Nigerian Football
EVERYONE IMPRESSED BY MIKEL OBI’S MIDDLESBROUGH DEBUT
Anthony Vickers, a senior writer at Teessidelive, an online publication in the UK has described as impressive, the debut for Middlesbrough by Nigeria’s Mikel Obi.
The Super Eagles’ skipper who signed for the club barely two days earlier was a starter in the game in which he played for 62 minutes. Here is Anthony Vickers’ assessment of the Nigerian international.
So, how did surprise starter John Obi
Mikel do on his debut?
Not bad. Not bad at all. In fact, he provided some eye-catching neon flashes of quality that illuminated an often monochrome match.
Little sparks. A sublime touch here. A laser-guided long ball there. A subtle shimmy to send a Newport man blundering down a cul-de-sac, creating precious time and space to calmly pick a pass. And all that happening in a bubble of serene slow-time he created around himself amid the scrappy, frantic flailing of the midfield melee.
Serial winner Mikel is a long-time trophy hoover. A sparkling decade with Chelsea earned him an enviable medal collection.
And even in the hurly-burly of a thud and blunder FA Cup clash, even on a rushed debut after one training session with his new team-mates, even after a long lay-off from active service you could see that he oozes class.
Mikel
was quick to point out after the game that he was rusty
and lacking match sharpness and he needed minutes. You could see that.
It is 10 weeks since his last outing for Chinese club Tianjin Tada when he played the full 90 and scored and that takes the edge off.
He didn’t do a lot of sprinting. There weren’t any lung-busting runs up-field. He barely broke sweat.
But he wasn’t blowing during the game. He was never beaten for pace. He never looked like he was towing a caravan.
Physically he coped and will improve with minutes. But technically he excelled.
There were some exquisite moments of distilled quality. He has an impressive palette of passing, a finely honed selection of well-weighted, perfectly delivered balls across all the angles on the protractor and at a variety of distances, speeds and heights.
Most of them were short and sharp, popping up across the middle third to collect and recycle sharply and accurately.
At
one moment in the first half he was first to a loose ball but hemmed in by
three arriving Newport midfielders, all snarling and snapping and looking to
mug him 10 yards outside the box.
Mikel deftly lifted the ball over the outstretched toes of the first challenge and stepped aside leaving the assailant to follow through and impede the second County combatant then turned inside to shield himself from the third and calmly threaded a casual ball back between the centre-backs for Darren Randolph to deal with routinely.
Nice. It showed great positional awareness, incredible composure under pressure and shrewd, instinctive reading of the opposition intentions and took the sting out of a potential dangerous situations.
There were a few moments like that when Mikel took responsibility and control in a crowded middle third to tidy up with a bit of swagger.
He looks more than capable of playing that holding role, fire-fighting, breaking up attacks, quickly and cleanly playing the right ball to find a colleague in space to carry it forward and link up the different elements of the engine room.
But there were a few signs that he could play a more offensive role too, that he has the vision to spot movement between the lines and the technical ability to deliver a ball that can spark an attack.
There was one sublime moment midway through the first half when after a crisp exchange of short passes he looked up, spotted a run and took a touch to set himself up then hit the sweet spot.
He delivered an inch perfect 60 yard crossfield diagonal that sailed over and neutralised the Newport midfield and dropped onto the toes of Britt Assombalonga as he darted towards the box.
The striker drilled his low shot wide but that wasn’t really the point. It was the sublime artistry of the delivery that was a delight.
That move didn’t make the Match of the Day highlights which is a shame because aesthetically it was the best of the day.
So Mikel did well. It wasn’t a match-winning debut, the deep-lying destroyer position doesn’t lend itself to such drama.
But it was very encouraging. He was composed, tidy and effective in his holding brief and linked smoothly with the players around him plus there were hints at a more attacking enterprise when opportunity allows.
There were fascinating flashes there of the silk and steel John Obi Mikel that played for Chelsea just two years ago.
Yes, it was “only Newport” – but he hadn’t played since October and barely missed a beat.
When he gets up to speed, if that potential is consistently brought to bear on the pitch, he could be some weapon in the Championship.
Nigerian Football
Football Agent John Shittu Demands Retraction and ₦250 Million Damages from Samson Siasia Over Bribery Allegation
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:
- 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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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.
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.”
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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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.
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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