Nigerian Football
NIGERIA NATIONAL LEAGUE SUPER 8 FACES FRESH BOYCOTT THREAT
The five clubs that initially aborted the Nigeria National League Super 8 may again boycott the tournament that has been rescheduled for this Saturday in Aba.
According to information gathered from leading Nigerian newspaper, ThisDay, there are strong indications that the proposed kickoff may not hold in spite of the fact that the parent body, Nigeria National League (NNL) had succumb to NFF.
Although as at Wednesday night, all seems to be going on well following a formal letter written by NNL’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), Lawrence Katken for a change in date of the mini tournament by two days.
However, Thisdaysports check on Thursday revealed that the five clubs that aborted the initial date of the promotion tournament had no travel plan for the event based on the findings.
The five stay away clubs are Shooting Stars of Ibadan, Bendel Insurance of Benin, Remo Stars of Ikenne, Kada FC and Kogi United while Delta Force. When the mini-tournament was to hold last year December, only Real Stars and Gombe United travelled to Aba for the aborted tournament.
“As this afternoon (Thursday) there is no plan that our team will travel out of our base but I am aware of high level consultation between NFF, NNL and all the participating clubs and whatever comes out of the meeting I don’t think the Saturday date can work considering the fact that the event is not a friendly or pre-season tournament but a promotion tournament which is the reason for our reward for a whole season,” a top official to one of the clubs said in a telephone interview.
One of the ‘aggrieved’ five clubs’ official even explained further that during normal league season, the players are programmed with their diet and social live but all is absent now meaning that it will take some time before the players to attain match fitness although the camp is already opened for coming season.
While all the clubs are monitoring the high wired meeting that is ongoing, investigation also revealed that all the clubs also monitoring one another so as not to be schemed out since only four out of eight will gain promotion into elite division.
All efforts to reach the Media officer of NNL, Amar Ignis proved abortive as all lines could not be reach for comments.
Meanwhile, the League Management Committee (LMC) chieftain, Shehu Dikko had insisted that the 2018/19 football season will kickoff on scheduled 13th January and it is not clear how the NNL programme will fit in.
The COO of NNL Katken, had written to NFF requesting for a two-day postponement. The letter seeking postponement of the disputed playoff and addressed to the Glasshouse, it stated that “Sequel to our meeting on 27th December, 2018 held in Lagos we hereby request for the shift of date for the commencement of the Super 8 from the 3rd to 5th January, 2019.
“This is to enable the concerned club’s to effect the resolution of the meeting in good time.”
The action seems to put to rest the stalemate that most pundits had envisaged considering the fact neither of the two bodies, NNL and the Nigeria Professional League Committee (NPFL) was willing to shift its ground while the logjam persist.
The logjam, Thisdaysports recalled that the former Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National League (NNL), Bukola Olopade, in the heat of the crisis resigned as the CEO of the NNL citing breach of the agreement between the NFF and NNL.
He had insisted having the playoff to produce four teams that will join the professional league rank NPFL is not the solution to the current challenges facing domestic football scene.
The former Commissioner of Sports in Ogun State, opined that the League Management Company (LMC) and Nigeria Professional Football League Club Owners should accept the initial proposal that promotes all the teams to join the 20 existing clubs in the top division to safe the impending logjam.
Olopade who noted that NPFL management has breached an article in LMC statute by agreeing to prosecute the 2018/19 NPFL season with 24 teams whereas it was clearly stated in the LMC statute that only 20 clubs should participate in the NPFL league.
“The organisers, NPFL must also relegate four teams if they are to accommodate four NPFL in the 2018/19,” he argued.
He said further that “NNL equally has the right to reject demotion of eight teams at the end of the season if four NNL teams were promoted to the elite league from the beginning of the season,” he pointed out.
He insisted that if the Super 8 is played, they management of the leagues are merely postponing the doomsday in Nigeria football because the problem is not over yet.
“NPFL must also relegate four teams because at the end of the season eight clubs will be relegated to the NNL and at that time, NNL also has the right to reject and say they cannot accommodate eight clubs when they promoted four clubs.
“So, even if we solve this problem now by playing the Super 8, we are only postponing doomsday in Nigeria league because the problem will still face us at the end of the season.
