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CAN WARRI WOLVES GET ROUND THE RIVERS IN AITEO CUP ROUND OF 16 INTO QUARTER FINALS?

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BY SAMMY WEJINYA

Rivers United return to AITEO Cup duty on Sunday when they face Warri Wolves in the round of 16 of the competition.

The Wolves reached this stage by devouring unfancied Kaduna club, Ambassador FC, 1-0 in the round of 32 at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja and have now set their sights on a place in the last eight.

Doma United were Wolves’ opponents in the round of 64 so Sunday’s game against Rivers United at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa will represent the Warri club’s first real test of the competition this year.

Can the sleeping giants stir from hibernation?


Warri Wolves currently ply their trade in the second tier of Nigerian football but the institution has a fairly healthy history steeped in tradition.

Wolves represented Nigeria in the CAF Champions League in 2016 but were knocked out in the first round.

Four years later, the club returned to the continent where they reached the round of 16 of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Two second round finishes in the same competition followed in 2012 and 2014 as the Wolves unsuccessfully tried to smash the glass ceiling under former coach, Paul Aigbogun.

As NPA, Wolves had played in the first round of the now defunct CAF Champions League.

Success in this year’s AITEP Cup will see Wolves return to familiar terrain – their old stomping ground, the continent.

Stellar names like Ike Thankgod, Ambrose Uanzekin, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Sunday Mba and Ogenekaro Etebo have previously pulled the storied strips of Wolves but these days, the defenders of the badge are a little less stellar.

Head coach, Kester Ojo-Osagie will be relying on his trusted charges, Onome Onotafe, Igho Akporiri Walter, Samson Gift, Orukpe Innocent and Ibo Uro.

Other Wolves stars who will be looking to set the Cat amongst the Pigeons in the United camp include Onyebuchi Ogwu, Amadi Samuel, Nwafor Ikechukwu, Atshimene Charles, Ebuka Nnebuo and Ebule Jonathan.

Nnebuo was a former United midfielder and the playmaker will be extremely important for the Wolves if they are to upset the applecart and reach the quarter finals.

Chief Executive Officer of Warri Wolves, Moses Etu is upbeat about Sunday’s game and predicts a difficult time for the ‘Pride of Rivers’.

“We got to this stage against all odds. Rivers United is a big team so if they beat us, it is not going to be news, but if we beat them, it will be headline news,” Etu said.

“We respect them because they have star players and a great manager, Stanley Eguma.

“Hopefully, we will give them a good run for their money. If they win, they will suffer for the victory,” Etu promised.

United poised and focused


Rivers United have been quietly, steadily and consistently going about their business in this year’s AITEO Cup.

Performances have been solid and the team spirit has never been better with the ranks of the ‘Pride of Rivers’.

A 4-0 win over FC Timberloader in the round of 64 in Lafia was followed by a classy 3-0 win over tournament favourites, Akwa United.

Rivers United look a frightening proposition and Stanley Eguma’s men have not conceded a single goal in the tournament.

“Winning against Akwa United has built so much confidence and now, our target is to go as far as we can in this competition,” Eguma, the technical manager of United told the club’s official website, www.riversunitedfc.com.ng.

Peter Ubakanma who has scored twice in the competition already, was also upbeat when he shared his pre-match thoughts.

“Wolves are an experienced side but we are in very good form at the moment and I think that will be the crucial factor,” he said.

Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

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Football Agent John Shittu Demands Retraction and ₦250 Million Damages from Samson Siasia Over Bribery Allegation

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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:

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  • 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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Former NSC DG and teammate, Ekeji, pays tribute to Christian Chukwu

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Nigeria captain Christian Chukwu leaving the pitch after a 3-0 win over Algeria in 1980. He is being followed by Patrick Ekeji (Photo by Peter Robinson/EMPICS via Getty Images)

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.

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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.”

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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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NALCOMA Applauds NNL Leadership for Successful 2024/25 Season

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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.

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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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