Nigerian Football
Medal-winning Former Flying Eagles Captain, Andrew Uwe Offers Services To Nigeria
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
With Nigeria’s Flying Eagles still in a tricky group in the new draw conducted for the Under 20 Africa Cup of Nations holding in Egypt, former skipper of Nigeria’s youth team, Andrew Uwe has urged the team to think less about the relative football strength of their opponents and rather be focused on achieving success.
The Flying Eagles have been drawn alongside Morocco, Tunisia and Kenya in Group B. Previously, they were in an even more daunting group that had Egypt and South Africa apart from the recurred Morocco.
Uwe, who captained the 1985 set that became the first Nigerian U-20 team to have a podium finish at the FIFA World Youth Championship now called the U20 World Cup told Sports Village Square of his worries about Nigeria’s youth teams not making the top marks again, even in Africa.
The Flying Eagles last won the African U20 World Cup 10 years ago. That was a competition that Nigeria was early dominant when the competition was called the Tessema Cup.
At the time, the Flying Eagles were the breeding ground for players who later made marks in the national team.
Since Uwe led the 1985 squad to get to third place in the Soviet Union by defeating the hosts in the losers’ final match, only twice in 1989 and 2005 did the Flying Eagles get to the podium by placing second.
“It is worrisome”, Uwe said from his base in Germany where he is involved in a coaching programme for the youth. He said he wished to return and give back to the system that produced him, but his overtures have constantly been ignored.
Among the players he captained in Nigeria’s march to the first of three podium finishes in the U20 World Cup are Samson Siasia, Alloy Agu, Waidi Akanni all of who made names in the Super Eagles.
Uwe was a central figure in the sensational Leventis United – a team that rose from the third division, gaining promotion successively and topping all the divisions. The club went three seasons without losing any match.
“I was born in Lagos and featured prominently in the then popular Principals Cup, YSFON and the Flying Eagles after which I graduated into the Super Eagles and featured at the 1988, 1990 and 1992 Afcon”, said Andrew Uwe.
He captained the Super Eagles in the 2-0 defeat of Cameroon in a World Cup qualifier played on 10 June 1989 at the Lekan Salami Stadium. To date, it remains the Super Eagles’ only match at that stadium. He also featured at the football event of the Seoul ‘88 Olympics.
He was part of the ‘Belgium trek’ of the late 1980s and early 90s as he left for SK Roeselare in July 1993.
He made rounds at SV Wehen, VfB Oldenburg, LR Ahlen and BV Cloppenburg – all in Germany before venturing westward to the US in 2001.
In the US, he featured for Houston Dynamos before retiring to pursue a career in coaching.
Uwe obtained the A and B licenses as well as the Premier License in the US. He followed up with the Popular Sports C license the UEFA B-level license and the DFB (Germany) Elite Youth License.
Since 2001, he has been involved in coaching youth teams in the United States and Germany. Some of the clubs include Ade Youth Soccer Academy in Houston/Texas, Saint Agnes College Academy in Houston/Texas and VfB Oldenburg in Germany. Other clubs he handled in Germany include FC Wittsfeld (Oldenburg) and JFV NordWest Oldenburg
Briefly, he handled the Vandrezzer Academy in Uyo Nigeria as the Head Coach as well as the Technical Director of Real Sapphire FC in Lagos.
In other clime, he would have at least been a youth ambassador and inspiration to the youth teams. He urged that Nigeria should have ambassadors comprising successful players who made the marks as youth players.
“I have often offered to serve, but had never been given a hearing”, he lamented. He urged the current Flying Eagles players to aspire to make a mark in Egypt later this month.
A semi-final ticket will see the team among the four that will represent Africa at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.
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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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