Nigerian Football
Pinnick Excited by GeneratioNext
The Nigeria Football Federation President Amaju Pinnick has spoken glowingly of the youthfulness of the new Nigeria senior squad, with a clutch of new faces joining a few experienced and still –combative performers to take Nigeria pretty close to a 2018 FIFA World Cup ticket.
“This team has not only shown capacity to go very far, but the youthfulness gives you the assurance that it can even go farther. You look at the players and you are happy that there is a future for Nigerian Football.
“You take a first look at the team and you see players like William Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, Leon Balogun, Alex Iwobi, Chidozie Awaziem, Tyronne Ebuehi, Kelechi Iheanacho and now we have Ola Aina as well. We are working on getting Tammy Abraham. There are others like Henry Onyekuru and Olanrewaju Kayode. I believe we are so blessed and that this team will cause a big stir in Russia, and if not in Russia, in Qatar in five years time.”
In July last year, the NFF appointed Franco-German tactician Gernort Rohr into the position of Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles, invoking mixed reactions from a vibrant football –passionate citizenry. In 14 months however, Rohr, who coached in Burkina Faso, Gabon and Niger Republic and took charge of Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia previously, has crashed the average age of the Super Eagles and engendered such spirit in camp that the players feel they are one big family.
“I am very happy to be part of this squad. We look out for one another and everyone is ready to cover up for the other. It is a family, such a united family,” goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa told thenff.com.
Ezenwa, a former junior international, got his first big chances against the Lions and proved his ability and capacity, leaving no one in doubt. He was huge for the team as the African champions started the first match in Uyo like a chimney, and took the same confidence to Yaounde’s Stade Omnisports Ahmadou Ahidjo on Monday.
The FC IfeanyiUbah number one stopper arrived at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Canada 10 years ago as third choice behind Olufemi Thomas and Moses Ocheje. The technical crew was uncomfortable with the fact that Thomas was prone to jitters, and Ocheje got injured in the second match, paving way for Ezenwa to dazzle in goal as the Flying Eagles reached the quarter –finals.
The truth is that even those who are seen as veterans, as a result of activity and consistency over the years, are relatively young. Left back Elderson Echiejile was at Canada 2007 with Ezenwa, while Abdullahi Shehu played U20 World Cup in Turkey only four years ago, alongside Olanrewaju Kayode, Uche Agbo and Wilfred Ndidi.
Dele Ajiboye was goalkeeper of the U17 team that won the FIFA World Cup in Korea Republic 10 years ago, Alampasu was number one for the U17 team that won the same trophy in the UAE four years ago and; Ahmed Musa played for the U20 team in Colombia in 2011.
Oghenekaro Etebo shone for the U23 team at the Olympics in Brazil last year; Victor Moses has age on his side, just as Moses Simon, Anthony Nwakaeme, John Ogu and Mikel Agu.
Eight years ago, deputy captain Ogenyi Onazi was in the U17 team that won silver at the World Cup for Nigeria. Odion Ighalo was in the U20 team at the World Cup in Egypt eight years ago.
Team captain Mikel Obi, at 30, is the oldest of the pack, and yet has a special motivation to lead the team to the World Cup and excel, just as he did in carrying the U23 team at the Olympics last year.
In truth, the former Chelsea star feels he needs to prove something at the FIFA World Cup. Germany 2006 was a painful miss for him and the team, as Angola finished ahead of Nigeria in the somewhat odd head-to-head principle (it would have been his first World Cup), and four years later, he played a yeoman’s role as the Eagles qualified on the last day in Nairobi, only to miss the finals in South Africa through injury.
Four years ago in Brazil, Mikel would himself admit, he was not at his best. “Russia 2018 will be special for me and this squad. We will do everything to get there and do well for Nigeria and Africa,” he said at the post match conference in Yaoundé.
Rivers United head coach and technical manager, Finidi George, has praised young defender Ochiobi Elias following his outstanding performance in the club’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture on Wednesday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.
The left-back, who played the full 90 minutes, was instrumental in helping Rivers United maintain a clean sheet, marking one of his most confident outings since his promotion to the senior squad.
Finidi, visibly impressed after the match, revealed that his decision to give Elias a full game was driven by trust in the player’s potential, despite his limited minutes earlier in the season.
“I think he did well. Normally, we should have been bringing him in gradually — maybe 15 minutes before giving him a 90-minute match,” Finidi said. “But I trust him, and I’ve spoken to him. He should be relaxed, calm down, and play his football.”
The coach also highlighted a near-miss moment when Elias came close to scoring late in the game, a chance Finidi felt could have crowned his stellar performance.
