Nigeria international Frank Onyeka was praised for his impact as Coventry City recorded a convincing 4-1 victory over Newcastle United in Monday’s Premier League fixture.

Onyeka was introduced for the final 12 minutes but helped Coventry City secure consecutive wins in the English top flight this season. The midfielder was awarded a rating of 6.5/7 out of 10 by the Coventry Telegraph for his contribution.

Assessing his performance, the publication wrote: “Added steel and fresh legs to help see out the result.”

The appearance was Onyeka’s fifth Premier League outing of the season for newly promoted Coventry City. His Nigerian team-mate Taiwo Awoniyi was unavailable for Frank Lampard’s side because of suspension.

Coventry City took control of the match with an early goal in each half. Jack Rudoni opened the scoring before Sidiki Cherif struck after the interval, putting the hosts on course for a notable first Premier League win at the CBS Arena.

Newcastle United reduced the deficit 20 minutes from time, raising the possibility of a late comeback. However, Coventry City restored their advantage through substitute Ellis Simms in the 81st minute.

Another substitute, Stephen Mfuni, added a fourth five minutes later to complete a decisive win and secure all three points for the Sky Blues.

The result moved Coventry City up to 14th in the Premier League table with six points. Newcastle United remain 11th on eight points.

For Onyeka, the match provided another opportunity to contribute to Coventry City’s strong start after their promotion to the Premier League. Although his involvement was limited, his energy and defensive work in the closing stages earned recognition as the home side finished the match comfortably.

Taiwo Awoniyi’s suspension meant he could not be involved as Coventry City continued their progress under Lampard. The victory also gave the club back-to-back league wins and lifted them above several sides in the early standings.

Sporting Lagos head coach Jeffrey Buter says the return of Odinaka Okoro and the recent form of Victor Samuel have strengthened his squad ahead of their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 9 meeting with Plateau United.

Samuel played a decisive role in Sporting Lagos’ latest victory after Bendel Insurance took the lead just 18 seconds into the match.

The forward brought his side level before Gafar Olaniyan completed the comeback, securing all three points for Sporting Lagos in front of their home supporters.

Buter was particularly pleased with Samuel’s contribution, having seen the player respond to an early setback with an influential performance.

“I’m really happy for Samuel after what he has gone through. He is a dynamic player,” Buter said.

The manager also welcomed the availability of Okoro, who has returned to the squad after a period on the sidelines with injury.

“Odinaka Okoro is back in the team after some time out. As a young lad, I am happy for him too,” he added.

Sporting Lagos now turn their attention to a Plateau United side that will provide a different challenge in their next league fixture. The match will also see Buter face Shola Adegun, a former colleague and friend who is now part of Plateau United’s technical setup.

Buter said their previous working relationship had added interest to the encounter, although his focus remained on preparing Sporting Lagos for the fixture.

“We go back and prepare ahead of Plateau United on Matchday 9, with Shola Adegun, who is a friend and colleague. We shared the dugout, and he is now with Plateau United,” he explained.

Super Eagles striker Akor Adams featured for Venezia as they suffered a sixth consecutive defeat in Serie A, losing 3-1 to Atalanta on Monday. Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian forward made his sixth appearance in the Italian top flight since joining Venezia from Sevilla during the summer, having scored once so far this season.

Atalanta, who entered the encounter after three successive league defeats, made an explosive start, taking the lead in the fourth minute through Franck Kessie, who raced onto Nikola Krstovic’s pass before lifting the ball over goalkeeper Filip Stankovic.

Krstovic extended the advantage just three minutes later, rising to meet Eljif Elmas’ corner and directing his header into the net.

The hosts struck again in the 31st minute when Krstovic reacted quickest to a rebound after Stankovic had saved Jonathan Rowe’s effort, completing his brace and putting Atalanta firmly in control.

Venezia pulled one back six minutes later through Antoine Hainaut, who headed home Richie Sagrado’s cross to reduce the deficit before the break. However, the visitors could not find another goal to change the outcome.

The victory lifted Atalanta to 10th place with nine points from six matches, while Venezia remained bottom of the standings without a point after six games.

Adams returned to club duty following an impressive contribution for Nigeria during the international break, scoring a stoppage-time equaliser in the Super Eagles’ 3-3 friendly draw against Russia.

Nigeria had trailed 3-1 before the late comeback, with Adams finding the net to help secure a draw for the three-time African champions.

