Nigerian Football
RIVERS FLOW INTO NPFL SECOND POSITION
BY SAMMY WEJINYA.
A classy Rivers United performance culminated in a 2-1 victory over Kano Pillars at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt in one of the stand out fixtures of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Sunday.
Konan Ruffin and Cletus Emotan netted for the ‘Pride of Rivers’ either side of half time while Rabiu Ali converted a brilliant free kick with practically the last kick of the game to give the raucous visiting fans something to shout about.
The win takes United up to second on the NPFL standings, just a point behind the leaders, Plateau United with the Jos club claiming a share of the spoils at the Aper Aku Stadium, Makurdi against third-placed Lobi Stars.
Pillars started well and could have taken the lead inside the opening four minutes when Usman Babalolo rattled the Rivers United goalkeeper, Ospino Egbe with a long range drive which was pushed away for a corner.
The hosts slowly grew in stature and began to dominate with their quick passing game which earned them a penalty in the 18th minute after midfielder, Esor Nelson was fouled in the box.
Esor had rounded the Pillars goalkeeper, Joshua Enaholo following some intricate bits of passing and movement and was on the verge of plating an emphatic finish into an unguarded net before he was upended by the startled Enaholo.
Ruffin is a deadly customer from 12 yards and he made no mistakes, firing home with frightening force despite the best efforts of Enaholo, who got a hard to the fierce effort, to send the home fans into fits of euphoria.
The visitors then took over, dominating large stretches of the rest of the half with veteran Ali, enjoying their best chance, a free kick from the edge of the area which he placed well wide in the 41st minute.
United had enjoyed two gilt-edged opportunities before Ali’s moment of indiscretion and had themselves to blame for not taking even one of those to further stretch their lead.
The first fell to Ruffin who latched onto Emotan’s sleek pass on the half hour before blazing into Orbit from a tight angle with just the goalkeeper to beat.
Michael Gopey also went close, a minute later, with a header which Enaholo managed to scramble away for a corner.
Pillars started the second stanza gamely and continue to look dangerous as they stepped on the accelerator in search of the second goal.
Substitute, Ahmad Musa came close in the 82nd minute when he side footed Nyima Nwagua’s inch-perfect cross just wide with just Egbe at his mercy from four yards out.
It was a shocking miss, which was to attract consequences as the hosts made the points safe with a delightful goal five minutes from the end.
A delightful passing move carved open the Pillars backline and Emotan was afforded the luxury of time and space to pick his spot and curl exquisitely past the badly-exposed Enaholo in the Pillars goal.
Ali’s intelligent free kick just before the end represented nothing more than scant consolation for the hosts as referee, Ndubuisi Ukah brought a wonderfully-open and richly entertaining game of football to an end.
Head coach of Pillars, Ibrahim Musa rued his side’s missed chances in the game as he discussed with the official Rivers United FC website, www.riversunitedfc.com.ng after the game.
“We need to improve in our finishing. That is the only problem we are facing,” he said.
On his part, technical manager of Rivers United, Stanley Eguma
“We could win the league title if we intensify our efforts because it is very possible. We will not allow the tempo we have built to drop and we cannot allow the little success we have gotten so far to get into our heads now,” he said.
Rivers United have now amassed 36 points from 21 matches and next travel to Okigwe to face Heartland FC in their next game in the competition.
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.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
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.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
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).
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- OBITUARY3 days ago
BREAKING: Nigerian Goalkeeping Legend Peter Rufai is dead
- Nigerian Football2 days ago
Football Agent John Shittu Demands Retraction and ₦250 Million Damages from Samson Siasia Over Bribery Allegation
- FEDERATION CUP1 week ago
Kwara United Clinch Historic First Title as President Federation Cup Final Goes to Penalties for the 18th time
- FEDERATION CUP1 week ago
Rivers Angels Crowned 2025 Female Federation Cup Champions After Penalty Shootout Thriller
- OBITUARY3 days ago
Peter Rufai looked lean when I last saw him, says mourning NFF President, Gusau
- WAFCON1 day ago
Nigeria, Tunisia Set for High-Stakes WAFCON 2024 Clash in Casablanca
- OBITUARY3 days ago
Family issues statement on Peter Rufai
- IMMEMORIAL2 days ago
Peter Rufai’s Death Adds to Long List of July Tragedies in Nigerian Football