Anna Nordqvist opened the final round of the LPGA’s FM Championship with a birdie. It’s conceivably the last she’ll ever post on the tour that defined her.

Now 39, Nordqvist shot a 72 in her Sunday round, leaving her at 1 under for the tournament, which she announced earlier this week would be her last.

As she walked off the 18th green, she was greeted by a warm hug from fellow LPGA great Pat Bradley.

Advertisement

“She’s obviously been through this and know what it feels like,” Nordqvist said. “Obviously, no one else on Tour knows what it feels like to be here. I’ve always looked up to Pat Bradley, how she carries herself and everything she’s done for the game, how she keeps being around and showing up to Solheim Cups as a past captain.

“I feel like I’ve had a really good relationship over the years, so seeing her face just really made me smile.”

As Beth Ann Nichols chronicled earlier this week, after captaining Europe at the Solheim Cup in the Netherlands in two weeks, Nordqvist will close one chapter and begin another, this one away from the LPGA Tour spotlight. It’s a fitting endpoint for one of the most accomplished careers of her generation.

Nordqvist announced herself almost immediately after turning professional, capturing the 2009 LPGA Championship in just her fifth LPGA start following a decorated amateur career that included a brief stint at Arizona State. The tall, reserved Swede quickly became a fixture on Europe’s Solheim Cup teams, earning her first selection later that year and never missing another. Over the next 15 years, she compiled a 17-15-3 record, established herself as one of Europe’s most dependable competitors and even recorded the first hole-in-one in Solheim Cup history.

But Nordqvist admitted she’d grown weary of travel and knew this would be a good time to get out on her own terms.

Advertisement

“This week’s been quite hard. I played so well on Friday; had so much momentum; finished with a double bogey from really nowhere, and maybe feel like killed a little bit of momentum,” she said. “Yesterday I just felt so tired and exhausted mentally. Today I felt really good.

“So, yeah, just a lot of emotions. The tears are really close, but it’s obviously happy tears, too. I think like just having everyone’s support and Karen Stupples or the players and the caddies, was a lot of hugs this morning from guys who have been there throughout my whole journey. It just really means a lot that everyone is supporting me.”

Advertisement

1 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

Anna Nordqvist poses with the 2021 AIG Women’s British Open trophy, the R&A Girls’ Amateur Championship trophy and the Women’s Amateur Championship trophy at Muirfield on Aug. 1, 2022 in Scotland. (Photo: Oisin Keniry/R&A via Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

1 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

2 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

3 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

4 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

5 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

6 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

7 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

8 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

9 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

10 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

11 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

12 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

13 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

14 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

15 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

16 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

17 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

18 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

19 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

20 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

21 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

22 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

23 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

24 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

25 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

26 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

27 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

28 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

29 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

30 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

31 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

32 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

33 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

34 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

35 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

36 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

37 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

38 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

39 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

40 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

41 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

42 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

43 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

44 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

45 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

46 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

47 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

48 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

49 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

50 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

51 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

52 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

53 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

54 / 54

LPGA star Anna Nordqvist through the years

Nordqvist was only the second player to win the British Girls’ Championship, the British Amateur and the Women’s British Open, joining England’s Georgia Hall.

For a player who rarely sought the spotlight, Nordqvist built a career defined by consistency, resilience and a knack for delivering on golf’s biggest stages. And truthfully, playing this long was never a part of her plan, but it ended up being exactly what she needed.

Advertisement

“Honestly, I never really thought I would still be playing at 39. I thought I would probably have been married and have kids by now, but my journey never really quite worked out that way,” she said. “Family has always been my number one priority and it always came before golf, so it was always something that I worked really hard to try to accomplish on the side. But, yeah, things didn’t quite work out the way maybe I thought, but my career kind of got a second chance.

Advertisement

“I feel like my life off the course is probably better, like it’s better than it’s ever been and I’m very happy and I have a very supportive boyfriend.

“So, yeah, I couldn’t be more grateful. I hope there is going to be a day when I get to be blessed to have my own family, too. That’s obviously part of why I’m stepping away now. Might not be an easy journey to get there, but I’m going to at least give myself a chance.”

