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  • NFF Will Boost Super Falcons Squad For Future Games – Amaju Pinnick

    NFF Will Boost Super Falcons Squad For Future Games – Amaju Pinnick

    The president of the Nigeria’ football federation Amaju Pinnick has assured Nigerians that every effort has been made to boost the Super Falcons for future engagements.

    He spoke on the team recently in Abuja when he paid a visit to the Glass house, the new abode of the Nigerian women football league.

    “We have gotten a new coach for the senior women national team and there are new foreign based Nigerian players who have declared their interest to play for the country. Young and enterprising players for us to prove women AFCON is our birthright.”

    READ ALSO: Onuachu replaces Simon in Nigeria squad for Sierra Leone

    He further explained that the NFF is working towards getting two friendly matches for the team to get them ready for the engagements.

    The NFF recently contracted Coach Randy Waldrum to tinker the team to the next level after Thomas Dennerby unceremoniously walked out on his job, poaching Precious Dede, to head the India U17 women’ team.

    Randy will be assisted by Ann Chiejine – a former Super falcons goalkeeper and captain, as well as Wemimo Matthew.

  • Minister, FIFA agree on youth football development

    Minister, FIFA agree on youth football development

    By Mike Oboh

    Minister of Youth and Sports Development  Mr. Sunday Dare  alongside Ministers from  selected countries  on Friday had an on line meeting  with  the top brass of the world Football  Governing body, Fifa  where it was agreed that a new course  must be taken  to ensure youth football development. 
    Speaking during  the third edition of the Town Hall  with Nigerian  Youths, Mr. Dare said ” The Ministry  of Youth and Sports Development is working with  the Nigerian  Football  Federation in collaboration  with the La Liga to organise  training  for coaches. We have asked the NFF to expand this programme to ensure that  young coaches get proper training. I would take the message  of Youth  coaches training  back to the NFF so that this can be expanded. 
    “The National Institute for Sports  also trains quality  coaches. We encourage  youths to attend regular trainings.”
    Mr. Dare disclosed  that” I had a meeting with  Fifa  which wants to deepen youth involvement in  football,  coaches, referees, grassroots  and secondary schools. They also  need  to deepen  information network. I want to see more youths in the  coaching  crew of the Super Eagles, Flying Eagles and other junior teams. 
    “We would continue to create opportunities  for our youths “

  • NFF confirms receipt of $1m from FIFA as COVID-19 Palliatives

    NFF confirms receipt of $1m from FIFA as COVID-19 Palliatives

    President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick has confirmed the receipt of $1 million as COVID-19 palliatives from world football governing body, FIFA. 

    According to Pinnick, the fund is composed of $500,000 for “men’s football and $500,000 for the women’s game,” while also revealing FIFA will send in another “$500,000 in January 2021” as part of the palliatives.

    He also revealed that FIFA sent $600,000 for the FIFA Forward 2.0 projects in Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State and Ugborodo in Delta State while stating that the body will be expecting $300,000 from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) before November 1st, 2020.

    NFF confirms receipt of $1m from FIFA as COVID-19 Palliatives

    According to Pinnick, the NFF will work with an auditing firm to ensure the disbursements follow the best global practices.

    “Huge appreciation to football’s world governing body, @FIFAcom, for the $1 million (one million dollars) the Federation has received in the frame of COVID-19 palliatives,” Pinnick began in a series of tweets on his handle on Wednesday, October 28..
     “The money was received by the @thenff and we re-confirmed the purpose from FIFA two days ago.”

    “At $300,000 each, it will enable the mini-stadia in both centers to start at a very good pace, as we earmark completion by the end of March 2021,” the Federation leader added.

     “With the $200,000 we have already ring-fenced from our sponsors’ funds for the purpose, the coast will then be clear for us to start the disbursement of funds to the beneficiaries, as captured in our approved template, from next week.”

    NFF confirms receipt of $1m from FIFA as COVID-19 Palliatives

    “Beneficiaries MUST ensure 100% compliance to guidelines by ensuring that all funds are paid into designated accounts,” the Delta-born Pinnick stated.

    “I would also like to thank all beneficiaries for their patience and understanding at these trying times. Finally, I would like to wish @FIFAcom President, Gianni Infantino God’s speed as he recovers.”