The striker will now hope to help Venezia turn their difficult start to the Serie A campaign around as they seek their first points of the season.

Rivers United technical manager Finidi George has praised his team's consistency in the 2026/2027 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season but admitted that the demanding fixture schedule is beginning to affect his defenders. Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Pride of Rivers extended their unbeaten run to eight league matches after playing out a goalless draw against Abia Warriors at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba on Sunday.

The result took Rivers United to 16 points, leaving them second on the table, just one point behind leaders Rangers.

Finidi acknowledged the effort his players have put in since the start of the campaign, despite their disappointment in the CAF Champions League.

“I think we’ve really worked hard this season. We haven’t lost a match, despite the fact that we’ve been knocked out of the (2026/2027) CAF Champions League,” Finidi said at the post-match press conference.

The former Super Eagles winger was pleased with his team's defensive organisation but warned that the number of matches played could necessitate changes to keep the squad fresh.

“Yeah, I think the defence is doing well, but we still have to monitor the defenders properly because the accumulation of matches is beginning to take its toll. We’ll see if others can come in and perform at the same level,” he said.

The Rivers United manager also stressed that every point could prove crucial in the race for the title, recalling how his side narrowly missed out on the championship last season.

“If I’m happy with the draw? Sometimes, at the end of the season, all these points will count for a lot, you know. Last season, we lost the league title by just one point. So, let’s see if this time around, we can maintain this form for a little longer,” he said.

Assessing the performance against Abia Warriors, Finidi admitted that his team struggled for consistency after the break but was satisfied with their ability to earn a point away from home against a difficult opponent.

“The second half was off and on for us. But coming here to get a point on the road against a difficult side — a lot of teams might have lost here by a big goal margin — and for us to come here and even control the game, trying to see how we could score a goal, which didn’t happen, says something,” he said.

“But these are things that happen in football. All the same, we’re quite happy with the point, and we’ll build on it,” Finidi concluded.

Rivers United will now look to preserve their unbeaten record as the NPFL campaign continues, with squad management likely to be important as the fixtures accumulate.

Turkish club Bursaspor are reportedly interested in signing Nigerian winger Henry Onyekuru, with compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho said to have encouraged the club to consider a move for the former Super Eagles forward.

Iheanacho is believed to have spoken positively about Onyekuru and recommended him to the club’s management as Bursaspor explore ways to strengthen their attacking options.

The Turkish side reportedly rate Onyekuru highly and see the experienced winger as a potential addition who could bring quality and familiarity with the demands of the domestic game.

Onyekuru previously featured for Turkish clubs Galatasaray and Adana Demirspor, giving him experience of the country’s football environment that could prove useful if negotiations progress.

However, details of any potential transfer remain unclear, with no confirmed information available on formal negotiations or whether the winger is interested in joining Bursaspor.

A move would potentially bring two Nigerian internationals together at the Turkish club, with Iheanacho reportedly keen to see Onyekuru become part of the squad as Bursaspor look to strengthen ahead of their upcoming challenges.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has backed Ademola Lookman to rediscover his best form, despite acknowledging that the Super Eagles forward has yet to meet the expectations of both himself and the Spanish club.

Speaking ahead of Atletico Madrid’s UEFA Champions League clash against Manchester United, Simeone expressed confidence in the Nigerian winger, pointing to his commitment in training and ability to take on opponents despite his recent struggles.

“Ademola isn't at the level he wants or we want, but he works hard every day,” Simeone said.

"He's a dribbler, and he needs to lose the ball sometimes. I believe in him.”

Lookman joined Atletico Madrid from Atalanta and is expected to remain an important attacking option for the Spanish side as they prepare for their European assignment against Manchester United.

Simeone’s remarks underline his continued support for the Nigerian international, even as he acknowledges that the forward has yet to produce the level of performance expected at the club.

The Atletico boss appears willing to give Lookman room to express himself on the pitch, recognising that his dribbling style naturally involves taking risks and occasionally losing possession.

Lookman will now hope to repay his manager’s faith with stronger performances as Atletico Madrid pursue their Champions League ambitions.

Nigeria midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru made his return from a thigh injury as Lazio beat Monza 3-1 in the Italian Serie A on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

The Super Eagles international was introduced in the 60th minute at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, replacing Davide Frattesi and giving Lazio another option in midfield.

