Thomas Dennerby, the new Head Coach of Super Falcons, on Tuesday promised to rebuild and improve the senior national women football team, saying “I won’t be a flying coach’’.
Dennerby, while speaking at his unveiling by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) at the National Stadium in Abuja, said he was taking up the post as a challenge.
“I am honoured and excited to be here. It is a big challenge and I look forward to doing my best
“I believe in hard work, building up a network with domestic and professional coaches abroad.
“My philosophy is to get best out of every player and the coaching staff. The best way to improve the team is to work together and I am looking forward to work with the members of staff,’’ he said.
Dennerby, who would be assisted by fellow Swede Jorgen Petersson, also has Olarenwaju Oni and Maureen Madu as assistants and Tunde Omobolanle as goalkeepers’ trainer to work with.
He however warned that he was going to place huge demands on his players to do their best in every training session or game and being professional every single time.
“Even when eating, sleeping, being fit and all, this is what I demand.
“I have a strong will-to-win attitude and I am sure that the players have such attitude. So, I look forward to doing my job.
“I am not going to be a flying coach, I am going to live here,’’ the coach said.
On his part, NFF’s Second Vice-President, Shehu Dikko, who represented the federation’s President, Amaju Pinnick, said the federation ensured it chose a qualified and well-experienced coach for the team.
“ Over the years we have achieved so many successes within the African space, but it is time for us to move to the world stage.
“Everybody knows we have the passion, belief and quality, and all we need is a little push both administratively and technically to shake the world.
“This is what led us to Dennerby. We found him as someone, who is well experienced and valuable to what we want to achieve, following his successes as a coach.
“ So, I believe that we have the right man. With the right support, this project will lead us to where we want to be among the world powers of football.
“We hope to be able to participate well in every tournament and be among the key contenders in all events and that is what Dennerby is here to do,’’ he said.
Also present at the unveiling were reigning African Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala and Falcons teammate Onome Ebi, amongst others.
The full details of the Nigerian Football Federation’s insurance deal sealed with Wapic Insurance Plc as the new official insurance service provider of the Super Eagles for five years has remain undisclosed.
President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Pinnick; NFF first and second vice-president Seyi Akinwunmi and Shehu Dikko, respectively, and Aisha Falode refused to divulge the monetary value of the deal but revealed that it will run for five years.
In attendance at the event was the Executive Director, Wapic Insurance Plc, Olufemi Obaleke; Executive Director, Wapic Insurance Plc, Bode Ojeniyi; Yinka Adekoya of Wapic Insurance Plc; President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Pinnick; NFF first and second vice-president Seyi Akinwunmi and Shehu Dikko, respectively, and Aisha Falode.
The Nigeria Football Federation second vice President Shehu Dikko said during the ceremony said,
“This relationship is for 5 years with an option of renewal. They will insure all our players and events.”
The first Vice President of the NFF, Seyi Akinwunmi, added: “WAPIC paid the first salary of the Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr. So this relationship did not just happen out of the blues.”
Further questions about the insurance in place before the WAPIC deal from Amaju Pinnick and other top officials were always turned down by saying, “No Comment”
Last Wednesday, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) signed a five-year deal which has been speculated to worth $4 million with beverage giants Coca-Cola.
Every effort to confirm the value of the deal was prove abortive as the Cooperate Communications for the Insurance company did not respond to media inquiry as at press time.
NFF has history of undisclosed deal for the national team.
Rafiu Ladipo, President-General, Nigeria Football Supporters Club ( NFSC ), on Thursday said that detractors should stay away from the club because it would remain an indivisible entity during his lifetime.
Ladipo made the assertion in an interview while speaking about efforts to unify the supporters club this year.
He said that the club was open to everyone, but that things must be done according to the laws guiding the club, adding that the present administration of the club would ensure unity.
“Nigeria Football Supporters Club will remain indivisible and I want all detractors to please stay away. We have rules guiding the club and those disgruntled elements should toe the line of the constitution.
“I want to say that supporters club is a registered entity with a valid constitution, so our actions are guided by the law. We don’t just wake up to change rules.
