Nigerian Football
It’s 45 years since Nigeria’s worst stadium tragedy that claimed 24 lives
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
This Tuesday, August 13, marks the 45th anniversary of what is easily the biggest football tragedy to have ever befallen Nigeria.
Yet it is hardly recalled as the death of Samuel Okwaraji 10 years later eclipsed the saddest scene that Nigeria ever witnessed in a sports arena.
On the night of August 13, 1979, television viewers got more than they expected. Results and analyses of the presidential election held two days earlier were just trickling in.
It was on this night that legal luminary, Chief Richard Akinjide propounded his infamous twelve two third theory that later became the clincher for Alhaji Shehu Shagari to become Nigeria’s first civilian president in a hotly contested election with Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
But the sports-inclined were awaiting the outcome of the epic encounter between IICC Shooting Stars and Bendel Insurance in the semi-final of the Challenge Cup, the exciting national football cup competition that has since gone through series of name change and now called President Federation Cup.
Both Shooting Stars and Bendel Insurance had met the previous year at the same stage and Bendel were not just surprise winners of the match, but also of the Challenge Cup.
Moreover, both were hot contenders for the National League title that Bendel had just won in 1979, great thanks to the collaboration with Water Corporation FC, the Ibadan city rivals of IICC Shooting Stars.
Within the regulation time, the Shooting Stars had become victorious, winning 2-1. But there was no time for the expected celebration.
Their moment of joy had turned to become national grief. Sports Village Square recalls that 24 fans had died in a stampede that ensued minutes after the match when the floodlights were suddenly switched off.
The tightly packed crowd made frantic and hurried rush towards the 72 exit points of the main bowl where iron gates had just been mounted.
But unknown to the rushing crowd, the exit points at the northern end of the stadium, the gates A and B, the side where the scoreboard is located, were still locked.
Early arrivals to the locked gates were trapped to the barrier in the ensuing stampede.
The gates collapsed under the weight of the surging crowd and the early arrivals were trampled upon.
The unlucky fans were pressed upon the iron gates, which later fell under the weight of the surging crowd.
Some of them died of suffocation. Worse still, the National Sports Commission (NSC) medical centre was not opened.
So, there was no immediate medical attention. Ambulances at the sports complex could not also function for lack of personnel. About 50 others in convulsive conditions were rushed to hospitals.
By the time calm was restored, 24 fans were confirmed dead. Almost 30 others were seriously wounded.
The death toll was relayed in the late news announcement on television where viewers were possibly just awaiting electoral results and that of the classic Bendel Insurance /IICC Shooting Stars clash.
Two medical personnel, Dr. Alaba Efunkoya, a former chairman of Nigeria Table Tennis Association and Commander Bolaji Sojinrin, a naval doctor who had come to watch the match and who was to become chairman of National Sports Commission some years later, assisted in offering first aid to some of the victims.
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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