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  • Danladi Bako hails NFF on picking  George for Eagles

    Danladi Bako hails NFF on picking  George for Eagles

    Nigerian broadcasting icon, Dr. Nasir Danladi Bako, has praised the Nigeria Football Federation for settling for former international and ex-Enyimba FC strategist Finidi George as Head Coach of the Super Eagles.

    The Kogunan Sakwatto, 66, who created a plethora of famous TV programmes including Morning Ride, Mastersports and Second Chance, among others, and served as Special Adviser to a number of Sports Ministers many years ago, insisted the NFF leadership struck a bull’s eye with the appointment of the two-time FIFA World Cup star, stating that George oozes class and character, and an iron determination to succeed despite his public carapace of a quiet person.

     “Finidi George has that cultured, disciplined mien and personality that makes you want to trust him with a big project. He understands the meaning of constituted authority and right from his playing days, has always displayed the attribute of a team player. He has always had that calm, collected nature even in the face of pressure or danger.

    Read Also: Unveiled ‘tough skin’ Finidi vows to rejig  Super Eagles

     “Above all, he is not someone who thinks he is doing the nation a favour. He is grateful for the opportunity and I believe that he has all it takes to succeed. I am calling on the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, the NFF and Nigerians as a whole to support him to take the Super Eagles to brand-new heights.”

    Bako, who holds a doctorate degree in development communication from the Ahmadu Bello University and was Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission between 1999 and 2002, said  all hands must now be on deck to ensure victories in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin Republic on 7 June and 11 June respectively.

    “No doubt, the NFF got this one appointment right. Very much on point. Now, they should endeavour to give George all the support he needs to succeed in his task of qualifying Nigeria for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”

  • NFF’s Disciplinary C’mtte cut Enyimba point haul by two

    NFF’s Disciplinary C’mtte cut Enyimba point haul by two

    Enyimba have suffered setback  in their  bid to retain the Nigeria Premier Football League title after  the Disciplinary Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) which ruled the result of their home game with Doma United as a draw.

    It was a Matchday played at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba on March 10th, 2024 and the game was going on peacefully until the 88th  minute  when the People’s Elephant thought they had scored. The centre referee initially gave the decision as a goal but after he consulted with his Assistant Referee he reviewed his decision and cancelled the goal.

    It led to a scuffle  between the two teams’ players and officials about the legitimacy of the goal.

    The referee had ordered for a restart from a goal kick after he consulted with his Assistant Referee but Enyimba halted the restart and instead asked the referee to consult the Outside Broadcast Van of Star Times for the replay to aid his decision.

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    He again changed his mind and agreed that it was a good goal maybe because of fear of being lynched by the Enyimba fans that accompanied him to the Star Times OB VAN. Doma United did not agree with the referee’s counter decision and abandoned the game from then.

    But reviewing  match with all the available evidences, NFF’s Disciplinary Committee at its sitting on Monday  agreed with the initial verdict of the referee after he consulted with his Assistant Referee that the game ended goalless and that the game had been declared conclusive as recommended by the match officials.

    If the change is effected, Enyimba could drop to the third spot with 53 points from 32 games. They will be four points adrift of league leaders, Rangers.

    The NFF’s Disciplinary Committee decision goes thus:

    “That the Referee erred to have changed a decision after a game had been restarted in contravention of the provisions of Law 5, FIFA/IFAB Laws of the game.

     “That the Referee equally erred by leaving the pitch to go and view the replay of the relevant part of the match proceeding in the Outside Broadcasting Van (OB Van) in order to review his earlier decision. This is a practice unknown to FIFA, CAF, NFF and NPFL.

     “That the result of the match at the point of the restart of the game after over ruling the goal scored as offside is hereby upheld at (0-0).

    “That the decision of the NPFL based on Rule B.13.55.2 of the NPFL Framework and Rules declaring the match conclusive is hereby upheld.

     The Committee equally upheld the NPFL decisions as provided under paragraphs a, b and c as contained in Form 16 (Summary Jurisdiction Notice) of 14th  March, 2024.

    “The Match Commissioner is hereby reprimanded for not being totally alive to his responsibility.

    “That the above decisions are without prejudice to the right of appeal.”

    If the change is effected, Enyimba could drop to the third spot with 53 points from 32 games. They will be four points adrift of league leaders, Rangers.

  • NFF to inaugurate sub-committees

    NFF to inaugurate sub-committees

    President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau will today  inaugurate five of the Federation’s sub-committees, viz Organizing Committee, Media Committee, Youth Football Committee, Players’ Status Committee and Protocol and Ceremonial Committee.

