Warri Wolves U18

Nigerian Premier League U18
4 Oct 2027
Monday
Process
61 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

27 Sep 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Market

Innocent Orukpe hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Warri Wolves can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

Pam Samuel gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

In brief

Back issues
60 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

20 Sep 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

The wait goes on for Warri Wolves

17 without a win now, and the ground has developed the special quiet of a crowd that expects the worst. One scrappy 1-0 would cure most of it; that is the maddening part.

Boardroom

The scrutiny sharpens at Warri Wolves

Nobody upstairs has said anything, which is the loudest thing they could do. Results buy silence in this game; the account at Warri Wolves is running low.

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Vincent Edafe

There were 6 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.

Market

Tejiri Emonena hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Warri Wolves can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Oussama Gatal in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Seth Mayi is carrying Warri Wolves

8 goals and a season average of 7.50. Form like that gets noticed well beyond this town.

Player ratings

Chisom Orji runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 20. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Khalid Muhammed

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Player ratings

Alimi Adebayo shuts the door

Defensive actions: 17, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.

In brief

59 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

13 Sep 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

16 matches without a win for Warri Wolves

The run now stands at 16, and the questions being asked around Warri Wolves are no longer polite ones.

Market

Ademola Adebambo puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Warri Wolves, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Igbunu Evwierhurhoma

Successful dribbles: 21. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

No hiding place for Othuke Egbo

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Othuke Egbo, and the manager let it.

Squad

No place for Abubakar Abubakar on the big day

He found out with everybody else, an hour before kick-off, from a sheet of paper on a wall. Nobody at Warri Wolves pretended it was anything other than a decision about him.

Squad

Pam Samuel knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Warri Wolves, and both men came out saying it was fine.

Match

Warri Wolves and Barau cancel each other out

Nil-nil, and few chances worth the name. Barau came to defend and left with exactly what they came for.

Player ratings

The one thing Seth Mayi could not do

Shots: 4, enough of them from close enough that a striker in form scores two. He is not a striker in form.

In brief

58 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

6 Sep 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

The wait goes on for Warri Wolves

15 without a win now, and the ground has developed the special quiet of a crowd that expects the worst. One scrappy 1-0 would cure most of it; that is the maddening part.

Match

Warri Wolves sink to position 20

25 points, and a fixture list that is running out. The mathematics are not yet cruel, but they are no longer kind.

Boardroom

Warri Wolves spell it out for Ahmed Madu

The board’s statement ran to three sentences and one of them mentioned results. Ahmed Madu has managed long enough to translate: win soon, or the next statement is shorter.

Squad

Vincent Edafe keeps Warri Wolves in it on his own

Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 6 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.

Market

Chibueze Lambert puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Warri Wolves, and it is not being withdrawn.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Igbunu Evwierhurhoma

Successful dribbles: 23. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Market

The Nasarawa United deal is off

Everything was agreed until it was not, and Peter Dakka reports back to Warri Wolves with a summer to forget. Neither club is saying who walked away from the table.

Squad

Oussama Gatal in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Ezekiel Oroh gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

In brief

57 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

30 Aug 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

14 matches without a win for Warri Wolves

The run now stands at 14, and the questions being asked around Warri Wolves are no longer polite ones.

Market

Amatesiro Shemayi hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Warri Wolves can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

One of those days for Amatesiro Shemayi

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 9.10, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Chisom Orji

Successful dribbles: 18. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Market

The Eromosele Zibiri conversation is coming

Everyone has stopped pretending: Abia Warriors will make the call about Eromosele Zibiri this week. Warri Wolves have a number in mind, and the number is not shy.

Match

Honours even between Warri Wolves and Shooting Stars

1‑1, and both dressing rooms will call it two points lost. A draw that asked plenty of questions and answered none of them.

Squad

Ezekiel Oroh knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Ezekiel Oroh trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

Squad

No hiding place for Godstime Edewor

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Godstime Edewor, and the manager let it.

In brief

56 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

23 Aug 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

No end in sight to Warri Wolves's wait for a win

13 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Warri Wolves has to find a result from somewhere.

Boardroom

The silence upstairs is getting loud at Warri Wolves

Nobody on the board has said anything against the manager, which is the point — they have stopped saying anything for him either.

Market

David Joseph asks to leave Warri Wolves

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Player ratings

Chisom Orji runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 26. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Market

Eromosele Zibiri is on his way

The clubs have agreed terms, and what remains is formality: a medical, a photograph, a signature. Nobody at Warri Wolves is pretending he will be back in the shirt.

Squad

Oussama Gatal in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Seth Mayi is carrying Warri Wolves

8 goals and a season average of 7.51. Form like that gets noticed well beyond this town.

Market

Katsina United watching Chisom Ogbun

The interest is real enough to have reached print. Warri Wolves have said nothing, which in a transfer window is its own kind of answer.

Player ratings

One of those days for Seth Mayi

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.94, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

In brief

55 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

16 Aug 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

The wait goes on for Warri Wolves

12 without a win now, and the ground has developed the special quiet of a crowd that expects the worst. One scrappy 1-0 would cure most of it; that is the maddening part.

Market

Igbunu Evwierhurhoma hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Warri Wolves can pretend not to have heard.

Player ratings

Alimi Adebayo shuts the door

Defensive actions: 25, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.

Market

Warri Wolves say no — this time

The offer from Bayelsa United for Peter Dakka was heard out and sent back the same day. First bids are rarely meant to succeed; they are meant to find out how loudly the door closes.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

No hiding place for Khalid Muhammed

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Khalid Muhammed, and the manager let it.

Player ratings

Amatesiro Shemayi runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 17. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Emmanuel Bakare

Defensive actions: 15. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Squad

Amatesiro Shemayi asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

In brief

54 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

9 Aug 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

11 matches without a win for Warri Wolves

The run now stands at 11, and the questions being asked around Warri Wolves are no longer polite ones.

