Nigerian Football
ANOZIE, OKONKWO GO INTO MATCH DAY 3 AS BIG HITTERS
It has been a roller coaster in the Nigeria
Professional Football League (NPFL) after just two match days with most of the
big guns faltering while the unfancied actors have taken the lead cast in this season’s
campaign.
Prior to the season’s kickoff, the preview of
the pundits centred on Akwa United, Plateau United and Kano Pillars among
others considered as the title contenders but after just two match days the
shape and complexion has been characterized by wild and unpredictable outcomes.
FC Ifeanyiubah, with the odds stacked against
them to even keep their status as top-flight teams following high-profile
departures after last season are punching above their weights with goalkeeper
Chinedu Anozie and Chijioke Alaekwe shouldering the responsibilities of largely
inexperienced playing personnel.
Anozie currently leads the race for most clean
sheets so far as he is yet to concede in 180 minutes of football in the league.
He kept clean sheets against Plateau United and Nasarawa United and will hope
for a third successive outing without conceding at Go Round this Sunday.
Alaekwe was responsible for that last-gasp goal that knocked the stuffing out
of Nasarawa United on Matchday 2 in Nnewi. FC Ifeanyiubah are currently second
with four points after two matches behind El-Kanemi Warriors in Group B of the
NPFL.
El-Kanemi go into Matchday 3 as the only side
that have won their opening two matches and against very difficult opponents.
Mohammed BabaGanaru’s men won 1-0 at Akwa United and followed up with an
impressive 2-1 win over four-time champions Kano Pillars. Midfielder Abdulrazak
Aliyu was influential for El-Kanemi in both games as his assist helped win at
Akwa and his winning goal secured all points at home against Kano Pillars.
So far in the goalscoring race, the expected
names are yet to get off the mark instead Heartland forward Chinonso Okonkwo is
setting the pace with two goals — both he scored in his side’s 3-0 thumping of
Plateau United at the Okigwe Township Stadium in midweek. Okonkwo is expected
to lead the Naze Millionaires’ attack this Sunday when they face Nasarawa
United at the Lafia City Stadium.
THE OTHER WORTHY MENTIONS
Seven-time champions Enyimba got their campaign
to a superb start in front of their supporters in Aba where they defeated MFM
FC 2-0, and this weekend they are up against Kwara United in Ilorin. Striker
Abdulrahman Bashir got off the mark on Matchday 1 and he returns to Ilorin,
where he remains a cult hero following his time at ABS FC.
Go Round FC pulled off the shock result of
Matchday 2 when they beat Abia Warriors 2-1 on their patch and are now in
buoyant mood to face FC Ifeanyiubah at the Krisdera Hotel Stadium in Omoku.
After masterminding the defeat of his former team in Umuahia in midweek, Go
Round head coach Willy Udube is keen to add another southeast outfit to his
list of conquered this term.
However it is still early days for these actors
who have jumped to the front row after just two matchdays. Sunday’s matches are
expected to be mouthwatering with two of the big sides Kano Pillars and Akwa
United going head to head at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
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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