Nigerian Football
Riot as Akwa United Crumble Pillars in Kano
BY MFON PATRICK.
It was one of the most dramatic score line of the season, it also turned bloody as Akwa United beat the fanatically supported Kano Pillars in their Kano fortress.
It was Christian Pyagbara’s 19th minute goal that shaped the score line, giving Paul Bassey’s Akwa United its first away win of the season.
A brilliant exchange of passes by Aremu Afeez and Ifeanyi Ifeanyi following a counter attack by the Akwa United was perfectly received by Alhassan Ibrahim who neatly assisted Pyagbara to score the only goal of the match.
The bulldozer striker was one of the three changes Coach Maikaba made to the starting line up from the team that beat Shooting Stars in Uyo on match day 17 and he quickly made his impact felt in the 19th minute with what was his second goal of the season, silencing the capacity crowd at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
The Promise Keepers dominated play in the midfield as Ifeanyi, Aremu, and Alhassan detected the pace of the game and simply outclassed their host throughout the duration of the game.
Ubong Friday and Ifeanyi Ifeanyi could have doubled their team’s lead in the 23th and 27th minute but their efforts were off target.
A superior performance by Coach Maikaba boys forced Kano Pillars to effect their first substation in the 27th with Nazifi Yahaya replaced by Adamu Muhammad.
The home team had their first real chance to score in the 30th minute but Kabiru Balogun’s shot narrowly missed the target as Akwa United went into the break with a 0-1 lead.
The two teams resumed the second stanza of the game with high hopes, but it was Akwa United that picked up from where they left off, settling in nicely and frustrating all the attacking moves of their hosts.
Goal scorer Christian Pyagbara was a thorn in the flesh for Chinedu Udoji in the heart of Kano Pillars defence. Amaechi Orji and Paterne Counou gave good account of themselves in the left wing and Ubong Friday and Kodjo Dadzie were terrorising Pillars defence at will.
And on the other end, Godspower Igudia and Ariwachukwu Emmanuel formed solid partnership, winning all aerial battles and marshalling a watertight defence.
The home team threw in Bala Zakka and Amos Gyang to replaced Victor Dennis and Ibrahim Ahassan but their introduction amounted to nothing as goalkeeper Emmanuel Iwu was in his right element to deny all of Pillars late charge.
Coach Maikaba made three tactical changes in an attempt to defend his team’s lead. Musa Newman, Gideon Julius and Chigozie Chilekwu were introduced in the second half as replacement for Ubong Friday, Amaechi Orji and Christian Pyagbara respectively.
Referee Omowaiye Segun from Lagos and his assistants were fair and firm in their decisions despite persistent pressure and shouts from the fans who threw missiles into the pitch towards the end of the match. But Akwa United held on to what was their first win against Pillars in Kano and their first away winning of the season.
The defeat was the second home match in a row in which Pillars failed to win and their second defeat in three games, thereby condemning Masu Gida to 11th position on the NPFL table.
The victory moved Akwa United to fifth position on the NPFL table with 26 points from 18 matches and they will next engage Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries MFM of Lagos in Uyo in the last match of the first stanza of the league.
There was however a bitter end to the match. Violence erupted after the final whistle. Players and officials were on the receiving end as angry home fans unleashed missiles unto the pitch denying the players and officials access to the dressing room.
One of the match officials slumped after he was hit on the chest, Akwa United’s goalkeeper trainer Moses Effiong (MON) was hit in the head and two defenders Ofem Inah and Kodjoiv Dadzie were seriously beaten up in the tunnel leading to the dressing room.
Akwa United’s team bus was an object of attack as it was stoned while driving out of the stadium thus forcing the team to seek solace outside the city of Kano.
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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