Match

Warri Wolves sink to position 20

22 points, and a fixture list that is running out. The mathematics are not yet cruel, but they are no longer kind.

Market

Chisom Ogbun hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Warri Wolves can pretend not to have heard.

Market

Warri Wolves turn down Nasarawa United for Chisom Ogbun

The offer was not close and it was refused without much discussion. Whether the second one is refused as quickly is another matter.

Player ratings

Chisom Orji runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 25. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

Oussama Gatal in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Ekene Olisema takes the honours

Marked 7.48 on an afternoon he ran from the first whistle to the last. Whatever else went wrong, Warri Wolves had the best player on the pitch.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Emmanuel Bakare

Defensive actions: 15. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Squad

Eromosele Zibiri gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

In brief

53 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

2 Aug 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

The wait goes on for Warri Wolves

10 without a win now, and the ground has developed the special quiet of a crowd that expects the worst. One scrappy 1-0 would cure most of it; that is the maddening part.

Boardroom

Warri Wolves put Ahmed Madu on notice

The board have said in public what they had been saying in private. Results between now and the next meeting decide it, and everybody in the building knows the arithmetic.

Market

Amatesiro Shemayi hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Warri Wolves can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Eromosele Zibiri keeps the receipts

“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Warri Wolves may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.

Market

So close: Eromosele Zibiri’s move dies late

The fee was agreed and the flight was looked at — and then the phone stopped ringing. Abia Warriors moved on, Eromosele Zibiri reports back to Warri Wolves, and everybody pretends Monday is just Monday.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

Chisom Orji runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 21. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

No hiding place for Oussama Gatal

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Oussama Gatal, and the manager let it.

Match

Bayelsa United take the points off Warri Wolves

Beaten 0‑1, and beaten fairly. The manager kept his words short afterwards, which was probably wise.

In brief

52 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

26 Jul 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Boardroom

Pressure builds in the Warri Wolves boardroom

The directors have stopped offering the manager public warmth. In football that is usually the stage before the short statement.

Match

9 matches without a win for Warri Wolves

The run now stands at 9, and the questions being asked around Warri Wolves are no longer polite ones.

Market

David Joseph puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Warri Wolves, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Vincent Edafe keeps Warri Wolves in it on his own

Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 6 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.

Squad

Tejiri Emonena says Warri Wolves went back on their word

“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.

Market

Peter Dakka has one foot out of the door

Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Warri Wolves they have already started talking about him in the past tense.

Match

Still nobody has beaten Warri Wolves

The unbeaten run reaches 7. Some of them were wins and some were escapes, but a side that refuses to lose is a side other dressing rooms talk about.

Squad

Oussama Gatal in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Seth Mayi is carrying Warri Wolves

7 goals and a season average of 7.50. Form like that gets noticed well beyond this town.

In brief

51 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

19 Jul 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Chisom Orji

Successful dribbles: 35. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Market

Igbunu Evwierhurhoma puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Warri Wolves, and it is not being withdrawn.

Match

No end in sight to Warri Wolves's wait for a win

8 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Warri Wolves has to find a result from somewhere.

Market

Atlanta United FC come back empty-handed

The bid was some way short and Warri Wolves did not need long over it. Nobody in the game reads a first refusal as the end of anything.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Match

Still nobody has beaten Warri Wolves

The unbeaten run reaches 6. Some of them were wins and some were escapes, but a side that refuses to lose is a side other dressing rooms talk about.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Emmanuel Bakare

Defensive actions: 16. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Squad

Ademola Adebambo gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Squad

Oussama Gatal asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

In brief

50 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

12 Jul 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

Every point is an argument now for Warri Wolves

Position 19 and 19 points, and the table gets read bottom-up in this part of town. The calendar has stopped being a schedule and started being a countdown.

Match

No end in sight to Warri Wolves's wait for a win

7 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Warri Wolves has to find a result from somewhere.

Market

Ademola Adebambo puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Warri Wolves, and it is not being withdrawn.

Market

Warri Wolves say no — this time

The offer from Wikki Tourists for Peter Dakka was heard out and sent back the same day. First bids are rarely meant to succeed; they are meant to find out how loudly the door closes.

Squad

Ekene Olisema signs a new deal

“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Ekene Olisema commits to Warri Wolves for another 3 years.

Squad

Oussama Gatal in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

No hiding place for Vincent Edafe

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Vincent Edafe, and the manager let it.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Amatesiro Shemayi

Successful dribbles: 18. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Player ratings

Ezekiel Oroh in the eights

A performance of 8.20 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

In brief

49 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

5 Jul 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Boardroom

Warri Wolves spell it out for Ahmed Madu

The board’s statement ran to three sentences and one of them mentioned results. Ahmed Madu has managed long enough to translate: win soon, or the next statement is shorter.

Market

Othuke Egbo hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Warri Wolves can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Vincent Edafe keeps Warri Wolves in it on his own

Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 8 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.

Match

No end in sight to Warri Wolves's wait for a win

6 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Warri Wolves has to find a result from somewhere.

Market

Eromosele Zibiri has one foot out of the door

Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Warri Wolves they have already started talking about him in the past tense.

Squad

Home is on Oussama Gatal's mind

“Some mornings you wake up and you are still a long way from everything you know.” It is not the football and it never was; Warri Wolves are dealing with a man who wants a different country.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

One of those days for Igbunu Evwierhurhoma

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 9.18, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Chisom Orji

Successful dribbles: 19. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

In brief

48 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

28 Jun 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Boardroom

The silence upstairs is getting loud at Warri Wolves

Nobody on the board has said anything against the manager, which is the point — they have stopped saying anything for him either.

Market

Oussama Gatal puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Warri Wolves, and it is not being withdrawn.

Match

The wait goes on for Warri Wolves

5 without a win now, and the ground has developed the special quiet of a crowd that expects the worst. One scrappy 1-0 would cure most of it; that is the maddening part.

