Nigerian Football
MFON UDOH RESCUES A POINT FOR AKWA UNITED IN WARRI
Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) record goal scorer,
Mfon Udoh saved his side, Akwa United, the blushed when his equaliser secured a
point for the Uyo side at the Warri City Stadium on Sunday against
returnees, Warri Wolves on the opening day of the NPFL 2019/20 season.
The Seasiders, who have just returned to the topflight after spending
three seasons in the second tier showed hunger from the get-go as they looked
to upset their star-studded opponents.
And it was Samuel Amadi who set the ball rolling with his quick-fire goal
on the 2nd minute of the encounter. But Udoh whose 23 goals in 2014/15 is yet
to be equalled restored parity 26 minutes later to ensure that both sides
shared the spoils. Udoh had also ended last season as joint top scorer with
Ibrahim Sunusi of Nasarawa United.
In September, Akwa United had began pre-season
preparations with a 1-0 win over Warri Wolves at the Krisdera Hotel
Stadium in Omoku.
Although the draw means Warri Wolves are now unbeaten in their six NPFL
meetings against Akwa United, the latter will be more appreciative of the
away point secured. May 7, 2014 was the last time the Promise
Keepers tasted victory against the Seasiders in the NPFL, with the game ending 2-0
in Uyo.
Subsequently they had to settle for two home draws and three away defeats
before Warri Wolves suffered relegation in 2016. Their last NPFL meeting
on July 24, 2016 was a come-from-behind 3-1 home win for the Seasiders.
Riding on the wave of this piece of history, the home side took advantage
of a confused Akwa United defence to take the lead inside two minutes,
with Amadi, who is playing his first ever game in the NPFL, scoring the
first goal of the season off a pass from Victory
Omadiegbe.
Soon after, Amadi was on the hunt for a second. But after a fine run down
the right flank, his effort could only force Akwa United goalkeeper
Adewale Adeyinka to a finger-tip save.
Of the 15 new players Akwa United unveiled last Monday,
seven featured in the draw
against Warri Wolves, including Adeyinka, who was signed from
Gombe United.
When the visitors began to settle in their strides, Udoh rattled
the crossbar with a shot from 25 yards out in the 10th minute while
Samuel Mathias’ freekick was tipped over the bar by Ocheayi Francis,
who stood in between the sticks for the home side.
Then a fantastic team build-up by Coach John Obuh’s side culminated in
Udoh tapping in Paul Obata’s cross for the equalizer on the 28th minute.
The first half of the encounter ended 1-1.
A minute into the second period, substitute Charles Atshimene, who
was Warri Wolves’ top scorer in the Nigeria National League (NNL) last
season with eight goals found himself in a great position to restore his side’s
lead, but he blasted his shot way over the bar.
Subsequently, chances in the game were few and far between as
injuries became the order of the evening. For five minutes, Obata, who had
been one of the key players for Akwa United, was being attended to
by medics on the sidelines. He was eventually replaced by
Christian Ekong.
Then Warri Wolves’ goalscorer Amadi, who twisted his ankle while trying to
take a corner kick in the 64th minute, had to give way for Ridwan
Agbarinka in the 72nd minute. The latter stage of the encounter presented
a late rush for a winner by both teams but to no avail.
Warri Wolves will travel to Akure for a date with Sunshine Stars
on Matchday 2, while Akwa United take on Abia Warriors.
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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