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Tag: nff

  • NFF throws ball in Onuoha’s court

    NFF throws ball in Onuoha’s court

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has challenged former Manchester City defender, Nedum Onuoha, to openly declare his intention to play for Nigeria before he can be considered for the Super Eagles.

    The Queens Park Rangers ace has been capped at junior level for England, and has turned down invitations to play for Nigeria in the past.

    However, following the brilliant display of the Eagles against Italy at Craven Cottage, calls have been made to the NFF to make another push for Onuoha, to bolster the Eagles’ defence.

    But the Secretary-General of the NFF, Musa Ahmadu, is adamant the first move must come from the player.

    “Nedum Onuoha can only be invited to the Super Eagles if the player shows a commitment to play for Nigeria,” he said after the game.

    “He has to signify an interest to play for Nigeria. If he is not interested, we cannot force him, he added.

    Onuoha is one of several players Nigeria is looking to strengthen the team, Sidney Sam, who was recently capped by Germany, is another.

  • Ambush Marketing: NFF warns of unauthorised use of Super Eagles’ marks

    Ambush Marketing: NFF warns of unauthorised use of Super Eagles’ marks

    Once more, the Nigeria Football Federation has taken exception to the penchant of some corporate organisations who try to appropriate glory not due to them by taking advantage of the excellent performances of Nigeria’s National Teams at the international level.

    Following the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals after a 2-0 dismissal of Ethiopia on Saturday, which made for a 4-1 aggregate win, some corporate establishments have been at their pranks once more claiming part of the glory.

    NFF’s Marketing Consultant, Mr. Mike Itemuagbor was livid on Monday after soft drinks behemoth, Coca-Cola put out an advertisement in the newspaper: Congratulations Team Nigeria – You Qualified for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and We’re Behind You. Go On. Win It For Naija.

    “We are shocked at the penchant of some organisations to sneak into the picture and try to claim they are among those who have been funding the Super Eagles. The public should be aware that all the companies masquerading as supporters of Super Eagles are only doing so for their own merchantile interests. I will say Coca-Cola and Chivita are guilty in this regard.

    “This is unacceptable, because they know the right channel to go if they want to be part of the team. The Nigeria Football Federation is receptive to offers for sponsorship in several categories but some of the corporate institutions only want to be part of the team when it is winning.

    “The Government of Nigeria and the NFF’s partners and sponsors should claim the glory for the string of successes that we have seen in our football this year. For those who are outside the frame, using the name of the Super Eagles for campaigns and identifying their brand with the team is unprofessional and unacceptable, ” Itemuagbor said.

    It would be recalled that on 7th February this year, the NFF was forced to issue a similar statement after some companies who are not NFF partners or sponsors jumped onto the wagon trying to give the impression they were part of the Super Eagles’ performance that led to victory at the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.

    “The Nigeria Football Federation wishes to state without ambiguity that only its partners and sponsors have the rights and privileges to use the name of the Super Eagles for any campaigns, promotions or

    mentions. We will not hesitate to take legal action against any company, institution or establishment that runs foul of this caution,” Itemuagbor added.

  • Imoke: I’m proud of NFF under Maigari

    Imoke: I’m proud of NFF under Maigari

    With almost one hundred per cent record in the outgoing year which culminated in the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2014 World Cup Finals at the weekend, Senator Liyel Imoke (CON), the Executive Governor of Cross River State has heaped plaudits on the leadership of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) under Aminu Maigari.

    Speaking during a reception for the victorious Golden Eaglets at the Council Chamber at his office at the weekend, Imoke said he was proud of the achievements of the NFF with a promise of steady support towards football development.

    ” Personally, I’m very, very proud of the NFF under Maigari and I was wondering why the Honourable Sports Minister forgot to mention that Maigari is also one of the calmest administrator we have,” he said.

    Under Maigari’s watch, Nigerian football has recorded huge successes including Super Eagles’ victory at the 2013 African Cup of Nations for the first time in 18 years and the Golden Eaglets’ conquest at the 2013 FIFA Under-17 World Cup-the first time since 2007.

    “Everything that has been achieved by the NFF is not by accident rather it’s borne out of good leadership and we are encouraged to continue to support the NFF,” said the governor who promised to interface with the federation on how Cross River State can provide sustainable development for Nigerian football.

    He added: “Apart from the Golden Eaglets, the NFF deserves a pat on the back and we would meet to fashion out how best we can support them further.”

    Meanwhile, Maigari said he was humbled with the praises from Governor Imoke which can only serve as a fillip for the NFF to continue to do more.

    “We can’t thank Governor Imoke enough for all the good things he has done for the NFF and Nigerian football in general,” he said.

  • Sharks back NFF on Confed. Cup snub

    Sharks back NFF on Confed. Cup snub

    •Disown former club secretary

    Sharks Football Club of Port Harcourt have backed the decision of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to exclude them from continental football in the 2010 season, following a protest by former club secretary, Cyril Dum Wite.