    The inauguration will take place at the NFF Secretariat, Abuja by noon.

    NFF 1st Vice President, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu is Chairman of the Organizing Committee, which also has NFF 2nd Vice President, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye as Vice Chairman. Members are Sir Emmanuel Ochiagha, Mr. Calistus Ebare, Hon. Godfrey Gaiya, Mrs Dilichukwu Onyedinma and Abba Mouktar Mohammed.

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    The Media Committee is headed by Ms Aisha Falode, with another Member of the NFF Executive Committee, Mr. George Aluo as Vice Chairman. Members are Mr. Godwin Enakhena, Alhaji Shu’aibu Mungadi, Mr. Frank Ilaboya, Lirwanu Malikawa Idris and Mr. Gabriel Aborowa.

    Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi is Chairman of the Youth Football Committee, with H.E. Silas Agara as Vice Chairman. Members are Victor Okechukwu Apago, Hon. Dele Ologun, Mr. Aku Thompson Oladimeji, Senator Moses Cleopas and Hon. Bala Usman Chamo.

    The Players’ Status Committee is headed by Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi, with Mr. Timothy Heman Magaji as Vice Chairman. Mr. Patrick Pascal (MON), Mr. Chikelu Iloenyosi, Mallam Audu Sabo, Mr. Austin Popo and Mr. Jude Anyadufu are members.

    Rt. Hon. Margaret Icheen is Chairman of Protocol and Ceremonial Committee. Alhaji Majekodunmi is Vice Chairman, with Mallam Bakura Abubakar, Mr. Obioma Onyeaghala, Habibu Abdu Fagge, Alhaji Usman Ibrahim Pate and Mr. Mojeed Adegbindin as members

  • NFF  to decide on Amuneke, three foreigners

    NFF  to decide on Amuneke, three foreigners

    The Nigeria Football Federation(NFF)  technical committee will reportedly  meet today  in Abuja to decide on the next coach for the Super Eagles with  Emmanuel  Amuneke  listed  along three other  foreign tacticians.

    Contrary to early reports, the committee failed to meet yesterday but  quoting a highly-placed source , SCORENigeria hinted that  delays in the  appointment  of a substantive  coach for the  Super Eagles have been caused because the NFF are trying to manage the many interests that have overtaken this key decision.

    The NFF leadership is very much aware that the success or otherwise of their tenure will be defined by the results recorded by the new coach particularly as it concerns qualification to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

    The last administration exited after the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

    Former NFF president Amaju Pinnick has said Finidi George is the best man for the top job, while some powerful stakeholders led by a former international from the 80s have thrown their weight fully behind Emmanuel Amuneke.

    There is also a growing swell of support for the NFF to hire another foreign coach, who has a good track record and will from the first instance command the respect of the players of the Super Eagles.

    Read Also: NFF technical committee meets over new Super Eagles

    It was understood  that majority of the NFF technical committee members favours a foreign coach, but their role is simply advisory as it is the prerogative of the NFF executive committee to make the final decision.

    Former Super Eagles defender George Abbey recently stirred some controversies when he declared he does not see a local coach who can handle the big egos of the Super Eagles stars.

    A top NFF official  was equally quoted  as saying  that that discipline in the Super Eagles has hit an all-time low and there is therefore an urgent need for a coach who will read out the riot act to the players.

    This is crucial as the team are two points behind leaders Rwanda in a World Cup qualifying section and in June face two important games at home against main rivals South Africa and away to next-door neighbours Benin in Cote d’Ivoire.

    Elsewhere, it was equally reported that the NFF has drafted a final shortlist that includes several Nigerian coaches, including  Amuneke and Michael Nsien, who coaches the USA U20 team.

    Three European coaches also reportedly made the final shortlist namely  Danny Bujis from the Netherlands, Domnece Torrent from Spain, and Toni Conceicao from Portugal.

  • NFF ratifies Lagos FA’s impeachment of Faud  Oki

    NFF ratifies Lagos FA’s impeachment of Faud  Oki

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has ratified the impeachment of the former chairman of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), Fouad Oki, reports sportsunlimited.ng.

    In a letter dated March 26 and addressed to the Secretary of the Lagos FA, and signed by its acting General Secretary, Ademola Olajire, the NFF said it fully recognize Hajj Liameed Gafar as the chairman of the LSFA, as it conforms with the provisions of the Statutes of the Lagos State Football Association.

    “I have the directive of the President of the Nigeria Football Federation and the Executive Committee to congratulate you on the successful Extraordinary General Assembly (EGA) and to express satisfaction that the EGA has been conducted in consonance with the provisions of the Statutes of the Lagos State Football Association.

