Nigerian Football
SPORTS VETERANS SALUTE FORMER GREEN EAGLES’ MANAGER, PETER OSUGO AT 90
BY KUNLE SOLAJA
The Association of Sports Veterans, Nigeria (ASVN) has congratulated Peter Osugo, a former manager of Nigeria’s football team, the then Green Eagles as he clocks 90 on Easter Sunday.
In a statement issued by the association’s president, Chief Jonathan Ogufere, a former NFA chieftain who was also a president of the West African Football Union (WAFU), he thanked God for the life of Osugo, whom he said has had a fulfilled life.
He revealed that the family of Osugo would have a thanksgiving mass at St. Dominic Catholic Chuech in Yaba, Lagos at 11.00 while reception followed immediately after at the YCC Hall of the church.
Osugo, fondly called, Pecos, is an accomplished journalist and sports administrator. He was the team manager to the national team at the Mexico 1968 Olympic Games.
It is also worthy to note that he was the person who changed the name of the Nigerian national football team from the “Red Devils” nickname given it by Harriet Allen in 1958 to the Green Eagles in 1961.
Harriet Allen, the wife of the then NFA secretary, Reginald Banham Allen who later became the chairman, was one of the founders of the now Nigeria Football Supporters’ Association in 1958.
She
was fondly called the ‘Lady in Scarlet’ and was the chair leader of the
Nigerian football team, which often dressed in red.
Peter Osugo rechristened the team “Green Eagles”. While reporting on the Nigeria preparation for an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match with Ghana, Osugo wrote in the Daily Times edition of April 15, 1961: “I propose to christen the team, the ‘Green Eagles’ The name stuck until March 1988 when Vice President Augustus Aikhomu renamed the team as “Super Eagles”.
Osugo was also one of the early officials of Stationery Stores in the 1960s. He was appointed as the team manager in 1961. At the time Osugo drew up a six-year programme to produce what he called a “model club for Nigeria”.
It came to pass. At the height of Stores dominance of football in Nigeria under Osugo’s guidance, the club produced nine of the starting 11 of the Nigerian national team to the 1968 Olympics.
Osugo’s prowess was not limited to sports management. He was a sports writer who rose to become an editor of Sunday Times in 1965.
As a sports writer, he was noted for his descriptive style and power of expression. For instance, reporting a Lagos versus Northern Region football match at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna, in 1965, Osugo began his account as follows:
“Drama of blunders, of indecision and utter violation of rules of the game on the officials’ side, nearly marred last night’s match, the second in the flood-lit soccer festival between North and Lagos”.
Eventually, Osugo got round to mentioning the score line, 1-1, which obviously was not particularly important to him as nearly everyone who read him, knew the result, which the electronic media had flashed.
What was more important to his readers was his point of view on how the result came about.
Another story in 1965, a Western Region’s 2-0 win over Eastern Region, is flowery and liberal with words and images. It could still capture readers’ imagination:
“Thunder” Balogun’s bunch of the “unknowns” who formed the bulk of Western Rovers’ team carried with them an element of surprise in the opening match of the flood – lit soccer festival, at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium last night when they slammed the Eastern team 2-0.
“The stadium gave them resounding cheers – a true acknowledgment of the ravishing, top-speed soccer which thrilled them to the utmost throughout the duration of play.
“Even the Northern Premier, Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, the Sardauna of Sokoto, who was the guest of honour, was so enthused that he sat in throughout in spite of the windy conditions and biting drizzle, which persisted for more than three quarters of play.
“Ayoola, Ajibade, Salami, Falayi and Omowon in the Western attack were moving like quick silver, and from the rear, Oshilowo, Peter Ali, Boade and Ali (Snr) were supplying the necessary line which set such a devastating mobility to a point of driving the Eastern players into a frizzed wreck…”
For almost a decade, Osugo maintained a sports column in the Sunday Times.
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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