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Nigerian Football

SWAN Set Up Platform on World Press Freedom Day

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The sports journalism in Nigeria was not left out on Wednesday as the globe marked the World Press Freedom Day.

The umbrella body had its full council meeting slated for that day and Thursday at the Yankari Games Reserve in Bauchi where advancement of sports journalism and general sports development in Nigeria were the themes of action and pronouncements.

The national president of the Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Honour Sirawoo used the occasion to inaugurate a platform for to engage sports stakeholders to speak on burning national issues.

Ahead of the Thursday’s full council meeting, the AIPS Africa president, Mitchell Obi sent goodwill message, but reportedly could not attend as he had to travel to Seoul, South Korea for the world sports journalists’ 80th congress.

The SWAN Platform Committee is headed by Tunde Orebiyi. Those named as  members are: Sina Abimbola, the vice chairman; Abdulrahman Ibn Mohammed, Jide Alabi, Toyin Ibitoye, Tony Ubani, Mike Mbonye, Nobert Okoli, while Malam Abdul Raheem Aodu will serve as secretary.

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Inaugurating the SWAN Platform Committee, Honour Sirawoo tasked it to come up with issues and generate ideas that will deepen the relevance of the association in national sports development.

He has also tasked the committee to use the Platform to work in synergy with sports administrators, promoters and operators in the discharge of the association’s responsibility as watchdog of the sports industry.

“The terms of reference of the SWAN National Platform include generating interview and news for our members, the platform should bring us closer to stakeholders at the grassroots level, and the SWAN Platform should create ways to generate revenues for the association.

“There should be a marketing committee in the platform to market the association, we want to use what we have to generate revenue for the association,” Honour Sirawoo added.

He also charged them to bring the association closer to stakeholders at the grassroots, urging them to use the Platform to further build on the achievements of SWAN.

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In his message to the SWAN Full Council meeting, AIPS Africa president, Mitchell Obi remarked the as Africa’s largest assembly of sports journalists “I am delighted to identify with your unique gathering which importantly coincides with the celebration of the week of press freedom across the globe and fittingly comes one week before the start of the AIPS 80th congress in Seoul South Korea.

With the changing phase of the sports media it is hoped that deliberations and resolutions of your meeting will focus and find solutions to the varied challenges of the sports journalists today in his workplace and even at home as it concerns the welfare and professional upgrade necessary to remain relevant”

Continuing, Obi said: “I want to assure the entire family of SWAN of my willingness and readiness to continue the projection and promotion of our collective concerns and interests.

“Be assured always of my good thoughts of a progressive and united SWAN, one which will uphold the standards of excellence we strive to forge beyond our borders.”

 

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Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

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Nigerian Football

Football Agent John Shittu Demands Retraction and ₦250 Million Damages from Samson Siasia Over Bribery Allegation

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Prominent FIFA-licensed football agent John Shittu has issued a formal legal demand to former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia, seeking a full retraction and apology over alleged defamatory statements made against him about Nigeria’s 2008 Olympic football campaign.

In a letter dated and signed by his legal representatives, Godwin Dick Inyang & Co., Shittu categorically denied Siasia’s claim—widely reported in the media including Sahara Reporters and Soccernet.ng—that he offered Siasia a bribe of €50,000 to secure John Obi Mikel’s inclusion in the Nigeria U-23 team for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

The legal notice, addressed directly to Siasia, described the allegation as “false, malicious, and grossly defamatory,” adding that it had caused “reputational harm and professional injury” to Shittu, who is widely respected in the global football industry.

“Your statement is false, malicious, and calculated to disparage and lower our client in the estimation of his colleagues, clients, and the public, particularly in the tightly regulated world of professional sports management,” the letter stated.

Shittu’s legal team is demanding:

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  • A full and unreserved retraction of the alleged statement on Sahara Reporters, Soccernet.ng, and all other platforms that published it;
  • Publication of the retraction in at least two widely circulated national newspapers, including The Punch and This Day;
  • A formal, written apology addressed to Mr. Shittu and published on all aforementioned platforms;
  • A written undertaking not to issue or publish any similar statements in the future;
  • Payment of ₦250 million in damages for defamation, reputational injury, and consequential losses.

The legal notice further warned that failure to comply within 14 days of receipt will result in legal action against Siasia. The planned suit would seek aggravated damages, a restraining injunction, and full legal costs.

