The Nation Newspaper

Tag: nff

  • OLISEH RESIGNATION: NFF to drag coach to FIFA, CAS

    OLISEH RESIGNATION: NFF to drag coach to FIFA, CAS

    There are strong indications that chieftains of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have instructed their lawyers to look at the contractual agrement struck with former Super Eagles chief coach Sunday Oliseh to highlight the breaches aaginst the tactician with a view of dragging to officials of the Federation of International Football Federation (FIFA) in Zurich.

    Besides, the NFF chiefs would take the resignation matter before jurists at the Court of Arbitration of Sports (CAS) where they would be seeking for justice over the manner in which the coach resigned his appointment wihtout fulfiling certain tenets enshrined in his contract.

    Mum was the word from the Glasshouse in Abuja on Friday, although whispers indicate that the NFF men will attach not less than 10 breaches to Oliseh’s contractual deal.

    The breaches as scooped by SportingLife on Friday which was contained in the communique issued by the technical Committee members after their last meeting in Uyo in an executive summary include:

    “The said committee had its inaugural meeting on 4th January, 2016 at the Monty Suites in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State and held unanimously as follows :

    1. That it is the considered opinion of the Committee based on the conduct and behavior of the the Head Coach of the Super Eagles through his performance in the ongoing AFCON qualifiers, CHAN Rwanda 2016, shows that he does not possess the ability or competence to achieve the federation’s objectives set out in his contract of engagement.
    2. That the Head Coach is not performing his duties to the NFF according to international best practices and norms. He also has not displayed the highest sense of dedication and professionalism with his long stay out of his duty post, refusal to return to Nigeria and continue his duties, his numerous unguarded statements to the press and insubordination to the federation’s constituted authorities.
    3. That he has refused to observe and comply with all regulations, resolutions and directives given by the General Secretary and the Executive Committee acting through the Technical and Development Committee.
    4. That he has revealed to the public through the media confidential operations concerning the federation’s finances as to payments of wages, salaries, allowances and bonuses that has been entrusted to him in secret and in confidence.
    5. That he has failed to submit to the federation quarterly and end of competition reports of the Super Eagles even when requested for by the federation through the Technical and Development Committee.

    Wherefore, it is the observation of this Committee that the Head Coach’s relationship with the NFF, the Super Eagles players, back room staff and even stakeholders of the game has become frosty and strained whose consequence will jeopardise the development of the game and our quest to qualify for the AFCON 2017 and the World Cup in 2018, that the employment of the Head Coach be terminated immediately, while  the Committee will immediately put together the National Technical Director Amodu Shuaibu together with the rest of the Technical Crew to oversee the team while the federation scouts for a competent and reliable coach that will meet the desires, aspirations and objectives of the federation.

    “The Technical and Development Committee have unanimously decided to recommend to the NFF Executive Committee the immediate disengagement of Tijani Babangida having not seen any specific function, duties and responsibilities as enshrined in any document of engagement as Personal Assistant to the Head Coach of the Super Eagles.

    “The Committee have also agreed to commence the implementation of its earlier approved NFF program of training, grading and certification of our coaches in collaboration with a yet to be named consultancy firm in the second quarter of the year.

    “In attendance : 1. Barr. Chris Green  Chairman. 2. Ahmed Yusuf. Vice Chairman. 3. Paul Bassey. Member 4. Christian Chukwu. Member 5. Victor Ikpeba. Member 6. Barr. Sunday Danladi. Member and 7. Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme.  Secretary.”

  • We have paid Oliseh’s salaries – NFF

    We have paid Oliseh’s salaries – NFF

    The Nigeria Football Federation on Friday said all the outstanding salaries of former Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, have been paid.

    Oliseh quit as Eagles coach on Friday morning.

    “Contrary to claims by Oliseh that he was being owed wages and did not receive support from the NFF, top officials confirmed that he was this week paid the sum of N20 million, being salaries for three months (December 2015, January 2016 and February 2016) and half-year rent for July-December 2015. He was signed on July 2015,” africanFootball.com quoted the federation as saying in a statement on Friday.

    “The only money he is owed is the bonus for the World Cup qualifier against Swaziland in Port Harcourt in November 2015, which the NFF had promised to pay players and officials on resumption of camping for the matches against Egypt.”

