Nigerian Football
OVUNDA THE HERO, AS RIVERS UNITED OUST LOBI STARS TO REACH AITEO CUP SEMI FINAL
BY SAMMY WEJINYA
Unheralded goalkeeper, Darlington Ovunda was the unlikely hero
for Rivers United as the ‘Pride of Rivers’ defeated Lobi Stars 5-3 on penalty
shoot outs to reach the semifinals of Nigeria’s oldest football competition,
the AITEO Cup.
Ovunda saved once and converted the decisive kick in the shootout as United put
themselves within striking distance of the showpiece game.
The Port Harcourt club will now meet Niger Tornadoes in the last four in the
competition.
Friday’s quarter final decided at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode was one of
few clear cut goal scoring opportunities so it was unsurprising that the stand
out moment in regulation time was an extraordinary save by United goalkeeper,
Abiodun Akande to keep out Kadiri Timileyin’s goal bound effort in the 79th
minute.
United’s best chance in an extremely tight first was a backward header by Ossy
Martins which the Lobi goalkeeper, Kayode Olufemi stopped with ease in the 25th
minute.
Two minutes later, Lobi almost took the lead but a fine Akande save after the
attacker hit a stunning half volley from just inside the box denied the pacy
Timiletyin.
Lobi enjoyed the better chances in the second half and came close to taking the
lead 11 minutes after the restart.
It was the ever lively Timileyin at the tip of the Lobi spear again as his
curling effort from eight yards failed to trouble the outstanding Akande in the
United goal.
United barely had a sniff in the second half but Lobi’s forwards were also
frustrated for long spells as defences dominated.
With penalties looming, the Technical Manager of United, Stanley Eguma made an
inspired move, withdrawing Akande and throwing in the largely unknown Ovunda in
his place with less than five minutes remaining.
Eguma also withdrew Bright Onyedikachi and threw penalty expert, Chigozie
Ihunda into the fray.
The substitutions would prove to be a masterstroke as United dominated in the
shootout.
Konan Ruffin, Temple Emekayi, Ihunda and Bakary Bamba stepped up in nerveless
fashion to convert United’s first four kicks in the shootout.
Lobi were however staring down the barrel after their first four kicks in the
shootout.
Olamidare Ojo, Ebube Duru and Samuel Matthias all scored for the ‘Pride of
Benue’ but a stunning save by Ovunda to deny Lobi’s first penalty taker, Sikiru
Alimi meant that United’s fifth kick was the a potential decider.
So it proved as the man for the big occasion, Ovunda stepped to covert and put
United into the semifinal.
Ovunda was understandably pleased with his heroic display as he shared his
sentiments with the club’s official website, www.riversunitedfc.com.ng.
“I can’t express the joy I feel right now. I feel so happy and I thank my
teammates for the support they gave me,” he said.
“Now, we want to do well in the semifinal and try to reach the final,” he
concluded.
Eguma also fielded questions after the hard-fought win.
“Once we saw the draw and knew we would face Lobi, we knew we were in for a
very big battle.
“I studied Lobi at the Super Six where I watched them play.
“They succeeded in stopping us from scoring during regulation time which was
impressive (from their perspective) as we had been scoring goals in the
previous rounds.
“We showed more composure during the shootout and deserved to win in the end,”
he said.
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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