Nigerian Football
Stores Supporters Deny Allegations
Stationery Stores Supporters Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited (also known as Stationery Stores Supporters Trust) has denied allegations raised against it in a newspaper publication last Saturday.
In a press release, signed by Barrister Oladipupo Atoloye, the assistant national secretary and Soji Akintola, the national treasurer, it was pointed out that the publication reported that Abayomi Banire who claimed to be chairman of Stationery Stores Supporters Club had asked both the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode and Sports minister, Solomon Dalung to ignore the Stationery Stores Supporters Trust in the quest for the return of Super Stores.
According to the press release, Abayomi Banire went on to allege that:
- Stationery Stores Supporters Trust does not represent the interest of Stores’ fans.
- It does not have the permission and consent of the Club owners
- That he, Abayomi Banire is the only one who can facilitate an engagement with the club owners by anyone who wants to “…represent Stores.”
- That the supporters do not know any “James Ime or Yomi Opakunle.”
- That some hijackers have been deceiving the fans and “using the name of the Club to gather players.”
- That the Stationery Stores Supporters Trust has been “collecting money from people”.
Responding to the allegations, the Stationery Stores Supporters Trust wrote:
“We wish to respond, for the avoidance of doubt and to debunk these weighty and libellous allegations as follows:
“The Stationery Stores Supporters Trust is a freewill aggregation of those who support Stationery Stores FC. It is registered as a Cooperative Multipurpose Society with the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives with registration number LSCS 15613 and inaugurated by the officials of its Ikeja Area Office at the Legacy Pitch of the National Stadium Lagos, before the public, on October 22, 2016.
“It is open to only those supporters who wish to join and its membership is not mandatory. It was set up as part of a process of organising interested Supporters and under the mandate given by Stationery Stores Football Club Limited (RC 146339) on March 10 2014.
“Messrs Eliashib Ime-James and Yomi Opakunle are both National President and National Secretary of the Trust respectively as elected by members of the Stationery Stores Supporters Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited.
“They, as well as all members of the Trust, are exercising their freedom to associate, hold and express opinion as guaranteed by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999).
“That our publicly-expressed support for the positions of His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, Governor Akinwumi Ambode, and the Honourable Minister of Youth & Sports, Federal Government of Nigeria, Comrade Solomon Dalung, on the need for legacy clubs like Stationery Stores FC to return to action was in good faith and devoid of any intention to obtain pecuniary gain.
“These two well-respected citizens gave a very high profile support to our efforts, over the past 10 years and at great personal cost to us, to see the return of Stationery Stores FC.
“We state categorically that the Trust has never collected money from people under any false pretence. Indeed, SSST only began the processing of the Directorate of Cooperatives-sanction opening of bank account upon receipt of its Registration Certificate in early February 2017 from the Directorate and which is yet to be concluded.
“SSST at the Directorate of Cooperatives-directed Pre-Registration General Meeting, passed a resolution that all transactions of the Trust including the yet-to-commence mandatory monthly savings, must be cashless and done only through bank transactions.
“It has so far organised two events viz. A “Supporters’ Day” at which it honoured some supporters, former administrators and coaches, including the former 1st civilian Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, the doyen of Sports Journalism & Stationery Stores FC’s 1st Team Manager – Pa Peter Osugo a.k.a. PECOS and Mr. Shola Idowu a.k.a. Mr. Anonymous, amongst many others (in October 2016); as well as the presentation of Awards to seven former players who were part of the all-conquering 1992 set of Stationery Stores FC coached by the Late Abdulahi Bebe (January 2017).
“These events were personally funded by SSST EXCO Members. Outside of these two, the Supporters Trust has not undertaken any project nor has it solicited money from anyone. Furthermore, these two events were not only well-attended but widely publicised in the domestic news media and internationally, with support from all those interested in seeing that the permanent return of Stationery Stores FC becomes a reality.
“The Stationery Stores Supporters Trust has never gathered players as it is not a football club and does not own any football club. It has no intention of taking over Stationery Stores FC as that is not part of its aims and it is not a shareholder of SSFC.
“It is simply an organised platform for supporting the owners of the Club in ensuring not only the return, but the viability of the Club and ensuring that supporters have a formal say in efforts to move the club forward.
“It is clear that Mr. Abayomi Banire’s reported allegations are not only false and malicious, but are calculated to destabilise efforts by interested supporters to better organise themselves.
“It sought to impugn the character, credibility, image and reputation of Eliashib Ime-James and Yomi Opakunle —two key actors of the Trust, in a futile attempt to destroy a worthy and completely new approach to organising supporters in Nigeria and we wholeheartedly condemn it.
“Furthermore, we also consider Mr. Banire’s reported Press Release to be an emerging but clearly futile effort to frustrate the permanent return and viability of Stationery Stores FC.
“Given the fate that has befallen the club in recent times and the spirited effort of the Adebajo family and many people of goodwill to ensure the existence of a strong and viable Stationery Stores FC, this dangerous recourse to blackmail and libel by the said Mr. Banire and his sponsors should be condemned by all well-meaning supporters of our great club and indeed by all sports lovers.
