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Tag: Nigeria Football Federation

  • Pinnick reads riot act to national coaches, NFF staff

    Pinnick reads riot act to national coaches, NFF staff

    Amaju Pinnick, President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has directed the federation’s Legal Department to henceforth work closely with the Legal Committee for the enforcement of the Code of Conduct.

    Pinnick, who spoke on Wednesday in Abuja, said there was the need to ensure the enforcement of the code enshrined in the national coaches’ contracts.

    He also directed that a separate document be developed to be signed by the Head Coach and Team Administrator of every national team embarking on any assignment.

    “Henceforth, the NFF will visit any violation of the code with stiff sanctions as enshrined in the code and the coaches’ respective contracts.

    “People will as from now take responsibility for their actions, inactions, misconduct, negligence and downright ineptitude.

    “We cannot continue to go on this way. What happened was a major gaffe and we will no longer condone this level of indolence and lack of seriousness.

    “People must change their general attitude and their approach to work henceforth, or be ready to face sanctions,’’ the NFF president said.

    He spoke at a meeting with NFF management and staff in Abuja, against the background of the sanctions imposed on Nigeria by FIFA over Super Eagles’ use of an ineligible player.

    Pinnick also charged the heads of different departments and units in the federation to be much more alive to their responsibilities.

    He then directed that extant rules and regulations be fully enforced to deal with erring members of management and staff of NFF.

  • Rohr needs certainty over future – Pinnick

    Rohr needs certainty over future – Pinnick

    President of the Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF ), Amaju Pinnick, on Tuesday explained the federation’s motives in offering Super Eagles Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr a contract expansion.

    “The Federation leadership’s resolve to ensure there were no distractions of any size or complexion around Nigeria’s 2018 FIFA World Cup preparation and participation informed the offer of a fresh two-year contract to Rohr,’’ he said.

    Rohr was signed by the NFF in August 2016 and has met the first milestone of his contract, which is ensuring the Eagles qualify for a sixth FIFA World Cup finals.

    Nigeria thoroughly overhauled their opponents, spanking 2012 AFCON winners Zambia home and away.

    The Eagles also earned four points from home-and-away clashes with fellow 2014 World Cup finalists Cameroon and Algeria, leaving second-placed Zambia six points behind the Super Eagles.

    “We have decided to confront head-on any possible area of conflict or controversy, and fully resolve each and every possible friction point well ahead of the competition.

    Read also: I’m happy working with Super Eagles – Rohr

    “After signing the agreement on payment to the team from expected FIFA income, the next stage was to take care of the Technical Adviser.

    “He has done very well and does not need to go into the World Cup uncertain of his future,” Pinnick said in a statement released by the NFF on Tuesday.

    The 64-year old Rohr, a former Germany defender, flaunts a sterling record with the Eagles, winning seven of 12 matches and drawing four in his 15 months in charge so far.

    His only loss was the 0-2 reverse to South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in a 2019 AFCON qualifier in Uyo in June 2017.

    Under him, the Eagles have beaten Tanzania, Zambia (twice), Algeria, Togo, Cameroon and two –time world champions Argentina, and drawn with Senegal, Corsica, Cameroon and Algeria.

    ROHR’S RECORD

    03/09/2016: Nigeria 1 Tanzania 0 (AFCON Qualifier, Uyo)

    09/10/2017: Zambia 1 Nigeria 2 (WC Qualifier, Ndola)

    12/11/2016: Nigeria 3 Algeria 1 (WC Qualifier, Uyo)

    23/03/2017: Nigeria 1 Senegal 1 (Friendly, London)

    27/05/2017: Corsica 1 Nigeria 1 (Friendly, Ajaccio)

    01/06/2017: Nigeria 3 Togo 0 (Friendly, Paris)

    10/06/2017: Nigeria 0 South Africa 2 (AFCON Qualifier, Uyo)

    01/09/2017: Nigeria 4 Cameroon 0 (WC Qualifier, Uyo)

    04/09/2017: Cameroon 1 Nigeria 1 (WC Qualifier, Yaounde)

    07/10/2017: Nigeria 1 Zambia 0 (WC Qualifier, Uyo)