Dele-Bashiru had been out since injuring his right thigh during Lazio’s 1-0 victory over Bologna on August 24. The injury was reported to involve a tear, with the midfielder expected to miss several weeks.

Lazio made a fast start against Monza, taking the lead through Nuno Tavares in the third minute. Gustav Isaksen extended their advantage in the 23rd minute before Monza reduced the deficit shortly after half-time through Saba Goglichidze.

Andrea Pinamonti restored Lazio’s two-goal lead with a goal in the 88th minute to complete the victory.

Dele-Bashiru’s comeback comes at an important time for Nigeria, who are preparing for a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania in November.

The midfielder missed Nigeria’s previous international assignments while recovering from the injury. His return now gives head coach Eric Chelle another midfield option ahead of the qualifiers.

Lazio will also welcome Dele-Bashiru’s availability as he works towards regaining full match fitness and re-establishing his place in the team.

The report was published by BSNSports. Niyi Busari is the publisher and chief executive officer of BSN Sports Concept.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone says he still believes in Ademola Lookman, despite acknowledging that the Nigeria forward has not yet reached the level expected by either himself or the club.

Lookman’s form was discussed by Simeone ahead of Atletico Madrid’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Manchester United. The Argentine manager backed the former Atalanta winger, pointing to his commitment in training and his ability to take on opponents.

“Ademola isn't at the level he wants or we want, but he works hard every day,” Simeone said.

“He's a dribbler, and he needs to lose the ball sometimes. I believe in him.”

Lookman joined Atletico Madrid from Atalanta and is expected to have an important role as the Spanish club prepare for their European fixture against Manchester United.

Simeone’s comments underline his continued support for the Super Eagles forward, even though Lookman has struggled to produce the performances targeted by both player and manager.

The Atletico Madrid boss believes Lookman’s willingness to work and his qualities in one-on-one situations can help him recover his confidence. The Nigeria international will now hope to respond on the pitch and repay Simeone’s faith in the Champions League encounter.

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone believes Ademola Lookman can recover his best form after a challenging opening to the 2026/27 season, with the Nigeria international having scored only once in nine appearances in all competitions.

Lookman’s difficult run continued last weekend when he was replaced at half-time during Atletico Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Alaves. His substitution raised further questions about the winger’s current confidence and performances.

Simeone, however, views the situation as a temporary phase rather than a lasting decline and remains convinced that Lookman has the ability to return to the level he has previously demonstrated.

“Every player goes through their own phases. Obviously, I don’t think there’s a player who can maintain a level of ten all the time,” the Argentine was quoted by Into The Calderon.

“There’s always a dip, and it’s clear that Ademola Lookman is going through a phase where he’s not performing as he’d like to and as we’d like to see him, because he’s shown us what he’s capable of. But he works every day to become that player, the dribbler.”

Simeone said Lookman’s response should be to maintain his confidence and continue attempting the actions that have made him an important attacking player.

The Atletico manager encouraged him to keep running at defenders, even if those efforts sometimes lead to losing possession, while also stressing the need for persistence and hard work.

“He needs to keep dribbling, he needs to lose the ball, he needs to keep pushing forward, because he’ll do well, because he’s got what it takes and because he’s a goalscorer,” Simeone added.

The comments reflect Simeone’s continued faith in Lookman’s attacking quality and finishing ability, despite the player’s limited return in front of goal so far this season.

Lookman’s solitary goal in nine appearances has come during a period in which his form has fallen short of the standards expected at Atletico Madrid. His early withdrawal against Alaves added to the scrutiny, although the team secured a 2-1 win.

Simeone’s message is that the winger must continue to seek out opportunities and trust the qualities that have previously allowed him to influence matches. The manager also made clear that a player cannot sustain peak form throughout an entire campaign, and that a dip can form part of the normal cycle of a season.

Atletico Madrid’s victory over Alaves extended their winning run, while Lookman continues to work towards regaining the level Simeone believes he is capable of producing.

Akor Adams made his sixth Serie A appearance but could not prevent Venezia from suffering another defeat as Atalanta won 3-1 on Monday.

The result leaves Venezia bottom of the table without a point after six matches. They are the only team in Serie A yet to register a point this season.

Atalanta, meanwhile, moved up to 10th with nine points from their six league games, having ended a run of three successive defeats.