“In conclusion, we are in support of all legitimate efforts being considered by our two Executive Committee members to redress the damage to their image, credibility and reputation and will do everything in our power to support them in doing so.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has declared that the revival of school football competitions across Nigeria would be the most appropriate way to immortalise late Green Eagles legend, Henry Nwosu.
Dikko made the statement while receiving members of Nwosu’s family, representatives of Imo State Concerned Sports Stakeholders and members of the football icon’s burial committee at his office inside the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
Paying tribute to the late winger, Dikko described Nwosu as one of the most gifted and exciting footballers of his generation, recalling how the former Green Eagles star rose from school football to become a national hero at a young age.
“Henry Nwosu MON started playing for the national team at a very young age. The history of school sports, particularly the Principals Cup, will not be complete without his name,” Dikko said.
“At that very young age, he featured for Nigeria at the AFCON in 1980. He is an example to every aspiring young athlete that it is possible to get to the highest level.”
The NSC chairman noted that Nwosu’s journey from grassroots football to continental glory serves as inspiration for the commission’s renewed emphasis on discovering and nurturing talents through school sports programmes.
According to him, the late footballer should be immortalised in a manner that reflects both his exploits with the national team and his deep roots in school football.
“At the Federal level and in conjunction with the Imo State Government, something should be captured to make sure that his name is engraved in our schools’ sports history,” Dikko added.
“For instance, a school sports tournament should be named after him. It is a huge loss for the nation, and we will do all we can to ensure that his labours are not forgotten.”
Dikko also pledged the commission’s support for all activities lined up for Nwosu’s burial and assured that the NSC would collaborate with the Imo State Government and the Nigeria Football Federation to ensure the late football legend receives a befitting honour.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has declared that the revival of school football competitions across Nigeria would be the most appropriate way to immortalise late Green Eagles legend, Henry Nwosu.
Dikko made the statement while receiving members of Nwosu’s family, representatives of Imo State Concerned Sports Stakeholders and members of the football icon’s burial committee at his office inside the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
Paying tribute to the late winger, Dikko described Nwosu as one of the most gifted and exciting footballers of his generation, recalling how the former Green Eagles star rose from school football to become a national hero at a young age.
“Henry Nwosu MON started playing for the national team at a very young age. The history of school sports, particularly the Principals Cup, will not be complete without his name,” Dikko said.
“At that very young age, he featured for Nigeria at the AFCON in 1980. He is an example to every aspiring young athlete that it is possible to get to the highest level.”
The NSC chairman noted that Nwosu’s journey from grassroots football to continental glory serves as inspiration for the commission’s renewed emphasis on discovering and nurturing talents through school sports programmes.
According to him, the late footballer should be immortalised in a manner that reflects both his exploits with the national team and his deep roots in school football.
“At the Federal level and in conjunction with the Imo State Government, something should be captured to make sure that his name is engraved in our schools’ sports history,” Dikko added.
“For instance, a school sports tournament should be named after him. It is a huge loss for the nation and we will do all we can to ensure that his labours are not forgotten.”
Dikko also pledged the commission’s support for all activities lined up for Nwosu’s burial and assured that the NSC would collaborate with the Imo State Government and the Nigeria Football Federation to ensure the late football legend receives a befitting honour.
Earlier, Nwosu’s eldest sister, Mrs. Ijeoma Onyewuchi, expressed the family’s grief over the passing of the former international, describing him as the only son among four children whose absence would leave a huge vacuum.
She praised his immense contribution to Nigerian football and appealed to the NSC to support the family in organising a successful burial ceremony.
Speaking on behalf of Imo State Concerned Sports Stakeholders, Dr. Geoffrey Ogu called on the Federal Government and the Imo State Government to immortalise Nwosu through football programmes and projects that would inspire future generations.
Ogu also appealed for a state burial for the late football icon, noting that such recognition would determine the level of honour, funding and participation from both governments.
He further requested official approval for national honours during the burial rites, including draping the casket with the Nigerian flag, the recitation of the national anthem and the observance of a minute’s silence.
Nwosu, a member of Nigeria’s victorious 1980 Africa Cup of Nations squad, died on March 14, 2026, at the age of 62.
The former Green Eagles star is scheduled to be buried on June 6, 2026, in his hometown of Naze, Imo State, with several activities already planned in his honour.
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By Kunle Solaja, Ikenne
Former champions Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourists have been relegated from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) after dramatic Matchday 37 defeats left the title race and survival battle heading into a tense final day on May 24.
At the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Bayelsa United suffered a 2-1 defeat to Remo Stars despite taking an early lead through Ofem Nneoyi in the seventh minute. The striker raced through on goal before calmly finishing past goalkeeper Adebiyi Obassa.
Remo Stars responded before the break when Alex Oyowah rose highest to head home the equaliser five minutes before halftime. Veteran forward Victor Mbaoma then struck the decisive goal in the 64th minute to hand the hosts a crucial victory that preserved their hopes of top-flight survival.
