The anticipation and hype surrounding Rivers United were as advertised. Rivers United, overcoming a deficit, ultimately defeated Wikki 3-2 this past Sunday to qualify for the 2026-27 CAF Champions League.

Jonathan Mairiga put the home team ahead in 21 minutes before Rivers United pulled level in the 34th minute when Handsome Surveyor equalized for the visitors. Wikki Tourists went back in front shortly after half-time when Imamu Bala netted in the 47th minute to place the game 2-1 in their favor.

However, Rivers United wouldn’t be denied as they leveled things up with a Chijioke Mbaoma goal in the 59th minute. Otaniyi scored the decisive goal with five minutes left in the match.

Rivers United Is Loaded with NPFL Talent

Rivers United is full of stars, but perhaps none bigger than the amazing depth of the NPFL. All season long, veteran goalkeeper Theophilus Afelokkhai has passionately protected the goal, giving his club a chance at the CAF Champions League. A seasoned veteran of NPFL competition, Afelokhai has been manning the goal for Rivers United since 2020.

Afelokhai was the defensive anchor for Rivers United’s 2021-22 season, in which, according to football experts at Bettingtop10 Nigeria, he allowed only a jaw-dropping 0.8 goals per match. Perhaps most important is that Afelokhai has much experience with CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup games.

For the 2025-2026 campaign, Nigerian forward has been one of Rivers United’s most consistent attackers. In 16 matches, Samuel has notched 3 goals and has also been adept at playing the left winger position. Samuel has 6 CAF matches under his belt. However, he has yet to score a goal or an assist. Rivers United looks for that to change now that they qualify for next season’s CAF Champions League.

Where Rivers United Currently Stands

The win keeps Rivers United in the hunt for Nigeria’s top-flight title going into their final game of the season against Katsina United this weekend. Rivers United trails league leaders Rangers International by a point after Finidi’s boys finished Sunday’s action second on the table. Sunday’s league leaders, Rangers, won 2-1 against Bendel Insurance in Enugu, while Rivers United picked up three points against Wikki Tourists in Bauchi.

Not satisfied, head coach Findi George, trying to avoid a letdown after the hard-fought win, had this to say about his squad:

“We’ll be going back home to see how we can win our last home match, and then we leave the rest to God, irrespective of whatever result that happens in other centers, we wouldn’t bother that much, despite the fact that Rangers are ahead of us.”

With the recent win, Rivers United has qualified for consecutive CAF Champions League play. Findi’s ultimate goal is for Rivers United to win the league title.

The senior national team of Nigeria have been drawn in a relatively easy group in the qualifiers for the 2027 AFCON, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

 The tournament will feature 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four, with only the top two from each group advancing to the finals.

Earlier today the draws for teams to be at the tournament . The six-match qualifying series will be played across three FIFA international windows between 2026 and 2027, placing emphasis on squad depth and consistency over an extended period.

Nigeria was grouped in L, alongside one of the host in Tanzania meaning one only country will qualify from the group which has Guinea Bissau and Madagascar.

A- Lesotho, Niger Republic, Gabon, Morocco

B- South Sudan, Malawi, Angola, Egypt

C- Somalia, Gambia, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire

D-Eritrea, Kenya, Guinea, South Africa

E-Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone Equatorial Guinea, DR Congo

F-CAR, Mauritania, Benin, Burkina Faso

G-Congo, Namibia, Comoros, Cameroon

H-Botswana, Libya, Uganda, Tunisia

I-Burundi, Togo, Zambia, Algeria

J-Ethiopia Sudan, Mozambique, Senegal

K-Liberia, Rwanda, Cape Verde, Mali

L-Guinea Bissau, Tanzania, Madagascar, Nigeria

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo recently said he is interested in holding talks on playing for the senior national team of Nigeria after previously turning down the chance, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Tosin turned down Nigeria three times in the past, but in a recent interview he confirmed that he is now targeting a chance with Nigeria, after playing for England at various youth levels.

“I have been through the English youth national teams. I was born in London, but I also feel very connected to my Nigerian roots. Last summer I spent my vacation in Nigeria, it’s a wonderful country with a fascinating culture.

