Nigerian Football
Pinnick Lauds Senate For Passing NFF Bill
President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, has praised the Senate of the Federal Republic for a marvelous job, after the Red Chamber passed the much –awaited NFF Bill following a third reading on Tuesday.
“Today will go down as one of the most remarkable in the history of the Nigeria Football Federation. I am very excited. With the passing of this Bill, we now await the very important assent of Mr. President. Once Mr. President gives assent, I assure you the NFF can achieve so much.
“I am not only thinking of what the present NFF administration can do; I am thinking of what subsequent NFF Boards after our tenure will be able to do, as the Bill is futuristic as well.
“For us, the passing of the NFF Bill means we can now make our programme even more robust and proceed apace with our vision of building a sustainable football culture for our dear country, through driving private sector involvement and investment,” Pinnick said.
The key highlights of the NFF Bill include legislations to ensure the entrenchment of the enabling environment for the development of football in Nigeria and to drive private sector participation and investment at all levels.
Fundamentally, the Bill has now domesticated the NFF Statutes, recognizing its sanctity, as approved by the NFF Congress and endorsed by FIFA as the supreme laws for governance of the functioning, organization, administration and operations of the Federation, as well as recognition of football by the Federal Government as a national asset entitled to special privileges and concessions to foster its growth at all levels.
The Bill further provides for special concessions and tax holidays by the Government to sponsors of football in Nigeria and has clear financial reporting provisions to further entrench transparency in the activities of the NFF, such as publishing of accounts annually.
These will set the NFF on a path of sustainable growth and ensure it operates within international best practices and as a business to strengthen the social and economic impact of football to the nation’s economy.
On Tuesday, on the floor of the Senate, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports and Youth Development, Senator Joseph Obinna Ogba, presented the report of his committee, which was followed by a clause-by-clause consideration of the Bill and a voice vote by the senators.
“All these court cases against football do not augur well for our country. It is important that we repeal the Act (2004) and enact the NFF Bill to sanitise football administration in this country,” Ogba said.
The former NFF Vice President went further: “It has become necessary to repeal the Extant Act. This is because it requires a lot of amendments to bring it into agreement with FIFA –required international best practices. It is to give it the required boost.
“The Bill has no financial implication because it is only seeking for a change in the name of the football body in order to achieve greater and better results in the future. It seeks to ensure that only those who are actually involved in competitive football matches are members of the Federation and not just organizations and establishments as contained in the Extant Act.
“Also, the Bill makes provision for the professional development of football at all levels in accordance with international best practices and to enable the credible participation of our teams in international competitions.
“The committee strongly believes that through this piece of legislation, the objectives as expressed in the long title of the Bill and explanatory memorandum will be achieved.”
In his contribution, Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki praised the committee for a great job.
“The message here is for us to bring Nigeria in line with best practices and best ways to administer football in the country. This has been an embarrassment over the years, but with the passage of this Bill, the grey areas will be taken care of.”
The country’s football ruling body was founded as Nigeria Football Association. However, at its Annual General Assembly in Makurdi, Benue State on July 24, 2008, Congress approved the change of name to Nigeria Football Federation.
The Act of Parliament 2004 as the legal instrument for administering the game in Nigeria replaced the Decree 101 of 1992.
Nigerian Football
Football Agent John Shittu Demands Retraction and ₦250 Million Damages from Samson Siasia Over Bribery Allegation
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:
- 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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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.
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.”
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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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.
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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