Nigerian Football
PROFLIGATE RIVERS UNITED CHANGED COURSE IN NNEWI
BY SAMMY WEJINYA.
Rivers United
frittered a plethora of chances in Sunday’s 0-1 loss to FC Ifeanyiubah (FCIU)
in Nnewi as the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) entered Match Day
three.
Drissa Bamba got his first start of the season as the United Technical Manager,
Stanley Eguma elected to throw the flamboyant goalkeeper into the deep end
against his former club at his old stomping ground.
Zoumana Doumbia, Ishaq Rafiu, Michael Gopey and Chigozie Ihunda completed five
changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Heartland in Port Harcourt on November
10 as Abiodun Akande, Malachi Ohawume, Michael Enaruna, Lookman Binuyor and
Kunle Odunlami all made way for the season’s debutant starters.
The wholesale changes seemed to affect the usual fluidity of the ‘Pride of
Rivers’ as the hosts quickly took the initiative.
Chibuike Eze dazzled his way into the United box in the second minute but his
feeble shot was stopped effortlessly by Bamba before the visitors stormed down
the other end and almost took the lead.
Cletus Emotan’s expertly-delivered corner a minute later was met by a
well-placed header by Michael Gopey but the FCIU goalkeeper, Sharp Uzoigwe
displayed sharp reflexes to tip the goal-bound effort away for a corner.
Then came a moment of horror for the visitors.
Chigozie Chilekwu made the most of a lapse in concentration by United and
smacked home Jimoh Gbadamosi’s visionary pass with frightening force into the
bottom corner in the seventh minute.
That represented the end of the scoring of a rip-roaring contest that could
have easily produced no less than half a dozen goals.
United improved marginally after the early set back with the trio of Gopey,
Ishaq and Ossy Martins all causing problems for the FCIU backline for the rest
of the half.
The next clear-cut goal scoring opportunity however fell to the home side and
it would have been a carbon copy of the opening goal had Sabastian Uche
displayed a little bit more composure to his powerful strike, off an
enthralling team move, on the half hour.
United almost equalized three minutes before the interval but desperate goal
line clearances remarkably denied Martins, Ishaq and Shuji Oshobe within
seconds of each other.
The thinking among some, that the FCIU goal was living a charmed life, was
ruthlessly underlined in a second half dominated by the visitors.
Five minutes after the restart, United shockingly failed to take the lead after
Gopey astonishingly missed an open goal from six yards following a mix up in
the FCIU defence between Chilekwu and Uzoigwe.
Martins had a great chance to draw United level when he found himself unmarked
at the edge of the area but curled his right-footed effort just wide.
The alarm bells were and truly tolling at this point as United sensing that
their hosts were on the ropes, honed in for the kill.
Three minutes after Martins missed the gilt-edged opportunity to level matters,
United won a free kick, 25 yards out.
Ishaq took the set piece it well enough and but it deflected off the head of
Charles Okafor and against the cross bar.
It was the closest the fast-improving United had come to getting on the board
but they did not flag with newly-introduced substitutes, Nelson Esor and Bright
Onyedikachi making inroads and finding plenty of joy down the wings.
The hosts had by this stage, been pinned deep into their half as they defended
for their lives but a rare raid upfront, on the break, almost caught United
napping.
Sabastian connected well-enough with Ekene Awaziem’s devilish delivery and with
Bamba in no Man’s land, the effort crept agonizingly wide as the sparse horde
of travelling support heaved a collective sigh of relief.
Then came the turning point of the game, in the 65th minute, when Onyedikachi
missed a gaping goal from close range with Uzoigwe badly misplaced following
good work by Emotan on the far side.
Even though United dominated the rest of the half and created several more
dangerous moments, Onyedikachi’s miss seemed to knock the stuffing out of a
United side that have still yet to score from open play after three attempts
this term.
“My players need to be clinical upfront. It is disturbing that we are
dominating matches but not scoring goals,” Eguma told the club’s official
website, www.riversunitedfc.com.ng.
Head coach of FCIU, Uche Okagbue also shared his post-match sentiments.
“It was a good match and we thank God,” he said.
United currently occupy 15th position in the NPFL standings with two points
from three games while FCIU are in third place with seven points from a
possible nine.
Next up for the Pride of Rivers is the onerous task of stopping Enugu Rangers
in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, November 20 as the competition enters Match Day
Four.
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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