Nigerian Football
WIKKI CRUISE TO VICTORY OVER RIVERS UNITED FC
BY SAMMY WEJINYA
Rivers United put up their worst display of the season on Sunday in a 0-2 loss to Wikki Tourists at the Pantami Stadium as the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) entered Match Day 11.
Wikki started in edgy fashion against a Rivers United side with one change from their last game against Katsina United in Port Harcourt on March 6.
The Port Harcourt side looked, by far, the more accomplished side early on and could have easily taken the lead had Christian Weli had scored in the 12th minute.
The Rivers United midfielder however placed a free header fromsix yards out, inches wide following an exquisitely delivered free kick by Peter Ubakanma.
That miss by Weli stung the hosts into action as Promise Damala crept into the visitors’ box two minutes later before firing a fierce effort that just whizzed wide off the right-hand side of Drissa Bamba’s goal.
Damala’s miss from the gilt-edged opportunity was a premonition that United failed to heed because six minutes later, Wikki took the lead with Abba Umar firing in a stunning effort off the crossbar from the edge of the box.
The home side went on to boss the rest of the half with the visitors looking threatening in fits and starts.
Kehinde Adedipe came close to levelling matters in the 37th minute but his goal bound strike was pushed out spectacularly by the Wikki Tourists goalkeeper, Chinedu Anthony Ude.
Three minutes later, Wikki almost doubled their advantage through the lively Abba who attempted to curl one into the far post in Lionel Messi-esque fashion but Bamba read the danger well enough and managed to save in unconventional fashion.
The second half exemplified the poorest and most underwhelming by United this season as the hosts had a field day in carving out a plethora of chances.
Only profligacy prevented the score line from being more lopsided as Abba, Isa Gata and Manu Garba were all found culpable of shocking misses when clean through on goal.
Gata’s scrambled effort, 19 minutes from the end after an Idris Guda effort was beaten away by Bamba following a shocking howler by Peter Ubakanma gave a more realistic reflection of the hosts’ dominance.
Head coach of Wikki Tourists, Ali Zubairu praised his charges for the win while identifying Weli’s first half miss as the turning point in the game.
“Rivers United is a very experienced side. We were lucky because they had the first chance of the game and if they had taken their opportunities, particularly the first chance of the game when one of their players (headed wide from close range), it could have been a different game.
“Our team has been making progress match by match and it showed (on Sunday) against Rivers United,” Zubairu told the official Rivers United website, www.riversunitedfc.com.ng.
Rivers United’s technical manager, Stanley Eguma was crestfallen afterwards as he admitted that his side did not play up to their usual standards.
“We did not play well. We will correct the mistakes noticed ahead of our next game against Lobi Stars on Wednesday,” he said.
Rivers United is currently in fourth place in Group B of the NPFL with 13 points from nine 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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Nigerian Football
Former NSC DG and teammate, Ekeji, pays tribute to Christian Chukwu

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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Nigerian Football
NALCOMA Applauds NNL Leadership for Successful 2024/25 Season

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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