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Tag: NFF

  • NFF Begins Search For Super Eagles’ Coaches After World Cup Miss

    NFF Begins Search For Super Eagles’ Coaches After World Cup Miss

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has begun the process of getting a new set of coaching teams for the Super Eagles and three other national teams ahead of upcoming assignments.

    They include the CHAN team, the U20 Boys also known as Flying Eagles, and the U17 Boys also known as Golden Eaglets.

    This comes against the backdrop of the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 after the matches against the Black Stars of Ghana end goalless draw and one-all in Kumasi and Abuja respectively.

    Following its executive committee meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja, the NFF mandated its Technical and Development Sub-Committee to within the next five days make recommendations on coaching crews for these teams.

    It explained that the move became necessary to ensure preparations for the next qualifying tournaments and championships commence in earnest.

    The football body again apologised to Nigerians for the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the world cup and reacted to the invasion of the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja by fans who were aggrieved by the Eagles’ defeat to the Ghanaian side.

    It stressed that the incident had nothing to do with the death of Dr Joseph Kabungo who was appointed as the FIFA Doping Officer for the Nigeria-Ghana playoff match on Tuesday last week.

    According to the football governing, Dr Kabungo died as a result of sudden cardiac arrest as attested to by the autopsy report.

    It added that the FIFA official’s body has been flown to Zambia for final rites accompanied by his family members who were flown to Nigeria two days after the unfortunate incident.

    The NFF also hinted at when it would hold its Annual General Assembly (AGA) which failed to take place on December 17, 2021, as a result of an ex parte injunction that suspend the exercise.

  • NFF Apologises To Nigerians Over Failure To Qualify For 2022 World Cup

    NFF Apologises To Nigerians Over Failure To Qualify For 2022 World Cup

    The Nigeria Football Federation has offered an unreserved apology to the Federal Government and Nigerians for the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup finals holding in Qatar.

    NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi expressed regrets that the team failed to qualify despite the enormous support of the government and the fans who came out to support the team at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja for the clash with Ghana’s Black Stars on Tuesday.

    “There was nothing the team needed that was lacking. The Government provided necessary support; the NFF put all logistics in place with the active support of the Sports Ministry and Nigerians turned out en masse to support the team. The truth is that we left nothing to chance. It is sad that things turned out the way they did.

    “Sport is about winning and losing. Nobody wants to lose but sometimes it happens that way. We were quite sad that despite playing a draw in Kumasi, the Super Eagles could not win here in Abuja. We apologise unreservedly to the government and people of Nigeria for this non-qualification.”

    The Super Eagles could only achieve a score draw (1-1) against the Black Stars, which ended their hopes of playing at the FIFA World Cup finals in Qatar as Ghana sneaked through on the away-goal rule.

    Meanwhile, the NFF has expressed shock and sorrow over the death of FIFA/CAF Medical Officer, Dr Joseph Kabungo, who died after the game.

    Dr Kabungo was the Doping Control Officer for the match.

    Despite various media reports stating that the Zambian medical died following the fans’ violence after the match, Sanusi explained the situation surrounding the death of Dr Kabungo.

    “We are terribly shocked at this sad development. The NFF commiserates with world football –body FIFA, the Confederation of African Football, the Football Association of Zambia, and the family of Dr Kabungo on his sudden passing. His death pains us very much and we are in a state of deep shock.

    “However, it is important to state the facts as they are. According to the information from our own medical officer, Dr Onimisi Ozi Salami who was appointed by FIFA as Medical Officer for the game, Dr Kabungo was found gasping for breath near the dressing room of the Ghanaian team. I was notified and ordered that he should be rushed to the hospital. He didn’t make it. He died just as they got to the hospital,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said.

    Dr Ozi Salami further explained that the incident happened when he (Dr Salami) was looking to get the Nigerian player for the doping exercise, while Dr Kabungo was looking to get a Ghanaian player for the same exercise.

    “I was heading to the dressing room of the Nigerian team when the General Coordinator, Kabore Hubert Bosilong from South Africa called my attention. Dr Kabungo suddenly started gasping for breath. The FIFA Security Officer for the match, Mr Dixon Adol Okello from Uganda also witnessed the incident,” the statement added.

    “We tried to resuscitate him there and then, but when this did not appear to be working, we put him in an ambulance and rushed him to Cedar Crest Hospital in Apo, where he gave up the ghost. It is a very sad incident and one is shocked that some persons have been putting a terrible slant to the whole thing by saying he was beaten up by fans. That is a lie. He died as a result of sudden cardiac arrest.”

