Nigerian Football
At ‘half-time’ Remo Stars set to top Nigeria league into 2025
After a hard-fought 2-1 win over Akwa United, Remo Stars remain atop the Nigeria Premier Football League. They could have their leadership position rolled into 2025 if Rivers United fail to make mincemeat of visiting Plateau United in the last Match Day 19 duel scheduled for this Monday in Port Harcourt.
Remo Stars have 36 points. If they beat Plateau United in the last NPFL match of the year, Rivers United can also score 36 points.
But to upstage Remo Stars at the summit, Rivers United will need a heavy goal margin against Plateau United owing to the goal-difference advantage currently in favour of Remo Stars.
In their match with struggling Akwa United in Ikenne on Sunday, Remo Stars had a dream start. After just three minutes, they were already a goal ahead. Opening the game with a ferocious attack, they earned a penalty kick when a defender of Akwa United handled the ball in the penalty box.
Shuaibu Ibrahim made no mistake in converting the spot kick. They continued to pile pressure but could not double the lead.
Late into the first half, Akwa United fought back with a fantastically taken free kick that could go on television exhibition.
A little outside Remo Stars’ penalty box, a player feigned, before Kabir Osoba curved the ball past the defensive wall and beat outstretched goalkeeper Serge Obassa in goal.
Remo Stars had to dig deep before it could secure a 2-1 win against Akwa United through Raymond Tochukwu.
Defending Champions, Enugu Rangers are on the front foot after last week’s defeat at home as they nicked in a lone goal win away at Niger Tornadoes in Minna on Sunday.
After enduring its second home defeat in the ongoing season against eternal rival, Shooting Stars of Ibadan last week, it was Bashiru Usman’s lone strike in the 34th minute that erased the memories of his penalty miss in Enugu and put the team back in front line for the title with 31 points from 19 matches.
In Ibadan Shooting Stars extended their fifth-match winning run with a lone goal win against visiting Kwara United of Ilorin.
The only goal of the match came off the boot of Adam Mustapha on the dot of half-time.
In Lagos, Ikorodu City played its first of the two mandatory matches without fans, which they had to endure until late in the match. Nevertheless, they secured a 2-1 win against Sunshine Stars at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.
It was Shola Adelani who opened the score for the home side in the 39th minute but the lead was cancelled in the 45th minute. However, with time running out, the home side won a penalty deep into injury time which was converted again by Adelani.
El-Kanemi Warriors returned to winning ways with a lone-goal win over Kano Pillars. Umar Al Amin scored the only goal of the match in the 38th minute and the win thus pushed the side to fifth position with 29 points.
Azeez Faolu’s late goal in the 79th minute assured Katsina United the maximum points against Nasarawa United. Lobi Stars had to endure a goalless draw at home against Heartland FC and the result of the match did not have any meaningful impact on their respective position on the log.
Earlier on Saturday, Bayelsa United missed the opportunity to improve their position on the log as they were beaten by a lone goal by visiting Abia Warriors of Aba.
Kennedy Sheddy’s 35th-minute goal gave the side their first away win of the season.
This evening, former champions, Rivers United will attempt a catch-up at the top as they welcome Plateau United to Port Harcourt home ground.
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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