Nigerian Football
With pageantry, Seyi Akinwunmi makes his NFF Presidency declaration
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
In a rare show of sportsmanship, virtually all the candidates to the top seat of the Nigeria Football Federation were in attendance as Seyi Akinwunmi made his declaration at the Lagos Room of Transcorp Hilton, Abuja on Tuesday.
Ibrahim Musa Gusau, Musa Ahmadu, Idah Peterside who are also presidential candidates in the election slated for Benin on September 30 were in attendance at the declaration by Akinwunmi.
Also present were some other executive committee members of the NFF. They include Enyimba FC strongman, Felix Anyansi-Agwu, Yusuf Ahmed ‘Fresh’ and Ganiyu Majekodunmi.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu was represented by the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Olusegun Dawodu.
Former NFA chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima was also in attendance along with former General Secretary, Dr. Ahmed Tijani. Some states’ FA chairmen were also present.
The message was clear. The election is going to be politics without bitterness as all resolved to support the candidate that eventually emerge.
Akinwunmi kicked off his campaign with the presentation of a brief history of the NFF as Kunle Solaja addressed the gathering that included NFF congressmen on the fact that contrary to popular belief and as indicated in the crest of the football body, the NFF was not founded in 1945.
Foremost broadcaster and former Director General of the Nigeria Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Dr Danladi Bako held the hall spellbound as he reeled out football information, first to inform all, that he was eminently qualified as a football community citizen ahead of his introduction and subsequent endorsement of Seyi Akinwunmi as the best candidate for the NFF presidency.
In unfolding his presidential bid, Akinwunmi, using the campaign slogan: “Football First”, explained why he considered himself the best option to lead the NFF.
In began with a pre-event video presentation before expatiating on his agenda, telling the gathering that he would create an inclusive, vibrant and efficient football ecosystem.
He promised to begin with the grassroot to develop sustainable national football culture and provide pathways to success and fully exploit the Nigerian entrepreneurship spirit.
Remo Stars on Saturday made it two straight wins in the Nigeria Premier League after labouring to a 1-0 defeat of Sunshine Stars of Akure to follow-up their last weekend 2-0 away win over Abia Warriors.
On Saturday, under eight minutes they shot ahead through Shuaibu Ibrahim. That was where the story ended as Sunshine Stars came up strongly and almost stalemated scores.
The win, though narrow, is enough to temporarily take Remo Stars to the top of the log after two games.
They are followed by Rivers United who beat Heartland 3-1. It is the second consecutive 3-1 loss that Heartland are getting in the two-week old season.
The situation could change on Sunday when other matches are played.
On the card are: Akwa United hosting Abia Warriors while Kano Pillars will be away to Bayelsa United.
Katsina United host Bendel Insurance and Niger Tornadoes will be home to Nasarawa United. Shooting Stars will host Plateau United.
BY KUNLE SOLAJA, who was in Arnhem, Netherlands.
Former Nigeria manager, Clemens Westerhof has recommended one of his former players, Samson Siasia as the substantial coach for the Super Eagles.
Siasia was one of his players of the famed golden generation of the Super Eagles.
“I called him last month to greet him for his birthday and also to celebrate with him for the end of his five-year ban”, Westerhof told Sports Village Square at his house in Arnhem in the Netherlands.
According to him, Siasia is just like Keshi and that he has the capacity to turn the Super Eagles around for the better. Westerhof, the author of the famed ‘Golden Generation’ of the Super Eagles made his suggestion shortly after Germany’s Bruce Labbadia turned down the Nigerian job offer.
Westerhof remarked that he was surprised about the choice of Labbadia in the first instance and that the now Mali coach, Tom Saintfiet who is his friend could have been a better choice.
Saintfiet, a Belgian, was speculated among the coaches initially short-listed for the Super Eagles’ job. But Westerhof, before the naming of Austin Eguavoen, another member of his famous 1994 squad, strongly back Siasia for the job.
He remarked that he was in touch with the former striker as well as Austin Okocha whom he met with in London recently.
To Westerhof, Siasia has the same quality like Stephen Keshi to handle the Super Eagles. “He has done it before and I think he can still do it.”
The balls hit the nets 17 times this Sunday as the Nigeria Premier League Season 2024/25 burst into life this Sunday.
The first of the goals was from Plateau United’s Olawale Doyeni who converted a 24th minute penalty kick against Katsina United in an eventual 1-0 home win.
Another star-man of the the day is Enyimba’s Clinton Jephta who has become the season’s first hat-trickster. His three goals in the 65th , 70th and 73rd minutes sank heartland 3-1 in their home match.
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