Nigerian Football
REMO STARS HOLD ON TO LEAGUE LEADERSHIP
Two second half goals from Akinsanmiro Ebenezer and Agbeko Morgan earned Remo Stars FC a 2-0l victory over Apex Krane FC at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State in matchday 17 of the ongoing Nigeria National League.
Head Coach, Daniel Ogunmodede made five changes to the side that lost 2-1 against Ibom Youth FC in Akwa Ibom. Agbeko Morgan, Akinsanmiro Ebenezer, Wisdom Samuel, Dada Oladimeji and Victor Osuagwu were called upon to be part of the game.
Both sides started brightly and it was the Sky Blue Stars that got the first attempt when Nduka Junior located Oyedele Adebayo who tried to get the ball at the back of the net but Njoku Ochenna cleared at sight.
Akanni Qudus with a brilliant run found Oyedele Adebayo on the left, he took the shot immediately but the visitor’s goalkeeper, Israel Kologwu parried and the referee sounded his whistle to indicate he was in an offside position.
The visitor came closer to get a goal after Njoku Ochenna found his way the final third of the host, he tried to square the ball towards James Collins and Bankole Kayode calmly intercepted.
The Sky Blue Stars were given a chance to go ahead from the spot after Oyedele Adebayo was infringed inside the visitor’s box, Agbeko Morgan took the kick and it went wide.
The host continued to find a goal, Agbeko Morgan got a beautiful pass from Akanni Qudus, he took anxiously and his attempt hit the side net.
Towards the end of the first half, the visitors through Uthuko Egbo and John Collins combined well to get the lead but Bankole Kayode rushed out of his box to intercept an attempt from John Collins.
The Sky Blue Stars had two beautiful attempts in the closing minutes through Agbeko Morgan but Israel Kologwu saved and immediately Agbeko Morgan got the ball to locate Akinsanmiro Ebenezer, but he couldn’t get to the ball early enough.
The second half started from where the host stopped with Agbeko Morgan getting another chance to give his side the lead but Israel Kologwu was brilliant enough to stop him yet again.
The host kept on knocking to get a goal after Akinsanmiro Ebenezer sent a thorough pass towards Agbeko Morgan, he swiftly dribbled Okoro Paul to shoot but it went over the bar.
Substitute Dada Oladimeji picked the ball from his half to find space upfront to locate Adah Mathias who immediately sent a pass to Akinsanmiro Ebenezer, he took anxiously and it went over the bar.
The goal finally came in the 75th minute after Adah Mathias found his way into the final third of the visitors, he took but the woodwork denied his chance and Oyedele Adebayo calmly located Akinsanmiro Ebenezer who then put the host ahead from close range.
Agbeko Morgan doubled the lead for the Sky Blue Stars Adah Mathias beautifully squared in a pass, and he was there to make it count for his side.
The host continued to push to get their third of the day after Dada Oladimeji raced with the ball towards the corner flank, he sent in a beautiful cross but Adah Mathias wasn’t there to put the ball at the back of the net.
In the closing minutes the Sky Blue Stars got their third goal after Aneka Bless located a free Victor Osuagwu who sent towards immediately to Dada Oladimeji to score but the referee ruled it offside.
Up next for the Sky Blue Stars is an away trip to Otujeremi Ughelli Stadium to face J. Atete on Saturday in one of match day 18 fixtures.
Meanwhile, Head Coach of Remo Stars FC, Daniel Ogunmodede has hinted that he told his boys not to be anxious to impress him but play to get the three points against Apex Krane FC.
The head coach who celebrated his birthday told the boys that the three points are more important because he would always celebrate his day but the points can’t be gotten back if lost.
The Sky Blue Stars defeated Apex Krane FC thanks to the second half goals from Akinsanmiro Ebenezer and Agbeko Morgan in the matchday 17 of the ongoing Nigeria National League.
In his words to RSFC Media, he also disclosed that he was tensed at half time when his boys haven’t gotten the goals during the first half of the game.
“Like I told the players at the interval, my birthday is not as important as the three points. The three points is the most important because I will always have another birthday but the three points if we had lost it will never come back again, so I let that know that we can’t afford to loss it.”
“They were very anxious, they wanted to impress me and make me happy, having a young boy like Morgan carrying the load of the team is difficult, the young boy wanted to impress. This is his second time losing a penalty consecutively, I don’t blame him but I know over time he will grow past this stage.”
“I was so tensed at the end of the first half, in all sincerity, I was so scared because I know we have to win, and we have to win to remain on top of the table, also to take pressure away from these kids.”
“They are small boys playing in the league for the first time, they are most of our youth players and I feel for the boys not really for me because not scoring in the first half brought a lot of pressure for us and the guys were unable to deal with the pressure.”
“I told them we have to win, if we don’t then we might likely end up third on the table, and we will feel more pressured than this game that we have just played. So instead of feeling the pressure upfront, let’s eliminate the pressure now with this game, we can do it, and they came out to do it.”
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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