In Bauchi, Wikki Tourists twice led against Rivers United but eventually crashed 3-2 at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium in a pulsating encounter that also kept the title race alive until the final day.
Jonathan Mairiga gave Wikki the lead in the 21st minute before Handsome Surveyor restored parity for Rivers United in the 34th minute. Imamu Bala put Wikki ahead again four minutes into the second half, but Chijioke Mbaoma levelled for the visitors before Taofeek Otaniyi netted the dramatic winner in the 85th minute.
Rivers United’s late winner proved decisive for the championship race. For much of the afternoon, the Rangers looked set to clinch the title after establishing what had become a four-point lead while Rivers were trailing in Bauchi.
However, Rivers United’s comeback reduced Rangers’ advantage to just one point, ensuring the battle for the NPFL crown will be settled on the final day of the season.
Rangers, the only NPFL club never to have suffered relegation, edged Bendel Insurance 2-1 in Enugu to stay top of the table on 65 points. Godwin Obaje scored twice for the Flying Antelopes, while Alex Oweilayefa grabbed Bendel Insurance’s goal.
Rivers United remain second on 64 points and will host Katsina United on the final day, while Rangers travel to Lagos for a difficult encounter against Ikorodu City.
The race for continental qualification also intensified after Shooting Stars defeated Barau FC 1-0 in Ibadan courtesy of Lucky Emmanuel’s first-half strike. The Oluyole Warriors climbed to third place with 60 points.
Ikorodu City, however, suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat away to Katsina United. Jamilu Yusuf scored twice for the hosts, while Azeez Falolu and Daniel Agara added further goals. Abayomi Ayodeji scored Ikorodu City’s lone goal.
Kano Pillars boosted their survival hopes with a narrow 1-0 win over Warri Wolves thanks to a Rabiu Ali penalty, while Federation Cup holders Kwara United defeated Enyimba 2-0 through Bright Babatunde’s first-half brace.
In Lafia, Nasarawa United beat Plateau United 1-0 with Jofrank Istifanus scoring the only goal, though the result was not enough to keep them in contention for a continental ticket.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the round came in Aba, where Kun Khalifat stunned Abia Warriors 2-0. Uchechukwu Onuoha scored both goals to move the newcomers closer to securing another season in the NPFL.
El-Kanemi Warriors and Niger Tornadoes played out a goalless draw in Maiduguri.
With one round of matches remaining, Rangers lead the standings on 65 points, one ahead of Rivers United, while Bayelsa United and Wikki Tourists are confirmed as the two relegated sides
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Nigerian Football
Ever-Present Falconets Qualify for 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Despite Malawi Scare
Nigeria’s U20 girls, the Falconets, once again underlined their status as Africa’s most consistent side at youth level after sealing qualification for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland despite a nervy 2-1 defeat to Malawi’s Young Scorchers in Lilongwe on Saturday.
The seven-time African champions progressed 3-2 on aggregate, relying on the crucial 2-0 first-leg victory secured in Ikenne a week earlier through an own goal by Malawi defender Maureen Kenneth and a fine strike from Kindness Ifeanyi.
The qualification means Nigeria have maintained their remarkable record of appearing at every edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup since the competition was introduced.
Backed by a passionate home crowd in Lilongwe, the Young Scorchers came out aggressively and quickly put the Falconets under pressure. Their persistence paid off early in the first half when a defensive mix-up in the Nigerian backline allowed a Malawian attacker to head home the opener and spark hopes of an unlikely comeback.
Nigeria almost responded immediately through the lively Kindness Ifeanyi, whose dangerous delivery from the right flank found Favour Nkwocha inside the area. However, Nkwocha’s powerful effort crashed against the woodwork as the hosts carried a 1-0 lead into halftime.
The tension intensified 10 minutes after the restart when another lapse in Nigeria’s defence gifted Malawi a second goal, drawing the tie level at 2-2 on aggregate and placing the Falconets’ proud qualification streak in serious danger.
With the momentum shifting towards the hosts, Falconets coach Moses Aduku turned to his bench for inspiration, and substitute Precious Oscar delivered at the decisive moment.
Oscar capitalised on hesitation in the Malawian defence in the 62nd minute, dispossessing an opponent before calmly slotting past the goalkeeper to hand Nigeria a priceless away goal and restore their aggregate advantage.
The strike silenced the home crowd and ultimately proved decisive as the Falconets showed composure and resilience in the closing stages to protect their lead and confirm another appearance on the global stage.
Although the defeat marked a rare away setback for Aduku’s side after impressive victories in Rwanda and Senegal earlier in the qualifying campaign, the Falconets achieved their primary mission of securing qualification for the world finals.
The 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup will be held in Poland from September 5 to 26.
Following the match, the Nigerian delegation expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Malawi, Ambassador Ibrahim Miringa, and the staff of the Nigerian mission in Malawi for their hospitality and support throughout the team’s stay in the southern African nation.
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