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Tag: nff

  • Lagos FA rejects Congress

    Lagos FA rejects Congress

    The Lagos State Football Association has dissociated itself from last weekend’s Nigeria Football Federation Congress which dissolved the Executive committee led by Aminu Maigari, kickOffNigeria.com reports.

    In a statement on Tuesday, the LSFA explained that it stayed away from the meeting in compliance with the court order by Justice P. L. Lot restraining the executive committee and Congress from acting pending the determination of Motion on Notice before the court.

    The statement further said that the convener of the meeting, Effiong Johnson, was a member of the NFF Executive Committee which had been so restrained by the court.

    Further, the LSFA added that the NFF Statutes were not followed in convening the meeting.

    “We are not aware that any of the procedures in the NFF Statute was followed in convening the purported extra-ordinary assembly, it is pertinent to note that the request or consent by one-fifth of the members requesting for or consenting to the convening of the said extra-ordinary congress was neither referred to nor produced alongside the invitation to the assembly.

    “We were also not given the mandatory one month notice, we therefore viewed the invitation as invalid,” the statement reads.

  • Request for goverment protection nailed NFF

    Request for goverment protection nailed NFF

    SportingLife can reveal that a request for protection from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to the government in response to a court order served it by a Jos High Court last week opened the can of worms that eventually consumed the Aminu Maigari led board.

    An impecable source told SportingLife that upon receiving the court order on July 2, ousted secretary general, Musa Amadu who had returned form Brazil prior to Nigeria’s match against France to secure funds for Super Eagles, minuted on the order to the sports minister Tamuno  Danagogo asking for govrnment protection. The move was to seek ways of quashing the injunction to give the board a soft landing.

    But contrary to expectations the minister directed that the court order should be obeyed to the letter without delay. It was an opportunity for the minister to deal with the federation who it was gathered had been tolerating the avalanche of ignominy metted on him and his office by the board since he stepped in as sports minister.

    The rift between the minister, who is a lawyer by profession, and president of the NFF Aminu Maigari we further gathered dates back to April when Nigeria U-17 girls participated in the World U-17 World Cup in Costa Rica. The minister who had travelled to Costa Rica was reportedly ignored as there was no NFF official to welcome him at the airport in Costa Rica.   Only a driver was sent to pick the minister even as the NFF president later told the minster when both met at the hotel that he was busy.

    As it that was not enough, the minister was handed a popular seat for Nigeria’s game against France while NFF President Aminu Maigari and Barrister Green got VIP seats.  Top officials of the sports ministry were only briefed about the on-goings leading to the eventual sacking of the board on Monday in Abuja.

    The embattled board that was thrown out of the window couple of days ago are not only going to worry about their sack but have been told to account for  N2.591billion by the Federal government.

  • FG demands N2.591b account from NFF

    FG demands N2.591b account from NFF

    • Lifts ban on Ogunjobi, Baribote  

    • Ultimatum expires today 

    The Federal Government has ordered the sacked board of the The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to render a detailed account of how it spent the sum of N2.591billion allocated to it for football administration in the country.

    Furthermore Sports Minister / Chairman, National Sports Commission, Mr. Tamuno Danagogo, also in a July 2 letter to former NFF President, Aminu Maigari has demanded for the  refund of  the $3,600,000 released  to the Super Eagles as their allowances for the World Cup second round encounter  with France.

    The letter, NSC/HMC/GEN/CON/2014, signed by Justice Joffa, reads: “I am directed by the Honourable Minister and Chairman, National Sports Commission to request a detailed statement of account of all monies received from the Federal  Government, other sponsors/donor companies and FIFA, by the Nigeria Football Federation under the following headings within 48 hours (today):

    •  One hundred and fifty thousand naira (N150,000,000) monthly Federal Government subvention from January 2013 to date

    •  Eight hundred and fifty million naira (N850,000,000) released by the Federal Government for the preparation and participation for the Super Eagles for the first round of matches at the FIFA World Cup, Brazil 2014.

     

    •  One million and five hundred thousand dollars (US$1,500,000) FIFA grant the Federation received for the preparation of the Super Eagles for the World Cup.

    •  Receipts from the various donors/sponsors companies for the prosecution of the 2014 World Cup and management of our leagues.