Squad

Oussama Gatal in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Chisom Orji runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 21. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

Seth Mayi is carrying Warri Wolves

7 goals and a season average of 7.49. Form like that gets noticed well beyond this town.

Player ratings

Seth Mayi in the eights

A performance of 9.21 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Squad

No hiding place for Khalid Muhammed

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Khalid Muhammed, and the manager let it.

Market

Abia Warriors are about to pick up the phone

A conversation is coming this week. Warri Wolves will put a number on him, and from there it stops being football and becomes arithmetic.

In brief

47 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

21 Jun 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Market

Igbunu Evwierhurhoma puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Warri Wolves, and it is not being withdrawn.

Match

4 matches without a win for Warri Wolves

The run now stands at 4, and the questions being asked around Warri Wolves are no longer polite ones.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Chisom Orji

Successful dribbles: 23. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

Oussama Gatal gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Player ratings

One of those days for Amatesiro Shemayi

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.49, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Match

Warri Wolves share the spoils with Plateau United

A 2‑2 draw with Plateau United leaves the dressing room somewhere between relief and regret.

Squad

Amatesiro Shemayi knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Amatesiro Shemayi trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

Market

The Vincent Edafe question follows Warri Wolves around

Every press conference now starts and ends the same way: with Vincent Edafe’s future. The manager has run out of new ways to say nothing.

In brief

46 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

14 Jun 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

Warri Wolves are in real trouble now

Position 19, 15 points, and a fixture list with fewer games left in it than excuses. The arithmetic is not cruel yet, but it has stopped being kind.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Othuke Egbo

Successful dribbles: 30. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Market

Eromosele Zibiri asks to leave Warri Wolves

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Market

Wikki Tourists come back empty-handed

The bid was some way short and Warri Wolves did not need long over it. Nobody in the game reads a first refusal as the end of anything.

Squad

Oussama Gatal in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Seth Mayi

Marked 9.29 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Squad

Defences have started doubling up on Seth Mayi

6 goals and a season average of 7.44 will do that. The space he used to find has gone; he keeps scoring anyway, which is the mark of the real thing.

Squad

No hiding place for Othuke Egbo

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Othuke Egbo, and the manager let it.

Squad

Ospina Egbe out for 58 days

The medical room confirms 58 days on the sidelines for Ospina Egbe, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.

In brief

45 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

7 Jun 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Boardroom

Ahmed Madu has until the next board meeting

What was said behind closed doors has now been said in front of a microphone. Everybody at Warri Wolves can do the arithmetic, including the man it is aimed at.

Market

Ospina Egbe hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Warri Wolves can pretend not to have heard.

Market

Peter Dakka has one foot out of the door

Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Warri Wolves they have already started talking about him in the past tense.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

Vincent Edafe gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Match

A bad afternoon for Warri Wolves against Niger Tornadoes

0‑1 to Niger Tornadoes, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Igbunu Evwierhurhoma

Successful dribbles: 17. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Otutu Young signs on for more

“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Otutu Young and Warri Wolves agree another 4 years.

Player ratings

Seth Mayi keeps on missing

Shots: 7, not one of them in. A centre forward is paid for one thing, and on this evidence he has forgotten which thing it is.

In brief

44 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

31 May 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Boardroom

The scrutiny sharpens at Warri Wolves

Nobody upstairs has said anything, which is the loudest thing they could do. Results buy silence in this game; the account at Warri Wolves is running low.

Market

Chisom Ogbun hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Warri Wolves can pretend not to have heard.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Chisom Orji

Successful dribbles: 26. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Oussama Gatal in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Ezekiel Oroh

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Squad

Seth Mayi is in the form of his life

A season average of 7.39 with 5 goals behind it. Opponents have started planning around him, which is the sincerest compliment football pays.

In brief

43 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

24 May 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Ademola Adebambo puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Warri Wolves, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Tejiri Emonena says Warri Wolves went back on their word

“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.

Market

Only the photograph left for Eromosele Zibiri

Fee agreed, terms agreed, medical booked. Eromosele Zibiri will be somebody else’s player by the weekend, and around Warri Wolves the goodbyes have quietly begun.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Igbunu Evwierhurhoma

Successful dribbles: 22. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

Emmanuel Bakare shuts the door

Defensive actions: 22, and a clean sheet at the end of it. A centre-half's best afternoons look like nothing happening, which is precisely the point.

Match

Gift Isioma the difference as Warri Wolves beat Abia Warriors

Ask anyone on the way out what separated the sides and you will get one name: Gift Isioma. 1‑0 against Abia Warriors, and the applause at the whistle was mostly his.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Godwin Oham

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Squad

Oussama Gatal knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Warri Wolves, and both men came out saying it was fine.

In brief

42 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

17 May 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

27 matches without a win for Warri Wolves

The run now stands at 27, and the questions being asked around Warri Wolves are no longer polite ones.

Match

Warri Wolves sink to position 19

10 points, and a fixture list that is running out. The mathematics are not yet cruel, but they are no longer kind.

Squad

Oussama Gatal in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Chisom Orji runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 20. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Match

Rivers United take the points off Warri Wolves

Beaten 0‑2, and beaten fairly. The manager kept his words short afterwards, which was probably wise.

Squad

Warri Wolves lose Ospina Egbe

87 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.

In brief

41 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

10 May 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

The wait goes on for Warri Wolves

26 without a win now, and the ground has developed the special quiet of a crowd that expects the worst. One scrappy 1-0 would cure most of it; that is the maddening part.

Squad

Vincent Edafe keeps Warri Wolves in it on his own

Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 6 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.

Market

Ospina Egbe puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Warri Wolves, and it is not being withdrawn.

Market

Peter Dakka has one foot out of the door

Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Warri Wolves they have already started talking about him in the past tense.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Match

A bad afternoon for Warri Wolves against Remo Stars

1‑2 to Remo Stars, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.

