Nigerian Football
Plateau United’s Matthew Chibudom: The NPFL’s Football Engineer
BY KINGSLEY OYERO.
There are hundreds of players in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), but it’s rare to find those that have successfully combined it with education.
It’s even uncommon – playing for one of the best teams in Nigeria (Plateau United) and pursuing one of University of Port-Harcourt’s most difficult academic programs – Environmental Management and Technology (M.Sc).
But in his distinct way, former MFM and Plateau United striker, Matthew Chibudom has managed to do it successfully.
The Environmental Technology graduate of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri was part of the Sunshine team that finished sixth last season in the NPFL – with the Akure-based side finishing with the fifth best attack after scoring 44 goals.
His contributions for Sunshine Stars saw him team up with Kennedy Boboye’s Plateau United at the beginning of the season and he featured 4 times as the Peace Boys ended the first Stanza in first position.
However, the former TEAP FC number 9 was released by Plateau United at the end of the first stanza and he’s now a free agent, but he’s not daunted by the setback and sees it as a wake-up call.
“It’s tough to balance everything. You have to know what to prioritize, and what to sacrifice.
“Combining education and football was a very difficult task for me because sometimes after training in the morning, I have to still go for lectures when am supposed to rest, but I have no regrets.
“I know I would bounce back and I have been getting some offers from some NPFL clubs, but am trying to study the offers, before making my next move,” Chibudom stated.
Chibudom is nicknamed the “Football Engineer” because of his ability to combine professional football with education and feels “Combining education with football will help mould any future star to the right path of his or her career and the ‘book’ is an important aspect of life that will help compliment the efforts of the ‘boot’.”
· Matthew reveals secret to Plateau United success
Discipline, teamwork, hard work, payment of salaries and match bonuses promptly are just some of the secrets behind Plateau United’s success story this season, according to former MFM and Plateau United striker, Matthew Chibudom.
Chibudom, who joined Plateau United from Sunshine Stars at the beginning of the season stated: “The secret of the team is discipline, teamwork, hard work and payment of salaries and match bonuses promptly.
“The government and good people of Plateau are solidly behind the team and they turn out en-mass to support their darling team on match days at the Rang Pam Stadium in Jos. The stadium is always sold out.
The former TEAP FC Number 9 also claims that boss Kennedy Boboye’s greatest armoury is his leadership qualities, winning mentality and his ability to simplify instructions down to the most basic and succinct form.
“Before the start of the ongoing season, the Technical Adviser, Kennedy Boboye said we should agree that we have to start very well and in order to do so, we have to set a target for ourselves that for every five matches, we need 15 points and if we have 13 points, that will be a good one and that is what have propelling the team at the top.
He added: “The Technical Adviser and the coaching crew are very jovial. The Technical Adviser even joins the players in training sessions and also encourages us. He even joined us to play in training sessions, leads by example and breaks down his tactics to the most basic.”
PROFILE
NAME: Matthew Chibudom
POSITION: Striker
PLAYING EXPERIENCE:
- Port-Harcourt City Academy (2000-2005)
- Stars Football Club Port-Harcourt (2005-2007)
- Mc-Jeff Soccer Academy Port-Harcourt (2008-2013)
- Teap Football Club Abuja (Pro Division Nigeria) (2014-2015)
- MFM Football Club Lagos (Pro Division Nigeria) (2015-2016)
- Sunshine Stars Football Club Akure (Premier Division Nigeria) (2016)
- Plateau United Football Club, Jos (Premier Division Nigeria) (2017)
ACHIEVEMENTS:
Plateau State F.A Cup Winners with Plateau United Football Club 2017
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION:
- Tech in Environmental Technology – Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
- Sc in Environmental Management-University of Port Harcourt.
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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Nigerian Football
Former NSC DG and teammate, Ekeji, pays tribute to Christian Chukwu

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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Nigerian Football
NALCOMA Applauds NNL Leadership for Successful 2024/25 Season

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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