Nigerian Football
PRESENTING THE QUALIFIED MINISTERS THAT NIGERIA DESERVES
BY KUNLE SOLAJA
The issue of appointment of ministers to form the federal cabinet in Nigeria has again come to the fore. The legislative arm of government has reportedly urged the list to be forwarded before the end of this week.
That is what has informed this list being released now. After exhaustive screening of the over 100 million citizens, one has come up with an almost perfect list of those that the President should appoint to run the new cabinet of Nigeria.
Everyone will agree it is not an easy task to go through the CV of close to 100 million Nigerians to pick the new ministers and give them portfolios.
That is exactly what one has been able to achieve. Here are the great men and women that should put some vigour into the art of governance.
MINISTER OF DEFENCE
Kenneth Omeruo stands tall as a Minister of Defence. Not only is he the longest serving defender in the Super Eagles, he showed he could also go on the offensive when it is necessary. Recall that as a defender, it was his offensive move that got Nigeria the qualification for the Round of 16 in the just concluded Africa Cup of Nations.
But for the goal, Nigeria may have kissed goodbye to the competition at the group stage as the Super Eagles would have only had four points. As a long-standing defender, he has proven that he can defend the Nigerian territory. That he ventured forward to score a goal means that he can also go on the offensive against the Boko Haram and chase them out of the Nigerian territory.
Take a bow, Honorable Minister, Kenneth Omeruo. You are hereby confirmed as a Minister of the Federal Republic.
MINISTER OF LABOUR
It is of common knowledge that most governments and indeed, the private sector have failed to meet their commitments in paying for services that many Nigerians rendered.
Who else fits the position of Minister of Labour other than Rita Chikwelu, the indefatigable captain of the 2016 Super Falcons!
She led the squad to win on the field and ensured that her co-labourers efforts were not in vain.
She led the protest that ensured the team was paid. Not only that, her efforts rubbed off on the Super Eagles who were also paid outstanding allowances as the Federal Government, Lagos State Government and private individuals promptly stepped out with dollarized incentives to avert possible boycott of matches by the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations.
With Rita Chikwelu at the helms in the Ministry of Labour, there will no longer be stories of workers being owed salaries.
MINISTER OF PETROLEUM
The longest running schools sports programme in the country today is perhaps the Shell/NNPC Cup. Of course the brain behind it is the mathematical Segun Odegbami.
With his years of experience on the Shell/NNPC project, he must have garnered enough skills in the petroleum industry. Imagine if he were to be the Petroleum minister, he will mathematically calculate the best price that Nigerians can afford to get petroleum products.
The same skill he employed to dislodge defences on the football field will come handy in wading off barriers in delivering petroleum products to Nigerians. Let’s hail our new Minister of Petroleum, Chief Segun Odegbami.
Step out, Honorable Minister, Chief Olusegun Odegbami, MON, our Minister of Petroleum.
MINISTER OF TRANSPORT
Who else, but Chierika Ugogu, the American-born Nigerian rower who reportedly raised $15,000 to transport herself to the Rio Olympics thus becoming the first Nigerian to feature in Rowing at Olympics. With her, transportation across Nigeria will get a boost.
MINISTER OF JUSTICE
It has always been a prayer that we have a country where no man is oppressed. We desire a country where justice thrives.
We need a fair arbiter. No doubt, the cap fits Abel Baba, the only Nigerian referee invited to officiate at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations. If the continent found him good, we should not hesitate to appoint him as our minister of justice as he completed his assignment at Gabon. 2017. After him, no other Nigerian arbiter had been found worthy.
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE
The Yorubas have a proverb that says, when hunger is eliminated, poverty is alleviated. I also remember that the government of President Shehu Shagari emphasised so much on agriculture that he launched its famous “Green Revolution”.
Do we need to search far to know who the cap fits to champion a Green Revolution in Nigeria? Step out, Barrister Christopher Green!
He was part of the administration of the NFF when the Dankaro House was presented to the NFF. The building is now overgrown with green vegetation.
The surroundings of the ‘new’ Dankoro House are still all green, even without the application of fertilizers. Imagine if we have such genius handling the agric sector, there will be abundance of green zones all over the country.
Even, the express roads will turn green without application of fertilizers, thus saving a chunk of revenue importing such.
Come forward, Honorable Minister of Agriculture, Barrister Christopher Green. Continue grinning!
MINISTER OF HEALTH
Ah! This is the simplest task. Who else other than Femi Otedola who is bankrolling the health bills of prominent sports personalities? He did for Chairman Christian Chukwu and is understandably doing it for former national team goalkeeper, Peter Fregene. With Otedola in charge of the health sector, the wellbeing of Nigerians will be assured.
Congratulations, Honorable Minister, Femi Otedola!
MINISTER OF POWER
We all know the importance of power in any economy. Who else can lift power supply in the country other than a world champion in power lifting?
A certain Ezuruike Roland set three records in power lifting enroute his gold medal feat at the Rio 2016 Games. We can all see that power dwells in him.