    Read Also: NFF insists on Mar. 31 for  States’ Federation Cup finals

    “Further, I am pleased to inform you that the NFF has decided to fully recognize Hajj Liameed Gafar as the chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, as part of the outcome of the EGA.

    “The NFF equally awaits the outcome of the LSFA executive meeting scheduled for the next few days to elect a new vice chairman for the LSFA,” the statement reads.

    The federation said it believes the new Lagos State FA leadership would reposition the game of football in the state and re-engineer the development of the game with intentional inclusiveness and active support of all stakeholders.

    It would be recalled that the EGA of the Lagos State FA held on March 23 impeached Fouad Oki, citing various breaches of the statutes.

  • NFF insists on Mar. 31 for  States’ Federation Cup finals

    NFF insists on Mar. 31 for  States’ Federation Cup finals

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has warned Football Associations in the 36 States of the Federation and the FCT to play their Federation Cup final matches on either 30th March or 31st March as instructed by the NFF, or risk a penalty of N1million.

    Ruth David, NFF’s Director of Competitions, said that the football-ruling body will no longer condone the disruptive attitude of some FAs who set their own timetables outside that of the NFF.

    Read Also: NFF rules out anointed candidate for Super Eagles 

     “The NFF has stated clearly in the schedule from the beginning that the States must play their final matches either on Saturday, 30th March or Sunday, 31st March. We have also reminded the States again about this schedule, and any State that fails to abide by the dates will have itself to blame.

     “Any State that fails to conclude its championship by Sunday, 31st March will be fined the sum of N1million. Any State that concludes its championship before Saturday, 30th March will be fined the same amount of money.”

    This year’s Federation Cup competition in the States began on Friday, 1st  March.    

  • NFF rules out anointed candidate for Super Eagles 

    NFF rules out anointed candidate for Super Eagles 

    With over 600 candidates jostling to take over the reins of the Super Eagles and Golden Eaglets, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has categorically stated that it has no preference yet for the vacant  coaching positions. 

    This much  has been disclosed  by former Nigeria International Victor Ikpeba, a member of the NFF’s Technical Committee  saddled with the responsibility of  pruning down  the bogus  list  of candidates desirous  to manage both the men’s senior  national team  as well as  their cadet counterparts.     

    Ikpeba hinted that  only  the best  coach will get the nod for the Super Eagles top job, adding  the NFF has given his committee the carte blanche to pick the best man for the job irrespective  of his origin.

    “If the NFF had an anointed candidate, they would not have thrown open the selection. They would have quickly named such a coach and nothing would have happened,”  Ikpeba was quoted as saying in a frank exchange with  veteran editor, Samm Audu of SCORENigeria.  

    He said continued : “Social media will not pick a coach for Nigeria. There is a lot that has to be considered before you appoint a coach, you have to go beyond what many see or think.”

    Ikpeba will maintain that the best man should get this job.

    “It is not the colour of the skin of a coach that should be considered. We deserve a coach who will get us results,” he put up his position. “Tribalism is one of the biggest problems in Nigeria. Can a local coach be above this problem?

    “Yes, football unites the country, but we are a country of many tribes and whether we like it or not, we are often inclined to favour those from our tribes.”

    He continued: “We first won the AFCON with a Brazilian (Otto Gloria), we then won it with another foreigner (Clemens Westerhof), before Keshi won it in 2013.

    “We won the Olympics with a foreigner (Jo Bonfrere)

    “Even Brazil have considered hiring a foreigner (Carlo Ancelotti) to lead their national team and a proud country like England have also hired foreigners to take charge of their team.

    “There are not many big coaching jobs available around the world and I know many of the foreign coaches who have applied for the super Eagles post will agree to take $40,000 or $50,000 every month,” he countered.

    Ikpeba said he was shocked Peseiro did not continue in his post after guiding the country all the way to the 2023 AFCON final in Cote d’Ivoire. 

    “I was shocked he did not continue with us, but he must have his reasons,” he opened up.

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    “I may not have been a big fan of Peseiro, but he won my respect with the way he tweaked his defence to make it the strongest department of his team at the AFCON.

    “Some have criticised the style that got us to the final, but even with our attacking football, how many times have we won the AFCON?

    “It is not easy to win the AFCON these days because the so-called small teams are also pushing their weight around and if you don’t step up, they will go past you.

    “Senegal won the 2021 AFCON, but could not reach such heights even with their beautiful football this year. Morocco recorded the best-ever African performance at the World Cup, but they also crashed out of the 2023 AFCON early.”

