Nigerian Football
Why we set up another players’ union, ANPU, Kanu, ANPU spokesman
BY KUNLE SOLAJA
On Sunday in Lagos, just about the time the Super Eagles were battling Central African Republic in Douala in the qualifying series for the World Cup, a new players’ union for Nigerian footballers was being unveiled.
That increases the number of players’ union in the country by one. Before then, there had been the National Association of Nigeria Footballers (NANF) being run by Harrison Jalla; the National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) under Tijani Babangida.
The latter was reported to have secured affiliation to the world body, Fédération Internationale des Associations de Footballeurs Professionnels (FIFPRO) in Amsterdam, Holland two years ago.
The new footballers’ body All Nigerian Players Union (ANPU) has another former Super Eagles player, Abdul Sule as its president. Sule a former Stationary Stores fullback who made his debut for Nigeria in an ECOWAS Cup duel in Bauchi against Sennegal on 28 January 1990 was capped eight times under Clemens Westerhof.
FIFA Centurion, Joseph Yobo who did not attend the unveiling event as he was with the Super Eagles in Douala, is named as the First Vice President. He had 100 international cap for Nigeria since his debut against Zambia in Chingola on 24 March 2001.
Another retired international player, Julius Aghahowa is the treasurer while Chikelue Iloenusi who made his international debut in the 0-0 draw Nigeria had in a World Cup qualifier against Eritrea in Asmara on 9 April 2000, is the chairman of the Board of Trustees.
The General Secretary is Olisah Onuchukwu, the Sporting Director/CEO at Nnewi United football club.
According to Monday Kanu, the spokesman for ANPU, the body came into being owing to the deplorable and steady decline in the standard of living of retired footballers.
“Penury, depression and ill health looms large, everywhere! It is on record that some few persons took the destiny of the Nigerian players for granted.
“These few individuals did whatever their fickle and parochial minds could muster without any consideration for the masses of the players.
“The pretenders that paraded themselves as managers of the affairs of the Union in a long time were only there for what to put in their pockets or like we say in the local parlance, stomach infrastructure instead of the welfare of the players.
“What has been the case in time past is akin to the situation with the Pharisees and Scribes that refuse to enter the Kingdom of God. For they neither enter themselves nor allow others to do so”, the statement issued at the Sunday unveiling read.
According to Monday Kanu, there was nothing wrong in the plurality of players’ unions.
He told Sports Village Square that the situation was akin to what is obtained in other climes. He gave the labour unions and accounting bodies as examples.
“There is the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress. The accountants in Nigeria have Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) ICAN and the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN).”
He argued that the same principle follows in the formation of another footballers’ union. He further told www.sportsvillagesquare.com that within four days of its creation, ANPU already had over 200 members and the figure kept growing.
He further pointed out that owing to the surge in membership, a whatspp group platform created was already considering migrating to Telegram which accommodates larger group members than the limit of 256 of Whatsapp.
“The bulk of the members are current and retired player that reach out to us on their own expressing interest to be part of the Union. The growth of our platform is so rapid such that we are about to migrate to Telegram. The membership would be formalised through some necessary documentation eventually.”
Regarding international affiliation, Kanu remarked that the process was ongoing and that they also had members in the Diaspora who were fully dedicated to pilot the ANPU affairs internationally.
At the moment, it is the Tijani Babangida led NANPF that appears to have a link with FIFPRO.
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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