Nigerian Football
Ukraine war: The Nigerian player, Olakunle Olusegun paying a ‘heavy price’ for playing in Russia
BY OLUWASHINA OKELEJI
Nigerian forward Olakunle Olusegun says he is “paying a heavy price” for his decision to stay at Russian club FK Krasnodar despite Moscow’s military campaign in Ukraine.
The 20-year-old moved to Russia in August 2021, initially joining Krasnodar on loan from Bulgarian outfit Botev Plovdiv before sealing a permanent switch.
But unlike compatriot Sylvester Igboun, who departed another Russian side, FK Nizhny Novgorod, after the war broke out in February 2022, Olusegun refused to take advantage of a Fifa rule allowing foreign players to leave the country.
“Staying in Russia has really affected my career,” Olusegun told BBC Sport Africa.
“In my first season, I scored some fantastic goals which would have led to a call-up to the Super Eagles or Under-23s, but due to the sanction no one is watching the Russian League.
“My dream is to play for Nigeria again. But with where I am, maybe it’s a dream that has to wait. That is one of the disadvantages of me staying back in Russia.”
After shining with Fremad Amager in the second tier of Danish football, where Olusegun scored 12 goals and assisted four more in the 2020/21 campaign, the forward took to Russian football with surprising ease.
He started his debut campaign in Krasnodar’s second team before forcing his way into the senior side and helping the Bulls to a fourth-place finish. This season, he has scored five goals in all competitions and assisted twice.
While his exploits have seen him linked to clubs in Europe’s top five leagues, the ripple effect of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been felt in the country’s sporting arena.
Its exclusion from Uefa competition has limited Olusegun’s visibility while the outflow of talent has adversely affected the competitiveness of Russia’s top flight.
Olusegun first came to global attention as part of Nigeria’s 2019 Under-17 World Cup squad, where he scored in the Golden Eaglets’ Round of 16 elimination at the hands of the Netherlands.
He has been unable to fulfil his dream of progressing through the national ranks, with the player convinced his position in Russia is largely to blame.
“I was called to the Nigeria Under-20s last year but with the sanction of Russia – including flights in and out of the country – I could not meet up.
“I contacted the coach and reminded him that maybe next time I might be able to come if he invites me. That was the only call up I had.”
It came as a surprise when Olusegun declined to take advantage of Fifa’s special dispensation, especially considering that Krasnodar captain and Poland international Grzegorz Krychowiak was one of the first to do so, when the decision was announced in March 2022.
Olusegun suggests his own swift adaptation to Russian football was a double-edged sword.
“These past winter and summer windows, I got some interesting offers from some top leagues in Europe,” he revealed.
“But if they (Krasnodar) like your performance, and your dedication to the team, they will surely want you to stay. So they won my heart with that.
“We had a review of my contract and I decided to continue at Krasnodar, but with certain conditions and clauses.
“Maybe if I had accepted one of the offers elsewhere my career would have taken a different direction.
“I am loved at this club, they take care of me quite well and I feel at home.
“Maybe I am paying a heavy price for my decision but then again I am growing here and will continue to fight for the club.”
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began on 24 February 2022. At the time, with its Premier League on a winter break, Olusegun was removed from the impacts of the conflict.
“I was in Turkey for pre-season when the problem with Ukraine started,” he recalled.
“I was like, ‘Okay, I will not be going back to Russia. I have to terminate my contract.’ But my agent told me, ‘It’s something that will surely happen [the Russia-Ukraine war] and it has happened already. I don’t think terminating your contract will be the best option for you.’
“I listened to him and I also didn’t think it was fair to leave the club in such conditions.
“My family and friends back home in Nigeria were also worried about my safety but I explained that nothing in Russia made me feel unsafe.
“This is my destiny. Coming to Russia, a lot of people criticised it. Many said, as a young boy going to Russia, it is to make money.
“I tried to explain that it wasn’t about the money. I believe maybe I will shine in Russia and people will get to know me.”
-BBC
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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