This article originally appeared on Golfweek: Anna Nordqvist ends her storied LPGA career at 39

For more than five decades, India’s best finish at the Women’s Hockey World Cup had remained frozen in time. The fourth-place finish achieved by the inaugural Indian side in 1974 stood as the benchmark through generations of players, coaches and changing fortunes.

However, Salima Tete-led India’s women’s team have finally ended the wait with a historic campaign. Although they still failed to better or equal the 1974 result, the campaign proved that a new era of Indian women’s hockey is on the horizon.

India finished fifth at the 2026 Women’s Hockey World Cup, their second-best result in the history of the tournament and their best in 52 years. More significantly, they reached that position after playing six matches and losing just once, that too against the now-former defending champions and world No. 1 Netherlands.

There was no semi-final appearance and no medal at the end of the campaign. But the manner of the campaign suggested something potentially more important: India had begun to look comfortable against the world’s best, and the results tell the story — two wins, three draws and one defeat.

From holding Olympic silver medallists China to a draw in the opener to denying England and Australia, before ending the tournament with a 3-1 win over world No. 5 Germany, India consistently stayed in games that might once have slipped away.

A campaign built on resilience

India’s tournament began in Pool D for Phase 1 under the new format, with a 2-2 draw against China, a result that immediately offered encouragement.

China twice went ahead, but India twice found a response. It was an early indication that this was not going to be a team easily shaken by the reputation of its opponents.

The response was even stronger in the next game. India dismantled South Africa 6-1, producing their biggest win of the tournament and spreading the goals across the team. It was the sort of performance that demonstrated India’s attacking potential after the measured opening against China.

Then came England. The goalless draw may not have carried the excitement of a six-goal victory, but it said plenty about India’s changing identity. England piled on the pressure and won 12 penalty corners, yet India refused to concede.

The result took India through to the next stage and kept their maiden World Cup medal hopes alive.

A near-perfect second phase

India, after an undefeated run in the first phase, qualified for Phase 2 in Pool A alongside Netherlands, Australia and China.

India’s first game in the second phase was against Netherlands, who eventually supplied Salima Tete and her team with their only defeat.

The 2022 champions won the game 2-0, but even that scoreline carried a degree of encouragement for India. The Dutch controlled the contest and converted two penalty corners, yet India avoided the kind of collapse that can turn a contest against the world’s best into a rout.

It was the only time India left the field beaten. After that came another test of their defensive resolve against Australia. Again, India did not concede.

The 0-0 draw ended their hopes of reaching the semi-finals as they ended level on points with China and Australia at two points each, but the Kangaroos eventually sneaked ahead into the final four with a better goal difference.

The defence became India’s foundation

If there was one feature that defined India’s campaign, it was their ability to stay organised when matches became uncomfortable.

The clean sheet against England was particularly telling, given the sustained pressure and the number of penalty corners India had to defend.

The goalkeeping department also provided security, with Bichu Devi Kharibam making important interventions alongside the experience of Savita Punia.

India’s defensive discipline meant opponents had to work for almost every opening. That represented a significant change from some of India’s earlier World Cup campaigns, where moments of pressure could quickly become periods of sustained damage.

In 2026, India were increasingly capable of absorbing pressure without losing their shape.

The young players delivered when needed

The achievement becomes even more striking when viewed through the composition of the squad.

India had 11 World Cup debutants, meaning a significant part of the team was experiencing the tournament at this level for the first time.

Yet the newcomers did not look overawed. Players such as Ishika, Baljeet Kaur and Sunelita Toppo contributed alongside an experienced core that included Savita, Navneet Kaur, Deepika, Lalremsiami and captain Salima Tete.

That blend gave India something they have often lacked at major tournaments: the ability to combine youthful energy with the composure required when games become tight.

Salima and Navneet provided the spark

At the centre of India’s campaign was captain Salima Tete, whose speed and ability to carry the ball forward gave India an outlet whenever they came under pressure.

Her influence was not restricted to scoring goals. Salima repeatedly helped India move from defence into attack, giving the team a way to turn defensive situations into counter-attacking opportunities.

Then there was Navneet Kaur. The forward finished as India’s leading scorer at the World Cup with four goals, including two in the final match against Germany.

The 3-1 victory over Germany was the perfect way to close the campaign. Germany entered the match ranked fifth in the world. India responded with one of their most convincing performances of the tournament, with Navneet scoring twice and Ishika adding another to secure fifth place. It was not merely a victory. It was a statement about where India now belonged.

