Nigerian Football
ENYIMBA TURN ATTENTION TO LOCAL LEAGUE AFTER CONTINENTAL OUSTER
BY MUYIWA AKINTUNDE
After their failed continental campaign which ended last Sunday, defending champions, Enyimba will now have to concentrate on the domestic scene.
Although placed ninth on the log, the People’s Elephant have enough outstanding matches and the experience to navigate the business end of the season.
At the moment, the Aba-based side are 13 points adrift of leaders Plateau United, who have played five matches more.
Enyimba and their guests this evening, Sunshine Stars have had four head-to-head clashes in Aba with the home side winning all but one, which ended goalless on Augusts 3, 2016.
The Akure Gunners prevailed in the first leg this season 1-0, played last November 20.
The last time Enyimba filed out in the NPFL was on February 23 in Lafia and they were smashed 0-2 by Nasarawa United to end a five-match winning streak.
Sunshine Stars won at home last Sunday pipping Abia Warriors 1-0 after crashing 0-3 away to Warri Wolves the previous week.
The five matches have fetched the Stars seven points (2-1-2) to keep them at No 4, nine points short of the leaders.
Nasarawa United, who lost defender, Chineme Martins in avoidable circumstances last Sunday at Lafia Township Stadium as they bashed Katsina United 3-0, travel to nearby Jos to take on table-toppers Plateau United.
Only two teams – Akwa United and Kano Pillars – have left the New Jos Stadium with a point each in 11 matches by Plateau United on that ground this season.
And Nasarawa United have proved to be featherweights against Plateau United in Jos having lost all their previous three games there.
Nasarawa United, in 14th spot but only one point up the relegation zone, are not so impressive away. Apart from shocking Dakkada FC in Uyo 3-0 on Matchday 15, Nasarawa have lost eight times on the road in 11 fixtures.
Second placed Rivers United are in Enugu as guests of Rangers. Seven places and 11 points separate both teams with Rangers however having an outstanding away match against Enyimba.
Both sides won their last fixture by same margin – 1-0 – at home; Rangers against Katsina United and Rivers versus FC Ifeanyi Ubah.
For the Flying Antelope, that result made it three straight wins at The Cathedral since losing on their hallowed ground 1-2 to Akwa United on February 16.
On their part, River United only got broken by Kwara United’s 1-1 in Ilorin in their last five games, which included 2-0 triumph in Okigwe against Heartland.
In 11 head-to-head clashes between Rangers and Rivers United in Enugu, the home side have won nine times and never lost, the last five encounters producing positive results for the hosts.
Lobi Stars are in Okigwe to challenge Heartland for three points. The Ortom Boys from Makurdi made their title ambition difficult having squandered maximum points in their last two home matches – 0-0 against leaders Plateau United, followed by 2-2 while hosting Kano Pillars last Sunday.
That has now kept the 2018 champions in third spot and three points behind the leaders.
Heartland also suffered reverses in recent time. Their 5-0 humiliation of bottom placed Adamawa United in Okigwe could not be sustained as two defeats – including to Rivers United at home – were to follow, in between a goalless result in Lagos against MFM.
Heartland are only two points ahead of the bottom four.
Last time away to Heartland on March 4, 2018, Lobi Stars succeeded 1-0 in Okigwe as they went ahead to win the title while Heartland got relegated being the last team on the log.
Heartland have however won their head-to-head encounters seven other times and drawn two others. Lobi were rampant when both sides last met in Makurdi winning 3-0.
Dakkada FC were sensational in the earlier part of the season. But the promoted side have since returned to normal duty, although they still feature in the elite zone of the table being in fifth place only as a result of fewer goals score compared to Sunshine Stars.
In Nnewi against FC Ifeanyi Ubah, Dakkada will be seeking their second away victory to add to the 2-0 defeat of Rangers in Enugu on November 24.
Their lone goal win over Heartland in Uyo last Sunday marked their only triumph in the last seven matches.
FC Ifenanyi Ubah, who will go for revenge having lost 0-1 in the first leg in Uyo, returned from Port Harcourt last time out with no point as Rivers United won 1-0.
They have won two times – 3-1 against Sunshine Stars and 1-0 versus MFM – in their last two home games.
Akwa United missed action a week ago because their opponents Enyimba had international match.
The Promise Keepers are in Katsina this time to hunt for points and improve their sixth position, while Katsina United, who suffered back-to-back defeats to Nasarawa United and Rangers in one week, will be determined to make amends and move up from No 12.
Kano Pillars, No 7 on the log and with a match in hand, will face Jigawa Golden Stars, who have been using the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano this season.
The home crowd will no doubt be massive for Pillars whose last match ended 2-2 in Makurdi against Lobi Stars, on the day the Stars beat Kwara United 2-1 at the same venue of this evening’s derby.
Of the teams involved in the remaining fixtures, only Warri Wolves cannot drop to the relegation zone. Adamawa United, Kwara United and Abia Warriors are already in the red zone, while Wikki Tourists and MFM are potential candidates.
Fixtures…
- Kano Pillars v Jigawa Golden Stars
- Rangers v Rivers United,
- Abia Warriors v Adamawa United
- Warri Wolves v MFM
- Enyimba v Sunshine Stars
- Kwara United v Wikki Tourists
- Plateau United v Nasarawa United
- Katsina United v Akwa United,
- Heartland v Lobi Stars
- FC Ifeanyi Ubah v Dakkada FC
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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