    10/11/2017: Algeria 1 Nigeria 1 (WC Qualifier, Constantine)

    14/11/2017: Argentina 2 Nigeria 4 (Friendly, Krasnodar)

    NAN

  • NFF launches short code to drive Russia 2018 campaigns

    NFF launches short code to drive Russia 2018 campaigns

    The Nigeria Football Federation ( NFF ) on Monday in Lagos launched a short code – *1945# – which will be used for all campaigns that are geared towards Nigeria’s preparation and participation at the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia. The event was organized in conjunction with Secure and Trusted Alliance Services Limited – STA Mobile.

     NFF 2nd Vice President/LMC Chairman Shehu Dikko, who is also Chairman of Marketing, Sponsorship and Television Advisory Committee, disclosed that the short code would be available for use by all NFF partners, sponsors and suppliers, in the process also revealing an ‘Official Supporter’ program into which corporate concerns not presently in relationship with the NFF can lodge to be part of Nigeria’s 2018 FIFA World Cup excitement train.

     NFF President Amaju Pinnick and 1st Vice President Seyi Akinwunmi also spoke at the event, just as STA’s Managing Director Biodun Jagun and a clutch of NFF’s current partners, including AITEO Group, Zenith Bank and TGI Group. Super Eagles’ stars Odion Ighalo and Ikechukwu Ezenwa were present, as well as former Eagles’ skipper Mutiu Adepoju – one of 16 players to have scored for Nigeria in five previous FIFA World Cup outings.

     In explaining the idea behind the short code, Jagun said the plan is for a total of 100 fans of the Super Eagles to win all –expenses paid trip to the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals, in four tranches of 25 people-a-month between January and April 2018.

     “The Naija 4 Russia initiative is born in due season as a feel-good factor for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, which is at its highest-ever in the recent history of Nigerian Football. For the first time in the history of football in Nigeria, we have a VAS platform for the fans and supporters of Nigerian Football by way of a short code.

     “The deployment of this iconic short code *1945# across USSD, IVR, SMS AND WEB platforms is designed to reward the teeming National Team followers and football lovers across the country with a chance to cheer our footballing heroes live in Russia as they take on the best teams from across the globe.

     “Our business has deployed the best possible technical infrastructure and systems to ensure this VAS drive flows seamlessly. A comprehensive marketing and publicity campaign has also been put in place to guarantee TOMA and heavy media noise over the legacy and digital media ecosystem. As an addendum we are focused on ensuring the generation of appreciable revenue for the NFF and its constituents,” Jagun explained.

     While Akinwunmi, Chairman of the NFF Legal Committee assured the gathering that all necessary legal permits have been obtained to run the program, Dikko informed that the NFF is targeting the sum of N2 billion from corporate organizations to support the Super Eagles’ preparation and participation at the finals (while stating clearly that whatever monies remain after the competition would be used for legacy projects).

     Pinnick regaled the hall with a story of how the NFF planned for a successful 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, admitting that the chastening effect of failure to qualify for successive AFCONs spurred the Board and Secretariat to action.

     “We knew we were condemned to qualify, and everybody worked hard for it. We identified the areas that needed extra effort and also knew that we needed to get a top –notch coach as well as be relevant in the game’s boardroom internationally. We scored bull’s eye in both areas and these helped us greatly in the campaign.

     “I want to also commend the players and the technical crew and backroom staff. They aligned with the vision of the Board and the Secretariat and I have immense confidence that Nigeria can really dazzle the world at the World Cup in Russia next year.”

     A raffle draw conducted by STA at the event to pick the first Nigerian journalist that would be sponsored to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia produced Miyen Akiri of Galaxy Television. Organizers announced that of the 25 persons that would be picked monthly for four months between January and April 2018, one would be a journalist.

     

  • NRA to commence fitness test, Dec. 4

    NRA to commence fitness test, Dec. 4

    Nigeria Referees Association ( NRA ) has fixed Dec. 4 for the commencement of fitness test for referees and match assessors nationwide.

    The test is to be conducted at the National Stadium in Abuja.

