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Former Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, is dead

Nigerian football is in mourning following the death of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai. According to FRCN, Rufai passed away on Thursday morning after a prolonged illness. While his family is yet to issue an official statement, a top Lagos State Government official has confirmed the news of his demise. PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News on Naira Sports WhatsApp Channel Peter Rufai was a towering figure in Nigerian football, celebrated for his exceptional goalkeeping skills and charismatic presence on the pitch. Born on August 24, 1963, Rufai had a distinguished career spanning two decades, playing professionally in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. He was a pivotal member of the golden generation of the Super Eagles, representing Nigeria in two FIFA World Cups (1994 and 1998) as the first-choice goalkeeper. He also played a crucial role in Nigeria's triumph at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia, earning 65 international caps for his country. After retiring from professional football in 2000, Rufai reportedly settled in Spain and opened a goalkeeper's school. Read the full article

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Really shocking - NFF Mourns Former Super Eagles Goalkeeper Rufai

The Nigeria football firmament turned pale on Thursday evening after it was confirmed that the country’s 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup first-choice goalkeeper Peter Rufai had died in Lagos following a period of illness. “This is really, really shocking,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said in Abuja. “Peter Rufai dead? What happened? I am perplexed. We did not even know that he had been ill. “We earnestly pray to the Almighty God to grant him eternal rest, and to comfort all his loved ones as well as the entire Nigeria football family.” Reports said the flamboyant goal-tender, who was in and out of the Nigeria senior team for 17 years, had been ill for some weeks, before giving up the ghost at a Lagos hospital at about 6am on Thursday. PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News on Naira Sports WhatsApp Channel Former Nigeria international midfielder Waidi Akanni confirmed that the body of one of Nigeria football’s true heroes had been deposited at a Lagos hospital. Rufai made his debut for then Green Eagles in a friendly match in December 1981, and won the Africa Cup of Nations silver in 1984 and 1988, before Nigeria swept to glory in the continental finals in Tunisia in 1994. He was the first-choice goalkeeper in the three championships. The charismatic and disciplined goalkeeper also kept goal for Nigeria in the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cup finals (the Super Eagles made the Round of 16 on both occasions), and dedicated his post-retirement days to discovering and mentoring young players. He also served as the coordinator of the Nigeria U23 team at a time. Apart from his memorable outings with the Super Eagles, Rufai was an extraordinary figure at Lagos club, Stationery Stores, with whom he reached the final of the Africa Cup Winners Cup competition in 1981. He also played professionally in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. Read the full article

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Premier League club consider summer move for Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare

Fulham are weighing up a summer move for KRC Genk’s red-hot Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare, as the Premier League club looks to strengthen its attacking department ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.   The 24-year-old striker was one of the standout performers in the Belgian Pro League last season, finishing as the league's top scorer with 17 goals and netting 23 across all competitions for the Smurfs. PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News on Naira Sports WhatsApp Channel Arokodare’s goal-scoring exploits have placed him firmly on the radar of top European clubs, with Manchester United, AC Milan, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund all reportedly monitoring his situation.   According to SunSport, the Nigerian international is eager to test himself at the highest level in the Premier League, a move that could now materialise with Fulham showing concrete interest.   Sources close to the player have confirmed that Fulham have already opened initial talks with Arokodare’s representatives as they assess the feasibility of a potential deal.   The Cottagers are desperate to reinforce their attacking options after narrowly missing out on European qualification last season, and manager Marco Silva sees Arokodare as a key target to inject fresh firepower into his squad.   Should the deal go through, Arokodare would join fellow Nigerian stars Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey at Craven Cottage, a growing Nigerian contingent that could strengthen Fulham’s connection with African fans.   Described as a physical and mobile striker with an eye for goal, Arokodare’s mix of power and precision has drawn comparisons to some of the best emerging No.9s in Europe. Read the full article

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Kwara United Superfan ‘Iya Oniguguru’ receives N500,000 donation

Kwara United's beloved superfan, known affectionately as "Iya Oniguguru," has received a donation of N500,000 from Ambassador Yahaya Seriki. This generous gesture highlights her renowned dedication to the club, which has not gone unnoticed by prominent figures. PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News on Naira Sports WhatsApp Channel Iya Oniguguru is a well-known figure among Kwara United supporters, recognised for her passionate and consistent presence at the club's matches. The donation comes shortly after Kwara United's historic triumph in the President Federation Cup, where they clinched the title after a 49-year wait, adding to the joyous atmosphere surrounding the club with her picture trending across social media. Ambassador Abdulfatai Yahaya Seriki, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, businessman, and philanthropist from Ilorin, is a known supporter of Kwara United and has previously pledged financial incentives to the team for their success. His commitment included a N10 million cash gift if the team won the Federation Cup final. Read the full article