“I think today he would have scored a goal at the last moment, but he still wanted to square the ball, look for somebody,” Finidi added. “I’m quite happy with his performance, and we will keep encouraging him to do better. I am very, very pleased.”
Elias, a product of the Rivers United youth team that won the NPFL Youth League in 2024, has been gradually integrated into the first team under Finidi’s guidance. His performance on Wednesday is seen as a major step forward in his development and a sign of his growing confidence.
The youngster is now expected to retain his place in the squad as Rivers United travel to Aba this Sunday for a crucial NPFL clash against Enyimba.
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Strategic partners of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on the President Federation Cup, GTI Group, have congratulated the football governing body on the successful hosting of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held last weekend in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a press statement issued on Friday in Lagos, GTI’s Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, lauded the NFF Board under the leadership of Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau for the smooth conduct of the AGM and the significant progress made in Nigerian football development.
According to Ekejiuba, the Ibadan meeting reflected Gusau’s commitment to engaging stakeholders and strengthening unity across the football ecosystem.
“GTI Group congratulates the Nigeria Football Federation on the successful outcome of its Annual General Meeting held in Ibadan, which the President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, used the occasion to demonstrate his commitment to engaging positively with football stakeholders, including state football associations, clubs and fans,” he said.
“His interactions with the various groups at the AGM showcased his impactful leadership and dedication to promoting Nigerian football and fostering a collaborative environment.”
Ekejiuba also highlighted the Super Falcons’ recent achievements and the growth of domestic competitions, particularly the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), as key milestones recorded under Gusau’s leadership. GTI serves as a strategic partner of the NPFL, supporting its structural and commercial transformation.
The statement further expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for their hospitality and support during the AGM. Ekejiuba noted the governor’s commendation of the improved standard of refereeing in the NPFL under the administration of Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye.
However, GTI also used the opportunity to express disappointment over the early exit of Kwara United and Abia Warriors from the CAF Confederation Cup, urging Nigerian clubs to raise their competitive standards on the continental stage.
“It is unfortunate that both Kwara United and Abia Warriors crashed out at the preliminary phase of the CAF Confederation Cup last weekend. This clearly shows that Nigerian clubs must raise their game in order to compete favourably,” the statement read.
“The future remains bright, but that is why GTI has been calling on Corporate Nigeria to invest more in our football, just as is done in thriving leagues across the world.”
Ekejiuba also extended words of encouragement to Remo Stars and Rivers United, who are still flying Nigeria’s flag in the CAF Champions League.
“We encourage them to dig deep and remain focused to ensure successful campaigns. They should give Nigerian football fans something to cheer this season because we understand how demanding continental competitions can be,” he concluded.
GTI Group reaffirmed its continued commitment to working closely with the NFF to advance football development, promote professionalism, and attract sustainable investment into the Nigerian game.
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The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has queried Warri Wolves following reports of the suspension of their head coach, Aluma Napoleon, faulting the club’s failure to comply with established procedures for contracting and registering technical officials.
In a letter titled “Notarization and Registration of Contracts” and signed by the NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the league body directed the Delta-based club to regularize all contractual documentation with its technical and management staff in line with NPFL regulations.
The NPFL’s letter stated:
“Information reaching us from the media space suggests that the Delta State Sports Commission has suspended your head coach, Mr. Aluma Napoleon, with immediate effect.”
Citing Sections B, Articles 6 and 11 of the NPFL 2025/26 Framework and Rules, the league reminded Warri Wolves that all clubs are required to submit notarized contracts of their officials for registration and record purposes.
“You are, however, in breach of these sections as Warri Wolves FC have not submitted the contracts of its officials to the League Board. You are hereby requested, within twenty-four hours of receiving this letter, to submit all relevant contracts of your technical team, including that of the assumed suspended head coach, Mr. Napoleon Aluma, to the NPFL Secretariat,” the letter warned.
The NPFL further cautioned that failure to comply could lead to sanctions, including restricting Warri Wolves’ technical crew from accessing the bench in subsequent league matches.
“Note that failure to comply with this instruction will lead to the restriction of your technical team from accessing the technical area in future NPFL matches,” the league stated.
In a related statement to NPFL Media, COO Davidson Owumi stressed that the Warri Wolves case was not isolated, adding that all clubs yet to register the contracts of their technical officials must do so without delay.
“I must admonish all coaches to get hold of their contracts and lodge a report with the NPFL when there is a violation of the terms. It is the responsibility of the aggrieved to petition the league at all times,” Owumi emphasized.
The NPFL has been tightening administrative controls in recent seasons to ensure transparency, professionalism, and adherence to contractual obligations across all participating clubs.
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