Tag: Ibrahim Musa Gusau

President of the Nigeria, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has asseverated that the Federation is delighted to have achieved its objectives for making the Super Eagles prosecute the Four-Nation Unity Cup Tournament in London and the friendly match with the Russia senior national team in Moscow, all within the past 12 days.

 “I can tell you categorically that we achieved our sporting objectives, which were the most important in this case. The principal goal was to provide windows for the Coach and his crew to take a look at new players that might be positive additions to the team going forward.

“I had some conversations with Coach Eric Chelle and I could see that he was pleased with the opportunities that the tournament in London (Unity Cup) that we won, and the friendly match with Russia that we drew, provided for him and his assistants.”

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Gusau reflected on the Super Eagles’ triumph in the Unity Cup Tournament (in which the Super Eagles defeated Ghana and Jamaica) and the gutsy draw with Russia, and expressed satisfaction with the output of most of the playing personnel.

 “Apart from the regulars that we already know what they are capable of, the tournament in London afforded us the opportunity to see players like Benjamin Frederick, Felix Agu, Christantus Uche and Igoh Ogbu. We saw more of Cyriel Dessers. The home-based professionals (Papa Daniel Mustapha, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Collins Ogwueze) did not fare badly either.

 “In Russia, we saw more of Uche and we saw Tolu Arokodare score a poacher’s goal. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was also excellent on his return and captain Ekong held the defence unit well. Now, we have options in defence, midfield and the attack, and I am quite satisfied with the team’s output in the three matches.”

The Super Eagles defeated the Black Stars 2-1 in an entertaining Unity Cup semi-final at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium on May 28, and then outlasted Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz 5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the final three days later.

Tolu Arokodare scored in the second half to stalemate the clash with Russia’s Sbornaya at the iconic Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Friday, following Semi Ajayi’s inadvertent own goal in the first period.

 “Now, we have good options in all areas as we look ahead to the FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, and I am certain that the technical crew is happy with that,” Gusau added.

There were commendations from all quarters for the George Aluo-led Board of the Nigeria National League as the management of the second-tier of Nigeria’s domestic football organized its third Awards Ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday.

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, who was represented by the NFF 1^st  Vice President Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, gave kudos to the NNL Board for the innovations it has introduced into the league, and challenged it to keep at the pace in order to take the ‘most important league’ to new heights.

On his part, NFF 2nd Vice President/Chairman of NPFL, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, affirmed that the NNL is on the right track to actualizing full private-sector clubs’ participation, while challenging the NNL board to keep encouraging private sector participation in club ownership and management. He also applauded the accomplishments of the Aluo-led board so far.

NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, was emphatic that given the various changes and innovations introduced into the league by the present board, the NFF has no regrets in putting the board in charge of the second-tier league. He utilized the opportunity to invite First Bank PLC to consider partnering with the NNL, as a way of giving back to the society and taking the youth off the streets to curb all forms of social vices.

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In his remarks, former NFF President Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi commended the warm relationship among the various league bodies and the Nigeria Football Federation. He noted that the present NFF leadership has continued to show genuine passion for football development at the grassroots, while also calling for private sector involvement in sponsorship of the domestic game.

Chairman of the NNL, Mr. George Aluo, was full of appreciation to the eminent guests for their warm words of encouragement. He extolled the leadership qualities of Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau and Dr Mohammed Sanusi at the NFF, and attributed the successes recorded so far by the league to the purpose-driven leadership at the NFF.

 “These Awards are a way of encouraging good performances and good conduct, and also to inculcate the spirit of competition among the various participants in the league. I commend our partners, ProStar Recreational Services Limited and Sportslights Hub for supporting the NNL to organize these awards to encourage our outstanding players, officials and referees.”

Chief Executive Officer of the NNL, Mr. Emmanuel Attah, gave a brief background on how NNL secured the partnerships with ProStar and Sportslights Hub. He enjoined both organizations to continue to identify with the league especially as footage of league matches are now being seen in various parts of the country and the world at large.

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, yesterday at the NFF-FIFA Technical Centre inside the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja officially inaugurated the first batch of participants for the CAF B-Licence Coaching Course.