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Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly blocked Victor Boniface’s move to Al Nassr - report

In a surprising twist to Victor Boniface’s transfer saga, popular Nigerian journalist Onyebuchi Onokala, also known as Buchi Laba, has claimed that Cristiano Ronaldo played a direct role in the Super Eagles striker’s failed move to Al Nassr. According to Buchi Laba, Al Nassr had shortlisted both Victor Boniface and Jhon Durán as transfer targets, but the final decision was left to the club's superstar and captain, Cristiano Ronaldo. PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News on Naira Sports WhatsApp Channel Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Buchi Laba revealed, “Let me give you small gist about Jhon Durán and why I’m surprised he’s unhappy at Al Nassr. Al Nassr negotiated for him and Victor Boniface and at the end they put both names on the table for Cristiano Ronaldo to pick one. Ronaldo selected Durán. There’s no signing that happens at Al Nassr without Ronaldo approving. Even the Head Coach. He approves everything, so why’s Duran unhappy after not even close to one year?” Ronaldo’s Influence at Al Nassr The post confirms what many have speculated: Ronaldo wields immense power at Al Nassr, not only on the pitch but also in transfer policy and managerial appointments. The Portuguese legend, who joined the Saudi club in January 2023, has reportedly become central to all footballing decisions at the club. This development means that Victor Boniface, who was considered a top target for Al Nassr following a breakout season with Bayer Leverkusen, missed out on a big-money move to the Middle East due to Ronaldo’s preference for Colombian forward Jhon Durán. While Durán completed the move, he is now reportedly unhappy at the Saudi club, raising questions about the decision-making process behind his signing. For Boniface, who has battled injuries and reduced game time under Leverkusen’s new system, this revelation may offer some clarity on why the highly-touted move didn’t materialize. Boniface still remains a sought-after striker in Europe, with recent reports suggesting that Erik ten Hag wants to test him in a dual-striker system at Leverkusen. Read the full article

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Maduka Okoye risks 4-Year ban over Match-Fixing probe in Italy

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is now officially under investigation in Italy for alleged match-fixing, with the Udinese shot-stopper facing a possible four-year ban from football if found guilty of sporting misconduct. The troubling development stems from a Serie A match against Lazio on March 11, 2024, in which Okoye received a yellow card for time-wasting in the 64th minute while his side was leading 2–1. At the time, the incident appeared routine. PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News on Naira Sports WhatsApp Channel However, it later raised red flags due to suspicious betting activity tied specifically to Okoye being booked. According to Corriere dello Sport, the Italian federal prosecutor has now formally accused Okoye of violating Article 30 of Italy’s sporting code. The article addresses any deliberate action that seeks to alter the outcome of a match or gain an unfair advantage considered among the most serious offences in Italian football. Maduka Okoye's allegations Investigators allege that Okoye had a prior arrangement with a friend, the owner of a pizzeria in Udine who reportedly placed substantial bets on Okoye receiving a yellow card during that exact match. The bets paid out eight times the stake, with over €120,000 in winnings, most of which were claimed locally in the Udine area. If found guilty, Okoye could be banned from football for up to four years, which would significantly derail his career, both at the club and international level. This investigation also casts a shadow over his role with the Super Eagles, where he had only recently returned to favour, playing in an international friendly and showing signs of rebuilding confidence after a difficult period post-AFCON 2021. Read the full article

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Maduka Okoye set to risks 4-Year ban over Match-Fixing probe in Italy

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is now officially under investigation in Italy for alleged match-fixing, with the Udinese shot-stopper facing a possible four-year ban from football if found guilty of sporting misconduct. The troubling development stems from a Serie A match against Lazio on March 11, 2024, in which Okoye received a yellow card for time-wasting in the 64th minute while his side was leading 2–1. At the time, the incident appeared routine. PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News on Naira Sports WhatsApp Channel However, it later raised red flags due to suspicious betting activity tied specifically to Okoye being booked. According to Corriere dello Sport, the Italian federal prosecutor has now formally accused Okoye of violating Article 30 of Italy’s sporting code. The article addresses any deliberate action that seeks to alter the outcome of a match or gain an unfair advantage considered among the most serious offences in Italian football. Maduka Okoye's allegations Investigators allege that Okoye had a prior arrangement with a friend, the owner of a pizzeria in Udine who reportedly placed substantial bets on Okoye receiving a yellow card during that exact match. The bets paid out eight times the stake, with over €120,000 in winnings, most of which were claimed locally in the Udine area. If found guilty, Okoye could be banned from football for up to four years, which would significantly derail his career, both at the club and international level. This investigation also casts a shadow over his role with the Super Eagles, where he had only recently returned to favour, playing in an international friendly and showing signs of rebuilding confidence after a difficult period post-AFCON 2021. Read the full article