  • NFF Congratulates Falcons On AWCON Qualification, Says Airport Incident ‘Unfortunate’

    NFF Congratulates Falcons On AWCON Qualification, Says Airport Incident ‘Unfortunate’

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has lauded the Super Falcons for their 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) qualification just as condemned airport officials’ delay of the team on arrival in the country.

    In a statement on Thursday, the football body said the team’s feat reflects their resilience and character. It quoted the president of the NFF, Amaju Pinnick, as saying the 1-0 victory over the Ivorians is a replica of the Nigerian spirit.

    “We are extremely proud of the resilience, grit, and steel of the Super Falcons in achieving this qualification. Four of the starters in the first leg were winning their first caps for Nigeria, yet put up amazing performances to earn a 2-0 victory,” the statement quoted Pinnick as saying.

    “In Abidjan, the players were all awesome and refused to cave in despite the onslaughts from the home team. They did a very good job and deserve commendation for this memorable outing.”

    ‘Unfortunate Incident’

    Nigeria’s qualification for the tournament was overshadowed by reports that the players and officials were delayed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on arrival from Abidjan.

    In a viral video, players and officials were visibly angry while airport officials insisted that they must carry out COVID-19 tests on arrival in the country. But the NFF in its reaction said it was saddened by the development.

    “It was an unfortunate incident because we had our protocol officers on ground at the airport and they did the needful before the team arrived. We are a responsible organization and the various National Teams have been going out and returning to Nigeria since these covid19 protocols, procedures, and guidelines started. We have never been caught napping,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi said.

    According to him, the NFF had no control over how airport officials handled things, stressing that it did everything to ensure the Super Falcons had a hitch-free return to the country.

    “It was beyond us, but we have already apologized to our players and officials over this incident,” Sanusi added.

  • Eguavoen remains Interim Manager as NFF reconstitutes Super Eagles’ technical crew

    Eguavoen remains Interim Manager as NFF reconstitutes Super Eagles’ technical crew

    By Mike Oboh

    The Nigeria Football Federation on Monday announced the reconstitution of the technical crew of the Senior Men National Team, Super Eagles, with Augustine Eguavoen staying as Interim Technical Adviser while former Nigeria World Cup star and former U20 Boys’ Head Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke drafted in as immediate assistant to Eguavoen.

    One of the most garlanded footballers to have come out of Nigeria, Amuneke scored both goals that won Nigeria the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations final match against Zambia in Tunis, scored the goal that won Nigeria and Africa’s first Olympic football gold medal in 1996 and played in the 1994 and 1996 FIFA World Cup finals, scoring two goals in USA ’94.

    As coach, the electrifying winger qualified Tanzania for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt and led the Taifa Stars in the finals. He is a Member of both the FIFA and CAF Technical Study Groups.

    “The NFF Board has approved a recommendation of the Technical and Development Committee retaining Augustine Eguavoen as Technical Director/Technical Adviser (interim) while Emmanuel Amuneke becomes the Chief Coach of the Super Eagles. Salisu Yusuf will be the 2nd Assistant Coach/Chief Coach of the CHAN team and Joseph Yobo will be 3rd Assistant while Aloysius Agu remains the Goalkeepers’ Trainer,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi announced.

    The reconstitution comes after the Super Eagles’ outing at the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon, and ahead of the potentially –explosive FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 play-off round against the Black Stars of Ghana next month.

    Sanusi added: “We acknowledge and appreciate the interest that Mr Jose Peseiro has shown in Nigeria Football during our very cordial discussions and have absolutely no doubt about his capacity. We believe that perhaps in the future, there could be an opportunity to work with him. However, in view of the positive performance of the Super Eagles at the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations which has given hope to Nigerians and boosted our confidence in the present coaching crew to qualify us for the World Cup in Qatar, we have decided to accept the recommendation of the Technical and Development Committee to retain the Eguavoen-led coaching crew and strengthen it with the addition of Emmanuel Amuneke.”

    NEW SUPER EAGLES COACHING CREW

    Augustine Eguavoen – Technical Director/Technical Adviser (interim)

    Emmanuel Amuneke – Chief Coach/1st Assistant

    Salisu Yusuf – 2nd Assistant/Chief Coach, CHAN

    Joseph Yobo – 3rd Assistant

    Aloysius Agu – Goalkeepers’ Trainer

  • NFF condoles 3SC over death of Rasheed Balogun

    NFF condoles 3SC over death of Rasheed Balogun

    By Mike Oboh

    The Nigeria Football Federation has commiserated with the Management and Players of Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan over the death of the club’s General Manager, Mr Rasheed Balogun.