    “You are also expected to provide details of how the total of $14million expected from FIFA for Nigeria advancing to the round of 16 at the 2014 World Cup will be used to develop football in Nigeria.

    “You are to note that the $3,600,000 Mr. President graciously advanced for the appearance fees of players is not a donation. You are directed to ensure a refund of the said amount to the Honourable Minister without any further delay.

    “You are to further note that all the funds entrusted to you are to be deployed for the development of football in Nigeria and not for any political re-election bid.

    “This is for your information and strict compliance.”

    A reliable government source said: “The government is unhappy at the allegations of mismanagement of funds by the NFF. This is why the government is demanding accountability.

    “The government also is trying to prove to FIFA that the issue with the NFF borders on transparency and accountability. Therefore, it has become imperative for the government to put the problems with the NFF before the public for FIFA to appreciate.

    “FIFA has threatened to sanction Nigeria Tuesday (today) but the World Football governing body will also not tolerate alleged corrupt practices.

    “Nigerians can now appreciate why the players held the nation to ransom by demanding appearance fees before their last match with France.

    “The players appeared to have known much about the NFF than the government.”

    Responding to a question, the source added: “Security agencies are already looking into the activities of the NFF.”

    In dissolving the NFF, the extra-ordinary congress of stakeholders and delegates also lifted the ban on both Taiwo Ogunjobi and Victor Rumson Baribote by the Maigari-led NFF.

    FIFA gave Nigeria up till today to let Maigari be after a Plateau State High Court last week voided his emergence as NFF Chairman.

    The congress in a resolution at its Abuja meeting “expressed heartfelt appreciation to President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, in his personal capacity, and the Federal Government in general, for total and unflinching support to the Nigeria Football Federation for the development of the game.

    It also “Commended the players and officials of the Super Eagles for their impressive performance at the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil. Bemoaned the unfortunate incident of the international embarrassment caused the Nigeria nation at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, by failure of the Maigari–led NFF to fully and firmly resolve issues of finance with the Super Eagles ahead of the championship.

    “Accused the Maigari administration of short-changing grassroots development by failure to regularly avail State Football Associations of annual grant, and abuse of NFF Statutes in its constitution of NFF Electoral Committee, by altering the list of persons approved by the Congress at the 2013 General Assembly in Warri, Delta State, and inaugurating a different Committee. A new NFF Electoral Committee and NFF Appeals Committee were constituted.

    *Unanimously endorsed the dissolution of the Aminu Maigari –led NFF Executive Committee, and immediate termination of the employment of all Management Staff.

    “Endorsed the dissolution of the Boards of the Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women League and the Nigeria Nationwide League. The Secretaries are to take over the running of the Leagues and report to the Acting General Secretary of NFF.

    “Approved the appointment of Mr. Lawrence Katken as Acting General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation, pending the appointment of a substantive General Secretary.”

    It approved the constitution of an electoral committee to conduct a fresh election into the NFF.

    FIFA warned Nigeria about possible suspension after the Plateau State High Court ordered the sacking of the soccer association and the appointment of a new administrator to run the game.

    It gave the Federal Government until today to restore the leadership of the Nigerian Football Federation failing which  the country could be suspended from playing in international competitions.

    “FIFA has learnt from various sources that the Nigerian Football Federation has been served with court processes and that consequently an order restraining the President of the NFF, his Executive Committee members and the NFF Congress from running the affairs of Nigerian soccer has been granted by a High Court of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” said a FIFA statement.

    FIFA has reminded the NFF that all FIFA member associations have to manage their affairs independently and without influence of any third parties.

    The Plateau State High Court  had granted an injunction restraining Maigari and co from running the affairs of soccer in the country.

  • Keshi’s future divides NFF

    Keshi’s future divides NFF

    The last is certainly yet to be heard on the contract wrangle between the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Coach Stephen Keshi as sl10.ng have reliably gathered that the issue is threatening to tear apart the board of NFF.

    The Federation is presently torn against itself on what the next step should be for Keshi, with a good number of the board members insisting that the former Nigeria captain should vacate his post as the Super Eagles coach.

    Sources inside the Glasshouse say that the NFF president, Aminu Maigari and his vice, Mike Umeh are disposed to retaining the services of Keshi, while some other high ranking members of the board would rather see the back of the former Togo coach.

