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Nigerian Football

Nigerian Football Fund will speed up development, says GTI Group

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

The management of GTI Asset Management & Trust Limited, which has launched The Nigerian Football Fund (TNFF) on Wednesday threw light on the noble idea.

In an interactive session involving sports and business journalists, the company’s Executive Director on fund management, Nelson Ine explained that the project is the tonic that Nigerian football deserved to leapfrog into higher level.

Already, the GTI Group has set up a N5 billion football facility through the instrumentality of the capital market to mobilise private sector investments into football and other sports projects.

The facility is  tagged: ‘The Nigerian Football Fund (TNFF)’, is a collective investment scheme and mutual fund that combines the regular advantages of a mutual fund with unique propositions of a structured fund.

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The application list for the offer was opened about a year ago and it was resgisterd  by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as an open-ended fund. It is envisaged to fill the missing link in the development of Nigerian sports.

According to Nelson Ine, the N5 billion is being raised through an  initial public offering (IPO) of 5.0 billion units at a par value of N1.2 kobo per unit. The minimum subscription to the fund is 100,000 or N100,000 and thereafter in multiples of N100,000.

Ine explained further that when the project becomes fully operational, it will be yielding revenue to the point that a reversal in sports funding in Nigeria will occur.

Now sports bodies, especially the football clubs and the various association run to government for funding , but soon, the reverse will be the case.

He wondered why football as an entertainment cannot the same acclamation that music as part of the industry in Nigeria has attained worldwide.

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Right now, Nigerian musicians are well sought for in the world, taking over the earlier American dominance.

Nelson explained that football in Nigeria can do the same and only need the right tonic which the TNFF will be providing .

He described the scheme as a mutual fund that will enable Nigerians to invest in the football industry. He emphasised on investing as he pointed out that money put in the scheme is not regarded as donation.

“We are not sponsors of the Nigerian Football League, rather, we are strategic partners”, he said pointing out that the Nigerian professional football clubs will move from being financially loss oriented to ones that will generate returns.

“We are like burden-bearers on rescue mission of Nigerian football”, he emphasised. “The sports properties should not diminish. Rather they should grow”, he pointed out.

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Using the English Premier League as an example, Ine pointed out at the growth tragetory as the league over 30 years grew from a £192 million value to £10.5 billion in 2022.

He pointed at the changes that have happened in FIFA and IOC to support his assertions. Prior to the advent of Joao Havelange’s tenure in 1974, FIFA had no asset of note.

But the bunsinessman and business-oriented Havelange opened a new vista. Now FIFA is one of the richest international organisations in the world.

Ine also noted that the before Los Angeles Olympics in 1984, IOC frowned at ventures that are profit oriented. But the American changed that perception. So from a net worth of $250 million in 1984, the IOC worthed $7.6 billion as at 2021.

He believes if the right structures are put in place in Nigeria coupled with trusted corporate governance

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Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

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Nigerian Football

Football Agent John Shittu Demands Retraction and ₦250 Million Damages from Samson Siasia Over Bribery Allegation

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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:

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  • 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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Former NSC DG and teammate, Ekeji, pays tribute to Christian Chukwu

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Nigeria captain Christian Chukwu leaving the pitch after a 3-0 win over Algeria in 1980. He is being followed by Patrick Ekeji (Photo by Peter Robinson/EMPICS via Getty Images)

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.

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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.”

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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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NALCOMA Applauds NNL Leadership for Successful 2024/25 Season

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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.

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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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