    Balogun, a highly experienced and respected club administrator, died in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Thursday night.

    General Secretary of the NFF, Dr Mohammed Sanusi said: “It is with heavy hearts that we have learned of the passing on of Rasheed Balogun, someone we have known over the years as an energetic, dedicated and charismatic club administrator. He was passionate about the game and was a frontline actor in the country’s domestic game for several decades. His death at this time is heartbreaking.

    “On behalf of the entire Nigeria Football family, we pray for the repose of his soul and that God will grant those he has left behind, including the 3SC family, the fortitude to bear the big loss.”

  • NFF may retain Eguavoen as Super Eagles coach

    NFF may retain Eguavoen as Super Eagles coach

    The Nigeria Football Federation may retain Austin Eguavoen as full-time coach of the Super Eagles after it was learnt that the body was yet to sign a contract with Portuguese coach José Peseiro.

    Peseiro was named as the new coach of Nigeria on December 29, but would take charge after the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon.

    The 61-year-old, who resigned as Venezuela coach last August due to unpaid wages, reportedly agreed in principle with the NFF to take charge of the team in March, when the financial modalities must have been sorted out, it was learnt.

    Our correspondent exclusively learnt that after the federation and Peseiro had agreed on financial terms, the Portuguese’s lawyer allegedly presented fresh conditions to the NFF, who we learnt, put on hold the formalisation of the deal till after the AFCON in Cameroon.

    Peseiro was billed to be in Cameroon to assess the squad ahead of the 2022 World Cup qualifying play-offs, while Austin Eguavoen managed the side at the AFCON but the European hasn’t shown up, which raised eyebrows.

    It was also learnt that the NFF might have a rethink over retaining Eguavoen, after the coach, who was hired on an interim basis, won his first three games at the AFCON, with the side now playing exciting football.

    Our correspondent spoke with a top NFF official in Garuoa, who refused to confirm or deny if Peseiro had been contracted.

    “I don’t think I want to go into that matter,” the official who spoke on condition of anonymity said.

    “There is an agreement with the federation and Peseiro, that I can tell you. I don’t know about the signing of contracts yet. Let’s wait till March when he is expected to resume, we will then know if a contract was signed or not.”

    Meanwhile, Eguavoen is prepared to take over the team on a permanent basis if he is offered the job.

    Eguavoen, who would revert to his role as Technical Director when Peseiro assumes his post as coach of the team, according to a statement from the NFF in December, added that he would offer his support to the Portuguese should he assume duty in March.

    “Nobody is best for the job,” Eguavoen said.

    “Those craving for me to take the job permanently, I say thank you and why not. I’m happy with the position I occupy in the NFF, but if that opportunity comes, why not? When we get to that river we will cross it.

    “I think a coach is a coach, everyone has his own style of management, methods and leadership. For me foreign coach or local coach, a coach is a coach. It does not matter.

    “It’s not so easy. I was part of a group that interviewed some of the coaches for the job and as the Technical Director of the NFF, I had to be involved. If the NFF gives me the job, why not? But it is up to them to decide. If a contract has been signed then we have to respect it.

    “The only thing I can guarantee is that we will have a good working relationship because I know the terrain, he does not and we have to make sure we provide a platform to be relaxed and I will support him 100 per cent because it is not about me but the country first.”

  • NFF confirms Ighalo out of AFCON, gives reason

    NFF confirms Ighalo out of AFCON, gives reason

    The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed that striker Odion Ighalo will not be available for the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

    In a statement on Thursday, the federation hinted that Ighalo was not released by his club in Saudi Arabia club, Al- Shabab.

    “Forward Odion Ighalo is no longer expected as a result of issues with his Saudi Arabian club,” NFF said in a statement by its spokesperson, Ademola Olajire.

    The football federation has yet to name a replacement for the striker.

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria have landed in the Cameroonian town of Garoua, venue of their Group D matches for the 33rd AFCON on Sunday.

    Team officials confirmed that the three-time champions will have their first training session in Cameroon on Thursday evening at the Stade Roumdé Adjia, venue of their Group D games, including Tuesday’s potentially –explosive group opener against seven-time champions Egypt. Nigeria will also confront Sudan on 15th January and Guinea-Bissau on 19th January.