The hosts made an ideal start when Franck Kessie opened the scoring in the fourth minute. He ran on to Nikola Krstovic’s pass before lifting the ball over Venezia goalkeeper Filip Stankovic.

Krstovic extended Atalanta’s advantage three minutes later, heading in from Eljif Elmas’ corner.

The Montenegro international completed his brace in the 31st minute. Jonathan Rowe’s effort was parried by Stankovic, but Krstovic reacted quickest to convert the rebound and put Atalanta 3-0 ahead.

Venezia pulled a goal back four minutes later when Antoine Hainaut headed Richie Sagrado’s cross into the net.

Adams was unable to add to the one goal he has scored since moving to Venezia from Sevilla in the summer.

The Nigeria international had been on target for the Super Eagles during the international break, scoring in stoppage time to complete a comeback in a 3-3 friendly draw with Russia.

Nigeria had trailed 3-1 at one stage of that match. Adams, the AFCON 2025 bronze medal winner, scored late to help secure the draw.

Monday’s loss was Venezia’s sixth consecutive defeat in Serie A.

Bursaspor have increased their interest in signing Nigerian winger Henry Onyekuru, with Kelechi Iheanacho reportedly encouraging the Turkish club to pursue a deal for his compatriot, according to BSNSports.com.ng.

Iheanacho is understood to have spoken positively about Onyekuru and recommended him to Bursaspor’s management as the club considers strengthening its attacking options.

Bursaspor already hold the former Super Eagles star in high regard after seeing his performances during previous spells in Turkish football. The club reportedly believes Onyekuru could bring both quality and experience to its forward line.

Onyekuru has played in Turkey for Galatasaray and Adana Demirspor, giving him an understanding of the demands and style of the country’s football. That familiarity could benefit the player if the proposed move progresses.

However, no agreement has been confirmed. Details of any negotiations between Bursaspor and Onyekuru, including whether the winger is willing to join the club, remain unclear.

A move would potentially reunite the two Nigerian internationals at Bursaspor, with the club looking to reinforce its squad and improve its attacking options.

Nigerian winger Moses Usor is a major doubt for LASK’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Liverpool on Wednesday after suffering a shoulder injury.

LASK will host the Premier League side at the Raiffeisen Arena in their Matchday Two fixture, but Usor is now facing a race to recover in time for the game.

The 24-year-old was injured during LASK’s 2-0 home defeat by Rapid Wien on Sunday. The extent of the problem has left his availability uncertain ahead of the visit of Liverpool.

LASK head coach Dietmar Kuhbauer provided an update on Usor’s condition before Wednesday’s match.

“With Mo, it’s the shoulder joint that is a bit injured. I hope it won’t take too long,” Kuhbauer was quoted as saying by Laola.

The manager also confirmed that George would miss the game because of a separate injury.

“George appears to have a muscle injury. He definitely won’t be available on Wednesday,” Kuhbauer added.

Usor has been an important attacking player for LASK this season. He has scored two goals and supplied three assists in eight appearances across all competitions.

His possible absence would deprive the Black and Whites of one of their in-form players as they prepare to face Liverpool in European competition.

The injury came after Usor’s productive start to the campaign, which included a goal in LASK’s Austrian Cup victory against Altach. That success was among the highlights of his season before Sunday’s defeat by Rapid Wien.

LASK must now assess whether the Nigerian is fit enough to feature against Liverpool, with Kuhbauer hoping the shoulder problem will not keep him out for long.

Perr Schuurs says Tolu Arokodare has a combination of physical power and playing style that he has rarely encountered during his professional career.

The Dutch centre-back was speaking after Ajax were held to a hard-fought 1-1 draw by NEC Nijmegen at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Saturday.

Schuurs, speaking to De Telegraaf in comments reported by Livescore, said the Nigeria international proved even more difficult to defend against than he had expected before the match.

“I had already expected a lot. But when the match started it was actually even more than I had thought beforehand,” Schuurs said.

Arokodare’s physical presence and preference for receiving the ball in the air or on his chest created a different problem for the defender, who has spent four years playing in the Eredivisie.

Schuurs subsequently moved to Italy’s Serie A with Torino, where he faced some of the league’s most powerful forwards, including Romelu Lukaku. However, he believes Arokodare’s approach is not directly comparable to that of the Belgium striker.

