Nigerian Football

NFF PRESIDENT, AMAJU PINNICK DENIES PROSECUTION REPORTS

Published

6 years ago

January 5, 2019

The president of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Amaju Pinnick has denied that he is under investigation. He was reacting to the reported of travel ban placed on him and an intending prosecution.

He remarked through his verified twitter account that he had been out of the country since Friday as he was in Accra Ghana for a meeting between the NFF and CAF partners, AITEO.

The NFF president also has official engagements in Senegal later next week. “In other words; no such ban is in place and no security agency has gotten in touch”, remarked the NFF president.

He went on to point out that the NFF recently published its audited accounts in ThisDay and Daily Trust newsapapers on Thursday the 20th of December, 2018 and on Tuesday the 25th of December, 2018 respectively.

The audited accounts were also published in The Vanguard Newspapers. “In effect, our finances are open for anyone to see. All incomes from the Federal Government, FIFA & CAF, since 2014 are reflected…”, the NFF remarked in the thread of tweets.

He also pointed out that prior to his appointment into the FIFA committees, he had to pass through intense integrity and eligibility tests.

“I was not found wanting. Two years ago, FIFA handed the NFF a clean bill of health in our financial management. Our accounts are audited by PwC; the same firm that audits FIFA.

“So it is quite laughable whenever these stories come out. And they come out, without fail, regularly, and from the same sources. Well, I’ll be talking to my lawyers to see what legal redress I can get, but it would be nice if our media houses investigated these things before publishing.

“I might not know every journalist in Nigeria, but I do know a few in just about every media house in the country. When these unfounded stories hit, it’s our football that suffers.

“Sponsors and perspective sponsors become wary of and about doing business with us. Surely we can be responsible about our reports? I’m hoping the more responsible media outlets will disregard these reports while assuring our partners and prospective partners that we are serious about taking our football upwards. Thank you very much and a very Happy New Year to you, Nigerians”, Pinnick concluded.

Nigerian Football

Remo Stars win Star War against Sunshine Stars to take temporary NPFL lead

Published

1 week ago

September 14, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Remo Stars on Saturday made it two straight wins in the Nigeria Premier League after labouring to a 1-0 defeat of Sunshine Stars of Akure to follow-up their last weekend 2-0 away win over Abia Warriors.

On Saturday, under eight minutes they shot ahead through Shuaibu Ibrahim. That was where the story ended as Sunshine Stars came up strongly and almost stalemated scores.

The win, though narrow, is enough to temporarily take Remo Stars to the top of the log after two games.

They are followed by Rivers United who beat Heartland 3-1. It is the second consecutive 3-1 loss that Heartland are getting in the two-week old season.

The situation could change on Sunday when other matches are played.

On the card are: Akwa United hosting Abia Warriors while Kano Pillars will be away to Bayelsa United.

Katsina United host Bendel Insurance and Niger Tornadoes will be home to Nasarawa United. Shooting Stars will host Plateau United.

Nigerian Football

Westerhof recommends Siasia for Super Eagles’ job

Published

2 weeks 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

2 weeks 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.