    Nigeria’s harvest of 15 podium appearances in 18 participations in the Africa Cup of Nations is the highest tally in Africa’s flagship football championship.

    The only times they ended without any form of medal were in their debut in 1963, in Libya 40 years ago and in Ghana 14 years ago. They have won the trophy three times (1980, 1994, and 2013), finished as runners-up four times (1984, 1988, 1990, and 2000), and picked up the bronze medals eight times (1976, 1978, 1992, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2019).

  • NFF Appoints Jose Peseiro As Super Eagles Head Coach

    NFF Appoints Jose Peseiro As Super Eagles Head Coach

    The Nigeria Football Federation has endorsed a proposal by its Technical and Development sub-committee for the appointment of Portuguese manager Jose Peseiro as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.

    His appointment follows the sacking of Gernot Rohr earlier this month.

    The executive committee of the NFF has, however, resolved that the interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen will be in charge of the three-time African champions for the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon while coach Peseiro will serve as an observer.

    The NFF says the tournament will be a good avenue for Peseiro to launch a working relationship with Eguavoen, who will revert to his role as technical director of the NFF after the AFCON.

    The 61-year-old was in charge of the Venezuela national team until August and has also coached Sporting Lisbon, FC Porto, and Al Ahly of Egypt.

    Meanwhile, the executive committee has mandated the Technical and Development Committee and the NFF secretariat to organise a friendly match for the Super Eagles when the team arrives in Garoua for the AFCON 2021.

    They have also been mandated to arrange matches for the Super Eagles and the Super Falcons in the upcoming FIFA windows.

  • NFF appoints Eguavoen interim Super Eagles’ boss as relationship with Rohr ends

    NFF appoints Eguavoen interim Super Eagles’ boss as relationship with Rohr ends

    By Mike Oboh

    The Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Mr Augustine Eguavoen, currently its Technical Director, as the Technical Adviser of the Super Eagles on an interim basis. This is with immediate effect, and follows the termination of the relationship with Franco-German Gernot Rohr, who has been in charge of the three –time African champions for the past 64 months, and is Nigeria’s longest –serving manager.

    Following a virtual meeting of the NFF Executive Committee on Sunday, it was decided that Eguavoen will work with Salisu Yusuf (Chief Coach); Paul Aigbogun (Assistant Coach); Joseph Yobo (Assistant Coach); Dr Terry Eguaoje (Assistant Coach) and Aloysius Agu (Goalkeeper Trainer). Former Nigeria captains Augustine ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and Garba Lawal have been appointed to provide technical and ambassadorial support for the crew.

    General Secretary of the NFF, Dr Mohammed Sanusi said: “The relationship between the Nigeria Football Federation and Mr Rohr has come to an end. We thank him for his services to the Super Eagles and Nigeria.

    “We also want to thank the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports for their collaboration and guidance all through.”

    Eguavoen, a former Nigeria captain, was coach of the squad when it finished in third place at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt in 2006. He was on-field captain when the Super Eagles lifted the Africa Cup for the first time on away ground, in Tunisia 27 years ago.

    He will now take charge of the team as it begins preparations for the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations taking place in Cameroon 9thJanuary – 6th February 2022, and until the appointment of a substantive Head Coach.

  • NFF appoints Amina Daura as Head of Women’s Football

    NFF appoints Amina Daura as Head of Women’s Football

    By Mike Oboh

    The Nigeria Fotball Federation on Friday announced the appointment of Amina Sani Zangon Daura as its new Head of Women’s Football.

    Recruitment firm, Phillips Consulting, noted that during the entire exercise, Ms Daura “demonstrated a strong passion for the development of women’s football from grassroots to elite level” and that “she was able to prove to the panel her capacity for stakeholder management and funding”. She fitted the bill of a Nigerian and a female as stipulated by the NFF for the position.

    A UNICEF ambassador, Ms Daura will oversee the development of women’s football across the nation and also provide technical support to the Head Coach, Randy Waldrum. She will be responsible for increasing the participation of women in football at all levels and developing opportunities for women in football with respect to grassroots education, performance and administration.

    A total of 11 candidates were interviewed for the position, including 7 Nigerians. There were also an Italian, a Finnish and a Belgian in the final pool from which Amina Daura emerged. Educated in England, Amina has over 15 years’ experience in women’s football organisation, and last worked for Helping Hands Foundation for Child Education.