Sports

Star Powers NPFL Finals, Ends Season In A Bright Shine

Published

10 years ago

03/10/2016

By BHM

The Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) ended its 2015/16 season with a resounding final match that saw Rangers International Football Club of Enugu win the league after a 4-0 trumping of El-Kanemi Warriors of Borno on Sunday 2nd October 2016 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.

Rangers International’s bid to end a thirty-two year wait for the league title eventually paid off as Chisom Egbuchulam and Osas Okoro recorded their names on the score sheet to help Rangers clinch the title.

The season’s final match supported by Star Lager, the official beer partner of NPFL ensured that thousands of fans at the league title deciding game had a memorable time participating in various activities at the stadium.

Star’s inclusion of the premium experience at the stadium was to deliver on the agreement it entered with the League Management Company beginning from 2015/16 season, to actively support participation of fans’ interest in league matches.

Commenting on plans by Star to further consolidate the NPFL partnership, Portfolio Manager, National Premium, Nigerian Breweries, Tokunbo Adodo, explained the final match in Enugu was an opportunity to celebrate fans as well as the participating teams in this league season.

“Let me begin by congratulating the winner and of course other teams in the league season which has ended today. As the official beer partner of the NPFL, Star is committed to fulfilling the mandates obligated by the agreement to make the league more exciting for fans and lovers of football in Nigeria. We’ve had an outstanding association with supporting good football experience and by virtue of all existing partnership, millions of fans can enjoy better quality in the round leather game on NPFL match days next season” Adodo said.

It was not merely a final match at the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium but celebration of the league’s new life that is gradually turning around in brighter strides, following a recent partnership announcement with Star in August this year.

Chairman, League Management Company (LMC), Shehu Dikko said the partnership is beginning to resonate with the league, in particular, football fans.

“The season has gone a lot better than we envisaged. We had a very competitive league, many good teams playing in ways that were appealing to Nigerian football fans. We have seen clubs administering better welfare and this will continue to improve in league seasons to come. At LMC, we are very pleased to see that our efforts to restore local footfall enthusiasm is yielding fruits, averaging several thousands of audience at each match venue. Having a partner like Star has brought a deeper engagement with football fans and their favourite league clubs” Dikko said.

The partnership has seen Star Lager providing extraordinary experience zones for fans including use of NPFL logo on bottles and cans of the brand, as well as creating stronger affinity with the Nigerian league.

Furthermore, Portfolio Manager, National Premium, Nigerian Breweries, Tokunbo Adodo, added that support from super fans of the competing teams were appropriate to cap a thrilling football season.

“We are excited to be a part of what has been a thoroughly exciting season for the fans and NPFL clubs. It is unarguable that this season has been a watershed for the League Management Company, the teams and media. Star is committed to the drive in viewership and attendance at NPFL matches by using activities that resonate with fans. The experience enjoyed by fans today is only a snippet of what to expect in the next season” Adodo enthused.

Star has a long history of supporting consumers’ passion in football and in the next league season will continue to create more premium experience for fans across the country on match days.

The Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium had a dedicated activity zone where different games that included target ball shooting, back-heel penalty and table soccer competitions were played and prizes won by excited football fans.

Captivated by the carnival-like atmosphere, supporters club from El-Kanemi Warriors engaged in a fun, cheerleading competition against the supporters club of Rangers International with the later emerging winner, as declared by the football fans that were enjoying the time of their life with Star lager.

The league season might have ended but for Star, the recognition of million shinning fans will continue to reverberate, as the premium football experience provided by the brand at Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium is a taste of what to expect in the new season.

Related Topics:star lager beer Star NPFL

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Dipo Olowookere

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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Sports

Harry Maguire to Remain at Manchester United Until June 2027

Published

6 hours ago

07/04/2026

Dipo Olowookere

By Dipo Olowookere

Manchester United centre-back, Harry Maguire, has signed a new contract with the football club for an additional year.

