Goalkeeping crisis: Osayi, Obasogie deserve Super Eagles’ call-up – Kano Pillars coach - Newstrends
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Goalkeeping crisis: Osayi, Obasogie deserve Super Eagles’ call-up – Kano Pillars coach

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Goalkeeping crisis: Osayi, Obasogie deserve Super Eagles’ call-up – Kano Pillars coach

ABDULLAHI Maikaba, Technical Adviser of Kano Pillars Football Club, has recommended Kingdom Osayi and Amas Obasogie of Doma United and Bendel Insurance, respectively, as good alternatives to resolve the Super Eagles goalkeeping crisis.

Maikaba said this in an interview with journalists shortly after the Match Day 13 fixture of the NPFL 2023/2024 season, which was played at Pantami Township Stadium, Gombe, on Saturday, with Kano Pillars losing 0-1 to Doma United.

He said with the form of both players, they deserved to be called up for the national team to help address the goalkeeping challenges being experienced by the team.

“Football is improving in Nigeria, especially at the league level.

“We hope the national team selectors will look inwards to our league.

“I recommend Doma United’s Kingdom and Bendel Insurance’s Amas to be of help to our national team.

“I believe these two goalkeepers can be safe hands for the Super Eagles,” he said.

On the outcome of the game, Maikaba said the fact that Doma United defeated his team by a lone goal didn’t mean the hosts were better than his team.

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He said his players were unlucky not to have grabbed the equalising goal, and he expressed optimism that his team had enough opportunity to recover and get to the top.

Asked why the 18-year-old Yusuf Abdullahi could not score a goal in spite scoring five at the same stadium on Sunday, Maikaba said it was due to pressure.

He stated that the player was under pressure from those who wanted to sell him to clubs outside the country.

“After scoring five goals, there must have been a lot of pressure on him, especially those that want to sell him out.

“We had to collect his phone for him to concentrate. I think that was part of his problem today,” he said.

Maikaba commended the turn out of supporters to watch their NPFL team play, adding that such attendance was good for the development of football in the country.

“I like the atmosphere, the supporters are out for them and it is good for Nigerian football,” he said.

On his part, Doma United’s Head Coach, Akinade Onigbinde, said Osayi had proven himself as a good goalkeeper that deserved a call-up to the national team.

Onigbinde said Osayi could challenge any goalkeeper in the national team in view of his impressive saves that had helped his team secure top spot in the NPFL.

He said he could give assurance to the coach of the Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro, that Osayi would not disappoint if called up for national assignment.

“I brought Osayi to this team. I saw him when we played against Niger tornadoes in Kano last season.

“I saw the quality in him and since we had goalkeeping problems, I called him over, so I know he can do it.

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“He has the qualities to go to a national team. He is a fantastic goalkeeper and he has saved a lot of goals,” he said.

On the outcome of the game, he said they planned well for Kano Pillars knowing how good they were.

According to him, his defenders were tactically disciplined and that explained why Kano Pillars players found it difficult to score in the game.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Osayi attributed his success so far to God and fans of Doma United for their constant prayers and support.

He said he was not under any pressure to join the national team: “If I am given the opportunity to man the goal post (for the national team), I will be so excited, and I will definitely do my best.”

NAN reports that Osayi was named the NPFL player of the month for November, while Doma United coach was named coach of the month.

NAN also reports that Emmanuel Ekpenyong scored for Doma United in the 14th minute of the game to send his team to the top of the NPFL log with 25 points.

Doma now has two points ahead of Remo Stars and Lobi Stars who both have a game in hand.

Also, the 12, 000-capacity Pantami Township stadium was filled to capacity as fans crowded the facility to watch their teams play.

