Nigerian Football
Benin City on edge for AITEO Cup grand finale
The ancient City of Benin is on tenterhooks of high expectations as all arrangements have been concluded for this year’s AITEO Cup final in the women and men competitions, holding at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on Sunday.
Football fans were denied the annual serving last year as a result of the global coronavirus pandemic, which has disrupted football activities and other areas of human endeavour across the universe since the beginning of year 2020.
This has further increased the appetite of fans, enthusiasts, stakeholders and those seeking the undiluted entertainment that football matches of Cup final qualities offer.
The fact of either of the two teams on both sides of the finals
winning their first major trophy nationally is another theme that has shot up anxiety, passion and expectations among their players, fans and officials.
Bayelsa Queens FC, who surprisingly pummelled perennial League and FA Cup champions Rivers Angels by five goals in the semi finals are buoyed up for a big encounter against FC Robo Queens of Lagos, who ended the expressed ambitions of Edo Queens 5-3 on penalties after both teams were stalemated following a 0-0 draw in regulation time.
The queens from Yenagoa have in their armoury a number of players who have tasted and still savouring international exposure and experience, including Super Falcons’ midfielders Joy Bokiri and Peace Efih, defender Abidemi Ibe and forwards Mary Anjoh, Joy Jerry and Charity Reuben.
While Lagos –based FC Robo Queens have produced a number of international stars such as four-time African Player of the Year and Super Falcons’ captain Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade, they are currently led by one of the most exciting forwards in Nigeria women’s
football, nimble-footed Gift Monday.
Former junior internationals Esther Onyenezide and Folashade Ijamilusi are also on the books of the
Lagos Dames.
In the men’s final, Nasarawa United are determined to scoop their first national trophy since the club’s formation 18 years ago.
Experience and exposure to continental football at the level of CAF Confederation Cup a few years ago was sweet, so the Solid Miners have been looking for another opportunity.
Victory on Sunday will restore them to the continent, and they bank on the marksmanship of Silas Nwankwo (who emerged top scorer in this year’s Nigeria Professional
Football League with 19 goals) and the dead ball wizardry of Chigozie Obasi to puncture the ambitions of Bayelsa United.
Nasarawa United also have the quality of Anas Yusuf, Tebo Franklin, Shammasu Mohammed, Joshua Obaje and Adamu Hassan to thrust forward at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
Second-tier Bayelsa United, who have had an amazing run in this year’s campaign, upending NPFL teams Rangers International of Enugu, Lobi Stars of Makurdi and Rivers United of Port Harcourt, are hoping to become the first team from Nigeria’s second-tier to win the Cup in 20
years.
The last team to achieve that were Port Harcourt boys, Dolphins FC who bumped El-Kanemi Warriors 2-0 in 2001.
In their arsenal, they have an efficient goalkeeper in John Shaibu, and can also count on the grit, guts and gumption of former Flying Eagles’ star Bernard Okorowanta, Inikurogha Okardi, Tarabina Biweribo, Endurance Ededibiri and Gabriel Biriduba when the going gets tough in Benin City.
The women’s final will commence at 4pm, with the men’s final starting at 6pm.
At stake are prize monies of N25 million for the winner of the men’s competition and N10 million for the winner of the women’s competition.
The runner –up for the men’s competition will pocket N10 million, with the runner –up for the women’s event going home with N5 million.
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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