Nigerian Football
Why we set up another players’ union, ANPU, Kanu, ANPU spokesman
BY KUNLE SOLAJA
On Sunday in Lagos, just about the time the Super Eagles were battling Central African Republic in Douala in the qualifying series for the World Cup, a new players’ union for Nigerian footballers was being unveiled.
That increases the number of players’ union in the country by one. Before then, there had been the National Association of Nigeria Footballers (NANF) being run by Harrison Jalla; the National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) under Tijani Babangida.
The latter was reported to have secured affiliation to the world body, Fédération Internationale des Associations de Footballeurs Professionnels (FIFPRO) in Amsterdam, Holland two years ago.
The new footballers’ body All Nigerian Players Union (ANPU) has another former Super Eagles player, Abdul Sule as its president. Sule a former Stationary Stores fullback who made his debut for Nigeria in an ECOWAS Cup duel in Bauchi against Sennegal on 28 January 1990 was capped eight times under Clemens Westerhof.
FIFA Centurion, Joseph Yobo who did not attend the unveiling event as he was with the Super Eagles in Douala, is named as the First Vice President. He had 100 international cap for Nigeria since his debut against Zambia in Chingola on 24 March 2001.
Another retired international player, Julius Aghahowa is the treasurer while Chikelue Iloenusi who made his international debut in the 0-0 draw Nigeria had in a World Cup qualifier against Eritrea in Asmara on 9 April 2000, is the chairman of the Board of Trustees.
The General Secretary is Olisah Onuchukwu, the Sporting Director/CEO at Nnewi United football club.
According to Monday Kanu, the spokesman for ANPU, the body came into being owing to the deplorable and steady decline in the standard of living of retired footballers.
“Penury, depression and ill health looms large, everywhere! It is on record that some few persons took the destiny of the Nigerian players for granted.
“These few individuals did whatever their fickle and parochial minds could muster without any consideration for the masses of the players.
“The pretenders that paraded themselves as managers of the affairs of the Union in a long time were only there for what to put in their pockets or like we say in the local parlance, stomach infrastructure instead of the welfare of the players.
“What has been the case in time past is akin to the situation with the Pharisees and Scribes that refuse to enter the Kingdom of God. For they neither enter themselves nor allow others to do so”, the statement issued at the Sunday unveiling read.
According to Monday Kanu, there was nothing wrong in the plurality of players’ unions.
He told Sports Village Square that the situation was akin to what is obtained in other climes. He gave the labour unions and accounting bodies as examples.
“There is the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress. The accountants in Nigeria have Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) ICAN and the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN).”
He argued that the same principle follows in the formation of another footballers’ union. He further told www.sportsvillagesquare.com that within four days of its creation, ANPU already had over 200 members and the figure kept growing.
He further pointed out that owing to the surge in membership, a whatspp group platform created was already considering migrating to Telegram which accommodates larger group members than the limit of 256 of Whatsapp.
“The bulk of the members are current and retired player that reach out to us on their own expressing interest to be part of the Union. The growth of our platform is so rapid such that we are about to migrate to Telegram. The membership would be formalised through some necessary documentation eventually.”
Regarding international affiliation, Kanu remarked that the process was ongoing and that they also had members in the Diaspora who were fully dedicated to pilot the ANPU affairs internationally.
At the moment, it is the Tijani Babangida led NANPF that appears to have a link with FIFPRO.
By Kunle Solaja.
Nigeria’s planned participation in a four-nation invitational tournament later this month is facing serious uncertainty after a significant escalation in Middle Eastern tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The Super Eagles were scheduled to compete in Amman, Jordan, from March 27 to 31, alongside Iran, Jordan and Costa Rica, as part of preparations for future competitive fixtures and squad building. But recent geopolitical developments have cast doubt over whether the event can still go ahead as planned.
An official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed to Sports Village Square that the situation is being closely monitored, with security and travel concerns emerging as key factors in deciding the tournament’s fate.
The doubts stem from joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which triggered a sharp escalation in hostilities and sparked retaliatory actions across the region, including reports of attacks and counter-attacks in neighbouring countries.
The unfolding crisis has already led to airspace closures, flight cancellations and broader travel disruptions in the Gulf and Levant, complicating international travel plans for teams and supporters alike.
The Super Eagles had planned to open the tournament against Iran on March 27 at the Amman International Stadium before facing hosts Jordan four days later. However, Iran’s participation itself is now in question as the security situation deepens and Iranian football authorities weigh their options amid the conflict.
The tournament was seen as a valuable opportunity for head coach Eric Chelle to assess his squad in a competitive setting before the next major competitions, which include the 2027 Afcon qualifiers.
Jordan, who will make their own debut at the 2026 World Cup, was using the event to build momentum on home soil, but the escalating crisis places not just Nigeria’s fixtures at risk, but the entire mini-tournament.