Player ratings

Igbunu Evwierhurhoma in the eights

A performance of 8.89 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Squad

No hiding place for Oussama Gatal

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Oussama Gatal, and the manager let it.

Player ratings

Chisom Orji in the eights

A performance of 8.30 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

In brief

40 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

3 May 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

The wait goes on for Warri Wolves

25 without a win now, and the ground has developed the special quiet of a crowd that expects the worst. One scrappy 1-0 would cure most of it; that is the maddening part.

Boardroom

The scrutiny sharpens at Warri Wolves

Nobody upstairs has said anything, which is the loudest thing they could do. Results buy silence in this game; the account at Warri Wolves is running low.

Market

David Joseph asks to leave Warri Wolves

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Squad

Oussama Gatal in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Seth Mayi in the eights

A performance of 9.37 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Squad

No hiding place for Vincent Edafe

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Vincent Edafe, and the manager let it.

Player ratings

Chisom Orji runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 17. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

Seth Mayi is carrying Warri Wolves

5 goals and a season average of 7.37. Form like that gets noticed well beyond this town.

Match

Warri Wolves and Barau take a point apiece

It finished 1‑1, and it somehow always looked like it would. One of those afternoons where the table moves less than the tempers.

In brief

39 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

26 Apr 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

24 matches without a win for Warri Wolves

The run now stands at 24, and the questions being asked around Warri Wolves are no longer polite ones.

Squad

Godwin Oham says Warri Wolves went back on their word

“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.

Market

Ademola Adebambo puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Warri Wolves, and it is not being withdrawn.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Chisom Orji

Successful dribbles: 26. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Market

Eromosele Zibiri is on his way

The clubs have agreed terms, and what remains is formality: a medical, a photograph, a signature. Nobody at Warri Wolves is pretending he will be back in the shirt.

Squad

Warri Wolves lose Othuke Egbo

20 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Match

Enyimba take the points off Warri Wolves

Beaten 0‑1, and beaten fairly. The manager kept his words short afterwards, which was probably wise.

Squad

Defences have started doubling up on Seth Mayi

4 goals and a season average of 7.30 will do that. The space he used to find has gone; he keeps scoring anyway, which is the mark of the real thing.

In brief

38 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

19 Apr 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

The wait goes on for Warri Wolves

23 without a win now, and the ground has developed the special quiet of a crowd that expects the worst. One scrappy 1-0 would cure most of it; that is the maddening part.

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Vincent Edafe

There were 9 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.

Match

Every point is an argument now for Warri Wolves

Position 19 and 9 points, and the table gets read bottom-up in this part of town. The calendar has stopped being a schedule and started being a countdown.

Market

Igbunu Evwierhurhoma puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Warri Wolves, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Home is on Oussama Gatal's mind

“Some mornings you wake up and you are still a long way from everything you know.” It is not the football and it never was; Warri Wolves are dealing with a man who wants a different country.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

Chisom Orji runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 21. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

Warri Wolves count the cost of losing Ospina Egbe

116 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.

Player ratings

Igbunu Evwierhurhoma in the eights

A performance of 9.01 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

In brief

37 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

12 Apr 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

22 matches without a win for Warri Wolves

The run now stands at 22, and the questions being asked around Warri Wolves are no longer polite ones.

Market

Oussama Gatal hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Warri Wolves can pretend not to have heard.

Market

Peter Dakka is on his way

The clubs have agreed terms, and what remains is formality: a medical, a photograph, a signature. Nobody at Warri Wolves is pretending he will be back in the shirt.

Squad

Oussama Gatal in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Match

Rangers International take the points off Warri Wolves

Beaten 0‑1, and beaten fairly. The manager kept his words short afterwards, which was probably wise.

Player ratings

Chisom Orji runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 17. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Emmanuel Bakare

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Squad

Vincent Edafe lets one through his hands

A defender's mistake gets tidied up by somebody else; a goalkeeper's ends up in the net. He knew before the ball crossed the line, and so did everybody in the ground.

Squad

Oussama Gatal knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Warri Wolves, and both men came out saying it was fine.

In brief

36 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

5 Apr 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

21 matches without a win for Warri Wolves

The run now stands at 21, and the questions being asked around Warri Wolves are no longer polite ones.

Market

Othuke Egbo hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Warri Wolves can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

One of those days for Chisom Orji

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.62, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Player ratings

Igbunu Evwierhurhoma runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 15. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Match

Warri Wolves share the spoils with Kwara United

A 1‑1 draw with Kwara United leaves the dressing room somewhere between relief and regret.

Squad

David Joseph gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Squad

Oussama Gatal asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

Squad

Chisom Orji is off the mark for Warri Wolves

The first one is the one every signing is asked about until it arrives. It has arrived, and he can stop being asked.

In brief

35 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

29 Mar 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

No end in sight to Warri Wolves's wait for a win

20 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Warri Wolves has to find a result from somewhere.

Market

Ademola Adebambo asks to leave Warri Wolves

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Squad

Prince Ebhohon: that is not what I was promised

“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Warri Wolves have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Market

Eromosele Zibiri has one foot out of the door

Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Warri Wolves they have already started talking about him in the past tense.

Squad

Warri Wolves count the cost of losing Othuke Egbo

49 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.

Squad

Oussama Gatal in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Chisom Orji runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 20. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Player ratings

One of those days for Igbunu Evwierhurhoma

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.87, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Squad

Oussama Gatal gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

In brief

34 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

22 Mar 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

The wait goes on for Warri Wolves

19 without a win now, and the ground has developed the special quiet of a crowd that expects the worst. One scrappy 1-0 would cure most of it; that is the maddening part.

Market

Igbunu Evwierhurhoma puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Warri Wolves, and it is not being withdrawn.

Match

Warri Wolves sink to position 19

6 points, and a fixture list that is running out. The mathematics are not yet cruel, but they are no longer kind.