  • Mixed reactions trail Oliseh’s resignation

    Mixed reactions trail Oliseh’s resignation

    Friday Ekpo, an ex-international on Friday described the resignation of the Super Eagles handler, Sunday Oliseh, as shocking.

    Oliseh in the early hours of February 26 announced his resignation, citing violations of his contract terms and unpaid salaries by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) as well as lack of support among others.

    The former Super Eagles midfielder was appointed on July 15, 2015. He took over from Stephen Keshi whose appointment was terminated by the NFF.

    Ekpo said that the resignation came at a crucial time when the nation was preparing for a major qualifying match against Egypt on March 26.

    “Honestly, I don’t know where we are heading to with this latest development of Oliseh’s resignation.

    “I hope this won’t affect our chances of qualifying for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

    Ekpo, also urged the leadership of the NFF to get things right in order to avert such recurrence in the future.

    “The NFF should always do things the right way, that is the only way we can avoid things like this,” he said.

    Also, Falade Oyekan, Chairman of the Lagos Divisional Football Association (LDFA), said he was not surprised over the coach’s resignation.

    “What has Oliseh achieved as a coach that is the question we should ask ourselves as a nation, a lot of Nigerians questioned his appointment then.

    “The painful thing is that we have a very vital match at hand and he chooses to throw in the towel at this time,” he said.

    Donatus Emeka, a grassroots football coach, said that Oliseh should have resigned when he failed to qualify the home-based eagles for the second round of the African Nations Championship (CHAN).

    Emeka said that the NFF should be held responsible for the crises affecting football in the country.

    “If you do the wrong thing, definitely you will get the wrong result and that is what has happened concerning Oliseh.

    “NFF should do the needful to redeem its image and apologise to the nation,’’ he said.

  • NFF to inspect Ahmadu Bello Stadium again this weekend

    NFF to inspect Ahmadu Bello Stadium again this weekend

    Top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will this weekend again inspect the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna for the second time this month to see if there have been repairs made to some of the areas earmarked for such during the initial inspection.

    The Super Eagles will face Egypt’s Pharaohs on March 25 in Kaduna and after the first inspection earlier this month some NFF officials have pointed out that the stadium needs to go through minor renovation to successfully host the national team to CAF’s taste.

    The Chairman of the NFF’s Technical and Development Sub Committee, Christopher Green told SportingLife that the Football House would send some delegates to the stadium again this weekend to take a cursory look at the level of work done regarding the renovation of the areas earmarked for that purpose.

    He said it is the wish of the NFF to ensure that the Eagles play on a good pitch with state of the art facilities which he said would enable the team to play at optimum level.

  • Eagles vs Pharaohs Showdown: New date won’t affect Eagles –NFF

    Eagles vs Pharaohs Showdown: New date won’t affect Eagles –NFF

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) insist the back and forth adjustment to the dates of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Egypt will not have an ‘adverse effect’ on their preparation for the much anticipated ties.Clarifying the situation of the oft changed date, NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi told footballlive.ng that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) was clear the first leg of the double header could only be hosted before March 26th hence the new date.

    “We wanted 26th but they said it had to be before that date and that’s why we chose 25th. They said 26th is not feasible and so we are going to change our programmes and I don’t think it’ll have any adverse effect on our planning.

    “By the grace of God we are putting everything in place to make sure we have a hitch free match.”

  • NFF, Oliseh on fresh collision course over Babangida

    NFF, Oliseh on fresh collision course over Babangida

    Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, is set for another confrontation with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) after he insisted Tijjani Babangida remains his personal assistant and has not been sacked.

    The NFF had earlier this week issued a final warning to Oliseh to keep his cool after his recent YouTube rantings.

    However, sources told africanFootball.com that the ex- Eagles captain has put his foot down that the NFF do not have a say on the two persons he picked to work with him as contained in the contract he signed with the federation.

    “Oliseh has asked questions on the reported dismissal of his personal assistant as no reason was given for their decision,” the source told africanFootball.com.

    “He has insisted Babangida remains his personal assistant as long as he has a contract with the NFF.”

    Another source said Oliseh is the real target, but like cowards the NFF officials are after Babangida and other “soft targets” around the Super Eagles coach.