He will remain at the Theatre of Dreams until June 2027, with the option for a further year, a statement from the Red Devil said.

“Representing Manchester United is the ultimate honour. It is a responsibility that makes me and my family proud every single day.

“I am delighted to extend my journey at this incredible club to at least eight seasons and continue to play in front of our special supporters to create more amazing moments together.

“You can feel the ambition and potential of this exciting squad. The determination throughout the whole club to fight for major trophies is clear for everyone to see, and I am confident that our best moments together remain ahead of us,” the club’s former captain stated.

“Harry represents the mentality and resilience required to perform for Manchester United. He is the ultimate professional who brings invaluable experience and leadership to our young, ambitious squad.

“Harry, like everyone at the club, is completely determined to help Manchester United to achieve regular and sustained success,” the Director of Football at Manchester United, Mr Jason Wilcox, was quoted as saying in the statement.

The Three Lions defender has made 266 appearances and won the Carabao Cup and Emirates FA Cup since joining the club in 2019.

Sports

UEFA Club Competitions Reach Quarter-Final Stage Live on SuperSport

Published

8 hours ago

07/04/2026

Business Post Contributor

European club football enters its decisive quarter-final phase in the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League. With semi-final places on the line, the first-leg fixtures promise high-intensity clashes. All matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport, available on DStv and GOtv.

Champions League: Heavyweights Collide

At 8:00 PM, Real Madrid host Bayern Munich in the standout tie of the round. Both sides were emphatic in the previous stage, with Madrid dismantling Manchester City and Bayern delivering a dominant performance against Atalanta. The match airs live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203).

Madrid arrive off a disappointing domestic setback, while Bayern continue to show resilience and attacking firepower. The Bernabéu will be central to Madrid’s hopes against a side currently scoring with ease.

Also at 8:00 PM, Sporting Lisbon face Arsenal in Lisbon, live on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202). Arsenal come into the tie under pressure following consecutive cup losses in the Carabao and FA Cups, while Sporting are full of confidence after an impressive run of form. With momentum firmly on the Portuguese side, this fixture presents a significant test of Arsenal’s mentality.

At 8:00 PM on Wednesday, Barcelona welcome Atletico Madrid in what promises to be a tightly contested tactical encounter. The game will be shown live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). Barcelona claimed a recent league victory between the sides, but Atletico have already proven their ability to disrupt them this season. Expect a high-stakes contest between two teams who know each other well.

Also at 8:00 PM, Paris Saint-Germain take on Liverpool in Paris, live on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202). PSG have emerged as one of the competition’s most dominant sides, carrying strong momentum into the tie. Liverpool, meanwhile, arrive under pressure following a heavy domestic defeat and will need a significant improvement to remain competitive heading into the second leg.

Europa & Conference League: Thursday Night Stakes

While the Champions League dominates midweek headlines, Thursday brings its own high-stakes quarter-final action across the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League.

In the Europa League, Bologna host Aston Villa in a compelling first-leg encounter, live on SS La Liga (GOtv Ch. 62, DStv Ch. 204) at 8:00 PM, . Aston Villa have impressed throughout the competition and arrive well-rested, while Bologna’s path to this stage has been defined by resilience and high-intensity performances. The contrast in preparation could shape the outcome.

Also at 8:00 PM, FC Porto face Nottingham Forest, with the match airing on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). Porto will look to assert themselves at home after previous meetings between the sides, while Forest have already demonstrated their ability to navigate difficult knockout ties.

For the Conference League, Crystal Palace take on Fiorentina at Selhurst Park, live on SS Football (GOtv Ch. 61, DStv Ch. 205) at 8:00 PM. Palace continue their pursuit of European silverware against a Fiorentina side balancing continental ambition with inconsistent domestic form. The hosts will aim to build a first-leg advantage before the return fixture in Italy.