The change did not happen overnight

India’s fifth-place World Cup finish was not an isolated burst of form. They won the FIH Nations Cup earlier in the year, beating New Zealand 2-0 in the final. That triumph also earned them promotion back to the Pro League. The confidence from that campaign carried into the World Cup.

The return of Sjoerd Marijne as head coach has been another important part of the transformation. Marijne had previously guided India to their historic fourth-place finish at the Tokyo Olympics before returning to the women’s team in 2025.

His emphasis has been on rebuilding belief and creating a stronger team identity. That was visible throughout the World Cup. India did not always dominate possession or control matches, but they repeatedly showed an ability to remain in contests and find ways to survive difficult passages.

India’s World Cup history puts the finish in perspective

India’s fifth-place finish becomes even more significant when placed alongside their record at previous World Cups.

After finishing fourth in 1974, India were seventh in 1978 and 11th in 1983. They finished 12th in 1998, 11th in 2006, ninth in 2010, eighth in 2018 and ninth in 2022.

They also failed to qualify for five editions, i.e., 1986, 1990, 1994, 2002 and 2014, while missing the 1976 and 1981 tournaments.

For decades, the fourth-place finish from 1974 remained untouched. Now, only one Indian team has ever gone further.

The 2026 side has not matched that inaugural generation yet. But it has come closer than any Indian women’s team in more than half a century.

The bigger story

There is still room for India to improve. The biggest obvious area is scoring. They managed 11 goals across six matches, and their inability to turn more possession and opportunities into goals ultimately cost them a place in the semi-finals.

The draw against Australia was the clearest example. India defended well enough to keep a clean sheet, but could not find the goal that would have taken them into the last four.

So this was not a flawless campaign. But perhaps that is what makes it more encouraging. India did not need a string of unlikely upsets to finish fifth. They simply became extremely difficult to beat.

They drew with China. They beat South Africa. They held England. They lost to the Netherlands. They held Australia. And they finished by beating Germany.

Six games. One defeat. Five goals? No — five different opponents faced at the business end of the tournament, and only one team managed to beat them.

For a side that had spent decades searching for another World Cup breakthrough, India’s 2026 campaign offered something more valuable than a one-off result: evidence that the gap between India and the world’s leading hockey nations may finally be closing.

Kai Sotto is hugged by teammate June Mar Fajardo after Gilas Pilipinas’ win over Iran in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–As June Mar Fajardo walks away from Gilas Pilipinas, he knows he’s leaving the national team in good hands.

“I told you guys that Kuya Kai will save us this window,” Fajardo said after the Philippines scraped past Iran, 68-56, in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Sunday night.

READ: June Mar Fajardo sparks Gilas Pilipinas win in his ‘last game’

Kai Sotto (13 PTS, 16 REB, 3 AST) and the Philippines 🇵🇭 shrug off a slow start against Iran to sweep Window 4 and improve to 4-4 in the Asian Qualifiers 📺#FIBAWC x #StepItUp pic.twitter.com/jmNYXS82vu

— FIBA Basketball World Cup 🏆 (@FIBAWC) August 30, 2026

“Let’s just pray that he’s always healthy because he will bring us to glory.”

Fajardo was, of course, referring to Kai Sotto, who spearheaded Gilas’ undefeated campaign in the fourth window of the qualifiers despite the absence of naturalized player Justin Brownlee.

The 24-year-old Sotto recorded 18 points, 14 rebounds and one game-saving block in an 82-81 overtime win over Jordan on Friday before following that up with 13 points, 16 rebounds and three assists against the Iranians. The pair of crucial games marked Sotto’s national team return since November 2024, less than two months before he suffered a torn left ACL during a B.League game.

READ: Gilas Pilipinas dedicates win over Iran to retiring June Mar Fajardo

Behind a fully healthy Sotto, the Philippines rose to 4-4 in Group E and strengthened its bid for a spot in next year’s World Cup in Doha, Qatar.

Sotto said giving his retiring hero a winning exit after a decorated 13-year national team career was a big motivation.

“I’m so lucky and blessed. When I was a kid, I looked up to him—he’s my idol,” said Sotto. “I’m so blessed to be part of his journey in the national team. I just really wanted to win these two games for Kuya June.”

