The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Mrs Sarah Chukwueze, mother of Super Eagles winger, Samuel Chukwueze, describing the loss as a painful blow to the Nigerian football family.

In a condolence message on Thursday, NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said the federation was devastated by the news, especially coming just days after the Super Eagles had mourned another bereavement involving the family of team captain, Wilfred Ndidi.

“We are aware that Mrs Sarah Chukwueze was a vital and supportive presence in the lives of her children, including our international player, Samuel Chukwueze,” Sanusi said.

He noted that the AC Milan forward had consistently acknowledged his mother’s influence on his career and personal development, describing her passing as a profound loss not only to the family but also to Nigerian football.

“Samuel has always, at every opportunity, acknowledged his mother’s influence on his professional development. We are sad at her departure, coming only a few days after we had to mourn the sudden passing of the father of Super Eagles’ captain, Wilfred Ndidi,” Sanusi added.

The NFF General Secretary offered prayers for the repose of Mrs Chukwueze’s soul and strength for the bereaved family.

“We pray that God will grant her eternal rest, and also grant those she has left behind, including Samuel and his siblings, the fortitude to bear the big loss,” he said.

The federation assured the Chukwueze family of its support and solidarity during the period of mourning, as the Super Eagles community continues to stand together in difficult times.

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Viktoria Plzen signed Nigeria international Salim Fago Lawal from Croatia’s NK Istra on Tuesday. The Czech club said the 23-year-old centre forward, who can also be used as a winger, had penned a three-and-a-half-year contract.

Lawal has scored seven goals this season in his 19 games for Istra in the Croatian league and cup.

Financial details were not disclosed, but Viktoria reportedly paid 2.4 million euros ($2.9 million) for Lawal, who was in the Nigerian team that claimed the bronze medal at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Viktoria has reached the knockout stage of the Europa League.

-AP

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In a leadership change with echoes from the sporting arena, the Federal Character Commission (FCC) on Tuesday witnessed a smooth baton exchange as former Acting Chairman, Kayode Oladele, handed over to the newly appointed Executive Chairman, Ayo Hulayat Omidiran, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Much like a seasoned captain stepping into a new contest, Omidiran arrives with a background rooted in sports administration, having previously served as a member of the Nigeria Football Association and, most recently, as head of its Women’s Football Committee. Her formal assumption of office follows her swearing-in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last Thursday.

Oladele, who had held the acting role since July 2, 2025, took charge after the exit of the substantive Executive Chairman, Muheeba Farida Dankaka, and guided the Commission through nearly seven months of transition and consolidation.

In her acceptance remarks, Omidiran expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve and commended Oladele for his steady leadership during the period.

“I accept this responsibility with a profound sense of honour and commitment. I sincerely appreciate Kayode Oladele for his dedication, stability and efforts in steering the Commission over the past almost seven months,” she said.

She noted that Oladele’s stewardship ensured continuity and institutional balance within the Commission, praising the cooperation and professionalism that marked the handover process.

Assuring commissioners and management of inclusive leadership, Omidiran reaffirmed her commitment to transparency, fairness and national cohesion in the discharge of the Commission’s constitutional mandate.

“I look forward to working closely with all commissioners and the management team to strengthen the Commission and effectively deliver on our constitutional mandate,” said Omidiran, who represented Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019.

Following the ceremony, the new Executive Chairman formally submitted the handover documents to the FCC Verification Committee for review and documentation. She also announced the constitution of several statutory and ad hoc committees aimed at strengthening internal processes and improving the overall effectiveness of the Commission.

The event was attended by the Secretary of the Commission, Mohammed Musa, state commissioners, key stakeholders and members of the media.

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