“They said that the rule says four teams should be promoted from the NNL to the NPFL. But they have already breached an article in LMC statute which states that only twenty teams should prosecute the NPFL. Therefore, it is wrong for them not to relegate four clubs but wants four clubs to join them from the NNL to make the number of the clubs 24.”
Bukola Olopade in the heat of the crisis resigned as the CEO of the NNL citing breach of the agreement between the NFF and NNL.
NFF had in Asaba agreed to promote eight NNL clubs to the elite league which has made all the eight clubs released some of their players to recruit better legs in preparation ahead of the 2018/19 NPFL season.
As the countdown begins for the commencement of the 2026/27 Nigeria’s lead football league’s season, strategic partners of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited, have welcomed plans by the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to significantly increase the prize money for Nigeria’s top-flight football competition, describing the move as a major step towards strengthening the domestic game.
The proposed increase, recently announced by the country’s football authorities, is expected to enhance competition among clubs and improve the league’s attractiveness to investors and corporate sponsors.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, GTI’s Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, said the initiative demonstrated a renewed commitment by Nigerian sports administrators to reposition the NPFL as a commercially viable and globally competitive league.
“GTI commends this progressive initiative. Increasing the NPFL prize money sends a strong statement of intent that will undoubtedly motivate clubs, improve competitiveness and send the right signals to investors and stakeholders about the future of Nigerian football,” Ekejiuba said.
He added that additional financial support from the NSC would further strengthen league operations and accelerate ongoing reforms.
GTI, which has been involved in the league’s restructuring and commercial development over the past four years, also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at transforming the NPFL into one of Africa’s leading football competitions.
According to Ekejiuba, the company has worked alongside the NPFL Board to improve corporate governance, enhance commercial opportunities and increase investor confidence in the league.
“The contributions of GTI Group cannot be overlooked. Over the last four years, we have remained steadfast in supporting the NPFL and helping to lay the foundation for a more structured, commercially viable and globally competitive football league,” he said.
The company stressed that collaboration among the NSC, NFF, NPFL Board and private-sector stakeholders would be critical to sustaining progress.
While welcoming the planned increase in prize money, GTI cautioned that deeper structural reforms would still be required to unlock the league’s full potential.
“It is not yet time to celebrate because there is still a great deal of work to be done,” Ekejiuba said.
He identified improved governance, club licensing, infrastructure development, broadcast production, content and data management, financial accountability and fan engagement as key areas requiring continued attention.
GTI said its long-term objective remains the creation of an accountable and transparent football ecosystem capable of attracting greater corporate investment and sponsorship into Nigerian football.
The company also noted that the current financial value of the NPFL, including the recently announced grant support, represents only a fraction of the league’s potential earnings.
“This collaboration between the NSC and NFF further complements the efforts of the NPFL Board and GTI. We welcome more partners to join this transformation journey because the current value, including the grant recently announced, represents less than two per cent of the league’s overall potential revenues which we expect to unlock over the next five years,” Ekejiuba said.
The latest endorsement from GTI comes as stakeholders intensify efforts to improve the commercial profile of the NPFL and position it as a stronger contributor to the growth of Nigeria’s football industry.
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Prominent Nigerians from all walks of life gathered at Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, Modakeke, on Friday to pay their final respects to former Super Eagles coach and ex-Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Director, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, whose burial rites drew dignitaries from across the country.
The solemn ceremony attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders, academics, philanthropists, religious figures, business executives, retired civil servants, former Nigeria internationals and football administrators, all united in celebrating the life and legacy of one of Nigeria’s most influential football personalities.
Tributes poured in for the late tactician, remembered as a pioneer who broke barriers for indigenous coaches in Nigerian football. Onigbinde was the first Nigerian coach to lead the country’s senior national team to the Africa Cup of Nations final and the first indigenous coach to take the Super Eagles to the FIFA World Cup finals.
Clergy members who officiated at the funeral service described the Modakeke High Chief as a man of integrity, discipline and service, whose influence extended beyond Nigeria to the global football community.
Beyond his achievements with the national team, Onigbinde served as Technical Adviser to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association and later rose to become a Technical Advisor to FIFA.
Representing the NFF, former Super Eagles captain and current Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen, paid glowing tribute to the late coach, describing him as a mentor who played a significant role in shaping his football career.