Squad

Ospina Egbe keeps the receipts

“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Warri Wolves may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Seth Mayi

Marked 9.12 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Chisom Orji

Successful dribbles: 19. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Ekene Olisema gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Match

Honours even between Warri Wolves and Bayelsa United

1‑1, and both dressing rooms will call it two points lost. A draw that asked plenty of questions and answered none of them.

In brief

33 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

15 Mar 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

The wait goes on for Warri Wolves

18 without a win now, and the ground has developed the special quiet of a crowd that expects the worst. One scrappy 1-0 would cure most of it; that is the maddening part.

Market

Oussama Gatal puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Warri Wolves, and it is not being withdrawn.

Market

Peter Dakka has one foot out of the door

Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Warri Wolves they have already started talking about him in the past tense.

Squad

Oussama Gatal in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

One of those days for Seth Mayi

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 9.34, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Vincent Edafe

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Player ratings

One of those days for Amatesiro Shemayi

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.54, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Player ratings

Chisom Orji runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 18. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Match

Warri Wolves and Ikorodu City take a point apiece

It finished 2‑2, and it somehow always looked like it would. One of those afternoons where the table moves less than the tempers.

In brief

32 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

8 Mar 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

17 matches without a win for Warri Wolves

The run now stands at 17, and the questions being asked around Warri Wolves are no longer polite ones.

Player ratings

Chisom Orji runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 32. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Market

Othuke Egbo asks to leave Warri Wolves

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Squad

Goforth Amedu says Warri Wolves went back on their word

“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

No hiding place for Ademola Adebambo

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Ademola Adebambo, and the manager let it.

In brief

31 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

1 Mar 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

16 matches without a win for Warri Wolves

The run now stands at 16, and the questions being asked around Warri Wolves are no longer polite ones.

Market

Eromosele Zibiri has one foot out of the door

Terms are settled between the clubs and the rest is paperwork and a photograph. Around Warri Wolves they have already started talking about him in the past tense.

Squad

Warri Wolves lose Othuke Egbo

77 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.

Squad

Oussama Gatal in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Ezekiel Oroh

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Match

Kun Khalifat take the points off Warri Wolves

Beaten 0‑1, and beaten fairly. The manager kept his words short afterwards, which was probably wise.

In brief

30 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

22 Feb 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

No end in sight to Warri Wolves's wait for a win

15 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Warri Wolves has to find a result from somewhere.

Market

Peter Dakka hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Warri Wolves can pretend not to have heard.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Chisom Orji

Successful dribbles: 23. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Match

Warri Wolves come up short against Bendel Insurance

Bendel Insurance left with the points after a 0‑2 defeat that will take some explaining on the terraces.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Oussama Gatal

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Player ratings

Seth Mayi keeps on missing

Shots: 5, not one of them in. A centre forward is paid for one thing, and on this evidence he has forgotten which thing it is.

Player ratings

The one thing Ezekiel Oroh could not do

Shots: 8, enough of them from close enough that a striker in form scores two. He is not a striker in form.

Player ratings

Amatesiro Shemayi keeps on missing

Shots: 5, not one of them in. A centre forward is paid for one thing, and on this evidence he has forgotten which thing it is.

In brief

29 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

15 Feb 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

14 matches without a win for Warri Wolves

The run now stands at 14, and the questions being asked around Warri Wolves are no longer polite ones.

Market

Oussama Gatal hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Warri Wolves can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Oussama Gatal: that is not what I was promised

“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Warri Wolves have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Market

Only the photograph left for Peter Dakka

Fee agreed, terms agreed, medical booked. Peter Dakka will be somebody else’s player by the weekend, and around Warri Wolves the goodbyes have quietly begun.

Squad

Oussama Gatal wants to go home

“I have given this everything, but my family is not here and neither am I, not really.” A footballer can be coached out of bad form. Nobody has ever been coached out of this, and Warri Wolves know it.

Squad

Othuke Egbo in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Match

Warri Wolves come up short against El-Kanemi Warriors

El-Kanemi Warriors left with the points after a 1‑2 defeat that will take some explaining on the terraces.

Squad

Khalid Muhammed gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Amatesiro Shemayi

Marked 8.59 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

In brief

28 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

8 Feb 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

13 matches without a win for Warri Wolves

The run now stands at 13, and the questions being asked around Warri Wolves are no longer polite ones.

Squad

Vincent Edafe is the hero from the spot

A shoot-out is remembered by its ending, and this one ends with Vincent Edafe: 2 kept out, and a set of supporters who will describe every one of them for the next twenty years.

Match

The cup run ends for Warri Wolves

1‑1 against Ikorodu City, and the road stops here. Cup exits are quick deaths — no second leg, no next week, just the league from now until May.

Market

Ademola Adebambo hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Warri Wolves can pretend not to have heard.

Player ratings

Igbunu Evwierhurhoma runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 24. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

No hiding place for Vincent Edafe

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Vincent Edafe, and the manager let it.

Player ratings

The kick that got away from Chisom Ogbun

Twelve yards, a goalkeeper guessing, and it still did not go in. He will take the next one, and every soul in the ground will hold their breath.

Match

Honours even between Warri Wolves and Plateau United

2‑2, and both dressing rooms will call it two points lost. A draw that asked plenty of questions and answered none of them.

In brief

27 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

1 Feb 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

11 matches without a win for Warri Wolves

The run now stands at 11, and the questions being asked around Warri Wolves are no longer polite ones.

Market

Igbunu Evwierhurhoma hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Warri Wolves can pretend not to have heard.

Player ratings

Chisom Orji runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 28. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

Warri Wolves count the cost of losing Othuke Egbo

106 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.

Market

Eromosele Zibiri is on his way

The clubs have agreed terms, and what remains is formality: a medical, a photograph, a signature. Nobody at Warri Wolves is pretending he will be back in the shirt.

