Sports
GTI Lauds NPFL Dramatic Season’s Finish
Strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited, have expressed delight at the high level of competition among clubs as the 2025/26 NPFL season heads for what football analysts describe as a dramatic finale on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Speaking in Lagos on Friday, GTI Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, commended the clubs for their fighting spirit, noting that the title race remains undecided until the final matchday of the season.
“It’s going to be a massive weekend filled with emotions because the stakes are extremely high and the situation remains very tense. Nine out of the ten Matchday 38 fixtures are crucial to the aspirations of the participating clubs, which clearly reflects the competitiveness of the outgoing season.
“GTI is delighted to witness this kind of scenario where some clubs are battling for continental tickets, while others are fiercely fighting to avoid relegation on the final matchday of the season,” he said.
Ekejiuba noted that for much of the campaign, Rangers International have looked destined for glory under Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, building their title challenge on defensive organisation, tactical discipline, and remarkable consistency in difficult away fixtures.
“The Flying Antelopes have conceded only 25 goals all season — the best defensive record in the division — while grinding out results with the mentality of experienced champions. However, their clash against Ikorodu City this weekend may prove to be their toughest test yet.”
He further observed that Ikorodu City remain unbeaten at home this season and are still chasing a possible CAF Confederation Cup qualification spot, setting up what promises to be a fascinating encounter against Rangers.
On the title race involving Rivers United, Ekejiuba praised Coach Finidi George for transforming the Port Harcourt side into one of the league’s most disciplined and tactically organised teams.
“Rivers United have turned the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium into a fortress, remaining unbeaten at home since their 2-1 defeat to Bayelsa United on October 13, 2025.
“Their dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Wikki Tourists in Bauchi on Matchday 37 perfectly captured the resilience that has defined their season. At one point, Rivers appeared to be surrendering the title race before producing a late comeback that kept the pressure firmly on Rangers heading into the final weekend.”
He added that Rivers United will rely heavily on their pacy striker, Wisdom Samuel, as they seek the goals that could deliver the title against visiting Katsina United.
Currently, Rangers lead the table with 65 points, while Rivers United, on 64 points, must win and hope Rangers drop points to emerge champions. That is how dicey the situation is heading into the final day.
With the NPFL enforcing simultaneous 4:00 p.m. kick-offs across all Matchday 38 fixtures, football fans across the country are expected to follow developments nervously from centres in Lagos and Port Harcourt as the title race reaches its climax.
Beyond the battle for the title, the final day also carries major implications across the league table. Shooting Stars SC remain in contention for continental qualification, while defending champions Remo Stars FC and Kano Pillars FC are among the clubs battling to avoid relegation.
The race for the NPFL Golden Boot is also set for a thrilling conclusion, with several leading scorers directly involved in season-defining fixtures.
“The NPFL Golden Boot race is heading for a breath-taking finale, with just one goal separating the leading contenders. Rangers’ striker Godwin Obaje currently leads the chart with 14 goals, but he faces intense pressure from defending champions Remo Stars captain Victor Mbaoma, Ikorodu City sensation Joseph Arumala, and Wikki Tourists striker Jonathan Mairiga, who are all tied on 13 goals.
“With such narrow margins, the Golden Boot race is perfectly positioned for an emotional finish on the final matchday of the season,” Ekejiuba concluded.
Chelsea Football Club have confirmed a major ownership change, with Clearlake Capital set to take full control of the club after agreeing to acquire the ownership interests of Todd Boehly and Mark Walter.
Chelsea announced on Wednesday that affiliates of Clearlake Capital Group will acquire Boehly’s ownership interest, as well as Walter’s stake, giving Clearlake full control of the Premier League club.
“Chelsea Football Club today announced affiliates of Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. (‘Clearlake’) will acquire the ownership interest of Todd Boehly.
“Clearlake will also acquire Mark Walter’s ownership interest and therefore acquire full control of the Club,” the club said.
Mark Walter and Todd Boehly have agreed to sell their stakes in Chelsea to Clearlake Capital in a deal that values the club at about £5 billion.
The development marks a significant change to the ownership structure that has been in place since Chelsea’s takeover in 2022.
Chelsea also confirmed that Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss will remain an important partner and stakeholder in the club.
The announcement comes after weeks of reports that Boehly and Walter were considering selling their stakes to Clearlake.
Liverpool will face Chelsea in the standout tie of the EFL Cup fourth round after the draw was conducted on Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
The draw saw 13 Premier League clubs discover their opponents for the next stage of the competition, with Liverpool handed a home clash against Chelsea.
The fixture will also see Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso return to Anfield to face his former club.
