Nigerian Football
NFF Congress Holds in Ibadan, Applauds Tinubu, Makinde, and Global Partners for Support
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the Federal Government’s steadfast support for Nigerian football and all national teams.
The commendation came at the 81st Annual General Assembly (AGA) of the Federation held on Saturday at the Emeritus Professor Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, Orita-Mefa, Ibadan.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, extended gratitude to President Tinubu and the National Sports Commission led by Shehu Dikko for their unwavering backing of the Federation’s programmes and initiatives.
The Congress also lauded the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, for graciously hosting the Assembly and for his administration’s outstanding hospitality to the Falconets, Nigeria’s U20 women’s national team, who are in Ibadan for their 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda.
Delegates praised the Government and people of Oyo State for their commitment to sports development and reaffirmed Ibadan’s capacity to host major international football events.
Similarly, the Congress extended appreciation to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe for their consistent and invaluable support to Nigerian football within the global and continental framework.
Applauding the achievements of Nigeria’s national teams, the Assembly celebrated the Super Falcons’ record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title and the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
It also commended the Flying Eagles, Falconets, and Flamingos for their commendable performances on the international stage.
The Congress endorsed the Executive Committee’s determination to secure the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and urged continued technical and administrative backing for all national teams.
In line with good governance principles, delegates examined and approved the audited financial statements of the NFF for the year ended 31st December 2024 as presented by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
The Congress also authorized the advertisement of the external auditors’ position, noting the completion of PwC’s mandatory tenure, and approved the Federation’s 2026 financial year budget proposal.
Recognising grassroots football as the bedrock of national development, the Assembly directed the NFF Executive Committee to intensify efforts in talent discovery, coaching education, refereeing improvement, and infrastructure development in accordance with FIFA and CAF directives.
On governance reforms, the Congress acknowledged progress made in the FIFA-mandated amendment of the NFF Statutes (2010 as amended) and assured that an Extraordinary General Assembly would be convened to conclude the process.
Delegates commended the steady growth of domestic leagues — the NPFL, NNL, NWFL, and NLO — and urged league bodies, referees, and State Football Associations to maintain higher operational standards and competitiveness. The Congress also called on State Governments to invest more in standard football infrastructure to meet international requirements.
In a moment of solemn reflection, the Assembly offered prayers for football stakeholders who passed away during the year and extended condolences to their families.
Capping the day’s proceedings, the Congress passed a unanimous vote of confidence on the NFF Executive Committee led by Ibrahim Musa Gusau for its exemplary leadership and continued commitment to advancing Nigerian football.
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Rivers United head coach and technical manager, Finidi George, has praised young defender Ochiobi Elias following his outstanding performance in the club’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture on Wednesday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.
The left-back, who played the full 90 minutes, was instrumental in helping Rivers United maintain a clean sheet, marking one of his most confident outings since his promotion to the senior squad.
Finidi, visibly impressed after the match, revealed that his decision to give Elias a full game was driven by trust in the player’s potential, despite his limited minutes earlier in the season.
“I think he did well. Normally, we should have been bringing him in gradually — maybe 15 minutes before giving him a 90-minute match,” Finidi said. “But I trust him, and I’ve spoken to him. He should be relaxed, calm down, and play his football.”
The coach also highlighted a near-miss moment when Elias came close to scoring late in the game, a chance Finidi felt could have crowned his stellar performance.
“I think today he would have scored a goal at the last moment, but he still wanted to square the ball, look for somebody,” Finidi added. “I’m quite happy with his performance, and we will keep encouraging him to do better. I am very, very pleased.”
Elias, a product of the Rivers United youth team that won the NPFL Youth League in 2024, has been gradually integrated into the first team under Finidi’s guidance. His performance on Wednesday is seen as a major step forward in his development and a sign of his growing confidence.
The youngster is now expected to retain his place in the squad as Rivers United travel to Aba this Sunday for a crucial NPFL clash against Enyimba.
