Nigerian Football
Ola Aina’s Dad Thrilled Watching His First Ever Football Match In Ikenne, His Home Town –
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Super Eagles’ player, Ola Aina is from Ikenne, the base of Nigeria Premier League title contender, Remo Stars. Although the player has never been to Ikenne since he was born in Southwark, South London on 8 October 1996, the third anniversary of Nigeria’s first World Cup qualification and also the 47th year since Nigeria’s first ever international match, his father, Olufemi Aina was Ikenne on Saturday to watch what he later revealed as his first ever match in his home town.
He was not disappointed. His home town team Remo Stars achieved a double over visiting Bayelsa United win 1-0 to follow up with an earlier 2-1 away win.
This is awesome, an elated Olufemi Aina remarked. Earlier, when Sports Village Square contacted him to enquire about Ola Aina’s ancestral home, he was shocked to be informed that Nigeria’s top tier league matches are also being played in Ikenne.
Before the Remo Stars versus Bayelsa match which was played under floodlights, Ola Aina’s dad went round the facilities at the Remo Stars Stadium.
The first point of call was the office block which is equipped with panoramic lift to first-floor which is the table tennis centre.
On getting inside, he exclaimed, saying he never imagined such a facility could exist in Nigeria, let alone his own small town of Ikenne.
More astonishing to him was the fact that the facility is owned by an individual, Kunle Soname.
This is comparable to what I am used to at the Chelsea academy in London, said Mr. Aina who also remarked that he never knew there could still be another rich man in Nigeria who has tremendous passion for football.
“I thought it was only the late MKO Abiola that has the capability of putting together a facility of this nature.
“This man, (Soname) earns my maximum respect.”, said Mr. Aina who at that point had never met the Remo Stars proprietor.
“I am used to sports facilities having been the one taking Ola to different academies when he was a teenager. “This place reminds me of Chelsea facilities.”
In the block were a gym, clinic, indoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy chamber, boardrooms and clinic.
Next point of call was the restaurant being used by the pupils at the Beyond Limits Football Academy. The aroma and ambience was breathtaking. On the walls were messages of inspiration to the pupils and footballers.
He met some of them at the common room where they were playing computer games. Mr. Aina introduced himself and told them of the tremendous privileges the players are enjoying and admonished them to make the best of the opportunity.
Mr. Olufemi Aina, father of Super Eagles ace wingback, Ola Aina speaks with some players of Beyond Limits Football Academy, Ikenne
The matron later informed Mr. Aina of the daily routine of the players and the level of discipline they are are exposed to.
Ola Aina himself had earlier told Sina Okeleji in a report published in Aljazeera of the sacrifices his dad had made to ensure he had a blossoming football career.
His parents often worked several jobs. At one time, his mother Esther had four just to put food on the table for her four sons – Michael, Ola – the second born, Jordan and Benjamin.
When Ola started playing with Chelsea, his dad would pick him up in his shabby car from training after their work shifts, getting back home just before midnight.
Ola would be up for school again the next morning.
The situation got worse when his dad, unable to hold onto jobs because of his commitments to his Ola’s training, lost their house.
“A bleak time for the whole family, and for me,” said Ola told Aljazeera. “That was a life lesson.”
As the Remo Stars versus Bayelsa United match was on, Olufemi Aina while soaking the tension of the duel was also monitoring on-line the proceedings in the English Premier League encounter of Nottingham Forest and Liverpool.
Ola did not feature in the match as he is still nursing the injury he had during the Africa Cup of Nations last month, his father was still interested in the son’s club’s fortunes.
He later called him while Ola was in the club’s bus returning to the hotel after their 1-0 home loss.
Ola’s father said that knowing that top flight football is now played in his home town is enough encouragement for him to often come home. “Ola too, will be here to see what is happening in our ancestral home, Mr Aina said.
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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