Nigerian Football
REACTIONS TRAIL AGU’S COMMENTS ON ENYEAMA’S POSSIBLE RECALL
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Super Eagles’ goalkeeper trainers’ opposition to a possible recall of Vincent Enyeama to the World Cup-bound Nigerian squad has drawn varying comments.
Alloy Agu, a former Nigerian international and goalkeeper trainer in the Super Eagles had spoken to Sports Village Square about his opposition to the possible return of Vincent Enyeama to the Nigerian team.
The Nigerian goalkeeper trainer had hinged his opposition to the return of Enyeama on a possible ignition of crisis in the team as Enyeama may want to reclaim the captaincy and the possible pushing aside of those who laboured to see Nigeria pick the World Cup ticket.
But most are inclined to give Agu a knock for his views. Football aficionado, Godwin Dudu-Orumen wants Agu to provide an answer to whether the return of Goalkeeper Rufai brought crisis to the World Cup-bound team of USA ’94.
“And can he beat his chest and say the goalkeepers in camp now are anymore than his own average ability which wasn’t even tested in the World Cup?”, asked Dudu-Orumen.
“I commend the guy (Ikechukwu Ezenwa) who has been between the posts in the last three games or so. His mistakes are very elementary. Hopefully those weaknesses would have corrected in nine months before the World Cup”, remarked Dudu-Orumen.
He wants Alloy Agu to name two other goalkeepers than can bench Enyeama today in a fair contest. “If not, he should stop confusing the equation”.
Another enthusiast , Wisdom Agboola-Oluwa responding to Sports Village Square on facebook remarked: “Alloy Agu should know better than to say such much as he was not to be in the Super Eagles until he came as a replacement for injured David Ngodigah in the 1989 Yaoundé duel of World Cup qualifier. We eventually lost as he too lost a pair of frontal teeth.
Enyeama too would not have been if Coach Onigbinde had not insisted on taking a green horn like Vincent to the 2002 World Cup.
The return of Enyeama to the World Cup bound squad will do the team real good like our need to restart rather than restructure Nigeria, the thoughts of a truly patriotic Nigerian and football fraternity and confraternity member that remember the past.
Another Nigerian journalist of international repute, Osasu Obayiuwana commenting on the issue in a popular Nigerian Whatsapp platform, Nigeria Football Support Platform, remarked that Gernot Rohr is more than competent to make a decision about who makes the team. “If he picks Enyeama, it will be because he is still good enough. If he doesn’t pick him, it will be for the same reason”.
He however wants the self-exiled goalkeeper to do two things before his return. “Find a new club and regain match fitness. And after that, he has to make up his mind if he is ready to join the team on Rohr’s conditions, should the coach follow-up on his initial desire to have him back in the team”, Obayiuwana wrote.
He remarked further that “some of Rohr’s staff are apprehensive that his return could upset the harmony in the team. This has been the first time, for a very long time, where the Super Eagles players seem to share a common sense of purpose.
“As long as Vincent (Enyeama) is ready to accept the role and functions given to him by Rohr, which maintains the harmony the team currently has – and he is able to regain match fitness before May, having him as one of the three World Cup goalkeepers is just plain common sense” remarked Obayiuwana.
Continuing he wrote: “If Essam El-Hadary were a Nigerian, some of you will toss him into the bin. But he will be Egypt’s number one in Russia 2018”.
Even though Coach Gernot Rohr is hoping for speedy recovery of Carl Ikeme, Obayiuwana is of the view that he is highly unlikely to go to the World Cup in a playing capacity.
“He cannot recover from Leukaemia, resume his career and regain match fitness before May. But I hope Nigeria will take him to the tournament still, all-expenses paid.
But not everyone blames Agu for his views. Kola Daniel commenting on Nigeria Football Support Platform wrote: “enough of this Enyeama return… To come and do what in the team? Where was he when the team qualified?”
Another commentator on the platform, Muhammad Mansour Ibrahim wrote: “I don’t think we need Enyeama or any other (new) goalkeeper for now except for injury on the others on the bench.
“Enyeama has played his role over the years, let’s have another person…Ezenwa has shown that he too has come of age. Let’s allow the present guys to do us proud”.
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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