Tag: the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)

Strategic partners to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on the President Federation Cup (PFC), GTI Asset Management and Trusted Limited have congratulated Abakaliki FC and Kwara United FC for qualifying for the final of the Men’s category of the 2025 edition of the President Federation Cup.

“This year’s competition is symbolic and historic because the last time a Kwara State-based side reached the final stage of this domestic competition was when Alyufsalam Rocks contested the 1976 final game of the then Challenge Cup, but lost 2-0 to Enugu Rangers,” GTI Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, said in a statement he thumbed up both teams for their hard work, determination and resilience which they demonstrated en route  to the national finals. “However, 49 years after, history is being made as Kwara United surmounted all odds by defeating 2023/2024 NPFL champions, Rangers of Enugu 1-0 in their semi-final tie in Lagos to book a ticket to the final.

Read Also: NFF mourns demise of former FIFA referee Momoh

 “Aside the aforementioned, the victory of Abakaliki FC at the semi-final stage against a high-ranking NPFL side Ikorodu City caught the attention of football stakeholders in the country because the cracker replicated the beauty of the PFC, where the so-called less-rated clubs become giant killers.

“Abakaliki FC dumped Yobe Desert Stars in the Round of 64, and also overcame Katsina United, Enyimba FC and Nasarawa United in subsequent rounds. They are now set to face Kwara United in the final.

 “We wish them great luck as they prepare for a titanic final clash,” Ekejiuba  added.

Given the progress made with the PFC, it provides a veritable platform for corporate brands to collaborate as partners for value exchange. Such collaborations will further improve the quality of the PFC in order to deliver more benefits to all stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the expectations are sky-high as the investment banking firm is working closely with the NFF and other stakeholders to present to Nigerian soccer fans an unforgettable football experience on the day of the final.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has condoled with the FCT Referee Council and the entire refereeing fraternity in Nigeria over the death on Monday, 21st April 2025 of a former FIFA Assistant Referee, Bosede Momoh.

Momoh was said to have passed away at the National Hospital, Abuja after protracted illness.

General Secretary of NFF, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, expressed “very deep sorrow” over the passing of the former arbiter, describing her as a “gentle but firm and conscientious referee” who endeared herself to all with her amiable manners, dedication to the cause, fairness and utmost discipline.

Read Also: NFF  to release  Chelle’s 23 men  for Rwanda, Zimbabwe tomorrow

 “Late Bosede Momoh was kind-hearted and of good character, yet firm and diligent in her duties. The NFF and the entire Nigeria football fraternity will miss her, as she was still contributing meaningfully to the game even after her retirement as a FIFA referee. She was a National Physical Fitness instructor and also an assessor with the Nigeria Premier Football League.

 “She left a good name, and we pray that the Almighty will grant her eternal rest, and also grant her friends, family and other loved ones, and the refereeing fraternity, the fortitude to bear the big loss.”   

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Referees Committee has  taken  disciplinary action against two match officials following the controversial officiating in the NPFL Matchday 24 encounter between Heartland FC and Shooting Stars at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri on Sunday.

Centre referee Kolawole Emmanuel and referee assessor Joshua Amao, both from Kwara State, have been suspended over their roles in the contentious fixture, which ended in a 2-1 victory for Heartland FC.

Emmanuel came under scrutiny for awarding a questionable penalty that ultimately influenced the outcome of the game. His decision, deemed inconsistent with the rules of the game, sparked outrage from fans and stakeholders alike.

Meanwhile, assessor Amao was penalized for failing to highlight such key officiating errors in his match report, a move the committee believes undermines the integrity of the sport.

In a letter addressed to both officials via the Kwara State Football Association and signed on behalf of the NFF Referees Committee chairman by Mohammed Ameenu emphasized that such incidents have the potential to disrupt the game’s fairness and credibility.

The decision to step down the officials reinforces the NFF’s commitment to maintaining high refereeing standards in the domestic league, ensuring that matches are officiated fairly and within the laws of the game.

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The letter from the NFF Referee Committee read: “Reference to your decisions that adversely affects not only the outcome of the match between Heartland FC and Shooting Stars played on Sunday wherein you awarded penalties that were not in line the provisions of the laws of the game.

“In similar perspective, the Referee Assessor failed in his duty by not only refusing to report such a glaring display of impunity but also tried to justify the decisions taken by his referee.

“Your actions did not only negatively affect the outcome of the match but equally brings the game to disrepute.

“I am therefore, directed to notify you that you have been stepped down indefinitely and with immediate effect from the league.”

Strategic partners to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), GTI Group, has congratulated the  nation’s football ruling body on the successful achievements of Nigerian footballers at the just concluded CAF Awards ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco where Super Eagles dare-devil striker Ademola Lookman emerged as African Player of the Year.

GTI Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba,  noted in a statement  that the investment banking firm expressed great hope that the efforts of the NFF at restructuring and repositioning football development in the country is yielding the desired result as the event witnessed the back-to-back emergence of Super Falcons goaltender, Chiamaka Nnadozie as CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, while the Super Falcons carted home the Women’s National Team of the Year award.

Ekejiuba reiterated that the Alhaji  Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF is gradually returning the country to the glorious years when Nigeria dominated the award and was once ranked 5th  best soccer-playing nation by the world football ruling body FIFA.

Read Also: NFF: Why we have not paid Super Eagles

 “The achievement of our Nigerian players at the just concluded CAF Award is a testament to the abundance of talents in the country and the clear vision of Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF board to ensure that these players realise their ambition to become the best in the continent and beyond.

 “Therefore, GTI congratulates the Awardees for bringing honour to Nigeria,” he said.

“As strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League, GTI’s relentless effort with the NPFL Board has helped to lay a solid foundation for a prosperous elite league that will eventually attract the best legs locally and internationally. Also, by focusing on transparency, infrastructural development and security, GTI and NPFL are creating a sustainable environment where football can thrive”.