The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)

  • CAF bans Nigerian referee over attempted match manipulation

    The Referees Committee of the Confederation of African Football ( CAF ) has confirmed the recommendation of  its Disciplinary Board to ban Nigeria referee,  Joseph Ogabor,  from any official mission for one year over  attempted match manipulation.

    A statement on CAF website on Sunday said this was with respect to the Total CAF Confederation Cup 1/16th round first leg between Plateau United (Nigeria) and USM Alger (Algeria) played on April 7, 2018,  in Lagos.

    The decision follows investigations conducted and evidence submitted by the South African match officials of the match  who were contacted by Ogabor to provide “technical assistance” to the Nigerian team.

    Plateau United was also cautioned to refrain from the practice of hospitality gifts which tend to create wrong impression.

    In a related development, the South African Football Association has  been ordered to tender an apology to the Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF ).

    This was after investigations proved that there was no evidence of any official of the NFF being linked to an allegation of US$30,000 bribe.

    NAN

  • Supreme Court did not nullify Pinnick board’s election, NFF says

    The Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF ) on Friday in Abuja assured that there was no reason to get worried about a Supreme Court decision on the 2014 elections into its Executive Committee.

    The football body, on its twitter handle some moments after the court’s ruling, said the Supreme Court in Abuja did not nullify Amaju Pinnick’s election as NFF President.

    It said its reaction followed news to the contrary ongoing on social media.

    The newsmen reports that a football stakeholder, Chris Giwa, had been contesting the authenticity of the Pinnick-led board.

    While the Proprietor of Jos-based Giwa FC was elected NFF president at an NFF Congress in Abuja, Pinnick was elected at another NFF Congress in Warri on Sept. 30, 2014.

    Giwa took the matter to the apex court, after losing out at the Appeal Court and at the Court of Arbitration for Sport ( CAS ).

    Read Also: Supreme Court to go digital July 16, says Onnoghen

    NFF’s counsel, Festus Keyamo, was quoted in the tweet as saying: “Nobody should cause unnecessary panic in Nigeria’s football. That’s my case.

    “Supreme Court did not nullify Amaju’s election. The Supreme Court did not remove Amaju from office.

    “The Court only referred the case back to the Federal High Court to be tried properly, to know which of the elections held in 2014 was right.

    “Amaju was not a party to the case at the Supreme Court. So, the court could not have removed a party from office without joining the party and hearing from the party.’’

    NAN

  • World Cup: NFF has more work to do for Super Eagles

    World Cup: NFF has more work to do for Super Eagles

    Yinka Ogundimu, a lawmaker in Lagos State, on Wednesday said that the success of the Super Eagles at the 2018 World Cup in Russia would depend largely on the Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF ).

    Ogundimu, who represents Agege Constituency II at the Lagos State House of Assembly, made the assertion in an interview with our reporters,   in Lagos.

    According to him, the NFF should strive to provide the necessary logistics for the coaching crew that would enable them to perform maximally at the World Cup.

    “The NFF has a lot to do if the Super Eagles are to fly high at the World Cup.

    “What I think the federation has to do right now is to equip the coaching crew to start the preparations in earnest.

    “NFF should not wait until the time there will be no opportunity to spring any surprise again.

    “So, we need to play more of friendly matches for the players to actually blend and play together.

    “Football is a team work and only this can bring results,’’ the lawmaker said.

    Ogundimu, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Finance, said that the team that would represent Nigeria should be selected on merit and nothing else.

    “We must pick our team based on competence and not on quota system. If we can do this and shut the door against favoritism, it shall be well.

    “We have a lot of potential that can carry us to the level of quarter-finals.

    “The team handlers must just toe the way of merit and avoid personal interest,’’ the football enthusiast added.

    Read Also: NFF partners travel agency to support Super Eagles World Cup campaign

    On the national coach, Ogundimu said: “I don’t doubt the competence of Super Eagles Coach, but he should be given a free hand to operate and do his job.

    “Gernot Rohr should have a perfect control of team. If we reach quarter-finals, it will be a good mark for us, but there is nothing stopping us from going further.

    “For us to reach quarter-finals, it means we have a team. Any team in quarter-finals can spring a surprise.

    “No team is push over. We must prepare well and have the right selection and with this, we have nothing to fear,’’ he said.

    Our reporter,  reports that the 21st edition of the FIFA World Cup is scheduled to hold in Russia between June 14 and July 15.

    The original trophy which would be handed over to the 2018 FIFA World Cup-winning team at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on July 15, will arrive in Nigeria on Wednesday.

    The trophy is on a tour of 91 cities in 51 countries across six continents before the commencement of the 21st FIFA World Cup.

    NAN

  • Sports reforms to drive job creation, youth development in Edo – Obaseki

    Sports reforms to drive job creation, youth development in Edo – Obaseki

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his administration’s vision to reform sports is aimed at creating jobs and curbing restiveness among youths.