The NFF boss expressed his delight at witnessing this significant milestone: “Today marks a moment of great joy for me,” he declared, emphasizing the importance of progress in Nigeria football. “This initiative has long been in the planning stages, and seeing it materialize today is incredibly fulfilling. It is also a pleasure to welcome coaches from other nations who are joining us for this vital training exercise.”

He commended the NFF Technical Department, led by Coach Augustine Eguavoen, for the diligence that went into the planning of the course, highlighting the collective effort involved. “I urge all participants to eschew all forms of distractions and fully immerse themselves in this learning experience,” he advised. “This is a great opportunity to improve yourselves. Before the end of this year, we intend to launch a CAF A-License programme, and I believe with the assiduity of the Technical Department, we will achieve this.”

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NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, reiterated that the program will improve the quality of coaching in Nigeria football leagues, stressing that if the country does not have elite coaches, this handicap will adversely affect the performance of all our teams. “What we are trying to do is to create a situation whereby our coaches can imbibe modern methods and strategies, and of course, to be certified because if you do not have the B-License, you cannot be part of international competitions like the inter-club competitions.”

The CAF B-Licence coaching course is a critical element of the NFF’s strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the capabilities of coaches throughout Nigeria. Spanning four months, the course will be conducted in various modules, ensuring a comprehensive and structured learning experience. This first batch has a total of 25 participants.

Also in attendance were the 2nd Vice President of NFF/Chairman, NPFL Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye; Chairman of the NFF Technical and Development Sub-Committee, Alhaji Sharif Rabiu Inuwa; Deputy General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme; NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen; Director of Legal Services, Okey Obi Esq; Acting Director of Competitions, Ms Ruth David and; other top officials of the NFF Technical Department including former Nigeria international players Abdulrafiu Yusuf and Nasiru Jibril, and Head of Coaching Education Dr Terry Eguaoje.

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has described the demise of Hajiya Safara’u Umaru Radda, mother of Katsina State Governor n Dikko Umaru Radda, as a colossal loss, not just to Katsina State but the nation at large.

The NFF supremo made this known when he paid a condolence visit to the Katsina State number one citizen at the Katsina State Government House on Wednesday.

Gusau prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased mother of the governor who passed away last week after a brief illness. He urged the governor to take solace in the good works done by his late mother while on  earth, and imbibe fully the spirit of love, peace and togetherness which the deceased was widely known for.

The NFF President also commended the governor for hosting the Nigeria U20 boys, Flying Eagles as the team continues preparations for the 24th Africa U20 Cup of Nations finals, now to be hosted by Egypt and billed to kick off on 27th April. He described the governor as a football-loving personality, while urging his fellow governors to take a leaf from him in order to further promote football development at grassroots level across the country.

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In his response, Governor Radda thanked the NFF President and his entourage for the condolence visit, while asserting that the Katsina Football Academy is his personal pet-project.

Among the NFF President’s entourage were Chairman of Technical and Development Committee, Alhaji Sharif Rabi’u Inuwa; Executive Committee Member, Alhaji Babagana Kalli; Sokoto State FA Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Nasiru Saidu and; Jigawa State FA Chairman, Alhaji Sabo Abdullahi Dutse. There were also NFF’s Head of Member Associations, Alhaji Ali Abubakar; Flying Eagles’ Head Coach, Aliyu Zubairu and; Flying Eagles’ Team Administrator, Aliyu Ibrahim Lawal.

The Ibrahim Musa Gusau-led NFF administration will add another milestone today  when the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of Players’ Hostel and a number of new training pitches holds in Abuja. The groundbreaking will be done by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas .

Named the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel, the 68-room facility is located at the heart of Package B of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, almost directly opposite the NFF Secretariat. It is a two-wing edifice, with A and B sections, and has a total of 62 single rooms, four suites and two executive suites.

Alongside the hostel is the construction of two new training pitches (one synthetic and one natural grass), re-construction of the existing synthetic pitch, sitting terraces for spectators, two dressing rooms for players (each accommodating 27 players at a time) and two dressing rooms for officials. The spectators’ terraces will have 1,838 seats. 

