Nigerian Football
Now push comes to shove as the NPFL enters home stretch –
BY HARRY IWUALA
All things being equal, save for outstanding matches of Rivers United, there is barely 10 match days to go before this season expires.
A section of followers of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) appear overly excited by results of away teams and are given to adjudging the league to have improved when teams win on the road. On the other hand, they hit hard at organisers when all home teams win their games.
To some analysts, wins away from home are indicative of fair and firm officiating, which they conclude is a benchmark for a developed league. And to these, total home wins on a matchday suggests that Referees have been compromised or intimidated.
None of the above scenarios are perfect and absolute as there are exceptions to all. Firstly, it has been argued by some that the major reason for home and away routines of the league is to enable all clubs that advantage of their home ground. It is for this reason that mostly exceptionally strong squads grind out results no matter where they play.
In our unique environment where several factors come to play, strong squads find themselves struggling at away games after travelling long distances on bad roads that leave them knackered.
The human error factor on the part of Referees also contributes to the blips in expectations even as it is not out of place to have manipulated officiating occasioned by home supporters shenanigans.
The stats since the resumption of the second stanza defies popular projections of what usually obtains at this time of the season. Usually, the last lap of the season sees lots of desperate acts by teams to win by all means to either place in the continental ticket bracket or escape relegation.
The most astonishing result has been those of Bayelsa United, Niger Tornadoes, Akwa United and Doma United. So far, there has been 11 away wins from Matchday 20 to 28 with Heartland, Akwa United, Doma United and Niger Tornadoes featuring in at least two defeats at home.
On the other hand, Akwa United and Niger Tornadoes have also popped up on two away wins respectively in the period under review. Plateau United which recorded the biggest away win of 5-1 against Heartland on Matchday 22 would go on to lose at home 1-2 to Akwa United on Matchday 27.
At the bottom of the log, Heartland has been the donor team of the season both in number of defeats at home and goals conceded.
Another interesting perspective to the stats from Matchday 20-28 I’d the number of drawn games which has reduced the home supremacy syndrome. There has been 20 drawn games in 82 fixtures covering Matchday 20-28. This means that home teams have not been able to win in 31 games in nine matchdays.
Chairman of the NPFL, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye described the development as evidence that “the NPFL is increasingly evolving into a very competitive league and that the zero tolerance for intimidation of Match officials is yielding expected results.
Elegbeleye commended Referees for their courage in interpreting the rules to the book, remarking that, “While we have called out those that performed below par, it is fair to also commend the rest who have been at their best.
“I am particularly proud of the officials who took charge of Heartland vs Plateau United on Matchday 22 and those in charge of Bendel Insurance vs Niger Tornadoes in Wednesday’s Matchday 28. They showed exceptional courage in the face of home supporters pressure”, declared the NPFL Chairman.
Bamidele Johnson, a follower of Shooting Stars for decades, expressed delight at the competitive direction of the league. Johnson, who played a significant role in the organisation of the hugely acclaimed Naija Super 8 tournament that drew a large crown in Lagos, would go on to praise the NPFL players for defying vociferous home crowds to post good results.
“It is a remarkable feat to travel and win amidst hostile home crowd and I am delighted that the NPFL is now having a good share of such results”, Johnson told NPFL Media.
On a post in his Facebook page, Bimbo Adeola, a core Rangers International supporter celebrated the Enugu side’s 9 games unbeaten run including five on the road. Rangers have won away at Doma United, Niger Tornadoes and Heartland with two draws, one each at home and away.
In a deplay of rare confidence in the organisation of the NPFL, Adeola, a Sports Journalist and Media Entrepreneur wrote, “We are Rangers, we win everywhere we go”.
Away Wins & Draws in 2nd Round
Matchday 20
- Heartland 1-1 Kano Pillars
- Sunshine Stars 1-1 Kwara United
- Abia Warriors 0-0 Remo Stars
Matchday 21
- Doma United 0-1 Rangers
- Kwara United 1-1 Katsina United
- Bendel Insurance 0-0 Enyimba
- Plateau United 0-0 3SC
- Akwa United 0-1 Bayelsa United
Matchday 22
- Heartland 1-5 Plateau United
Matchday 23
- Heartland 1-1 Sunshine Stars
- Niger Tornadoes 0-2 Rangers
- Doma United 0-0 Sporting Lagos
- Kano Pillars 0-1 Abia Warriors
- Gombe United 1-1 3SC
Matchday 24
- Katsina United 1-1 Heartland
- Bayelsa United 0-1 Niger Tornadoes
- Rivers United 1-1 Kano Pillars
- Rangers 0-0 Kwara United
- Abia Warriors 1-1 Lobi Stars
Matchday 25
- Doma United 0-1 3SC
- Kano Pillars 1-1 Rangers
Matchday 26
- Abia Warriors 0-0 Sunshine Stars
- Gombe United 1-1 Akwa United
Matchday 27
- Lobi Stars 1-1 Bayelsa United
- Plateau United 1-2 Akwa United
- Heartland 1-2 Rangers
- Doma United 1-1 Gombe United
Matchday 28
- Bendel Insurance 1-3 Niger Tornadoes
- Sporting Lagos 1-1 Lobi Stars
- Akwa United 0-1 Doma United
- Gombe United 0-0 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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