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Strategic partners of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on the President Federation Cup, GTI Group, have congratulated the football governing body on the successful hosting of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held last weekend in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a press statement issued on Friday in Lagos, GTI’s Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, lauded the NFF Board under the leadership of Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau for the smooth conduct of the AGM and the significant progress made in Nigerian football development.
According to Ekejiuba, the Ibadan meeting reflected Gusau’s commitment to engaging stakeholders and strengthening unity across the football ecosystem.
“GTI Group congratulates the Nigeria Football Federation on the successful outcome of its Annual General Meeting held in Ibadan, which the President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, used the occasion to demonstrate his commitment to engaging positively with football stakeholders, including state football associations, clubs and fans,” he said.
“His interactions with the various groups at the AGM showcased his impactful leadership and dedication to promoting Nigerian football and fostering a collaborative environment.”
Ekejiuba also highlighted the Super Falcons’ recent achievements and the growth of domestic competitions, particularly the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), as key milestones recorded under Gusau’s leadership. GTI serves as a strategic partner of the NPFL, supporting its structural and commercial transformation.
The statement further expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for their hospitality and support during the AGM. Ekejiuba noted the governor’s commendation of the improved standard of refereeing in the NPFL under the administration of Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye.
However, GTI also used the opportunity to express disappointment over the early exit of Kwara United and Abia Warriors from the CAF Confederation Cup, urging Nigerian clubs to raise their competitive standards on the continental stage.
“It is unfortunate that both Kwara United and Abia Warriors crashed out at the preliminary phase of the CAF Confederation Cup last weekend. This clearly shows that Nigerian clubs must raise their game in order to compete favourably,” the statement read.
“The future remains bright, but that is why GTI has been calling on Corporate Nigeria to invest more in our football, just as is done in thriving leagues across the world.”
Ekejiuba also extended words of encouragement to Remo Stars and Rivers United, who are still flying Nigeria’s flag in the CAF Champions League.
“We encourage them to dig deep and remain focused to ensure successful campaigns. They should give Nigerian football fans something to cheer this season because we understand how demanding continental competitions can be,” he concluded.
GTI Group reaffirmed its continued commitment to working closely with the NFF to advance football development, promote professionalism, and attract sustainable investment into the Nigerian game.
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The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has queried Warri Wolves following reports of the suspension of their head coach, Aluma Napoleon, faulting the club’s failure to comply with established procedures for contracting and registering technical officials.
In a letter titled “Notarization and Registration of Contracts” and signed by the NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the league body directed the Delta-based club to regularize all contractual documentation with its technical and management staff in line with NPFL regulations.
The NPFL’s letter stated:
“Information reaching us from the media space suggests that the Delta State Sports Commission has suspended your head coach, Mr. Aluma Napoleon, with immediate effect.”
Citing Sections B, Articles 6 and 11 of the NPFL 2025/26 Framework and Rules, the league reminded Warri Wolves that all clubs are required to submit notarized contracts of their officials for registration and record purposes.
“You are, however, in breach of these sections as Warri Wolves FC have not submitted the contracts of its officials to the League Board. You are hereby requested, within twenty-four hours of receiving this letter, to submit all relevant contracts of your technical team, including that of the assumed suspended head coach, Mr. Napoleon Aluma, to the NPFL Secretariat,” the letter warned.
The NPFL further cautioned that failure to comply could lead to sanctions, including restricting Warri Wolves’ technical crew from accessing the bench in subsequent league matches.
“Note that failure to comply with this instruction will lead to the restriction of your technical team from accessing the technical area in future NPFL matches,” the league stated.
In a related statement to NPFL Media, COO Davidson Owumi stressed that the Warri Wolves case was not isolated, adding that all clubs yet to register the contracts of their technical officials must do so without delay.
“I must admonish all coaches to get hold of their contracts and lodge a report with the NPFL when there is a violation of the terms. It is the responsibility of the aggrieved to petition the league at all times,” Owumi emphasized.
The NPFL has been tightening administrative controls in recent seasons to ensure transparency, professionalism, and adherence to contractual obligations across all participating clubs.
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