Goalkeeping crisis: Osayi, Obasogie deserve Super Eagles’ call-up – Kano Pillars coach

(NAN)

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Chaos in Abeokuta as Algerian Fans Attack Coach, Vandalise Stadium After Rangers Defeat

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2 days ago

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October 19, 2026

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Chaos in Abeokuta as Algerian Fans Attack Coach, Vandalise Stadium After Rangers Defeat
Chaos in Abeokuta as Algerian Fans Attack Coach, Vandalise Stadium After Rangers Defeat

Angry supporters of MC Alger allegedly attacked a member of their club’s technical crew and vandalised stadium facilities after the Algerian side lost 2–0 to Enugu Rangers in the first leg of their CAF Champions League qualifying tie in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The disorder occurred on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, shortly after Rangers secured a crucial victory against the visiting Algerian champions.

Reports said more than 400 travelling supporters expressed their anger following the defeat, with some allegedly destroying seats in the covered stands and damaging other stadium facilities.

The situation reportedly escalated when some supporters followed members of the MC Alger delegation towards the players’ tunnel, where an assistant coach was allegedly assaulted.

Nigerian police officers attached to the Algerian delegation reportedly intervened and rescued the coach from further attacks, while security operatives subsequently restricted movement around the stadium to prevent additional violence.

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Former Super Eagles striker Victor Ikpeba was also reportedly attacked by members of the Algerian delegation in the VVIP section as he attempted to exchange pleasantries after the match. Further details surrounding the reported incident were not immediately available.

The ugly scenes overshadowed an impressive performance by Rangers, who overcame an early setback to secure a two-goal advantage ahead of the return leg in Algeria.

The Nigerian champions were reduced to 10 players in the first half after goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh was sent off. MC Alger also lost a player when defender Oussama Benhaoua received a second yellow card in the second half.

With both sides reduced to 10 players, Rangers capitalised on their opportunities late in the match. Kenneth Igboke converted a penalty to give the hosts the lead before James Emo scored again to seal the 2–0 victory.

The result puts Rangers in a favourable position ahead of the return fixture scheduled for October 23 in Algiers, where they will attempt to protect their advantage and progress in the continental competition.

However, the reported violence has raised concerns about crowd control, stadium security and the conduct of travelling supporters at African club football matches.

Rangers will also be mindful of their history against MC Alger. In 1976, the Nigerian club won the first leg of their African Cup of Champions Clubs encounter 2–0 but lost the return match 3–0, exiting the competition 3–2 on aggregate. MC Alger went on to win the continental title that year.

The Nigerian side will now seek to avoid a repeat of that outcome as it pursues qualification for the 2026/27 CAF Champions League group stage.

 

Chaos in Abeokuta as Algerian Fans Attack Coach, Vandalise Stadium After Rangers Defeat

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Mbappé Runs Riot as Real Madrid Crush Sevilla 4-1 Ahead of El Clásico

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2 days ago

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October 19, 2026

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Mbappé Runs Riot as Real Madrid Crush Sevilla 4-1 Ahead of El Clásico
Kylian Mbappé
Mbappé Runs Riot as Real Madrid Crush Sevilla 4-1 Ahead of El Clásico

Kylian Mbappé scored twice as Real Madrid defeated Sevilla 4-1 in their La Liga clash at the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, October 18, 2026, boosting their confidence ahead of next weekend’s highly anticipated El Clásico against Barcelona.

The French forward produced a standout performance, scoring from open play before converting a penalty to help Real Madrid secure a convincing victory. Arda Güler and Yan Diomande also found the net for the hosts, while Manu Bueno scored Sevilla’s only goal.

Real Madrid took the lead in the 30th minute when Güler collected a pass from Diomande and unleashed a superb left-footed strike into the top corner.

Mbappé doubled the advantage seven minutes later after combining with Jude Bellingham. The striker controlled a clever backheel pass, evaded his marker and goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, and calmly finished to put the hosts firmly in control.

The Real Madrid forward completed his brace in the 63rd minute, converting a penalty with a cheeky Panenka-style chip after Sevilla defender Andrés Castrín brought him down inside the penalty area.

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Sevilla attempted to fight their way back into the contest when substitute Manu Bueno scored in the 80th minute, capitalising on a mistake by Mbappé.

However, Real Madrid responded almost immediately. Diomande collected the ball and unleashed a powerful strike in the 82nd minute to restore the hosts’ three-goal advantage and seal the 4-1 victory.

