Nigerian Football
NFF LAUNCHES SHORT CODE TO DRIVE RUSSIA 2018 CAMPAIGNS
The Nigeria Football Federation on Monday in Lagos launched a short code – *1945# – which will be used for all campaigns that are geared towards Nigeria’s preparation and participation at the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia.
The event was organized in conjunction with Secure and Trusted Alliance Services Limited – STA Mobile.
The NFF 2nd Vice President/LMC Chairman Shehu Dikko, who is also Chairman of Marketing, Sponsorship and Television Advisory Committee, disclosed that the short code would be available for use by all NFF partners, sponsors and suppliers, in the process also revealing an ‘Official Supporter’ program into which corporate concerns not presently in relationship with the NFF can lodge to be part of Nigeria’s 2018 FIFA World Cup excitement train.
NFF President Amaju Pinnick and 1st Vice President Seyi Akinwunmi also spoke at the event, just as STA’s Managing Director Biodun Jagun and a clutch of NFF’s current partners, including AITEO Group, Zenith Bank and TGI Group. Super Eagles’ stars Odion Ighalo and Ikechukwu Ezenwa were present, as well as former Eagles’ skipper Mutiu Adepoju – one of 16 players to have scored for Nigeria in five previous FIFA World Cup outings.
In explaining the idea behind the short code, Jagun said the plan is for a total of 100 fans of the Super Eagles to win all –expenses paid trip to the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals, in four tranches of 25 people-a-month between January and April 2018.
“The Naija 4 Russia initiative is born in due season as a feel-good factor for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, which is at its highest-ever in the recent history of Nigerian Football.
“For the first time in the history of football in Nigeria, we have a VAS platform for the fans and supporters of Nigerian Football by way of a short code.
“The deployment of this iconic short code *1945# across USSD, IVR, SMS AND WEB platforms is designed to reward the teeming National Team followers and football lovers across the country with a chance to cheer our footballing heroes live in Russia as they take on the best teams from across the globe.
“Our business has deployed the best possible technical infrastructure and systems to ensure this VAS drive flows seamlessly.
“A comprehensive marketing and publicity campaign has also been put in place to guarantee TOMA and heavy media noise over the legacy and digital media ecosystem.
“As an addendum we are focused on ensuring the generation of appreciable revenue for the NFF and its constituents,” Jagun explained.
While Akinwunmi, Chairman of the NFF Legal Committee assured the gathering that all necessary legal permits have been obtained to run the program, Dikko informed that the NFF is targeting the sum of N2 billion from corporate organizations to support the Super Eagles’ preparation and participation at the finals (while stating clearly that whatever monies remain after the competition would be used for legacy projects).
Pinnick regaled the hall with a story of how the NFF planned for a successful 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, admitting that the chastening effect of failure to qualify for successive AFCONs spurred the Board and Secretariat to action.
“We knew we were condemned to qualify, and everybody worked hard for it. We identified the areas that needed extra effort and also knew that we needed to get a top –notch coach as well as be relevant in the game’s boardroom internationally. We scored bull’s eye in both areas and these helped us greatly in the campaign.
“I want to also commend the players and the technical crew and backroom staff. They aligned with the vision of the Board and the Secretariat and I have immense confidence that Nigeria can really dazzle the world at the World Cup in Russia next year.”
A raffle draw conducted by STA at the event to pick the first Nigerian journalist that would be sponsored to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia produced Miyen Akiri of Galaxy Television. Organizers announced that of the 25 persons that would be picked monthly for four months between January and April 2018, one would be a journalist.
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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