Nigerian Football
ZENITH BANK HAILS NFF ON FUTURE EAGLES’ PROGRESS
Zenith International Bank PLC has heaped encomiums on the Nigeria Football Federation for the progress the federation has made with the Nigeria cadet teams since the signing of the partnership agreement between both establishments a couple of years ago.
The partnership birthed the Future Eagles’ U13/ U15 project, on the wings of the NFF/Zenith Bank Future Eagles Championships.
The hear-warming words of praise were showered on the NFF leadership by the GMD/CEO of Zenith Bank PLC, Peter Amangbo when the NFF, led by the its President, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, presented the U15 National Team, Future Eagles, to its partners at Zenith International Bank PLC headquarters in Lagos.
There were also 1st Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi and NFF Executive Committee members Aisha Falode and Ganiyu Majekodunmi.
Speaking at the event, Amangbo expressed delight at the work done so far by the Federation with regards to the Future Eagles, as well as the talents already produced through the project, whilst also encouraging the lads to maintain discipline and focus on their chosen careers.
“I feel delighted to have you all here. I want to thank the NFF for the great job they’ve done in the last few years. We have never had it this good. Everyone recognises the revolution that has taken place in Nigerian football. From today, you are now members of the Zenith family.
“Times are changing and you must start the right way. You all have a great future ahead of you. Football has gone to another level. For you to achieve your full potential, the most important thing is you must be very disciplined. If there’s no discipline and you don’t listen to your coaches, you will waste your talents.
“Those making waves today started like you, but to accomplish their goal, they maintained discipline. Have it at the back of your minds to avoid taking substances, smoking and drinking excessively as these are capable of destroying careers,” Amangbo said.
On his part, NFF President Pinnick commended Zenith Bank for being the first sponsor that came on board in his first year as President of the NFF, as he observed that the relationship has continued to blossom over the years.
He also joined in appealing to the top management of the leading financial institution to consider a proposal by Ms. Aisha Falode for the integration of a Future Falcons U13/U15 project to fish out talented girl footballers.
“NFF/Zenith Future Eagles’ program has helped achieve our dream when we were first elected four years ago. We thank the Chairman of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia and the Board and Management. Without your support, we would not have been able to discover and raise what is now widely described as the future of Nigerian football.
“I would like to support the call by Ms. Falode for Zenith Bank to also invest in women football by adding a Future Falcons Project because it will help in promoting the game from the cradle with the girl child.
“The Super Falcons, by the way, are the most successful national team in the country, having won the Africa Women Cup of Nations a record eight times,” Pinnick stated.
Amangbo assured that the bank will look into the proposal.
Earlier, 1st Vice President of the NFF, Seyi Akinwunmi revealed that the composition of the Future Eagles that came for the courtesy visit included a Future Eagles’ product of the 2015 set, Wale Ali who has now progressed to the U20 Boys National Team, Flying Eagles, and members of the Future Eagles who were part of the WAFU B Nations Cup triumph in Niger Republic and those in the silver medal –winning Nigeria team to the 2ndAfrican Youth Games in Algeria earlier in the year.
Also in attendance with the members of the Future Eagles team at the Zenith Bank headquarters were Coach Danladi Nasidi, Adewale Adeyinka (Team Administrator), Dotun Coker, Coach Siji Lagunju (Assistant Director, Technical) and Ayodele Ibidapo.
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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