Nigerian Football
2019 AITEO CUP: LAST LAP TO FINAL AS RIVERS UNITED TAKE ON NIGER TORNADOES
BY SAMMY WEJINYA.
Niger Tornadoes will go toe to toe with Rivers United on
Thursday as both clubs seek to reach the 2019 AITEO Cup final.
The semi-final will be decided at the ‘Soccer Temple’, the Agege Stadium, Lagos
and kickoff has been fixed for 3 pm.
Thursday’s contest exemplifies the classic winner-takes-it-all clash as the
victor will very likely have more than bragging rights to show if success is
secured at the Center of Excellence.
The Tornado gathers momentum
Niger Tornadoes had a Nigeria Professional Football League
(NPFL) season to forget.
The Minna club suffered relegation to the second tier of Nigerian football
after finishing in 11th place in Group A of the abridged NPFL season with 21
points from 22 matches.
Redemption was therefore required and the ‘Ikon Allah’ duly trained their
sights on the AITEO Cup and have made important inroads in this year’s
competition.
A routine 3-0 win over unheralded Fasbir FC 3-0 in the round of 64 was followed
by a difficult 1-0 win over Gombe United in the round of 32.
Things then began to get a bit complicated for the Tornadoes club as Cynosure
FC forced them to a 2-2 draw in their round of 16 clash at the Aper Aku
Stadium, Makurdi.
Tornadoes prevailed after a nervy shootout but giant killers, Smart City lay in
wait in the quarter finals.
After a pulsating battle that finished 0-0, Tornadoes squeezed through 5-4 on
penalties to book a date with Rivers United in the last four.
Tornadoes; the style
Tornadoes have a style inherent on building up attacks via quick possession
through the middle with coach Abubakar Bala (the third coach Tornadoes have
hired this season) favoring a 4-3-3 formation.
Bala has managed just two games for Tornadoes (the penalty shootout wins over
Cynosure FC and Smart City FC) this term.
The wins for the Minna club over Fasbir FC and Gombe United in the rounds of 64
and 32 were masterminded by Ahmed Nuhu who was in interim charge for Tornadoes’
first two matches of the competition.
The tactics and personnel of Bala
Bala loves paying attention to detail.
Quiet and unassuming, he has wreaked havoc on many an unsuspecting side with
his harmless mien.
His favoured tactical formation integrates a back four, one defensive
midfielder, three attacking midfielders and three closely placed strikers.
In captain, Aliko Mustapha, Tornadoes have a goalkeeping veteran who will not
be fazed by Thursday’s occasion.
Jubrin Mustapha (RB) and Olayinka Yusuf (LB), Rueben Ogbonnaya (CB) and Lorliam
Gwarza (CB) represent a solid shield for the vastly experienced Aliko and one
of the strongest defences in the country.
The centre halves are strong, stocky and aggressive – quite a handful for many
from the opposition and in midfield, Bala has plenty of young, quick and mobile
midfielders to pick from.
Adetola Ayo shields the back four while the creative juice in the middle is
usually supplied by Dosso Saib and Ahmadu Liman.
Liman and Saib usually venture forward to aid the forward when Tornadoes step
on the accelerator in games.
Bashir Azado is a feared marksman who knows his way to goal and he will be at
the tip of the Tornadoes spear on Thursday while receiving support from the
flanks from Ismaila Sarki (LW) and Mubarak Said (RW).
If things are not going according to script, Bala can always call on important
substitutes like Moses Ugwu, Gyemini Abashiya and Eric Frimpong to deliver the
goods.
Tornadoes can hurt any team but in Rivers United, they know they will be coming
up against their sternest test yet – a force of nature and a side many believe
can go all the way in the competition.
Rivers United – deadly, efficient and pragmatic
The records show that statistically, Rivers United is the
strongest team still left in the competition.
United have not conceded any goals as they stormed into the semis in confident
fashion.
Abiodun Akande, the standout goalkeeper in this year’s competition marshals his
defence like a frenzied General in the heat of battle.
His jaw dropping saves in the round of 32 versus Akwa United in Enugu and Lobi
Stars, in the tight quarter final in Ijebu-Ode will be talked about for many
years to come.
“The objective for me is to keep a clean sheet all through the competition,”
Akande told the club’s official website, www.riversunitedfc.com.ng.
“Our defence led by our captain, Festus Austin is the best in the country and
in Thursday, we will play a very serious game with the aim of reaching the
final,” he said.
The ‘Pride of Rivers’ have long dispelled notions that they are not a high
scoring team.
They had hit nine goals at the round of 16 stage of the competition.
FC Timberloader was the first to feel the might of United as they received a
4-0 hiding in the round of 64 in Lafia.
Then came the ‘Masterclass of Enugu’ where pre-tournament favourites, Akwa
United were dismissed 3-0 in a one-sided round of 32 fixture decided at the
Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
Warri Wolves were the next to fall, in the round of 16, as United cruised to a
routine 2-0 win at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
It was always going to be tough in the semi-final when United faced Nigeria’s
representatives in the 2019 CAF Champions League, Lobi Stars.
Lobi, full of important individuals like Olufemi Kayode, Ebube Duru, Dare Ojo,
Kadiri Samad, Sikiri Alimi and Ezekiel Mbah, was never going to be easy fodder.
The battle between the two sides at the Dipo Dina International Stadium, was
one for the ages and eventually, United – the hungrier of the two sides –
sealed the win with a penalty shootout win where unheralded goalkeeper,
Darlington Ovunda shone like a million stars.
Now, United have one more hurdle to overcome and experienced Technical Manager,
Stanley Eguma says only a serious approach will see the ‘Pride of Rivers’ reach
the final.
“Niger Tornadoes is a very good side and we respect them a lot. We met them
twice in the league and did not lose any of those games but this is a
completely different competition.
“My players know what is at stake and everyone here will give a hundred
percent.
“Having come this far, we will give everything to qualify for the final and I
am very confident we will do it,” he said.
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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