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FROM GRANDFATHER THROUGH SON TO GRANDSON; FAHMY FAMILY SETS UP DYNASTY IN CAF
BY KUNLE SOLAJA
When Amr Fahmy, 34, takes over the day-to-day running of the headquarters of Confederation of African Football, CAF this month, it means one family has taken almost an absolute control of administration of football in Africa for over 50 years.
Amr is the son of former CAF General Secretary, Mustapha Fahmy who occupied the position from 1982 to 2010. He moved up to take another position in FIFA as Director of Competitions.
Mustapha succeeded his father, Mourad Fahmy, who was the grandfather of Amr thus creating a dynasty controlling the head quarters of CAF since 1961, except for the period of 2010 till now.
Mourad Fahmy, General Secretary of CAF (1961 to 1982)
Mourad Fahmy ruled from 1961 to 1982. Amr, the new General Secretary was not even born as at the time Mourad relinquished powers in April 1982 and handed over to his son, Mustapha.
Mustapha Fahmy, son of Mourad Fahmy, General Secretary of CAF, 1982 to 2010. Later Director of Competitions, FIFA.
The new General Secretary, Amr was not also born in 1982 when his father took over the administration of CAF. His father was the administrative head of CAF till he moved to the competition department of FIFA in 2010.
Mustapha and Mourad Fahmy: Father and son in the service of CAF. Preparing the ground for the Fahmy dynasty?
According to a press statement by CAF, Amr was proposed by CAF President Ahmad to the Executive Committee in accordance with the statutory provisions, and the Executive Committee approved his appointment during its meeting held on Thursday in Rabat, Morocco.
Amr Fahmy, new CAF General Secretary, maintaining a family tradition.
CAF described Amr Fahmy as a passionate football lover who took part in the FIFA Master program in Management, Law and Humanities of Sport, where he undertook courses on the campuses of the Universities of Neuchâtel in Switzerland, Bocconi in Italy and De Montfort in the United Kingdom.
Until his new appointment, Amr served with France-based Lagardère Sports as Director of Operations for Africa. Like his father, Mustapha, did, Amr also worked under Mustapha, his father, serving in the CAF Competitions Division between 2007 and 2015.
Prior to his departure in August 2015, he was the Tournament Director for the flagship competition, Africa Cup of Nations.
Two Deputy General Secretaries have also been appointed under the same conditions in conformity with the statutes.
Deputy General Secretary in charge of Development and Competitions is Ghanaian Anthony Baffoe. Born in Germany, the 52-year old was capped 25 times by Ghana between 1991 and 1994, and also captained the Black Stars for the final match of the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal against Cote d’Ivoire, which the latter won 11-10 on penalties.
After a playing that started from Germany, through France to Hong Kong (Asia) and terminating in Venezuela (South America), he ventured into event management and also launching a cause for the protection of the right of footballers in his native Ghana. Holder of a CAF License ‘A’ Coaching Certificate, he has attended various FIFA training programs in Administration, and doubles as a FIFA Instructor in Administration and Management.
Essadik Alaoui has also been appointed Deputy General Secretary in charge of Administration and Finance. The 50-year-old Moroccan is a polyglot like Fahmy and Baffoe. He initially studied English Literature, before moving towards a curriculum in sport.
A graduate of the Moulay Rachid National Sports Institute in Morocco, he also studied Sports Management at the University of Indiana in the United States of America. A good part of his professional career has been with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. In 2014, he was the director of the FIFA Club World Cup tournament staged in Morocco.
By George Akpayen
The finish line is now in sight in this season’s Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), and much of the talk has centred on the title race and those at the other end of the table, which surprisingly include last season’s champions Remo Stars.
However, there is another race shaping up among the leading top scorers this season, and this could see as many as six or more players going head-to-head in the final six matchdays.
Top contenders in the race for the battle for the golden boot are Enugu Rangers’ striker, Godwin Obaje and Ikorodu City winger Joseph Arumala, who have scored 11 goals apiece.
On the tails of the top-two scoring individuals are Victor Mbaoma (Remo Stars), El-Kanemi Warriors midfielder Daddy Abdulrahman, Katsina United’s Uche Collins and Emeka Obioma of Abia Warriors, all on 10 goals each.
THE PERFORMANCE BREAKDOWN
Out of the top-six leading scorers, Obaje, Arumala and Mbaoma have more direct goal involvement. Obaje and Arumala have 11 goals and two assists each, while Mbaoma has 10 goals and assists from 23 appearances, which is the least number of matches featured in among the leading scorers. Mbaoma missed most of the early parts of the season due to bruised ribs.
El-Kanemi Warriors midfielder Abdulrahman has made the most appearances among the top-six scorers and has a 12-goal direct involvement (10 goals + two assists).