    The General-Secretary of the NRA, Moroof Oluwa, made the disclosure in an interview in Abuja on Monday.

    Oluwa said the fitness test was imperative for healthier and better officiating of matches.

    He said that the physical test, which would be preceded by medical tests, would be done in batches of north and south groups.

    “All Premier League referees from the southern states are to report for medical test on Dec. 3; undertake physical test on Dec. 4 and seminar on Dec. 5 and Dec.6.

    “Northern states would do their medical test on Dec.5 and undertake physical fitness test on Dec. 6 while seminar would be Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 for them,” he said.

    It can be recalled that the Nigeria Football Federation had postponed the fitness test, scheduled earlier for Nov. 6 indefinitely on medical grounds.

    NAN

    Read Also: NRA promotes 862 out of 1,350 referees

  • W/cup: Stakeholders warn NFF against distractions

    W/cup: Stakeholders warn NFF against distractions

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been warned against distractions that can take shine off Nigeria’s qualification for the World Cup in Russia.

    A number of stakeholders who bared their minds onSuper  Eagles impressive qualification, probable opponents that will emerge from the December 1st draw and ultimate expectations in Russia, recalled how squabbles in camp, disagreement between players and officials and ego clash among officials had forced the nation to settle for less in the past, adding that sweet nature of qualification this time should be marched with impressive performance devoid of unnecessary in-fighting.

    Their reaction is not unconnected with brewing disagreement over the sharing formula for World cup largesse in which the Glass House has floated the idea of paying players according to minutes played. Another teething issue is the growing debate over whether or not to recall Vincent Enyeama to the national team.

    Those who reacted insisted that a player who has been invited to the national team is not the one to play himself, and should be paid because he has made himself available.

    Prominent among those who responded passionately about the issues include former international and 1980 Nations Cup champion Dr Felix Owolabi. He recalled that circumstances leading to the Enyeama’s exit from the national team is not very palatable adding the technical crew should be more concerned with training the goalkeepers available to the required level ahead of the Mundial.

    Owoblow as he was fondly called while in the national team said the nation cannot afford to allow any distractions in camp’’ My candid opinion is this leave Enyeama out of the squad. The goalkeepers trainers should be able to train the goalkeepers in camp and bring them to the level required. If they can’t do that we should look for those who can’’ he told sportsgist Tuesday.

  • NFF reconstitutes standing committees

     

    The Nigeria Football Federation has reconstituted its standing committees, dissolved at the meeting of the Executive Committee on Monday, 30th October 2017.

     

    Following the dissolution on Monday, the NFF Board had promised to reconstitute the committees within a few weeks. Commendably, the reconstitution is coming less than a week after dissolution.

     

    For now, only the chairman and vice chairman of each committee have been revealed.

     

    NFF STANDING COMMITTEES

     

    FINANCE COMMITTEE

     

    Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande  – Chairman

    Alh. Ibrahim Musa Gusau       – Vice Chairman

     

    INTERNAL AUDIT COMMITTEE

     

    Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi – Chairman

    Alh. Mohammed Alkali  – Vice Chairman

     

    ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

     

    Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi – Chairman

    Mallam Shehu Dikko – Vice Chairman

     

    TECHNICAL AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

     

    Alh. Yusuf Ahmed Fresh  – Chairman

    Mr. Chidi Ofo Okenwa – Vice Chairman

     

    REFEREES COMMITTEE

     

    Alh. Sharif Rabiu Inuwa  – Chairman

    Alh. Yusuf Ahmed Fresh  – Vice Chairman

     

    LEGAL COMMITTEE

     

    Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi  – Chairman

    Barr. Chris Green  – Vice Chairman

     

    COMMITTEE ON WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

     

    Hon. Ayo Omidiran  – Chairman

    Ms Aisha Falode  – Vice Chairman

     

    YOUTH FOOTBALL COMMITTEE

     

    Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi  – Chairman

    Mr. Emmanuel Iba  – Vice Chairman

     

    FUTSAL AND BEACH SOCCER COMMITTEE

     

    Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu  – Chairman

    Mr. Samson Adamu  – Vice Chairman

     

