Nigerian Football
LMC Vows To Protect Referees
In apparent reaction to the Nigeria Referees Associations criticism of recent decisions of the League Management Company on the riot that followed matches in Kano and Gombe, the LMC chairman,
Shehu Dikko has restated that safety and welfare of all persons at match venues counts high.
This, according to a press release by Harry Iwuala, includes that of match officials whom he said is of paramount importance to the league body.
Dikko was clarifying the misconception contained in a letter to him by the president of the NRA, Tade Azeez which suggested that the LMC neglected to order compensation for the match officials assaulted at the Sani Abacha Stadium by some misguided fans after the Match Day 18 fixture between Kano Pillars and Akwa United.
The LMC Chairman said it would be wrong to create an impression that assault on match officials has been a regular feature of the NPFL and pointed out that the incident in Kano was just the second on-field incident that affected match officials with the first being on Match Day 1 in Enugu in the match between Rangers International and Abia Warriors.
“In this case the LMC fined Rangers N250, 000 as compensation to the Match Commissioner who was the victim in addition to any certified medical expenses that may arise.
“In the Match Day 12 incidence in Nnewi, the LMC investigated the report and found that the attack on the match officials could have been a robbery as it happened on their way to the motor park a day after the match and wrote to warn FC IfeanyiUbah that Referees must be protected until they depart the city.
“The Match officials’ reports also supported this finding”. Dikko further corrected the erroneous impression that the compensation for the Match Officials assaulted in Kano on Sunday were not covered by the sanctions announced on Tuesday.
“This was indeed the second charge in the Summary Jurisdiction notice issued Kano Pillars and which read, ‘You are in breach of Rule C1 of the Framework and Rules of the Nigeria Professional League Football League, in that on Sunday, 9th April, 2017, immediately after your Match Day 18 Fixture: Kano Pillars FC vs. Akwa United FC, some of your stewards and supporters assaulted match officials (including the Referee, the First Assistant Referee, the Second Assistant Referee and the Fourth Official), thereby failing to comply with the principles of fair play and sportsmanship.
“We went ahead to fine Kano Pillars N1m for this breach and impose the payment of compensation of N250, 000 for each of the four match officials in addition to any verified medical cost that the injured officials may bring.
“This was contained in paragraph B of the Summary Jurisdiction notice issued to Kano Pillars”, Dikko further stated.
The LMC said it considers match officials and the NRA as partners in the organisation of the league and advised that all channels of communication existing between the two bodies should always be used, harping on the need to avoid public statements that tend to portray the league negatively.
“Our public statement on the recent sanctions started with assurances to Fans, Referees, Players, Coaches and Journalists that safety at match venues would continue to be attended to at all times and this explains why we have taken deliberate steps to attend to the general and individual professional pursuits of our Referees through financial and material support.
“This season, the LMC has included match officials in a comprehensive combined welfare e Insurance package for Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) which before now covered only club officials, coaches, players and backroom staff.
“Indeed, the compensation package negotiated for the Referees is higher than all parties as they are at more risk given their very critical role in matches.
“It is noteworthy that the LMC is at present processing claims for a Referee who sustained injuries from an accident on his way home from an NPFL match”.
Buttressing further how the LMC has been supportive of the individual and general good of the Referees, Dikko said “it is pursuant to enhancing the professional performance of the Referees that the LMC has been providing support funding for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Referees Committee which collaborates with the NRA in organizing fitness tests and training programs to ensure our referees are well trained and attained optimal level.
“In this ongoing 2016/17 season, it is also on record that the LMC has provided over 100 elite Referees with cooler set of three match uniforms free of charge as further motivation to do well and reduce the financial burden on Referees in respect of procurement of uniforms”, Dikko noted.
He insisted that contrary to the claims by the NRA President, “all claims arising from previous assaults on match officials were remitted directly to the concerned persons directly by the LMC which in turn deducts the amount from clubs’ earnings from sponsorship funds.
“The only outstanding claim is that of Referee Ago who in respect of his damaged FIFA wrist watch and for which he made an initial claim in dollars but has now agreed to be compensated in Naira”.
Finally, Dikko assured the NRA President that the LMC will not relent in providing the right environment and atmosphere at match venues on match days to ensure that Referees discharged their responsibility without hindrance. To this end, additional security measures would be instituted at all match venues to ensure the right atmosphere at all matches.
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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