    The governor made the submission during a dinner organised to unveil the new logo, jersey, team bus, technical team as well as manual for the rebranded Bendel Insurance Football Club (FC) in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

    Obaseki said, “We have a keen interest to reform the sports sector in the state, and this is aimed at providing solutions to youth restiveness and unemployment. For us, sports have the potential to uplift the lives of our people and offer hope to youths who seek a better country.

    “Edo people are sports-loving. We will leverage this as we continue our reforms and give hope to our teeming youths. The steps made in reforming the Bendel Insurance FC will serve as reference point to drive more reforms in the sector.”

    He added the reforms will focus on grassroots sports development, noting, “Design and contracts for the construction of mini stadium in each local government area across the state have been completed. Local government chairmen will be mandated to ensure that the project is completed to encourage young men and women at the grassroots to tap into sports.”

    Obaseki called on investors in the state to support the present administration’s efforts to restore the state to its pride of place in sports in the country.

    Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu, hailed “the achievements of the club, which has a reputation of producing contenders in the national team. These include, Peter Osazee Odemwingie, Austin Eguavoen, amongst others. These great players have represented the state at national and international assignments.”

    Shaibu added, “The decision to rebrand the Bendel Insurance FC’s logo with the image of Queen Idia was to project the club members as warriors, out to win battles. I am optimistic that the rebranded Bendel Insurance FC will emerge as a force to contend with.”

    On his part, President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, commended the state government for its initiatives in repositioning Bendel Insurance FC, and urged “The state government to partner corporate bodies for sponsorship to achieve self-funding and ensure the club is not dependent on government grants.”

    “It is important for football clubs to run independent of government interference to ensure consistency. The club can develop its cards; Silver and Premium cards and VIP stand to serve as means for generating funds,” he added.

    Read Also: Obaseki lauds FG on welfare package for IDPs in Edo

  • Football is more than a religion in Nigeria – FIFA president

    Football is more than a religion in Nigeria – FIFA president

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described Nigeria as a country with unquantifiable passion and love for football, and where football is more than a religion.

    “I was told that in Nigeria football is passion, but it is a lie because it is more than that. In Nigeria I was told that football is love, but it is a lie it is more than that.

    “In Nigeria, I was told that football is a religion, but it is a lie. It is more than that. In Nigeria, football is life,” he said in Lagos on Monday.

    Infantino spoke at the maiden edition of the AITEO-NFF Awards, which was organised by the Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF ) and bankrolled by oil giants AITEO Group.

    The event held at the Eko Hotels and Suites saw Chelsea FC winger Victor Moses winning the “Player of the Year” award.

    Speaking also at the event, the Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, pledged his administration’s continued support to football and sports in general.

    “We will continue to give our unrelenting support to football and sports in general, I want to assure the President of FIFA that whenever he is coming back, Lagos will be considered to host a FIFA tournament,’’ he said.

    In his address, the Deputy Managing Director of AITEO Group, Francis Peters, said the oil conglomerate was happy to be part of football history in Nigeria in good times.

    NFF president Amaju Pinnick, on his part, said the awards night was to celebrate Nigerian legends for their contributions to the development of football in the country.

    He also said football administration was a journey and not a destination, adding “therefore, there must be a conscious effort to minimise errors for fear of losing the opportunity.

    “In Nigeria, football is a way of life and everybody is a coach. So, we need to be very careful. Football teaches us ethics and how to live a normal life,” Pinnick said.

    NAN reports that Moses got the award and recognition for his stellar performances for the national team, the Super Eagles, en route their qualification for Russia 2018.

    He was an integral part of the side during the historic qualification matches where he played in four of the six matches scoring three goals in the process.

    Moses also helped his Chelsea side reclaim the English Premier League title in the 2016/2017 season where he featured in 40 games.

    The 27-year old also got CAF’s recognition by being among the nominees for CAF’s Player of the Year award eventually won by Egypt’s Mohamed Salah.

    To win the AITEO-NFF award, he beat competition from Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi and Lobi Stars’ Anthony Okpotu.

    NAN reports that other winners at the awards include Rasheedat Ajibade who claimed the “Player of the Year (Women)’’ award and Ikouwon Udoh who emerged “Young Player of the Year (Women)’’.

    Ann Chiejine won the “Coach of the Year (Women)’’ award, while MFM FC’s midfielder Sikiru Olatunbosun took the “Goal of the Year’’ award.

    Remo Stars FC won the Fair Play award, while the “Coach of the Year (Men)’’ award went to Kennedy Boboye, coach of 2017/2018 NPFL champions Plateau United FC of Jos.

    Channels Television won the “Developmental Award”.