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The construction, which is projected to last 24 months, is funded by world football-governing body, FIFA through its FIFA Forward 3.0 program.

The FIFA Forward is the largest and biggest sport development program in the world, and was created in 2016 when FIFA President Gianni Infantino was first elected to office. The core idea is three-fold: increase the investment into football worldwide; achieve more impact with specific and tailor-made projects and; make sure to have more oversight to ensure that the investment in football development is transparent, carefully-managed and effective.

NFF  retains Ogunmodede, Ilechukwu for 2024 CHAN

President of  the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF),  Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has revealed that the new Super Eagles head coach, Eric Sekou Chelle has inked a two-year deal with an additional one year extension if the senior national team qualifies for 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Chelle’s coaching team includes: First Assistant Coach Hadi Taboubi, Fitness Trainer Thomas Gornourec, and Goalkeeper Coach Jean Daniel Padovani.

Gusau stated that  this is contrary to what had been pushed out in the media regarding Chelle’s  contract’s which many postulated would end by October 2025 when the first phase of the World Cup qualifiers is over.

He also  clarified that the Franco-Malian would be at the  CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda  on a supervisory role.

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“The new coach will now take on the team on a 2-year contract with an option of 1-year extension and he will no longer be the one to stand on the touchline during the upcoming Africa Nations Championship (CHAN),” Gusau revealed. “Eric is here to work. We wanted someone who understands the mentality of African football and he has that.

 “The duration of the contract is two years. With the privilege of additional one year if he qualifies for the World Cup.

 “He is coming with three assistants plus the two coaches with the CHAN team because we need to get our people to support him. He is going to be with the CHAN team on a supervisory role. “

“The thing is, he was not the one that selected the players but we just had to mandate him to be part of the team so that he can see what they are doing and give them support and then from there he can watch what is going on so that he can see how he can get some of the players for the main team,” Gusau added.

He is on a mission to qualify Nigeria who are fifth in a six team group with just three points from four games of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has  commended  the Monimichelle  group over the ongoing renovation of the Aper Aku Stadium.

Gusau said as much  during the Benue State Football Association Gala and Award Night held at the Bongos Ikwue Entertainment Centre in North Bank, Makurdi.

The NFF chieftain  showered praises on Monimichelle, the contractor handling the renovation of the iconic stadium.  He lauded the dedication  of the contractor  and his team even as  he highlighted Monimichelle’s consistent updates on the renovation, noting their professionalism and commitment to delivering a world-class facility.

“I am truly satisfied with the day-to-day progress being made on the renovation of the Aper Aku Stadium. Monimichelle has demonstrated exceptional dedication, never failing to keep me informed about their work,” Gusau said. “I have no doubt that once completed, this stadium will meet international standards and will be capable of hosting matches for the Super Eagles and other international teams.”

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Speaking further,  Gusau  extended gratitude to the Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for entrusting Monimichelle with the renovation project. He  applauded the governor’s vision and belief in the contractor’s capabilities, stating that the decision to award the contract to Monimichelle was a wise and commendable one.

“The Governor has made no mistake in awarding this contract to Monimichelle,” Gusau added. “This project reflects his commitment to promoting sports development in Benue State and Nigeria as a whole.”

The Aper Aku Stadium, once a beacon of sporting excellence in Benue State, is undergoing a major transformation to meet modern standards. Upon completion, it is expected to revitalize sports in the region and serve as a hub for both national and international football events.

The Gala and Award Night, which celebrated outstanding contributions to football development in Benue State, provided a platform to recognize the collaborative efforts of stakeholders working to enhance sports infrastructure in the state. Gusau’s commendation of the Aper Aku Stadium project underscored its significance as a milestone for the state’s sports sector.

Meanwhile, the anticipation for the unveiling of the new Aper Aku Stadium continues to grow with sports enthusiasts eagerly looking forward to a modern facility that will put Benue State on the global football map.

The Nigeria Football Federation President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau as well as the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Chairman, Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye has hailed the former head of the Pro-League department of  the then Nigeria  Football Association(NFA) Dr Steve Olarinoye who  would mark his Platinum Jubilee anniversary tomorrow.

