Nigerian Football
Against invading Abia Warriors, Remo Stars optimistic of another win
Remo Stars of Ikenne square off against Abia Warriors this Thursday evening hoping to regain the Nigeria Professional Football League top spot which Rivers United are currently occupying.
The newcomers to the elite league have remained unbeaten so far.While they head into the contest at the Remo Stars Stadium to contest for the top position, Abia Warriors with eight points are currently eighth on the log.
Their last match away from home against Wikki Tourists has shown the quality of the side jostling to go continental next season.
Mercurial midfielder, Dayo Ojo put the Sky Blue Stars ahead with a beautiful strike after he connected well to a pass from Andy Okpe, before Abdullahi Oyedele doubled the lead from close range to give Remo Stars a chance in that encounter but Salisu Adama pushed to reduce the deficit for the Giant Elephants.
Having picked maximum points on the road against Wikki Tourists over the weekend, the Remo Stars will hope to continue their unbeaten record.
Abia Warriors on the other hand got their maximum points through Innocent Gabriel who put them ahead in the ninth minute of the encounter against Heartland FC.
Both sides last meeting was in 2017 when the Sky Blue Stars put a stop to their the Warriors’ eight matches unbeaten record through Victor Mbaoma from the penalty spot in the 90th minute at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu, Ogun State.
In the reverse fixture, Remo Stars stood their ground at the Umuahia Township Stadium in Umuahia to share the spoils and the ended 0-0 between both sides.
The visitors will hope to keep faith in some of their veterans like Anthony Okemiri who assisted Innocent Gabriel in their last game, experienced players such as Odah Okemute, Cletus Emotan and Godwin Obaje are also expected to be handful for the hosts.
Remo Stars’ Coach, Gbenga Ogunbote will continue to keep faith in Dayo Ojo, Stanley Okorom, Abdullahi Oyedele, Andy Okpe and safe hands Kayode Bankole as they hope to hold firm to top spot.
Morgan Agbeko is still the only injured player for Remo Stars, and he is hopeful to reunite with the squad in few weeks.
A win for host will extend the unbeaten streak to seven matches in a row, the first of its kind for the Sky Blue Stars in the Nigeria Professional Football League.
Meanwhile, Remo Stars goalkeeper, Kayode Bankole has indicated his side will not be complacent and carried away with their bright start to the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
He was instrumental to Remo Stars as they claimed total match points on the road against Wikki Tourists of Bauchi in matchday six of the NPFL.
“I think it feels good, we did well in our last game against Wikki Tourists, nobody ever gave us a chance to defeat them in Bauchi, we did it, and we are so proud of the moment.”
“We will continue to keep our heads high above waters and won’t be distracted with our current performance, it is not easy topping the NPFL and every team’s target now is to stop our unbeaten streak, but we will remain focused and face each game as they come.”
“Abia Warriors are no push over in the league, they are also a good team. They have picked point on the road, but we will try our best to get our maximum points against them.”
“We will remain focused as a team to ensure we continue to win our games and permit me to use this opportunity to appreciate our fans for them support both at home and away, we happy, and we will not disappoint you because you all are our driving force.”
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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