  • AFTERMATH OF YOUTUBE RANTS: NFF sacks Oliseh’s PA, Babangida

    AFTERMATH OF YOUTUBE RANTS: NFF sacks Oliseh’s PA, Babangida

    •General Secretary to inform ex-international
    •Eagles coach must work with technical committee
    •Tactician gets final warning
    •Amuneke named as Flying Eagles coach

    Chieftains of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have dispensed with the services of the personal assistant to the Super Eagles chief coach Tijani Babangida with immidiate effect.

    Babangida’s sack formed part of the highlights of the federation’s execuitve committee meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday with the federation’s communique stating that: “Executive Committee approved the recommendation of the Technical and Development Committee that the backroom staff of the various National Teams be reconstituted immediately, with the exception of the Super Eagles.”

    NFF chiefs warned Oliseh to be of good conduct following his apology which was accepted pointing out that: “Executive Committee reviewed the outing of the Super Eagles at the recently-concluded 4th African Nations Championship and the events that followed, and rebuked Head Coach Sunday Oliseh for his unwarranted statements unbecoming of a National Team Coach in both regular and social media. While acknowledging his apology, the Executive Committee made it clear that similar infractions would not be tolerated in future.

    “In line with global best practices, the Committee decided that Coach Oliseh MUST henceforth report to the NFF General Secretary and the Technical and Development Committee, and should be ready to defend his entire program before the Committee, including invitation of players and training programs.”

    “The Committee endorsed the recommendation of the Technical and Development Committee for the reconstitution of the technical crew of the U-20 National Team, Flying Eagles. Erstwhile U-17 Head Coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, now heads the U-20 crew with Kabiru Baleria and Emeka Amadi as Assistant Coach and Goalkeeper Trainer respectively.

    ” In consonance with its determination to find a holistic solution to the dwindling fortunes of the Senior Women National Team, Falcons, Committee approved the recommendation of the Technical and Development Committee for the appointment of A competent expatriate Coach, within the shortest possible time, for the team. The expatriate Coach will be assisted by former Super Falcons’ Captains, Florence Omagbemi, Perpetua Nkwocha and Ann Chiejine, with Bala Mohammed as Goalkeeper Trainer. Omagbemi will head the crew in the acting capacity in the meantime.

    “The Executive Committee also approved a recommendation by the Technical and Development Committee for processes to be put in place for the training, grading and certification of all categories of football coaches in Nigeria. The program, which would be run in conjunction with a Consultant to be approved by the Executive Committee, will commence once approval is secured from the Confederation of African Football.

    “The Committee approved a recommendation by the NFF Referees Committee for the introduction of Referee Assessor for matches of the Nigeria National League from this season.”

    “The Executive Committee constituted ad-hoc Committees to study and compose governance structures for the Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women Football League and the Nationwide League One, and report back to the Executive Committee within four (4) weeks. The Committees as composed, are: NIGERIA NATIONAL LEAGUE: Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi (Chairman); Dodo Isah (Member); Alloy Chukwuemeka (Member); Lawrence Katken (Secretary). NIGERIA WOMEN FOOTBALL LEAGUE: Alh. Babagana Kalli (Chairman); Sam Kumbo (Member); Emmanuel Zira (Member). NATIONWIDE LEAGUE ONE: Alh. Ibrahim Musa Gusau (Chairman); Julius Atete (Member); Umar Garba (Member); Ibere A and Aliyu Kassim (Member).

  • Garba rejects NFF’s offer

    Former Flying Eagles coach, Manu Garba has turned down an offer from the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) to coach the Nigeria U-17 national team.

    On Wednesday, the NFF announced the promotion of Amuneke to the Flying Eagles in a communiqué released  after  its executive board meeting held on Tuesday.

    It was gathered that the NFF had ratified that the former Flying Eagles coach will return to handle the Golden Eaglets but when he was approached he rejected the offer.

    Garba had won the U-17 World Cup in United Arab Emirate in 2013 but failed to see the Flying Eagles beyond the second round stage of FIFA U-20 World Cup in New Zealand last year.

    Meanwhile, the NFF are racing against time to fill the void left by Amuneke in coming weeks.