Do we need another proof that he is the most qualified person to man the power sector? With him on the saddle, power will get a lift in Nigeria as he has been engaging in powerlifting.
MINISTER OF SPORTS
For many years, most sports ministers in Nigeria turned out to be ‘Minister of Football’. We earnestly need a departure from the past.
We need an all-rounder. This is where Chioma Ajunwa-Opara (MON) fits in. She is a former track and field athlete who was also a footballer for Nigeria.
She remains the only Nigerian to have represented the country internationally in two diverse disciplines – Women World Cup in China ’91 and Olympic Games in 1996. In athletics, she was both a runner and jumper.
Chioma is Nigeria’s first Olympic gold medallist, Nigeria’s only individual Olympic gold medallist and Africa’s only woman to win an Olympic gold medal in a field event.
Also, as an athlete, she ran in the 100m and 200m. No doubt, as our sports minister, she will not focus on football alone.
MINISTER OF FINANCE
When you are financially depressed, you need someone to meet your expectation to a point. This is where Super Eagles’ Ogenyi Onazi fits in for the position of Minister of Finance.
While others watched from the sidelines the unfolding drama, after Super Falcons’ eighth win of the African Women Championship in December 2016, Onazi met their needs to a point by donating the sum of N1million Naira to the players in addition to N200, 000 to injured Falcon’s defender, Onome Ebi.
With Onazi managing the finance of the country, Nigerians are assured of bail-out to meet urgent and immediate needs.
MINISTER OF INFORMATION
While many based their reports on the audit query raised by FIFA to the NFF on speculations, leading to denials that such a thing happened, a certain Olusesan Ajibade of New Telegraph sent a mail to FIFA and rightly informed Nigerians of the situation.
Just imagine if this man handles the information ministry, the era of misinforming Nigerians will come to an end.
Therefore, let the Senate confirm Olusesan Ajibade as our Minister of Information.
With these people at the helms, governance will reach higher than Next Level.
As the countdown begins for the commencement of the 2026/27 Nigeria’s lead football league’s season, strategic partners of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited, have welcomed plans by the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to significantly increase the prize money for Nigeria’s top-flight football competition, describing the move as a major step towards strengthening the domestic game.
The proposed increase, recently announced by the country’s football authorities, is expected to enhance competition among clubs and improve the league’s attractiveness to investors and corporate sponsors.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, GTI’s Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, said the initiative demonstrated a renewed commitment by Nigerian sports administrators to reposition the NPFL as a commercially viable and globally competitive league.
“GTI commends this progressive initiative. Increasing the NPFL prize money sends a strong statement of intent that will undoubtedly motivate clubs, improve competitiveness and send the right signals to investors and stakeholders about the future of Nigerian football,” Ekejiuba said.
He added that additional financial support from the NSC would further strengthen league operations and accelerate ongoing reforms.
GTI, which has been involved in the league’s restructuring and commercial development over the past four years, also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at transforming the NPFL into one of Africa’s leading football competitions.
According to Ekejiuba, the company has worked alongside the NPFL Board to improve corporate governance, enhance commercial opportunities and increase investor confidence in the league.
“The contributions of GTI Group cannot be overlooked. Over the last four years, we have remained steadfast in supporting the NPFL and helping to lay the foundation for a more structured, commercially viable and globally competitive football league,” he said.
The company stressed that collaboration among the NSC, NFF, NPFL Board and private-sector stakeholders would be critical to sustaining progress.
While welcoming the planned increase in prize money, GTI cautioned that deeper structural reforms would still be required to unlock the league’s full potential.
“It is not yet time to celebrate because there is still a great deal of work to be done,” Ekejiuba said.
He identified improved governance, club licensing, infrastructure development, broadcast production, content and data management, financial accountability and fan engagement as key areas requiring continued attention.
GTI said its long-term objective remains the creation of an accountable and transparent football ecosystem capable of attracting greater corporate investment and sponsorship into Nigerian football.
The company also noted that the current financial value of the NPFL, including the recently announced grant support, represents only a fraction of the league’s potential earnings.
“This collaboration between the NSC and NFF further complements the efforts of the NPFL Board and GTI. We welcome more partners to join this transformation journey because the current value, including the grant recently announced, represents less than two per cent of the league’s overall potential revenues which we expect to unlock over the next five years,” Ekejiuba said.
The latest endorsement from GTI comes as stakeholders intensify efforts to improve the commercial profile of the NPFL and position it as a stronger contributor to the growth of Nigeria’s football industry.
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Prominent Nigerians from all walks of life gathered at Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, Modakeke, on Friday to pay their final respects to former Super Eagles coach and ex-Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Technical Director, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, whose burial rites drew dignitaries from across the country.
The solemn ceremony attracted top government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders, academics, philanthropists, religious figures, business executives, retired civil servants, former Nigeria internationals and football administrators, all united in celebrating the life and legacy of one of Nigeria’s most influential football personalities.