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Yemi Olanrewaju appointed as Rivers United chief coach

Rivers United have confirmed the appointment of Yemi Olanrewaju as the club’s new Chief Coach, following the departure of Evans Ogenyi, whose contract recently expired. Olanrewaju, a former assistant coach with Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets, returns to the dugout just months after parting ways with Enyimba, where he was relieved of his duties midway through last season. PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News on Naira Sports WhatsApp Channel This appointment marks a reunion with Finidi George, Rivers United’s head coach, with whom Olanrewaju worked during their time at Enyimba. Their renewed partnership is expected to bring a fresh tactical dimension to the Port Harcourt-based side. Rivers United, who finished second in the 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, resumed pre-season training last week, and Olanrewaju is set to get to work immediately. The club will be hoping the addition of the youthful and tactically astute Olanrewaju will boost their preparations for the new season, as they aim to reclaim the NPFL title and make a deeper impact in continental competitions. Read the full article

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Mission X: Super Falcons midfielder in 'Red-Hot' form ahead of WAFCON

As the countdown to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco begins, excitement is growing in the Super Falcons camp. One name on every fan's lips is Toni Payne. A midfielder expected to bring magic, class, and intensity to the squad. Payne has been in remarkable form for her club, Everton, in the English Women's League. She started 16 matches this season, scoring once and providing six assists, earning her a nomination for Player of the Month in February. PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News on Naira Sports WhatsApp Channel Named in Coach Justin and Madagwu’s 23-woman squad, Payne is set to make her second WAFCON appearance after debuting in 2022. With 24 caps and one goal to her name, Payne will be looking to build on her international record as the Super Falcons aim to reclaim the title they lost to South Africa. Read the full article

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Favour Ofili still a Nigerian Athlete – NSC boss Bukola Olopade confirms

The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has dismissed reports suggesting that elite sprinter Favour Ofili has switched her allegiance to Turkey, reaffirming that the speedster remains committed to representing Nigeria. Speaking during the World Press Conference held in Abuja ahead of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) U-18 and U-20 Championships, Olopade, who also chairs the Local Organising Committee, set the record straight amid swirling rumours of a nationality change for one of Nigeria’s most prominent athletes. PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News on Naira Sports WhatsApp Channel “Favour Ofili is still representing Nigeria. She wrote to the NSC two months ago, reaffirming her commitment to compete for Nigeria,” Olopade said. “When I resumed as DG of NSC I called her personally and she confirmed her allegiance to Nigeria.” No official communication of Favour Ofili transfer Olopade also revealed that Ofili is one of 69 athletes who received financial grants from the NSC in April 2025, further underlining her current involvement in Nigerian sports development efforts. “There has been no official communication from any international federation or national body indicating that she has switched allegiance. As far as the NSC is concerned, she remains a Nigerian athlete,” he emphasised. Rising concerns over Athlete transfers The DG’s comments follow a wave of speculation and public concern, triggered by unverified reports that Ofili, the women’s 150m world record holder, was in the process of transferring allegiance to Turkey. The reports, if true, would represent a major blow to Nigeria’s medal hopes ahead of upcoming international competitions. ALSO READ: Favour Ofili: World Athletics confirms athlete transfer requests from Turkey Athletes who switch nationalities are required to serve a three-year waiting period, according to World Athletics rules, if they have previously competed for another country in top-tier events like the Olympics—which Ofili did in Paris 2024.

If the alleged move materialises, she would join the likes of Francis Obikwelu (Portugal), Gloria Alozie (Spain), Femi Ogunode (Qatar), and Salwa Eid Naser (Bahrain) all Nigerian-born athletes who have gone on to win medals for other nations. ALSO READ: Favour Ofili and 4 other Sports stars who ‘dump’ Nigeria for another country The Turkish Athletics Federation has recently been linked with aggressive recruitment of elite foreign-born athletes, reportedly offering generous financial packages to athletes from Africa, including Nigeria. But Olopade’s firm stance suggests Nigeria is doing all it can to retain its brightest talents, amidst increasing global competition for world-class athletes. While the debate continues in athletic circles, the NSC’s latest statement sends a strong message of reassurance to Nigerian fans: Favour Ofili remains Team Nigeria at least for now. Read the full article

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Who are the 'NPFL Golden Boot Winners' in history?