    The reigning U-17 World champions have been drawn against the Baby Menas of Niger Republic to qualify for the 2017 African U-17 Championship billed for Madagascar.

  • Ekeji urges NFF to prioritise its activities, matches

    Ekeji urges NFF to prioritise its activities, matches

    Patrick Ekeji, former Director-General, National Sports Commission (NSC) has urged the leadership of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to prioritise its activities if it hopes to survive with its 2016 budget allocation. Ekeji gave the advice on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    He said that prioritising its activities; especially the national teams’ matches would enable the NFF make lot of achievements.

    Ekeji added that the present economic challenge in the country should serve as parameter for the football house to re-strategise and decide the number of competitions it would take part in.

    The former Green Eagles defender also urged the NFF to readjust and x-ray the realities on ground. This, he said, would save the country the type of embarrassment it experienced in Rwanda during the 2016 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) tournament. The team’s coach claimed that he fed players with his money during the CHAN tournament.

    According to Ekeji, participating in almost every football competition organised by FIFA and CAF during this period of economic downturn will only put the football house in a more difficult situation.

    “It is wrong to believe that we might be sanctioned if we don’t participate in all FIFA competitions. FIFA does not force any member country to take part in its competitions,” he opined.

  • NFF sacks Babangida, names Amuneke as Flying Eagles coach

    NFF sacks Babangida, names Amuneke as Flying Eagles coach

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has sacked Tijani Babangida, Personal Assistant to Sunday Oliseh, the Super Eagles Head Coach.

    This is stated in a communiqué  at the end of the  meeting of the NFF Executive Committee issued in Abuja on Wednesday by Ademola Olajire, the NFF Assistant Director of Communications.

    It said the disengagement of Babangida followed recommendation of the NFF Technical and Development Committee which was unanimously approved.

    The board, therefore, mandated the General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, to follow the due process in effecting the disengagement.

    Similarly, the NFF executive committee endorsed the recommendation of the Technical and Development Committee for the appointment of erstwhile Golden Eaglets’ Coach Emmanuel Amuneke, as Head Coach of the Flying Eagles.

    The communiqué said Kabiru Baleria and Emeka Amadi had been appointed as Assistant Coach and Goalkeeper Trainer respectively.

    NFF also approved the recommendation of the Technical and Development Committee that the backroom staff of the various National Teams be reconstituted immediately, with the exception of the Super Eagles.

    “With its determination to find a holistic solution to the dwindling fortunes of the Senior Women National Team, Falcons, committee approved the recommendation of the Technical Committee for the appointment of expatriate coach.

    “The expatriate coach will be assisted by former Super Falcons’ Captains, Florence Omagbemi, Perpetua Nkwocha and Ann Chiejine, with Bala Mohammed as Goalkeeper Trainer.

    “Omagbemi will head the crew in acting capacity in the meantime.

    “The Executive Committee also approved a recommendation by the Technical Committee for processes to be put in place for the training, grading and certification of all categories of football coaches in Nigeria.

    “The programme, which would be run in conjunction with a consultant to be approved by the Executive Committee, will commence once approval is secured from the Confederation of African Football’’, it said.

    It further stated that henceforth, Super Eagles Coach Sunday Oliseh must report to the NFF General Secretary and the Technical and Development Committee.

    The communiqué also said that Oliseh should be ready to defend his entire programme before the committee including invitation of players and training programmes at all times.

    “Executive Committee reviewed the outing of the Super Eagles at the recently-concluded 4th Championship of African Nations and the events that followed.
    “The committee rebuked Oliseh for his unwarranted statements unbecoming of a National Team Coach.

    “His outburst in both regular and social media was unnecessary, However, we acknowledge his apology but the executive committee will not tolerate similar infractions in future.

    “The committee approved a recommendation by the NFF Referees Committee for the introduction of Referee Assessor for matches of the Nigeria National League from 2016 season.

    “The executive committee constituted ad-hoc committees to study and compose governance structures for Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women Football League, Nationwide League One, and report back to the committee within four weeks.’’

    It listed the committees as composed to include Nigeria National League to be chaired by Seyi Akinwunmi, while the Nigeria Women Football League would be chaired by Alhaji Babagana Kalli.

    Nationwide League One ad-hoc committee would have Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau as its Chairman.