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Nigerian Football

BENDEL INSURANCE RENDER THANKS TO GOD OVER NPFL PROMOTION

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BY KEHINDE OSAGIEDE.

Players and officials of Bendel Insurance were today at the St.Paul’s Catholic Church in Benin to express their appreciation to God for his grace that led to their promotion from NNL to NPFL in the 2017/2018 season.

Led by the Technical Manager, Monday Odigie and club Secretary Charles Ehimekpen, the team arrived in the church on Airport Road, Benin at about 12.0 noon for the Thanksgiving Mass which began immediately.

The Priest,Rev Fr. Pascal Omonor in his message said it is good to be thankful to God at all times. 

He admonished the club against turning back against God. I cited the case of Israelites in the Bible who after enjoying the favour of God later turned their back against God and later ended in slavery because of their ungratefulness.

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“I am happy that you are here to thank God for seeing you through. I watched your games against 3SC live at the Uniben Sports Complex and a lot happened that day against your interest but God showed Himself and things turned around in your favour the next day when the match was finally concluded after the heavy rain that forced the postponement of the second half to the following day.

“I was obvious the rain washed away the forces against you that day. Only God knows why it happened that way but it eventually ended well for Insurance. I congratulate you once again “. He said.

Father Omonor however advised Insurance to always put their trust in God that by so doing they will always succeed.

He prayed and asked for God’s favour and protection upon members of the club and as well for the club to sustain their NPFL status.

Speaking after the Thanksgiving Mass, the assistant coach of the club, Greg Ikhanoba said it is good to thank God after winning a long time battle of promotion from NNL to the nation’s topflight league.

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He said insurance is not ungrateful club, hence they are back to God to appreciate Him for the victories so far given the club.

On their game against Kwara utd coming up on Wednesday, the assistant coach expressed the team’s readiness to win.

Meanwhile, the club will on Wednesday host Kwara United in an NPFL fixture. It is their first home since returning to the top league of Nigerian football.

The match will be played at the University of Benin Sports Complex, the temporary stadium of the ‘Benin Arsenal’

They were forced to a 1-1 draw by Remo Stars in their first game on Sunday at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu,

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The chief coach of the club, Baldwin Bazuaye said they were ready to host the Kwarans. 

He added that his boys were in good shape and ready for the game.

Bazuaye said insurance are not scared of any opponent, home or away but only respect other clubs.

Meanwhile, the management of Bendel Insurance has appealed to football fans and supporters of the club to go about supporting their darling club peacefully and as well respect the human dignity of referees and other match officials home and away. 

In a statement issued by the club’s media officer Kehinde Osagiede, the club urged their supporters to always do away with any act capable of bringing the image of the club to disrepute.

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Bendel Insurance is a highly disciplined club and expects every member of staff and fans to respect the set rules and standard of behaviour of the club.

The statement added that Insurance is not a violent club and cannot condone such act and as well condemned the physical assault on Referee Bethel Nwanesi by home supporters of Remo Stars after their match against Insurance at the Gateway International stadium, Sagamu.

Insurance however assured that proper security arrangements are being put in place to avoid any ugly incident of breakdown of law and order.

Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

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Nigerian Football

Football Agent John Shittu Demands Retraction and ₦250 Million Damages from Samson Siasia Over Bribery Allegation

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Prominent FIFA-licensed football agent John Shittu has issued a formal legal demand to former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia, seeking a full retraction and apology over alleged defamatory statements made against him about Nigeria’s 2008 Olympic football campaign.

In a letter dated and signed by his legal representatives, Godwin Dick Inyang & Co., Shittu categorically denied Siasia’s claim—widely reported in the media including Sahara Reporters and Soccernet.ng—that he offered Siasia a bribe of €50,000 to secure John Obi Mikel’s inclusion in the Nigeria U-23 team for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

The legal notice, addressed directly to Siasia, described the allegation as “false, malicious, and grossly defamatory,” adding that it had caused “reputational harm and professional injury” to Shittu, who is widely respected in the global football industry.

“Your statement is false, malicious, and calculated to disparage and lower our client in the estimation of his colleagues, clients, and the public, particularly in the tightly regulated world of professional sports management,” the letter stated.

Shittu’s legal team is demanding:

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  • A full and unreserved retraction of the alleged statement on Sahara Reporters, Soccernet.ng, and all other platforms that published it;
  • Publication of the retraction in at least two widely circulated national newspapers, including The Punch and This Day;
  • A formal, written apology addressed to Mr. Shittu and published on all aforementioned platforms;
  • A written undertaking not to issue or publish any similar statements in the future;
  • Payment of ₦250 million in damages for defamation, reputational injury, and consequential losses.