“It is disturbing and laughable for a group of people that are suspended for going against the rules and provisions of the club to form a splinter group.
“What do these people know about the supporters club? Unfortunately they are new members not for more than five years, yet, they want to usurp authority,’’ he said.
Ladipo said that the club formed about 62 years ago remained a legacy that must not be allowed to be disjointed because of those agitating for positions not meant for them.
“Those agitating in the supporters club said they want leadership position and they want it by all means, that is not what leadership is all about. I have demonstrated what leadership is.
“I will not sit back and watch what we have laboured for in the past 62 years to be rubbished; we sweat for this club, energy and time not to talk about financial obligations.
“When talking about the operations of the club, even our sponsors are aware and we have the records of those they are sponsoring because we need to keep appropriate records.
“We operate an open door policy, so there is no reason to have any splinter group; those that are ready to work will be accommodated but those that want trouble should be out,’’ he said.
Ladipo said Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should have midwifed the unity of the club and not fanning an embers of disunity; a position he said he noticed.
“If NFF is coming to support us, that should but not be to divide us. We have been doing our things over the years and getting sponsors for all competitions.
“It will not be proper for us to have two supporters club in a competition; it will have dire consequences and this will not be good for the country.
“World Cup is a big project at hand now and all hands must be on deck to ensure our success. We need to make a mark at the World Cup and the African Championship of Nations ( CHAN ).
“Nigeria Football Supporters Club has always been the best in any competition we attended, ranked above some footballing nations, this is our legacy and we must strive to protect that,’’ he said.
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has urged football stakeholders to remain calm over some appointments into the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board by the Federal Government.
Dalung, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, said efforts were being made to correct an oversight made following the recent appointments into the NFF board.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal government had announced the appointments on Friday of over 1,000 members, including 209 board Chairmen.
They are to fill positions on the boards of government parastatals, including the NFF and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Others are the National Institute for Sports and the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre which are all under the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
Dalung, in the statement released by Nneka Ikem-Anibeze, his Special Assistant on Media, said the appointment of members into the NFF board by government was an oversight.
“By virtue of their (NFF) statutes, members are elected and not appointed.
“The appointments were an oversight which is being sorted out. NFF is governed by statutes and board members are elected by congress and not appointed.
“I am appealing for calm from all stakeholders as it was an administrative oversight. Efforts are tailored towards addressing it very soon.”
The Minister also stated that government and football’s world governing body FIFA were in talks to clarify the issue and assure them that no harm was intended.
“I have spoken with ythe FIFA General Secretary over the situation in Nigeria and conveyed Federal Government’s commitment to upholding the governance structure of the NFF.
“All efforts are on course to liaise with CAF and FIFA on constructive engagement that the situation may likely attract.
“The current board of NFF under Amaju Pinnick has provided leadership but their performance is subject to a congress and not appointment,’’ Dalung stated.(NAN)
The Minister of Youth and Sports Barrister Solomon Dalung has called on football stakeholders to remain calm as efforts were being made to correct an oversight made following the recent appointments into the board of the Nigeria Football Federation.
The Federal government announced the appointment yesterday of over 1,000 members including 209 board Chairmen to fill boards and government parastatal positions including the Nigeria Football Federation, the National Youth Service Corps, the National Institute for Sports and the Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre which are all under the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.
Barrister Dalung said in a statement, that the appointment of members into the NFF board by the federal government was an oversight, as by virtue of their statutes, members are elected and not appointed.
“The recently released board members of NFF is an oversight which is being sorted out. NFF is governed by statutes and board members are elected by congress and not appointed.
“I am appealing for calm from all stakeholders as it was an administrative oversight. Efforts are tailored towards addressing it very soon.”
The Minister also stated that government and Football’s governing body FIFA were in talks to clarify the issue and assure them that no harm was intended.
“I have spoken with FIFA Secretary General over the situation in Nigeria and conveyed Federal government’s commitment to uphold the governance structure of the Nigeria football Federation.