    See the tweets below:

    NFF confirms receipt of $1m from FIFA as COVID-19 Palliatives ??NFF confirms receipt of $1m from FIFA as COVID-19 Palliatives NFF confirms receipt of $1m from FIFA as COVID-19 Palliatives NFF confirms receipt of $1m from FIFA as COVID-19 Palliatives

  • SWAN President, Aigbona Congratulates Babafemi Raji, Oluchi Tobe-Chukwu

    SWAN President, Aigbona Congratulates Babafemi Raji, Oluchi Tobe-Chukwu

    … Commends NFF Over Appointment
    By Mike Oboh

    The President of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria ( SWAN),  has felicitated with Babafemi Raji and Oluchi Tobe-Chukwu over their appointment as media officers of the Super Eagles and Super Falcons respectively.

    Aigbona in a statement described the appointment of the duo as well deserved and commendable. 

    The SWAN President believed hat the dou of Tobe-Chukwu and Raji are capable of discharging their duties in their respective positions accordingly and in high spirit of  professionalism.

    Aigbona commended Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF) for the choice of the dou; Babafemi Raji and Oluchi Tobe-Chukwu, stating that SWAN members across the country are ready to work closely with the newly appointed media officers and give necessary support to them. “Their success is our priority,” he said.

    “As Sports Writers, and the dou being committed and dedicated members, we believe so much in their abilities to deliver proficiently in their new positions. SWAN is urging them that their new offices are sensitive and that must be handled carefully.

    ” We again, as an association reiterated our commitment and support for the NFF, as we desired to see the federation doing better in the future.” Aigbona stated.

    While also applauding the contributions of the outgoing media officers; Toyin Ibitoye and Jane Onyinye Nweze, Aigbona explained that their contributions towards promulgating the activities of their respective offices in the past cannot be ignored by anyone.

    Aigbona prayed that the outgoing and the incoming officers succeed in their future endeavors.

  • Looking inward for financial independence for Nigeria clubs

    Looking inward for financial independence for Nigeria clubs

    By Mike Oboh

    As the Nigeria Premier league  commences on November 18,2020 with its attendant consequence of the COVID 19 limitations, the  clubs are in for a big shock following the absence of sponsorships.

    Majority of them who at times rely on gate takings to meet some of their financial needs, have to work out ways to close the gap, no thanks to the COVID 19 pandemic there would be no fans in the stands.

    However this would not have been the case if the clubs had open room for sponsorship drive all this while.

    Efforts in the past to involve community participation in the club affairs through various initiatives  by Hon. Nduka Irabor, the pioneer chairman of the League Management Company (LMC) and the incumbent leadership of the LMC under Alhaji Shehu Dikko, who incidentally is the second vice president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) were  mistaken by the owners of the clubs, the State government as a loss of influence as owners of the clubs.

    The 20 club sides as presently constituted have no fewer that 98 percent of them being owed by various state governments, the source of the worries now is that with the economic downturn in the country how many of the States can adequately meet the demands of the clubs.

    If the government in the states are not primarily keen in the activities of the clubs, their fortunes may nosedive into a state of financial crisis which may have a telling effect on their performance and in turn affect the quality of the league.

    One can vividly remember the push by Hon. Nduka Irabor to give birth to a new direction in the economic empowerments of the clubs with the various positive moves but were not considered by the owners of the clubs.

    Aside former Nigeria League Champions, Kano Pillars football club under the chairmanship of Alhaji Abba Yola who got a mouthwatering contract with Glo Telecommunication, but could not manifest when he was unceremoniously removed from office by the State government, many clubs have failed to pursue alternative source of funding.

    It has been business as usual for Nigeria clubs who have failed to understand that changes in the world economic demands thinking outside the box to generate alternative source of revenue.

    Football which is primarily a business as seen in other climes, is in Nigeria a social outfit for those involved, the fortunes of the clubs are not for the benefit of the  players. Transfers both locally and at international levels are always done in many unclear situations that one wonders if those saddled with management of the clubs really knows the benefits of such deal.

    As said earlier, reasons for setting up of clubs in Nigeria differ. While majority of the clubs are formed to create jobs for the youth, some are out of passion or love for the game.

    But worse off is the fact that in the clubs run by the various governments, the funds released to manage them are mismanaged and unaccounted for, and at the end of the day, the clubs are not able to fulfill their potentials, as against  what obtains in other parts of the western world.

    Most Nigerian clubs owned by state governments do not care about profit because they know that whatever happens the government would pay the bills. But that is not always the case as oftentimes, the governments find it difficult to fulfill their obligations to the club, hence they are unable to pay players and officials as at when due.

    The free-money system has also made the football market uncompetitive as the privately owned clubs find it difficult to operate in such climates. It has been an unfair competition for the privately owned clubs. The situation, according to stakeholders, has made it difficult for the private sector to play major roles in the club football system.

