Nigerian Football
WASIU JIMOH SENDS 10-MAN RIVERS UNITED TOP OF NPFL GROUP A
BY SAMMY WEJINYA.
Wasiu Jimoh was the hero for Rivers United as his solitary goal took the club to the summit of the Nigeria Professional League Group A. What a fight back by the home side that had been reduced to ten men late on.
Jimoh prodded home from close range, at the death, when the visitors, full of fight and doggedness, thought they had done enough to earn a share of the spoils.
Kennedy Boboye, head coach of Remo Stars, looked to the heavens, for a few seconds, as though seeking answers to the dramatic events that unfolded on the pitch while the United players mobbed Jimoh, as they celebrated as a band of brothers.
The Rivers United technical manager, Stanley Eguma made three changes to the side that beat MFM 1-0 on Sunday with Gbadebo Samson, Kehinde Adedipe and Ugochukwu Leonard coming in for Emotan Cletus, Temple Emekayi and Obomate Frederick who was bereaved following the death of his Father on Tuesday.
Jimoh quickly got into the swing of things as he got on the end of a sweeping move by the hosts only to see his goal bound shot on seven minutes deflected away for a corner.
The visitors then responded in similar fashion two minutes later as Kingsley Akemiri’s back heel completely carved open the hosts’ back line with goalkeeper, Drissa Bamba badly exposed.
Victor Mboama was the man saddled with the responsibility of pulling the trigger from point blank range but the exemplary Bamba pushed his stinging drive away for a corner.
It was a wonderfully open first half that was sometimes marred by profligacy.
One of such moments arrived on the quarter hour when Jimoh stormed down the byline to deliver an inch perfect cross which Ugochukwu Leonard somehow failed to reach when the faintest of touches at the opportune moment would have seen United open the scoring.
It was a game of extraordinarily high levels of tension as the chances continued to come and go for both sides with the hosts notably enjoying superior territorial advantage.
Substitute, Cletus Emotan had a glorious chance to win it five minutes before the end but scoffed his shot from six yards, with the Remo Stars goalkeeper, Emmanuel Fabiyi at his mercy from close range.
With the time allocated for stoppages running out, many of the home fans started leaving the Stadium in disappointment but Jimoh stopped them in their tracks with a moment for ever to be etched in the history of the football club.
“The only that was going through my mind (just before I scored) was that I was going to score,” an elated Jimoh told our official website, www.riversunitedfc.com.ng after the dramatic contest.
“I also told myself that if I didn’t score, then we would score. Towards the end of the game, we were pushing hard.
“We played like a team that wanted to score so before the end of the game, I had the self-belief that a goal was going to come,” he said.
Eguma also shared his thoughts on a game that will not be forgotten in a hurry.
“It was very interesting and a tough game but I had a team that was equal to the task.
“I (studied) our opponents and saw that (as the game progressed), they were getting weaker and weaker so I had to make some substitutions and brought in fast players who put the pressure more on them.
“Even after we got a Red card when it was still goalless, I wasn’t perturbed because I knew the pressure was still on them and that they would crumble and that was exactly what played out at the nick of time,” Eguma said.
Remo Stars’ head coach, Boboye didn’t speak to the media afterwards.
Wednesday’s win was enough to take United to the top of Group A of the NPFL with eight points from four matches.
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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