    The “All-Time Legendary Awards” went to Chiejine, Christian Chukwu, Uche Okechukwu, Austin Eguavoen, Felix Owolabi, Austin Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Segun Odegbami, Adokie Amaesimaka, Mercy Udoh and Thompson Usiyen.

    The Platinum Award went to Infantino.

    NAN

     

  • Super Falcons arrive in Abidjan for WAFU Women’s Cup

    Super Falcons arrive in Abidjan for WAFU Women’s Cup

    Nigeria’s senior women national team, the Super Falcons, have arrived in the Ivorian capital city of Abidjan in Cote d’Ivoire, the Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF ) said on Monday in Abuja.

    The Falcons are in the west African country for the 2018 WAFU Cup of Nations tournament which begins on Wednesday.

    NFF, in a statement by its Communications Department, said the team’s new head coach, Thomas Dennerby, was at the head of the contingent.

    “The contingent also has with it assistant coaches Wemimo Mathew and Maureen Madu, the team doctor and the physiotherapist.

    “However, assistant coach Omobolanle Taiwo and Team Administrator Modupe Shabi will join the team on Wednesday,’’ it said.

    The NFF also said veteran midfielder of the Super Falcons Osarenoma Igbinovia, who turns out for Bayelsa Queens FC, led the playing personnel.

    “Other players included Joy Jegede, Rasheedat Ajibade, Chioma Wogu, Amarachi Okoronkwo, Glory Ogbonna, Kemi Famuditi and Anam Imo,’’ it said.

    Eight–time African champions Falcons will play their first match of the competition on Thursday against Benin Republic, from 3 p.m. Cote d’Ivoire time (4 p.m. Nigeria time).

    They will then tackle Senegal on Saturday and Togo on Feb. 19.

    The Full Squad:

    Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Rivers Angels); Rita Akarekor (Delta Queens); Onyinyechukwu Okeke (Edo Queens)

    Defenders: Mary Ologbosere (Rivers Angels); Joy Jegede (Delta Queens); Glory Ogbonna (Ibom Angels); Lilian Tule (Bayelsa Queens); Ujunwa Okafor (Delta Queens); Opeyemi Aiyenibereun (Sunshine Queens); Oluwakemi Famuditi (Confluence Queens)

    Midfielders: Osarenom Igbinovia (Bayelsa Queens); Ihuoma Onyebuchi (Sunshine Queens); Peace Efih (Edo Queens); Amarachi Okoronkwo (Nasarawa Amazons); Ogechi Ukwuoma (Delta Queens)

    Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade (FC Robo Queens); Chioma Wogu (Rivers Angels); Aminat Yakubu (Bayelsa Queens); Alice Ogebe (Rivers Angels); Anam Imo (Nasarawa Amazons); Chinaza Uchendu (Rivers Angels).

    NAN

  • NFF announces names of coaches for five national teams

    NFF announces names of coaches for five national teams

    The Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF ) on Monday in Abuja formally released the names of coaching crews of five national teams.

    The federation, in a statement by its Communications Department, however said the development did not relate to three other national teams.

    These three are the senior men’s team, the Super Eagles, the under-20 women’s team, the Falconets, and the under-17 women’s team, the Flamingoes, whose contracts are running.

    The statement quoted the Chairman of NFF’s Technical and Development Committee, Yusuf Ahmed, as saying the appointments were with immediate effect.

    “Our committee has done due diligence on all the names and approved the constitution of these technical crews,’’ it quoted him as saying.

    Ahmed, who is also Vice-Chairman of NFF’s Strategy Committee, said all the coaches would be unveiled at a later date, alongside the coaching crews of the Falconets and Flamingoes.

    The technical crews of the Falconets and Flamingoes were appointed earlier as a result of their World Cup qualifying campaigns.

    Following is the list of the coaches in the technical crews:

    Super Eagles B/Olympic Men’s Team: Salisu Yusuf (Head Coach); Imama Amapakabo; Kennedy Boboye; Fidelis Ilechukwu (Assistant Coaches); Alloy Agu (Goalkeepers’ Trainer)

    Under-20 Men (Flying Eagles): Paul Aigbogun (Head Coach); Abdullahi Maikaba; Abubakar Bala; Hassan Abdallah (Scouting); Suleiman Shuaibu (Goalkeepers’ Trainer)

    Under-17 Boys Team (Golden Eaglets): Manu Garba (Head Coach); Nduka Ugbade; Jolomi Ali; Bunmi Haruna (Scouting); Abideen Olatunji (Goalkeepers’ Trainer)

    Under-15 Boys Team (Future Eagles): Danladi Nasidi (Head Coach); Haruna Usman; Ahmed Dankoli; Patrick Bassey (Scouting); Ernest Salolome (Goalkeepers’ Trainer)

    Under-13 Boys Team: Jolomi Ali (Head Coach); Jude Agada; Abdullahi Tyabo; Adewale Laloko (Scouting); Adeoye Onigbinde (Goalkeepers’ Trainer).