“I followed the Nigerian national team intensively at the last Africa Cup of Nations, they have a fantastic team. It would be a great honour for me to wear the green jersey, but currently my focus is entirely on my goals with Chelsea FC”, he was quoted as saying by Tribuna.

Despite his open declaration, Chelle isn’t pushing to have him in his squad anytime soon and has not made any contact with the 28 year old. Although he has been made aware of Tosin’s availability.

Chelle is presently focused on the young defenders coming through like Emmanuel Fernandez, Benjamin Fredrick and Chibuike Nwaiwu.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

Scottish giants Rangers have started planning in earnest for next season after failing to beat Celtic to the league title, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

They are keen on strengthening their defence with the future of start defender Emmanuel Fernandez not certain. The Nigerian international has been a revelation this season at the club.

Already they have started making plans for life without him with their pursuit of another Nigerian in highly rated Akpe Victory, with talks described as positive and the player himself keen on a move to Ibrox, per a report on TEAMtalk.

The 19-year-old centre-back, currently at Hungarian side Zalaegerszegi TE, represents a promising long-term investment as manager Danny Rohl seeks to bolster his defensive options and the club act aggressively in the market.

Standing at an imposing 6ft 5in, Victory has impressed in limited appearances for Zalaegerszegi since joining in January 2026, showcasing the physicality, composure, and potential that have attracted interest from across Europe.

Benfica have made an approach, while clubs in Germany, Spain, and France are also monitoring the situation.

However, Rangers appear to be leading the race and are close to submitting a formal offer, with the deal expected to exceed €5million (£4.3m / $5.8m).

Victory, who is under contract until 2028 with an option for a further year, sees the move to Glasgow as an exciting step in his development, though he remains aware of the broader European attention.

Daniel Martins

French side Nantes have started the process of planning for life in the second division next season after suffering relegation from the top division, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Nantes were relegated after winning just five of their 33 league games this season, and it was largely why fans rioted and forced their games against Toulouse to be abandoned.

Supporters threw flares then broke through barriers and entered the field at the Stade de la Beaujoire with the score 0-0 as stewards struggled to hold them back.

Players ran down the tunnel as police entered the pitch to quell the protest, eventually forcing the fans to retreat.

Referee Stephanie Frappart eventually called off the game nearly 40 minutes after it was first suspended.

“The decision to permanently stop the match has been made for security reasons,” she said.

Sunday’s game was the last of the season for both teams and Nantes manager Vahid Halilhodzic’s final game at the club.

Behind the scene, the club has already started the process of taking decisions on the future of certain players in the team with Nigeria international defender Chidozie Awaziem among people those to be shown the exit door.

Awaziem joined the team in the summer from MLS side Colorado Rapids and made 27 appearances scoring a goal with two assists. However his huge salary means he will be given a pay cut or allow to leave.

Daniel Martins

The head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle has made changes to the squad of the Super Eagles for the upcoming Unity Cup tournament in London, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.

Top striker Taiwo Awoniyi who was supposed to be back in the team for the tournament, after ending the season on a high with Nottingham Forest was the first to pull out of the team as he is due for surgery at the end of the season.

Another player set for a return to the team in Nathan Tella of Bayer Leverkusen is also feared out of the tournament after missing the last two games due to injury. Chelle will make a decision on his inclusion later today.

AIK of Sweden teen prospect Zadok Yohanna is also facing the prospect of getting replaced in the team as he is struggling with a thigh injury. The 18 year old has already secured a visa to London for the tournament.

The list will be made public this week, but invited players have already been contacted and have secured their visas.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

A team in the English Premier League has agreed a deal for the signing of Nigeria international midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru from Italian Serie A side Lazio, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

A host of teams in the English Premier League had the Nigerian midfielder on their radar, and from what we understand there is an agreement in principle for his signing, when the summer transfer window opens.

It is why he hasn’t been a regular at Lazio in the last few games, with the club not taking any risk that could jeopardise the deal, which is said to worth around €20m.

In the January transfer window English Premier League teams Nottingham Forest, Sunderland and Bournemouth made an attempt to sign him but were turned down by Lazio.

It’s unclear if any of the aforementioned teams is where he will be heading, but what is certain is that he will leave Lazio at the end of this season.

