The Nigeria Football Federation has received an independent Mid-Year Report of Activities in Nigerian Football from the Sport Integrity Foundation. This further reinforces ongoing efforts to uphold transparency and ethics within the national game.

NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi (MON), commended the Foundation for its proactive role. He praised its commitment to football integrity. He described the initiative as a vital complement to the federation’s governance framework.

“We’re very impressed to see such initiative coming from your organisation,” said Sanusi. “The NFF cannot see everything, but having organisations like yours delights us. You are becoming an important eye for the integrity of the game.”

He reiterated the NFF’s unwavering commitment to ethical standards, stressing that the current leadership is determined to punish anyone found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute. He also called for stronger collaboration with law enforcement to ensure enforcement of disciplinary measures.

The Sport Integrity Foundation delegation included its Co-ordinator, Abiola Shodiya, along with members Sammy Ejegwa, Georgina Bode, and Taofeek Lawal.

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Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Davidson Owumi, is set to be honoured with the University of Port Harcourt Excellence in Service Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the institution’s development.

The award ceremony is part of the events marking the 50th anniversary of the university and will take place on Thursday, July 24, at the CBN Centre of Excellence within the university campus.

The awards will be presented during the Pro-Chancellor’s Dinner scheduled for the evening of the same day.

In a formal letter signed by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Owunari Abraham Georgewill, the university expressed its appreciation for the roles played by distinguished individuals and organisations in the school’s growth over the decades.

“As part of the University of Port Harcourt’s 50th anniversary, we are pleased to recognise and honour individuals and institutions whose invaluable support has significantly contributed to our growth and success over the years,” the letter stated.

Owumi, an alumnus of the university, was a celebrated member of the school’s football team during the 1980s, a period in which the team achieved remarkable success.

 His leadership and service in Nigerian football, both as a former player and administrator, have been widely acknowledged.

“It is with immense pleasure that I inform you that you have been selected to receive the Excellence in Service Award for your outstanding contributions to the university,” Professor Georgewill added.

“This award is a testament to the enduring partnership and impact you have made in advancing our mission of excellence in education, research, and community service.”

Owumi joins a list of eminent personalities and organisations being recognised for their role in shaping the legacy of one of Nigeria’s leading federal universities.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

Six-time African Player of the Year to bow out at 30, leaves behind a legacy of excellence

Super Falcons forward and Nigerian football icon, Asisat Oshoala, has announced she will retire from international football after the ongoing 2024/25 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), marking the end of an extraordinary era in African women’s football.

The 30-year-old made the announcement on her official Facebook page, describing the decision as a “legendary exit” and a necessary step to pave the way for emerging talents to shine on the global stage.

“At 30, with six African Women’s Best Player awards, I will bow out to start a new chapter after WAFCON 2024/25,” she wrote.

 “Thank you for your unwavering support. I’m forever grateful for the love and sacrifices shared with me through this journey.”

Oshoala’s glittering career is adorned with a record six CAF Women’s Player of the Year titles (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, and 2023), making her the most decorated player in the history of African women’s football. Her relentless drive, goal-scoring prowess, and global impact have made her a role model for countless young athletes across the continent.

She opened scoring for Nigeria at the ongoing WAFCON when she scored against Tunisia after just four minutes in the opening Group B match.

A product of Nigerian grassroots football, Oshoala burst onto the global scene with a breakout performance at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, where she won both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball. Since then, she has featured prominently in multiple senior World Cups and Olympic Games, representing Nigeria with distinction.

Beyond her on-field brilliance, Oshoala is also a fellow of Rooney FC, a platform supporting football talent development and advocacy. Her influence has extended beyond sport, inspiring a generation of African girls to dream big.

As Nigeria eyes a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, Oshoala will hope to cap off her international career with yet another trophy—one final flourish for a true legend of the game.

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