, with Abayomi Ayodeji netting twice (8’, 42’) to set the tone. Joseph Arumala added another in the 24th minute, while Tosin Oyedokun struck in the 54th minute to complete the hosts’ tally.

Warri Wolves responded through C. Orji (26’) and a brace from I. Evwierhurhoma (52’ penalty, 90’), but fell just short in a fiercely contested tie.

Arumala’s goal proved significant, as the forward moved into a tie for the NPFL top scorer chart with 11 goals this season—further underlining his importance to Ikorodu City’s campaign.

The victory marks Ikorodu City’s 14th win of the season and lifts them to third place on 52 points, keeping them firmly in contention for a continental qualification spot behind leaders Rivers United and second-placed Enugu Rangers on 55 and 54 points respectively.

Warri Wolves, meanwhile, remain 13th on 40 points as they continue their push for a stronger finish in the league.

Ikorodu City’s spirited display and late-game composure reflect a side growing in confidence, something their coach believes could prove decisive as the season approaches its climax.

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NPFL: Bendel Insurance, Boboye Fined; Home Matches to Be Played Behind Closed Doors

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March 31, 2026

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Bendel Insurance have been sanctioned for multiple breaches of the NPFL Framework and Rules following their Matchday 32 fixture against Plateau United on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

READ ALSO: J200 Champion Ogunsakin Climbs 18 Steps up to Career-High Ranking, Begins J300 Cairo Campaign

According to the league authorities, the Benin City club failed to provide adequate and effective security during the match, which led to unauthorized individuals gaining access to restricted areas.

The club’s supporters were also found guilty of displaying unsporting behaviour capable of bringing the game into disrepute.

In addition, fans reportedly harassed match officials and failed to conduct themselves in an orderly manner.

Head coach Kennedy Boboye was also cited for gross misconduct towards a match official, an act deemed contrary to the principles of fair play and discipline.

As part of the sanctions, Bendel Insurance were fined ₦2 million for failing to provide adequate security and an additional ₦1 million for supporters’ misconduct.

The club will also pay ₦2 million for holding match officials hostage for approximately 40 minutes after the game.

Boboye has been fined ₦2 million and handed a 17-match suspension for his actions.

Furthermore, Bendel Insurance will play their next three home matches behind closed doors as part of the disciplinary measures imposed by the NPFL.

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J200 Champion Ogunsakin Climbs 18 Steps up to Career-High Ranking, Begins J300 Cairo Campaign

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March 31, 2026

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Nigeria’s rising tennis star Seun Ogunsakin has reached a new milestone in his junior career after climbing 18 places in the latest ITF rankings to a career-high world No. 64.

READ ALSO: NPFL: Ebimobowei Hails Team Effort After Bayelsa United’s Convincing Home Win

The 17-year-old earned the significant jump following his impressive triumph at the J200 tournament in Cairo over the weekend, further cementing his status as one of Africa’s brightest young prospects.

Ogunsakin’s steady rise continues to gather momentum, with the Ekiti-born player now firmly in contention for a place in the main draw of Roland Garros junior event if his current form is maintained.

Fresh off his J200 success, the Nigerian will waste no time returning to action as he begins his J300 Cairo campaign. He is scheduled to face Botswana’s Ntungamili Raguin in the first round on Monday.

The matchup presents an intriguing contest, with Ogunsakin having defeated Raguin en route to his title win last week.

However, the Botswana player has proven his resilience on the big stage, having reached the third round of the Australian Open junior event earlier this year after progressing through the qualifiers.

Ogunsakin, who narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Australian Open, will be aiming to build on his recent success and continue his upward trajectory on the global junior circuit.

Currently Nigeria’s top-ranked junior player, Ogunsakin has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the past year.

His achievements include winning the U-18 Africa Regional Championship and multiple J100 titles, while training at the ITF High Performance Centre in Tunisia.

With confidence high and form on his side, the Nigerian teenager will be looking to make a strong statement in Cairo as he pushes closer to junior Grand Slam qualification.

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