Nigerian Football
NPFL Final Day: All Eyes on Lobi’s Okpotu for Golden Boots
BY CLEMENT NWANKPA JR.
Unless Lobi Stars’ Anthony Okpotu re-enacts Emem Eduok’s 2014 form against FC IfeanyiUbah on final day, Mfon Udoh’s record 23 goals in a season is on the verge of surviving a third season.
In 2014, Emem Eduok, then donning the colours of Dolphins, scored all six goals as Dolphins beat Nembe City 6-0. That is still a league record as no other player has scored six times in an Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) game.
That feat at the time took Eduok’s tally to 19. Eduok would score Dolphins consolation in a 1-3 loss to Bayelsa United the next match day to grab his 20th.
Incidentally, that same match day, Mfon Udoh grabbed a brace in Enyimba’s 2-1 away win over Nembe taking his tally to 20. At 20, both players had equalled the record at the time held by Jude Aneke.
With both tied on 20 goals on match day 36, Udoh pulled away with the last two matches. He scored Enyimba’s solitary goal in the 1-1 draw with Dolphins on MD 37 before scoring twice in the 3-1 defeat of Pillars on the final day. Thus he ended the season on 23 goals, a new NPFL record.
Considering the form shown by Stephen Odey earlier this season, many thought Udoh’s record would be eclipsed.
By the halfway mark, Odey had 14 goals, nine short of equalling the record while 10 would set a new record. With 19 matches to play in the second stanza, Odey was deemed capable of setting a new record.
But just like Godwin Oboe, last season, Ode’s potency reduced during the second stanza.
A combination of transfer imbroglios, and national team invitations didn’t help his focus on the target. He scored just four more goals bringing his tally to 18.
While all eyes were on Odey all season, Okpotu has stole in. His goal from the spot last Sunday means he is tied with Odey on 18.
With Odey’s move to FC Zurich, the coast is clear for Okpotu to emerge top scorer with another strike against FC IfeanyiUbah on final day.
Everything is pointing towards Udoh’s record surviving this season unless Okpotu does an Eduok. Can ‘the Panther’ produce six goals against FCIU this weekend? That will take his tally to 24, a new record.
Interestingly, Okpotu is not new to scoring many in a game. He has scored three hat-tricks this season. So it means nine of his 18 goals have come in just three games.
With the WAFU Cup fixtures shifted till Monday making the invited players available for their teams’ final day ties, FCIU defenders would face a highly ambitious Okpotu.
Do they have antidotes to ‘the Panther’s’ venom? Just a goal would ensure Okpotu ends his most productive season with due recognition.
Perhaps, Odey needed extra push to re-enact his killer first stanza form during the second stanza.
Like last season’s top scorer, Obaje, he removed his foot from the pedal beyond the halfway mark. If he was as potent as he was in the first stanza, he should have notched 28 goals.
Ironically, Udoh scored only eight goals in the first stanza of the season in which he set the record.
So with 15 goals, he was more potent in the second stanza. In fact, his first goal of that season was in the 3-0 defeat of Lobi Stars on match day eight.
Just as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi bring out the best in each other, Eduok’s form in 2014 was largely responsible for Udoh setting the new record. Eduok kept pushing Udoh all the way.
Perhaps, Udoh would have slowed down by match day 35 if he had 18 goals and Eduok was still on 13. But Eduok scored six times on that day taking him to 19, one more than Udoh.
Udoh scored five in the last three games to end at 23 while Eduok scored 21 times. In fact, with both players tied at 20 goals, Dolphins engaged Enyimba on match day 37 with both players being on the score sheet. So going into the final day, both had 21 goals. Udoh’s brace on the last day gave him the edge.
So while Eduok kept firing, Udoh kept replying. Should other strikers be blamed for not pushing Odey harder?
Beyond Okpotu, injured Abia Warriors’ Sunday Adetunji is on 14; Lobi’s Kingsley Eduwo, 13; Godwin Obaje (FCIU), 12; Alhassan Ibrahim (Akwa), 12; Samuel Mathias (El Kanemi), 12; Mfon Udoh (Enyimba), 12; Adamu Hassan (Nasarawa), 12; Chinedu Udechukwu (Katsina), 11.
As the saying goes, better late than never. Okpotu’s late push may not be enough to set a new record but could suffice to overtake Odey on the final day.
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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