Nigerian Football
NPFL: LOBI, PLATEAU, RIVERS CHASE TITLE AS SECOND HALF OF THE SEASON KICKS OFF
BY MUYIWA AKINTUNDE.
The business end of the season starts across the country this Sunday with Lobi Stars standing on top of the log. Plateau United, Rivers United as well as Sunshine Stars and Dakkada FC are immediately challenging them.
This weekend’s fixtures are a reverse of the last Matchday games when the season reached the halfway point. In effect, teams who got on the wrong end of the result have the chance to have their own revenge.
Lobi Stars are in Bauchi to face Wikki Tourists who were unlucky to lose 1-2 from a winning position in Makurdi a week ago. Wikki arrive the Benue State capital from Aba where they had clashed with Enyimba in a rescheduled fixture midweek and lost 0-3. Not having fresh legs may count so much against the Giant Elephant, who are only two steps and two points above the bottom four.
In their last five matches, Lobi have won two, drawn two but lost to Jigawa Golden Stars by a lone goal in Kano; while Wikki have only won one (2-1 versus MFM in Bauchi), lost two on the road and drawn the remaining. Last season in Bauchi, this fixture ended 1-1.
Second placed Plateau United will sneak back to the head of the table if Lobi fail to make it in Bauchi and they, in turn, beat Dakkada in Jos. New on the blocks, the Akwa State side have punched above their weight and are rubbing shoulders with the heavyweights in the elite league.
In their first ever head-to-head clash, Plateau United got a point in their trip to Uyo against Dakkada last Sunday.
The former Akwa Starlets will be all out to emulate their “big brothers” Akwa United, who played goalless at the New Jos Stadium in Matchday 14 against Plateau United, the same result Kano Pillars got in Jos on Matchday 6.
Seven other home matches have however ended up in triumphs for Plateau United this term at home.
In third place are Rivers United who travel to Ilorin to encounter Kwara United, lone goal victims in Port Harcourt last Sunday. That result marked the seventh away defeat for Kwara United, which included 1-6 humiliation by Kano Pillars.
Nine home matches in their former name Delta Force and since the acquisition of that club have fetched Kwara United only five victories and two shared honours. In their first match as Kwara United, they lost 0-1 to Heartland in Ilorin and have also suffered 1-3 humiliation at the same ground against Plateau United.
Rivers United will be aiming at their third win on the road after beating Adamawa United (2-0) and Warri Wolves (1-0). United will also lead the league if they win and the results of Lobi Stars and Plateau United go their way.
Sunshine Stars, in No 4, are away in Nnewi to face FC Ifeanyi Ubah. Last Sunday in Akure, Sunshine shone in front of their fans winning 2-0 to break into the top four in place of Dakkada FC.
Wikki Tourists and Adamawa United surrendered to Sunshine Stars away this season, which means Ifeanyi Ubah should be mindful of their guests.
Akwa United were lucky to escape with a point in their kitty in the local derby against Dakkada midweek and they are in Enugu this time to face Rangers. The first leg in Uyo on Sunday was a goalless affair.
Katsina United wounded Warri Wolves 2-1 last weekend and arrive Warri Township Stadium aiming to replicate Rangers’ experience. In their last match on this ground, the Seasiders lost 1-2 to the Flying Antelopes.
Pillars returned to Kano last Sunday rueing their 1-3 capitulation to MFM in Agege after leading at the interval and having a large turnout of their fans in that vicinity backing them.
The invincible tag at Sani Abacha Stadium has been removed from Pillars this season. Opening with a goalless result against Rivers United, the Masu Gida lost 0-1 on Matchday 2 to Lobi Stars, and have also failed to beat Wikki Tourists and Warri Wolves on that ground.
MFM showed no respect to their hosts in their first away games of the season beating Heartland and Rangers, but have experienced setbacks, including the rejigging of their technical crew.
Like Rangers, defending champions Enyimba have four outstanding matches accumulated as a result of continental engagements. The People’s Elephant will aim at a double against local rivals Abia Warriors after winning the first leg 2-1 a week ago. Their 3-0 bashing of Wikki Tourists on Wednesday will boost them.
The fixtures
Abia Warriors v Enyimba
Rangers v Akwa United
Heartland v Adamawa United
FC Ifeanyi Ubah v Sunshine Stars
Kano Pillars v MFM
Kwara United v Rivers United
Nasarawa United v Jigawa Golden Stars
Plateau United v Dakkada FC
Warri Wolves v Katsina United
Wikki Tourists v Lobi Stars
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.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
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.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
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).
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- OBITUARY3 days ago
BREAKING: Nigerian Goalkeeping Legend Peter Rufai is dead
- Nigerian Football2 days ago
Football Agent John Shittu Demands Retraction and ₦250 Million Damages from Samson Siasia Over Bribery Allegation
- FEDERATION CUP1 week ago
Kwara United Clinch Historic First Title as President Federation Cup Final Goes to Penalties for the 18th time
- FEDERATION CUP1 week ago
Rivers Angels Crowned 2025 Female Federation Cup Champions After Penalty Shootout Thriller
- OBITUARY3 days ago
Peter Rufai looked lean when I last saw him, says mourning NFF President, Gusau
- WAFCON1 day ago
Nigeria, Tunisia Set for High-Stakes WAFCON 2024 Clash in Casablanca
- OBITUARY2 days ago
Family issues statement on Peter Rufai
- IMMEMORIAL2 days ago
Peter Rufai’s Death Adds to Long List of July Tragedies in Nigerian Football