Nigerian Football
Kwara, Ogun Compete For Channels International Kids Cup Trophy
Burahanudeen LGEA Primary School from Kwara and African Church Central Primary School from Ogun State will play in the finals of the first edition of the Channels International Kids Cup. The match holds on Saturday at the Campos Square Mini Stadium, Lagos Island
Both schools enjoyed a good run from the start of the tournament and will be hoping to make record by becoming the first team to win the maiden international edition.
The boys from Burahanudeen played in Group B alongside last year’s champion, Kaduna, Rivers and Ekiti. In their first game, they defeated St. Augustine’s Catholic Primary school from Ekiti 2-1.
In the second match, they swept aside World Book Model Primary School from Rivers State 2-0 and rounded off the group stage with a 1-1 result against Jaafaru School from Kaduna, who were also a strong force in the group.
In the quarter-finals, the boys from Kwara played a different brand of football that showed they meant business. Playing against the impressive boys from Community Primary School, Imo they showed good character and achieved a convincing 4-0 victory. Waiting for them in the semi-finals was Mowoe Primary School from Delta.
In the semi-finals, Burahanudeen continued where they stopped against Imo. Five minutes into the game, Isiaka Shamsudeen scored the opener for Kwara.
But Delta will not go down without a fight and moments later, Oke Ahere drew level with a beautiful header. First half ended 1-1. It was a thrilling encounter.
When the game resumed, it was a post to post affair. Ten minutes to stoppage time, the boys from Kwara had a clear chance but Issa Kayode could not convert. But they didn’t have to wait too long when Delta’s defender, Onyema Trinity carelessly handled the ball in the box and gifted Kwara a penalty. Issa Kayode stepped to it and scored to give Kwara a 2-1 victory and a ticket into the final.
For African Church Central Primary School, Ogun, it was a fairytale ride. In their opening group C match against Abeka Basic 4 Primary School from Ghana, they struggled to play a goalless draw. The other group opponent, Islamiya from Kogi beat Turaki Model School, 2-1 and topped the table.
In their second game, they bounced back to beat Kogi 1-0 and kept hopes alive. In the final group game, they played 1-1 with Sokoto and the five points they gathered was good enough to take them to the next round. Ghana and Sokoto also finished with five points.
In the quarter-finals, Ogun came from a goal down to stun Paragon Demonstration School, Edo 2-1. It was a major upset! In the semi-final match against X-Planter Primary School from Lagos, in ten minutes Oloyede Qudus scored a brace and left Lagos chasing the game. Nababa Abdulsalam pulled one back but it couldn’t stop African Church Central Primary School, Ogun from making it to the final.
The Channels Kids Cup is a grassroots football development programme for boys in primary school under the age of thirteen. The competition became international this year with the inclusion of Ghana and Benin Republic.
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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