    NAN

  • NFF moves games out of Abuja for lack of facilities

    NFF moves games out of Abuja for lack of facilities

    The Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF ), on Wednesday, said it had to play most national teams’ games outside the Abuja National Stadium, due to lack of facilities there.

    Mohammed Sanusi, the NFF Secretary-General, told newsmen in Abuja, that the national stadium currently lacked the necessary facilities for the teams to play conveniently.

    Sanusi, however, disclosed that the various states had indicated interest in hosting the national teams.

    The female national teams have taken refuge at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, while the Super Eagles moved from the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo to the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.

    Read also: NFF Includes Comedians Ali Baba, AY in Football Committees

    “Some of these states indicated interest in hosting the teams and that is why we went there. The Abuja National Stadium is under renovation and so there is no facility for us to play our matches here.

    “We have our technical centre here, but there are no dressing rooms. So we are making efforts to see if the dressing rooms can be provided,” he said.

    The Secretary- General added that the football house was planning to take the matches of the teams across the country, so that Nigerians can watch their national teams play live.

    NAN

  • FIFA Sanction: Pinnick apologises to Nigerians

    FIFA Sanction: Pinnick apologises to Nigerians

    The president of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick has apologised to Nigerians and football lovers for the FIFA sanctions on the country.

    FIFA had rejected Nigeria’s defence on the use of an ineligible player during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Algeria in Constantine on Friday, 10th November 2017, thus awarding the match to Algeria.

    However, FIFA said the sanction does not in any way hurt Nigeria’s qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals, as the Super Eagles had picked the ticket from Group B ahead of the clash in Constantine.

    But Pinnick through his twitter handle:@PinnickAmaju tendered this apology and took full responsibility of the NFF’s actions.

    He said; “I’ll start by tendering my wholehearted apology to Nigeria and Nigerians for the Shehu Abdullahi error. It is unforgivable and could have undone months of hard work. As head of the Federation, I take responsibility for this. It happened on my watch.

    “While accepting the Federation’s fault here, let me quickly explain how this went by unnoticed. It doesn’t change the fact that we didn’t keep our eyes on the ball and will help us in our planned restructuring of the Technical & Competitions Department.

    Read Also: FIFA sanctions Nigeria for use of ineligible player

    “Shehu Abdullahi got his first yellow card in our very first preliminary match against Swaziland away. When the draws for the Group Stages were made, the Technical staff made a grave error; assumption. They assumed the cards gotten prior would not count.

    “To be fair to them, throughout the qualifying series, official match documents didn’t even show that Shehu Abdullahi was on a yellow card. For instance, when we played Cameroon, Mikel, Moses and Balogun were put on notice that they had yellow cards.

    “Team meetings were even held about how to handle their cards so they wouldn’t miss crucial games. Shehu Abdullahi was never in the mix. Shehu then recieved a yellow against Zambia in our penultimate game, two years after the Swaziland match.

    “Another grave mistake then occurred. FIFA sent an email to the technical officer in charge, that Shehu Abdullahi was suspended for the Algeria match. In a twist of fate, that officer was in hospital, with a severe heart condition, battling for his life.

    “The biggest knock to our system is the fact that his official correspondences should have been forwarded to more than one person. It wasn’t. We went into our last match not knowing about Fifa’s notice. Not acceptable, I agree, but these are the facts of the matter.

    “On the match day, we were unaware, the match officials were unaware and our opponents were unaware. It was a horrendous error and we at the Federation are truly apologetic. We thank God it did not undue years of hard work.

    “It was a lack of due diligence in and by one of our departments and we are ensuring that errors like these never happen again. On behalf of all of us at the @thenff; I apologise, Nigeria. Our focus remains. We will soar higher.”

  • Defeating Algeria imperative for national pride – NFF

    Defeating Algeria imperative for national pride – NFF

    Dr Mohammed Sanusi, General Secretary, Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF ), on Friday said victory by the Super Eagles over Algeria in their last World Cup match was imperative to uphold national pride.

    Sanusi, who made this known in Abuja said that all necessary preparations were being made for the nation’s male national football team to maintain their lead in Group B of the world cup qualifiers.

    He said that the Super Eagles had all that was required to beat Algeria considering the level of support given to them by the NFF.

    The NFF scribe called on Nigerians to continue to support the team, promising that they would not disappoint the country.

    “The match against Algeria is about national pride and we are doing everything possible to win the match,” Sanusi said.

    NFF had last week released a 24-man list of players for the matches against Algeria and Argentina.

    The Super Eagles, which has qualified for the global event, will play Algeria on Nov. 11 in their last World Cup qualifiers and a friendly against Argentina on Nov.14, ahead of Russia 2018.

    NAN