Quarter-Final Fixtures – First Legs

UEFA Champions League

Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich – Tue, 8:00 PM (SS Premier League)
Sporting Lisbon vs Arsenal – Tue, 8:00 PM (SS Football Plus HD)
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid – Wed, 8:00 PM (SS Premier League)
Paris Saint-Germain vs Liverpool – Wed, 8:00 PM (SS Football Plus HD)

UEFA Europa League

Bologna vs Aston Villa – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS La Liga)
FC Porto vs Nottingham Forest – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS Premier League)

UEFA Conference League

Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina – Thu, 8:00 PM (SS Football)

Follow the Action

Catch all the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League action live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. Matches are also available to stream via DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. Manage or upgrade your subscription via the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps, visit www.dstv.com or www.gotvafrica.com, or dial *288# to stay connected.

Sports

Easter Weekend Football Feast Takes Centre Stage on SuperSport

Published

4 days ago

03/04/2026

Business Post Contributor

The international break gives way to a packed Easter weekend of football across Europe, headlined by FA Cup quarter-final drama in England and high-stakes league action in Spain, Italy and France. With titles, European places and silverware all on the line, the margin for error is rapidly disappearing.

FA Cup: Heavyweights Collide in Quarter Finals

Saturday’s action is headlined by a blockbuster at 1:45 PM as Man City face Liverpool in a clash between two of England’s dominant forces. City arrive with momentum after their Carabao Cup triumph, while Liverpool will be eager to respond after a recent dip in form.

At 6:15 PM, Chelsea host Port Vale in a tie that carries enormous pressure for the Blues. Chelsea’s season has unravelled in recent weeks, while Port Vale continue to embrace their giant-killing run.

The quarter-finals continue at 8:00 PM as Southampton face Arsenal under the lights. Arsenal will be desperate to respond after their cup final disappointment, while Southampton will look to capitalise on home advantage.

Sunday rounds off the action at 5:30 PM with West Ham vs Leeds in an all-Premier League encounter, with both sides seeking momentum in an evenly matched contest.

All FA matches air live on SS Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65).

La Liga: Title Race Intensifies, Madrid Derby Looms

Saturday begins at 3:15 PM with Real Madrid travelling to Mallorca, aiming to maintain pressure at the top. The headline fixture follows at 8:00 PM as Atletico Madrid host Barcelona in a crucial meeting that could shape both the title race and the battle for the top four.

Sunday’s action features Getafe vs Athletic Club at 1:00 PM and Valencia vs Celta Vigo at 3:15 PM, before Monday night sees Girona take on Villarreal at 8:00 PM, with Villarreal looking to protect their position in third. La Liga matches air live on SS La Liga (DStv Ch. 204, GOtv Ch. 62).

Serie A: Pressure Mounts on Inter as Rivals Close In

Sunday night’s standout fixture comes at 7:45 PM as Inter host Roma, with the league leaders seeking to halt a dip in form.

Monday delivers a full schedule, beginning at 11:30 AM with Udinese vs Como, as the in-form visitors look to extend their remarkable run. Juventus face Genoa at 5:00 PM under mounting pressure, before Napoli host AC Milan at 7:45 PM in a decisive clash between Inter’s closest challengers. Serie A fixtures will be shown on SS Africa 2 (DStv Ch. 208, GOtv Ch. 64).

Ligue 1: Title Chase Heats Up Across France

Friday night opens at 7:45 PM with PSG hosting Toulouse, as the leaders balance domestic priorities with looming European commitments.

Saturday’s headline fixture at 8:05 PM sees Lille take on Lens in a high-stakes northern derby with title implications.

Sunday features Angers vs Lyon at 2:00 PM, before Monaco host Marseille at 7:45 PM in a crucial encounter that could reshape the race for Champions League qualification.

Ligue 1 matches air on SS Football (DStv Ch. 205, GOtv Ch. 61), with selected fixtures on SS Africa 1 (DStv Ch. 207, GOtv Ch. 63).