Nigerian Football
Despite loss in Ibadan Rivers are still flowing in glory as Akuneto hits 18 goal mark
Champions-elect, Rivers United forward, Chijioke Akuneto netted twice to open a two goals gap in the race for the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)2021/22 Golden Boot.
It was the strikers 18th goal of the season with his nearest contenders on 16 goals.
But his goals couldn’t save Rivers United from defeat as Shooting Stars of Ibadan won the encounter 3-2 to ease their relegation worries.
A six-minute spell in the game produced three goals as Emmanuel Lucky and Opeoluwa Olufemi both scored for Shooting Stars in the 20th and 25th minute respectively before Chijioke Akuneto – with his 17th goal of the season pulled one back for Rivers United.
Moses Omoduemuke gave Shooting a two-goal advantage before Akuneto scored again to close the game at 3-2 with his 18th of the season which has put him in a good stead for the top scorers gong with a game left of the season.
Remo Stars set themselves in pole position for third place and a continental slot by defeating Sunshine Stars 1-0 in Akure.
Dayo Ojo’s rasping effort in the 58th minute ensured that Remo grabbed the points despite a Sunshine Stars late offensive.
Gombe United were 1-0 winners over visiting Rangers International who knew if their continental hopes were to stay alive, they had to get points in Gombe – that didn’t happen.
Flying Eagles star Ibrahim Yahaya set the Pantami Stadium alight with a well-taken goal in the 47th minute to earn all the points available for his team.
At the Muhammad Dikko Stadium in Katsina, Katsina United made light work of Plateau United with a comfortable 2-0 win.
A much-changed Plateau United side, who have already sewn up the second spot put up a resilient fight in the first half that ended goalless but got beat by two second-half goals.
Young striker Mustapha Salisu’s brace in the 55th and 78th minute meant all the three points to Katsina and a quantum leap towards their quest to avoid relegation.
A brilliant game of football in Uyo saw Akwa United share the spoils with Abia Warriors in an entertaining 2-2 draw.
It was a ding-dong affair at the Nest of Champions as the two teams went at each other’s jugular.
Naipe Akpesiri gave the hosts the lead in the sixth minute before Godwin Obaje restored parity in the 23rd minute. Wisdom Fernando ensued Akwa United went ahead at the break with a 32nd-minute goal but Michael Ibe spoilt the party for the former league champions with the equaliser 12 minutes before time.
Niger Tornadoes had to dig deep to come from behind to earn a 2-1 win over Heartland of Owerri which effectively sealed their status in the NPFL for another season.
Heartland was top in patches in the first half and the second half and deservedly took the lead in the 84th minute through Nnamdi Egbujuo.
The goal seemed to wake Niger Tornadoes up as they launched a flurry of attacks that culminated in two goals.
Ifeanyi Okoye responded after his team went behind inside two minutes to tie the game before getting his second and Tornadoes’ winner in the 90th minute.
Kwara United, who are still in the hunt for a continental slot made light work of already relegated MFM in Ilorin hitting the Lagos side for three.
Junior Lokosa opened the floodgates in the 15th minute as Adesina Gata joined the act with a classy finish three minutes later to give Kwara United a soft cushion going into the break.
Samad Kadiri completed the rout with five minutes left of the encounter to boost Kwara’s hopes of going to the continent even though Remo Stars, who are in a direct race with Kwara United also produced a brilliant performance to nick all three points in Akure.
Aba side Enyimba faltered at home and kissed goodbye their fight for third place after receiving a 2-0 hiding at the hands of visiting Dakadda at the Enyimba International Stadium.
A goal in each half by Arise Ogundare in the 56th and Ezekiel Eddiong in the 90th minute meant Finidi George and his wards finished their home campaign with a loss and failed to qualify to play on the continent.
Nasarawa United edged Kano Pillars 1-0 in Jos as King Osanga popped up to prod home from Chinedu Ohanachom’s assist to earn maximum points. At the same time, Lobi had to dig deep to come from behind to beat Wikki Tourists in Makurdi.
Nanen Imenger had initially put Lobi ahead in the 17th minute but two quick-fire goals in three minutes by Ibrahim Salisu meant the visitors were ahead at the break.
Anthony Agbaji restored parity for Lobi from the spot in the 60th minute beating Galadima in goal for Wikki.
Another spot-kick for Lobi in the 89th minute, taken by Agbaji was saved by Galadima but Utim Godfrey reacted quickest to slot in the rebound to earn his side a 3-2 win.
MatchDay 37 Results
Akwa United 2-2 Abia Warriors
Enyimba 0-2 Dakkada FC
Gombe United 1-0 Rangers
Katsina United 2-0 Plateau United
Kwara United 3-0 MFM FC
Lobi Stars 3-2 Wikki Tourist
Nasarawa United 1- 0 Pillars
Niger Tornadoes 2-1 Heartland
Shooting Stars 3-2 Rivers United
Sunshine Stars 0-1 Remo Stars
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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