The Asian Games 2026 is all set to commence on Saturday, September 19, with cricket being one of the most talked-about sports at the event, as all the participating countries are sending near full-strength squads. However, just days before the start of the multi-nation event, the tension has started to stir up.

Even before a ball has been bowled, the tournament has been caught up in a debate over hotel rooms, dressing rooms, toilets and the playing surface.

The concerns have become serious enough for full-member cricket boards to seek a firsthand assessment of the arrangements in Japan, while the Asian Cricket Council is also expected to inspect the venue.

According to a media report from news agency ANI, India could consider sending a second-string side if the facilities were deemed inadequate.

However, a media report from NDTV suggests that while the concerns regarding the facilities are genuine, there is no talk in the BCCI about sending a B squad.

Still, the episode has exposed a rather unusual problem for a tournament in which India are among the strongest medal contenders.

Why are the facilities a concern?

The biggest complaints centre on the conditions being provided to the cricket teams.

According to reports, the dressing rooms at the venue have been set up in tents, while the washrooms are around 500 metres away. The hotel accommodation has also become a talking point, with concerns that rooms allocated to two players are too small to comfortably accommodate cricketers along with their kitbags and luggage.

One source described the room situation as a genuine problem, pointing out that there would be little space left once a player opened a kitbag.

The issue is not limited to India. Concerns have been raised among other full-member boards as well, prompting calls for representatives to travel to Japan, inspect the arrangements and report back to their respective boards.

The aim is not simply to assess whether the facilities look adequate on paper, but whether they are practical for international cricketers competing in a major multi-sport event.

The venue itself has raised questions

The accommodation is only one part of the concern. The cricket tournament will be staged at Korogi Sports Park, a baseball facility that has been adapted for cricket. The ground has only recently had its cricket surface installed, and questions have been raised over how much competitive cricket has been played on it.

There are also reports that the venue does not have conventional permanent dressing rooms.

The pitch is therefore another aspect that the cricket authorities want to assess before the tournament begins. The Asian Cricket Council is expected to send representatives to inspect the venue, with the quality and readiness of the playing surface among the issues under discussion.

The venue did host an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier earlier this year, but the Asian Games will bring a very different level of attention, with several of Asia’s leading cricket nations involved.

Why did the B-team talk start?

The possibility of India changing its squad emerged after the concerns over the facilities were discussed.

According to the media report from ANI, the BCCI and ACC were unhappy with the arrangements and a BCCI observer would be sent to Japan. If the observer’s report found the facilities inadequate, the source said the board could consider sending a B-team instead.

That report created the possibility of a remarkable change to India’s Asian Games plans.

The BCCI had initially named a strong men’s squad, led by Shreyas Iyer, with established internationals such as Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar, alongside young players including Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma.

But the B-team possibility was subsequently denied, as a media report from NDTV said that the concerns about the facilities were valid, but India would not send a second-string side.

What is India’s squad for Asain Games 2026?

India had named a formidable men’s squad for the Asian Games. Shreyas Iyer is the captain, with Tilak Varma as vice-captain. The squad also includes Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Jasprit Bumrah.

The selection therefore suggested that India were taking the competition seriously. There is plenty of experience in the group, but also an obvious attempt to blend established international players with some of India’s most exciting younger talents.

For Sooryavanshi in particular, an Asian Games appearance would provide another significant step in his rapid rise.

When will cricket be played in Asian Games 2026?

The women’s tournament begins September 17, two days before the official opening of the Asian Games, and runs until September 22. The men’s competition begins on September 24 and concludes with the final on October 3.

India’s men, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have been given direct entry into the quarter-finals based on their ICC rankings. India will play their quarter-final on September 28.

The women’s tournament follows a similar structure, with India entering at the quarter-final stage and facing Japan on September 18.

India look to defend Asian Games golds

India will arrive for Asian Games 2026 as the reigning champions in both men’s and women’s cricket.

At the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, the men’s final between India and Afghanistan was washed out. India were awarded the gold medal because of their higher seeding.

The women’s team also won gold in Hangzhou, making India the defending champions in both competitions.

A tournament with an unusual backdrop

The facility talk has become more prominent because of the broader accommodation challenges facing the Aichi-Nagoya Games.

