Nigerian Football
Another Nigerian, a teen sensation shines as Saka’s backup on first start for Arsenal
Arsenal may not have injured talisman Bukayo Saka back until the end of the season but 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, who is of Nigerian parentage, showed glimpses of what he could offer in his stead with a sparkling performance in Wednesday’s 3-1 win away at Brentford.
Saka is often the first name on the team sheet but after being sidelined for “more than two months” following hamstring surgery, Arteta needed a quick solution as Arsenal look to erase Liverpool’s six-point lead in the title race.
Gabriel Martinelli auditioned for Saka’s role but the right flank did not suit the right-footed winger when they beat Ipswich Town and the Brazilian thrived on his return to the left wing at Brentford, finding the net with a neat finish.
With Arsenal also dealing with injuries and illness in the squad, Arteta handed Nwaneri his first start as the teenager’s nascent Premier League career came full circle at the ground he made his debut as a 15-year-old.
“It was a decision I made because I thought he was the best player to play in the position to start the game and because there was a story there with his debut here,” Arteta said.
“He made his Premier League debut and sometimes that feeling comes in and you feel it is the right one and then who knows.
“I think he was really composed, really determined, taking risks, taking initiative. Very impressive.”
Nwaneri showed no signs of nerves on his first start as the teenager kept busy on the right flank, carrying the ball with sublime ease as he dribbled past Brentford’s midfield and defence, particularly left back Keane Lewis-Potter.
PACE AND MOVEMENT
Mixing pace with clever movement, there were times when the bold English winger was not even touching the ball with his feet on the dribble but making rapid body movements as he slithered past and left Brentford players for dead.
Nwaneri was the only player to complete all his passes in the first half despite Brentford’s press while he was also on corner duty in a team that has thrived on set-piece goals.
He continued to impress in the second half, with his corner leading to Mikel Merino’s goal that put Arsenal ahead before his dangerous cross into the box which Brentford failed to clear allowed Martinelli to make it 3-1.
At 17 years and 286 days, Nwaneri is the third-youngest player to start for Arsenal in the Premier League after Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott.
With nine games in all competitions in a hectic January, Arteta will need all the help they can get and even if Saka may be irreplaceable, Nwaneri’s potential gives Arsenal another option.
Even if Arsenal seek a temporary replacement for Saka this month, they will rest easy knowing they did not have to pay a penny for an unpolished gem in Nwaneri who has come through the academy ranks having joined the club at the age of eight.
“He was really good. In training, he gives us all the right reasons (to play). We could’ve signed a player from any country, he would be playing,” Arteta added.
“We’re building him, he’s already played a lot of games, a lot of minutes for that age… And he fully deserves that.”
-Reuters
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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