“Honestly, no. I played in the Eredivisie for four years and I had never come up against a striker like that. And in Italy you do not often see this type either,” Schuurs said.

“People mention Lukaku, but he is still a different type of player. Tolu wants the ball on his chest or in the air more often.”

The defender’s assessment came after Arokodare posed a consistent threat during the contest, with Schuurs highlighting the Nigerian forward’s unusual combination of size, strength and aerial ability.

Rather than relying solely on physical duels, Schuurs indicated that Arokodare’s movement and preference for contests involving high balls made him particularly difficult to contain across the full 90 minutes.

His comments also underlined the contrast between Arokodare and Lukaku, despite both forwards being associated with considerable physical power. For Schuurs, Arokodare’s ability to bring the ball under control on his chest or compete for it in the air makes him a less familiar type of opponent.

The 1-1 result left Ajax unable to claim victory in their meeting with NEC Nijmegen, while Schuurs’ post-match comments drew attention to the impression made by the Super Eagles forward.

Galatasaray assistant coach Ismael Garcia says Victor Osimhen is fit and ideally suited to trouble Barcelona’s high defensive line in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting.

The Nigeria international is expected to lead the Turkish side’s attack after returning from an injury that had kept him out of action. Osimhen made his comeback at the weekend, giving Galatasaray a timely boost before their European clash with Hansi Flick’s team.

Garcia believes the 26-year-old’s pace, movement and ability to run in behind defenders could expose the risks in Barcelona’s aggressive defensive approach.

Speaking to Diario Sport, in comments quoted by Barca Blaugranes, Garcia confirmed that the former Napoli striker is available for selection.

“Yes, yes. I’m not going to tell you cliches or lies: he’s ready to play and he’s a completely differential player for us. Obviously, he’s there to play,” Garcia said.

“And I’ll tell you more: the top players do well in every game, but perhaps, because of Barcelona’s way of defending, so aggressive and with the defensive line in the middle of the field, Osimhen is the striker who, due to his characteristics, is perfect against that type of defense.

“Beyond the fact that he is an extraordinary striker, we hope that he can do a lot of damage to Barcelona with the way he plays.”

Barcelona’s system under Flick has been characterised by a high defensive line, with the back four often positioned well inside the opposition half as the Catalan club seek to maintain pressure.

That approach can leave space behind the defence, and Garcia said Osimhen’s particular qualities make him a natural threat against it. The Galatasaray coach also stressed that the striker’s importance extends beyond the tactical match-up, describing him as an “extraordinary striker”.

Osimhen’s return comes as Galatasaray prepare to face the Spanish champions in strong domestic form. Barcelona enter the Champions League fixture after a comfortable 3-0 victory over Getafe in La Liga.

Galatasaray also preserved their position at the top of the Turkish Super Lig with a 3-1 win against Kasimpasa.

The Turkish champions will now hope Osimhen can make an immediate impact after his return and provide the decisive contribution against what the source describes as one of Europe’s most in-form teams.

Stellenbosch FC have signed Nigerian midfielder Adeyanju Kazeem on a free transfer from Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) club Plateau United.

The South African Premier Soccer League side confirmed that all formalities relating to the move were completed last month. Kazeem now joins the club as they continue their campaign in the Betway Premiership.

His arrival is expected to add to Stellenbosch FC’s midfield options in the South African top flight. The move also extends the club’s record of recruiting players from Nigeria.

Kazeem is the fifth Nigerian to represent Stellenbosch FC, following Stanley Dimgba, Ibraheem Jabaar, Kazie Enyinnaya and Olisa Ndah.

The midfielder will wear the number 29 shirt after completing his move. He could make his first appearance for the club when Stellenbosch FC play Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday evening.

The transfer takes Kazeem into a new phase of his career, with the former Plateau United player preparing to adapt to a different football environment and compete in one of the continent’s competitive domestic leagues.

Stellenbosch FC will hope the Nigerian can make a positive contribution as he begins his time in South Africa.

Rafiu Durosinmi says the support of his Genk team-mates has been central to his outstanding start at the Belgian Pro League club.

The Nigeria international joined Genk from Italian side Pisa during the summer and has quickly become one of the team’s leading performers this season.

Durosinmi scored again on Saturday as Genk defeated Kortrijk 3-0, taking his league tally to six goals in eight appearances.

The 23-year-old believes the team’s collective support has helped him find the net so regularly, while the significance of wearing Genk’s Golden Bull shirt has provided an additional source of motivation.

