Nigerian Football
NWOKOCHA’S HISTORIC RUN HEADLINES EKITI AFN CLASSICS
Grace Nzubechi Nwokocha’s 11.38 seconds finish in the women’s 100m, the first sub 11.4 seconds run on Nigerian soil in 24 months headlined the first Athletics Federation of Nigeria Classics held at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti at the weekend.
Nwokocha, who was first denied this piece of history a fortnight ago at the AFN All-Comers competition in Akure by a massive trail wind raced home first ahead of Praise Idamadudu (11.59) and Ofoku Praise (11.80)
Her performance fetched her triple awards viz the best athlete in the women’s blue ribband race, best overall female athlete and performance of the day.
The first two awards came with cash prizes courtesy of former Nigeria and African 100m champion and Olympic 4x100m silver medallist, Oludamola Osayomi, a proud daughter of Ekiti State.
No Nigerian athlete based at home has dipped inside 11.4 seconds since Isoken Igbinosun last did in February 2018 in Abuja until Nwokocha’s feat in Ado Ekiti.
While Nwokocha made it a clean sweep of the awards in the women’s events, there were two winners for the best 100m and overall best male awards and cash prizes donated by another proud indigene of Ekiti State, reigning African 100m record holder, Olusoji Adetokunbo Fasuba who was physically present at the stadium.
Enoch Adegoke ran 10.50 seconds in the 100m event ahead of Ogho-Oghene Egwero (10.55) and Idjesa Uruemu (10.62) to win the N20,000 cash prize for the fastest man at the event while Joseph Edaffiadhe’s 7.80m leap in the long jump pit was adjudged the best male performance of the day and he went home with a cash prize of N30,000.
Fasuba, the first and only African man to win the 100m title at the African Championships three consecutive times (2004,2006,2008) was delighted with the discipline and professionalism displayed by the athletes at the two-day event and urged them to train harder than they have ever done to become great forces to be reckoned with at the continent and globally.
“There is no substitute for hard work. I am impressed by the discipline the athletes have shown here and wish them all the best as they fight for qualification standards for both the African Championships in Algeria in June and the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan in July,’ said the 2008 World indoor champion in the 60m race.
Meanwhile the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City will play host to the next AFN event.
President of the federation, Olamide George said the event scheduled for the 14th of March, 2020 will be used to test the facilities, including the newly laid tartan track at the stadium ahead of the athletics event of the 2020 National Sports Festival which the state is hosting.
‘We are delighted with what we have done so far. We want to give our athletes as many competitions as possible as they strive to make the qualification standards for the two major events we have this year and the National Trials,” said George who expressed delight with the conduct of the athletes in Akure for the Allcomers event and Ado Ekiti for the Classics.
“Together and with the support we are receiving from the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development headed by Sunday Dare, the athletes’ minister, we will reposition track and field administration in Nigeria,” he concluded.
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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