The result provided Real Madrid with a timely boost before their meeting with Barcelona in El Clásico on October 25. The Spanish giants will look to carry their attacking momentum into the crucial encounter.

Sevilla, meanwhile, were left to reflect on another disappointing result at the Bernabéu as Real Madrid demonstrated their attacking strength and ability to punish defensive mistakes.

 

Mbappé Runs Riot as Real Madrid Crush Sevilla 4-1 Ahead of El Clásico

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Lamine Yamal Shines as Barcelona Thrash Real Betis 5-2

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3 days ago

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October 18, 2026

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Lamine Yamal Shines as Barcelona Thrash Real Betis 5-2
Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal Shines as Barcelona Thrash Real Betis 5-2

Lamine Yamal delivered a dazzling performance as Barcelona defeated Real Betis 5-2 away from home on Saturday, October 17, 2026, extending their perfect start to the Spanish LaLiga season with a ninth consecutive league victory.

The 19-year-old winger opened the scoring with a superb finish and later provided an assist as Barcelona overcame a spirited Betis challenge at the Estadio La Cartuja in Seville.

Rodri, Gabriel Jesus, Eric Garcia and substitute Dani Olmo also scored for Barcelona, while Valentín Gómez and Ez Abde found the net for the hosts.

The victory took Barcelona to 27 points from nine matches, keeping them five points clear at the top of the LaLiga standings. Real Betis remained third with 19 points following the defeat.

Yamal set the tone in the 10th minute with a moment of individual brilliance. Cutting in from the right, the young forward created space before curling a left-footed effort from outside the penalty area into the top corner, leaving the Betis goalkeeper with little chance.

Real Betis responded in the 27th minute when Pablo Fornals delivered a cross into the box and Valentín Gómez rose above the Barcelona defence to head home the equaliser.

Barcelona regained the lead four minutes before half-time. Rodri powered a header into the net from Fermín López’s corner in the 41st minute, restoring the visitors’ advantage.

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Betis appeared to have drawn level again shortly afterwards when Giovani Lo Celso scored with a spectacular volley. However, the goal was disallowed following a video assistant referee (VAR) review that identified a handball by Cucho Hernández earlier in the move.

Barcelona increased their advantage shortly after the restart. In the 51st minute, Yamal drove down the right flank before squaring the ball for Gabriel Jesus, who finished neatly inside the penalty area to make it 3-1.

Betis responded almost immediately, with Ez Abde finishing a counterattack in the 53rd minute to reduce the deficit to 3-2 and revive hopes of a comeback.

However, the contest changed dramatically a minute later when Betis midfielder Facundo Bernal was sent off following an altercation with Yamal. Bernal was dismissed for violent conduct after headbutting the Barcelona winger, while Yamal received a yellow card for his involvement in the incident.

With Betis reduced to 10 players, Barcelona took greater control of the match and exploited the numerical advantage.

Eric Garcia extended the lead in the 62nd minute after Pau Cubarsí helped direct the ball across goal from a set-piece situation, allowing Garcia to finish from close range.

Substitute Dani Olmo completed the scoring in the 81st minute, curling a right-footed effort into the top corner to seal an emphatic 5-2 victory for the visitors.

The result strengthened Barcelona’s position at the summit of LaLiga, with the Catalan side recording nine wins from nine league matches and scoring 39 goals during that run.

Barcelona have also maintained an impressive start across all competitions, having won their first 11 competitive matches of the campaign.

The victory comes ahead of a demanding week for Hansi Flick’s side, with a Champions League meeting against Paris Saint-Germain and the much-anticipated El Clásico against Real Madrid on the horizon.

For Yamal, the performance further underlined his importance to Barcelona’s attack. His opening goal and assist for Gabriel Jesus proved decisive in a match that remained competitive until Bernal’s dismissal.

Real Betis, meanwhile, will look to regroup after a defeat in which their attacking moments offered promise but defensive difficulties and the red card ultimately worked against them.

 

Lamine Yamal Shines as Barcelona Thrash Real Betis 5-2

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