Squad

Oussama Gatal in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Emmanuel Bakare

Defensive actions: 21. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Amatesiro Shemayi

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Market

The Peter Dakka conversation is coming

Everyone has stopped pretending: Kun Khalifat will make the call about Peter Dakka this week. Warri Wolves have a number in mind, and the number is not shy.

In brief

26 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

25 Jan 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

No end in sight to Warri Wolves's wait for a win

10 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Warri Wolves has to find a result from somewhere.

Market

Tejiri Emonena puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Warri Wolves, and it is not being withdrawn.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Chisom Orji

Successful dribbles: 24. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Match

Niger Tornadoes take the points off Warri Wolves

Beaten 2‑3, and beaten fairly. The manager kept his words short afterwards, which was probably wise.

Squad

Vincent Edafe lets one through his hands

A defender's mistake gets tidied up by somebody else; a goalkeeper's ends up in the net. He knew before the ball crossed the line, and so did everybody in the ground.

Player ratings

One of those days for Seth Mayi

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.79, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Squad

No hiding place for Chisom Orji

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Chisom Orji, and the manager let it.

Player ratings

Ezekiel Oroh leaves them behind him

Shots: 14. Goals: none. The chances were there and they were good ones, and they went into the stand, the goalkeeper's arms and the side netting in roughly that order.

In brief

25 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

18 Jan 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Match

No end in sight to Warri Wolves's wait for a win

9 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Warri Wolves has to find a result from somewhere.

Market

Chisom Ogbun hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Warri Wolves can pretend not to have heard.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Othuke Egbo

Successful dribbles: 22. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Oussama Gatal in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

No hiding place for Ezekiel Oroh

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Ezekiel Oroh, and the manager let it.

Match

A bad afternoon for Warri Wolves against Nasarawa United

0‑1 to Nasarawa United, and no complaints worth printing. The performance asked for nothing more than it got.

Market

The Eromosele Zibiri conversation is coming

Everyone has stopped pretending: Kun Khalifat will make the call about Eromosele Zibiri this week. Warri Wolves have a number in mind, and the number is not shy.

Squad

Chisom Orji asks for a word with the manager

“I would rather say it to his face than read about it.” The meeting was requested by the player, which tells you most of what you need to know.

Player ratings

The one thing Seth Mayi could not do

Shots: 5, enough of them from close enough that a striker in form scores two. He is not a striker in form.

In brief

24 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

11 Jan 2027
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

8 matches without a win for Warri Wolves

The run now stands at 8, and the questions being asked around Warri Wolves are no longer polite ones.

Market

Ademola Adebambo asks to leave Warri Wolves

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Squad

Vincent Edafe keeps Warri Wolves in it on his own

Some afternoons a goalkeeper is the team. 6 saves, several of them the sort nobody expects to see stopped, and a scoreline that flatters everybody in front of him.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Othuke Egbo

Successful dribbles: 21. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Khalid Muhammed gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Emmanuel Bakare

Defensive actions: 15. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Market

Abidemi Alli is free to find somewhere else

“I was told straight, and I would rather have it straight.” The manager at Warri Wolves has been clear about where Abidemi Alli stands, which is more than many ever get.

Match

Warri Wolves draw a blank against Abia Warriors

The crowd waited for a goal that never came. Abia Warriors defended in numbers and left with what they came for, and the two sides could be playing still without troubling a scorer.

In brief

23 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

4 Jan 2027
From our football correspondent Crisis

Market

Igbunu Evwierhurhoma hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Warri Wolves can pretend not to have heard.

Match

No end in sight to Warri Wolves's wait for a win

7 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Warri Wolves has to find a result from somewhere.

Player ratings

Othuke Egbo runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 24. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Market

Ibrahim Adeleye is a Warri Wolves player again

He left as a boy and has come back still knowing where the away end is. Most signings have to be explained to a town; this one needed a photograph and nothing else.

Market

Adebayo Babatunde is a Warri Wolves player again

He left as a boy and has come back still knowing where the away end is. Most signings have to be explained to a town; this one needed a photograph and nothing else.

Market

Taiwo Awaziem comes home

The shirt still fits. Taiwo Awaziem is back at Warri Wolves, and half the ground remembers him in these colours already. Some signings need selling to the town; this one sold itself.

Squad

Oussama Gatal in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Match

Seth Mayi’s goal not enough for Warri Wolves

Seth Mayi scored, and precious little else went right: 1‑2 to Rivers United, and a quiet walk to the dressing room.

Player ratings

One of those days for Seth Mayi

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 8.82, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

In brief

22 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

28 Dec 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Chisom Ogbun: that is not what I was promised

“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Warri Wolves have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

Bassey Bassey stays put

“The easiest signature of my career.” Bassey Bassey and Warri Wolves agree another 3 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.

In brief

21 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

21 Dec 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Peter Dakka hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Warri Wolves can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Micheal Adenodi says Warri Wolves went back on their word

“I was told what my role would be, and I signed on that basis. It has not happened.” A grievance with a date attached is the hardest kind to settle.

Squad

Oussama Gatal in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

In brief

20 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

14 Dec 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Amatesiro Shemayi

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Squad

Alimi Adebayo knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Warri Wolves, and both men came out saying it was fine.

In brief

19 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

7 Dec 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Khalid Muhammed: that is not what I was promised

“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Warri Wolves have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Squad

Oussama Gatal in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Chisom Orji knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Warri Wolves, and both men came out saying it was fine.

In brief

18 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

30 Nov 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Chisom Orji: that is not what I was promised

“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Warri Wolves have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Squad

Vincent Edafe stays put

“The easiest signature of my career.” Vincent Edafe and Warri Wolves agree another 4 years, and the manager can plan around him rather than about him.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

In brief

17 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

23 Nov 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Peter Dakka puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Warri Wolves, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Oussama Gatal in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

No hiding place for Tejiri Emonena

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Tejiri Emonena, and the manager let it.

