Sports
Honey Badgers Make Historic NWFL Premiership Debut, Ibom Angels Secure Return
Honey Badgers and Ibom Angels have secured promotion to the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership following their victories in the NWFL Championship playoff matches held on Sunday at UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar, Cross River State.
The Benue State-based Honey Badgers made history with a 1-0 win over Pelican Stars, which earned them their first-ever promotion to the country’s top-flight.
ALSO READ: NWFL Lauds Edo Queens’ Semifinal Berth In CAF Women’s Champions League Qualifiers
A second-half goal from Hellen Daniel proved to be the difference for Honey Badgers, who displayed resilience and composure throughout the match. Both teams started brightly, with the Badgers missing an early chance to take the lead. Moments later, their goalkeeper Stella Okereke made a crucial save to deny Pelican Stars an opening goal.
The hosts pressed hard in search of the opener, but Honey Badgers’ defense held firm. The breakthrough came in the 67th minute when Daniel converted a chance to give the visitors the lead. Despite relentless support from the home crowd, Pelican Stars couldn’t find an equalizer as the Badgers held on for the win.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Honey Badgers, who would now be preparing to make their debut in the NWFL Premiership.
The team will join Ibom Angels, who also earned promotion earlier in the day with a 2-0 win over Osun Babes in another playoff match.
The Ibom Angels dominated their match against Osun Babes, scoring through Abasiofon Uwah and Ijeoma Onweagba. Uwah gave the Uyo-based side an early lead in the 10th minute, while Onuma doubled the advantage in the 61st minute with a long-range effort. Osun Babes earned a penalty late in the game, but Kafayat Bashiru missed the spot-kick.
The victory sees Ibom Angels return to the NWFL Premiership just a season after their relegation in 2021.
This marks the second consecutive season in which Ibom Angels have secured immediate promotion back to the topflight, showcasing their resilience and strong team spirit.
Meanwhile, Chosen Generation Angels and Heroes Queens retained their NWFL Championship status after winning their respective relegation playoff matches.
Chosen Generation Angels narrowly edged Kaduna Queens 1-0, with Kafayat Anifowoshe scoring the only goal in the 35th minute. Kaduna Queens were relegated to the third tier despite a strong second-half showing.
Heroes Queens defeated DreamStar FC Ladies 1-0 in the Lagos derby to maintain their place in the NWFL Championship. Ebube Umejiaku scored the decisive goal in the 55th minute, condemning Dreamstar to relegation.
The loss marked the end of Dreamstar Ladies’ three-year stint in the second tier after their relegation from the Premiership in 2021.
With the conclusion of the NWFL playoffs, Honey Badgers and Ibom Angels are set to compete in the 2024/2025 NWFL Premiership season, while Chosen Generation Angels and Heroes Queens will continue in the NWFL Championship. Kaduna Queens and DreamStar FC Ladies will face the challenge of rebuilding in the third tier.
Chairman, NWFL, Nkechi Obi congratulated Honey Badgers and Ibom Angels on their promotion to the elite league, noting, “Their hard work and determination have paid off.” She also commiserated with Osun Babes and Pelican Stars, acknowledging their efforts throughout the season.
Obi further expressed her gratitude to the Cross River State government for successfully hosting the 2024 NWFL Championship, emphasizing, “This event plays a vital role in promoting women’s football in Nigeria.”
Sports
Chelsea Handed Injury Boost As Omari Kellyman Nears Return
Chelsea are set to receive a welcome boost with Omari Kellyman nearing a return to action after a frustrating start to his Stamford Bridge career.
The 19-year-old midfielder, who joined the Blues from Aston Villa in a £19 million summer transfer, has been sidelined with a serious hamstring injury since September.
Kellyman initially made an impression with Chelsea’s Under-21s, scoring twice in three appearances, including during a 4-2 defeat to Leipzig in the Premier League International Cup. However, his progress was halted by the injury, which has kept him out of action for months.