The legal notice further warned that failure to comply within 14 days of receipt will result in legal action against Siasia. The planned suit would seek aggravated damages, a restraining injunction, and full legal costs.

Shittu is well known in Nigerian and international football circles, having managed and represented top-tier footballers over the years.

 The gravity of the allegations, his legal team argues, is not only damaging to his personal and professional reputation but could also have implications in the closely scrutinised world of sports integrity and management.

As of the time of filing this report, Siasia has not publicly responded to the legal threat.

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Former NSC DG and teammate, Ekeji, pays tribute to Christian Chukwu

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Nigeria captain Christian Chukwu leaving the pitch after a 3-0 win over Algeria in 1980. He is being followed by Patrick Ekeji (Photo by Peter Robinson/EMPICS via Getty Images)

Tribute by Patrick Ekeji Reflects Bond, Legacy, and Regret Over Lost Potential

The Nigerian football community is in mourning following the passing of former Green Eagles captain, Captain Chris Chukwu, MFR, a towering figure in Nigerian football and one of the most respected team leaders of his generation.

In an emotional tribute, a close teammate and longtime friend of Chukwu reflected on the deep bond they shared, describing the late defender as more than just a colleague on the pitch.

“It’s been difficult for me to accept that ‘Ol boy’ – for that is what we called each other – is no more,” the tribute began. “The news was most unexpected. It took me some time to come to terms with it.”

The bond between the two football greats, which began during their school days and continued through their careers in club and national teams, was described as one built on mutual respect and camaraderie. According to the tribute, they communicated frequently, sometimes as often as two to three times a month, until Chukwu’s health began to decline.

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The writer also acknowledged the humanitarian gesture of business magnate Femi Otedola, who funded Chukwu’s medical treatment abroad when his illness worsened. “Otedola, I shall always remember what you did for him. Thank you,” the tribute noted.

Chris Chukwu was lauded as the most consistent team leader of his time, having captained teams from the East Central State Academicals to Rangers International FC, and eventually, the Green Eagles. His leadership qualities, on-field vision, and calm command earned him universal respect among teammates and coaches.

“He towered so high with the execution of his skills, overview and control of the team. It was natural, and we all respected his views on any issues that arose between us and the officials.”

The tribute also touched on Chukwu’s coaching career, noting with some regret that his gentle nature may not have suited the demands of the dugout. It further lamented the absence of adequate post-retirement support systems for athletes of his generation, which might have offered him a more structured path after his playing days.

“True, no living being has power over death, yet I believe that his post-soccer days would have taken a different route if there existed a system whereby such talents as he had exposure to appropriate post-sports/football years counselling.”

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As burial plans are underway, the late football icon is being remembered not only for his achievements on the pitch but also for his humility, leadership, and the inspiration he provided to generations of Nigerian players.

“It is my prayer that God receives his soul in heaven whilst also strengthening the family he left behind to accept his departure with utmost spiritual and physical strength. Adieu, Chris.”

Chukwu’s death marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on in Nigerian football history.

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NALCOMA Applauds NNL Leadership for Successful 2024/25 Season

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BY IKENNA NWOKEDI

The Nigeria National League Club Owners and Managers Association (NALCOMA) has lauded the leadership of the Nigeria National League (NNL) under Chief George Aluo for the successful completion of the 2024/25 season.

Speaking at a media parley with sports journalists in Lagos over the weekend, NALCOMA President Godwin Enakhena praised the NNL board for its efforts in enhancing the quality and integrity of the league.

Enakhena described the just-concluded season as a major success, highlighting the competitive performance of teams across the four groups and the commendable conduct of fans at various match venues. He also noted significant improvements in officiating standards compared to previous seasons, attributing the progress to the NNL leadership’s commitment to raising the league’s profile.

“The standard of officiating improved remarkably this season. It reflects the dedication of the NNL leadership to ensure the league matches the standards of the top-flight NPFL,” said Enakhena, who also serves as Chairman of Sporting Lagos FC.

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He further commended the NNL for securing the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, as the host venue for the upcoming Super 8 playoffs, scheduled from July 5 to 12, 2025. He expressed gratitude to the Governor of Delta State, H.E. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his continued support for football development.

Enakhena urged the eight qualifying teams to approach the playoffs with determination, noting that only the best should represent the NNL in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for the 2025/26 season.

The teams set to battle for promotion in the Super 8 are Warri Wolves, Crown FC (Ogbomosho), Kun Khalifat FC (Owerri), Osun United FC, Wikki Tourists FC (Bauchi), Yobe Desert Stars, Doma United FC (Gombe), and Barau FC (Kano).

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