In brief

16 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

16 Nov 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Ospina Egbe: that is not what I was promised

“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Warri Wolves have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Squad

Godwin Oham out for 19 days

The medical room confirms 19 days on the sidelines for Godwin Oham, and a plan built around him now has to be rebuilt.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Alimi Adebayo was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

In brief

15 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

9 Nov 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Oussama Gatal in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Warri Wolves count the cost of losing David Joseph

18 days, the scan says, and scans are kinder than reality. The fixtures in that window have just become somebody else’s job.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Alimi Adebayo

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

In brief

14 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

2 Nov 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Efe Obiomo keeps the receipts

“I remember the meeting. I remember exactly what was promised in it.” Warri Wolves may remember it differently, which is precisely the problem.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Boardroom

Wages eat 92% of everything Warri Wolves earn

There is a figure at which a wage bill stops being ambitious and becomes the reason nothing else is possible, and this club has reached it. Nothing is left over for a transfer, a stand or a rainy afternoon.

In brief

13 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

26 Oct 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Peter Dakka puts it in writing

“This is not anger. I have thought about it for months, and nothing that has happened lately changed my mind.” The request is on a desk at Warri Wolves, and it is not being withdrawn.

Squad

Alimi Adebayo in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Igbunu Evwierhurhoma gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

In brief

12 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

19 Oct 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Alimi Adebayo: that is not what I was promised

“Things were said to me before I signed. I am not going to repeat them, but I remember all of them.” Warri Wolves have not answered, which is an answer of sorts.

Squad

Warri Wolves lose Godwin Oham

47 days, the medical staff say, and medical staff are optimists by profession. The team sheet will look wrong without him.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

In brief

11 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

12 Oct 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Home is on Oussama Gatal's mind

“Some mornings you wake up and you are still a long way from everything you know.” It is not the football and it never was; Warri Wolves are dealing with a man who wants a different country.

Squad

Oussama Gatal in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

Oussama Gatal knocks on the manager's door

“It had gone on long enough. I would rather have it out than leave it sitting there.” Ten minutes behind a closed door at Warri Wolves, and both men came out saying it was fine.

In brief

10 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

5 Oct 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Alimi Adebayo was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Boardroom

153% of the income goes out in wages at Warri Wolves

Every club in football pays most of what it earns to its players. Paying nearly all of it is a different arrangement, and it has ended the same way every time somebody has tried it.

Squad

Chisom Orji knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Chisom Orji trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

In brief

9 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

28 Sep 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

Oussama Gatal in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

No hiding place for Oussama Gatal

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Oussama Gatal, and the manager let it.

Market

The Peter Dakka talk will not go away

Another week, another link, another denial nobody quite believes. Warri Wolves know the market decides these things, not the back pages — but the back pages are louder.

In brief

8 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

21 Sep 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Vincent Edafe

There were 9 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.

Match

Still nobody has beaten Warri Wolves

The unbeaten run reaches 10. Some of them were wins and some were escapes, but a side that refuses to lose is a side other dressing rooms talk about.

Match

6 matches without a win for Warri Wolves

The run now stands at 6, and the questions being asked around Warri Wolves are no longer polite ones.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Squad

Ezekiel Oroh gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Emmanuel Bakare

Defensive actions: 17. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

In brief

7 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

14 Sep 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Match

Whatever happens, Warri Wolves do not lose

9 games unbeaten now. Some were earned and some were survived, but a habit is forming — and habits are the hardest thing in football to play against.

Match

No end in sight to Warri Wolves's wait for a win

5 matches now without a victory, and the excuses have worn thinner than the patience. Somebody at Warri Wolves has to find a result from somewhere.

Squad

Efe Obiomo in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

The manager makes an example of David Joseph

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Player ratings

Igbunu Evwierhurhoma runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 14. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Ekene Olisema

Defensive actions: 14. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Player ratings

Nothing got past Alimi Adebayo

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 13 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Match

Point won or two lost for Warri Wolves?

Ninety minutes, no goals, and the argument started before the car park emptied: a point gained, or two thrown away against Barau? Both sides of it will still be going on Thursday.

Player ratings

Seth Mayi leaves them behind him

Shots: 5. Goals: none. The chances were there and they were good ones, and they went into the stand, the goalkeeper's arms and the side netting in roughly that order.

In brief

6 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

7 Sep 2026
From our football correspondent Steady

Market

Ogar Sebastine hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Warri Wolves can pretend not to have heard.

Match

Whatever happens, Warri Wolves do not lose

8 games unbeaten now. Some were earned and some were survived, but a habit is forming — and habits are the hardest thing in football to play against.

Match

4 matches without a win for Warri Wolves

The run now stands at 4, and the questions being asked around Warri Wolves are no longer polite ones.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Oussama Gatal was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

Seth Mayi in the eights

A performance of 9.25 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Player ratings

Chisom Orji runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 19. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

The manager makes an example of Vincent Edafe

“If you cannot run for the shirt, somebody else will wear it.” No name was used and none was needed; every player in that room knew who it was for.

Market

Warri Wolves buy the years ahead of Otutu Young

He is 19, and the scouting reports agree on the only line that matters: the ceiling. Signings like this are lottery tickets written by professionals.

Match

Honours even between Warri Wolves and Enyimba

1‑1, and both dressing rooms will call it two points lost. A draw that asked plenty of questions and answered none of them.

In brief

5 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

31 Aug 2026
From our football correspondent Steady

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Vincent Edafe

There were 10 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.

Market

Okiemute Akporiaye asks to leave Warri Wolves

“I have given everything here and I need a new challenge.” The request is formal, and the relationship will never be quite the same again.

Match

Still nobody has beaten Warri Wolves

The unbeaten run reaches 7. Some of them were wins and some were escapes, but a side that refuses to lose is a side other dressing rooms talk about.

Squad

Oussama Gatal in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

Othuke Egbo runs at them all day

Successful dribbles: 20. There is a particular sort of despair on a full-back's face by the seventieth minute, and it was on display.

