Nigerian Football
Remo Stars are Nigeria’s 21st League Champions

BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
By beating Niger Tornadoes 1-0 to win the Nigeria Premier Football League on Sunday, Remo Stars have become the 21st club to win the title since the league at national level was introduced in 1972.
But if professional football is the consideration, they become the 17th champions since 1990.
Most titles have been won by Enyimba, who won their 9th title in the 2022/23 season.
Yet, it was not a bed of roses for the club that is arguably Nigeria’s most successful club.
They were relegated in 1991 after finishing 15th in a 16-team league.
They returned to the elite division in 1994 after topping the lower division in 1993.
The next most successful club is Enugu Rangers, who have eight titles. But the bulk is in the amateur era when they were the dominant force in Nigerian football.
Since the professional period, Enugu Rangers have won just two titles in 2016 and 2024.
They are followed up by their age-long rivals, Shooting Stars, who have five titles, the last of which was won 27 years ago.
Heartland also have five titles, all won when the club was Iwuanyanwu Nationale.
Next are Kano Pillars, who are the second club from Kano to win the league. Before their four victories in 2008 and from 2012 to 2014, the now-defunct Raccah Rovers were Nigeria’s champions in 1978.
The NPFL winning team of 2021/22, Rivers United, can lay claim to four titles following the victory of Eagle Cement in 1997 and that of succeeding Dolphins in 2004 and 2011. Rivers United is a fusion of the older Sharks FC and Dolphins (previously Eagle Cement) in 2016.
Bendel Insurance have two titles won in 1973 and 1979 before the advent of professional football in Nigeria.
Also winning twice are the defunct Julius Berger of Lagos, who were champions in 1991 and 1999.
Other past winners who are no longer in the topflight of Nigerian football include Mighty Jets, the inaugural winners of 1972; Raccah Rovers of Kano (1978); New Nigerian Bank (1985); Leventis United (1986); Stationary Stores (1992); Udoji United (1996); and Ocean Boys (2006).
Others with single titles are Plateau United (2017) and Akwa United (2021).
Champions by season
- 1972 – Mighty Jets
- 1973 – Bendel Insurance
- 1974 – Enugu Rangers
- 1975 – Enugu Rangers
- 1976 – Shooting Stars
- 1977 – Enugu Rangers
- 1978 – Raccah Rovers, Kano
- 1979 – Bendel Insurance
- 1980 – Shooting Stars
- 1981- Enugu Rangers
- 1982 – Enugu Rangers
- 1983 – Shooting Stars
- 1984 – Enugu Rangers
- 1985 – New Nigeria Bank
- 1986 – Leventis United, Ibadan
- 1987 – Iwuanyanwu Nationale (now Heartland)
- 1988 – Iwuanyanwu Nationale
- 1989 – Iwuanyanwu Nationale
- 1990- Iwuanyanwu Nationale
- 1991 – Julius Berger
- 1992 – Stationery Stores
- 1993 – Iwuanyanwu Nationale
- 1994 – BCC Lions
- 1995 – Shooting Stars
- 1996 – Udoji United
- 1997 -Dolphins
- 1998 – Shooting Stars
- 1999 – Lobi Stars
- 2000 – Julius Berger
- 2001 – Enyimba
- 2002 – Enyimba
- 2003 – Enyimba
- 2004 – Dolphins
- 2005 – Enyimba
- 2006 – Ocean Boys
- 2007 – Enyimba
- 2008 – Kano Pillars
- 2009 – Bayelsa United
- 2010 – Enyimba
- 2011 – Dolphin
- 2012 – Kano Pillars
- 2013 – Kano Pillars
- 2014 – Kano Pillars
- 2015 – Enyimba
- 2016 – Enugu Rangers
- 2017 – Plateau United
- 2018 – Cancelled
- 2019 – Enyimba
- 2020 – Cancelled Owing to COVID-19
- 2021- Akwa United
- 2022 – Rivers United
- 2023 – Enyimba
- 2024 – Enugu Rangers
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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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Nigerian Football
Former NSC DG and teammate, Ekeji, pays tribute to Christian Chukwu

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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Nigerian Football
NALCOMA Applauds NNL Leadership for Successful 2024/25 Season

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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