    Until this system change, Nigeria clubs will still be hanging on the clip of the state governments. It will be of good standing if he LMC will insist on its drive to take the league to the next level by insisting on the right structure for the league with adequate support from the NFF.

    While talking about the drive by the LMC to take the league to its proper position, it is also fundamental that the league organisers still consider a well define platform for the league to be on television.

    It will be recalled that during the days of Super Sports sponsorship of the league in Nigeria, many players were scouted through the television screening of their matches by foreign clubs to the advantage of the players and the clubs though at times the proceed end up in questionable hands.

    It will serve the league, to have a major sponsor or multiple sponsors for ease of administering it and for the benefits of the various clubs.

    The state governments should as a matter of urgency open doors for viable option to get private investors into the affairs of their clubs, which will create room for accountability and financial independence of the clubs.

    It is also noteworthy that the stadia should have a good turn around in terms of television facilities for marketing of the round leather game in the country.

    It is also commendable to note that the NFF has done well in the appointment of match officials through disciplinary measures to check some actions of erring ones, which has gone a long way to putting the league in good light and it is hoped this measure continues so as to steer up the game in the country.  

    The Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare has shown with his drive that he wants the best for the league in the country, so it will be better if he can use his position to reach out to State governments on the need to key into the LMC development plans for the clubs to be financial independent.

  • NFF debunks report of four Super Eagles players testing positive for Coronavirus

    NFF debunks report of four Super Eagles players testing positive for Coronavirus

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has debunked report of some Super Eagles players testing positive for COVID-19 in Austria, ahead of their international friendly match against Algeria on Friday October 9. 

    Making a clarification on the report, the NFF said the writer misinterpreted what Coach Gernot Rohr said. It was gathered that Rohr said that four Super Eagles players had tested positive for the virus since the pandemic, but have since recovered. 

    The football body further disclosed that they are awaiting the result of the COVID-19 test carried out on Super Eagles players ahead of tomorrow’s game. 

    The statement read; 

    News Alert.

    Please discountenance any reports that some of our players tested positive to COVID 19 ahead of tomorrow’s friendly game against Algeria. It is a blatant falsehood.

    The writer of the story, who was not part of the press conference earlier today, totally misrepresented what Coach Rohr said that since the outbreak of the pandemic, four of our players had tested positive but were all now fully recovered from the virus and back in action. The results of the COVID 19 tests carried out on the Super Eagles ahead of tomorrow’s game are still being awaited.

    NFF debunks report of four Super Eagles players testing positive for Coronavirus ahead of friendly against Algeria
  • Our league is in trouble, unless… – Maikaba

    Our league is in trouble, unless… – Maikaba

    By Mike Oboh

    Nigeria football league champions, Plateau United football club has called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to find the best way out of the COVID 19 pandemic for the club sides in the country to make a mark at the continental level.

    Maikaba Appointed Golden Eaglets Head Coach - Complete Sports Nigeria

    Coach of Plateau United, Abdullahi Maikaba in an interview with Daybreak Sports said the inaction of the clubs was hampering their preparations ahead of the CAF Champions League and the Confederation Cup competitions.

    Maikaba said though his club has completed its recruitment for the forth coming season, the lack of training as a team have not been made possible because of the challenges associated with the pandemic.

    He said the NFF and the sports ministry should work out a process which will facilitate the commencement of the league games in the country.

    He said though the challenges are more intimidating, the authorities should take a clue from other countries where football is being played.

    Maikaba said for his club, the players are training individually and would love to have whatever checks is put in place to have them together to prepare well for the continental champions league.

    According to him, since the pandemic started in the country and the league was put on hold, it has been difficult, for football to be played, thereby creating some gaps for the teams.

    “My thought is for the authorities to come out with a model as done by other countries to return football to action, how long are we going to wait while others are moving on despite COVID 19, there are ways others have done it, Nigeria should take a clue.

    “My players for the season have been recruited but the problem we are facing is the lack of team work because of the prevailing situation in the country, our players are training individually and this not enough for the task ahead, we need cohesion and team work, all these are lacking at the moment, so my worries is not only for our clubs but other co-campaigners in the continent, if we are not in competitive mood before the continental show flags off, we may not be too lucky.

    “So, if the NFF and the Ministry of Sports come out quick for the way out, the better for all,” Maikaba said.

