Nigerian Football
PRESENTING THE QUALIFIED MINISTERS THAT NIGERIA DESERVES
BY KUNLE SOLAJA
The issue of appointment of ministers to form the federal cabinet in Nigeria has again come to the fore. The legislative arm of government has reportedly urged the list to be forwarded before the end of this week.
That is what has informed this list being released now. After exhaustive screening of the over 100 million citizens, one has come up with an almost perfect list of those that the President should appoint to run the new cabinet of Nigeria.
Everyone will agree it is not an easy task to go through the CV of close to 100 million Nigerians to pick the new ministers and give them portfolios.
That is exactly what one has been able to achieve. Here are the great men and women that should put some vigour into the art of governance.
MINISTER OF DEFENCE
Kenneth Omeruo stands tall as a Minister of Defence. Not only is he the longest serving defender in the Super Eagles, he showed he could also go on the offensive when it is necessary. Recall that as a defender, it was his offensive move that got Nigeria the qualification for the Round of 16 in the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations.
But for the goal, Nigeria may have kissed goodbye to the competition at the group stage as the Super Eagles would have only had four points. As a long-standing defender, he has proven that he can defend the Nigerian territory. That he ventured forward to score a goal means that he can also go on the offensive against the Boko Haram and chase them out of the Nigerian territory.
Take a bow, Honorable Minister, Kenneth Omeruo. You are hereby confirmed as a Minister of the Federal Republic.
MINISTER OF LABOUR
It is of common knowledge that most governments and indeed, the private sector have failed to meet their commitments in paying for services that many Nigerians rendered.
Who else fits the position of Minister of Labour other than Rita Chikwelu, the indefatigable captain of the 2016 Super Falcons!
She led the squad to win on the field and ensured that her co-labourers efforts were not in vain.
She led the protest that ensured the team was paid. Not only that, her efforts rubbed off on the Super Eagles who were also paid outstanding allowances as the Federal Government, Lagos State Government and private individuals promptly stepped out with dollarized incentives to avert possible boycott of matches by the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations.
With Rita Chikwelu at the helms in the Ministry of Labour, there will no longer be stories of workers being owed salaries.
MINISTER OF PETROLEUM
The longest running schools sports programme in the country today is perhaps the Shell/NNPC Cup. Of course the brain behind it is the mathematical Segun Odegbami.
With his years of experience on the Shell/NNPC project, he must have garnered enough skills in the petroleum industry. Imagine if he were to be the Petroleum minister, he will mathematically calculate the best price that Nigerians can afford to get petroleum products.
The same skill he employed to dislodge defences on the football field will come handy in wading off barriers in delivering petroleum products to Nigerians. Let’s hail our new Minister of Petroleum, Chief Segun Odegbami.
Step out, Honorable Minister, Chief Olusegun Odegbami, MON, our Minister of Petroleum.
MINISTER OF TRANSPORT
Who else, but Chierika Ugogu, the American-born Nigerian rower who reportedly raised $15,000 to transport herself to the Rio Olympics thus becoming the first Nigerian to feature in Rowing at Olympics. With her, transportation across Nigeria will get a boost.
MINISTER OF JUSTICE
It has always been a prayer that we have a country where no man is oppressed. We desire a country where justice thrives.
We need a fair arbiter. No doubt, the cap fits Abel Baba, the only Nigerian referee invited to officiate at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. If the continent found him good, we should not hesitate to appoint him as our minister of justice as he completed his assignment at Gabon. 2017. After him, no other Nigerian arbiter had been found worthy.
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
The Yorubas have a proverb that says, when hunger is eliminated, poverty is alleviated. I also remember that the government of President Shehu Shagari emphasised so much on agriculture that he launched its famous “Green Revolution”.
Do we need to search far to know who the cap fits to champion a Green Revolution in Nigeria? Step out, Barrister Christopher Green!
He was part of the administration of the NFF when the Dankaro House was presented to the NFF. The building is now overgrown with green vegetation.
The surroundings of the ‘new’ Dankoro House are still all green, even without the application of fertilizers. Imagine if we have such genius handling the agric sector, there will be abundance of green zones all over the country.
Even, the express roads will turn green without application of fertilizers, thus saving a chunk of revenue importing such.
Come forward, Honorable Minister of Agriculture, Barrister Christopher Green. Continue grinning!
MINISTER OF HEALTH
Ah! This is the simplest task. Who else other than Femi Otedola who is bankrolling the health bills of prominent sports personalities? He did for Chairman Christian Chukwu and is understandably doing it for former national team goalkeeper, Peter Fregene. With Otedola in charge of the health sector, the wellbeing of Nigerians will be assured.
Congratulations, Honorable Minister, Femi Otedola!
MINISTER OF POWER
We all know the importance of power in any economy. Who else can lift power supply in the country other than a world champion in power lifting?
A certain Ezuruike Roland set three records in power lifting enroute his gold medal feat at the Rio 2016 Games. We can all see that power dwells in him.
Do we need another proof that he is the most qualified person to man the power sector? With him on the saddle, power will get a lift in Nigeria as he has been engaging in powerlifting.
MINISTER OF SPORTS
For many years, most sports ministers in Nigeria turned out to be ‘Minister of Football’. We earnestly need a departure from the past.
We need an all-rounder. This is where Chioma Ajunwa-Opara (MON) fits in. She is a former track and field athlete who was also a footballer for Nigeria.
She remains the only Nigerian to have represented the country internationally in two diverse disciplines – Women World Cup in China ’91 and Olympic Games in 1996. In athletics, she was both a runner and jumper.
Chioma is Nigeria’s first Olympic gold medallist, Nigeria’s only individual Olympic gold medallist and Africa’s only woman to win an Olympic gold medal in a field event.
Also, as an athlete, she ran in the 100m and 200m. No doubt, as our sports minister, she will not focus on football alone.
MINISTER OF FINANCE
When you are financially depressed, you need someone to meet your expectation to a point. This is where Super Eagles’ Ogenyi Onazi fits in for the position of Minister of Finance.
While others watched from the sidelines the unfolding drama, after Super Falcons’ eighth win of the African Women Championship in December 2016, Onazi met their needs to a point by donating the sum of N1million Naira to the players in addition to N200, 000 to injured Falcon’s defender, Onome Ebi.
With Onazi managing the finance of the country, Nigerians are assured of bail-out to meet urgent and immediate needs.
MINISTER OF INFORMATION
While many based their reports on the audit query raised by FIFA to the NFF on speculations, leading to denials that such a thing happened, a certain Olusesan Ajibade of New Telegraph sent a mail to FIFA and rightly informed Nigerians of the situation.
Just imagine if this man handles the information ministry, the era of misinforming Nigerians will come to an end.
Therefore, let the Senate confirm Olusesan Ajibade as our Minister of Information.
With these people at the helms, governance will reach higher than Next Level.
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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