Nigerian Football
GO ROUND FC GOING ROUND TRIUMPHANTLY
BY CHINA ACHERU
Go Round FC have already won twice on the road since the 2018/19 Nigeria Professional Football League season kicked off ten match days ago, but the club this term is more than just the points acquired.
The style has changed and it is the smooth passing game of the club that has wowed fans both at home and away since the season kicked off.
In the pre-season friendly match against Akwa United, Port Harcourt based football writer, Emmanuel Olugbenga maintained that the style of the club had changed.
“I have noticed their passing game has changed. They do not just go route- one like before. They are actually passing the ball and being patient about it,” Emmanuel said.
But that was just a pre-season friendly game.
After beating Abia Warriors 2-1 in Umuahia in the team’s first game of the season, something had hit the consciousness of Nigerians. Go Round FC, maybe like Rangers of 2016 and MFM FC were ready to wow fans with their style, but how long would this last?
League Management Company, LMC Match Delegate, Fisayo Dairo spoke in glowing terms about how the team played.
“They were clearly the better side, passing the ball around the pitch patiently as they bore down on goal. Samuel Stone was tormentor in chief as he continued to bully the Abia Warriors players. Go Round FC were not in any danger of losing or drawing the game, even after the home side equalised,” Dairo told NPFL.ng.
Patience is the key
The club’s first home game against FC Ifeanyi Ubah ended goalless, but unlike previous Go Round FC sides, they did not get desperate and change their style especially towards the end of the game. They remained patient, trying to pass their opponents to death.
The same thing happened in the team’s second home draw against Kada City. At no time did they get desperate. Even when the fans became a bit agitated demanding a goal, there were no long balls loaded into the penalty area from defence. They just continued to play from the back, a rarity in the Nigerian League.
“That is how I want my team to play,” Willy Udube told NPFL.ng.
“We want to change the perception of Nigerian football and one way to do that is to see to it that it is entertaining. It does not matter the pressure, we will keep the ball on the ground, pass the ball until the goals come. And if the goals do not come, we will try again the next match. We will win by passing the ball,” Udube said.
Udube’s revolution is entertaining
During the home win against Kano Pillars, it was clear that the more experienced visiting side did not know what hit them and Go Round FC passed them off the pitch.
Once in the game Otega, in Central Defence played the ball through the middle for Morice Chukwu; Chukwu guided the ball well, holding it up until Right Full Back, Ebuka Akobundu ran up into space and his through pass located him up front.
Rather than cross the ball, Ebuka cut it back displacing his marker, then passed to Shedrack who had left the penalty area to claim the ball. Backing the post, Shadrack feinted as though he wanted to make a dash in but back heeled to Stanley Worlu who passed side ways to Chukwu, but his shot went wide.
The fans’ applaud was wild, they were excited and patient too. The scenario described above has become a regular feature when the club plays, a testament to their training routine which is displayed in the League too. But the coach is worried that they do not score as much as they play.
“We are not scoring as much as we want, but anyone who watches us play will know there is a difference in our play and we believe that if we keep at it, the goals will start coming,” Udube said.
In Okigwe against Heartland, Go Round FC outplayed the hosts but profligacy ensured they did not score until Okon Otop won the game for the home side at the death; in Lafia against Plateau United, Go Round FC were in complete control of the game until the 77th minute when the home side scored.
“We want to enjoy football and we want the fans, both ours and those of the opponents to enjoy football too. If we do this consistently, then you can be rest assured that the nation and maybe the continent will start talking about a certain club in a small town in Rivers State playing decent football. That is what we want. We also believe the attackers will score more consistently to cap the performance with goals.
“But goals or not, we will not change our style. We would rather train to be more prolific,” Udube said.
In the off season, the team lost five starting players in Stanley Nwabali, Chile Azu, Nelson Esor, Okon Otop and Chidi Nwachukwu, but the likes of Dede, Akaba Otega, Ifeanyi Anyanwu, Rilwan Sadiq and Patrick Osakwe who joined up have ensured that the club continued from where it stopped last season.
Go Round FC plan to make a statement with the League this season and they seem to be doing it, but it is still early days yet.
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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