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Nigerian Football

Nigeria Premier League debunks Total Promotions’ claim on broadcast rights

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

The Nigeria Premier League has reacted to the claims of Total Promotions Limited regarding to the broadcast rights of the Nigeria Premier League matches.

Total Promotions had last month written to the Commercial Legal department of MTN Communications to the effect that any contractual agreement the telecom firm may have had with the Nigeria Football Federation or its affiliate, the Nigeria Premier League are not valid. He further faulted the transition of the former Nigeria Football League Limited and the then Nigeria Football Association (NFA) to the present bodies of Nigeria Premier League Limited and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

It cited some legal cases to back its claims. The secretary of the Nigeria Premier League Limited, Danladi Ibrahim, a lawyer however countered the claims in a 20 November memo to the MTN.

He wrote: “We wish to reiterate that these claims made by “Total Promotions Limited” are entirely unfounded, factually incorrect, and devoid of any legal validity. Note that in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/179/2010 (Sam Jaja v Nigeria Football League Limited & 4ors), Justice Okorowo of the Federal High Court gave a judgement ordering the mandatory winding up of the Nigeria Football League Limited, the entity that granted Broadcast Rights to Total Promotions.

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“By this judgement, all rights assigned to Total Promotions by Nigeria Football League Limited became extinguished as the latter was consequently stripped of its license to organize a league.”

 

He also pointed out that the concepts of ‘frustration of contract’ and ‘force majeure’ are recognized under Nigeria’s contract laws. The execution of the contract between Total promotions and Nigeria Football League Limited became impossible after the latter became insolvent and was wound up by the Court.

 

Danladi Ibrahim further pointed out that the new body running the Nigerian lead football league, the NPL Ltd  was officially established on 2 February 2023, through the formal incorporation process with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

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“This incorporation was conducted under the authority of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports. The primary purpose of this entity is to oversee, regulate, and administer the top-tier professional football league in Nigeria.

“Under the NFF Statute of 2010, a league is defined as any body affiliated to the NFF and granted the authority to organize officially sanctioned competitions. It is essential to emphasize that both Nigeria Football League Limited and League Management Company Limited, private limited liability companies, were once granted this authority by the NFF but subsequently had their licenses revoked due to their financial insolvency.

“The Nigeria Premier League Ltd/Gte (RC No: 6862169) is an independent entity with the exclusive responsibility of organizing the Nigeria Premier Football League. This league is distinct from the Nigeria Professional Football League and the Nigeria Premier League, which were previously managed by the League Management Company Limited and Nigeria Football League Limited, respectively.

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“We want to clarify that, based on the principles of contractual privity and the legal personality granted to incorporated entities, the Nigeria Premier League Ltd/Gte (RC No: 6862169) is not a successor to either the League Management Company Limited or Nigeria Football League Limited and has not inherited any of their assets or liabilities.

“On the issue of the legal status of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Article 19 of the FIFA Statutes makes express provision that each member association shall manage its affairs independently and without undue influence from third parties (including governments).

“Consequently FIFA only recognizes the NFF, but does not accord any recognition to the NFA as constituted under the (NFA Act) as its administrative structure under the Act contravenes the FIFA Statues.”

He asked the MTN to disregard the  claims and assertions made by “Total Promotions Limited, as they lack any factual or legal merit.”

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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.

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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