Nigerian Football
NFF CONGRESS MOVES TO CHANGE ADMINISTRATIVE CALENDAR
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
An adjustment is in the offing in the administrative calendar of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
This follows an adoption of a motion of the NFF Congress that sat in Jos on Thursday to the effect that future elective Congresses of the federation be moved away from the FIFA World Cup year.
That was one of the high points of the communiqué issued at the end of the congress that held in a city where numerous football-related litigations had taken place in the past three years.
According to the communiqué, the 2017 congress is the opinion that stability in the system would be guaranteed in the preparation of the Super Eagles for credible participation at the finals, “and avoid the distractions and crises usually associated with the World Cup year”.
What this means is that the regime that emerges in the next NFF election which is fixed for September 30, 2018 may either have a three-year tenure or five-year tenure for the new motion to be effected.
On September 30, it will be exactly four years that the current board was elected in Warri.
Sports Village Square notes that the cycle of elective congress falling into World Cup year began in 2006 after the previous year’s election was hotly disputed leading to FIFA’s intervention and subsequently asking for fresh election in 2006, the year of the Germany 2006 World Cup.
Failure of Nigeria to qualify and the widely credited statement of “the World Cup is not Nigeria’s birthright” aggrieved many citizens and football stakeholders to the point that the Ministry of Sports had to invalidate his re-election in an election held in his native Kano on November 29, 2005.
Had the election stood, he would have been the first to hold a back-to-back tenure in football administration since 1980 when Sunday Dankaro had the longest tenure that began in 1974.
Sports Village Square recalls that the World Cup has spelt doom for the two regimes that succeeded Ibrahim Galadima.
Sani Ahmed Lulu was impeached by the board following inside intrigues, dispute with the Federal Government constituted President Task Force and the poor outing of Nigeria at the 2010 World Cup.
Upon return from the South Africa 2010 World Cup, he was impeached and Aminu Maigari stepped in on an acting capacity before winning election few weeks later. He was to suffer the same fate after the Brazil 2014 World Cup.
For the election expected to hold next year, in Katsina, the NFF composed a new electoral board comprising: Mohammed Sani Katu, Sani Salawu, S.C.A. Umeha, Olusola Oke and Mohammed Manzo, The NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi will be the secretary of the electoral committee. On standby in the committee are Isong Isang and Mohammed Aliyu Sambo.
In a similar vein, an Electoral Appeal Committee was constituted comprising A. U. Mustapha, Mojeed Adegbindin and Gbwen Alex Gbejule. The secretary will be provided by the NFF Secretariat. On standby are Sir Emma Ochiagha and Mohammed Zanna Mala.
The communiqué by the NFF General Assembly added that the election would hold subject to any amendments to the Statutes in view of the coming NFF Bill.
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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