Shittu is well known in Nigerian and international football circles, having managed and represented top-tier footballers over the years.

 The gravity of the allegations, his legal team argues, is not only damaging to his personal and professional reputation but could also have implications in the closely scrutinised world of sports integrity and management.

As of the time of filing this report, Siasia has not publicly responded to the legal threat.

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Former NSC DG and teammate, Ekeji, pays tribute to Christian Chukwu

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Nigeria captain Christian Chukwu leaving the pitch after a 3-0 win over Algeria in 1980. He is being followed by Patrick Ekeji (Photo by Peter Robinson/EMPICS via Getty Images)

Tribute by Patrick Ekeji Reflects Bond, Legacy, and Regret Over Lost Potential

The Nigerian football community is in mourning following the passing of former Green Eagles captain, Captain Chris Chukwu, MFR, a towering figure in Nigerian football and one of the most respected team leaders of his generation.

In an emotional tribute, a close teammate and longtime friend of Chukwu reflected on the deep bond they shared, describing the late defender as more than just a colleague on the pitch.

“It’s been difficult for me to accept that ‘Ol boy’ – for that is what we called each other – is no more,” the tribute began. “The news was most unexpected. It took me some time to come to terms with it.”

The bond between the two football greats, which began during their school days and continued through their careers in club and national teams, was described as one built on mutual respect and camaraderie. According to the tribute, they communicated frequently, sometimes as often as two to three times a month, until Chukwu’s health began to decline.

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The writer also acknowledged the humanitarian gesture of business magnate Femi Otedola, who funded Chukwu’s medical treatment abroad when his illness worsened. “Otedola, I shall always remember what you did for him. Thank you,” the tribute noted.

Chris Chukwu was lauded as the most consistent team leader of his time, having captained teams from the East Central State Academicals to Rangers International FC, and eventually, the Green Eagles. His leadership qualities, on-field vision, and calm command earned him universal respect among teammates and coaches.

“He towered so high with the execution of his skills, overview and control of the team. It was natural, and we all respected his views on any issues that arose between us and the officials.”

The tribute also touched on Chukwu’s coaching career, noting with some regret that his gentle nature may not have suited the demands of the dugout. It further lamented the absence of adequate post-retirement support systems for athletes of his generation, which might have offered him a more structured path after his playing days.

“True, no living being has power over death, yet I believe that his post-soccer days would have taken a different route if there existed a system whereby such talents as he had exposure to appropriate post-sports/football years counselling.”

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As burial plans are underway, the late football icon is being remembered not only for his achievements on the pitch but also for his humility, leadership, and the inspiration he provided to generations of Nigerian players.

“It is my prayer that God receives his soul in heaven whilst also strengthening the family he left behind to accept his departure with utmost spiritual and physical strength. Adieu, Chris.”

Chukwu’s death marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on in Nigerian football history.

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NALCOMA Applauds NNL Leadership for Successful 2024/25 Season

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BY IKENNA NWOKEDI

The Nigeria National League Club Owners and Managers Association (NALCOMA) has lauded the leadership of the Nigeria National League (NNL) under Chief George Aluo for the successful completion of the 2024/25 season.

Speaking at a media parley with sports journalists in Lagos over the weekend, NALCOMA President Godwin Enakhena praised the NNL board for its efforts in enhancing the quality and integrity of the league.

Enakhena described the just-concluded season as a major success, highlighting the competitive performance of teams across the four groups and the commendable conduct of fans at various match venues. He also noted significant improvements in officiating standards compared to previous seasons, attributing the progress to the NNL leadership’s commitment to raising the league’s profile.

“The standard of officiating improved remarkably this season. It reflects the dedication of the NNL leadership to ensure the league matches the standards of the top-flight NPFL,” said Enakhena, who also serves as Chairman of Sporting Lagos FC.

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He further commended the NNL for securing the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, as the host venue for the upcoming Super 8 playoffs, scheduled from July 5 to 12, 2025. He expressed gratitude to the Governor of Delta State, H.E. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his continued support for football development.

Enakhena urged the eight qualifying teams to approach the playoffs with determination, noting that only the best should represent the NNL in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for the 2025/26 season.

The teams set to battle for promotion in the Super 8 are Warri Wolves, Crown FC (Ogbomosho), Kun Khalifat FC (Owerri), Osun United FC, Wikki Tourists FC (Bauchi), Yobe Desert Stars, Doma United FC (Gombe), and Barau FC (Kano).

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