The NFF has not yet announced an alternative plan should the tournament be cancelled or postponed.
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Matchday drama unfolded across centres in the Nigeria Premier Football League(NPFL) as title contenders stumbled, traditional powerhouses flexed their muscles, and the race for continental places tightened significantly.
Rivers United’s grip at the top suffered a dent after a shock 1–0 defeat to Bayelsa United in a tense South-South derby. The slim victory handed Bayelsa a crucial three points while slowing Rivers’ momentum at a critical stage of the season.
The biggest statement of the weekend came from Bendel Insurance, who dismantled Ikorodu City 4–0 in a ruthless display. Insurance were clinical from start to finish, overpowering their visitors and boosting both their goal difference and their standing in the upper half of the table. For Ikorodu City, who had been firmly in the mix near the summit, the heavy loss could prove costly in the long run.
Enugu Rangers also strengthened their position with a composed 2–0 victory over Nasarawa United. The Flying Antelopes controlled proceedings and capitalised on their chances, ensuring maximum points against a direct rival in the race for honours. With Rivers United dropping points, Rangers’ win significantly narrows the gap at the top.
In Aba, Enyimba were held to a 1–1 draw by Kun Khalifat in a fiercely contested encounter. The People’s Elephant had to settle for a point despite home advantage, a result that may affect their ambitions of climbing into the continental qualification spots.
Elsewhere, Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves played out a goalless draw in a tightly fought affair where defences dominated, and clear chances were scarce.
Remo Stars continued their battle against relegation with a 2–0 triumph over Katsina United in Ikenne.
Remo Stars begin redemption course with a 2-0 defeat of Katsina United
Ibadan, Shooting Stars delighted their supporters with a spirited 2–1 victory over Kano Pillars. The Oluyole Warriors demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline to edge the encounter, keeping their push for a higher finish on track.
Sunday Results
- Bayelsa United 1-0 Rivers United
- Bendel Insurance 4-0 Ikorodu City
- Enugu Rangers 2-0 Nasarawa United
- Enyimba 1-1 Kun Khalifat
- Niger Tornadoes 0-0 Warri Wolves
- Remo Stars 2-0 Katsina United
- Shooting Stars 2-1 Kano Pillars
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The race for promotion in the 2025/2026 season of the Nigeria National League (NNL) has gathered momentum, with relegated sides Akwa United and Doma United pushing strongly for an immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Both former top-flight campaigners have shown resilience since dropping to the second tier last season. Akwa United currently lead Conference B with a game in hand, underlining their determination to bounce back at the first attempt. Meanwhile, Doma United sit atop Conference C despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Sokoto United on Matchday 11.
Southern Conference Delivers Drama
Matchday 11 in the Southern Conference produced thrilling encounters, further tightening the race for promotion.
In Conference A, two away wins, one home victory and a draw defined the round. The headline fixture between table-toppers Inter-Lagos FC and second-placed Beyond Limit FC ended in a goalless stalemate in Abeokuta. The result ensured Inter-Lagos maintained their grip on first place, though Beyond Limit remain firmly in contention.
Elsewhere, Smart City edged Edel FC 1-0, Gateway United secured a similar 1-0 win over Crown FC, while Sunshine Stars boosted their campaign with a convincing 2-0 triumph over Abia Comets. The victories have intensified the competition in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely fought groups in the league.
Conference B: Akwa United Hold Firm
Conference B continues to heat up as teams battle for supremacy. Osun United claimed a crucial 1-0 away victory at Abakaliki FC, while Rovers FC defeated Stormers 1-0 in Calabar.
Despite the pressure from chasing teams, Akwa United remain firmly in control at the summit. With a game in hand, the Promise Keepers are well-positioned to strengthen their promotion bid in the coming weeks.
Conference C: Doma United Stay Ahead
In Conference C, Sokoto United handed leaders Doma United a 1-0 setback, but the defeat did little to dislodge them from the top. Doma remain on 19 points, narrowly ahead of FC Basira, who climbed to 18 points after a 2-0 win over Lobi Stars.
The slim margin between the top sides suggests a tense battle ahead, with every point likely to prove decisive in the quest for a top-two finish.
Conference D: Northern Battle Intensifies
Yobe Desert Stars moved temporarily to the summit of Conference D with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ranchers Bees, taking their tally to 15 points. Jigawa Golden Stars edged Adamawa United 1-0, while Gombe United and Kebbi United settled for a goalless draw.
Promotion Race Wide Open
With each conference producing unpredictable outcomes, the NNL promotion race remains delicately poised. For traditional heavyweights Akwa United and Doma United, the objective is clear: secure one of the coveted promotion spots and return to the Nigeria Elite League.
As the season progresses, the intensity is expected to rise further, with fans across the country watching closely to see which clubs will earn the right to rejoin Nigeria’s top-flight next season.
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