Football

NCR captures inaugural U16 nationals crown with rout over Iloilo-Guimaras

Published

5 months ago

May 7, 2026

National Capital Region captured the inaugural 2026 PFF U16 National Boys’ Championship title after defeating Iloilo-Guimaras, 4-0, in the final on Wednesday at the Manuel Y. Torres Sports Center at Bago City.

The championship capped a week-long showcase of emerging Filipino football talent, with PFF President John Anthony Gutierrez emphasizing the tournament’s broader significance to the sport’s grassroots development.

“I want to congratulate all the participating teams. I think everybody showed what a Filipino footballer is made of,” Gutierrez said.

He added that the tournament highlighted the depth of football talent across the country.

“There’s a misconception that football is centralized in Manila or a few major cities. But as you can see, it’s everywhere. Players from different corners of the country are excelling. With programs like this, we will double our efforts to ensure every Filipino child is given the opportunity to succeed,” he said.

Facing the same side that defeated them in the group stage, NCRFA delivered a composed and clinical performance in the final, overcoming early resistance from IGRFA before taking full control.

IGRFA goalkeeper Wilson Muñoz Jr. was tested early, producing a crucial save in the fourth minute to deny Marcus Tanjangco. NCRFA continued to press, with Iñigo Ramirez narrowly missing a direct free kick in the 10th minute, while Kieran Jacob fired just wide before halftime.

Despite NCRFA’s attacking pressure, IGRFA remained dangerous on the counterattack. Nathan Caligdong tested NCRFA goalkeeper Don Santiago Elvina early in the second half, while Benedict Simon Sumagaysay and Jaylord Dajay both threatened the NCRFA defense.

The breakthrough came in the 48th minute when Jacob opened the scoring, making a decisive run from the left flank before finishing a well-weighted through pass from Johannesbern Ortigas to give NCRFA the lead.

The match’s turning point came in the 61st minute when Dajay was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for a high boot on Elvina, reducing IGRFA to 10 men and shifting momentum firmly in NCRFA’s favor.

NCRFA capitalized as the match wore on. In the 67th minute, Ortigas doubled the advantage with a close-range finish following a well-worked throw-in sequence.

Jacob completed his brace in the 80th minute, converting a precise cross from Judah Zephy Tenerepe.

Three minutes later, Ortigas secured his own brace after finishing a pinpoint delivery from Ramirez inside the box.

For Jacob, the triumph carried added emotional weight.

“I’m speechless. What an amazing team,” he said. “The way we play, the way we encourage each other—we never give up. We lost to Iloilo in the qualifying round, and now we faced them again in the finals and got our revenge.”

Jacob also dedicated the victory to injured teammate Andy Pacasum.

“It was a very hard journey. Unfortunately, one of our players got injured. We dedicate this win to Andy. We kept fighting for him.”

NCRFA head coach Dan Padernal echoed the sentiment, highlighting the squad’s determination.

“Different story—it’s the finals. You have to show your A-game,” Padernal said. “We were beaten by Iloilo in the eliminations, but the boys showed a big heart to overcome adversity. Even with fatigue and injuries, they gave everything.”

He added, “I give all the credit to the boys, and to the MFC (Makati Football Club) family. Andy, this is for you—we’re bringing the trophy home.”

In the battle for third place, Negros Occidental delighted home supporters with a dominant 6-1 comeback victory over Olongapo City-Zambales.

After trailing early, NORFA erupted for six second-half goals behind captain Jhon Luke Libunao and brace scorer Fire John Serfino.

NORFA President Miguel Valmayor expressed gratitude for the successful hosting of the tournament.

“Maraming salamat sa PFF and sa mga LGUs of Victorias and Bago,” Valmayor said. “Our volunteers worked hard to make sure all teams had a great experience. For us to improve football in our country, each of us has a responsibility—let’s build Philippine football together.”

Gutierrez also commended the host region and local stakeholders.

“The hosting by NORFA was fantastic. Many thanks to President Valmayor, the local organizing committee, and the people of Bago City. The volunteers were warm and welcoming. The next edition will be much bigger.”

Beyond the team triumphs, the tournament also placed a spotlight on individual brilliance that defined the week-long competition, with NCRFA’s championship run mirrored by its dominance in the individual awards.

Leading the way was NCRFA standout Kieran Jacob, who was named Most Valuable Player after powering his side to the historic title, including a brace in the final that sealed the 4-0 victory. The Golden Boot, meanwhile, went to CMORFA’s Basti Ordinan, who finished the tournament as its most lethal scorer with nine goals, consistently proving to be a constant attacking threat throughout the campaign.