Gusau in a  signed message, described  Olarinoye as a workaholic, disciplined and core professional during his stint in the league body whose reforms and pragmatic approach to issues birthed the Nigeria Premier Football League that everyone is proud of today.

The NFF President noted that his good works are still being spoken of by those he worked with decades ago and he wishes Olarinoye well on the auspicious occasion of his birthday while praying to God to grant him good health, prosperity and more wealth.

“I heartily and earnestly congratulate you on this landmark occasion of your 70th (Platinum) birthday anniversary which will come up on Saturday 4th January, 2025,” Gusau noted inter alia.

“Your record of performance at the NFF remains sterling till this day, as those who were around in that period continue to speak glowingly of your role as Head of the Pro-League Department, during which you hugely motivated staff of the department to work assiduously towards establishing a league of which we are all proud of today.”

Meanwhile, Elegbeleye stated that Olarinoye would be fondly remembered to have pioneered the birth of the NPFL adding that his commitment and unhindered support have helped to set the high standards that the topflight is noted for now.

“On behalf of the entire NPFL community, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on your remarkable journey and achievements. Your dedication, leadership, and pioneering spirit have left an indelible mark on Nigerian sports,” Elegbeleye noted  in a personally signed message  to Dr Olarinoye ahead of tomorrow’s  auspicious event in Ilorin.

He added: “As a founding member and former Head of Pro-League in Nigeria, your contributions have been instrumental in shaping the success and growth of our league. Your commitment to excellence and unwavering support has set a standard for others to follow and I also wish to express my delight to a very wonderful working relationship when I was DG, NSC.”

The NPFL boss called Olarinoye a beacon of hope that others in administration would strive to follow his legacy and he wished the celebrant more fruitful years ahead in health and wealth.

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“We are immensely proud of all that you have accomplished and look forward to celebrating this special occasion with you. Your legacy will continue to inspire and guide us as we strive for even greater heights.

“Thank you for your unwavering dedication and for being an exemplary member of our community.”

Yet  Gusau also noted  the unique role Dr Olarinoye played in Nigeria’s winning the historic  Africa’s first Olympic  soccer gold medal  at the 1996 Atlanta Georgia Olympic Games when he served as the Under 23 Administrative Secretary.

“Your work ethic, diligence, personal and professional discipline, dedication to duty mentoring ability, passion and resilience are routinely referenced by the older members of staff nowadays, who also easily recall the special role you played as Administrative Secretary of the U23 National Team that won Africa’s first ever Olympic gold medal in football in Atlanta, USA in 1996.

“We congratulate you on attaining this golden age, in good health, sound mind and with peace in your heart. We also celebrate you on the excellent role you have played in steering Nigerian football to its present height, and pray that the Almighty God will continue to bless you with good health and sound mind, to spend the rest of your days in bliss and in the midst of abundance.”

President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has warmly congratulated the newly-appointed Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, saying he has no doubt that the latter’s vast experience in football administration as a marketing expert, Chairman of Nigeria’s elite League, foremost international match commissioner, vice president of the Nigeria Football Federation and membership of FIFA and CAF Committees, has prepared him adequately to make a success of the big job.  

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR  yesterday day named Dikko, who served close to eight years as Chairman of the Nigeria Professional Football League (now Nigeria Premier Football League) and second Vice President of the NFF, as Chairman of the reintroduced National Sports Commission, throwing overboard the Federal Ministry of Sports Development.

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“On behalf of the NFF and the entire Nigeria football fraternity, I warmly and heartily congratulate Mallam Shehu Dikko on this huge national assignment that has been presented to him. I have no doubt that he has the knowledge, skill, experience, steadfastness, temperament, diligence and intelligence to make a success of the National Sports Commission.

 “We served together on the same NFF Board for close to eight years, and I can attest to his enterprise and resourcefulness. He is a man full of meaningful and positive ideas, and the Nigeria Football Federation will surely work together with him to take our football to new heights of excellence.”

Dikko served as chairman of various committees in the NFF, including marketing and sponsorship, and was a member of the CAF Inter-Clubs Committee. He is still a member of the FIFA Football Stakeholders Committee.