Nigerian Football
Former Falcons superstars Okosieme, Igunbor to pick draws for Betsy Obaseki Cup
Two retired Super Falcons Super Stars, Nkiru Okosieme and Okuwa Igunbor, will be on ground on Sunday, September 26th at new Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City, to pick and conduct the draws ceremony for the First edition of the Betsy Obaseki Cup. Time is 8pm.
The Local Organizing Committee of the event headed by Mrs. Sabina Chikere, disclosed that twelve top women’s league clubs in Nigeria will battle for the Betsy Obaseki Cup title with the theme, ‘Promoting The Girl Child’ at four different venues in Benin City ; the School of Health Technology, Uniben Sports Complex, Western Boys High School, with the opening ceremony, the semi finals and finals to be played at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
In the words of member Main Organising Committee of the Betsy Obaseki Cup, Honourable Frank Ilaboya, Nkiru and Okuwa who are household names in women’s football in Nigeria and across the world were specially invited for these roles, to encourage and promote the girl child in the area of sports and education
.
He noted that for Nkiru Okosieme, until she retired from international football after the USA 2003 World Cup, she played for Nigeria at the China 91, Sweden 95, USA 99 and USA 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cups and the 2000 Olympic Games soccer event.
And before her retirement from active football, she was the longest serving Super Falcons player and most educated in the team with a PhD Degree in Health Administration from Clayton State University, USA, where is a 2014 Hall of Fame winner. She won three Africa Women’s Nations Cup titles in 1998 and 2000 and 2002. She also played in the American Women’s League the biggest in the world at the time.
While, Okuwa was a first generation Nigerian women’s footballer instrumental to the country’s first women’s Nations Cup title in 1991, as a top striker and the country’s inuagural qualification for the China 91 World Cup. She also played at the Sweden 95 World Cup and all the qualifier matches for the USA 99 World Cup but got injured few months to the World Cup.
Okuwa, who hails from Edo State, is a Guinness Book of Record holder as the scorer of the fastest goal in a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers match against the Black Queens of Ghana in 1991 in just 26 seconds.
A graduate of Business Administration from the Lagos State University and a former assistant coach of the national U-17 and U-20 Women’s teams, the Flamengos and Super Falconets. She is a founding member of the Police Machine Football team and Chief Coach of the team. She is one of the prides of the Nigeria Police Force in sports, aside from Chioma Ajunwa and the late Sunday Bada.
The 12 participating teams are eight first class NWFL Premiership clubs which include two former champions of the league and four first class NWFL Chamionship teams; Rivers Angels FC, Bayelsa Queens FC, Edo Queens, Sunshine Queens FC, Robo FC, Royal Queens FC, Confluence Queens FC, Naija Ratels FC, Kaduna Queens FC, Heartland Queens FC, Fortress Ladies FC and Rolly FC.
The opening ceremony has been scheduled for the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium on September 27, while the final and closing ceremonies hold on October 3.
BOC MEDIA.
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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