“I’m happy to be able to put on the shirt with the Golden Bull. It gives extra motivation to be able to continue wearing this sweater. With the help of my teammates, I manage to score smoothly. I hope we can continue on this lane,” Durosinmi told HBVL.

He also stressed that maintaining his form over the full campaign mattered more than leading the scoring charts at this stage of the season.

“The most important thing is not that I’m at the top now, but that I’m still there at the end of the season. Otherwise, it will be of little use to you,” he added.

Durosinmi enjoyed family time during break

Saturday’s victory was Genk’s first match since the international break. While the forward was away from competitive football, he stayed in Belgium and used the time off to be with his family.

Durosinmi said the break gave him an opportunity to rest, although he admitted that he missed playing matches.

“I stayed in Genk. We had a few days off that I was able to spend with my family. That was very nice. Although I did miss the game,” he said.

The forward added that Genk had dropped points before the break, making a winning return particularly important for the club and its supporters.

“We missed some points for the break. It was important to give everything for the club and the fans and to start again with winning games. That’s what we were so hungry for.”

Bursaspor head coach Mustafa Er has praised Kelechi Iheanacho’s immediate influence after the Nigeria international made a prolific start to his career with the Turkish club.

The 30-year-old striker joined Bursaspor on a free transfer in the summer and has quickly become an important part of their campaign to win promotion.

Iheanacho has scored 12 goals and provided two assists in nine league appearances, establishing himself as one of the team’s leading contributors since arriving at the Green Crocodiles.

Er said Bursaspor had worked hard to complete the signing and expected the forward to make a decisive contribution in front of goal.

“We transferred Iheanacho so that he would score goals. We worked very hard for that transfer. We also need to thank our management,” Er said, according to the club’s official website.

The manager also said Iheanacho had attracted interest from a number of clubs before opting to move to Bursaspor. He believes the stature of the club played an important part in the player’s decision.

“There was a lot of demand for him. The size of the club was also very important in his choosing us. We are getting the contribution we want,” Er added.

Er praises Bursaspor’s improving spirit

Alongside Iheanacho’s goalscoring form, Er pointed to an improvement in the team’s unity and productivity as Bursaspor continue their promotion push.

The coach hopes Iheanacho can extend his scoring run in the club’s next fixture and said the squad’s positive atmosphere was helping players perform more effectively.

“Iheanacho continues to score. I hope he scores this week too. We have a positive team,” Er said.

“There is tremendous progress in team spirit. Productivity is also increasing. People are more productive when they are happy. We win as a team.”

Abia Warriors head coach Imama Amapakabo described his side’s goalless draw with Rivers United as “two points dropped” after they failed to win at home for the third time in four matches this season.

The teams shared the points in Sunday’s EuroMatch/NPFL Matchday 8 meeting in Aba, leaving Abia Warriors with three home draws from their opening four fixtures at home in the 2026/2027 EUROMATCH-NPFL season.

Amapakabo said his players lacked confidence during attacking transitions and missed the chance to claim all three points.

“It’s two points dropped. You know, it’s two points dropped because, to me, I go into every game wanting to win. We had a big problem today in the offensive transition,” he said.

“Our players were not recognising the moment for transition enough. Like I told them, you must not fear. Show respect, but not fear. But I think that, at a point in time, it was like they were doubting their own abilities, which was a big factor in the game.”

The coach, who won the 2015/2016 EuroMatch/NPFL title with Rangers International, added that the club had now surrendered six points at home.

“I’ve lost six points at home so far, and it counts for something. If you look at it now, we’ve got nine points from eight games out of a possible 24. I always try to play to get the desired result,” he said.

Obioma carries goalscoring burden

Amapakabo also admitted he was concerned by Abia Warriors’ dependence on forward Chukwuemeka Obioma for goals.

The experienced striker, whom the coach described last season as “the only striker with the grace for goals”, has featured in almost all eight matches, scoring six goals and providing one assist.

“Yes, you know, when a team has one individual they count on for goals, it is not the best. I’ve been challenging some of my young players who have been around him. Look, you must stand up to be counted,” Amapakabo said.

“Because, if you leave him alone, at a point in today’s game, I felt pity for him because he was already completely fagged out.”

He said Obioma remained on the pitch deliberately because of his goalscoring ability, but called on other players to contribute.