Daniel Martins

Premier League table tightens up with title race and relegation battle. Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City battle for the title as relegation-threatened clubs fight for survival in what is the tightest Premier League table ever.

The Premier League Table Is Tightening Fast and One Bad Week Could Change Everything

The Premier League season is heading into its most dramatic phase, and the pressure is building every single weekend. Fans following live soccer updates are watching Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City remain separated by only a handful of points at the top of the table.  Near the bottom, clubs are desperately fighting to avoid relegation. One bad week now has the power to completely change a team’s season. That is exactly why the Premier League remains the most unpredictable league in football. Momentum changes quickly, confidence disappears fast, and every match suddenly feels enormous.

The Title Race Is Becoming Brutal

Arsenal have looked sharp in recent weeks, especially going forward. Mikel Arteta’s side played with intensity and confidence in their latest matches, pressing high and moving the ball quickly through midfield. Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard continue to lead the attack, while Declan Rice has brought calmness and control in difficult moments. Liverpool is refusing to slow down as well. Even when performances are not perfect, they continue finding ways to win. Their recent comeback victories have reminded fans of the mentality that helped them win major trophies under Jürgen Klopp. Mohamed Salah remains dangerous, while Darwin Núñez has added energy and unpredictability in attack.

Manchester City still look like the most experienced side in the race. Pep Guardiola’s team recently controlled possession brilliantly in key matches and showed once again why they are so difficult to beat during the final months of the season. Erling Haaland continues scoring important goals, but City’s midfield control has been just as important. What makes this title race fascinating is how quickly things can change. A draw or defeat no longer feels like a minor setback. It can completely shift the table within hours.

Tottenham and Aston Villa Are Still Fighting

Tottenham continue to entertain fans with aggressive attacking football under Roberto De Zerbi. Their recent matches have been open, fast and chaotic at times, but Spurs supporters are enjoying the energy around the club again. Aston Villa have also remained firmly in the race for European football. UnaiEmery’s tactical organisation has made Villa difficult to play against, especially at home. They may not receive as much attention as the traditional top clubs, but their consistency has impressed many Premier League fans this season. Both teams know that one poor run of results could push them out of the Champions League places immediately.

The Relegation Battle Is Turning Ugly

At the bottom of the table, the pressure feels even heavier.

Burnley, Sheffield United and Luton Town have all struggled defensively in recent weeks, conceding goals at the worst possible moments. Luton have shown fight and determination in several matches, but defensive mistakes continue costing them valuable points. Everton’s situation has also kept supporters nervous for much of the season. Despite improving performances in some matches, they have found themselves dragged back into danger repeatedly.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest and Brentford are still looking over their shoulders. A couple of defeats can quickly pull mid-table clubs into relegation trouble because the bottom half of the table remains incredibly tight. This is where experience becomes important. Teams fighting relegation often rely on organisation, discipline and mental strength rather than attractive football.

Every Match Now Feels Like a Final

One of the most exciting parts of this Premier League season is the emotional pressure surrounding every fixture. Fans are constantly checking the table, following azscore live scores today, calculating points and analysing upcoming schedules as the title race and relegation battle become tighter every week. A late winner can completely change the mood around a club. A red card or defensive mistake can suddenly create panic. The title race remains wide open, the battle for Europe is intense, and the relegation fight looks far from settled. Arsenal may currently have momentum, Liverpool still believes, and Manchester City know exactly how to handle pressure during the final stretch. At both ends of the table, though, the message is clear: one bad week could change everything.

Head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle has picked his back four for the upcoming Unity Cup tournament in London, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.

Chelle will be without his regular and preferred back four for the tournament, who will be given a rest and be back in the team for the high profile friendly games against Poland and Portugal respectively.

We can exclusively reveal that Chelle will go with a back four of Emmanuel Fernandez and Chibuike Nwaiwu as the centre back. Felix Agu will be at right back if he gets the medical all clear to play at the tournament.

FC Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi will be the choice at left back and will likely wear the captain armband, if he gets to start in the absence of goalkeeper Francis Uzoho.

The back four is however subject to changes from the head coach, but for now the aforementioned is his preferred quartet for the opening game against Zimbabwe.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman