Tag: Musa

  • Consider our mental health while criticizing Super Eagles – Musa begs Nigerians

    Consider our mental health while criticizing Super Eagles – Musa begs Nigerians

    Super Eagles have appealed to Nigerians to constructively criticize the team members in future matches, urging fans to consider the mental health of the players.

    Captain of the Super Eagles, Ahmed Musa, appealed on Tuesday, February 13, while speaking to journalists at the State House, Abuja, where the entire national team was honoured by President Bola Tinubu, for their performance at the just concluded CAF’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

    Musa, who regretted the inability of the team to win the cup at the final, however, assured Nigerians that the Super Eagles would be better prepared for the World Cup Qualifiers.

    He, however, explained that the team was able to achieve the much as it did at the tournament because of the solidarity of the team and the huge support from Nigerians

    He said: “We know that we are very disappointed with the result but there’s nothing we can do about this. That’s what happens in football. So now we have to go back and work ahead for the next AFCON and we have some more couple of games for the World Cup qualifiers so that is more important.

    “We appreciate all Nigerians for the massive support that they gave to us. It’s not that easy. We know everyone wants the cup but that is what Allah decided that is going to happen. Yeah, for our colleagues”

    Speaking on the Cyberbullying against the Super Eagles Midfield player, Alex Iwobi, the Eagles Captain said that the internet trolls were not fair to the player and that he did not deserve the internet bullying.

    “I don’t think he deserves what he is getting now because I think we have done our nation proud. So we think everyone has to be proud of every one of us. But we saw on social media, that if you want to attack this just attack the team, not individual players.”

    Read Also: AFCON: Our strength lies in diversity – Tinubu tells Super Eagles

    Also reacting to the bullying against Iwobi, Serie A side Napoli and the Nigeria national team star, Victor Osimhen condemned the actions of the trolls saying that they should have considered the mental health of the player.

    He said: “I think to be fair, what they have done to Alex is out of this world and is not good. They should also look at his mental health because some of us can take this to heart and then keep on grinding.

    “There are some of us that he still gets to go ahead and they will lose focus and we lose form. So I think we are rallying around him, we have spoken to him individually and collectively. So I think he’s a strong dude and is ready to continue to give his all for his nation.”

    Speaking on the Super Eagles’ readiness towards World Cup qualifiers, Osimhen said the goal of the Super Eagles is to secure the World Cup ticket, expressing the confidence that Nigeria has the team and the best squad to achieve the target. 

    “We are ready. I think now we just finished a tournament that is one of the hardest we have played in since I started my career. Now we have to go back to our clubs to keep up the good work and hopefully, we get called up by our national team and give our all also. But of course, the goal is to get a ticket to the World Cup and I think we have the team and we have the squad to achieve this”, he said.

    Meanwhile, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusua, has said the Federation would explore the FIFA Window to provide the opportunity for qualifiers for the Super Eagles in June.

    He further pledged the support of the NFF to the Super Eagles Coach hinting that the NFF will

    “Ahead of World Cup qualifiers, Next qualifier for the World Cup in June, we have a FIFA Window that we are trying to organize high-quality matches for the team for them to prepare for the match in June.

    “We will give the coach all the necessary support needed for us to ensure that our team is fit in the next round of qualifiers to ensure the team stays fit for the matches ahead.

    “This is a great day for all of us you can see how the President received the team and we are highly elated to say that we have been honoured with MON, to our entire team including me and my general secretary that is a great thing that has happened to this country.

    “That shows that Nigeria is really happy especially the President. We thank God for the support given to this team and by the grace of God we will continue to do our best to ensure that we make Nigerians happy through football”, he said.

  • Let’s uplift each other, stand united – Ahmed Musa begs Iwobi’s critics

    Let’s uplift each other, stand united – Ahmed Musa begs Iwobi’s critics

    In a show of solidarity with his colleague, Ahmed Musa has taken to social media to express support for Alex Iwobi amidst the barrage of hateful comments directed at him.

    Musa emphasized the need for Nigerians to demonstrate better behaviour and urged an end to cyberbullying directed towards Iwobi, highlighting his dedication to the field.

    He also revealed the hypocrisy of some Nigerians proclaiming football as a unifying force while participating in behaviour that fosters division.

    He emphasized that while losing a game is challenging, targeting a single player for the entire team’s shortcomings is unfair and unjust.

    He wrote on his X handle: “Dear fans, I want to please urge you to halt the cyberbullying directed towards Alex Iwobi. Cyberbullying is not just a violation of decency, but also a serious crime. It’s hypocritical to claim that football unites us while engaging in such behaviour. Losing a game is undoubtedly tough, but targeting a single player for the team’s shortcomings is unfair and unjust.

    Read Also: AFCON: Asisat Oshoala defends Iwobi, lambasts Tunde Ednut, VeryDarkMan

    “We win as a team and we lose as a team. Alex gave his all on the field, just like every other member of our squad. Instead of spreading negativity, let’s show genuine love and support to our players. They need our encouragement now more than ever. Let’s uplift each other and stand united, both in victory and defeat.”

  • Musa not ready to quit Super Eagles

    Musa not ready to quit Super Eagles

    Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has revealed that he is not planning to quit the national team soon.

    The 31-year-old, who is eyeing his second AFCON title, has not played any game for the Super Eagles in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

    The Sivasspor of Turkish Super forward said he is still an active player and he will accept a national team call-up if the coach invites him.

    “I am not planning to leave the national team now because I’m still an active player. I am still playing and if the coach invites me to the national team I will honour the invitation,” Musa said.

    Read Also: CHIDOZIE AWAZIEM: Cote d’Ivoire will fall again

    The former Kano Pillars striker added that he is not worried about his lack of playing time at 2023 AFCON, stressing that what is important to him is to see the team winning their matches.

    “People who know me know that I am a patient someone. I have played for the team, country, and players to win; it is also good for my teammates to play for me and win for the country. The most important thing for me is to win, and anything can happen tomorrow. I am a player who always accepts what the coach says; whenever he decides to put me on, I am fine,” Musa said.

  • Insecurity: Tinubu inducts two new T-129 ATAK helicopters

    Insecurity: Tinubu inducts two new T-129 ATAK helicopters

    President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, February 6, inducted the two T-129 ATAK helicopters and a King Air 360ER Beechcraft recently procured by the Federal Government into the Order of Battle (ORBAT) of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

    The helicopters were inducted at NAF Base, Makurdi, Benue State.

    The helicopters were delivered from Turkey in November 2023 as parts of the Federal Government efforts to fight terrorism and other criminalities in the country.

    Speaking after inducting the platforms, Tinubu said he was confident that the deployment of the platforms would significantly enhance the combat efficiency of the NAF in combating internal security and in within the West African region. 

    Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the President charged to NAF personnel to maintain discipline during operations, and establish maintenance culture to maximize the benefits derived therein. 

    Tinubu expressed pride in the NAF standing as a dependable regional power and emphasized his administration’s dedication to supporting it. 

    He assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to eradicating terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, and other criminal activities that have plagued the country for years. 

    The president noted that substantial progress has been achieved in ongoing counterterrorism efforts, there should be no cause for celebration until the security challenges are fully addressed. 

    Read Also: Nigeria’s economy almost collapsed before Tinubu, says Edun

    He urged NAF personnel to change their mindset, strategy and tactics in addressing the present security challenges.

    Earlier, the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, acknowledged the sincerity of purpose of the President towards restoring peace in every part of Nigeria. 

    NAF helicopter

    He then expressed his gratitude to the President for his foresight, resilient leadership, and unwavering support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    He urged NAF personnel to align their individual and collective actions with the vision of the President, emphasizing the pursuit of peace, stability, and rapid development objectives. 

    Earlier in his remarks, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said the induction ceremony bears glowing testimony of the federal government’s resolve to equip and energize the NAF and all arms of the Armed Forces towards combating terrorism and other adversaries

    The CAS said President Tinubu had so far inducted five aircrafts into NAF fleet since he assumed office.

    The CAS said the NAF’s has planned to induct 46 new aircraft of various types over the next 18 months. 

    Air Marshal Abubakar assured that the NAF would not rest until it brings the war to a favourable end to ensure the peace and stability that Nigerians deserve. 

    He urged all Nigerians to keep the faith and hope in the advancement and prosperity of the nation. 

  • Yusuf underlines Musa’s impact with Eagles

    Yusuf underlines Musa’s impact with Eagles

    Super Eagles midfielder, Alhassan Yusuf has stated that Nigeria senior national team skipper, Ahmed Musa has not only helped him to fully integrate to the team at record time

    Yusuf was praised after an impressive debut for Nigeria against Equatorial Guinea before he got injured and later substituted but the Royal Antwerp of Belgium midfielder noted that the awesome reception he got from his teammates and the hospitable Musa made him to settle in quickly.

    He described Musa as a leader who is always willing to go out of his ways to render assistance to people.

    “He is a leader and not just a friend. He is helping me on and off the pitch. He helps me with everything I do not know or understand because he is experienced. I tried to ask him and he has been helping,” Yusuf told journalists in Abidjan. “I didn’t know him personally before the AFCON but since I came here, he has been my big brother.”

    The Royal Antwerp player said he mirrored his game after the French international, N’Golo Kante and reiterates his desire to fully step in into his shoes with more hard work and regular practice sessions.

    “I have what it takes to be the next Kante of world football. I am fully fit to play now.”

    Even though, Yusuf was in the 40 man list submitted to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) he was initially dropped from the final 25 list of players to represent Nigeria in Cote d’Ivoire.

    But providence acted on his behalf and he was recalled by the Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro following injury to Wilfred Ndidi less than 10 days before the start of hostilities in Cote’d’Ivoire while he was still with English Championship side, Leicester City.

    Read Also: AFCON: Let’s pray for Eagles against Angola, Ganduje appeals to Nigerians

    Yusuf expressed his gratitude to God for giving him the opportunity to make the Eagles squad to Cote d’Ivoire and he stressed that he immediately made himself ready to represent his fatherland at the AFCON.

    “I am grateful for the opportunity to show what I have for my country. I was part of the provisional list but I didn’t make the initial list but suddenly I got a call from the coach to come join the team,” he continued.

    “Of course I didn’t expect it at that moment but then when the time and the opportunity came I had to grab it.

    “My teammates really helped me with the kind of reception I got and the technical crew for the trust they have in me made it easy for me. I am feeling good and I have started walking on the pitch already.”

    Yusuf with a just a cap for Nigeria has featured in 25 games with one goal and three assists in all competitions for Royal Antwerp this season.

  • Musa assures Eagles’ll fly over Equatorial Guinea in opener

    Musa assures Eagles’ll fly over Equatorial Guinea in opener

    Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa told thenff.com after the pre-match press conference that the Super Eagles have their eyes on the three points and have no apologies for their aspiration.

    Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea will conclude the first matches of Group A of the 34th Africa Cup of Nations ongoing in Cote d’Ivoire when both nations clash at the brand-new Stade Alassane Ouattare in Ebimpe, outside Abidjan, on Sunday.

    He said: “It is always interesting to play in the Africa Cup of Nations. I was a champion in 2013, same as (defender Kenneth) Omeruo. However, the rest of the team want to have that feeling of what it means to win the Africa Cup of Nations. Everyone is geared towards making a statement.

    Read Also: ‘We have left our core values as a church’

    “It is not going to be a picnic. The teams in our group, including Equatorial Guinea that we play tomorrow, are strong and ambitious as well. It is for us to go all out for the three points in each of our games, and then take it from there in the knock-out rounds. We will take it one match at a time.”

    Nigeria’s campaign is woven around the aphoristic ‘Let’s Do It Again’ mantra, which was launched moments after their qualification for the finals, and is designed to galvanise and motivate the group to repeat the triumphs of 1980, 1994 and 2013, and also mobilise football-passionate Nigerians to support and encourage the group to action.

    Commentators continue to fret about a contention of lack of steel in midfield and perceived weakness in sectors of the defence, but Coach José Peseiro was bullish at the pre-match press conference on Saturday.

    “I believe in my team. Every team has what you may call frail areas, but the important thing is for the players to play for one another. We are positive.”

    Afterwards, he told thenff.com: “It is a 90-minute affair and it is always about who wants a win most. I have a group that has determination and discipline, flair and steel, and we believe we can go all the way in this tournament.”

  • Musa, Troost-Ekong make surprise return in Super Eagles’ list for AFCON

    Musa, Troost-Ekong make surprise return in Super Eagles’ list for AFCON

    Super Eagles Head Coach Jose Peseiro has revealed the list of players to defend the colours of Nigeria in next month’s Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

    There are returns to the squad for Turkey-based captain Ahmed Musa and Greece-based vice-captain William Troost-Ekong. The coach also named Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali as part of the travelling party for the tournament, as well as Enyimba captain Olorunleke Ojo.

    Sadiq Umar makes the squad, with Club Brugge starlet Raphael Onyedika also named for the tournament. Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface were also included in the squad for the tournament.

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    Here is the squad in full: Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali, Olorunleke Ojo.

    Defenders: William Troost-Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, Zaidu Sanusi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Chidozie Awaziem.

    Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Raphael Onyedika, Frank Onyeka, Joe Aribo.

    Forwards: Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Moses Simon, Ahmed Musa, Sadiq Umar, Ademola Lookman, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze.

    The Super Eagles will kick off the tournament against the Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea on January 14th before facing hosts Cote d’Ivoire four days later and Guinea-Bissau on the 22nd.

  • Kaduna drone incident will never repeat itself, CDS assures Nigerians

    Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Christopher Musa, on Wednesday, December 13, said steps are being taken to ensure the unfortunate drone incident in Kaduna that killed innocent civilians does not happen again.

    He said this when he appeared before the House of Representative Committee on Defence for budget defence.

    He said: “I want to mention the sad incident in Kaduna that occurred. It shouldn’t have. It was a mistake, it was never deliberate but we are taking steps to ensure that we address it and so that it doesn’t reoccur.

    “We are meant to protect our citizens, not to kill them. That is highly regrettable. We assure you that we will continue to work until everybody’s free and there is no more threat to any life and property in Nigeria.”

    He assured that the members of the Armed Forces are determined and committed to ensuring the restoration of peace and tranquillity in Nigeria.

    Read Also: Kaduna farmers trade N8b Vitamin A maize

    He stated: “There are challenges all over the region. We are working together as a team in synergy both between the armed forces, and other security agencies and we call on all Nigerians to take ownership of the challenges that are going on in Nigeria.

    “Security is everybody’s responsibility, not only our own. We are happy that you know our challenges and you are ready and willing to assist and we assure you that we will not take that for granted.

    “Whatever support we can get to enhance our capability and capacity. We assure you, including all Nigerians, that we are ready to go forward with whatever it takes for us to ensure that there is peace in Nigeria because it is not only for us, it is for our children and children. We all grew up in an atmosphere of peace and justice and that is what we are working towards.”

    The chairman of the committee, Hon Babaji Benson assured the Committee would do all it can to ensure the fight against insecurity is won.

    He said: “We understand that you live in a very challenging situation. We understand that you need money for barracks, weapons aircraft, and there is the paucity of funds On behalf of my committee we say well done.”

  • Jaiz Bank appoints Musa MD

    Jaiz Bank appoints Musa MD

    Nigeria’s premier and largest non-interest bank, Jaiz Bank Plc has appointed Mr. Haruna Musa as the substantive managing director. The appointment has been approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    Musa, whose appointment took effect on November 21, 2023, succeeded Ahmed Hassan who will proceed on retirement at the end of this year.

    In a regulatory filing yesterday at the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), the board of Jaiz Bank stated that the appointment of Musa, a former executive director at Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), has been approved by relevant authorities.

    The board of the bank stated that they expected Musa to lead a dynamic management that will further take Jaiz Bank to new heights.

    Jaiz Bank had recorded double-digit growths across key performance indicators in third quarter 2023 with pre-tax profit rising by about 74 per cent to N6.68 billion.

    Musa possesses nearly three decades of experience in banking operations. He spent 22 years of his 28-year career in GTB, retiring in October 2023 after serving two terms of eight years as an executive director. He joined Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) in March 2001 and retired in October 2023.

    He had assumed the role of Executive Director & Head, Northeast & Public Sector, Abuja Divisions at GTB in October 2015. 

    Musa’s experience cut across retail banking, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) banking, corporate banking, commercial banking, business banking and public sector.

    He started his banking career as a banking officer at United Bank for Africa (UBA) in June 1997. He also served as a Senior Banking Officer at FSB International Bank between 1998 and 2001. He had worked as Agricultural Officer II at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Abuja between January 1993 and June 1997.

    Beyond his roles in Nigeria, Musa also served as a non-executive director at GT Bank (Cote D’Ivoire) Ltd and was the chairman of board audit committee between March 2015 and October 2023, where he was credited with significant contributions to the turnaround of the bank from a loss position to consistent profitability.

    An alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Bayero University, Kano, and Cranfield University, United Kingdom, Musa is currently at the final stage of a Ph.D. programme in Islamic Banking and Finance at the Universiti Utara in Malaysia.

    He holds an MSc in Finance and Management from Cranfield University; MBA from Bayero University, Kano and a Bachelor of Agriculture from Ahmadu Bello University.

    Musa has also undertaken several executive-level courses including Advanced Management Programme from Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania, USA (2023); Making Corporate Boards More Effective – Harvard Business School, Harvard University, USA (2015); Positive Leadership Programme – Michigan Ross Executive Education, USA (2014) and General Management Programme – Cranfield University, UK (2012).

    Read Also: Abandoned N500b CCTV project: Senate seeks probe over rising insecurity

    Jaiz Bank’s new chief executive has also received several commendation letters for selflessness and meritorious service from his previous employers. He is also an honourary member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN). 

    Key extracts of the interim report and accounts of Jaiz Bank for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2023 showed that the leading alternative bank grew its top-line by 39.6 per cent with gross earnings of N33.04 billion in third quarter 2023 as against N23.67 billion in third quarter 2022.

    Total deposits rose by 63 per cent to N405 billion as against N248 billion recorded in the corresponding period in 2022. The bank’s total assets also jumped by 68 per cent to N546 billion in September 2023.

    The management of the bank stated that the results reflected the bank’s contribution to the growth of Nigeria’s economy through its’ Islamic financing and investment activities in the real sector.

    Jaiz Bank, operating under Islamic banking principles, primarily derives its earnings from investing and financing activities

    According to the management, Jaiz Bank’s strong financial performance is a positive indicator of its continued growth and success in the banking sector.

    “The bank remains resolute in leveraging on continued investment in its most valued asset, its human resources, advanced technological infrastructure and more efficient processes in serving its ever growing customer base,” Jaiz Bank stated.

    Market analysts said the third quarter results further strengthened the outlook for Jaiz Bank, which plans to raise about N5.41 billion from its shareholders to bolster its balance sheet to support rapid expansion.

    Jaiz Bank plans to float a rights issue of about 5.41 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at offer price of N1 per share. The rights issue will be pre-allotted on the basis of 87 new ordinary shares for every 250 ordinary shares held as at the close of business on Friday, October 6, 2023.

    Jaiz Bank, the only publicly quoted non-interest bank, has through its professional advisers, already applied to the NGX for the approval and subsequent listing of the rights shares upon completion.

    Most analysts expected the rights issue to be oversubscribed citing Jaiz Bank’s impressive performance over the past decade.

    At its last annual general meeting recently in Kano, Jaiz Bank had increased dividend payable to shareholders by 25 per cent after the alternative bank grew net profit by 68.5 per cent.

    The bank paid a dividend per share of 5.0 kobo for the 2022 business year, totaling N1.727 billion. The bank had paid a dividend per share of 4.0 kobo for the 2021 business year.

    Key extracts of the audited report and accounts for the period ended December 31, 2022 had shown double-digit growths across key performance indicators, underlining improvements in incomes and profitability.

    The 12-month report showed that gross earnings rose by 29.4 per cent from N25.84 billion in 2021 to N33.43 billion in 2022. Profit before tax grew by 59.5 per cent from N4.16 billion in 2021 to N6.63 billion in 2022. With tax writeback of N248.54 million in 2022, net profit, grew by 68.5 per cent from N4.08 billion in 2021 to N6.88 billion in 2022. Earnings per share increased by 39.13 per cent to 19.2 kobo in 2022 as against 13.8 kobo in 2021. The issued share capital of the bank had increased from 29.46 billion shares in 2021 to 34.54 billion shares.

    The balance sheet of the bank also expanded by more than one-third with total assets rising by 35.6 per cent to N378.82 billion in 2022 as against N279.27 billion in 2021. Total equity funds also increased from N24.31 billion to N29.80 billion.

    Underlying ratios had shown a generally positive outlook with the bank’s net income margin (NIM) improving from 7.86 per cent in 2021 to 8.29 per cent in 2022. Cost-to-income ratio improved from 75.49 per cent in 2022 to 70.51 per cent. Return on total assets increased from 1.49 per cent to 1.75 per cent. Return on equity also grew from 17.11 per cent in 2021 to 22.25 per cent in 2022. While capital adequacy dropped from 23.66 per cent to 19.50 per cent, liquidity improved from 29.78 per cent to 38.50 per cent.

  • Ighalo, Musa, Iwobi are top contenders

    The next Nigeria Footballer of the Year would emerge at a prestigious AITEO-NFF Football Awards taking place tonight at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Undoubtedly, out of all the players eligible for the award Odion Ighalo, Ahmed Musa and Alex Iwobi have posted exceptional outings for country and clubs.

    For instance, Ighalo scored seven goals in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign, the most by any player on the continent, to help Nigeria qualify for the finals in Egypt later this year.

    At club level, Ighalo scored 21 goals in 28 matches for Changchun Yatai to emerge the second highest goal scorer in the Chinese Super League last season.

    After Changchun Yatai’s relegation, Ighalo joined Shanghai Greenland Shenhua on February 14, 2019 where he has already scored two goals in three matches.

    Ahmed Musa has been a worthy captain of the Super Eagles in the absence of John Mikel Obi who has not played for the national team after the Russia 2018 World Cup.

    Musa became the first Nigerian to score more than once in a FIFA World Cup match, after scoring twice against Argentina in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and also the first Nigerian to score in two FIFA World Cup competitions, after scoring twice against Iceland in the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

    On 4 August 2018, Musa moved to Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr for a reported fee of £14.5 million. He has since scored five goals for the Riyadh based side.

    22-year-old Onyinye Wilfred Ndidi has been a solid defensive midfielder for the Premier League club Leicester City and the Nigeria national team.

    Alex Iwobi is probably having his best season for Arsenal after joining the Gunners while still in elementary school in 2004.

    Iwobi’s 40 appearances in all competitions for his club is the most he has achieved so far and has scored five goals; three goals in the English Premier League, one in the League Cup and one in the Europa League.

    On the international scene, the Gunners’ star has notched 27 caps for the national team and his most recent goal was scored on June 2, 2018, when England beat Nigeria 2-1 at the Wembley Stadium, in an international friendly.

    In the female category, 2014, 2016, 2017 African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala is the clear favourite for the Nigeria Women’s Player of the Year Award after her stellar performance helped the Super Falcons to a third consecutive Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) title with three goals in the 2018 edition and her influential role for Dalian Quanjian which won the 2018 Chinese Women’s Super League title.

    On January 31, 2019, Spanish Club, FC Barcelona Femení Women signed Oshoala on a Loan deal until the end of the season and she has already scored five goals in five matches since joining the side.

    Francisca Ordega, another player in contention for the award was arguably the best Super Falcons’ player in their AWCON 2018 triumph in Ghana, where she scored two goals and two assists and won the Woman of the Match Award at the final game against South Africa. She also helped Atlético Madrid to the Spanish Women’s league title in the year under review.

    On February 28, 2019, the delectable player joined Shanghai W.F.C.

    Ordega, who has represented Nigeria at all international levels, has 34 caps for the Super Falcons.

    Onome Ebi who is also in the race plays for Henan Huishang in the Chinese Women’s Super League. At the back, the experienced defender was solid for the Super Falcons which conceded just one goal on their way to the final of AWCON 2018.

    Meanwhile, Secretary-General of world football –ruling body, FIFA, Ms Fatma Samoura arrived Nigeria on Saturday, ahead of more than 20 Presidents of FIFA-Member Associations across the African continent for Monday’s 2nd AITEO-NFF Football Awards taking place at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    At lunch on Sunday with the bigwigs of the NFF and a number of stakeholders of the Nigeria game, the Senegal-born former UN top official, expressed delight at being invited to Nigeria for the Awards and also for being considered worthy of a special award on the night. She will receive the NFF Order of Merit award.

    At a press briefing on Friday, NFF 1st President and Chairman of the Awards Organizing Committee, Seyi Akinwunmi praised sponsors AITEO for continued support for the annual event and assured that both organisations will put on a great show tonight.

    AITEO’s General Manager, Finance, Taiye Eyewuoma stated that the sponsor, Nigeria’s leading energy solution company and NFF’s Official Optimum Partner, is committed to sponsoring the awards ceremony as the partnership “is yielding good dividends for AITEO”. AITEO is also the sponsor of the Federation Cup competition and the annual African Football Awards.

    Monday’s event will be broadcast live by leading television houses SuperSport and Africa Independent Television (AIT).

    Among the highlights of the night would be the special honour to the 1994 set of Super Eagles – the squad forever referred to as the ‘Golden Generation’ for being the first to qualify Nigeria for the FIFA World Cup finals, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia and reaching the Round of 16 at the World Cup finals in the U.S. A good number of the squad members teamed up with the Dream Team of 1996 that became Africa’s first winners of the men’s football gold at the quadrennial Olympic Games.

    Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award, while business mogul, politician and avid football financier and supporter, Chief Moshood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola, who died in 1998, will be honoured posthumously with the NFF Presidential Award.

    A welcome remark by NFF 1st VP/Chairman, Organizing Committee, Barrister Akinwunmi will be preceded by a performance by internationally –respected dancer Kaffy, before brief remarks by President of NFF, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, NFF and AITEO’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Francis Peters. Superstar musicians D’ Banj, Ricardo Banks and Timi Dakolo are among those to entertain on the night.

    Former Nigerian captain, Olusegun Odegbami, Super Falcons’ legend Maureen Madu, former Super Falcons’ coach Edwin Okon, former FIFA referee Faith Irabor and Chairman of the Nigeria Women Football League, Aisha Falode would be among the presenters at the event.