“All efforts are on course to liaise with CAF and FIFA on constructive engagement that the situation may likely attract. This board of NFF under Amaju has provided leadership but their performance is subject to a congress and not appointment, Dalung stated.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reconstituted all its standing committees dissolved at the last meeting of the Executive Committee on Monday, 30th October 2017.
And, Nigeria’s renowned comedy kings; Ali Baba and AY were named into key reconstituted positions of the standing committees’ shortlist released on Wednesday.
While, familiar names in the Nigeria football industry were on the 20 different committees, ranging from ex-internationals and top notch adminstrators in the round leather game, the names of the two commedians were splited for vital positions of the committess.
See Full List of the Committees Below
Finance Committee: Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande (Chairman); Ibrahim Musa Gusau (Vice Chairman); Babagana Kalli (Member); Bello Seidu (Member); Auwalu Musa Umar (Member); Garba Mohammed (Member); Mohammed Nasir Saidu (Member); Nse Ubeh (Member); Christopher Iyere (Member); Victor Nwangwu (Member); David Atabo (Secretary)
Organizing Committee: Seyi Akinwunmi (Chairman); Shehu Dikko (Vice Chairman); Felix Anyansi-Agwu (Member); Timothy Magaji (Member); Isah Umar Suleiman (Member); Haliru Alhassan Sumaila (Member); James Odeniran (Member); Tony Okowa (Member); Bashir Idris Ibrahim (Member); Ali Sani Umar (Member); Boma Iyaye (Member); Bebeto Udennaka (Member); Augustine Ogbu (Member); Bola Oyeyode (Secretary)
Technical Committee: Yusuf Ahmed ‘Fresh’ (Chairman); Chidi Ofo Okenwa (Vice Chairman); Sharif Rabiu Inuwa (Member); Garba Lawal (Member); Victor Ikpeba (Member); Isah Ladan Bosso (Member); Fanny Amun, MON (Member); Aminu Balele Kurfi (Member); Isaac Danladi (Member); Haruna Idris (Member); Mutiu Adepoju (Member); Ahmed Muazu Kawu (Member); Bitrus Bewarang (Secretary)
Referees Committee: Sharif Rabiu Inuwa (Chairman); Yusuf Ahmed ‘Fresh’ (Vice Chairman); Tade Azeez (Member); Ahmed Maude (Member); Prince Elube (Member); Ephraim Chukwuemeka (Member); Dave Egho (Member); Salihu Abubakar (Member); Olorko Daniel (Member); Sunday Audu (Member); J.B.C Obikwelu (Member); Aminu Mamaga (Member); James Odeniran (Member); Linus Mba (Member); Sani Zubairu (Secretary)
Legal Committee: Seyi Akinwunmi (Chairman); Chris Green (Vice Chairman); Ibrahim Mukhtar (Member); Daniel Gwaza (Member); Grace Kundul Manswi (Member); Porbeni Ogun (Member); Bamidele Aluko (Member); Agbolade Dokunmu (Member); Andrew Bekederemo (Member); Tony Oka (Member); Okey Obi (Secretary)
Women Football Committee: Ayo Omidiran (Chairman); Aisha Falode (Vice Chairman); Margaret Icheen (Member); Saadatu Kolo (Member); Mustapha Allah-Dey (Member); Ahmed Mukhtar (Member); Usman Abubakar Shaba (Member); Chisom Mbonu (Member); Nkechi Obi (Member); Eddington Kuejubola (Member); Hamza Baba (Member); Samuel Ahmadu (Member); Janefrances Nweze (Member); Emmanuel Zira (Member); Precious Dede (Member); Sunday Oyibe (Member); Thelma Agara (Member); Ruth David (Secretary)
Youth Football Committee: Seyi Akinwunmi (Chairman); Emmanuel Ibah (Vice Chairman); Yusuf Ahmed ‘Fresh’ (Member); Sharif Rabiu Inuwa (Member); Busari Ishola (Member); Aminu Mamaga (Member); Bello Yakubu ‘Rilisco’ (Member); Musa Talle (Member); Edema Fuludu (Member); Dotun Coker (Member); Kumbi Titiloye (Member); Esimaje Awani (Member); Bashir Baba Chilla (Member); Mohammed Maigidasama (Member); Bayo Olalenge (Member); Yahuza Maihaja (Member); Adewale Adeyinka (Secretary)
Futsal & Beach Soccer Committee: Felix Anyansi-Agwu (Chairman); Samson Adamu (Vice Chairman); Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande (Member); Hassan Abdullahi Garo (Member); Sonny Monidafe (Member); I. S. Maiyaki (Member); Abubakar Hassan (Member); Kabiru Baita (Member); Hamza Mohammed Elayo (Member); Sadiq Abubakar Yusuf (Member); Leslie Atake (Member); Mahmood Hadeija (Member); Sani Abdullahi (Member); Kingsley Uduh (Member); Musa Garba Santos (Member); Usman Umar Ladan (Member); Seni Saraki (Member); Obinna Ogba (Member); Sunday Okayi (Secretary)
Sports Medicine Committee: Muazu Abdulkadir (Chairman); James Omietimi (Vice Chairman); Charles Omale (Member); Paul Onyeudo (Member); B. B. Shehu (Member); Tasiu Ibrahim (Member); Munir Hashim Yahuza (Member); Nekwu Okolugbo (Member); Babatunde Akinbinu (Member); Abdulrafiu Yusuf (Secretary)
Players Status Committee: Chris Green (Chairman); Owoicho Adejo-Ogenu (Vice Chairman); Babagana Kalli (Member); Mohammed Alkali (Member); Taiwo Ogunjobi (Member); Dahiru Sadi (Member); Austin Popo (Member); Jude Anyadufu (Member); Rilwan Idris Malikawa (Member); Ibrahim Abdullahi Osanga (Member); Akin Akinbobola (Member); Joe Johnson (Member); Amobi Ezeaku (Member); Bello Abubakar (Member); Tobi Adepoju (Member); Umar Babangida ‘Little’ (Member); Larry Kubeinje (Member); Bello Garba Gusau (Member); Nasiru Jibril (Secretary)
Ethics & Fairplay Committee: Nuhu Ribadu (Chairman); Hassan Mathew-Kukah (Vice Chairman); Felix Awogu (Member); Anas Gambo (Member); Haruna Isah Dederi (Member); Sule Shuaibu (Member); Mainasara Ilo (Member); J. C. Okoroji (Member); Rabiu Mohammad (Member); Shaw Fregene (Member); Joshua Onoja (Secretary)
Media & Publicity Committee: Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande (Chairman); Aisha Falode (Vice Chairman); Honour Sirawoo (Member); Tony Ubani (Member); Ade Ojeikere (Member); Suleiman Isah (Member); Onyebuchi Ezigbo (Member); Frank Ilaboya (Member); Saidu Abubakar (Member); Gowon Akpodonor (Member); Calistus Ebare (Member); Fred Edoreh (Member); George Aluo (Member); Nneka Ikem (Member); Julius Ogunro (Member); Ademola Olajire (Secretary)
Football Committee: Seyi Akinwunmi (Chairman); Shehu Dikko (Vice Chairman); Chidi Ofo Okenwa (Member); Mohammed Alkali (Member); Yusuf Ahmed ‘Fresh’ (Member); Sharif Rabiu Inuwa (Member); Ibrahim Musa Gusau (Member); Aisha Falode (Member); Amanze Uchegbulam (Member); Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah (Member); Kunle Soname (Member); Mohammed Zanna Mala (Member); Dominic Iorfa (Member); Paul Bassey (Member); Davidson Owumi (Member); Aliyu Lawal Ibrahim (Secretary)
Strategic Studies Committee: Shehu Dikko (Chairman); Yusuf Ahmed ‘Fresh’ (Member); Hussaini Shitu (Member); Alloy Chukwuemeka (Member); Samson Ebomhe (Member); Jimmy Omo-Agege (Member); Abdulsamad Badamasi (Member); Musa Garba Yakassai (Member); Maccido Garba (Member); Dapo Ajibade (Member); Enebi Achor (Secretary)