“He’s played almost all eight games and scored six goals and provided one assist, an awesome performance for any striker anywhere in the world,” he added. “But we’ll continue working, hoping that one of those players will be able to come to the party.”

Meyanga praised after debut

Amapakabo handed young defender Godwin Meyanga his Premier League debut of the season and was pleased with the rookie’s display.

The former Nigeria U-20 national team, Flying Eagles, goalkeeper said Abia Warriors were rebuilding and praised Meyanga for responding positively to his instructions.

“I told him, ‘Boy, go out there and enjoy yourself. Play the game with all your heart’,” he said.

“I’ll keep on introducing the young lads, as long as they prove to me in our practice sessions that they can deliver results.”

Amapakabo added: “Kudos to him. He played against one of the biggest teams in the land this season, and I think I will score him very highly.”

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes has warned Victor Boniface that the striker’s early departure down the tunnel during Saturday’s 4-3 Bundesliga win over Mainz will not happen again.

The Super Eagles forward reacted angrily after being left out of the team for a third time during the match’s final substitutes window. Coach Carles Martinez brought on Equi Fernandez and Jonas Hofmann in the 84th minute, prompting Boniface to leave the bench and head directly to the dressing room.

The incident has highlighted the 25-year-old’s difficult position at Bayer Leverkusen this season, with his opportunities limited. Boniface has made only one league appearance: a five-minute substitute outing against SV Elversberg on the opening day, during which he provided an assist.

He has since spent much of the campaign either sidelined or among the substitutes.

Martinez said he had not seen Boniface leave during the match but indicated that the matter would be discussed internally.

“I didn’t notice it during the game. I don’t know anything about it. If that’s what happened, we’ll speak to him,” Martinez told Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger.

“I can understand that every player wants to help the team. At the same time, decisions like that are part of football.”

Rolfes initially responded with a joke, suggesting Boniface may have had a practical reason for leaving the technical area. However, he later made clear that the player’s action was not acceptable.

“Perhaps he went into the dressing room a little too early today. It won’t happen next time,” Rolfes said.

Despite the warning, the Leverkusen sporting director acknowledged that Boniface’s fitness is improving and that he has continued to conduct himself professionally in training.

That leaves the striker with the possibility of earning a greater role as the fixture schedule becomes increasingly demanding.

Rivers United technical manager Finidi George says he is encouraged by his side’s unbeaten away record in the 2026/2027 EuroMatch/NPFL season after they secured a goalless draw against Abia Warriors.

The point came in Sunday’s Matchday 8 fixture at the Enyimba International Stadium Aba and kept Rivers United unbeaten in the league. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Finidi praised his defenders and said he was satisfied with how the team had negotiated its away matches.

“I think we’ve really worked hard this season. We haven’t lost a match, despite the fact that we’ve been knocked out of the (2026/2027) CAF Champions League,” said Finidi, the former Enyimba manager and Super Eagles winger.

The result leaves Rivers United second in the 2026/2027 EuroMatch/NPFL table on 16 points, one behind leaders Rangers, who have 17.

Finidi said the defensive unit had made a positive contribution but warned that the increasing number of fixtures was placing pressure on his defenders.

“Yeah, I think the defence is doing well, but we still have to monitor the defenders properly because the accumulation of matches is beginning to take its toll. We’ll see if others can come in and perform at the same level.

“We’ll see what happens, but I’m quite happy with the way we’ve handled most of our away matches so far.”

Asked whether he regarded the draw as a valuable result, Finidi pointed to the importance of collecting points on the road, particularly after Rivers United missed out on last season’s league title by the narrowest margin.

“If I’m happy with the draw? Sometimes, at the end of the season, all these points will count for a lot, you know. Last season, we lost the league title by just one point. So, let’s see if this time around, we can maintain this form for a little longer,” said the former Ajax Amsterdam winger.

Rivers United had opportunities to take all three points in Aba but could not find a way past Abia Warriors. Finidi described his team’s performance after the interval as inconsistent, while also praising their control of the contest.

“The second half was off and on for us. But coming here to get a point on the road against a difficult side a lot of teams might have lost here by a big goal margin and for us to come here and even control the game, trying to see how we could score a goal, which didn’t happen, says something.

“But these are things that happen in football. All the same, we’re quite happy with the point, and we’ll build on it,” Finidi concluded.