Nigerian Football
IGHALO BECOMES CULT HERO AT MANCHESTER UNITED!
According to the Daily Mail of UK, Nigeria’s Odion Ighalo was meant to be a temporary fix, but he is quickly becoming a cult hero at Manchester United and could extend his stay beyond the current season.
ODION IGHALO AT MANCHESTER UNITED
Games: 6
Starts: 2
Shots: 14
Shots on target: 8
Goals: 3
The deadline day signing has already scored three goals in two starts and is making a mockery of those who doubted him.
The
Nigerian is grasping his dream with both hands and giving United a decision to
make as to whether they give their boyhood fan an extended stay at Old
Trafford.
The 30-year-old joined in January on a loan deal until the end of the season after the club failed to land Josh King from Bournemouth.
Ighalo
was seen a rushed, panic signing as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer desperately looked to
add another attacking option to his squad.
The former Watford man was hardly on the radar of other Premier League clubs, plying his trade for Shanghai Shenhua in China, and few expected he would be the answer to United’s problems.
Speaking to The Guardian at the start of February, Rio Ferdinand questioned whether the forward could live up to Old Trafford expectations.
‘Ighalo has played in the English Premier League before, but one thing I am concerned about is that he is coming from China… they are trying to build a league there, but the standard is not up to the Premier League.’
Paul Scholes was another former United player to suggest Ighalo would struggle to meet the level expected of him.
‘I don’t think he’s a signing for the long term,’ he told Robbie Savage’s Premier League Breakfast on BBC Radio 5 Live.
‘I think his scoring record in China is very good but is it that credible? I don’t know.’
But a goal in his first start in the Europa League against Club Brugge and two more in the FA Cup against Derby has forced both to make a u-turn.
Scholes admitted the striker looked sharp against the Belgian side and predicted him to get more chances while Ferdinand said the forward offers the team a reference point and gives other players opportunities to run off him with his hold-up play.
What United have been lacking this season is a box striker, someone who can play with his back to goal but also get himself in the right position to finish off chances.
All three of the striker’s goals have been scored inside the penalty area with two being one-touch finishes.
As well as his two starts in cup matches he has also had three brief cameo appearances off the bench in the Premier League and his manager praised his shooting accuracy.
‘He had chances against Watford, he had a very good save against Everton – there have been good saves, he doesn’t miss the target very often.’
Four of Ighalo’s five shots against Derby hit the target and his record in China was also good with a shooting accuracy of 57.3 per cent in 2018. In comparison, Marcus Rashford’s was 48.2 and 31.7 in previous campaigns.
But it’s not just what he brings to the team on the pitch that United fans appreciate.
The forward’s love for the club and willingness to give everything is something that has been lacking in recent squads.
His signing even sparked street parties in his homeland as he became the first Nigerian to pull on the famous shirt.
After scoring his first United goal Ighalo told the club’s website he would ‘give his blood’ to get more opportunities.
‘This is what I dream of and what I dreamt of when I was a kid. Now it is in my hands so I have to fight for it. I will give my blood to get it.
The striker is also not afraid of wearing his heart on his sleeve and has promised to dedicate every goal he scores to his late sister who was also a United fan.
There are still question marks over whether Rashord and Anthony Martial are strikers or wingers but there’s no uncertainty with Ighalo.
The loan deal for the striker does not include an option to buy but Solskjaer has already admitted he could extend his stay beyond the summer.
And with all domestic fixtures in China currently postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak, a permanent move away from the Super League could suit Ighalo.
The Nigerian was meant to be a temporary fix but it looks like he could have a big role to play for the remainder of this season and beyond.
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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