Marketing, Sponsorship and TV Rights Committee: Shehu Dikko (Chairman); Emeka Inyama (Vice Chairman); Yomi Idowu (Member); Farouk Yarma (Member); Colin Udoh (Member); Kashim Imam (Member); Timitayo Etomi (Member); Abimbola Ilo (Member); Ibrahim Danbatta (Member); Emmanuel Ibru (Member); Julius Rone (Member); Ade Adefeko (Member); Emuobosa Akpene (Member); Maurice Mbiam (Member); Akpobome Atuyota ‘Ali Baba’ (Member); Alizor Chuks (Secretary)
Protocol & Ceremonial Committee: Musa Duhu (Chairman); Sharif Rabiu Inuwa (Vice Chairman); Ologbese Gbemi Cornelius (Member); Robert Akpendum (Member); Sabo Abdullahi Kofarmata (Member); Suleiman Ahmed Usara (Member); Zailani Ibrahim (Member); Bala Garba (Member); Barde Mohammed Zakar (Member); M. S. Danliti (Member); Esanye Awani (Member); Diewait Ikpechukwu (Member); Ayo Makun ‘AY’ (Member); Chinonye Daphey Aliyu (Member); Tunde Aderibigbe (Secretary)
Security Committee: Ibrahim Musa Gusau (Chairman); Osmond Atuake (Vice Chairman); Sabo Abdullahi Dutse (Member); Sunday Longbap (Member); Ganiyu Majekodunmi (Member); Sani Mohammed (Member); Aminu Mohammed (Member); Simon Nanponlar (Member); Sajo Mohammed (Member); Chikelue Iloenyosi (Member); Gary Usman (Member); Emmanuel Nunu (Member); Ikechukwu Ibe (Member); Garba Mohammed (Member); Christian Emeruwa (Secretary)
ADHOC COMMITTEES
Match Commissioners Appointment Committee: Babagana Kalli (Chairman); Sunday Dele-Ajayi (Vice Chairman); Musa Duhu (Member); Yabagi Baba (Member); Sani Dahiru Yakassai (Member); Prince Mbaezue (Member); Emmanuel Ochiaga (Member); Manzo Mohammed (Member); Faith Irabor (Member); Dele Ogungbemi (Member); Bala Yaro (Member); Aminu Shuaibu Shantali (Member); Ahmed Muazu Kawu (Member); Gabriel Adetule (Member); Danlami Alanana (Secretary)
Technical Study Group: Abba Yola (Chairman); Taribo West (Vice Chairman); Bernard Ogbe (Member); Augustine ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha (Member); Tijjani Babangida (Member); Victor Agali (Member); Tunde Adelakun (Member); Adegoke Adelabu (Member); James Peters (Member); Clement Nwankpa (Member); Ibikunle Solaja (Member); Yusuf Dauda (Member); Ubale Yusuf (Member); Sule Gwagwarja (Member); Godwin Enakhena (Member); Mike Idoko (Member); Chukwumah Ubah (Member); Bitrus Bewarang (Secretary)
NFF’s inability to follow up initial contact with American coach Randy Waldrum may have been responsible for his decision to head for Pittsburg rather than wait for Falcons job.
The 61-year-old was named Head Coach of the University of Pittsburgh women’s team Tuesday following delayed on formal agreement with the NFF after being appointed in October.
As gathered, Waldrum, who was expected in Nigeria on Wednesday to put pen to paper was unveiled by the University of Pittsburgh Athletic Director Heather Luke on Tuesday as the new women’s soccer coach for the Panthers.
“I would like to thank Heather Luke for giving me this wonderful opportunity to lead the women’s soccer program at the University of Pittsburgh,” Waldrum said in his acceptance speech.
You would recall that in October NFF Executive Committee said it has approved the recommendation of the federations technical committee for the appointment of Randy Waldrum as Falcons’ technical adviser.
