Nigerian Football
NIGERIAN LEAGUE’S OPENING MATCHDAY PRODUCES STUNNING UNWRITTEN SCRIPT
BY GEORGE AKPAYEN.
The Season 2019 of the Nigerian premier league has
left many astounded while serving a few the humble pie. Some of the big
guns barely struggled to cross the line and two of the title hopeful faltered
on home soil.
It was not the usual win-at-home outcome, which
many had expected before kickoff of the new season as Akwa United and Plateau
United could not breach their opponents and four-time champions Kano Pillars
just managed to edge Heartland at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
Perhaps only Enyimba put up a show worthy of
being seven-time champions on the day as they cruised to a comfortable 2-0
victory at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba on Sunday.
Pundits before the kickoff envisaged a stroll in
the park of some sorts for the likes of Akwa United and Plateau United
considering the fact that they were active in the transfer window but two of
the clubs tipped to challenge for the title this term suffered setbacks.
EL-KANEMI STUN AKWA AT NEST OF CHAMPIONS
At the Nest of Champions, Akwa United’s matchday
squad looked like they would keep the promise of an opening day win as
El-Kanemi Warriors had lost the like of Samuel Mathias and Otakho Aghahowa in
the transfer.
The Promise Keepers, on the other hand, hired
Brazilian trainer Rafael Everton as head coach who brought along his countryman
and midfelder Alberico da Silva. In their matchday squad they also had new
recruits Juwon Oshaniwa, Mfon Udoh, Ndifreke Effiong, Emeka Atuloma and Ocheme
Edoh, and these names were expected to strike fear into their opponents from
the northeast.
Mohammed Baba Ganaru’s men had other ideas and
held on till the fourth minute of added time when Ba’akaka Ajikolo who had only
been on the pitch for only nine minutes after replacing Ali Aliyu scored after
Akwa goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo’s pocket was picked as he tried to ape Colombian
maverick goalkeeper Rene Higuita. Akwa paid the price for failing to convert
their chances and playing a highline at the death.
MAIKABA STILL CANNOT MANAGE A WIN OVER FC
IFEANYIUBAH
Immediate past Akwa United head coach Abdu
Maikaba did not enjoy a good start either as he began his reign at Plateau
United by dropping two points against FC Ifeanyiubah who had an unrecognizable
startlist except for captain Chijioke Alaekwe and goalkeeper Chinedu Anozie.
Plateau United’s playing personnel looked
intimidating with goalkeeper Dele Ajiboye, Daniel Itodo, Sikiru Olatunbosun,
Seth Mayi, Bernard Ovoke, Ezekiel Thompson and Ibeh Johnson with Godwin Obaje,
Gabriel Wassa, David Obiazo, Benjamin Turba and Elisha Golbe all starting from
the bench — which looked even stronger than FC Ifeanyiubah’s starting XI
filled with upstarts.
Anozie did just enough to deny Ovoke, Thompson
and Olatunbosun at different times and not even Itodo’s long throws could help
breach the defence of FC Ifeanyiubah anchored by Charles Okafor. FC Ifeanyiubah
rarely attacked and only had one opportunity which they fluffed in a
counter-attacking situation in which they had numerical advantage of three to
beat two. At the end, they took back with them a priceless 0-0 scoreline.
ABIA WARRIORS’ OPENING DAY RECORD SMASHED
FC Ifeanyiubah’s southeast rivals Abia Warriors
were not lucky to leave Lafia with a result as they lost 0-1 to Nasarawa
United. It was the first time that the Umuahia club would taste defeat in their
opening matchday game since they made their top-flight debut in 2014.
Abdullahi Abubakar’s strike on 20 minutes proved
sufficient for Nasarawa United who have endured struggling starts in recent
seasons.
KANO PILLARS START LIFE WITHOUT LOKOSA
In Kano, Junior Lokosa’s impending departure is
already being felt as Kano Pillars scraped to a 1-0 victory over Heartland.
Pillars benefited from an error from Ebele Obi whose poor goalkeeping on 16
minutes allowed Chinedu Sunday to guide the ball home with his head from close
range.
Kabiru Baleria’s men could not conjure that
second goal to ease the pressure of Heartland breathing down their necks in the
second half and would be thankful that Chidiebere Ajoku’s goal for the away
team did not stand owing to offside positioning.
Matchday 2 of the NPFL takes place this midweek.
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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