Unlike the traditional model of a single athletes’ village, organisers are using a combination of hotels, temporary accommodation and a cruise ship to house participants. More than 17,000 athletes and officials have been registered, creating additional pressure on accommodation capacity. Organisers and the Olympic Council of Asia have said that arrangements have been secured despite the surge in entries.

For cricket teams, however, the question is more specific: are the arrangements suitable for international players? That is what the ACC and national boards now want to establish.

Manchester United returned to winning ways against Ipswich Town as they ran out 5-2 winners at Old Trafford

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes insisted that victory over Ipswich Town was ‘massive’ but the Reds were not looking to make up for last week’s Hull City defeat. The Reds found it tough in the first half against Ipswich with Leif Davis opening the scoring for the visitors.

However, five minutes before the break, Fernandes equalised to change the momentum of the game. In the second half, the Reds were much the better side with Jacob Greaves’ own goal and Fernandes’ penalty putting them in control. Fernandes would go on to complete his hat trick before Bryan Mbeumo put gloss on the scoreline before Chuba Akpom’s late consolation.

Speaking to Sky Sports post-match, Fernandes said: “It was massive. We lost three points last week, so it was all about getting the three points, giving a good performance to our fans.

“First game at home, they’ve been waiting so long for this so we wanted to, not make up for last week because you can’t get six points in a game, but we wanted to start the game on the front foot, be strong.

“I think we were in control of the game, even if we conceded the goal. In the second half we were very, very good.”

Fernandes’ hat trick was his third for United and according to Opta, his eight shots in one game was more than any other player in the Premier League so far this season.

When asked what the hat trick meant, Fernandes said: “It’s the best feeling in football and then doing a hat trick in a game at home with our fans, it’s something amazing that I’m very proud of. But the main thing is that I need to score goals to help the team to win games.

“Today, I did that and I hope that I can do much more and help my teammates score goals too.”

The New Orleans Saints have just wrapped up the 2026 preseason, and now comes the hard part, as the team will need to start making cuts that will reduce their roster down to 53 by Sunday at 5 p.m. CT.

Saints head coach Kellen Moore and staff will have some very difficult decisions to make over the next 42 hours.

Advertisement

Be sure to stay tuned to Canal Street Chronicles as we will keep you updated on all the news and roster moves that will take place this weekend.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS ROSTER CUTS TRACKER:

Saints waive QB Hunter Dekkers

India beat Thailand by 94 runs (Image: X/Cricbuzz)

India opened their Women’s T20 Asia Cup campaign with a convincing 94-run victory over Thailand on Sunday, overcoming a late batting collapse with a dominant bowling performance.

Shafali sets platform, India stumble late

India looked on course for a huge total after Shafali Verma smashed 64 off 36 balls, hitting eight fours and three sixes. Alongside debutant Pratika Rawal, who made 22 off 18, Shafali helped India race to 101/2 after 10 overs.Smriti Mandhana contributed 19 off 10 balls, but was run out after hitting four boundaries. However, India lost their way dramatically after reaching 108/2, slipping to 137/9 as Thailand’s bowlers fought back. Leg-spinner Suleeporn Laomi was the standout performer with 3/26. Kranti Gaud, unbeaten on 15, helped India push the total to 159/9.

India’s bowlers run riot

Thailand’s chase never really got going as India’s bowlers produced a clinical display. Kranti Gaud and Nandni Sharma struck early to remove Thailand’s openers before India’s spinners took control. Nandni finished with three wickets, while Deepti Sharma produced an extraordinary spell, taking 3/0 in 1.1 overs.Deepti’s three-wicket haul also saw her become the leading wicket-taker in women’s T20I cricket. Thailand struggled to cope with India’s attack and were eventually bowled out for just 65, with Nannapat Koncharoenkai providing the only significant resistance.

Koncharoenkai fights lone battle

Koncharoenkai top-scored for Thailand with 41 off 48 balls, including five fours. She remained at the crease until the final wicket, but lacked support as wickets continued to fall around her. India ultimately wrapped up the contest with a 94-run victory, making a strong start to their Asia Cup campaign.Brief scores: India Women 159/9 in 20 overs (Shafali Verma 64; Suleeporn Laomi 3/26, Sunida Chaturongrattana 2/31) beat Thailand Women 65 in 16.1 overs (Nannapat Koncharoenkai 41; Nandani Sharma 3/18, Shree Charani 2/10, Deepti Sharma 3/0) by 94 runs

The 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season is here, and with the opening fixtures already underway, the big question is who will finish where when the campaign ends.