  • NFF appoints Danjuma, Bosso, Olowookere to head coaching crews of National Teams

    NFF appoints Danjuma, Bosso, Olowookere to head coaching crews of National Teams

    By Mike Oboh 

    The Nigeria Football Federation has composed new technical crews for a number of National Teams. The composition sees the return of one-time U20 Boys’ Head Coach, Isah Ladan Bosso, with Christopher Danjuma retaining the U20 Girls’ lead role, and Bankole Olowookere emerging as Head Coach of the U17 girls, Flamingos.

    Former international defender Oladuni Oyekale will serve as first assistant to Bosso at the U20, with Jolomi Atune Alli (second assistant), Samaila Marwa Keshi (assistant coach/scout) and Suleiman Shuaibu Akanmu (goalkeeper coach) completing the Flying Eagles’ bench.

    Fatai Amoo will head the U17 boys’ squad, to be assisted by Ahmed Lawal Dankoli (first assistant), Nnamdi Onuigbo (second assistant), Hassan Abdallah (assistant coach/scout) and Danlami Kwasau (goalkeeper coach) in his crew.

    Danjuma returns to the U20 girls, Falconets, to be assisted by Moses Aduku (first assistant), Bilkisu Tijani (second assistant), Charity Nwere Nnedinma (assistant coach/scout) and Audu Yahaya (goalkeeper coach).

    The U17 girls’ crew will be headed by Bankole Olowookere, with Queen Okpa (first assistant coach), Adanna Nwaneri (second assistant), Moroof Nojimu (assistant coach/scout) and Mohammed Abubakar Ndanusa (goalkeeper coach) in his tow.

    The U15 boys’ crew will be led by Omoniyi Haruna Ilerika Usman to be assisted by Bassey Patrick (first assistant), Olubunmi Haruna (second assistant), Mohammed Kalli Kachalla (assistant coach/scout) and Baruwa Olatunji (goalkeeper coach).

    Abdullahi Tyabo Umar heads the crew for the U13, with Salisu Ibrahim (first assistant), Bamai Bukar (second assistant coach), Mohammed Kwairanga (third assistant), Ifeanyi Uba (assistant coach/scout) and Abubakar Abdullahi (goalkeeper coach) also on the crew.

    THE FULL LIST

    U20 BOYS: Isah Ladan Bosso (Head Coach); Oladuni Oyekale (Assistant Coach); Jolomi Atune Alli (Assistant Coach); Samaila Marwa Keshi (Assistant Coach/Scout); Suleiman Shuaibu Akanmu (Goalkeeper Coach)

    U17 BOYS: Fatai Amoo (Head Coach); Ahmed Lawal Dankoli (Assistant Coach); Nnamdi Onuigbo (Assistant Coach); Hassan Abdallah (Assistant Coach/Scout); Danlami Kwasau (Goalkeeper Coach)

    U20 GIRLS: Christopher Danjuma (Head Coach); Moses Aduku (Assistant Coach); Bilkisu Tijani (Assistant Coach); Charity Nwere Nnedinma (Assistant Coach/Scout); Audu Yahaya (Goalkeeper Coach)

    U17 GIRLS: Bankole Olowookere (Head Coach); Queen Okpa (Assistant Coach); Adanna Nwaneri (Assistant Coach); Moroof Nojimu (Assistant Coach/Scout); Mohammed Abubakar Ndanusa (Goalkeeper Coach)

    U15 BOYS: Omoniyi Haruna Ilerika Usman (Head Coach); Bassey Patrick (Assistant Coach); Olubunmi Haruna (Assistant Coach); Mohammed Kalli Kachalla (Assistant Coach/Scout); Baruwa Olatunji (Goalkeeper Coach)

    U13 BOYS: Abdullahi Tyabo Umar (Head Coach); Salisu Ibrahim (Assistant Coach); Bamai Bukar (Assistant Coach); Mohammed Kwairanga (Assistant Coach); Ifeanyi Uba (Assistant Coach/Scout); Abubakar Abdullahi (Goalkeeper Coach)

  • SWAN President, Aigbona commiserates with NFF over death of ICT Head, Tolulope Abelola

    SWAN President, Aigbona commiserates with NFF over death of ICT Head, Tolulope Abelola

    By Mike Oboh

    The National Secretariat of Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN); an affiliate of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has received with shock, the news of the sudden death of Mr.Tolulope Abelola, the head of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Information Communication Technology (ICT) unit, who died on Saturday at the age of 48.

    In a condolence message jointly signed by the President of the Association, Comrade Ahmed Aigbona and the Secretary General, Comrade Mike Oboh, extolled the virtues of the late Abelola, describing him as an upright man with vast experience on ICT.

