Nigerian Football
SUPER EAGLES CAPTAIN, AHMED MUSA WINS NIGERIAN MUSLIM CELEBRITY OF THE YEAR 2020
Ahmed Musa, the captain of the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, has been named the 2020 Nigerian Muslim Celebrity of the Year.
The 28-year old forward was honoured with the prestigious award by Muslim News, Nigeria’s most authoritative Islamic newspaper.
Making the announcement on Tuesday, the newspaper’s publisher, Mr. Rasheed Abubakar said the former Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia player is the recipient chosen by the #MNAwards2020 Committee for the 2020 Nigerian Muslim Celebrity of the Year.
#MNAwards is an acronym for Muslim News Nigeria Awards, celebrating Muslim achievers who have excelled and made the Muslim community proud in Nigeria and globally.
Now, into its third year, the 2020 edition of the Awards features additional categories honouring Muslim professionals in media, health, law, finance and entertainment industries.
According to Mr. Abubakar, “There are so many Muslim celebrities in Nigeria. They are in the sports, music and movie industries. Having gone through the profiles and achievements of the shortlisted celebrities, Ahmed Musa met the criteria.”
Highlighting the criteria employed among others, Mr. Abubakar said, “His love for Allah and passion for Islam, which he always showcases to the world while on the pitch, doing what he knows how to do best. He is among the few Muslim footballers in the world who celebrate their goals by performing sujood al-shukr, the Islamic act of prostration of gratitude.
“His philanthropic works to humanity irrespective of their religious or ethnic persuasions, are too many to mention. Being kind and generous to the poor is a great service enjoined by Allah.
“We are aware that he built a multi-million naira sports and fitness centre in Kano and a similar one in Kaduna, to train more youths in various sporting activities. In his efforts to give back to the society, this Muslim Ambassador also unveiled plans to build a multi-million naira school in Jos. We’re proud of these feats,” he added.
Mr. Abubakar who initiated the award in 2018 to celebrate Muslim achievers in different professions also acknowledged Ahmed Musa’s quest for promoting love and peaceful coexistence among members of other religions, tribes.
“However, as human beings, no one is infallible. Hence, this award should serve as a motivation for him. We hope he will be more conscious of his Deen (religion) and spur him to do more for Islam, Muslims and humanity at large,” he added.
Born on 14 October 1992 into a multi-religious family; Ahmed’s father, Alhaji Musa, was a Muslim from Borno State while his mother, Sarah, a second wife, was a Christian from Edo State.
Multiple media reports said the father died when Musa was young, which led to the mother taking care of him and his sisters — numbering 4, one of them reportedly died in 2013.
Ahmed Musa’s loving mother, who once described him “as a philanthropist who has touched so many lives with his wealth, particularly, the widows and orphans, passed on in 2019.
According to information at our disposal, Ahmed Musa is a dedicated and devout Muslim who is very much committed to the affairs of his religion and doesn’t allow his football activities deprive him of taking part in things that concern his religion. He had performed many religious rites including pilgrimage Hajj, the last pillar of Islam.
He is arguably one of the most successful Nigerian footballers. He became the first Nigerian to score more than once in a FIFA World Cup match, after scoring twice against Argentina in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Musa is also the first Nigerian to score in two FIFA World Cup competitions, after scoring twice against Iceland in the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He was a member of the Al-Nassr squad that won the Saudi Premier League and Saudi Super Cup, both in 2019.
Having plied his professional football trade in Nigeria, Norway, Russia, England and Saudi Arabia, the former Leicester City star, was reportedly on the verge of returning to the English Premier League with West Bromwich Albion during the winter transfer window.
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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