Obioma is however, the only top-six scorer who is yet to register an assist this season after 26 appearances for Abia Warriors.
Interestingly, Collins is the only top-six scorer who has netted a hat-trick this season so far.
THE CHASING PACK
There is also the chasing pack in the race for the Golden Boot. One of them is Plateau United winger Temitope Vincent Adebayo, who has scored nine goals. Sodiq Ibrahim (3SC), Enyimba striker Chidera Michael, and Igbunu Evwierhurhoma of Warri Wolves.
The variety of players in the chasing pack also makes the race intriguing as they have been consistent goal scorers in recent matchweeks. They are definitely breathing down the necks of the frontrunners.
There are also the outsiders in the race. Jonathan Mairiga of Wikki Tourists, Chidozie Iwundu (Rangers) and Bendel Insurance duo of Kayode Oke, 3SC’s Qamar Adegoke and Alex Oweilayefa – all on eight goals. On seven goals is Kano Pillars legend Rabiu Ali.
WORTHY MENTION
However, Iwundu deserves a big mention among the top scorers as he is the top-scoring defender. He has made 29 appearances for Rangers and has been booked three times and sent off once.
Iwundu’s goalscoring form from his centre-back role has also been important for his club in their title aspirations this season, and his team will hope his form can continue into the final six matchdays.
No doubt, there will be twists and turns for individual glory in a race that is still wide open. Fixture difficulty, favourable run-in, struggling defences and hunger in front of goal are surely going to be among the factors that would decide who wins this race in an unpredictable league. At this point, nothing is guaranteed as all top marksmen are odds-on to claim the top individual prize.
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A dramatic World Cup playoff clash between DR Congo and Jamaica took an unusual turn when referee Facundo Tello was forced to abandon the match late in extra time after sustaining an injury.
The incident occurred deep into the second half of extra time, when the Argentine official suddenly blew his whistle to halt play, leaving players from both sides momentarily confused. What followed was a rare and surreal scene, as players gathered around not for a foul or confrontation, but to assist the injured referee.
Tello appeared to be struggling with a calf problem and required attention on the pitch, even as some players — mindful of the ticking clock — urged for a quick resumption of play. The stoppage stretched on, drawing audible frustration from the crowd, whose boos echoed around the stadium.
After several minutes of treatment, it became clear the referee could not continue. Moving gingerly with his hand on his calf, Tello made his way to the touchline, where he was replaced by the fourth official to oversee the remainder of the encounter.
From the sidelines, the injured referee watched as the match reached its conclusion, culminating in jubilant celebrations from the DR Congo players following their hard-fought victory over Jamaica.
The unusual interruption added another layer of drama to an already intense playoff, highlighting the physical demands not only on players but also on match officials in high-stakes encounters.
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Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, has named a 23-man squad for this month’s international friendly matches against the Iran national football team and the Jordan national football team, with star striker Victor Osimhen notably absent from the list.
In Osimhen’s absence, Chelle has retained a strong core led by captain Wilfred Ndidi, alongside midfield playmaker Alex Iwobi and reigning African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman.
Friendlies Moved to Turkey Amid Security Concerns
The Super Eagles will now face Iran on March 27 before taking on Jordan on March 31, with both matches scheduled to be played in Antalya, Turkey.
Originally billed for venues in Amman, including the Amman International Stadium and King Abdullah Sports City Stadium, the fixtures were relocated following the outbreak of military conflict in the Middle East.
Kick-off times are set for 4 pm local time against Iran and 8 pm local time against Jordan.
Key Players Return, New Faces Earn First Call-Ups
Chelle has also recalled several established names, including goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, and midfielder Frank Onyeka.
In attack, the coach has options in Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, and Paul Onuachu.
There are also first-time invitations for Scotland-based defender Emmanuel Oluwasegun Fernandez, Germany-based forward Philip Otele, and Belgium-based attacker Collins Yira Sor, a former youth international.
Goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye also returns to the squad.
Focus on Squad Depth
The friendlies present Chelle with an opportunity to test squad depth and integrate new players ahead of future competitive fixtures.
With Osimhen missing, attention will be on how Nigeria’s attacking unit adapts, particularly with Lookman expected to play a leading role in the forward line.
The matches against Iran and Jordan will provide crucial preparation for the Super Eagles as they continue rebuilding following their disappointment in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign.
23 SUPER EAGLES FOR FRIENDLIES MATCHES AGAINST IRAN & JORDAN
Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece); Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus)
Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Coventry FC, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (SS Lazio, Italy)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atletico Madrid, Spain); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla FC, Spain); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor AS, Turkey); Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain); Philip Otele (Hamburger SV, Germany); Collins Yira Sor (KRC Genk, Belgium)
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