Last season produced a thrilling title race, with Rangers International eventually lifting the trophy ahead of Rivers United and Shooting Stars. This season, however, I expect the battle at the top to be even tighter.

For me, Rivers United, Kano Pillars and Rangers International are the three teams most likely to challenge for the title, while Shooting Stars could also push the leading sides.

Here is how I see the season playing out.

1. Rivers United — Champions

I am tipping Rivers United to win the 2026/27 NPFL title, although I don’t expect it to be an easy campaign.

The Port Harcourt club came agonisingly close last season, finishing just one point behind champions Rangers. That experience could prove valuable this time around.

Finidi George has retained the core of his squad and the club has added more quality and depth during the transfer window. With a settled technical structure and a squad capable of competing over 38 matches, Rivers United have what it takes to go one step further.

Prediction: 1st — Champions

2. Kano Pillars — Runners-up

Kano Pillars are my surprise pick for second place.

The arrival of Daniel ‘Ijaball’ Ogunmodede, formerly of Remo Stars, has raised expectations around the club. Pillars endured a disappointing 15th-place finish last season, but I expect a completely different side this time.

Ogunmodede is a coach who understands the Nigerian league and has the tactical ability to get the best out of his players. With the backing of their supporters and the quality available in the squad, Pillars could become genuine title contenders.

I don’t think they will win the title, but I expect them to finish much higher than last season.

Prediction: 2nd — CAF Champions League spot

3. Rangers International — Third place

Defending champions Rangers will remain in the title conversation, but I expect them to struggle to retain the trophy.

The biggest concern for me is their home situation. With the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu undergoing renovation, Rangers will play their home matches at the MKO Sports Arena in Abeokuta.

Home advantage can be extremely important in the NPFL, and constantly playing away from Enugu could make the difference in a tight title race.

There is also the additional pressure of CAF Champions League football. Rangers have a strong squad and an experienced coach in Fidelis Ilechukwu, but balancing continental and domestic football will be a major test.

I still expect them to finish among the top three and secure continental football.

Prediction: 3rd — CAF Confederation Cup spot

4. Shooting Stars — Fourth place

Shooting Stars are probably the team I found hardest to predict.

The Oluyole Warriors finished third last season and have a talented squad, but the decision to change coaches just weeks before the new campaign is a major factor in my prediction.

Salisu Yusuf is an experienced coach and should eventually get the team playing the way he wants, but he needs time to properly build his system and understand his squad.

With domestic and continental football on the agenda, the demands will be even greater.

I believe Shooting Stars will still have a good season, but I don’t see them finishing in the top three.

Prediction: 4th

5. Plateau United — Sixth place

Plateau United could be one of the teams to quietly surprise people this season.

The appointment of Gbenga Ogunbote gives them an experienced coach who knows the NPFL very well. He now has the opportunity to shape the team from the beginning of a full season.

I expect Plateau United to be competitive and finish comfortably in the top half.

Prediction: 6th

The Relegation Battle

At the other end of the table, I expect the fight for survival to be just as interesting.

Inter Lagos face a difficult first season in the NPFL. They have plenty to learn about life in the top flight, and I am predicting them to struggle throughout the campaign.

Kun Khalifat survived relegation by the narrowest of margins last season, and I fear they could find themselves in trouble again. This time, however, I think they could go down.

Niger Tornadoes are another side I expect to be involved in the relegation battle, particularly with questions surrounding their home ground and the disruption caused by its renovation.

Katsina United and Doma United could also find themselves looking over their shoulders, while newly promoted sides will have to adapt quickly to the demands of top-flight football.

My 2026/27 NPFL Predictions

Champions: Rivers United

Runners-up: Kano Pillars

Third: Rangers International

CAF Confederation Cup: Rangers International

Fourth: Shooting Stars

Sixth: Plateau United

Relegation candidates: Inter Lagos, Kun Khalifat and Niger Tornadoes

The NPFL is rarely predictable, and that is exactly what makes it exciting. Rivers United may be my favourites, but Rangers, Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars all have enough quality to prove me wrong.

One thing is certain: it could be another very close title race.