Squad

Godwin Oham gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Match

Honours even between Warri Wolves and Shooting Stars

2‑2, and both dressing rooms will call it two points lost. A draw that asked plenty of questions and answered none of them.

Squad

Oussama Gatal knocks on the manager’s door

“Thirty minutes, door closed, everything said. We shook hands after.” Whatever was in the room stayed in the room, and Oussama Gatal trained the next morning like a man with less to carry.

Market

Warri Wolves put Eromosele Zibiri up for sale

The list is a quiet document with a loud meaning. Eromosele Zibiri may talk to anybody who asks, and everybody at the club understands what that means.

In brief

4 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

24 Aug 2026
From our football correspondent Steady

Match

Warri Wolves bow out of the cup

Remo Stars go through and Warri Wolves go home, 1‑1 the scoreline that did it. The dressing room will call the league the priority now, because that is what dressing rooms say.

Squad

Vincent Edafe decides it from twelve yards

1 kept out in the shoot-out, and a stadium that will still be describing them in twenty years. A goalkeeper only needs one of these to be remembered forever.

Market

Micheal Adenodi hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Warri Wolves can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Alimi Adebayo was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Match

Still nobody has beaten Warri Wolves

The unbeaten run reaches 6. Some of them were wins and some were escapes, but a side that refuses to lose is a side other dressing rooms talk about.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Amatesiro Shemayi

Marked 9.29 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Igbunu Evwierhurhoma

Successful dribbles: 20. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

No hiding place for Alimi Adebayo

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Alimi Adebayo, and the manager let it.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Ezekiel Oroh

Marked 8.01 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

In brief

3 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

17 Aug 2026
From our football correspondent Upbeat

Match

Warri Wolves through in the cup

A 2‑1 win over Ikorodu City, and the draw for the next round can be watched with some interest for once.

Squad

A one-man rearguard from Vincent Edafe

There were 6 saves in it, and at least three that had no business being saves at all. The ten outfield players owe him a drink and they know it.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Chisom Orji

Successful dribbles: 25. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for Alimi Adebayo

Defensive actions: 23. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Squad

Oussama Gatal in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Player ratings

One of those days for Amatesiro Shemayi

There is a version of this player everybody suspected was in there, and on this evidence it is. 9.10, and no argument anywhere in the ground.

Squad

Oussama Gatal gets it from the manager

“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.

Match

Warri Wolves find a way past Kwara United

Kwara United made Warri Wolves work for it, but the scoreboard read 1‑0 at the end and the table does not ask how.

Player ratings

A masterclass from Goforth Amedu

Marked 8.36 — the sort of number a correspondent writes down twice to be sure. Everything he tried came off, and what he did not try was not worth trying.

In brief

2 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

10 Aug 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Othuke Egbo

Successful dribbles: 26. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Squad

Alimi Adebayo in a row with a teammate

It was not about football and everybody who saw it knows that. Two men who have to play together on Saturday said things at Warri Wolves this week that will take longer than a week to unsay.

Squad

No hiding place for Ezekiel Oroh

“I pick players who do the work. All of it.” No name was spoken; every camera still turned to Ezekiel Oroh, and the manager let it.

Player ratings

Seth Mayi stands above it all

Some games turn on a moment; this one turned on a man. 7.88 on the card, and the Warri Wolves support went home talking about one name.

Market

48 months and counting on Igbunu Evwierhurhoma

Still no offer on the table, and Igbunu Evwierhurhoma’s deal keeps shrinking. In boardroom language, silence this long stops being an oversight and starts being an answer.

Player ratings

A defender's afternoon for David Joseph

Defensive actions: 16. He was first to everything and second to nothing, and the goalkeeper had an easy day because of it.

Player ratings

Nothing got past Godwin Oham

Headers, blocks, tackles, interceptions — 16 of them, and not one goal behind him. The sort of performance that never makes a highlight reel and wins football matches.

Market

The Godstime Edewor conversation is coming

Everyone has stopped pretending: Kano Pillars will make the call about Godstime Edewor this week. Warri Wolves have a number in mind, and the number is not shy.

Market

Micheal Adenodi is free to find somewhere else

“I was told straight, and I would rather have it straight.” The manager at Warri Wolves has been clear about where Micheal Adenodi stands, which is more than many ever get.

In brief

1 Edition

The Warri Wolves Courier

3 Aug 2026
From our football correspondent Uneasy

Market

Warri Wolves turn down Victoriia Sumy for Peter Dakka

The offer was not close and it was refused without much discussion. Whether the second one is refused as quickly is another matter.

Market

Abdulateef Yusuff hands in a written request

“I have nothing bad to say about this place. I just need to be somewhere else.” It is in writing now, which changes what Warri Wolves can pretend not to have heard.

Squad

Vincent Edafe signs on for more

“Some decisions take a long time. This one took ten minutes, and most of that was finding a pen.” Vincent Edafe and Warri Wolves agree another 4 years.

Squad

Tempers go at Warri Wolves

Alimi Adebayo was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.

Player ratings

Seth Mayi in the eights

A performance of 8.84 does not come along often, and when it does the rest of the team becomes scenery. He was magnificent.

Player ratings

Nobody could get near Abidemi Alli

Successful dribbles: 17. Every time he got the ball somebody had to make a decision, and every time the decision was wrong.

Market

Talks stall between Warri Wolves and Godwin Oham

“We are a long way apart, and pretending otherwise helps nobody.” Neither side is close, and the calendar is not on the club's side.

Market

Nobody at Warri Wolves has picked up the phone to Emmanuel Bakare

49 months to run and not a word offered. A club that lets the calendar negotiate for it usually ends up losing to the calendar.

Match

Honours even between Warri Wolves and Bayelsa United

2‑2, and both dressing rooms will call it two points lost. A draw that asked plenty of questions and answered none of them.

In brief