    Wite, whose protest has since been disowned by the team, had demanded an apology from the NFF for registering Warri Wolves rather than Sharks, for the Confederations Cup tournament of that year.

    In a statement released by the Media Officer of the team, Abaje Usekwe, the club noted:

    “We wish to appreciate the concern of a former secretary of Sharks FC of Port Harcourt, on how Sharks were schemed out of the CAF Confederations Cup in 2010 after finishing as runners-up to Enyimba in the Federations Cup in 2009,” Abaje said.

    “For the records, Wite’s comments are purely personal and should not be seen as a statement on behalf of the club.

    “We shall in due course make our position known on the recent development as regards the award of a CAF Confederations Cup ticket to Warri Wolves and not El Kanemi Warriors.

    “But we would like to educate our friends that if Enyimba had finished second in the league in 2009 and not in third place, may be we would have had a better argument like the one Warri Wolves now enjoy,” he added.

  • FIFA U- 17 World Cup: NFF splashes N24.64m on world champions

    FIFA U- 17 World Cup: NFF splashes N24.64m on world champions

    • Eaglets get $7,000 each for beating Mexico in final
    • Pocket $4,000 for semi-final victory
    • Each player rakes N2.4 million in total

    Members of the victorious Golden Eaglets that won the 15th Edition of the FIFA U- 17 World Cup after beating defending Champion Mexico yesterday smiled to the bank as each player received a bonus of N2.4 million each.

    The crescendo of their jumbo bonus pay was yesterday’s final when each of the player got $7,000 each for winning the U- 17 World Cup hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    The Minister of Sports, however, made this possible as he augmented the bonus from the quarter-final stage to the final of the competition when he agreed to double the amount paid by the cash strapped Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) who has said they are financially handicapped.

    The breakdown of the bonuses is as follows: each member of the Golden Eaglets was paid $500 dollars each for the three group matches played while they received $1,000 each for the second round match instead of $750 and $2,000 for the quarter-final match instead of the $1,000.

    Also in the semi-final match, the players received $4,000 instead of $2,000 while they were paid $7,000 for emerging world champions after winning the final match. The total amount paid as bonuses to the 21 players excluding the coaches bonuses was put at N47 million.

    It is important to note that the chief coach of the team is entitled to twice the bonus of the players.

  • Sports Minister to Maigari: These Eaglets must be kept together

    Sports Minister to Maigari: These Eaglets must be kept together

    • Tips Manu boys for Olympics team

    Sports Minister, Bolaji Abdullahi has instructed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to ensure that the Eaglets are kept together so that the senior national team can have a solid foundation in the future.

    The Eaglets have been the cynosure of all eyes after their awesome display leading to the final of the FIFA U-17 World Cup which would end tomorrow in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates(UAE).

    They beat Sweden’s U-17 side 3-0 in the sem-final played in Dubai after they had laboured to hold the same European side to a 3-3 draw during their Group F clash in Al Ain. They will face Mexico in the final, another side that bowed 6-1 to the superior fireworks of the Nigerians on October 19 also in Al Ain.

    Aminu Maigari said the boys would be allowed to stay together to form a balanced Super Eagles of the future.

    “I have been dicussing with the NFF president and he has assured me that they would ensure that the boys are kept together. We are going to ensure that they don’t evaporate like it has happened in the past. These are credible talents and it will be immense tragedy if we allow these boys to fritter away,” Abdullahi said.

    The sports minister has, however, endorsed the Eaglets to form the core of the Olympics squad when the qualifiers for the 2016 Rio Olympics starts in Africa.

    “The good thing is that we have the Olympics qualifiers coming up in 2014 and these boys I believe can form the core of that team regarding moving forward,” Abdullahi concluded.

  • NFF borrow for World Cup playoff

    NFF borrow for World Cup playoff

    Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will again have to borrow for next weekend’s 2014 World Cup playoff against Ethiopia, officials disclosed.

    The NFF need at least 50 million Naira for a November 16 playoff for a place at next year’s World Cup in Brazil. This cost has been reduced because of the part sponsorship from the Cross Rivers State Government. This will be to cover match bonuses as well as the return ticket refunds for the team and also logistical costs.

    “We will again be forced to borrow to fund this match. We are seriously broke as we only receive a monthly subvention of 52 million Naira from government and this is far from adequate to cover our many costs,” a top NFF official told MTNFootball.com.

    MTNFootball.com was told by officials that NFF finances took a direct hit when the over 700 million Naira spent for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations was removed from the federation’s annual budget by government.

    “It was to have been a special grant but government later decided it should come from our budget,” another top official said.

    Nigeria have a foot at Brazil 2014 after they beat hosts Ethiopia 2-1 in the first leg of the playoffs last month.

