Nigerian Football
RELEGATION BATTLES HIGHLIGHTS FINAL MATCH DAY OF NIGERIA FOOTBALL LEAGUE
BY PROMISE ETIM
The final round of matches in the regular
Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) season holds on Sunday, with two
teams expected to join Niger Tornadoes and Remo Stars to the lower division
from Group A, while three others are expected to drop alongside Yobe Desert
Stars from Group B.
www.npfl.ng previews
what could be an intriguing day of action across 12 different venues in the
country.
Group
A
Aside from Rangers International, Lobi
Stars, Enyimba International and playoff chasing MFM of Lagos, six teams
(Bendel Insurance, Rivers United, Katsina United, Wikki Tourists, Sunshine
Stars and Kwara United) are faced with difficult task of beating the drop, as
only two of these six teams play themselves (Rivers United v Bendel Insurance).
Rivers United as at Matchday 17 were
relishing the prospects of a playoff spot, but that dream went up in smoke on
Matchday 21 when they were beaten 1-0 by Rangers International in Enugu.
They face Bendel Insurance, who got promoted to the top flight in the previous campaign.
A
draw for both sides could be enough to keep them in the premier division, but
the outcome of Rivers United and Bendel Insurance’s clash in Port Harcourt,
will also be dependent on what transpires between Sunshine Stars and MFM FC at
the Akure Township Stadium. Rivers United and Bendel Insurance are on 28 points
apiece, a win with two goals advantage for Sunshine Stars and draw in Port
Harcourt could turn the tide, as all three teams could end up on 29 points,
with Rivers United going into the matchday with a zero goal difference.
Katsina United could also avoid the drop
if they beat seven-time champions Enyimba at home.
A
win for Abdullahi Biffo’s men could take them to 30 points, but the task seems a
difficult challenge as the visitors Enyimba FC are aware if they slip in
Katsina, MFM FC could leapfrog them to the third playoff spot, if the Lagos
side win in Akure, away to Sunshine Stars.
Wikki Tourists host leader Rangers
International, who have already qualified for the playoff.
A win for Aliyu Zubairu’s men in their adopted home ground (the Pantami Stadium in Gombe), could see them take their points haul to 30 and that should guaranteed their safety.
Kwara United also are with a slight chance of beating the drop, as they travel to already-relegated Niger Tornadoes.
Kwara
United’s chances will solely be dependent on matches from other venues. While
Rivers United host Insurance in Port Harcourt, Kwara United could drop neither
of them to the relegation zone if they secure a win in Minna.
While others will be hoping to survive on
Sunday, Lobi Stars will be hoping to cement their place in the playoff, when
the visit Remo Stars at Sagamu, with the latter already planning for life in
the lower division.
Group
B
Akwa United, Kano Pillars and FC
Ifeanyiubah are the only teams that are safe. With Akwa and Pillars having
secured their places in the playoff on Matchdays 20 and 21 respectively, FC
Ifeanyiubah will be hoping to do so on Matchday 22, when the host Akwa.
FC Ifeanyiubah need only a draw against
the Uyo-based side to book their place in the Super-6.
Defeat
for them, could mean Nasarawa United, El-Kanemi Warriors and Delta Force could
leapfrog them to third spot, if they secure wins in their respectively games.
If such scenario emerges, Nasarawa United
can pick the final playoff spot, by securing a win away to already-relegated
Yobe Stars, while El-Kanemi will need to win with two goals advantage at the
Okigwe Township Stadium, against Heartland FC. However, given the same scenario
of FC Ifeanyiubah slipping at home, Delta Force might need to get an eight-goal
haul to improve their goals difference when they host relegation-threatened
Plateau United.
Also banking on a positive result on
Sunday to qualify for the playoff, any of Nasarawa United, El-Kanemi and Delta
Force could also be relegated if Plateau United, Abia Warriors, Heartland,
Gombe United and Go Round secure wins in their respectively games.
Maikaba’s Plateau United could be relegated
if they fail to secure at least a point in Asaba away to Delta Force depending
on results elsewhere.
A
draw for the 2017 champions might just not be enough to keep them in the top
division if Heartland FC get a win at home to El-Kanemi Warriors in Okigwe.
Abia Warriors’ 2-2 draw in Uyo on Matchday
21, may not be enough to guarantee their safety, as they need to finish the job
against Kano Pillars at the Umuahia Township Stadium.
Abia
Warriors are level on 28 points with Heartland, with a better goals difference
than their neighbours and may need to score more goals to avert danger,
assuming the Owerri side improve on their goals difference with a big margin
win (against El-Kanemi), and the rest of the teams threatened by relegation win
their respective games.
Gombe United and Go Round have outside
chances of beating the drop, but one of them will have to experience life in
the lower league as both teams clash in Omoku on Sunday.
A draw could still see both teams relegated, but a win could salvage one of them. Go Round are however disadvantaged, with a negative goals difference of six, meaning they need to win with a margin of at least five or six goals, to stand a chance, depending on results from other venues.
All games are billed to kickoff by 4pm this Sunday at the 12 different venues.
The
fixtures
Group A
Wikki Tourists v Rangers
Rivers United v Bendel
Insurance
Remo Stars v Lobi Stars
Niger Tornadoes v Kwara United
Katsina United v Enyimba
Sunshine Stars v MFM
Group
B
Yobe Stars v Nasarawa United
Go Round v Gombe United
Delta Force v Plateau United
Abia Warriors v Kano Pillars
FC Ifeanyiubah v Akwa United
Heartland FC v El-Kanemi
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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