Oladehinde Predicts NPFL Upsets, Backs Katsina United Despite Rangers Draw In Abeokuta 

Femmco FC Head Coach, Oluwafemi Adebayo Oladehinde, has predicted a season of surprises in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), following the dramatic 1-1 draw between defending champions Enugu Rangers International and Katsina United at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena.

Speaking to Sports247 after the EuroMatch NPFL Matchday 1 encounter, Oladehinde described Katsina United as the better side on the day, insisting that the visitors were unfortunate not to leave with maximum points after a late goalkeeping error allowed the defending champions to rescue a point.

Katsina United appeared on course for a memorable away victory before a costly mistake from their goalkeeper in the dying minutes handed Rangers the opportunity to level the contest.

“There will be a lot of upsets this season. Katsina United were the better side in the game. They were just unlucky at the end,” Oladehinde told Sports247.

The Femmco FC coach, however, urged supporters and critics not to judge the goalkeeper solely on the costly mistake, stressing that errors are part of football.

“That was a costly error from the goalkeeper, but a second mistake should not judge his ability,” he added.

Oladehinde also questioned the geographical arrangement of the fixture, suggesting that Rangers’ participation in a South-West venue could have affected the atmosphere and support around the game.

“I don’t know why a team from far away Enugu will need to come down to the South-West. The fans’ turnout would have been different if they opted for the South-South, if possible,” he said.

The coach also expressed disappointment that Ogun State currently has no representative in Nigeria’s top-flight league, describing the situation as unfortunate given the footballing potential of the state.

“It’s a pity Ogun State did not have a single team in the top-flight league,” Oladehinde stated.

Despite the absence of an Ogun-based club in the NPFL, he remains optimistic about the state’s prospects, backing Remo Stars to make a swift return to the top flight next season.

“I see Remo Stars returning back to the league next season,” he concluded.

The 1-1 result between Rangers and Katsina United provided an early indication of the competitiveness expected in the NPFL campaign, with Oladehinde’s comments suggesting that the season could produce several unexpected results before the title race takes shape.