Nigerian Football
SEASON’S 1ST SCORER, AMADI, LOOKS TO TOPPLE IDOL, MFON UDOH’S NPFL RECORD
BY CHIBUOGWU NNADIEGBULAM
It was a remarkable start to life in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) for Samuel Amadi who claimed a part of the new season’s stats with the first goal of the 2019/2020 season which kicked-off on Sunday, November 3.
But despite the weight of his achievement, Amadi would ascribe
it to being lucky to have been in the right place at the right time and
was quick to lay down that his utmost desire – which is his first in the
topflight – is to become the top scorer.
“I will just keep pushing harder to score more. I want to be the highest
goal scorer by luck or by grace,” declared the product of
Port Harcourt-based A&B Football Academy.
He signed his first professional contract with Warri Wolves in 2017, while
the club was in the Nigeria National League (NNL), and contributed to
their return to the NPFL. This is his third season with the Seasiders.
On the opening day of the new season, Amadi refused to be overwhelmed by
the occasion when he dispatched a left-footed shot from close range to
give his side the lead inside two minutes. And if not for
Adewale Adeyinka’s fingertip save, he could have been celebrating a
brace about a minute later.
Although it was Mfon Udoh’s equalizer that doused the excitement that came
with Amadi’s quick-fire goal, the latter confessed his admiration for the
former in a chat with www.npfl.ng shortly after the encounter.
“Mfon Udoh is a very good striker. I’m looking up to him,”
Amadi disclosed. Only last season, Udoh was joint top scorer in the NPFL,
and since 2014 he has been the league’s record goal scorer.
Since joining Warri Wolves, Amadi, who is from Rivers State, has been a
consistent performer. He is now looking to own the NPFL stage and help his
team to a continental ticket.
“With teamwork, prayers and hard work, I’m sure we will get
there,” he said. Speaking about their performance against a star-studded
Akwa United side, he added: “It was okay. At least we tried, but I think
my team will pick up with time, although Akwa United are a very good
side.”
In the game, Amadi, who also had set piece responsibilities, twisted his
ankle when he slipped while trying to take a corner kick in the second
half, and had to be replaced on the 72nd minute. But he had already done
enough to attract plaudits.
“Amadi is just a young boy coming up and as far as modern football is concerned he has a future,” Warri Wolves coach, Evans Ogenyi told www.npfl.ng.
The former Lobi Stars Manager does not regret giving Amadi a place in his
starting line-up, even though the latter only just returned from the
national U-23 camp.
“A young boy that is just coming from the national team
there is no way I would take him out of the team. He came two days to my
match and because I know he is coming from a high level training too, I
had to include him. And it’s better he started. He started and he proved a
point, scored a goal in the first two minutes,” Ogenyi boasted.
Amadi, who believes one “needs more wisdom” to succeed in the NPFL,
is hoping to get completely fit in time to be available for
selection when Warri Wolves travel to Akure to face Sunshine Stars in
their next game.
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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