Nigerian Football

Pinnick Denies AITEO Dissatisfaction Story

Published

7 years ago

September 19, 2017

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick has denied a report that claimed “a top official of AITEO group” stated that the company was not happy with the way the AITEO Cup competition was being handled by the football –ruling body.

According to a statement issued by Callistus Ebare, the Special Adviser on Media to the NFF President the “AITEO Group has continued to express delight at the visibility they are getting from the relationship with the Nigeria Football Federation”.

Continuing, Ebare remarked that top officials of AITEO Group were with the NFF in Uyo and Yaoundé during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers earlier this month, and “they have continued to talk about their satisfaction with the relationship and the way everything is going.

“The story is borne out of sheer mischief. The attempt was to rock what amounts to be the biggest partnership in the history of Nigerian Football but it has failed.”

Ebare disclosed that Pinnick showered encomiums on AITEO Group for the noble steps they have taken to boost Nigerian Football and said the report was uncalled –for at a period positive results are gladdening the hearts of members of the football fraternity.

“AITEO Group is very happy with the handling of the sponsorship agreements on coaches’ salary and AITEO Cup. They are overjoyed we even went farther than the agreement by paying even coaches who were owed by previous NFF administrations.

“That report is not correct. It is sheer blackmail because I speak with the top echelon of AITEO everyday and they are so happy with the NFF that they are even asking to take over more properties of Nigerian Football.

“We are looking at the FIFA World Cup ticket; our boys are making progress at the WAFU Cup and; things are looking up. We can do without puerile distractions,” the release concluded.

Nigerian Football

Westerhof recommends Siasia for Super Eagles’ job

Published

11 hours ago

September 11, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Clemens Westerhof and Samson Siasia in London

BY KUNLE SOLAJA, who was in Arnhem, Netherlands.

Former Nigeria manager, Clemens Westerhof has recommended one of his former players, Samson Siasia as the substantial coach for the Super Eagles.

Siasia was one of his players of the famed golden generation of the Super Eagles.

“I called him last month to greet him for his birthday and also to celebrate with him for the end of his five-year ban”, Westerhof told Sports Village Square at his house in Arnhem in the Netherlands.

According to him, Siasia is just like Keshi and that he has the capacity to turn the Super Eagles around for the better. Westerhof, the author of the famed ‘Golden Generation’ of the Super Eagles made his suggestion shortly after Germany’s Bruce Labbadia turned down the Nigerian job offer.

Westerhof remarked that he was surprised about the choice of Labbadia in the first instance and that the now Mali coach, Tom Saintfiet who is his friend could have been a better choice.

Saintfiet, a Belgian, was speculated among the coaches initially short-listed for the Super Eagles’ job. But Westerhof, before the naming of Austin Eguavoen, another member of his famous 1994 squad, strongly back Siasia for the job.

He remarked that he was in touch with the former striker as well as Austin Okocha whom he met with in London recently.

To Westerhof, Siasia has the same quality like Stephen Keshi to handle the Super Eagles. “He has done it before and I think he can still do it.”

Nigerian Football

Plateau United’s Doyeni is first scorer of Season 2024/25

Published

3 days ago

September 8, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Olawale Doyeni braces up for the NPFL's first goal of the season via penalty kick

The balls hit the nets 17 times this Sunday as the Nigeria Premier League Season 2024/25 burst into life this Sunday.

The first of the goals was from Plateau United’s Olawale Doyeni who converted a 24th minute penalty kick against Katsina United in an eventual 1-0 home win.

Another star-man of the the day is Enyimba’s Clinton Jephta who has become the season’s first hat-trickster. His three goals in the 65^th , 70^th and 73^rd minutes sank heartland 3-1 in their home match.

Nigerian Football

Three away wins mark the opening phase of Nigeria’s Season 2024/25

Published

3 days ago

September 8, 2024

Kunle Solaja

The Nigerian Premier Football League burst into life this Sunday with eight matches on the card and contrasting results. Three of the eight matches resulted in away wins signalling level playing field of the league.

It is a sharp departure from the past seasons when it is almost predictable that home teams would win. Remo Stars, Enyimba and Niger Tornadoes have away wins and with scoring multiple goals.

Remo Stars won against Abia Warriors by 2-0. Enyimba came from a goal down to win 3-1 against Heartland while Niger Tornadoes beat Kwara United 2-1 away from home.