IGRFA’s Nathan Caligdong was recognized as Best Midfielder for his composure and creativity in the middle of the park, anchoring his team’s build-up play even in high-pressure matches. NCRFA’s defensive stability was also rewarded, with Bryant Monsanto named Best Defender, while teammate Don Santiago Elvina completed the NCRFA sweep of major accolades by taking home Best Goalkeeper after a string of crucial saves across the tournament.

Rounding out the honors, the Fair Play Award went to OCZFA, whose discipline and sportsmanship stood out as they represented their region with integrity from start to finish.

Beyond the results, the tournament reaffirmed the PFF’s commitment to grassroots development and talent identification.

“With the competitiveness and quality we’ve seen, there’s nowhere to go but up,” Gutierrez said. “The popularity of football is catching up in the country, inspired by our national teams. Tournaments like this will help us produce more players of national and international quality.”

The post NCR captures inaugural U16 nationals crown with rout over Iloilo-Guimaras appeared first on Tiebreaker Times.

Football

KCCA Women bank on home advantage against St Noa

Published

2 hours ago

September 26, 2026

Logan Mclaughlin

The air at the Phillip Omondi Stadium in Lugogo is thick with anticipation this Saturday afternoon as KCCA FC Women lock horns with St Noa Girls Zana FC in a high-stakes Matchday Two encounter of the 2026/27 FUFA Women’s Super League.

Scheduled for a 4 pm kickoff, this early season contest carries the heavy weight of championship ambition, tactical intrigue, and the unyielding competitive energy of Uganda’s top flight women’s football. Crucially, both sides step onto the pitch carrying maximum points from the opening weekend, setting the stage for an explosive battle.

The Kasasiro Ladies return to their familiar home surroundings hoping to make it two wins from two, aiming to cement their status as early title contenders. Last weekend, KCCA made a resounding opening statement by brushing aside URA Ladies FC 3-0 away from home in a clinical display that seamlessly combined sharp transitions with defensive solidity.

Looking ahead to Saturday, the KCCA FC Women head coach Hamza Lutalo made the team’s objective crystal clear;

“We have prepared well for our second match, and we want to go into the break with 6 points. We continued to add to our squad, and the good players don’t stress you as a coach, and I can guarantee you will see those good players against St. Noa Girls, and I know they will add some energy to the team.”

The manager also stressed the psychological boost of their opening triumph;

“If we want to compete in the League, we have to win our home games. Winning our away game against URA FC Women gave us a lot of energy, and we shall do everything possible to win our game at home.”

Adding to KCCA’s tactical depth is new recruit Yuster Kayesu, who provides a potent fresh option in both the attacking and midfield areas as the club continues to bolster its roster. Kayesu is eager to make an immediate impact if given the nod;

“If I am given a chance to play, I promise to create an impact on the game against St Noa Girls, to command the midfield and to help my fellow players to achieve so that the team wins. I want to score and assist and promise to do my best.”

KCCA’s lofty ambitions will face a stern, uncompromising test from a St Noa Girls side that also began the campaign on a winning note. St Noa edged She Corporate FC 1-0 on Matchday one, displaying the defensive resilience and tactical discipline that could prove deeply frustrating for KCCA’s energetic attackers.

Speaking ahead of the trip to Lugogo, St Noa central defender Barbra Anomo radiated quiet confidence;

“Tomorrow we have our second game in the first round of the league. We are also well prepared. The coaches have given us a lot. We have prepared enough to make sure that we win tomorrow’s game. And we believe that we can make it.”

Teammate Brenda Nassaka echoed that sentiment, insisting St Noa’s approach will remain completely unchanged regardless of the opponent’s pedigree;

“Every game is different, but our mentality stays the same. We want to compete, enjoy our football and most importantly, we want the three points.”

Saturday’s tie is projected to evolve into a fascinating tactical chess match. KCCA are expected to stretch the pitch and utilize pace on the flanks to try and break down what will likely be a resolute St Noa low block.

Conversely, the visitors will look to stay intensely organised, leverage their physical presence inside the box, and exploit open spaces through lightning-fast counterattacks.

With both sides sitting neatly on three points, this Matchday two fixture carries vastly more weight and an invaluable early glimpse into whether either side can successfully sustain the punishing momentum required for a gruelling title challenge over a long and demanding campaign.