Tributes poured in for the late tactician, remembered as a pioneer who broke barriers for indigenous coaches in Nigerian football. Onigbinde was the first Nigerian coach to lead the country’s senior national team to the Africa Cup of Nations final and the first indigenous coach to take the Super Eagles to the FIFA World Cup finals.
Clergy members who officiated at the funeral service described the Modakeke High Chief as a man of integrity, discipline and service, whose influence extended beyond Nigeria to the global football community.
Beyond his achievements with the national team, Onigbinde served as Technical Adviser to the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association and later rose to become a Technical Advisor to FIFA.
Representing the NFF, former Super Eagles captain and current Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen, paid glowing tribute to the late coach, describing him as a mentor who played a significant role in shaping his football career.
“Chief Onigbinde had a tremendous impact on my footballing career,” Eguavoen said. “He was a pathfinder who elevated the status of indigenous coaches through his intellect, professionalism and dedication to the game.
“The NFF recognises and appreciates his immense service to our country. He rose to the pinnacle of the coaching profession through hard work, discipline and commitment. He was a towering figure in coaching, not only in Nigeria but globally.
“He was the first Nigerian to lead our Eagles to silver medals at the Africa Cup of Nations and the first indigenous coach to guide the team at the FIFA World Cup. Even after retirement, he continued to contribute immensely as a resource person during NFF coaching programmes. His legacy is enduring and impressive.”
Eguavoen added that the nation and the football community would continue to cherish the contributions of the late coach while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Former Nigeria captain and member of the NFF Technical and Development Committee, Dr Felix Owolabi, also extolled Onigbinde’s qualities, describing him as a courageous leader, an exceptional mentor and a man of unquestionable integrity whose knowledge of football earned him widespread respect.
Among those present at the funeral were former NFF General Secretary Ambassador Fanny Amun, NFF Director of Communications Dr Ademola Olajire, former Super Eagles captain Mutiu Adepoju, representatives of the Osun State Government, traditional rulers, former international players and ex-members of Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan, where Onigbinde made a lasting impact both as coach and administrator.
Dignitaries, football administrators, former internationals, traditional rulers and community leaders attend the burial rites of former Super Eagles coach and ex-Nigeria Football Federation Technical Director, Chief Adegboye Onigbinde, at Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, Modakeke, Osun State, on Friday, paying tribute to one of Nigeria’s most influential football figures.
The Nigeria Football Federation also demonstrated its support for the family by making a financial contribution towards the funeral arrangements.
Widely regarded as one of the architects of modern Nigerian coaching, Chief Onigbinde leaves behind a rich legacy of service, excellence and pioneering achievements that helped shape the development of football in Nigeria and beyond.
For many gathered in Modakeke on Friday, the farewell was not only a burial ceremony but also a celebration of a life devoted to the growth of the beautiful game.
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Nigerian Football
Osimhen Clarifies Absence from Super Eagles Friendlies, Dismisses Transfer Speculation
Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has moved to clarify the circumstances surrounding his absence from the Super Eagles’ forthcoming international friendly matches against Poland and Portugal, insisting that recent comments by head coach Eric Chelle were misunderstood.
The Galatasaray forward will not be part of Nigeria’s squad for the two high-profile friendlies this month, a development that sparked speculation after Chelle suggested that the striker was focused on resolving issues relating to a possible transfer.
While explaining the absence of key players from his squad, Chelle remarked that Osimhen could be on the verge of changing clubs, prompting widespread reports linking the Nigerian star to a move away from Turkish champions Galatasaray.
“We miss two players because Victor Osimhen may be about to change clubs,” Chelle had said.
The comments fuelled fresh speculation about the future of the 27-year-old striker, who has been linked with several top European clubs following another prolific season in Turkey.
However, Osimhen has now sought to calm the situation, revealing that he personally contacted the Super Eagles coach to discuss the remarks and clear up any misunderstanding.
In a statement posted on his Instagram Story, the Nigerian international stressed that Chelle’s comments had been taken out of context and did not reflect any intention to create controversy surrounding either his future or Galatasaray.
“I just got off the phone with Coach Eric Chelle regarding the comments about me in his recent interview,” Osimhen wrote.
“Unfortunately, his words have been taken out of context and blown out of proportion. He has great respect for Galatasaray, follows most of our games, and never intended to create any controversy.
“I appreciate the conversation, the opportunity to always represent my country, and I look forward to continuing to work with him. He is a great coach whom I respect a lot, and I kindly ask everyone to disregard the speculation surrounding this matter.”
Osimhen’s statement effectively confirms that his absence from the friendlies against Poland and Portugal should not be interpreted as a sign of tension with the national team setup. Rather, it appears to be a mutually understood arrangement as the striker manages personal and professional commitments during the transfer window.
The former Napoli star remains a central figure in Chelle’s plans as Nigeria continues preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
For now, the Super Eagles will take on Poland and Portugal without their leading marksman. Still, Osimhen has reaffirmed both his commitment to Nigeria and his strong working relationship with the national team coach.
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