    “The president (Maigari) wants him to stay, they have a cordial relationship and mutual respect for each other. The same also applies to Chief (Umeh), who has a long standing relationship with Keshi, which predates the current working relationship they have, having been the Super Eagles team manager when Keshi was captain of the team at both the ’94 Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup,” a source said.

    Another source, however, reveals that a separate group of high ranking members of the NFF board ‘have had enough of Keshi.’

    It is no news that Keshi has had a running battle with some top shots at the NFF, which culminated in the coach resigning his appointment hours after being only the second person to win the Africa Cup of Nations as a player and as a coach.

    Top officials of the NFF, due to return to the country today from Brazil, have held series of meetings on the issue, with a concrete decision yet to be made.

    Elections into the board of the NFF comes up in August and there is the consideration that allowing Keshi to leave might be a huge PR blunder, and might jeopardize their chances of being re-elected into the board. But those on the board who would rather see Keshi leave are having none of it, and are insisting that they have done well enough over the last four years to keep them in office.

    It is still unclear what decision the NFF will eventually take, but with Keshi seemingly reluctant to stay, the Super Eagles might as well be having a new coach by the time the qualifiers for the 2015 AFCON start.

  • NFF: Emergency Congress valid

    NFF: Emergency Congress valid

    The Nigeria Football Federation on Sunday reiterated that the Emergency Congress of the Federation, which took place in Abuja on Saturday, fulfilled the statutory requirements for holding an Emergency Congress.

    “We have come across a nebulous report circulating in the social media and such claim that only three State FA Chairmen attended the Congress. This is not only laughable but preposterous.

    “Thirty–one of the 44 members of the NFF were physically present, and were all fully involved in the deliberations and the decisions,” Chief Effiong Johnson, the former Chairman of Chairmen, said in Abuja.

    Johnson blasted the fictitious report that spectacularly claimed that those who were opposed to the Emergency Congress did not want their names in print.

    “That means they do not exist. They should simply keep quiet and show respect to the esteemed members of the NFF Congress.”

     

  • Aftermath of NFF’s sack: ‘Sports Minister has hidden agenda’

    Aftermath of NFF’s sack: ‘Sports Minister has hidden agenda’

    An avalanche of reactions have continued to trail yesterday’s decision of a Jos High Court to sack the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), its Executive Committee members and the NFF Congress.

    Justice P.L Lot of a High Court sitting in Plateau State granted an Order of Interlocutory Injunction restraining Aminu Maigari and his Executive Committee members and the NFF Congress, from running the affairs of Nigerian football forthwith, pending the determination of the Motion on Notice before the court.

    A top source within the football house alleged that what transpired yesterday maybe akin to biblical face of Jacob and hand of Esau saga as he tried to paint a picture of a purported script emanating from the sports minister,Tamuno Danagogo.

    Speaking to SportingLife on phone immediately the news of the court judgement broke,the source wondered why the minister acted with military dispatch in ordering that Lawrence Katiken  act as Secretary General of the NFF, and to take over the full management of the federation.

    “We know where all these are coming from.If not why was the minister in such a hurry to ensure that the Aminu Maigari and his executive committee members were shoved aside”he began in the interview.

    Continuing,he said”The board deserved to be commended for elevating Nigerian football to an enviable height in the past four years instead of condemnation”

    Our source also warned of the obvious consequences of incurring FIFA’s wrath when football matters are dragged to court,a situation he believed could affect Super Eagles Nations Cup defence.

    “This is not what we should be talking about when the  Nations Cup qualifiers  start in less than three months from now.Those who are behind the law suit don’t mean well for Nigerian football” he added.

  • Keshi: NFF should do the right thing-Danagogo

    Keshi: NFF should do the right thing-Danagogo

    The Sports Minister/Chair, National Sports Commission, NSC, Dr. Tammy Danagogo has described as untrue the purported resignation of Super Eagles Chief Coach, Stephen Keshi as widely reported in the media shortly after the team lost 0-2 to France at the on-going World Cup in Brazil.

    In a statement signed by the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Patrick Omorodion in Abuja, the minister said, “it is not true that Keshi has resigned. He told me that he never said resigned, he only said his contract had expired. I expect the NFF to do the right thing.”

    According to the minister, Keshi should be treated with some respect by the football administrators who should first discuss the matter of his contract with him before making it a press issue.