Matchday Two Fixtures

Saturday, September 26, 2026 | All matches kick off at 4 pm

KCCA Women FC Vs St Noa Girls Zana FC -Phillip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo
Jinja United WFC Vs She Corporate FC – Iganga Ssaza Ground
She Maroons FC Vs Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC -Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku

Sunday, September 27, 2026 | All matches kick off at 4 pm

Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC Vs Rines SS WFC -Phillip Omondi Stadium, Lugogo
Amus College WFC Vs Lady Doves FC – Amus Stadium, Bukedea
URA Ladies FC Vs Makerere University WFC -Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo

The post KCCA Women bank on home advantage against St Noa appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

Football

AFCON 2027 PAMOJA Qualifiers: Rwanda see off Liberia in Kigali

Published

2 hours ago

September 26, 2026

Elliot Michael

Rwanda made a brilliant start to their AFCON 2027 PAMOJA qualification campaign after defeating Liberia in their first group game on Friday.

The Amavubi Stars cruised to a comfortable 3-1 win over Liberia at the Amahoro Stadium to take early charge in Group K.

Abeddy Biramahire, Mickels Leroy Jacques and Mickels Joy Lance scored a goal each for Rwanda while Sylvanus Nimely got the consolation for Liberia.

Biramahire fired Rwanda into an early lead, scoring just after two minutes before Leroy doubled the advantage three minutes after the half hour mark.

Nimely pulled one back for Liberia five minutes later but Rwanda once again pulled away with the third goal from Lance who converted from the spot to restore the two-goal cushion.

The second half was largely about protecting the lead from the home side despite efforts from Liberia to search for more goals.

In the same group, Mali takes on Cape Verde later on today in Bamako.

On matchday two, Rwanda will make a long trip to face Cape Verde while Liberia will be at home to Mali.

The post AFCON 2027 PAMOJA Qualifiers: Rwanda see off Liberia in Kigali appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

Football

Odegbami: Nigerian football has hit rock bottom

Published

1 day ago

September 25, 2026

Kenny Malone

Nigerian football has reached its “worst time” in history, according to former Super Eagles captain Segun Odegbami, who has called for fundamental changes across the country’s football system.

Odegbami made the remarks in an interview with BBC Sport Africa, where he highlighted concerns ranging from the national teams and domestic league to grassroots development, administration and football infrastructure.

His assessment comes as the Super Eagles prepare to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo.

Nigerian football crisis

Odegbami believes the challenges facing Nigerian football extend beyond the recent struggles of the Super Eagles and reflect wider problems within the country’s football structure.

Nigeria missed out on the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups, while the country’s women’s and age-grade national teams, as well as clubs competing in continental competitions, have also experienced setbacks in recent years.

“It has never been this bad in our entire history,” Odegbami told BBC Sport Africa.

The former striker, who was part of Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team, also expressed concern about the financial health of the domestic game.

“Our local league is not bringing in money. Something is definitely wrong,” he said.

Nigerian football and leadership

Odegbami also questioned the leadership and administration of Nigerian football, arguing that the problems cannot be addressed simply by changing individuals in positions of authority.

His comments come amid significant developments within the Nigeria Football Federation, with the federation facing discussions over governance and proposed reforms involving the National Sports Commission, FIFA and CAF.

The NFF election scheduled for September 27 has also been suspended as the reform process continues.

For Odegbami, the country needs a football structure capable of addressing problems across every level of the game.

“The pilots are not guiding us well,” he said.

Nigerian football needs a clear pathway

Another major concern raised by Odegbami is the lack of a consistent long-term philosophy for developing Nigerian football.

He questioned the country’s approach to coaching, talent identification and player development, while also pointing to the weakening link between grassroots football, academies, clubs and the national teams.

According to the former international, Nigeria must rebuild the pathway through which young players are identified, developed and eventually integrated into professional football.

That pathway has historically played a major role in producing players who have gone on to make significant contributions to Nigerian and international football.

Nigerian football and fading infrastructure

Odegbami also drew attention to the deterioration of football infrastructure across the country.

He referenced the National Stadium in Lagos, the former Liberty Stadium in Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna and UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar as venues that once played important roles in Nigerian football.

He described the damage to the country’s football heritage as “irreparable”.

While the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo has become a regular home venue for the Super Eagles, Odegbami argued that Nigeria once had a wider network of facilities that played a more significant role in the development and promotion of the game.

Nigerian football at a crossroads

The former Super Eagles captain’s comments come at a significant period for Nigerian football, with the national team beginning another AFCON qualifying campaign while discussions over reforms to the administration and development of the sport continue.

Odegbami believes the challenge extends beyond whether the Super Eagles qualify for another major tournament.

He believes Nigeria needs to rebuild the entire football ecosystem, from grassroots development and academies to professional clubs, national teams, administration and infrastructure.

The post Odegbami: Nigerian football has hit rock bottom appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.