READ MORE: Chelsea Desires Permanent Deal For João Félix After Collapse Of Omorodion Deal
According to reports from the Daily Mail, Kellyman is now on track to return within the next four weeks, offering Chelsea a much-needed boost as the team looks to navigate a congested festive fixture schedule. The teenager is expected to be fit before Christmas and could soon make his senior debut for the club.
Reflecting on his move to Chelsea earlier this year, Kellyman expressed his excitement about joining the West London outfit. “It is fantastic to be standing here as a Chelsea player. It’s a massive club with an amazing history, so it is great to join. It is a dream come true for sure. I’m buzzing to have put on the shirt and can’t wait to get started,” he said.
Kellyman’s footballing journey began at Derby County, where he progressed through the youth ranks and was promoted to the first-team squad by Wayne Rooney at just 16 years old.
After leaving Derby for Aston Villa in 2022, he signed his first professional contract and made his Premier League debut last season against Manchester City.
Despite his brief stint at Villa, which included a Europa Conference League appearance, Kellyman made the high-profile move to Chelsea in June, signing a six-year contract.
Now, as he edges closer to full fitness, both the player and the club will hope his long-awaited debut signals the start of a successful tenure at Stamford Bridge.
Sports
Chelsea Holds Scouting Summit With Enzo Maresca
Earlier this month, Chelsea Football Club convened a comprehensive meeting of their first-team recruitment team, aimed at aligning their efforts with the club’s overarching vision.
This scouting summit brought together approximately 30 of the club’s key talent identifiers, with the objective of reinvigorating the search for future stars in world football.
Adding an extra layer of inspiration to the gathering, Leicester City manager and former Manchester City assistant, Enzo Maresca, made a guest appearance. Maresca, who briefly worked alongside some of Chelsea’s current personnel during his time under Pep Guardiola, took time to pose for a group photograph with the team. Those present reportedly left the summit feeling “enthused, energised, and as motivated as ever” to uncover the next generation of footballing gems.
READ MORE: Osimhen Casts Doubts Over Touted Winter Move To Chelsea
The Italian tactician has maintained an interest in Chelsea’s squad and their emerging talents. A source close to Maresca suggested that he harbours a keen desire to see Cole Palmer, one of Chelsea’s brightest young signings, team up with Joao Felix, the Portuguese forward who enjoyed a brief but impactful loan spell at Stamford Bridge last season.
While Palmer continues to thrive at Chelsea following his summer move from Manchester City, Felix’s future remains uncertain, with speculation persisting about whether the Blues could revisit a permanent deal for the Atlético Madrid star.
Chelsea’s recruitment team will undoubtedly keep such possibilities in mind as they look to execute their shared vision, leveraging the energy from this summit to identify players capable of complementing the club’s long-term strategy. With Maresca’s words and presence leaving a lasting impression, the search for the world’s finest footballing gems continues in earnest.
Sports
Lukeba’s €90m Clause Attracts Real Madrid, PL Clubs
RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba has become a hot topic in the transfer market following details about his new contract.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Lukeba’s release clause will come into effect in the summer of 2025, starting at around €90 million and varying from season to season.
This development has drawn the attention of football giants, with Real Madrid reportedly keeping a close watch on the French centre-back’s progress. Premier League clubs are also monitoring Lukeba as a potential defensive reinforcement for 2025.
READ MORE: Wizkid Breaks Spotify Records With ‘Kese (Dance)’ Release
The 20-year-old, who joined Leipzig from Olympique Lyonnais in 2023, has already made an impression in the Bundesliga with his composed defensive skills and tactical versatility. His rising profile has placed him among Europe’s most promising young defenders, making him a coveted target for top clubs.
Leipzig’s decision to include a fluctuating release clause highlights their commitment to protecting Lukeba’s value while leaving the door open for a future big-money move.
With Real Madrid and several Premier League sides in the mix, the 2025 summer transfer window is already shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Lukeba’s career. Fans and scouts alike will be closely watching his development as he continues to shine in Leipzig’s backline.