    COMMITTEE ON SPORTS MEDICINE

     

    Dr. Muazu Abdulkadir  – Chairman

    Dr. James Omietimi  – Vice Chairman

     

    PLAYERS STATUS COMMITTEE

     

    Barr. Chris Green  – Chairman

    Barr. Owoicho Adejo-Ogiri – Vice Chairman

     

    COMMITTEE FOR ETHICS AND FAIR PLAY

     

    Mallam Nuhu Ribadu  – Chairman

    Mr. Felix Awogu  – Vice Chairman

     

    MEDIA AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE

     

    Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande  – Chairman

    Ms Aisha Falode  – Vice Chairman

     

    FOOTBALL COMMITTEE

     

    Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi  – Chairman

    Mallam Shehu Dikko  – Vice Chairman

     

    STRATEGIC STUDIES COMMITTEE

     

    Mallam Shehu Dikko  – Chairman

    Alh. Yusuf Ahmed Fresh – Vice Chairman

     

    PROTOCOL AND CEREMONIAL COMMITTEE

     

    Alh. Musa Duhu  – Chairman

    Alh. Sharif Rabiu Inuwa – Vice Chairman

     

    MARKETING, SPONSORSHIP AND TELEVISION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

     

    Mallam Shehu Dikko  – Chairman

    High Chief Emeka Inyama  – Vice Chairman

     

    SECURITY COMMITTEE

     

    Alh. Ibrahim Musa Gusau – Chairman

    Mr. Oswald Atuake  – Vice Chairman

     

    AD-HOC COMMITTEES

     

    MATCH COMMISSIONERS’ APPOINTMENT COMMITTEE

     

    Alh. Babagana Kalli  – Chairman

    Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi  – Vice Chairman

     

    TECHNICAL STUDY GROUP

     

    Alh. Abba Yola  – Chairman

    Mr. Taribo West  – Vice Chairman

  • Scrapped bonus: Inyama, Mgbolu caution NFF

    Scrapped bonus: Inyama, Mgbolu caution NFF

     

    Chairman of Abia Warriors Emeka Inyama and former image maker of Nigeria Football Federation Austin Mgbolu, have called on the Nigeria Football Federation to take a second look at the no bonus for junior teams decision.

    The Amaju Pinnick led Glass House has recently announced that bonuses will now be paid only to Super Eagles and Super Falcons respectively citing the need to reduce running cost as one of the reasons for the decision.  Some members of the board have also been quoted as reasoning that doing away with bonus and other cash inducement will help the younger players focus and resist the temptation to  be money conscious in the cause of serving the national teams.

    Inyama and Mgbolu however pointed out that the move could backfire and affect the zeal among up and coming players to put in their best when called upon.

    Mgbolu particularly noted that in Europe the maturity age is put at 18, noting that those playing for U-20-23 cannot entirely be said to be junior players who do not require bonus.

    While Inyama may not mind if bonuses are not paid to U-17 sides he nonetheless called for increased daily allowance for them while retaining bonuses for other junior teams.

    Although the Glass House appear to have stamped the decision, it has continued to generate reactions with most stakeholders insisting that it will not be in the best interest of the nation to cancel the bonus system out rightly without working out some other form of cushioning effect that will retain  interest in the junior national teams. Those who supported the move however said there is need to inculcate the spirit of service to the nation with delayed gratification into the junior teams to reduce incidences of squabbles between teams and the Glass House over match bonuses during tournaments which in some cases had snowballed to the point of players insisting on getting their due before playing.

  • AITEO Cup win- ‘Our resilience to play continental football’

    AITEO Cup win- ‘Our resilience to play continental football’

    Akwa United goalkeeper, Olorunleke Ojo, on Tuesday said that the team’s drive to win AITEO Cup on Sunday was a result of their resilience to play continental football next season.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akwa United won the maiden edition of the AITEO Cup on Sunday at the Agege Township Stadium on Sunday 3-2 against Niger Tornadoes.

    The team played under the watchful eyes of their number one supporter, Gov. Emmanuel Udom, who led other members of Akwa Ibom cabinet and his Lagos State counterpart, Akinwunmi Ambode.