  • No special rewards for Eaglets-NFF

    No special rewards for Eaglets-NFF

    NFF scribe Musa Amadu has revealed to SportingLife that no incentives whatsoever would be promised the National U.17 team (Golden Eaglets ) if they eventually win the U.17 World Cup in Dubai on Friday.

    Amadu said mere participation in the competition at the world level is enough motivation for the boys to excel.

    “One thing people should realise is that participation in a tournament at this level is purely developmental. Players are not expecting anything if they win. Instead their expectation is how they can improve their game, how they can win for their countries, how they can be spotted by other big clubs in the World.

    “It is not the amount of money that would be given to them that is important. The NFF has provided them with all they needed to excel, and we think that is very sufficient for them. However, if they eventually win, and the Federal Government in its benevolent way decides to honour them, that would be appreciated by the boys and the federation,” Ahmadu said.

    The scribe maintained that the country has nothing to prove at the competition, saying that the main aim of the football federation is to discover players who would rise to become Super Stars in the Super Eagles in the nearest future. He finally commended the boys for their exceptional play in the tournament, while advising them not to relent in their efforts until they win trophy for a record of four times.

    Nigeria won the trophy in 1985, 1993, 2007 and played in the finals in 1987, 2001, 2009.

  • NFF paid Keshi N15m not N10m •Amokachi gets N9m •Shorunmu N3m

    NFF paid Keshi N15m not N10m •Amokachi gets N9m •Shorunmu N3m

    Amokachi gets N9m •Shorunmu N3m

    From Patrick Ngwaogu, Abuja Sportinglife can confirm authoritatively that the leadership of the NFF actually paid the technical crew of the Super Eagles a salary arrears of three months amounting to N15 million.

    The Head Coach of the team, Stephen Keshi was paid N15 million out of the N45 million that the federation is owing him as salary arrears. His first assistant, Daniel Amokachie received N9 million out of the N21 million that he is expecting. Ike Shorunmu, who is the goalkeepers trainer, received N3 million out of N7million he is expecting.

    A decent source in the Federation confirmed that the coaches received three months salary arrears while efforts are being made to offset the balance within the shortest possible time. “It is painful that the coaches salaries lingered for such a long time, but we are making efforts to pay up their balance as soon possible as we are hopeful of getting some money soon. We appreciate the coaches for their efforts and would want to urge them to remain focused towards winning the World Cup ticket for the country.”

    When contacted, Keshi confirmed payment of the money, but refused to be dragged into the amount that was paid. He appreciated all Nigerians for their concern, and promised that the Super Eagles would surely pick the World Cup ticket as a way of appreciating all Nigerians for their support.

  • NFF rejects Club Owners’ purported sack of LMC

    NFF rejects Club Owners’ purported sack of LMC

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has flatly rejected a declaration by owners/managers of clubs in the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) that they have ‘sacked’ the League Management Company (LMC), which the NFF inaugurated last year to administer the elite division of Nigeria’sdomestic football.

    Rising from its meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, October 30, the club owners/managers had declared in their communique: “The meeting emphasised on the expiration of the tenure of the LMC in line with the terms of reference given to them by the NFF.

    “The meeting specifically thanked the chairman and members of the LMC for their efforts in organising the just-concluded league as well as their several innovations and suggestions on the way forward and wished them well in their future endeavours.”

    However, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Aminu Maigari, stated emphatically that the League Management Company remains in place.

    Speaking from the United Arab Emirates where he is with the Golden Eaglets as the youngsters aim to make Nigeria the first country to win the FIFA U-17 World Cup four times, Maigari insisted that the LMC was inaugurated by the NFF, granted license by the NFF to administer the Premier League on its behalf and can only be sent packing by the NFF.

    “I am shocked to hear about a meeting of club owners/managers where they reportedly told the LMC to hand over to the Secretariat of the League. That is not within their purview; it is the responsibility of the NFF to determine the fate of the LMC.

    “The LMC has done very well within the past 10 months to reposition the Premier League, and they deserve commendation. The club managers themselves admitted that the LMC has brought several innovations to the running of the League. Why would we want to throw all that away in a hurry?

    “As far as the NFF, the supreme football-governing body in Nigeria, is concerned, the LMC remains firmly in place and will have the opportunity to continue its good works for a period to be determined shortly.”

    Maigari called on the club owners/managers to be focused on improving the structures of their teams in line with the demands of professional football, rather than get sucked into illusory political manoeuvrings and hysteria.

    “Sincerely speaking, the NFF will always accord the club owners/managers their regard and we see them as critical stakeholders in the development of the game in our country. But there is an architecture of authority, which is not horizontal. The NFF has prerogative on issues bordering on the running of the game in Nigeria and has not conceeded this authority to any other group or body.

    “Should the club managers have any grouse with the way the League is being administered, they should approach the NFF with their misgivings and we would resolve such matters, as we have done in the past,”Maigari said.