SEE ALSO: 10 Football Stars Who Said Goodbye to International Football (Full List)
Arsenal were drawn away against Fleetwood Town, while Newcastle United will travel to Everton for another all-Premier League encounter.
Other fourth-round fixtures include Sunderland against Brentford, Fulham against Crystal Palace and Bournemouth against Aston Villa.
See complete draw below:
Fleetwood Town vs Arsenal
Manchester City/Norwich City vs Brighton
Everton vs Newcastle United
Sunderland vs Brentford
Liverpool vs Chelsea
Bradford City vs Peterborough
Fulham vs Crystal Palace
Bournemouth vs Aston Villa
The fourth-round ties are scheduled to take place during the week commencing October 26, 2026, between Matchweeks 8 and 9 of the Premier League.
Manchester City will determine the final fourth-round pairing when they host Norwich City in their outstanding third-round fixture on Thursday, September 17.
The third round has already produced several notable results. Liverpool defeated Tottenham 3-1, Arsenal beat Ipswich Town 4-2, while Chelsea recorded a 6-3 victory over Leeds United.
Manchester United were eliminated after losing 3-2 to Brighton, while Newcastle United defeated Millwall 1-0. Everton beat Wolves 1-0, Crystal Palace defeated Middlesbrough 3-0 and Bournemouth thrashed Lincoln City 4-0.
Peterborough progressed after beating Barnsley 7-6 on penalties following a 3-3 draw, while Fleetwood Town defeated Sheffield United 1-0.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has ushered in the end of an era for several established football stars, with a number of prominent players bringing their international careers to a close following the tournament.
The departures include legendary names who have played major roles for their countries over the years, as well as players who captained their national teams and featured at multiple major tournaments.
From Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Brazil’s Neymar to Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Edin Džeko, the list reflects a significant generational change in international football.
ALSO READ: JUST IN: ‘Nothing Left to Give’ — Messi Announces Retirement From Argentina
Here are 10 notable players who have ended or announced the end of their international careers:
Lionel Messi — Argentina
Argentina captain Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football after the 2026 World Cup, where his side reached the final.
The 39-year-old remains Argentina’s record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer, with 207 caps and 125 goals.
FIFA reported that Messi is expected to make a farewell appearance for Argentina against Benin in Buenos Aires on October 6.
Neymar — Brazil
Brazilian superstar Neymar also brought his international career to an end after the 2026 World Cup.
The forward made his Brazil debut in 2010 and represented the country at four World Cups.
Following Brazil’s elimination, Neymar confirmed that his international journey had come to an end.
James Rodríguez — Colombia
Colombia captain James Rodríguez announced his international retirement on September 15, 2026.
The 35-year-old played at three World Cups and leaves the national team as Colombia’s all-time leader in appearances, with 131 caps, and assists, with 43.
Rodríguez is also Colombia’s leading goalscorer at the World Cup, having scored six goals in the competition.
Manuel Neuer — Germany
Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer ended his international career after the 2026 World Cup.
The 40-year-old had previously retired from international football after Euro 2024 but returned to the national team for the World Cup.
Neuer’s international career included Germany’s historic 2014 World Cup triumph.
Guillermo Ochoa — Mexico
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa also ended his international career following the tournament.
Ochoa became one of Mexico’s most recognisable footballers during a career that included multiple World Cup appearances.
He made a brief appearance during Mexico’s 2026 campaign before receiving a farewell from teammates and supporters.
Riyad Mahrez — Algeria
Former Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez retired from international football after Algeria’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup.
Mahrez made his World Cup debut in 2014 and scored twice at the 2026 tournament before Algeria were eliminated by Switzerland.
He leaves international football having been one of Algeria’s most prominent players of his generation.
Édouard Mendy — Senegal
Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy announced his international retirement in September.
The 34-year-old finished his Senegal career with 59 appearances and was part of the team that won the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
His departure adds another experienced figure to the list of African players leaving the international stage.
Iñaki Williams — Ghana
Ghana forward Iñaki Williams announced his international retirement after Ghana’s defeat by Colombia in the Round of 32.
Williams ended his four-year international career with 28 appearances for the Black Stars.
His decision comes as Ghana prepares for a new generation of players to take greater responsibility at international level.
Edin Džeko — Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina captain Edin Džeko announced on September 3, 2026, that he would retire from international football.
The 40-year-old is scheduled to play his final match for Bosnia and Herzegovina against Sweden on October 2 in the UEFA Nations League.
Džeko is the country’s record goalscorer and appearance-maker and has been one of the most influential players in its history.
Seko Fofana — Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire midfielder Seko Fofana announced his retirement from international football on September 14, 2026, at the age of 31.
Fofana made 34 appearances and scored seven goals for the Elephants.
He was also part of the Côte d’Ivoire squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil in 2024.
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