    Other VIPs that graced the epic final were the CAF President, Ahmad Ahmad, with some CAF top hierarchy, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), President, Amaju Pinnick and the Vice-President, Seyi Akinwunmi.

    Ojo was, however, hero of the match at his last gap penalty save earned his team a 3-2 win over hard fighting Niger Tornadoes.

    The lanky goalkeeper adjudged the best goalkeeper of the tournament, told NAN on the sidelines of the match that the failure to clinch the last ticket in the just-concluded league propelled their victory.

    “Our last experience in the Nigeria Professional League (NPFL) where we lost the chance to secure the last spot of the continental ticket is a drive. We wanted to play in the continent.

    “We are a team with immense confidence and experience, so we are motivated to play in the continent with the backing of the state government.

    Read: 1st AITEO/CAF Award Holds January 4 In Accra

    “It is a collective effort, everybody is on the same page; we work for it, or let me say that we earn it through hard work on the part of the coach and players.

    “We have the facility, our stadium is one of the best in Africa, so we are super confident of a good representation in the CAF Confederation Cup,’’ he said.

    The Coach, Abdul Makaiba, said that he had a target of qualifying the team for the continental football.

    “First, the mandate is to try and win the NPFL, then, that failed; we thought another mission to qualify for the continental competition through the available spot which did not also materialise.

    “I almost see it as a failure, and then another opportunity came through this championship which I know will be a good opportunity to clinch the last ticket.

    “We played this tournament with all passion and determination because we know what we wanted to make something out of it.

    “I am grateful to the Akwa Ibom FA for believing in this project and also the state governor who is our number one supporter, it is great to have this kind of support from him,’’ he said.

  • 1st AITEO/CAF Award Holds January 4 In Accra

    1st AITEO/CAF Award Holds January 4 In Accra

    The 1st AITEO/CAF Awards has been scheduled for 4th January 2018 in Accra, Ghana.

    The new sponsors for the award, energy solution company and major partner of the Nigeria Football Federation, AITEO Group have already set up an organizing committee , which will be headed by CAF 1st Vice President Kwesi Nyantakyi.

    Meanwhile, an agreement to be major sponsors of the CAF Awards was signed in Lagos at the weekend, with CAF President Ahmad, Vice Presidents Kwesi Nyantakyi and Omari Selemani, and CAF Emergency Committee members Amaju Pinnick and Souleman Waberi present.

    It could be recalled that in 2005, Globacom and the Confederation of African Football (CAF)signed a partnership agreement for the sponsorship of the annual CAF Player of the Year Awards.

    Read Also:Breaking: Akwa United Wins 2017 AITECO Cup

  • NFF pays Eagles full bonus, prepares for Zambia

    NFF pays Eagles full bonus, prepares for Zambia

    The Nigeria Football Federation has opted to pay players and officials of the Super Eagles the full match bonus for Monday’s crunchy 2018 FIFA World Cup encounter against the Lions of Cameroon in Yaounde, even though the tie ended in a draw.

    NFF President Amaju Pinnick disclosed this to the team on board the ARIK aircraft that flew the Nigerian delegation back from Yaounde on Tuesday morning.

    Excited players and officials applauded as Pinnick insisted it was just reward for a masterclass output by the Nigerian squad over the two legs of the most anticipated fixture of Group B.

    “When the draw was made last year, people said ours was the Group of Death. But you have stayed very much alive with scintillating performances and done the nation very proud.”

    The Member of CAF Executive Committee also disclosed on Tuesday morning that preparations for next month’s big encounter against the Chipolopolo of Zambia, at which the Super Eagles are highly expected to pick the World Cup ticket, has started in earnest.

    “Even before the conclusion of this second match against Cameroon in Yaounde, we had started the arrangements for the match against Zambia. The Chairman of Organizing Committee (NFF 1st VP, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi) will travel to Uyo this week to see Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State and they will go through the check –list together.

    “Nothing will be left to chance. It is a very big match, and the way things have turned out against Cameroon, it is now an even bigger match than the ones we played against Cameroon. There must be no room for error.”