Nine-time Nigerian league champions, Enyimba International FC of Aba, has signed former Super Eagles’ striker and 2013 AFCON winner Brown Ideye.

Biztellers reports that Ideye signed till the end of the 2024/25 season.

The Sporting Director of the ‘Nzogbu-Nzogbu Boys’ and ex-international, Ifeanyi Ekwueme, made the disclosure on Tuesday.

Ekwueme said, “The talks have been going on for a while and we completed it yesterday.

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“He will be with us until the end of the season and we believe he will bolster our team’s attack as we compete in the league and the continent.”

It was gathered that Ideye, 36, has been without a club since leaving Kuwaiti side Al Yarmouk in 2022 but he is now set to stage a return to Nigeria’s top flight, taking after former international teammates Ahmed Musa and Abdullahi Shehu who are currently playing for Kano Pillars.

The move will also mark the return of Ideye to the domestic scene 17 years after he left Ocean Boys in 2006.

Ideye was on the verge of joining former league champions Rivers United in October but the move collapsed.
Enyimba have two matches crucial to their domestic and continental aspirations in the next five days as they play Sunshine Stars on Wednesday in a rescheduled NPFL game before travelling to Maputo, Mozambique for their third group game in the CAF Confederation Cup against Black Bulls.

David Coote, a Premier League referee, has been dismissed by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) following a comprehensive investigation into multiple allegations of misconduct.

The decision, announced in a statement on Monday, comes after weeks of scrutiny over Coote’s actions, which the PGMOL described as “serious breaches” of his employment contract.

“David Coote’s actions were found to be in serious breach of the provisions of his employment contract,” the statement read.

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“Supporting David Coote continues to be important to us, and we remain committed to his welfare.”

Coote, 42, retains the right to appeal the decision, leaving the possibility of further legal or procedural developments.

The controversy surrounding Coote began in early November when a video surfaced online, reportedly showing him making derogatory remarks about Liverpool FC and their former manager, Jürgen Klopp.

The comments allegedly referenced Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Burnley in July 2020—a match officiated by Coote that drew sharp criticism from Klopp over refereeing decisions.

The situation escalated on November 13 when The Sun published images allegedly showing Coote using a white powder during the summer’s European Championship.

In response, the PGMOL launched an investigation, describing the allegations as “very serious.”

The fallout extended beyond England, with UEFA suspending Coote and initiating its own probe.

Meanwhile, the FA opened a separate investigation into an alleged incident from 2019, where Coote was accused of discussing a yellow card decision ahead of a Championship match between Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion. Coote denied the claim, calling it “false and defamatory.”

While Coote’s dismissal concludes the PGMOL’s investigation, questions remain over the impact of these allegations on the integrity of football officiating.

The case has also raised concerns about the pressures faced by referees in high-stakes matches.

The PGMOL reiterated its commitment to Coote’s welfare, emphasizing the sensitive nature of the dismissal.

However, with Coote denying wrongdoing and holding the right to appeal, the matter may not be fully resolved.

Eight-time and reigning NPFL champions, Rangers International FC, on Sunday, December 8, 2024, in a match day 16, NPFL 2024/2025 fixture, stopped the high riding Rivers United F.C courtesy of a lone strike off a headed effort by skipper of the side, Chinemerem Ugwueze.

Chief-coach of the ‘Flying Antelopes’, Ekeh Ekenedilichukwu handed starts to the trio of Agu Kenechukwu, Ikenna Stephen and Hillary Ekawu in the absence of the Super Eagles B team invitees while keeping faith with the other team members that secured a valuable draw in Aba, midweek, and the squad never disappointed.

The visitors under coach Finidi George took the fight to the home side after taking the kickoff but met very stiff resistance from the backline of the home side ably marshalled by Austin Opara, Kenneth Igboke, Effimi Nsi and Ikenna Stephen.

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A long-throw from Hillary Ekawu at the quarter-hour was nodded home by captain of the ‘Flying Antelopes, Chinemerem Ugwueze as the large fans that turned up for the top-of-the-table fixture rose to celebrate in unison.

On 35 minutes, Rangers would have extended its lead when Godwin Obaje set up Hillary Ekawu but the attacking-midfielder’s left-footed effort missed the target by a few inches as the home side’s dugout rued the opportunity gone begging while the visitors heaved a sigh of relief.

In the second period, coach George made three substitutions which helped in pushing back the home side into its defensive shells but despite having a larger percentage of possession of the ball, failed to break through the resolute backline of the home side just as it was the visitor’s goalkeeper that was the busier of the two shot stoppers as he did well to stop several attempts made by the attacking trio of Frank Uwumiro, Godwin Obaje and substitute, Daniel Onyia.

With the win, Rangers now occupy the 3rd spot of the twenty team log with 27 points from sixteen matches and extend its unbeaten run to nine matches and will next trade tackles with Katsina United on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the Muhammad Dikko Stadium, Katsina, Katsina state.