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has served as the breeding ground for some of Africa’s finest football talents. Among the most prestigious individual honours in the league is the NPFL Golden boot winners award given to the top goalscorer each season. This award not only celebrates goal-scoring excellence but also tells a rich story of local dominance, rivalries, and rising stars who often go on to represent Nigeria at international levels or earn lucrative transfers abroad. PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News on Naira Sports WhatsApp Channel Let’s dive into the history of the NPFL Golden Boot, revisit some iconic winners, and explore how the race for the Golden Boot has evolved over the years. The origin of the Golden Boot in Nigeria The NPFL, originally established as the Nigerian Premier League in 1972, began gaining organized recognition in the 1990s and 2000s. The Golden Boot award, modelled after similar accolades in Europe and across Africa, began gaining formal recognition in the early 2000s, although local historians still celebrate goal records from earlier decades. ALSO READ: Favour Ofili still a Nigerian Athlete – NSC boss Bukola Olopade confirms Prior to the modern era, clubs such as Shooting Stars, Enugu Rangers, Bendel Insurance, and Iwuanyanwu Nationale dominated domestic football, and prolific scorers like Rashidi Yekini and Richard Owubokiri emerged from these clubs, although not all played during the officially structured NPFL period. List of NPFL Golden Boot Winners (Selected Years) Season Player Club Goals 2003 Kalu Uche Enyimba 17 2004 Chinedu Bazuaye Bendel Insurance 13 2007 Ahmed Musa Kano Pillars 18 2009 Victor Ezeji Sharks FC 15 2014 Mfon Udoh Enyimba 23 (Record) 2016 Godwin Obaje Wikki Tourists 18 2017 Stephen Odey MFM FC 18 2018 Junior Lokosa Kano Pillars 19 2019 Mfon Udoh / Ibrahim Sunusi Akwa Utd / Nasarawa 10 (shared) 2021 Silas Nwankwo Nasarawa Utd 19 2023 Imade Osarenkhoe Bendel Insurance 9 (abridged league) 2024 Robert Mizo Bayelsa United 17 2025 Anas Yusuf Nasarawa United 18 Note: Mfon Udoh’s 23 goals in 2014 remains the highest single-season total in NPFL history. Evolution of the NPFL Golden Boot Race In the earlier decades of the NPFL, defensive structures dominated the game. Matches were often low-scoring, and away wins were rare. As a result, strikers who hit double figures were seen as elite performers. ALSO READ: Favour Ofili and 4 other Sports stars who ‘dump’ Nigeria for another country Back then, 15 goals in a season could win you the Golden Boot. The Mfon Udoh Revolution (2014) The 2014 NPFL season was historic for many reasons, most notably the emergence of Mfon Udoh, who exploded with 23 league goals for Enyimba International FC setting a record that still stands. His scoring form earned him: A call-up to the Super Eagles and international attention, although a big move abroad didn't materialize immediately. The Rise of Young Talents (2016–2019) This period saw the NPFL become a launchpad for youth stars. Players like: Godwin Obaje (Wikki Tourists, 18 goals) Stephen Odey (MFM FC, 18 goals) Junior Lokosa (Kano Pillars, 19 goals) ...emerged, quickly attracting attention from clubs in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. ALSO READ: Skiru Olatunbosun: Where is the former NPFL wonderful goalscorer Odey and Lokosa, in particular, earned national team call-ups and sealed moves abroad (to Switzerland and Tunisia, respectively). Notable NPFL Golden Boot Winners & What Happened Next 🔹 Stephen Odey (2017 – MFM FC) Moved to FC Zurich (Switzerland) Later joined Genk in Belgium Represented Nigeria in international friendlies 🔹 Junior Lokosa (2018 – Kano Pillars) Got trial offers from Barcelona B Eventually joined Esperance (Tunisia) Injuries slowed his rise 🔹 Godwin Obaje (2016 – Wikki Tourists) Was linked to clubs in Egypt, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia Career trajectory stalled after a few foreign moves 🔹 Silas Nwankwo (2021 – Nasarawa United) Earned a move to Mjällby AIF (Sweden) Continues to play in Scandinavia NPFL Golden Boot Winners Impact on International careers The Golden Boot is often a gateway to Europe or national team selection. Although not every winner becomes a Super Eagles regular, many have used it to: Join clubs abroad (Norway, Belgium, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia), earn better contracts and gain continental competition exposure (CAF Champions League) Nigerian clubs with most Golden Boot Winners Club Notable Winners Enyimba Mfon Udoh, Kalu Uche Kano Pillars Junior Lokosa, Ahmed Musa MFM FC Stephen Odey Nasarawa United Silas Nwankwo, Ibrahim Sunusi, Anas Yusuf Wikki Tourists Godwin Obaje ALSO READ: Ikorodu City’s Waliu Ojetoye eyes Super Eagles breakthrough after standout NPFL season These clubs consistently produce or attract attacking talent, either through strong youth academies or offensive playstyles. The NPFL Golden Boot remains one of the most prestigious personal honours in Nigerian football. It tells the story of determination, resilience, and breakthrough for many, it’s the ticket to greatness. As Nigerian football continues to evolve, one thing remains certain: the race for the Golden Boot will always excite fans and spotlight the next great striker waiting to take the Super Eagles and the world by storm. Read the full article