Sports
NPFL moves to bring back Friday night matches
Mr Owumi told NPFL Media that the introduction of Friday night matches is to expand the league value chain by creating a platform to stimulate local businesses in areas where matches will be held.
With the full return of matches on television screens and broadcast streaming platforms, the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has turned its attention to reintroducing Friday night matches.
In a memo to the NPFL clubs, Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer, informed the clubs’ Chairmen and Chief Executives that the night fixtures would be introduced according to cited sections of the NPFL Framework and Rules.
“Pursuant to Section B, Article 4.1 and 13.4 of the Framework and Rules of the Nigeria Premier Football League 2023/24 season and in conjunction with the CAF Club Licensing procedure, the NPFL wishes to schedule some of its fixtures for Friday night matches,” the memo read.
NPFL matches began streaming through the Propel Sports Africa NPFLLive on the Over The Top (OTT) platforms at the start of the season while StarTimes began Direct To Home (DTH) broadcasts on November 18.
The clubs were consequently directed to ensure that all facilities, especially the electric flood lighting, are functional.
The NPFL said it would be in communication with selected clubs to ascertain the readiness of their facilities.
“The Nigeria Premier Football League will be in communication with clubs that have been selected for the Friday night matches to make sure that all logistics are in place for a successful fixture schedule,” the memo concluded.
Mr Owumi told NPFL Media that the introduction of Friday night matches is to expand the league value chain by creating a platform to stimulate local businesses in areas where matches will be held.
“Football is a part of the entertainment industry and generally, people get off work on Fridays, hence we want to capture this segment of the weekend market by offering them safe places beyond what they become accustomed to,” the NPFL COO explained.
Real Madrid boss José Mourinho has weighed in on Cristiano Ronaldo’s dramatic retirement from international football.
The 41-year-old Al Nassr striker shocked the footballing world on Thursday by announcing his permanent withdrawal from the Portugal national team, drawing the curtain on a legendary 23-year international career.
Addressing the media fallout during his Friday press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s upcoming LALIGA fixture against Valencia, Mourinho offered a supportive perspective on the situation.
Mourinho, who previously managed Ronaldo at the Santiago Bernabéu, insisted that the veteran’s controversial exit should not overshadow his monumental contributions to the country.
“His decision must be respected, and I do respect it,” Mourinho daid
However, the Portuguese tactician also expressed visible regret over the sour circumstances surrounding the departure of his nation’s greatest-ever player.
“The only thing I wish for is that the moment of his retirement as a player will be different from his farewell yesterday,” the Real Madrid boss added.
While Ronaldo’s international days are officially over, Mourinho was incredibly quick to remind reporters that the forward remains a devastating force in domestic football.
“He hasn’t ended his career; those who know him are aware that he still has goals,” Mourinho stated emphatically.
Kelechi Iheanacho was on target as Bursaspor played out a 1-1 draw against Antalyaspor in their TFF 1. Lig encounter on Friday night.
The Nigeria international had previously scored in 12 consecutive league matches for Bursaspor before his remarkable scoring run came to an end against Bandırmaspor last weekend
Iheanacho restored his scoring touch by opening the scoring against Antalyaspor in the 26th minute.
However, an own goal from Tural Bayramov brought the visitors level before the half-time break.
The striker has now recorded an impressive 17 goals and four assists in 14 league appearances for Bursaspor this season.
Despite dropping points, Bursaspor remain top of the league standings with 37 points
England manager Thomas Tuchel has left Cole Palmer and Phil Foden out of his latest squad for the final Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain.
However, Jobe Bellingham and Fulham midfielder Josh King have received their first senior call-ups.
Tuchel said Palmer had missed too many opportunities to represent England, despite scoring five goals and providing three assists for Chelsea this season.
Jobe Bellingham joins his elder brother, Jude, in the squad after impressing at Borussia Dortmund.
King also earns his first call-up following a strong start to the season, with two goals and one assist in the Premier League.
Defender Ben White returns to the squad for the first time since March, while Declan Rice is also back after missing the previous camp through injury.
Djed Spence has also returned after recovering from injury.
England will host Croatia at Wembley on November 12 before travelling to Madrid to face Spain three days later.
Tuchel’s side are second in Group A4, three points behind leaders Spain. The top two teams will qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals.
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