  • Super Bikers seek  partnership with NFF, National Teams

    Super Bikers seek  partnership with NFF, National Teams

    The Super Bikers’ Club Association of Nigeria (SCAN) has expressed a passionate desire to collaborate with the Nigeria Football Federation and the National Teams, as a way of giving back to the society, which is the fulcrum of the vision of the association.

    Speaking during a courtesy visit to the NFF Secretariat, SCAN President Hussaini Masari stated that his body, which is about a decade old, is a non-governmental outfit peopled by professionals who have come together to see how to they can give back to the society and contribute to the development of Nigeria as a whole.

     “We are already collaborating with the National Orientation Agency and the Nigeria Tourism Board on some fronts. We have also planted about 70,000 trees across the northern area of Nigeria, and we are now into creating e-libraries.

     “We have projects that are determined to take the youth off the streets and ensure they live better lives in their own interests and in the interest of the society. Our objective now is to collaborate with the NFF so that we can provide some panache and colour around the National Teams when they are in camp or when they are playing matches, in order to motivate them in our own way.”

    Read Also: NFF  dismisses Eguavoen  as  Super  Eagles’  interim  coach

    Representative of the Chairman of SCAN Board of Trustees, Aminu Abubakar added that biking being a passion and a sport just like football, SCAN usually visits orphanages, hospitals, prisons and schools in the country to enlighten persons on how to live useful lives and become better citizens.

     “Football is the biggest unifying factor among our peoples across all regions, religions and demographics, and this is why we want to collaborate with the NFF to enhance the work we are doing for the youth of this country.”

    President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, thanked the super-bikers for their interest in collaborating with the NFF and the National Teams, and assured them that the NFF has no objection to a collaboration and will provide SCAN with visibility around the National Teams.

    Also at the occasion were NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi; SCAN former president Gomez Adebowale; NFF Director of Communications Ademola Olajire; SCAN’s BOT Member B.Y.U. Idi; special assistant to NFF President, Abubakar Danladi Umar and; SCAN’s Financial Secretary, Raymond Yilshut.

  • Bidemi Aluko-Olaseni: NFF mourns former Falconets’ goalkeeper

    Bidemi Aluko-Olaseni: NFF mourns former Falconets’ goalkeeper

    The Nigeria Football Federation has described as “very sad” the death at the weekend of former Nigeria U20 Women National Team goalkeeper, Bidemi Aluko-Olaseni.

    Aluko-Olaseni, who had been battling with cancer for about eight years, gave up the battle on Friday evening.

     “We are very sad to hear of the demise of Bidemi Aluko-Olaseni. It is disheartening to hear of the passing of such a young woman. She had been ill for some years now but we were hoping and praying she would recover and still be able to pursue her passion and dream.

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     “The NFF and the Nigeria Football family are grieved by her death. However, we are happy that she took her passion and dream to a certain level. Our prayer is that God grants her eternal rest and also grant those she has left behind the fortitude to bear the loss,” NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi said.

    The former goalkeeper featured for several prominent clubs in the country, among them Sunshine Queens, Ekiti Babes and Rivers Angels.

  • NFF’s D-License coaching course begins  in Abuja

    NFF’s D-License coaching course begins  in Abuja

    The Nigeria Football Federation has concluded all arrangements to organize a seven-day D-License coaching course  starting today (March 4th) at  the Federal Capital, Abuja.

    Continental football-governing body CAF has given approval for the course, at which a total of 40 coaches from across the length and breadth of the Federation will take part. The practical and theoretical sessions are scheduled for the NFF/FIFA Goal Project at the Package B of MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

    Read Also: NFF appoints Eguavoen as Super Eagles interim coach

    Resource persons include NFF Technical Director and former Super Eagles’ captain and coach, Augustine Eguavoen; highly-respected Coach Henry Abiodun; Director of Sports Medicine of the Federal Ministry of Sports Development, Dr. Paul Onyeudo; former Super Eagles’ star Edema Fuludu; former FIFA referee and special assistant to the NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Adebayo Ameenu and; former deputy director, technical of the NFF, Dr. Robinson Okosun.  

    Eguavoen will speak on ‘Physiology of Football’ while Onyeudo will take the participants on ‘First Aid and Injury,’ and Dr. Okosun, a renowned psychologist will speak on ‘Psychology.’ Ameenu will speak on ‘Child Safeguarding.’

    Coaches Ibrahim Gwadabe and Lawrence Ndak will also be involved as resource persons.

    The NFF organized a CAF coaching instructors’ course last year, and is already in the advanced stage of plans to organize higher-grade coaching courses in the course of this year.