And the boardsaid it has directed the secretariat to conclude negotiations with the former Trinidad and Tobago women national team coach.
“The Board approved the recommendation of the Technical and Development Committee for the appointment of Mr. Randy Waldrum as Technical Adviser of the Super Falcons, and directed the Secretariat to immediately conclude negotiations with Mr. Waldrum,” a statement by NFF in October, said.
It has happened again. It is not the first time huge amount of money will mysteriously get missing at the glass house of the Nigeria Football Federation in Abuja.
The latest happened last month and a young lady who was working as an intern in the NFF allegedly took the missing $40,000 with the intention of returning the money after doubling it via voodoo.
According to the report on 90minutsGOAL, the lady who allegedly stole the money and who is said to be a sister to an ex-president of the Nigeria Football Federation, picked four bundles of $10,000 and took to her heels leaving her handbag at the scene of the crime.
The lady whose name was not mentioned then handed the money to two men who assured her of doubling the money to $80,000 within 48 hours.
“Yes two middle aged men have been arrested in connection to the money theft at the NFF. The men confessed to the Police of being money doublers and confirmed that the lady actually gave them the money to double for her”, a top source at the NFF told 90minutesgoal.com
You would recall that the Nigeria football Federation is in huge debt as it continues to make plans and source for funds for the World Cup. And that only recently the Sports ministry said it needed N3billion ($8340000) to persecute next year’s World Cup.
You would also recall that this is not the first time money especially foreign currencies will go missing in the NFF. In March 2009, the accounts department of the NFF was broken into, and $200,000 was carted away from one of the drawers.
In 2012, $80,000 was alleged to have gone missing, but the NFF denied such ever happened. Ironically, the NFF is yet to issue an official statement since the latest incident happened.
Mohammed Sanusi, the General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF ), says the federation has not neglected the Super Falcons who are yet to play any match this year.
Reports say that after winning the 10th African Women Cup of Nations ( AWCON ) in Cameroon last December, the Falcons have been inactive.
Sanusi however said plans for the team, which is the country’s senior national women football team, would soon be unveiled.
He said in Abuja on Wednesday that the federation was working out plans to address the plight of women football in the country.
“We always have plans for the women team. It is a different thing if your plans did not work out the way you want it to. But we have not neglected the team.
“Our plans for them will be unveiled soon,’’ the NFF general secretary said.
American coach Randy Waldrum was appointed new coach of the team in October but he is yet to be unveiled.
Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingoes scraped through to the final round of the African qualification series for the 6th FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup on Saturday, but only on the away goal rule after tying 1-1 with Ethiopia on aggregate.
The saving grace was the away goal in the 1-1 draw in Addis Ababa in the first leg a forthnight earlier, as the Flamingoes were downright disappointing even with Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Philip Shaibu and NFF President Amaju Pinnick seated in the VIP box.
There was no discernible pattern to the game of Bala Nikyu’s girls, and their output cried for an overhaul ahead of the final round of the series against the Cameroon U17 girls in seven weeks’ time.
Even when they managed to get into the opponents’ six-yard-box, they contrived to let the visitors off the hook. Substitute Abibat Abdulgodir was the only one who had an idea of the urgency of the day, but her deliveries from the right were wasted one after the other.
“There is a big difference between the U20 girls that we have become used to here in Benin and these U17 girls. I believe that the team will become much better with good coaching before the next round of matches,” Deputy Governor Shaibu told the media at the end.
NFF President Pinnick was glad the Flamingoes got through to the second round: “The coaches have a lot of work to do. Now that the team is in the final round, and they have some time to work on the squad, I believe they will do what is necessary to turn the team around. We use this opportunity to appreciate the Edo State Government for their tremendous support for all our women teams.”
Chairman of the NFF Women’s Football Committee, Hon. Ayo Omidiran insisted the team is work-in-progress: “The coaches have some weeks at hand to do proper work with the girls and bring in others who can help the squad. The performance today was not gratifying. But I plead with all Nigerians to continue to support all our women teams, including the U17 girls.”