    Meanwhile, Keshi has also refuted the story, stressing that he only told the players that the match against France may be his last with them as his contract had expired with the World Cup.

  • No ‘bonus distractions’ in Eagles camp

    No ‘bonus distractions’ in Eagles camp

    Officials of the Nigeria Football Federation as well as members of the playing and coaching crew of the Super Eagles have debunked rumours of a row over appearance fees and bonuses by insisting the team is focused on Monday’s game against Iran.

    NFF’s Technical Committee Chairman, Chris Green, who is in Curitiba along with other officials of the Federation lamented the fact that mischief makers in some section of the media are still fueling a matter that has been resolved.

    “When the Senate President, David Mark ,came here to meet with us and the players, he was totally convinced at our sincerity with the players and what we have on board as the team progresses but some people are just hell bent on ensuring that they raise issues that don’t even exist,” kickOffNigeria.com quoted Green as saying on the issue.

    He further explained that the NFF has agreed with the players to pay $10,000 winning bonus for first round games, $12,500 for second round game, $15,000 for quarter final and $20,000 for semi-final. That will also increase marginally to $25,000 if the team wins the trophy.

    The percentage earnings from monies that may accrue to the players from what FIFA gives to the NFF was also put at 30 percent for the group stages, 40 for the second round, 50 for the quarter final, 60 for the semi-final and 70 percent for the final.

    “When we unveiled this before the President of the Senate who represented President Goodluck Jonathan, he was full of praises for us and promised that he will add a special bonus from government to the players and promised further surprises if the team goes far in the tourney.”

    Head Coach of the team, Stephen Keshi also warned against distracting the team from its set goals, declaring that his players are focused on the game against Iran and will not tolerate any form of distraction.

    “The players may have issues but I think they have been settled amicably, so let them allow us to play,” he said.

     

     

  • NFF ‘stays away’ from Eagles

    NFF ‘stays away’ from Eagles

    Nigeria Football Federation President, Aminu Maigari and other officials of the federation are keeping their distance from Super Eagles to allow maximum concentration.

    During the training camp in United States, Maigari and fellow board member Chris Greene were lodged at a different hotel from the Westin where Stephen Keshi and his wards were accommodated.

    Similarly, while in Jacksonville, no NFF official stayed at the team’s Hyatt Regency lodgings.

    Both times, the NFF bigwigs only visited when required.  Like when they arrived ahead to welcome and usher the Nigerian Consuls who came to visit the team.

    In Brazil, the NFF hotel is in São Paulo, a one and half hour drive from the team in Campinas.

    This is in marked contrast to previous years when officials would stay in this same hotel as the team, or even when they did not, would regularly visit team lodgings on a daily basis.

    Maigari told KickOffNigeria.com that the team needed the space.

    “We need to allow the players to concentrate on what they are doing,” he said. “We have our own job to do and we are doing it.

    “They don’t need any distractions. We have provided everything we think they need, but a serene environment with no distractions is important, and that is what they have in Campinas.

    “If they want something, there are easy channels of communication and we are always available to step in and solve any issues.

    “But they have a job to do and we are confident they have everything they need to do it.

    “We have confidence in the coaches and the players and we believe they will make Nigerians proud.”

  • NFF chief confident of strong showing

    NFF chief confident of strong showing

    Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Aminu Maigari believes the nation will do Africa proud in the FIFA World Cup, despite their poor form.

    Stephen Keshi’s men enter the showpiece on the back of four winless friendlies, the last of which, against the United States, ended in a 2-1 defeat.

    But Maigari has called for calm, insisting Nigeria have a great chance in Group F having been handed Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran and Argentina as their opponents.

    “I want to assure Nigerians at home and in the diaspora that the Super Eagles will not disappoint in Brazil,” said Maigari.

    “For sure, our people would have wanted the team to win the matches against Italy, Mexico, Scotland, Greece and USA. But we drew the first four and lost the last one.

    “I have spoken with the head coach and he is optimistic that his boys will be ready for the finals.

    “The earlier draws, and the loss to (the) USA have afforded our boys a lot of lessons, which will be useful against Iran in the first match and subsequently.

    “I have confidence in the team. From what I saw at the final training camp in USA, I believe the African champions are set to do Nigeria and Africa proud at the FIFA World Cup.”