Nigerian Football
Exceptional Talents in the Offing as Camp GTBank 2017 Closes
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
The atmosphere was filled with overwhelming emotion as 40 student-footballers depart Greensprings School, Lekki at the outskirt of Lagos on Monday. They felt quite fulfilled as people equipped to face future challenges and overcome in their chosen vocation, football.
They were the 30 boys and 10 girls carefully selected from the Principals Cup in Lagos and Ogun states as well as the Master Cup – all secondary schools football tournaments sponsored by Guarantee Trust Bank plc. They have been camped along with 60 school coaches from Lagos and Ogun on an all-expense paid one week intensive player development and coach-training programme tagged Camp GTBank.
- The Camp GTBank coaching crew (seated) and some of the selected secondary schools’ coaches.
It was the fifth edition after those of 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2015 all held at the IITA in Ibadan. The programme is designed to help the talents kick start their football career.
In the past seven years 170 students have passed through the programme in which renowned coaches were called up to assist in mentoring the burgeoning footballers. Perhaps, the biggest name to have emerged from the programme is Stephen Odey, a star player in the current Nigerian professional league.
According to one of the coaches at the programme, there may have been other star performers who were products of the GTBank Principals Cup and the Camp GTBank, but due to lack of tracking system, they may not have been identified.
But the camp, though very brief produced results. On Friday the female team defeated a regular soccer academy Springsoca by 6-0 while their male counterpart put up such resilience that the Eko Football assembly that had been camped for almost one year could not defeat the Camp GTBank which trained for less than a week.
The strength-testing match played on Saturday morning ended goalless. This year the coaching crew was led by former Nigerian international and chief coach, Augustine Eguavoen. Other crew members were Henry Nwosu, Waheed Akanni, Ann Chiejine, Yisa Sofoluwe, Ajuma Ameh-Ottache and Jolomi Atune. They are all proven former footballers and coaches.
They took the participants through all the aspects of football and exposed them to modern rules as well as improving their physical and mental conditions.
The players were thrilled. One of the star attractions among the 40 players was the diminutive 10-year old girl, Aliyat Saheed, a JSS 1 student Isale Eko Grammar School, Lagos Island.
- Excited Aliyat Saheed of Isale Eko Grammar School, Lagos Island enthusiastically looks forward to a promising football career.
She was already an attraction as a member of the Isale Eko Grammar School, Lagos Island which emerged champions in the girls’ category of the GTBank Lagos State Principals Cup earlier this year.
Despite her small stature and age, she was so impressive that Austin Eguavoen intuitively sprang her off her feet and carried her. She is a small girl with big ambition.
- Aliyat Saheed of Isale Eko Grammar School, Lagos Island takes on three players of Government Senior Secondary School, Agege in the final match of 2017 GTBank Lagos State Principals Cup.
“I want to make a big career in football. I want to play for Nigeria. I want to play professionally in Europe”, she remarked. She said that it was a big privilege for her to have participated in the programme in which she remarked that her ball control, team-building and ball passing have been perfected.
Most other participants have similar remarks. One of them, Nwachukwu Onyedika, a goalkeeper from St. Finbarr’s College, Akoka spoke about his newly acquired experience.
According to him, apart from acquisition of new skills and techniques, “I learnt what is called team discipline. We were made to wake up at a specific time and perform specific roles at designated time.
“We were taught about on field and off field disciplines. I learnt about team building and bonding. I learnt how to make new friends. Imagine that all of us came from different schools, yet we all became friends”.
- Classroom time as Coach Augustine Eguavoen takes the students on team building and discipline.
The daily schedules were tightly packed. They woke up by 5.30 am and must go to the field by 6:00 for a 30 minute exercise. They then went back to their rooms for shower and by 7:15 am they filed out to have breakfast.
At 8:00 they were already seated in the classroom for team building and classroom sessions. That programme lasted daily for an hour before the players filed out to the field at 9:00 for three-hour field training.
After lunch they resumed the one hour classroom session at 1:30 in the afternoon. The field training resumed at 2-30 in the afternoon and lasted the duration of a football match. The participants then went back for showers and then dinner before having a two hour time out for games and socials. At 9pm prompt, they were in bed.
The coaches also had exciting time handling the players as well as the 60 secondary schools’ coaches drawn from schools in Ogun and Lagos states. Henry Nwosu, a product of schools football and member of the Nigerian winning side in the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations said his rise to stardom was a motivation to the various school footballers hoping to make mark as they were taught the basics which their various games masters in schools may not have imparted to them.
It was the fifth time out for Yisa Sofoluwe who had been with the Camp GTBank from inception. Waheed Akanni, who also played for Nigeria at both junior and senior levels before becoming a chairman of the Lagos State FA, said the coaching crew emphasized on discipline both on and off the field for the students if they hoped to make a successful career in football. “But above all, we told them of the need to also take their academics very serious.
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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