Nigerian Football
NIGERIA-BORN DANJUMA GIVES BOURNEMOUTH PLAY-OFF LEAD
Bournemouth manager Jonathan Woodgate knows his side “still have it all to do” to overcome Brentford in the Championship play-off semi-final despite winning the first leg 1-0.
Arnaut Danjuma scored the only goal early in the second half in front of a crowd of around 2,000 home fans, but Brentford missed a glorious chance to level through Bryan Mbeumo.
“It’s half-time, it’s a slight advantage,” Woodgate said after seeing Dutch winger Danjuma finish off a fine counter-attacking move from David Brooks’ precise through ball.
“We know how good Brentford are at home, we know how good the players are and the team is, they’ve been in this situation before and they’ve got that experience.
“It’s far from over.”
The Cherries created the bulk of the chances in the first leg, but could have found themselves going into Saturday’s return leg all square had Mbeumo not poked narrowly wide from six yards out with the goal gaping.
Emiliano Marcondes was also denied by a smart block from Asmir Begovic after coming off the bench.
Danjuma almost added a second goal late on for Bournemouth from a free-kick only for David Raya to palm it wide.
“I thought we created the better chances in the game and they had one towards the end, but we were outstanding on the counter-attack,” Woodgate said.
“We were compact behind the ball and then broke at speed, at pace and we’ve got that in abundance with the players we’ve got.
“Those sort of finishes is what Arnaut does and, for me, it was never in doubt once he got in that position, he’s so good at it.”
The move that led to the goal began when Brentford centre-back Pontus Jansson lost the ball in an advanced position shortly after being booked.
Bournemouth pounced on the space he left at the back on the counter and Wales international Brooks played a deft through ball to Danjuma on the edge of the area, and the Dutch forward calmly finished into the bottom right corner for his 16th goal of the season.
In what was one of the first sporting events to be allowed limited crowds back on the day coronavirus lockdown restrictions were eased across England, Bournemouth certainly responded to the noise and atmosphere their supporters were able to provide after a prolonged absence.
It was also the first time Woodgate took charge of a Bournemouth side in front of a crowd after he was appointed manager in February.
“The atmosphere was just unbelievable, it was electrical having them here,” Woodgate said.
“It helped our players, they were constantly behind us, they liked the way we were playing and they fully bought in to how we were trying to play.
“But we’re going to Brentford now and the shoe’s on the other foot, and I’m sure their fans will be bang up for it.”
Bournemouth also went close on the night when Jefferson Lerma fired an ambitious volley narrowly over the crossbar, Philip Billing skewed a shot wide from 12 yards out and Dominic Solanke hit the post with a downward header.
Steve Cook and Brooks were also denied in quick succession when Cook had his header from a corner saved low down by Raya and then Brooks’ follow-up was blocked near the post by Ivan Toney.
Cook was forced off in the first half with a knee injury but Woodgate hopes his centre-back and captain will be fit for the second leg.
Brentford, who finished third in the regular season, tasted defeat for the first time in 13 games while sixth-placed Bournemouth found the perfect time to bounce back from three consecutive defeats.
“An even game I would say between two very good teams that both tried to get on top of the game throughout.
“I thought Bournemouth were slightly more dangerous than us in the first half without dominating.
“I thought we were the better side in the second half and we had our chances, and I felt a draw would’ve been the right result.
“But in a tight game, we know it’s the small margins that will decide the game in a two-legged tie.
“We lost our structure and focus on their biggest threat, which was the counter-attack and we gave them the first goal from that, so we need to do better on that.
“It’s a massive chance for Bryan after that and it doesn’t get any bigger.
“But, this is just like we’re going out in the second half and we’re 1-0 down, so there’s plenty of time still to turn this round. We’ll be ready and come flying out 100%.
“We can use the experience from last year and we know it’s going to be another tight game with small margins.
“There’s still massive belief in the dressing room we can turn it around.
“It was great to have the fans back there. The Bournemouth fans did a great job, but I expect ours to do a better job, just like we need to do a better job.”
-BBC
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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