BY LURWANU IDRIS MALIKAWA GARU

Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Aminu Maigari, paid a heartfelt solidarity visit to former Chairman of the defunct Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Ibrahim Galadima, who is currently recovering from surgery in Kano.

Maigari, who travelled from Bauchi for the visit, arrived at Galadima’s Dandali Fagge residence on Saturday, where he expressed joy over the steady recovery of the veteran football administrator.

“I feel very happy today. I have seen Galadima, and he is recovering fast,” Maigari told reporters. “He remains one of the pillars of Nigerian football and sports in general.”

The former NFF boss also offered prayers for Galadima’s continued good health and speedy recovery, extending his well-wishes to all others facing medical challenges both at home and in hospitals across the country.

In his response, Galadima expressed deep appreciation for Maigari’s visit, noting that the gesture reflected the enduring bond within the Nigerian football family.

“I am humbled that despite his tight schedule, Maigari made time to visit,” Galadima said.

“This visit is proof that the spirit of football goes beyond the pitch or administrative politics—it’s a family affair.”

The former NFA chairman also thanked members of the football community nationwide for their overwhelming support during his hospital stay and recovery process.

He expressed gratitude to government officials, traditional rulers, politicians, business leaders, and the public—both local and international—who visited or sent goodwill messages during his period of convalescence at a private medical facility in Kano.

“I was dazed by the love and care shown to me. It truly shows the unity and strength of our football family,” Galadima added.

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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:

• 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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