Nigerian Football

Former teammates in Flying Eagles show support for Siasia at father’s commendation service

Published

2 years ago

February 20, 2023

Former Nigeria international and coach, Samson Siasia had the complements of his former teammates while holding a comforting prayers at Trem Church in Smyrna, at Atlanta Georgia in the US.

It was at a solemn ocassion for the celebration of life for Siasia’s father,

Pa Commander Harrison Siasia, who died at 96 years old.

Siasia had some of his old teammates in attendance. Among them was Paul Okoku who featured for the 1983 class of the Flying Eagles as well as the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations’ squad of Nigeria.

Also in attendant were Godwin Odiye, McMilan Ogbomo, patron of Enugu Rangers, Sir Benson Ejindu, Emeka Donnie Ikpa and Peter Nosegbe.

Others include Nathaniel Ogedegbe and Chibuzor Ehilegbu who sent their condolences.

Some of his 1983 set in the Flying Eagles; Femi Olukanni, one of the Olukanni brothers, Alphonsus Akhahon, Dehinde Akinlotan, Taju Disu, Chibuzor Ehilegbu, Tarila Okorowanta, Coach Manu Garba, Dahiru Sadi, Otti Amaechi, Sunday Edema Benson and Patrick Udoh, all expressed sadness over the development, and thanked God for the life that Pa Siasia lived, adding that “may his soul rest in peace.”

Speaking on the outpouring of love from his former teammates and friends in the USA, Siasia said he was grateful to all of them for rallying round him at his time of need.

“I appreciate all of then for turning out to attend my late father service of songs and thank all those who sent in condolence messages to wish my family well during my father’s service of songs.

“I thank Paul Okoku, who rallied round to get my former teammates to show up for this special occasion. It meant so much to me. It felt like a reunion of sorts for us although it was a service of songs for my beloved father”, Siasia remarked.

“I also want to thank Mr Benson who stays in North Carolina for supporting me during the occasion. He has always been a great supporter in the past and showed up again for me and my family.

“He was one of the people who supported the Olympic Eagles when they came to the US for a friendly match before the Olympics in Rio. He is from Enugu state and supports former players and Rangers International “.

Nigerian Football

Nigeria Football Federation Congress backs Pinnick for FIFA post

Published

9 hours ago

October 4, 2024

Kunle Solaja

One of the high points of the Congress of the Nigeria Football Federation on Friday in Asaba is the endorsement of the body’s immediate past president, Amaju Pinnick to retain his position as a FIFA Council member.

Pinnick was elected into FIFA Council at the CAF Congress in Rabat, Morocco on 21 March 2021. He seeks re-election next year and has already secured the backing of the Nigerian president.

Nigerian Football

NFF budget surpasses Nigeria’s spending at Paris 2024

Published

9 hours ago

October 4, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Super Eagles’ Coaching Job Now An All-comers Affair As NFF Throws The Gates Open -

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has budgeted N17.6 billion for next year. The body’s Congress approved the budget, which sat in Asaba on Friday.

By the current exchange rate, the approved budget is $10,591,610. The figure is higher than the N12 billion that Nigeria budgeted for the Paris 2024 Olympics where no medal was won.

Next year, The NFF programme includes the six remaining qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup, the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations which will be held in December if the Super Eagles qualify.

Nigerian Football

NFF launches monthly Football Awards

Published

2 days ago

October 2, 2024

Kunle Solaja

NFF spokesman, Dr. Ademola Olajire

As football leagues across the globe resumed fully last month, the Nigeria Football Federation has announced the launch of NFF Monthly Awards, a celebration of the outstanding performances of Nigerian football players across various Football Leagues including Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

With the football calendar in full swing, the NFF Monthly Awards aim to honour the brilliance, dedication and passion that Nigerian football players bring to the game, recognizing the top players who have left their mark on the pitch.

Award Categories:

Player of the Month (Male & Female)
Goal of the Month
Discovery of the Month

Nomination Process

According to the NFF, the nomination process for the awards is scientific, ensuring a fair and accurate selection of nominees. An independent organization will collect and analyse players’ statistics throughout the month, ensuring that the best performances are highlighted.

“This unbiased, data-driven approach guarantees that the nominations reflect the top-performing players based on their contribution to their teams”, an NFF statement signed by its director of communication, Dr Ademola Olajire disclosed.

Nominations for the first round of awards will be announced on Thursday. From there, voting will be opened to fans and journalists alike, making this a truly inclusive and engaging event for the Nigerian football community.

Voting Process

Fans and journalists will have the chance to vote for their favourite players via the official NFF voting portal on the website www.thenff.com.

The voting period will run for one week following the announcement of the nominations.

Fan Votes will account for 40% of the final decision, enabling supporters to have their voices heard and directly influence the outcome of these prestigious awards.

The remaining 60% will be determined by journalists and industry professionals, ensuring a balanced and well-rounded selection process.

Speaking on the launch of the awards, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said:
“The NFF Monthly Awards are a key part of our efforts to further elevate Nigeria football, not only by recognizing outstanding talent but by engaging with fans and the media in a way that brings the football community closer together. We believe that this initiative will encourage excellence on the field and foster a deeper connection between players and their supporters.

“The NFF Monthly Awards are a step forward in celebrating the rich and growing talent pool, and we look forward to the excitement that the awards will bring to fans, players and the media.”

Key Dates: Nominations Announcement: 3^rd October, 2024; Voting: 3^rd October – Midnight of 7^th October 2024.