    Aigbona regretted that the young vibrant and energetic Abelola died at a time his experience is mostly needed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).


    The SWAN President consoled the NFF President, Amaju  Pinnick, the board members and the entire staff of the Federation, stating that the deceased left behind legacies of good character.

    “We must take solace in the fact that Mr.Tolulope Abelola left behind a lasting legacy through his contributions to the development of the Federation,” Aigbona states.


    He extended the condolences of the SWAN members across the country to the football family and states Football Association (FA) across the country over the sad event and prayed that may God Almighty  forgive the deceased and give his family the fortitude to bear the great loss.

  • NFF formally ends Nigerian football season, sets new season’s tentative kick-off date

    NFF formally ends Nigerian football season, sets new season’s tentative kick-off date

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Friday announced measures it was taking to put an end to the aborted 2019/2020 Nigerian football season, and also kickstart preparations for the 2020/2021 season.

    Ademola Olajire, the NFF Director of Communications, said in a statement that the measures were the result of resolutions passed at an online meeting of the NFF Football Committee.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the statement however failed to disclose when the online meeting took place.

    The NFF official said the meeting had in attendance the Chairpersons of all the national football leagues and the President of the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA).

    “The Executive Committee of the NFF has approved several measures with regards to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), Nationwide League One (NLO) and the AITEO Cup Competition.

    “This was after a holistic consideration of all the issues affecting the leagues (including the status of the leagues before the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic), such as the impact of the pandemic-induced disruptions, the health, safety and movement restrictive measures in the country.

    “Other issues such as the potential protocols for football resumption, the costs, the financial status of the leagues and clubs, CAF calendar and resolutions of the various leagues as conveyed to the NFF,’’ Olajire said.

    He said, with regards to the NPFL, the 2019/2020 league has now ended at current Matchday 25.

    The NFF spokesman said the Points Per Game (PPG) table would be used to rank the teams in order to ensure sporting merit and sporting fairness.

    “The names of the top three clubs on the NPFL final PPG table as at Matchday 25 shall be submitted to CAF to represent Nigeria in the 2020/2021 CAF Inter-Club competitions, with the first two for CAF Champions League and the third slot for CAF Confederation Cup.

    “There will be no promotion to, or relegation from, the NPFL for the 2019/2020 season.

    “The NPFL 2020/2021 season will start from September/October 2020 and end in May 2021 subject to the full reopening of the country and the approval of the health authorities.’’

    Olajire said further that the NNL 2019/2020 season which was at Matchday 3 to 5 and has been on break since Dec. 17 was now cancelled, and declared null and void.

    “There will be no promotion to, or relegation, from the NNL.

    “Also, the NNL 2020/2021 season will start from September/October 2020 and end in May 2021 subject to the full reopening of the country and the approval of the health authorities.

    “The NFF will work with the NNL, the participating clubs and other stakeholders to ensure a successful fresh start from September/October 2020.

    “This will include a review of the NNL structure to optimise its development,’’ he said.

    The NFF official said the 2019/2020 season, which was yet to commence, has now been aborted.

    “Now, the NWFL 2020/2021 will start from September/October 2020 and end in May 2021 subject to the full reopening of the country and the approval of the health authorities.’’

    Olajire also said the NLO 2019/2020 season, which was also yet to commence, has been aborted.

    “In view of this, there will be no promotion to or relegation from the NLO.

    “The NLO 2020/2021 season will start from September/October 2020 to end in May 2021, subject to the full reopening of the country and the approval of the health authorities.’’

    He added that the AITEO Cup competition of 2019/2020 which had only commenced at the state level has been aborted.

    “The 2019 AITEO Cup winners will now be presented to CAF for the 2020/2021 CAF Inter-Clubs competition as Nigeria’s second representative in the CAF Confederation Cup.

    “The AITEO CUP 2020/2021 season will then start from September/October 2020 to end in May 2021, subject to the full reopening of the country and the approval of the health authorities,’’ Olajire said.

    The NFF spokesman however pointed out that all dates for the 2020/2021season commencement are subject to the directives of the Federal Government in line with COVID-19 protocols.

    “In addition, the full enforcement of licensing regulations and financial controls for the NPFL will commence from the 2020/2021 season.

    “All clubs are required to comply, failing which they will be barred from participating.’’

    Olajire disclosed also that the NFF would formally take the resolutions to the next General Meeting of its Congress for ratification.

    “In the meantime, these resolutions have been formally communicated to the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development,’’ he said.(NAN)