Nigerian Football
HOW STATIONERY STORES BECAME ‘SUPER STORES’
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Officially, the name of the hitherto Lagos fanatically supported club is Stationery Stores Football Club of Lagos. But ithe club which clocks 60 this week has been variously called some other names.
In fact when the Daily Service edition of March 28, 1959 published the list of clubs that were to compete in the newly formed Lagos Commercial League, the club was listed top as ‘Stationery Wanderers’.
The club secretary was named as Mr. A. Adeoye. Being the brainchild of Israel Adebajo, it was not a surprise that the club was also nicknamed the “Adebajo Babes”.
That step was apparently followed by another foremost sports and general philanthropist, Bashorun MKO Abiola, who christened his 1980-acquired Ewekoro Cement Football Club ‘Abiola Babes’.
Another name that the club is called was ‘Flaming Flamengoes’. This is even reflected in its emblem. It may have emerged from the manner the club’s fame and influence spread like a wild bush fire.
But the commonest of the nicknames of the club is that of ‘Super Stores”. According to the late Babatunde Oshuntolu, he was the architect of the name.
He wrote that when Stores won the inaugural edition of the Oba Cup in grand style by beating one of the more popular clubs in Lagos, ECN, by 5-1 in the final; he chose to adapt his headline of the story in the Daily Express from the one he got in the British Daily Express when Scotland surprisingly beat England in Wembley after a succession of defeats.
“It was a Saturday. And the next day’s issue of the broadsheet, London Daily Express carried this headline on its eight-column back page: “Super Scots”!
“Only two weeks later, Stationery Stores whipped ECN (which later became NEPA) 5-1 at the Lagos City Stadium (later Onikan Stadium), in an Oba of Lagos Cup final widely predicted to be very keen.
The next day’s issue of the Daily Express in Lagos screamed “Super Stores!” Oshuntolu wrote that that tag had been accepted since then”.
The club had indeed been super, setting the pace in certain ways as the first to get yearly promotion from its foundation year as a division three side, to becoming the last to win a major trophy in Lagos – the War Memorial Cup – as well as being the first to win the replacement trophy – the Oba Cup.
There were even greater feats- as the first privately owned club to win the Nigeria national cup, the Challenge Cup in 1967 as well as the first club to represent Nigeria in the continent in 1968.
There were even more! Stationery Stores was the first Nigerian club to introduce club camping when the team camped in Ikorodu for two months; as well as being the first to provide a bus to its squad.
It was not just the first Nigerian club side to go international, it was the first to develop a close relationship with a foreign club when it started a home and away series with Ghana’s Accra Great Olympics.
It also had a wider recruitment drive than any other Nigerian club, sourcing for talents nationwide as well as combing the West Coast of Africa for the best available players.
That way, the club was able to assemble a dreaded side that brought players like Peter Anieke, Tony Igwe and many other players from Jos Plateau, Peter Amaechina from Ibadan, Peter Fregene from Amukpe and players of Ghanaian and Togolese extractions like Willie Andrew and Adoquaye Laryea among others. When the club won the Challenge Cup in 1982, beating Niger Tornadoes 4-1in the final, it became the first national division three side to do so.
For the meritorious services rendered to sports in Nigeria, Israel Adebajo who passed on in 1969 was in 1980 given a post humours award of Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR) by the Second Republic president, Alhaji Shehu Shagari.
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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