“Chief Onigbinde had a tremendous impact on my footballing career,” Eguavoen said. “He was a pathfinder who elevated the status of indigenous coaches through his intellect, professionalism and dedication to the game.
“The NFF recognises and appreciates his immense service to our country. He rose to the pinnacle of the coaching profession through hard work, discipline and commitment. He was a towering figure in coaching, not only in Nigeria but globally.
“He was the first Nigerian to lead our Eagles to silver medals at the Africa Cup of Nations and the first indigenous coach to guide the team at the FIFA World Cup. Even after retirement, he continued to contribute immensely as a resource person during NFF coaching programmes. His legacy is enduring and impressive.”
Eguavoen added that the nation and the football community would continue to cherish the contributions of the late coach while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Former Nigeria captain and member of the NFF Technical and Development Committee, Dr Felix Owolabi, also extolled Onigbinde’s qualities, describing him as a courageous leader, an exceptional mentor and a man of unquestionable integrity whose knowledge of football earned him widespread respect.
Among those present at the funeral were former NFF General Secretary Ambassador Fanny Amun, NFF Director of Communications Dr Ademola Olajire, former Super Eagles captain Mutiu Adepoju, representatives of the Osun State Government, traditional rulers, former international players and ex-members of Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan, where Onigbinde made a lasting impact both as coach and administrator.
Dignitaries, football administrators, former internationals, traditional rulers and community leaders attend the burial rites of former Super Eagles coach and ex-Nigeria Football Federation Technical Director, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, at Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, Modakeke, Osun State, on Friday, paying tribute to one of Nigeria’s most influential football figures.
The Nigeria Football Federation also demonstrated its support for the family by making a financial contribution towards the funeral arrangements.
Widely regarded as one of the architects of modern Nigerian coaching, Chief Onigbinde leaves behind a rich legacy of service, excellence and pioneering achievements that helped shape the development of football in Nigeria and beyond.
For many gathered in Modakeke on Friday, the farewell was not only a burial ceremony but also a celebration of a life devoted to the growth of the beautiful game.
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Nigerian Football
Osimhen Clarifies Absence from Super Eagles Friendlies, Dismisses Transfer Speculation
Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has moved to clarify the circumstances surrounding his absence from the Super Eagles’ forthcoming international friendly matches against Poland and Portugal, insisting that recent comments by head coach Eric Chelle were misunderstood.
The Galatasaray forward will not be part of Nigeria’s squad for the two high-profile friendlies this month, a development that sparked speculation after Chelle suggested that the striker was focused on resolving issues relating to a possible transfer.
While explaining the absence of key players from his squad, Chelle remarked that Osimhen could be on the verge of changing clubs, prompting widespread reports linking the Nigerian star to a move away from Turkish champions Galatasaray.
“We miss two players because Victor Osimhen may be about to change clubs,” Chelle had said.
The comments fuelled fresh speculation about the future of the 27-year-old striker, who has been linked with several top European clubs following another prolific season in Turkey.
However, Osimhen has now sought to calm the situation, revealing that he personally contacted the Super Eagles coach to discuss the remarks and clear up any misunderstanding.
In a statement posted on his Instagram Story, the Nigerian international stressed that Chelle’s comments had been taken out of context and did not reflect any intention to create controversy surrounding either his future or Galatasaray.
“I just got off the phone with Coach Eric Chelle regarding the comments about me in his recent interview,” Osimhen wrote.
“Unfortunately, his words have been taken out of context and blown out of proportion. He has great respect for Galatasaray, follows most of our games, and never intended to create any controversy.
“I appreciate the conversation, the opportunity to always represent my country, and I look forward to continuing to work with him. He is a great coach whom I respect a lot, and I kindly ask everyone to disregard the speculation surrounding this matter.”
Osimhen’s statement effectively confirms that his absence from the friendlies against Poland and Portugal should not be interpreted as a sign of tension with the national team setup. Rather, it appears to be a mutually understood arrangement as the striker manages personal and professional commitments during the transfer window.
The former Napoli star remains a central figure in Chelle’s plans as Nigeria continues preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
For now, the Super Eagles will take on Poland and Portugal without their leading marksman. Still, Osimhen has reaffirmed both his commitment to Nigeria and his strong working relationship with the national team coach.
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