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  •  NFF mourns passing of coach Izilein, Kayode Tijani

     NFF mourns passing of coach Izilein, Kayode Tijani

    The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed sadness and sorrow following the deaths on Wednesday of former Super Falcons’ and U17 Boys’ National Team Coach, Godwin Izilein and renowned football journalist, diarist and analyst Kayode Tijani.

    NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi expressed shock at the passing of the two respected figures in the Nigeria game, who were equally known and revered internationally for their accomplishments.

    “We were preparing for our match against South Africa in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals and then we heard news of the passing of Coach Izilein. And just as we were celebrating the victory, we were again assailed with another sad news of the death of Mr. Kayode Tijani.

    Read Also: NFF clears air on delayed Eagles’ moneys at CBN

    “We are in mourning, but we are comforted that both men left their giant footprints in the sands of time. Coach Izilein not only represented Nigeria at senior level, he won the Women Africa Cup of Nations with the Super Falcons in 2004 as Head Coach, among other remarkable achievements. Kayode Tijani was an international journalist of repute and took his forte of record-keeping most seriously.”

    Coach Izilein died at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital while Tijani breathed his last at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital. The late Tijani has been buried in Lagos according to Moslem rites.

    An effervescent, humble and diligent international football journalist of repute, Tijani worked for several local and international publications, including FAME magazine, Complete Football magazine and the pan-African football magazine, African Soccer.

    In 1995, he co-founded Nigeria’s first-ever all-sport daily sport publication, Sportlight.

    A diarist with unflagging passion, he also was involved in football punditry on radio and television stations in Nigeria and internationally.  

  • Super Eagles’ victory aligns with Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda – NFF

    Super Eagles’ victory aligns with Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda – NFF

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said Super Eagles’ quarter-final victory at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was in tandem with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘renewed hope agenda.’

    Ibrahim Gusau, NFF president, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abidjan on Saturday.

    NAN reports  that the Super Eagles are through to the semi-finals of the AFCON after a hard-fought 1-0 win over giant-killers Angola in Abidjan on Friday.

    This was after a lovely assist by Moses Simon, slipping in a lovely pass for Ademola Lookman, who slotted calmly beyond goalkeeper Guilherme da Costa to score the only goal for Nigeria in the 41st minute.

    Gusau expressed gratitude to the President Tinubu for his support to the Super Eagles.

    He noted that the president’s unflinching support for the team showed how committed he was in the area of sports development, especially football.

    “You heard what he said. He said, ‘Boys go there, believe in me.

    ‘You don’t have any problem and whatever issues you are facing, just believe in me. Go and do the job and you’ll see the result.’

    “That’s exactly what he told them, and you can see them doing the job.

    “By the grace of God, I know he is going to reward them handsomely, which has never happened before in the history of Nigeria.

    “We promised him that we are going to give him the trophy, and by the grace of God, we are going to do just that,” he said.

    The NFF boss called on all Nigerians to continue to suport the team.

    “We have just two matches to go and by the grace of God we will continue to do what we are doing.

    “We call on all Nigerians to pray for us because prayer is the key to whatever we are doing.

    “So, we call on all Nigerians to continue to support us with prayers and by the grace of God,” he said.

    Aisha Falode, NFF Executive Board Member, said the NFF was working in compliance with the mandate of President Tinubu, who instructed them to go and win the cup for Nigeria.

    “We got that mandate, ‘go win the cup for Nigeria,’ and we are on the way to doing that.

    “It is a mantra of a renewed hope.

    Read Also: FG pledges support for Super Eagles to AFCON

    “A renewed Super Eagles for a renewed Nigeria with one mandate; to bring the 2023 AFCON trophy back to Nigeria for Nigerians to celebrate.

    “That’s what we are going to do. We are on our way to the final. We love Nigeria,” she said.

    NAN reports that Nigeria will face the winner of Saturday’s quarter-final between Cape Verde and South Africa for a place in the final.

    The tournament which began on Jan. 13 in Cote d’Ivoire will end on Feb. 11.

    (NAN)

  • NFF clears air on delayed Eagles’ moneys at CBN

    NFF clears air on delayed Eagles’ moneys at CBN

    The Nigeria Football Federation has decried insinuations in some quarters that the Central Bank of Nigeria is delaying payments of match bonuses and allowances due to the Super Eagles at the ongoing 34th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cote d’Ivoire.

     “That is sheer idle talk without substance. The NFF is grateful to the CBN for the way and manner they have continued to expedite action on payment requests that we have sent to them with regards to this competition. It is unfair for anyone to concoct lies against the institution for whatever reasons.

    “We have not experienced any delays or complication of processes at the CBN this time, and we give kudos to them for their diligence and great sense of duty,” NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said.

    Read Also: NFF blame Central Bank for delay of Super Eagles’ bonuses, allowances

    Sanusi also heaped plaudits on the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh for the commendable role he continues to play in ensuring the welfare of Nigerian footballers, nay athletes, is paramount.

     “We cannot thank the Honourable Minister enough for the noble and positive role that he continues to play in the development of Nigeria sports generally, especially his commitment to the welfare of the main actors in the game. He has led from the front in all our pursuits and we give him kudos for his efforts.”

    Based on prior agreement with the NFF, the Super Eagles will be paid a qualification bonus for reaching the knockout rounds, and not the match-by-match payment option. Their match bonuses are also graduated as they progress in the tournament.       

  • NFF blame Central Bank for delay of Super Eagles’ bonuses, allowances

    NFF blame Central Bank for delay of Super Eagles’ bonuses, allowances

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have blamed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the delay in the payment of bonuses and camp allowances of the Super Eagles at the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.

    The only payment received by the Super Eagles was camp allowance to cover the training camp in Dubai and part of their stay in Cote d’Ivoire.

    The camp allowance is $200-a-player daily and the officials have yet to receive any payment.

    “The NFF have done their own part and it is now left for the CBN to do theirs,” a source informed SCORENigeria in reference to the non-payment of the entitlements of the Super Eagles.

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    The Super Eagles are due $5,000-a-man for a win bonus.

    This means they are to be paid $12,500 each for the two wins and a draw they recorded in the group stage of the competition.

    The Federal Government has supported the Super Eagles to win a fourth AFCON title by approving for outstanding bonuses and allowances dating as far as 2021 to be cleared, while a special intervention grant was also approved for the country’s participation at the AFCON.

  • Dominican Republic 2024: NFF restores World Cup bronze-winning Flamingos’ technical crew

    Dominican Republic 2024: NFF restores World Cup bronze-winning Flamingos’ technical crew

    The Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation has approved the re-appointment of the technical crew of the U17 Women National Team, Flamingos, led by Coach Bankole Olowookere, which led the team to Nigeria’s first-ever podium finish at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, in India in 2022.

    Thenff.com can report that the NFF Technical and Development Committee made the recommendation, which was subsequently approved by the Executive Committee.

    After coming through their group stage attrition, the Flamingos had beaten the United States of America after a penalty shootout in the quarter-finals, but lost to Colombia in the semi-finals. In the third-place, the Flamingos were held to a 3-3 draw by Germany, but prevailed after a penalty shootout to win the bronze medals.

    Read Also; ‘I will take sports to the next level’

    Olowookere retained his position as Head Coach, just as Adanna Nwaneri (Assistant Coach), Morufu Adeyemo (Assistant Coach) and Abubakar Ndanusa (Goalkeepers’ Coach) also retained their positions.

    The Flamingos will begin the race to qualify for this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup with an away game against their counterparts from the Central African Republic, with the first leg scheduled for Bangui on the weekend of 2nd – 4th February, while the return leg holds at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Saturday, 10th February.

    With world football-governing body FIFA having increased the number of participating teams at the final tournament to 24 teams from the 16 that took part in India in 2022, Africa now has four slots at the finals.

    This year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup will be staged in the Dominican Republic, 16th October – 3rd November.

  • GTI seals deal with NFF to boost FA Cup

    GTI seals deal with NFF to boost FA Cup

    Nigeria’s foremost investment banking firm, GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited, have signed a strategic partnership deal with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to further enhance the efficient management of the FA Cup.

    The deal is expected to boost the commercial value of Nigeria’s oldest domestic club competition and ensure that it attracts the sponsorship of Corporate Nigeria and the Multinationals. This is essential in order to develop the product which has immensely contributed in unifying the football-loving Nigerians.

    The FA Cup was created in 1945 and currently, is the main football single-elimination tournament in Nigeria, contested by over 2,000 teams across the 774 local governments of the Federation and FCT.

    With the emergence of GTI into Nigeria’s football ecosystem in 2022 as strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), the financial institution’s commitment towards a total restructuring of the elite league endeared the new partnership with the NFF.

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    President of the NFF, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, commended the GTI Group for what they have achieved with the NPFL and expects the partnership to impact positively on the development of the FA Cup.

    Similarly, the NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, stated: “the NFF is delighted about this partnership as we are keen to have the glory days of the Federation Cup back. This agreement has the potential to robustly improve the country’s Football Economy.”

    Reacting to the new deal with NFF, GTI’s GMD, Abubakar Lawal, affirmed that their expertise and experience will come handy to further improve the management of the FA Cup. He also assured stakeholders that beginning from the 2023/2024 edition the structure and prize money will be enhanced.

    “We expect that between now and the first three years of this deal, the FA Cup would have been transformed to a very competitive tournament full of excitement and glamour. Therefore, we call on the investing public to find it worthy to invest in our football via The Nigeria Football Fund (TNFF),” he said.

    TNFF has remained a veritable tool in driving football development to a desirable height in the country and it is registered by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

  • NFF, Green Lock FC to partner on grassroots football

    NFF, Green Lock FC to partner on grassroots football

    An Abuja-based club, Green Lock FC has pledged its total support for the grassroots football development programmes of the present NFF administration led by Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau. The Management of the club made this pledge on Wednesday during a courtesy call on the NFF President in his office.

    In his response, Gusau said the doors of the Federation will always be open to all individuals who are competent in their areas of jurisdiction to administer football in the right way, with particular emphasis on grassroots development, which is his administration’s cardinal pillar in ensuring that Nigeria Football attains much-desired heights in no distant future.

    “You are just starting, and I don’t want you to be deterred by anything because it has to be a gradual process. There are always challenges along the way when you start a new project, but do not lose sight of your objective and vision. Allow your vision to guide you and help you overcome all hurdles and obstacles on the way to attaining your goals.”

    Read Also: Salisu Yaro: NFF mourns Kano Pillars’ founding member

    The Executive Vice Chairman of Green Lock FC, Mr Olufunsho Peters said he is impressed with what the Federation has achieved under the present Gusau’s administration, and believes it is important to identify and key into this project for the growth of the club.

    “We are here to identify with you, to key into your vision of grassroots football development. We are enamoured by what you have been doing and the way you have been going about setting Nigeria  Football in a fresh and positive direction.”

    Chief Coordinating Executive of Green Lock FC,  Olayinka Oladunjoye also thumbed up the Gusau administration and admitted that identifying with the Federation is the best way forward for the club to progress. “We are not just here to show our faces to you, but we truly want to identify with you and your vision for Nigeria Football, and we want to be part of your dream to change the narrative of football in the country.”

    Also present during the visit were NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi; NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire and special assistant to NFF President, Abubakar Barde.

  • Salisu Yaro: NFF mourns Kano Pillars’ founding member

    Salisu Yaro: NFF mourns Kano Pillars’ founding member

    Alhaji Salisu Yaro, a founding member of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side Kano Pillars FC, is dead at 70 years of age.

    The septuagenarian passed away in the early hours of the New Year’s day at his Geida home in Kano after battling with an undisclosed ailment.

    A close ally to the deceased said , Maigida as he was fondly called in his life time, was battling with an ailment which led to his sojourn overseas for medical treatment.

    He returned to Kano few months back and had been receiving medical treatment until he breath his last breath on Monday’s morning

    Our correspondent reports that hundreds of Kano Pillars faithful trooped to his residence to pay their last homage and condole with the family as his remains was laid to rest at about 1.30pm yesterday at Dandolo cemetery in accordance with Islamic injunctions.

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    Present at the funeral ceremony was NFF’s executive board member Rabiu Inuwa Ahlan as well as erstwhile chairman of the then , Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima as wwll as former chief registrar Kano State High court of justice, justice Jamilu Suleiman a.k.a Goro and former captain Raccah Rovers, Huseini Alabi.

    Inuwa on behalf of NFF, described the death of Salisu Yaro as a huge loss to Nigerian football family, adding the late football juggernaut mentored a vast number of players, coaches , referees, sports journalists, football administrators from Kano State and beyond .

    “ His home was the home of football, beyond Kano and beyond northern Nigeria ,” Rabiu further said.

    Checks revealed that the deceased was a founding member of the Kano Pillars FC, after serving in the management of the defunct Raccah Rovers of Kano.

    He would be remembered for his role in the recruitment of prominent players including the likes of Baba Otu Mohammed, Ahmed Garba, Yaro Yaro, Ishaya Jatau, late Kabiru Baleria, Nasiru Jubril, Sani Kaita and lately Ahmed Musa.

    The President, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Benjamin Isiah represented by an incumbent ex officio of the association Lurwanu Idris Malikawa joined early callers at the residence of the deceased, he prayed Allah to grant the soul of the late man, eternal rest.

    The President Youths Sports Federation of Nigeria(YSFON) and Kano State APC gubernatorial candidate , Nasiru Gawuna speaking through his sports aide, Mallam Aliyu Kassim said:”“ Though Salisu is no longer with us his contributions to sports development will live with us. He was a bridge builder, sports man to the core and a detribalized sports man and all those who encountered him in the industry can testify to these qualities until his last days. We pray that Allah in his infinite mercies will accept his good deeds and grant him eternal abode in paradise.”

    Until his death, Salisu was the welfare officer of Kano Pillars FC and he was survived by his wife, children and grandchildren.

  • NFF defends pre-AFCON  Abu Dhabi camp for Eagles 

    NFF defends pre-AFCON  Abu Dhabi camp for Eagles 

    Nigeria Football Federation( NFF)  has defended   its choice  of Abu Dhabi as the Super Eagles’  training camp ahead of the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations(AFCON)  in Cote d’Ivoire.

    The  federation’s Director of Communication, Ademola Olajire, hinted that  the national team will  hold a  one week intensive session in the  capital city of the in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) , adding the  Middle East country  has similar weather  that would be obtainable in the  cocoa-rich Cote d’Ivoire in January. 

    The team ( Super  Eagles) would be camping in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates from January 2nd till on the 9th of January to arrive Lagos   and depart on the 10th to Abidjan,” Ademola hinted on Brila Fm.  

    “ Those  people in charge of that  did their home-work and  discovered that the weather in Abu Dhabi is similar and it  would be the same with that of Cote d’Ivoire in January  and the choice was made  after the experts did their job; and the NFF accepted,” he added. 

    The NFF has already submitted a 40-man provisional list  from where  27  players  will  eventually  be picked for the AFCON  but vastly experienced  coach Loveday  Omoruyi has faulted  the choice of Abu Dhabi  as the team’s training camp.

    Read Also: Minister fires  NFF, Peseiro  warning  over AFCON

    “First of all, does  Abu Dhabi has the same weather with that of Cote d’Ivoire  where the AFCON is going to be played?” Omoruyi who star for Julius Berger in his playing days, asked rhetorically.“ So, why Abu Dhabi.

    “ I would have preferred a place in West Africa  like Togo since they are not going the AFCON or we  can even stay in Nigeria  here so that they get acclimatized to the weather  they are going to meet in Cote d’Ivoire.

     “ But it would be a waste of time and money should we go to Abu Dhabi  that doesn’t have the same weather condition  with that  of Cote d’Ivoire  that will host the AFCON.”

    He added: “ In fact, I have  fears about the preparation of the national team for the AFCON if one, they are going to Abu Dhabi  and secondly,  we  still have  problem with the goalkeeping area because we have not been able to get a reliable goalkeeper .

    “ But if these  problems are resolved, I think we have a chance of going all the way or probably  reach  the semi-finals at least.“ 

  • Morocco 2024: NFF praises bereaved Efih as Falcons tackle Cape Verde

    Morocco 2024: NFF praises bereaved Efih as Falcons tackle Cape Verde

    The Nigeria Football Federation has described as ‘admirable’ the mental toughness displayed by midfielder Peace Efih in helping the Super Falcons to a five-goal spanking of the senior women national team of Cape Verde in Abuja on Thursday.

    Efih’s biological mother breathed her last 48 hours before the 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations final round, first leg encounter, but the player was her hard-as-nails self in defensive midfield as she paired Captain Rasheedat Ajibade in full flow on Thursday and petite Deborah Abiodun to supply the ammunition that dismantled the visitors at the MKO Abiola National Stadium.

    President of Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Musa Gusau said: “We must commend, specially, the mental strength and fortitude of Peace Efih, who lost her mother two days ago but opted to remain in camp and help the team to win well today. Hers is an example of a super patriot who will give everything for the good of the motherland.

     “The loss of a parent is a calamity, a thing of sadness and sorrow. Many other persons would have cracked and packed bags to leave the camp to go and mourn, but Peace decided it was better to honour her mother’s memory with a great performance that has taken the team closer to another appearance at the Women AFCON. She deserves our praise.”

    Read Also: Morocco 2024: Free-scoring Super Falcons thrash Cape Verde 5-0

    Efih’s toughness and productivity earned the Falcons a 5-0 win in Abuja, making today’s return leg in the island nation all but a mere formality for the nine-time champions set to  pick up their ticket to the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.

    The return leg encounter will begin at 4pm Cape Verde time (6pm Nigeria time) today at  the Santiago-Estádio Nacional Cabo Verde), with Liberian official Sylvina Welma Garnett as referee.

    CAF has also appointed Hannah Moses (Liberian) as assistant referee 1, while Sierra Leoneans Precious Amara and Humu Marah will serve as assistant referee 2 and fourth official respectively.

    Oumou Souleymane Kane from Mauritania will serve as commissioner while Fadouma Dia from Senegal will be the referee assessor.

    MOROCCO 2024 FINAL ROUND, SECOND LEG ENCOUNTERS

    Cape Verde Vs Nigeria (0-5)

    Egypt Vs Senegal (0-4)

    Guinea Vs Mali (2-7)

    Burundi Vs Algeria (1-5)

    Togo Vs Tanzania (0-3)

    Botswana Vs Kenya (1-1)

    Congo Vs Tunisia (2-5)

    Zambia Vs Angola (6-0)

    South Africa Vs Burkina Faso (1-1)

    DR Congo Vs Equatorial Guinea (1-1)

    Namibia Vs Ghana (1-3)